The Southeastern Conference has joined the Big Ten Conference in taking action to prevent NFL players and other professional athletes from returning to college athletics and competing for member institutions.
The SEC announced the conference's policy Tuesday evening following a meeting of the conference's presidents, chancellors and athletics directors as part of their already scheduled two-day meeting in Birmingham, Alabama.
The policy, which also applies to men's and women's basketball, prohibits an athlete from playing for an SEC member program if they previously declared for the NFL, NBA or WBNBA drafts and did not withdraw from them, signed a professional contract or had been listed on a professional roster. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has the authority to enforce the measures of the policy with penalties against member institutions, the conference said.
Following meetings with the Presidents, Chancellors, and Athletics Directors of the Southeastern Conference, the SEC will enforce the following policy: pic.twitter.com/LohWnb7G1J
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) August 25, 2026The SEC's policy comes in the wake of LSU's reportedly expected additions of tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, both of whom played for now-Tigers coach Lane Kiffin at Mississippi last season before signing NFL contracts. Both players were granted a temporary restraining order against the NCAA by a Louisiana judge to receive a fifth year of eligibility after the NCAA changed its eligibility rules to an age-based model.
Both players were waived, by the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints, respectively, sparking their attempts to resume their college careers.
Tuesday's policy announcement from the SEC also comes less than 24 hours after the conference's presidents and chancellors released a statement voicing their opposition to former student-athletes returning to the college ranks after competing professionally.
"College athletes, not former professional athletes, have been at the heart of the Southeastern Conference. Individuals who choose to leave college athletics, sign professional playing contracts, and compete professionally should not then be permitted to return to college competition," the statement read.
"Allowing that to occur will blur the line between college and professional sports, create significant competitive equity concerns, and reduce opportunities for high school and current college athletes."
The ACC declined to comment on the matter in an email to USA TODAY Sports. Similar requests to the Big Ten and Big 12 were not immediately returned, though the Big Ten announced its rule forbidding NFL players from returning to college and suiting up for a member school earlier Tuesday afternoon.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: SEC bans NFL players, NBA and WNBA players from returning to college athletics
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