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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 25, 2026Miami-Dade

SEC and Big Ten ban players with professional league experience from college rosters

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) and Big Ten have implemented new rules prohibiting athletes who have been drafted by or listed on professional rosters in the NFL, NBA, or WNBA from returning to college sports. These measures aim to curb the recent trend of players attempting to rejoin university teams after being released from professional contracts.

college sportseligibility rulesNCAASECBig Ten
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Why It Matters

This policy change directly impacts the of college athletes who have pursued professional opportunities, potentially ending their collegiate careers if they have been signed to or drafted by pro leagues.

Key Facts

  • The SEC has banned players who have been drafted by or listed on NFL, NBA, or WNBA rosters from participating in SEC sports.
  • The Big Ten has adopted a similar rule, currently focused on football, with plans to address other sports later.
  • Big Ten penalties for rule violations include a half-season suspension for the head coach and a fine for the school.
  • The SEC commissioner has been granted wide latitude to determine penalties for rule violations.
  • The rules apply to players signed by the NBA G League.
  • The policy shift follows a series of state court rulings granting 2022 high school graduates a fifth year of eligibility.
  • The NCAA previously passed a rule in June allowing most players five years to finish five seasons of eligibility, but did not include the Class of 2022.
  • Atlantic Coast and Big 12 Conferences are expected to discuss similar eligibility issues.

Who's Mentioned

organizationBig Ten“College athletic conference that passed the ban.”personSean McVay“Los Angeles Rams coach commenting on the eligibility situation.”organizationNCAA“Governing body for college sports.”personDae’Quan Wright“Player affected by the new eligibility landscape.”personZxavian Harris“Player affected by the new eligibility landscape.”personLane Kiffin“LSU football coach.”organizationLSU“University athletic program affected by the new rules.”personGreg Sankey“SEC Commissioner.”personManny Diaz“Duke football coach.”organizationSoutheastern Conference“College athletic conference that passed the ban.”personSonny Dykes“TCU football coach.”personR.J. Luis Jr.“Basketball player involved in a court ruling regarding eligibility.”