Big Ten takes action on player eligibility ahead of college football season
CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 5:55 PM
Last updated Aug 26, 2026

The Big Ten has quickly addressed a loophole regarding ex-NFL players returning to college football, coinciding with the SEC's inaction on the matter. Coaches, including Dan Lanning and Lane Kiffin, have expressed concerns about fairness in allowing players who signed NFL contracts to return. This comes as several players reportedly sought to challenge NCAA eligibility rules, particularly the five-for-five rule affecting recent high school graduates. In light of this, the SEC has opted for a cautious approach, indicating the complexities of interconference transfers and player rights.
- •Big Ten acts on ex-NFL players' eligibility before the season starts
- •Coaches express concerns about fairness to current college athletes
- •Players affected by five-for-five rule are seeking eligibility clarification
- •SEC cautious amid challenges to its interconference transfer rules
- 5:55 PMCBS Sports — The Big Ten passed the ex-NFL integrity test, and forced the SEC's hand in the process
"While the SEC was wringing its hands over LSU's attempt to bring in ex-NFL players, the Big Ten's quick action shut down college football's latest eligibility loophole headache
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