Notre Dame aligns with Big Ten and SEC on player eligibility rules

On August 26, 2026, Notre Dame announced its opposition to signing players who have previously been part of NFL rosters. This position aligns the Irish with the Big Ten and SEC, which have both voiced similar prohibitions. The decision comes as students gain an unexpected extra year of eligibility, leading some, like Junior Tuihalamaka, to transfer to LSU after having been in professional camps. Notre Dame's head coach Marcus Freeman has emphasized the importance of maintaining the integrity of college football. Officials from the university believe this stance is a necessary step for the future of the sport.

• 11:04 AMYahoo Sports — Notre Dame makes its stance known on taking players from NFL rosters