Pac-12 considers new athlete eligibility rules amid conference-wide shifts

The Pac-12 remains the only major conference yet to establish a formal policy regarding athletes returning to college after declaring for a professional draft. While the SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, Mountain West, and American Conference have implemented rules barring players who signed professional contracts from returning, the Pac-12 has deferred its decision. The league has been reviewing its options since late August amid ongoing legal challenges, including a Texas court ruling that impacted the SEC's own eligibility guidelines. The Mountain West and other leagues moved quickly to provide legal certainty for their member schools ahead of the current season. Pac-12 officials are expected to release a formal position this Thursday. The decision serves as a significant test for the conference, which is currently operating with a newly rebuilt nine-team structure.

• 4:00 PMYahoo Sports — When other conferences moved fast, the Pac-12 is still sitting on its pro athlete eligibility rule