Power conferences weigh bans on pro athletes returning to college sports
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 11:32 PM
Last updated Aug 26, 2026
The SEC announced it opposes professional players returning to college competition, following meetings on August 25, 2026. The ACC and Big 12 are also considering similar policies, and the Big Ten is expected to announce its stance soon. The discussions were prompted by Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris leaving the NFL to join LSU. SEC presidents emphasize the importance of college athletes over former professionals, and further deliberations are scheduled during a joint meeting in Birmingham, Alabama. Legal ramifications may arise as the conferences explore enforcement measures for these potential bans.
- •SEC supports a policy against professional players returning to college.
- •ACC and Big 12 are also considering similar bans.
- •Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris left the NFL for LSU.
- •Further discussions are planned during a joint meeting in Birmingham.
- •Conferences may face legal action regarding enforcement of new rules.
- 11:32 PMYahoo Entertainment — Big Ten, SEC, Big 12 approve ban on pro players returning to college to play; ACC considering move - Yahoo Sports
- 3:10 PMYahoo Sports — All 4 power conferences now considering bans on pro players returning to college to play
"The SEC announced Monday night that professionals should not "return to college competition."
"The SEC announced Monday night that professionals should not "return to college competition."
Sources
External links- Yahoo EntertainmentAug 26, 2026, 11:32 PMBig Ten, SEC, Big 12 approve ban on pro players returning to college to play; ACC considering move - Yahoo Sports
The SEC announced Monday night that professionals should not "return to college competition."
- Yahoo SportsAug 25, 2026, 3:10 PMAll 4 power conferences now considering bans on pro players returning to college to play
The SEC announced Monday night that professionals should not "return to college competition."
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