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League: NCAAFSport: College SportsCountry: United StatesCategory: General

SEC chair says league will not budge on NFL rule

3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 2, 2026, 2:20 AM

Last updated Sep 2, 2026

SEC chair says league will not budge on NFL rule
Summary

Tennessee chancellor Donde Plowman confirmed on Tuesday that the SEC will maintain its prohibition against NFL players returning to college. The stance follows ongoing discussions regarding collegiate eligibility and the relationship between professional and university football programs. Plowman stated the league remains firm in its current policy, ensuring that players who depart for the NFL cannot re-enroll in the conference. The announcement provides clarity on the SEC's position regarding roster management and eligibility standards within the league. The current rule prohibits any athlete who leaves for the professional ranks from resuming their college football career. This policy remains a fixed component of the conference's internal regulations for its member schools.

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Status Watch
  • •Tennessee chancellor Donde Plowman addressed the SEC policy on Tuesday.
  • •The league maintains its rule preventing NFL players from returning to college.
  • •Plowman stated the SEC will not budge on this regulatory stance.
  • •Current rules strictly prohibit athletes from resuming college play after joining the NFL.
Latest Updates
  • 2:20 AMYahoo Sports — Line in the sand’: Plowman says SEC standing firm on rule banning ex-pros
  • 10:27 PMESPN — SEC chair says league 'will not budge' on NFL rule
What they're saying
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KNOXVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) — As some former NFL players attempt to return to college football, University of Tennessee Chancellor Donde Plowman told ESPN the SEC is standing firm on its rule banning players who were drafted or listed on professional rosters from returning to play. Plowman, who is the president of the SEC’s executive committee, […]

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Tennessee chancellor Donde Plowman told ESPN on Tuesday that the league "will not budge" on its rule that NFL players cannot return to college.

— ESPNby Pete Thamel and Mark Schlabach
Related Teams & Leagues
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