SEC prohibits NFL, NBA, WNBA players from college athletics
4 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 26, 2026, 12:02 AM
Last updated Aug 26, 2026
The Southeastern Conference announced a new policy on August 25, 2026, banning players who previously declared for the NFL, NBA, or WNBA drafts from participating in college athletics at SEC schools. This policy, which also includes basketball, follows the Big Ten's similar move to prevent NFL players from returning to college. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey is empowered to enforce penalties against member institutions for non-compliance. The decision comes after discussions among conference leaders about maintaining the integrity of college sports and ensuring competitive equity. Both LSU's recent NFL signees are affected by this ruling as they seek eligibility to resume their college careers, which complicates ongoing situations related to athlete eligibility.
- •SEC policy applies to NFL, NBA, and WNBA players.
- •Decision made after meetings in Birmingham, Alabama.
- •Commissioner Sankey can enforce penalties for non-compliance.
- •Similar rules were adopted by the Big Ten earlier.
- •Current players attempting to return face restrictions.
- 12:57 AMESPN — NFL, NBA, WNBA players cannot return, SEC says
- 11:42 PMYahoo Sports — SEC bans NFL players, NBA and WNBA players from returning to college athletics
"After the Big Ten passed a rule stopping players returning from the NFL from playing at its schools, the SEC followed suit, but took it further, adding basketball in announcing a policy forbidding members from rostering anyone from the NFL, NBA and WNBA.
"The SEC will forbid NFL, NBA and WNBA players from competing for any of the league's schools, the conference announced on Tuesday.
Sources
External links- ESPNAug 26, 2026, 12:57 AMNFL, NBA, WNBA players cannot return, SEC says
After the Big Ten passed a rule stopping players returning from the NFL from playing at its schools, the SEC followed suit, but took it further, adding basketball in announcing a policy forbidding members from rostering anyone from the NFL, NBA and WNBA.
- Yahoo SportsAug 25, 2026, 11:42 PMSEC bans NFL players, NBA and WNBA players from returning to college athletics
The SEC will forbid NFL, NBA and WNBA players from competing for any of the league's schools, the conference announced on Tuesday.
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