The SEC announced Tuesday that it won't permit its schools to roster players who've spent time in the NFL and NBA.
The conference added that commissioner Greg Sankey is "authorized to enforce this expectation with penalties against member institutions." The SEC vote was 16-0, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel.
Following meetings with the Presidents, Chancellors, and Athletics Directors of the Southeastern Conference, the SEC will enforce the following policy: pic.twitter.com/LohWnb7G1J
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) August 25, 2026
The decision comes after one of the SEC's largest programs, LSU, agreed to add two undrafted rookies who were recently with NFL teams at training camp.
Tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris were among 16 former CFB athletes who were granted a temporary restraining order in Louisiana that allowed them to enter the transfer portal and seek a fifth college season. The court dispute stems from the NCAA's new age-based eligibility rule. It allows athletes to play college sports for five seasons but doesn't apply to those who began college in 2022.
The Tigers' basketball team also recently welcomed RJ Luis Jr., who's spent time with two NBA teams after going undrafted in 2025.
The Big Ten released a statement Tuesday morning after also approving a rule that prohibits NFL players from playing for one of its schools. The conference didn't include basketball in its announcement. Other major conferences are expected to follow suit.
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin pushed back against the SEC and Big Ten earlier Tuesday, pointing to a double standard from the two conferences.
