The SEC released a statement Monday opposing the idea of professional players returning to the college level.
"College athletes, not former professional athletes, have been at the heart of the Southeastern Conference," the statement reads. "Individuals who choose to leave college athletics, sign professional playing contracts, and compete professionally should not then be permitted to return to college competition.
"Allowing that to occur will blur the line between college and professional sports, create significant competitive equity concerns, and reduce opportunities for high school and current college athletes."
The SEC released the statement after a video conference with its presidents and chancellors.
LSU is expected to add tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, who were recently with NFL teams after four seasons in college football. The two Ole Miss products were not selected in the 2026 NFL Draft in April.
Wright has spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns at training camp. He suited up but did not play in a recent preseason game for the Browns, who are waiving him. His agent announced that Wright has an agreement in place with LSU.
Several former CFB players were granted a temporary restraining order in Louisiana allowing them to seek a fifth season in college. On Monday, a Louisiana judge also granted basketball player RJ Luis Jr. a temporary injunction to play for LSU this campaign. The former St. John's star went undrafted in the NBA in 2025 and then signed a two-way contract with the Utah Jazz, who traded him to the Boston Celtics months later.
The court disputes stem from the NCAA's new age-based eligibility rule. It allows athletes to play college sports for five seasons but does not apply to those who began college in 2022. Several cases in other states are ongoing and could grant more players an extra year of eligibility.
"College sports are for college athletes," the SEC added. "The current confusion around national eligibility standards emphasizes the need to advance the Protect College Sports Act."
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning recently criticized NFL players returning to college. However, LSU boss Lane Kiffin defended his pursuit of pro athletes, saying that several coaches across the country are doing the same.
