The SEC announced Tuesday that it won’t permit its schools to roster players who’ve spent time in the NFL and NBA.<\/p>\n
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<\/a>.<\/p>\n Following meetings with the Presidents, Chancellors, and Athletics Directors of the Southeastern Conference, the SEC will enforce the following policy: pic.twitter.com\/LohWnb7G1J<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Southeastern Conference (@SEC) August 25, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The Tigers’ basketball team also recently welcomed RJ Luis Jr., who’s spent time with two NBA teams after going undrafted in 2025.<\/p>\n The Big Ten released a statement<\/a> 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.<\/p>\n LSU head coach Lane Kiffin pushed back against the SEC and Big Ten earlier Tuesday, pointing<\/a> to a double standard from the two conferences.<\/p>\n