The Big Ten unanimously approved a rule that will prohibit NFL players from playing for one of its schools, the conference announced Tuesday.
Under the new rule, any player who declared for the NFL draft and didn't withdraw before the deadline, appeared on an NFL roster, or signed a contract with a pro league will be ineligible to join a Big Ten roster.
The ACC, Big 12, and SEC are also expected to consider similar league-wide policies that would ban former professional players from returning to those conferences, sources told Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger.
The Power 4 leagues are weighing these policies following news that LSU is adding Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, both of whom recently spent time with NFL teams after four seasons in college football. The two former Ole Miss products weren't selected in the 2026 NFL Draft in April.
However, LSU head coach Lane Kiffin defended his decision to pursue NFL rookies who are seeking a fifth year of college football eligibility, saying players are "either going to play for you, or they're going to play for someone else around the country."
The SEC issued a statement Monday outlining the conference's opposition to professional athletes returning to the collegiate level.
"Individuals who choose to leave college athletics, sign professional playing contracts, and compete professionally should not then be permitted to return to college competition," said the SEC.
"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."
