Big Ten Prohibits NFL Contracted Athletes from Returning to College Play

The Big Ten has implemented measures to stop athletes who have signed NFL contracts from participating in the conference this season and in the future. This decision follows incidents where former college athletes who turned professional were granted college eligibility again through court rulings.

Under the newly established Big Ten rules, any athlete who has signed with a professional team, declared for the NFL Draft, or participated in professional training camps will be barred from conference play. This policy comes after state courts granted some players temporary restraining orders, allowing them to compete this season.

NFL to NCAA? Courtroom chaos is providing pro athletes an unusual path back to college.

Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti addressed this issue at the Big Ten football media day held at Lucas Oil Stadium on July 26, 2023, in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The root of this issue lies in the NCAA’s updated eligibility guidelines. These guidelines now allow athletes to participate in college sports for five years across five seasons. Since June, several lawsuits have been filed, leading state courts to allow athletes an extra season based on the claim that they should have been included in the rule changes.

Recently, LSU head coach Lane Kiffin faced criticism both publicly and within the SEC for inviting back players with NFL experience, such as former Ole Miss players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris. A Louisiana court ruling permitted these athletes to join the LSU roster for an additional season.

Amid the backlash, Kiffin defended these actions, stating that multiple players have been allowed to extend their college careers due to court orders permitting fifth-year eligibility. LSU and other schools are recruiting these players, highlighting the legal and recruiting complexities introduced by recent rulings.

This evolving legal battle could see conferences like the SEC adopting similar restrictions. Meetings among SEC leaders, including Presidents, Chancellors, and athletic directors, are focused on discussing this issue. Many support the idea of limiting returning athletes with professional experience, similar to the Big Ten’s new policy.

Despite the controversy, LSU plans to discuss the situation further in Birmingham, Alabama. Most SEC officials oppose the return of athletes from the professional leagues. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey is involved in these discussions, emphasizing the need for a unified decision within the conference.

LSU’s Lane Kiffin has noted, “We have made a decision to recruit players based on their court-granted eligibility. These rulings present a choice: recruit them or compete against them elsewhere.”

The SEC faces a potential legal challenge if LSU pursues its stance. This disagreement could lead to a court case against the conference itself. Meanwhile, other conferences, such as the ACC and Big 12, are contemplating similar rules to prevent this loophole.

The situation continues to develop, with possible legal battles looming. As these conferences consider their options, the college sports landscape may soon experience significant changes.