Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Big Ten, SEC Ban Pro Athletes From NCAA Returns

8/26/2026

37 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Big Ten and SEC banned professional athletes from returning to NCAA competition.
The Big Ten unanimously barred NFL-drafted or rostered players from eligibility.
Violations bring a 50% coach suspension and an undisclosed fine in the Big Ten.
Greg Sankey is authorized to enforce penalties for the SEC ban covering NBA and WNBA athletes.
Lane Kiffin recruited Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, who secured orders for fifth year of eligibility.

History

Historical Context

After the NCAA codified amateurism in a 1972 constitutional amendment that barred any professional contract and rendered over 1,200 athletes ineligible, the rule has guided eligibility enforcement for decades. Today the Big Ten and SEC follow that model, with commissioner Greg Sankey policing bans on NFL, NBA and WNBA players and coach Lane Kiffin handling eligibility cases for Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris.

1 of 2

Story summary

The Big Ten and SEC banned professional athletes from returning to NCAA competition.
The Big Ten unanimously barred NFL-drafted or rostered players from eligibility.
Violations bring a 50% coach suspension and an undisclosed fine in the Big Ten.
Greg Sankey is authorized to enforce penalties for the SEC ban covering NBA and WNBA athletes.
Lane Kiffin recruited Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, who secured orders for fifth year of eligibility.

1 / 2