Story perspectives

Big Ten Unanimously Bans Pro-Contract Players From College

8/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Big Ten unanimously approved a rule barring any player who signs a professional contract from returning to college competition.
The SEC adopted a comparable rule that also prohibits former NBA two-way contract players, extending the ban to basketball.
College football conferences are broadly adopting eligibility bans for athletes who sign NFL contracts.
Former Eagles rookie Dae’Quan Wright is reportedly negotiating a return to LSU after the Browns waived him.

History

Historical Context

The NCAA, founded in 1910 and governing roughly 1,100 member schools, has required athletes to remain amateurs—prohibiting professional contracts—since its early enforcement system was created in 1952. Antitrust challenges such as the 2014 O'Bannon case and the 2021 Supreme Court Alston decision forced the association to relax those rules, culminating in the 2024 settlement that permits direct athlete payments.

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Story summary

The Big Ten unanimously approved a rule barring any player who signs a professional contract from returning to college competition.
The SEC adopted a comparable rule that also prohibits former NBA two-way contract players, extending the ban to basketball.
College football conferences are broadly adopting eligibility bans for athletes who sign NFL contracts.
Former Eagles rookie Dae’Quan Wright is reportedly negotiating a return to LSU after the Browns waived him.

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