Big Ten prohibits players from returning from NFL following LSU’s recent recruitments

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — As of today, the Big Ten passed the rule that forbids players from returning from the NFL to play for any Big Ten team. It was an unanimous vote that prohibits any player who has declared for the NFL draft and not withdrawn, signed a contract with a professional sports team or was on a professional sports team’s roster to return to college sports within the Big Ten league.

This decision comes amid conversation surrounding two players committed to Louisiana State University (LSU).

Dae’Quan Wright played as a tight end for Virginia Tech and Ole Miss. Wright dressed for the Cleveland Brown’s second preseason game this year. Wright then decided to return to college football, committing to LSU after entering the NCAA transfer portal.

Zxavian Harris also played for Ole Miss. He went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft and later signed with the New Orleans Saints as a free agent. He was waived on Aug. 8. He then returned to LSU.

These former NFL players returning happened after the NCAA changed their rules this summer. Now, players are allowed five full seasons of eligibility and traditional redshirts are not permitted.

The Big Ten Conference released a statement after voting on the rules.

“The Big Ten Conference announced Tuesday the unanimous adoption of a conference rule to prohibit football players who have signed a professional contract, were on a professional roster at any point or declared for the NFL Draft as an underclassman without withdrawing, from maintaining eligibility for athletic competition at a conference institution,” the conference said. “The conference continues to evaluate potential rules restricting professional athletes in other sports from conference competition.”

The SEC also released a statement, saying they do not agree with the recent player updates to one of their own league’s teams, LSU.

“College athletes, not former professional athletes, have been at the heart of the Southeastern Conference. Individuals who choose to leave college athletics, sign professional playing contracts and compete professionally should not then be permitted to return to college competition,” SEC said. “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. College sports are for college athletes. The current confusion around national eligibility standards emphasizes the need to advance the protect college sports act.”

The ACC is reported to meet this Wednesday, Aug. 26. The SEC are reportedly meeting today.