SEC leaders take stance against former pro athletes rejoining college ranks
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Ahead of the Southeastern Conference's scheduled meetings in Alabama, the league's presidents and chancellors voiced strong opposition to former student-athletes returning to the college ranks after competing professionally in hopes of seeking a fifth year of eligibility.
In a statement released by the conference on Monday, Aug. 24, the league's presidents and chancellors said athletes who have signed professional contracts and played professionally should not be "permitted" to return to college athletics.
"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," the statement read.
"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."
LSU is reportedly expected to have two former NFL players — both of whom played for now-LSU coach Lane Kiffin at Mississippi last season — join its roster ahead of Week 1's opener against Clemson. The first is former Mississippi tight end Dae'Quan Wright, who officially has been waived by the Cleveland Browns, while the second is former Rebels defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, who had been waived by the New Orleans Saints after signing as an undrafted free agent.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Sunday, Aug. 23 that should Wright clear the NFL's waivers, the All-SEC selection has an agreement in place to join the Tigers in Baton Rouge.
In college basketball, RJ Luis reportedly received a preliminary injunction on Monday, Aug. 24 for immediate eligibility to play the 2026-27 season at LSU under Will Wade. Luis, a former standout guard at St. John's under Rick Pitino, has been out of college basketball for more than a year after he signed a two-way NBA contract with the Utah Jazz and then an Exhibit 10 deal with the Boston Celtics after going undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft.
After a Monday evening videoconference of the Presidents and Chancellors of the Southeastern Conference, the Conference is issuing the following statement: pic.twitter.com/kwWxGz5CQ3
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) August 24, 2026
The statement from the SEC presidents and chancellors continued by emphasizing the need for the Protect College Sports Act, which failed to get a floor vote before the Congressional recess on Friday, Aug. 7 after securing late-July support from the Big Ten and SEC. Congress does not return to Washington, D.C. for session until Sept. 14.
"College sports are for college athletes. The current confusion around national eligibility standards emphasizes the need to advance the Protect College Sports Act," the statement concluded.
Yahoo Sports! reported on Monday, Aug. 24 that presidents and athletic directors from the 18 SEC institutions are expected to begin what was an already scheduled two-day meeting in Birmingham, Alabama, Tuesday, Aug. 25.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: SEC leaders take stance against former pro athletes rejoining college ranks
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