The Southeastern Conference is blocking the return to college of players who have declared for professional drafts in the United States.
Presidents, chancellors and athletics directors from around the league met in Birmingham on Tuesday, and the league office released a statement.
Following meetings with the Presidents, Chancellors, and Athletics Directors of the Southeastern Conference, the SEC will enforce the following policy: pic.twitter.com/LohWnb7G1J
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) August 25, 2026
The potential penalties were not disclosed. Earlier in the day, the Big Ten Conference announced any head coach that plays an ineligible player according to its new set of rules would be suspended for half a season in addition to institutional fines.
Ross Dellenger of Yahoo is reporting “SEC presidents granted Greg Sankey ‘full and unlimited authority,’ which includes suspending a school from competition. In addition to that, league bylaws grant the commissioner powers to deem a player ineligible, suspend coaches/administrators, etc.”
IMPACT ON LSU
The SEC’s statement would apply to R.J. Luis who declared for the NBA Draft and signed a contract with the NBA. Luis won an injunction on Monday in Baton Rouge.
On the football side, Dae’Quan Wright also signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as well as the Cleveland Browns where he was listed on a roster. Zxavian Harris signed with the New Orleans Saints. They would be ineligible to return under this policy.
Junior Tuihalamaka would appear to be eligible to return to LSU. The former Notre Dame defensive end has not signed with a professional team and did not forgo any of his four-year eligibility.
