Big Ten Bars Athletes With Professional Experience From College Competition

Lane Kiffin would face a significant issue if he were coaching in the Big Ten.

According to an ESPN report on Tuesday morning, the Big Ten Conference has implemented a policy that prohibits athletes who declared for the NFL draft and did not withdraw, appeared on an NFL roster, or participated in another professional league from competing in the conference. The measure received unanimous approval from Big Ten athletic directors.

The decision follows a recent trend in which players who spent time on NFL rosters during the summer returned to the college level to continue playing. Notably, temporary restraining orders were granted to 16 players in Louisiana, permitting individuals who graduated high school in 2022 to compete in a fifth collegiate season.

Kiffin, currently at LSU, has added three players to his roster this month who were part of his Ole Miss squad last season: tight end Dae’Quan Wright, defensive tackle Zxavian Thomas, and safety Wydatt Williams.

In a separate development, former Oregon State running back Anthony Hankerson is anticipated to return to college football after being waived by the Seattle Seahawks, with whom he participated in the NFL preseason.

Following a videoconference, the SEC issued its own statement on the matter on Monday night.

“College athletes, not former professional athletes, have been at the heart of the Southeastern Conference,” the statement said. “Individuals who choose to leave college athletics, sign professional playing contracts, and compete professionally should not then be permitted to return to college competition. 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 Protect College Sports Act is a bipartisan federal bill aimed at establishing clear guidelines around name, image, and likeness (NIL) rights and college athletic eligibility.

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