Big Ten adopts rule barring former NFL players from returning to conference rosters

The Big Ten conference voted unanimously on Tuesday to adopt a rule that blocks players who have signed an NFL contract or appeared on an NFL roster from returning to a Big Ten football roster. The policy applies to any athlete who declared for the NFL draft and did not withdraw before the deadline, according to ESPN reporter Pete Thamel.

The move follows a statement from the SEC on Monday expressing opposition to former NFL players rejoining college teams. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that tight end Dae’Quan Wright and former Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, both cleared by waivers after stints with NFL clubs, had committed to LSU for the 2026 season.

Ohio State head coach Ryan Day said the school would consider adding eligible players waived by NFL teams, even though he does not support the overall concept. > "Do I like anything about it? Absolutely not," Day told ESPN’s Heather Dinich. "But we got to do what's right for Ohio State. So it's sort of a day-to-day thing right now, and like anything, we're just going to try to adapt."

Oregon head coach Dan Lanning expressed opposition, arguing that allowing players to return creates roster fairness issues. > "I think there are a lot of negatives that are involved around this," Lanning said. "One, once you go to the NFL, to me, you're in the NFL. You don't get the opportunity to come back. Two, most of us have built our rosters. You have a limited roster now. So if you've invited somebody back to your team, that means you're kicking somebody else off your team to match your roster limits. I don't think that's fair to players who worked all summer, all spring, and put themselves in position to be ready to work for a team."