Big 12 Joins Big Ten, SEC in Barring Pros from College Roster Spots
Big 12 athletic directors voted to ban professional athletes from returning to conference schools across all sports. This follows similar moves by the Big Ten and SEC. The policy aims to prevent players from using college as a fallback after pro stints.
The Big 12's unanimous vote extends the ban across every sport, making it the third major conference to adopt such restrictions. The Big Ten's rule targets players who declared for the NFL draft without withdrawing, appeared on an NFL roster, or signed with a pro league, while the SEC's version also covers men's and women's basketball. The ACC reportedly showed momentum toward a similar policy during its own athletic director meetings.
The policy emerged after two players, tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, committed to LSU following NFL waivers, aided by a Louisiana court's temporary restraining order. Oklahoma State coach Eric Morris publicly criticized the trend, questioning the integrity of players using college as a fallback after professional training camp stints.
This policy shift could reshape the relationship between college athletics and professional leagues, potentially closing a loophole that allowed veteran players to reclaim eligibility. Student-athletes competing for roster spots may face increased competition from seasoned pros, while coaches gain clearer roster stability. However, players who wash out of pro leagues could lose a valuable second chance at education and competition. The differing conference rules may also create uneven recruiting landscapes, though the ACC's likely adoption suggests a broader consensus forming across college sports.