Judge blocks SEC ban on pro athletes returning to college

A Texas judge issued a temporary restraining order against the NCAA, the SEC, and commissioner Greg Sankey, allowing more than 40 plaintiffs to compete in college sports this season. The order, which lasts 14 days, prevents enforcement of rules banning athletes who signed professional contracts. A hearing is set for September 11, and the ruling could affect NFL rookies seeking to return to college.

The temporary restraining order specifically shields athletes from the high school class of 2022, who exhausted four seasons under prior NCAA eligibility standards. The NCAA's summer rule change granting five years of eligibility excluded this cohort, prompting dozens of lawsuits. The court's directive also requires the NCAA to reopen the transfer portal for one week exclusively for these plaintiffs, though it remains unclear whether schools will defy conference bans to use them.

Among the affected athletes are active NFL rookies, including Dallas Cowboys receiver Jordan Hudson and Chiefs linebacker Wesley Bissainthe, neither of whom played in the SEC. SMU safety Ahmaad Moses, who underwent spinal surgery and went undrafted without signing a pro contract, is also a plaintiff and has been practicing with the Mustangs. Similar legal challenges are anticipated in Louisiana, while the NCAA has secured stays in other states.