LSU new head coach Lane Kiffin speaks at South Stadium Club at Tiger Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
The LSU Tigers' football team hit the news cycle once again after reports indicated that Lane Kiffin and the program were going to sign former NFL players Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris. However, not long after the Big Ten announced punishments for programs for signing pro players, the SEC made an announcement of its own.
On Tuesday afternoon, the SEC announced that it is banning NFL players, along with NBA and G League players, from returning to the collegiate level, according to Nicole Auerbach of NBC Sports.
“NEWS: The SEC has banned not just NFL players but also NBA/G League players from returning to play in college,” Auerbach reported.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey was granted by the SEC presidents unlimited authority to suspend a school if it signs a former pro player, per Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports! Sankey can also deem which players are eligible or not, and can also suspend coaches and administrators.
“SEC presidents granted Greg Sankey ‘full and unlimited authority,' which includes suspending a school from competition, sources tell Yahoo Sports!” Dellenger reported. In addition to that, league bylaws grant the commissioner powers to deem a player ineligible, suspend coaches/administrators, etc.”
The SEC shared on X its official policy. It reveals the exact wording that grants Sankey the power to prevent former NFL, NBA, WNBA, and G League players from returning to the college level within the conference.
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
With this new policy in place, the LSU Tigers will not be able to sign either Dae'Quan Wright or Zxavian Harris. Wright was cut by the Cleveland Browns during training camp shortly after he was cut by the Philadelphia Eagles. Harris was cut by the New Orleans Saints. Both were undrafted free agents from the 2026 NFL Draft class.
The SEC made the change on the same day Lane Kiffin argued that he, his program, Wright, and Harris did nothing wrong whatsoever. But now, with the policies in place, LSU will not benefit from adding two players who had previously declared for the NFL Draft.