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Big Ten to pass rule banning players returning from NFL, per report
By Andrew Olson
Published:
The Big Ten is reportedly taking steps to ban players who have been on NFL rosters.
The development comes as numerous Class of 2022 athletes are being granted 2026 eligibility via court orders applying the NCAA’s new 5-in-5 eligibility policy. Even football players who have taken part in preseason NFL games have taken legal action to be able to return to college for the 2026 football season.
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ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported Tuesday that the Big Ten’s rule would prevent any player who declared for the NFL Draft and did not withdraw, appeared on an NFL roster or signed a professional football contract.
Sources: The Big Ten is set to pass a rule today that doesn’t allow players to return from the NFL and play for a Big Ten school. Anyone who has declared for the NFL Draft and did not withdraw, appeared on an NFL roster or signed a contract with a pro league cannot be on a Big…
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 25, 2026
The Big Ten’s reported action comes days before the 2026 season kicks off. B1G member USC is among the teams playing a Week 0 game on Saturday. The Trojans host San Jose State.
A former Florida beat reporter, Andrew writes for the Saturday Tradition News Desk.