The Big Ten is college football’s No. 1 conference, so it makes sense that they would lead the way in what’s right heading into the 2026 college football season.
Multiple former NFL players are set to return to college football this year. The LSU Tigers are signing multiple former NFL players who aren’t making regular season rosters ahead of Week 1. Big Ten coaches like Dan Lanning and Ryan Day have strongly opposed this, making it clear that they think when you leave college football for the NFL, you leave it for good.
Lane Kiffin and others in the SEC clearly disagree.
But on Tuesday, the Big Ten is set to lead by example. According to ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel, the Big Ten Conference is set to enact a rule that will prevent players who declare for the NFL Draft from returning to the college football level.
© Adam Cairns/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Players who have declared for the NFL Draft or appeared on an NFL roster will not be allowed to sign with a Big Ten school.
“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 Ten roster,” he reported.
Big Ten fans praising the league
“Big Ten bans any players attempting to come back after signing in the NFL. SEC needs to do the same,” one fan wrote.
“You mean they’re actually doing something instead of just typing a strongly worded email?” another fan wrote.
“Good. I hope the rest of the conferences follow,” one fan added.
“Big Ten taking matters into its own hands. Dan Lanning discussed his disapproval of this development over the weekend,” one fan added.
“It’s past time to admit that Tony Petitti is the superior conference commissioner to Greg Sankey and it isn’t even close,” one fan added.
“All class from the Big Ten. Best conference in CFB and it’s not particularly close. The SEC can bring back all the NFL players they want. Go right ahead. Desperate times call for desperate measures. SEC is desperate. Big Ten wears the crown 👑,” one fan added.
Your move, SEC.
