SEC backs down in battle over professional player eligibility

The SEC has seemingly caved in its quest to prevent former professional players from suiting up this fall.

Prompted by LSU's attempt to add three players who were waived from NFL training camps — including two who played for Ole Miss last season — the SEC passed a rule to bar teams from adding players who had signed pro contracts.

Punishments for violating that rule include a suspension of the coach for 50% of the season, a fine of 50% of the sport in question's operating budget and the loss of voting privileges on matters of conference business.

It looked like the conference was gearing up for a legal battle, but on Saturday, NIL attorney Darren Heitner revealed that the SEC will comply with the court orders from those players who received injunctions allowing them to play this fall.

My understanding is that the SEC and Greg Sankey will comply with all applicable court orders, including those in Louisiana. This portion of a newly issued order should be sufficient to give schools comfort with rostering athletes despite threatened penalties. SEC is a Defendant. pic.twitter.com/u0dmQPsV5P

This was looking like a major potential controversy on the eve of the 2026 campaign, but in a fairly surprising move, the SEC has relented. Now, LSU's additions and any other players in similar positions will be permitted to play in the league this season.

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This article originally appeared on College Sports Wire: SEC backs down in battle over professional player eligibility