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Sankey, Former NFL Players Head to Court in College Football Fight over NCAA Eligibility for Ex Pros

Several dozen athletes seek a ruling that could let former pros play this fall, while the SEC says its presidents backed the new ban 15-0.

  • On Thursday, Sept. 3, Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey testified in a Baton Rouge courtroom before 19th Judicial District Court Judge William Jorden regarding a temporary restraining order blocking the SEC from enforcing its new eligibility rules.
  • SEC leaders unanimously adopted a policy on August 25 banning players with professional experience from NFL, NBA, or WNBA. Judge Jorden granted a temporary restraining order on August 28, freezing enforcement of the ban.
  • Former Cleveland Browns tight end Dae'Quan Wright seeks to join LSU and coach Lane Kiffin, while Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr supported the SEC and Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill called NCAA rules a "classic bait-and-switch."
  • The SEC filed a brief Wednesday stating it reserves the right to retroactively punish schools if the ruling is overturned, with proposed penalties including significant fines and half-season suspensions for coaches.
  • This hearing occurs amid approximately 60 active nationwide lawsuits focused on athlete eligibility, with the NCAA reporting that while 300 plaintiffs have secured temporary playing rights, about 150 of the 450 seeking eligibility have been rejected.
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collegefootballnetwork.com broke the news on Wednesday, September 2, 2026.
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