The Southeastern Conference (SEC) has announced new rules banning former professional athletes from returning to play at any of its 16 member institutions.

Following a meeting with presidents, chancellors and athletic directors, the league stated it will not permit any athlete to appear on its roster who has signed a professional playing contract and competed professionally.

The SEC stated:

"Individuals who choose to leave college athletics, sign professional playing contracts, and compete professionally should not then be permitted to return to college competition. Allowing that to occur will blur the line between college and professional sports, create significant equity concerns, and reduce opportunities for high school and current college athletes."

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey is authorised to enforce the rules with penalties against member institutions. The decision follows the Big 10 becoming the first conference to implement a similar ban.

The rules create uncertainty for several athletes, including former Mizzou basketball player Mark Mitchell, who recently committed to Kentucky. Mitchell played in NBA Summer League action for the Denver Nuggets after going undrafted in the 2026 NBA Draft, but he reportedly never signed an Exhibit-10 deal. CBS Sports insider Jon Rothstein noted that while players signing Exhibit-10 contracts will be ineligible, those who played in NBA Summer League may still be eligible as it is not necessarily a standard NBA deal.

Mizzou defensive tackle Sterling Webb, who participated in the East-West Shrine Bowl and attended a Kansas City Chiefs pro day, remains eligible as he has not become an NFL player.