The SEC made a strong stand when it decided to prohibit players who had inked pro contracts from potentially returning to college athletics.
Each of college football’s other Power 4 conferences quickly followed suit. Then, courts in Louisiana and Texas effectively cut the conference’s knees out from under it. This didn’t leave commissioner Geg Sankey with many options in how to proceed.
According to On3’s Pete Nakos, the SEC and Sankey have communicated that they will comply with court orders centered on fifth-year players with pro experience who are attempting to return to college athletics.
The impact of these court rulings — and the SEC’s decision to comply — is that Dae’Quan Wright (Cleveland Browns), and others in his situation, will be eligible to participate in the 2026-27 collegiate seasons. Wright, who appeared in two preseason games for Cleveland, committed to LSU after his release.
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While football teams are the immediate beneficiaries of these rulings, other sports programs — like those in men’s basketball — could also come out ahead.
However, the exact ramifications of the rulings on each individual player’s case is unclear. By the time basketball season begins, players like Mark Mitchell and Micah Hanglogten could have their eligibility approved and disapproved numerous times.
Thursday’s hearing in Baton Rouge will hopefully, at least temporarily, provide some clarity.
