ACC Considering Rule Change Barring NFL Players from Returning to CFB Amid Big Ten Rumors

Following in the Big Ten's footsteps, the ACC is reportedly considering a rule change that could prohibit schools from adding players who were previously in the NFL.

On Tuesday, the Big Ten reportedly passed a rule preventing NFL players from returning to college, per ESPN's Pete Thamel.

Now the ACC is looking to pass a similar rule, per Ralph D. Russo, Chris Vannini, Scott Dochterman and Seth Emerson of The Athletic.

"The ACC is considering a similar conference-wide rule, Wake Forest athletic director and ACC athletic director chair John Currie told The Athletic. The league's athletic directors have a regularly scheduled meeting Wednesday, and this discussion will be part of the agenda."

The Big 12 is reporting considering a similar ban, per Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports.

On Monday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that undrafted free agent tight end Dae'Quan Wright, who was waived by the Cleveland Browns, has an agreement to play for LSU.

A Louisiana judge's temporary restraining order has carved the path for Wright to return to college, where he played for Virginia Tech in 2022 and 2023 and Ole Miss in 2024 and 2025.

Wright is among 33 athletes who can could gain an extra collegiate season. He is one of three athletes who signed with a pro team but can choose that path alongside running back Anthony Hankerson (Miami Dolphins and Seattle Seahawks) and linebacker Jack Pyburn (Tampa Bay Buccaneers). Hankerson has been waived, while Pyburn is still on the Bucs' roster.

Some big-name coaches had mixed opinions on NFL players returning to college. Oregon head coach Dan Lanning was clearly opposed to it, while Ohio State head coach Ryan Day was at least open to the matter.

The Big Ten has ultimately shut the door on the possibility. The ACC may follow suit.

The SEC doesn't like the practice either and released a statement on the matter, but there wasn't word on whether the conference would pass a rule banning it.

It seems like a common-sense move to ban pro players from returning to school. The situation still has to play itself out, though, as news continuously develops on the matter.