ACC becomes fourth and final power conference to approve banning players who were on NFL rosters

The Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) has become the fourth power conference to endorse a ban on players previously on NFL rosters from returning to college football. The ACC joined the Big 12, SEC, and Big Ten in implementing this rule, following NCAA's recent rule amendment that grants future athletes five years of eligibility. The ACC's decision prohibits athletes with an NFL, NBA, or WNBA draft history, who have signed professional contracts, or who have been rostered on a professional team from participating in college sports.

ACC officials emphasized the importance of maintaining college sports as a distinct opportunity for student-athletes, protecting their opportunities and promoting competitive equity.