Texas Judge Blocks SEC Rule on Pro Athletes Returning to College Sports

A Texas judge on Thursday, August 27, 2026, temporarily blocked the Southeastern Conference from enforcing a new rule that would have prevented professional athletes from returning to play college sports. The temporary restraining order, issued by Dallas County Judge Martin Hoffman, applies to more than 40 players named as plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the NCAA, the SEC, and conference commissioner Greg Sankey. The ruling comes just two days after the SEC passed its prohibition and amid a flurry of similar actions by other major conferences.