The ACC passed a resolution Thursday banning professional athletes from returning to college football, men's basketball, and women's basketball, joining the other Power 4 conferences in enforcing eligibility rules. The board of directors voted unanimously on the measure, which covers players who declared for the NFL, NBA, or WNBA drafts and did not withdraw, those who signed pro contracts, or anyone listed on a pro roster. The ACC stated the action preserves college sports as distinct from professional sports and protects opportunities for student-athletes.

The rule change follows Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris leaving NFL minicamps to play at LSU. A court order granting 2022 class athletes a fifth year of eligibility created confusion, as those players went pro believing their eligibility was exhausted. The NCAA's new age-based model adopted in June did not cover 2022-23 starters.

Duke coach Manny Diaz supported the ban, noting roster limits of 105 spots mean returning pros displace players who completed offseason programs. "They're kicking somebody off who has gone through summer conditioning... there's morale issues," Diaz said.