What happened: Power conferences adopted rules blocking former NFL players from returning to college competition. The action follows a wave of eligibility disputes involving athletes seeking another college season after professional opportunities.

Why it matters: The policies could reshape late roster moves while opening conferences to further legal challenges. They also protect roster spots for current college athletes and incoming recruits.

What to watch: Enforcement standards and penalties for schools that use ineligible players are the next questions. UNC and TCU open their seasons Saturday in Dublin.