Joy's NFL 2026 Decline Picks and New SEC/Big Ten Rules Blocking Pros from Returning to College

Joy Taylor previews the NFL regular season starting in two weeks, noting a Super Bowl rematch on Wednesday, Sept. 9 because Rams–49ers will play the first NFL game in Australia on Thursday, Sept. 10. Citing ESPN’s Bill Barnwell, she discusses playoff teams most likely to decline in 2026 (Bears, Panthers, Broncos, Jaguars, Patriots), saying she trusts Denver and New England to remain playoff-relevant, expects Chicago to make the postseason again, and is skeptical about Carolina and especially Jacksonville sustaining last year’s success; she also predicts the Dolphins and 49ers will struggle and projects last year’s playoff teams she thinks will miss (AFC: Steelers, Jaguars, Chargers; NFC: Panthers, Packers, 49ers), noting typical postseason turnover. She then covers an NCAA eligibility controversy as the SEC and Big Ten move to bar athletes who declared for pro drafts or signed with pro teams from returning to college rosters, referencing LSU-related cases and anticipating lawsuits and enforcement confusion amid NIL.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.