SEC eliminates intraconference transfer rule

The SEC eliminated the intraconference transfer rule, it announced Thursday.

The policy change allows student-athletes to transfer between SEC schools without losing one year of eligibility. The change takes effect immediately and only applies to first-time undergraduate transfers.

"This is an important measure to further support student-athletes throughout the Southeastern Conference," commissioner Greg Sankey said in a statement. "While maintaining the expectation that coaches and others avoid improper recruiting, this change will ensure that student-athletes who enroll at an SEC member institution will enjoy the flexibility afforded to other student-athletes across the nation."

The rule change is good news for multiple high-profile SEC players, including Alabama linebacker Henry To'oto'o, who transferred from Tennessee, and Georgia tight end Arik Gilbert, who transferred from LSU.

The SEC is the fourth Power 5 conference to eliminate the transfer rule after the Big 12, Pac-12, and ACC.