Report: The NCAA is checking with rival SEC players in its Ole Miss investigation

The NCAA is expanding its investigation into the University of Mississippi’s football program and taking very aggressive steps in the process, according to Yahoo Sports report.

The NCAA recently interviewed players from Auburn and Mississippi State (and perhaps one other SEC West school) who also were recruited by Ole Miss to find out more about the school's recruiting practices, Yahoo Sports reports. In exchange for their cooperation, the players were said to be given immunity from potential NCAA sanctions.

In addition, FOX Sports' Bruce Feldman reports multiple SEC coaches also have spoken with the NCAA about the Rebels.

This stemmed from former Ole Miss offensive lineman Laremy Tunsil's revelations during this year's NFL Draft. In a bizarre turn of events, Tunsil’s social media accounts were hacked on the first night of the draft, and screenshots of alleged text messages between the offensive tackle and members of the football program were leaked. In two of those texts, Tunsil asked for money. In a post-draft news conference, Tunsil admitted that he accepted money.

Laremy Tunsil (Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

The Ole Miss athletic department had just responded to the NCAA’s Notice of Allegations in April for a previous investigation when the Tunsil saga added to the drama — and, most likely, to the list of 28 infractions (13 of which were for the football program).

In the meantime, coach Hugh Freeze’s squad must try to prepare for the upcoming season despite all the off-field distractions. The Rebels are coming off a 10-3 season that included a Sugar Bowl win over Oklahoma State, and they are ranked 11th in the AP preseason poll and 12th in the coaches poll.