Dec 1, 2025; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU new head coach Lane Kiffin speaks at South Stadium Club at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Lane Kiffin Makes LSU's Stance Clear On Controversial NFL Player Signings if Court Order Is Reversed 1
A court order allowing some former NFL players to return to college football has created a dispute between LSU and the SEC. LSU is looking to add some of these players to its roster, while the SEC says players with professional experience are not eligible under its current rules.
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin has been one of the most aggressive coaches in pursuing these players, though he says he will comply with SEC rules and walk back his moves if the court order is reversed.
Lane Kiffin waits for ‘clarity’ as LSU deals with SEC rules
The dispute involves players from the 2022 college class who were not covered by the NCAA’s new eligibility rules. Some had already used all four years of their college eligibility before moving on to professional football. They later went to court, arguing that they should be allowed to play another season of college football.
A Louisiana judge issued a temporary restraining order allowing affected players to pursue another year of college football. The order also covers players who have had professional football experience.
That has put LSU in the middle of the dispute. Former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright is one of the players who has committed to LSU. Former Ole Miss defensive lineman Xzavian Harris has also committed to the Tigers. Both were waived by NFL teams this summer and previously played for Kiffin at Ole Miss before following him to LSU.
LSU head coach Lane KiffinLSU head coach Lane Kiffin
Dec 1, 2025; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU new head coach Lane Kiffin speaks at South Stadium Club at Tiger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Hinton-Imagn Images
Former LSU defensive end Jack Pyburn, who previously played at Florida before transferring to LSU, was also seeking a return to college football as the lead plaintiff in the Louisiana lawsuit. However, the Kansas City Chiefs claimed Pyburn off waivers on Monday after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released him on roster cut-down day. Pyburn is staying in the NFL and has withdrawn his claim to the temporary restraining order. He will not be returning to LSU.
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin addressed the situation as schools wait for further guidance from the SEC and the court. Kiffin said LSU will follow SEC rules if the court order is overturned.
When asked whether LSU would follow the conference’s rules if the ruling changes, Kiffin answered, “Absolutely.” He also said his program is staying in contact with the SEC as the case moves forward.
“All we’re waiting for is clarity this week from the SEC, which they can’t give final clarity until Thursday’s ruling. We are waiting for clearance and guidelines from the SEC. I have been in communication daily with the SEC to make sure we are complying with the SEC rules,” he explained.
We are going to talk about this on @GetUpESPN at 8:45 pic.twitter.com/TAPXVxlBzh
— Heather Dinich (@CFBHeather) August 31, 2026
Not everyone shares his approach. Oregon coach Dan Lanning and Nebraska coach Matt Rhule are among those who have publicly pushed back, arguing that former professionals have no place returning to college football.
For now, LSU can move forward with the players covered by the court order. That could change depending on the judge’s decision at Thursday’s hearing.
The SEC plans to challenge the court order at Thursday’s hearing in Baton Rouge. The hearing could determine whether the temporary order remains in place as the case continues.
SEC challenges court order over former NFL players
The SEC opposes allowing former professional players to return to college football. The conference says players who have already played professional football should not be allowed to return under its current rules.
The SEC has also set penalties for schools that add those players. A coach could be suspended for half the season, while a school could face a fine equal to 50% of its athletic department’s operating budget and lose its voting rights in the conference.
A Louisiana judge later added the SEC to the temporary restraining order. That means the conference cannot punish schools or coaches for using players covered by the court order while the case is pending.
The SEC is complying with the order for now while challenging it in court. The conference says it has the right to enforce its eligibility rules.
The next hearing is set for September 3 in Baton Rouge. The judge could decide whether the temporary order will remain in place as the case continues.
For now, LSU and the other schools involved can move forward with the players covered by the court order. What happens next will depend on the judge’s decision.
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