SEC files lawsuit against LSU, Lane Kiffin over recruiting, signing ex-pros
By Andrew Olson
Published:
The SEC is suing LSU and Lane Kiffin.
The suit was filed in Alabama at the U.S. District Court level. LSU, school president Wade Rousse, athletic director Verge Ausberry and head football coach Lane Kiffin are named as defendants. The SEC is requesting that the court “enter a preliminary and permanent injunction prohibiting Defendants from violating the Conference’s First Amendment rights by compelling the Conference to associate with conduct that is contrary to the Conference’s purpose and mission.”
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— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos) September 3, 2026
The SEC takes issue with LSU’s actions in recruiting and signing NFL players who have sought 2026 eligibility via suits against the NCAA to apply the new 5-in-5 policy to members of the Class of 2022. The SEC says LSU’s conduct has “already harmed the Conference and threatens to cause further substantial harm if not curbed.”
“Defendants waged a deliberate and coordinated campaign to recruit professional athletes to play football for LSU during the 2026-27 season, including players who had signed NFL contracts with the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers,” the SEC said in its complaint, per Pete Nakos of On3.
Dae’Quan Wright committed to LSU after being waived by the Cleveland Browns. Zxavian Harris committed to LSU after being waived by the New Orleans Saints. Jack Pyburn was planning a return to LSU after being waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but was claimed by the Kansas City Chiefs.
“Despite the SEC’s longstanding rules prohibiting professional athletes from returning to college athletics, Defendants saw this as an opportunity to be exploited,” the SEC states, per Nakos. “They began an orchestrated campaign to recruit professional athletes to join LSU’s football roster for the 2026-27 season.”
The suit comes days before No. 11 LSU takes the field on Saturday against Clemson. The SEC requires rosters to be finalized 24 hours before kickoff.
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Andrew writes about sports to fund his love of live music and collection of concert posters. He strongly endorses the Hall of Fame campaign of Fred Taylor.
