SEC launches bombshell lawsuit against LSU and Lane Kiffin after ‘coordinated’ campaign to bring NFL players back to college
The Southeastern Conference has filed a lawsuit against LSU and football head coach Lane Kiffin over the program’s plan to play a returning NFL player, according to reports.
Late last month, LSU reached agreements with two high-profile former Ole Miss players, defensive lineman Zxavian Harris and tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who both signed with NFL teams this year.
However, the SEC has now moved to block the players from returning to college football with its lawsuit, which names LSU president Wade Rousse, athletic director Verge Ausberry and Kiffin as defendants.
The SEC requests 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,’ according to court documents obtained by On3.
‘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.
The filing comes as a preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled to take place on Thursday in Baton Rouge.
The SEC has filed a lawsuit against LSU and football head coach Lane Kiffin
A judge is expected to rule whether a temporary restraining order, which currently allows the players on NFL rosters to return, would remain in place until a trial date is set.
A recent lawsuit from a group of 2022 recruits, including Harris and Wright, seeking a fifth year of eligibility that saw a Louisiana judge grant a temporary restraining order against the NCAA.
Should the judge grant the injunction both Harris and Wright would be legally permitted to be played by LSU.
The Tigers open their 2026 season in a top-25 matchup against Clemson on Saturday night.
Per SEC rules, team rosters have to be finalized and sent to the league office 24 hours before kickoff.
More to follow.
