Dabo Swinney criticizes LSU over player eligibility rules
2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 1, 2026, 5:00 PM
Last updated Sep 1, 2026
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney publicly criticized the current state of college football governance on September 1. Ahead of the scheduled September 5 game against LSU, Swinney labeled the practice of returning professional athletes to college rosters as embarrassing. While Swinney stated he does not blame individual athletes for working within the system, he described the current lack of regulations as a joke. LSU coach Lane Kiffin defended his program's approach, noting his team has actively recruited players who have experienced the NFL draft process. Kiffin stated his players value the professional perspective these individuals bring to the roster. Clemson and LSU are set to meet this Saturday to open their respective seasons.
- •Dabo Swinney expressed disapproval of teams bringing back players who have navigated NFL draft processes.
- •LSU coach Lane Kiffin maintains that former professional players bring valuable real-world experience to the team.
- •Clemson and LSU are scheduled to play their season opener on September 5.
- •Swinney cited a lack of consistent governance and rules as the primary cause of current issues in college football.
- 5:00 PMYahoo Sports — Clemson coach calls NFL players returning to play college football 'embarrassing' for the sport
- 4:41 PMCBS Sports — Dabo Swinney blasts NFL players returning to college football ahead of LSU game: 'It's just embarrassing'
- 4:22 PMYahoo Sports — Dabo Swinney calls out LSU, NFL players returning to college: 'It's embarrassing'
"The list of football coaches publicly criticizing the possibility of former pros being allowed to return to play in college this season was joined Tuesday by Clemson's Dabo Swinney, who called it a “joke” as his team prepares to play the team at the center of the controversy. “I just think it’s embarrassing where we’re at in college football — and we’ve been there for a while, so,” Swinney said ahead of Clemson’s season opener at No. 11 LSU on Saturday night. Former Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright began practicing this week at LSU under first-year head coach Lane Kiffin, although the former Ole Miss player is not expected to play this week due to the NCAA's acclimatization protocol.
"A Thursday court hearing could clear former NFL preseason players Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to play for LSU in its Week 1 opener against Clemson
"Clemson coach Dabo Swinney called NFL players returning to college football 'embarrassing' on Tuesday, Sept. 1, ahead of playing LSU.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 1, 2026, 5:00 PMClemson coach calls NFL players returning to play college football 'embarrassing' for the sport
The list of football coaches publicly criticizing the possibility of former pros being allowed to return to play in college this season was joined Tuesday by Clemson's Dabo Swinney, who called it a “joke” as his team prepares to play the team at the center of the controversy. “I just think it’s embarrassing where we’re at in college football — and we’ve been there for a while, so,” Swinney said ahead of Clemson’s season opener at No. 11 LSU on Saturday night. Former Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright began practicing this week at LSU under first-year head coach Lane Kiffin, although the former Ole Miss player is not expected to play this week due to the NCAA's acclimatization protocol.
- CBS SportsSep 1, 2026, 4:41 PMDabo Swinney blasts NFL players returning to college football ahead of LSU game: 'It's just embarrassing'
A Thursday court hearing could clear former NFL preseason players Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to play for LSU in its Week 1 opener against Clemson
- Yahoo SportsSep 1, 2026, 4:22 PMDabo Swinney calls out LSU, NFL players returning to college: 'It's embarrassing'
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney called NFL players returning to college football 'embarrassing' on Tuesday, Sept. 1, ahead of playing LSU.
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