Louisiana judge clears LSU to play former professional athletes
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 4, 2026, 1:50 AM
Last updated Sep 4, 2026
A Louisiana judge issued a temporary restraining order allowing LSU to bypass SEC regulations banning former professional athletes from competing. The ruling allows the team to add tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris to its roster ahead of the upcoming Saturday game against Clemson in Baton Rouge. SEC officials stated they will comply with the court order while continuing legal efforts to enforce the conference policy. The decision follows nationwide lawsuits from athletes seeking additional eligibility and may influence further roster changes for LSU. Other SEC institutions have reportedly discussed potential legal challenges or game forfeitures in response to the ruling. Meanwhile, former Utah cornerback Blake Cotton is also reportedly targeting a roster spot at a Louisiana university.
- •Judge grants temporary restraining order against the SEC on behalf of LSU
- •Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris are cleared for the game against Clemson
- •SEC states it will follow the order while maintaining its defense of conference rules
- •Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr suggested SEC members should consider sanctions against teams using former professionals
- •Former Utah cornerback Blake Cotton is reportedly seeking to join a Louisiana college program
- 1:50 AMYahoo Sports — Judge clears path for NFL players return to LSU ahead of season opener
- 1:27 AMYahoo Sports — Louisiana judge rules against NCAA, clearing path for ex-NFL players to join LSU roster
- 1:12 AMCBS Sports — LSU wins court ruling in eligibility fight with SEC, clearing path for ex-NFL players' return
"LSU coach Lane Kiffin’s chances of fielding former NFL players improved Thursday night when a Louisiana judge issued a preliminary injunction against the NCAA in a high-profile eligibility case.
"Lane Kiffin can now roster two former NFL players when his Tigers open the season Saturday night against Clemson
"Lane Kiffin and Tigers pick up a win in court before facing Clemson.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 1:50 AMJudge clears path for NFL players return to LSU ahead of season opener
Lane Kiffin and Tigers pick up a win in court before facing Clemson.
- Yahoo SportsSep 4, 2026, 1:27 AMLouisiana judge rules against NCAA, clearing path for ex-NFL players to join LSU roster
LSU coach Lane Kiffin’s chances of fielding former NFL players improved Thursday night when a Louisiana judge issued a preliminary injunction against the NCAA in a high-profile eligibility case.
- CBS SportsSep 4, 2026, 1:12 AMLSU wins court ruling in eligibility fight with SEC, clearing path for ex-NFL players' return
Lane Kiffin can now roster two former NFL players when his Tigers open the season Saturday night against Clemson
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