SEC files lawsuit against LSU and Lane Kiffin over pro player eligibility

The SEC has filed a lawsuit against LSU and head coach Lane Kiffin to block the eligibility of Zxavian Harris and Dae’Quan Wright for the 2026 season. The conference alleges the university orchestrated a campaign to recruit professional athletes who previously signed NFL contracts with the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both players currently hold a temporary restraining order that allows them to remain eligible for college competition. The SEC recently implemented a ban on former professional athletes participating in conference play, though Kiffin noted LSU intended to comply before the legal dispute arose. A preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for Thursday to determine if the players may continue to compete for the school. The SEC lawsuit serves as an additional effort to enforce the conference’s policy regarding the participation of players with prior professional contractual experience.

• 7:08 PMESPN — SEC files suit vs. LSU over its intent to play pros
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• 5:38 PMYahoo Sports — SEC files lawsuit against LSU, Lane Kiffin in attempt to block pro players from suiting up for LSU in 2026