Clemson Counsel Claims LSU Rostering Former Professional Players Could Breach Contract Between Schools
LSU kept two former NFL players off the roster as the SEC sued to enforce its ban, leaving the Tigers two open spots.
- On Saturday, September 5, 2026, LSU opened its season against Clemson without tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris on the roster, opting against adding the former NFL players despite a favorable Louisiana court ruling.
- A Louisiana district court Judge William Jorden granted a preliminary injunction on Thursday, September 3, 2026, allowing athletes who spent time in NFL training camps to return to college, though the Southeastern Conference vehemently opposed the ruling.
- Clemson general counsel Chip Hood notified LSU in a Friday email that fielding former professional players could violate "contractual obligations between the two parties" for Saturday's game, per Yahoo Sports, though Hood confirmed Clemson still intended to travel to Baton Rouge.
- LSU head coach Lane Kiffin submitted a 103-player roster for the opener, leaving two spots open against the 105-man limit, signaling the program may still add Wright and Harris later should legal hurdles clear.
- The Southeastern Conference continues to pursue a federal lawsuit in Alabama seeking to enforce its ban on former professional athletes, with the league attempting to distance itself from LSU's actions as the eligibility controversy remains unresolved.
68 Articles
68 Articles
Lane Kiffin walks ‘College GameDay’ cast through decision on ex-NFL players. ‘It wasn’t easy.’
LSU coach Lane Kiffin said Saturday in his appearance on ESPN’s “College GameDay” that “it wasn’t easy” to come to a decision Friday on the roster status of the two ex-NFL players who are now eligibile to play for the…
'That wasn't easy': Lane Kiffin breaks his silence on decision on NFL players
Over the past few weeks, the LSU Tigers and head coach Lane Kiffin have pushed to potentially add multiple players to their roster who have already signed professional contracts and spent time with NFL teams this preseason. Ultimately, the team did not add those players to the roster before Saturday’s game against Clemson, and Kiffin…
Clemson warns LSU about ‘contractual obligations’ ahead of marquee clash as eligibility drama boils
Clemson sent an email Friday to LSU ahead of Saturday's marquee primetime clash that the Tigers could be breaking "contractual obligations between the two parties" should the Louisiana-based school play any players who signed professional contracts before returning to the collegiate ranks, per Yahoo.
LSU does not roster former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris for Clemson opener
Tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, two players cut by NFL teams during training camp, were not on the roster LSU coach Lane Kiffin submitted to the NCAA on Friday ahead of the 11th-ranked Tigers’ opening game against Clemson, a team source confirmed to The Athletic. The source spoke under condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 70% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
