SEC prepares to decide LSU’s conference future
LSU’s conference membership is no longer expected to be considered at the SEC’s September 10 meeting following a dispute over the attempted return of former NFL players to college football.
LSU finalized its 105-player roster without the disputed players, and President Wade Rousse told SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey that the immediate roster issue was “moot.” The meeting is expected to proceed with a revised agenda, while questions about possible penalties and the broader eligibility dispute remain unresolved.
The dispute centers on former NFL players
Two players at the center are Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris. Both played for Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss, signed with NFL teams as undrafted free agents, and later sought to return to college football at LSU.
Wright spent time with the Eagles and Browns, while Harris signed with the Saints. Neither player was included on LSU’s initial 103-player roster submitted before the Tigers’ opener against Clemson.
A Louisiana judge opened the eligibility path
East Baton Rouge Parish Judge William Jorden issued a preliminary injunction on September 3 involving 42 athletes seeking another college season. The order temporarily blocked the NCAA and SEC from enforcing restrictions preventing the athletes from competing.
The ruling did not permanently resolve eligibility or determine how many games the athletes could play. It allowed affected players to pursue participation while the legal dispute continued.
The SEC adopted restrictions on former professionals
On August 25, the SEC adopted rules restricting schools from adding athletes with professional sports experience under specified circumstances. The conference said the rules were designed to protect competitive fairness and maintain the distinction between college and professional sports.
The enforcement framework includes penalties for schools that violate the restriction. The SEC later cited LSU’s plans involving Wright and Harris in its legal action.
LSU faced penalties beyond possible expulsion
The SEC established penalties for a member school that added players covered by its professional-experience restrictions. The prescribed measures included a half-season suspension for the head coach and a fine equal to half of the school’s athletic budget for the affected sport.
The measure was approved 15-0, with LSU abstaining. The conference later escalated the dispute by seeking federal court intervention and asserting its authority to consider terminating LSU’s membership.
The SEC filed a federal lawsuit against LSU
The SEC filed a federal lawsuit on September 3 against LSU, its board, university president Wade Rousse, athletic director Verge Ausberry, and coach Lane Kiffin. The conference sought relief preventing LSU from undermining rules governing professional athletes.
The lawsuit argued that LSU’s conduct conflicted with conference policies. The case was filed in federal court in Alabama as the dispute developed.
The SEC amended its lawsuit before plans changed
On September 8, the SEC amended its federal complaint and asserted its authority to expel LSU. The conference also requested a temporary restraining order intended to prevent LSU officials and other parties from interfering with a scheduled meeting of SEC presidents and chancellors.
The complaint originally identified the September 10 meeting as the setting for a possible membership decision, which would have required approval from at least two-thirds of the conference’s university presidents. The federal hearing was subsequently postponed, and LSU’s expulsion is no longer expected to be considered at the meeting.
LSU ultimately left the former pros off its roster
LSU finalized its 105-man football roster on September 8 without Wright or Harris. The decision came after the SEC intensified its legal challenge and prepared for Thursday’s meeting concerning LSU’s membership.
The Tigers filled their remaining spots with Aidan Anding and Gabriel Reliford. LSU had also left Wright and Harris off its September 5 opener against Clemson, a 51-10 victory.
Lane Kiffin’s comments became part of the case
Lane Kiffin’s comments became part of the SEC’s argument about LSU’s institutional control. During halftime of the Clemson game, Kiffin referred to having professional players while discussing the absence of Wright and Harris.
The SEC cited those remarks alongside LSU’s efforts to add the players. The conference argued that the comments supported its claim that LSU had not adequately controlled conduct involving its athletics program.
Interesting fact: LSU has been an SEC member since the conference was founded in 1933.
The NCAA eligibility changes added complexity
The dispute developed during major NCAA eligibility changes. In June, the Division I Cabinet approved an age-based model providing up to five years of eligibility for athletes meeting specified enrollment requirements, with full implementation planned for the 2027 incoming class.
The former NFL players’ case concerns different eligibility circumstances. Their situation has unfolded alongside, but is not identical to, the broader NCAA eligibility overhaul.
Interesting fact: LSU has won 143 SEC team championships across its sports programs.
LSU began the season without the disputed players
LSU opened its 2026 season on September 5 against Clemson while Wright and Harris remained off the active roster. The Tigers won 51-10 in Lane Kiffin’s debut, then prepared for their next game without the two former professionals.
LSU’s official schedule lists Louisiana Tech as the next opponent on September 12. The roster decision meant the eligibility dispute did not affect LSU’s opening game participation.
Thursday’s meeting could determine LSU’s status
SEC presidents and chancellors are expected to proceed with a September 10 meeting under a revised agenda. LSU’s expulsion is no longer expected to be considered after the university finalized its football roster without Dae’Quan Wright or Zxavian Harris.
Removing a university from the conference would require approval from at least two-thirds of the SEC’s presidents and chancellors. No such vote has occurred, and LSU remains an SEC member.
The internet is also talking about Stephen A. Smith challenged by veteran broadcaster over claims about her career.
The legal dispute remains unresolved
The SEC’s federal lawsuit and the Louisiana eligibility litigation remain separate proceedings involving conference rules, NCAA eligibility, and former professional athletes seeking to return to college sports. The federal hearing concerning the SEC’s request for emergency relief has been postponed.
LSU finalized its 105-player football roster without Dae’Quan Wright or Zxavian Harris. LSU’s expulsion is no longer expected to appear on the September 10 SEC meeting agenda, and the university remains a conference member.
In other news, Lionel Messi is involved in a heated exchange after Inter Miami’s draw with Atlanta United.
What do you think the SEC should decide? Like this post and comment your take.
This slideshow was made with AI assistance and human editing.
Read More From This Brand:
