LSU · SECJudge Jorden opens LSU path to former professionals
The ruling could let LSU add former Ole Miss players Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris before Sept. 19, while reports about Lane Kiffin’s role could trigger an SEC investigation and possible coaching ban.
SEP 5, 2026
The Pate State · Editorial IllustrationPlayers LSU reportedly pursued after they signed professional contracts
Former Ole Miss players specifically identified for a possible return
01 · The NewsJudge opens LSU path to former pros
A Baton Rouge judge on Thursday, Sept. 3, issued a preliminary injunction blocking the NCAA and SEC from punishing schools that use former professional players, opening a path for LSU to add players while putting Lane Kiffin’s reported role in the legal fight under scrutiny.
The immediate effect is legal, not on the field. LSU’s roster for the Clemson game on Saturday, Sept. 5, did not include former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright or defensive tackle Zxavian Harris. LSU could add them later in the 2026 season, potentially changing its depth at two positions before the Tigers visit Ole Miss on Sept. 19.
Tom Mars, a lawyer who has been involved in college athletics cases, said: “If LSU rosters the ineligible former NFL players today, based on reporting by @CBSSports, I would expect the SEC to open an investigation into whether Lane Kiffin had a role in orchestrating the Louisiana lawsuit. That investigation wouldn't be difficult and could be enhanced by having the subpoena power of the federal and state courts. If the reporting by @CBSSports is proven to be true with hard evidence, there is almost no limit to what the university presidents and Sankey could do to Lane and LSU – including barring Lane from coaching in the SEC.”
CBS Sports reported, citing sources, that Kiffin and LSU contacted players on NFL rosters or their representatives to encourage lawsuits against the NCAA and a return to college football. The report has not been substantiated with hard evidence. The SEC has not announced an investigation or discipline.
The SEC rules at issue prohibit players from joining the conference after signing professional contracts and restrict intraconference transfers outside the designated portal window. Judge William Jorden’s injunction prevents the NCAA and SEC from enforcing those restrictions against schools that field former professionals while the case proceeds.
LSU reportedly pursued at least three players who signed professional contracts this summer, including Wright and Harris. Josh Pate’s preseason bracket placed LSU at No. 8 in the playoff field, making the possibility of those additions a direct variable in the Tigers’ projected playoff path. For now, the injunction has opened the door, but Wright and Harris are not LSU players.
02 · The StakesThe stakes
The ruling gives LSU a route to midseason reinforcements without an immediate NCAA or SEC penalty, but it also raises the possibility of an investigation into Kiffin and LSU over how the lawsuit began.
“If the reporting by @CBSSports is proven to be true with hard evidence, there is almost no limit to what the university presidents and Sankey could do to Lane and LSU – including barring Lane from coaching in the SEC.”
Tom Mars03 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Do Wright and Harris join the roster?
LSU did not include either former Ole Miss player against Clemson; the tell is whether the Tigers add them later in the 2026 season.
Does the legal opening become an SEC case?
The SEC has not announced an investigation or discipline; watch for action over Kiffin’s reported role and the reported outreach to players or their representatives.