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The Southeastern Conference has filed a lawsuit against LSU and football head coach Lane Kiffin over the program's plan to play a returning NFL player, according to reports.
Late last month, LSU reached agreements with two high-profile former Ole Miss players, defensive lineman Zxavian Harris and tight end Dae'Quan Wright, who both signed with NFL teams this year.
However, the SEC has now moved to block the players from returning to college football with its lawsuit, which names LSU president Wade Rousse, athletic director Verge Ausberry and Kiffin as defendants.
The SEC requests the court 'enter a preliminary and permanent injunction prohibiting Defendants from violating the Conference's First Amendment rights by compelling the Conference to associate with conduct that is contrary to the Conference's purpose and mission,' according to court documents obtained by On3.
'Defendants waged a deliberate and coordinated campaign to recruit professional athletes to play football for LSU during the 2026-27 season, including players who had signed NFL contracts with the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers,' the SEC said in its complaint.
The filing comes as a preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled to take place on Thursday in Baton Rouge.
The SEC has filed a lawsuit against LSU and football head coach Lane Kiffin
LSU president Wade Rousse (left) and athletic director Verge Ausberry (right) are also named as defendants
A judge is expected to rule whether a temporary restraining order, which currently allows the players who have been on NFL rosters to return, would remain in place until a trial date is set.
A recent lawsuit from a group of 2022 recruits, including Harris and Wright, who are seeking a fifth year of eligibility, saw a Louisiana judge grant a temporary restraining order against the NCAA.
Should the judge grant the injunction both Harris and Wright would be legally permitted to be played by LSU.
The Tigers open their 2026 season in a top-25 matchup against Clemson on Saturday night.
Per SEC rules, team rosters have to be finalized and sent to the league office 24 hours before kickoff.
Harris signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent before being waived last month.
Wright was also on an NFL roster, only clearing waivers last week after being cut by the Cleveland Browns.
Yet, Thursday's lawsuit is just the latest move in the SEC's attempts to combat their potential returns. It announced last week that it would not allow players who have been on NFL rosters to return to the conference.
Zxavian Harris suited up for the New Orleans Saints in NFL preseason but is heading to LSU
Dae'Quan Wright was with the Cleveland Browns in preseason before clearing waivers
A statement from the conference statement read: 'Following meetings with the presidents, chancellors, and athletics directors of the Southeastern Conference, the SEC will enforce the following policy.
'An SEC institution is not permitted to have an athlete on its roster who has:
'1. Previously declared for the NFL, NBA, or WNBA Draft, and did not appropriately withdraw.
'2. Signed a contract with an NFL (or other professional football league), NBA/G-League, or WNBA (or affiliate) team, or
'3. Been listed on an NFL (or other professional football league), NBA/G-League, or WNBA (or affiliate) roster.
'The Commissioner is authorized to enforce this expectation with penalties against member institutions.'
The Big Ten announced the same decision earlier in the day, stating: 'The Big Ten Conference announced Tuesday the unanimous adoption of a conference rule to prohibit football players who have signed a professional contract, were on a professional roster at any point or declared for the NFL Draft as an underclassman without withdrawing, from maintaining eligibility for athletic competition at a conference institution.
'The conference continues to evaluate potential rules restricting professional athletes in other sports from conference competition.'
More to follow.
