Full Breakdown
LSU Coach Lane Kiffin at the Center of Conference Bans on Former NFL Players
8/27/2026, 7:52:01 AM
Core Event: Power-Five Leagues Move to Bar Professionals from Returning to College Sports
The Big 12, Big Ten and SEC each adopted rules that make any athlete who has signed a professional contract, declared for the NFL Draft without withdrawing, or appeared on an NFL roster ineligible for future competition in their conferences. The bans cover football and, in the SEC’s case, also basketball. The policy shift follows court orders that granted a handful of members of the 2022 high-school graduating class a fifth year of eligibility after time on NFL practice squads. LSU head coach Lane Kiffin has recruited two of those players—tight end Dae’Quan Wright (formerly of the Cleveland Browns) and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris (formerly of the New Orleans Saints)—prompting the conference-wide rule changes and a looming legal showdown.
Background & Context
The NCAA’s June 2026 eligibility overhaul introduced a “five-for-five” model that allows athletes five seasons of competition within five calendar years. Players who began their collegiate careers in the 2022-23 season were not covered by the COVID-19 extra-year provision and were not grandfathered into the new rule. Lawsuits argued that this omission unfairly stripped those athletes of a fifth season. State courts in Louisiana, Texas and Colorado issued temporary restraining orders that temporarily restored eligibility for the plaintiffs. LSU’s pursuit of Wright, Harris and defensive end Junior Tuihalamaka (who was not under an NFL contract) intensified the debate, as the program appeared to be leveraging the court rulings to bolster its roster ahead of the 2026 season.
Data & Statistics
- Players involved: Dae’Quan Wright (tight end, waived by the Browns), Zxavian Harris (defensive lineman, waived by the Saints), Junior Tuihalamaka (defensive end, not under an NFL contract).
- Conferences adopting bans: Big 12, Big Ten, SEC; the ACC is reported to be considering a similar rule.
- Potential penalties: An SEC athletic director told On3 that playing either former NFL player could trigger disqualification from the SEC season and a $1 million fine.
Official Statements & Responses
- The Big Ten unanimously passed a rule barring any athlete who has signed a professional contract or formally declared for the draft from competing in the conference.
- The Big 12 announced a conference-wide ban that extends to all sports, making it the first Power Five league to adopt such a sweeping policy.
- ACC athletic directors met the same night and were reported to be moving toward a similar ban, though no formal vote had been recorded.
- LSU abstained from the SEC vote on the new rule, maintaining a “renegade” stance while the conference deliberated.
Criticism & Opposition
One official emphasized that “you’re a professional now, once you declare for the Draft,” underscoring the view that eligibility should be limited to true college athletes. Several SEC officials echoed this sentiment, warning that the presence of former NFL players could jeopardize the league’s competitive balance.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Eligibility outcome: A Louisiana judge granted a temporary restraining order for Wright and Harris, but the SEC’s pending rule could render them ineligible before the season begins.
- Potential sanctions: A cited $1 million fine has not been codified in an official SEC enforcement policy.
- Future legal actions: Sources indicate LSU may challenge any conference rule that conflicts with the court order, though no lawsuit has been filed.
