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Judge Injunction Lets Two Players Play, LSU Still Bench them

9/6/2026

28 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Kiffin Benches Players

Lane Kiffin, LSU coach, left NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris off the roster for the Clemson opener.
A Louisiana judge granted an injunction permitting Wright and Harris to play, but LSU kept them off the game.
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) sued LSU Wade Rouse and AD Verge Ausberry, seeking a 50% suspension Kiffin and half budget.

Summary

Kiffin Signs

Lane Kiffin signed a seven-year, $91 million contract to become LSU head football coach.
Odell Beckham Jr. narrated a hype video previewing the Kiffin era.
LSU entered 2026 with the nation’s No. 1 transfer class, adding 44 players including quarterback Sam Leavitt.
LSU also secured the No. 13 recruiting class per 247Sports rankings.

History

Historical Context

Nick Saban took the LSU head-coaching job in 2000, guiding the Tigers to the 2003 BCS national championship and a 13–1 record, their first title since 1958. His success restored LSU to national prominence and set a precedent for lucrative contracts. Today, Lane Kiffin’s contract dispute and an SEC lawsuit echo the financial and governance tensions first seen during Saban’s era.

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Kiffin Benches Players

Lane Kiffin, LSU coach, left NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris off the roster for the Clemson opener.
A Louisiana judge granted an injunction permitting Wright and Harris to play, but LSU kept them off the game.
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) sued LSU Wade Rouse and AD Verge Ausberry, seeking a 50% suspension Kiffin and half budget.

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