Full Breakdown
LSU Secures Court Ruling to Add Former NFL Players Amid SEC Ban
9/7/2026, 7:49:51 AM
Court Decision Clears Path for Two Ex-Pros
A Louisiana state judge issued a preliminary injunction that permits LSU to add former NFL tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris to its 2026 roster. The ruling blocks the SEC’s newly adopted ban on former professional athletes, allowing the players—both already enrolled at LSU—to be listed on the team roster as early as 48 hours before LSU’s opening game against Clemson. The athletes remain barred from practice or game participation until the injunction is fully resolved.
SEC Ban and Recent Conference Actions
All Power-Four conferences have recently adopted rules barring former pro players from returning to college football. Under SEC bylaws, a program that fields a former professional could face a half-season suspension for its head coach and a fine equal to 50 % of the school’s annual football budget. LSU entered the season with 103 players, giving it the option to add two mid-season enrollees, a flexibility the Tigers are now poised to use.
Official Responses
- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr – In a letter to SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, Carr urged the league to employ “all measures available,” including possible suspension or expulsion of LSU, if the school fields former pros.
Potential Impact on LSU’s Lineup
Wright posted a 74 % route-run success rate and averaged 9 yards per route, three yards above the SEC average, offering a new weapon for offensive coordinator Sam Leavitt. Harris, at 6-foot-8 and 330 lb, logged 66 % of defensive snaps last season, recording nine tackles for loss and three sacks. Their addition could enable LSU to employ additional two-tight-end sets and bolster a defensive line that currently relies on true freshmen.
Verbatim Quotes
- “If LSU does in fact roster one or more pro athletes or demonstrates concrete plans to do so, we would strongly encourage the SEC to take all measures available to address this conduct, up to and including suspending and/or removing LSU from the Conference,” — Chris Carr, georgia attorney
- “College sports are for college athletes only, and we are grateful that the SEC has taken swift action to maintain that standard,” — Chris Carr, georgia attorney
