Clemson contests LSU roster eligibility under new college athletics rules
Clemson contests LSU's roster eligibility as competing regulatory frameworks clash over professional athlete participation.
Event / Politics
College Football Eligibility Legal Dispute
Legal conflict over college football player eligibility involving prior NFL experience, court rulings, and conference compliance.
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2026-09-05 to 2026-11-07 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 5 Sept, 02:46 UTC
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What happened
SEC and ACC implement rules prohibiting former NFL players from college rosters
The SEC and ACC conferences implemented new rules preventing players who previously declared for the NFL draft and did not withdraw consistent with NCAA requirements, or who signed contracts with professional teams, from returning to play in college.
Dae'Quan Wright completed NFL training camp with Cleveland Browns
Dae'Quan Wright, a tight end from Ole Miss with 39 catches for 635 yards last season, spent time with the Cleveland Browns organization during NFL training camp in summer 2026 before clearing waivers and agreeing to join LSU for the 2026 season.
College Football Playoff supports rules barring former professional players
The College Football Playoff came out in support of the SEC and ACC rules barring former professional players from competing in college football.
SEC files lawsuit against LSU over NCAA eligibility rules compliance
The SEC filed a lawsuit against LSU in U.S. District Court in Alabama on Thursday alleging that the school violated the league's 'First Amendment right of expressive association' by ignoring new rules that prohibit the addition of former NFL players to rosters.
Louisiana court issues preliminary injunction allowing former NFL players to compete in college football
A Louisiana judge issued a preliminary injunction against the NCAA on Thursday that paved the way for players who previously spent time in NFL training camps to suit up in college for a fifth year of eligibility.
Zxavian Harris signed with New Orleans Saints as undrafted free agent
Zxavian Harris, a 6-foot-8, 330-pound defensive tackle who recorded 58 tackles and three sacks last season under Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss, signed with the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent before being waived and joining LSU.
Clemson raises contractual eligibility concerns with LSU
Clemson general counsel Chip Hood sent a letter to LSU's general counsel expressing concerns that the eligibility issues surrounding the former NFL players could conflict with contractual obligations between the two schools for Saturday's game.
LSU excludes Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris from roster for Clemson game
LSU did not include tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris on the official roster for the season-opening game against Clemson on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET, despite both players being granted eligibility through court injunction. Both players remain enrolled at LSU and could potentially be added to the roster later in the season.
LSU football season opens against Clemson
LSU, ranked 11th in the nation, opened its football season at home against Clemson on Saturday. The timing of the ruling allowed LSU to potentially include former professional athletes on the roster submitted to the SEC.
SEC announces punishments for schools fielding former professional athletes
The Southeastern Conference announced potential penalties for football and basketball teams that recruit former professional athletes. Penalties include fines up to half of a given sport's revenues, up to half-season suspensions for coaches, and loss of voting privileges on league business matters. SEC university presidents voted 15-0 in favor of these penalties, with LSU abstaining.
LSU coach Lane Kiffin recruits former players from Ole Miss
LSU coach Lane Kiffin, who coached Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris at Ole Miss, recruited both players to join LSU. Kiffin has also recruited former Denver Broncos defensive back Blake Cotton, who previously played for Utah.
Louisiana Governor criticizes NCAA's professional athlete eligibility rules
Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry posted on social media that characterizing the athletes as 'NFL players' is disingenuous, arguing they are college players who were told by the NCAA they were done, then took the only available option before the NCAA changed the rules.
Approximately 450 college athletes seeking eligibility through litigation
The NCAA reports approximately 450 athlete plaintiffs seeking additional eligibility through litigation across the country, with approximately 300 of them winning the ability to play at least temporarily while court proceedings continue.
NCAA eligibility rules changed to allow five full years of competition
The NCAA changed its eligibility rules in June, allowing athletes to compete for all five years within a five-year period, rather than the previous four years over five years. This change created a window for athletes already signed to professional contracts to potentially regain college eligibility.
SEC files federal lawsuit against LSU to prevent former professional athletes from playing
The Southeastern Conference filed a federal lawsuit in Alabama against LSU and its leadership, alleging the school had waged a deliberate campaign to recruit professional athletes in defiance of league rules. The SEC sought an injunction claiming LSU violated the conference's First Amendment rights.
Louisiana judge issues preliminary injunction against NCAA on college athlete eligibility
East Baton Rouge Parish Judge William Jorden issued a preliminary injunction on Thursday night preventing the NCAA from punishing schools that field athletes who previously signed professional contracts or participated in NFL training camps. The ruling allows former professional athletes to potentially play college sports despite earlier NCAA eligibility restrictions.
LSU soccer players win court orders to play despite professional contracts
LSU soccer players Jazmin Ferguson and Jocelyn Ollivierre won earlier court orders allowing them to play college soccer despite having professional contracts. Ferguson was paid $4,500 by a USL team and paid the money back to clear her eligibility.
Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris eligible to join LSU football roster
Former NFL players Dae'Quan Wright (previously with Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns) and Zxavian Harris (previously with New Orleans Saints) are now eligible to join LSU's football roster following the preliminary injunction. Both players testified they would not have signed professional contracts had they known they could retain college eligibility. Wright earned a $25,000 signing bonus from Philadelphia and Harris earned $190 in travel expenses from the Saints.
Read the coverage
2 alternative perspectives
SEC sues LSU over enforcement of former NFL player eligibility ban
SEC lawsuit against LSU over enforcement of conference ban on former NFL players seeks to override court-ordered eligibility.
LSU football strengthens roster through recruiting and legal pathway shifts
LSU leverages recruiting and legal eligibility changes to strengthen football competitiveness.
NCAA expands eligibility window; SEC responds with enforcement actions
NCAA expands eligibility; SEC enforces restrictions; political opposition emerges.
Louisiana court orders NCAA to allow athletes eligibility despite professional past
Louisiana court orders NCAA to allow professional athletes collegiate eligibility.