East Baton Rouge Parish Judge William Jorden will hold a hearing on Thursday that could open the door for former professional athletes to suit up for LSU football this season. The case involves several ex‑NFL players – former Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright, former New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Zxavian Harris and former Denver Broncos defensive back Blake Cotton – who have been recruited by new LSU head coach Lane Kiffin.
Legal battle over NCAA eligibility
Judge Jorden’s hearing follows a temporary injunction he issued earlier that stopped the NCAA from automatically declaring recent former pros or fifth‑year college athletes ineligible. The plaintiffs argue that the NCAA’s new five‑year competition rule was adopted after they signed pro contracts, leaving them unfairly barred from a final college season.
The SEC has also been added as a defendant after the league adopted strict penalties for schools that place former pros on their rosters. Those penalties could include hefty fines, up to half‑season suspensions for coaches, and loss of voting rights on league matters. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey testified that the conference’s rule‑making was independent and not a collusion with the NCAA.
State officials weigh in
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr sent a letter urging the SEC to take “all measures available” to punish LSU if it adds former NFL players to its 2026 roster, which must be submitted to the conference by Friday. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill also supported the injunction, calling the NCAA’s shifting rules a “classic bait‑and‑switch” that harms universities, other student‑athletes, and coaches.
Coach Kiffin said LSU will not attend the hearing and will wait for further guidance from the SEC before deciding whether to field the ex‑pros. “We don’t put any energy into it,” he said.
What’s at stake for LSU and fans
If the judge lifts the injunction, LSU could field the former pros for the upcoming home opener against Clemson, provided the athletes meet the NCAA’s seven‑day practice requirement. The decision could set a precedent for other schools in the SEC and across the country seeking to give former professionals a chance to finish their college careers.
The case highlights the ongoing tension between the NCAA’s evolving eligibility rules and the SEC’s desire to protect the integrity of its competitions. Local fans and families are watching closely, as the outcome will affect not only the Tigers’ roster but also the broader landscape of college athletics in Louisiana.
Original reporting: KSAT Sports (San Antonio) — read the source article.
