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SEC files lawsuit against LSU, Lane Kiffin over school's attempted use of NFL players
The conference says LSU’s roster moves violate SEC bylaws and created a competitive imbalance as 91 pro athletes now play college football, Sankey testified.
On Thursday, the Southeastern Conference filed a federal lawsuit against LSU, head football coach Lane Kiffin, and athletic director Verge Ausberry, alleging a "deliberate and coordinated campaign to recruit professional athletes" for the 2026-27 season.
The SEC claims LSU's roster additions of former NFL players Zxavian Harris and Dae'Quan Wright violate fundamental conference rules reserving collegiate sports for students not rostered on professional teams.
This lawsuit follows a Louisiana court ruling that permitted athletes with exhausted eligibility to return to college, prompting the SEC to seek an injunction to overrule the decision and prevent those players from competing.
Ahead of Saturday's game against Clemson, LSU must finalize its roster 24 hours prior, with the conference's legal move aiming to block athletes who previously signed NFL contracts.
The SEC argues that LSU's conduct violates its First Amendment rights by compelling the conference to associate with professional players, leaving open the possibility of expulsion from the league.