LSU Wins Court Ruling Against SEC to Clear Ex-NFL Players for Season Opener
Louisiana State University secured a favorable court ruling on September 3, 2026, in an eligibility dispute with the Southeastern Conference, clearing the path for the Tigers to roster two former professional athletes, according to reporting from CBS Sports. The preliminary injunction issued by a Louisiana judge allows tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris to join the active college roster without the SEC enforcing its ban on former professional athletes, according to CBS Sports.
Court Ruling and Legal Battle Over Former Professional Athletes
The Thursday courtroom decision extends protections for athletes as the legal battle between universities, the NCAA, and the Southeastern Conference continues, according to WAFB. The ruling blocks the SEC from penalizing member schools for fielding affected players, arriving just ahead of a roster deadline and the opening game of the season against Clemson on Saturday, according to WAFB. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill and District Attorney Tony Clayton both spoke following the decision regarding its broader impact on college athletics, according to WAFB.
The Southeastern Conference released a statement expressing disagreement with the court’s decision, noting that conference leadership established the rule to maintain amateur standards, according to WAFB. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey testified during the proceedings that rules barring professional athletes have been active since at least 1911, according to WAFB. Sankey argued that the NFL is not a developmental tier for college football and questioned the competitive fairness of pitting current student-athletes against players who have participated in professional training camps, according to WAFB.
Player Testimony and Defense Arguments
Both Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris testified during the Thursday hearing regarding their financial earnings and brief stints in professional football, according to WAFB. Wright stated that he earned more than seven figures in name, image, and likeness money during his college career and wants to secure his fifth year of eligibility, according to WAFB. Wright also testified that while he suited up for the Cleveland Browns during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills, he was never paid by the franchise, according to WAFB.
Harris confirmed during his testimony that he also earned seven figures through college football before signing with the New Orleans Saints, adding that he was likewise never paid by the NFL team, according to WAFB. When asked if he wanted to return to the college gridiron, Harris answered affirmatively, according to WAFB. Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry defended the athletes in public statements, arguing that describing them as professional NFL players is misleading because they only pursued professional avenues after being told their college eligibility had expired, according to WAFB.