SEC sues LSU and coach Lane Kiffin over alleged recruitment of professional athletes
The SEC filed a lawsuit accusing LSU, its president, athletic director and head football coach of planning to recruit former NFL players for the 2026-27 season, while a separate case challenges NCAA eligibility rules.
The Southeastern Conference filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, naming Louisiana State University, its president Wade Rousse, athletics director Verge Ausberry and head football coach Lane Kiffin as defendants. The complaint alleges the university organized a campaign to recruit former professional football players, including those who signed contracts with NFL teams such as the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, for the 2026-27 season and intended to place them on LSU’s roster.
The SEC argues that the recruitment effort violates its professionalism rules, which prohibit schools from fielding athletes who have previously played professionally. The conference says the alleged actions threaten the integrity of the league and could cause substantial harm if not stopped.
During the hearing, SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey was questioned, and the conference submitted a brief asserting that the court should consider whether it can enforce compliance with SEC regulations among its member institutions. An affidavit from Sankey indicated that SEC presidents voted unanimously to adopt the new rules, with LSU’s president abstaining.
Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, also present at the hearing, criticized the NCAA’s evolving eligibility rules, stating they have broader consequences for universities, student-athletes and administrators.
The lawsuit coincides with a separate legal challenge by professional athletes seeking a ruling that would allow them to compete in college football this fall.