Louisiana judge permits LSU to field former pro players after preliminary injunction
A Louisiana court issued a preliminary injunction against the NCAA, allowing LSU to include former professional athletes like Dae'Quan Wright on its football roster, while the SEC announced plans to challenge the decision.
A Louisiana judge issued a preliminary injunction that blocks the NCAA from enforcing its rule barring athletes who have signed professional contracts from playing college football. The order enables Louisiana State University to add former professional players, including tight end Dae'Quan Wright, to its roster for the upcoming season.
Wright, who was released by the Cleveland Browns after a brief preseason appearance, said he expects to be on LSU’s roster and plans to play against Clemson.
The SEC released a statement indicating it disagrees with the court’s ruling and has filed a lawsuit against LSU. The conference maintains that athletes who have signed professional contracts should remain ineligible under existing NCAA regulations.
Wright spent the 2024-25 season at Ole Miss before his eligibility expired under former NCAA rules. He entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing first with the Philadelphia Eagles and later with the Browns.
The injunction is expected to prompt further legal challenges as other Power Five conferences consider similar cases.