LSU coach Kiffin says program will follow SEC directives on former NFL players

LSU head coach Lane Kiffin told reporters on Monday that the university will adhere to any guidance issued by the SEC regarding the eligibility of former NFL players on its football roster. The comments came during his first press conference of the season, held ahead of LSU’s opening game against Clemson.

Kiffin said the school will wait for the outcome of a Thursday court hearing before finalizing its roster, which must be set by Friday under the conference’s 105-player limit. He affirmed, "> Of course we will," when asked whether LSU would follow SEC orders.

The issue stems from a recent district court ruling that granted more than 40 former NCAA athletes from the 2022 recruiting class an additional year of eligibility, despite an NCAA policy that did not cover that cohort. Several of those athletes, including tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, have participated in LSU practices after signing contracts with NFL teams and subsequently being waived.

The SEC, along with other conferences, has issued a resolution barring players who have signed professional contracts from being on final rosters. The league indicated it is reviewing its options, including possible sanctions against LSU, while also stating it will comply with the temporary restraining order issued by the judge.

Kiffin noted that the current SEC rule applies only to the final roster deadline and does not prohibit players from practicing with the team beforehand. He said the program has consulted with its players about the situation and will proceed based on the forthcoming court decision.

The next hearing, scheduled for Thursday, will determine whether the restraining order remains in effect pending a trial, a decision that could shape LSU’s roster composition for the upcoming season.