Lane Kiffin, LSU won’t play former NFL players vs Clemson after SEC threats

Lane Kiffin, LSU won’t play former NFL players vs Clemson after SEC threats

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Lane Kiffin, LSU won’t play former NFL players vs Clemson after SEC threats

College football is facing yet another issue in 2026 with programs reinstating NFL players on their rosters, but Lane Kiffin and the LSU Tigers might have the most pressure out of any school.

Kiffin begins his tenure with LSU on Saturday against the Clemson Tigers, and even the SEC is threatening his team. The conference revealed this week that it would pursue all options to stop teams like LSU from playing former NFL players in games this season.

Dae’Quon Wright and Zxavian Harris both moved back to the collegiate level recently despite playing on NFL rosters. Wright spent time with the Cleveland Browns while Harris spent the preseason with the New Orleans Saints.

On3 reporter Pete Nakos reveals that the Tigers won’t allow either player to suit up for Saturday’s showdown against Clemson. The SEC recently filed a federal lawsuit against LSU over the potential use of former NFL players.

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Lane Kiffin, LSU won’t play former NFL players vs Clemson

Ole Miss Rebels tight end Dae'Quan Wright (8) scores a touchdown past Miami Hurricanes defensive back Ja'Boree Antoine (16)

Ole Miss Rebels tight end Dae’Quan Wright scores a touchdown past Miami Hurricanes defensive back Ja’Boree Antoine during their Vrbo Fiesta Bowl matchup. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Both Wright and Harris and former Kiffin players from their time with the Ole Miss Rebels. However, Kiffin reunited with both young men recently by inviting them to join him at LSU.

A recent Louisiana judge’s ruling allowed NFL athletes to return to college football. The decision has created a lot of uncertainty around LSU and other college programs though given the SEC’s staunch opposition to former NFL players returning to the conference.

“Injunction granted by Judge William Jorden, paving the way for NCAA and SEC eligibility for more than 40 athletes. That group includes potential LSU transfers Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, setting up a seismic decision for LSU whether they put them on the roster, which is due tomorrow.” per ESPN’s Pete Thamel.

The Big Ten also shares the same opinion after putting out a statement saying that it bars schools from using ex-NFL players.

Will Wright & Harris play for LSU this season?

NCAA Football: Sugar Bowl-Mississippi at Georgia

Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Zxavian Harris sacks Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton in the fourth quarter during the 2026 Sugar Bowl and quarterfinal game of the College Football Playoff. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

There’s still a good chance that Kiffin’s guys could suit up in 2026. LSU could add Wright and Harris to their roster at some point during the college football season since both are enrolled in classes.

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The Tigers currently have two roster spots remaining heading into Week 1. College football teams can fill up to 103 players on their squads each season.

Kiffin and LSU kick off their 2026 college football season at home against Clemson on Sept. 5. The early-season test could be very important for both programs in order to boost their College Football Playoff resume.

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