While LSU prepares to kick off its season Saturday, the Tigers were fighting a much different battle Thursday night. The entire college football world had its eyes on Louisiana as Greg Sankey and the SEC faced off against 42 athletes across various sports in a battle to give several players who signed NFL deals a chance to play for LSU this season.
The day was truly hectic with Greg Sankey taking the stand while the SEC decided to sue LSU in federal court during the hearing process.
"It is a truly surreal scene."@PeteThamel details the latest on the SEC suing LSU and Lane Kiffin in federal court ✍️ pic.twitter.com/0QiiSRWQud
— ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) September 3, 2026
After a long day in court, the judge decided to hand down a ruling on Thursday Night, granting Dae'Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris, and others a preliminary injunction against both the SEC and the NCAA.
NEW: Former Browns TE Dae'Quan Wright, Saints DL Zxavian Harris and several others have been granted a preliminary injunction against the NCAA and SEC, @walexander reports.
— On3 (@On3) September 4, 2026
Wright and Harris are currently eligible to play for LSU, if the Tigers decide to roster them.… pic.twitter.com/neieZRSw5a
Lane Kiffin gets his wish adding former pros to LSU football roster
A ruling getting handed down on Thursday Night was wildly important and notable as Friday is the deadline for the Tigers to add players to their roster. While there were some questions over if the Tigers would actually add the players to the roster, the question was instantly answered as Pete Thamel reports that both Wright and Harris will be added to LSU's roster on Friday.
Dae’Quan Wright says he expects to both be added to the LSU roster and to play against Clemson on Saturday. He said he’s practiced two days. https://t.co/iZliUu2VDd
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 4, 2026
The most notable part of the decision was that the LSU Tigers were enjoined in the case, meaning they can't take action to prevent the players from competing.
Breaking: Judge William Jorden officially grants plaintiffs a preliminary injunction in Louisiana case involving NCAA, and SEC.
— Trey Wallace (@TreyWallace) September 4, 2026
The athletes are free to be rostered by schools.
LSU has been enjoined in the case, protecting them, based on named defendants (SEC)
The decision clears the path for former Ole Miss Rebels Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to join LSU's roster, and Lane Kiffin's intentions are being made crystal clear. Shortly after the decision was handed down, LSU began working to add former Utah Utes cornerback Blake Cotton to the roster.
LSU is working to add ex-Utah and Denver Broncos cornerback Blake Cotton, sources tell @CBSSports.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) September 4, 2026
Not finalized and there are still things being worked through before he can be added to the roster but he’s a target. Spent the offseason with the Broncos before being released in… pic.twitter.com/miN6jrvuf8
Lane Kiffin clearly wanted to add the players to his roster, and the SEC claims he orchestrated the entire saga which is stated in their lawsuit. The timing of the entire saga certainly makes it seem that way as the entire SEC and college football world voiced their displeasure with the agreement, but Kiffin is continuing to pursue additions to his roster.
This ruling certainly won't be the end of the saga, either. The first question will be whether or not Wright, Harris, and Cotton if a deal is reached, are on the roster tomorrow. The SEC already declared that it will file an appeal as soon as possible, as Greg Sankey is set on keeping former pros out of college football. Eventually, the SEC and LSU will face off in federal court, and given the way both parties have handled this situation, neither is likely to accept a loss quietly.
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