The LSU Tigers have been the story of the offseason for plenty of reasons, and just because the college football season was on the horizon didn't mean the drama would die down. Late in August, a ruling was handed down in a Louisiana court granting players a chance to return for a 5th season, which wasn't unusual, but the part that was rare was the fact that several players currently involved in NFL camps were granted the chance.
The move by LSU instantly drew action from the SEC and the rest of the college football world as each Power 4 conference moved to pass rules punishing any school that allowed these players to play. The rulings by the conferences set up a clash in the courtroom on Thursday, as the players involved in the case were seeking an injunction against the SEC along with the NCAA.
On Thursday Night, the judge handed down a ruling, granting the preliminary injunction to the players, clearing the path for the players to play for the Tigers.
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's intentions are perfectly clear with latest roster addition
Once the path was cleared for the former professionals to return to the college ranks, Lane Kiffin instantly showed his intentions, adding another former pro and former Utah Utes cornerback Blake Cotton.
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
Blake Cotton and LSU are still working through getting him to Baton Rouge, but given that the deadline to add players to the roster is on Friday, a potential deal should come together rather quickly.
Lane Kiffin very clearly wanted to find a way to add depth to his roster after getting a look at his new team in the Spring, and the elimination of the Spring Transfer Portal this year left him with very few options. Seeing the 5-for-5 ruling, Kiffin clearly orchestrated the saga as per the SEC's lawsuit and found the loophole he could exploit.
The Tigers are tasked with replacing a 1st round pick at cornerback in Mansoor Delane, and it's clear, like at defensive tackle and tight end, that Kiffin wasn't comfortable with the depth at the position. LSU found a way to add players when no one else could, and used it to their advantage; now that they're going against the SEC with one player, what's the difference if they roster several?
The saga is far from over, as Lane Kiffin and LSU will only continue to face pressure from the SEC and the NCAA. The SEC is already suing LSU and has announced it will file an appeal as soon as possible, meaning this battle will certainly carry into the college football season.
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