LSU Doubles Down, Adds Second NFL Player

On Sunday, LSU announced plans to sign tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who previously played in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns. The decision to sign Wright has been met with controversy due to his prior NFL experience and his time as a player for new LSU head coach Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss. The SEC has an intraconference transfer rule that prohibits athletes from transferring within the conference, except during the spring transfer portal window.

LSU argues that Wright is not subject to the transfer rule because he is transferring from the Browns, not from Ole Miss. On Monday, the Tigers added defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, who spent time with the New Orleans Saints this summer. Harris recorded 58 tackles and three sacks with the Rebels last season before being waived by the Saints on August 8.

There are concerns among rival SEC schools that LSU is attempting to circumvent the league's transfer rule. They hope the conference will take action against LSU for this perceived violation. Despite facing opposition, LSU plans to fight to keep Wright on their roster for the upcoming season. In addition to Wright, Harris will also be joining the program.

LSU coach Lane Kiffin has previously argued in favor of players with fifth years of eligibility being able to play for any program they choose, regardless of conference or location. Kiffin believes that such a policy would be beneficial for players who may not have a chance at other programs within their current conference. This stance has put LSU at odds with the SEC and has sparked debate about the fairness of transfer rules in college athletics.