SEC and LSU could be gearing up for battle over player eligibility

As college football season draws near, the SEC may face a significant internal conflict. LSU and head coach Lane Kiffin are rumored to be on the verge of signing two former Ole Miss players, tight end Dae Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, who both signed NFL deals as undrafted free agents but were subsequently waived.

This move has placed LSU squarely in the crosshairs of SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey and other institutions within the league. SEC bylaws dictate that players are ineligible to transfer within the conference unless they do so during the primary transfer portal window in January. Following an emergency meeting, the league released a statement on Monday, emphasizing that college sports are meant for college athletes.

Although the statement did not outline any specific actions, Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger reported that SEC presidents are expected to advise their athletic departments not to sign players who have signed professional contracts, potentially facing sanctions. On Tuesday, the Big Ten followed suit with a similar stance. A college sports stakeholder cited by Dellenger warned that this could mark SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey's "Sorsby moment," referencing former Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby's eligibility quest after admitting to betting on games, which led the Big 12 to sue the school before both parties ultimately retreated.

Kiffin has not confirmed the signings of Wright and Harris, but he has defended recruiting such players, arguing that if LSU does not pursue them, another program would. The SEC's potential actions against LSU or other teams attempting similar moves could jeopardize those players' eligibility when the Tigers face Clemson in their home opener on September 5.