Louisiana Judge Rules Allowing Players to Go From NFL Back to College

LSU and Lane Kiffin secured a victory in a Baton Rouge courthouse on Thursday, as Judge William Jorden issued a ruling granting legal protections to several football players seeking to transition from the NFL's preseason back to college rosters. The decision extends to multiple sports and challenges the NCAA's new age-based eligibility rule, rather than focusing on professional participation.

This ruling has significant implications, as it allows players who have played in NFL preseason to sign with college rosters for the first time. With athletes like Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris now protected by a court order, LSU must decide whether to roster these players. The SEC and NCAA are prohibited from penalizing LSU under the court's order.

While the SEC has filed a separate lawsuit against LSU, Kiffin, and athletic director Verge Ausberry, it remains to be seen whether LSU would play these athletes in Saturday's game against Clemson. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, who supported the players, highlighted the case of Dae'Quan Wright, who lost out on a fifth year of NIL money.

The decision ends a contentious legal battle that originated from players challenging the NCAA's age-based eligibility policy, even though some athletes had signed NFL contracts.