SEC files lawsuit against LSU, Lane Kiffin in attempt to block pro players from suiting up for LSU in 2026

Lane Kiffin has yet to coach his first game at LSU and the SEC is already filing a lawsuit against him. Kiffin — and LSU — is reportedly the subject of a new lawsuit filed by the SEC in its latest attempt to prevent Zxavian Harris and Dae'Quan Wright from suiting up for LSU in 2026, per On3.com.

The lawsuit alleges that LSU and Kiffin "waged a deliberate and coordinated campaign to recruit professional athletes to play football for LSU during the 2026-27 season, including players who had signed NFL contracts with the Cleveland Browns, New Orleans Saints, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers."

It asked the court to file an injunction prohibiting LSU from forcing the SEC to "associate with conduct that is contrary to the Conference's purpose and mission."

The lawsuit stems from LSU's recruitment of Harris and Wright, both of who previously signed contracts with NFL teams. Harris, who played for Kiffin at Ole Miss, signed an NFL contract with the New Orleans Saints in May. He was cut by the team in August and quickly joined LSU. Wright, who also played under Kiffin at Ole Miss, initially joined the Philadelphia Eagles and then the Cleveland Browns before being cut and signing with LSU.

Amid college football's struggles with pro players returning to college, the SEC — along with a number of other major conferences — banned the practice in August. The SEC was also considering other possible penalties for teams that violate that directive.

Shortly after that revelation, Kiffin said LSU would comply with the order. But in the cases of Harris and Wright, it's not that simple. Since both players were granted a temporary restraining order, they are eligible to play college football in 2026. Kiffin left open the possibility that both players will suit up for LSU in 2026, saying he would wait and see what happens after the SEC takes part in a preliminary injunction hearing Thursday.

At that hearing, a judge is expected to determine whether Harris and Wright's temporary restraining order would remain in place. If it does remain in place, it would give LSU legal standing to use both players in 2026, per On3.com.

With that ruling still yet to be decided, the SEC reportedly opted to file an additional lawsuit related to the matter, a sign the conference is willing to take the fight even further if things don't go its way at Thursday's hearing.