SEC braces for dispute as LSU eyes two ex-Ole Miss players waived by NFL teams

Ahead of the 2026 college football kickoff, LSU and head coach Lane Kiffin are said to be pursuing two former Ole Miss players—tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris—who entered the NFL as undrafted free agents but were waived this month. Their potential addition has drawn the attention of SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, who reminded members that conference bylaws restrict transfers within the league unless they occur during the January portal window.

After an emergency meeting, the SEC issued a statement emphasizing that college sports remain for college athletes, though it stopped short of outlining specific penalties. a reporter at one outlet noted that SEC presidents are expected to counsel their one outlet departments against signing athletes who have already signed professional contracts, a stance echoed by the Big Ten. A source likened the situation to a past eligibility controversy involving former Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby.

Kiffin has not confirmed the signings but argued that if LSU does not recruit such players, another school will. The outcome could affect the players' eligibility when LSU opens its season against Clemson on Sept. 5.