Former NFL tight end Dae’Quan Wright hit the practice field with LSU football on Monday, August 31, 2026, a move that first-year coach Lane Kiffin was quick to assure reporters was fully above board with the SEC. It’s an interesting start to the week, to say the least, especially with a brand new rule hanging over everyone’s heads.
The Ex-NFL Player, a Judge, and a Brand New SEC Rule
Wright, a former Ole Miss tight end, was recently waived by the Cleveland Browns. He’s one of 33 former college student-athletes who successfully filed a petition in an East Baton Rouge Parish court, securing a temporary restraining order that granted them a fifth year of college eligibility. Talk about a comeback opportunity! But here’s the kicker: the SEC adopted a new rule just days after that judge’s order. This new SEC rule explicitly prohibits teams from having any players who have signed contracts with NFL, NBA, or WNBA teams on their final rosters. Seems pretty cut and dry, right?
Kiffin’s Call and the Looming Deadline
Not for Lane Kiffin. He brought Wright into practice, making it clear to everyone, including the media, that he was confident in his move. Kiffin told reporters, “I can tell you that Dae’Quan practiced and the SEC knows that. We asked them before. That’s in no violation of any previous rule or even the rule that’s out there now. The new rule does not prohibit that.” It’s a bold statement, essentially challenging the SEC’s interpretation or claiming a loophole. LSU’s final rosters are due to the conference office by Friday, just one day before they open their 2026 season.
So, what does this all mean for LSU? We’re about to find out. LSU opens their 2026 season against Clemson inside Tiger Stadium on Saturday night, 6:30 p.m. CT, live on ABC. All eyes will be on that final roster on Friday to see if Dae’Quan Wright’s name is on it and if Kiffin’s confidence pays off.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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