Alright, so LSU just scored a massive legal victory, getting a preliminary injunction against the SEC that basically clears the way for two ex-NFL players, tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, to suit up for the Tigers. This ruling came down on Thursday, with a Louisiana judge siding with LSU and essentially telling the SEC’s ban on former pro athletes to take a seat, at least for now. It means Wright and Harris can be added to the roster less than 48 hours before their big Saturday showdown against Clemson in Baton Rouge.
The Courtroom Drama That Could Change Everything
This whole wild saga started with athletes from the 2022 class getting temporary restraining orders against the NCAA, fighting for an extra year of eligibility. When the SEC then voted unanimously to approve their own ban on former professional athletes, the lawyers for these players added the SEC and Commissioner Greg Sankey to those lawsuits. And that’s exactly what led to Thursday’s hearing. It’s wild to think that a court ruling can drop just days before kickoff, but here we are. This isn’t just about some paperwork, this is about getting legitimate talent on the field.
The SEC Isn’t Going Quietly Into the Night
Hold up, though, because this fight is far from over. This is just one battle in what looks like a full-blown war. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr is already out here calling on SEC member institutions to take “all measures available,” including suspension or even expulsion, if LSU plays these guys. And sources told CBS Sports’ John Talty that other SEC schools are already thinking about federal court challenges and the terrifying possibility of game forfeitures down the line. The SEC itself put out a statement, saying they’ll comply with the temporary order but are absolutely “prepared to contest the allegations” and “defend the SEC’s rights as a voluntary association.” Translation: They’re going to keep fighting this, hard.
What Wright and Harris Bring to the Field (If They Play)
Look, whether you’re cool with former NFL players heading back to college or not, the fact is it might actually happen. So, let’s talk about what Wright and Harris bring to the Tigers. Wright, the tight end, is stepping into a room that already has an athletic monster in Trey’Dez Green. But don’t sleep on Wright. He’s a former Ole Miss standout who, according to 247Sports, posted a 74 percent route-run percentage and averaged a sick 9.9 yards per route. That’s three yards more than the SEC average. He’s going to be a huge weapon for Sam Leavitt, and you know Lane Kiffin is already salivating at the thought of getting more creative with two tight end sets.
So, get ready, because Saturday’s game against Clemson isn’t just a season opener, it’s potentially the first real test of this wild legal situation. Will Wright and Harris be on the field? And if they are, what kind of fireworks will they bring? It’s going to be something to watch.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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