The SEC’s attempt to draw a line between college football and the NFL did not take long to create a punchline, especially at LSU’s expense.
After the conference adopted a policy barring former professional players from returning to SEC rosters, college football fans immediately pointed toward Lane Kiffin and LSU. The Tigers had been preparing to add former Ole Miss players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris after both spent time with NFL teams this offseason.
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SEC Ban Sparks Jokes About Lane Kiffin and LSU
The SEC announcement states that a member school cannot roster an athlete who signed a professional contract, appeared on a professional roster, or declared for the NFL, NBA, or WNBA Draft without properly withdrawing. Commissioner Greg Sankey was also granted broad authority to enforce the policy with strict penalties against non-compliant programs.
That ruling landed directly in the middle of LSU’s portal plans. The Buckeye Nut responded in afan post with a line that quickly summed up the moment: “Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris better get those LinkedIn accounts set up ASAP.”
WarDamnResearcher took the joke in another direction.
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“I never thought we would have to tell Lane Kiffin to stick to chasing college students, but here we are,” the fan wrote inanother reply.
VJF3Guns simply posted “LSU right now” in areaction post accompanied by an image.
Another fan saw a much bigger consequence than two LSU roster spots, arguing intheir response that the policy could become “the beginning of the end of conferences” as legal challenges continue reshaping college athletics.
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The criticism had already been building before the SEC acted. J5 Sports called LSU’s pursuit of former NFL players “not a great sign” and warned of “disaster brewing for Lane Kiffin and Co.!” in anearlier post.
Brandon Clear had also ripped Kiffin inhis reaction, saying the coach showed “zero values or loyalty” while predicting he was “destined for failure.”
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Why the SEC Rule Affects LSU Immediately
ESPN reported that Wright and Harris were among 16 players granted temporary relief by a Louisiana state court, opening a path to another college season. Wright spent time with Philadelphia and Cleveland this summer, while Harris signed with New Orleans before being waived.
Kiffin defended LSU’s approach Monday, arguing that players granted eligibility through court rulings would either play for LSU or somewhere else.
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There was clear on-field value behind the pursuit. Wright caught 39 passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns under Kiffin at Ole Miss in 2025, earning an 80.6 PFN TE Impact grade that ranked No. 20 nationally.
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Now, the SEC has established a firm rule designed to seal the loophole. Whether the policy withstands upcoming legal challenges remains to be seen, but online, fans reached a quick consensus. Kiffin found the opening, and the SEC permanently closed the door.
This article originally appeared on Pro Football Network.
