LSU’s Controversial Signings Test SEC’s Transfer Rules

On Sunday, LSU planned to sign tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who recently spent time with the Cleveland Browns. Wright’s signing stirred controversy for a couple of reasons. First, he returned to college after a stint in the NFL. Second, he played under the new LSU head coach Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss last season. The SEC typically prevents intraconference transfers unless they occur during the spring window.

LSU argues that Wright isn’t transferring from Ole Miss but rather from the Browns. This claim seeks to navigate around the SEC’s transfer rule.

On Monday, LSU moved forward with signing another former Ole Miss player who played in the NFL this summer. According to Hayes Fawcett of Rivals, defensive lineman Zxavian Harris will join the Tigers. Harris, who logged 58 tackles and three sacks with Ole Miss last season, spent time with the New Orleans Saints before being waived on August 8.

Rival SEC schools want the conference to penalize LSU for seemingly circumventing the league’s rules. Meanwhile, the Tigers plan to retain Wright on their fall roster. Along with Wright, Harris’s signing presents a similar situation.

Earlier this month, Kiffin advocated for allowing players with a fifth year of eligibility the freedom to join any program. He stated, “These kids, if they get a fifth year, they should be able to go wherever they want. Any conference. Anywhere. Because they didn’t have a chance. And there are places that don’t want them back because they’re full or have new coaches. Restricting them is unfair.”

LSU is challenging the SEC’s stance this summer and seems prepared for a dispute as they welcome new signings.