SEC files federal lawsuit against LSU, Lane Kiffin over NFL player eligibility

The Southeastern Conference has filed a federal lawsuit against Louisiana State University and head football coach Lane Kiffin, escalating a legal battle over the eligibility of former professional athletes. The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, names LSU President Wade Rousse, Athletic Director Verge Ausberry, and Kiffin as defendants. It alleges the university and coach "waged a deliberate and coordinated campaign to recruit professional athletes" for the 2026-27 season in defiance of conference rules. The legal action coincided with a preliminary injunction hearing in Baton Rouge, where a judge was considering whether a temporary restraining order should remain in place. That order currently prevents the NCAA and SEC from barring players who had signed NFL contracts or appeared on professional rosters from returning to college sports. The SEC's federal complaint seeks an injunction to stop LSU from compelling the conference to "associate with conduct that is contrary to its purpose and mission.