Kiffin says SEC, Big Ten apply double standard on court orders
Lane Kiffin defended LSU's decision to recruit tight end Dae'Quan Wright to its roster after Wright spent the past few months with the NFL's Cleveland Browns, accusing the SEC and Big Ten of applying a moralistic double standard.
Kiffin said over 100 athletes in multiple sports were cleared by a court order to play, and he pointed to players like Diego Pavia and Trinidad Chambliss as examples of court orders being followed to allow eligibility.
Kiffin clarified he is not in favor of players who have been part of NFL rosters generally returning to college football, but said this specific case involves only class of 2022 recruits who were not informed of the potential for a fifth year of eligibility before entering the NFL draft. The NCAA did not institute its new five-for-five rule, allowing players five full seasons of playing time in five years, until June.
Wright, who played for Kiffin at Ole Miss last season, had been with the Browns since going undrafted in April before being waived on Monday. He cleared NFL waivers on Tuesday and is expected to sign with LSU on Wednesday, according to sources who spoke with ESPN's Adam Schefter.
Kiffin also said he believes Wright's time with an NFL team could benefit him as he joins his new college teammates, saying players who experience the professional level can help teach younger players about the demands of preparation. LSU is also expected to land former Ole Miss lineman Zxavian Harris and former Notre Dame defensive end Junior Tuihalamaka, both of whom had appeared to have exhausted their eligibility following the 2025 season.