Kiffin consults players on adding ex-NFL talent

LSU head coach Lane Kiffin said Monday that his current players are in favor of adding former professional players to the roster, should the SEC and the legal process allow it. Speaking at a press conference to preview Saturday's season opener against Clemson, Kiffin said he consulted his team's leadership committee before deciding how to proceed with two players he coached at Ole Miss last season.

The Tigers plan to add tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, both of whom were recently released by NFL teams. Their addition is pending the outcome of an injunction hearing scheduled for Thursday in Baton Rouge, according to reports. Friday is the deadline for SEC teams that open their seasons on Saturday to set their 105-man rosters.

Kiffin acknowledged the unusual timing of the additions, comparing it to NFL roster moves. "That's what happened (Sunday) in the NFL," he said. "New players come in and take people's spots and (are) added to rosters."

He said he met with the leadership committee and asked them directly: "It's your team; what do you want to do? If these players are allowed to be added to rosters? What do you want to do?"

According to Kiffin, every member of the committee was emphatic: "If they can help us win, bring them." One player told him, "This is how it works at the next level. This is how the real world works." Kiffin said that comparison to the workplace — where companies can bring in new employees to help — made him feel better about the decision.

Kiffin's decision-making process

Kiffin said his process for deciding whether to add Wright and Harris is "probably not what most coaches do." He explained that his decisions are guided by what is best for the players in his team room, rather than his own reputation or external perception.

"I feel like my decision should always be made in the best interest of the players that sit in this team room and not for my reputation and how the decisions play in the national media or other fan bases," Kiffin said. "I've never been that way, and that could be wrong. It's probably part of my story."

He added that he struggled with the timing of the additions, noting that the NFL routinely makes late roster moves. "There's an argument these players are paid like that," he said.

SEC ban and legal fight

The SEC last week passed a rule banning former NFL, NBA, WNBA and G League players from playing in the conference, according to com. The conference has officially announced it will comply with a court order granting eligibility in 2026, though commissioner Greg Sankey is expected to appear at Thursday's hearing to argue against the injunction.

Reports indicate the SEC is in a legal dispute over the issue, and member schools are considering sanctions against LSU should it proceed with its plan to add former professionals. Kiffin said "of course we will" follow SEC orders, according to com. Heavy. reported that every major conference has banned the practice.

Outlook for LSU's season

LSU is ranked 11th in the preseason polls and faces a challenging schedule, including five preseason top-25 opponents, according to Heavy. The season opener against Clemson is Saturday.

Kiffin said he is awaiting further guidance on the matter, and the legal proceedings Thursday will determine whether the players can be added. He emphasized that his decision is ultimately about what is best for his current roster.

"Those players and the people that hire me always know he's constantly trying to do the best thing for them," Kiffin said.