On Sunday, Louisiana State University (LSU) made headlines with their plan to sign tight end Dae’Quan Wright. Wright had spent part of the summer with the Cleveland Browns. The move has sparked controversy due to two main reasons. Firstly, Wright’s previous tenure in the NFL before returning to college football is drawing scrutiny. Secondly, Wright played under the new LSU head coach Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss during the last season.
The Southeastern Conference (SEC) enforces an intraconference transfer rule. This rule is designed to prevent athletes from transferring within the conference unless moved during the spring transfer portal window. LSU’s contention in this instance is that Wright’s transfer does not originate from Ole Miss, as he is transferring from the Browns.
On the following Monday, LSU reinforced their approach by adding more former Ole Miss players who experienced a stint in the NFL over the summer. Hayes Fawcett of Rivals disclosed that defensive lineman Zxavian Harris is set to join the Tigers. Harris amassed 58 tackles and three sacks with the Rebels last season and had a brief period with the New Orleans Saints. He was waived by the Saints on August 8.
According to On3, rival SEC schools are advocating for the conference to penalize LSU for attempting to circumvent the transfer rule. LSU intends to strongly support keeping Wright on their team for the fall season. In addition to Wright, Harris is joining LSU under similar circumstances.
Earlier in the month, Lane Kiffin articulated his stance that players granted a fifth year of eligibility should have the freedom to select any program they wish to play for. Kiffin 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’s going to be places that don’t want them back because they’re full, or they don’t need that position, or there are new coaches there. It would be a shame to limit these kids to where they go back to, NCAA or conferences.”
LSU is challenging the SEC’s stance this summer and appears ready for a confrontation with their recent signing decisions.
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