LSU recently backed down from its attempt to add former Ole Miss players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to its football roster after both had tried to return to college football following brief NFL engagements. The players had signed with NFL teams this spring but were waived during training camp and sought eligibility to play another college season. Their effort clashed with SEC rules barring players who have signed professional contracts from competing in the conference. LSU’s decision to fill roster spots instead with other eligible players came amid a looming SEC vote that could have expelled the university from the conference.

The SEC raised the possibility of expulsion due to LSU’s violation of conference regulations, risking significant financial harm to the university’s athletic department. LSU reported total athletic revenue of $223.5 million for fiscal year 2025, with nearly one-third—about $69.5 million—derived from SEC media rights and conference distributions. Football, LSU’s most lucrative sport, generated $18.6 million in media rights and $14.1 million from SEC distributions, alongside substantial donations and ticket sales. Losing SEC membership could jeopardize these revenue streams as well as fan support, given the conference’s high-profile competition.

The legal battle involved a Louisiana judge’s ruling that temporarily cleared Wright and Harris to return despite SEC rules. The SEC responded by filing a federal lawsuit against LSU officials claiming First Amendment violations. However, LSU president Wade Rousse confirmed the program complied by filling its roster within SEC limits and would not disrupt the upcoming conference meeting. This action defused the immediate threat of expulsion and allowed the SEC to maintain its television deals and competitive structure without major disruption.

The fallout leaves Wright and Harris without a team for now, with their futures uncertain as they seek opportunities to continue their football careers. Experts point out that LSU’s withdrawal reflects the immense financial and competitive risks the school would face outside the powerhouse SEC. The conference, while reluctant to lose a major program, could still penalize LSU in other ways, such as barring postseason participation, to enforce its regulations and preserve the league’s integrity. The dispute highlights the complex financial and governance challenges in modern college sports.