LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin said that the school will honor whatever decision comes from Thursday's eligibility ruling.
The LSU Tigers kick off the 2026 season in just a few days, and the team is still trying to finalize their roster.
Lane Kiffin and the Tigers have been all over the news over the past week as they are attempting to sign three players who have already signed NFL contracts, but were undrafted and didn't make their respective teams.
For the first time on Monday, the coach said that the school would comply with court orders if the ruling later this week goes the SEC's way and not try to fight them further. Until now the school had not acknowledged a future where they don't play.
Here is the full quote from Kiffin, per ESPN's Heather Dinich:
"All we're waiting for is clarity this week from teh SEC, which they can't give until Thursday's ruling. We are waiting for final clearance and guidelines from the SEC. I have been in communication daily with the SEC to make sure we are complying with the SEC rules."
The controversial players that LSU is trying to get eligible are former Cleveland Browns tight end Dae'Quan Wright, Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Jack Pyburn and New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Zxavian Harris.
As Kiffin stated, all three will be at practice. They seemingly won't see the roster until they get the full go-ahead from the SEC. This should put an end to speculation about a postseason ban, should the Tigers move forward with their new stars.
The good news for LSU is that they were already very much prepared to not have these players at their disposal this year. It would normally be unheard of for teams to add anyone so late, but these guys shouldn't take long to get up to speed in practice while they wait to see what the decision is.
Wright knows this offense well, as he had 39 catches for 635 yards and five touchdowns last season for Kiffin with the Ole Miss Rebels. Pyburn spent last season in this defense. Harris didn't, but all he needs to do to provide value is go out onto the field and eat up space.
If the Tigers can play these players, they will. It would certainly provide them with rare depth. However, they'll be just ok if the courts side with the SEC (and general public) and they are deemed ineligible once again.
