LSU’s path to adding two former Ole Miss standouts just got a lot clearer.
The SEC is backing away from its legal fight and will now permit professional players to sign with teams in the conference, according to reports from On3. That shift opens the door for LSU to bring in tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, both of whom have committed to join the Tigers for the upcoming season even though they previously signed NFL contracts with the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints, respectively.
The move is a major turn in a situation that had already stirred plenty of controversy around LSU’s pursuit of the pair. Wright and Harris both played for Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss, and the Tigers’ interest in them pushed the SEC to create a new rule set aimed at shutting down the pro-to-college route. That policy specifically blocked players from returning to the conference if they had signed professional contracts at the NFL, NBA, WNBA or NBA G-League level, with the NBA Summer League excluded.
For now, the SEC’s decision to step back ends the immediate standoff. But the reporting suggests this is more like a pause than a permanent peace, with the conference expected to push back again at some point, likely after the college football season ends.
What LSU fans can expect next is Wright and Harris arriving in Baton Rouge as soon as possible. Even so, it does not appear likely they’ll be ready for the season opener against Clemson.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated accordingly.
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