CFBSep 26
SEC Pushes Back as LSU Officials Seek Dismissal of Roster Lawsuit
The conference says concerns over LSU’s adherence to league rules remain unsettled despite the Tigers abandoning plans to add former NFL players.
By OddsListing wire desk
· 2 min read
On this page3 sections
Dismissal bid disrupts negotiations
The SEC is preparing a court response after LSU officials and Louisiana Attorney General Elizabeth Murrill sought to dismiss the conference’s federal lawsuit while settlement discussions were underway. Murrill filed the motion Friday in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama, requesting dismissal with prejudice and asking that the SEC bear the costs. Her arguments include a lack of personal jurisdiction over the defendants and a failure by the conference to present a legally sufficient claim. The SEC expressed disappointment with the filing, saying negotiations had been aimed at resolving other member universities’ concerns about LSU’s commitment to conference rules and shared governance. The league maintains those issues have not been settled.
Roster reversal did not end dispute
The lawsuit grew out of coach Lane Kiffin’s effort to add tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, both of whom had participated in NFL training camps before returning to school. The SEC filed an amended complaint on Sept. 8 and scheduled a presidential vote on potentially removing LSU from the conference. That vote did not take place after the Tigers declined to roster either player. Kiffin instead filled his 105-man roster for the 2026 season with two injured players.
LSU officials challenge legal grounds
Murrill argues that the developments have removed the basis for the lawsuit: the players were not added, the roster is closed, and the September 10 conference meeting proceeded without disruption. Her motion contends that the SEC therefore faces no imminent, concrete harm. She also disputes the conference’s argument that continued association with LSU causes First Amendment harm and asserts that the state officials named as defendants are protected by sovereign immunity. The SEC, meanwhile, says it will defend the membership standards agreed to by its universities.
Analysis, not a wagering instruction. Confirm every number on the sportsbook. 21+.
