Updated October 30, 2026, 9:22 a.m. ET
So this is where we are now, and there is no going back. No safe exit for LSU.
This is what happens when you try to serve two masters, when you are caught in the moment and fueled by the energy – before the final reality arrives.
There are two choices for LSU in its four-month legal fight with the SEC, and neither is a good one: follow conference rules and cut ties with state and local politicians, or take its chances in federal court against the SEC.
LSU kept itself in this position with poor decisions and no foresight, and is now stuck trying to thread the legal needle. And this time, outside the friendly confines of Louisiana jurisdiction.
LSU can go to a Nov. 18 hearing in a federal courtroom in Birmingham, Ala., for the SEC’s motion to strike a passage in an LSU legal brief that says the SEC acted “negligently … or hallucinated” while suing to maintain its governing authority over conference members (see: punishing bad actors). LSU can argue semantics and proclaim it never signed players.
He may be hiding behind a legal barricade that the players and their representatives sought a local judge and found a path to eligibility — not LSU. A path that has just deprived the SEC of its authority to govern the members of the conference.
Hey, we’re just following a court order.
They know full well that they are not just “following a court order.” LSU could have ended this nonsense a long time ago by simply telling football players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, as well as basketball player RJ Luis Jr., that even though they receive legal relief for their eligibility, they are not eligible to play for LSU.
A scholarship, a place on the football and basketball teams, are not a legal right. It’s a privilege.
But instead of LSU President Wade Rousse telling athletic director Verge Ausberry that the players wouldn’t make LSU’s rosters and that coaches wouldn’t accept the possibility of them playing until the 11th hour before backing down, Rousse bent the knee to state and local politicians and their election year shenanigans.
And I know this will shock you, but the performative and the provocative won the initial battle. This will not win the war.
It’s easy to impeach SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey for three hours in an East Baton Rouge courtroom, asking him critical case-related questions about his annual salary and whether he traveled to the proceedings on a private jet. It’s easy to embarrass him and the rest of the conference by proxy and get that salivating media bump after the hearing.
Then real life happens, and LSU realizes it has simply strengthened the resolve of the SEC, which is still considering expulsion, among other sanctions, several people told USA TODAY Sports.
Meanwhile, LSU football coach Lane Kiffin isn’t backing down from Sankey and the SEC.
Week 1, halftime of Clemson rout: “Imagine if we had professional players,” Kiffin said in a brief on-court interview.
Week 6, after an overtime loss at Kentucky, included a controversial touchdown run by UK quarterback Kenny Minchey, who appeared to be stopped in his tracks. Kiffin said SEC linesman Jake Osgood told him, “He would be killed if he blew the whistle to stop play, even though it looked like he was stopped.” »
Earlier this week, after the SEC announced that the annual LSU-Alabama game would be played at 3:30 p.m. and not prime time from Tiger Stadium, Kiffin said, “If anyone thinks the SEC wants us to win this year after what’s happening, they must have been on Mars for four months.” »
Much like the initial failed decision to ban professional players from registering, Rousse could have stopped Kiffin from intentionally embarrassing the league before it happened. He could have simply told Kiffin to avoid agitating the league office or the commissioner – otherwise he will be fired for embarrassing the university.
Rousse instead left Kiffin of her own accord, a decision that, while entertaining, is also fraught with danger.
Which is reminiscent of this whole ordeal. This looks good and appeals to those in LSU’s orbit who are hungry for red meat.
But it falls flat and looks like a lack of institutional oversight for the league’s 15 remaining presidents and chancellors. The same group that will decide LSU’s punishment if the SEC wins in court.
There’s no safe way out, LSU. But there is a prudent choice.
Do it for the first time in four months.
Matt Hayes is the senior national college football writer for USA TODAY Sports Network. Follow him on @MattHayesCFB. Listen daily, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., on 1010XL-Jacksonville.
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