LSU’s pursuit of former NFL players is the biggest college football off-field controversy ahead of Week 1, even though the Tigers’ potential additions aren’t expected to make a notable impact on Lane Kiffin’s roster, given its depth.
ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith and Kirk Herbstreit addressed the situation on Friday, with Smith placing significant responsibility on Kiffin for exploiting a roster loophole and escalating the situation into a major legal and conference dispute.
“This is a mess that Lane Kiffin is trying to escape,” Smith said on ESPN’s “First Take.” “No, my brother, you don’t get to escape it. You’re all over it, because if you hadn’t entertained bringing somebody on your roster, it might not have come to this point.”
LSU pursued former Ole Miss players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris after both spent time with NFL organizations throughout the summer. The SEC opposed allowing players with professional experience back onto conference rosters and filed a federal lawsuit against LSU, athletic director Verge Ausberry and Kiffin.
Smith argued that the potential gain from adding one or two borderline-NFL players does not justify the penalties LSU could face under SEC rules.
“There is no program in America that’s going to think one or two players is worth that kind of sacrifice,” Smith said.
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Herbstreit, meanwhile, took a more measured position on ESPN’s “Get Up,” acknowledging that LSU has operated within the opportunity created by a court ruling while questioning the broader optics.
“If you just look at LSU, they’re following the rules,” Herbstreit said. “You know, the judge grants the injunction. Lane Kiffin’s going to say, ‘Hey, we’re just following the opportunity here. If we don’t do it, someone else is going to do it.’ So, I guess they’re following the rules.”
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Still, Herbstreit said the controversy has consumed attention that otherwise would center on Kiffin’s debut.
“Meanwhile, they’ve got a game tomorrow,” Herbstreit said. “I mean, a nationally televised game.”
LSU hosts Clemson on Saturday night in Kiffin’s first game as Tigers coach, with kickoff set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
