LSU’s legal victory Thursday has already created another potential roster move, with Lane Kiffin and the Tigers working against the clock before their season opener against Clemson on Saturday.
CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz reported that LSU is working to add former Utah Utes standout and Denver Broncos cornerback Blake Cotton to its season-opening roster.
If the Tigers pull it off, Cotton would become the third former NFL player brought into the program alongside former Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright and former New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Zxavian Harris.
“LSU is working to add ex-Utah and Denver Broncos cornerback Blake Cotton, sources tell @CBSSports,” Zenitz reported. “Not finalized and there are still things being worked through before he can be added to the roster but he’s a target.”
This development comes after Judge William Jorden granted a preliminary injunction Thursday that prevents the NCAA and SEC from enforcing their restrictions against programs trying to bring back to college the affected former professional athletes.
The ruling cleared a path for more than 40 players seeking another college season, including Cotton, Wright, and Harris.
Cotton went undrafted after spending the 2025 season at Utah, where he appeared in 13 games, completing 30 tackles, two tackles for loss and seven pass breakups. The Broncos released Cotton at the end of July following a hamstring injury, and he re-entered the transfer portal in August.
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Wright and Harris already expect to join Kiffin’s roster following Thursday’s ruling after previously playing for the head coach at Ole Miss, meaning Cotton could become LSU’s third such addition if a deal is completed.
The legal battle, however, remains unresolved. According to ESPN’s Dan Murphy, the SEC plans to appeal the injunction to challenge LSU’s attempt to use former professional players.
LSU hosts Clemson on Saturday, Sept. 5, at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
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