Lane Kiffin Targets NFL Talent for LSU Roster
AI-generated image · US National Wire
LSU coach leverages eligibility rulings to recruit former professional players, sparking backlash from peers and critics.
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin is aggressively pursuing talent through the transfer portal, including players who have already reached the professional level. As CBS Sports first reported, Kiffin has targeted Dae'Quan Wright, a tight end for the Cleveland Browns and former Ole Miss standout.
Kiffin defended the move on Monday, stating that because of specific rulings, these athletes were granted a fifth year and a judge determined they were wronged. He argued that since the players are eligible, they will play for his program or another school, making it negligent not to recruit them. Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken noted over the weekend that he was previously unaware of the situation when Kiffin reached out a week ago.
Other figures in the sport have condemned the practice. Oregon coach Dan Lanning stated that allowing players to return after declaring for the draft is unfair to the sport and current college players. Former Heisman winner Robert Griffin III wrote on social media that allowing NFL players to return to college is "gross negligence" and that coaches who permit it should be ashamed.
LSU has also landed a commitment from Junior Tuihalamaka, a former defensive end at Notre Dame. Tuihalamaka received an additional season of eligibility following a Louisiana court ruling affecting athletes from the Class of 2022. Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman stated Friday that the university would not bring Tuihalamaka back due to the timing of the graduate admissions process.