A Louisiana judge granted a preliminary injunction allowing LSU to add 42 athletes, including former Ole Miss starters Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, to its 2026 roster. Judge William Jorden's ruling prohibits the NCAA and SEC from punishing schools that sign these players for a fifth season of college sports. The SEC responded by filing a separate lawsuit against LSU and coach Lane Kiffin, while also announcing plans to appeal the decision.

Wright and Harris intend to join Kiffin in Baton Rouge, creating a high-stakes showdown ahead of LSU's season opener. The ruling affects more than 40 former college athletes who sued the NCAA, with several Power 4 programs already securing other plaintiffs like Trent Hendrick (UCLA) and Ethan Johnson (South Carolina).