LSU's Lane Kiffin fires back at NFL returnee backlash: Blame the NCAA, not us for recruiting pro athletes

LSU coach Lane Kiffin pushed back on backlash over the Tigers recruiting players with NFL experience, arguing the NCAA’s failure to clarify fifth-year eligibility rules for the 2022 class is what led to court action. The dispute has focused on former tight end Dae’Quan Wright, but LSU is pursuing multiple athletes whose participation in NFL camps and the resulting injunctions reopened the option to return for a final college season. Kiffin said LSU, like other programs, is simply recruiting players made available through rulings and the transfer portal, not apologizing. He added that whether NFL players should return is a case-by-case question.