SEC Files Lawsuit Against LSU – President Wade Rousse, AD Verge Ausberry, Coach Lane Kiffin Named As Defendants

By TODD HORNE And KACE KIESCHNICK, TIGER RAG

The Southeastern Conference has filed suit against LSU, president Wade Rousse athletics director Verge Ausberry and head football coach Lane Kiffin.

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey is personally attending today’s proceedings at the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge. The news comes just hours into the proceedings in the preliminary injunction hearing for 42 fifth-year players, including former pros, seeking another season of eligibility.

The eligibility fight has now produced an extraordinary institutional confrontation: the SEC is suing one of its own member universities, its president, athletic director and head football coach.

In legal documents obtained by On3’s Pete Nakos and Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, the conference alleges that LSU’s recruitment of former and current NFL players and intent to roster and play them this season harms the conference and threatens further harm.

“LSU waged a deliberate and coordinated campaign to recruit pro players,” the lawsuit says.

The SEC is seeking a permanent and preliminary injunction to prevent LSU “from violating the Conference’s First Amendment rights by compelling the Conference to associate with conduct that is contrary to the Conference’s purpose and mission,” the complaint reads.

In its lawsuit against LSU, the SEC says the schools conduct "has already harmed the conference and threatens to cause further substantial harm if not curbed." pic.twitter.com/wOBTi5q2Vk

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) September 3, 2026

The argument is similar to the lawsuit filed by the Big 12 against Texas Tech this summer following Brendan Sorsby’s injunction to reinstate his eligibility for the 2026 season.

Tiger Rag is inside the courtroom and will report the claims and requested relief as they become clear.