Lane Kiffin’s latest move at Louisiana State University (LSU) has put him at the center of another heated college football debate. His decision to bring former NFL players who failed to make professional rosters back into the Tigers’ program has raised questions about eligibility and roster rules, while also triggering a legal fight with the Southeastern Conference (SEC).
With the controversy growing, former Alabama national champion Damien Harris has now joined the critics.
Lane Kiffin Faces Growing Backlash
Among the players connected to the Tigers are former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, both of whom are seeking another year of college eligibility.
The situation has already created legal fallout. LSU won a state lawsuit against the SEC, while the conference responded with a countersuit in federal court over roster rules and player eligibility.
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Speaking about Kiffin’s approach, Harris made it clear that he was frustrated by what he sees as a repeated pattern.
“When it comes to Lane Kiffin, I’m tired of just seeing a guy that doesn’t follow the rules,” Harris said. “He has no regard, he has no care for any sort of decorum or uniformity in terms of how things are supposed to be done, how things are supposed to be regulated. I’m tired of talking about a guy who simply just doesn’t care about anything but himself.”
“We’ve got a head coach of one of the premier programs in all of college football who had an incredible transfer haul,” Harris added. “So many great things to talk about at Louisiana State University, but we are stuck talking about a head coach who wants to make his own rules… He wants NFL guys who didn’t make rosters to come back and be a part of his roster. It’s unethical.”
Harris’ comments quickly drew reactions from across the college football world.
News reporter David Soderquist wrote: “Lane is taking HEAT from everywhere…”
Lane is taking HEAT from everywhere… https://t.co/X1nDiuaRSg
— David Soderquist (@Hightop_Dave) September 3, 2026
Meanwhile, CFB insider Chris Low pointed out an interesting connection between Harris and Kiffin: “Harris played at Alabama when Kiffin was the OC in 2015 and 2016.”
Harris played at Alabama when Kiffin was the OC in 2015 and 2016. https://t.co/7XBgosztha
— Chris Low (@Clowfb) September 3, 2026
Analyst Jim Biringer strongly agreed with Harris’ criticism, writing: “Couldn’t agree more with @DHx34 on Lane Kiffin. Repeated patterns. Showing no signs of changing.”
Biringer also warned that Kiffin’s approach could potentially create serious consequences for LSU.
Sports writer Maurice Patton kept his reaction short and simple: “Nailed it.”
Nailed it. https://t.co/LsNZzsOlEn
— Maurice Patton (@mopatton_sports) September 3, 2026
The reaction showed just how divided and passionate the discussion surrounding LSU’s roster decisions has become, with Kiffin continuing to draw criticism from several corners of the college football world.
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Kiffin, however, has not backed away from his position. He has defended his decisions by arguing that his focus is on doing what benefits his players rather than worrying about public perception or traditional expectations.
With the state court injunction still in place ahead of Friday’s roster deadline, LSU can legally add the players to its 105-man roster. Unless a federal court issues a stay, Wright and Harris could join the roster and play once they meet the practice requirements. The controversy surrounding Kiffin and LSU is unlikely to end anytime soon.
