Lane Kiffin Addresses LSU Commitments, Roster Rules After SEC's Statement on Eligibility

LSU coach Lane Kiffin is keeping all of his options open as he and others await a resolution on the eligibility of a handful of players who signed with NFL teams this offseason.

Kiffin told ESPN's Pete Thamel he's in "daily communication" with SEC officials and that the rules allow the players in question to practice for the time being:

Last week, the SEC issued a statement saying it intended to prohibit athletes from returning to member schools from pro teams.

However, a Texas judge issued an order overruling the SEC's decision.

Kiffin is aiming to add at least three more players as the Tigers prepare for Saturday's opener against Clemson: tight end Dae'Quan Wright, defensive lineman Zxavian Harrison and edge-rusher Junior Tuihalamaka.

Former LSU edge-rusher Jack Pyburn reportedly had a return to Baton Rouge lined up in the event he got cut by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Bucs officially let him go Sunday.

Ohio State coach Ryan Day probably summed up the thoughts of most college coaches when he said he doesn't like the idea of players coming back from the NFL. At the same time, he and others associated with the program have "gotta do what's right for Ohio State."

No coach wants to be left behind by the competition.

In the case of LSU, it's difficult enough to integrate in new players so close to the start of the season. Trey'Dez Green, a second-team All-SEC honoree, assumed all offseason he'd be the starting tight end, and now Wright could be serious competition for playing time.

The SEC, meanwhile, indicated the ongoing legal fight may not be over.

"The order entered against the SEC and commissioner Sankey is a temporary restraining order, not a final ruling on the merits," it said Sunday, per ESPN's Mark Schlabach. "The SEC and commissioner [Greg] Sankey are prepared to contest the allegations in the plaintiffs' petition at Thursday morning's hearing and defend the SEC's rights as a voluntary association to fulfill its mission to its member institutions."

The conference said it "will carefully review the court's decision and determine the appropriate next steps."