SEC-LSU dispute returns to court as dismissal motion challenges conference lawsuit
Louisiana Attorney General Elizabeth Murrill says the case lacks legal grounds; the SEC says members’ concerns about LSU’s rules and shared governance remain unresolved.
The Southeastern Conference says it is preparing a court response after Louisiana Attorney General Elizabeth Murrill filed a motion to dismiss its federal lawsuit against LSU and university officials. The SEC said it was “deeply disappointed” the motion came amid discussions aimed at resolving the dispute.
Murrill, named as a defendant, is seeking dismissal with prejudice and at the SEC’s cost. Her motion argues that the court lacks personal jurisdiction, the complaint fails to state a claim and state officials sued in their official capacities have sovereign immunity. Those are arguments in the filing; the court has not ruled on them.
The lawsuit followed LSU coach Lane Kiffin’s plans to add former NFL players Da’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to the 2026 roster. The players were not added. LSU instead filled its 105-player roster with two injured players, and a scheduled SEC presidents’ vote on whether to expel the university did not take place.
Murrill argued that the players were not rostered, the roster was closed for the season and the September 10 conference meeting passed without incident. She also said LSU, as one member of a 16-member association, could not force the SEC to associate with it.
The SEC said negotiations had not addressed other member universities’ concerns about LSU’s commitment to conference rules and shared governance. It said it would uphold the standards agreed by members. Under SEC rules, terminating a school’s membership requires support from at least two-thirds of the presidents.
