Lane Kiffin’s pursuit of ex-NFL players leads Nicole Auerbach to question LSU’s roster

Lane Kiffin has proven himself to be an opportunistic head coach throughout his career, and his decision to pursue ex-NFL players ostensibly falls under that umbrella. The man is looking to gain every advantage possible in his first season with LSU football, even if it means going to battle with the SEC. However, one reporter and analyst is wondering if this perceived opportunism is actually hysteria.

“It does make you question how talented the roster is, though, that Lane Kiffin is so desperate to add these players that are fringe-NFL talent,” Nicole Auerbach of NBC Sports said on Thursday night.

Our NBC Countdown crew reacting to the news from Baton Rouge: https://t.co/aQid2TATFV

— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) September 4, 2026

Following Judge William Jorden’s decision to grant 40-plus athletes an injunction, LSU can potentially activate tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris. The former spent time on the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns this summer, while the latter had a brief training camp stint with the New Orleans Saints. They both played under Kiffin at Ole Miss last season, so there is established rapport.

But the Tigers are also targeting former Utah State and Denver Broncos cornerback Blake Cotton, someone who has not played for Kiffin before. Is the 51-year-old frantically trying to cover up blemishes on the roster before the new season begins? There may be another explanation.

Kiffin is under immense pressure to succeed in Baton Rouge after ditching Ole Miss. A disappointing 2026 campaign will only amplify the noise. Getting off to a hot start could be vital. The Tigers boasts talent, both returning and incoming, but when scrutiny is relentless, and the schedule features five games against ranked opponents, a team may feel inclined to make whatever upgrades are available.

And so LSU football continues to chase the NFL’s leftovers. Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris both expect to be active members of the roster, but the SEC has already taken measures to potentially deter the Tigers’ plans, which include filing a federal lawsuit. Kiffin may be forced to comply if he believes the repercussions will be severe.

Fans will get to see how good LSU really is when it clashes with Clemson in Tiger Stadium on Saturday, beginning at approximately 7:30 p.m. ET.

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