The college football season is set for Week 1 kickoff. The rich tradition of college football Saturdays will be in full swing. However, the growing eligibility chaos continues to loom over the sport.

After an offseason filled with court battles, the LSU Tigers pounced on the first opportunity following a TRO issued by a Louisiana judge. For the first time in college football, there is a stark reality. Former NFL players could return to the college game.

Head coach Lane Kiffin has been vocal about the SEC’s efforts to prevent two former NFL players from joining his roster. While Texas Tech took most of the heat during the Brendan Sorsby saga, LSU could now take on the mantle of college football’s newest villain.

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According to ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, Kiffin may be the face of the controversy, but LSU’s administration deserves just as much scrutiny. The pairing are college football’s new villain.

Sep 23, 2023; College Station, Texas, USA; SEC Nation Roman Harper (left) and Paul Finebaum (right) speak on the sideline during pre-game between the Texas A&M Aggies and the Auburn Tigers at Kyle Field. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Geaux Villains?

“Lane Kiffin is just a pawn in all of this. He’s the villain, and we all know, but to me, the administration at LSU is completely in question here. You’ve got a president at LSU who votes with the SEC on Tuesday, and then I’m sure after getting called from the governor he abstains, he still hasn’t said, ‘I’m against this SEC policy.’ You’ve got a president at LSU who votes with the SEC on Tuesday … I’m sure after getting called from the governor, he abstains. He still hasn’t said, ‘I’m against this SEC policy.'” Finebaum said on McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning.

LSU’s decision to pursue the former NFL players has put the Tigers at the center of a debate that extends far beyond one roster. The SEC has attempted to maintain a consistent eligibility policy. However, recent court rulings have made it increasingly difficult for the conference to enforce those rules uniformly.

LSU vs SEC brewing

Now the SEC is preparing to fight this ruling at every length necessary.

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That leaves LSU in an unusual position. The Tigers are taking advantage of a legal opening that could fundamentally change how college football handles players who have exhausted their eligibility. Even more so, moved on to professional football.

Jul 23, 2026; Tampa, FL, USA; LSU Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin speaks to the press during SEC Football Kickoff Media Day at the Tampa Marriott. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Kiffin has never shied away from controversy and his willingness to challenge the SEC has made him an easy target. But Finebaum’s comments suggest the bigger issue involves LSU’s administration and its relationship with the conference.

Whether Kiffin and LSU become the sport’s new villain may ultimately depend on how the eligibility battle unfolds. For now, though, the Tigers have willingly stepped into the spotlight.

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Source: Yahoo Sports