Dabo Swinney Criticizes LSU for Adding NFL Players

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney voiced his concerns regarding LSU's attempts to recruit players who have participated in NFL training camps, labeling the practice as embarrassing during a press conference on Tuesday.

He remarked that while he does not blame the players, he finds it troubling that institutions are exploiting the system. Recently, a Louisiana judge granted temporary restraining orders and an additional year of eligibility to 16 players from the 2022 high school graduating class, which allowed LSU to add several former Ole Miss players to their roster. This led to the Big Ten and SEC instituting bans on players with professional football experience from joining their teams.

A hearing is scheduled in Baton Rouge on Thursday to discuss the SEC's ban on such players. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian also criticized the practice, calling it morally wrong. Clemson is set to face LSU in the 2026 season opener, marking Lane Kiffin's debut as LSU's head coach.