LSU’s 51‑10 victory over Clemson featured fifth‑year Notre Dame edge rusher Tuihalamaka, whose eligibility was secured by a preliminary injunction that allowed him to contribute on special teams and as a fifth defensive end.
The injunction, granted by a Baton Rouge judge, also applied to 40 fellow plaintiffs and followed a lawsuit filed by the Southeastern Conference against LSU, athletic director Verge Ausberry and coach Lane Kiffin in Alabama.
Because Tuihalamaka had not signed an NFL contract this summer, he was eligible to play, unlike former Ole Miss players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, who remain barred under SEC rules that prohibit athletes with NFL contracts from competing in college football.
LSU left two roster spots open, giving the program flexibility to add Wright and Harris later if the SEC’s injunction is lifted during the season.
In the game, transfers Princewill Umanmielen and Jordan Ross started at defensive end, while Tuihalamaka’s versatility added depth to the defensive line and special teams units.
Legal Battle Over Eligibility
The judge’s decision temporarily suspends the SEC’s eligibility restrictions, allowing Tuihalamaka and the other plaintiffs to play while the broader legal dispute continues, potentially shaping how the conference enforces its rules in the future.