Wednesday, October 7, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

Former SMU Football Player Sues School Over Switch to Online Classes

  • Southern Methodist University switched to online classes in the spring of 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
  • The lawsuit, filed on Aug. 12, alleges SMU was in breach of contract, and seeks unspecified monetary and punitive damages.
Ray Carlin/USA TODAY Sports

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

A former Southern Methodist University football player is suing the school for not reimbursing student tuition for the pandemic-forced shift to online classes in Spring 2020, according to a lawsuit filed in Dallas County district court.

Luke Hogan, a graduate student who was a kicker on SMU’s football team last season, is the only named plaintiff in the lawsuit that seeks class-action status.

The lawsuit, filed on Aug. 12, alleges SMU was in breach of contract, and seeks unspecified monetary and punitive damages.

“Defendants were unable to provide in-person educational experiences, services,, and opportunities for approximately 59% of the Spring 2020 semester,” the lawsuit alleges. “Prior to the suspension of in-person classes for the Spring 2020 semester, Plaintiff Luke Hogan attended campus events and was involved in student activities and/or clubs.

Fortnite Developer Suing Apple After Game Removed from App Store

Fortnite Developer Suing Apple After Game Removed from App Store

Apple removed the game, which Epic says has over 350 million users…
August 13, 2020

“As a result of Defendants’ closure, Defendants have not complied with their obligation to provide in-person educational services along with other experiences, opportunities, and services Plaintiff and the Class paid for.”

Hogan has a year left of eligibility, but was not listed on SMU’s active roster on the athletics website.

SMU, a member of the American Athletic Conference, is slated to play a 12-game regular season in 2020.

Hogan’s lawyers and SMU did not immediately respond to inquiries about the lawsuit.

Dallas NBC affiliate KXAS-TV was the first outlet to report on the lawsuit.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Sep 26, 2026; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; United States President Donald Trump is shown on the video board in attendance at Neyland Stadium before the game between Texas Longhorns and Tennessee Volunteers. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-Imagn Images

Trump Still Plans to Attend Georgia-Alabama Despite Tropical Storm

The tropical storm projects to progress to a hurricane by Friday.
Oct 3, 2026; Starkville, Mississippi, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide head coach Kalen DeBoer waits to run onto the field prior to the game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium at Scott Field. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Who Is Alabama Football in Year 3 Under Kalen DeBoer?

The No. 6 Crimson Tide host No. 2 Georgia on Saturday.
Oct 3, 2026; Boulder, Colorado, USA; Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders following a touchdown scored in the first quarter against the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Folsom Field. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Colorado’s Skid Renews Questions About Deion Sanders’s Roster Model

Colorado enters its bye week on a three-game losing streak.
Sep 5, 2026; Berkeley, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach Bob Chesney (center) talks to UCLA Bruins linebacker Jalen Woods (left) before the game against the California Golden Bears at California Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

UCLA’s Football Spending Spree Is Already Paying Off

UCLA is 4–0 heading into a high-profile matchup vs. Oregon.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

10/7/26 – EuroLeague Rejects NBA, LeBron’s Helicopter Sparks Backlash, $12M Super Bowl Ads

0:00

Featured Today

Cubs behind the scenes

Hollywood and TikTok: Sports Media’s New ‘Blueprint’

Teams and leagues are pouring money into the quest for fans.
October 2, 2026

How the Baseball Cap Became a ‘Behemoth’

The hat has become essential for athletes, fans, and the sports-agnostic.
Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025
September 28, 2026

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
A Bar of Their Own
September 25, 2026

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.

LSU Still Lists Just Four Players on Eve of First Exhibition Game

LSU still doesn’t list enough players to fill out a starting five.
Oct 1, 2026; New York, NY, USA; St. John's Red Storm head coach Rick Pitino speaks at 2026 Big East Media Day at Marriott Marquis.
October 6, 2026

St. John’s Booster Repole Says Team Better Make the Final Four

Mike Repole has contributed seven-figure sums to his alma mater’s NIL program.
October 6, 2026

Judge Orders ICE to Release College Basketball Player

The government has 24 hours to appeal the ruling.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
October 5, 2026

Northwestern Stadium Developer Explains Empty Seats

The 35,000-seat stadium was officially sold out in its first game.
Exclusive
October 5, 2026

Portnoy on Fox ‘Big Noon’ Exit: Ryan Day Thinks I ‘Doxxed’ Him

Portnoy tells FOS that Ohio State pushed for his removal.
October 3, 2026

New-Look Pac-12 Returns for First Week of Conference Play

It’s a milestone many thought unlikely just three years ago.
October 3, 2026

NCAA Defers to ACC on Controversial Pitt–Virginia Tech Ending

The ACC declined to comment on the play call.