LSU's Roster Decision: No Former NFL Players This Season
LSU has officially decided not to add former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to its roster for the 2026 season, despite a court ruling that could have allowed their inclusion. This decision comes as the Tigers aim to comply with SEC regulations while navigating the complexities of player eligibility and roster limits.
In a significant development for college football, LSU and head coach Lane Kiffin have made a final decision regarding the addition of former NFL players to their roster. The Tigers had been exploring the possibility of bringing in at least three players who had signed professional contracts this summer, including former Ole Miss athletes Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris. However, LSU has now confirmed that these players will not be joining the team this season.
The backdrop to this decision is the looming threat of expulsion from the Southeastern Conference (SEC) for violating league rules. The SEC prohibits players from entering the conference after signing a professional contract, as well as restricting intraconference transfers outside of the designated transfer portal window. LSU's attempts to add these players would have constituted a breach of these regulations.
Adding to the complexity, a Baton Rouge judge recently issued an order that temporarily prevents both the NCAA and SEC from enforcing their restrictions related to eligibility, the transfer portal, and the return of professional players to college football. Judge William Jorden ruled in favor of LSU, approving a preliminary injunction that would allow schools to field former professional players without facing punishment. This ruling could have opened the door for Wright and Harris to play in upcoming games, including a highly anticipated matchup against Clemson.
Despite this legal victory, LSU ultimately opted against adding the two players to their roster for the current season. The team had only 103 players on its roster for the game against Clemson, leaving two open spots that could have been filled by Wright and Harris later in the season. However, LSU has now announced that it will be adding two other players to complete its roster at the maximum of 105 players, effectively locking out Wright and Harris for the remainder of the year.
Here's the Real Score
ESPN college football insider Pete Thamel reported that LSU's decision to finalize its roster means that the hopes of adding Wright and Harris have been dashed. This decision not only reflects the complexities of roster management within the constraints of SEC rules but also highlights the ongoing challenges that college programs face when navigating the intersection of professional and collegiate football.
As the situation stands, LSU's roster is now full, and the team will move forward without the two former NFL players. This conclusion to the saga should bring clarity to the program's direction as it prepares for the upcoming season, focusing on the players currently on the roster and the strategies that will define their campaign.
