Zxavian Harris cleared to join NFL as free agent after eligibility ruling
The NFL Management Council has officially ruled that Zxavian Harris, a former defensive tackle from Ole Miss, is now an eligible free agent. This decision allows him to work out or sign with any franchise of his choosing, as confirmed by a memo obtained by Front Office Sports. Previously, Harris had been deemed ineligible to join an NFL team back in September, but after he contested the league's claim regarding his college football participation, the ruling was reversed. Since Harris never practiced at LSU, the school he intended to join after receiving a preliminary eligibility injunction, the NFL has classified him as a free agent, free to join any team's active roster or practice squad.
This ruling comes in the wake of a significant number of athletes who signed professional contracts attempting to return to college football following the NCAA's "five for five" ruling this past summer. LSU coach Lane Kiffin had been actively pursuing several players, including Harris, Ole Miss tight end Da'Quan Wright, and former LSU edge rusher Jack Pyburn, who is now on a three-year rookie deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after a strong preseason performance.
Harris was expected to join LSU in August after a brief training camp stint with the New Orleans Saints, following a Louisiana court ruling that allowed athletes from the Class of 2022 to seek temporary restraining orders for an additional year of eligibility. However, LSU ultimately decided against adding Harris and Wright to its roster in September due to pressure from the SEC, which threatened potential sanctions against the Tigers, including game forfeitures and even expulsion from the conference.
The SEC's threats were serious enough to warrant concern, as they filed a federal lawsuit against Kiffin, athletic director Verge Ausberry, and others associated with the university. At the time, while expulsion was deemed "extremely, extremely unlikely," it highlighted the frustration within the conference regarding the situation.
Evaluating Harris' potential NFL impact
Harris had been training with the Saints after going undrafted in 2026. As a four-star recruit in the 2022 signing class, he made a significant impact during his senior season, recording 58 tackles, nine tackles for loss, and three sacks, which earned him an invitation to the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Meanwhile, Da'Quan Wright, who is still awaiting news on his eligibility, reportedly worked out for the Green Bay Packers earlier this month.
Let's Call It What It Is
Wright's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, expressed optimism about his client's future, stating that they were cautious during the interim period when LSU faced scrutiny from the SEC. Rosenhaus emphasized that they did not want to jeopardize Wright's eligibility to return to the NFL by signing with LSU while the situation was unresolved. Despite multiple NFL teams showing interest in Wright, he remains in limbo as the league has yet to clear him for a return.
The developments surrounding Harris and Wright reflect ongoing complexities in player eligibility and the intersection of college and professional football. As the landscape continues to evolve, the implications for players navigating these transitions will be significant, particularly in light of the NCAA's recent rulings and the SEC's stringent oversight. The resolution of Harris's eligibility marks a pivotal moment for him as he seeks to establish his career in the NFL, while Wright's situation remains uncertain as he hopes for a favorable outcome that will allow him to pursue his professional aspirations.
