LSU head coach Lane Kiffin has chosen not to include tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris on the team’s roster for the season opener against Clemson, despite a court injunction granting their eligibility. Both players, who previously signed NFL contracts before returning to college, are enrolled at LSU but will not play in Saturday’s game.
The decision comes amid an ongoing legal dispute between the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and LSU. A Louisiana state court judge issued an injunction allowing Wright and Harris to play, but the SEC filed a lawsuit against LSU in response, arguing the move violates league rules. The SEC has warned that coaches and schools could face penalties, including suspensions and fines, if the players participate in games.
Kiffin addressed the decision on College GameDay, stating the choice was made to prioritize the long-term interests of the program. “As much as I feel for the players and I believe that you fight for what you believe in, and I believe these kids have an opportunity to play just like all the other kids around the country that are winning court cases and being put on rosters — at the same time, I'm the head coach of LSU, and I had to make a decision that's for the big picture of LSU and the LSU football program,” Kiffin said. He added that uncertainties surrounding the legal outcome influenced the decision.
The players remain eligible to join the roster later in the season if the legal situation resolves in their favor. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that both Wright and Harris are already enrolled and could be added to the team’s active roster at a later date. LSU currently has 103 players on its submitted roster, leaving two open spots.
The SEC’s rules prohibit schools from using former NFL players, and the league has not yet clarified whether it would enforce penalties in this case. The legal battle between LSU and the SEC is ongoing, with no immediate resolution expected. Wright and Harris participated in NFL training camps with the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints, respectively, before returning to college.
The situation reflects broader tensions in college athletics, where recent changes such as Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies and the transfer portal have complicated traditional eligibility rules. The NCAA and conferences are still adapting policies to address these evolving dynamics, particularly regarding athletes who have professional experience.