Sources: LSU leaves ex-pros off roster for opener

• ESPN

Sep 5, 2026, 12:27 AM ET

Tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, who were cleared earlier this week to return to college football after brief stints in the NFL, have not been added to LSU's roster for Saturday's home game against Clemson, sources told ESPN's Pete Thamel on Friday.

Neither was expected to play Saturday even if they had been added, with Harris having not practiced and Wright having practiced just twice.

Wright and Harris, both former Ole Miss players, had said in a lengthy court hearing Thursday that they intended to join their former coach Lane Kiffin during his debut season at LSU. They are among 42 athletes from various sports -- including former Notre Dame pass rusher Junior Tuihalamaka, who also plans to play for LSU -- who have sued the NCAA in Louisiana to play a fifth and final season of college sports.

Administrators at the NCAA, SEC and most of their schools are adamantly opposed to the players' return, but Judge William Jorden approved a preliminary injunction Thursday that prohibits the NCAA and SEC from punishing any school that puts them on the field. The ruling does not apply to all athletes, only those named in the lawsuit.

Wright was waived by the Cleveland Browns in August after suiting up but not playing in their second preseason game. Harris was waived by the New Orleans Saints last month before announcing he was making a "business decision" to head to Baton Rouge.