LSU Keeps Former NFL Players Off Roster for Season Opener

LSU entered its 2026 season-opening game against Clemson without tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris. The Tigers submitted a 103-player roster, leaving two spots vacant, even though a Louisiana judge had issued a preliminary injunction that would have allowed the former Ole Miss stars to play. Both athletes remain enrolled and could be added later in the season, according to ESPN reporting.

CBS Sports

The SEC voted unanimously (15-0) to ban former professional players from returning to college football and has filed a federal lawsuit in Alabama to enforce that rule. The league has discussed penalties that could include game forfeitures for violations. Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr urged SEC members to use “all measures available,” including possible suspension or expulsion, if LSU fields the ex-NFL players. The legal fight follows recent NCAA rule changes that let athletes pursue a fifth season of eligibility, prompting several former pros to seek roster spots.

CBS Sports

Former Alabama coach and ESPN analyst Nick Saban described the situation as “absolutely crazy,” noting that the Protect College Sports Act could provide clearer guidelines for such cases. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney called the prospect of former pros playing in college “embarrassing,” indicating the Tigers would not face them in Week 1.

WBRC - Birmingham

During Kiffin’s weekly radio show, longtime fan Kent DeJean condemned SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey’s plan as “illegal” and “discriminatory.” Fellow listener Tim Cooper called for Sankey’s resignation, while Corey McKeeber argued that players who fail to make NFL rosters should be allowed to return to college competition.

WAFB - Baton Rouge

• “I believe you fight for what you believe in, and I believe these kids have a right to play just like all the other kids around the country that are winning court cases and being put on rosters,” — Lane Kiffin, head football coach

WBRC - Birmingham

• “But, at the same time, I’m the head coach of LSU and I had to make a decision that is for the big picture of LSU and the LSU football program.” — Lane Kiffin, head football coach

WBRC - Birmingham

• “Five or 10 years ago, did we ever think an NFL player could come back and play in college? It’s absolutely crazy” — Nick Saban, college football analyst

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• “We have to win this weekend,” — Lane Kiffin, head football coach

WAFB - Baton Rouge

• “Tell Greg Sankey that he needs to worry about more important things than trying to back up an illegal discriminatory plan,” — Kent DeJean

WAFB - Baton Rouge

• “They getting paid anyway to play in college nowadays. They go to the NFL to get paid. If they don’t make the team in the NFL, why can’t they come back,” — Corey McKeeber

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