LSU Caps Roster, Ending Immediate Push to Add Former NFL Players Amid SEC Lawsuit

LSU announced that cornerback Aidan Anding and defensive end Gabriel Reliford have been added to the football roster, bringing the total to the NCAA-mandated maximum of 105 players for the 2026 season. The move eliminates the possibility of adding former NFL rookies Dae’Quan Wright (tight end) and Zxavian Harris (defensive lineman) for the season opener against Clemson. LSU’s 51-10 victory over Clemson followed the roster decision, and the Tigers rose to No. 8 in the latest AP Top 25 poll.

New York Post

Wright and Harris, seniors who signed with NFL teams during the offseason, were waived and sought a fifth year of college eligibility under the NCAA’s “five-for-five” model. A preliminary injunction would have permitted them to play, but the SEC adopted a rule barring former NFL players from competing at member schools; LSU abstained from the vote. The conference then filed a federal lawsuit alleging LSU’s intent to add the ex-NFL players violated conference governance. The suit was amended to seek authority to expel LSU, prompting a scheduled meeting of SEC presidents to decide the university’s fate.

With SEC pressure mounting, LSU football makes roster move that may end eligibility saga 247SportsESPNNew York Post

• Roster limit: 105 players.

With SEC pressure mounting, LSU football makes roster move that may end eligibility saga

• Additions: Aidan Anding (cornerback, second year) and Gabriel Reliford (defensive end, third year). Both missed the initial roster due to spring injuries.

247Sports

• Ex-NFL candidates: Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris each earned a legal win granting a fifth season of eligibility.

With SEC pressure mounting, LSU football makes roster move that may end eligibility saga

• Game result: LSU defeated Clemson 51-10, moving from No. 13 to No. 8 in the US LBM Coaches Poll.

With SEC pressure mounting, LSU football makes roster move that may end eligibility saga

• Attorney Ryan Downton: Representing Wright and Harris, Downton told reporters the players “are reviewing legal options” after LSU’s roster decision.

With SEC pressure mounting, LSU football makes roster move that may end eligibility saga

The SEC’s amended lawsuit argues that LSU has rejected the conference’s core values and seeks an injunction to prevent “irreparable harm” to the SEC’s brand, championships, and media properties. Analyst Ross Dellenger notes that expulsion would require 11 supportive votes from the 16 member schools.

ESPN

• “ "My job is what I believe is right, and I believe we were fighting for what was right for those kids," Kiffin said in his postgame news conference after defeating Clemson.” — Lane Kiffin, Tigers head coach

ESPN

• “Imagine if we had pro players.” — Lane Kiffin, Tigers head coach

With SEC pressure mounting, LSU football makes roster move that may end eligibility saga

Sources differ on whether LSU’s roster lock permanently ends any chance for Wright and Harris to join later in the season. Some reports say the move may still allow the players to be added if a spot opens, while others assert the roster is now full and the legal dispute is effectively closed. No definitive clarification has been provided by LSU or the SEC.

New York Post

A federal judge is scheduled to hear the SEC’s arguments for a temporary restraining order at 1 p.m. on September 9, 2026. The conference’s presidents are set to meet the following Thursday to vote on whether to expel LSU.

247Sports