Are LSU's pros allowed to play? Judge rules in favor of players, paving way for return to college
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Are LSU's pros allowed to play? Judge rules in favor of players, paving way for return to college originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
When it comes to LSU head coach Lane Kiffin, nothing can truly be without drama. The Tigers are preparing to kick off against Clemson on Sept. 5, but there was a major question about whether two of his players, defensive lineman Zxavian Harris and tight end Dae'Quan Wright, would be able to suit up and play at all this season.
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Both players were on NFL rosters just last month, and Kiffin's decision to sign them set off a firestorm between LSU and the SEC. On Thursday, just two days before LSU is set to kick off, the SEC filed a federal lawsuit naming Kiffin and LSU as defendants in an effort to prevent the Tigers from rostering former NFL players. Now, a Louisiana judge has paved the way for the two former pros to make a controversial return to college football.
Here's the latest on both players' renewed eligibility, LSU and Kiffin.
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Are LSU's pros allowed to play?
It appears both players will be allowed to play. At the very least, both Wright and Harris have reportedly been practicing with the Tigers in the days leading up to the Clemson game. Whether or not Kiffin planned on actually playing either against Clemson in Week 1 is unclear. If Kiffin does indeed play either of the two former NFL players, an uncomfortable showdown with the SEC could heat up quickly.
On Thursday, the SEC filed a lawsuit attempting to bar Wright and Harris from playing for LSU. The conference requested that the court “enter a preliminary and permanent injunction prohibiting Defendants from violating the Conference’s First Amendment rights by compelling the Conference to associate with conduct that is contrary to the Conference’s purpose and mission.”
The judge sided with the players in this case, allowing them eligibility to play.
Players are granted additional eligibility.
— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) September 4, 2026
The decision now rests with LSU on adding them to the roster. https://t.co/7mgqXTdgwz
Harris and Wright both played for Kiffin at Ole Miss last season. But just last month, both guys were on NFL rosters. Harris had signed with the New Orleans Saints on May 1 as an undrafted free agent, and was with the team until New Orleans waived him on Aug. 8. Wright also went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft. In early May, he signed with the Philadelphia Eagles until Aug. 10, but he was picked up shortly thereafter by the Cleveland Browns.
On Aug. 19, a temporary restraining order stemming from a federal lawsuit in Louisiana granted Wright and Harris an additional year of eligibility.
Harris announced he was signing with LSU a few days later. Wright was released by the Browns on waivers on Aug. 24, and he returned to LSU. On Sept. 3, the same day LSU filed its lawsuit against the LSU, a judge was hearing an appeal of the initial TRO that granted Wright and Harris' eligibility.
The two former Ole Miss players, including over a dozen other college football players named plaintiffs in the suit, proceeded to enter the transfer portal. Although some other players spent brief stints or tried out with NFL teams, most of them had not formally signed with an NFL team. Kiffin also signed former Notre Dame defensive end Junior Tuihalamaka, but he did not spend time with any NFL team.
The SEC teams give 24 hours notice of full rosters before each game. So that means Kiffin and LSU theoretically have until 7:30 p.m. on Friday to submit a full roster to the league.
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LSU roster for Week 1 vs. Clemson
Given that neither player was practicing with the rest of the team during fall camp and at offseason workouts, both would likely be projected to be on, at best, the second team of LSU's depth chart.
TE Dae'Q Wright
Wright had his best season as a senior year as a full-time starter last year at Ole Miss. He notched a career-high 39 receptions for 635 yards with five touchdowns, averaging 16.3 yards per reception.
Still, he would likely be listed as the second-team tight end at best, behind returning starter Trey'Dez Green.
DE Zxavian Harris
Harris had a breakout season as a senior at Ole Miss in 2025. He had 15 starts for Ole Miss and finished with 58 total tackles with 27 solo stops. He added a career-high three sacks with an interception.
He is projected to be a No. 2 defensive tackle behind Dominick McKinley.
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LSU court ruling
Judge Will Jorden ruled in favor of the players and granted them a preliminary injunction, which should pave the way for them to play for LSU.
BREAKING from @WAFB news director on site: Judge Will Jorden has sided with players and GRANTED the preliminary injunction @LSUfootball#LSU@WAFB
— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) September 4, 2026