LSU has opted for a measured approach regarding the inclusion of Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, both with prior NFL experience, for their season-opening clash against Clemson. The university has not yet added these athletes to its official roster, despite a recent Louisiana court injunction that seemingly cleared their path to eligibility. This move suggests a strategic pause by LSU, as the institution navigates the complex legal landscape surrounding player eligibility and potential repercussions from the SEC. While the players remain enrolled, their immediate participation is deferred, signaling LSU's intent to monitor further developments in the ongoing legal disputes.
LSU Exercises Prudence in Roster Management Amidst Legal Unclarity
In a significant development reported by ESPN's Pete Thamel, Louisiana State University has decided against listing Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris on its active roster for the much-anticipated season opener versus Clemson on Saturday, September 5, 2026. This decision comes despite a state court's preliminary injunction issued on Thursday, September 3, 2026, which aimed to prevent the NCAA and SEC from penalizing schools for utilizing players involved in the ongoing eligibility lawsuit. Both Wright and Harris, who previously played for Ole Miss under Coach Lane Kiffin and had stints in the NFL during the offseason, are still enrolled at LSU. The Tigers' roster currently stands at 103 players, leaving two vacant spots, which could potentially be filled by Wright and Harris later in the season. This cautious stance by LSU highlights the team's reluctance to immediately challenge the SEC, which has expressed strong opposition to former professional players returning to collegiate competition and has filed its own federal lawsuit to enforce its rules.
This strategic delay by LSU provides both the university and the players with valuable flexibility. By not immediately deploying Wright and Harris, LSU avoids making the Clemson game a test case for the court's injunction, allowing more time for legal clarity to emerge. The situation remains fluid, and while there's no guarantee of their eventual inclusion, keeping the roster spots open preserves the possibility for Wright and Harris to join the active lineup should the legal landscape become more favorable. This thoughtful decision ensures that while they won't be on the field against Clemson, their journey with the LSU Tigers might still have future chapters.
