Tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris were left off LSU’s roster for Saturday’s season opener against Clemson, despite a Louisiana judge granting a preliminary injunction clearing former professional athletes to return to college football under the ongoing eligibility lawsuit.
Neither Wright nor Harris was added to the active lineup, a cautious approach that highlights the ongoing legal uncertainty surrounding athletes transitioning back from professional leagues.
Legal Battle Clears Path While SEC Fights Back
The roster decisions follow a preliminary injunction issued Thursday by Judge William Jorden, which prohibits the NCAA and SEC from punishing any school that fields players named in the lawsuit. Wright and Harris are among 42 athletes from various sports challenging NCAA restrictions in a Louisiana court to secure a fifth and final season of eligibility.
While the state court ruling protects schools from immediate penalties regarding eligible plaintiffs, the Southeastern Conference remains staunchly opposed to the return of former professionals. The SEC filed a separate federal lawsuit seeking the authority to enforce its conference rules against LSU, creating a high-stakes standoff between state judicial orders and conference governance.
Weighing Practice Time and Roster Caution Against Clemson
Neither player was expected to see the field against Clemson regardless of their administrative clearance. Harris did not practice with the team following his return, and Wright participated in just two practices. Both athletes spent the offseason pursuing professional opportunities after playing under coach Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss.
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 what he called a business decision
to head to Baton Rouge, according to ESPN.
Flexibility Maintained for the Remainder of the Season
By keeping two roster spots vacant and omitting the former Ole Miss players from the initial game-day list, LSU avoids forcing an immediate confrontation with conference leadership before the season’s opening kickoff. Both players remain enrolled at the university, leaving the door open for their integration as the legal proceedings unfold.
As the litigation continues to test the boundaries of collegiate athlete eligibility, LSU’s measured approach ensures that the university retains maximum roster flexibility while monitoring how federal and state courts handle the conference’s challenges.
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