A Louisiana judge just paved the way for two former NFL players to suit up for LSU, setting the stage for a dramatic Week 1 showdown with Clemson on September 5. Defensive lineman Zxavian Harris and tight end Dae’Quan Wright, both previously on NFL rosters, are now eligible to play for LSU, sparking a major firestorm with the SEC and leaving head coach Lane Kiffin right in the middle of it. Nothing is ever quiet when Kiffin is around, is it?
The Legal Blockbuster That Shook Up Week 1
The drama hit a peak on Thursday, just two days before LSU’s season opener. The SEC, clearly not thrilled with Kiffin signing these former pros, slapped Kiffin and LSU with a federal lawsuit. Their goal? Stop the Tigers from rostering Harris and Wright. The conference’s filing was pretty intense, requesting 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.” Talk about laying down the gauntlet! But in a move that surely sent shockwaves through the conference offices, the judge sided with the players, granting them additional eligibility. Now, it’s up to LSU to officially add them to the roster.
From NFL Dreams To College Gridiron
Harris and Wright’s journey back to college ball has been a whirlwind. Both guys actually played for Kiffin last season when he was at Ole Miss. Just last month, they were chasing NFL dreams. Harris, an undrafted free agent, signed with the New Orleans Saints on May 1 but was waived on August 8. Wright, also undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in early May until August 10, then got picked up by the Cleveland Browns before being released on waivers on August 24. A temporary restraining order on August 19, part of a federal lawsuit in Louisiana, initially granted them an extra year of eligibility. Harris signed with LSU a few days later, and Wright returned after his release from the Browns. Now, after all that, they’re reportedly practicing with the Tigers, ready to potentially make an immediate impact.
So, what happens next? Kiffin has to decide if he actually plays either Wright or Harris against Clemson. If he does, you can bet that “uncomfortable showdown with the SEC” is gonna heat up fast. The Tigers kick off against Clemson on September 5, and the entire college football world will be watching to see if these two former NFL players hit the field and what that means for the Tigers’ season. This story is far from over, folks.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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