LSU’s 105-man roster for the 2026 season is officially locked, and the biggest news? Former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris are not on it. This move comes after a wild saga that’s had college football buzzing, with LSU seemingly backing down from a direct confrontation with the SEC, at least for now.
The Showdown That Almost Expelled LSU
This whole situation has been an absolute circus since the season began. Lane Kiffin and LSU were trying to bring in players like Wright and Harris, who had previously signed professional contracts but got temporary restraining orders to play college sports under a new NCAA eligibility policy. The SEC was *not* having it. We’re talking about a threat to expel LSU from the conference entirely, or at least seek the legal authority to do so. John Talty from CBS Sports reported last week that sources believed the league already had the votes to kick LSU out if they kept pushing. That’s serious, right? You gotta wonder how Kiffin was feeling with that kind of pressure.
Preliminary Injunction vs. SEC Lawsuit: Who Wins?
It wasn’t a simple decision, either. A Louisiana judge actually granted a preliminary injunction, clearing the way for Wright and Harris to play. That totally defied SEC rules. But the SEC wasn’t just sitting around. On the same day LSU won that court battle in Louisiana, the SEC filed its own lawsuit against Kiffin and LSU, all the way in Alabama! They are *still* fighting to enforce their penalties on teams that roster former professional athletes. These rules passed with a 15-0 vote, with LSU understandably abstaining. So, even though the Tigers won a court battle, the SEC’s federal suit keeps the players’ long-term eligibility in serious jeopardy. LSU ended up filling its two open roster spots with sophomore cornerback Aidan Anding and junior defensive end Gabriel Reliford, players not in the SEC’s crosshairs.
So, while Wright and Harris were left off the official squad list, and they weren’t added to play against Clemson in LSU’s season opener, this whole thing probably isn’t over. The SEC is clearly not letting go, and this “chaotic storyline” that’s dominated college football is definitely one to keep an eye on. What’s next in this legal battle? Nobody really knows, but you can bet the SEC isn’t done making their point.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by CBS Sports.
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