The NFL delivered a brutal verdict this week, making it official: defensive tackle Zxavian Harris and tight end Dae’Quan Wright are flat-out ineligible for the entire 2026 season. We’re not talking a short suspension here, this is a full lockout from visiting, trying out, or signing with any NFL team until 2027.
The LSU Controversy That Blew Up
Remember that wild NCAA eligibility controversy swirling around LSU in the preseason? Yeah, Harris and Wright were right at the heart of it. These guys had already signed with NFL teams, but when those rosters didn’t work out, they somehow agreed to join Lane Kiffin’s LSU squad. Talk about a curveball! Wright was even seen in Eagles training camp photos just a couple months ago, rocking #45 on July 30th.
The Fallout And NFL’s Hammer Drop
That whole move set off a full-blown firestorm across the SEC and the entire NCAA. LSU seemed dead set on bringing them on, despite SEC rules clearly stating they weren’t eligible. The outside pressure must have been absolutely brutal, because LSU eventually backed down and didn’t put either player on their final roster. Now, the NFL has weighed in, making sure there’s no way back for 2026. This memo went out to teams just this past Wednesday, September 16th.
So, for Harris and Wright, it’s a forced timeout. No NFL action for them until the 2027 season rolls around. This whole saga is a stark reminder of the wild eligibility rules and how quickly a player’s path can get complicated.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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