LSU omits former pros from roster for season opener

Tight end Dae'Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris have not been added to the Louisiana State University roster for its home season opener against Clemson on Saturday, according to sources. The exclusion comes despite both athletes being cleared earlier in the week to return to college football following brief stints in the National Football League.

Neither player was expected to feature in the opening fixture even if they had been rostered, owing to limited preparation time. Harris did not participate in any practice sessions, while Wright attended only two. The players could potentially be added to the squad later in the year, though the timing remains uncertain.

Wright and Harris, both former Ole Miss players, stated during a lengthy court hearing that they intended to join their former coach, Lane Kiffin, during his debut season at LSU. They are part of a broader group of 42 athletes from various sports who have sued the National Collegiate Athletic Association in Louisiana to secure a fifth and final season of eligibility.

The legal backdrop remains tense. Judge William Jorden approved a preliminary injunction on Thursday that prohibits the NCAA and the Southeastern Conference from punishing any school that fields these specific named athletes. However, the ruling does not apply to all athletes, only those listed in the lawsuit.

Administrators at the NCAA, the SEC, and most of their member schools remain adamantly opposed to the players' return. LSU still faces the prospect of punitive punishments from the conference for rostering players who have signed NFL deals, creating a governance challenge for the university.

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 he was making a "business decision" to head to Baton Rouge.