LSU sidesteps SEC eligibility rule by benching ex-NFL players for Clemson opener

LSU has opted to leave former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris off its official roster ahead of Saturday’s season opener against Clemson. The decision appears calculated to avoid an immediate confrontation with the Southeastern Conference, which recently passed a rule barring former professional athletes from college rosters.

The move comes just hours after a Louisiana federal court granted the duo a preliminary injunction on Thursday night. The ruling allows them to pursue a fifth year of eligibility against the NCAA and SEC, despite the conference’s new regulatory framework.

LSU stated on Friday that it is currently reviewing the court’s order and intends to continue working constructively with the SEC and NCAA as the matter progresses. The Tigers have submitted a roster of 103 players, leaving two spots open for potential additions later in the season.

Clemson general counsel Chip Hood sent a letter to his LSU counterpart suggesting the eligibility issue could conflict with the contract for the game, although the Tigers still plan to play. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney described the current state of college football as “embarrassing,” though he noted he did not blame the players for trying to navigate the system.

Both Wright and Harris previously played for new LSU head coach Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss. Wright, a tight end, recorded 39 catches for 635 yards last season before spending time with the Cleveland Browns organisation. Harris, a defensive tackle, posted 58 tackles and three sacks for the Rebels before being waived by the New Orleans Saints last month.

The College Football Playoff has also voiced support for the rules barring former professional players from the college game. While the immediate legal conflict has been paused by the roster omission, both players remain enrolled at LSU and could be added to the active list in the coming weeks.