Two former NFL players who were attempting to play for LSU will not be added to the Tigers' final 105-man roster, according to an ESPN report confirmed by CBS Sports' Brandon Marcello. The roster will be locked for the 2026 season after LSU's late addition of two players Tuesday, ending speculation the Tigers would defy the SEC's rule prohibiting former professional players by allowing Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to join the team. CBS Sports has confirmed sophomore cornerback Aidan Anding and junior defensive end Gabriel Reliford were the last two players added to the roster, perhaps ending a chaotic storyline that has dominated college football since the season began.
LSU deciding not to add the two ex-NFL players comes in the wake of the SEC's threat to expel LSU from the conference, or at least seek the legal authority to do so after Lane Kiffin and the Tigers attempted to sign multiple players to the team who had previously signed professional contracts and were awarded temporary restraining orders to return to college sports after a new NCAA eligibility policy. CBS Sports' John Talty reported last week that multiple sources believed the league had the necessary votes to do so if the Tigers refused to de-escalate the situation. But Kiffin may have done just that by leaving Wright and Harris off the official squad list, although the saga likely isn't over yet.
A Louisiana judge granted a preliminary injunction clearing the way for Wright and Harris to play, a move that defies SEC rules. But the SEC's federal suit keeps their long-term eligibility in jeopardy. With two open spots on its roster, LSU decided to fill its roster with players who were not in the crosshairs of the SEC.
Last week, LSU won a court battle in Louisiana after a judge ruled in favor of the Tigers potentially adding two former professional athletes. On the same day, the SEC filed its own lawsuit against Kiffin and LSU in Alabama. The conference is still fighting to enforce its own penalties on teams that roster former professional athletes, which were passed by a 15-0 vote with LSU abstaining — for obvious reasons.
Prior to LSU's season-opening win over Clemson, the Tigers decided not to add Harris and Wright at the deadline for them to play vs. the Tigers. Kiffin had previously said he consulted his team's leadership committee and said every player was on board with the possible addition of the two former college players who signed NFL contracts as undrafted free agents and participated in preseason training camp. During Saturday's appearance on ESPN's College GameDay, Kiffin cited "uncertainties" on why neither Harris nor Wright were suiting up for the Tigers against Clemson.
"That wasn't easy, as much as I feel for the players," Kiffin said. "And I believe that you fight for what you believe in. And I believe these kids have an opportunity to play, just like all the other kids around the country that are winning court cases and being put on rosters.
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