Lane Kiffin excludes Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris from LSU game roster

LSU head coach Lane Kiffin kept players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris off the roster for Saturday's game against Clemson. Kiffin stated the decision was in the school's best interest due to legal uncertainties regarding the SEC's opposition to former NFL players competing in the conference. Although a Louisiana preliminary injunction previously barred the SEC and NCAA from penalizing schools for using such players, the conference has filed a federal lawsuit to block their participation. Legal representative Ryan Downton described the move as a measured decision and advocated for a lower-temperature approach to the ongoing conflict. While the players remain off the active list for the current matchup, there is no indication that the possibility of them joining the roster at a future date has been ruled out. The case remains a central point of contention as the 2026 college football season continues.

• 5:38 PMCBS Sports — Lane Kiffin says 'uncertainties' prevented LSU from rostering ex-NFL players in Week 1 vs. Clemson
• 3:54 PMYahoo Sports — Lane Kiffin says decision to leave former NFL players off LSU roster was in 'the best interest of the team and the university'
• 3:37 PMYahoo Sports — Lane Kiffin: Leaving former NFL players off roster in best interest of LSU