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NFL today coverage has taken an unexpected college football turn after LSU completed its 105-man roster without adding former NFL rookies Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris. The decision closes the door, at least for now, on the players’ proposed return to college football and adds another dramatic development to LSU’s escalating legal dispute with the SEC.
Breaking NFL Today Update: LSU Finalizes Its Roster
According to sources cited by ESPN, LSU is adding two returning players to complete its roster for the 2026 season. Cornerback Aidan Anding and defensive end Gabriel Reliford will rejoin the Tigers after both were left off the initial roster because of injuries suffered during the spring.
Reliford is entering his third year with LSU, while Anding is beginning his second season with the program. Their return means LSU no longer has available roster spots for Wright and Harris, both of whom had hoped to use a court-backed fifth year of college eligibility.
The roster decision comes shortly after LSU opened its season with a commanding 51-10 victory over Clemson. The Tigers’ impressive performance under coach Lane Kiffin briefly shifted attention toward the field, but the dispute surrounding the roster remains one of the biggest stories in college football.
Why Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris Were in the Spotlight
Wright and Harris previously played for Kiffin at Ole Miss. Earlier this year, both signed with NFL teams as undrafted free agents. They were later cleared by a Louisiana judge to return for a fifth college season and transfer to LSU, despite having signed professional contracts.
Wright reportedly practiced with LSU for two days and expected to play against Clemson. However, the Tigers did not add either player to the active 105-man roster before the season opener. LSU officials were weighing the potential consequences of violating recently established SEC rules involving athletes who had previously signed professional agreements.
- Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris were former Ole Miss players coached by Lane Kiffin.
- Both signed with NFL teams as undrafted free agents.
- A Louisiana judge approved a preliminary injunction involving their eligibility.
- LSU ultimately filled its roster with returning players Aidan Anding and Gabriel Reliford.
Explosive Legal Battle Between LSU and the SEC
The roster decision has intensified a legal battle between LSU and the SEC. The conference filed a federal lawsuit against LSU over the school’s potential plans to add Wright and Harris. The SEC also amended its filing and scheduled a meeting for Thursday, when presidents and chancellors are expected to vote on whether LSU’s membership should be terminated.
In a statement, the SEC said its member schools have the right to establish governance rules for competition and expect those rules to be followed. The conference described adherence to those rules as essential to SEC membership.
The legal conflict became more complicated after Judge William Jorden approved a preliminary injunction. The order prevented the NCAA and SEC from punishing schools that played Wright, Harris or other athletes involved in a Louisiana lawsuit seeking an additional year of eligibility.
Ryan Downton, the attorney representing Wright and Harris, previously indicated that he could seek to hold LSU in contempt if the school did not add the players to its roster. After LSU finalized its 105-man lineup, Downton told ESPN that the players were considering their legal options.
Lane Kiffin Defends LSU’s Difficult Decision
Kiffin addressed the situation on ESPN’s “College GameDay” before LSU’s season opener. He said the decision not to roster Wright and Harris was made with the long-term interests of LSU football in mind, citing uncertainty over the possible consequences.
After the victory over Clemson, Kiffin maintained that he believed LSU was fighting for what was right for the players while also protecting the football program. His comments highlight the difficult balance facing coaches in an era of shifting eligibility rules, transfer decisions and expanding legal challenges.
The immediate football impact is clear: LSU has completed its roster without the two former NFL players. The larger consequences could be far more significant if the SEC moves forward with its scheduled membership vote.
What Happens Next for LSU and the Players?
The Thursday vote could become a defining moment for the SEC and its approach to roster governance. It may also influence how conferences respond when athletes move between professional football and college eligibility.
For LSU, the priority now turns back to the 2026 season and maintaining momentum after its emphatic win over Clemson. For Wright and Harris, the next step could come through further legal action. The dispute remains unresolved, ensuring that NFL today and college football headlines will continue to follow the case closely.
What is the latest NFL today development involving LSU?
LSU completed its 105-man roster without adding former NFL rookies Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris. The players had sought to return for a fifth college season.
Who joined LSU’s roster?
Cornerback Aidan Anding and defensive end Gabriel Reliford were added after recovering from injuries that kept them off the roster before the season opener.
Why are Wright and Harris involved in a legal dispute?
Both players had signed with NFL teams as undrafted free agents but were later cleared by a Louisiana judge to pursue another college season. Their eligibility has led to legal action involving LSU, the SEC and the NCAA.
Could LSU be expelled from the SEC?
The SEC has scheduled a meeting for its presidents and chancellors to vote on whether LSU’s membership should be terminated. The outcome could significantly affect the school and conference.
