LSU Finalizes 2026 Roster Without Former NFL Players Wright and Harris

LSU announced the addition of cornerback Aidan Anding and defensive end Gabriel Reliford, bringing its roster to 105 players and effectively closing the list for the 2026 season. The move confirms that former NFL players Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris will not be added to the squad, despite having practiced with the team before the season opener against Clemson.

"The SEC and its member universities have the right to establish, through agreed-upon governance procedures, the rules under which they voluntarily compete and to expect those rules to be followed. A commitment to those rules, and to the core principles of the Southeastern Conference, is an essential element of SEC membership. Today's filing is necessary to defend that right and preserve the Conference's ability to govern competition among its members," the conference said.

Wright, who was waived by the Cleveland Browns, and Harris, released by the New Orleans Saints, argued that recent eligibility changes allowing five years of play should permit their return to college football. A Louisiana judge issued a temporary restraining order and a preliminary injunction that could have enabled them to play this season, but the SEC filed a federal lawsuit seeking to enforce its rules. The league indicated that penalties could include a half-season suspension for the head coach and a fine equal to half of the program’s annual operating budget.

The dispute did not affect LSU's performance on the field; the Tigers defeated Clemson 51-10, recording 309 rushing yards and four rushing touchdowns while limiting the opponent's offense for most of the game.