LSU ex-NFL players are now positioned to affect the Tigers’ immediate roster after a federal judge granted a preliminary injunction that impacts eligibility as LSU prepares to open the season against Clemson at Tiger Stadium. Judge William Jorden’s order temporarily clears a legal barrier presented by the conference and could change LSU’s depth for the opener.
Among the LSU ex-NFL players are Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, who said they expect to pursue roster spots after the ruling, which local reporting outlined in NOLA.com. The SEC has filed a federal lawsuit seeking to block member schools from adding athletes who left for professional camps.
Key Takeaways
- Dae’Quan Wright practiced with LSU this week and said he expects to play in the season opener against Clemson.
- Zxavian Harris will not be available immediately because of a foot injury but expects to be ready by Week 3 at Ole Miss.
- The SEC filed a federal lawsuit seeking to bar LSU from adding former professional players to its roster.
- Court filings identify Blake Cotton as someone intending to seek a roster spot at a Division I university in Louisiana without a public commitment to LSU.
LSU ex-NFL players eligibility timeline
Judge William Jorden granted a preliminary injunction that permits former collegiate athletes who spent time in NFL camps to pursue eligibility and return to college play this season.
Dae’Quan Wright spent the summer trying to make the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns 53-man rosters and, after being released, entered the transfer portal and has been practicing with LSU this week; he told reporters he expects to suit up for the opener at Tiger Stadium.
The injunction temporarily overrides the SEC measure passed last week that would bar member schools from adding athletes who left for professional leagues, allowing these players to participate while the broader legal fight proceeds.
Harris recovery and expected role
Zxavian Harris signed with the New Orleans Saints this summer, was released last month and then entered the transfer portal before landing at LSU; he cannot play immediately because of a foot injury and anticipates returning by Week 3 when LSU travels to Oxford.
His arrival later in the season would add front-line depth once cleared, but missing early games will limit his ability to impact the defensive rotation right away.
Potential additions and roster uncertainty
Court filings also identify former Utah cornerback Blake Cotton as someone who intends to seek a roster spot at a Division I university in Louisiana, though the filings do not show a public commitment to LSU.
Whether Wright, Harris or Cotton ever actually suit up for LSU will depend on the outcome of the SEC’s federal suit and the remaining eligibility litigation.
Comparing SEC rule change and court actions
| Action | What it does |
|---|---|
| SEC measure passed last week | Bars member schools from adding athletes who left for the NFL, NBA or WNBA |
| Preliminary injunction by Judge William Jorden | Temporarily allows the named former professional players to pursue eligibility and play this season |
| SEC federal lawsuit in Alabama | Seeks to block LSU from adding former professional players and alleges coordinated recruitment |
SEC standings and LSU roster impact
Any addition of veteran players who have NFL camp experience would change LSU’s immediate depth chart, particularly for early-season matchups such as the Tiger Stadium opener against Clemson.
Wright’s availability for the opener would provide an experienced option at a position the Tigers have been evaluating, while Harris’ anticipated return by Week 3 would add depth heading into SEC play and a reunion game at Ole Miss.
Local reporting and court filings informed this account as the SEC’s lawsuit and the eligibility litigation continue to move through the courts.
