LSU · SECLSU keeps Wright, Harris off Clemson roster
The Tigers left two spots open after a court ruling cleared the former NFL players to play, while facing reported SEC penalties.
SEP 6, 2026
The Pate State · Editorial Illustrationreported SEC fine
reported head-coach suspension
LSU's 2025 overall and SEC record
01 · The NewsLSU Leaves Two Spots Open
LSU kept former NFL players Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris off its 103-player roster for Saturday, Sept. 5, against Clemson, despite a court ruling that cleared the way for them to play, Pete Thamel reported Saturday. The two open spots leave LSU a path to add them later.
Ryan Downton of Texas Trial Group called the decision a pause rather than a retreat.
“LSU has made a measured decision to keep these two young men off the roster for now while preserving a path for them to be added later… Neither player was drafted, made an NFL roster or practice squad, or even played a pre-season game. One received just $190 in gas money, and one never participated in a single practice because of a college injury. [SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey] repeatedly testified that individual circumstances matter and acknowledged he was not familiar with the specific circumstances of these two players. We agree. Before this escalates any further, examine their actual histories… Respect the courts, protect the players, and let level heads prevail,” Downton said.
The roster decision leaves LSU weighing a possible midseason boost against reported SEC penalties: a half-season suspension for the head coach and a $20 million fine for signing former NFL players. The SEC has not announced whether it will impose those penalties.
02 · The StakesWhy This One Matters
LSU agreed to NIL deals with Wright and Harris after court rulings gave former NFL players another year of eligibility. The SEC, Big Ten, ACC and Big 12 then adopted bylaws barring former NFL players from joining conference rosters. The football consequences reach a team that went 7-6 overall and 3-5 in the SEC in 2025, then opened 2026 ranked No. 11 in the AP Top 25 and No. 13 in the coaches poll. Josh Pate's preseason bracket put LSU at No. 8 and Clemson at No. 3 in the playoff field, making the Sept. 5 game a projected playoff matchup before either team played.
03 · The Detail Beneath the HeadlineWhat Most People Are Missing
The open spots do not make Wright or Harris ready to play. Under NCAA rules, Thamel reported, neither player can practice for LSU until he is added to the roster.
That forces a decision before LSU can begin preparing either player. The Tigers can hold the spots open, but they cannot use practice to assess how quickly Wright or Harris could help while both remain off the roster.
Downton's account of the players' histories is part of LSU's argument. He said neither was drafted, joined an NFL roster or practice squad, or appeared in a preseason game. He said one received $190 in gas money and the other never practiced because of a college injury, without identifying which player fit either description.
“LSU has made a measured decision to keep these two young men off the roster for now while preserving a path for them to be added later…”
Ryan Downton of Texas Trial Group04 · The PersonnelWhat Changes Now
LSU controls whether to add Wright or Harris; it does not control the court ruling or the SEC's response. Adding either player would open practice access and begin the football process, while potentially sharpening the dispute over the conference bylaws and reported penalties. Waiting preserves the spots but costs both players preparation time. LSU's next game is against Louisiana Tech on Saturday, Sept. 12. Any addition would come after the Clemson opener, with the Tigers already into the season and facing a decision about whether the roster boost is worth the conference fight.
05 · The ChessboardWhat the Coaches Can Actually Change
LSU controls whether to add Wright or Harris; it does not control the court ruling or the SEC's response. Adding either player would open practice access and begin the football process, while potentially sharpening the dispute over the conference bylaws and reported penalties. Waiting preserves the spots but costs both players preparation time.
06 · The ThesisThe Pate State Read
The 103-player filing appears designed to keep Wright and Harris out of the Clemson game without closing off a later addition. It does not establish that LSU will add either player. That choice carries unusual exposure for a team trying to improve on last season's 7-6 record. The possible reward is two more options on the roster; the reported cost is a $20 million SEC fine and a suspension that could remove the head coach for half the season. LSU has not provided a timetable, and the SEC has not announced its response. **Roster:** whether LSU adds one player, both or neither. **Practice:** whether either player appears after being added, the first visible sign that preparation for game action has started. **SEC action:** whether the conference announces the reported fine or suspension. For Wright and Harris, LSU preserved a route onto the field but left both outside the practice window that would prepare them to use it.
07 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
Will LSU add one player, both or neither?
whether LSU adds one player, both or neither.
Will either player appear at practice?
whether either player appears after being added, the first visible sign that preparation for game action has started.
Will the SEC announce penalties?
whether the conference announces the reported fine or suspension.