LSU · SECLSU leaves Wright, Harris off Clemson roster after injunction
Lane Kiffin cited uncertain SEC and legal consequences after a judge granted both players eligibility for the Sept. 5 opener.
SEP 5, 2026
The Pate State · Editorial IllustrationPlayers left off LSU’s final roster
Initial plaintiffs in the eligibility lawsuit
01 · The NewsLSU Chooses Roster Protection
LSU left Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris off its final roster for the Saturday, Sept. 5, 7:30 p.m. ET opener against Clemson even after a preliminary injunction granted both players eligibility, coach Lane Kiffin said Saturday.
A Baton Rouge judge had ruled that LSU could not prevent Wright and Harris from playing while they seek another year of eligibility. The order opened the door to the field but did not settle what the SEC might do if LSU put them on its roster.
“That wasn’t easy,” Kiffin said. “As much as I feel for the players – and I believe that you fight for what you believe in, and I believe these kids have an opportunity to play just like all the other kids around the country that are winning court cases and being put on rosters.
The SEC had announced severe penalties for schools that violated its ban on former professionals appearing on final rosters. Its presidents gave commissioner Greg Sankey broad authority, including the power to suspend a head coach for half a season and fine an athletic department half its operating budget. The SEC also filed a federal lawsuit against LSU, Kiffin, president Wade Rousse and athletics director Verge Ausberry.
Wright and Harris were two of the 16 initial plaintiffs in the eligibility lawsuit against the NCAA, which later added the SEC and Sankey as defendants. Wright signed with the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent after last season. Harris signed with the New Orleans Saints before being cut early in training camp.
Both LSU and Clemson went 7-6 in 2025; LSU finished 3-5 in the SEC and Clemson 4-4 in the ACC. LSU has not said whether either player can join a later roster, play for the Tigers this season or receive a final ruling on another year of eligibility. The Sept. 5 roster deadline left Wright and Harris with a court victory—and no place on the field against Clemson.
02 · The StakesThe Cost of the Roster Call
LSU chose protection from possible SEC penalties and legal fallout over immediate access to two players in a game that could shape its playoff path. Josh Pate’s preseason bracket put Clemson at No. 3 and LSU at No. 8, making the roster decision part of an early test for both picks.
03 · The Watch ListWhat We're Watching
A later roster
Will Wright or Harris join a later LSU roster? LSU has not said whether either player can do so.
The SEC response
What consequences follow the decision? The SEC had announced severe penalties for schools that violated its ban on former professionals appearing on final rosters.