NFLers who tried to play for LSU barred from league for 2026

Two players who returned to LSU after working out with the NFL teams this offseason will be ineligible to play for any NFL team this season, per a memo the league sent to its clubs Wednesday.Defensive tackle Zxavian Harris and tight end Dae’Quan Wright decided to go back to college football after spending part of training camp with the Saints and Browns, respectively.After court, SEC and NCAA developments, the two were not added to LSU’s 105-man roster.They were previously draft-eligible, so they will become free agents after this season.“Clubs are reminded that it is each club’s responsibility to verify player eligibility.If a club is unable to verify a player’s eligibility, either on its own or in consultation with the NFL Player Personnel Department, the club may not sign such player to a contract and may not otherwise permit the player to practice or play with the club (including a visit or tryout),” the memo read.“Violations may subject the club to discipline, including the loss of draft choices and/or fines, and club personnel may also be subject to fines and/or suspension.

If there is any question regarding a player’s NFL eligibility, it is imperative that the club contact the NFL Player Personnel Department,” it concluded.Harris and Wright played under Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss.Both went undrafted in 2025, but Harris signed with the Saints, and Wright signed with the Eagles and later joined the Browns for training camp.Both were waived and attempted to go back to college football with Kiffin at LSU after Judge William Jorden initially granted more than 40 former NCAA athletes from the 2022 recruiting class a fifth year of eligibility, going against an NCAA ruling that restricted them.

That ruling led to several players under pro contracts attempting to return to college with NIL deals, with Kiffin and LSU actively courting them.Despite Kiffin welcoming Harris and Wright, going against the SEC’s resolution, they were left off LSU’s final...