LSU’s roster moves may end eligibility fight amid SEC expulsion vote

By the Editorial Team · Thursday, September 10, 2026

Louisiana State University has finalized its football roster at the NCAA limit by adding Aiden Anding and Gabriel Reliford, excluding former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris amid an ongoing eligibility dispute. This decision may influence the SEC’s upcoming vote on LSU’s conference status and leaves the legal battle over the players’ collegiate eligibility unresolved.

Louisiana State University (LSU) has confirmed it will add two players, Aiden Anding and Gabriel Reliford, to its football roster, reaching the NCAA-mandated maximum of 105 players. This move, announced on September 8, effectively precludes the addition of tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive lineman Zxavian Harris for the time being, potentially bringing an end to a protracted eligibility dispute involving the university and the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

The decision to finalize the roster without Wright and Harris comes amid ongoing legal and regulatory challenges. Both players, who were seniors last season, initially signed with NFL teams in the offseason but were waived before the 2026 college football season. They sought to return to collegiate play at LSU after previously competing under head coach Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss. However, a new NCAA five-for-five eligibility rule, coupled with a policy passed by the SEC banning former NFL players from competing at member schools, complicated their return.

Wright and Harris filed a lawsuit in Louisiana challenging the eligibility restrictions. A state judge granted a temporary restraining order that would allow them to compete at the college level, and a preliminary injunction later prohibited the NCAA and SEC from penalizing institutions for including such players on their rosters. Despite this legal clearance, LSU did not add Wright and Harris to the active roster for its season opener on September 2, a game in which LSU defeated Clemson 51-10.

Head coach Lane Kiffin addressed the difficult decision not to include the two former NFL players, citing the need to prioritize the broader interests of the LSU football program amid ongoing uncertainties. “As much as I feel for the players, and I believe that you fight for what you believe in... I had to make a decision that is for the big picture of LSU and the LSU football program,” Kiffin said during an ESPN interview on September 2.

These roster developments come just days before the SEC was scheduled to vote on September 10 on a measure that could potentially expel LSU from the conference—an event whose status remains unclear following the recent roster announcement. Ryan Downton, attorney for Wright and Harris, indicated that the players are still evaluating legal options, suggesting that the eligibility battle may not be fully resolved.

LSU currently sits at No. 8 in the US LBM Coaches Poll, up from No. 13 following their decisive victory over Clemson. The Tigers are set to host Louisiana Tech on September 12.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.