LSU has backed down in its game of chicken with the SEC, at least for the time being.
The Tigers have reportedly left tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris off the team’s roster ahead of Saturday’s season opener against Clemson. According to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, LSU has listed 103 players on their submitted roster, leaving two spots open.
Sources: LSU has not added Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to the team’s roster for the Clemson game. They could potentially be added later in the year, as both are enrolled in school. LSU has 103 players on the roster submitted, and that leaves them two spots. pic.twitter.com/aLJ797WKhJ
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 5, 2026
The move comes less than a day after a Louisiana judge granted a preliminary injunction in LSU’s favor. The court order barred the SEC and NCAA from punishing teams that roster former professional players such as Wright and Harris. The ruling appeared to clear the way for Lane Kiffin to at least have the option to use either man during Saturday’s game.
However, LSU’s decision on its roster for the Clemson game does not mean that the school is backing down entirely. The Tigers can still add Harris, Wright, and former Notre Dame pass rusher Junior Tuihalamaka to their roster later this season, barring any subsequent court rulings.
Neither Harris nor Wright was expected to play Saturday, even if they were included on LSU’s submitted roster. Wright has reportedly practiced with the team only twice, while Harris has yet to participate in any.
Perhaps Kiffin felt it best to keep both players out of the spotlight for the time being to avoid any distractions for the season-opening clash against Clemson.
