Former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright, Xzavian Harris left in limbo after LSU backs away

Former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Xzavian Harris face an uncertain football future after LSU decided not to add them to its 2026 roster, despite a legal battle that had opened the door for both former Ole Miss players to return to the college game.

The Tigers instead filled their final two roster spots with cornerback Aidan Anding and defensive end Gabriel Reliford, ending — at least for now — Lane Kiffin’s attempt to bring Wright and Harris to Baton Rouge.

That leaves both players facing an uncertain next move. They went undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft, signed with NFL teams and were waived during training camp before pursuing a return to college football. Now LSU is no longer an option, while their ability to immediately return to the NFL also remains unresolved.

Wright’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said NFL teams have shown interest in his client, but the league has yet to clear him to try out or sign. Harris, who spent time with the New Orleans Saints this offseason, is also reportedly attempting to find another NFL opportunity.

LSU fills its final roster spots

The possibility of Wright and Harris joining the Tigers disappeared when LSU used its final two spots on cornerback Aidan Anding and defensive end Gabriel Reliford, completing its 105-man roster.

Wright and Harris, both members of the 2022 recruiting class, had gone undrafted in the 2026 NFL Draft before spending time with NFL teams. Wright signed with the Philadelphia Eagles and later the Cleveland Browns, while Harris spent time with the New Orleans Saints.

Both were eventually waived and attempted to return to college football.

Wright had previously played for Kiffin at Ole Miss, catching 39 passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns in 2025. Over his college career, he totaled 113 receptions for 1,603 yards and nine touchdowns.

Court rulings opened the door

The unusual situation developed after Wright and Harris pursued legal action challenging restrictions on their return to college football.

A Louisiana court ruling gave the players a path toward using a fifth season of eligibility, and they later secured an injunction aimed at preventing the SEC from taking action against LSU if the school added them.

The conference, however, pushed back. The SEC filed its own federal lawsuit and reportedly raised the possibility of action against LSU‘s conference membership if the dispute continued.

With the stakes rising, the Tigers ultimately backed away.

Wright and Harris left searching

The decision leaves both players in an unusual football limbo.

Wright’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said NFL teams have shown interest in his client, but Wright is waiting for clarity from the league over whether he can return this season.

Harris is also reportedly pursuing another NFL opportunity.

Louisiana attorney Ryan Downton told Yahoo Sports that both players are reviewing their legal options following LSU‘s decision, meaning one of college football’s strangest roster battles may not be finished yet.