# NCAA eligibility litigation and LSU roster disputes > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/ncaa-eligibility-litigation-and-nfl-player-returns > Updated: 2026-09-04T01:40:37.000Z. Sources: 51. Developments: 3. As LSU prepares for its season opener against Clemson, the integration of former professional players remains a point of significant legal and regulatory friction. While head coach Lane Kiffin has integrated tight end Dae’Quan Wright into walk-through practices, the eligibility of Wright, defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, and defensive back Blake Cotton remains uncertain due to ongoing litigation. Despite a preliminary injunction from a Louisiana judge that theoretically allows these athletes to compete for a fifth year of eligibility, LSU has decided not to include Wright or Harris on its official roster for the Clemson game. Kiffin stated this decision was made in the “best interest” of the LSU football program due to the prevailing legal uncertainties. This exclusion follows a period of intense conflict involving a federal lawsuit filed by the SEC against LSU, Kiffin, and university officials, alleging violations of conference rules intended to bar professional players from returning to college football. The SEC has threatened severe penalties, including fines and coach suspensions, for schools that field such players. Clemson’s general counsel has also issued a warning to LSU, stating that fielding players with disputed eligibility could breach contractual obligations between the two schools. While Wright and Harris were omitted from the current 103-player roster, LSU has left two spots open that could allow them to be added later in the season as legal or regulatory clarity is achieved. Notably, LSU has successfully rostered former Notre Dame defender Junior Tuihalamaka, whose eligibility situation differed because he had not participated in NFL activities. The season opener at Tiger Stadium also faced delays due to severe lightning and weather in the Baton Rouge area. ## Claims - A Louisiana judge issued a preliminary injunction allowing former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to be eligible for college football. (corroborated by 8 sources) - LSU omitted Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris from its official roster for the season opener against Clemson. (corroborated by 7 sources) - The SEC filed a federal lawsuit in Alabama against LSU, Lane Kiffin, and other officials, alleging violations of the conference's right of expressive association. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Attorney Ryan Downton, representing Wright and Harris, threatened to seek a contempt of court charge against LSU for not rostering the players. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Clemson general counsel Chip Hood warned LSU that playing ineligible players could breach the contractual obligations between the two schools. (corroborated by 3 sources) - LSU submitted a roster containing 103 players for the Clemson game, leaving two spots open to potentially add players later. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Former Notre Dame defender Junior Tuihalamaka was added to the LSU roster, distinguishing him from Wright and Harris who had NFL experience. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-04: LSU omits former NFL players from roster amid SEC legal battle LSU head coach Lane Kiffin opted not to roster former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris for the season opener against Clemson, citing legal uncertainties amid an SEC lawsuit. 24 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lsu-roster-dispute-escalates-ahead-of-clemson-matchup ### 2026-08-31: LSU integrates former NFL player ahead of Clemson opener LSU coach Lane Kiffin is integrating former NFL tight end Dae’Quan Wright into practices ahead of the season opener against Clemson amid legal uncertainty regarding SEC rules on professional players. 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lsu-integrates-former-nfl-player-ahead-of-clemson-opener ### 2026-08-23: Dae’Quan Wright to potentially join LSU after being waived by Browns Tight end Dae’Quan Wright is set to become the first player to return to college football after an NFL stint, joining LSU following a court ruling on NCAA eligibility. 32 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/daequan-wright-waived-by-browns-to-return-to-lsu --- Cite as: NCAA eligibility litigation and LSU roster disputes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/ncaa-eligibility-litigation-and-nfl-player-returns