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LSU Locks Roster Without Adding NFL Players, SEC Reacts
Confirmed
In Short: LSU has finalized its football roster at 105 players, excluding Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, who had signed NFL contracts.
LSU has filled its final two roster spots, bringing the team to the 105-player limit and eliminating the possibility of adding Dae'Quan Wright or Zxavian Harris this season, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. The move comes after the SEC cited LSU’s open roster spots in a federal filing, alleging the program intentionally preserved room to add former professional players later.
The SEC has argued that LSU’s pursuit of former professional players violated conference principles and demonstrated a lack of institutional control. LSU had pursued both players as the Tigers challenged the SEC’s position that athletes who signed professional contracts should not be allowed to return to college competition.
LSU’s official roster lists sophomore cornerback Aidan Anding and redshirt defensive end Gabriel Reliford. The team submitted a 103-player roster ahead of Saturday’s game against Clemson, leaving two spots available. According to reports, neither Wright nor Harris was on the LSU roster for this weekend's game, but LSU reportedly may have the option to add them later during the season.
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin explained his reasoning behind the choice not to roster the two ex-pros ahead of the Clemson game on ESPN’s College GameDay. 'The decision to leave former NFL players Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris off LSU’s roster for tonight’s season opener against Clemson was made in the best interest of the team and the university,' Kiffin said.
The SEC’s filing and LSU’s decision have sparked scrutiny and backlash. The situation now involves the legal system, as explained in a video featuring college football insider Pete Thamel. The SEC and NCAA rules allow teams to add players after the roster deadline if open spots remain and the players were properly enrolled, but the SEC argues that LSU’s pursuit of former professional players violated these principles.
What's still developing
- Nothing material beyond the confirmed record.