NFL Eligibility Denied for Wright and Harris Amid LSU Issues
WHO:
Bleacher Report - Agent Drew Rosenhaus stated that Wright "is looking at his legal options right now and we will have more to say in the near future."
Bleacher Report - Attorney Ryan Downton, who represents Wright and Harris, said that the players are "considering their legal options."
NBC Sports - Tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris are the two former players involved.
Bleacher Report - Agent Drew Rosenhaus represents Dae’Quan Wright.
WHAT:
NBC Sports - The NFL memo stated that Harris and Wright "are ineligible to visit, try out with, or be signed by NFL clubs during the 2026 NFL season."
CNN - The NFL memo indicated that Harris and Wright were "eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft, returned to college and participated with their college football team after the opening of NFL training camp, and therefore they are ineligible to visit, tryout with, or be signed by NFL clubs during the 2026 NFL season."
Acme Packing Company - The NFL stated that it is each club’s responsibility to verify player eligibility and that violations are subject to club discipline.
NBC Sports - The NFL memo stated that the announcement "is not inclusive of all 2026 draft-eligible players who returned to college."
Acme Packing Company - Zxavian Harris was one of the highest-rated undrafted free agents from the 2026 draft cycle, standing at 6’8” and weighing 330 pounds.
Acme Packing Company - Zxavian Harris faced multiple legal issues, including arrests for domestic violence, obstructing arrest, DUI, reckless driving, and running a stop sign during his time at Mississippi.
Acme Packing Company - The NFL stated that it is each club’s responsibility to verify player eligibility and that violations are subject to club discipline.
Acme Packing Company - The NFLPA will be fighting for Harris and Wright to get NFL employment this season, stating, “We are aware of the memo and are in touch with each of the players’ representatives."
NBC Sports - The NFL memo stated that the announcement "is not inclusive of all 2026 draft-eligible players who returned to college."
NBC Sports - The NFL sent a memo stating that Wright and Harris are ineligible to visit, try out for, or be signed by any NFL team during the 2026 season.
Bleacher Report - Wright and Harris attempted to return to LSU after being waived by their respective NFL teams.
Bleacher Report - Wright spent the offseason with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns, while Harris joined the New Orleans Saints.
Bleacher Report - Wright and Harris were not added to LSU's roster for the team's season opener against Clemson.
WHERE:
NBC Sports - The events are related to LSU, a college football program.
Bleacher Report - Wright and Harris were associated with the Philadelphia Eagles, Cleveland Browns, and New Orleans Saints.
WHEN:
NBC Sports - The NFL memo was sent on a Wednesday.
Bleacher Report - Wright and Harris were waived by their respective teams last month.
Bleacher Report - LSU's season opener was against Clemson, and they added players to their roster before their Week 2 matchup against Louisiana Tech.
WHY:
CNN - The SEC had passed a rule banning former professional players from competing for member schools, which contributed to the situation surrounding Harris and Wright.
NBC Sports - The situation reflects a broader political fight over a federal antitrust exemption for college sports.
Bleacher Report - The NCAA's decision to grant players five years of eligibility retroactively influenced the players' situation.
HOW:
CNN - LSU filled the roster spots with two other players, defusing the immediate standoff and suspending discussions regarding the conference penalizing LSU.
Bleacher Report - Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin defended his pursuit of the former NFL players, stating, "At the end of the day, because of these rulings, they're either going to play for you or they're going to play for someone else around the country."
NBC Sports - The NFL's decision aligns with its interests in maintaining college football as a developmental system.
Bleacher Report - A court injunction granted a temporary restraining order allowing some players to return to college for one more season.
The NFL has announced that players Harris and Wright are ineligible to visit, try out, or be signed by any NFL clubs during the 2026 season due to their participation with their college football team after the start of NFL training camp. This situation arose after the SEC implemented a rule preventing former professional players from competing for member schools, which played a role in their eligibility status. In response, LSU has filled their roster spots with two other players, effectively resolving the immediate issue and halting any discussions about potential penalties for the university.