Lane Kiffin, LSU Make Roster Decision for Clemson Game Amid NFL-NCAA Eligibility Saga

LSU entered the final hours before its season opener against Clemson facing a major roster decision involving former Ole Miss players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris amid an escalating eligibility battle.

ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported that LSU did not add Wright or Harris to its roster for Saturday’s game. Neither former NFL player will face Clemson despite a Louisiana judge granting them a preliminary injunction Thursday.

LSU, however, added Notre Dame transfer Junior Tuihalamaka to its roster, allowing him to play against the Tigers.

Both Harris and Wright remain enrolled at LSU, meaning they can potentially join the 105-man roster later this season, according to On3’s Pete Nakos.

The decision followed a direct message from Clemson, with Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger reporting that the Tigers’ general counsel W.C. Hood Jr. contacted LSU’s general counsel Friday and raised potential contractual issues.

“With ongoing disputes surrounding certain eligibility issues, my client asked me to point out the provision in our game agreement concerning eligibility,” Hood wrote. “Clemson supports the position of the NCAA and our conferences regarding the eligibility of professional athletes returning to play college football.”

Clemson still planned to play Saturday and did not threaten litigation or request financial damages.

Wright and Harris received a preliminary injunction Thursday that cleared a legal path toward returning to college football. Wright spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns, while Harris signed with the New Orleans Saints before being waived.

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The SEC, however, has rules prohibiting players who signed professional contracts from returning to conference rosters. The league also filed a federal lawsuit against LSU following Thursday’s ruling.

LSU hosts Clemson on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. ET.