LSU has finalized its football roster by adding Aiden Anding and Gabriel Reliford, a decision that prevents former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris from joining the team for the 2026 season. The addition of Anding and Reliford brings LSU's roster to the maximum of 105 players.
Wright and Harris, who had spent time with NFL teams this year, were enrolled at LSU but were not added to the roster in time to play in the team's recent victory over Clemson. While it was previously reported that they could still be added to the team this season, the full roster now eliminates that possibility.
Conference Confrontation
Wright and Harris had recently secured a legal ruling that would permit them to play a fifth college football season, even after their professional stints. In response, the Southeastern Conference (SEC) filed a lawsuit in Alabama against LSU and head coach Lane Kiffin, alleging that the university was violating conference rules and values. The SEC later amended its suit, stating that conference CEOs planned to meet to determine LSU's membership status and seeking a temporary restraining order to prevent LSU from obstructing the meeting.
It remains unclear whether the SEC conference leaders will still proceed with their meeting following LSU's decision to finalize its roster without the former NFL players. The roster move may be considered sufficient by the conference to de-escalate the legal matters.
On the Field
Amidst the roster and legal drama, LSU secured a significant victory under head coach Lane Kiffin, defeating Clemson 51-10. The win propelled the Tigers from No. 11 to No. 8 in the latest Associated Press Top 25 poll.