NFL Bars Two Players from League for 2026 Season After Attempt to Return to College

The National Football League has declared two college football players, Zxavian Harris and Dae’Quan Wright, ineligible to play in the league for the 2026 season. This decision comes after both players attempted to return to college football at LSU after brief stints with NFL organizations.

Harris, a defensive tackle, and Wright, a tight end, had been with the New Orleans Saints and Cleveland Browns, respectively, during their training camps. After being waived by these teams, they sought to return to LSU. However, they were not added to LSU's 105-man roster, following court and conference decisions.

The NFL issued a memo to its clubs emphasizing the responsibility of each team to verify player eligibility. The memo states, "If a club is unable to verify a player’s eligibility, either on its own or in consultation with the NFL Player Personnel Department, the club may not sign such player to a contract and may not otherwise permit the player to practice or play with the club (including a visit or tryout)." Violations could lead to league discipline, including loss of draft choices and fines.

Both Harris and Wright previously played under coach Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss. They went undrafted in 2025 but subsequently signed with NFL teams. After their waivers, they pursued a return to college football, a move that was reportedly facilitated by a judicial decision granting eligibility to former NCAA athletes. This situation highlighted a trend of players under professional contracts attempting to return to college, often with NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) deals.

Despite efforts by Kiffin and LSU to recruit these players, they were ultimately left off LSU's final roster. While their immediate playing futures in the NFL are now impacted, their legal options are reportedly being explored. Harris and Wright were draft-eligible, meaning they will become free agents following the current season.