NFL Blocks Two Players From Signing After College Return Attempt

League Issues Warning to Teams

The NFL has sent a memo to all teams warning them that Zxavian Harris and Dae'Quan Wright are ineligible to play in the league this season. The two players cannot visit, try out for, or sign with any NFL club during the 2026 season.

The league sent the reminder on Wednesday. It comes after both players attempted to return to the college ranks to play for LSU. The NFL noted that both players participated with their college team after the opening of NFL training camp, which triggered the restriction.

A Complicated Path Back to College

Harris, a defensive tackle, and Wright, a tight end, played for Ole Miss last season during the team's run to the College Football Playoff semifinals. After going undrafted, both players signed NFL contracts during the summer.

They later tried to join former Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin at LSU. The players even filed a lawsuit to regain their college eligibility.

The Southeastern Conference had passed a rule preventing professional players from returning to college sports. Although a Louisiana court put that rule on hold, LSU still decided to leave both players off its roster when the season started.

Legal Battles and League Rules

The NFL rules state that players who were eligible for the draft but returned to college after NFL training camps opened cannot join the league this season. The NFL clarified that teams are responsible for checking player eligibility. Any team that violates these rules could face severe discipline, including fines or the loss of draft picks.

The players' representatives are looking into the situation. Wright's agent, Drew Rosenhaus, said that "Dae'Quan is looking at his legal options right now and we will have more to say in the near future."

The NFL Players Association also confirmed it is in touch with the representatives for each player. The association stated it will explore all options to ensure each player's rights are protected within the Collective Bargaining Agreement.