LSU football has left tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris off of its roster for Saturday’s opening game against Clemson. The Tigers’ roster was finalized for the game on Friday, after a [10-hour court hearing](https://lsureveille.com/286743/featured_story/former-pros-granted-extra-year-of-eligibility-to-play-in-college/) in Baton Rouge on Thursday granted Wright and Harris eligibility.
Wright and Harris both spent time with NFL organizations during the professional league’s preseason this summer but did not make a 53-man roster. The two played at Ole Miss last season and intend to follow LSU head coach Lane Kiffin to Baton Rouge.
While Thursday’s decision cleared the path for the two to play on Saturday, neither of them was expected to play. Harris has not practiced for LSU, and Wright has only practiced twice as a Tiger.
Earlier on Friday, it was revealed that Clemson notified LSU that if Wright or Harris play, it could be a breach of the game contract between the two universities. Despite this warning, Clemson never intended to pull out of the game nor seek financial compensation if either were to play.
Both players are among the over 40 athletes across college sports who are suing the NCAA for a fifth year of eligibility after the 5-for-5 rule was passed in June.
The rule allows all college athletes to play for five years starting after high school graduation or their nineteenth birthday, but does not include the high school Class of 2022. Many of the athletes involved in the case argue that they deserve an extra year because the option of a fifth year was not available at the time of the draft in their sport’s professional league.
Wright was waived by the Cleveland Browns in August and dressed out for preseason games, but never participated in them. Harris was waived by the New Orleans Saints, prompting an announcement that he planned to return to college football at LSU.