Kiffin Steals Ex-NFL Star for LSU: 2nd Pro Joins Staff
Lane Kiffin Makes History: NFL Players Return to College Football
What Just Happened in College Football?
For the first time in over 150 years of college football (since the very first game in 1869), players who signed NFL contracts are returning to play college football. And it happened twice in 24 hours!
LSU’s new head coach, Lane Kiffin, is bringing two former players back to college after they briefly tried their luck in the NFL.
Meet the Players Coming Back
Zxavian Harris – The Giant Defensive Lineman
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- Size: 6-foot-8, 330 pounds (that’s really big!)
- Previous Team: Ole Miss (Mississippi)
- NFL Team: New Orleans Saints (signed as undrafted free agent)
- What Happened: Signed with Saints → Waived (cut) earlier this month → Now joining LSU
- College Stats: Started all 15 games last season, 58 tackles, 3 sacks
- Fun Fact: Helped Ole Miss win a school-record 13 games and reach the College Football Playoff semifinals
Dae’Quan Wright – The Tight End
- Position: Tight End
- Previous Team: Ole Miss
- NFL Team: Cleveland Browns
- What Happened: Waived by Browns → Agreed to join LSU (pending clearing waivers)
- Connection: Played for Coach Kiffin at Ole Miss
Why Is This Even Possible? The Legal Backstory
IMPORTANT POINT: The Judge’s Ruling Changed Everything
Both players were part of a lawsuit against the NCAA. A Louisiana judge granted a temporary restraining order saying these players (from the class of 2022) deserve a fifth year of college eligibility. This legal win opened the door for them to return to college even after signing NFL contracts.
Coach Kiffin’s Strategy: "They’ll Play for You or Someone Else"
During a press conference on Monday, Coach Kiffin explained his thinking:
"Through players winning injunctions and entry into the portal, they are available to recruit. Ourselves and many places around the country are recruiting them… Because of the rulings, they are going to play for you or someone else. We made the decision to recruit them. It’s wrong to be critical of these kids. They were granted a fifth year and a judge said they were wronged."
Breaking Down Kiffin’s Logic:
- Legal rulings made these players eligible
- Transfer portal makes them available to any school
- Other schools are recruiting them too
- Not recruiting them would mean they go to a rival
- The players were "wronged" per a judge – they deserve this chance
What This Means for LSU Football
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| New Coach | Lane Kiffin (1st season at LSU) |
| Previous Job | Ole Miss (6 years, 55-19 record) |
| Preseason Ranking | #13 in US LBM Coaches Poll |
| New Additions | Harris (DL) + Wright (TE) – both know Kiffin’s system |
| Team Goal | Compete in tough SEC conference |
Step-by-Step: How This Unfolded
- August 2026 – NFL teams cut players during final roster trimming
- Harris waived by New Orleans Saints earlier in August
- Wright waived by Cleveland Browns
- Legal victory – Judge granted 5th year eligibility for class of 2022 recruits
- Kiffin acts fast – Recruits both former players within 24 hours
- Harris commits to LSU (reported by CBS Sports)
- Wright agrees to join pending waiver clearance
- Kiffin defends strategy publicly at press conference
Why This Is a Big Deal (Bullet Points)
- Historic First: Never before in 157 years of college football
- Rule Change: Shows how legal challenges are reshaping NCAA rules
- Player Power: Athletes winning rights in court
- Coach Innovation: Kiffin exploiting new rules creatively
- LSU Boost: Two experienced SEC players join a top-15 team
- Ripple Effect: Other schools will copy this strategy
Summary
In simple terms: Two college football stars tried the NFL, got cut, won a lawsuit giving them an extra year of college eligibility, and their old coach (now at LSU) brought them back. This has never happened before in college football history. Coach Kiffin says if he doesn’t sign them, another team will – and a judge said these players deserve this chance. LSU just got stronger for the 2026 season!
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Can NFL players really go back to college now?
Yes! Because a judge ruled these specific players (class of 2022 recruits) were wronged by old NCAA rules, they got a fifth year of eligibility. Since they were cut by NFL teams before playing a regular-season game, they can return to college.
Why did Lane Kiffin recruit his own former players?
Smart coaching! Kiffin coached both players at Ole Miss. He knows:
- Their skills and work ethic
- They already know his system
- They’re experienced SEC players
- They’re motivated to prove themselves
Is this allowed under NCAA rules?
It’s complicated. Normally, signing an NFL contract ends college eligibility. But a court order overrode the NCAA rules for these specific players. The NCAA is fighting this, but for now, the judge’s ruling stands.
Will more NFL cuts return to college?
Very likely! Now that the door is open, expect:
- More lawsuits from other recruiting classes
- Coaches scouting NFL waiver wires
- A new "farm system" dynamic between NFL and college
How good will LSU be with these additions?
Potentially very good! Adding a 330-pound starting defensive tackle and a tight end who knows the offense to a #13 ranked team with an offensive genius coach (Kiffin) makes LSU a dark horse contender in the SEC.
Article based on USA Today reporting from August 24, 2026. College football landscape changes rapidly – check latest news for updates!