NFL Reverses Course, Clears Zxavian Harris to Sign With Teams

The NFL told its teams in a memo that former Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, one of the two prominent players who made a failed attempt to return to college football and play for LSU this season after being waived by an NFL franchise, is eligible to be signed by a team.

The league reversed its earlier stance on the issue after conducting a review; it told teams in its memo, which was obtained by Front Office Sports, that it concluded Harris did not participate in any practices during his attempted return to the college ranks.

“Mr. Harris has disputed the report that he played college football after the opening of NFL training camps,” the NFL wrote in the memo. “The NFL interviewed Mr. Harris and sought independent verification of his activities after the start of NFL training camps and agrees with the NFLPA’s contention that ‘plays college football’ means, at a minimum, participation in a practice (or game) for the applicable college football team.”

The NFLPA worked closely with Harris and his agent to ensure the rule was “properly and fairly applied” given the facts regarding his situation, a source familiar with the discussions told FOS.

The league said its Management Council “has confirmed that Mr. Harris did not participate in an organized practice with a college football team and therefore is a free agent and eligible to visit NFL clubs and to sign an NFL Player or Practice Squad Contract with any club.”

The memo was first reported by Tom Pelissero of Netflix and The Ringer.

It does not mention Dae’Quan Wright, the tight end who attempted to play for LSU. Wright’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, previously told FOS that Wright did not sign an agreement with LSU.

Rosenhaus declined to comment Tuesday.

The NFL told teams at a special league meeting in August in Atlanta that any player released by an NFL team who returns to play in college would be ineligible to play in the NFL this season. Such a player then would be a free agent, able to sign with any NFL team for next season and beyond, without having to go through the NFL Draft process again. This clarification didn’t come, however, until Wright and Harris had already left the NFL.

The NFL wrote to teams in a Sept. 16 memo regarding Harris and Wright:  “The following players who were eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft returned to college and participated with their college football team after the opening of NFL training camp, and therefore, they are ineligible to visit, try out with, or be signed by NFL clubs during the 2026 NFL season.”

That memo also said, “This list is not inclusive of all 2026 draft-eligible players who returned to college. Clubs should contact [league officials] if they have questions regarding the NFL eligibility of any such player.”

The NFL’s Sept. 16 memo threatened teams with disciplinary action for violations of the policy.

“Clubs are reminded that it is each club’s responsibility to verify player eligibility,” the NFL wrote then. “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 may subject the club to discipline, including the loss of draft choices and/or fines, and club personnel may also be subject to fines and/or suspension.

“If there is any question regarding a player’s NFL eligibility, it is imperative that the club contact the NFL Player Personnel Department.”

The NFL Players Association told FOS in mid-September: “We are aware of the memo and are in touch with each of the players’ representatives. We will explore all options to ensure each player’s rights are protected within the Collective Bargaining Agreement.”

Wright was signed by the Eagles as an undrafted rookie before being waived and claimed by the Browns, who waived him in August. Harris was signed by the Saints as an undrafted rookie but waived by the team in August. 

Both players attempted to return to college football, however, when they signed onto a Louisiana state lawsuit challenging the implementation of the NCAA’s age-based eligibility policy, arguing they should be able to return to college for a fifth year despite having signed NFL preseason contracts. 

The pair landed spots at LSU, setting off a firestorm across college football. The SEC passed a rule banning former professional players and sued LSU to stop them from signing Wright and Harris. The players won an injunction in Baton Rouge court to play, but ultimately, head coach Lane Kiffin opted not to add them to their roster. They’ve been in limbo ever since. 

While Harris can return to the NFL, Wright does not appear to be able to. However, he can play in the UFL this upcoming season, or the CFL (the season is ongoing), a CFL spokesperson confirmed to FOS. Wright will also be eligible to return to the NFL as a free agent next season. 

Meanwhile, the litigation between the SEC and LSU remains ongoing.