In a pivotal legal development, a Louisiana judge has granted a preliminary injunction to several athletes, including notable former Ole Miss players Dae'Quan Smith and Zxavian Harris, allowing them to pursue their college football careers at LSU. The ruling, made by Judge William Jorden, marks a significant step forward for these athletes who had previously spent time with NFL teams but were undrafted in 2026.
Smith and Harris, both of whom have played four seasons of college football, are now closer to joining the LSU Tigers. Smith, a tight end, and Harris, a defensive tackle, are seeking to return to college football after being waived by their respective NFL franchises. This legal victory comes as LSU prepares for its upcoming season, with final rosters due shortly before their season opener against Clemson.
The backdrop of this case is rooted in a broader legal struggle involving NCAA eligibility rules. In June 2026, the NCAA announced that athletes from the class of 2023 onward would receive five years of eligibility, a decision that left out players from the class of 2022. Many of these athletes have since filed lawsuits against the NCAA, with some successfully gaining an additional year of eligibility through ongoing legal battles.
However, the cases of Smith and Harris are particularly complex. The majority of college football stakeholders oppose allowing players to return to college after they have signed professional contracts, complicating the legal landscape for these athletes. Despite this opposition, the preliminary injunction issued by Judge Jorden provides Smith and Harris with a pathway to potentially be rostered by LSU.
The ruling also has implications for LSU as a program. With the Tigers looking to strengthen their roster ahead of a challenging season, the addition of experienced players like Smith and Harris could be a game-changer. LSU has been enjoined in the case, meaning they are protected from repercussions based on the legal proceedings involving the SEC and NCAA.
As the clock ticks down to the deadline for final roster submissions, LSU will need to act quickly to officially add Smith and Harris to their lineup. The anticipation surrounding their potential inclusion adds an extra layer of excitement to the Tigers' season opener against Clemson, a matchup that is already generating significant buzz among fans and analysts alike.
In summary, this legal victory not only impacts the futures of Dae'Quan Smith and Zxavian Harris but also has broader implications for college football eligibility rules and the ongoing discussions about player rights in the NCAA landscape.
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