In August, dozens of athletes who signed professional contracts, including multiple who were currently on NFL rosters, launched an attempt to return to college following the NCAA’s institution of a new ‘five-for-five’ eligibility rule.
Leading the charge was a group of former Ole Miss players who wanted to reunite with head coach Lane Kiffin at LSU. Among them were defensive end Jack Pyburn, tight end Dae’Quan Wright, and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, who all went undrafted in the spring. Pyburn decided to stay in the pros after getting claimed off waivers by the Chiefs, but Wright and Harris went to Baton Rouge with the intention of playing for the Tigers this fall. Wright even practiced with the team in the week preceding their season-opener against Clemson, though he did not participate in the game.
The rest of the NCAA, however, did not welcome their return. Virtually every conference quickly passed a rule banning athletes who signed with professional teams with the SEC promising stiff punishments for any schools who fielded such players. A brief legal battle ensued. LSU was forced to back down and did not add Wright or Harris to their roster. The two players were then dealt another blow when the NFL deemed them ineligible to return to the pro ranks.
The league has since reversed that decision, but for Harris only, per The Ringer’s Tom Pelissero. The NFL Management Council established that he never practiced at LSU, making him an eligible free agent that any club can host for a workout and/or sign. Wright will not be afforded a similar opportunity.
Teams looking for developmental size along their defensive line with special teams upside could be interested in Harris. The 22-year-old was a three-year starter at Ole Miss who lined up at multiple spots along the defensive line but likely profiles as a nose tackle in the NFL due to his 6-foot-7, 330-pound frame. His length was especially effective on special teams. Harris blocked six kicks across his four years at LSU, including an SEC-high three in 2023, per Dane Brugler of The Athletic. His defensive production was modest in his first two years as a starter – 62 total tackles (eight for loss), 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble across 24 games – but he broke out in 2025 with 58 tackles (nine for loss), three sacks, four passes defended, and one interception while starting all 15 of the Rebels’ games.
Harris signed with the Saints in May, but was quickly placed on the non-football injury list as he recovered from post-combine foot surgery. He never practiced in New Orleans before he was waived in August. He later worked out for the Packers after his NCAA return bid was denied. (Harris’ workout in Green Bay came before the NFL’s initial eligibility ruling, so neither player nor club was punished.)
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