NFL reverses ruling, lets Harris sign pro contract

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 13 Oct, 18:38 · Archive

The NFL has reversed its September ruling and said former Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris is now eligible to sign with an NFL team this season.

The NFL reversed its 16 September ruling on defensive lineman Zxavian Harris in a memo obtained on 13 October, clearing him to sign with any of its teams during the 2026 season. Harris, a former Mississippi defensive lineman, had gone undrafted in the NFL this summer before attempting to return to college football at LSU, where his former coach Lane Kiffin is the head coach.

The league said Harris did not participate in an official practice or game with LSU, which was the key factor in its decision to reverse course. The NFL interviewed Harris and sought independent verification of his activities after the start of NFL training camps. The league agreed with the NFLPA's position that 'plays college football' requires at a minimum participation in a practice or game for the applicable college football team.

Harris and Ole Miss tight end Dae'Quan Wright had sued for the right to regain their college eligibility after the Southeastern Conference passed a rule barring professionals from returning to college to play. A Louisiana court put that restriction on hold. LSU left both players off its roster as it opened its season. Wright was also barred from signing with an NFL team in the league's September decision, and his status apparently remains unchanged.

How it is being reported

• NFL reverses course, says Zxavian Harris is eligible to sign pro contract this seasonFormer Ole Miss DL had attempted to return to college football at LSUWAFB · 13 Oct, 18:10
• NFL reverses course, says Zxavian Harris is eligible to sign pro contract this seasonFormer Ole Miss DL had attempted to return to college football at LSUKNOE · 13 Oct, 18:10

In this story: Zxavian Harris · Dae'Quan Wright · Lane Kiffin · Ole Miss · LSU · NFL · Southeastern Conference

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