Lane Kiffin is set to take charge of his first game as LSU’s head coach when the Tigers face Clemson on Saturday, but that much-awaited showdown has already been overshadowed by another storyline altogether.
After a tense battle all around, LSU left former Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris and tight end Dae’Quan Wright off its roster for the Week 1 game, sparking plenty of reactions across the college football world.
CFB Fans Turn on Lane Kiffin as LSU Leaves Zxavian Harris and Dae’Quan Wright Out
The decision not to include Harris and Wright in the season-opening game was made hours after Clemson informed LSU that using former NFL players would violate the agreement between the two programs.
An anonymous source told The Athletic that Clemson planned to play the game as scheduled and had no intention of pursuing financial damages. However, Dabo Swinney’s program believed it was necessary to address the situation amid the ongoing legal dispute involving LSU, the NCAA, and the SEC.
As it turns out, LSU blinked first, and the development quickly triggered reactions from college football fans.
“LSU lockered by the SEC,” CFB Kings wrote.
LSU lockered by the SEC 😳 https://t.co/ElzVOlxvo4
— CFB Kings (@CFBKings) September 5, 2026
“For now, at least, LSU lost in the game of chicken,” an Arizona State fan page wrote.
For now at least LSU lost in the game of chicken… https://t.co/DWBCKjg88H
— DevilsDigest.com (@DevilsDigest) September 5, 2026
“Y’all done now?” New Orleans Saints analyst Brenden Ertle wrote.
The controversy stems from a Louisiana judge’s ruling on Thursday that temporarily allowed Wright, Harris, and some other former college athletes to return to college football.
The decision created a potential pathway for players who had previously signed professional contracts to regain college eligibility, despite NCAA and SEC rules generally preventing such a move.
PREDICT THE CFB SEASON: PFN’s Free CFB Playoff Predictor
Wright signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent this spring before spending time with the Cleveland Browns during the preseason. After being released and clearing waivers, he was permitted to enter the NCAA transfer portal and transfer to LSU.
Harris also signed as an undrafted free agent, joining the New Orleans Saints before being waived in August.
While both players could potentially be added to LSU’s 105-man roster later in the season if they remain enrolled at the school, it’s unclear when they will officially be eligible to join the roster.
Kiffin has indicated that LSU intends to use the players if permitted, but the decision to leave both players out against Clemson prompted plenty of mockery from fans.
“Lmao they chickened out,” an Alabama fan page wrote.
Lmao they chickened out 😂😭
— SPG (@SPG9814) September 5, 2026
“Lane Kiffin and LSU have no guts,” another wrote.
Back in 2025, LSU defeated Dabo Swinney’s program 17-10 to open the season and will look to extend that advantage under Kiffin.
PFN gives LSU a 31.6% chance of making the College Football Playoff this season.
