NFL clears Zxavian Harris to sign after reversing eligibility ruling

Zxavian Harris is eligible to sign with an NFL team this season after the league reversed its earlier decision blocking the defensive tackle's return. Yahoo Sports reported that clubs were notified on Monday, reopening a professional route for the former Ole Miss player after his unsuccessful attempt to join LSU.

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The change followed a review of whether Harris had actually taken part in college football after NFL training camps opened. According to a league memo obtained by Front Office Sports, the NFL interviewed Harris and sought independent confirmation of his activities. Its Management Council established that he had not participated in an organised college practice.

The league accepted the NFL Players Association's position that participation in a practice or game was the minimum required for a player to be considered to have played college football. Front Office Sports reported that Harris is now permitted to visit clubs and sign either an NFL player contract or a practice-squad deal with any team.

Harris had signed with the New Orleans Saints after going unselected in the 2026 draft, but was waived in August. Yahoo Sports reported that he then pursued a fifth college season at LSU, where his former Ole Miss coach, Lane Kiffin, was in charge. Tight end Dae'Quan Wright sought the same route after spells with the Philadelphia Eagles and Cleveland Browns.

Their efforts became part of a dispute involving LSU, the Southeastern Conference and the NCAA over former professionals returning to college competition. LSU ultimately left both players off its roster. Yahoo Sports reported that the NFL subsequently declared both ineligible to sign during the 2026 season, before reconsidering Harris's case on the basis that he had neither practised nor played for LSU.

The new memo does not mention Wright, according to Front Office Sports, so Harris's clearance should not be read as a reversal for both players. The earlier restriction was set out in a September 16 memo. For Harris, the decision restores eligibility to seek employment in the league; it does not announce a signing or guarantee a roster place.