NFL Makes Zxavian Harris Eligibility Decision After DT Attempted to Play for Lane Kiffin, LSU

Zxavian Harris is eligible to play in the NFL after all.

While the NFL initially ruled the defensive tackle, who attempted to return to college and play for Lane Kiffin and LSU earlier this year, was not eligible to sign with an NFL team, it changed its mind following an interview with Harris and "independent verification of his activities after the start of NFL training camps."

Tom Pelissero of The Ringer shared the memo the league sent its teams that said Harris "is a free agent and eligible to visit NFL clubs and to sign an NFL player or practice squad contract with any club."

The memo explained the NFL initially ruled him ineligible to sign with a team for the ongoing season "because he had played college football after the opening of NFL training camps."

However, Harris disputed the notion he played collegiately after training camp, which led to the interview with the league and the "independent verification" that led to the NFL confirming he "did not participate in an organized practice with a college football team."

Harris and tight end Dae'Quan Wright generated plenty of headlines earlier this season when they attempted to return to college and play for Kiffin's squad after previously playing for the coach at Ole Miss.

While both players went undrafted, they signed contracts with NFL teams ahead of the 2026 campaign.

Neither appeared in a regular-season game, though.

Their efforts to play for LSU ultimately failed, as the SEC passed a rule preventing players from returning to college. The Tigers also left both players off their active roster when they began the 2026 campaign.

Harris helped lead Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff last season with 58 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, three passes defended and one interception. He went undrafted but now has an opportunity to continue chasing his NFL dreams following this latest decision.