LSU football is beefing up its roster despite kickoff being just days away. Lane Kiffin and the Tigers are attempting to add several players who had brief stints on NFL rosters over the Summer, but its not coming without pushback or controversy.
Most of the SEC, including SEC commissioner Greg Sankey stands opposed to ex-pros returning to college. If LSU gets its way defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, tight end Dae'Quan Wright, and defensive end Jack Pyburn will all be on the 2026 roster.
All began their collegiate careers in 2022 and went undrafted in 2026. All three were cut from NFL rosters, paving a path for the return to school. Harris, Wright, and Pyburn are hoping to get the fifth year of eligibility that all athletes will get going forward.
There's been enough talk about the merits and off the field legal drama of this saga, so today, we'll keep it on the field. Let's break down what these moves mean for LSU football in 2026.
Jack Pyburn and Zxavian Harris give LSU needed defensive line depth
One of the few questions on LSU's roster is defensive line depth. The Tigers have two quality starters at defensive end and a handful of talented (but inexperienced) players at defensive tackle. Pyburn and Harris bring much needed depth to the defensive line.
Pyburn played over 1,000 career snaps across four years at Florida and LSU. He brings extensive SEC experience to the Tigers and is familiar with Blake Baker's scheme after starting every game for LSU in 2025.
Princewil Umanmielen and Jordan Ross, LSU's projected starters at defensive end, are good players, but there's questions about their run defense. Pyburn was among the SEC's best run stopping edge defenders last year. Spending time in an NFL training camp also improved Pyburn's pass rush skills, as evidenced by his four preseason sacks.
Harris played over 1,400 snaps in four years at Ole Miss and posted PFF grades above 70.0 as a junior and senior. He's a proven contributor in the SEC. Harris racked up 43 pressures and 56 stops in Oxford.
Dae'Quan Wright gives LSU a proven all-around tight end
LSU TE Trey'Dez Green may be the best receiving tight end in the country. Green projects to be All-SEC and maybe even All-American in 2026. So why does LSU need help at the position?
First, LSU lacks depth behind Green. LSU signed a couple of tight ends in the transfer portal window, but a No. 2 TE hasn't emerged behind Green. LSU doesn't have the players to play 12 personnel right now. Wright would change that.
Wright was dynamic in Kiffin's offense at Ole Miss in 2025 and already knows the scheme. If LSU can get Green and Wright on the field at the same time, it creates problems for defenses. Wright's ability as a run blocker helps create favorable matchups in the passing game, too.
Wright racked up 1,603 yards and nine touchdowns in his four year college career. That's pretty good for a tight end.
Are these moves worth it?
LSU is jumping through a lot of hoops to get these guys eligible for 2026. In the process, the Tigers are drawing their fair share of criticism from those around the sport. LSU wouldn't be going through all of this if the staff didn't think these players would be difference makers for LSU.
Harris, Wright, and Pyburn are all proven at the SEC level. They're all a year older now and Wright and Pyburn got to spend the Summer at an NFL training camp. They'd probably take a step forward back on the college field.
If LSU can win the necessary legal battles, these additions are worth it.
LSU football win total betting odds
Per FanDuel, LSU football's win total in 2026 is 8.5 wins.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: What NFL additions mean for LSU football's roster
