BATON ROUGE – The anticipation surrounding the LSU football roster under new head coach Lane Kiffin has been a focal point of discussion as the 2026 college football season approaches. With the season opener against No. 23 Clemson set for September 4 at Tiger Stadium, fans and analysts alike have been eagerly speculating about the team's composition.
A significant development occurred on September 4, when a court ruling was issued that could potentially alter the landscape of college football. This ruling allowed LSU to consider adding former NFL players to its roster, a move that could have provided the Tigers with experienced talent. According to NCAA regulations, teams must submit their finalized rosters by midnight local time before their first game, making the timing of this ruling particularly crucial for LSU.
Despite the opportunity presented by the court's decision, LSU has opted not to include former NFL players Dae'Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris, and Blake Cotton on their roster for the upcoming season. This decision raises questions about the coaching staff's strategy and the depth of the team heading into the season. Kiffin and his team will need to rely on their current players as they prepare for a challenging matchup against Clemson.
Although Wright and Harris were central figures in the recent court case, which involved a total of 31 plaintiffs seeking an additional year of eligibility, they will not be joining the Tigers this season. The judge's ruling was seen as a victory for those players hoping to return to college football, but ultimately, LSU has chosen a different path. However, there is one notable addition to the roster: former Notre Dame defensive end Junior Tuihalamaka, who will be eligible to play against Clemson.
Blake Cotton, a former cornerback for Utah who participated in training camp with the Denver Broncos, is also absent from the finalized roster. While Cotton has been linked to LSU, he has not made any official announcements regarding joining the team. The Tigers are currently facing challenges with depth at the cornerback position, and Cotton's skills could have provided valuable support on the defensive side of the ball.
As the season unfolds, LSU will need to navigate its roster decisions carefully, especially given the competitive nature of the Southeastern Conference (SEC). The ability to add players during the season, as permitted by SEC rules, remains a possibility for Kiffin and his staff should roster spots become available. This flexibility could prove beneficial as the team seeks to bolster its lineup throughout the season.
With the opener against Clemson approaching, all eyes will be on LSU to see how they perform with the players they have chosen to roster. The decision not to include former NFL talent may raise eyebrows, but Kiffin's coaching acumen and the team's preparation will ultimately determine their success on the field.
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