Miami NFL Prospects Ineligible for 2026 Season

Zxavian Harris and Dae’Quan Wright, both Miami-area football prospects, cannot join NFL teams this season, the league announced in a memo Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2026. The NFL declared them ineligible after they attempted to return to college football for Louisiana State University (LSU) following their declarations for the NFL Draft.

Harris, a defensive tackle, and Wright, a tight end, were key players for Mississippi last season. Both participated in NFL tryouts after going undrafted. They then sought to regain college eligibility to play for LSU, filing lawsuits to achieve this goal.

The Southeastern Conference (SEC) previously barred professional players from returning to college. A Louisiana court temporarily suspended this rule, but LSU ultimately did not roster Harris or Wright for its season opener.

The NFL memo stated Harris and Wright, eligible for the 2026 NFL Draft, returned to college and participated with their team after NFL training camps opened. As a result, they cannot visit, try out with, or be signed by NFL clubs during the 2026 season.

The memo, obtained by The Associated Press, named Harris and Wright. The league noted that other draft-eligible players who returned to college might also face ineligibility. NFL teams must contact the league's player personnel department with eligibility questions. The league stressed that teams are responsible for verifying player eligibility and face potential fines or draft pick forfeiture for violations.