LSU adds ex-Ole Miss DT Zxavian Harris on eve of season
LSU adds former Ole Miss star Zxavian Harris, a Saints rookie, to its defensive line ahead of the 2026 season.

The update
LSU is adding former Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris to its roster just weeks before the 2026 season begins. Sources indicate Harris, who spent training camp with the New Orleans Saints this summer, will reunite with his former college coach, Lane Kiffin. The move comes as LSU looks to bolster an interior defensive line that had been a question mark entering the fall.
Why it matters
This signing highlights how LSU is leveraging recent legal rulings that have opened the door for former NFL players to return to college. By bringing in Harris, Kiffin is effectively using a temporary restraining order granted to the Class of 2022 to secure a fifth year of eligibility. This strategy gives LSU a veteran presence in the middle of the defense.
What to watch
LSU’s defensive performance in the season opener will be the first test for Harris. It remains unclear how quickly he will be integrated into the starting lineup. Additionally, the move may prompt other SEC programs to explore similar options as the season approaches.
Sources
- cbssports.com — Harris's NFL stint with Saints and return to LSU
- EssentiallySports — Context on Kiffin's strategy and legal rulings
