​NFL players to LSU tracker: Updated list of 2026 rookies lured back to college by Lane Kiffin originally appeared on The Sporting News.
Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.LSU is attempting to take advantage of a controversial legal injunction that barred the NCAA from striking down the eligibility of 16 former college football players — a handful of whom joined NFL rosters during preseason.Head coach Lane Kiffin has made the transfer portal a vital part of his strategy to revitalize the Tigers roster after a dour 2025. Among the players he has sought out are former college stars seeking a fifth year of eligibility after failing to make the grade as undrafted free agents.Suffice to say, Kiffin’s efforts have proven controversial. And yet, Kiffin has already confirmed he isn’t changing his approach any time soon — especially not if the former NFLers feel compelled to sport LSU’s colors for one last ride.In the midst of the controversy, the SEC released a statement, seemingly questioning LSU’s decisions to lure these players back from the NFL. However, the conference has yet to do anything else in regards to the situation.After a Monday evening videoconference of the Presidents and Chancellors of the Southeastern Conference, the Conference is issuing the following statement: pic.twitter.com/kwWxGz5CQ3— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) August 24, 2026With that, here’s a list of the former NFL players Kiffin has recruited to join LSU in 2026.MORE: Meet the Browns player making NFL history with return to college to play for LSU, Lane KiffinUpdated list of 2026 rookies lured back to college by Lane KiffinKiffin looks to have emerged as the patron saint of offering second chances to NFL talent. He has platformed a handful of players’ return to college football. With NFL cuts yet to be finalized, it’s reasonable to assume that list could grow larger in the days to come.Here’s what we know about the 2026 rookies who are set to turn out for the Tigers after being waived by NFL rosters.Updated as of Aug. 24.DL Zxavian HarrisHarris was the third of Kiffin’s 2026 recruits to be declared eligible after a Louisiana court ruling declared that 16 class of 2022 players were eligible to return to college. He was the second player with NFL pedigree to land in Baton Rouge, joining Wright, his former teammate with Ole Miss.During his final season with the Rebels, Harris tallied 58 tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks and an interception. He failed to hear his name called during the 2026 NFL Draft, instead signing with the Saints as a free agent. He was waived in August, owing in part to a foot injury. At 6-8, Harris carries elite size. He flaunted his potential during a career-best showing against Georgia in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals, amassing 10 tackles.Harris famously ripped Kiffin for his Rebels departure last year, telling On3 that Kiffin’s exit felt like “a slap in the face”, per On3’s Chris Low.”