Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris are cleared to return to college football after brief NFL stints, according to a judge's orders issued Thursday evening. The former Ole Miss players intend to join Lane Kiffin during his debut season at LSU, which opens against Clemson this weekend. Wright stated he is well-prepared after two days of practice, while Harris needs a couple more weeks but aims to play against Ole Miss on Sept. 19.

They are among 42 athletes suing the NCAA to play a fifth and final season, including former Notre Dame pass rusher Junior Tuihalamaka. Judge William Jorden approved a preliminary injunction prohibiting the NCAA and SEC from punishing schools that place these athletes on the field. The SEC, adamantly opposed to the ruling, plans to appeal, arguing member universities should not place former professional athletes on rosters.

The conference reaffirmed rules allowing Commissioner Greg Sankey to suspend coaches and levy fines reaching tens of millions of dollars. LSU must finalize its roster by Friday amid conflicting court orders, setting up an early test of the league's ability to govern itself without effective NCAA oversight.