Zxavian Harris, a former Ole Miss defensive tackle, committed to LSU on Monday, according to the university. Harris, a Canton native and Germantown High School alumnus, played four seasons at Ole Miss and helped lead the Rebels to a 13-win season and a College Football Playoff appearance in 2025-26.
In his senior year, Harris recorded 58 total tackles, three sacks, three pass deflections, and an interception. He signed as an undrafted free agent with the New Orleans Saints in May but was waived in August after recovering from foot surgery. No other NFL team claimed him after his release, and Harris has publicly indicated his decision to transfer was a business move, posting on Instagram about his LSU commitment.
Harris’s transfer comes amid legal complications, as a Louisiana judge issued a temporary restraining order blocking the NCAA from enforcing its eligibility rules, allowing Harris and others to return to college football. Ole Miss players and fans reacted with surprise and skepticism, with some questioning the timing of his move.
LSU officials believe the court order may prevent the SEC from enforcing intra-conference transfer restrictions. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Aug. 31 in Baton Rouge to determine if Harris can compete this season. The SEC has yet to comment on whether it will pursue enforcement actions.
If permitted, Harris would join a growing list of former Rebels at LSU, including Princewill Umanmielen, Devin Harper, Winston Watkins Jr., and T.J. Dottery. The late roster addition comes less than two weeks before LSU’s season opener against Ole Miss on Sept. 19, heightening the anticipation for the matchup.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
