Tight end Dae’Quan Wright is set to make college football history by returning to the NCAA after recording stats in the NFL, agreeing to join LSU and coach Lane Kiffin following his release by the Cleveland Browns. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Wright is believed to be the first player who could play for an NFL team and then go back to play in college.
The Cleveland Browns Release and Waiver Status
The Cleveland Browns waived Dae’Quan Wright ahead of the upcoming season, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and The Sporting News. Wright originally entered the NFL as an undrafted player in 2026, initially signing with the Philadelphia Eagles before being claimed off waivers by the Cleveland Browns. After failing to secure a place for the season in Cleveland, Wright entered the NCAA transfer portal on Wednesday. Per his agents, Drew Rosenhaus and Kyle Lincoln, Wright has an agreement in place to play for LSU for the 2026 season if he clears NFL waivers unclaimed.
https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2091629808275079470
Legal Precedent and Eligibility in Louisiana
Wright’s return to the collegiate ranks was cleared after a legal battle in Louisiana. According to reports from Bolavip, Wright and several other athletes won a lawsuit in the state securing a temporary restraining order. This ruling grants affected student-athletes the eligibility to participate in college sports for one more year, paving the way for Wright’s transition back to the NCAA.
Reunion with Lane Kiffin in Baton Rouge
Wright will reunite with coach Lane Kiffin, who moved to LSU prior to the conclusion of last season. Previously, Wright played under Kiffin at Ole Miss during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. During his final year with Ole Miss, Wright recorded 39 receptions for 635 yards and five touchdowns, helping fuel the program’s College Football Playoff run.
Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing between 246 and 250 pounds, Wright brings a prototypical tight end frame back to the SEC. His addition provides an immediate boost to an LSU offensive scheme overseen by Charlie Weis Jr., mirroring the system Wright operated successfully under Kiffin at Ole Miss.
Collegiate Career History and LSU’s 2026 Outlook
Wright’s journey marks his third collegiate stop. He spent two seasons at Virginia Tech before transferring to Ole Miss ahead of the 2024 campaign. Across his college career, the tight end has accumulated 113 receptions for 1,603 yards and nine touchdowns.
The LSU Tigers are assembling an offensive lineup for the 2026 season alongside Wright, featuring quarterback Sam Leavitt, running back Harlem Berry, and wide receivers Winston Watkins Jr., Jayce Brown, and Jackson Harris. LSU opens its 2026 schedule against Clemson before facing a marquee Southeastern Conference matchup against Wright’s former team, Ole Miss, in Week 3 on ABC.
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