Cleveland waived tight end Dae’Quan Wright, clearing a path for the former Ole Miss standout to join LSU under coach Lane Kiffin. Wright is believed to be the first player to move from the NFL back to college football, following a Louisiana court order that granted players a fifth year of eligibility.
The Cleveland Browns officially waived tight end Dae’Quan Wright on Monday, setting in motion an unprecedented cross-professional transfer that blurs the traditional line between the National Football League and the collegiate ranks. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Wright is expected to join the LSU Tigers once he clears waivers, reuniting him with head coach Lane Kiffin.
The Court Ruling That Upended College Football Eligibility
Wright’s sudden availability stems from a broader legal challenge against NCAA eligibility rules. As The Athletic reported, Wright is among roughly 30 athletes—including 16 football players—who sued the NCAA to secure a fifth year of eligibility. These athletes, primarily Class of 2022 high school graduates whose eligibility expired under prior regulations, gained immediate relief when a Louisiana judge granted a temporary restraining order.
While NCAA guidelines historically bar athletes who have signed professional contracts or hired agents from returning to amateur competition, plaintiffs’ attorneys indicated that the court order permits athletes to return if they repay any money received from professional teams or agents. Wright spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles after going undrafted in April before signing with the Browns and participating in training camp and preseason games.
Lane Kiffin and LSU Embrace the Transfer Portal Opening
For LSU coach Lane Kiffin, pursuing available talent in a rapidly changing legal landscape is simply part of modern roster building. Speaking about the wave of returning players, Kiffin defended the additions to reporters on Monday.
“Because of the rulings, they are going to play for you or someone else,” Kiffin said. “We made the decision to recruit them. It’s wrong to be critical of these kids. They were granted a fifth year and a judge said they were wronged.”
The pursuit has drawn sharp criticism from figures across the sport. Oregon coach Dan Lanning voiced concerns to CBS Sports regarding the competitive fairness of welcoming professional players back to campus.
Conference Hurdles and Roster Implications in Baton Rouge
Wright’s path to Baton Rouge faces potential administrative roadblocks. Because Wright played last season at Ole Miss, his transfer within the Southeastern Conference highlights questions surrounding conference regulations. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey noted that conference eligibility rules regarding intraconference transfers remain in effect until individually waived or officially changed.
If cleared to play, Wright joins an LSU offensive unit. Last season at Ole Miss, Wright hauled in 39 receptions for 635 yards and five touchdowns. At LSU, he is slated to pair alongside tight end Trey’Dez Green, bolstering an offense that features quarterback Sam Leavitt and running back Harlem Berry.
Meanwhile, back in Cleveland, Browns coach Todd Monken learned of Wright’s departure just as preseason preparations wrapped up, reacting with humor to the unprecedented news cycle.
With Wright cleared through waivers, attention turns to whether the SEC grants compliance clearance and how federal and state courts handle ongoing appeals from the NCAA, which secured a stay from the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals concerning broader class-action antitrust rulings.
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