Dae’Quan Wright, the former Ole Miss tight end who was trying to make it with the Cleveland Browns, has been waived, and get this: if he clears NFL waivers, he is reportedly headed back to play for Lane Kiffin at LSU. Seriously, read that again. An active NFL player, on a practice squad, getting cut and then potentially going *back* to college football? This is wild, and it is a total game-changer for how we think about the transfer portal.
From Undrafted to Unprecedented: Wright’s Wild Ride
Wright’s journey has been anything but typical. He went undrafted back in April after a killer final season with Ole Miss, where he helped them snag a College Football Playoff spot. We’re talking 39 catches for 635 yards and five touchdowns, including scores in an SEC win over South Carolina and in their CFP loss to Miami. He was with the Browns’ practice squad during training camp, which means he was an *active* NFL player. Now, he’s believed to be the first player ever who could play for an NFL team and then return to college. Let that sink in. This isn’t just another guy entering the portal, this is a whole new level of “wait, that can happen?!”
The Louisiana Loophole That Just Blew Up College Eligibility
So, how is this even possible? It all comes down to a temporary restraining order granted by a Louisiana court. This court order made Wright, and a bunch of other athletes, eligible to return to college, specifically seeking a fifth year of eligibility. Max Olson of ESPN reported that Wright is just one of several players now entering the portal thanks to this ruling, including former SMU running back TJ Harden, former BYU offensive lineman Weylin Lapuaho, and former Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris. Harris, by the way, was also undrafted in April but had 58 tackles, nine tackles for loss, three sacks, three passes defended, and an interception for Ole Miss in 2025. The Associated Press noted that 33 athletes across various sports, with 16 of them being football players, were part of a lawsuit fighting for this very thing. This court decision just cracked open the door for a whole new kind of player movement.
So, what’s next? First, Wright has to clear those NFL waivers. If he does, it sounds like he’s going straight to LSU. But beyond that, this whole situation is something every college athletic director, every coach, and every player should be watching. This isn’t just about Dae’Quan Wright; it’s about the future of eligibility and the transfer portal. Are we about to see more players take a shot at the pros, and if it doesn’t pan out, just head back to school? This could completely change the landscape of college football as we know it.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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