Former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright got released by the Cleveland Browns after a brief NFL stint, and get this: he’s now expected to join LSU, pending he clears waivers. This isn’t your usual transfer portal drama; a court order allowed Wright and other players to pursue a fifth year of eligibility, making this an unprecedented jump straight from an NFL roster back to college football.
The Wild West of Eligibility Rules Has Sarkisian Puzzled
Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian is straight up baffled by what’s happening. He admitted he’s not even sure what to make of these wild eligibility changes flying around. “I don’t even know,” Sarkisian said. “This stuff is , we are like changing every day right now. It feels like almost every three hours, there’s a new message from Commissioner Sankey about something.” You can feel his frustration, right? The landscape is shifting so fast, it’s gotta be a nightmare for these programs trying to plan a season.
Chemistry vs. Talent: Sark’s Big Question
For Sarkisian, the real question isn’t whether his program *could* add a player in a similar situation, but if it’s even *worth it*. He’s worried about disrupting a team that’s spent eight months building chemistry. “I like our team,” Sarkisian stated. He’s all about that locker room bond. He said, “If and or when, if there’s something that popped up to where we could upgrade it, great. But we don’t even know. Like today, you can take them, tomorrow you can’t. I don’t know what’s going to happen.” It’s a valid point; you don’t mess with a good thing unless it’s a guaranteed upgrade, and these situations are anything but certain. He even brought up the difference between Wright coming in and offensive lineman Cole Hutson getting another year. Hutson was already with the Longhorns for four years, familiar with the coaches and the room. Sarkisian knows that’s a whole different ballgame.
The Outsider Dilemma Is Getting Real
Sarkisian really doubled down on the chemistry issue, questioning whether bringing in an outsider this close to the season could do more harm than good. “For us, I know we’ve got a locker room full of guys who have been working together and their connectivity is so good for the last eight months,” he explained. “Is it worth rocking that boat by bringing somebody in that isn’t familiar with your program?” He even pondered how a program could bring in an outsider at a major position and immediately integrate them. “To bring in a true outsider and to think, like, all of a sudden he’s going to be our quarterback , I don’t know how to do that,” Sarkisian admitted. “I wouldn’t know how to do that.” It speaks to the complexity of team building, especially in the chaotic world of college football today.
So, what’s next for Texas and other programs facing these unprecedented eligibility situations? Sarkisian says they’re gonna wait for more clarity. “I just think it’s a delicate situation,” he concluded. The “powers that be” are gonna make a final decision, and then coaches will have choices to make. Or maybe, as Sarkisian puts it, they’ll have no choices at all. It’s a wild ride out there, and it looks like everyone, including the coaches, is just trying to hang on.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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