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NFL Player Dae'Quan Wright Enters NCAA Transfer Portal While Active on Browns Roster

PUBLISHED Aug 23, 2026, 12:33 PM ET

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Cleveland Browns tight end Dae'Quan Wright is being waived by the franchise to finalize an agreement to play for Louisiana State University. Wright made sports history by becoming the first active National Football League player to enter the NCAA transfer portal, utilizing a temporary restraining order issued by a Louisiana state court. The legal directive granted select members of the 2022 college recruiting class a potential fifth year of athletic eligibility. Wright, an undrafted rookie out of Ole Miss, practiced with the Browns and suited up for a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills while simultaneously navigating his collegiate return. Browns head coach Todd Monken expressed public surprise over the unprecedented situation. Pending the clearance of NFL waivers, Wright intends to join LSU for the upcoming season, highlighting the growing overlap between professional rosters and collegiate player mobility driven by recent antitrust litigation.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On August 19, 2026, Louisiana court issued restraining order granting fifth year eligibility.
On August 20, 2026, Dae'Quan Wright entered the NCAA transfer portal from NFL camp.
On August 22, 2026, Browns coach Todd Monken voiced shock at unique roster crossover.
On August 23, 2026, Wright dressed for Cleveland preseason game against Buffalo Bills.
On August 24, 2026, Adam Schefter reported Browns are waiving Wright for LSU return.
On August 31, 2026, Scheduled court hearing will address ongoing NCAA eligibility lawsuit disputes.
On September 1, 2026, Wright is expected to formally enroll and practice with LSU.
On September 5, 2026, College football season openers will feature expanded player eligibility rosters.
In January 2027, Courts will issue final rulings on permanent fifth-year rules.
In April 2027, NFL draft boards will adapt evaluation metrics for portal-jumpers.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: Shakes up professional roster management and college football player mobility.
Long-term US impact: Permanently blurs lines between professional contracts and collegiate eligibility.
Affected groups: College football programs, NFL front offices, athletic directors, and student-athletes.
Prioritise coverage: Official league statements, legal filings, and verified beat reporter updates