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LSU Set to Sign First NFL Player to Return to College Football

PUBLISHED Aug 24, 2026, 12:25 PM ET

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Cleveland waived tight end Dae’Quan Wright on Sunday, Aug. 23, creating a path for him to return to college football at LSU if he clears NFL waivers. Agent Drew Rosenhaus confirmed the agreement to The Associated Press. Wright entered the NCAA transfer portal Thursday after Louisiana’s 19th Judicial District Court granted him and 15 other football players temporary eligibility relief. The order followed lawsuits by athletes from the 2022 recruiting class challenging NCAA eligibility rules. Wright played at Virginia Tech and Ole Miss under LSU coach Lane Kiffin. He caught 39 passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns in 2025. The move remains conditional: Wright must clear waivers, with SEC transfer questions unresolved. The NCAA also won a stay Friday in a separate federal case, but that ruling does not automatically erase Louisiana’s temporary order. Wright could become the first player to return from an NFL roster to college football.

By Michael Grant | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

On August 19, 2026, Louisiana judge granted Wright temporary eligibility.
On August 20, 2026, Wright entered NCAA portal despite contract.
On August 21, 2026, Tenth Circuit stayed federal eligibility protections.
On August 22, 2026, Wright dressed for Cleveland’s preseason game.
On August 23, 2026, Cleveland waived Wright, clearing college return.
On August 24, 2026, LSU agreement remained contingent on waivers.
On August 25, 2026, Wright could clear waivers and join.
On August 30, 2026, NFL teams finalize regular-season 53-player rosters.
On August 31, 2026, Louisiana hearing could clarify eligibility protections.
On September 5, 2026, LSU opens against Clemson if eligible.

News Intelligence

Immediate US impact: LSU’s potential addition could reshape college football roster eligibility rules.
Possible long-term US impact: Legal challenges may create recurring NFL-to-college pathways for eligible athletes.
Most affected groups: Players, coaches, NCAA officials, SEC administrators, and rosters face uncertainty.
Reader priority: Readers should prioritize court orders, NFL transactions, official eligibility rulings.