Former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright has been officially waived by the Cleveland Browns, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Wright, who recently entered the NCAA transfer portal, is set to join LSU if he clears NFL waivers, as first reported by Schefter on Sunday. The transaction makes Wright the first active NFL player to enter the collegiate transfer portal, according to reporting from Brad Crawford of CBS Sports.
The Legal Precedent Driving the Transfer Portal Shift
Wright’s unprecedented move from an NFL practice squad back to college football is made possible by a temporary restraining order granted by a Louisiana court. According to the Associated Press, 33 athletes across various sports—including 16 football players—joined a lawsuit seeking a fifth year of collegiate eligibility. Max Olson of ESPN reported Thursday that Wright is joined in the portal by several other high-profile athletes: former SMU running back TJ Harden, former BYU offensive lineman Weylin Lapuaho, former Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris, former James Madison linebacker Trent Hendrick, former Appalachian State cornerback Ethan Johnson, and former New Mexico kicker Luke Drzewiecki. The court order immediately restored their collegiate eligibility.
https://x.com/max_olson/status/2090532680072942018
Dae’Quan Wright’s Path From Ole Miss to the NFL
During his final season with the Rebels, Wright hauled in 39 catches for 635 yards and five touchdowns, helping lead Ole Miss to a College Football Playoff berth. Despite going undrafted in April, Wright signed with the Cleveland Browns and spent training camp on the practice squad before being waived.
Did you know? Dae’Quan Wright is believed to be the first player who could potentially play an NFL regular season game and then return to suit up for a college program, thanks to the recent Louisiana court order tracked by ESPN and the Associated Press.
Other Notable Players Entering the Portal
Alongside Wright, defensive lineman Zxavian Harris is also seeking a return to the collegiate ranks after finishing the 2025 season at Ole Miss. Like Wright, Harris went undrafted in April and is navigating the new eligibility landscape opened by the Louisiana litigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Dae’Quan Wright allowed to return to college football?
According to ESPN and CBS Sports, Wright is able to enter the transfer portal and seek a return to college because a Louisiana court granted a temporary restraining order in a lawsuit involving 33 athletes seeking a fifth year of eligibility.
https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2091898531862745537
What NFL team was Wright playing for?
Wright spent training camp on the Cleveland Browns’ practice squad before being officially waived, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Which college team will Wright join next?
According to ESPN’s reporting, Wright is expected to join LSU once he officially clears NFL waivers.
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