LSU football could be on the brink of an unprecedented roster move. According to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter, former Ole Miss tight end Dae'Quan Wright "has an agreement in place for the 2026 season to play for LSU."
Wright was waived by the Cleveland Browns on Sunday after joining the franchise as a free agent earlier this month. Originally, Wright signed with the Eagles as an undrafted free agent in the spring.
While we've seen it in college basketball, a pro football player returning to college is nearly unheard of. Wright's agreement with LSU can only proceed after the tight end clears waivers, and even then, some hurdles remain.
Wright was among a handful of athletes who sued the NCAA in Louisiana, seeking a fifth year of eligibility
to mirror the five-year eligibility rule the NCAA adopted moving forward. Wright was granted a temporary restraining order, which granted eligibility for the 2026 season.
However, the SEC has a rule preventing intraconference transfers outside the typical transfer window. Given Wright played at Ole Miss in 2025, this is an SEC-to-SEC move. Also, temporary restraining orders are often only what the name suggests—temporary. Wright's eligibility depends on the outcome of future legal proceedings.
History: the Browns are waiving tight end Dae’Quan Wright and, if he clears waivers, he has an agreement in place for the 2026 season to play for LSU, per agents Drew Rosenhaus and Kyle Lincoln.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 23, 2026
Wright is believed to be the first player who could play for an NFL team, and then… pic.twitter.com/3MLKNFYInY
If Wright does suit up for the Tigers, LSU is getting an impact player at a position of need. Yes, LSU has Trey'Dez Green, a potential All-American tight end but the Tigers lack depth at the position. Wright would let LSU use multiple tight end sets and add another weapon familiar with the Lane Kiffin offense.
Wright spent four years in college -- two at Virginia Tech and two at Ole Miss. He racked up 635 yards and five touchdowns with the Rebels in 2025.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU football working to add former Ole Miss TE Dae'Quan Wright
