A former LSU football defensive end won't return to LSU after all. Defensive end Jack Pyburn was claimed by the Kansas City Chiefs after being waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. If Pyburn wasn't picked up, reports indicated he planned to return to LSU for a fifth year of college football.
LSU has made waves in recent days as the Tigers have pursued several players in Pyburn's situation—class of 2022 signees with uncertain futures on NFL rosters. Dae'Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris have both committed to LSU, but their eligibility will hinge on an ongoing legal battle, as most of the SEC stands opposed to pros returning to college.
Pyburn registered four preseason sacks with the Bucs. It wasn't enough to make the Bucs roster, but it caught the eye
of the Chiefs, and Pyburn will be saved the trouble of navigating a murky return to the college ranks.
Pyburn spent one year at LSU after spending the first three years of his career at Florida. He was a consistent presence at defensive end for Blake Baker's defense in 2025, especially when defending the run.
Former LSU and Buccaneers edge Jack Pyburn was claimed on waivers by the Chiefs. He has informed LSU that he is withdrawing his claim in the NCAA's '5-for-5' eligibility litigation and will remain in the NFL rather than return to LSU, per his agents Christian Addison and Harold… pic.twitter.com/wfZNZpAqM1
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 31, 2026
In Kansas City, Pyburn will be reunited with former LSU teammate Garrett Nussmeier.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Ex-LSU football DE claimed by Chiefs, won't return to LSU
