LSU may be on the verge of adding a tight end with a truly unusual path back to college football.
The Tigers have an agreement in place to bring in former Ole Miss tight end Dae'Quan Wright for the 2026 roster if he clears waivers after his release from the Cleveland Browns, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. If that happens, Wright would become the first player to return to college football after being on an NFL roster, per Schefter’s report.
Wright signed an undrafted deal with the Browns, then received a temporary injunction for another year of eligibility that opened the door for him to enter the portal and play one more season in college. He is one of several players trying to make the same move back to the NCAA after already signing professional contracts.
The idea has drawn plenty of criticism from fans, coaches, executives, former players and others, and Wright’s situation is no exception. LSU would be getting a proven weapon, but the larger debate around players returning from the pro level has clearly left a sour taste in some corners of the sport.
On the field, though, the fit is obvious. Wright would give LSU another experienced target in the passing game for quarterback Sam Leavitt, and he would pair with Trey'Dez Green to give the Tigers what could be the most dangerous tight end duo in the country.
Green brings the athletic upside that can stress a defense in a hurry. Wright brings the résumé. He spent his first two seasons at Virginia Tech before transferring to Ole Miss ahead of the 2024 season, and the move unlocked a much bigger role.
The production followed. After failing to score a touchdown in two seasons with the Hokies, Wright finished with 66 catches for 1,029 yards and nine touchdowns in two seasons at Ole Miss.
One of his best showings came in the Fiesta Bowl against Miami, when he caught three passes for 64 yards and a touchdown. That performance helped Ole Miss move to the brink of a National Championship spot.
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