Court Order Allows NFL Player to Return to College Football at LSU

A court order is paving the way for former NFL tight end DaeQuan Wright to return to college football at LSU, a move that has sparked debate over NCAA eligibility rules and conference transfer policies. Wright, who played for Ole Miss in 2024 and 2025, signed with the Philadelphia Eagles after the NFL draft and was later claimed by the Cleveland Browns on August 11. He was released by the Browns and, according to his agent Drew Rosenhaus, is now set to join LSU if he clears waivers. The development marks a potential first for a player returning to college after a stint in the NFL.

The situation stems from a recent legal challenge to the NCAA's five-year eligibility rule. A temporary restraining order granted Wright and other athletes a fifth year of college competition, allowing them to enter the transfer portal. LSU head coach Lane Kiffin has defended the decision to recruit these players, arguing that refusing to do so would put the Tigers at a competitive disadvantage. "Through players winning injunctions and entry into the portal, they are available to recruit," Kiffin said. "Ourselves and many places around the country are recruiting them. ... Because of the rulings, they...