A Court Order Changes Everything
Dae’Quan Wright is heading back to college football. The former Ole Miss tight end cleared waivers with the Cleveland Browns on Monday, according to ESPN NFL Dallas. He’s set to join Lane Kiffin’s roster at LSU. An unexpected fifth year of eligibility, granted to Wright and others by a court order, prompted this move. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, told The Associated Press that Wright is ready to play again. If he joins the Tigers, Wright becomes the first known player to return to school after playing in the NFL. He probably won’t be the last.
It all started because a Louisiana judge blocked a new NCAA rule. That rule was meant to give athletes five years of eligibility, but the old plan didn’t cover players who graduated high school in 2022 (a group that includes Wright). He and a few others sued, arguing they were wronged by the league. A judge agreed and issued a temporary restraining order. This legal win lets them sign up for another season.
Kiffin Sees the Opportunity
LSU coach Lane Kiffin isn’t hiding his intent. He told reporters at a news conference that his team is actively recruiting these players. Kiffin noted they are available and that his program is pursuing them. He argued that if his team doesn’t sign them, they’ll eventually face them on the field. The Tigers have already secured commitments from Wright and former Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris.
Harris used Instagram to confirm he’s heading to Baton Rouge as a “business decision”. Earlier this month, the New Orleans Saints waived him. Another player, former Notre Dame defensive end Junior Tuihalamaka, also joined the group. These guys played four college seasons and then went pro. They thought they’d used up their time in the game. Now, a judge says they get one more year.
The SEC Pushes Back Hard
The Southeastern Conference doesn’t like this change. They released a statement saying they firmly oppose professional athletes returning to play college sports. “College athletes, not professional athletes, have been at the heart of the Southeastern Conference,” the statement said. The league worries this will blur the line between school sports and the pros. They fear it creates unfair competition and hurts high school players. The SEC is now asking Congress to pass a bill to fix the rules.
But the players say they just want to finish their journey. Jack Pyburn, a former LSU linebacker, was among the plaintiffs. His deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers guaranteed him $115,000. He told The Athletic, “I’m just trying to maximize myself as a player and as a person and play my best football, wherever that is.” Pyburn and others can regain eligibility if they quit their pro contracts and pay back their earnings. The court says they were denied a fifth year that others moving forward will have. Pyburn explained that a judge decided they should have a fifth year, consistent with the eligibility granted to future cohorts.
The story isn’t over yet. A preliminary injunction hearing is scheduled for Aug. 31 in East Baton Rouge. This court date will decide if the players can keep playing for the rest of the season. More than a dozen former FBS players have entered the transfer portal thanks to these rulings.
