College football analyst doubts Dae’Quan Wright will ever take the field for LSU

College football analyst doubts Dae’Quan Wright will ever take the field for LSU

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College football analyst doubts Dae’Quan Wright will ever take the field for LSU

One of the more bizarre developments of the college football offseason involves former Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright returning to college football. He is set to transfer and join the LSU Tigers this season.

Wright played in preseason games for the Browns before an injunction granted him eligibility. He decided to leave Cleveland and head to Baton Rouge. Wright isn’t the only former NFL player attempting to return to college football, either. The question now is whether he will actually play after the SEC threatened sanctions against LSU.

One college football analyst isn’t so sure that will happen. Paul Finebaum provided his thoughts on the situation and thinks LSU should reconsider.

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“I just think that there will be too many things that start happening … This is a very narrow path. It’s completely different, but like what the Big 12 tried, but I think the sentiment is going to really be against him … I think LSU has to decide if this is really worth staking whatever is left of our reputation.” Finebaum said.

Paul Finebaum of SEC Nation on set before the Alabama, LSU game in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on Nov. 9, 2019.Sec Nation

Paul Finebaum of SEC Nation on set before the Alabama, LSU game in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, on Nov. 9, 2019.

Sec Nation Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Time to undo what has been done?

LSU now finds itself in a difficult position. The Tigers have already faced accusations that the school encouraged former student-athletes to sue the NCAA in an effort to regain their college eligibility. Now, the SEC is threatening sanctions over Wright’s return. LSU has to decide whether continuing down this path is worth the potential consequences.

There is also a larger question about where the line should be drawn. Wright and other players in similar situations already made the decision to pursue professional football. Wright declared for the 2026 NFL Draft, signed with the Browns and even appeared in preseason games before his eligibility was restored.

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Allowing players to return to college after beginning their professional careers could create a difficult precedent for the sport. If an injunction can give former NFL players another opportunity to compete in college, more players could eventually try to take the same route.

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Dec 20, 2025; Oxford, MS, USA; Mississippi Rebels tight end Dae’Quan Wright (8) runs after the catch against the Tulane Green Wave during the first half of a game at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

For LSU, this may be about more than just adding another tight end to its roster. The Tigers have to weigh whatever Wright could provide on the field against the possibility of sanctions and further criticism surrounding the way the program has handled eligibility issues.

Finebaum’s point is ultimately worth considering. LSU may have found a way to get Wright back on the field, but that doesn’t necessarily mean it should. With the SEC already pushing back, the Tigers may have to decide whether Wright’s potential impact is worth testing the limits of the system.

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