Dae'Quan Wright Reveals Interest from Ole Miss, South Carolina, and Virginia Tech in LSU Move

Dae'Quan Wright Reveals Interest from Ole Miss, South Carolina, and Virginia Tech in LSU Move

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Dae'Quan Wright Reveals Interest from Ole Miss, South Carolina, and Virginia Tech in LSU Move

College football’s eligibility battle has produced no shortage of headlines in recent weeks, with court rulings, conference policies and legal challenges reshaping the landscape just days before the season begins.

Few players have found themselves at the center of that discussion more than former Ole Miss Rebels tight end Dae’Quan Wright, whose attempt to return from the NFL to the college ranks after going undrafted sparked one of the offseason’s most debated storylines.

Much of the attention has centered on the LSU Tigers and former coach Lane Kiffin for pursuing the NFL rookie, but Wright says his recruitment involved many more teams than just the Tigers.

Former Ole Miss Rebels tight end Dae’Quan Wright.Petre Thomas-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect

Speaking to The Advocate’s Koki Riley before the SEC ruled him ineligible, Wright revealed LSU was not the only program pursuing him once he entered the transfer portal.

According to Riley, Wright mentioned Ole Miss, South Carolina and Virginia Tech as the programs that expressed interest in him, with his former schools playing particularly significant roles in his decision-making process.

“It definitely still was a tough choice, especially with Ole Miss,” Wright said. “That’s just where I was and (I still know) guys over there that I played with.”

ALSO SEE: Poll: Should Dae’Quan Wright Be Allowed to Play for LSU?

Ultimately, Wright chose LSU because of his familiarity with Kiffin’s staff after they spent the past two seasons together at Ole Miss.

Wright’s opportunity arose after a Louisiana court granted him and other members of the 2022 recruiting class temporary eligibility relief. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent before later joining the Cleveland Browns, making him the first player positioned to return to college after appearing on an NFL roster.

Reflecting on the unprecedented situation, Wright said the timing—not the players—should be the focus of this NCAA-NFL feud.

“At the end of the day, we’re still kids. We’re still young,” Wright said. “I would just like for them to understand you can’t really blame the players because, at the end of the day, it’s just all bad timing.”

Adding another chapter to the saga, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the NFL is expected to prohibit players who go back to college this season from signing with an NFL team this year.

Related: LSU Target’s Representative Hints at Next Step After SEC Decision on NFL Players

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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 27, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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