Ex-NFL TE Dae’Quan Wright Hits Portal: Browns Castoff Returning to College?
NFL Player Enters College Transfer Portal for First Time Ever: What You Need to Know
What Just Happened?
Imagine if a professional basketball player could suddenly go back and play college basketball again. That’s basically what just happened in football!
Cleveland Browns rookie Dae’Quan Wright made history on Thursday by becoming the first active NFL player ever to enter the college transfer portal. This means he’s officially telling colleges, "Hey, I might want to come back and play for you!"
IMPORTANT POINT
This has NEVER happened before. Until now, once you signed an NFL contract, your college eligibility was gone forever. Wright just changed the game completely.
Who Is Dae’Quan Wright?
Let’s meet the player who started it all:
- Position: Tight end (that’s like a mix between a blocker and a receiver)
- College Career: Played at Virginia Tech, then Ole Miss
- Stats: Caught 113 passes for 1,603 yards in college
- Big Achievement: Earned second-team All-SEC honors at Ole Miss (that’s like being named one of the best in a super tough conference!)
- NFL Journey: Went undrafted in April → signed with Philadelphia Eagles → claimed by Cleveland Browns → was on their practice squad during training camp
Why Is This Happening NOW? (The Simple Version)
It’s all because of court rulings and legal battles. Here’s the timeline:
1. The "Extra Year" Rule (2020-2021)
- COVID messed up everyone’s sports seasons
- NCAA gave every college athlete an extra year of eligibility
- Think of it like getting a "do-over" year for free
2. The Colorado Court Ruling (Summer 2025)
- Judge Charlotte Sweeney ruled that players from the 2022 recruiting class could use that extra year
- BUT — she said players who already signed NFL contracts couldn’t come back
3. The Louisiana Twist (August 2025)
- A different judge in Louisiana issued a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)
- This TRO basically said: "Hey NCAA, you can’t enforce your 5-year clock rule right now!"
- This created a short window where NFL players CAN enter the transfer portal
4. The Deadline Crunch
- NFL teams must cut rosters to 53 players by August 30
- Players who get cut might be able to play college football in the 2026 season
- They could even get paid through NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals or revenue sharing!
Other Players Jumping In
Wright isn’t alone! Here are others making moves:
| Player | Former NFL Team | College Background | Notable Stats |
|---|---|---|---|
| TJ Harden | Seahawks | SMU | 2,445 rushing yards, 21 TDs |
| Jayden Fielding | — | Ohio State | 16/20 field goals in 2025, All-Big Ten |
| Jack Pyburn | Buccaneers | LSU | 2 sacks in a preseason game |
| Zxavian Harris | — | Ole Miss | Defensive lineman |
| DQ Smith | — | South Carolina | 4-year starter at safety |
IMPORTANT POINT
16 players have already entered the portal, and many more are expected. College coaches are now recruiting players who are currently on NFL rosters!
What This Means for College Football (ELI5 Edition)
For Players
- More options! If you get cut from an NFL team, college is now a real backup plan
- Money potential! NIL deals + revenue sharing = possible paycheck
- Leverage! "I’ll go back to college if you don’t keep me" is now a real negotiating tool
For College Coaches
- New recruiting pool! They can now call up NFL practice squad guys
- Roster chaos! August just got way more complicated
- Experience boost! Getting a 24-year-old who’s been in an NFL locker room? Huge advantage
For the NCAA
- Total nightmare! This is exactly what they tried to prevent
- Legal battles everywhere — Colorado, Louisiana, Illinois (Fielding filed there!)
- Rules are breaking down faster than they can write new ones
For NFL Teams
- Roster decisions just got harder — cutting a guy might mean he becomes a college star
- Scouting changes — gotta watch college portal AND NFL cuts now
- Weird timing — cuts happen Aug 30, college season starts soon after
The Big Picture: Step by Step
Here’s how we got here, in simple steps:
- NCAA gives everyone a "COVID year" extra eligibility
- Players use it, some go to NFL, some stay in college
- Colorado judge says 2022 class can use extra year… but not NFL signees
- Louisiana judge hits "pause" on NCAA’s 5-year clock rule
- Dae’Quan Wright sees opening, enters transfer portal
- 15+ other players follow his lead
- College coaches start texting NFL practice squad players
- August 30 cuts create potential flood of new college players
- 2026 college season could have former NFL players everywhere
- Nobody knows what happens next!
Summary
History was made Thursday when Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright became the first active NFL player to enter the college transfer portal. This happened because a Louisiana judge temporarily blocked the NCAA’s eligibility rules, creating a window for players who’ve been in NFL camps.
16+ players have already entered, including former Seahawks RB TJ Harden and ex-Ohio State kicker Jayden Fielding. With NFL roster cuts due August 30, dozens more could follow — potentially playing college football in 2026 while earning NIL money.
College coaches are now recruiting NFL players. The NCAA is losing control. And August just became the wildest month in college sports history.
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Can ANY NFL player just go back to college now?
Not exactly. Only players who still have eligibility remaining (usually from the COVID extra year) AND who are affected by the Louisiana court order. It’s a specific group — mostly 2022 recruits who signed NFL deals.
Does this mean Dae’Quan Wright is QUITTING the NFL?
Nope! He’s keeping his NFL options open. The portal gives him leverage. If the Browns cut him, he has a Plan B. If they keep him, he stays in the NFL. Smart move!
Will these players get paid in college?
Very likely yes! With new NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) rules and potential revenue sharing starting soon, a former NFL player could make serious money playing college ball.
Is this legal? Will the NCAA stop it?
It’s legal RIGHT NOW because of the Temporary Restraining Order. But the NCAA will fight it in court. This could bounce between courts for months. The "window" might close — or stay open!
Could a star NFL player like Patrick Mahomes do this?
Haha, no! Mahomes used all his eligibility years ago. This only works for players who:
- Are from the 2022 recruiting class (or similar)
- Still have a "COVID year" left
- Haven’t used up their 5-year clock
- Are currently on NFL rosters/practice squads
Stay tuned — this story changes daily. The transfer portal officially opens for business on August 30, right after NFL cuts. Chaos incoming!