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Harris slams Wright’s return to college as “elementary”
The move from the Cleveland Browns to LSU highlights a governance gap in player eligibility, prompting sharp criticism from former NFL star Damien Harris.
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Event
Browns to waive tight end Dae'Quan Wright, who is set to join LSU
Former NFL running back Damien Harris described tight end Dae'Quan Wright's move from the NFL to the NCAA transfer portal as "embarrassing" and "elementary." Wright, who was waived by the Cleveland Browns, is set to join LSU, potentially becoming the first active NFL player to return to college football. Harris argued that the move undermines the value of college roster spots and questions the player's commitment, while Browns head coach Todd Monken also expressed surprise at the decision.
2 published stories · daequan-wright · source reliability 67%
Background
Why this event matters
Former NFL running back Damien Harris has publicly criticised tight end Dae'Quan Wright’s decision to return to college football via the NCAA transfer portal, describing the move as "embarrassing" and "elementary." Wright, who was waived by the Cleveland Browns, is set to join LSU, potentially becoming the first active NFL player to return to the collegiate level. Harris, a two-time college national champion, argued that Wright’s return undermines the value of college roster spots and questions the player's commitment, noting that such moves allow athletes to "finesse" the system. The move is enabled by a temporary restraining order granting a fifth year of eligibility, a strategy actively pursued by LSU head coach Lane Kiffin, who has also signed fellow Ole Miss alumnus ZXavian Harris.
event-brief
Browns to waive tight end Dae'Quan Wright, who is set to join LSU
Former NFL running back Damien Harris has publicly criticised tight end Dae'Quan Wright’s decision to return to college football via the NCAA transfer portal, describing the move as "embarrassing" and "elementary." Wright, who was waived by the Cleveland Browns, is set to join LS
Reporting trail
CBS Sports | https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/damien-harris-calls-daequan-wrights-move-from-nfl-to-ncaa-transfer-portal-embarassing-elementary | published 2026-08-25T17:53:13.000Z | primary sourceESPN | https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/49705433/agents-daequan-wright-waived-browns-set-join-lsu | published 2026-08-23T23:53:00.000Z | primary source
Fact cards
entity brief
Browns to waive tight end Dae'Quan Wright, who is set to join LSU: key people and institutions
Key entities: Damien Harris, Dae'Quan Wright, Cleveland Browns, LSU, NCAA.
faq brief
Browns to waive tight end Dae'Quan Wright, who is set to join LSU: key questions
Why is Damien Harris critical of Dae'Quan Wright's move? Harris believes the move undermines the value of college roster spots and questions Wright's commitment, describing it as "embarrassing" and "elementary." How did Dae'Quan Wright gain eligibility to return to college? A tem
source brief
Browns to waive tight end Dae'Quan Wright, who is set to join LSU: reporting sources
CBS Sports | https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/damien-harris-calls-daequan-wrights-move-from-nfl-to-ncaa-transfer-portal-embarassing-elementary | published 2026-08-25T17:53:13.000Z | primary source | ESPN | https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/49705433/agents-daequan
timeline brief
Browns to waive tight end Dae'Quan Wright, who is set to join LSU: timeline
2026-08-24: Dae'Quan Wright is waived by the Cleveland Browns after being sidelined due to an apparent injury during training camp. 2026-08-25: Damien Harris publicly criticises Wright's move to the NCAA transfer portal, while LSU head coach Lane Kiffin confirms an agreement is i
Timeline
2026-08-24
Dae'Quan Wright is waived by the Cleveland Browns after being sidelined due to an apparent injury during training camp.
2026-08-25
Damien Harris publicly criticises Wright's move to the NCAA transfer portal, while LSU head coach Lane Kiffin confirms an agreement is in place for Wright to join the team.
FAQ
Why is Damien Harris critical of Dae'Quan Wright's move?
Harris believes the move undermines the value of college roster spots and questions Wright's commitment, describing it as "embarrassing" and "elementary."
How did Dae'Quan Wright gain eligibility to return to college?
A temporary restraining order granted in a Louisiana lawsuit provided Wright with a fifth year of eligibility.
Who is pursuing former NFL players for LSU?
LSU head coach Lane Kiffin has actively recruited players who gained eligibility through legal rulings, including ZXavian Harris and Dae'Quan Wright.