Former LSU defensive end Jack Pyburn is one step closer to a possible return to Baton Rouge.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers waived Pyburn on Sunday as the organization works toward its final 53-man roster. Pyburn signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent following the 2026 NFL Draft and made a strong late push for a roster spot, finishing the preseason with four sacks.
His release could now open the door for an unusual return to LSU.
Pyburn is among a group of players challenging NCAA eligibility rules in Louisiana court. A temporary restraining order granted earlier this month provided Pyburn and other members of the 2022 recruiting class a potential avenue to play an additional college season despite previously exhausting their eligibility and, in Pyburn's case, signing an NFL contract.
The legal fight has since expanded to include the SEC. On Friday, a Louisiana judge amended the temporary restraining order to block the conference and commissioner Greg Sankey from enforcing recently adopted penalties against schools using players who had entered the professional ranks. The underlying eligibility litigation, however, remains unresolved.
Court filings have also made Pyburn's intentions clear. If he was waived by Tampa Bay before the Sept. 1 deadline, Pyburn planned to pursue a return to LSU for the 2026 season.
TigerBait expects LSU to bring Pyburn back if the remaining procedural and eligibility hurdles are cleared.
Pyburn spent the 2025 season with the Tigers after transferring from Florida. He started 11 games and finished with 52 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, two sacks and eight quarterback hurries.
His return would give LSU another experienced body at defensive end as the Tigers prepare for their season opener against Clemson.
For now, Pyburn's return should not be considered official. His NFL waiver situation must still play out, while the ongoing litigation surrounding his college eligibility remains a factor.
