Jack Pyburn Waived by Buccaneers, Potential Return to LSU Sparks Eligibility Debate

On August 30, 2026, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers placed outside linebacker Jack Pyburn on waivers as they finalized their 53-man roster. Pyburn entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent after the 2026 Draft and recorded four sacks in three preseason games, the league-high total for that period. If another NFL club claims him, his contract transfers; otherwise, he becomes a free agent and may pursue a return to college football.

Buccaneers Waive Rookie OLB After NFL-Leading Preseason New York TimesJack Pyburn waived by Bucs Buccaneers waive Jack Pyburn, clearing path toward LSU Bucs Sorting Through Jack Pyburn Situation As OLB Mulls LSU Return Tampa Bay Waives Jack Pyburn, Clearing Path for Potential LSU Return NBC SportsJack Pyburn waived, setting up potential return to LSU

Pyburn is among more than 30 athletes from the 2022 recruiting class who sued in Louisiana challenging the NCAA’s “five-year, five-season” rule. A judge issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) blocking the SEC and commissioner Greg Sankey from penalizing schools that field such players. The TRO was later amended to prevent the conference from barring players like Pyburn who have signed NFL contracts from returning to the SEC.

Tampa Bay Waives Jack Pyburn, Clearing Path for Potential LSU Return

• Preseason NFL production: Four sacks in three games, the highest total among all NFL players in the 2026 preseason.

Jack Pyburn waived by Bucs

• 2025 LSU season: 11 starts, 52 tackles, 2 sacks, 8 quarterback hurries, and 5.5 tackles for loss.

New York Times

Buccaneers officials said roster constraints and depth-chart considerations drove the waiver decision, noting the team typically carries six outside linebackers. Legal filings state Pyburn’s attorneys wrote that, should he be released by the early-September deadline, he “plans to return to LSU.” Preliminary injunction hearings are scheduled for Monday and Thursday after the waiver.

New York Times

• “I haven’t talked to him about that,” — Todd Bowles, head coach

Bucs Sorting Through Jack Pyburn Situation As OLB Mulls LSU Return

If Pyburn clears waivers, LSU could add an NFL-level edge rusher to a defense already featuring former pros such as tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris. The addition would raise LSU’s championship expectations and could generate a NIL contract for Pyburn, potentially exceeding his guaranteed NFL earnings of $115,000.

Sports Illustrated

The case also tests the reach of the NCAA’s eligibility reforms. A successful return would set a precedent for other players seeking a fifth collegiate season after brief professional stints.

Buccaneers waive Jack Pyburn, clearing path toward LSU

Sources differ on Pyburn’s positional label—some list him as a linebacker, others as a defensive end—reflecting the hybrid nature of his role. While multiple outlets confirm his four-sack preseason performance, no source has verified whether another NFL team will claim him during the waiver period. The final eligibility outcome also hinges on pending court decisions.

Buccaneers Waive Rookie OLB After NFL-Leading Preseason

• Waiver process: Pyburn will remain on the waiver wire for 24 hours; any claim will transfer his contract.

New York Times

• Potential LSU return: If unclaimed, he intends to re-enroll at LSU for the 2026 season, pending TRO clearance and further rulings.

Sports Illustrated

• Legal timeline: Preliminary injunction hearings are set for the Monday and Thursday after the waiver, which could influence the final eligibility determination.

New York Times