Generated by All in One SEO Pro v5.0.1.1, this is an llms-full.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # TigerRag.com Independent LSU Sports Journalism ## Posts ### [More relief: Monroe native Kade Woods decides to continue career at LSU after two years at Alabama](https://www.tigerrag.com/more-relief-monroe-native-kade-woods-decides-to-continue-career-at-lsu-after-two-years-at-alabama/) **Published:** June 24, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** For the second time this transfer portal season, College World Series participant LSU has picked up another relief pitcher after redshirt freshman Kade Woods of Alabama announced his commitment Friday to the Tigers on social media. The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Woods spent the past two seasons with the Crimson Tide, taking a redshirt in 2022 after dealing with an arm injury. The graduate of Monroe’s Ouachita Christian High means that Woods, whose father Kevin played college baseball at Northwestern State and ULM, is returning to his home state to complete his career. LSU’s also signed left-handed pitcher Justin Loer of Xavier and shortstop/right-handed pitcher Michael Braswell of South Carolina from the transfer portal. In his one full season at Alabama, which won its own NCAA Regional and was swept in the Super Regional at Wake Forest, Woods led the team’s relief corps with 37 strikeouts and was fifth overall on the team. He had a 4-1 record, one save and a 5.52 earned run average in 29 innings. Woods experienced such highlights as a seven-strikeout performance among the seven batters he faced in a relief effort spanning 2.2 innings for a save against World Series participant Florida on March 17. He picked up wins over Vanderbilt on May 6 with three strikeouts in a two-inning stint and against Kentucky on March 26, allowing a run on four hits in three innings of work. Woods was part of two Division IV state baseball championships at Ouachita Christian in 2021 and ’19 and a football championship. He was the state’s fourth-rated right-handed pitcher and No. 13 overall prospect in Louisiana. Before his senior season was cut short by an arm injury, Woods had a 1.32 ERA, 55 Ks and nine walks. On the ’19 title team, he struck out 41 batters and had a 3.46 ERA. **Categories:** LSU Baseball **Tags:** lsu baseball --- ### [Watch Jay Johnson and Kevin O'Sullivan: LSU and Florida both say they are ready to fight it out for CWS supremacy starting Saturday night](https://www.tigerrag.com/watch-jay-johnson-and-kevin-osullivan-lsu-and-florida-both-say-they-are-ready-to-fight-it-out-for-cws-supremacy-starting-saturday-night/) **Published:** June 23, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** --- No. 2 seed Florida vs. No. 5 seed LSU in Omaha – for all the marbles. Two Southeastern Conference college baseball heavyweights. One blue blood. Traditional rivals who have some similarities, and who are very familiar with each other, even though they have not played each other during in 2023. A rematch of the 2017 CWS Championship, which Florida won 2-0. Are you ready? LSU coach Jay Johnson said Friday, less than 24 hours after the Tigers won their fourth game in four days and their second straight over No. 1 seed over Wake Forest in as many days, that his Tigers are ready. Conversely, Florida won three straight to win its bracket. Johnson said he is not the least bit surprised to see Florida in the championship series. “I say this all the time. In baseball it’s very unique. It’s different than basketball and football. I think talent wins out in basketball and football more often. In baseball, it’s not always the team with the best players, it’s the team that plays the best that day,” Johnson said. “And as hard as it may seem to get anybody’s head around, it’s about tomorrow. Tomorrow’s the only thing that matters tomorrow. And there’s advantages to both. Maybe you talk about rhythm. You talk about routine. You talk about confidence. “Both teams will play with a ton of confidence as they should with the rosters. And I think it’s awesome. When you look at selection day, and I’m a very stay-in-the-moment type guy, my Baton Rouge media friends will tell you. But you look at the bracket and you look on the other side, it’s like, yeah, this is not a surprise to me who we’re playing,” he said. Florida Press ConferenceFlorida coach Kevin O’Sullivan said the Gators are thrilled to be facing off with LSU, but he disagreed it’s been an easy road to the finals for them. ”We’re awfully excited to be in this position. Last night’s game between LSU and Wake was an incredible game to watch from a fan’s perspective. We’re excited that we have an opportunity to play here,” O’Sullivan said. ”This has not been an easy road for us. Obviously getting to the SEC schedule was not easy. Going through the losers’ bracket in the Regionals, playing South Carolina in the Supers was very difficult. Three one-run games out here, and now the season is going to end with two SEC teams playing against each other. And we didn’t have an opportunity to play with each other. It should be a lot of fun.” A little history is in order here. Dating back to 2009, an SEC team has won the College World Series in eight of those 12 tournaments. That, of course, will become nine of 13 with either Florida or LSU claiming the title by Monday night, weather permitting. Six different SEC schools, including LSU and Florida, have won those championships. The SEC has been even more dominant in recent years. The 2023 champion will be the fifth SEC team to prevail in the last six NCAA baseball tournaments. Only Oregon State’s title in 2018 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted the SEC’s dominance. Florida, despite what O’Sullivan said is, at least, relatively well-rested after winning its bracket in three games. The Gators spent Thursday night resting and watched the Tigers have to fight their way into the championship series. It took LSU five games to get to this point. Florida has its pitching rotation where it wants it. Either starter Brandon Sproat or Hurston Waldrep are ready to go in the Saturday’s opener. That will be important against LSU’s powerful offense which ranks among the national leaders in scoring, home runs and one-base percentage and has all season long. Florida has experienced a power surge thus far in Omaha where the Gators have hit seven home runs in their three games. The fact that all three of their previous games were one-run games basically rules out offensive complacency for the Gators, at least collectively. **Top players:** 1B/LHP Jac Caglianone (.336, 31 HR, 84 RBI, 7-3, 3.78 ERA); OF Wyatt Langford (.378, 18 HR, 48 RBI), SS Josh Rivera (.362, 17 HR, 68 RBI); RHP Hurston Waldrep (9-3, 4.15 ERA, 93.1 IP, 142 K). LSU had to go through the loser’s bracket in Omaha after a loss to Wake Forest in its second game. Simple math here again. LSU had to play five games to Florida’s three. Advantage Florida, at least on the surface. Johnson has told anyone, and everyone who would listen, there’s more to LSU’s pitching staff than superstar Paul Skenes. So far, the Tigers’ other pitchers, particularly the relievers, have backed Johnson up. Skenes threw 120 pitches over eight scoreless innings Thursday in that ‘Instant Classic’ against Wake Forest, making him likely only available for spot duty during the weekend or possibly a start on three-days rest if the series reaches a third game. Ty Floyd seems to be the obvious choice to start the first game, but he will need to pitch a solid game to protect a bullpen that has experienced heavy usage in five games over seven days. Having Friday off was obviously a good thing for LSU, Johnson said. “Yeah, I’m way okay with having a day off today,” he said. “That’s going to work out well for us. “I have faith in a lot of the guys. We have 12 (pitchers) on the active roster, for this thing. And they’ve all pitched in games that we’ve won this year and games that we’ve had success. “And I think there’s a pathway for them, if they execute, to be successful,” he said. “And it really doesn’t matter what I think or feel about it; we are where we are. We earned our way here the way that we did. And so now we have to go with how we’re set up,” he said. **Top players:** CF Dylan Crews (.423, 18 HR, 69 RBI); 3B Tommy White (.370, 23 HR, 100 RBI), RHP Paul Skenes (13-2, 1.69 ERA, 122 2/3 IP, 208 K); RHP Ty Floyd (7-0, 4.45 ERA, 83 IP, 103 K). **Championship series schedule** **Best two-of-three** **Saturday, June 24** **Game 1 – Florida vs. LSU – 6 p.m., Central., ESPN** **Sunday, June 25** **Game 2 – Florida vs. LSU, 2 p.m., Central, ESPN** **Monday, June 26** **Game 3 -Florida vs. LSU, if necessary, 7 p.m., ESPN** **FAST FACTS**: Florida is the No. 2 seed in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, and is currently sitting at 53-15 overall this season, a record that also included a 20-10 mark in SEC play, good enough to be named the conference’s co-regular season champions. … The Gators have also won eight consecutive games dating back to June 4, and have yet to lose a game so far in Omaha, defeating each of Virginia, Oral Roberts, and TCU by one run. … Offensively, Florida owns a .291 batting average, and are led by one of the nation’s top two-way players in Jac Caglianone, who owns a .325 average with 31 HR and 84 RBI, as well as a 3.68 ERA and 85:52 K:BB ratio on the mound. … In addition to Caglianone, the Gators also have three other .300+ hitters in top MLB Draft prospect – Wyatt Langford, Josh Rivera, and Luke Heyman, as well as two others that are prominent names with 15+ HR each in BT Riopelle and Cade Kurland. … On the Florida pitching staff, which owns a combined 4.48 ERA this season, Caglianone is joined by two of the SEC’s top right-handers in Sproat and Waldrep to make up the Florida rotation, both of which have 120+ strikeouts. … Florida’s bullpen is also anchored by one of the nation’s top relievers in right-hander Brandon Neely, who owns a 3.66 ERA with 13 saves and a 68:19 K:BB ratio, while others including Cade Fisher, Ryan Slater, and Philip Abner are key names who each own an ERA under 4.00. … LSU, the No. 5, enter the weekend at 52-16 overall for the season, a record that also included a 19-10 mark in SEC play. The Tigers have gone 4-1 so far during the 2023 College World Series. They have defeated both Tennessee and Wake Forest twice, along with falling to the top-seeded Demon Deacons once. … Offensively, LSU is batting .307, and is led by the 2023 SEC Player of the Year in center fielder and likely top overall MLB Draft pick Dylan Crews (.423, 18 HR, 69 RBI, 6 SBs). … LSU also has one of the nation’s top run producers in Tommy White (.370, 23 HR, 100 RBI) along with Cade Beloso, Tre’ Morgan, Jared Jones, and Hayden Travinski own a .300+ AVG, with Brayden Jobert, Gavin Dugas, and Jordan Thompson also having 10+ home runs each. … LSU’s pitching staff has a 4.30 ERA, led by the 2023 SEC Pitcher of the Year in Skenes (13-2, 1.69 ERA, 209:20 K:BB ratio in 122.2 innings. … In addition to Skenes, the duo of Floyd and likely Thatcher Hurd or Nate Ackenhausen are also in LSU’s starting rotation, while the Tigers bullpen features Riley Cooper, Griffin Herring, Gavin Guidry and Blake Money. **2023 NCAA Men’s College World Series – Championship Series** **No. 5 National Seed LSU Tigers (52-16) vs. No. 2 National Seed Florida Gators (53-15)** **DATES/TIMES** - Saturday, June 24 @ 6 p.m. CT (ESPN) - Sunday, June 25 @ 2 p.m. CT (ESPN) - Monday, June 26 @ 6 p.m. CT (ESPN – if necessary) **STADIUM** - Charles Schwab Field (24,000) **RANKINGS** - LSU – No. 5 NCAA National Seed - UF – No. 2 NCAA National Seed **RADIO** · LSU Sports Radio Network affiliates, including 98.1 FM in Baton Rouge · Live audio at [www.LSUsports.net/live](http://www.lsusports.net/live) **TV/ONLINE** - The games will be televised on ESPN and streamed on ESPN + **LSU SERIES RECORD VS. FLORIDA** • LSU leads the all-time series versus Florida, 66-52-1, as the series began in 1971 … this weekend’s CWS championship series marks the first meeting between the teams since March 25-27, 2022, when the Tigers won two of three games over the Gators in Gainesville, Fla. …. Florida holds a 9-7 lead in the 16 meetings between the teams since 2016 … LSU holds a 4-2 advantage over Florida in College World Series games – the Tigers won two CWS games over the Gators in both 1991 and in 1996 en route to national championships … LSU and Florida met in the 2017 College World Series Championship Series in which UF posted two straight wins over LSU to claim the national championship. **LSU IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT** • LSU is in the NCAA Tournament for the 11th straight season and for the 35th time overall …. LSU has six national championships (1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2009), the second-most in NCAA history … the Tigers were an NCAA Tournament Top 8 National Seed for an NCAA-record six straight seasons (2012-17) … LSU is a Top 8 National Seed this season (No. 5) for the first time since the 2017 Tigers were the No. 4 National Seed … LSU has the second-highest all-time NCAA Tournament winning percentage (.708, 172-71). • LSU is participating in its 19th College World Series, and its first since 2017, when the Tigers finished as the national runners-up to Florida … LSU is 44-28 (.611) all-time in CWS games, including a 7-3 mark in CWS championship games/series … the Tigers’ 2023 CWS championship series berth is the eighth championship game/series appearance in school history … LSU won CWS championship games over Wichita State in 1991, Wichita State in 1993, Miami (Fla.) in 1996, Alabama in 1997 and Stanford in 2000, and the Tigers won the 2009 CWS championship series over Texas, two games to one … LSU lost the 2017 CWS championship series to Florida, two games to none. • LSU opened its 2023 CWS appearance with a 6-3 win over Tennessee last Saturday… right-hander Paul Skenes limited the Volunteers to two runs on five hits in 7.2 innings with one walk and 12 strikeouts … Skenes fired the second-highest total of strikeouts by an LSU pitcher in an CWS game, second only to Brett Laxton’s 16 strikeouts versus Wichita State in the 1993 CWS National Championship Game. • The Tigers dropped a 3-2 decision to Wake Forest on Monday night, but then posted three straight wins over Tennessee and Wake Forest (twice) to reach the CWS Finals vs. Florida … LSU has won three straight elimination games to advance to the Finals in its last two CWS appearances; the Tigers also accomplished the feat in 2017, when they also met Florida in the championship series. • LSU third baseman Tommy White’s two-run homer to defeat Wake Forest Thursday night marked the fifth walk-off hit in LSU’s College World Series history … the others were Todd Walker’s single in a 1993 semifinal win over Long Beach State; Warren Morris’ homer in the 1996 national championship game vs. Miami; Brad Cresse’s single in the 2000 national championship game vs. Stanford; and Blake Dean’s double in a 2008 elimination game vs. Rice. • LSU’s 2-0 shutout of Wake Forest Thursday night was the Tigers’ second shutout in their past three games in Omaha, and the third in LSU’s CWS history … LSU blanked Tennessee, 5-0, on Tuesday night, and the Tigers shut out Wichita State, 8-0, in the 1993 national championship game. **QUOTING LSU COACH JAY JOHNSON** “I’m obviously excited to be here as a college baseball coach. This is where you want to be this time of year. Very proud of the team, especially coming through the losers’ bracket after a tough loss Monday night to, again, one of the best teams that I’ve seen in recent times, in Wake Forest, particularly on the pitching side of things. We’ve had a really good week that we put together to get back to this point. And now it’s about moving forward. We wanted the players to feel good about what they accomplished. And something we’ve talked about all year is mastering moving forward, moving on to the next step, whether that’s through success or adversity. They’ve shown a lot of maturity in doing that throughout the year, and I expect us to do that moving into tomorrow night.” **ABOUT THE TIGERS** · LSU enters Monday’s game with a 52-16 record, its best mark through 68 games since the 2013 Tigers were 57-11… the Tigers this season have recorded their 14th 50-win season and their first since the 2017 club finished 52-20. · The Tigers won the NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional with 14-0 and 8-3 victories over Kentucky … LSU won the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional with consecutive victories over Tulane and Oregon State (twice) … the Tigers were 1-2 in the SEC Tournament in Hoover, Ala. … LSU was the No. 3 SEC Tournament seed, its highest since the 2017 Tigers were the No. 1 seed in the event. · The Tigers completed the 2023 regular season 42-13 overall and 19-10 in conference play … LSU recorded its most SEC regular-season wins since the 2017 club won 21 SEC games, and the Tigers posted their most overall regular-season wins since the 2015 squad ended the regular season with 46 victories. · LSU enters the CWS Championship Series at or near the top of several NCAA statistical categories … the Tigers are No. 1 in the nation in shutouts pitched (12); No. 1 in runs scored (608); No. 2 in home runs (138); No. 2 in hit-by-pitch (135); No. 3 in walks received (389); No. 3 in strikeouts pitched per nine innings (11.6); No. 4 in on-base percentage (.430); No. 5 in slugging percentage (.556); No. 5 in hits allowed per nine innings (7.53); and No. 8 in scoring average (8.9 runs per game). · The LSU pitching staff has established the school single-season record for strikeouts with 755; the previous school mark was 682 set in 1997 … LSU has 138 home runs this season, the third-highest total in school history … LSU hit an NCAA-record 188 homers in 1997 and 157 homers in 1998. · LSU centerfielder **Dylan Crews** is No. 1 in the nation in runs scored (94); No. 2 in on-base percentage (.563); No. 4 in walks (68) and No. 5 in batting average (.423) … third baseman **Tommy White** is No. 2 in the nation in RBI (100), and he is No. 4 in the nation in RBI per game (1.59) · LSU right-hander **Paul Skenes** is No. 1 in the nation in strikeouts (209), strikeouts per nine innings (15.33) and WHIP (0.75), and he is No. 2 in the nation in ERA (1.69) … he is No. 3 in the nation in strikeout-to-walk ratio (10.45), and No. 5 in hits allowed per nine innings (5.28) … LSU second baseman **Gavin Dugas** is No. 2 in the nation in hit-by-pitch (31). · Paul Skenes has established the Southeastern Conference single-season record for strikeouts with 209; the previous record of 202 strikeouts was held by Ben McDonald (1989). **ABOUT THE GATORS** · Florida shared the 2023 Southeastern Conference regular-season title with Arkansas … the Gators are 3-0 in the College World Series with one-run victories over Virginia, Oral Roberts and TCU. · The Gators are batting .291 on the season with 136 homers and 69 steals in 85 attempts … centerfielder Wyatt Langford is hitting .363 with 19 homers and 49 RBI; shortstop Josh Rivera is batting .361 with 19 homers and 71 RBI, and first baseman/DH Jac Caglianone is hitting .325 with 31 homers and 84 RBI. · Florida’s pitching staff has a 4.48 cumulative ERA with 697 strikeouts in 584 innings, and the Gators are allowing a .235 opponents’ batting average. **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball **Tags:** 2023 College World Series, Florida baseball, jay johnson, Kevin O'Sullivan, lsu baseball --- ### [Fast mover: John Curtis speedy wide receiver Michael Turner Jr. offers commitment to LSU a week following scholarship offer](https://www.tigerrag.com/fast-mover-john-curtis-speedy-wide-receiver-michael-turner-jr-offers-commitment-to-lsu-a-week-following-scholarship-offer/) **Published:** June 23, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** A week after turning heads at LSU skills camp, where he earned a scholarship offer, John Curtis wide receiver Michael Turner Jr. committed to the Tigers. The 6-foot-1, 170-pound Turner, a four-star prospect, confirmed the news on his Twitter account that he had spoken with second-year head coach Brian Kelly. “His message was he loved how I was hungry and came back to camp and earned my offer,” Turner told On3Sports after earning an offer from Kelly on June 17. “He said I could have just stayed home and been like ‘just forget about it’, but he liked how I came back and showed him I wanted it.” LSU’s commitment total in its Class of 2024 remained at 18 overall with its 12th from an in-state prospect. The Tigers, who lost a pledge from four-start linebacker Maurice Williams II of Pearland, Texas to Houston, also have three wide receiver prospects, including two players from Louisiana in Kylan Billiot of Terrebonne and Turner. Turner is the nation’s No. 398 player per On3, No. 65 wide out and ninth-best prospect in Louisiana. Because of his experience as a defensive back, where he collected 29 tackles, an interception and 71-yard fumble return in 2022, Turner is the nation’s No. 25 athlete per 247Sports. Turner wooed LSU’s coaches last week with his speed, turning in a 4.29 time in the 40-yard dash. He also picked up offers from Georgia Tech, where he took an official visit last week, along with Arkansas, Auburn, Georgia, Louisiana Tech, Memphis, Miami, Ole Miss, Tulane, UL-Lafayette and Virginia. He caught 25 passes for 519 yards and six touchdowns, helping the Patriots to a 12-2 record and Division I select state championship. Turner also ran legs on John Curtis’ third-place 4×100 and 4×200 relays at the Class 5A state meet at LSU’s Bernie Moore Stadium. **Categories:** Football Recruiting, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu football, lsu football recruiting, Michael Turner Jr. --- ### ['He just saved the Tigers season right there': Defensive gem from LSU's Tre' Morgan part of Tigers' lore in 2-0 win over No. 1 Wake Forest](https://www.tigerrag.com/he-just-saved-the-tigers-season-right-there-defensive-gem-from-lsus-tre-morgan-part-of-tigers-lore-in-2-0-win-over-no-1-wake-forest/) **Published:** June 23, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** Before Tommy White’s soon-to-be legendary two-run home run in the bottom of the 11th inning sailed over the left-field bullpen in Charles Schwab Field for a 2-0 victory Thursday that sent LSU to the College World Series’ championship round, there was the play. It was the play that could have gotten overshadowed in the All-America pitchers’ duel between LSU’s Paul Skenes and Rhett Lowder of Wake Forest, a pair of potential top 10 picks in next month’s Major League Draft that staged a scoreless battle for the ages. Both pitchers certainly did their best to help their respective teams to avoid their second defeat in the World Series and get sent home. For one play, a show of readiness and sheer athleticism, LSU junior first baseman Tre’ Morgan upstaged both Skenes and Lowder and the Tigers couldn’t have been happier. Morgan’s head’s up play on Marek Houston’s suicide squeeze bunt attempt in a scoreless game in the top of the eighth not only kept the game 0-0, but it enabled LSU time to get to White for his 11th-inning heroics and send the Tigers against Florida in Saturday’s first game of CWS final at 6 p.m. “That’s a bunt coverage we’ve worked on since the fall started,” Morgan said in an interview with Baton Rouge TV station WAFB. “Probably like the first week of practice. I saw coach (Jay) Johnson put it on in the dugout and (catcher) Al (Milazzo) gave it to us on the field. I looked at coach Johnson and acknowledged that I knew the bunt coverage was on.” Wake Forest, which hadn’t lost consecutive games all season, sensed a prime scoring opportunity against Skenes who allowed two hits, walked one and struck out nine in eight innings. That one walk was a lead-off pass to Justin Johnson in the eighth who was then sacrificed to second and took third on a dropped third strike to Jack Winnay. Skenes threw a first-pitch ball to Houston who then tried to score Johnson with a critical run and dropped down a bunt to maybe catch LSU’s defense off guard. “Thousands of times,” Milazzo told WAFB of the numerous times LSU’s defense has worked on such a scenario. “We trust our coaching staff. We trust coach Johnson. He’s been on this stage before. There wasn’t one time where we went 50% on that play. We worked on it every time until it was perfect.” Morgan was certainly ready and pounced once the ball made contact with Houston’s bat. He immediately charged down the first-base line, caught the ball on one hop and in one motion transferred the ball from his glove to his left hand. Without any wasted motion, Morgan flipped the ball to Milazzo who was positioned toward the third-base corner of the plate. He immediately applied the tag on a hard charging Johnson who attempted to slide around the tag and was called out. Video replay, following a challenge from Wake Forest, confirmed the call for the second out and Skenes got Tommy Hawke to line out to Josh Pearson in left to end the inning. Morgan had a front-row view of Milazzo’s tag, having remained on his stomach on the ground after his throw. He punched the infield three times, jumped up to his feet and celebrated. “As soon as Paul picked up his leg I crashed home,” Morgan explained. “Thankfully, he bunted it because I was all up in it already. As soon as he bunted it, I’ve done it hundreds of times. Just a quick catch and flip to Al to get the job done.” ESPN analyst Kyle Peterson believed Morgan’s play was a life preserver for his team. “There isn’t a more athletic first baseman in the entire country,” Peterson said after Morgan’s play. “We talk about the glove work at first. He just saved the Tigers season right there.” White, who struck in the 11th inning with the game-winning homer, believed Wake Forest was about to take the lead when Morgan intervened. “As soon as I saw the bunt, like, the angle of the bat, I knew he was going to first,” White said of Houston. “I didn’t see Tre’. I was, like, ‘Oh, God, they’re going to score. Then he came flying out of nowhere and Milazzo put a great tag on, so that was pretty awesome.” Morgan’s game-changing play proved his worth on a night he was 0-of-4 at the plate. He registered seven putouts and delivered a key assist when the Tigers needed it most. Sophomore Thatcher Hurd came in relief of Skenes and retired the first seven batters he faced until Wake Forest got two runners on in the 11th. He got the Demon Deacons’ respected No. 3 batter Brock Wilken to fly out for the final out, a fly ball to Dylan Crews in center, that set the stage for the Tigers’ dramatic bottom half of the inning. “Nobody’s played better in this World Series than Tre’,” Johnson said. “And there hasn’t been a bigger play in this World Series than that bunt play.” **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball **Tags:** 2023 College World Series, Alex Milazzo, jay johnson, lsu baseball, tre' morgan --- ### [Follow my lead: LSU QB commitment Colin Hurley applying talents to attract additional talent, transcend Class of 2024](https://www.tigerrag.com/follow-my-lead-lsu-qb-commitment-colin-hurley-applying-talents-to-attract-additional-talent-transcend-class-of-2024/) **Published:** June 23, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** The focus for LSU four-star quarterback commitment Colin Hurley shifted last to the West Coast where the Jacksonville, Florida native was involved in the finals of the 25th Annual Elite 11 quarterback competition. The 6-foot-2, 220-pound Hurley, who committed to the Tigers last November, gave a good account of himself in a field of 20 of the nation’s top quarterbacks. Because he reclassified into the Class of 2024, he was the youngest competitor at 16 years of age, giving everyone a glimpse into a bright future where he ranked eighth overall in the event by 247Sports. The next order of business for Hurley, one of the undisputed leaders of LSU’s Class of ’24, returning to Baton Rouge this weekend to lend a helping hand to the Tigers coaching staff on the recruiting trail. Before departing for the Elite 11 finals, he was on campus among a group of official visitors and will do so again with scheduled visits from five-star prospects Cam Coleman of Phenix City, Alabama and Cai Bates of Orlando. “I feel like our ’24 class is one of the best in the country,” Hurley said during an appearance on the June 13th edition of Tiger Rag Radio. “We’re going after different guys every day that we feel can make a difference for this program. It’s a team effort between me and the coaching staff at LSU. We’re all doing our part, going out recruiting these guys, so we can build the best team possible, a team that can maybe compete for a national championship really soon.” LSU’s current class of 18 commitments is ranked No. 5 nationally by Rivals.com and No. 6 by 247Sports. Hurley believes the Tigers can move up and to do, the Tigers could help themselves by securing the commitments of high-profile prospects such as Coleman, a wide receiver, and Bates, a defensive back. The affable Hurley wants to do his best to help facilitate such a scenario that would ultimately pay off during his career with the Tigers. “I felt like my relationship with the staff was something very special,” Hurley said among his reasons for choosing LSU over 30 scholarship offers last Nov. 4. “I looked at these guys and they really cared about development. They really cared about their players on and off the field and that really meant a lot to me. How can you not love LSU, the rich history behind it. You’ve had some great athletes come out of this program. LSU is the best place for me I feel. I love the fans. I love Baton Rouge. LSU’s my home.” ESPN rates Hurley the nation’s No. 11 quarterback, while On3Sports ranks him No. 256 overall, the No. 15 quarterback and No. 38 player in Florida. According to a composite ranking among the nation’s three top recruiting services, he’s the No. 16 quarterback with the opportunity to rise before enrolling at LSU in January. Hurley took varsity snaps as an eight-grader at Trinity Christian in 2020 which won the Class 2A state title and wound up 12-1. He helped Trinity to a 10-4 mark in ’21 and second consecutive state crown, passing for 2,146 yards on 144 of 257 attempts for 24 touchdowns and was named the state’s Offensive Player of the Year. Last season, Hurley directed Trinity to an 11-1 season that ended in the second round of the state playoffs. The first team All-State selection completed 86 of 162 passes for 1,444 yards and 16 touchdowns and added 210 yards and two scores on the ground. In addition to the Elite 11 final, Hurley’s garnered national recognition with his selection to the 2024 U.S. Army All-American Bowl and is a ESPN300 member. “LSU loves my build, loves what I can do on the football field, what I can do on film,” Hurley said. “I can do it all. I can run, I can pass, lead an offense, work in the weightroom, work on the white board. It really reassures them of their decision for my skill set. Ultimately, it comes down to being a playmaker. If you can be a playmaker and get the ball out to the receivers’ hands that’s all that really matters. “In college football the best man plays, nothing’s ever guaranteed,” Hurley added. “I’m looking to go in there and compete for the starting job. That’s my ultimate goal and that’s to be a starting quarterback at the college football level. I feel like LSU’s giving me the best opportunity for me to learn and develop, but also go out there and compete and go against some of the best guys out there in the country. I really feel like it’s going to help me step up my game. It’s going to help others step up their game as well.” Hurley took notice of the growth of LSU’s program in the first year of head coach Brian Kelly. He guided the Tigers from a worst-to-first 10-4 turnaround in the SEC’s Western Division that included an overtime home victory over arch-rival Alabama, a trip to the SEC Championship Game against Georgia and a Citrus Bowl win over Purdue. It’s the development of the entire program that further solidified Hurley’s future at LSU. “Before the season I loved LSU and the way they ended the season was a no-brainer that I made the right decision,” Hurley said. “It really showed the development from where the team started to where they finished. Making it to the SEC Championship. That shows how much of a good coach Brian Kelly is, how much of a winner he is, and I want to be a part of that. I want to be a part of a winning program where I’m going to develop, get ready for college ball and potentially the NFL.” **Categories:** Football Recruiting, LSU Football News **Tags:** Colin Hurley, lsu football, lsu football recruiting --- ### [CWS Instant Classic with Video: LSU's Tommy White's walk-off home run vaults Tigers into Championship Series to cap epic pitchers' duel against No. 1 Wake Forest](https://www.tigerrag.com/cws-instant-classic-with-video-lsus-tommy-whites-walk-off-home-run-vaults-tigers-into-championship-series-to-cap-epic-pitchers-duel-against-no-1-wake-forest/) **Published:** June 22, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** --- OMAHA, Neb. – LSU third baseman Tommy White launched a two-run homer in the bottom of the 11th inning to walk off the No. 1 overall seed Wake Forest and lift the Tigers to a 2-0 victory and clinch a spot in the CWS Championship Series versus Florida starting Saturday night. > Feelin’ It[@tommywhite44](https://twitter.com/tommywhite44?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) | [\#ThePowerhouse](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThePowerhouse?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/sdnFl1WuLk](https://t.co/sdnFl1WuLk) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 23, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1672085667063427072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) LSU (52-16) moved into the finals for the first time since 2017 and the eighth time in program history. LSU returns to action at 6 p.m. CT against SEC foe Florida. The contest will be televised on ESPN and broadcast on LSU Sports Radio Network affiliates. “I couldn’t be more proud of our team,” LSU coach Jay Johnson said. “I think that exemplifies the talent on this roster, but more importantly, the character and the people. That was the best-pitched college baseball game I’ve ever seen from both sides.” LSU center fielder Dylan Crews led off the bottom of the 11th inning with a single against Wake Forest reliever Michael Massey. The Deacons inserted closer Camden Minacci into the game, and then White launched his first pitch into the left field seats to give the Tigers the win. The homer was White’s 23rd of the season and increased his season RBI total to 100. LSU reliever Thatcher Hurd (7-3) earned the win, working the final three innings and blanking Wake Forest on one hit with one walk and one strikeout. LSU starter Paul Skenes was brilliant through the first eight innings, allowing no runs on two hits with one walk and nine strikeouts. He extended his season strikeouts total to 209, establishing the SEC single-season mark for strikeouts. The former record-holder was LSU All-American Ben McDonald, who recorded 202 strikeouts in 1989. “Obviously what Paul did was spectacular,” Johnson said. “What Thatcher did was spectacular. You might see four pitchers that were on that mound tonight from both teams that will pitch in Major League Baseball All-Star Games.” Massey (3-1) suffered the loss, alllowing one run on one hit in 2.2 innings with one walk and five strikeouts. Wake Forest starter Rhett Lowder also delivered a superb outing, firing 7.0 shutout innings with three hits, two walks and six strikeouts. ![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-MCWS-Game-13-FINAL1024_1.jpg "2023-MCWS-Game-13-FINAL1024_1 | TigerRag.com") **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball **Tags:** 2023 College World Series, dylan crews, jay johnson, lsu baseball, Paul Skenes, Thatcher Hurd, Tommy White, Wake Forest --- ### [Arm's length: LSU's Paul Skenes, Thatcher Hurd keep Tigers in it until late fireworks](https://www.tigerrag.com/arms-length-lsus-paul-skenes-thatcher-hurd-keep-tigers-in-it-until-late-fireworks/) **Published:** June 22, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** --- LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson said his pitching plans for the week were somewhat etched on a white board in the team’s hotel Tuesday. That’s the day after the Tigers were knocked into the loser’s bracket of the College World Series, facing the daunting task of having to win three consecutive games to reach a best-of-three championship series. LSU began that stretch with a superb starting performance from reliever-turned-starter Nate Ackenhausen in a 5-0 win over Tennessee. A trio of relievers – Griffin Herring, Gavin Guidry and Riley Cooper – helped the Tigers continue to blaze a path through the World Series in a 5-2 victory on Wednesday over Wake Forest, setting up a rematch with the nation’s top-ranked team with the winner to face Florida in the start of Saturday’s championship series. Dick Howser Trophy winner Paul Skenes made his second start of the World Series on four days of rest and combined with reliever Thatcher Hurd on a three-hit shutout, and Tommy White cranked out a two-run homer to left field for a dramatic 2-0 victory in 11 innings at Charles Schwab Field. Hurd (7-3) picked up the win with three scoreless innings of relief. He allowed one hit, walked one and struck out one on 47 pitches. “I asked anybody if they had any questions whether we could win this is or not,” Johnson recalled of Tuesday’s team meeting. “I said, ‘Great. Let’s get on the bus.’ That was basically the announcement Paul was going to pitch today.” Skenes matched Wake Forest ace Rhett Lowder pitch for pitch, a battle of projected top 10 picks in next month’s Major League Draft. Both of the team’s aces carried shutouts into the eighth inning when the Demon Deacons went to the bullpen for Michael Massey to begin the ninth. Skenes yielded two hits and one walk in eight innings, striking out nine in a 120-pitch outing in which he threw 82 strikes. “There was no doubt,” Skenes said of his start in his team’s third elimination game of the CWS. “I knew our strength coaches, (pitching coach) Wes (Johnson), they were going to do everything in their power to get me ready. Everyone else was going to do everything in their power to get ready. There was no doubt in my mind. To be honest there wasn’t a lot of conversation.” Lowder was equally effective, shutting out LSU on three hits over seven innings. He walked two and fanned six before leaving after throwing 88 pitches. “The best pitched college baseball game I’ve ever seen from both sides,” Jay Johnson said. “Obviously what Paul did was spectacular. What Thatcher did was spectacular. You might see four pitchers that were on that mound tonight from both teams that will pitch in Major League Baseball All-Star Games. And hat tip to (Wake Forest) Coach (Tom) Walter and Wake Forest. We just slayed a giant tonight. And that was special.” Skenes became the SEC’s single-season leader in strikeouts with 203 in 116.2 innings when he fanned Wake Forest’s Justin Johnson to end the second. The 6-foot-6 junior broke the 34-year-old mark of former LSU All-American Ben McDonald who did it in 151.1 innings. The NCAA’s record is 234 strikeouts in 174.1 innings held by Hawaii’s Derek Tatsuno in 1979. “Obviously, he had a really good career at LSU and in the Major Leagues,” Skenes said of McDonald. “It’s cool. It’s cool to leave a legacy.” Skenes allowed a one-out single to Jack Winnay in the third but LSU’s defense, led by White, turned a double play to get out of the inning. Justin Johnson doubled into the right-center gap in the fifth when White picked up an assist on a grounder and Tre’ Morgan had an unassisted put out by stepping on first base to close out the inning. Wake Forest came within a whisker of scoring the game’s first run in the eighth when Johnson walked and reached third on a sacrifice bunt and wild pitch. Marek Houston attempted to lay down a suicide squeeze bunt when Morgan charged in from first base, gloved the ball and threw it to catcher Alex Milazzo for the tag on Johnson at the plate. The call was upheld by video replay when the Demon Deacons challenged the play. That was the final batter Skenes faced and Hurd was up to the challenge out of the bullpen with LSU’s ace out of the game. “It’s all about execution and I was going to do anything to get the win for us,” Hurd said. “I wasn’t going to let us down.” Hurd retired the first eight batters he faced until Tommy Hawke singled and stole second base. Lucas Costello followed with a walk when Hurd got No. 3 batter Brock Wilken to fly out to Dylan Crews in center. The Deacons’ Nos. 2-4 batters struggled at the plate, going 0-for-17 with four strikeouts. Hurd, who’s won his last four decisions, also continued a torrid stretch for LSU’s relievers who have allowed one run in their last 18 innings with 12 strikeouts. “We wanted to get Paul as long as we could,” Johnson said. “I’m really proud of him for getting us through eight. I think it took that to win the game and there was only one guy who was going to get the ball after that. We would have used him (Hurd) to close out the game last night (5-2 win) if we needed to. I didn’t want to do that because I knew he would be needed today. It gave him an extra day after Monday. He was spectacular. There was one walk and only one three-ball count the entire time he was on the mound.” **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, lsu baseball, Paul Skenes --- ### [Live Updates: Tommy White two-run walk-off home run in 11th puts LSU into CWS Championship Series - LSU vs Wake Forest in CWS bracket final for the right to advance to Championship Series](https://www.tigerrag.com/live-updates-lsu-vs-wake-forest-in-cws-bracket-final-for-the-right-to-advance-to-championship-series/) **Published:** June 22, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** --- Wow! LSU is going to the national championship series, thanks to a college baseball instant classic. After losing their first game against Wake Forest earlier this week at the College World Series, the Tigers won three straight elimination games in three days to advance. ![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/Tommy-1024x683.jpg "Tommy | TigerRag.com")LSU beat the Demon Deacons 2-0 on a game-winning home run from Tommy White in the 11th inning following an outstanding, incredible and, frankly, unbelievable pitching effort from Paul Skenes and Thatcher Hurd. Now the Tigers will play Florida in a rematch of the 2017 national championship. More to come throughout the night here on TigerRag.com. > In the delivery room waiting for our first baby girl, and #5 overall… Memphis just asked, “can we name her Tommy, mom?”… What a day! [\#GeauxTigers](https://twitter.com/hashtag/GeauxTigers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > [pic.twitter.com/WiCCrbHp3T](https://t.co/WiCCrbHp3T) > > — Jacob Hester (@JacobHester18) [June 23, 2023](https://twitter.com/JacobHester18/status/1672064735368425472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/JJohnson_WrapUp_050523-1.jpg "JJohnson_WrapUp_050523-1 | TigerRag.com")Everyone Doin The Tommy and the Paul Skenes the Dylan Crews and the Tre Morgan the Thatcher Hurd we could go on Total team effort from LSU in an Instant Classic as the Tigers walk off in the bottom of the 11th and head to the CWS Championship Series with 2 0 win over No 1 seed Wake Forest to face Florida in a rematch of the 2017 finals Listen to post game radio show Geauxmaha is shooting a lot of Jello Shots about now you can bank on that HOW IT HAPPENED Bottom of 11th Inning – Crews **singled to left field (1-2 KSB)**; **Minacci to p for Massey** – White White homered to left field, 2 RBI (0-0); Crews scoredTop of 11th Inning – Winnay struck out swinging on 2-2 count fastball cutting away at 95 mph; Houston **popped up to ss to center field (0-2 KFF)**; Hawke **singled to third base (3-2 BKKBB)**; Costello (Hawke stole second base) (Play under review – ruling confirmed, safe) (Johnson mound visit with Hurd with count 2-2 on Costello) walked on a full count; Wilken (leads nation in home runs with 31, ACC all-time leader in home runs) **flied out to cf (1-0 B**. 0 Runs, 1 Hit, 0 Errors, 2 LOB Bottom of 10th Inning – Thompson struck out swinging in three pitches; Pearson flied out to right field; Milazzo **struck out swinging, grounded out to c unassisted (0-2 SKS)**. Top of 10th Inning – Corona lined out to left field at the wall; Johnson lined out to 2B; Lee lined out to center field. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors. 0 LOB. LSU 0, Wake Forest 0 heading into extra innings. Bottom of 9th Inning – Dugas **struck out looking (1-2 KBKFFK)**; Beloso fouled out to 3B; Jobert **struck out swinging (3-2 BBBFSS)** Top of 9th Inning – (Hurd in to pitch for Skenes) Costello grounded out to 2B on first pitch; Wilken lined out to right field on full count; Bennett grounded out to 2B. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors. 0 LOB LSU 0, Wake Forest 0 after eight complete innings. Bottom of 8th Inning – (Roland in to pitch for Lowder) Pearson walked on a 7-pitch at bat; **Milazzo grounded out to p, SAC, bunt (2-1 BKB); Pearson advanced to second**; (Walters to mound for conference – Massey in to pitch for Roland) Crews struck out swinging on 2-2 count on a elevated fastball 94 MPH; White intentionally walked; Morgan flew out to center field. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 2 LOB Top of 8th Inning – (Skenes pitch count at 103 entering the 8th) Johnson walked on a 3-1 count; Lee (with count 1-0, after four-straight balls to Johnson, Jay Johnson wants to talk with Skenes on the mound) sacrifice bunt to 1B unassisted, Johnson advanced to second base; **Winnay struck out swinging, reached first on a wild pitch (2-2 BKBFS); Johnson advanced to third on a wild pitch**; Houston safety bunt, Morgan makes a phenomenal play with a short-arm flip to nail Milazzo at the plate, Winnary advanced to second base, Houston safe at first base (under review – call confirmed. WF has no more reviews); Hawke lined out to left field. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors. 2 LOB. LSU 0, Wake Forest 0 after seven complete. Bottom of 7th Inning – Dugas walked after a 10-pitch at-bat; Beloso lined out to right field, Bennett slides coming in to make a great catch; Jobert struck out swinging on 95 MPH elevated fastball; Thompson struck out swinging on a 2-2 count. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB Top of 7th Inning – Wilken struck out swinging (2-2 slider); Bennett flew out to right field; Corona struck out looking on a 1-2 count (Skenes’ 8th K of game). 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors. 0 LOB LSU 0, Wake Forest 0 end of 6th Bottom of 6th Inning – Milazzo fouled out to 1B; Crews grounded out to second base; White doubled down the right field line; Morgan (WF pitcher’s mound conference meeting) lined out to 3B. 0 Runs, 1 Hit, 0 Errors. 1 LOB Top of 6th Inning – (Skenes at 69 pitches starting the 6th) Houston struck out looking in three pitches; Hawke struck out swinging on 1-2 count; Costello grounded out to 3B. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB LSU 0, Wake Forest 0 through five complete. Bottom of 5th Inning – Jobert struck out swinging on 2-2 count; Thompson grounded out to 3B; Pearson flew out to center field on 2-2 count. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB Top of 5th Inning – Corona flew out to right field; Johnson doubles into right center field gap; Lee (conference on the mound) grounds out to third base, Johnson stays put at second base; Winnay grounded out 1B unassisted. 0 Runs, 1 Hit, 0 Errors, 1 LOB Game Line Score TEAM1234RHELWF00000101LSU00000202Through 4 CompleteLSU 0, Wake Forest 0 after 4 complete. Bottom of 4th Inning – White flew out left field; Morgan struck out looking; Dugas singles to shallow left field; Beloso struck out swinging. 0 Runs, 1 Hit, 0 Errors, 1 LOB. Top of 4th Inning – Costello flew out to Crews in right center field; Wilken flew out to center field; Bennett flew out to left field. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB. LSU 0, Wake Forest 0 after three complete innings. Bottom of 3rd Inning – Pearson grounds out to 1B unassisted; Milazzo grounds out to shortstop; Crews grounds out to second base near the bag. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB Top of 3rd Inning – Lee struck out looking; Winnay singles to left field; Houston grounds into 5-4-3 double play (under review – call reversed. Houston safe at first, Winnay out at second base.); Hawke fouled out to 3rd base. 0 Runs, 1 Hit, 0 Errors, 1 LOB. LSU 0, Wake Forest 0 after two complete innings. Bottom of 2nd Inning – Beloso takes on full count, walked; Jobert hits into 4-6-3 double play; Thompson grounded out to shortstop. Top of 2nd Inning – Bennett grounded out 3B, great play by White and Morgan with the stretch; Corona struck out swinging on 2-2 count (ties Ben McDonald with 202 k’s in one season); Johnson struck out swinging (BREAKS Ben McDonald LSU and SEC Single-season Strikeout Record). 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB LSU 0, Wake Forest 0 after one complete inning. Bottom of 1st Inning – Crews singled to shortstop (WF challenge – call confirmed); White struck out swinging on a slider at 87 mph; Morgan grounded to 1B unassisted, Crews advanced to second base; Dugas grounds out to third base. 0 Runs, 1 Hit, 0 Errors 1 LOB Top of 1st Inning – Hawke F8; Costello F7; Wilken struck out looking on a 101 mph fastball over the outside corner. 0 Runs 0 Hits 0 Errors 0 LOB Paul Skenes will start for LSU. Skenes has dominated opponents this season with 200 strikeouts in 114.2 innings and opponents hit just .171 while he compiled a 13-2 mark and a 1.81 ERA. Skenes is ranked No. 2 on LSU’s all-time single-season strikeouts list, trailing only Ben McDonald, who recorded 202 strikeouts in 1989. Widely deemed the No. 2 pitcher in the nation, Rhett Lowder will start for Wake Forest. Lowder leads the nation in wins with 15 and has not suffered a loss in his 17 appearances. He fanned 131 batters in 108 innings, with opponents hitting only .207, and logged a 1.92 ERA. > Geaux Tigers [pic.twitter.com/BDcsIzvcPC](https://t.co/BDcsIzvcPC) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 22, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1672004194830524417?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > Pitchers, please stand to be recognized.[\#ThePowerhouse](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThePowerhouse?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/am3BmilueQ](https://t.co/am3BmilueQ) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 22, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1671965767372251151?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > Come on out, Tigers! > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 22, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1671936554388914188?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Will Paul Skenes – America’s Ace – pitch in the bracket final tonight against No. 1 seed Wake Forest with a CWS Championship Series berth on the line? That’s the big question. Will Skenes take the mound on short rest (four days, as opposed to his usual six or seven days) after throwing 123 pitches in LSU’s CWS opening game win over Tennessee in Omaha last Saturday? All 12 punch outs for Paul Skenes vs Tennessee in his last outing.Keep checking back . . . TigerRag.com will provide the latest updates leading up to the first pitch and throughout the game. > Almost Friday > > 🆚 Wake Forest > 📍 Charles Schwab Field > ⏰ 6:00 p.m. CT > 📊 > 📻 98.1 FM () > 📺 ESPN2 > 💻 [pic.twitter.com/Krjj878e99](https://t.co/Krjj878e99) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 22, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1671919011536289802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball **Tags:** 2023 College World Series, College World Series, lsu baseball, Wake Forest --- ### [LSU football, men's basketball avoid NCAA hammer](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-mens-basketball-avoid-ncaa-hammer/) **Published:** June 22, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** LSU escaped a worst-case scenario when it came to its football and men’s basketball programs, the NCAA’s Independent Accountability Resolution Panel ruled on Thursday. The panel closed the door on a four-year investigation that won’t result in a postseason ban for either program, a lack of institutional control or reduction in scholarships or official visits. The decisions do not carry an appeals process and are considered final. “LSU had a heightened obligation to monitor its interactions with any student-athletes or their families,” IARP revealed in its ruling. “The institution failed to do so. Therefore, the hearing panel found a violation for LSU for failure to monitor the activities of a representative of athletics interests.” The panel took into account LSU’s self-imposed penalties and restrictive measures taken in October of 2020. That included a reduction of eight scholarships in football over a two-year period, two scholarships in basketball – one each over the next two seasons. The panel, which lumped the two sports into the same case, said that both sports will be placed on three years’ probation beginning in September. The LSU football program is currently serving a year’s probation which is set to expire in September because of a previous violation and then will begin serving the three-year penalty. Because of its Level I violation detailed in the NCAA’s Notice of Allegations that was received last March, LSU’s football program was forced to vacate 37 victories that former offensive lineman Vadal Alexander played between 2012-15 seasons. His family received $180,150 from Our Lady of Lake hospitals through former CEO John Paul Funes. That officially leaves the overall record of former head coach Les Miles at 77-34 in 12 seasons. He was the second winningest coach in overall wins (114) and in the SEC (64). LSU must also return the trophies of bowl games – the 2013 Outback Bowl and 2015 Texas Bowl – because Alexander was ineligible based on the release by the IARP. “Any public reference to the vacated records shall be removed from the athletics department stationery, banners displayed in public areas, and any other forum in which they may appear,” the IARP ruling said. “Any trophies awarded by the NCAA in the affected sport program shall be returned to the Association.” LSU president William F. Tate IV and athletics director Scott Woodward issued a joint statement through the school’s athletics department, commending the school’s compliance department in navigating the NCAA’s waters. “The more than five-year enforcement process involving the LSU’s men’s basketball and football programs has now come to an end,” they wrote. “LSU has always taken compliance with NCAA rules seriously, and the institution fully cooperated with the NCAA enforcement staff and then with members of the Complex Case Unit as part of the Independent Accountability Resolution Process. We are pleased that our current men’s basketball student-athletes will not be punished for the acts of others and that the Independent Resolution Panel accepted our self-imposed penalties for football. We are grateful to the members of the panel for their time and fairness. LSU is now moving forward along with our passionate fans supporting our current coaches and student-athletes in both men’s basketball and football.” The IARP said the football and basketball programs combined on an additional Level I allegation when they, “failed to exercise institutional control and monitor the conduct and administration” from Feb. 2012 through June 2020. LSU former men’s basketball coach Will Wade was given a two-year show cause penalty until June 21, 2025, and 10-game suspension because he was charged with six Level I violations and former assistant Bill Armstrong a Level II violation. The IARP didn’t punish Armstrong. Wade, who was hired at McNeese State on March 12, was under investigation by the NCAA following the 2018-19 season after Yahoo Sports brought to light a wiretapped conversation by the FBI between Wade and now-convicted middleman Christian Dawkins over a “strong-ass offer” made to Baton Rouge prospect JaVonte Smart of Scotlandville Magnet. Smart signed and played for the Tigers from 2018-21. Wade was suspended 37 days for refusing to talk to the university or NCAA officials on the matter. He was also accused of payments to an unidentified former fiancée of an LSU athlete in exchange for her silence on Wade’s alleged payments to players. Moreover, Wade was alleged to have made payments in April 2018 to an unidentified man outside of the coaching staff for his help in the recruitment of a prospective athlete. After receiving the NCAA’s Notice of Allegations in March of 2022, which raised 11 alleged violations in the football and basketball programs with eight rising to Level 1 infractions, LSU fired Wade four days later. The school later hired Matt McMahon who went 14-19 in his first season with the Tigers. The LSU football program was hit with a Level II violation when former LSU wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. was seen dishing out $1,300 in cash to two players on the field of the Superdome following the Tigers’ 42-25 victory over Clemson in the 2019 national championship game. He later handed out $700 to two players that same evening at a club in New Orleans. Former LSU football coach Ed Orgeron was named by the IARP for his role in a Level III violation after he impermissible contact with a recruit before the completion of the player’s junior year. As part of the school’s self-imposed penalties, Orgeron wasn’t permitted to recruit off campus for 30 days later that year. LSU received leniency from the panel because it took measures into its own hands by reducing scholarships, recruiting visits (official and unofficial), telephonic communications with prospects and off-campus recruiting. The football program also imposed a one-year bowl ban in 2020 (they finished 5-5) and barred Beckham from the school’s football facilities for two years. “The hearing panel also applied significant weight to LSU’s self-imposed penalties, especially the 2020-21 postseason competition ban for its football program,” the IARP decision noted. “LSU reacted quickly to the discovery of the football violations, accepted responsibility and implemented penalties that included disassociating from the representatives (Funes and Beckham) of its athletics interests.” **Categories:** LSU Football News, Men's Basketball **Tags:** lsu football, LSU men's basketball, will wade --- ### [Oh, what a relief: LSU's bullpen performs spotless duty with Griffin Herring, Gavin Guidry and Riley Cooper](https://www.tigerrag.com/oh-what-a-relief-lsus-bullpen-performs-spotless-duty-with-griffin-herring-gavin-guidry-and-riley-cooper/) **Published:** June 21, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** Just when it appeared it may be impossible for LSU to find someone to exceed Tuesday’s pitching effort by Nate Ackenhausen, along came Griffin Herring with an encore performance a day later with the season on the line. Herring, a freshman left-hander from Southlake, Texas, pitched a season-high 4.2 innings of scoreless baseball and combined with two other relievers to help the fifth-seeded Tigers stave off elimination for a second straight night, with a 5-2 win on Wednesday over top-seeded Wake Forest. “Honestly, I was kind of out there throwing the ball,” said Herring, who threw 50 of his season-high 80 pitches for strikes. “I never really felt like, ‘Yeah, I’m really like in this. They can’t touch me.’ I was just throwing the ball.” LSU (51-16) advances to Thursday’s second semifinal contest against Wake Forest (54-11) at 6 p.m. on ESPN2 with the winner advancing to a best-of-three national championship series against Florida. Ackenhausen established a template for grit and determination for LSU’s pitching staff to follow. He was the winning pitcher in the Tigers’ elimination game against Tennessee, throwing six shutout innings with Riley Cooper pitching the final three innings for the save. Herring combined with Gavin Guidry and Cooper to throw 7.2 innings of shutout relief. They allowed six hits, two walks, six strikeouts and stranded 10 runners. “The bullpen was always talented,” Herring said. “None of us were ever worried about it.” Herring (5-2) was the winning pitcher, yielding three hits over 4.2 innings with a career-high six strikeouts, and Cooper made his third appearance of the World Series, including second straight night in a save opportunity for his third save of the season. It was the first appearance for Herring since a three-inning outing in the NCAA Regional against Oregon State on June 5. He was summoned into the game, trailing 2-0 in the top of the second, in relief of starter Javen Coleman and reliever Blake Money who got the first five outs of the game. “We throw weekly bullpens with coach Wes Johnson,” Herring said of LSU’s pitching coach. “He does a great job with us. Really good catch play, a lot of intent with everything that we’re doing and pure adrenaline. This place (Charles Schwab Field) is awesome. I think I was kind of able to feed off the adrenaline instead of letting it get to me. Kind of like a steroid shot.” LSU head coach Jay Johnson brought in Herring for a left-handed matchup with Wake Forest’s first baseman which Herring won with a strikeout to end the inning with runners at first and third. “Herring was spectacular,” Johnson said. “He got the strikeout of Kurtz to limit the damage there and really settled into the game and got us the length that we needed. Gavin came in and executed incredibly well and Riley finished off another one.” LSU got a run back in the bottom of the second and took the lead for good at 5-2 on Cade Beloso’s three-run homer in the third and the trio of Herring, Guidry (1.1 innings) and Cooper (1.1 innings) made it stand up. Herring, who credited his success to 91-93 miles-per-hour fastball and slider, retired Wake Forest in order in both the third and fourth innings before the Demon Deacons ended a stretch of seven consecutive outs on Tommy Hawk’s single to start the fifth. Brock Wilken then drew a two-out walk, bringing the potential tying run to the plate in Justin Johnson, who struck out swinging on a 1-2 pitch. He pitched around a two-out, lead-off single to Pierce Bennett in the sixth when Hawke began the seventh with a single and Lucas Costello was hit by a pitch when Kurtz bounced into a fielder’s choice. That signaled the end of a momentous outing for Herring, whose previous long game was three innings, in favor of Guidry who came in and struck out both Wilken and Johnson. “I thought he mixed well,” Johnson said of Herring. “I thought he had all of his pitches for strikes. I thought he had great composure. I think he plays older than his age and I think throughout the season, he’s pitched in enough high-leverage spots. There were a few Fridays where we brought him in after Paul (Skenes) for wins. He did a great job there. I thought he would pitch well against their lineup, and he certainly did.” Wake Forest coach Tom Walter commended Herring on his performance. “Herring was the difference,” Walter said. “He was kind of effectively wild. He would have big misses then he’d locate. And he’s got a good arm. He’s got good stuff. I don’t think he has thrown 80 pitches in a game. I don’t think he’s thrown 80 pitches in a week all year, based on the numbers. And he went out there and gave them 80 really good pitches.” Guidry retired the first two batters he faced in the eighth until allowing back-to-back singles to Lee and Marek Houston and Cooper, who threw 40 pitches a night earlier against Tennessee, came in and retired Hawke on a liner to Tommy Harris at third base. “A lot of water and sleep,” Cooper said of his ability to pitch on consecutive nights. “I tried to sleep as much as I can, and I show up and feel good.” After a lead-off walk in the ninth, Cooper registered consecutive strikeouts and coaxed a grounder from Johnson that Harris took care of with a throw to Tre’ Morgan to end the game. LSU’s pitchers held Wake Forest’s Nos. 2-5 hitters to 0-of-15 at the plate with seven strikeouts. “It’s not about spin rate right now,” Johnson said of Cooper. “It’s not about velocity. It’s about pitch execution and winners and he’s a winner. That’s why I believe in him.” **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball **Tags:** 2023 College World Series, Gavin Guidry, Grant Herring, lsu baseball --- ### [LSU's Taylor Pleasants selected to U.S. national team for Japanese All-Star series](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-taylor-pleasants-selected-to-u-s-national-team-for-japanese-all-star-series/) **Published:** June 22, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** For the second consecutive summer LSU’s Taylor Pleasants will be wearing red, white and blue. The senior shortstop was selected Thursday to be part of a 16-member U.S. college national team that will take part in the 2023 Japanese All-Star Series on Aug. 4-7. The U.S. team will face the world’s second-ranked Japan team in three games at Fukushima (Azuma Stadium), Iwakuni (Kizuma Stadium) and Yokohama (Yokohama Stadium) over a four-day span. Pleasants is one of seven players with previous experience at the national team level where she played last summer. The Houston native played through a difficult core muscle injury that cost her four games during LSU’s 2023 season. She still compiled a .346 batting average, third best on the team, shared the team lead with 11 doubles, eight homers to go with a team-high 53 RBIs and .968 fielding percentage. Pleasants was a first team selection on the NFCA All-Region and All-Louisiana teams. She was a second team choice on the All-Southeastern Conference squad with an appearance on the league’s all-defensive team. LSU (42-17) reached the championship game in the NCAA Regional at Tiger Park, falling to UL-Lafayette in the final. The Tigers will also have a pair of prominent former players taking part in the World Baseball/Softball Confederation World Cup with former center fielder Aliyah Andrews and catcher Sahvanna Jaquish selected to the 16-member team that will play in Dublin, Ireland on July 11-15. **Categories:** Softball **Tags:** lsu softball --- ### [LSU softball fills open assistant coach's spot with Louisville's Bryce Neal](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-fills-open-assistant-coachs-spot-with-louisvilles-bryce-neal/) **Published:** June 22, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** After losing long-time assistant coach Lindsay Leftwich to a head coaching position at North Carolina State of the Atlantic Coast Conference, LSU’s Beth Torina looked to the ACC to fill her first staff vacancy in 12 years. Torina announced the hiring of Bryce Neal as assistant coach after he spent the two years in the same capacity at Louisville which was 64-45 during that span. He helped develop two NFCA All-Americans, five NFCA All-Region selections and nine All-ACC players. Louisville (36-20) equaled a school mark with 16 wins in the ACC and hit a program record 64 homers to rank 13th nationally in that category. They also led the conference with a .319 batting average. Prior to Louisville, Neal oversaw the offensive and defensive development in 2021 at Bucknell and was a volunteer coach at Arizona State in ’20. **Categories:** Softball **Tags:** lsu softball --- ### [Beloso’s three-run homer combines with solid pitching to lead LSU past Wake Forest, one step away from the CWS Championship Series](https://www.tigerrag.com/belosos-three-run-homer-combines-with-solid-pitching-to-lead-lsu-past-wake-forest-one-step-away-from-the-cws-championship-series/) **Published:** June 21, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** LSU talks big win over Wake Forest to force a final game tonight for the CWS Championship SeriesOMAHA, Neb. – Designated hitter Cade Beloso’s three-run homer in the bottom of the third inning Wednesday night not only jolted some life into LSU’s offense in a do-or-die game for the Tigers against Wake Forest, it ended up being all the offense needed in a 5-2 victory over the No. 1 overall seed Demon Deacons at Charles Schwab Field. LSU (51-16), facing its second elimination game in as many nights, and Wake Forest (54-11), will now do it all over again on Thursday at 6 p.m. on ESPN2. The game can be heard on the LSU Sports Radio Network affiliates including www.LSUsports.net/live. Florida, a 3-2 winner over TCU earlier on Wednesday, awaits the LSU-Wake Forest winner in the College World Series Championship Series that begins Saturday night. “Great performance tonight by our team,” LSU coach Jay Johnson said. “I thought it was a great team win. We had a little bit of adversity early in the game there, and really responded offensively. In the second inning, we took some really good at-bats. “And, the big inning obviously there in the third with a great one by Cade.” LSU left-hander Griffin Herring (5-2) entered the game in relief after the Tigers allowed two runs in the second inning. He enjoyed an impressive performance and quieted the Demon Deacon bats for the remainder of his outing. Herring worked 4.2 scoreless innings while striking out a career-high six and limiting Wake Forest to three hits. Left-hander Riley Cooper earned his third save of the CWS after entering the game in the eighth and recording the final four outs. He finished the contest with 1.1 innings pitched, allowing no runs on no hits with one walk and two strikeouts. “I was really proud of the pitching staff,” Johnson said. “Everybody contributed tonight. Griffin really settled into the game and got us the length that we needed. And Riley finished off another one. So good performance and we’ll turn it over to tomorrow.” Wake Forest opened the scoring in the top of the second inning on a two-RBI single from centerfielder Tommy Hawke. The Tigers narrowed the Demon Deacons’ lead in the bottom half with an RBI-double from right fielder Brayden Jobert. The frame began with a walk by Beloso, who advanced to second on a wild pitch and scored on Jobert’s double down the right-field line. LSU tied the game in the third on an errant pitch from the Wake Forest starting pitcher Seth Keener. Center fielder Dylan Crews led off with a walk and first baseman Tre’ Morgan singled to right field. Second baseman Gavin Dugas walked, and with Beloso at the plate, Crews scored on a wild pitch to tie the game 2-2. Beloso followed up with a three-run shot to put the Tigers ahead 5-2. It was Beloso’s 15th home run of the season and proved to be the game-winning blow. Keener (8-2) suffered the loss as he was charged with five runs on four hits in 4.1 innings with four walks and four strikeouts. “I had a chance to walk Beloso there with a 2-0 count,” Wake Forest coach Tom Walter said. “I wanted to it. I was in between. I should have pulled the trigger on an intentional walk there and loaded the bases for (Jordan) Thompson.” Walter, however, said he believes the Demon Deacons will bounce back. “Obviously disappointing loss, but we’ll come out ready to play tomorrow like we’ve done all year. We’ve responded to adversity all year. And tomorrow will be no different,” he said. ![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-MCWS-Game-12-FINAL1024_1.jpg "2023-MCWS-Game-12-FINAL1024_1 | TigerRag.com") **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball **Tags:** 2023 College World Series, brayden jobert, Cade Beloso, Gavin Guidry, jay johnson, lsu baseball, Riley Cooper, Wake Forest --- ### [Live Updates: LSU beats Wake Forest, 5-2, to force a final semi-final tomorrow night. LSU vs Wake Forest in CWS semi-final game one](https://www.tigerrag.com/live-updates-lsu-vs-wake-forest-in-cws-semi-final-game-one/) **Published:** June 21, 2023 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** --- LSU beat Wake Forest, 5-2, on Wednesday night to force a final game between the No. 5 seeded Tigers and No. 1 seeded Demon Deacons for the right to move on to the CWS Finals against Florida. Game time will be 6 PM central. Top of 9th Inning – Costello walked on full count to lead off the inning; Kurtz struck out looking; Wilken struck out looking on high fast ball; Johnson grounded out to third base. LSU leads Wake Forest, 5-2, headed into the ninth inning. Bottom of 8th Inning – Beloso walked on four pitches; Thompson flew out to center field; Jobert walked, Beloso advanced to second base; (Kling to pinch run for Jobert) (Merrifield to pinch run for Beloso) Milazzo flied out to right centerfield, Merrifield tagged and advanced to third base; Pearson (pick off attempt at first base, Merrifield attempts to steal home on the play, out at home.) 0 Runs 0 Hits 0 Errors 1 LOB Top of 8th Inning – Bennett lined out to 1B; Corona flew out to left field; Lee singled to pitcher off of Gavin Dugas’ foot; Houston singled to left center field; Hawke (Jay Johnson conference on the mound with Thatcher Hurd and Riley Cooper warming in the bullpen) (Cooper in to pitch for Guidry) lined to 3B and White makes catch. 0 Runs 2 Hits 0 Errors 2 LOB LSU 5, Wake Forest 2 heading into the eighth inning. Bottom of 7th Inning – Crews reached on an error by shortstop; White singles to right field, Crews advanced to second base; Morgan fouled out to 3B on a pop up bunt; Dugas grounds to 1B who gloves it and tags White going to second then tags the bag to put Dugas out, unassisted. 0 Runs 1 Hit 1 Error, 2 LOB Top of 7th Inning – Hawke singled to center on a full count; Costello hit by pitch, Hawke advanced to second base; Kurst fielder’s choice to Thompson playing second base, forces Costello out, Hawke advanced to third base; (Gavin Guidry in to pitch for Herring), Wilken struck out looking on three pitches; Johnson struck out swinging, put out at first base. 0 Runs 1 Hits 0 Errors 2 LOB LSU 5, Wake Forest 2 through six complete innings. Bottom of 6th Inning – Thompson struck out looking; Jobert struck out swinging; Milazzo singles in the hole between shortstop and third base; Pearson grounded out 1B unassisted. 0 Runs 1 Hit 0 Errors 1 LOB Top of 6th Inning – Bennett singled up the middle on a 2-2 count; Corona struck out swinging on a 1-2 count (slider); Lee flied out right center field; Houston flied out to center field. 0 Runs, 1 Hit 0 Errors 1 LOB LSU 5, Wake Forest 2 through five complete innings. Bottom of 5th Inning – White grounds out to shortstop; Morgan walked; Dugas (Morgan takes second base on a wild pitch) (Sullivan to pitch for Keener) blast to left center and wind knocks it down, fly out; Beloso struck out swinging. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB. Top of 5th Inning – Hawke single to pitcher; Costello flew out to center field; Kurtz flied out cf in left center; Wilken (time violation on Herring with 2-2 count to take it full) walked, Hawke advanced to second base; Johnson struck out swinging. 0 Runs, 1 Hits, 0 Errors 2 LOB LSU leads Wake Forest 5-2 heading into the fifth inning. Bottom of 4th Inning – Milazzo struck out swinging; Pearson struck out looking on a full count; Crews struck out looking. 0 Runs 0 Hits 0 Errors 0 LOB Top of 4th Inning – Corona struck out looking; Lee grounded out to 2b; Houston struck out swinging. 0 Runs 0 Hits 0 Errors 0 LOB LSU 5, Wake Forest 2 at the end of three innings. Bottom of 3rd Inning – Crews walked in four pitches; White flew out to left center, swung under the pitch; Morgan singled to right on a chopper, Crews advanced to second base; Dugas walked on four pitches, bases loaded with one out as Crews advanced to third, Morgan advanced to second base; Beloso (Crews scores on a wild pitch, Morgan to third base, Dugas to second base) three-run home run to right field (hit a change-up 387-feet); Thompson grounded out to 3B; Jobert popped up to 2B. 4 Runs 2 Hits 0 Errors. 0 LOB Top of 3rd Inning – Wilken fouled out to 1B; Johnson struck out swinging on a full count (big strike out – came back from 3-1 count); Bennett flew out to right field. 0 Runs 0 Hits 0 Errors. 0 LOB Wake Forest 2, LSU 1 after two complete innings. Bottom of 2nd Inning – Dugas flew out to right field; Beloso walked on a 3-1 count; Thompson (Beloso advanced to second base on a wild pitch) fouled out to 1b; Jobert doubles down the right field line to score Beloso from second base; Milazzo singled up the middle, Jobert advanced to third base; Pearson grounded out to first base. 1 Run 2 Hits 0 Errors. 2 LOB Wake Forest 2, LSU 0 heading into the bottom of the second inning. Top of 2nd Inning – Bennett singled to left field on a 1-1 count; Corona struck out swinging in three pitches; Lee walked in four pitches, Bennett advanced to second base; Houston walked, bases loaded with one out; (Jay Johnson to the mound, Blake Money in to pitch for Coleman who had 4 outs and 4 walks, gave up one hit in 1.1 innings of work. All three runners on base are credited to Coleman.) Hawke singles up the middle, Bennett scored and Houston scored, runners on first and second base; Costello fielder’s choice on a high chopper to shortstop, runners on first and third base with two outs; Kurtz (Herring in to pitch for Money) struck out swinging on a full count. 2 Runs 2 Hits 0 Errors. 2 LOB End of 1 – LSU 0, Wake Forest 0 Bottom of 1st Inning – Crews grounds out to shortstop; White strikes out swinging on three pitches; Morgan flew out foul along left field stands. 0 Runs 0 Hits 0 Errors. 0 LOB Top of 1st Inning – Hawke struck out swinging on a 2-2 count; Costello popped out to shortstop; Kurtz walked on full count after falling behind 1-2 in the count; Wilken walked on four straight pitches, Kurtz advanced to second base; Johnson flew out to center field. 0 Runs 0 Hits 0 Errors. 2 LOB. Javen Coleman will start for LSU at pitcher. > Geaux Tigers [pic.twitter.com/ndGA5sGjdd](https://t.co/ndGA5sGjdd) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 21, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1671637755032489991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Florida defeats TCU, 3-2, eliminating the Horned Frogs and punching their ticket to the CWS against either LSU or Wake Forest. LSU must win two straight over Wake Forest, tonight and tomorrow night, to join its SEC rivals in a rematch of the 2017 CWS Finals. > Game Day > > 🆚 Wake Forest > 📍 Charles Schwab Field > ⏰ 6:00 p.m. CT > 📊 > 📻 98.1 FM () > 📺 ESPN > 💻 [pic.twitter.com/VlXouesZXp](https://t.co/VlXouesZXp) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 21, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1671559355198496768?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball **Tags:** 2023 College World Series, lsu baseball, Omaha, Wake Forest --- ### [LSU's Ackenhausen, Cooper combine to shut out Tennessee in College World Series elimination game](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-ackenhausen-cooper-combine-to-shut-out-tennessee-in-college-world-series-elimination-game/) **Published:** June 20, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Nate Ackenhausen, Dylan Crews, Riley Cooper and LSU coach Jay Johnson on Tigers’ 5-0 elimination of Tennessee in College World Series on June 20, 2023OMAHA, Neb. – Left-handers Nate Ackenhausen and Riley Cooper combined to toss a nine-inning shutout with eight strikeouts Tuesday night, and LSU struck enough offensively to give the Tigers a 5-0 victory over Tennessee in a College World Series elimination game at Charles Schwab Field. LSU (50-16) defeated Tennessee (44-22) for the fourth time this season and the second time this week in Omaha. The Tigers return to action Wednesday night to take on top-seeded Wake Forest for the second time at the CWS. The contest is scheduled for a 6 p.m. central on ESPN, and it can be heard on LSU Sports Radio Network affiliates. “Great game, great night for our program,” LSU coach Jay Johnson said. “It starts and ends on the mound, winning baseball. And the two big left-handers here executed at a really, really high level.” Ackenhausen (3-0) fired a season-high 6.0 innings in his best outing of the season that included a season-high seven strikeouts. Cooper came in for his second stint of relief at the CWS and was able to hold the Tennessee offense down and complete the shutout. “Very proud of Nate,” Johnson said. “Maybe a surprise, from a name, from a starter but not a surprise performance. Every game he’s pitched in this year I think we’ve only lost one time when he’s pitched this entire year. I look for those things. He did a great job executing. “And Riley at this point is probably one of the most experienced pitchers in pitching in this ballpark and having success. He did his deal.” The outing marked just the second time LSU has recorded a shutout in the CWS. The last time the Tigers tossed one was in the 1993 championship game against Wichita State when Brett Laxton set a title game record with 16 strikeouts. ![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/JJohnson_WrapUp_050523-1.jpg "JJohnson_WrapUp_050523-1 | TigerRag.com")LSU puts wraps on Tennessee Cooper earned his second save of the season, both in this College World Series. He fired 3.0 innings while allowing no runs on two hits with two strikeouts. LSU got the scoring started in the top of the first on an RBI-single from designated hitter Cade Beloso. The Tigers moved into scoring position with center fielder Dylan Crews drawing a walk, and first baseman Tre’ Morgan reaching on a single he punched through the left side. The Tigers weren’t able to add to their total until the top of the sixth, when Morgan scored on a throwing error. He began the inning with a double down the left-field line and scored when UT third baseman Zane Denton made on errant thrown after fielding second baseman Gavin Dugas’ bunt single. LSU added to its lead in the top of the eighth on a wild pitch from Tennessee reliever Camden Sewell. Morgan and Dugas began the inning with back-to-back hit-by-pitches. Morgan got to third base on a fielder’s choice and later scored on the wild pitch. Left fielder Josh Pearson began the ninth inning with a walk and Crews launched his 18th dinger of the season to give LSU a 5-0 advantage. ![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-MCWS-Game-10-FINAL1024_1.jpg "2023-MCWS-Game-10-FINAL1024_1 | TigerRag.com") **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball **Tags:** 2023 College World Series, dylan crews, jay johnson, lsu baseball, Nate Ackenhausen, Riley Cooper --- ### [Road trip: LSU's national champion women's basketball team tips off 2023-24 season in Las Vegas against Colorado](https://www.tigerrag.com/road-trip-lsus-national-champion-womens-basketball-team-tips-off-2023-24-season-in-las-vegas-against-colorado/) **Published:** June 21, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** The LSU women’s basketball team will open defense of its 2022-23 national championship on November 6 in Las Vegas against Colorado. The Tigers of third-year coach Kim Mulkey will take part in the Hall of Famer series’ four games in T-Mobile Arena at a time to be determined. Tickets are scheduled to go on sale in July. Also taking part in the event will be the USC vs. Ohio State women with men’s matchups set between Georgia vs. Oregon and USC and Kansas State. LSU is set to return three starters that finished the season with a 102-85 victory on April 2 over Iowa for the school’s first NCAA Championship. Headlining that group is junior All-American forward Angel Reese along with sophomore guard Flau’jae Johnson, last year’s SEC Freshman of the Year, and junior guard Kateri Poole. The Tigers also have returning letterwinners in junior guard Last-Tear Poa and sophomore forward Sa’Myah Smith. Reese set an NCAA record last season with 34 double-doubles and was selected the Outstanding Player in the championship game. She averaged 23 points and 15.4 rebounds last season. The Tigers also signed the top two players from the NCAA transfer portal in guard Hailey Van Lith of Louisville and power forward Aneesah Morrow of DePaul. Van Lith earned honorable mention All-America honors by The Associated Press with a scoring average of 19.7 points and 3.2 rebounds, leading Louisville to the Elite Eight. Morrow was the only other player nationally to average a double-double – the other being Reese – with 24.7 points and 12.2 rebounds. Mulkey, who led LSU to a 36-2 record last season and is 62-8 in two seasons, also secured the nation’s top-ranked recruiting class in 2023, led by the No. 1 player in guard Mikaylah Williams of Parkway High in Bossier City. She was named the 2023 Morgan Wooten National Player of the Year and state’s Gatorade Player of the Year. She also landed the No. 7 player in center Aalyah Del Rosario, a McDonald’s All-American along with Williams, and a pair of national top 75 players in point guard Angelica Valez and guard Janae Kent. Colorado (25-9) advanced to the Sweet 16 last season before running into national runner-up Iowa. The Buffaloes are set to return four players with 30 starts to their credit from a year ago with 6-3 fifth-year center Quay Miller and fifth-year guard Jaylyn Sherrod, a pair of All-Pac 12 Conference performers, leading the way. LSU and Colorado have previously split four meetings, the last one in 2004 with the Tigers winning 77-44 in Boulder in the Coors Classic. **Categories:** Women's Basketball **Tags:** Angel Reese, Colorado, kim mulkey, lsu women's basketball --- ### [Start of a lifetime: LSU's Nate Ackenhausen combines with reliever Riley Cooper on six-hit shutout of Tennessee](https://www.tigerrag.com/start-of-a-lifetime-lsus-nate-ackenhausen-combines-with-reliever-riley-cooper-on-six-hit-shutout-of-tennessee/) **Published:** June 20, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** --- The last time pitcher Nate Ackenhausen started a game was during last year’s South Central District Tournament in New Orleans. Ackenhausen was a primary starter for Eastern Oklahoma State College when Crowder (Missouri) College handed the 6-foot-2, 240-pound lefthander a 6-4 defeat, his only loss of the season. Fast-forward to Tuesday’s elimination game of the College World Series and facing SEC foe Tennessee for the right to keep its season alive, LSU relied on reliever-turned-starter Ackenhausen for the performance of a lifetime. He combined with reliever Riley Cooper on a six-hit shutout to lead the fifth-seeded Tigers to a 5-0 victory over the Volunteers. Ackenhausen, who was making his first start in his 16th appearance of the season, became the first pitcher in LSU history to get his first start of the year in the College World Series. “Coach (Jay Johnson) texted me at 8:56 (a.m.) and I didn’t respond until 11:10,” Ackenhausen said of learning of his starting assignment. “I was sleeping in a little bit. I just texted him that I would give it all that I’ve got.” It was only the third time this season Tennessee was shut out and first since May 23. “If you’re going to have a chance to do something, you need a performance like Nate gave us tonight and I’m really proud of him,” LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson said. Ackenhausen (3-0) worked a career-long six innings, allowing four hits with no walks, a career-high seven strikeouts and three hit batters. He threw 58 of a career-best 93 pitches for strikeouts to surpass his previous best of 67 in LSU’s 10-3 win over South Carolina on May 24 in the SEC Tournament. “He was down with sore shoulder right before conference,” Johnson said. “I didn’t feel very comfortable about that because he was a huge part of it. Then there was a little bit of working his way back. The pitch ability led you to believe he could start. A key outing was when we extended him at the SEC Tournament against South Carolina. “He had a good outing in the regional against Oregon State (clinching 13-7 win) and then fortunately in the Super Regional, we won two games, but he was kind of that piece that was going to be part of a Game 3 if we needed it,” Johnson added. “Super job tonight. Maybe that time off allowed him to do what he did tonight.” Johnson said Ackenhausen far exceeded his expectations for the game. Johnson was hopeful that he could get three innings or 60 pitches out of Ackenhausen, initially concentrating on the first 12 hitters of the game. “He had excellent command at the start of the game,” Tennessee’s Tony Vitello said. “Then as the game went on a little bit, there were some mistakes he made out of the zone, whether it be hit by pitch or something like that, but then he kept his composure, regathered and did well.” Ackenhausen was far from perfect during that stretch, allowing three hits and also plunking a batter, but kept Tennessee scoreless. He twice retired the side in the second and fourth innings, getting a key double play that shortstop Jordan Thompson ignited to get out of the second. “This is a big deal if you haven’t been here before,” Johnson said of the World Series stage. “I think our team’s handled it great. I knew he would handle it great. I knew he would throw strikes. I saw some things in the matchup that I liked. I saw some things in previous games here throughout the tournament that I liked. That I thought he could be effective.” Ackenhausen ran into a two-out jam in the fifth with a hit batter and double to Maui Ahuna to the left-center gap and after a visit from Johnson, got Hunter Ensley to fly out to right field on a 2-0 pitch. LSU increased its lead to 2-0 with a run in the sixth and put the game away with a run in the eighth and two more in the ninth. Johnson finally took out Ackenhausen who hit Blake Burke with a pitch to lead off the bottom of the seventh. “The change-up was really working for me,” Ackenhausen said. “I knew with the wind blowing in, and how hard it is to hit a ball out of here on a normal day, I was like I can get a 2-0 change-up call and just throw it down the middle and let them put it in play. You saw some balls hit today that were 108 (exit velocity) off the bat and they were kind of at the warning track. I pitched with confidence. I had confidence in my defense behind me.” Tennessee wound up loading the bases on a fielder’s choice, a walk and fielding error, but Cooper remained unfazed with a weak grounder from Ensley that Tre’ Morgan gobbled up at first base to end the threat. “I knew I could get out of it,” Cooper said. “I’ve been in that situation before. I just know to fill up the zone and trust my defense behind me and that’s what happened, and I got out of it.” Thompson started LSU’s second double play of the game in the eighth and after a double from Christian Moore, Burke grounded out to Gavin Dugas at second base. Cooper, who earned his second save of the year, worked a perfect ninth with a pair of fly outs and a strikeout. He allowed two hits over three innings, walked one and struck out two in his 40-pitch outing. “The big park definitely played to my confidence,” said Cooper, one of three players on LSU’s roster with previous World Series experience. “To be able to fill up the zone, trust my pitches for weak contact and even if they got it into it, it’s really hard to hit hard to hit it out of the park. I was throwing all four pitches and just trusted my defense.” **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball **Tags:** 2023 College World Series, jay johnson, lsu baseball, Nate Ackenhausen --- ### [Live Updates: LSU shuts out Tennessee, 5-0, to stay alive and eliminate Volunteers from CWS -LSU vs. Tennessee in CWS Elimination Game](https://www.tigerrag.com/live-updates-lsu-vs-tennessee-in-cws-elimination-game/) **Published:** June 20, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** --- LSU DEFEATS TENNESSEE, 5-0, eliminating the Volunteers. Will now face Wake Forest tomorrow night. LSU leads Tennessee 5-0 heading into the bottom of the ninth. > The missile knows where it is at all times. [@\_\_dc4\_\_](https://twitter.com/__dc4__?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) | ESPN [pic.twitter.com/yTgi8ShZS2](https://t.co/yTgi8ShZS2) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 21, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1671335634584125440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Crews two-run home run in the top of the ninth with no outs puts LSU up, 5-0. Nate Ackenhausen has thrown six shutout innings in his first-ever start and LSU leads 2-0 going into the top of the seventh inning. LSU 1, Tennessee 0 after five complete innings. Ackenhausen started and has gone the distance for the Tigers to this point. LSU leads Tennessee after four complete innings, 1-0. Nate Ackenhausen has pitched four shutout innings for the Tigers in his first-ever LSU start. LSU leads 1-0 after three complete innings. Ackenhausen has thrown 48 pitches and Blake Money is warming up in the bullpen. LSU leads 1-0 heading to the bottom of the third inning. Bottom of 2nd Inning – Burke singled through the left side (2-2 BFFB).Moore grounded into double play ss to 2b to 1b (3-2 KFFBBBF); Merritt out on the play.Merritt singled to center field (0-0).Top of 2nd Inning – BRACKET REGION LSU On Mound:**Ackenhausen** 1 Bot 2nd 0-0 0 OUTS Tennessee At Bat:**Merritt** 0 TEAM12RHELLSU101203UT000000 LOn Mound: #30 Ackenhausen3.47ERA1.26WHIP TODAYIPHRERBBK2B3BHRBFPC10000000039 At Bat: DH #10 Merritt\[RH\].312AVG.656 SLG TODAYABHRRBIBBK2B3BHR0000000002nd Inning Play-by-play PlayScoring Dec.BatterPitcherOutsTop of the 2nd – LSU BattingKJobert struck out swinging (2-2 BKBSS).KJobertBeam0HBPMilazzo hit by pitch (0-1 K).HBPMilazzoBeam1KPearson struck out swinging (1-2 FBSS).KPearsonBeam1Crews flied out to cf to right center (0-0).F9CrewsBeam2LSU Inning Summary: 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOBLSU 2nd InningBottom of 1st Inning – Ahuna lined out to ss (1-0 B).L6AhunaAckenhausen0Ensley grounded out to 3b (2-2 KFBB).G5EnsleyAckenhausen1Dickey grounded out to 1b unassisted (1-0 B).G3UDickeyAckenhausen2UT Inning Summary: 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOBUT 1st InningLSU 1, Tennessee 0 after 1/2 inning. BBCrews walked (3-2 BKBSBFB).BBCrewsBeam0KWhite struck out looking (1-2 KSBK).KLWhiteBeam0Crews advanced to second on a passed ball.PBMorganBeam11BMorgan singled to left field (1-1 BK); Crews advanced to third.1B 7MorganBeam1Dugas lined out to ss (1-0 B).L6DugasBeam1**1B****Beloso singled to right center, RBI (1-1 BS); Morgan advanced to third; Crews scored.****1B 9 1RBI****Beloso****Beam****2**SBBeloso stole second.SBThompsonBeam2KThompson struck out swinging (3-2 FBFFBBS).KThompsonBeam2LSU Inning Summary: 1 Runs, 2 Hits, 0 Errors, 2 LOB> Here Come The Tigers [\#ThePowerhouse](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThePowerhouse?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/v4VMjIPaUc](https://t.co/v4VMjIPaUc) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 20, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1671245234628444160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Call it a marble game. Call it what you want. Bottom line for Tennessee and LSU, one team is going home on Tuesday night, the other is moving on. To win a national championship, LSU must put together five wins over a six-day span. It all starts for Jay Johnson’s No. 5 seeded LSU team by winning today against Tennessee, then the Tigers get a rematch against No. 1 seeded Wake Forest on Wednesday. Beat Tennessee, beat Wake Forest, then what? Then, beat Wake Forest again to move into the CWS Finals. In other words, LSU has its work clearly laid out before it. Tonight, Tennessee is expected to start sophomore right-hander **Drew Beam** (9-4, 3.78 ERA). A Sunday starter for most of the season, Bream faced LSU on April 1 but did not get a decision in the 14-7 win to avoid the sweep. The sophomore right-hander gave up six runs on eight hits in 4.0 innings of work, but only one run was earned. He struck out four and did not walk any. Oh, and Tennessee jumped out to a 10-0 lead in that game. Kind of changes the way you pitch when you’re working from an 10-run lead. Who LSU starts remained a mystery on Monday night. Nine of LSU’s 11 pitchers are available, according to Johnson with Paul Skenes and Ty Floyd being the only two Tigers’ hurlers not available. But who Johnson and (Wes) Johnson call on is merely speculation right now. Whoever starts for LSU, probably Riley Cooper, expect the Tigers to use several pitchers throughout the game playing matchups on literally a batter per batter, situational, basis. > It's Game Day > > 🆚 Tennessee > 📍 Charles Schwab Field > ⏰ 6:00 p.m. CT > 📊 > 📻 98.1 FM () > 📺 ESPN > 💻 [pic.twitter.com/V8WcE6i8BM](https://t.co/V8WcE6i8BM) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 20, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1671182623127871488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball **Tags:** 2023 College World Series, Elimination Game, jay johnson, lsu baseball, Tennessee --- ### [Return engagement: LSU's Taylor Pleasants back to highlight eight Tigers on 2023 All-Louisiana softball team](https://www.tigerrag.com/return-engagement-lsus-taylor-pleasants-back-to-highlight-eight-tigers-on-2023-all-louisiana-softball-team/) **Published:** June 20, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** LSU’s softball team, which reached the championship of its own NCAA Regional, led the way on the 2023 All-Louisiana softball team with six players voted to the first team. The Tigers (42-17) also had two players on the second team which was released Tuesday by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. A panel of media and sports journalists selected the team based on their entire season. Not even a midseason injury could slow junior shortstop Taylor Pleasants from making her third appearance on the All-Louisiana team. The junior batted .346 with eight homers and 53 RBIs, earning second team All-Southeastern Conference honors in the process. Pleasants was one of two members for the Tigers on the first-team infield that also included third baseman Danieca Coffey. The first team All-South Region selection, who garnered two votes for the state’s Hitter of the Year honor, batted .392 with two homers, 24 RBIs, 33 walks and 12 stolen bases. Graduate student Georgia Clark was named first team designated player with a .294 average, 13 homers and 46 RBIs. She was also selected to the All-South Region’s second team. Junior catcher/left fielder Ali Newland was a first-team choice at utility with a .329 average, six homers and 38 RBIs. She was a first team All-SEC selection. Junior center fielder Ciara Briggs, a two-time national Gold Glove winner and All-SEC first team choice, was a first team outfielder after batting .347 with two homers, 24 RBIs and 11 stolen bases. She also didn’t commit an error in 87 total chances. Freshman Sydney Berzon was among three pitchers named to the first team. The All-SEC second team selection, who also received two votes for the state’s Freshman of the Year honor, had a 13-7 record, 1.68 earned run average and 168 strikeouts. LSU’s second team choices were graduate student Ali Kilponen and sophomore McKenzie Redoutey. Kilponen appears on the All-Louisiana team for the third time in her career. She had a record of 13-7 with a 2.16 ERA, while Redoutey hit .295 with five homers and 31 RBIs and was named to the All-SEC second team. An NCAA Super Regional team, UL-Lafayette which defeated LSU in the Baton Rouge Regional, swept four of five of the All-LSWA’s top honors for the fifth time in the 37-year history of the team. The Ragin’ Cajuns were led by Hitter of the Year: Karly Heath, Pitcher of the Year: Sam Landry, Freshman of the Year: Mihaya Davis and Coach of the Year: Gerry Glasco. **2023 All-Louisiana Collegiate Softball Team** **First Team:** **Pitcher:** **Sydney Berzon, Fr., LSU** **Pitcher:** Sam Landry, So., UL-Lafayette **Pitcher:** Whitney Tate, Jr., McNeese **Catcher:** Bailey Krolczyk, Jr., Southeastern Louisiana **First Base:** Lauren Allred, Fr., UL-Lafayette **Second Base:** Erin Krause, Fr., Nicholls **Third Base:** **Danieca Coffey, Jr., LSU** **Shortstop:** **Taylor Pleasants, Jr., LSU** **Outfield:** **Ciara Briggs, Jr., LSU** **Outfield:** Karly Heath, Sr., UL-Lafayette **Outfield:** Mihyia Davis, Fr., UL-Lafayette **Designated Player:** **Georgia Clark, Sr., LSU** **Utility:** **Ali Newland, Jr., LSU** **Major Awards** **Hitter of the Year:** Karly Heath, UL-Lafayette **Pitcher of the Year:** Sam Landry, UL-Lafayette **Newcomer of the Year:** Mariana Torres, McNeese **Freshman of the Year:** Mihyia Davis, UL-Lafayette **Coach of the Year:** Gerry Glasco, UL-Lafayette **Second Team:** **Pitcher:** Chloe Bennett, Sr., LSU-Eunice **Pitcher: Ali Kilponen, Sr., LSU** **Pitcher:** KK Ladner, Sr., Southeastern Louisiana **Catcher:** Sophie Piskos, Jr., UL-Lafayette **First Base:** Lexi Johnson, Jr., Southeastern Louisiana **Second Base:** Mariana Torres, So., McNeese **Third Base:** Maria Detillier, Fr., Southeastern Louisiana **Shortstop:** Reese Reyna, So., McNeese **Outfield:** Kylie Neel, Jr., Louisiana Tech **Outfield:** Alexa Poché, Jr., Nicholls **Outfield:** **McKenzie Redoutey, So., LSU** **Outfield:** Alayis Seneca, Sr., McNeese **Designated Player:** Audrey Greely, Jr., Southeastern Louisiana **Utility:** Katie Salling, Fr., LSU-Eunice **Categories:** Softball **Tags:** ali kilponen, Ali Newland, Ciana Briggs, Danieca Coffey, georgia clark, lsu softball, Sydney Berzon, taylor pleasants --- ### [LSU gymnastics standout Aleah Finnegan parlays strong finish in Asian Games to bigger stage](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-gymnastics-standout-aleah-finnegan-parlays-strong-finish-in-asian-games-to-bigger-stage/) **Published:** June 20, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **SINGAPORE** – Sophomore Aleah Finnegan qualified as one of the top eight all-arounders in the Asian Championships to continue her journey with the Philippines at the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. Finnegan scored a 50.399 in the all-around competition and finished seventh on the day and secured her spot to worlds as an individual qualifier. She posted scores of 12.833 on beam, 12.933 on floor, 13.800 on vault and 10.833 on bars after suffering a fall during her routine. The Team Philippines member was recognized for the highest execution score on an apparatus at the championship. Her scores on vault and floor were higher than any gymnast in the competition. After placing second on vault, fifth on beam and seventh on beam on Friday, Finnegan earned her spot in three event finals in Singapore on June 17. Finnegan notched two bronze medals, one on vault and one on beam, to become the first Filipino woman to earn multiple medals at the Asian Championships. **Categories:** Gymnastics **Tags:** lsu gymnastics --- ### [LSU freshman pitcher Alea Johnson decides to return home, transfers to Alabama](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-freshman-pitcher-alea-johnson-decides-to-return-home-transfers-to-alabama/) **Published:** June 20, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** One of two freshman pitchers that showed promise in her first season for LSU softball has transferred within the Southeastern Conference. Alea Johnson confirmed on her social media account Tuesday that she’s returning to her home state where the native of Fairhope, Alabama has transferred to Alabama. “Sweet home Alabama,” Johnson said in an Instagram post. “So excited to start this new journey!” The 5-foot-9 Johnson, the No. 23 rated prospect out of high school, was part of a pitching rotation in 2023 that featured graduate student Ali Kilponen and freshman Sydney Berzon topping the Tigers in number of innings pitched. Johnson went 7-1 – the staff’s third highest number of wins – with a 1.41 earned run average which ranked second overall. She finished with 31 strikeouts and 27 walks in 44.2 innings over her 12 appearances. She had a pair of complete games and a shutout, earning her only win in Southeastern Conference play with 5.1 innings of relief, allowing three hits, five walks and a strikeout in a 10-4 victory over Mississippi State on April 22. Johnson, who matched a career-best six strikeouts against Southeastern Louisiana and Nicholls, also experienced a highwater mark in a 3-0 home setback against two-time national champion Oklahoma. She was part of a combined pitching effort with two scoreless innings of relief in the sixth and seven innings. She pitched once in the postseason, taking the loss in a 7-4 setback against UL-Lafayette on May 21, allowing three runs on four hits in 1.1 innings. Johnson was the two-time Class 7A Pitcher of the Year in Alabama. She was 15-2 as a senior with 204 strikeouts in 102 innings with nine shutouts, two no-hitters and a perfect game. LSU’s scheduled to have Berzon (14-8, 1.91 ERA, 127 Ks) along with juniors Emilee Casanova (2-0, 1.34, 14 Ks) and Raelin Chaffin (6-1, 2.74, 33 Ks) back for the 2024 season. **Categories:** Softball, Uncategorized **Tags:** lsu softball --- ### [On the receiving end: LSU scheduled to host five-star wide out Cam Coleman where the Tigers are among his finalists](https://www.tigerrag.com/on-the-receiving-end-lsu-scheduled-to-host-five-star-wide-out-cam-coleman-where-the-tigers-are-among-his-finalists/) **Published:** June 20, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** LSU’s nationally ranked Class of 2024 has 18 commitments. What the Tigers don’t have is a five-star prospect and a wide receiver ranked among the top 10 in the nation. The Tigers have positioned themselves for both when five-star receiver prospect Cam Coleman of Phenix City, Alabama said the Tigers were among his seven finalists. LSU, which is hosting Coleman on an official visit this Friday, joined Auburn, Clemson, Florida, Florida State, Georgia, Kentucky and Texas A&M. Coleman’s also made official visits to Clemson, Auburn, Texas A&M and spent time at Florida State following a camp. Offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock and wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton are LSU’s lead recruiters for Coleman, the nation’s top-rated receiver and seventh-rated overall by ESPN. On3Sports, 247Sports and ESPN have rated him among the top three players in Alabama where four of the state’s top 20 players have committed to school’s outside of their home state. The 6-3 ½ , 185-pound Coleman, who is coached by former Auburn quarterback Patrick Nix at Central High, caught 31 passes for 542 yards (17.5 yards per catch) with six touchdowns. He helped Central to a 10-3 record and third round of the state playoffs against Auburn. LSU, which has the No. 5 recruiting class per Rivals.com, has an 18-member recruiting class led by four-star tight end Trey’Dez Green of East Feliciana High – the nation’s No. 66 rated composite player. The Tigers currently have two receivers JoJo Stone of Fairburn, Georgia (No. 303) and Kylan Billiot of Terrebonne High (No. 560) committed in their current class. **Categories:** Football Recruiting, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu football, lsu football recruiting --- ### [LSU's Anita Anwusi named to USA Volleyball collegiate national team](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-anita-anwusi-named-to-usa-volleyball-collegiate-national-team/) **Published:** June 20, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo.** – LSU middle blocker Anita Anwusi became just the sixth player in school history to be selected to join the USA Volleyball 2023 women’s collegiate national team. Training, which began on Sunday, continues through June 24 in Anaheim, California alongside the Women’s National Olympic team as they prepare for the Volleyball Nations League. Anwusi, a graduate student from Houston, becomes the first player to represent LSU on the team since 2013. Anwusi was a 2022 AVCA South All-Region honorable mention selection in 2022, leading the Tigers in total blocks (136) along with 221 kills and a .289 hitting percentage. She has over 500 kills and 300 total blocks in her career. Anwusi helped LSU to a 16-14 record and reach the second round of the NCAA Tournament against Stanford. **Categories:** Volleyball **Tags:** lsu volleyball --- ### [Watch: LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson, Tre' Morgan and Ty Floyd talk about Tigers' heart-breaking one run loss to Wake Forest in CWS](https://www.tigerrag.com/watch-lsu-baseball-coach-jay-johnson-tre-morgan-and-ty-floyd-talk-about-tigers-heart-breaking-one-run-loss-to-wake-forest-in-cws/) **Published:** June 19, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Jay Johnson, Tre’ Morgan and Ty Floyd talk about Monday’s 3-2 loss to Wake Forest in the CWS.Wake Forest catcher Bennett Lee’s RBI-single in the bottom of the eighth inning lifted the No. 1 national seed Demon Deacons to a 3-2 victory over LSU Monday night at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha. Wake Forest (54-10) is 7-0 in the NCAA tournament and bidding to become the first No. 1 national seed since 1999 to win the championship. Meanwhile, LSU (49-16) lost its first NCAA postseason game this season, dropping to 6-1, and now must win three straight elimination games to make it to the College World Series final round best of three. LSU returns to action Tuesday night to take on Tennessee in a rematch. The contest is scheduled for a 6 p.m. central time on ESPN, and it can be heard on the LSU Sports Radio Network affiliates. “It was a great college baseball game,” LSU coach Jay Johnson said. “Hats off to the pitching on both sides. They got a clutch hit there at the end and we did not. We’ll get ready to go tomorrow.” Wake Forest reliever Camden Minacci (1-1) earned the win after tossing 1.2 scoreless innings. LSU right-hander Thatcher Hurd (6-3) was charged with the loss after firing 3.0 relief innings. He allowed one run on three hits with five strikeouts. LSU started the scoring with two runs in the top of the third. Left fielder Josh Pearson drew a walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Third baseman Tommy White delivered an RBI-single to give the Tigers the first lead of the game. First baseman Tre’ Morgan followed with an RBI triple to left field to score White for a 2-0 lead. LSU starting pitcher Ty Floyd threw five scoreless innings, but Wake Forest tied the game in the bottom of the sixth inning when third baseman Brock Wilken hit an RBI single, and Wilken then scored to tie the game at 2-2 when second baseman Justin Johnson grounded into a base-loaded double play. Wake Forest scored the go-ahead run in the bottom of the eighth inning when designated hitter Danny Corona doubled and scored on Lee’s RBI single. Floyd worked five innings and allowed two runs on two hits with four walks and a career-high 10 strikeouts. Wake Forest starting pitcher Josh Hartle worked 6.0 innings, allowing two runs on four hits with four walks and nine strikeouts. “I think it would be very easy to crawl in the hole with disappointment,” Johnson said. “That’s a great college baseball game that we came up on the short end of the stick. I have all the faith in the world in our team that we can recover from this. So let’s stick to what we do. And if we do that well, then we’ll be in a good spot.” ![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-MCWS-Game-8-FINAL1024_1.jpg "2023-MCWS-Game-8-FINAL1024_1 | TigerRag.com") **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball --- ### [Coming up empty: Wake Forest's pitching douses LSU's red-hot bats over final six innings](https://www.tigerrag.com/coming-up-empty-wake-forests-pitching-extinguishes-lsus-red-hot-bats-over-final-six-innings/) **Published:** June 19, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** The leadoff double from Tre Morgan appeared to be exactly what LSU needed to unlock its 2-2 deadlock with Wake Forest. Five innings had gone by since the last time the fifth-seeded Tigers scored and subsequently lost the grip on a two-run lead, falling into a tie with the top-seeded Demon Deacons in the bottom of the sixth of Monday’s College World Series. Morgan doubled down the right-field line in the eighth and moved to third on an infield error off the bat of Hayden Travinksi. LSU designated hitter Cade Beloso quickly got ahead in the count before Wake Forest relief pitcher Michael Massey forced a grounder that went to third baseman Brock Wilken. Morgan was in “go” mode, running on contact and attempted to score on Beloso’s grounder, but not only did Wilken make a backhanded play on the ball, he went into foul territory to throw home where catcher Bennett Lee took the one-hop throw and tagged out Morgan on his right knee the first out. Gavin Dugas followed with an inning-ending double play. “As soon as the ball was hit, I took off,” Morgan said. “I knew he was going to have an awkward throw, so I tried to get a little bit over to get in the way. He made a great play.” LSU challenged the play, but the call was upheld by video replay, thwarting the Tigers’ best scoring threat since the second inning, and Wake Forest pushed across the go-ahead run in the bottom of the eighth for a 3-2 victory. “Great college baseball game,” LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson said. “Hats off to the pitching on both sides. They got a clutch hit there at the end and we did not.” LSU (49-16) went quietly in the top of the ninth against Wake Forest reliever Camden Minacci, the winning pitcher, who retired the Tigers in order with a pair of strikeouts and a comebacker to the mound. The Tigers’ No. 7-8-9 batters were up in the ninth to keep hope alive but finished a combined 0-of-11 with nine strikeouts. Minacci was part of the Demon Deacons’ relief staff that kept LSU scoreless over the final three innings of the game. They allowed only Morgan’s double, didn’t walk a batter and had nine of 13 strikeouts. “The teams that are here, in particular the two that we’ve played, are the two of the premier pitching staffs in college baseball,” Johnson said of Tennessee and Wake Forest. “(Monday’s starter) Josh Hartle was really good. Preparing for this game, we knew he presented a challenge for this game. I thought our guys battled them pretty good. He’s really hard to square up. He executed pitches down in the zone on both sides of the plate. We put some pressure on him. It wasn’t a great night to hit with the wind blowing in and a good pitcher going. We benefitted from that early in the game, too, with Ty (Floyd).” LSU took a 2-0 lead against Hartle in the third inning when Tommy White drove in Josh Pearson with a single to center and Morgan (2-for-4) was awarded a triple when Wake Forest left fielder Adam Cecere misplayed a ball in the sun that enabled White to score. The Deacons turned to Cole Roland, Massey and Minacci out of the bullpen to silence the Tigers’ bats. “They were mixing pitches really well, going in and out, executing their plan,” said Morgan, who combined with White for four of LSU’s five hits. “We were also trying our best to execute our plan. I feel like we put a lot of pressure on when we needed to. It just didn’t work out for us in the end.” Johnson credited Massey for coming back from down 2-0 in the count to get the left-handed batting Beloso to ground out to the left side of the infield. “I don’t know that Cade Beloso’s hit a ground ball to third base the entire season,” Johnson said. “You have to tip your hat to Massey for executing the 2-0 pitch that he did to get him to swing through and the 2-1 pitch. You have to send the runner there so we can stay out of the double play. “It’s a heck of a play by Wilken,” Johnson added. “If it skips or it bounces off Tre’, we’re ahead 3-2 and we probably have runners at second and third. In championship environments your dudes have to be dudes and he was a dude on that tonight. Good bullpen tonight. Those guys are really tough. There’s a reason they’ve only lost 10 games all year with the starting pitching they have and the bullpen they have.” **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball **Tags:** 2023 College World Series, jay johnson, lsu baseball, tre' morgan --- ### [Live Updates: Wake Forest rallies in bottom of the eighth to beat LSU, 3-2 - LSU baseball vs Wake Forest in the College World Series](https://www.tigerrag.com/live-updates-lsu-baseball-vs-wake-forest-in-the-college-world-series/) **Published:** June 19, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** --- Wake Forest beat LSU 3-2 on Monday night, putting the Tigers into the loser’s bracket at the College World Series and facing a steep uphill climb to the championship round. LSU jumped to an early 2-0 on Monday night against No. 1 seeded Wake Forest and appeared to be in control until the bottom of the sixth inning when the Tigers gave three consecutive walks and the Demon Deacons tied the game, 2-2. It was 2-2 heading into the eighth when both LSU and Wake Forest had chances to take the lead. LSU failed take advantage of its opportunity, Wake Forest did not. In the top of the eighth, LSU put runners on the corners with no outs and the Tigers then had runners on first and second base with one out. LSU failed to score on both occasions. LSU’s inability to push across a run at that critical juncture wound up costing the Tigers the game. In the bottom of the eighth, Wake Forest designated hitter Danny Corona wrapped a two-strike double to right field off of Thatcher Hurd and then scored the winning run on a go-ahead single. LSU pitcher Ty Floyd was pitching his best game of the season until the wheels came off in the sixth inning. With LSU leading 2-0, Floyd went into the inning with 10 strikeouts, tying a career high. But then he simply could not find the strike zone. Floyd walked three straight batters. Floyd was pulled, replaced by Hurd, and Wake Forest tied the game. Hurd did do some work to keep the game tied, though. First, Hurd induced a double play when shortstop Jordan Thompson made a rangy grab and an acrobatic throw with the bases loaded, and Hurd then struck out Adam Cecere, stranding three Demon Deacons to end the inning. If LSU beats Tennessee on Tuesday night, the Tigers will then have to beat Wake Forest twice to keep their season alive and advance to the CWS Finals. (MORE TO COME – Additional stories will be posted throughout the evening on TigerRag.com) ![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/JJohnson_WrapUp_050523-1.jpg "JJohnson_WrapUp_050523-1 | TigerRag.com")CWS Wake Forest 3 LSU 2 TEAM123456789RHELLSU0020000002517WF00000201X3529Final Box – Wake Forest 3, LSU 2Top of 9th Inning – Jobert struck out looking; Thompson struck out swinging; Pearson grounded out to pitcher. GAME OVER – Wake Forest 3, LSU 2. Wake Forest 3, LSU 2 heading to the top of the 9th. Jobert, Thompson and Pearson due up for LSU. Bottom of 8th Inning – Johnson struck out looking; Corona doubled down the right field line with an 0-2 count; Lee **singled to left field, RBI (1-2 SFFB); Corona scored**; Costello struck out looking; Houston struck out looking. 1 Run, 1 Hit, 0 Error. 1 LOB Top of Eighth Inning – Morgan doubled down the right field line; Travinski reached on a fielding error by second baseman, Morgan advanced to third base; (Merrifield to pinch run for Travinski); (Wake Forest pitching mound conference) Beloso **reached on a fielder’s choice to third base (2-1 BBS); Merrifield advanced to second; Morgan out at home 3b to c** (going under review LSU challenged, call is confirmed); **Minacci to p for Massey** – **Dugas grounded into double play 3b to 2b to 1b (0-1 K); Beloso out on the play.** 0 Runs, 1 Hits, 1 Errors, 1 LOB LSU 2, Wake Forest 2 after seven complete. Bottom of 7th Inning – Houston walked on a full count; Hawke (time out WF to discuss) lined a bunt out to third base; Bennett popped up to second baseman in right field; Kurtz **walked (3-2 SFBFBBB); Houston advanced to second**; (Jay Johnson conference on the mound) Wilken struck out swinging. Top of 7th Inning – Roland in to pitch for Hartle. Thompson struck out looking; Pearson struck out swinging; Crews walked on a full count; (Massey in to pitch for Roland) White **out at first p to 2b to 1b** LSU 2, Wake Forest 2 after six complete. Bottom of 6th Inning – Hawke walked; Bennett (Hawke advanced to second base on a throwing error on a pick-off attempt) walked; Kurtz (Jay Johnson to talk to Floyd before pitching to Kurtz) walked, third walk of inning for Floyd, bases loaded; Hurd in to replace Floyd with Wilken coming to the plate – Wilken singled up the middle on a 1-0 count, drove in Hawke from third base; **Johnson grounded into double play ss to 1b (1-1 BK); Wilken out on the play; Kurtz advanced to third; Bennett scored**; Corona hit by pitch; Lee walked, bases loaded with two outs; Cecere struck out swinging. 2 Runs, 1 Hits, 1 Errors, 3 LOB Top of 6th Inning – Travinski grounded out to third base; Beloso singles to right field; Dugas struck out swinging; Jobert flied out to right field on warning track. 0 Runs, 1 Hit, 0 Errors. 1 LOB LSU 2, Wake Forest 0 after 5 complete. Bottom of 5th Inning – Corona struck out swinging with a full count – 9th strike out for Floyd, fourth consecutive k for Floyd; Lee singled to center field; Cecere struck out swinging (10th for Floyd); Houston flied out to right field. 0 Runs, 1 Hit, 0 Errors. 1 LOB Top of 5th Inning – Pearson struck out swinging; Crews grounded out to 2b; White singled to left field; Morgan lined out to right field. 0 Runs, 1 Hit, 0 Errors. 1 LOB. LSU 2, Wake Forest 0 after four complete. Bottom of 4th Inning – Bennett singles to right field; Kurtz (Bennett advanced to second on a passed ball, Travinski missed it) struck out swinging; Wilken (Wes Johnson has pitching mound conference with Floyd and entire infield before first pitch to Wilken) struck out looking with a full count; Johnson goes up 3-0 and then strikes out looking on a full count. Floyd strikes out three in the inning and has eight punch outs so far this game. Top of 4th Inning – Beloso grounded out to 1b unassisted; Dugas walked; Jobert struck out swinging; Thompson struck out swinging; 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors. 1 LOB LSU 2, Wake Forest 0 after three complete. Bottom of 3rd Inning – Cecere struck out swinging; Houston popped out to right field; Hawke lined out to left field. Three up, three down. LSU leads 2-0 going into the bottom of third inning. Top of 3rd Inning – Thompson struck out swinging; Pearson walked in four pitches; (Pearson steals second base) Crews struck out swinging; White singles to center field, drives in Pearson from second base, White takes second base on fielding error by Hawke in center field; Morgan tripled to left field, scored White from second base. Travinski struck out swinging. 2 Runs, 2 Hits, 1 Error, 1 LOB. Bottom of 2nd Inning – Johnson grounded out to shortstop; Corona struck out swinging; Lee struck out looking. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors. 0 LOB Top of 2nd Inning – Travinski struck out swinging; Beloso walked; Dugas walked on a full-count, Beloso advanced to second base; Jobert (pitching mound conference for WF with count 1-0 on Jobert) grounded into 4-6-3 double play, Dugas out at second base. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors. 1 LOB Bottom of 1st Inning – Hawke popped up to shortstop in left center field; Bennett walked in four pitches; Kurtz struck out looking; Wilken struck out swinging on a 97 mph fastball. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors. 1 LOB. Top of 1st Inning – Crews struck out swinging; White grounded out to third base; Morgan grounded out to second base. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors. 0 LOB. WF Line Up SpotPos\# PlayerBatsTodayAvg1cf24 Tommy HawkeL0-0.3532rf5 Pierce BennettR0-0.35631b8 Nick KurtzL0-0.36443b25 Brock WilkenR0-0.35852b6 Justin JohnsonR0-0.3366dh3 Danny CoronaL0-0.3007c27 Bennett LeeR0-0.3018lf12 Adam CecereL0-0.2909ss7 Marek HoustonR0-0.22610p23 Josh HartleR0-0–Wake Forest Starting Line UpLSU posts starting line up. Ty Floyd (7-0) is starting, as most expected. > Time to Ride [pic.twitter.com/HnqvLvWlUl](https://t.co/HnqvLvWlUl) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 19, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1670923601913188352?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > . [@LSUbaseball](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) arrives for tonight's CWS contest against Wake Forest. [\#LSU](https://twitter.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@WAFB](https://twitter.com/WAFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/YbqoPtxAIf](https://t.co/YbqoPtxAIf) > > — Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) [June 19, 2023](https://twitter.com/JacquesDoucet/status/1670901213947101185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) --- Tennessee defeats Stanford, 6-4, in the elimination game of Bracket 2 of the College World Series. > Tiger fans do it best[\#ThePowerhouse](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThePowerhouse?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/SsMl0bOijI](https://t.co/SsMl0bOijI) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 19, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1670885342977617941?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > Monday Night Baseball > > 🆚 Wake Forest > 📍 Charles Schwab Field > ⏰ 6:00 p.m. CT > 📊 > 📻 98.1 FM () > 📺 ESPN > 💻 [pic.twitter.com/YXR03ZbfUF](https://t.co/YXR03ZbfUF) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 19, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1670836577801584652?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) **2023 NCAA Men’s College World Series** **No. 1 National Seed Wake Forest Demon Deacons (53-10) vs. No. 5 National Seed LSU Tigers (49-15)** **DATE/TIME** - Monday, June 19 @ 6 p.m. CT (ESPN) **STADIUM** - Charles Schwab Field (24,000) **RANKINGS** - LSU – No. 5 NCAA National Seed - WF – No. 1 NCAA National Seed **RADIO** · LSU Sports Radio Network affiliates, including 98.1 FM in Baton Rouge · Live audio at [www.LSUsports.net/live](http://www.lsusports.net/live) **TV/ONLINE** - Monday’s game will be televised on ESPN and streamed on ESPN + **LSU SERIES RECORD VS. WAKE FOREST** • LSU leads the all-time series with Wake Forest, 3-0, as the teams met in a 2011 season-opening series in Baton Rouge, and the Tigers won all three games by scores of 15-4, 4-3 and 9-1. **LSU IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT** • LSU is in the NCAA Tournament for the 11th straight season and for the 35th time overall …. LSU has six national championships (1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2009), the second-most in NCAA history … the Tigers were an NCAA Tournament Top 8 National Seed for an NCAA-record six straight seasons (2012-17) … LSU is a Top 8 National Seed this season (No. 5) for the first time since the 2017 Tigers were the No. 4 National Seed … LSU has the second-highest all-time NCAA Tournament winning percentage (.707, 169-70). • LSU is participating in its 19th College World Series, and its first since 2017, when the Tigers finished as the national runners-up to Florida … LSU is 41-27 (.603) all-time in CWS games, including a 7-3 mark in CWS championship games/series. • LSU opened its 2023 CWS appearance with a 6-3 win over Tennessee Friday night … right-hander Paul Skenes limited the Volunteers to two runs on five hits on five hits in 7.2 innings with one walk and 12 strikeouts … Skenes fired the second-highest total of strikeouts by an LSU pitcher in an CWS game, second only to Brett Laxton’s 16 strikeouts versus Wichita State in the 1993 CWS National Championship Game. **QUOTING LSU COACH JAY JOHNSON** “Wake Forest is a great team; their talent is exceptional and their style of play is really good. They have a lot of options on the mound and a really good identity at the plate. We’re really looking forward to this game. “They have dominated from the pitcher’s mound, and they’ve hit with a lot of power. They know what they’re doing; they can execute the small game if they need to. They play extremely hard, and they definitely mirror our team in that regard.” **ABOUT THE TIGERS** · LSU enters Monday’s game with a 49-15 record, its best mark through 64 games since the 2015 Tigers were 53-11… the Tigers this season are seeking their 14th 50-win season and their first since the 2017 club finished 52-20. · The Tigers won the NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional with 14-0 and 8-3 victories over Kentucky … LSU won the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional with consecutive victories over Tulane and Oregon State (twice) … the Tigers were 1-2 in the SEC Tournament in Hoover, Ala. … LSU was the No. 3 SEC Tournament seed, its highest since the 2017 Tigers were the No. 1 seed in the event. · The Tigers completed the 2023 regular season 42-13 overall and 19-10 in conference play … LSU recorded its most SEC regular-season wins since the 2017 club won 21 SEC games, and the Tigers posted their most overall regular-season wins since the 2015 squad ended the regular season with 46 victories. · The Tigers, the SEC’s No. 4 seed last season, have finished in the Top 4 in the overall SEC standings in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2014 and 2015 … LSU’s second-place finish in the SEC Western Division this season is its best since the Tigers won the Western Division in 2017. · LSU has reached the 40-win mark in back-to-back years for the first time since the 2016 and 2017 seasons … LSU finished 40-22 in last season and participated in the NCAA Hattiesburg Regional. · LSU entered the College World Series at or near the top of several NCAA statistical categories … the Tigers are No. 1 in the nation in shutouts pitched (10); No. 1 in runs scored (594); No. 2 in on-base percentage (.437); No. 2 in slugging percentage (.570); No. 2 in home runs (135); No. 3 in strikeouts pitched per nine innings (11.7); No. 4 in hit-by-pitch (131); No. 5 in scoring average (9.3 runs per game); No. 6 in hits allowed per nine innings (7.69); and No. 6 in walks received (370). · The LSU pitching staff has established the school single-season record for strikeouts with 709; the previous school mark was 682 set in 1997 … LSU has 135 home runs this season, the third-highest total in school history … LSU hit an NCAA-record 188 homers in 1997 and 157 homers in 1998. · LSU’s six homers in Game 1 of the Super Regional vs. Kentucky was its most in an NCAA Tournament game since the Tigers hit seven HRs in Game 3 of the 2008 NCAA Super Regional vs. UC Irvine in Alex Box Stadium. · LSU centerfielder **Dylan Crews** is No. 2 in the nation in on-base percentage (.573); No. 2 in runs scored (90); No. 3 in batting average · (.433) and No. 4 in walks (65) … third baseman **Tommy White** is No. 2 in the nation in RBI (97), and he is No. 4 in the nation in RBI per game (1.64) · LSU right-hander **Paul Skenes** is No. 1 in the nation in strikeouts (200), strikeouts per nine innings (15.70) and WHIP (0.78), and he is No. 2 in the nation in ERA (1.81) … he is No.3 in the nation in strikeout-to-walk ratio (10.53), and No. 5 in hits allowed per nine innings (5.49) … LSU second baseman **Gavin Dugas** is No. 3 in the nation in hit-by-pitch (30). · LSU is No. 1 in the Southeastern Conference in 10 offensive categories – batting average (.314), slugging percentage (.570), on-base percentage (.437), runs (594), hits (678), RBI (545), total bases (1,230), home runs (135), sacrifice flies (39) and plate appearances (2,716) … LSU is No. 2 in the SEC in HBP (131) and in triples (16). **ABOUT THE DEACONS** · Wake Forest is the NCAA No. 1 National Seed and completed the regular season as the No. 1 team in all of the college baseball polls … the Deacons are hitting .308 as a team with 130 home runs and 43 steals in 45 attempts. · The Wake Forest pitching staff has a 2.82 cumulative ERA with 748 strikeouts in 554.2 innings … the staff is allowing a .204 cumulative opponent batting average. · The Deacons are led at the plate by infielder/catcher Brock Wilken, who is hitting .358 with 15 doubles, one triple, 31 homers and 81 RBI … infielder Justin Johnson has hit 16 homers and collected 76 RBI, and OF/INF Nick Kurtz has recorded 24 homers and 69 RBI. **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball **Tags:** 2023 College World Series, College World Series, lsu baseball, Wake Forest --- ### [What a relief: Left-handed pitcher Justin Loer announces transfer to LSU from Xavier where he led team in saves](https://www.tigerrag.com/what-a-relief-left-handed-pitcher-justin-loer-announces-transfer-to-lsu-from-xavier-where-he-led-team-in-saves/) **Published:** June 19, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** Xavier’s left-handed pitcher Justin Loer did his best to keep his team alive for an NCAA Regional championship two weeks ago at Vanderbilt. The 6-foot-5, 200-pound Loer pitched two innings of scoreless relief with three strikeouts for his team-high seventh save in a 2-1 victory that eliminated host Vanderbilt. The Musketeers, though, couldn’t maintain the momentum and were eliminated in the regional final by Oregon, 11-2. Shortly thereafter Loer, a sophomore, entered the NCAA transfer portal and committed Sunday to LSU which is in the College World Series. Loer, 20, joins shortstop/right-handed pitcher Michael Braswell of South Carolina as commitments to the Tigers from the transfer portal. Loer was both a starter and reliever during his career at Xavier of the Big East Conference. He went 8-3 with a 2.43 ERA during his career that included 81.1 innings pitched, four games started in 44 appearances, 81 strikeouts, 33 walks and an opponent’s batting average of .208. The All-Big East Conference second team selection went 6-2 with a 1.89 ERA with one start in 29 appearances in 2023. He led Xavier with seven saves, throwing 57 innings with 63 strikeouts and 22 walks. Loer matched his longest outing of four innings on four occasions, including an appearance in a season-opening series with Oregon. In his last eight outings, he allowed one earned run over 13+ innings with eight hits, struck out 14 and walked five. Loer, a native of Lakeville, Minnesota, helped Xavier to a 39-25 overall record and 14-7 in Big East play. The Musketeers won the Big East Tournament and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the fifth time and first since 2017 with a 7-3 victory over UConn. **Categories:** LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, lsu baseball --- ### [In the mix: LSU women's basketball makes cut for nation's top point guard in Jaloni Cambridge of Nashville](https://www.tigerrag.com/in-the-mix-lsu-womens-basketball-makes-cut-for-nations-top-point-guard-in-jaloni-cambridge-of-nashville/) **Published:** June 19, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** Reigning national champion LSU women’s basketball made the cut of the seven top schools for the nation’s top-rated point guard, Jaloni Cambridge, in the Class of 2024. The 5-foot-6 Cambridge, the nation’s No. 3 overall player by ESPN and five-star recruit, released her list of LSU, Baylor, Florida, Georgia, Louisville, Ohio State and South Carolina. The Tigers also have a player committed in the Class of 2024, four-star point guard Jada Richard of Lafayette Christian Academy. She’s the No. 87 rated player according to ESPN. Cambridge, who played in front of LSU coach Kim Mulkey during this year’s state playoffs, hails from an athletic family with her sister Kennedy having transferred in March from Kentucky to Ohio State. Her older sister Jordyn made the All-SEC Defensive team at Vanderbilt and her two brothers, Devan and Desmond, played at Arizona State last season. Cambridge was a first team selection on the MaxPreps Junior All-American team last season, a year after the same outlet chose her the nation’s top sophomore. Last season, she averaged 26.9 points, 7.6 rebounds, 4.3 steals and 3.8 assists for The Ellsworth School in Nashville, Tennessee which finished 27-3. Her team lost in the Division II-AA state championship game to Knoxville Catholic, a game Cambridge scored 41 points. Cambridge, who began her career as an eighth grader and helped Ellsworth to a state title, earned the state’s Player of the Year, Gatorade Player of the Year in Tennessee and won the state’s Miss Basketball honor for the third consecutive year. She’s a semifinalist for the national Player of the Year award. She recently was the state runner-up in the 100 and 400 in the state track and field championships and also ran a leg on the victorious 4×400 relay. Cambridge has also won a pair of gold medals for U.S. Basketball, first in 2022 in the FIBA U17 World Cup when she averaged 9.4 points and 5.1 assists. She claimed gold the year before in the FIBA Americas U16 Championship. **Categories:** Women's Basketball **Tags:** Jaloni Cambridge, kim mulkey, lsu women's basketball --- ### [LSU's Godson Oghenebrume named South-Central Region's male track athlete of year](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-godson-oghenebrume-named-south-central-regions-male-track-athlete-of-year/) **Published:** June 19, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** The United States Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association recently selected LSU’s Godson Oghenebrume the South-Central Region Men’s Track Athlete of the Year. Oghenebrume continues a stretch for LSU that includes three straight winners of the award: He joins Eric Edwards Jr. (2022) and Terrance Laird (2021). This is the Tigers seventh regional outdoor men’s track athlete of the year honor, the most of any school in the region. Oghenebrume, a sophomore, was part of LSU first place 4×100 relay performance at the NCAA Outdoor Championship in Austin, Texas with a time of 38.05 seconds. The team clocked seven top-10 times on this season’s collegiate performance list and five on the all-time collegiate performance list. The Ughelli, Nigeria, native also took second in the men’s 100 meter (9.89), ranking second in LSU history behind Olympian Richard Thompson (9.89). Entering this season, Oghenebrume had a legal personal best of 10.12 seconds in the 100, shaving .22 seconds off for his new PR. His time of 9.90 ranks third in Nigerian history, seventh in African history, and seventh in NCAA history. Oghenebrume was two-time All-American this season and a two-time All-SEC selection with the 4×100 relay and 100 meters, which he won this season. **Categories:** Track & Field **Tags:** LSU track & field --- ### [LSU All-American Lindblad reaches semifinals of The Women's Amateur](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-all-american-lindblad-reaches-semifinals-of-the-womens-amateur/) **Published:** June 19, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** LSU senior Ingrid Lindblad advanced through two rounds of qualifying and then through four matches before her run at The Women’s Amateur, presented by The Royal and Ancient, came to an end in the semifinal round at Prince’s England. Lindblad finished tied for second in the 36-hole qualifying and then won her first match on Thursday, two matches on Friday and a quarterfinal win on Saturday morning before falling to Germany’s Chiara Holder, 4&3, in the semifinal outing. Lindblad found herself one down early against Horder after her birdie at the par-5 2nd. The Swede birdied the 8th to square the match only to bogey the 10th. Horder then dropped a stunning eagle at the 12th and her eagle again on the par 5 15th gave Lindblad no chance to make any kind of comeback. Earlier in the day, Lindblad defeated fellow Swede Kajsa Arwefjall 4&3 as the LSU star had six birdies on her card. Of her quarterfinal win, Lindblad told the R&A: “I just tried to keep the ball in the fairway and keep the ball in the greens and play well today and roll the few putts in and that was enough to win. It’s a nice course even though its very dry. So, sometimes we can hit the fairway and the ball just you don’t know where it’s gonna bounce, but that’s part of the game too. The greens are really nice. You can hit your putts and like be sure that it goes nice.” **Categories:** Women's Golf **Tags:** LSU women's golf --- ### [Paul Skenes pitches backward to push LSU past Tennessee, 6-3, in College World Series opener for familiar SEC foes](https://www.tigerrag.com/paul-skenes-pitches-backward-to-push-lsu-past-tennessee-6-3-in-college-world-series-opener-for-familiar-sec-foes/) **Published:** June 18, 2023 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** LSU’s Paul Skenes is even better and more talented than we all thought. Skenes, in fact, proved just how good he is Saturday night with the whole world watching. In his first-ever College World Series game at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Skenes ended up showing off – out of necessity – against a familiar foe, the Tennessee Volunteers. Skenes, America’s Ace, threw 7.2 innings, struck out 12 and moved to 200 total strikeouts on the season, pulling within two strikeouts of LSU’s all-time single season strike out leader, Ben McDonald in a 6-3 victory over Tennessee. Skenes (13-2) allowed two runs on five hits and he walked one batter. He’s only walked 19 batters all season. No. 5 LSU (49-15) beat Tennessee after building a 5-0 lead, and advanced to face Wake Forest on Monday at 6 p.m. Central. Wake Forest, the No. 1 seed, advanced after the Demon Deacons screeched past Stanford, 3-2. Tennessee (43-21) will play Stanford in an elimination game on Monday at 1 p.m. Central. Wake Forest trailed 2-1 in the bottom of the eighth before staging a late rally and holding The Cardinal in the ninth to set up Monday night’s game against the Tigers. Skeenes had LSU leading 5-1 with one out in the eighth inning when he handed the ball to freshman reliever Gavin Guidry. Guidry threw one pitch and Tennessee center fielder Hunter Ensley (3-for-4) crushed a two-run home run to deepest part of the park in straight-away center to cut LSU’s lead to 5-3. Riley Cooper immediately replaced Guidry and got LSU out of the inning. He picked his first save of the season in 1.1 innings, facing six batters, giving up one hit and striking out two. Tennessee starter Andrew Lindsey (3-4) was charged with the loss after working 3.2 innings. He allowed two runs on five hits with one walk and four strikeouts. LSU right fielder Brayden Jobert hit a solo home run in the bottom of the eighth inning to give the Tigers and Cooper some breathing room going into the top of the ninth. Skenes kept Tennessee batters off-balance by often starting them off with his secondary pitches — changeups, sliders and curves or pitching backward — rather than his devastating fastball LSU coach Jay Johnson said pitching coach Wes Johnson adjusted the way he called pitches when they noticed the first few Tennessee batters sitting on fastballs and making good contact. “You could tell they were trying to jump him,” Johnson said, adding that batters must make their decision to swing early if they’re going to catch up to Skenes’ heater. Skenes threw a total of 123 pitches, 75 for strikes, and even though 46 of those pitches were at 100 mph or above, that’s not even the most amazing thing he did in leading the Tigers to the win. “He threw backwards,” Tennessee coach Tony Vitello said. “Throws a hundred miles an hour and he threw backwards on our guys. From his end you’re doing anything you can to advance in the situation in the bracket where you’re in the winner’s side. And he mixed it up. “And in order to do that effectively you’ve got to throw strikes and command your pitches,” Vitello said. “And he did that. I don’t know what his changeup numbers are, and my angle is not that great. But I would imagine his changeup usage and strike percentage changeup-wise was as good as it’s been all year. He was effective with his whole arsenal.” In other word, Skenes took it up a notch on college baseball’s biggest stage. That’s what was most amazing about what Skenes did before the 25,010 people in attendance in Omaha and a national television audience. From what Vitello said, Tennessee’s coaches and players were on to Skenes’ backward pitching strategy early in the game. But understanding what’s being thrown at you and being able to adjust are two entirely different things. “But there was a heavier mix, I think, than we expected,” Vitello said. “I think our guys recognized it right away but it’s easier said than done adjusting on the fly in that situation. But the communication was good by the guys in the dugout what they were seeing.” Tennessee designated hitter Griffin Merritt, a .314 hitter, who slapped a low velocity single off through the right side off Skenes for his only hit of the night in the top of the fifth inning, said there’s more to the big guy than his 100 mph fastball. “The guy has four pitches that he can throw for strikes,” Merritt said. “And everybody sees the velocity. And that doesn’t help when you’re at the plate. But his ability to locate pitches and his ability to mix pitches, 2-0 is not an automatic fastball down the middle. “He’s able to spin the ball well and he’s able to locate,” Merritt said. “He doesn’t miss over the plate a whole lot. You combine that with just the arm talent that he has, and the pitch repertoire that he has, and he gets to be a pretty tough at-bat.” Skenes said he really wasn’t showing off by pitching backwards. He said he was doing it to win the game. “At different points today I had all four pitches working. I mean, you have to look at obviously their lineup, but also what’s working for me,” Skenes said. “And went out there and made pitches, kind of threw what they weren’t expecting at times and it worked pretty well.” Skenes’ pitching approach against Tennessee was all part of the game plan, Johnson said. “We kind of did a hybrid thing of a look back at those games,” he said. “Then we looked back on where they were recently. And some of those guys have improved. And we felt like we needed to attack them a little bit different way. “And then looking at it also, their plan early in the game, we were able to kind of figure out what they were trying to do with him (Skenes),” he said. “And then Wes did a nice job of calling pitches. And then the big man took care of the rest as far as the execution.” Early on Tennessee was making good contact from the batter’s box. “They were on fastballs the first inning,” Johnson said. “They had a hit — (Hunter) Ensley had a hit and then (Jared) Dickey lined out. And so (Maui) Ahuna swung early. You could tell they were trying to jump him. Sometimes that’s all you could do. “When it’s getting on you that fast you have to make an early decision,” Johnson said. “When you have to make an early decision and he starts throwing his changeup like that, there’s not a lot you can do. The execution of all three tonight was pretty elite.” LSU got the scoring started on the strength of second baseman Gavin Dugas’ 16th homer of the season, a solo shot in the second inning. The Tigers added to their total in the bottom of the third on an RBI groundout from first baseman Tre’ Morgan and led 2-0 after three innings. LSU struck for two more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to extend the lead to 4-0. Catcher Hayden Travinski led off with a walk and advanced to second on a wild pitch. Jobert delivered an RBI-triple on a ball he smashed to the right-center field wall. With Jobert on third, shortstop Jordan Thompson singled through the left side to bring in Jobert. In the bottom of the seventh, center fielder Dylan Crews led off with a double, and third baseman Tommy White followed with a single to left field. Morgan produced a quality at-bat with less than two outs and lifted a sacrifice fly to center for a 5-0 advantage. With his lead-off double, Crews collected his 100th hit of the season, becoming the first LSU player since Alex Bregman in 2013 to reach that mark in a single season. Tennessee scored three runs in the eighth on an RBI single by shortstop Maui Ahuna and Ensley’s two-run home, narrowing the gap to 5-3. Jobert padded the LSU lead in the bottom of the eighth with his solo shot to right field. It was Jobert’s 12th homer of the season. ![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/JJohnson_WrapUp_050523-1.jpg "JJohnson_WrapUp_050523-1 | TigerRag.com")Post Game Wrap Up From Omaha![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023-MCWS-Game-4-FINAL1024_1.jpg "2023-MCWS-Game-4-FINAL1024_1 | TigerRag.com") **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball **Tags:** 2023 College World Series, brayden jobert, dylan crews, Gavin Dugas, jay johnson, lsu baseball, Paul Skenes, Tennessee --- ### [Road grader: LSU adds tight end depth for 2023 season with commitment from Connor Gilbreath](https://www.tigerrag.com/road-grader-lsu-adds-tight-end-depth-for-2023-season-with-commitment-from-connor-gilbreath/) **Published:** June 17, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** LSU’s red-hot week on the recruiting trail reached a high note Saturday night. The Tigers secured their fourth commitment of the week, this one from blocking tight end Connor Gilbreath of Butte (California) College during his official visit to the school. The 6-foot-6, 268-pound Gilbreath confirmed his intentions on his Twitter account with, ‘Committed!!! Thank you LSU!’ Gilbreath, who will arrive in July and be part of the 2023 team, joined Class of 2024 commitments Ondre Evans of Nashville, Tennessee, Kylan Billiot of Houma and Joel Rogers of St. Francisville this week. The Tigers have 18 pledges from high school prospects in their current recruiting class. The Tigers also have a pledge from East Feliciana tight end/wide receiver Trey’Dez Green. Gilbreath played the 2022 season at Butte College and has a redshirt year remaining among his four years of eligibility. LSU returns sophomore Mason Taylor from a standout first season and signed three tight ends in Ka’Morreun Pimpton, Jackson McGohan and Mac Markway, adding depth to the team’s roster which now includes 82 scholarship players. Gilbreath also took an official visit to Missouri and Arizona before deciding on LSU during his official visit this weekend. He also received scholarship offers from Colorado, Miami, Mississippi State and North Carolina State. He was also scheduled to visit N.C. State and Mississippi State. Gilbreath, a native of Redding, California who played at University Prep, was part of a team last season at Butte that went 7-4 overall and 4-1 in conference play. Butte averaged 35.7 points and 368.9 total yards per game where Gilbreath, who didn’t catch a pass, was attached to the offensive line at either offensive tackle or tight end. **Categories:** Football Recruiting, LSU Football News **Tags:** LSU footall, lsu football recruiting --- ### [Boost from the bottom: Homers from Dugas, Jobert part of production from LSU's lower half of order that goes a long way in victory](https://www.tigerrag.com/boost-from-the-bottom-homers-from-dugas-jobert-part-of-production-from-lsus-lower-half-of-order-that-goes-a-long-way-in-victory/) **Published:** June 17, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** When LSU needed a lift to ignite its offense in the bottom of the second of Saturday’s College World Series opener, graduate second baseman Gavin Dugas was there to lend a helping hand. After visiting Tennessee finally broke through in the eighth with three runs and were able to get LSU ace Paul Skenes out of the game, Brayden Jobert had the answer the Tigers needed. “I’ve been waiting a long couple of days since we’ve been in the hotel, everybody else has,” Dugas said. “It was awesome to see the environment and take it all, that first pitch of the game. It’s everything you could expect and more.” Together the Nos. 6-7-8-9 batters in LSU’s batting order turned in a potent outing that played its part in helping the Tigers advance in the World Series with 6-3 victory Saturday over Tennessee before a Charles Schwab Field crowd of 25,010. “This is what you come to play for,” Jobert said. “To play on this stage. I’m very proud of my team. Very proud of Paul, very proud of Gavin. We all work really, really hard and it’s for these moments. I’m just happy to be a part of it.” Dugas and Jobert combined with Jordan Thompson and Josh Pearson to collect six of the team’s 10 hits and drive in four of six runs to send the Tigers into Monday’s winner’s bracket game at 6 p.m. Monday against Wake Forest. Home runs from Dugas and Jobert extended the team’s total 135 with their 16th and 12th, respectively, on the season. Jobert (3-for-4) also doubled and tripled for two of the team’s five extra base hits. “I don’t know what we did to Gavin (Dugas), but he hates us. I’m only speaking in brevity— best I can do,” Tennessee coach Tony Vitello said. “He’s done well against us for the four games we’ve played this year.” Dugas’ solo shot came with one out in the second – clobbering a 2-1 offering off Tennessee starter Andrew Lindsey – over the bullpen in left field. “Our game plan was to get balls up with a guy that had a lot of sink, a lot of run,” Dugas said. “The only way to be successful was to see him over the plate and fortunately I was able to spit on two balls and see one ball up. I was lucky to put a good swing on a good ball and put the Tigers up front right there.” Pearson spearheaded LSU’s run in the third, driving a single through the right side of the infield ahead of Dylan Crews’ similar single through the right side. After both runners moved up on a groundout, Pearson scored on Tre’ Morgan’s groundout. Pearson was also active on defense with five putouts, including a nifty catch on a sinking liner for the first out of the fourth. “We played him because I think he gives us professional at-bats and he’s a pretty good defensive outfielder and that paid off,” LSU coach Jay Johnson said. “He’s obviously earned his spot in there with how he’s performed throughout the postseason. But left field here is a really tough place to play at the 6:00 o’clock game. The sun sits right over there. And we actually had to warn him about it. “We were here in ’21,” Johnson said of the team he coached, Arizona. “We hit a double over the left fielder’s head and then we misplayed a ball in the first inning. It’s really tough, and he did a nice job. And (LSU assistant) Mark Wanaka, I’ve said this before, is the best positioner of outfielders on the planet. And he did a great job of that tonight. They hit a couple right at Dylan and right at Josh.” Jobert’s triple off the fence in right-center drove in Hayden Travinski who walked and moved up on a wild pitch in the sixth. Thompson followed with a hard smash off Tennessee shortstop Maui Ahuna for an infield single, enabling Jobert to make it 4-0. The hit from Jobert was the first for LSU with six runners in scoring position, a stretch that included three strikeouts. Tennessee closed to within 5-3 with three runs in the eighth, but LSU was able to grab a run and some momentum back on Jobert’s homer to right off Tennessee reliever Hollis Fanning. “I was just trying to get the ball up,” Jobert said. “Stay in the bottom of the zone was something I needed to improve on from last weekend. That was focus in BP (batting practice) and all of the training this week. Just sticking to our plan and sticking to what our coaches tell us. It worked out positive for me.” It continued a resurgence for Jobert, who after batting .246 with 18 homers with 58 RBIs last season, is batting .312 and collected his 12th homer and 43rd and 44th RBI of the season. “He’s done a great job,” LSU coach Jay Johnson said of Jobert. “In every phase – last year’s evaluation, there were areas we needed marked improvement. We’ve talked about those things, athleticism, defense, vision, play discipline, at-bats between homers. He’s literally done all that. “You win games this time of year when guys like him step up and play their best, game-winning homer against Oregon State and that 1-0 game of the regional was obviously big,” Johnson added. “And three great at-bats tonight. When I look up, because we’re looking at him in the face from the third base dugout, just the self-control and locked in and he was a professional hitter tonight.” **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball **Tags:** 2023 College World Series, Gavin Dugas, jay johnson, lsu baseball --- ### [Live Updates: LSU defeats Tennessee, 6-3, in College World Series 2023](https://www.tigerrag.com/live-updates-lsu-baseball-vs-tennessee-in-college-world-series-2023/) **Published:** June 17, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** --- Top of 9th Inning – Kling to right field for Jobert; Denton struck out swinging 93 mph elevated fast ball; Merritt flied out left field; Burke reached on a fielding error by shortstop; Burke advanced to second base for some unknown reason; Scott lined out to pitcher on full count. LSU 6, Tennessee 3 heading to the ninth inning. Bottom of 8th Inning – Fanning to pitch for Sowell; Taylor to catch for Dreiling – Jobert homered to right field on a 1-2 count, a hanging slider; Thompson grounded out to shortstop; Pearson grounded out to 1B unassisted; Russell to pitch for Fanning; Crews flied out to left center field. LSU leads 6-3 heading into the ninth inning. LSU 5, Tennessee 3 heading into the bottom of the eighth inning. > Paul Skenes, 12th K. > > 100mph on his 115th Pitch. [pic.twitter.com/oAVvP8wPlb](https://t.co/oAVvP8wPlb) > > — Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) [June 18, 2023](https://twitter.com/PitchingNinja/status/1670249900401893378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Top of 8th Inning – Nippolt to 2B for Dugas; Skenes at 102 pitches to start inning; Burke lined out to center field; Scott doubled to right center field; Dreiling pinch hitting for Stark, (Johnson mound visit with Skenes) struck out looking (12th strike out and 200th on the season for Skenes); Ahuna singled up the middle, Scott scored from second base; G. Guidry in to pitch for Skenes; Ensley homered to center field on first pitch, scored Ahuna from first base (5-3 LSU); Cooper in to pitch for Guidry; Dickey grounded out to shortstop near second base (close play under review, called out originally, but overturned to safe or single to shortstop and UT retains review); Moore struck out looking. LSU 5, Tennessee 0 after seven complete. Bottom of 7th Inning – Sewell to pitch for Connell – Crews doubled to right field on the first pitch; White singled to left field on a 2-0 count, Crews advanced to third base; Morgan (Tennessee has a pitching conference at the mound) sacrifice fly to center field, Crews scored from third base; Travinski struck out swinging. Beloso walked, White advanced to second base; Dugas flied out right field. Top of 7th Inning – Skeenes enters inning with pitch count at 83. Dickey fouled out left field; Moore struck out looking; Denton walked on a full count, Skenes first walk of the game; Merritt struck out swining. Back to back RBI hits by Jobert, a triple off the wall, and an infield single from Thompson, puts LSU up 4-0 in the bottom of sixth with two outs and Tennessee going to another pitcher. Bottom of 6th Inning – Travinski walked on full count; Beloso popped up to left field; Dugas (wild pitch allows Travinski to advance to second base) struck out swinging on 2-2 count; Jobert tripled to right center off the wall, Travinski scored from second. LSU had been 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position until Jobert’s RBI double. Thompson singled to shortstop, Jobert scored from third base; Connell to pitch for Halvorsen. Pearson grounded out to first base unassisted. 2 Runs, 2 Hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB. Top of 6th Inning – Skeenes enters inning with a pitch count of 76 pitches, he has struck out nine and allowed three hits with no walks. Stark fouled out to third base; Ahuna flied out left center field; Ensley grounds out to shortstop and Thompson makes another great play and Morgan stretches for the out (call under review) (Call is confirmed, Tennessee has one challenge left.) Bottom of 5th Inning – Halvorsen to pitch for Combs; Crews flied out to right field; White grounded out to shortstop; Morgan struck out swinging. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOB. Top of 5th Inning – Denton went ahead 3-0 in the count, then struck out looking; Merritt singled through the right side; Burke flied out to shallow left field; Scott struck out swinging. 0 Runs, 1 Hit, 0 Errors, 1 LOB Bottom of 4th Inning – Beloso struck out looking on a 2-2 count; Dugas walked; Jobert doubled to right field on an 0-2 count, Dugas goes from first to third base; Thompson struck out swinging on sinker with the count 2-2; Combs to pitch for Lindsey – Pearson batting for LSU; Pearson struck out swinging on 2-2 count. 0 Runs, 1 HIt, 0 Errors, 2 LOB. Top of the 4th Inning – Ensley singled through the left side on a 100 mph fast ball, his second hit of the game and the only two hits so far against Skenes; Dickey flied out to left field; Moore flied out to left field on a ball off the end of the bat, Pearson makes diving catch while battling the sun. Denton (Ensley caught stealing, cut down by Travinski). 0 Runs, 1 Hit, 0 Errors. 0 LOB. LSU leads 2-0 after three innings. Bottom of 3rd Inning – Pearson singled to right field; Crews singled through right side to right field, Pearson advanced to second base; White grounded out to pitcher; Pearson advanced to third base, Crews advanced to second base; Morgan grounded out to pitcher, RBI, Pearson scores from third base, Crews advanced to third base; Travinski grounds out to first base, 3-1 put out. 1 Run, 2 Hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB. Top of 3rd Inning – Scott struck out swinging; Stark popped up to shortstop in left center; Ahuna struck out looking, Skenes seventh strike out so far. Dugas solo homer in the bottom of the second inning puts LSU up 1-0 heading into the top of the third. Game Line Score TEAM12RHELUT000101LSU011201Top 3rd Bottom of 2nd Inning – Beloso grounded out to first base unassisted; Dugas homered to left field on a 2-1 hanging 94 mph sinker; Jobert grounds out to pitcher; Thompson struck out swinging. 1 Run, 1 Hits, 0 Errors. 0 LOB. > HOUMA HAMMER IN OMAHA[@gavin\_dugas04](https://twitter.com/gavin_dugas04?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) | ESPN [pic.twitter.com/4nv59SUEzt](https://t.co/4nv59SUEzt) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 18, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1670224429039734786?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Top of 2nd Inning – Denton struck out swinging in three pitches; Merritt struck out swinging on a breaking ball in three pitches; Burke struck out swinging with a full count. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors. LSU 0, Tennessee 0 at the end of 1st inning. Bottom of 1st – Crews grounds out to shortstop; White struck out swinging with a full count on a 96 mph sinker; Morgan singled up the middle; Travinski flied out to right center. Top of 1st Inning – Skenes strikes out two, gives up one infield hit. UT leaves one runner on base. 0 Runs, 1 Hit, 0 Errors. UT Line Up SpotPos\# PlayerBatsTodayAvg1ss2 Maui AhunaL0-0.3022cf9 Hunter EnsleyR0-0.2793lf17 Jared DickeyL0-0.32542b1 Christian MooreR0-0.31353b44 Zane DentonB0-0.2746dh10 Griffin MerrittR0-0.31571b25 Blake BurkeL0-0.2798rf8 Christian ScottL0-0.2829c30 Cal StarkR0-0.18110p29 Andrew LindseyR0-0–Tennessee Line Up> Let’s Ride [pic.twitter.com/0lyCaIplvH](https://t.co/0lyCaIplvH) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 17, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1670200980770570240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) --- TENNESSEE vs. LSU starts at 6:40 Central. Wake Forest rallies for two runs in the bottom of the eighth inning and then holds off Stanford, 3-2. 4:52 PM Central: Stanford and Wake Forest resume play. > The Best Fans In College Baseball > > 📍Omaha | [\#ThePowerhouse](https://twitter.com/hashtag/ThePowerhouse?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/4thDgLvAuH](https://t.co/4thDgLvAuH) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 17, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1670155211862601730?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ? 3:19 PM Central time: WEATHER DELAY in Stanford vs Wake Forest with two outs in the top of the seventh inning. Stanford leads Wake Forest, 2-1. LSU (48-15) will face Tennessee (43-20) for the fourth time this season at 6 p.m. Central Time on Saturday with the game televised on ESPN. LSU defeated Tennessee twice in a three-game series at the end of March in Baton Rouge. > IT'S GAME DAY, TIGERS > > 🆚 Tennessee > 📍 Charles Schwab Field > ⏰ 6:00 p.m. CT > 📊 > 📻 98.1 FM () > 📺 ESPN > 💻 [pic.twitter.com/OmCiell6MT](https://t.co/OmCiell6MT) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 17, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1670092422846586883?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ## **2023 COLLEGE WORLD SERIES SCHEDULE (all times Eastern)** **Friday, June 16** Game 1 – Oral Roberts vs. TCU, 2 p.m. | ESPN Game 2 – Virginia vs. Florida, 7 p.m. | ESPN **Saturday, June 17** Game 3 –Wake Forest vs. Stanford, 2 p.m. | ESPN Game 4 – LSU vs. Tennessee, 7 p.m. | ESPN **Sunday, June 18** Game 5 – Loser of Game 1 vs. Loser of Game 2, 2 p.m. (Elimination game) | ESPN Game 6 – Winner of Game 1 vs. Winner of Game 2, 7 p.m. | ESPN **Monday,June 19** Game 7 – Loser of Game 3 vs. Loser of Game 4, 2 p.m. (Elimination game) | ESPN Game 8 – Winner of Game 3 vs. Winner of Game 4, 7 p.m. | ESPN **Tuesday,June 20** Game 9 – Winner of Game 5 vs. Loser of Game 6, 2 p.m. (Elimination game) | ESPN Game 10 – Winner of Game 7 vs. Loser of Game 8, 7 p.m. (Elimination game) | ESPN **Wednesday, June 21** Game 11 – Winner of Game 6 vs. Winner of Game 9, 2 p.m. | ESPN Game 12 – Winner of Game 8 vs. Winner of Game 10, 7 p.m. | ESPN **Thursday, June 22** Game 13 – Winner of Game 6 vs. Winner of Game 9, 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. (If necessary) | ESPN or ESPN2 Game 14 – Winner of Game 8 vs. Winner of Game 10, 7 p.m. (If necessary) | ESPN2 **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball **Tags:** 2023 College World Series, lsu baseball, Omaha, Tennessee --- ### [Former LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri to interview for head coaching job](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-baseball-coach-paul-mainieri-to-interview-for-head-coaching-job/) **Published:** June 17, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Former LSU baseball coach Paul Mainieri, who was replaced by Jay Johnson after the 2021 season, is reportedly set to interview for the vacancy for head baseball coach at the University of Miami, according to Tiger Rag columnist and Outkick.com SEC writer Glenn Guilbeau and Kendall Rogers of D1Baseball.com. [FORMER LSU BASEBALL COACH PAUL MAINIERI, WHO SIGNED DYLAN CREWS, IS UP FOR MIAMI HURRICANES’ HEAD COACHING JOB](https://www.outkick.com/former-lsu-baseball-coach-paul-mainieri-who-signed-dylan-crews-is-up-for-miami-hurricanes-head-coaching-job/?fbclid=IwAR2PJf3ommHTAXkmvuyrN6T1zOB3ZushKqTQsM-Lh0tZ2GxNQpQiz5b2PIk) **Categories:** LSU Baseball --- ### [Play Ball!: LSU primed and poised as it begins quest for its seventh College World Series title today](https://www.tigerrag.com/play-ball-lsu-primed-and-poised-as-it-begins-quest-for-its-seventh-college-world-series-title-today/) **Published:** June 17, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** ![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/2023CollegeWorldSeriesReport-1-800x600.jpg "2023CollegeWorldSeriesReport 1 | TigerRag.com")LSU baseball begins quest for seventh college baseball national championship vs Tennessee at 6 PM Central on June 17 2023First, let’s looks at what a national championship for LSU would mean: - LSU was ranked No. 1 in the Preseason Top 25. The Tigers were arguably the most hyped team in college baseball history. LSU did a more than admirable job of living up to the hype and the Tigers now have a chance to become only the second team in the 21st century to win the national championship after being ranked No. 1 in the Preseason Top 25. Vanderbilt in 2019 currently holds that sole distinction. Even though most experts right now are heaping tons of praise on an impressive Wake Forest – currently ranked No. 1 and the top seed in this year’s College World Series – a successful run to the championship this season for LSU means it would stake its claim to being the best team in college baseball history. While the Tigers did fall a half-game short of winning the SEC title, they would end up with at least 53 wins if they do win the national championship, and with the talent on the roster, led by center fielder Dylan Crews and “America’s Ace” pitcher Paul Skenes – expected to be the first pair of collegiate teammates ever to be drafted No. 1 and No. 2 in the MLB draft – few, if any, would logically exclude LSU as being in the best-ever college baseball team conversation. But, as LSU coach Jay Johnson has repeated time and again all season, for the Tigers it’s all about being true to themselves and taking every game one pitch at a time on both sides of the ball. Johnson concludes if LSU does that, the rest will work itself out. BREAKING DOWN LSU’s BRACKET – BRACKET TWO LSU (48-15) is joined by Stanford, Tennessee and Wake Forest in Bracket Two of the College World Series. Stanford and Wake Forest will play the first game on Saturday at 1 p.m. Central Time and LSU will take on SEC foe Tennessee at 6 p.m. Central Time. \* 17 of the top 200 prospects in this year’s upcoming MLB Draft play on these four teams. Who steps up and who steps out? We’ll see. A look at the teams in Bracket Two: STANFORD Stanford will be making its third straight appearance in Omaha after it defeated Texas on an improbable walk-off single in game three of the Stanford Super Regional. The Cardinal will be making its 19th overall appearance, which is tied for the most appearances with LSU among the 2023 participants of the College World Series. Stanford won two national championships in 1987 and 1988 while finishing as a runner-up three times in 2000, 2001 and 2003. The Cardinal is led by former Stanford baseball player David Esquer. Esquer, who took over the program in 2018, has led Stanford to three straight appearances in Omaha after a 13-year drought. Before taking over at Stanford, Esquer was the head coach at California, Stanford’s archrival, from 2000-2017. He led the Golden Bears to a College World Series appearance in 2011 and received the 2011 Pac-10 Coach of the Year Award. Stanford is one of the best hitting teams in the country as they are second in hits behind fellow College World Series participant Virginia, ninth in batting average and 10th in home runs. Its batting lineup is led by Pac 12 Player of the Year Alberto Rios. Rios is batting .387 from the plate with 23 doubles and 18 homers, which are both team-highs. Infielder Tommy Troy is another excellent hitter for Stanford as he won the Pac 12 Batting Title as led the conference in batting average at the end of the regular season. Troy has a .397 batting average with 96 hits, 17 doubles, four triples, 17 home runs and 58 RBIs. All-Pac 12 members Braden Montgomery and designated hitter, as well as Pac-12 Freshman of the Year Malcolm Moore, are some other names you need to watch out for. Second baseman Drew Bowser has recorded a home run in each of his last three games. Although Stanford’s pitching rotation may be the weakest in Bracket Two, that doesn’t mean Stanford is without capable arms. Quinn Mathews, who was named the Pac 12 Pitcher of the Year, is Stanford’s ace. Matthews leads the staff with a 3.60 ERA in 120 innings with 152 strikeouts. So Stanford could keep its bullpen fresh, he threw a 156-pitch complete game in game two of the supers and he was brilliant, recording 16 strikeouts and allowing three runs on eight hits. He made national headlines because of the absurd number of pitches he threw. If reliever Ryan Bruno is in control he can be a huge difference-maker with his dominant stuff that helped him strike out 54 batters in 33 innings this year. Pitchers Brandt Pancer and Joey Dixon are arms that Stanford will need to step up if the Cardinal wants to make a run in Omaha. TENNESSEE Tennessee will be making its sixth appearance in the College World Series and its second in the last three seasons. Tennessee went undefeated in the Clemson Regional before defeating Southern Miss in two out of three games in the Hattiesburg Super Regional to advance to the College World Series. Tony Vitello is in his sixth season as the skipper of the Volunteers. Vitello has done a great job building this program into a national brand as he has led Tennessee to two College World Series appearances and three 40-plus win seasons. Maui Ahuna, Jared Dickey, Griffin Merritt, Christian Moore and Zane Denton lead Tennessee’s offense. Ahuna is batting .302 from the plate with 19 doubles, a triple, eight homers and 41 RBIs. Dickey, who was given All-SEC honors, has a team-high .325 batting average with six doubles, three triples, 12 homers and 51 RBIs. Merritt has blasted a team-high 18 home runs. Moore has recorded 12 doubles, 17 homers and has stolen 16 bases on 18 attempts. Denton has had several clutch home runs this postseason, including a go-ahead 3-run homer in the ninth against Clemson and a 3-run homer in game three against Southern Miss. Denton has recorded nine doubles, three triples and 16 homers on the year. Tennessee is one of the best pitching units in the country as they are second nationally in ERA (3.57), strikeouts (708), strikeouts per nine innings (12.2), and WHIP (1.15). The Volunteers are also fourth in hits allowed per nine innings (7.47). Andrew Lindsey, who is expected to start against LSU on Saturday night, Chase Dollander, Drew Beam, Chase Burns, and Seth Halvorsen are high MLB’s radar and projected as potential first-round picks when their draft time comes. Dollander and Burns each have over 100 strikeouts on the season, while Beam and Lindsey have the best ERAs of those four with Beam having a 3.78 and Lindsey having a 2.79 ERA. Halvorsen has 50 strikeouts in 50 innings pitched coming out of the bullpen. WAKE FOREST The No.1 overall seed, Wake Forest advanced to its first College World Series in 1955. The Demon Deacons hope they can break the No.1 Seed Curse as the No.1 national seed hasn’t won the College World Series since 1999. Wake Forest scored 10-plus runs in all but one game this postseason, including scoring 20-plus runs twice. Wake Forest swept the Winston-Salem Regional by defeating George Mason twice and Maryland before sweeping No.15 national seed Alabama in the Super Regionals. This is only the third time Wake Forest has advanced to the College World Series. The first time the Demon Deacons went to the College World Series was in 1949, when it was played in Wichita, Kansas and the Demon Deacons were runners-up to Texas. The other time was in 1955 when Wake Forest defeated Western Michigan to win its first and only national championship. Pitching, which many consider to be the best in the country, is Wake Forest’s clear strength. The Demon Deacons lead the country in ERA (2.84), hits allowed per nine innings (6.61), strikeouts (738), strikeouts per nine innings (12.2) and WHIP (1.04). Wake Forest is also tied for first in shutouts (10) with LSU. Four capable starters power its rotation. All-American and ACC Pitcher of the Year Rhett Lowder (15-0), Seth Keener (7-1), Sean Sullivan (5-3) and Josh Hartle (11-2). All four have under a 3.00 ERA with Lowder having a team-high 1.92 ERA. Lowder, Hartle and Sullivan all have over 100 strikeouts. Both Lowder and Hartle have 131 and Sullivan has 86. Wake Forest is also one of the best offensive teams in the country as they are second in walks (404), third in runs scored (583) and on-base percentage (.432), fourth in home runs (129), sixth in slugging percentage (0.556). First baseman Nick Kurtz has a batting average of .370, which is a team-high. Kurtz, who received First Team All-ACC honors, has recorded 10 doubles, 24 home runs and 69 RBIs. He also has a team-high .538 on-base percentage. Third baseman Brock Wilken leads the ACC in home runs with 30 and has recorded a team-high 80 RBIs. Wilken also leads the team in slugging percentage (.835) Second baseman Justin Johnson has a .341 batting average with 15 doubles, three triples, 16 home runs and 76 RBIs. TENNESSEE vs LSU (Home team) PRIMER Tennessee Volunteers (43-20) vs. No. 5 National Seed LSU Tigers (48-15) DATE/TIME Saturday, June 17 @ 6 p.m. CT (ESPN) STADIUM Charles Schwab Field (24,000) RANKINGS LSU – No. 3 in NCBWA poll; No. 5 NCAA National Seed UT – No. 6 in NCBWA poll RADIO · LSU Sports Radio Network affiliates, including 98.1 FM in Baton Rouge · Live audio at www.LSUsports.net/live TV/ONLINE Saturday’s game will be televised on ESPN and streamed on ESPN + LSU SERIES RECORD VS. TENNESSEE • LSU leads the all-time series with Tennessee, 60-29 … LSU has won 16 of its last 24 games versus UT; however, Tennessee has won seven of the past nine meetings … LSU claimed a 2-1 SEC series win over Tennessee earlier this season (March 30-April 1) in Baton Rouge … prior to this season, UT had won six straight games over the Tigers, including a 2022 SEC Tournament win, a two-game sweep in the 2021 NCAA Knoxville Super Regional and a three-game sweep in the 2021 SEC regular-season series, also in Knoxville. LSU IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT • LSU is in the NCAA Tournament for the 11th straight season and for the 35th time overall …. LSU has six national championships (1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2009), the second-most in NCAA history … the Tigers were an NCAA Tournament Top 8 National Seed for an NCAA-record six straight seasons (2012-17) … LSU is a Top 8 National Seed this season (No. 5) for the first time since the 2017 Tigers were the No. 4 National Seed … LSU has the second-highest all-time NCAA Tournament winning percentage (.706, 168-70). • LSU is participating in its 19th College World Series, and its first since 2017, when the Tigers finished as the national runners-up to Florida … LSU is 40-27 (.597) all-time in CWS games, including a 7-3 mark in CWS championship games/series. • LSU last weekend won the NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional with a two-game sweep over Kentucky, marking the ninth super regional title in program history. QUOTING LSU COACH JAY JOHNSON “Our players have done everything that we’ve asked them to do for the past two seasons. When we took the field last weekend (for the Super Regional), there was a really solid peace of mind that these guys were going to advance to the College World Series. To see the fans get behind them, they’re going to get behind LSU no matter what, but this is a really easy group to get behind, how hard they play, how much they care, how invested they are in the program. “So we have an amazing collection of talent, but in the first meeting I said that doesn’t make us a team. Developing them as people, developing them as teammates, not just accepting their role, but embracing it, and communicating it might look different in Game 1 than in Game 10; it might look different in Game 20, Game 50, and then in Omaha.” ABOUT THE TIGERS · LSU enters the College World Series with a 48-15 record, its best mark through 63 games since the 2015 Tigers were 53-10 entering the CWS … the Tigers last weekend won the NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional with 14-0 and 8-3 victories over Kentucky … LSU two weeks ago won the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional with consecutive victories over Tulane and Oregon State (twice) … the Tigers were 1-2 in the SEC Tournament three weeks ago in Hoover, Ala. … LSU was the No. 3 SEC Tournament seed, its highest since the 2017 Tigers were the No. 1 seed in the event. · The Tigers completed the 2023 regular season 42-13 overall and 19-10 in conference play … LSU recorded its most SEC regular-season wins since the 2017 club won 21 SEC games, and the Tigers posted their most overall regular-season wins since the 2015 squad ended the regular season with 46 victories. · The Tigers, the SEC’s No. 4 seed last season, have finished in the Top 4 in the overall SEC standings in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2014 and 2015 … LSU’s second-place finish in the SEC Western Division this season is its best since the Tigers won the Western Division in 2017. · LSU has reached the 40-win mark in back-to-back years for the first time since the 2016 and 2017 seasons … LSU finished 40-22 in last season and participated in the NCAA Hattiesburg Regional … the Tigers this season are seeking their 14th 50-win season and their first since the 2017 club finished 52-20. · LSU enters the College World Series at or near the top of several NCAA statistical categories … the Tigers are No. 1 in the nation in shutouts pitched (10); No. 1 in runs scored (588); No. 2 in on-base percentage (.438); No. 2 in slugging percentage (.569); No. 2 in home runs (133); No. 3 in strikeouts pitched per nine innings (11.6); No. 4 in hit-by-pitch (131); No. 5 in scoring average (9.3 runs per game); No. 6 in hits allowed per nine innings (7.70); and No. 6 in walks received (367). · The LSU pitching staff has established the school single-season record for strikeouts with 695; the previous school mark was 682 set in 1997 … LSU has 133 home runs this season, the third-highest total in school history … LSU hit an NCAA-record 188 homers in 1997 and 157 homers in 1998. · LSU’s six homers in Game 1 of the Super Regional vs. Kentucky was its most in an NCAA Tournament game since the Tigers hit seven HRs in Game 3 of the 2008 NCAA Super Regional vs. UC Irvine in Alex Box Stadium. · LSU center fielder Dylan Crews is No. 2 in the nation in on-base percentage (.576); No. 2 in runs scored (89); No. 3 in batting average · (.434) and No. 3 in walks (65) … third baseman Tommy White is No. 2 in the nation in RBI (97), and he is No. 3 in the nation in RBI per game (1.67) · LSU right-hander Paul Skenes is No. 1 in the nation in strikeouts (188), strikeouts per nine innings (15.81) and WHIP (0.78), and he is No. 2 in the nation in ERA (1.77) … he is No.3 in the nation in strikeout-to-walk ratio (10.44), and No. 6 in hits allowed per nine innings (5.47) … LSU second baseman Gavin Dugas is No. 3 in the nation in hit-by-pitch (30). · LSU is No. 1 in the Southeastern Conference in 10 offensive categories – batting average (.314), slugging percentage (.569), on-base percentage (.438), runs (588), hits (668), RBI (539), total bases (1,210), home runs (133), sacrifice flies (38) and plate appearances (2,679) … LSU is No. 2 in the SEC in HBP (131). ABOUT THE VOLUNTEERS · Tennessee is hitting .284 as a team with 125 home runs and 59 stolen bases in 71 attempts … the Vols are No. 8 in the SEC in batting average and No. 3 in the league in home runs. · The Volunteers’ pitching staff has a 3.57 cumulative ERA, which ranks No. 1 in the SEC; UT has recorded 708 strikeouts in 542.0 innings. · UT is led at the plate by catcher/outfielder Jared Dickey, who is hitting .325 with six doubles, three triples, 12 homers and 51 RBI this season … outfielder Griffin Merritt is batting .315 with 11 doubles, 18 homers and 48 RBI; infielder Christian Moore is batting .313 with 12 doubles, 17 homers and 48 RBI. · Two other Volunteers have recorded a double-digits home run total – first baseman Blake Burke and infielder Zane Denton each have 16 homers. **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball **Tags:** lsu baseball, MCWS, Omaha, Tennessee --- ### [Above and beyond: LSU's Paul Skenes becomes second player in school history to win prestigious Dick Howser Trophy](https://www.tigerrag.com/above-and-beyond-lsus-paul-skenes-becomes-second-player-in-school-history-to-win-prestigious-dick-howser-trophy/) **Published:** June 15, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **OMAHA, Nebraska** – LSU All-American pitcher Paul Skenes won the 2023 Dick Howser Trophy on Thursday, given annually to the most outstanding player in NCAA Division I baseball. Skenes joins LSU All-American first baseman Eddy Furniss – the 1998 winner of the Dick Howser Trophy – as the second Tiger to capture the nation’s top collegiate baseball award. The Dick Howser Trophy not only honors a player with some of the best ability, but it also is based upon the tenets of leadership, moral character and courage. “Paul Skenes certainly is deserving of the 2023 Dick Howser Trophy,” Howser Trophy chairman David Feaster said. “He has established himself as head and shoulders above any pitcher in NCAA Division I this season as well as a team leader and community service champion. His tremendous talent also has helped LSU make the NCAA World Series field for the 19th time overall and the first time since 2017.” Skenes leads the SEC in wins (12), strikeouts (188), earned run average (1.77), innings pitched (107.0) and opponent batting average (.170) He is ranked No. 2 on LSU’s all-time single-season strikeouts list, trailing only Ben McDonald, who recorded 202 strikeouts in 1989. Skenes, Collegiate Baseball’s 2023 National Player of the Year and the 2023 SEC Pitcher of the Year, is No. 1 in the nation in strikeouts (188), strikeouts per nine innings (15.81) and WHIP (0.78), and he is No. 2 in the nation in ERA (1.77). He is No. 3 in the nation in strikeout-to-walk ratio (10.44), and No. 6 in hits allowed per nine innings (5.47). > As I reflect on my journey with [@LSUbaseball](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), I can't help but think back to the moment in Omaha in 1998 when Coach Bertman told me I was LSU’s first recipient of the Dick [@HowserTrophy](https://twitter.com/HowserTrophy?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). It was a moment of overwhelming gratitude and humility, as I was following in the footsteps… > > — Eddy Furniss MD (@EddyFurniss) [June 15, 2023](https://twitter.com/EddyFurniss/status/1669412850018730006?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) He has pledged $10 for every strikeout he records this season to Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to the spouses and children of military and first responders who have died or been disabled. **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball **Tags:** lsu baseball, Paul Skenes --- ### ['Air Jordan': LSU's Jordan Thompson agrees spectacular defensive play in Sunday's Super Regional was best of his career](https://www.tigerrag.com/air-jordan-lsus-jordan-thompson-agrees-spectacular-defensive-play-in-sundays-super-regional-was-best-of-his-career/) **Published:** June 16, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** After some careful consideration LSU shortstop Jordan Thompson finally admitted as much. For a player with 187 career starts, Thompson agreed that his play in bottom of the second inning from deep in the hole at shortstop for an out in Sunday’s 8-3 win over Kentucky, was his best ever in a game in an LSU uniform. “I’ve probably made better plays in practice,” Thompson said earlier in the week. “Those are things I like to do just in case it happens in a game. Definitely, one of the best in-game plays I’ve made. I didn’t realize how high I actually jumped until I saw the picture. “It was one of those moments where we needed to get the out,” Thompson continued. “Trying to stop and plant wasn’t going to be as quick as just getting up and getting it over as fast as I could. We were lucky to get the out. Tre’ (Morgan) made an incredible stretch to complete that play. It takes both sides for that play to be able to be made. I’m just super happy Tre’ was able to hold the bag and make a really big stretch in order to complete it.” Whether it’s been with his flashy glove or productive bat, Thompson’s been among the mainstays for an emerging LSU team that begins play in the College World Series at 6 p.m. Saturday. The Tigers (48-15) face Southeastern Conference foe Tennessee on ESPN. The game will also be broadcast locally by 98.1-FM. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Thompson has been the constant on the infield, having started in all of his team’s 63 games, with a .273 average and 11 homers – one of eight players with double-digit homers – 49 runs scored, 49 RBIs, 12 doubles and a team-high seven stolen bases. The native of Chula Vista, California had also fielded at a .937 clip and committed a career-low 12 errors. He’s also tied for the team lead with Gavin Dugas in doubles plays accounted for with 12, but it was his highlight-reel play in the Super Regional championship that left everyone in awe. “We’ve seen some plays in this super so far,” ESPN analyst Ben McDonald, a former LSU All-American, said on the broadcast of the game. “But none better than that.” Kentucky’s Nolan McCarthy led off the second and sharply lined a ball to the left side of the infield against LSU starting pitcher Ty Floyd. Thompson got a good jump on the ball when he made a back-handed scoop of the ball two steps off the infield dirt. With his momentum carrying him toward the left-field line, he took two steps, jumped up in the air and made an accurate throw to Morgan at first base. Thompson had enough on the throw that it carried straight to Morgan, whose athleticism enabled him to make one of his classic stretches, remaining engaged with the first base bag for the out. Kentucky challenged the call, but to no avail. LSU’s capacity crowd of 12,640 at Alex Box Stadium roared in approval. LSU’s baseball Twitter account dubbed its photo of Thompson’s aerial throw, ‘Air Jordan’. “I probably made that play 5-to-10 times in our pregame infield-outfield just because I knew if there was an opportunity to do it, I want to be able to make that play,” Thompson said. “Just trusting my preparation is the biggest thing to make plays like that. Being confident in the work I’ve put in during practice and just letting it show up on the field.” Thompson realizes the ground he’s covered since he was hindered by knee problems at the end of the 2021 fall season. He wound up having scar tissue removed and was expected to miss eight weeks of the 2022 season but was in the starting lineup three weeks later, a place he remained for 62 games that season which ended in the NCAA Regional final at Southern Mississippi. “It was kind of rough last year having to play the way that I did and maybe not be able to get to as many balls and make the plays as I usually do because of the injury that I had,” he said. “Basically, (I) had surgery after three weeks of the season started. There have been times where if I make a cool play, something I couldn’t have done last year, and see that I’m doing it this year. I’ll look at it a couple of times, (but) it’s on to the next and keep practicing trying to get better. Not try and worry about before but continue to get better.” Thompson’s presence during LSU’s Super Regional was also felt at the plate. He was part of the team’s success at the bottom of the lineup that created traffic on the bases the top of the order, helping fuel a 14-0 victory in Game 1 and also played a role in the team’s clinching five-run victory. The combination of Brayden Jobert, Thompson and Josh Pearson were 4-of-11 with five RBIs, a double and homer in the 14-0 triumph. “Those guys at the bottom — Jobert, Thompson and Pearson — have done really well for them,” Kentucky coach Nick Mingione said. “If you go back and look, they were responsible, I counted, I think it was seven of the 14 runs, half of their runs. That bottom of that lineup is really good. It’s hard to exploit much of them. They’re a super well-rounded team. And there aren’t many weaknesses there, no.” Thompson has batted in five different spots in LSU’s lineup this season but, at No. 8 in the lineup for 27 games, has truly found a home. He’s successfully reached base in 16 straight games and carries a five-game hit streak into the World Series where he’s batted .444 with four RBI during that stretch. Moreover, Thompson has improved his defense and only committed one error in his first 25 games of the season. His 117 assists are a team-high and his 191 total chances are fifth. “That there’s nothing else like it,” Thompson said of playing at home. “You see places on the West Coast, and they really don’t get that many fans and you come here, and a midweek game gets 5-7,000 people. I had no idea what the Super Regional was going to be like with the crowd, but every pitch was like the ninth inning with two strikes and we’re trying to get a strikeout to end the game. “That’s how every single pitch of the game was,” Thompson added. “You don’t get this everywhere else. It’s truly a special place to play college baseball and this is where you want to be if you want to be a winner and you want to continue to play in those big games. I think this is the ultimate place to be able to be.” **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball **Tags:** 2023 College World Series, lsu baseball --- ### [LSU's Dylan Crews wins 2023 Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger Award](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-dylan-crews-wins-2023-bobby-bragan-national-collegiate-slugger-award/) **Published:** June 16, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** FORT WORTH, Texas – The Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger Award (BBNCSA) presented by SR Bats has announced that Dylan Crews from LSU has won the 2023 award as the nation’s top college baseball hitter. Crews will be honored at a gala in the fall in Fort Worth. The BBNCSA, created by the Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation, was open to nominations from all Division I baseball programs in the country. The award is based on performance at the plate, academics, and personal integrity. Crews, a junior from Longwood, Florida, has a .434 batting average (3rd in the nation) with 17 home runs and 67 RBI in leading LSU to a College World Series berth. In addition, the LSU outfielder’s overall game has made him a strong candidate to be the No. 1 pick in the upcoming MLB Draft after being named the SEC Player of the Year this season. “I would first like to recognize the Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger Award Selection Committee for the work they did this season,” said Tracy Taylor, Executive Director of the Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger Award and the Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation. “This was the deepest and most talented group of players we have seen in the history of the award. It was a very close race. I think the Selection Committee did a great job in selecting Dylan Crews of LSU as the winner of the 2023 Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger Award presented by SR Bats. Dylan hit over .430 with an on base percentage of .576 and a 1.310 OPS in the toughest league in college baseball. He was the SEC Player of the Year and a consensus All America. “But that is not the whole story of this student-athlete. Dylan is also on the SEC Community Service Team as well as being an excellent student. He has been recognized for his work with families with physical and mental disabilities in Baton Rouge and with Team Of Dreams in the area. Dylan Crews is a great example of what the Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger Award is all about.” The BBNCSA originally started out in 2017 as an honor going to the top college hitter in Texas. In 2019, the BBNCSA expanded becoming a regional award covering Division I programs in Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico and Oklahoma. The BBNCSA became a national award in 2020; however, no winner was announced due to the COVID-19 virus which cut the 2020 college baseball season short. Texas Tech’s Hunter Hargrove won the initial BBNCSA in 2017. Dallas Baptist’s Devlin Granberg took home the honor in 2018 with Texas Tech’s Josh Jung winning the award in 2019. Connor Norby from East Carolina University won the BBNCSA in 2021. Last year’s winner was Ivan Melendez from the University of Texas. Fans can follow news about the Bobby Bragan National Collegiate Slugger Award presented by SR Bats at www.braganslugger.com. **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball --- ### [LSU baseball back in Omaha where it belongs](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-back-in-omaha-where-it-belongs/) **Published:** June 16, 2023 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** Dylan Crews, Thatcher Hurd, and coach Jay Johnson talkin’ Tigers and CWSThere was more going on than met the eye when LSU swept SEC rival Kentucky in the NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional at Alex Box Stadium on June 11. Not to take anything away from the 14-0 historical whipping administered by LSU on June 10 in the highly-anticipated, seven-hour ‘rainless’ delay game where “America’s Ace” Paul Skenes skened the Wildcats in the top of every inning, and the Tigers jacked bombs relentlessly in the bottom halves of what seemed like almost every inning (a record 6 HRs). But any time Skenes pitches LSU is virtually a given to win, and win big – the talent level disparity Skenes adds to LSU’s inherent offensive prowess often dictates as much. However, Sunday’s 8-3 LSU win was different. The Tigers’ grit and tenacity, their maturity, their discipline at the plate, their ability to develop and respond to adversity, over the long haul and in the moment, was on full display. It was an epoch-making moment for LSU baseball, the second epoch in its illustrious history. Epochs are defined as a period of time in history or a person’s life, typically one marked by notable events or particular characteristics. The first epoch in LSU baseball came in 1989 under Skip Bertman when LSU upset No. 1-ranked Texas A&M to win two finals games in one day and take the College Station Regional coming out of the losers’ bracket. Yes, on this particular raucous weekend in the jam-packed ‘Box’ LSU baseball returned to normalcy and punched its proverbial ticket to return to Omaha and the College World Series – for the first time in seven years. Enormous feat, no doubt. But this is LSU baseball. Omaha is expected to be the place where the Tigers finish their season every year. Occasional lapses, perhaps permissible, though perilous. Moreover, Johnson – hired on June 25, 2021 – to replace Paul Mainieri as LSU’s coach was expected to return LSU to this exact place, right? Not only should LSU be finishing its season in Omaha, according to LSU fans, but the Tigers should be the pre-eminent team in the SEC every season. This year, according to Johnson, LSU was one rained-out game (South Carolina) from likely winning the SEC regular season championship,” which he said “might be (arguably is) more difficult to do” than going to Omaha every year. So now as Super (Regional) Champions, LSU is back where it belongs after living through three seasons plus a COVID-year anomaly of mouth-spewing mediocrity, and then, of course, a grace-bestowed first season for Johnson. In 2018, 2019 and 2021 (2020 was the COVID year), LSU went 45-45 in the SEC – finishing 8th, 5th and 9th in the best baseball conference in America – where it just means more. A record of 45-45, in a word – unacceptable – to most LSU baseball fans. Not to mention, seven-year droughts are biblical signs of punishment. Also, LSU’s expectations are directly attributable to *The Shadow –* the one cast by the progenitor of LSU baseball himself, the legendary Bertman. See his statue outside of the stadium with the field bearing his name which you can navigate to by driving down the road named after him. Johnson’s first season at LSU saw an improved 40-22 overall record, 17-13 in the SEC and a trip to a super regional, a road super, another no-no. But the Tigers fell short of Omaha. Again. “We had 40 wins,” Johnson offered in defense, but he was then obviously still in the shadow of the Great One. Johnson knew that was not enough. “I’ve always been impressed by how deep Jay’s knowledge of LSU’s baseball history is,” Bill Franques said. “His regard for Skip, Skip’s coaching habits and motivational techniques. He knew all about them, had bought Bertman’s motivational tapes back in the 90s. Jay studied Skip and uses his techniques to this day.” Franques, who has worked as LSU’s baseball communications director since 1989, said Johnson knows “about as much about LSU baseball as I do. It’s amazing.” “700 or so days ago . . .” Johnson said, “when we got here (to LSU), I had 2023 in mind (as the year to return to Omaha.) Ever the visionary, Johnson is. Everyone, though, envisioned 2023 as LSU’s year. The Tigers were the consensus preseason No. 1 ranked team and were ranked for 12 consecutive weeks atop all the polls, then adversity struck. Key injuries created and amplified bullpen issues and, as Riley Cooper said, “. . .if we had a crutch all year it would be the bullpen.” LSU limped into the NCAA postseason going 7-7 over its final 14 games. In the Baton Rouge Regional Game 1 against Tulane, if LSU limped into the postseason, it was directly contrasted by the Green Wave’s hitchhiking in, Johnson defied conventional wisdom and started Skenes. It worked, LSU won, 7-2, then proceeded to nip Oregon State by one run thanks in large to part to the Tigers’ bullpen and Thatcher Hurd’s 12 strikeouts over 5-plus innings in Game 2 before unleashing on the Beavers in Game 3 with a 19-hit barrage and a somewhat deceiving 13-7 win because the game wasn’t that close. LSU baseball’s first epoch in 1989 was a notable event characterized by a relentlessness that pervaded Tigers baseball all during the Bertman era from that day in College Station until he retired. LSU’s second epoch (June 11) is characterized by Johnson’s knowing “how to coach LSU to win in today’s game. It’s such a different game today. So much more competitive and so much harder to win today than it was when I coached,” Bertman said. After the dogpile on June 11, in the middle of Skip Bertman Field with fans cheering and LSU players circling the stands and greeting the fans, Bertman and Johnson embraced. Johnson – the same kid who was 12 years old in 1989 and living in Oroville, CA., but was wearing a purple LSU baseball cap while Bertman’s Tigers took down the Aggies, and the same Johnson who came to LSU to fulfill a dream without ever having spoken directly to Bertman before heading to Baton Rouge to live in his shadow – was overjoyed, he said. “What went on out there . . . that doesn’t happen anywhere else,” Johnson said afterward. Edges of historical eras, which is what epochs are, tend to be fuzzy until they are viewed retrospectively. As Bertman and Johnson hugged on the field after the game, Bertman said he told the 46-year-old second-year LSU coach, “You did it, Jay. You made all the right moves.” **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball **Tags:** 2023 College World Series, dylan crews, jay johnson, lsu baseball, Thatcher Hurd --- ### [Plug and play? LSU picks up transfer shortstop Michael Braswell of SEC foe South Carolina](https://www.tigerrag.com/plug-and-play-lsu-picks-up-transfer-shortstop-in-michael-braswell-of-sec-foe-south-carolina/) **Published:** June 15, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** The possibility exists that LSU’s baseball team could lose starting shortstop Jordan Thompson to the Major League Draft next month. If that were to occur the Tigers received some insurance at that position Thursday with the announcement of sophomore South Carolina shortstop/pitcher Michael Braswell on his Twitter account that he was transferring to Baton Rouge. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound Braswell started in 91 of 105 career games at South Carolina which reached the NCAA Super Regional this season before being swept at Florida. His career batting average is .271 with 96 hits, 17 doubles, three homers and 50 RBIs. Braswell got an up-close look at LSU this season with the Tigers winning two of three contests against the Gamecocks during the regular season and SEC Tournament. He started in each game and went 2-for-10 with four walks and two RBIs. The former Perfect Game No. 2 shortstop and No. 5 overall player in his home state of Georgia earned a spot on the 2021 SEC’s All-Freshman team and was a semifinalist for the John Olerud Award, symbolic of the nation’s top two-way player that went to Paul Skenes of Air Force. Skenes transferred to LSU and transformed himself into the nation’s top pitcher and potential No. 1 overall draft choice. Braswell batted .284, including a 16-game hit streak to begin the season, with a pair of homers and 27 RBIs in 54 games. As a right-handed pitcher, he also went 1-2 on the mound with three saves and a 5.40 ERA, striking out nine batters in five innings. He didn’t pitch in 2023. The native of Mableton, Georgia hit .447 as a senior at Campbell High School. He was the No. 90 rated played in the MLB draft class by Baseball America and participated in the Perfect Game All-American Classic in ’20. **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball **Tags:** lsu baseball, Michael Braswell --- ### [LSU trio Crews, Skenes, White named to NCBWA first team All-American team](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-trio-crews-skenes-white-named-to-ncbwa-first-team-all-american-team/) **Published:** June 15, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** LSU centerfielder Dylan Crews, right-handed pitcher Paul Skenes and third baseman Tommy White were named 2023 First-Team All-Americans Wednesday by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. Crews is the SEC leader in batting average (.434), on-base percentage (.576), runs (89), hits (98), and walks (65). He has increased his reached base streak to 67 straight games, which includes all 63 games this season and the final four games of last season. Crews, the 2023 SEC Player of the Year, is No. 2 in the nation in on-base percentage (.576); No. 2 in runs scored (89); No. 3 in batting average (.434) and No. 3 in walks (65). Skenes leads the SEC in wins (12), strikeouts (188), earned run average (1.77), innings pitched (107.0) and opponent batting average (.170) He is ranked No. 2 on LSU’s all-time single-season strikeouts list, trailing only Ben McDonald, who recorded 202 strikeouts in 1989. Skenes, Collegiate Baseball’s 2023 National Player of the Year and the 2023 SEC Pitcher of the Year, is No. 1 in the nation in strikeouts (188), strikeouts per nine innings (15.81) and WHIP (0.78), and he is No. 2 in the nation in ERA (1.77). He is No.3 in the nation in strikeout-to-walk ratio (10.44), and No. 6 in hits allowed per nine innings (5.47). White has 97 RBI this season, the fifth-highest single-season total in LSU history. He is No. 2 in the nation in RBI, and he is No. 3 in the nation in RBI per game (1.67). White, a 2023 First-Team All-SEC selection, is No. 1 in the SEC in RBI (97), No. 3 in hits (89), No. 3 in total bases (177), No. 4 in doubles (22), No. 4 in batting average (.377), No. 4 in slugging percentage (.750) and No. 6 in homers (22). **Categories:** 2023 College World Series, LSU Baseball **Tags:** dylan crews, lsu baseball, Tommy White --- ### ['I had to be a Tiger': Four-star cornerback Ondre Evans continues LSU's recruiting momentum](https://www.tigerrag.com/i-had-to-be-a-tiger-four-star-cornerback-ondre-evans-continues-lsus-recruiting-momentum/) **Published:** June 15, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** The recruiting momentum LSU’s built earlier this week continued Thursday. The Tigers continue to bolster their nationally ranked Class of 2024 team ranking with their third commitment of the week, picking up a pledge from four-star cornerback Ondre Evans of Nashville, Tennessee. The 6-foot-1, 185-pound Evans selected the Tigers over a group of five finalists that included Alabama, Georgia, Michigan and North Carolina State. “LSU was the last place we went, and I knew the minute camp was over I had to be a Tiger,” Evans told On3Sports. “I was told I have tiger blood in me from family roots in Louisiana. LSU checked all the boxes. Committing early allows me to help build a recruiting class. I plan to help recruit every Nashville kid I can to LSU.” Evans, who earned a scholarship offer from LSU on June 2, recently took an unofficial visit to the school that sold him on his future. He also recently took an official visit to Michigan. The Tigers are ranked fifth nationally by Rivals.com and sixth by 247 with 18 commitments. Cornerbacks coach Robert Steeples and defensive coordinator Matt House were the lead recruiters for Evans. “I believe in Coach Steeples because he also used to be a school teacher as well,” Evans told On3. “I feel like when he coaches me and tells me things, he makes it make sense. He shows me in a way that I can understand. When I was sitting in those meetings and I talked to him, he was asking me questions and breaking stuff down to me. We had a connection that was real smooth.” LSU, which also received commitments from West Feliciana’s Joel Rogers, a safety prospect, and Terrebonne wide receiver Kylan Billiot, now has four players targeted to play cornerback with Zion Ferguson of Gainesville, Ga., Ju’Juan Johnson of Lafayette Christian Academy, Wallace Foster of Warren Easton and Evans. “It’s DBU,” Evans told On3. “They develop defensive backs and carry themselves with swagger and I like that. The fan base is crazy and I love the coaches. There’s a lot of things about LSU that I like.” Evans is rated among the nation’s top 30 cornerbacks according to 247Sports, which also lists him as the No. 341 overall player nationally and No. 8 in Tennessee. He’s rated No. 38 at his position and No. 9 in his home state per On3Sports. Evans helped Christ Presbyterian Academy to an 8-6 record and appearance in the TSSAA (Tennessee Secondary School Athletic Association) Division-AA state championship game against top-ranked Lipscomb Academy. He registered 38 tackles with two interceptions, five pass deflections to go along with a forced fumble and fumble recovery. He also had 18 pass receptions for 221 yards. Evans also experienced success on the track this past spring, finishing second in the 100 at the state championship in a school-record time of 10.55 seconds. He was also third in the 200 (21.85) and ran a leg on the winning 4×100 relay team. **Categories:** Football Recruiting, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu football, lsu football recruiting --- ### [Boomer Sooners: LSU to host Oklahoma, Alabama to highlight 2024 SEC home schedule](https://www.tigerrag.com/boomer-sooners-lsu-to-host-oklahoma-alabama-to-highlight-2024-sec-home-schedule/) **Published:** June 15, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** A historic home game with Oklahoma was among the revelations associated with LSU’s 2024 Southeastern Conference schedule the league announced during a made-for-TV release. With the SEC expanding to 16 teams next season to include the arrival of Texas and Oklahoma, both schools were incorporated into next season’s eight-game schedule where each of the existing 14 teams drew either the Longhorns or Sooners. Next year’s format is considered a short-term solution, though, with Texas and Oklahoma transitioning to the league and that a nine-game schedule is more likely going forward, possibly as early as ’25. LSU and Oklahoma have previously met three times but never on a campus site. The Tigers destroyed the Sooners 63-28 in the College Football Playoff semifinals in the Chick-Fil-A Bowl en route to winning the 2019 national championship. LSU, which opens the season against USC in Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Sept. 1, will also host Western Division rivals Alabama and Ole Miss along with Vanderbilt in Tiger Stadium. The Tigers must travel to Arkansas, Florida, South Carolina and Texas A&M. LSU hasn’t visited Columbia, South Carolina since 2008. The SEC will dissolve divisional play next season with the league’s top two teams in the standings advancing to the SEC Championship game in Atlanta. The dates and times of next year’s conference games will be announced at a later date. When conference presidents and athletic directors opted for an eight-game schedule over a proposed nine-game format, the league was entrusted with trying to preserve natural rivalries along with trying to achieve competitive balance. SEC Network football analyst Greg McElroy said LSU received a favorable draw with the combined record of the four teams coming to Tiger Stadium going 30-21 in 2022, while teams the Tigers visit were 26-25. Along with the neutral site opener for the Labor Day weekend, LSU will host Nicholls State on Sept. 7, UCLA on Sept. 21 and South Alabama on Sept. 28. While there was the gain of a name-brand program in Oklahoma, LSU did part ways with two frequent opponents. For the first time since 1943, LSU and Mississippi State – who have played 116 times – will not play. That year the Bulldogs cancelled the game because of World War II. Also, for the first time in more than 30 years, LSU and Auburn won’t face off after having played 57 games. LSU visits Mississippi State this season, Sept. 16 at 11 a.m., and hosts Auburn on Oct. 14 at a time to be determined. **Categories:** LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu football --- ### [In-state boost: LSU's recruiting class adds three-star wide receiver Kylan Billiot of Houma](https://www.tigerrag.com/in-state-boost-lsus-recruiting-class-adds-three-star-wide-receiver-kylan-billiot-of-houma/) **Published:** June 14, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** Less than a week after making his own recruiting pitch to LSU’s coaches, Terrebonne High wide receiver Kylan Billiot was rewarded for his hard work at the Tigers’ skills camp. The 6-foot-3, 190-pound Billiot committed to LSU on Wednesday after receiving a scholarship offer from the Tigers on Saturday following his participation in the school’s skills camp and 7-on-7 tournament. “LSU has been my dream school since forever,” Billiot told TigerDetails.com. “Now that I have an opportunity not everyone gets, it’s really a blessing. I knew once I got this offer, I was going to commit as soon as my mom had time to get up here. This all means a lot to me, and I’m extremely blessed. I won’t take an opportunity like this for granted.” Billiot, a three-star prospect, gives LSU its 17th overall commitment and joins JoJo Stone of Fairburn, Georgia as wide receiver pledges in the Tigers’ Class of 2024. He’s also picked up offers from Georgia Tech, Florida, Tulane, UL-Lafayette and Troy. LSU’s current class ranks sixth nationally according to 247Sports. LSU’s a finalist for the commitment Friday of four-star cornerback Ondre Evans of Nashville, Tennessee. Evans will decide between the Tigers, Alabama, Georgia, Michigan and North Carolina State. Billiot decided to shift his athletic focus from strictly basketball and also began playing football as a sophomore. He even went to work out at LSU’s skills camp a year ago without much fanfare. This time, Billiot caught the attention of LSU head coach Brian Kelly and wide receivers coach Cortez Hankton who offered a scholarship after camp. He helped Terrebonne to the final of the 7-on-7 tournament at LSU which was won by Lafayette Christian Academy and LSU commitment Ju’Juan Johnson. “He is not about to just offer anybody,” Billiot told On3 of Hankton. “You have to work for it. Him following me around (at camp), that showed me I really have to work for this.” Billiot, who runs 4.57 in the 40, is the 11th in-state member of LSU’s recruiting class. He’s the nation’s No. 48 wide receiver and ninth-rated prosect in Louisiana, per 247. He turned in one of his best games during the 2022 season with six catches for 100 yards in a 39-26 loss to Lakeshore. Moreover, Billiot helped Terrebonne to a 26-14 record in basketball and earned honorable mention Class 5A All-State laurels. Terrebonne, where current LSU defensive lineman Maason Smith will be a redshirt sophomore, went 3-7 last season. **Categories:** Football Recruiting, LSU Football News **Tags:** Kylan Billiot, lsu football, lsu football recruiting --- ### ['I deserve happiness': LSU signee Hailey Van Lith breaks silence on transfer after three years at Louisville](https://www.tigerrag.com/i-deserve-happiness-lsu-signee-hailey-van-lith-breaks-silence-on-transfer-after-three-years-at-louisville/) **Published:** June 14, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** Nearly two months after announcing her transfer to national champion LSU, guard Hailey Van Lith explained in detail her decision to enter the NCAA transfer portal after three seasons at Louisville. The 5-foot-7 Van Lith told Matthew McGavic of Bleacher Report that she felt a change of scenery would improve her personal happiness after helping Louisville to the Women’s Final Four two years ago and Elite Eight this past season. “It came down to my ability to be happy, and I had to put myself first,” Van Lith said in her first interview since signing with LSU. “I had done my part, and I had sacrificed myself and given my all to that program. But at the end of day, I just wasn’t enjoying everyday life. It was a situation that where I chose that I deserve happiness.” Van Lith won a gold medal on June 4 as part of Team USA’s 3×3 national team that captured the FIBA World Cup in Vienna, Austria. She helped the U.S. defeat France, 16-12, with seven points and six rebounds in the final. Van Lith was regarded as the nation’s No. 1 player in the transfer portal. She reportedly made one official visit to LSU which announced that she had signed a scholarship on April 28. “I am very familiar with the skillset and work ethic Hailey brings to Baton Rouge,” said LSU coach Kim Mulkey, who first tried to recruit Van Lith to Baylor out of Wenatchee, Washington. “She will bring a wealth of experience and talent to our backcourt. Hailey has a fiery personality and passion for the game that Tiger fans will love!” Van Lith enjoyed a spectacular junior season that served as a catalyst in Louisville getting within a step of a return trip to the Final Four. She averaged a career-high 19.7 points with 4.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists and earned first team All-ACC honors for the second straight year and a berth on The AP honorable mention All-American squad. Her scoring average was the eighth best in school history and 729 points, the fifth highest in a single season. “It was really hard (to transfer),” Van Lith said. “My best friends in my whole life I made at Louisville. I went to a Final Four, and I shared that with those coaches and those teammates. Some of the highs in my life have been there, but also the deepest lows in my life have been there. I think that I was at the point where I felt like I had learned what I needed to learn from that situation and that environment, and I was giving myself grace to leave that and find something better for myself.” Van Lith’s joining an LSU program where Mulkey’s entering her third season after leading the Tigers to a 60-8 record and a national championship. The Tigers are scheduled to return three starters from the national title team in All-American forward Angel Reese, junior guard Kateri Poole and sophomore guard Flau’jae Johnson. She’s expected to provide an option to fill the vacated starting spot of Alexis Morris at point guard. The Tigers also have returning junior Last-Tear Poa and incoming freshman Angelica Velez to contend for playing time at that position. Van Lith was one of five players that left Louisville and entered the transfer portal following this season’s 26-12 record. “I know in my heart that I made the right decision for me and my family, and for women’s basketball in general,” Van Lith said. “I don’t regret going to Louisville. I’m a much better player, and a much better person because of my experience there. But like I said, I’ve given myself the grace and the opportunity to find something better.” **Categories:** Women's Basketball **Tags:** Hailey Van Lith, lsu women's basketball --- ### [Band of brothers: LSU's 4x100 relay team caps brilliant season with national championship](https://www.tigerrag.com/band-of-brothers-lsus-4x100-relay-team-caps-brilliant-season-with-national-championship/) **Published:** June 14, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** Brandon Hicklin is usually still running with Dorian Camel after the baton’s been passed from the first to the second leg of LSU’s electric 4×100 relay. Hicklin’s momentum briefly carries him to the infield to watch the team’s other two legs – Da’Marcus Fleming and Godson Oghenebrume – execute the third and fourth legs of the race, respectively, until crossing the finish line seemingly in the blink of an eye. But invariably with the imposing Oghenebrume motoring around the final curve and down the straight-away, it’s a good bet Hicklin’s en route with Camel and Fleming. They can’t wait to reach Oghenebrume where in seven of eight races this outdoor season, they’ve celebrated victory – including the June 9th national championship when Texas Tech was disqualified for running outside of its exchange zone. The Tigers’ clocking of 38.05 gave the quartet four of the top 10 times in the world and five of the top 10 collegiate times this season. “I’m still running with him and once he passes, I’m literally in the infield watching,” said Hicklin, the only new member of LSU’s star-studded 4×100 relay team that’s ranked first nationally and second in the world. “I watch and say, ‘that handoff was good. Run, run, run’. Then I’ll watch the handoff to Godson and say, ‘run, run, run.’ Once he crosses the finish line, I’m sprinting toward him. He has a lot of pressure on him, but he handles business when he’s running.” A double dose of disappointment at last year’s Southeastern Conference and NCAA East quarterfinal meets have provided the fuel this year’s 4×100 quartet has ridden to the nation’s top time of 37.90 seconds, ranking them second in the world. They dropped the baton at SEC Outdoors in 2022 and were disqualified for running out of the exchange zone at regionals to effectively put the brakes on a 4×100 team that felt it had everything needed to win the ’22 national championship. “It was very hard to stomach that someone else was in our place and wearing our medals,” said Camel, a graduate of Baton Rouge’s Scotlandville Magnet High School. A season after posting top times and positioning itself among the nation’s best 4×100 teams, Fleming didn’t mince words what last year’s unexpected setbacks had on the unit. “It took a big toll on us,” Fleming said. “We projected ourselves to run fast as we are this year. We had four guys running 10.1 (seconds) or lower. We had the guys to do it. We were inconsistent with the people we had on there, the chemistry wasn’t as good. It’s brought out that fire in us this year. All of work hard. We’re getting it done this year.” **Making the pieces fit** Camel was a returning fifth-year senior, Fleming a junior and Oghenebrume a sophomore when they returned for offseason training in the fall with the burning desire to rectify themselves in their signature event after what happened at last year’s SEC and NCAA regional meets. They went about their respective training methods, preparing for the upcoming fall indoor season that only conducts the 4×400 and distance medley relays. Their signature event wouldn’t be conducted until the spring of 2023, but they were already wondering which candidate may join them in their pursuit of a national championship. Amongst Camel, Fleming and Oghenebrume, all of whom have been around coach Dennis Shaver’s program for at least a year, the chemistry between them was already undeniable. They understood the mission and the standards that had been set in the program and were eager to find a fourth like-minded member. “It started out when we were grinding out the hot summers on grass and in hot stadiums,” Camel said. “(Assistant) Coach Bennie Brazell has instilled a soldier mentality. There’s no giving up or quitting. No soft stuff. We just held each other accountable, held a high standard going into the spring and later in the season.” Fleming was one of those team members that pondered the future during those sweltering, fall training sessions when it became apparent after watching some of the grueling short distance training, built to enhance explosion, that Shaver’s suggestion of Hicklin made the most sense. Not only did Hicklin flash in training but he was second (6.66 seconds) to Oghenebrume (6.58) in the 60-meter dash during the indoor season. Oghenebrume wound up third and Hicklin sixth in the SEC Indoor meet in February. “We didn’t know who were going to have on the 4×100,” Fleming said. “He (Hicklin) tried it the first outdoor meet and he got it and that was it. We knew it from there. We got to the Texas Relays finals and knew that we could do it, that we could break the record.” Hicklin, a native of Spartanburg, South Carolina, was several months removed from transferring from North Carolina A&T where he was a two-time All-American long jumper. He placed fifth in the event at last year’s NCAA Outdoor meet but was present during the 4×100 relay team’s misfortune at regionals. “When they didn’t make it, I was like, ‘wow’. It hurt me a lot,” Hicklin recalled. “Then coming in, I thought I could be that missing piece. I was honored to even be on the 4×1. With them giving me that chance, I was so thankful to able to contribute to the team other than the field events.” Camel understands how all of the pieces have fit together this year. “Brandon’s a jumper that’s extremely good in the 100,” Camel said. “He’s breaking the stagger at the beginning. I’m the strongest, that’s why I run the second leg. If I get it close to first, I’m going to bring it to first. I’m going to eat them up whoever’s in front of me like Pac-Man. I’ll get them. Da’Marcus is great in the curve and Godson is great at bringing it home. He’s a crowd man.” **Chemistry off the track equals success on it** Oghenebrume, the lone international runner in the group from Ughelli, Nigeria, said there’s a reason why all four runners always appear to be in sync on the track. “Off the track we’re individuals that support each other. We’re close,” Oghenebrume said. “They’re my friends and my brothers on the track. Everything outside of track we try to do everything together like brothers do.” Hicklin credits a genuine love for one another where four guys from three different states and one country have united for one common goal. Their time together off the track has been as instrumental as their repeated handoffs and communication on it. “All the guys love each other to death,” Hicklin said. “We’re always joking around, having fun. When it comes to the track, we’re on go. We’re ready.” Fleming said it’s not uncommon to find someone not trying to make another teammate laugh or have a good time. The levity has gone a long way in helping to keep potential tensions associated with competition at a minimum. “The chemistry’s great,” said Fleming a native of Miami. “We all come from similar backgrounds, and we’ve come here to get a burden off our chest. We all have this drive and motivation to work hard and be the best at everything we do. We go hard at practice, full speed like it’s race time. That helps us. “In this event the chemistry has to be A-1,” Fleming added. “If not, then your handoffs won’t be A-1. You have to have that trust in each other. The chemistry between us is great. We play and joke around. I’ve been here the longest with Dorian. We’ve clicked and joked around. We’re men. We play around, joke around. The chemistry’s very important.” **Four guys with speed to burn** LSU hadn’t lost to another college team through the regular season and NCAA East Regional preliminaries. The Tigers kicked off their outdoor season by winning the University of Miami’s Hurricane Invitational, holding off Iowa 39.02 to 39.28. “It’s not that much pressure. We’re battling with ourselves,” Camel said. “We focus on making ourselves better. It’s really a race between ourselves.” That began the team’s pursuit of greatness, reducing their time to 38.91 in a win at LSU’s Battle on the Bayou, to set the stage for a showdown March 31 at the prestigious Texas Relays which annually generates some of the nation’s top competition. What LSU accomplished went beyond imagination with a nation’s leading time of 38.53 seconds to win event and establish the No. 2 time in the world behind Team Canada, a team they’ve defeated in two head-to-head races during the spring. “I knew we had something special after the Texas Relays,” Oghenebrume said. “After fall practice, I saw everybody indoors running the 60 and believed we had a good team. After the Texas Relays, we realized we could achieve something great. Since then, we have wanted to improve. The goal was to win the national championship and break our record.” LSU didn’t lose its first race until April 15 in the Tom Jones Memorial hosted by Florida. The Gainesville Elite Track Club set the pace that day, winning in a time of 38.28 seconds, followed by Florida (38.54), Texas Tech (38.60) and LSU (38.67). The Tigers responded over the next weeks in preparation for the SEC Outdoor Championship at Bernie Moore with a pair of wins in their own Alumni Gold and LSU Invitational meets, reducing their times since the Tom Jones Invitational. By winning at the Alumni Gold event, LSU defeated world-leading Athletics Canada (38.36 to 38.73) and shaved a tenth of a second off that time at the LSU Invitational (38.26), going into the SEC Championships which further enhanced the team’s credentials. LSU became the second team in college history to turn in a sub-38 second performance, lowering its own school record to 37.90 seconds to defeat runner-up Florida (37.93). They broke the existing college record set in 1998 by LSU (38.24) and gave the team three of the school’s top 10 times in history. “We broke the collegiate record,” Hicklin said “That’s just the tip of the iceberg. We’re part of history and we can keep going up and up. There’s going to be another team that could possibly break our record down the line. You’ve got to keep pushing to go further and further. The next generation’s something else.” Fleming believes the mission of greatness starts and stops with LSU. “I feel like no matter the conditions we can do it,” he said. “No matter who’s in the heat with us, we can do it. We’ve run fast times when there was nobody in the heat but us. We don’t need anyone to push us to be where we want to be. As long as we’re feeling good and healthy, we can do it.” **Categories:** Track & Field **Tags:** Brandon Hicklin, Da'Marcus Fleming, Dorian Camel, Godson Oghenebrume, LSU track & field --- ### [Fitting tribute: Former LSU All-American Sylvia Fowles has jersey retired by Minnesota Lynx](https://www.tigerrag.com/fitting-tribute-former-lsu-all-american-sylvia-fowles-has-jersey-retired-by-minnesota-lynx/) **Published:** June 12, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** Former LSU All-American and four-time Olympic gold medalist Sylvia Fowles remembered how her professional basketball life changed for the better following a change in scenery. Fowles, the No. 2 overall selection by the Chicago Sky in 2008, was traded nearly halfway into a 15-year career in the WNBA in 2015, landing in Minnesota where she teamed with former LSU teammate Seimone Augustus to create additional indelible memories. The 6-foot-6 Fowles, 37, spent eight seasons in Minnesota and helped the Lynx to WNBA Championships in 2015 and ’17, just part of a decorated career that included a league MVP honor in ’17, the league’s Defensive Player four times and eight berths on the All-WNBA team. Nearly a year after her retirement the down-to-earth Fowles was honored Sunday by the Lynx which made her the fourth player in the organization’s history to have her jersey retired. Her No. 34 joined the No. 33 worn by Augustus who was in attendance at the Target Center for the ceremony. Current LSU women’s assistant coach Bob Starkey, who was on staff during Fowles’ college career, was on hand at the ceremony along with his wife Sherie. ‘My life changed once I got here,” Fowles said during Sunday’s ceremony. “I hit my peak. This organization was everything that I needed it to be, from top to bottom. From how they treated each other to the respect that they had for each other. Then I was coming in with these girls who didn’t take nothing less than great as an option.” It was the second jersey retirement for Fowles who also has her No. 34 hanging in the rafters of LSU’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center. She starred for the Tigers from 2004-08, leading the team to four straight trips to the Women’s Final Four. Fowles completed her WNBA career as the league’s all-time leader in rebounds (4,007), field goal percentage (59.9%), double-doubles (193). She averaged 15.7 rebounds, 9.8 rebounds, 1.8 blocked shots and 1.2 steals. “I’ve never been one to chase goals, chase many records. … To see who I’m next to in the rafters, it’s a big thing that I’ve done my job,” Fowles said. Fowles played for seven years in Chicago, earning three All-WNBA honors, but was ready for a change and identified Minnesota as a franchise and Cheryl Reeve as a coach she wanted to play for. She helped the Lynx to the first of their two WNBA Championships, further paving her legacy as one of the league’s greatest centers. “We do not become the dynasty that everyone knows and loves without Sylvia Fowles’ contributions,” Reeve said. **Categories:** Women's Basketball **Tags:** Bob Starkey, lsu women's basketball, Minnesota Lynx, sylvia fowles --- ### [Walking On Air: LSU's Alia Armstrong has always had aspirations of being the best](https://www.tigerrag.com/walking-on-air-lsus-alia-armstrong-has-always-had-aspirations-of-being-the-best/) **Published:** June 13, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** Even in her darkest hour Alia Armstrong has always relied on the comforting words of her mother. For the second time in a two-week span Armstrong, the favorite to win both the Southeastern Conference and NCAA Indoor Championships in the 60-meter hurdles but didn’t finish either race. In each instance, she looked for solace and found her mother, Alicia, a star hurdler in the 1990s at Mississippi State, for a shoulder to cry on and for her words of wisdom. “My heart was broken,” said Armstrong, now a senior. “At the end of the day, I had my mom in my corner. She’s always has been. I thought it was over, that I didn’t do it and let people down. She told me God said not yet. The timing’s not now, this is somebody else’s destiny right now. I accepted it and moved on.” Armstrong, who didn’t take up the sport until her junior year of high school, rebounded from such adversity to distinguish herself as one of the nation’s top hurdlers worthy of inclusion among future United States Olympic medal hopefuls. When she entered the competition in the 100-meter hurdles at the NCAA Outdoors Championships in Austin, Texas, Armstrong did do as the reigning national champion, but wound up third in the June 10th race after clipping a hurdle midway through the race. The four-time All-American’s also been the lead leg on LSU’s 4×100 relay team, a two-time SEC champion that finished third in the NCAA meet. “My goal is to be the best and the greatest of all time in college,” Armstrong said. “I need to execute, stay locked into my own lane and focus on what I have to do as an individual and not worry about anybody else. What I have, and the gift that I was given, is only for me.” Armstrong’s held the nation’s top time in all conditions of 12.31 seconds, established during her race when she repeated as champion of the 100 hurdles during the SEC Championships in May. She’s also been a constant this season on the prestigious Bowerman Watch List, symbolic of the nation’s top track athlete. Moreover, she’s the No. 1 time in school history in the 60-meter hurdles (7.81) and No. 3 in the 60 meters (7.11). “Growing up my mom told me that nothing was impossible when you have faith in yourself, and you have faith in God,” Armstrong said. “I go into every race knowing that and literally leave my heart and everything on the track. When I step on there, I try my best to execute and run as fast as I can like somebody’s trying to chase me and rob me. Just leave your heart on the track and never back down to anybody because I know I can do all things.” The powerfully built 5-foot-5 Armstrong, the state’s winner of the 2022 James J. Corbett Award as the state’s top female amateur athlete, credits a strong start out of the blocks as a catalyst in her success. She also counts her focus as a driving force along with her ability to accelerate and fend off fierce competition. She clearly has her sights set on obtaining great things. Each year, Armstrong’s taken a step in that direction, becoming the first athlete from LSU to win the NCAA’s 100 hurdles in 22 years last spring, running a time of 12.57 seconds in rain-slicked conditions in Eugene, Oregon. She then turned her attention to the U.S. Track & Field Championships at the same venue, finishing fourth (12.31 seconds) and qualified for the World Championships, also in Eugene, and finished fourth overall (12.51). “I didn’t have a lot of expectations,” Armstrong said. “There were a lot of experienced women around me. The goal was to do the best that I could. I felt the best I could do was win. I felt like God put me in that position for a reason. “Making the worlds team has molded me for this race,” Armstrong said of this year’s NCAA Outdoor meet. “I’ve been with a group of women that are just as talented as me if not more talented. I’ve been in that position where they’re going to be running with me. You can’t lose focus when someone’s next to you. Just run your own race.” When she reached LSU, after official visits to Texas A&M, Oregon, TCU and Houston, Armstrong was still relatively a novice in the sport. She said he didn’t begin running track until she was 17 at Katharine Drexel in New Orleans where she became a nine-time state champion (indoor and outdoor) in the 100 and 300-meter hurdles and 4×200 and 4×400 relays. Armstrong made up for lost time, leaving her hometown as the USATF Junior Olympic national record holder in the 100 hurdles and a two-time New Balance All-American, setting the stage for a decorated collegiate career. “I felt like Baton Rouge has been a foundation of my success,” Armstrong said. “I feel like being here has helped mold me into the athlete that I am. My coaches have been more like parents at the end of the day, and they’ve always pushed me on and off the track. I really believe coach (Dennis) Shaver can make me the greatest of all time.” **Categories:** Track & Field **Tags:** Alia Armstrong, LSU track & field --- ### [MATCHMAKER: With upheaval in the college football landscape, including an expanding Southeastern Conference for the 2024 season, LSU's football schedule maker Verge Ausberry has encountered his share of challenges](https://www.tigerrag.com/matchmaker-with-upheaval-in-the-college-football-landscape-including-an-expanding-southeastern-conference-for-the-2024-season-lsus-football-schedule-maker-verge-ausberry-has-encountered-his-share/) **Published:** June 13, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** In his 21 years with LSU’s athletics department, former LSU linebacker Verge Ausberry has seen a little bit of everything, and in being one of the guiding forces of football scheduling for the Tigers, it’s been unprecedented times for all stakeholders in college football. Ausberry has tried to navigate LSU’s scheduling process through difficult waters that recently included an eight-game mandate from the SEC for the ’24 season with an eye toward possible expansion in the future. Tiger Rag assistant editor William Weathers caught up with Ausberry for an extensive June 1 interview. **TIGER RAG:** Your thoughts on direction of SEC’s eight-game schedule. **VERGE AUSBERRY:** “Either way we’re prepared for it. Other than the big games, we kind of slowed our scheduling down a little bit. We didn’t want to have to buy out of a lot of games. Right now, we’re really good. We didn’t overschedule. We scheduled for eight SEC games. We’re set for next year. The following years, if we have three nonconference games all the way out, we’re in very good shape there. The thing we’ve been very careful of, if they go to nine games, you’re going to have that five/four (format) for home and away games. You just want to make sure that we hopefully don’t fall under that six (home) games. At LSU, we don’t like to fall under that seven games if at all possible. Anything lower than that puts us in some financial things like having higher ticket prices, things of that nature. We try to keep it at seven games at home. Those are things with future schedules we try to hold a bit because we just don’t know what’s going to come out. We don’t know (in the future) if it’s going to be eight or nine games. We don’t know where we’re going to be. We like the nine-game SEC schedule. Both (athletic director) Scott Woodward and (head) coach (Brian) Kelly have said that. But you have to have everybody on board throughout the whole conference.” **TR:** With LSU trending to a top 10 program, how often does phone ring for a game? **VA:** “I don’t think it’s people saying they don’t want to play LSU. I think a lot of people are trying to figure out what’s this thing is going to look like. Is realignment over or is it just starting over again? We don’t know. Everybody says they’re good in their conferences. Nobody in the conference knew Texas and Oklahoma were walking through the door. We thought it was a joke one day and all of sudden, Oklahoma and Texas were coming into the SEC, and you were like, ‘wow. OK.’ Commissioner (Greg) Sankey has done a great job of leading us through these waters. We’re at an advantage in the conference because of his leadership. He’s put our conference in a powerful position. The SEC speaks and we lead. When we say things, people take notice. This is a powerful conference in every sport. It’s going to be tough in all sports. This is going to be a powerful conference. That’s the way it’s going to go. Twenty years from now this thing may look totally different from what we’re talking about now. We may be talking about a massive conference where all the powerful teams are playing each other.” **TR:** How far in advance can you schedule? **VA:** Utah in 2032 is on the back end of that. With Oklahoma coming to the conference, we had to go find an opponent. We’re going to have Houston in a neutral game and I’m trying to find somebody to fill another void. We have some teams we’re talking to. We’re just not sure how this (new SEC schedule) works itself out. If we’re going to do a home-and-home or do a neutral site game or a one-and-done. It’s not the big games that are the problems. It’s the buy games. We don’t want to go out and buy three other games with the other Power Five schools we play non-conference and say you’re stuck with four games and have to get rid of one. If you get rid of one, you have to negotiate with that school, move them back or buy them out. I don’t want to put us in that kind of financial bind.” **TR:** Relationship with head coach Brian Kelly in scheduling? **VA:** “Overall, he’s been great to work with, not only with the schedule. You have a guy like coach Kelly who knows what he wants. He knows the direction of the program. We don’t have to micromanage the program and be there every day. I trust he’s a pro. He’s the winningest coach in college football. What am I going to tell him about making decisions in football. There are very few guys like that where you don’t have to worry. He gets the car and drives it, and you don’t have to worry about the car. He knows how to make adjustments when things aren’t working. He knows how to make changes. There’s a reason why he wins games. He’s very confident and I like that. He’s never told me don’t play this team or that team. The schedule’s made out so far (in advance) anyway. It’s made out longer than his contract. When he was at Notre Dame he played around the world. He’s not like, ‘That’s who we’re playing. That’s who we’re playing’. As long as everyone’s doing the same thing, he’s fine with it. We’ve never had deep conversations about scheduling.” **TR:** Has scheduling philosophy changed with College Football Playoff format going to 12 teams? **VA:** “Once we see what we have then the philosophy will be guided by that. It’s hard to say right now. We’re definitely going to play a Power-Five school outside the conference whether it’s eight games or not. People today want to see those type of games. They want to see the big games. Losing a big game nonconference doesn’t hurt you. It helps you in the power ratings and how it’s going to be set up. We lost to Florida State last year and we lost to Tennessee. If we beat A&M, run the table and do what we’re supposed to do, you’re talking about us being in the (CFP) playoffs. We’re at least in the Sugar Bowl and you beat Georgia (in SEC Championship Game), you’re in the playoffs. It didn’t hurt you. You’re still in line for a national championship. People are talking about us playing a tough game the first game and what if we lose it. What if? You win the rest of the games in the SEC, and do what you’re supposed to do, you’ll be OK. I don’t worry about that big game. Last year the LSU-Florida State game didn’t have the magnitude of this year. It’s going to be a top 5-10 game in the country and everybody in the world will be watching. It’s a Sunday night. It puts LSU on that map. It shows that you’re very unique and you’re special. Everyone will be watching, and the interest will be through the roof. What it does for your program, what it does for recruiting … Everybody in the country is watching that game. They get to see you play in big games in big arenas against big teams. Players want to play in those type of games. When I played (1986-89), we played Notre Dame, North Carolina, Miami. We played them all in one year, plus the SEC schedule. You get up for those types of games. Great players want to play in those types of games in those types of venues.” **TR:** What’s future of signature season openers/neutral site games? **VA:** “It depends. Money has a big part to do with it, the opponent and where we’re playing at. The Vegas thing (2024 opener vs. USC) came to us and it was like wow, ‘There’s an opportunity to play in Vegas on a Sunday Labor Day weekend and in that (Allegiant) stadium against Southern Cal. What’s bigger than that? That’s going to be a huge game. That’s going to be a tough schedule because then we come back and have UCLA at home. You’re going to have two Big 10 teams, one at a neutral site and one at home. We wouldn’t have done it if we didn’t think we could handle it. UCLA at home is a good matchup for us here. USC in Vegas is a good matchup for us. The philosophy kind of changes to kind of what kind of team do you think you’re going to have and who you’re going to have. In 2011, I think that was the hardest schedule. We put a hard on them and we were in the national championship. We beat Oregon in Dallas and West Virginia in West Virginia. I think we played something like four conference champions that year and we played in the bowl game and SEC Championship Game. You have to have a team that can handle those schedules and I think that’s what we’re building toward. I feel very comfortable doing two like that with the right timing.” **TR:** What part of the fan enjoyment goes into putting together a schedule? **VA:** “This is about the fans. If we’re going to travel somewhere, it may as well be somewhere exciting. I’ve been very happy and proud of the places we’ve played. We went to Seattle to play Washington (41-3 win in 2012) and you have 30,000 LSU fans at the game. Fans from California were able to get to that game. There was LSU purple and gold all over the place. We went to Lambeau Field (16-14 loss in 2016) to play Wisconsin. We also played them in Houston (28-24 win in 2014) which is one of our richest and biggest fan bases. Houston is a second home to LSU. We’re always going to try and do something in Houston because there are so many (LSU) fans there and so much wealth there. It’s one of our largest alumni bases. We have to be in Houston for recruiting. Lambeau Field was a great venue to play in. When you talk about football, you talk about that type of place. We’ve played at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta (defeated North Carolina 30-24 in 2010). ‘Jerry Jones World’ with the Dallas Cowboys (defeated Oregon 40-27 in 2011). It’s good to do that. We’re doing this to help keep the program at the top. The brand is there. With the attention spans of young kids today, you want to be seen on TV and in those prime-time games. That’s what recruits are looking at. Some of these buy games, there’s no paying attention to that. Tiger Stadium is special. It’s exciting and the best place to play. Kids today, the younger generation, they have aspirations to play in NFL stadiums and we want to have the opportunity to play in those big-time games in a big-time stadium in a prime-time situation.” **TR:** Importance of trying to have one of the schools from the armed forces on schedule? **VA:** “People don’t like to play Army because of the type of offense they run. We have an open date after we play them and have them down another year in the future. You kind of have to change the scheme on defense you play because they’re very disciplined. We have better football players. We have better athletes, and we should win the game. You don’t like to do that but let’s be honest, LSU’s a military school with our history and the number of men that have fought in wars, we have more than any school in the country along with Texas A&M. That’s going to be a great, big game. A game they get to come to LSU, and we have so much surrounding that game with our rich history.” **TR:** Any particular schools you may be trying to schedule in future? **VA:** “We’re talking to a lot of people. It’s how it fits and falls into our schedule. We also have to think about it being somewhere our fans would want to go. Sometimes you make that call and they don’t want to play. Everybody thinks, ‘Play Michigan, play this team.’ Sometimes the timing’s off for them and their schedule’s made up. It’s not that they’re scared to play us. It’s how it fits in their schedule. It’s what they have open and when they’re playing. What type of teams do you want to play? Some of them don’t want to line up against SEC type schools. We’re going to play good teams. We have Clemson in ’25-‘26. We have Houston in ’27 .We’ve been talking to some people in ’28 to fill that slot it (where LSU had Oklahoma). We have Arizona State in ’29-’30 and have Utah in ’31-’32 and we just held it right there. We’ll be going out pretty soon for ’33-’34-‘35-’36, but by then we’ll know what our schedule format is. We’ll have a better feel of it.” **TR:** Takeaways from hosting Southern in 2022 and opportunity to host Grambling this year? **VA:** “It’s very important to us and Louisiana. We’re the flagship institution and those were two schools in the state that we hadn’t played. It was time for us to do it. You saw the crowds and the fans that were excited to be here. It was a first and made history. We should make history, not only in athletics, but in academics and everything. It created partnerships with institutions from the president’s office. We should have those great working relationships. We have Grambling coming in this year, a historic HBCU. You’re talking about Eddie Robinson, one of the greatest and winningest coaches in college football. Coach Kelly’s won his (Coach of the Year) award a couple of times and it’s important to him. It was time we should do it, not just for the Southerns and Gramblings, but for all the state schools. We’re the flagship, we’re the leader. It helps those programs out. It doesn’t make sense for those programs to go play a school in the Big 10 when we’re sitting right here and can help them out, keep the money in the state. That’s why it’s important to do that. It was historic that a HBCU played in Tiger Stadium, two historically great programs in the SWAC. Before integration those were two powerful football programs.” **Categories:** LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu football, verge ausberry --- ### [LSU's Jared Jones selected second team All-American by NCBWA](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-jared-jones-selected-second-team-all-american-by-ncbwa/) **Published:** June 13, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** LSU first baseman/designated hitter Jared Jones was named to National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association’s second team All-America squad on Tuesday. Jones, a product of Marietta, Ga., is hitting .304 this season with 12 doubles, 14 homers, 45 RBI and 37 runs scored. He is fourth on the team in homers and fifth in RBI, helping the Tigers reach the College World Series against Tennessee at 6 p.m. Saturday. Jones was chosen last month to the 2023 All-SEC Freshman team by the league’s head coaches. Among his highlights this season, Jones batted .500 (7-for-14) in a four-game week vs. Tulane (April 11) and Kentucky (April 13-15) with three doubles, two homers, five RBI and six runs. In LSU’s SEC series win over Kentucky, he hit .400 (4-for-10) with two homers, five RBI and five runs. Jones batted .600 (6-for-10) the week of March 28-April 1 with one double, one homer, one RBI and five runs scored. He was 3-for-5 with a double and two runs on April 1 vs. Tennessee He hit .462 (6-for-13) in the Texas A&M series (March 17-19) with one homer, eight RBI and one run. Jones led the Tigers to the series-clinching victory on March 18 by going 4-for-5 at the plate with a three-run homer and a pair of two-run singles for a total of seven RBI. Jones was named SEC Co-Freshman of the Week on March 13 after he batted .600 (6-for-10) from March 6-12 with four homers, 11 RBI and five runs. He homered four times in four consecutive plate appearances over the course of the Tigers’ games versus Samford. **Categories:** LSU Baseball **Tags:** Jared Jones, lsu baseball --- ### [Fans encouraged to gather Wednesday and send LSU baseball team to College World Series](https://www.tigerrag.com/fans-encouraged-to-gather-wednesday-and-send-lsu-baseball-team-to-college-world-series/) **Published:** June 13, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** LSU fans will have the opportunity to send the baseball team off to the College World Series on Wednesday as the team departs Alex Box Stadium for Omaha, Neb. The send-off will take place on Wednesday at 9 a.m. CT outside of Alex Box Stadium near Gate 1. Fans coming to campus for the sendoff may park in the Hall of Fame lot on the third base side of the stadium. LSU, which has won six national championships, is appearing in the College World Series for the first time since 2017 and for the 19th time overall. The Tigers meet Tennessee in Saturday’s opener at 6 p.m. on ESPN. **Categories:** LSU Baseball **Tags:** lsu baseball --- ### [LSU advances to College World Series with 8-3 super regional win over Kentucky](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-advances-to-college-world-series-with-8-3-super-regional-win-over-kentucky/) **Published:** June 12, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Designated hitter Cade Beloso launched a three-run homer, and relievers Riley Cooper and Gavin Guidry combined to fire 5.2 scoreless innings Sunday night, lifting LSU to a 8-3 victory over Kentucky in Game 2 of the NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional at Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field. No. 5 LSU (48-15) clinched its 19th trip to the Men’s College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska over No. 12 Kentucky (40-21). The Tigers return to action on either Friday or Saturday in Omaha when they take on the winner of the Hattiesburg Super Regional – either Southern Miss or Tennessee at Charles Schwab Field. Game 3 of the Southern Miss- Tennessee Super Regional will be played at 5 p.m. (CT) Monday. College World Series will be telecast on the ESPN family of networks, and fans can listen to LSU games on the LSU Sports Radio Network. LSU will make its first CWS appearance since 2017, when the Tigers were the national runners-up. LSU has six College World Series titles, which ranks second all-time behind Southern California’s 12 CWS championships. “Everybody knew what was on the line today,” said LSU coach Jay Johnson, who led the Tigers to the CWS berth in his second season at the helm of the program. “But it feels so much better to accomplish it when you’ve invested everything the right way. So just staying focused, being present, that’s what makes our team special. That’s what makes talented guys play great. “We have a really good record this season against a hellacious schedule. But nothing has ever been too much for our players. And they kept forging forward with a little adversity. And they’re champions.” Cooper (4-3) earned the win as he entered the game in the fourth inning in relief of starter Ty Floyd and blanked Kentucky over 3.0 innings, allowing just two hits with one walk and two strikeouts. Guidry picked up his third save of the year by firing 2.2 scoreless innings with just one hit, no walks and four strikeouts. Kentucky starter Austin Strickland (4-2) was charged with the loss, as he allowed five runs on five hits in 2.2 innings with four walks and one strikeout. Center fielder Jackson Gray led off the bottom of the first inning with his sixth homer of the season for a 1-0 advantage. LSU tied the game in the top of the second inning on a fielder’s choice RBI grounder by center fielder Dylan Crews. The Tigers expanded the lead to 4-1 in the third when first baseman Tre’ Morgan doubled, catcher Hayden Travinski singled and Beloso unloaded his 14th homer of the season into right-center field. LSU added another run in the third on third baseman Tommy White’s RBI single. Solo home runs by Wildcats catcher Devin Burkes in the third and by right fielder Nolan McCarthy in the fourth narrowed the deficit to 5-3. Neither team scored for the next four innings until the top of the ninth, when LSU plated three runs. Second baseman Gavin Dugas scored from third on a wild pitch, and Crews, in what’s expected to be his final plate appearance at home, ripped a two-run double to account for the final score. “That’s been our motto since day one, ‘one pitch at a time,’” Crews said. “When you think about it, really, it just kind of breaks down the game in the best way possible. You just control the strike zone, control the ‘offensive line’ in baseball, and good things will happen at the end of the day. I think what we’re doing right now is very good and very special. And we’re trying to carry it forward in Omaha.” Guidry retired the side in the bottom of the ninth to secure the win and send the Tigers back to the CWS. “They’ve earned the right to go play for a national championship,” Johnson said. “And saying that is probably the thing that gets me the most. They’ve earned the right to go play for a national championship, and that’s what we intend on doing and going for it. And I will not promise we’ll win it, but everything will be invested by everybody to go do that.” **Categories:** 2023 NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Baton Rouge Super Regional 2023, Cade Beloso, College World Series, dylan crews, Gavin Guidry, jay johnson, lsu baseball, Riley Cooper, Ty Floyd --- ### [Big lift: LSU's relief corps Riley Cooper, Gavin Guidry keep Kentucky's offense mum](https://www.tigerrag.com/big-lift-lsus-relief-corps-riley-cooper-gavin-guidry-keep-kentuckys-offense-mum/) **Published:** June 11, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** Kentucky’s Nolan McCarthy homered off LSU starter Ty Floyd to lead off the bottom of the fourth inning, cutting the Tigers’ lead to 5-3 Sunday in the second game of the NCAA Super Regional at Alex Box Stadium. It was the third time in four innings Floyd surrendered a home run to the Wildcats, whose 51 homers entering Super Regional were the fewest among the 16 teams in the field. LSU’s weapon of choice, needing a win to close out the Super Regional and advance to the College World Series, turned out to be a pair of contrasting pitchers to hold the Tigers’ lead and reach Omaha, Nebraska for the first time since 2017. Junior left-hander Riley Cooper was spectacular in his winning three-inning relief outing and freshman right-hander Gavin Guidry showed his mettle down the stretch, saving his third game in LSU’s 8-3 victory before a crowd of 12,640 at Alex Box Stadium. Cooper (4-3) picked up his first win since April 30 against Alabama. It was the eighth time this season he logged at least three innings, allowing two hits with a walk and two strikeouts. “(It) Felt great to do,” Cooper said. “And if I would say if we had a crutch all year it would be the bullpen. It was good to show that that’s not our crutch and that we can hold our own.” Guidry, recruited as a shortstop out of Barbe High, help solve some of the team’s dilemma when season-ending injuries to Garrett Edwards, Jaden Noot and Chase Shores took a toll on the bullpen. Guidry worked his second-longest stint of the season, a perfect 2.2 innings with one hit and four strikeouts. Guidry tied Thatcher Hurd for the team lead with three saves. In the Super Regional sweep, LSU’s three relievers – including Blake Money in Saturday’s 14-0 victory – combined to allow no runs in seven innings of work. They permitted three hits, one walk and struck out six batters. “I never doubted the talent,” LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson said of his relief pitchers. “I think we just needed to help them get lined up a little bit better mentally. I think the two things that we really focused on were making sure that they were ready to get the first hitter out when they come in the game. Like, we’re bringing you in to get that guy out to start with. “And when something goes wrong, just to be able to reset and get to the next pitch,” Johnson continued. “And the two guys who pitched tonight, they pitched tonight because they’re winners. I mean, it’s no accident that big boy has been to Omaha twice and has pitched there and helped us get there twice. I mean, I think that’s the second Super Regional win for him. “And with Gavin, man, that dude is something else,” Johnson added. “He’s got “it.” And I was joking the other day but after the news with (pitching coach) Wes (Johnson) broke, after we won the Regional, he popped his head in my office, doesn’t matter who is calling the pitch, I’ll strike everybody out anyways. Have a good night. See you tomorrow.” Takes some kind of confidence to do that. Those guys are special. Great performances all the way through for the bullpen down the stretch. Cooper, who pitched on Arizona’s 2021 World Series team under coach Jay Johnson, kept Kentucky’s offense in check during a period LSU’s offense was held scoreless for five innings against Wildcats’ reliever Mason Moore. Floyd, in possibly his final appearance at Alex Box, left with a 5-3 lead after getting Grant Smith to fly out to Josh Pearson in left. He allowed three runs on seven hits with a walk and five strikeouts in 82 pitches. Cooper experienced a mixed bag in the sixth with a strikeout of leadoff batter Jackson Gray – who homered in the first off Floyd – for the second before walking Jase Felker. Catcher Devin Burkes then represented the potential tying run, but Cooper got him to fly out Dylan Crews in center for the final out. Cooper retired Burkes for the first out of the seventh when Emilien Pitre singled up the middle, closing out Cooper’s outing after 54 pitches, 31 which were for strikes. The Wildcats increased the drama when Hunter Gilliam greeted Guidry, who had come into the game for Cooper. With the potential tying runs on base, including Pitre at third after a stolen base, Guidry struck out Ryan Waldschmidt swinging for the second out. Reuben Church came within inches of possibly tying the game with a long foul ball down the left-field line, and was called out on strikes to end the threat. Guidry hit a batter in the eighth but got Gray to fly out to Crews and Felker to foul out to third baseman Tommy White. “I mean, it got hard in a good way at the top of the ninth was like 45 minutes long,” Johnson said. “You have to account for everything. And we have first and goal on the 5-yard line. We’re winning tonight. No doubt about it in my mind. “But the way they just weren’t getting swings on him whether it was right or left and the breaking ball. And then once we scored I felt like we had some margin for error. And so you put them back out there,” Johnson added. “The moment obviously wasn’t too big for him — as Coach (Skip) Bertman talks about, he’s past the pressure barrier. For me, the situation never becomes bigger than him executing his plan. We did that.” LSU finally broke through against Kentucky pitching in the ninth with three runs, increasing its lead to five runs, and Guidry went on to retire Kentucky in order with a strikeout of Pitre and finally a groundout by Gilliam to White that ended the game. Guidry, whose 41 pitches were his third highest of the season, matched his strikeout total from two previous games, but none bigger than the game that sent LSU to the World Series. “I think we’re firing on all cylinders,” Cooper said. “Everything’s clicking. And I think it’s all the hard work we’ve been doing through the whole year, it’s finally come about.” **Categories:** 2023 NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional, LSU Baseball **Tags:** lsu baseball --- ### [Watch: The LSU Tigers are 'Geauxin' To Omaha'](https://www.tigerrag.com/watch-the-lsu-tigers-are-geauxin-to-omaha/) **Published:** June 11, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** LSU coach Jay Johnson, Dylan Crews, Cade Beloso and Riley Cooper talk Super Regional Championship **Categories:** 2023 NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Baton Rouge Super Regional 2023, Cade Beloso, dylan crews, jay johnson, lsu baseball, Riley Cooper --- ### [Live Updates: Kentucky at LSU Game 2 NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional - LSU Wins 8-3 and advances to College World Series with 2-0 Sweep](https://www.tigerrag.com/live-updates-kentucky-at-lsu-game-2-ncaa-baton-rouge-super-regional/) **Published:** June 11, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** --- Designated hitter Cade Beloso launched a three-run bomb in the top of the third to give the No. 5 national seed a lead and lift the Tigers to an 8-3 victory over Kentucky in Game 2 of the NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional on Sunday evening at Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field. With the victory, LSU clinched its 19th trip to the Men’s College World Series in Omaha. The Tigers improved to 48-15 on the season, and the Wildcats season came to an end with a 40-21 record. The Tigers return to action when LSU takes on the winner of the Hattiesburg Super Regional in the heartland at TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha. Each game will be telecast on the ESPN family of networks, and fans can listen to LSU games on the LSU Sports Radio Network affiliates. > This doesn't exist anywhere else > > 📍 Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field [pic.twitter.com/hdjyWjUugS](https://t.co/hdjyWjUugS) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 12, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1668101626287226880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) FINAL: LSU 8, Kentucky 3 Kentucky 9th Inning: Burkes flew out to center field; Pitre struck out swinging on an 81.4 mph bender with a full count; Gilliam lined to third base. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors – 0 LOB . LSU 9th Inning: Dugas hit by pitch, third time this game; Jobert (pitching conference with the count 2-1) hard line drive hit, takes off the glove of pitcher (Williams), Dugas advanced to second base; `(Kling pinch running for Jobert) (Giles into pitch for Williams) – Thompson struck out swinging on a 2-2 count; (UK pitching conference before pitching to Pearson; Cotto in to pitch for Giles) Pearson (Cotto first pitch is wild pitch; Dugas advances to third base, Kling advanced to second base), Pearson hit by pitch on 3-1 count; Crews (Cotto wild pitch on 1-1 count, Dugas scored, Kling advanced to third base, Pearson advanced to second base) (UK pitching conference – Chavez in to pitch for Cotto with 2-1 count) Crews doubles to left field, drives in two runs on 3-1 pitch, Kling scored, Pearson scored; White lined out to third base; Morgan (UK Pitching conference – Byers in to pitch for Chavez) struck out swinging on a full count. 3 Runs, 2 Hits, 0 Errors – Crews LOB Kentucky 8th Inning: McCarthy struck out swinging, 2-3 put out; Smith hit by pitch (under review asked for by LSU; ruling is confirmed as hit by pitch); Gray flew out to left center field; Felker fouled out to third base. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors – 1 LOB LSU 8th Inning: (Williams in to pitch for Moore) – Crews walked on full count for the fourth time this game; White lined out to deep left near the warning track; Morgan walked on a 3-1 count, Crews advanced to second base; Trevinski crushes a deep out to right center field warning track, Crews tagged and advanced to third base; Beloso flied out to shallow right center field on a diving catch by McCarthy. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors – 2 LOB Kentucky 7th Inning: Burkes grounded out to shortstop on a 3-1 count; Pitre singles into center field on first pitch; Gilliam (Cooper at 54 pitches and Johnson calls in Gavin Guidry to replace Cooper) grounded single up the middle on an 0-2 fastball, Pitre advanced to second base; Waldschmidt (Pitre stole third base on a 2-2 pitch, uncontested) struck out swinging on a 3-2 pitch; Church (Johnson conference on mound with Gavin Guidry and infield before pitching to Church) pulls a hit down the left field line that appeared to be fair, ruled foul and not challenged and count went full then Guidry punched him out looking on a 80 mph breaking pitch. 0 Runs, 2 Hits, 0 Errors – 2 LOB LSU 7th Inning: Dugas hit by pitch for the second time this game with a 2-1 count; Jobert struck out looking; Thompson grounded into a 6-4 fielder’s choice, Dugas out at second base, Thompson safe at first; Pearson (conference on UK mound before pitching to Pearson) (with count 1-2 shift right, Pearson flied out to left field. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors – 1 LOB Kentucky 6th Inning: McCarthy grounded out to shortstop; Smith doubled into left center field gap, slid into second as Thompson cut off throw from Crews coming in; Gray flew out to left field; Felker flied out to right field on an 0-1 count. 0 Runs, 1 Hit, 0 Errors – 1 LOB LSU 6th Inning: Morgan struck out looking on an inside pitch; Travinski grounded out to third base on the first pitch; Beloso grounded out on a sharply hit grounder down the first base line. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors – 0 LOB Kentucky 5th Inning: Pitre struck out swinging on 2-2 count; Gilliam popped out to shortstop; Waldschmidt 2-2 count hit by pitch on left knee; Church (No. 6) pinch hitting for Stanke – grounds out to third base. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors – 1 LOB LSU 5th Inning: Thompson struck out swinging on an 80 mph sinker from Moore; Pearson hard ground out to second base on a 3-1 count; Crews (shift left for KY) walked on a full count after falling behind 0-2 in the count; White lined a 1-2 pitch out to second baseman. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors – 1 LOB Kentucky 4th Inning: McCarthy hammers 2-1 pitch over the left field fence for a solo home run; Smith flew out to left field; (Cooper into pitch for Floyd who is at 81 pitches and Johnson does not want Floyd facing the top of the KY order again which begins with Gray) Gray struck him out looking on a 91.9 mph fast ball; Felker walked on a full count; Burkes popped out to shallow center field. 1 Run, 1 Hit, 0 Errors – 1 LOB LSU 4th Inning; Travinski struck out looking; Beloso grounds out to short right field, directly into the shift where third baseman Felker was playing; Dugas infield hit to deep third base, hit into the shift to the left side but long throw easily beaten out; Jobert struck out swinging in three pitches. 0 Runs, 1 Hit, 0 Errors – 1 LOB Kentucky 3rd Inning: Felker grounds out to third base; Burkes launches an 0-2 bomb to center field over the 405 mark; Pitre grounds out to shortstop (Dugas was playing shortstop – score 4-3; Gilliam singled to the left of shortstop into left center field on a 1-2 count; Waldschmidt singled to left field, Gilliam advanced to second base (Floyd at 70 pitches and Johnson meeting with him at the mound as Cooper is warming in the bullpen); Stanke struck out looking. 1 Run, 3 Hits, 0 Errors – 2 LOB LSU 3rd Inning: Morgan doubles off left field wall; Travinski lined a single to left field, Morgan advanced to third base; Beloso crushed an 0-2 pitch over the wall in left center field for a no-out, three-run home run; Dugas grounds out to third base; Jobert struck out swinging; Thompson walked on a full count; Pearson walked on a full count, Thompson advanced to second base; Crews (UK pitching mound meeting with coach prior to first pitch to Crews – met for a minute or so then made change, Mason Moore in to pitch for Austin Strickland) walked on a full count to load the bases with two outs; White singles, beats out a slow grounder to third base for an infield single, Thompson scored, Pearson advanced to third base, Crews advanced to second base; Morgan grounds out to second base with the count full. 4 Runs, 4 Hits, 0 Errors, 3 LOB Kentucky 2nd Inning: Stanke strikes out swinging; McCarthy grounds out to shortstop (defensive gem by Thompson, backhand gloves it in the 5-6 hole and makes the long throw and Morgan stretched to make the catch. Called out on field – play under review. Out confirmed); Smith walked on 3-1 count; Gray struck out swinging on a 3-2 after four consecutive foul tips with the count full 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 1 LOB LSU 2nd Inning: Dugas hit by pitch; Jobert flew out to shortstop; Thompson slow roller down third base line stays fair, infield single, Dugas advanced to second base; Pearson singles through the 5-6 hole to load the bases; Crews (KY conference on the mound before the first pitch to Crews) hard-liner fielded by first baseman, fielders choice 3-4 put out, Dugas scored, Pearson out a second base; White grounds out to shortstop. 1 Run, 2 Hits, 0 Errors, 2 LOB Kentucky 1st Inning: Gray home run to left center field; Felker singles to left field; Burkes strikes out swinging on 2-2 count; Pitre (Felker steals second base with count 1-0) lines a curve ball to right field, Felker advanced to third base; Gilliam flew out to shallow center field; Waldschmidt (Pitre steals second base on Floyd without a pitch) struck out swinging on a 96.23 mph fast ball. 1 Run, 3 Hits, 0 Errors, 2 LOB (two stolen bases) LSU 1st Inning: Crews walked; White flew out to center field; Morgan walked on a full count; Travinski flied out to the wall in right center field, Crews advanced to third base; Beloso flew out to deep right field near the warning track. 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 0 Errors, 2 LOB LSU Line Up SpotPos\# PlayerBatsAvg1cf3 Dylan CrewsR.43323b47 Tommy WhiteR.38331b18 Tre’ MorganL.3134c25 Hayden TravinskiR.4175dh24 Cade BelosoL.32062b8 Gavin DugasR.2867rf6 Brayden JobertL.3068ss4 Jordan ThompsonR.2739lf11 Josh PearsonL.25010p9 Ty FloydR–LSU Starting LineupUK Line Up SpotPos\# PlayerBatsAvg1cf51 Jackson GrayL.34123b2 Jase FelkerB.2933c7 Devin BurkesR.29442b4 Emilien PitreL.31751b14 Hunter GilliamR.3236lf21 Ryan WaldschmidtR.2897dh9 Chase StankeL.1858rf19 Nolan McCarthyR.2919ss12 Grant SmithR.27910p16 Austin StricklandR–UK Starting Line UpFirst pitch scheduled at 5:06 PM Central Kentucky (No. 12 seeded) (40-20) vs LSU (No. 5 seeded) (47-15) > It's Game Day (again) > > 🆚 Kentucky > 📍 Alex Box Stadium > ⏰ 5:00 p.m. CT > 📊 > 📻 98.1 FM () > 📺 ESPN2 > 💻 [pic.twitter.com/Gp9F0zA1pi](https://t.co/Gp9F0zA1pi) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 11, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1667966892408033284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) **Categories:** 2023 NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Baton Rouge Super Regional 2023, Kentucky, lsu baseball --- ### [Watch: LSU coach Jay Johnson, Paul Skenes, Tre' Morgan and Tommy White discuss how the Tigers bombed Kentucky in Game 1 of NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional](https://www.tigerrag.com/watch-lsu-coach-jay-johnson-paul-skenes-tre-morgan-and-tommy-white-discuss-how-the-tigers-bombed-kentucky-in-game-1-of-ncaa-baton-rouge-super-regional/) **Published:** June 11, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Right-hander Paul Skenes tossed 7.2 shutout innings and LSU’s hitters launched six home runs Saturday night to lift the No. 5 national seed Tigers to a 14-0 victory over No. 12 national seed Kentucky in the first game of the NCAA Super Regional round at Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field. LSU (47-15) leads the best-of-three series, 1-0, over Kentucky (40-20). Game 2 of the Baton Rouge Super Regional between LSU and Kentucky is scheduled for a 5 p.m. CT start Sunday. The contest will be televised on ESPN2 and may also be heard on the LSU Sports Radio Network. Skenes (12-2) allowed just four hits with one walk and nine strikeouts. He increased his season strikeouts total to 188, the second-highest single-season mark in LSU history. With Skenes’ final strikeout of the night, the LSU pitching staff established a school record for strikeouts in a season with 684. Kentucky starter Zack Lee (5-4) was charged with the loss after working 4.0 innings. He allowed\\ nine runs on nine hits with no walks and six strikeouts. The two teams were originally scheduled to play at 2 p.m. Saturday before NCAA officials initiated a weather delay before the first pitch. The start of the contest was ultimately delayed until 9:06 p.m., when the Tigers and Wildcats finally squared off. After the lengthy weather delay, LSU first baseman Tre’ Morgan got the Tigers on the board with a solo shot to left field. In the bottom of the third, third baseman Tommy White and Morgan added to the evening’s dinger total. To begin the two-out rally, centerfielder Dylan Crews recorded an infield single and scored on White’s two-run shot. Morgan followed with his second homer of the game to make the score 4-0. Morgan’s multi-home run outing marked the second time he has hit two dingers in one game. He last accomplished the feat on May 14, 2023, when the Tigers faced Mississippi State. Second baseman Gavin Dugas tacked on to the Tigers’ home run total with a solo dinger to left field, and LSU led 5-0 after four innings. The Tigers scored six runs in the bottom half of the fifth to take a double-digit lead. The frame began with a solo homer from left fielder Josh Pearson. After, Crews reached base on an error, and White singled, Morgan collected his third hit of the night with an RBI-single to increase the margin to 6-0. LSU loaded the bases on a hit-by-pitch from catcher Hayden Travinski and right fielder Brayden Jobert earned an RBI via a bases-loaded hit by pitch. With the bases still loaded, Morgan scored on a wild pitch. Shortstop Jordan Thompson delivered a two-out, two-RBI single to widen the gap to 11-0. White launched his 22nd homer of the season – and his second of the game – to give LSU a 12-0 lead. With that dinger, the 2023 LSU baseball squad hit its 132nd homer of the year, giving it sole possession of third place on school’s all-time list for home runs in a season. The Tigers added two more runs in the seventh inning, as Thompson provided an RBI single and center fielder Dylan Crews added a sacrifice fly. **Categories:** 2023 NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Baton Rouge Super Regional 2023, jay johnson, lsu baseball, NCAA Tournament, Paul Skenes, Tommy White, tre' morgan --- ### [Full bloom: LSU's Michaela Rose caps dominating outdoor season with national title in 800 meters](https://www.tigerrag.com/full-bloom-lsus-michaela-rose-caps-dominating-outdoor-season-with-national-title-in-800-meters/) **Published:** June 11, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** LSU sophomore Michael Rose completed a wire-to-wire race Saturday to capture the 800 meters in the NCAA Outdoor Championships. Rose, a native of Suffolk, Virginia, turned in her third sub two-minute time of the outdoor season and captured her specialty event with a time of 1 minute, 59.83 seconds, setting a facility record at the University of Texas’ Michael A. Myers Stadium to close out the four-day event. “Just trust,” Rose said in her post-race interview with ESPN on her improvement from third at the NCAA Indoor meet. “Trust my coaches, trust the plan, trust my teammates and trust myself. Zone in on stepping the (starting) line and just listening to God. Listening to when he tells me to move. I’ll move and go.” Rose easily won the event over Oklahoma State’s Gabija Galvdyte (2:00.47) and was part of LSU’s seventh place showing in the team standings with 26 points. Host Texas won the meet with 83 points followed by Florida (51) and Arkansas (46) of the Southeastern Conference. Rose provided LSU with its lone national title on the final day. Senior Alia Armstrong was unable to successfully defend her national championship in the 100 hurdles, clipping a hurdle midway through the race and fell from first to third with a time of 12.49 and was behind Ackera Nugent of Arkansas (12.25) and Masia Russell of Kentucky (12/32). The New Orleans native still finished her career as a four-time All-American. Armstrong came back to run the lead leg on LSU’s third place 4×100 relay team which finished with a season’s best time of 42.52 seconds, fifth best in school history. Texas won the event (41.60) followed by Kentucky (42.46). Shani’a Bellamy was fifth for the Tigers in the 400 hurdles with a season’s best time of 55.58 seconds. **Categories:** Track & Field **Tags:** Alia Armstrong, dennis shaver, LSU track & field, Michaela Rose --- ### [Live Updates: NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional - (No.12) Kentucky vs. (No. 5) LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/live-updates-ncaa-baton-rouge-super-regional-no-12-kentucky-vs-no-5-lsu/) **Published:** June 10, 2023 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** FINAL: LSU 14, Kentucky 0 No. 5 seeded LSU bludgeoned No. 12 Kentucky, 14-0, hitting a season-high six home runs and pounding out 15 hits. Tommy White and Tre’ Morgan each hit two home runs for the Tigers. Meanwhile, Paul Skenes was unbeatable, pitching 7.2 innings with nine strikeouts and a walk. He gave up four hits. Game two is Sunday night at 5:06 p.m. Central and will be televised on ESPN 2. ![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/JJohnson_WrapUp_050523-1.jpg "JJohnson_WrapUp_050523-1 | TigerRag.com")LSU demolishes Kentucky audio review![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/NCAASR11024_1.jpg "NCAASR11024_1 | TigerRag.com")LSU 14 Kentucky 0 TEAM123456789RHELUK0000000000415LSU10316120X141514LSU wins 14-0 and will play on Sunday at 5:06 PM central.Kentucky 9th Inning: Three up, three down. LSU wins 14-0 LSU 8th Inning: Nippolt popped up to ss (1-1 BS).Jones doubled to left field (1-0 B).Jones pinch hit for Beloso.Milazzo flied out to cf (2-2 BFKBF).Morgan popped up to ss (2-2 BKBK).Heading to the 9th inning, Kentucky needs 14 runs to keep this one going.Kentucky 8th Inning: Merrifield to 3b for White.0Milazzo to c for Travinski.0Kling to rf.0KN. McCarthy struck out swinging (1-2 FKBS).KN. McCarthySkenes0KG. Smith struck out swinging (0-2 KKS).KG. SmithSkenes1Money to p for Skenes.2EJ. Gray reached on a fielding error by 2b (1-0 B).E4J. GrayMoney2J. Felker lined out to 1b (0-0).L3J. FelkerMoney2UK Inning Summary: 0 Runs, 0 Hits, 1 Errors, 1 LOBSkenes exits his last game at Alex Box Stadium with two outs in the eighth innings and a 14-0 lead.LSU 7th Inning: Bottom of the 7th – LSU BattingS. Logue to p for C. Howe.0C. Stanke to c for D. Burkes.02BJobert doubled to right field (0-0).2B 9JobertS. Logue0Kling pinch ran for Jobert.01BThompson singled through the right side, RBI (1-0 B); Kling scored.1B RS 1RBIThompsonS. Logue0Thompson advanced to second on a wild pitch.WPPearsonS. Logue0Pearson grounded out to ss (2-1 BBF); Thompson advanced to third.G6PearsonS. Logue0SACCrews flied out to cf, SF, RBI (2-2 BKBS); Thompson scored.F8 SF 1RBICrewsS. Logue1KWhite struck out swinging (3-2 SFBBBS).KWhiteS. Logue2LSU Inning Summary: 2 Runs, 2 Hits, 0 Errors, 0 LOBLSU’s 15 NCAA Tournament home runs so far this season leads the nation currentlyKentucky 7th Inning: Waldschmidt flied out to rf (2-0 BB).R. Church flied out to lf (1-2 KKB).H. Gilliam singled through the right side (2-2 BKFFFBF).E. Pitre grounded out to 3b (0-0).Nippolt to 2b for Dugas.0 Runs, 1 Hit, 0 Errors, 1 LOBLSU 6th Inning: > TANK'D[@tommywhite44](https://twitter.com/tommywhite44?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) | ESPNews [pic.twitter.com/DwAF1bOJPe](https://t.co/DwAF1bOJPe) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 11, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1667744196835577858?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) **Dugas reached on a fielder’s choice (1-2 BFFF); Travinski out at second 2b unassisted.** **Beloso popped up to ss (0-2 KF).**Travinski walked (3-2 BBKFFBFB); Morgan advanced to second.Morgan singled through the left side (1-1 KB).White homered to left field, RBI (0-0).Crews grounded out to ss (3-2 KBBBS).1 Run, 2 Hits, 0 Errors, 2 LOB – White homers (2)Kentucky 6th Inning: D. Burkes struck out swinging (2-2 BKBFS).J. Felker walked (3-1 BBBKB).J. Gray struck out swinging (1-2 KKBS).G. Smith grounded out to ss (2-0 BB); N. McCarthy advanced to third.Previous play reviewed, call overturned, fair ball, runner placed at 2B.0 Runs, 1 Hit, 0 Errors, 1 LOBLSU 5th Inning; HRPearson homered to right field, RBI (1-1 BK).HR 9 1RBIPearsonZ. Lee0ECrews reached on a throwing error by 3b (1-2 SKB).E5TCrewsZ. Lee01BWhite singled to left field (3-2 SBSBFB); Crews advanced to second.1B 7WhiteZ. Lee01BMorgan singled through the left side, RBI (0-0); White advanced to second; Crews scored, unearned.1B LS 1RBIMorganZ. Lee0C. Howe to p for Z. Lee.0HBPTravinski hit by pitch (0-1 F); Morgan advanced to second; White advanced to third.HBPTravinskiC. Howe0Beloso fouled out to 3b (1-0 B).FF5BelosoC. Howe0Dugas popped up to p (1-0 B).P1DugasC. Howe1HBPJobert hit by pitch, RBI (1-2 BSS); Travinski advanced to second; Morgan advanced to third; White scored, unearned.HBP 1RBIJobertC. Howe2Jobert advanced to second on a wild pitch; Travinski advanced to third on a wild pitch; Morgan scored on a wild pitch, unearned.WPThompsonC. Howe21BThompson singled to left field, 2 RBI (1-2 BSS); Jobert scored, team unearned; Travinski scored, team unearned.1B 7 2RBIThompsonC. Howe2KPearson struck out swinging (3-2 KSBBFFBFFS).KPearsonC. Howe26 Runs, 4 Hits, 1 Error, 1 LOB> Postseason Pearson[@joshpearsonbb2](https://twitter.com/joshpearsonbb2?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) | ESPNews [pic.twitter.com/tCmizqbrfZ](https://t.co/tCmizqbrfZ) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 11, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1667734064013676546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Kentucky 5th Inning; E. Pitre struck out looking (0-2 KSK).KLE. PitreSkenes0KH. Gilliam struck out swinging (2-2 BSSBS).KH. GilliamSkenes11BR. Church singled to center field (0-2 KK).1B 8R. ChurchSkenes2R. Church advanced to second on a wild pitch.WPWaldschmidtSkenes2KWaldschmidt struck out swinging (2-2 BKKBS).No runs, 1 Hit, No errorsLSU 4th Inning: Thompson grounded out to ss (1-2 SSFFB).Jobert struck out swinging (1-2 BSFS).Dugas homered to left center, RBI (0-2 KS).Beloso struck out swinging (1-2 BKKS).LSU 5, Kentucky 0 – Dugas solo home run to left center field.> Louisiana's Own[@gavin\_dugas04](https://twitter.com/gavin_dugas04?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) | ESPNews [pic.twitter.com/lqSeSCEIKs](https://t.co/lqSeSCEIKs) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 11, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1667731065400889346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Kentucky 4th Inning: D. Burkes grounded out to ss (0-2 KK).J. Felker flied out to lf (1-0 B).J. Gray struck out swinging (2-2 BFBSS).LSU 4, Kentucky 0LSU 3rd Inning: Travinski struck out swinging (2-2 FBSBS).Morgan homered to right field, RBI (2-2 KBBS).White homered to left field, 2 RBI (0-0); Crews scored.Crews singled to pitcher (2-2 FFBFBF).Pearson struck out swinging (2-2 KSBBS).LSU 4, Kentucky 0> TOMMY TANKS IS IN THE BUILDING BUT THAT BALL AIN'T [@tommywhite44](https://twitter.com/tommywhite44?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) | ESPNews [pic.twitter.com/XeWXT2ceXG](https://t.co/XeWXT2ceXG) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 11, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1667726380761755649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > TRE' MORGAN JUST HOMERED AGAIN > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 11, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1667725993426165763?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Kentucky 3rd Inning: G. Smith popped up to 2b (0-1 K).N. McCarthy grounded into double play 2b to ss to 1b (2-0 BB); Waldschmidt out on the play.Waldschmidt singled to shortstop (1-0 B).No runs, no hits, no errors.LSU 2nd Inning: Game Line Score TEAM12RHELUK000000LSU101200No runs, no hits, no errors. LSU 1, Kentucky 0 after two innings.Jobert struck out swinging (3-2 SBKFBBS).Dugas grounded out to ss (2-2 BKBF).Beloso flied out to cf (2-1 KBB).No runs, no hits, no errorsKentucky 2nd Inning: R. Church flied out to cf (0-0).H. Gilliam grounded out to ss (0-1 F).E. Pitre grounded out to 1b unassisted (2-2 KBBF).No hits, no runs, no errors> Captain Morgan spicing up the night[@tremorgann](https://twitter.com/tremorgann?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) | ESPNews [pic.twitter.com/4InEZqXcXB](https://t.co/4InEZqXcXB) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 11, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1667719311958614016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) LSU 1st Inning: Travinski grounded out to ss (1-1 KB).Morgan homered to left field, RBI (1-2 KBF).White grounded into double play 3b to 2b to 1b (0-1 S); Crews out on the play.Crews singled to third base (1-2 KFFBF).1 Run on 2 Hits and No Errors. Tre’ Morgan with a two-out, opposite field home run. LSU leads 1-0 after one.> Mid 1 | 1 K [pic.twitter.com/DeJasNrIH8](https://t.co/DeJasNrIH8) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 11, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1667716495164739585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Kentucky 1st Inning: D. Burkes grounded out to p (2-2 BBKS).J. Felker struck out swinging (2-2 SBBFS).J. Gray flied out to cf (2-2 BFKB).No runs. No hits. No errors. Skenes pumping in the first, averaged 102 mph per pitch on fastballs.> We will begin at 9:06 p.m. CT > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [June 11, 2023](https://twitter.com/LSUbaseball/status/1667706010637684737?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) 8:40 PM Central: LSU just announced the game will start at 9:06 PM Central . . . 7:58 PM Central: Third weather-related delay just called. Game was scheduled to start at 8:06 central, but that is not happening. Players have vacated the field. No additional information available. Indefinite delay. **Categories:** 2023 NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Baton Rouge Super Regional 2023, lsu baseball --- ### [Kentucky vs LSU NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional delayed again](https://www.tigerrag.com/kentucky-vs-lsu-ncaa-baton-rouge-super-regional-delayed-again/) **Published:** June 10, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** The NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional Game 1 between No. 12 seeded Kentucky and No. 5 seeded LSU, originally scheduled to begin at 2 PM central time on Saturday at Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field, has been delayed for the second time today. The game is now scheduled to start at 8:06 PM central. **Categories:** 2023 NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Baton Rouge Super Regional 2023, lsu baseball --- ### [Jim Kleinpeter: 'Bertman Buzz' is a tangible feeling that's become prevalent around LSU baseball this time of year](https://www.tigerrag.com/jim-kleinpeter-bertman-buzz-is-a-tangible-feeling-thats-become-prevalent-around-lsu-baseball-this-time-of-year/) **Published:** June 10, 2023 **Author:** Jim Kleinpeter **Content:** It’s that time of year in Baton Rouge when the college sports season is all but done. The LSU track teams are in Austin, Texas trying to win a national title while the focus at home is all baseball. By the time this column hits the streets, the Tigers baseball team could be in the College World Series for the first time in five seasons. It’s getting close to the 30th anniversary of the first trip in 1985 under then second-year coach Skip Bertman, who built so much more than a baseball program. While many other college towns are winding down their sports seasons, Baton Rouge is usually kicking it up a notch. There’s a buzz when the calendar turns to June and when there isn’t, everyone wants to know what’s wrong. Three coaches removed from Bertman, who won five CWS titles, have produced a national championship. That was the 2009 team under coach Paul Mainieri. In LSU’s last appearance, Manieri got the Tigers to the finals where they fell to Florida in the championship series. But it’s still pretty incredible to reflect on what Bertman accomplished. It wasn’t a rebuild, there was nothing much to rebuild from. He changed the importance of college baseball, first in the Southeastern Conference and then nationwide. Just consider LSU played fellow SEC foe Kentucky in the Super Regional round, two of the six teams from the league that made it. That’s Skip’s influence. Bertman had more than baseball knowledge; he knew people, economics, marketing, media, and was most times the smartest person in the room when it game to having a grasp of many areas of thought. It’s one of the reasons Bertman had the ability to serve ably as an athletic director. Perhaps the most underrated quality was the new ideas he brought. As a baseball coach, he played every other college team in the state, forsaking the dying adage that big schools shouldn’t play the smaller ones because they had everything to lose and the smaller schools had everything to gain. Bertman recognized spreading the baseball gospel that way would allow it to filter down into the high school ranks and on down from there. After a couple of decades, the overall quality of baseball in the state improved drastically. When Bertman became athletic director in 2001, he applied the same logic to football. On Sept. 9, LSU and Grambling, which has perhaps the best brand among Historically Black College and Universities, will play for the first time in Tiger Stadium. That’s one year after crosstown college Southern made its historic appearance in Death Valley. Bertman caught a lot of criticism for that, but he knew he was right and has been proven so. He saw that bringing nearby schools helped ticket sales, even if it’s only a little, and the game payout kept the money in the state. That’s Skip, one of those guys who thinks “why not?” rather than “why?” As an athletic director he was clear-minded and purposeful, adept at raising money and fearless in his decision making. He raised ticket prices just before bowing out, leaving one less big issue for his successor, Joe Alleva, to tackle. Perhaps no other athletic director handled the media better, and he did it by being accessible. He had an ability to get the media to eat out of his hand. In Omaha, he had a gift for getting his players to relax. In the practice prior to the 1997 national championship game against Alabama, there were neighborhood kids catching fly balls in the outfield alongside LSU players. Meanwhile Skip sat in the dugout talking about his strategies, answering questions about handling pitchers and telling us humorous stories. He knew when to get serious and his teams seldom played tight. His former players will tell you he could be tougher than any Marine drill sergeant behind closed doors but funny, witty and charismatic in front of cameras. One of my most memorable sights was in 1996, the year that ended with Warren Morris’ iconic and dramatic walk-off homer. After losing to Northwestern State on back-to-back nights at old Alex Box Stadium, he had the players running about 30 minutes of grass drills – up downs, bear crawls, etc. – in right field while I finished up my game story. It always made me think about the irony of his classic phrase that “baseball is not like football.” Most of Bertman’s former players speak glowingly of him in retrospect even if they were at odds with him during their playing days. Some couldn’t handle his brutal honesty and hard coaching, unable to pierce the “pressure barrier” he set up. Even coaches struggled to stick around because of his expectations. The late Dwayne “Beetle” Bailey, whom I got to know when he was head coach at Denham Springs High School, was as intense a coach as you’ll find. But after joining the LSU staff, he marveled how hard Bertman was to work for because of his attention to detail and the demands that far outpaced his own. Twenty-two years after Skip coached his last game, the season ticket sales are still around 10,000. The program attracts some of the best players in nation, and established coaches like Mainieri and Jay Johnson, who know they will get unrivaled support. Not many baseball coaches can claim they have a street and a field named after him, with a statue to boot – maybe none. There’s no question he earned all three and more. And although you can’t drive on it, stand on it or touch it, you can put a name on that buzz that envelopes Baton Rouge at the end of May and beginning of June. The Bertman Buzz. **Categories:** 2023 NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional, LSU Baseball **Tags:** lsu baseball, skip bertman --- ### [Crowning glory: LSU's 4x100 relay awarded national title after Texas Tech's disqualification](https://www.tigerrag.com/crowning-glory-lsus-4x100-relay-awarded-national-title-after-texas-techs-disqualification/) **Published:** June 10, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** Sometimes national championships can come in different shapes and sizes. Consider LSU’s 4×100 relay team – the No. 1 ranked unit in the country – coming into Friday’s NCAA Outdoor Championships at Texas’ Michael A. Myers Stadium. The Tigers were the favorites in the race but initially finished second to Texas Tech with the Red Raiders posting a time of 37.93 to the Tigers’ 38.05. However, LSU was declared the winner about 30 minutes after the face after Texas Tech was disqualified for passing the baton outside the first exchange zone. The time for the quartet of Brandon Hicklin, Dorian Camel, Da’Marcus Fleming and Godson Oghenebrume was the unit’s fourth top 10 mark in the world this spring and fifth top 10 collegiate mark. They helped LSU to a fourth-place finish in the team standings with 43 points. Florida won the 4×400 relay to overtake Arkansas for the team title with 57 points and the Razorbacks were second with 53. Stanford had 44 to edge LSU for third. The four-day NCAA Championships conclude Saturday with the women’s championships with LSU featuring individual standouts Alia Armstrong in the 100 hurdles and Michaela Rose in the 800. LSU had moved into first place in the team standings following a 2-4 finish from Oghenebrume and Fleming in the 100. Oghenebrume and Fleming were among seven individuals that posted sub-10 second times with Oghenebrume’s 9.90 and Fleming’s 9.97 placing them No. 2 and No. 3 on the school’s career list in the event. Discus thrower Claudia Romero earned All-American honors with a fourth (205-7) in the event. The mark ranked him third in school history. **Categories:** Track & Field **Tags:** Brandon Hicklin, Da'Marcus Fleming, dennis shaver, Dorian Camel, LSU track & field --- ### [Watch: LSU coach Jay Johnson on the eve of battle; Baton Rouge Super Regional Primer - 'Cats and Tigers ready to rumble](https://www.tigerrag.com/watch-lsu-coach-jay-johnson-on-the-eve-of-battle-baton-rouge-super-regional-primer-cats-and-tigers-ready-to-rumble/) **Published:** June 9, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **2023 NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional** **No. 12 National Seed Kentucky Wildcats (40-19) vs. No. 5 National Seed LSU Tigers (46-15)** **DATES/TIMES** - Saturday, June 10 @ 2 p.m. CT (ESPN) - Sunday, June 11 @ TBD - Monday, June 12 @ TBD (if necessary) **STADIUM** - Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field (10,326) **RANKINGS** - LSU – No. 5 NCAA National Seed - UK – No. 12 NCAA National Seed **RADIO** · LSU Sports Radio Network affiliates, including 98.1 FM in Baton Rouge · Live audio at [www.LSUsports.net/live](http://www.lsusports.net/live) **TV/ONLINE** - Saturday’s game will be televised on ESPN and streamed on ESPN + - TV information for Sunday and Monday games is TBD **LSU SERIES RECORD VS. KENTUCKY** • LSU leads the all-time series with Kentucky, 57-32-1 … LSU has won 14 of the past 20 SEC regular-season series against UK, including a 2-1 series victory earlier this season (April 13-15) in Baton Rouge … the teams have met on eight occasions over the past three seasons, and LSU has won five of the eight meetings – the Tigers won two of three regular-season games in Lexington in 2021; the teams split two games in the 2022 SEC Tournament in Hoover, Ala.; and LSU won two of three regular-season games over UK this season in Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field. **LSU IN THE NCAA TOURNAMENT** • LSU is in the NCAA Tournament for the 11th straight season and for the 35th time overall …. LSU has six national championships (1991, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2009), the second-most in NCAA history … the Tigers were an NCAA Tournament Top 8 National Seed for an NCAA-record six straight seasons (2012-17) … LSU is a Top 8 National Seed this season (No. 5) for the first time since the 2017 Tigers were the No. 4 National Seed … LSU has the second-highest all-time NCAA Tournament winning percentage (.703, 166-70). • LSU is participating in its 16th Super Regional, and the Tigers have the second-most Super Regional appearances all-time (Florida State has 17) … LSU is playing host to a Super Regional at Alex Box Stadium for the 12th time: LSU has an 18-16 all-time record in NCAA Super Regional games, including a 17-9 mark in home super regional games .. LSU has won eight super regional titles, all at home: 2000, ’03, ’04, ’08, ’09, ’13, ’15, ’17. • LSU last weekend won the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional, marking the 26th regional title in program history and the Tigers’ 23rd title in a home regional. **QUOTING LSU COACH JAY JOHNSON** “If you want to do something great, you have to emulate people that have been great. The national championship teams here at LSU cared more about the team than about individual achievements. All year, we’ve told our players that if you can emulate those great teams, you will have success. I don’t know if we will accomplish what those great teams of the past did, but our players have displayed the same type of characteristics that those teams did to give us a chance at competing at the highest level. As a coach, that definitely makes me proud.” **ABOUT THE TIGERS** · LSU enters the NCAA Super Regional with a 46-15 record, its best mark through 61 games since the 2015 Tigers were 51-10 … LSU last weekend won the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional with consecutive victories over Tulane and Oregon State (twice) … the Tigers were 1-2 in the SEC Tournament two weeks ago in Hoover, Ala. … LSU was the No. 3 SEC Tournament seed, its highest since the 2017 Tigers were the No. 1 seed in the event. · The Tigers completed the 2023 regular season 42-13 overall and 19-10 in conference play … LSU recorded its most SEC regular-season wins since the 2017 club won 21 SEC games, and the Tigers posted their most overall regular-season wins since the 2015 squad ended the regular season with 46 victories. · The Tigers, the SEC’s No. 4 seed last season, have finished in the Top 4 in the overall SEC standings in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 2014 and 2015 … LSU’s second-place finish in the SEC Western Division this season is its best since the Tigers won the Western Division in 2017. · LSU has reached the 40-win mark in back-to-back years for the first time since the 2016 and 2017 seasons … LSU finished 40-22 in 2022. · LSU enters the NCAA Super Regional near the top of several NCAA statistical categories … the Tigers are No. 2 in the nation in shutouts pitched (9); No. 2 in on-base percentage (.438); No. 2 in slugging percentage (.566); No. 3 in strikeouts pitched per nine innings (11.7); No. 3 in home runs (126); No. 4 in hit-by-pitch (126); No. 4 in scoring average (9.3 runs per game); No. 5 in runs scored (566); No. 7 in hits allowed per nine innings (7.73); and No. 8 in walks received (357). · LSU centerfielder **Dylan Crews** is No. 2 in the nation in on-base percentage (.573); No. 2 in runs scored (87); No. 3 in batting average (.432) and No. 5 in walks (61) … third baseman **Tommy White** is No. 3 in the nation in RBI per game (1.66), and he is No. 3 in the nation in total RBI (93) · LSU right-hander **Paul Skenes** is No. 1 in the nation in strikeouts (179), strikeouts per nine innings (16.22); and WHIP (0.79) … he is No.3 in the nation in strikeout-to-walk ratio (10.53), No. 4 in ERA (1.90) and No. 6 in hits allowed per nine innings (5.53) … LSU second baseman **Gavin Dugas** is No. 4 in the nation in hit-by-pitch (27). · LSU is No. 1 in the Southeastern Conference in nine offensive categories – batting average (.314), slugging percentage (.566), on-base percentage (.438), runs (566), hits (644), RBI (519), total bases (1,161), home runs (126) and sacrifice flies (37) … LSU is No. 2 in the SEC in hit-by-pitch (126) and No. 2 in plate appearances (2,589). · LSU centerfielder **Dylan Crews** and right-handed pitcher **Paul Skenes** have both been named finalists for the 2023 Golden Spikes Award and for the 2023 Dick Howser Trophy as the nation’s most outstanding player … LSU has had one player win the Golden Spikes Award (RHP Ben McDonald in 1989) and one player win the Dick Howser Trophy (1B Eddy Furniss in 1998). **ABOUT THE WILDCATS** · Kentucky is hitting .293 as a team with 51 home runs and 91 stolen bases in 120 attempts … the Wildcats lead the nation with a .984 fielding percentage, having committed only 34 errors all season. · The Wildcats’ pitching staff has a 4.17 cumulative ERA, which ranks No. 3 in the SEC; UK has recorded 521 strikeouts in 509.1 innings. · UK is led at the plate by first baseman Hunter Gilliam, who is hitting .324 with 13 doubles, 12 homers and 71 RBI this season … catcher Devin Burkes is batting .298 with eight homers and 52 RBI; infielder Emilien Pitre is batting .322 with 16 doubles and 51 RBI. · Four Kentucky players have at least 17 steals this season – infielder Jase Felker (20), outfielder Jackson Gray (19), infielder Emilien Pitre (18) and OF/INF Ryan Waldschmidt (17). **Categories:** 2023 NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Baton Rouge Super Regional 2023, Kentucky, lsu baseball --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio Scouting Report Round-Up: Familiar foes Kentucky and LSU clash in Baton Rouge Super Regional](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-scouting-report-round-up-familiar-foes-kentucky-and-lsu-clash-in-baton-rouge-super-regional/) **Published:** June 9, 2023 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** ESPN analyst and former LSU All-American second baseman Todd Walker spent last weekend covering the Lexington Regional. He watched Kentucky blow a lead against Indiana, up 2-0 in the regional and on the brink of winning it, then rallying back from the loser’s bracket to dismantle the Hoosiers, 16-6, to force a winner-take-all final game. Kentucky prevailed in a close win, 4-2, to find itself headed back to Baton Rouge to take on LSU in the Baton Rouge Super Regional this weekend. Walker explained on Tuesday’s edition Tiger Rag Radio how Kentucky did it. He shared what impressed him, and surprised him about the Wildcats and why he thinks it’s imperative LSU gets at least seven innings out of Paul Skenes and six innings out of Ty Floyd in this weekend’s clash at Alex Box Stadium for the Tigers to get to Omaha. Walker points out if Skenes and Floyd pull it off, he thinks LSU advances, but, he said, he still thinks Kentucky is a huge threat for the upset. He’s certain LSU may need someone from its bullpen with candidate such as Thatcher Hurd or Riley Cooper stepping up big if Skenes or Floyd get derailed along the way. In the segment on TR Radio, Walker talks about why he still thinks Tennessee and Florida both have a better shot at winning a national championship this year than LSU does (he ranks the Tigers as the third-best chance in the SEC to pull it off). He believes the Vols and the Gators both have a proven closer. Walker also said he was impressed most by the amount of arms Kentucky had in its arsenal as it won its way to within two victories of its first-ever College World Series berth. Walker’s wary of Kentucky against LSU this weekend, even though the Tigers took the regular season series at the Box back in April. He said he’s not as concerned as much by Kentucky’s threat to run (the Wildcats have 91 stolen bases on the season) as he is by their propensity to bunt throughout the lineup and the problems that may pose for LSU. ![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/TRRSegmentReview.jpg "TRRSegmentReview | TigerRag.com")TODD WALKER provides his scouting report on Kentucky vs LSU and more Listen as the voice of Kentucky Wildcats’ baseball, Darren Headrick, gives a full breakdown of UK heading into the BR Super Regional Meanwhile, listen also to Headrick and Tiger Rag host Jeff Palermo discuss the DNA of this Kentucky squad. Headrick tells Tiger Rag Radio that this weekend’s Baton Rouge Super Regional will pit “The Irresistible Force” against the “The Immovable Object,” and that Wildcats do not lack confidence going against LSU and he does not expect Kentucky to be the least bit intimidated by the crowd at Alex Box. While you’re listening to scouting reports from Walker and Headrick and their takes on the Kentucky-LSU Super Regional, check out these comments from Joe Healy of D1Baseball.com. They’re anonymous perspectives from an SEC coach on both Kentucky and LSU: **An opposing coach breaks down Kentucky** “What I see from them is just that they’re complete in all areas of the game. They’re able to execute an offense. Their hitters grind out at-bats. There’s not a whole lot of pop in that lineup, they’re not going to wow you with the long ball, but they just grind out at-bats. They make it easier on the hitter hitting behind them, every one of their guys will drop a bunt down. Our league is not really known for a lot of bunting offenses, but they’ll drop it down early in the game when it’s like ‘who would sacrifice at this time?’ “They’re tough to play because they’re pretty unpredictable and they’ve got nine guys that can execute that type of game. They’ll take their walks, they’ll take their hit by pitches. They’re just trying to get the baton to the next hitter in the lineup and that’s what makes them so tough. “It can be expected at any part in the lineup. You get to certain parts in a lineup in a lot of lineups and you’re like ‘well, that guy hasn’t bunted in his lifetime,’ or ‘that guy is not going to hit and run because they’re not going to take the bat out of his hand,’ but this lineup was really put together to do those things, to play the game a little bit different, and to play it different in the SEC than a lot of these clubs do.” **Breakdown of LSU** “You have to start with Crews. The numbers are the numbers, he’s the most famous player in college baseball, all those things we all know. But the things that stand out about him, from my opinion, the reason he makes them go is it’s a bunch of super-famous guys, and he plays with a humility. Almost to where, the way he plays the game, he doesn’t want any credit. Like he wants someone else to take the credit. He plays the game that way even though he’s been the first pick in the draft for like three years. That seems like an oxymoron, but it makes them go. He plays with so much humility, he plays super confidently, and the skill part of it is obviously through the roof. He has no business playing college baseball, he is an absolute freak show. “The rest of them, and I give Jay some credit, I feel like their offensive pieces have continued to get better, and I know offense is Jay’s calling card. But their role pieces, Brayden Jobert, the shortstop \[Jordan Thompson\], who has had a great career — those guys continue to get better. Hayden Travinski has come on, and he was an afterthought, he went like a month without an at-bat, I don’t know if he was hurt, but now all of a sudden he gets like every big hit they need. Jay’s done a really good job keeping those guys engaged, the role pieces, mixing and matching. It’s a great lineup. They’ll take their walks if you want to walk them, but then if you throw it over the plate, they’ll also take their home runs. So, they’re scary. It’s a scary lineup. I felt like LSU and Florida were the two best lineups in our league, just because it’s on-base (percentage), it’s hit with power, extra-base hits, they can change the game with one inning. You feel like you can cruise through LSU for a couple of innings, then all of a sudden it’s a six-spot and the game’s over. . .” There’s much more to review here on the anonymous coaches’ takes on both Kentucky and LSU. Check them out at D1Baseball.com. Oh, and do a few more things: keep checking in here at TigerRag.com throughout the weekend, we’ve got the Baton Rouge Super Regional covered for you, buckle up because it could be a wild ride, and, finally, stay dry. **Categories:** 2023 NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Gavin Guidry, Jeff Palermo, Nate Ackenhausen, tiger rag radio --- ### [A Look Back: Reviewing LSU's last five super regional appearances as Jay Johnson looks to return Tigers to Omaha this weekend](https://www.tigerrag.com/a-look-back-reviewing-lsus-last-five-super-regional-appearances-as-jay-johnson-looks-to-return-tigers-to-omaha-this-weekend/) **Published:** June 9, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** No. 5 LSU is preparing for its 16th super regional appearance since the NCAA changed to the current format. When the Kentucky Wildcats come to Baton Rouge for a best-of-three series beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday, it’ll mark the 12th time LSU played host to a super regional. LSU is 17-9 in those home games and 18-16 overall. This is LSU’s first super regional appearance in two years and the first at Alex Box Stadium since 2019. LSU has not won a super regional since 2017. The Tigers and Coach Jay Johnson are hoping that drought ends this weekend in the Baton Rouge Super Regional and that the second-year LSU skipper can make his first trip to Omaha as LSU’s head coach. LSU’s last five super regionals. **2021** LSU faced a 50-win Tennessee team in Knoxville in what was Paul Mainieri’s final weekend leading the Tigers. LSU held a small lead in Game 1 before the Volunteers posted a three-run inning and won 4-2. Game 2 wasn’t close. Tennessee erupted for 15 runs. The Vols earned the sweep, and LSU went home. There’s some remnants from that series to LSU’s current roster, most notably Dylan Crews and Tre Morgan, who were freshmen at the time. **2019** The last time the LSU hosted a super regional. But, the Tigers were also swept. It was longtime Florida State head coach Mike Martin’s final year, and the Seminoles brought their best to overcome a rowdy Alex Box Stadium. It took 12 innings for the Seminoles to put away the Tigers in Game 2. A day earlier, FSU squeaked by with a two-run win. This series was in LSU’s grasp but too many critical mistakes squandered a potential trip to Omaha. **2017** The atmosphere at this Super Regional was electric enough to rival a Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. This series featured two SEC powerhouses and baseball blue bloods with LSU hosting Mississippi State. In Game 1, LSU entered the eighth down three. But four runs in the bottom of the inning put LSU in front and gave the Tigers the series lead. The next night, LSU opened it up, winning 14-4 and sweeping the Bulldogs before eventually losing to Florida in the College World Series final. **2016** This series will not bring back many good feelings for Tiger fans. An LSU team with high expectations hosted Coastal Carolina. LSU led 4-2 after five in Game 1, but Coastal Carolina stormed back and built a lead. LSU showed some promise late but the margin was too large for the Tigers to overcome. Game 2 was even more of a heartbreaker. Coastal took a 3-1 lead; LSU rallied and tied it. But Coastal Carolina walked it off and went on to win the College World Series. **2015** LSU hosted the University of Louisiana in an in-state battle. The Tigers took Game 1 by a score of 4-3 behind a Jake Fraley two-hit performance that included three RBI. The next day, LSU was led by pitcher Jared Poche’, who allowed one earned run over 7.2 innings. The Tigers won, 6-3, completing a sweep and clinching a trip to Omaha. LSU went 1-2 in the CWS in 2015 with both losses coming at the hands of TCU. **Categories:** 2023 NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Baton Rouge Super Regional 2023, lsu baseball, LSU baseball history --- ### [Watch: LSU coach Jay Johnson previews Baton Rouge Super Regional matchup with Kentucky](https://www.tigerrag.com/watch-lsu-coach-jay-johnson-previews-baton-rouge-super-regional-matchup-with-kentucky/) **Published:** June 9, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** A rematch of contrasting styles and approaches to the game loom on Saturday in an SEC showdown at the Baton Rouge Super Regional when Kentucky and LSU clash at Alex Box Stadium, Skip Bertman Field. First pitch on Saturday is scheduled for 2 p.m. Central, weather permitting. Sunday’s game time is to be determined, and Monday’s start time, if necessary, is also still undecided. There is a 60% chance of rain, and weather could play a major role in determining who wins the Super Regional and advances to Omaha. That’s because LSU needs – more than anything else – for ace Paul Skenes to be able to pitch at least seven innings and for No. 2 starter Ty Floyd to go at least six innings. Floyd is undefeated in 14 starts this season, but, more importantly, the Tigers are undefeated when Floyd goes six innings. In other words, when Skenes and Floyd do their thing, it provides relief to LSU’s bullpen and that’s what the Tigers need to do more than anything to get back to Omaha for the first time since 2017. The last thing LSU needs this weekend is for weather to delay action and limit the innings Skenes or Floyd can pitch. No. 12 seed Kentucky will be looking to avenge a 2-1 series loss at Alex Box Stadium earlier in the season. Unlike LSU, which went 3-0 in its regional, the Wildcats got pushed to the brink of elimination against Indiana in the Lexington Regional. The Wildcats score 34 runs in its three wins. That kind of success will likely be tougher against LSU’s pitching staff, but Kentucky does have one thing going for it: It’s one of the few teams that has made Skenes look semi-human this season. Skenes did beat Kentucky in Baton Rouge, but he gave up seven hits and four earned runs with 13 strikeouts. LSU coach Jay Johnson expects a more polished version of Skenes this time around, he said. “He’s great at evaluation and given that that was two months ago, he’s in a different place than he was at that time and they’re a different team,” he said. “We’ll look at it and he’ll look at it and look at any adjustments that need to be made.” Floyd, who will likely get the start on the mound on Sunday barring weather throwing a wrench into things, praised the Wildcats’ lineup. “They’re a very scrappy team,” he said. “They put up good at-bats, have some good lefty sticks and some older kids. It’ll be a really fun weekend. I trust (pitching) coach Wes (Johnson) and coach Jay because they’re doing scouting all the time, so I just listen to what they say.” Johnson also pointed out how many viable arms the Wildcats have in the bullpen. “Strength of them is the number of guys that can contribute for them on the mound,” he said. “Their pitchers have done a good job. They know who they are.” **Categories:** 2023 NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Baton Rouge Super Regional 2023, jay johnson, Kentucky, lsu baseball, Paul Skenes, Super Regional, Ty Floyd, Wes Johnson --- ### [Armstrong, Rose assertive in advancing to Saturday's finals of NCAA Outdoor Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/armstrong-rose-assertive-in-advancing-to-saturdays-finals-of-ncaa-outdoor-championships/) **Published:** June 8, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** The LSU women’s track and field didn’t score any points during Thursday’s semifinals of the NCAA Outdoor Championships. But the Tigers certainly positioned themselves for a breakthrough in Saturday’s finals at the University of Texas’ Mike A. Myers Stadium. Defending 100 hurdles champion Alia Armstrong moved into the finals of her specialty, turning in the fastest qualifying time of 12.54 seconds. Her teammate, Leah Phillips, didn’t fare as well, though, and was 12th with a time of 13.07. “It wasn’t one of my most explosive starts,” Armstrong said in an ESPN interview. “But I was pretty satisfied with how I recovered and came back. I just wanted to qualify and get through. That was the main thing. Have a clean race and not have any falls or injuries.” Sophomore Michaela Rose ran the fastest 800 qualifying time in NCAA history, winning her heat at 2 minutes, 31 seconds, while Cindy Bourdier was 18th (2:04.07). Armstrong will have the opportunity to be a double national champion where the senior from New Orleans ran the first leg on 4×100 relay team with Favour Ofili, Brianna Lyston and Thelma Davies. The Tigers’ time of 42.84 was second best time in their heat and fourth overall in qualifying. Shani’a Bellamy also qualified in the 400 hurdles (55.99) with an eighth-place finish. The Tigers weren’t able to get additional help from Morgan Smalls in the long jump and the combination of Ofili and Lyston in the 200. Smalls was 12th in long jump (19-11 ¾), while Ofili and Lyston were 15th and 24th with times of 22.93 and 23.43, respectively. LSU’s men return, who are in fourth place with 15 points, return to action Friday led by the nation’s No. 1 ranked 4×100 relay team of Brandon Hicklin, Dorian Camel, Da’Marcus Fleming and Godson Oghenebrume. **Categories:** Track & Field **Tags:** Alia Armstrong, LSU track & field --- ### [LSU's dynamic duo finalists for yet another prestigious national collegiate baseball award](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-dynamic-duo-finalists-for-yet-another-prestigious-national-collegiate-baseball-award/) **Published:** June 8, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** LSU junior center fielder Dylan Crews and junior right-handed pitcher Paul Skenes are two of the five finalists for the 2023 Dick Howser Trophy. The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association and the Dick Howser Trophy Committee on Thursday named the finalists for the 36th Dick Howser Trophy, awarded annually to the national player of the year. The five finalists for the Howser Trophy, which has been presented since 1987 except for the 2020 COVID-shortened season, are Crews, Skenes, sophomore 1B/SP Jac Caglianone of Florida, junior SP Rhett Lowder of Wake Forest, and sophomore 2B JJ Wetherholt of West Virginia. LSU All-American first baseman Eddy Furniss won the Dick Howser Trophy in 1998 after leading the Tigers to a third straight College World Series appearance. The 2023 winner will be announced on Thursday, June 15, on MLB Network during the 9 a.m. (CDT) hour and on Friday, June 16 at a national news conference at 10 a.m. (CDT) in the media room at Charles Schwab Park prior to the 76th NCAA College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. All five NCAA Division I standouts have earned All-America and all-conference status and are expected to be featured on next week’s NCBWA All-America squads. Crews, a power-hitting member of LSU’s Super Regional Team from Longwood, Florida, enters the final weekend before the NCAA Baseball College World Series with a .432 average – third in the country – and a team-most 95 hits in 61 games. The 2023 Southeastern Conference Player of the Year junior standout helped LSU remain atop national rankings for the first 11 weeks of 2023 and a sweep of the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional. Crews was an All-Southeastern Conference All-Defensive Team member and was recently named a finalist for the USA Baseball’s Golden Spikes Award. He withdrew from consideration for the 2021 Major League Baseball draft to continue his education and to help the Tigers ascend back to their place of diamond prominence. Skenes, a fire-balling right-hander and transfer from Air Force, from Lake Forest, California, was the 2023 SEC Pitcher of the Year, Collegiate Baseball’s Player of the Year and a finalist for USA Baseball’s Golden Spikes Award. His 179 strikeouts are the most in NCAA Division I, and he averages 16.6 whiffs and just 1 1/2 walks for every nine innings hurled. The Tigers star sports an 11-2 record and possessed an ERA below 1.00 for most of the season and is currently fourth nationally with a 1.90 standard. He tossed a clutch, complete game against Tulane in LSU’s opening NCAA tournament victory with 12 strikeouts, two walks and seven hits allowed in the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional. Caglianone, a 2023 All-Southeastern Conference First Team selection via Tampa, Florida, is the all-time leader for home runs in a season for the Gators with 31 (tops nationally through June 8 contests) and the first SEC slugger to hit 30-plus homers since the 2003 season. He also has been a key starting rotation pitcher for UF with a 7-3 record, and 81 strikeouts in 69 innings. The Gators standout led UF to a 20-10 SEC mark (tied for first overall with Arkansas) and an SEC-most 48 victories entering the Super Regionals. A USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award finalist also leads NCAA DI with .5 round-trippers per clash with 31 in 62 games. Lowder, a sophomore right-hander from Albemarle, North Carolina, leads the nation with a 14-0 record prior to the Super Regionals and was 2023 Atlantic Coast Conference Pitcher of the Year for the second straight year. He also is second in the country with a microscopic 1.77 earned run average. The Demon Deacons’ ace is the top rotation hurler for the nation’s winningest squad (50-10) and a team with an ERA of 2.78 – .82 better than NCAA ERA runner-up Tennessee at 3.60. He is a composite 25-3 on the mound since the 2022 campaign and has 125 strikeouts in 101-plus innings of work. Wetherholt, the Big 12 Conference Player of the Year, who paced the Mountaineers to a share of their first championship in Big 12 annals, is just one of two DI standouts to hit 15 home runs and steal 35 bases in ’23. The first team Collegiate Baseball All-America selection started the week leading the nation with a .449 batting average along with a Big 12-best 101 hits (tied for third nationally) and the school’s most victories (40) since the 1994 Mountaineers closed 40-21. The Mars, Pennsylvania, resident is among the top 10 in numerous other NCAA hitting categories with a 1.84 hits per game (first), a .787 slugging percentage (11th) and stolen bases (36, tied for 10th). He had the top overall individual performance in one season by any WVU player in history. The winner’s name is inscribed on the permanent trophy, a bronze bust of Howser, and the winner and his school receive a special trophy to keep. NCBWA membership includes writers, broadcasters and publicists. Designed to promote and publicize college base-ball, it is the sport’s only college media-related organization, founded in 1962. The Howser Trophy was created in 1987, shortly after Howser’s death. Previous winners of the Howser Trophy presented by The Game Headware are Mike Fiore, OF, Miami (Fla.), 1987; Robin Ventura, 3B, Oklahoma State, 1988; Scott Bryant, 1B-P, Texas, 1989; Alex Fernandez, P, Miami-Dade Community College South, 1990; Frank Rodriguez, P, Howard College (Texas), 1991; Brooks Kieschnick, UT-P, Texas, 1992 and 1993; Jason Varitek, C, Georgia Tech, 1994; Todd Helton, 1B, Tennessee, 1995; Kris Benson, P, Clemson, 1996; J. D. Drew, OF, Florida State, 1997; **Eddy Furniss, 1B, LSU, 1998;** Jason Jennings, UT-P, Baylor, 1999; Mark Teixeira, 1B, Georgia Tech, 2000; Mark Prior, P, USC, 2001, Khalil Greene, SS, Clemson, 2002; Rickie Weeks, 2B, Southern U., 2003; Jered Weaver, P, Long Beach State, 2004; Alex Gordon, 3B, Nebraska, 2005; Brad Lincoln, P/DH, Houston, 2006; David Price, P, Vander-bilt, 2007; Buster Posey, C, Florida State, 2008; Stephen Strasburg, P, San Diego State, 2009; Anthony Rendon, 3B, Rice, 2010; Taylor Jungmann, P, Texas, 2011; Mike Zunino, C, Florida, 2012; Kris Bryant, 3B, San Diego, 2013; A.J. Reed, DH-P, Kentucky, 2014; Andrew Benintendi, OF, Arkansas, 2015; Seth Beer, OF, Clemson, 2016; Bren-dan McKay, DH-P, Louisville, 2017; Brady Singer, P, Florida, 2018; Adley Rutschman, C, Oregon State, 2019; No Award, COVID-19, 2020; Kevin Kopps, P, Arkansas, 2021; and Ivan Melendez, 1B, Texas, 2022. **Categories:** 2023 NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional, LSU Baseball **Tags:** dylan crews, lsu baseball, National awards, Paul Skenes --- ### [LSU duo Dylan Crews, Paul Skenes named finalists for 2023 Golden Spikes Award](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-duo-dylan-crews-paul-skenes-named-finalists-for-2023-golden-spikes-award/) **Published:** June 7, 2023 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** LSU, which is hosting Kentucky in a best-of-three NCAA Super Regional series, had two players among a list of three finalists for the 2023 Golden Spikes Award by USA Baseball. Junior center fielder Dylan Crews and junior pitcher Paul Skenes were announced Wednesday as finalists along with Florida’s Jac Caglianone. This year’s 45th edition of the award honors the top amateur player in the nation who best exhibits exceptional on-field ability and exemplary sportsmanship. The winner will be announced on June 25 during a special presentation on ESPN at 1:30 p.m. Central, leading into Game 2 of the College World Series finals. “USA Baseball is honored to name Jac Caglianone, Dylan Crews, and Paul Skenes the finalists for the 2023 Golden Spikes Award,” said USA Baseball Executive Director/CEO Paul Seiler. “All three of these athletes are beyond worthy of this recognition, thanks to both their terrific play on the field and their tremendous character off the field. The winner of this award will join a long list of established and successful baseball players, and we look forward to crowning the recipient of the 45th Golden Spikes Award later this month.” Crews is among the nation’s best all-around stars. He wa named SEC Player of the Year for the second straight season and has successfully reached base in all 61 of LSU’s games this season, which included a 26-game hitting streak. Crews is batting .432 with 87 runs scored, a .573 on-base percentage, 61 walks and a perfect 1.000 fielding percentage. In addition to winning SEC Player of the Week honors on three separate occasions in 2023, he was also named to the conference’s Community Service Team. Skenes, a transfer from Air Force, has enjoyed one of the best seasons on the mound in recent history. Following the conclusion of NCAA Regionals, the right-hander leads all pitchers with 179 strikeouts in 99.1 innings pitched. In addition, he’s first in strikeouts per nine innings (16.22) and WHIP (0.79). Skenes has been at the front of LSU’s rotation with a 11-2 with a 1.90 ERA, good for the fourth lowest in the country. He also leads the SEC in nearly every statistical pitching category, including batting average against (.171), ERA, innings pitched, strikeouts, and wins. The three-time SEC Pitcher of the Week and Baton Rouge Regional All- Tournament Team member joins Crews as LSU’s first Golden Spikes Award finalists since Alex Bregman in 2015. Crews and Skenes become the 11th and 12th LSU players to be named Golden Spikes Award finalists, tying Miami (Fla.) for the most all-time by a single program. This is the eighth time in the award’s history that a school boasts multiple players as finalists and the second time that LSU has accomplished the feat. In addition to placing Crews and Skenes as finalists this year, the Tigers also had two representatives in 1994 (Russ Johnson and Todd Walker). LSU’s Ben McDonald won the award in 1989 before becoming the first pick in that year’s MLB Draft and spending nine seasons in the majors. **Categories:** 2023 NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional, LSU Baseball **Tags:** dylan crews, lsu baseball, NCAA Super Regional, Paul Skenes --- ### [LSU-Kentucky begin NCAA Super Regional series Saturday at Alex Box Stadium](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-kentucky-begin-ncaa-super-regional-series-saturday-at-alex-box/) **Published:** June 6, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** Nearly two months after taking a Southeastern Conference series, LSU will get another opportunity to defeat Kentucky when the stakes will be much higher. Both the Tigers (46-15) and Wildcats (40-19) will battle for a spot in the College World Series when they meet in the best-of-three three Super Regional Series at Alex Box Stadium beginning at 2 p.m. Saturday on ESPN. The Super Regional series continues on Sunday at a time to be determined and Monday, if necessary, at a time to be determined. LSU punched its ticket to its 16th Super Regional by sweeping through its own Baton Rouge Regional in three games. The Tigers won their first home regional since 2019 with a 13-7 victory Monday over Oregon State, relying on an offense that banged out 19 hits and four home runs. The Tigers also won two of three games against the Wildcats at Alex Box on April 13-15, winning the first and third games, 16-6 and 7-6, but dropped the second game, 13-10. Kentucky is appearing in its second Super Regional after digging its way out of the loser’s bracket and winning three games in 36 hours to win its own home regional. The Wildcats overcame a 5-3 winner’s bracket loss to Indiana with three straight wins while facing elimination – including consecutive 16-6 and 4-2 wins over the Hoosiers. The LSU-Kentucky winner is matched with the winner of the Tennessee-Southern Mississippi Super Regional series in the College World Series. **Categories:** 2023 NCAA Baton Rouge Super Regional, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, Kentucky baseball, lsu baseball --- ### [Championship form: LSU's Tzuriel Pedigo captures second NCAA javelin championship in record-setting fashion](https://www.tigerrag.com/championship-form-lsus-tzuriel-pedigo-captures-second-ncaa-javelin-championship-in-record-setting-fashion/) **Published:** June 8, 2023 **Author:** William Weathers **Content:** For the second time in his collegiate career LSU’s Tzuriel Pedigo is a national champion. The graduate of Baton Rouge’s Parkview Baptist High school won the men’s javelin Wednesday, breaking his own school record with a throw of 261 feet, 9 inches at the University of Texas’ Michael E. Myers Stadium. Pedigo’s 10 points gave the Tigers a lift on the first day of the four-day event to finish with 15 on the day for fourth in the team competition. Arkansas leads with 21 points followed by Stanford (18) and Arizona (16). Pedigo won his first NCAA crown as a freshman in Eugene, Oregon and surpassed his existing school record of 258-10 on Wednesday on his final throw in the trials. Also scoring for the Tigers were John Meyer with a fifth in the shot put (67- 3/4) and Brandon Hicklin, eighth in the long jump (25-9 ½). LSU also excelled on the track in semifinal action, qualifying its nation’s No. 1 4×100 relay team and pair of 100-meter runners for Friday’s final. Hicklin was part of the fastest time in the semifinals, joining forces with Dorian Camel, Da’Marcus Fleming and Godson Oghenebrume to turn in a 38.06 time – a time that ranks fourth in collegiate history. Oghenebrume and Fleming also qualified in the 100 meters, with two of the five fastest times in the semifinals, to advance to Friday’s final. Oghenebrume had the second-fastest time of 9.93 seconds – second fastest in school history – and Fleming was fifth with a time of 10.01 – the fifth fastest in school history. The news wasn’t all positive for LSU when two-time NCAA champion Sean “Squirrel” Burrell, who battled injuries during the spring, was unable to advance to the final. He wound up fourth in his heat and 11th overall (49.84). The Tigers’ 4×400 relay team also didn’t advance to the final round. **Categories:** Track & Field **Tags:** Brandon Hicklin, Da'Marcus Fleming, Dorian Camel, Godson Oghenebrume, LSU track & field, Tzuriel Pedigo --- ### [Tennessee Transfer Edge Jordan Ross' Pick 6 And Sack Highlighted A Stifling LSU Defense In Crashing Clemson](https://www.tigerrag.com/tennessee-transfer-edge-jordan-ross-pick-6-and-sack-highlighted-a-stifling-lsu-defense-in-crashing-clemson/) **Published:** September 6, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter After taking the field in a late night, lightning-delayed 8:40 p.m. kickoff, everything coach Lane Kiffin’s LSU football team touched turned to bolts of gold at Tiger Stadium Saturday night. The No. 11 Tigers did not just live up to their frenzy of hype heading into the dramatic opener, they crushed nearly every expectation in a 51-10 dismantling of No. 23 Clemson before 102,321. > “What would’ve it been like if they let us use those two NFL players, too.” … Lane Kiffin after 51-10 win over No. 23 Clemson. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [September 6, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2096484294667419942?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Nowhere was the Midas touch more prevalent than with defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s “Bayou Bandits” defense. LSU limited Clemson to just 145 yards and eight first downs all game, and 71 of those yards, as well as seven of the 10 points came on its final offensive drive. After intercepting LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt’s second pass to set up a 49-yard field goal on its first possession, Clemson punted on 10 of its next 11 drives. Between the field goal on their opening drive and the touchdown on their final one, those Tigers did not run more than five plays in a series and did not cross the 50-yard line until there was 4:52 left in the game. The one drive that did not result in a punt ended with a 30-yard interception return for a touchdown by junior Tennessee transfer defensive end Jordan Ross. > Death Valley is Alive > Pick Six [@jrr0ss\_5](https://x.com/jrr0ss_5?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/UFHfVQWC3L](https://t.co/UFHfVQWC3L) > > — LSU Football (@LSUfootball) [September 6, 2026](https://x.com/LSUfootball/status/2096423070307066307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) On a 3rd-and-6 from the Clemson 25-yard line, Baker dialed up a linebacker blitz that gave senior Whit Weeks a free lane at quarterback Christopher Vizzina, who tried to quickly get the ball to receiver Bryant Wesco Jr. on a drag route underneath. But Ross dropped back into coverage, undercut the throw on the left hash and ran back the interception yards into the north end zone to extend the LSU lead to 17-3 in the first quarter. It was reminiscent of defensive end Marcus Spears dropping into coverage and returning an interception 17 yards for a touchdown early in the third quarter of LSU’s 21-14 national championship victory over Oklahoma on Jan. 4, 2004. Kiffin said LSU’s edge rushers took advantage of the inside pressure provided by the Tigers tackles and linebackers in Baker’s plan. “Once we kind of got it going, it was like, ‘Let’s keep the heat inside, but give them different looks,’ because that’s a hard situation for any quarterback to play in,” Kiffin said. “I’ve been on the other side.” > [Everything Lane Kiffin Said After LSU Beat Clemson 51-10](https://www.tigerrag.com/everything-lane-kiffin-said-after-lsu-beat-clemson-51-10/) Ross (6-foot-5, 254 pounds) was regarded as the No. 1 edge rusher in the 2024 recruiting class by [247sports.com](http://247sports.com) and [on3.com](http://on3.com), but he failed to make much of an impact during his two seasons at Tennessee. He played in 22 games with no starts and totaled just 26 tackles, five tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks. On the very next defensive snap following his pick six, Ross screamed off the left edge for a would-be 4-yard sack that was later changed to a tackle for loss. His 11-yard sack on the first play of the second half would have given Ross more sacks with two in just over thirty minutes as a Tiger than in two seasons as a Volunteer. But for now, he will settle for a show-stopping interception and score. He finished his debut with a 93.5 Pro Football Focus grade, racking up four total tackles, two tackles for loss, two pressures, one hurry and one sack on just 27 defensive snaps. > [TODD HORNE: Lane Kiffin’s LSU Debut Delivers Historic 51-10 Rout of Clemson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-lsu-debut-clemson-51-10/) “The game felt pretty slow to me, to be honest, because once you go through a practice, everything slows down,” Ross said. The electric debut is just the beginning for an uber-talented edge rusher who has the size, speed and bend to play on Sundays. But the dominant night on defense and 41-point win were not enough for Ross to call the victory a statement performance, since it was not a shutout. “I feel like we’re just getting started,” he said. “The defense is looking all right. We have some mistakes that we need to clean up, especially me. They did a pretty good job coaching us. I feel like we just got to execute more.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, Jordan Ross, lane kiffin, lsu football, Tennessee Volunteers --- ### [LSU Quarterback Sam Leavitt Wows 'Em In Debut With 343 Yards And 3 TDs In Clemson Crush](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-quarterback-sam-leavitt-wows-em-in-debut-with-343-yards-and-3-tds-in-clemson-crush/) **Published:** September 6, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt was asked yet another question about his mid-right foot injury suffered last season at Arizona State that required surgery and ended his 2025 season midway through and kept him sidelined through most of LSU’s spring drills. ***“Are you that kind of quarterback again after coming off the foot injury with that same speed and ability to run? And are you more selective now?”*** “Haven’t played a game yet, so we’ll see,” Leavitt said with a big smile. And everyone sure did five nights later. Leavitt, the redshirt junior transfer from Arizona State, ran like a mad man all night Saturday. He rushed for 113 yards with touchdown runs of eight and 13 yards on 12 rushes as he often twisted, turned, cut on a dime and planted hard on that right foot and the left one as the No. 11 Tigers trampled over No. 23 Clemson, 51-10, in front of 102,321 at Tiger Stadium. > [LSU Doesn’t Need NFL Players – Tigers Already Resemble A Pro Team In Demolition Of Cringeworthy Clemson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-doesnt-need-nfl-players-tigers-already-resemble-a-pro-team-in-demolition-of-cringeworthy-clemson/) He also completed 16 of 28 passes for 230 yards with a touchdown and an interception. “I feel 100 percent,” Leavitt said for about the 100th time on Tuesday. “I’m ready to just be a great player for this team and do everything that they need to win games. So, yeah, I feel like I’m going to be the same player physically, and then every aspect mentally, I’ve just gotten better.” And it was obvious. “It’s great when your quarterback can move around,” said LSU coach Lane Kiffin, who moved quickly himself to fly to Knoxville, Tennessee, last January to intercept Leavitt on a visit to Tennessee and convince him to sign at LSU as the No. 1 player in the portal. “The game’s played out of rhythm a lot,” Kiffin said. “The game is not in rhythm all the time as a quarterback, and one of the biggest things with quarterbacks is how do you play when it’s out of rhythm? Because you don’t block everybody right? And receivers get covered. Sam plays really well, and if you look at his analytics, he’s done really well out of rhythm, gets outside of the pocket moving around. And he showed that tonight.” Leavitt running as much as he did was not necessarily part of the game plan. It came to him. “When running lanes open up, and it’s the best play at hand, I’m going to take it and take care of my body,” Leavitt said. “I never really come into the game with that expectation, whether I’m going to run more or not. Kind of just what happens.” Leavitt’s most spectacular run was his 8-yard twisting, turning jaunt for a touchdown and 24-3 lead midway in the second quarter. As he ran toward the sideline and inside the 5-yard line, it looked like he would go out of bounds. But he made a savage cut on his previously injured right foot as Walter Payton would have, turned up field and scored. > DIVING IN FOR SIX [@S\_leav10](https://x.com/S_leav10?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/qF4OI8zHSd](https://t.co/qF4OI8zHSd) > > — LSU Football (@LSUfootball) [September 6, 2026](https://x.com/LSUfootball/status/2096429813179306226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “It’s all situational. What angle are they going to hit me? I saw an opening,” Leavitt said. “Sam’s got kind of like a defensive mindset when he runs the ball, like Jaxson Dart (former Ole Miss QB whom Kiffin coached) had,” Kiffin said. “Sometimes we got to coach them out of it. But that guy wasn’t going to slide tonight. I felt like we were going to need things just to get going. The last thing we wanted to do was start slow.” And Leavitt in no way took it slow with his formerly injured right foot. Key word – formerly. “It wasn’t a thought process,” Leavitt said after ESPN’s Holly Rowe asked how he was able to let it go. “That was off-season work. Everybody kept asking me about it, and I kept saying it’s not an issue. It’s not even a thought process, and it showed on the field.” LSU edge rusher Dylan Carpenter sure noticed that. He compared Leavitt to Baltimore Ravens superstar quarterback Lamar Jackson, a two-time NFL MVP who is the league’s all-time leading rushing quarterback with 6,522 yards and set the season rushing record for a QB in 2019 with 1,206. “I don’t know if I’m on Lamar’s level,” Leavitt said. “He’s a little bit shiftier and faster.” After watching former quarterback Garrett Nussmeier turn down open running lanes time and time again the last two seasons, LSU fans will settle for Leavitt being Leavitt. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Sam Leavitt --- ### [Lane Kiffin Wraps LSU's Crush Of Clemson: "Felt Like I Was At Mardi Gras, Pretty Awesome, Electric"](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-wraps-lsus-crush-of-clemson-felt-like-i-was-at-mardi-gras-pretty-awesome-electric/) **Published:** September 6, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** No. 11 LSU dominated No. 23 Clemson for all four quarters in its 51-10 win in the first game under head coach Lane Kiffin Saturday night at Tiger Stadium. Kiffin broke down [quarterback Sam Leavitt’s 113-yard, two-touchdown performance on the ground](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-quarterback-sam-leavitt-wows-em-in-debut-with-343-yards-and-3-tds-in-clemson-crush/), defensive end [Jordan Ross’ 30-yard interception return](https://www.tigerrag.com/tennessee-transfer-edge-jordan-ross-pick-6-and-sack-highlighted-a-stifling-lsu-defense-in-crashing-clemson/), the historic success of the LSU offense, particularly the Tigers’ rushing attack and how his team rewrote the narrative after a drama-filled end to fall camp off the field. > [LSU Doesn’t Need NFL Players – Tigers Already Resemble A Pro Team In Demolition Of Cringeworthy Clemson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-doesnt-need-nfl-players-tigers-already-resemble-a-pro-team-in-demolition-of-cringeworthy-clemson/) Watch all of Kiffin’s postgame press conference here: The Tigers (1-0) next play on Saturday in Tiger Stadium against Louisiana Tech (1-0), which blasted Northwestern State, 80-6, in Ruston on Saturday. LSU and Tech kick off is at 6:30 p.m. on SEC Network+. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Women's Cross Country Finishes 3rd At Battle Of New Orleans To Open Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-cross-country-finishes-3rd-at-battle-of-new-orleans-to-open-season/) **Published:** September 6, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES **NEW ORLEANS –** The LSU women’s cross country team finished third behind Tulane and Southern Mississippi to open the season at the Battle for New Orleans at Lake Oaks Park here on Friday. Leading the way for the LSU women was [Maddie Gump](https://lsusports.net/sports/xc/roster/player/maddie-gump) with a ninth place finish and a 4k time of 14:27.8. All five Tigers finished in the top 30, scoring 78 points to finish third as a team. The men’s team only ran four athletes, so did not qualify for team scores at the same event. [Hugh Carlson](https://lsusports.net/sports/xc/roster/player/hugh-carlson) led the way as he continues to be LSU’s most consistent distance runner, clocking a 14:55.9 to finish ninth overall. **Women’s Team Scores** 1\. Tulane – 18 2\. Southern Miss. – 51 *3. LSU – 78* 4\. New Orleans – 117 5\. South Alabama – 117 **LSU Women’s 4k Individual Times (points)** 9\. [Maddie Gump](https://lsusports.net/sports/xc/roster/player/maddie-gump) – 14:27.8 (9) 15\. [Ahry Comer](https://lsusports.net/sports/xc/roster/player/ahry-comer) – 14:46.6 (14) 16\. [Jenna Key](https://lsusports.net/sports/xc/roster/player/jenna-key) – 14:50.3 (15) 20\. [Michelle Daigle](https://lsusports.net/sports/xc/roster/player/michelle-daigle) – 14:59.1 (16) 30\. [Macey Theriot](https://lsusports.net/sports/xc/roster/player/macey-theriot) – 15:40.7 (24) **Men’s Team Scores** 1\. Tulane – 18 2\. South Alabama – 60 3\. Loyola-New Orleans – 85 4\. New Orleans – 97 *LSU – No Score* **LSU Men’s 5k Individual Times (points)** 11\. [Hugh Carlson](https://lsusports.net/sports/xc/roster/player/hugh-carlson) – 14:55.9 (NS) 13\. [Jayden Williams](https://lsusports.net/sports/xc/roster/player/jayden-williams) – 15:22.0 (NS) 16\. [Findlay Belk](https://lsusports.net/sports/xc/roster/player/findlay-belk) – 15:35.9 (NS) 35\. [Gabe Tubbs](https://lsusports.net/sports/xc/roster/player/gabe-tubbs) – 16:59.1 (NS) LSU returns to action on Friday, September 18, in the LSU Twilight Relay Invitational at LSU’s Field Complex with the men starting at 7:15 p.m. and the women at 8 p.m. Stay up to date with all things LSU track and field by following the Tigers on [**Facebook**](https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Flsutrackfield&data=05%7C01%7Cbsik%40lsu.edu%7Cf01877af7ef047b3d24208daf4f5a3c0%7C2d4dad3f50ae47d983a09ae2b1f466f8%7C0%7C0%7C638091633088128473%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=VnBUxODEzje0aZDt69CTjKC7frK%2F9mxM2Ou%2BN%2BsnE38%3D&reserved=0), [**Instagram**](https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Flsutrackfield%2F%3Fhl%3Den&data=05%7C01%7Cbsik%40lsu.edu%7Cf01877af7ef047b3d24208daf4f5a3c0%7C2d4dad3f50ae47d983a09ae2b1f466f8%7C0%7C0%7C638091633088128473%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=baeXwEfh8yC3FUPrxMctG7dfPTrJpgYpugGpdHku7v4%3D&reserved=0), and [**Twitter**](https://nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2FLSUTrackField&data=05%7C01%7Cbsik%40lsu.edu%7Cf01877af7ef047b3d24208daf4f5a3c0%7C2d4dad3f50ae47d983a09ae2b1f466f8%7C0%7C0%7C638091633088128473%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0%3D%7C3000%7C%7C%7C&sdata=%2F1k9tgUtkuozxjknu7jLINe%2Bm8YBlAT8n%2BsWWwZvUpw%3D&reserved=0). **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Track & Field **Tags:** lsu, lsu cross country, LSU Tigers --- ### [Everything Lane Kiffin Said After LSU Beat Clemson 51-10](https://www.tigerrag.com/everything-lane-kiffin-said-after-lsu-beat-clemson-51-10/) **Published:** September 6, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter The Tigers kicked off the Lane Kiffin era in Tiger Stadium with a 51-10 throttling of coach Dabo Swinney’s Clemson on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. Kiffin met with media after his debut as the LSU head coach. Here is everything he said: # Opening Statement “Good to get to 1-0. I think it was a really good job by our players with all the questions about how would they be with what most people think are distractions, and they did a great job. You think about you come out against a quality ACC team and screw up the first series and give them the ball and give three points, and you go on a 51 to nothing run after that. It’s a lot of players focused. A lot of players doing a really good job, and a stat I always look at is first down. You got to do a lot of things right besides just explosive plays. 38 first downs in a game, a lot of people doing things right. Thirty-five is the most in the history of the school, so impressive first night by the guys. Sam Leavitt started a little slow and played really well, which he’s done all camp, so that was good to see. A lot of credit to our players, assistant coaches, really good game plans. Blake (Baker) obviously on defense, I think before we went two-deep backups there, I think we’d only given up three first downs through three quarters — in total, 1/13 on third downs, so really good job there. Pleased with our players, get to 1-0. We’re gonna have to continue to improve, work on things, but I said in the last interview, I’m happy for our fans. I’m happy for our university, our leadership, a lot of things said about a lot of people this week and how this game may go and happy for all them.” > [LSU Doesn’t Need NFL Players – Tigers Already Resemble A Pro Team In Demolition Of Cringeworthy Clemson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-doesnt-need-nfl-players-tigers-already-resemble-a-pro-team-in-demolition-of-cringeworthy-clemson/) # What do you make of the relentlessness of the defense and the game plan Blake Baker schemed up? “It’s interesting doing a lot of these games. (Kirk) Herbstreit and their whole group yesterday, they come in and they ask a lot of questions. You go over the roster, and I didn’t really realize it. They said, ‘This is the first time in all the games for all the years that we’ve done with you that you started talking about the defense,’ and we got really good players over there. That’s what I told the team, ‘What you did is what you said last week, based off the way you came out of camp. You have a chance to be really good. You got really good players that really fit well together.’ Now, we got to do a lot of things in order to keep winning, but that’s exciting. They should be excited about that. I told them get ready to go back to work tomorrow, and we got to improve. We asked them a lot to sacrifice to play here, an investment, how we do things here and how we work. I was glad it paid off for them in the first place, so they could see it.” # What was going through your mind walking down Victory Hill through that crowd? “Felt like I was back at Mardi Gras. It was pretty awesome. It was pretty electric, and I actually felt bad that there were so many people. Most people were so far away they couldn’t even really get close to the players, but it was awesome. I think the whole day was really neat. How electric the campus was, from what people said, and that’s what LSU is supposed to be. That’s why we’re here. I’m not making huge statements. It’s one game, but I’m just saying that’s the LSU swagger. That’s the energy. That’s how the stadium is supposed to be, hard to come in and play, hard to play on offenses, especially quarterbacks. I think it started there, and it started seeing their energy there. This may not make a lot of sense: I commend the fans a lot because you could have left. You have this big delay, you’ve been up all day, and all of a sudden you don’t know how long the delay is going to be, and it’s raining, and there’s lightning, and you could leave. We came out to an electric atmosphere, and so that was really cool to see, and I appreciate that a lot.” > [TODD HORNE: Lane Kiffin’s LSU Debut Delivers Historic 51-10 Rout of Clemson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-lsu-debut-clemson-51-10/) # Sometimes it seems like you and your teams almost feed off of drama. Why do you think that is? “I don’t know. I don’t even say it arrogantly because we played well again, but we had drama last year halfway through the year. We were going to take all these jobs and all this stuff, and there’s no way your team can be focused unless you announce, and we went undefeated through that. I think it’s overrated. I’m not saying I do a great job of controlling it. I just think it’s overrated. Those kids, they play, they prepare, and it’s a lot of stuff we talk about as a coach and the media every day, and they don’t have to do that as much. They had a really, really good camp, really good spring, summer, all those things. One week of some stories about maybe you’re gonna have these two other players or whatever it is. I don’t think that that does anything over there, and I’m glad we played well because that story would have been the whole story. But it really doesn’t matter if your team thinks the right way, understands, and you explain to them. Explain at the beginning, ‘What do you want to do? You have a chance to add a couple players. You want to have them?’ They said, ‘yeah.’ They’re not distracted by it because it’s what they want. If they don’t let us play with them, they don’t let us.” # What did quarterback Sam Leavitt’s ability do for you tonight and for your offense altogether? “It’s great when your quarterback can move around. The game’s played out of rhythm a lot. The game is not in rhythm all the time as a quarterback, and one of the biggest things with quarterbacks is how do you play when it’s out of rhythm because you don’t block everybody right, and receivers get covered. Sam plays really well, and if you look at his analytics, he’s done really well out of rhythm, gets outside of the pocket moving around. And he showed that today.” > Sam Leavitt’s foot, legs, arm, savvy are all there and then some: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [September 6, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2096595282964193720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) # What could be the future for the guys that you alluded to in that halftime comment about having pros on the roster? “I just said that to Shelly afterwards, ‘What would it look like if they let us have those players too?’ That’s just my personality, so it is what it is. And then I said, ‘did you actually put that on your show?’ And she said ‘Yes. Well, what’s the difference? Everybody hates you. They can’t hate you that much more.’ I’m just really glad they played the way they did, so that wouldn’t have been the story, because I get it, it would have been the whole story. Even if we won close, kind of ugly, the whole story would have been, man, I screwed the team up by doing this. I said it this morning, you can not agree with it. I’ve been criticized heavily for the last two weeks, and I get that. But my job is not to please you and worry about what you’re going to write. My job is what I believe is right, and I believe we were fighting for what was right for those kids. I’m not going to get into all the reasons, but that’s what I believe. And so, many people don’t like that, but they don’t understand that, and maybe if they knew my relationship with Dae’Quan, they’d think a little differently.” # What do you think is right moving forward? Is it still worth pushing for it? “I’m not getting into it. This night was awesome for our fans, and that shouldn’t be the storyline. So I appreciate the question, but these guys played really well. The assistant coaches, that’s a really good game plan that they did through all that, and I go back, like I’ve said, Charlie Weis does an amazing job. I’m not gonna make this statement off of one game. We’ve known for a long time. That helmet communication has gone in, there’s no better numbers, yardage, points than anybody in the country. He did it again today, and that’s it. That’s a big thing for me because then when I do have to spend some time on this stuff that we create, it’s a lot easier when you don’t have to go call all the plays and run all offensive meetings, so these guys did a great job.” # Were you all surprised by the defensive pursuit that you guys had, and is this a rat poison type of situation now? “I was not this positive with them in there as I am with you guys, but I told them, ‘Hey, the backups on defense did not perform to our standard, and they let them go down and score. We turned the ball over early to give them the three points. There’s going to come games that those guys got to go into games, and they’re going to have to stop them. One player is going to be in there as a backup, and they got to stop them to make a critical stop to win the game. So you can’t think differently. I spend a lot more time with them on that because now they’re going to walk out of there, everybody’s going to tell me how great they are, and you guys are going to move them way up in some rankings and all that off of one game. I’m sure that happened last year, and that don’t mean anything. They got to go back and work and improve each week.” # What did you see out of Jordan Ross? “Really great, we have some unique players that we brought here with our ends that can really drop and do different things. Then Whit (Weeks) and TJ (Dottery) are really good inside blitzers, so it allows you to run a lot of different defenses that these guys can drop. We can bring interior pressure with Whit and TJ, and we saw some of that today which I think rattled the quarterback. Once we kind of got it going, it was like, let’s keep the heat inside, but give them different looks because that’s a hard situation for any quarterback to play in. I’ve been on the other side. You have to go in there and play, especially the way the other side was going. We’ve got to make plays, so really good job by Jordan doing multiple things.” # How are you guys able to have synergy in the run game with only really three returning starters? “We’ve got bigger tests that are going to come up. I think Dabo (Swinney) does an amazing job. The strength of that defense is not the defensive tackles, and so in this conference, we’re going to play some bigger tests in there. We’re going to start to continue to improve, but the guys played well together, seemed to move well together. You didn’t have a lot of negative plays, which is really critical to not be behind the sticks. I thought those guys did well.” # What can you share about the game plan against the Clemson QBs? “I just think our defensive staff did a good job. The game evolves during the game. I think that’s what all coaches do, and so, once you could feel right away the way we were playing on offense, I felt that on offense, even though we screwed up the first drive, once it got going, this feels really good over here. We’re running; we’re throwing; we’re not getting much pressure; we’re going to play well over here. We had played well so early. It was like, okay, let’s just not let the ball go over our head. Let’s play back here and keep it in front of us, and just kind of give them some pressure inside of the quarterback. That’s hard when it starts going like that. You got no running game, no yards rushing. When you play quarterback and you can’t make any yards rushing that makes the game really hard because obviously the goal is to try to make them one-dimensional, and obviously the goal is, after that, to make them zero-dimensional. That’s what happened.” # Is Leavitt’s tendency to seek out contact rather than go down part of why you wanted him to come be your quarterback? “Sam’s got kind of like a defensive mindset when he runs the ball, like Jackson Dart had. Sometimes we got to coach them out of it. Today, I felt like we were going to need things just to get going. The last thing we wanted to do was start slow today. Obviously, all this other stuff, let’s make sure, and so as we go we may talk about sliding in different areas and stuff, but that guy wasn’t going to slide today. As much as I tried for these guys to not have a lot of emotion and waste energy and I think they did a really good job in the delay, which I told them, ‘This is perfect. Let it delay as long as you can because you’re in your home locker room. You’re used to this. That locker room sucks over there.’ The longer you sit in there, that’s a real thing. Even when they said, ‘Hey, you want to shorten the 90 minutes when we come back, no, leave it all there. We’ll go out at midnight.’ If you haven’t figured out my competitiveness in order to win, if I’m gonna go through all that other stuff for two players, nationally. If I think 90 minutes is gonna help us win the game, we’re gonna sit in the locker room for 90 minutes.” # How did the environment impact your team tonight? “It’s great to be on this side. I’ve been over there a lot — three at last place, two at Alabama, the overtime game at Alabama, the overtime game here a couple years ago — I’ve been over there when it’s been really intense, and I was glad to be on this side. I’ve seen that it is hard to keep the players down. That crowd starts going with the warm-ups and songs and energy. I found myself not doing a really good job being real calm. It was pretty awesome, really cool. If you’ve only been on that side of something, and you’re always like, ‘What would that be like?’ Maybe you drive by a house somewhere, you think, ‘Man, that’d be pretty cool to live over there.'” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, lane kiffin, lsu football --- ### [TODD HORNE: Lane Kiffin’s LSU Debut Delivers Historic 51-10 Rout of Clemson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-lsu-debut-clemson-51-10/) **Published:** September 6, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** Todd Horne Column # The Other Side of Death Valley Lightning sidelined Lane Kiffin’s LSU debut for nearly two hours, but it never cooled the fever in Tiger Stadium. When the storm finally cleared, the Bayou Bengals erupted, running Clemson out of Baton Rouge by a rolling 51–10 count. By **Todd Horne** Tiger Rag Vice President and Executive Editor By midafternoon Saturday, LSU’s campus was already boiling. Heat and humidity hung over at least 50,000 fans packed into tailgates while dark clouds gathered above them. “Callin’ Baton Rouge” blasted from every direction, one party picking it up before the last had let it go. LSU had hosted bigger games and championship games, but never a coaching debut with this kind of anticipation. Lane Kiffin had not yet walked down Victory Hill, and his first game already felt like an event unlike anything Baton Rouge had seen. For Lane Kiffin it began a week earlier: a full dress rehearsal of the LSU experience. Hotel, meals, ride to campus, Victory Hill, locker room, entrance, fireworks, tunnel walk—he’d choreographed it all like a Broadway producer, determined to show that his retooled Tigers knew every beat. He had practiced it until players could do it blindfolded. What he hadn’t scripted was the day’s electric finale. At 4:51 p.m., with the first Clemson players beginning their warmups and the stadium still largely empty, LSU officials warned that bad weather might be headed toward Tiger Stadium. At 5:10, lightning flickered nearby. A crack of thunder set off a curious cheer in the stands—LSU fans revel in football almost as much as they fear a losing season. By 5:46, sheets of rain washed the field clean as “Have You Ever Seen the Rain?” drifted from the sound system. In the press box, Kace Kieschnick quipped, “I think we can add God to the list of people Lane pissed off.” A cloudy smile, then another jagged flash. Lightning delay. Please seek shelter immediately. Only the Clemson contingent budged. Twenty minutes, forty minutes, an hour slipped by. The original 6:49 kickoff expired like yesterday’s promises. The field sat empty. The scoreboards kept warning. The crowd kept waiting, stuck in an uneasy truce with Mother Nature. Finally, at 7:56, Kiffin appeared under the north end-zone uprights, calm as a preacher. Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney broke into a delighted sprint; Kiffin simply sauntered. They met at midfield, embraced like brothers reunited and smiled away the week’s public spats—two schemers delighted to be back in the trenches. At 8:01, LSU’s full complement stormed out of the tunnel. On cue, “Callin’ Baton Rouge” detonated again, and 102,321 voices roared approval. ESPN sideline reporter Holly Rowe said the noise reached 129 decibels, nine higher than anything she had personally measured. The lightning delay had only stoked the crowd’s frenzy, giving the purple-and-gold faithful time to rebuild their fervor and crank it past eleven. What happened next looked like a clinic. On LSU’s second play, a Sam Leavitt pass went through Malik Elzy’s hands and into Clemson’s at the LSU 33, setting up a Nolan Hauser 49-yard field goal. That 3–0 lead was all the visitors would see until garbage time. Scott Starzyk tied it at 3 with a 48-yard boot of his own. Then LSU went 89 yards in 12 plays, capping the drive with a bruising 1-yard plunge by Dilin Jones. Eighty-nine seconds later, defensive end Jordan Ross tiptoed into coverage, grabbed a Christopher Vizzina pass and galloped 30 yards for a touchdown—complete with a dunk through the basketball hoop mounted on LSU’s sideline, right over a Clemson paw. Suddenly it was 17–3, and the rout was only beginning. Leavitt, who reached 100 yards rushing by halftime, tacked on two more touchdowns before the break—an 8-yard sprint in which he planted his foot to shake off pursuit, then a 13-yard burst just before the intermission. By halftime the scoreboard read 31–3. LSU led Clemson in first downs, 21–1, and in total yards, 336–54. Clemson’s only trip across midfield had been supplied by LSU’s interception. It was more than a half; it was a thrashing choreographed to perfection by Blake Baker’s defense and an offensive line that treated every Clemson defender like a blocking sled. > “Pretty good half,” LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry said in the press-box men’s room. “Another half to go, Todd.” If the first half was lopsided, the second was outright mercy. Leavitt hooked up with Winston Watkins Jr. on a 32-yard strike, Jones punched in his second score of the night and, with the game out of reach, backup quarterback Landen Clark found Phillip Wright III for a 30-yard touchdown. Clemson finally found the end zone with 3:13 remaining, but by then most of Tiger Stadium had emptied. No thunder delay could rival a 41-point deficit. **The final: LSU 51, Clemson 10.** Total yards, 644 to 145; rushing, 309 to 40; first downs, an LSU-record 38 to Clemson’s 8; sacks, four; tackles for loss, eleven. Clemson punted ten times. The Bayou Bengals ground out third down after third down, wearing down their opponent with every snap. That relentless efficiency—38 first downs—was the true measure of domination. Afterward, Kiffin praised his players’ focus. He lamented the early turnover and the backup unit’s lone lapse, warning that in a close game every miscue matters. He shrugged off the media circus and lawsuits, the Swinney barbs and the Finebaum firestorm. To him, distractions are overrated—players practice, coaches coach. His sharpest remark came when he looked back at the delay. LSU waited in its home locker room; Clemson waited in the visitors’ quarters, the one Kiffin knew from years of trips with Alabama and Ole Miss. “That locker room sucks over there,” he said. When offered the chance to shorten the return-to-play period, he refused. Let them sit. Every extra minute in that room was another possible inch of edge for his team. There he was: not just the headline-grabbing provocateur, but a coach who rehearsed every detail—even turning a storm delay into a weapon. Saturday night he marched down Victory Hill, crossed to the other side of Death Valley and watched his Tigers carve up Clemson so thoroughly that the thunderstorm became the second-most violent thing to hit Tiger Stadium all evening. Some housewarming. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** clemson football, College Football, Dilin Jones, Jordan Ross, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Sam Leavitt, Tiger Stadium --- ### [LSU Doesn't Need NFL Players - Tigers Already Resemble A Pro Team In Demolition Of Cringeworthy Clemson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-doesnt-need-nfl-players-tigers-already-resemble-a-pro-team-in-demolition-of-cringeworthy-clemson/) **Published:** September 6, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Clemson needed a judge’s ruling to temporarily restrain LSU on Saturday night at Tiger Stadium. But not even a friendly local Pickens County judge in Clemson, South Carolina, could have stalled LSU’s quick death offense and suffocating defense in the No. 11 Tigers’ case closing, 51-10 slam gaveling of No. 23 Clemson in front of 102,321. It tied LSU’s most lopsided win over a ranked opponent as the No. 2 Tigers beat No. 9 Virginia Tech, 48-7, in 2007, in Tiger Stadium. LSU (1-0) clearly did not need former NFL roster members Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, who were cut from Cleveland and New Orleans recently and have enrolled at LSU via the new NFL portal, courtesy of an eligibility lawsuit against the NCAA and a preliminary injunction by a Baton Rouge judge Thursday, freeing them to join LSU’s roster. “What would’ve it been like if they let us use those two NFL players, too?” LSU coach Lane Kiffin cracked. “I’m glad we played well, because if we wouldn’t have, that (the two NFL players) would’ve been the whole story.” Kiffin decided to hold off on putting Wright and Harris on his roster, though, for the time being as Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey has been doing a slow and steady burn over the controversy for weeks now. And Kiffin and LSU need to keep a good relationship with the league office. But who needs the court delays, appeals, possible stays and headaches now? > I don’t think LSU needs any NFL players. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [September 6, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2096431061043400722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Not with the way the Tigers performed in this – LSU’s greatest season opening performance in history against a ranked team. LSU was better on this night than against Virginia Tech 19 years ago and better than the No. 4 Tigers when they blew out No. 3 Oregon, 40-27, in Dallas to open the 2011 SEC championship season. LSU was more electric on Saturday night than the lightning storm that delayed the start of the game from 6:49 p.m. to 8:40 p.m. And Kiffin – not a couple of camp players – was the story as he staged the greatest debut by an LSU head coach in history. LSU’s performance made it seem like Kiffin has been here for five seasons. And he did that with 60 new players – 41 from the portal and 19 from his prep recruiting class – who looked like they have been here for years. “It was awesome,” Kiffin said. “How electric the campus was before the game. I felt like I was back at Mardi Gras. It was pretty awesome. It was pretty electric. That’s what LSU’s supposed to be. That’s the LSU swagger. It’s hard to play here as an opponent.” Clemson proved that and then some like no other brand name in recent history. This two national champion from 2016 and ’18 and playoff team just two years ago looked like the worst of the directional schools. The Tigers slashed through Clemson and danced all around those Tigers like lightning on a lake. It was over before the half as LSU took a 24-3 lead on an 8-yard twisting, turning, cutting run by Arizona State transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt with 7:54 still go in the second quarter to climax a 72-yard drive in nine plays. Consider Leavitt’s right foot that required surgery last season 100 percent. Apparently about to go out of bounds on the touchdown, he planted hard and cut on a dime with the right foot to cover the last four yards for the touchdown. It was a sight to see, like most everything from this completely rejuvenated LSU offense from the sick tub of goo it was just a year ago. Leavitt rushed for 113 yards on 12 carries and the two TDs while completing 16 of 28 passes for 230 yards and a 32-yard touchdown to wide receiver Winnie Watkins for a 38-3 lead midway in the third quarter. Watins, an Ole Miss transfer with Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., caught seven passes in all for 110 yards. LSU has a real live running game with a tailback for the first time since the 2019 season as Wisconsin transfer Dilin Jones powered to 113 yards on 23 carries and two touchdowns. The statistical onslaught by Kiffin’s attack was monstrous and comical: – LSU outgained Clemson, 644 yards to 145. – The Tigers outrushed Clemson, 309 to 40. – In first downs, LSU had a school record 38 to 8. “Pretty self-explanatory,” Clemson coach Dabo Swinney said. “Best thing about that one is it’s over. Just a poor performance. We just never really gave ourselves a chance. And at the end of the day, you’re not going to win if you can’t stop the run.” Clemson also couldn’t run. As the second quarter drew to a close, LSU led a sickly Clemson offense, 162-0 in rushing yards. That’s not a typo – 162-0 in rushing yards. The Tigers had 15 first downs to one at the time and 248 total yards to 43. But Leavitt added another touchdown for a 31-3 lead with 1:10 to go in the first half on a 13-yard scramble. He finished with 100 yards rushing on 11 carries with the two scores while completing 9 of 19 passes for 123 yards. LSU finished the half with a 21-1 advantage in first downs, 213-4 in rushing yards and 336-54 in total yards. But Kiffin – much like his mentor and former LSU coach Nick Saban – was not satisfied. > [LSU Football’s Rebuilt Roster Kicks Off Lane Kiffin Era By Stepping All Over Clemson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-kicks-off-lane-kiffin-era-with-a-rebuilt-roster-lsu-clemson-opening-rotation/) “We’ve got to make adjustments,” he said at halftime. “We’ve got to play better in the second half. We can’t give away the ball like on that first turnoverr. This game should be 38-0.” Clemson’s only points came after a Leavitt pass bounced off wide receiver’s Malik Elzy’s hands and into those of cornerback Ashton Hampton at the LSU 33 on a ball that should’ve been caught by Elzy. Four plays later, Nolan Hauser kicked a 49-yard field goal to give Clemson a 3-0 lead with 13:28 to go in the first quarter. That concluded the Clemson highlights for the night, and LSU was just getting warmed up. Meanwhile, Clemson coach Dabo Swinney already looked demolished. The Tigers picked up right where they left off in the third quarter, and Kiffin had his 38 when Leavitt threw deep for Watkins for the 32-yard touchdown and 38-3 advantage. Leavitt hit 4-of-5 passes on the drive for 60 yards with a 13-yard run. He was 3-of-3 on the next drive for 47 yards with Jones scoring on a 12-yard run for a 44-3 lead with 3:24 to go in the period. That was LSU’s third touchdown over its three previous drives. Through three quarters, LSU’s domination of Clemson was comical – 507 yards to 73, 30 first downs to four and 277 rushing yards to zero. And this was against a ranked team, not Northwestern State. This is going to be an extremely fun year, and it doesn’t look like the thunder and lightning will cease any time soon. “I’m happy for our fans,” Kiffin said. “I’m happy for our university. I’m happy for the players. I’m happy for all of them.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Sam Leavitt, Tiger Stadium --- ### [LSU Football's Rebuilt Roster Kicks Off Lane Kiffin Era By Stepping All Over Clemson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-kicks-off-lane-kiffin-era-with-a-rebuilt-roster-lsu-clemson-opening-rotation/) **Published:** September 5, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter After over two hours of a lightning and thunderstorm delay, LSU’s star-studded roster made its long-awaited first appearance of the Lane Kiffin era, and nothing could rain on LSU’s parade as the No. 11 Tigers took a 31-3 halftime lead over No. 23 Clemson in front of 102,321 at Tiger Stadium Saturday night. On the opening drive of the game, Arizona State transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt led the Tigers’ offense. The offensive line from left to right opened with Jordan Seaton at tackle, Bo Bordelon at guard, Braelin Moore at center, Aliou Bah at guard and Weston Davis at tackle. The Tigers opened in a three-wide receiver set with Eugene Wilson III, Malik Elzy and Winston Watkins Jr. Running back Dilin Jones and tight end Trey’Dez Green motioned from the backfield into an empty set. After a Leavitt interception that Elzy should have caught on the game’s second play, the starting defense took over. Transfers Princewill Umanmielen and Jordan Ross lined up on the defensive ends, while Clemson transfer Stephiylan Green and freshman Deuce Geralds filled the interior tackles. Linebackers Whit Weeks and TJ Dottery, cornerbacks DJ Pickett and PJ Woodland, Dashawn Spears at the star and safeties Ty Benefield and Tamarcus Cooley made up the rest of the starting defense. > [LSU’s Game Night Depth Chart Has A Few Interesting Names In The 2-Deep](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-game-night-depth-chart-has-a-few-interesting-names-in-the-2-deep/) Cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson came in as an extra defensive back on the first third down of the game. Ross substituted off, and Spears rushed off the edge in his place. When the offense returned, Kansas State transfer Jayce Brown replaced Elzy. The rest of the lineup remained the same as Leavitt led a 10-play 59-yard drive that was highlighted by a 21-yard pass to Green and 14-yard reverse by Watkins on back-to-back plays. Placekicker Scott Starzyk capped it off with a 49-yard field goal to score the Tigers’ first points of the season. And there were many more to come as LSU put up a whopping 336 yards of offense in the first half on 52 plays. Leavitt completed 9 of 19 passes for 123 yards and showed excellent speed and moves in rushing 11 times for 100 yards and two touchdowns. LSU put up 21 first downs, while the Tigers’ defense held Clemson to one first down and four rushing yards on 12 carries amid 54 total yards. > [LSU vs. Clemson Updated Start Time](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-vs-clemson-updated-start-time/) Auburn transfer Malik Blocton subbed in for Geralds at defensive tackle, and Dylan Carpenter replaced Ross on the edge to open the defense’s second series. Clemson quarterback Christopher Vizzina connected on a 22-yard completion to Bryant Wescoe Jr. before Weeks blew up a 3rd-and-2 two run near midfield to force the game’s first punt. Hawaii transfer receiver Jackson Harris saw his first action when the offense took the field for the third time. It was not until the six minute, 39 second mark that Jones came off the field. He was replaced by Central Florida transfer running back Stacy Gage briefly before returning to punch in a 1-yard touchdown run. Returning backs Caden Durham and Harlem Berry did not play in the first half. A Starzyk extra point gave the Tigers a 10-3 lead. > We have a Lane Delay … > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [September 5, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2096370769517216195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Defensive tackle Dominick McKinley made his first appearance as the defense began its third drive. Five-star freshman edge rusher Lamar Brown lined up on the interior for his first collegiate snap on the drive’s first third down. Ross dropped back into coverage from the edge, cut under a Vizzina pass towards the left hash and returned it 30 yards for a touchdown and 17-3 lead with 3;36 left in the first quarter. Brown returned, this time at defensive end in place of Umanmielen and helped force another three-and-out to end the first quarter of the Kiffin era up 17-3. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Sam Leavitt --- ### [LSU's Game Night Depth Chart Has A Few Interesting Names In The 2-Deep](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-game-night-depth-chart-has-a-few-interesting-names-in-the-2-deep/) **Published:** September 5, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Junior transfer wide receiver Malik Elzy of Illinois was listed as one of three No. 1 wide receivers on the depth chart released by LSU before the No. 11 Tigers opened the season against No. 23 Clemson at Tiger Stadium Saturday night in the LSU debut of new head coach Lane Kiffin. Elzy (6-foot-2, 214 pounds) was usually running with the second team during most of the media viewing portions of practice last month during preseason camp. But he was listed ahead of Kansas State senior transfer Jayce Brown, who was usually with the first team at practices and mentioned as one of the top Tigers all pre-season. > [LSU Football Depth Chart Before Opener Vs. Clemson – Battle At Defensive Tackle, Says Lane Kiffin](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-depth-chart-before-opener-vs-clemson-battle-at-defensive-tackle-says-lane-kiffin/) Elzy played in only four games last season at Kansas State so he could get a redshirt season. He caught seven passes for 84 yards. In 2024, Elzy played in 10 games, but caught only four passes for 77 yards with a touchdown. In 2023, the freshman from Simeon High in the Chicago area caught five passes for 52 yards and a touchdown in nine games. > LSU and Clemson scheduled to start at 8:40 pm – weather permitting, and fingers crossed. [@kacehk](https://x.com/kacehk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [September 6, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2096389458056683925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Brown caught 41 passes for 712 yards and five touchdowns last season in 10 games. In 13 games in 2024, he caught 47 passes for 823 yards and five TDs. As a freshman out of Choctawhatchee High in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, in 2023, he had 27 receptions for 437 yards and three touchdowns. In another bit of a surprise on the depth chart, sophomore transfer Stacy Gage of Central Florida was listed as the No. 2 back behind starter Dilin Jones, a sophomore transfer from Wisconsin who has been with the first team since the spring. Gage was ahead of returning LSU backs Caden Durham and Harlem Berry in that order. But this is just a depth chart. At times, head coaches do not take them seriously. Kiffin could have completely different starters by the time kicks off, which is expected to be at 8:40 p.m. on ABC after a lightning delay pushed the game from its 6:49 p.m. start. A surprise on defense was junior transfer Stephiylan Green of Clemson at first team tackle ahead of returning junior Dominick McKinley. Malik Blocton, a junior transfer from Auburn, was often with the first team during practice. He is at second team tackle behind true freshman Deuce Geralds, who was with the first team all camp. Fellow true freshman tackle Richard Anderson, who had been contending for a starting job was listed as third team tackle behind Geralds and Blocton. At free safety, returner Tamarcus Cooley was No. 1 over redshirt freshman Jhase Thomas, who was often with the first team. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Tiger Stadium --- ### [LSU vs. Clemson Updated Start Time](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-vs-clemson-updated-start-time/) **Published:** September 5, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter After lengthy lightning delays, LSU and Clemson are set to kick off at 8:40 p.m. CT given no more delays until then. The originally scheduled 6:49 p.m. kickoff was pushed back after repeated storms rolled through the Baton Rouge area. NCAA rules require a 30-minute delay when lighting is detected within 6-8 miles of the stadium. The Tiger Stadium Public Announcer gave the news of an ended weather delay to a roaring Death Valley crowd that braved the weather. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, lsu football, Weather Delay --- ### [LSU-Clemson Kickoff Delayed From 6:49 P.M. By Lightning, Heavy Rain](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-clemson-kickoff-delayed-from-649-p-m-start-by-lightning/) **Published:** September 5, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor When LSU football coach Lane Kiffin said on Thursday that Saturday’s night’s season opener was “going to be electric,” he didn’t mean it literally. But there were lightning strikes not far from Tiger Stadium after 5 p.m., and game officials announced a lightning delay of 90 minutes at 5:40 p.m., pushing the start of the game between No. 11 LSU and No. 23 Clemson back from the original kickoff of 6:49 p.m. The earliest the new start would therefore be 7:10 p.m. But that didn’t look likely as immediately after the announcement, hard rain fell at 5:43 p.m., scattering several hundred fans in the stadium to take cover. Then another bolt of lightning struck a minute later. > Judges Conclave issues Temporary Restraining Order on all talk other than college football today and tonight. Thank God It’s Saturday: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [September 5, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2096220625287172306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “Kickoff will be later than expected,” the Tiger Stadium public address announcer stated, and within a few minutes they were playing Creedence Clearwater Revival’s 1970 hit, “Have You Ever Seen The Rain,” written by CCR lead singer John Fogerty. Rain was expected to continue on and off through about 8 p.m. > [LSU Football vs. Clemson: Lane Kiffin Era Opens With Historic Tiger Stadium Showdown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-clemson-lane-kiffin-tiger-stadium-opener/) Come hell or high water and lightning, Kiffin is expected to make his LSU coaching debut at some time tonight after the six previous seasons at Ole Miss. Check back at tigerrag.com for more details as the night goes on. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Tiger Stadium --- ### [Lane Kiffin's LSU Decision Is Near After Finishing One Of Ole Miss' Greatest Regular Seasons Ever](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-decision-day-is-saturday-lsu-or-ole-miss-what-play-will-he-call/) **Published:** November 28, 2025 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU,Tiger Rag Editor STARKVILLE, Mississippi – Lane Kiffin’s life decision just got a lot more difficult, because he has Ole Miss as good as it has ever been and on the cusp of becoming the best it ever was. Kiffin won a huge game in dominant fashion at hated rival Mississippi State, 38-19, on Friday that will give the No. 7 Rebels (11-1, 7-1 Southeastern Conference) their first College Football Playoff game on Dec. 19 or 20, and it will be at home. But Kiffin might not be there. With a win in that game, Ole Miss – with or without Kiffin – would be two wins away from its first national championship game ever. > “It’s all happening,” as Kate Hudson’s Penny Lane said in the “Almost Famous” classic about rock stars … like Lane Kiffin. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [November 26, 2025](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/1993742474062291437?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Since Kiffin has been told by Ole Miss that he can’t have his playoffs – his cake – and eat it, too, by accepting the LSU job and still coaching the Rebels through the playoffs, he must decide between one or the other by the end of the weekend. That means he either has to stay at Ole Miss, or leave all that the Rebels did under him the last six seasons and finished Friday on the table, if he goes to LSU. LSU officials feel they have him, but they would feel better had he lost Friday. “I feel like I got to,” Kiffin said when asked if he would decide by Saturday. “I think it’s difficult no matter what,” he said when asked if the significance of the milestone victory – an 11th regular season win for the first time in Ole Miss history – and the clinching of the first playoff season for Ole Miss will make that decision harder. “There is a relief that we played like I thought we would,” he said, turning back to his team. “But I didn’t think they would play like this.” Meaning near flawlessly as Ole Miss played with zero negative yardage plays and gained 545 total yards – 359 passing and 186 rushing. In other words, like a team with no distractions whatsoever. That was the fear of Ole Miss people and the naysayers going after Kiffin for trying to pause and think about his future, which most Americans in other fields get to do with no drama. “I am relieved for that,” he said. “Because if we didn’t play well today, we’d all know what the storyline would be. It would be my fault. I’m distracted and stuff. So, I’m really glad that we proved them wrong.” But had Ole Miss lost on Friday, the decision would be much easier for Kiffin, who likely would have been booed by the 15,000 Ole Miss fans who made the two-hour drive. His interest in LSU would have caused the distracted loss. Instead, it looked for a flash that all had been forgiven on a perfect Friday afternoon as Kiffin’s courtship first by Florida, then LSU has gone on for more than a month now with Florida now out of the picture. Instead, there was Kiffin posing for pictures on the field with his players, with cheerleaders, with fans. He stopped for a moment, too, just to gaze and admire the scene as his Rebels carried the Golden Egg trophy around the field. A sea of blue watched amidst the empty Davis Wade Stadium seats left vacant by the departing home fans. He gathered it all in. That scene could bode well for LSU, because it seemed like this was the end, much like when Saints quarterback Drew Brees did the same thing after his last game in 2020. He knew it was over, but everyone didn’t until he soon announced his retirement. Was Kiffin, 50, also saying goodbye to six pivotal years in his life with one last look? Kiffin quit drinking at Ole Miss. He grew more mature and focused in Oxford. His ex-wife Layla moved from Los Angeles – where Lane coached USC from 2010-13 before getting fired – to Oxford to help raise their son Knox, who is in high school, and their daughter Landry, who is at Ole Miss but possibly transferring to LSU. He stabilized and legitimized a once-shaky head coaching career now blossoming and as hot as anyone’s in the game. Or was he thinking, “Why am I leaving all this? Am I nuts?” National championships are rare, and not just at Ole Miss. And he could win one this January. LSU hasn’t come close to the playoffs over the last six seasons since its national title in the 2019 season. It has averaged nearly five losses a season since then. “Just over the years, you know, just really cool,” Kiffin said when asked about his pause at midfield. “Third time emptying out their stadium.” He is 3-for-3 in the town he calls “Starksville,” which Ole Miss fans love to hear him say. And on this day, they loved Lane again as State fell to 5-7 and 1-7. The last time Ole Miss had a record like that was the season before Kiffin at 4-8 and 2-6 in 2019. What followed was 5-5 and 4-5, 10-3 and 6-2, 8-5 and 4-4, 11-2 and 6-2, 10-3 and 5-3 and 11-1 and 7-1. But all that love can turn to hate in a second if Kiffin goes to Ole Miss’ daddy, which is LSU as it leads the series, 66-44-4. Ole Miss junior linebacker TJ Dottery was asked what if Kiffin leaves for LSU. “Players have the option to leave as well now,” he said. “Can’t blame him for that.” But for at least one Friday night, Ole Miss and Kiffin will live in the present and the recent past. “Watching Jaxson Dart (in 2023 and ’24 before becoming a first round pick in ‘25), watching Trinidad Chambliss (Ole Miss’ current QB) carry that trophy around,” Kiffin said proudly. Chambliss, whom Kiffin signed out of Division II Ferris State in Big Rapids, Michigan, as a likely backup, exploded in Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr.’s offense. On Friday, he completed 23 of 34 for 359 yards and four touchdowns. He’s thrown for 3,016 yards on the season and 18 touchdowns with three interceptions. “Just so much joy to see them do something like that,” Kiffin gushed on. “Watching guys come together from everywhere around the country. Think about that. They came from all over the place to come together and do this, to win, to bring joy to all the fans and the city of Oxford.” He even looked at the Ole Miss sports information director nearby and talked about the possibility of playing in the SEC Championship Game next week, which would be another first in Ole Miss history. Should No. 10 Alabama (9-2, 6-1 SEC), a five-point favorite, lose the Iron Bowl grudge at Auburn (5-6, 1-6 SEC) Saturday night, the Rebels are in. Then Kiffin touched on the home playoff game in Oxford on Dec. 19 or 20 and how he read that it will be the biggest sporting event in the history of the town. And you’re going to miss it? And you’re leaving? He opened the press conference with, “What an awesome day.” Toward the end, he grew emotional as he said he wished his father, Monte Kiffin, was still around, so he could ask him for advice about his next move. Everything about Kiffin’s demeanor from beginning to end on Friday, his emotion and his words, indicated he clearly had not made up his mind. “There’s a lot that goes into it,” Kiffin said. “It’s a hard decision.” Kiffin said his first two calls late Friday or Saturday would be to his two favorite mentors – next to his dad, who passed away a year ago last summer. That will be former Alabama coach Nick Saban, whom he was offensive coordinator under from 2014-16 with a national championship in 2015, and former USC coach Pete Carroll, whom he coached quarterbacks and coordinated offenses for on the way to national titles in 2003 and ’04. “I miss my dad,” he said. “Wish dad was here.” When asked about his time frame, he obviously wasn’t there yet. He was going to see Knox play quarterback back home at Oxford High against Tupelo Friday night in a playoff game. “Very fair question,” he said. “I don’t know. Maybe I should. I don’t. I know that may be crazy with all the attention on it. But tonight I’m happy for our players. And I’m going to go watch my son play.” Doesn’t get much better than that. Asked about coaching Ole Miss in the playoffs while also taking the LSU job, he said, “That’s not my call.” Everything else is, though. And a college football crazed world will wait for his decision on Saturday, or Sunday. There are many good games to watch this weekend, but none bigger or more dramatic than Lane’s Play Call. “I have a lot of praying to do,” he said. LSU and Ole Miss do, too. **Categories:** LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, LSU Tigers, Missssippi State Bulldogs, Ole Miss Rebels --- ### [Lane Kiffin Explains His Decision To Bow Down To SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey - For Now - On GameDay](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-explains-his-decision-to-bow-down-to-sec-commissioner-greg-sankey-for-now-on-gameday/) **Published:** September 5, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU football coach Lane Kiffin made what appears to be a wise LSU- and self-preservation move in not adding two recent NFL roster members to his roster going into the No. 11 Tigers’ game against No. 23 Clemson on Saturday at Tiger Stadium (6:49 p.m., ABC). “Yeah, that wasn’t easy,” Kiffin told ESPN College GameDay host Rece Davis in the second hour of the 9 a.m.-11 a.m. iconic show being televised live from the LSU campus. “As much as I feel for the players, and I believe that you fight for what you believe in.” > LSU takes over GameDay with unanimous picks to beat Clemson. And country music star Lainey Wilson predicts national title for Tigers. [@kacehk](https://x.com/kacehk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [September 5, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2096282502897729775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) But former Cleveland Browns roster member Dae’Quan Wright, as of just two weeks ago today, and former Saints’ roster member Zxavian Harris, as of Aug. 8 after one week in training camp, were not added by Kiffin to his roster by the deadline on Friday because of pressure from Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey. Even though, Kiffin could have added both by virtue of winning a preliminary injunction from Baton Rouge District Court Judge William Jorden on Thursday. Instead, Kiffin chose to obey the boss of his conference in Sankey, even though he likely continues to believe he is wrong, over the law of the land – at least in Baton Rouge. “And I believe these two have an opportunity to play, just like all the other kids around the country that are winning court cases and being put on rosters,” Kiffin said. But Kiffin failed to make a key differentiation between Wright and Harris and “all the other kids around the country” who have recently joined other college teams for a fifth season as they are part of an eligibility lawsuit against the NCAA and various conferences under the NCAA and won temporary restraining orders or preliminary injuntions allowing them to play. > In the end, so far, Lane Kiffin was wrong about a key leg of his argument. Everybody else did NOT do it. Kiffin remains only coach to add previous signed NFL roster members. Other teams’ additions were only in tryouts or mini-camps and unsigned. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [September 5, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2096236779896467866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Those players were not on rosters. They only participated in tryouts or mini-camps. Wright and Harris were on NFL rosters, albeit a very short time, before being cut. That is the line of demarcation as far as Sankey and his floating and unclear rules are concerned. “But at the same time, I’m the head coach at LSU,” Kiffin said. “And I had to make a decision that is for the big picture of LSU and the LSU football program with the uncertainties of what potentially could have come by adding them to the roster. And we couldn’t get (from Sankey or others) exact reasons, or exactly what that would mean if we added them. So, with that, made the decision, which is the best interest of the team and the university. And we’re excited to be playing a great game today here in front of these fans. And let’s spot the ball.” But he could add the two players later when things are clearer and more “exact” with the court case. And there is also a separate case in which Sankey and the SEC sued Kiffin, LSU president Wade Rousse and athletic director Verge Ausberry in federal court in Birmingham, Alabama, with possibly their friendly judge. That suit centers on allegations by the SEC that LSU orchestrated the Louisiana eligibility lawsuit that landed in Jorden’s courtroom so Kiffin could recruit NFL roster members. Kiffin has kept open two roster spots for Wright and Harris potentially as he has only 103 spots filled on the maximum 105 limit. “It’s going to be an awesome night,” Kiffin said, turning back to the game. “Our players are going to be ready to go. It’s going to be electric.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Dae'quan Wright, greg sankey, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers', sec football, Zxavian Harris --- ### [LSU Will Not Add 2 Ex-NFL Signees To Roster For Opener On Saturday, Adhering To Greg Sankey's Demands](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-will-not-add-2-ex-nfl-signees-to-roster-for-opener-on-saturday-adhering-to-greg-sankeys-demands/) **Published:** September 5, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Lane Kiffin’s debut as LSU’s football coach Saturday night will be fresh, clean and free of controversy after all. Kiffin has decided – or been advised to – not keep poking the bear of the Southeastern Conference – commissioner Greg Sankey – and will not add a pair of former signed NFL roster players to his roster for Saturday’s season opener against Clemson in Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC), according to the Baton Rouge Advocate. Adding the two players would be against SEC rules, according to the SEC. Kiffin, by law though, could have added the two players after receiving a preliminary injunction on Thursday, allowing him to do so by Baton Rouge District Court Judge William Jorden. Jorden’s ruling also banned the SEC from punishing SEC schools for adding former NFL roster members to their rosters. > [Judge Blocks NCAA, SEC From Denying Eligibility or Punishing Schools in Baton Rouge Ruling](https://www.tigerrag.com/judge-blocks-ncaa-sec-from-denying-eligibility-or-punishing-schools-in-baton-rouge-ruling/) But Kiffin, always a controversial maverick of sorts, is going to be a straight arrow for now with the SEC and Sankey. He may still disagree with Sankey’s stance, but it is likely a wise, self-preservation move. He has to live with Sankey more than the various friendly local judges and attorneys available with strong ties to LSU. Senior tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who was on the Cleveland Browns roster and dressed out for a preseason game on Aug. 22, had committed to LSU on Aug. 23 after being cut that day and has been practicing with the Tigers since Monday. But he will not be on the roster for the game, and neither will defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, who was briefly on the Saints’ roster this summer before being cut. Both players were regular starters for Kiffin last season when he was Ole Miss’ head coach. Kiffin still could add both to his team later this season as they are both enrolled in school, depending on how the eligibility lawsuit involving the two players against the NCAA and the SEC develops. LSU has 103 players on its roster as of this week without Wright and Harris with a 105 limit. For now, though, this will appease Sankey, who has been vehemently against LSU adding players, who have signed with NFL teams, no matter how brief their stays were with those teams or the special circumstances of such players because of the lawsuit. Hosts of players, like Wright and Harris, who began their college careers in 2022 have been involved in lawsuits against the NCAA over its new fifth year of eligibility rule that was enacted on June 16, but the new rule starts with players enrolling in 2023 and excluded the 2022 entries. Hence the lawsuits by so many players just missing the chance for a fifth year by weeks. > [‘This Is About Power’: Greg Sankey Defends SEC Rule Under Oath in Baton Rouge](https://www.tigerrag.com/this-is-about-power-greg-sankey-defends-sec-rule-under-oath-in-baton-rouge/) Sankey reiterated his stance on NFL roster members joining LSU’s roster on Friday after losing at the hearing on Thursday. “We disagree with the court’s decision,” Sankey’s SEC office said Friday. “The SEC’s presidents and chancellors unanimously adopted a clear and reasonable standard: member universities should not place former professional athletes on their rosters. The conference and its member universities have the right to establish, through agreed-upon governance procedures, the rules under which they voluntarily compete and to expect those rules to be followed.” Not according to Baton Rouge District Court Judge William Jorden, who made the ruling Thursday. But the SEC statement went on. > SEC commissioner Greg Sankey continues to be not very presidential and at times embarrassingly ill-prepared. Column by [@racertodd](https://x.com/racertodd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [September 4, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2095928660276416690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “The SEC will continue to defend this standard, the principle of fair competition, and the conference’s authority to govern competition among its member universities,” the statement said. By not adding the players to the roster for Saturday, though, LSU could conceivably be disobeying Jordan’s court order, and conceivably LSU could be charged with contempt of court. But LSU has chosen to obey the SEC over the court for the time being. LSU may be cozying up to the SEC as it is also dealing with a federal lawsuit filed by the SEC in Birmingham, Alabama, against LSU president Wade Rousse, athletic director Verge Ausberry and Kiffin, accusing them of orchestrating the lawsuit in Jorden’s court so it could add Wright and Harris to its roster. That lawsuit alleges that LSU engaged in a “deliberate and coordinated campaign to recruit pro players.” In the end, at least for now, Kiffin was wrong about a major part of his argument for signing the two former NFL roster members, which was – everyone else will be doing it. “Here’s these guys around the country playing and making teams better from the ruling, and we may end up playing against them,” Kiffin said on Monday. “So, that’s just the way I look at it. And I don’t think I’m very unique. I think these kids are being recruited by a lot of coaches around the country.” But as of now, Kiffin remains the only college football coach to add to players who were signed members of NFL rosters in Wright and Harris. The other college teams who have added players from the eligibility lawsuit have not signed former NFL roster members. The players they signed were in mini-camps or tryouts, but never signed. Texas offensive lineman Cole Hutson is one of many such examples. He recently rejoined the Longhorns’ roster via another temporary restraining order (TRO) related to nationwide eligibility court cases, but he only participated in mini-camps in the NFL. He never signed to an NFL roster as Wright and Harris did. That is the line of demarcation that Sankey is standing on. It is clearly splitting hairs as there is not a large difference between Wright and Harris being officially on a roster for a few weeks before being cut and hosts of other players trying out, particularly because they couldn’t have kept their eligibility in the past doing that. And other coaches, such as Ohio State’s Ryan Day, may have considered recruiting or recruited cut members of NFL rosters from the TROs as Kiffin did, but they never signed any. Kiffin is alone in this regard. Before LSU’s decision on Friday not to put Wright and Harris on the roster from NFL rosters, Wright thought he would be playing on Saturday against Clemson. He would have had the prerequisite five practices in with the Tigers after Friday, according to the NCAA’s acclimatization protocol. When asked if he would play Saturday on Thursday, Wright said, “Most definitely.” And he added, “I’m definitely well prepared.” Harris also expected to be added to the roster, but because of an injury, he said he doesn’t expect to play until LSU’s third game on Sept. 19 at Ole Miss. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Dae'quan Wright, greg sankey, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers', Zxavian Harris --- ### [LSU Sweeps College GameDay's Picks Of Clemson Opener](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-sweeps-college-gamedays-picks-of-clemson-opener/) **Published:** September 5, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter The Lane Kiffin era is just hours away from kicking off at LSU, and the excitement, drama and expectations are building in Baton Rouge as the Tigers prepare to host Clemson (6:49 p.m., ABC). The morning anticipation culminated on the 500th road broadcast of ESPN’s “College GameDay” live from LSU’s campus at 9 a.m. today. A brief lightning delay could not stifle an already electric atmosphere that featured performances from celebrity guest picker Lainey Wilson, a $1 million field goal attempt and an F-15 Eagle flyover by the Louisiana Air National Guard. Then LSU swept the GameDay panel’s predictions for the headline matchup between the Tigers. > The LSU crowd was BUZZING after [@PatMcAfeeShow](https://x.com/PatMcAfeeShow?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) picked LSU to beat Clemson! > > Let's have a day of college football 🏈 [pic.twitter.com/UDmJuyWe14](https://t.co/UDmJuyWe14) > > — College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) [September 5, 2026](https://x.com/CollegeGameDay/status/2096273390990475559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Former Michigan star and 1991 Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard led off the picks. “There’s no way you’re going to come in here with an inexperienced quarterback and go up against this defense that a scout told me has at least four first rounders that (coordinator) Blake Baker has,” Howard said. “I think that Clemson loses this game big to LSU tonight.” LSU is an 11-point favorite. Former LSU and Alabama national championship-winning head coach Nick Saban of ESPN commended Clemson’s improvement after a 7-6 season 2025 before siding with the Bayou Bengals. “LSU has too much firepower,” Saban said. “They got a good defensive team. Sam Leavitt is a good quarterback. Trey’Dez Green is a mismatch guy (6-foot-7 tight end). If they can run the ball and create balance on offense, they’re going to be one of the best teams in the country.” Then, it was Wilson’s turn to support her home team. “Do you see what I’m wearing,” the country music singer from Baskin in north Louisiana said of her LSU shirt and purple and gold tiger-print chaps. ESPN talk show superstar Pat McAfee closed out the picks with loud praise of Clemson coach Dabo Swinney’s national championship pedigree, but he said the Clemson defense had no chance of stopping LSU. “I think Lane Kiffin with Sam Leavitt and Trey’Dez Green at 6-foot-7, 243, this guy is unbelievable.” McAfee said. “I think he goes crazy. I think the defense goes crazy.” GameDay veteran Kirk Herbstreit took a page out of LSU president Wade Rousse’s book and abstained because he will be commentating ABC’s broadcast of the game. Wilson backed the Tigers to win the Southeastern Conference this season while the rest of the panel split between Texas and Georgia. Howard and Saban went with the Longhorns, while McAfee and Herbstreit picked the Bulldogs. Wilson also picked LSU to win the national championship over the Miami Hurricanes. “If there’s one thing I know about Louisiana, they ain’t scared of a hurricane,” Wilson said. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, Desmond Howard, ESPN College GameDay, Kirk Herbstreit, Lainey Wilson, lsu football, nick saban, Pat McAfee --- ### [LSU Football vs. Clemson: Lane Kiffin Era Opens With Historic Tiger Stadium Showdown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-clemson-lane-kiffin-tiger-stadium-opener/) **Published:** September 5, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** Todd Horne Column | Tiger Rag # LSU Has Played Bigger Openers. It May Never Have Opened With More At Stake. Lane Kiffin. Sam Leavitt. A rebuilt roster. Tens of millions invested. A sold-out Tiger Stadium. College GameDay. Clemson. After nine months of buildup, LSU finally has to put the whole idea on the field. There have been more highly ranked teams standing across the field from LSU on opening day. No. 1 Nebraska came into Tiger Stadium in 1976. No. 4 Alabama and Bear Bryant came in 1981. No. 7 Texas A&M came in 1986. Two years later, No. 10 A&M returned and LSU beat the Aggies 27-0. LSU has played gigantic openers away from Baton Rouge, too. No. 4 LSU beat No. 3 Oregon in Dallas in 2011. No. 5 LSU opened against No. 8 Florida State in 2023. So let’s not manufacture history by pretending No. 23 Clemson is the greatest opening-day opponent LSU has ever seen. It isn’t. But LSU may never have opened a season at home with **this much riding on what happens next.** Because LSU isn’t simply starting another football season tonight. It is unveiling Lane Kiffin, Sam Leavitt, one of the most aggressive roster reconstructions in school history and an enormous financial investment in getting LSU back into the national championship business. It is doing it at night in a sold-out Tiger Stadium, on ABC, with ESPN’s College GameDay in Baton Rouge for its 500th road show. It is doing it after Kiffin’s arrival generated more than 40,000 new season-ticket requests. And it is doing it after one of the strangest final weeks before a season opener LSU has ever experienced — nine hours in a Baton Rouge courtroom, the SEC commissioner under oath, a preliminary injunction, another lawsuit filed by the conference and even Clemson inserting itself into the fight over LSU’s roster. By late Friday, LSU decided that at least that particular drama would not spill directly onto the field tonight. [Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris will not be added to LSU’s roster for the Clemson game](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-will-not-add-2-ex-nfl-signees-to-roster-for-opener-on-saturday-adhering-to-greg-sankeys-demands/), despite Judge William Jorden’s preliminary injunction preventing the NCAA and SEC from denying their eligibility or punishing LSU for rostering them. So, for a few hours anyway, we get football. The unusual thing about this opener isn’t Clemson’s ranking. It is the sheer number of LSU questions that finally get answered when the ball is kicked. Start with Kiffin. He will become the first LSU head coach since Nick Saban in 2000 to make his debut in Tiger Stadium. That’s a pretty good historical marker by itself. Then put Sam Leavitt beside him. Only three times since 1962 has LSU opened a season with both a new head coach and a new starting quarterback: Jerry Stovall and Alan Risher in 1980, Mike Archer and Tommy Hodson in 1986, and Brian Kelly and Jayden Daniels in 2022. Tonight makes four. And those aren’t even the biggest changes. Look at the football team coming out of the tunnel. LSU’s official game notes list 44 players who were part of the 2025 team, 46 transfer portal additions and 21 high school signees. Only 13 players on the current roster started even one game for LSU last season. Kiffin didn’t patch the roster. **He replaced most of it.** The portal haul includes Leavitt, the top-rated quarterback available; Jordan Seaton, the No. 1 offensive tackle in the portal; and Princewill Umanmielen, the No. 1 edge rusher. Twenty of LSU’s transfers arrive with previous starting experience. Together, they have accumulated 276 career starts elsewhere. That is what modern college football allows. It is also what modern college football demands when a school decides waiting is no longer acceptable. LSU did not hire Kiffin to embark on a patient three-year rebuilding project. It hired him to accelerate time. And it has spent accordingly. The money committed to the coaching change, the roster and the infrastructure surrounding this program is extraordinary even by modern SEC standards. Kiffin arrived only weeks after LSU fired Brian Kelly and took on the enormous financial obligation associated with that decision. Then LSU went shopping. The result is the team we finally see tonight. Until now, everything about Kiffin’s LSU has existed primarily as possibility. Recruiting rankings. Portal rankings. Practice reports. Depth charts. Contracts. Expectations. Tonight there is a scoreboard. --- Nobody needs Clemson to determine whether Lane Kiffin knows offense. That case was closed a long time ago. His Ole Miss teams averaged at least 33 points every season. They led the SEC in total offense four times in six years. His teams produced more rushing yards than any other SEC program during his time in Oxford. And for all the attention paid to Kiffin’s passing schemes and quarterbacks, he has always understood something fairly basic about winning football games: You better be able to run it. That may be one of the most interesting things to watch tonight. LSU rushed for only 104 yards a game last season, worst in the SEC. Kiffin inherits Caden Durham and Harlem Berry, adds help around them and has rebuilt an offensive line anchored by Seaton and center Braelin Moore. If LSU suddenly looks capable of controlling a football game on the ground, we will know something significant before midnight. Then there is Leavitt. He isn’t a developmental quarterback LSU hopes might eventually become good enough. He has already taken Arizona State to a Big 12 championship and the College Football Playoff. Now Kiffin gets him. That pairing — one of college football’s most inventive offensive coaches with one of the most coveted quarterbacks in the transfer portal — is one of the central reasons this season carries the expectations it does. Tonight is the first public look. --- Clemson is almost perfect for the occasion. Not because Dabo Swinney’s current team resembles his national championship teams at their peak. It doesn’t. Clemson went 7-6 last season and enters tonight unranked in the Associated Press poll and No. 23 in the coaches poll. LSU is No. 11 in the AP poll. But Clemson remains Clemson. Swinney has won 187 games there. He has won national championships. The orange helmet still carries enough weight that beating Clemson on national television looks and feels like something. And there is another oddity about tonight that somehow escaped history until now: **Clemson has never played LSU in Tiger Stadium.** The programs first met in the 1959 Sugar Bowl. They played in Atlanta in 1996 and 2012. They met in New Orleans for the national championship after the 2019 season, when Joe Burrow and LSU completed a 15-0 season with a 42-25 victory. Last August, LSU finally traveled to Clemson and won 17-10. Tonight, after all of that history, Clemson finally comes to Baton Rouge. And it comes for an opener unlike almost any Tiger Stadium has hosted in decades. This will be the first season-opening matchup between ranked teams in Tiger Stadium since 1988, when No. 18 LSU destroyed No. 10 Texas A&M, 27-0. Verge Ausberry was LSU’s starting linebacker that night and made nine tackles. Corey Raymond intercepted a pass. Thirty-eight years later, Ausberry is LSU’s athletic director and Raymond is coaching its secondary. The stadium is the same. College football certainly isn’t. --- There is also a warning sitting right in front of LSU. We’ve seen this movie before. Last season LSU traveled to Clemson after losing five consecutive season openers. The Tigers beat the No. 4 team in the country, 17-10, returned home 1-0 and eventually climbed to No. 4 in the nation. Everything seemed fixed. It wasn’t. LSU opened 4-0, then lost four of its next five — at Ole Miss, at Vanderbilt, to Texas A&M and at Alabama, with only a victory over South Carolina interrupting the collapse. The 49-25 Texas A&M loss in Tiger Stadium preceded Kelly’s dismissal. LSU eventually finished 7-6 and lost its bowl game to Houston. So one game cannot prove everything. That’s worth remembering tonight whether LSU wins by 30 or loses by three. But opening nights can reveal things. Is LSU’s offensive line really fixed? Can it run the football? Does Kiffin already have Leavitt operating his offense at full speed? Can Blake Baker’s defense generate pressure without sacrificing the secondary? Can 60-plus new players function as one team when the stadium gets loud and something goes wrong? Those questions have been sitting there all summer. Tonight we finally begin getting answers. LSU spent nine months selling possibility. Tonight possibility gets a scoreboard. Kiffin understands that better than anyone. He described opening night this week in terms he has used throughout his career: as a performance. That’s exactly what this is. Not an audition. LSU already gave him the job. Not a referendum. One football game cannot carry that much weight. But a performance before an audience that has been waiting for months to see whether all the money, recruiting, roster reconstruction, hype and belief have actually produced what LSU thinks it bought. And the audience will be enormous. College GameDay is here. ABC is here. Tiger Stadium is sold out. LSU has dealt with an extraordinary credential demand. More than 40,000 people reportedly asked for season tickets after Kiffin was hired. People aren’t wondering whether LSU football still matters. They’re trying to get inside the stadium. LSU has won 21 consecutive nonconference games in Tiger Stadium and 70 of its last 71. It has won 23 of its last 25 night games there. It hasn’t lost a traditional Saturday home opener since Texas A&M beat Curley Hallman’s team in 1994. Kiffin knows the place from the other sideline. He went 2-0 here as Alabama’s offensive coordinator and 0-3 as Ole Miss’ head coach. Tonight he finally walks onto the LSU side. There have been LSU openers against better opponents. There have been openers involving higher-ranked teams. There have been individual opening games with enormous national championship implications. But finding another home opener in which LSU simultaneously unveiled **a head coach, a quarterback, almost an entirely new roster, a massive investment and the intended direction of the entire program** is difficult. That’s why this one feels different. For nine months, Lane Kiffin’s LSU has been an idea. Tonight, finally, LSU puts the idea on the field. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, College Football, Dabo Swinney, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU football 2026, LSU vs Clemson, Sam Leavitt, Tiger Stadium --- ### [IT'S HERE! ... LSU Football Braces For The Most Hotly Anticipated Season Opener In Its History](https://www.tigerrag.com/its-here-lsu-football-braces-for-the-most-hotly-anticipated-season-opener-in-its-history/) **Published:** September 5, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** LSU opened the 1981 season against No. 4-ranked Alabama and six-time national champion coach Bear Bryant in Tiger Stadium at night on ABC national television, losing 24-7. There was a top five matchup in 2011 when the No. 4 Tigers beat No. 3 Oregon, 40-27, in Dallas on ABC national television at night. In a top 10 pairing in 2023, No. 5 LSU lost, 45-24, versus No. 8 Florida State in Orlando, Florida. Defending national champion LSU opened the 1959 season on national NBC television during the day and beat Rice, 26-3. There is not a top five, top 10 or even top 20 matchup on tap Saturday at Tiger Stadium when No. 11 LSU hosts No. 23 Clemson at 6:30 p.m. on ABC national television. But this is the biggest and most hotly anticipated season opener in LSU football history for several reasons – more significant than poll numbers or the opponent. Because this season is just going to be different. And here’s why: > [Lane Kiffen Explains His “It’s Just Different” Hashtag Mantra About LSU And Louisiana](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffen-explains-his-its-just-different-hashtag-mantra-about-lsu-and-louisiana/) **1.)** Lane Kiffin, a rock star head coach wanted by four programs (LSU, Ole Miss, Florida and Florida State) last season, yet polarizing and hated by pockets of fans and media across the country, makes his debut as LSU’s coach. Somehow, LSU’s donors cobbled together a $90 million contract over seven years for Kiffin just after incurring a $54 million buyout debt for fired coach Brian Kelly. LSU’s master donor base really needs him to win big pretty soon. > [Quarterback Sam Leavitt Is Locked In For His LSU Debut](https://www.tigerrag.com/quarterback-sam-leavitt-is-locked-in-for-his-lsu-debut/) **2.)** The largest roster restoration and makeover in the history of LSU football also debuts with no less than 60 new players – 41 via the NCAA Transfer Portal last January and 19 from the traditional recruiting of high schools and junior colleges. The portal class features three No. 1 transfers at their position in the country – junior quarterback Sam Leavitt at approximately $4 million a year, junior offensive tackle Jordan Seaton at approximately $3 million a year and senior edge Princewill Umanmielen in the $1 million range. In all there are 11 players ranked in the top 12 at their position. The cost of the entire roster was between $40 and $50 million. LSU’s master donor base really needs some return on their investment. At least, the investment is not just for this season. Slightly more than half of the class – 21 to be exact – are sophomores and freshmen. **3.)** ESPN’s College GameDay has been to LSU on countless occasions. But the iconic Saturday morning show will be at LSU for the first time for a season opener. And LSU broke a Tiger Stadium record this week for most credentialed media members and celebrities at approximately 900. With the national TV audience, more eyes will be on this LSU season opener than any previous one in history. > [LSU Will Not Add 2 Ex-NFL Signees To Roster For Opener On Saturday, Adhering To Greg Sankey’s Demands](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-will-not-add-2-ex-nfl-signees-to-roster-for-opener-on-saturday-adhering-to-greg-sankeys-demands/) **4.)** The most non-football buildup to a season opener in LSU history is finally over – for now. Temporary restraining orders, preliminary injunctions and lawsuits have buried the usual August frenzy of football-strong stories leading to kickoff for Tiger fans. Therefore, they are that much more hungry for some football outside the courtroom. And LSU decided late Friday not to add two primary parts of all the legalese – former NFL roster members Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris – to its roster. That will serve as a temporary rejuvenating order for LSU fans everywhere. **5.)** For the first time in LSU football history, the Tigers actually have a true, progressive, play calling genius offensive coordinator as head coach. LSU’s greatest coach, Nick Saban, was a defensive coordinator. Other great LSU coaches Charles McClendon and Bill Arnsparger were defensive coordinators. Les Miles was an offensive coordinator, but he was not a play caller as he was an offensive line coach. Kiffin is the state of the art as far as offensive masterminds. He doesn’t call plays anymore, but he sure as hell directs them through his prized pupil going back to their time together at Alabama. That is offensive coordinator Charlie Weis, who called the plays for Kiffin during his last few years at Ole Miss and will this year. This will be the most up tempo offensive by an LSU team that Tiger fans have ever seen. But the cool thing is that Kiffin and Weis love to run the ball, and LSU will have a strong run blocking offensive line for the first time since 2019. But Kiffin’s heartbeat is with the passing game and developing quarterbacks. **6.)** LSU fans are starved for championship contending football – something that has not happened since the national title in 2019. And the natives are getting restless and want a temporary restraining order on all temporary restraining orders. “Excited for it to finally be here,” Kiffin said Wednesday on the SEC teleconference, speaking for his entire fan base, whether he realized it or not. “This has been eight months we’ve been here – at least. All leading up to this first performance. Our fans are really excited, the state. Our university has put a lot (of money) into us. And trusted us with a big time job to turn around LSU football to get it back to where they want it to be. I don’t take that lightly. So, that’s why we’ve worked the way that we have. That’s why we’ve competed in every area to give our fans the best performance, starting with the first performance on Saturday.” > [Lane Kiffin Sees Saturday As “Showtime At The Apollo” As LSU Issues Record Number of Credentials](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-sees-saturday-as-showtime-at-the-apollo-as-lsu-issues-record-number-of-credentials/) Step right up, and don’t be shy. “Showtime’s real man, it’s a performance,” Kiffin said. “And we want a performance where we win, and so that people want to come back and that the stadium’s always full. And people are fighting to get into the stadium.” You can say that again. So, just freakin’ kick if off already before everyone in Tiger Stadium and throughout Louisiana start hyperventilating. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [Jerry Stovall - Versatile Every Man Eulogized After "Working As Hard As He Could For As Long As He Could"](https://www.tigerrag.com/jerry-stovall-versatile-every-man-eulogized-after-working-as-hard-as-he-could-for-as-long-as-he-could/) **Published:** September 4, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Jerry Stovall, the LSU football coach, was an intense, exacting, relentless taskmaster and disciplinarian. But when he ordered wayward players to run the steps of Tiger Stadium, he often ran each step right with them. Because Jerry Lane Stovall, the man, was devoutly religious who could be soft and understanding. “I remember the man behind the legend,” said lifelong friend Roland Toups, executive chairman of Turner Industries in Baton Rouge, at funeral services for Stovall at the First Presbyterian Church downtown Friday. He died Monday in Baton Rouge at age 85. The legend of Stovall was as a two-time All-American who played halfback and defensive back for LSU from 1960-62 and finished second for the Heisman Trophy as a senior in ’62. After being named an All-Pro defensive back three times with the St. Louis Cardinals, he became a coach. As LSU’s head coach, he was named the Walter Camp national coach of the year in 1982 during an 8-3-1 Orange Bowl season that included LSU’s first win over Alabama and coach Paul “Bear” Bryant following 11 straight losses to the Tide. “He put on no false airs or pretense,” Toups said. “What you saw was what you got.” > [Jerry Stovall Dies at 85: The LSU Legend’s Life and Legacy](https://www.tigerrag.com/https-www-tigerrag-com-jerry-stovall-dies-85-lsu-legend-life-legacy/) And at least one time when someone thought they saw someone else when they saw Jerry, he went all Jerry. “He was always very nice to fans,” Toups said. “We were at dinner once not too long ago, and this very frail little old lady came up to Jerry and said, ‘I know you. I know you.'” Stovall stopped to greet the woman warmly. “I know you,” she said again. “You’re Dale Brown.” Stovall’s wife Judy, whom he married in February of 1962 before his final season at LSU, and daughter Jodi and son Jay couldn’t stop laughing. “Honey,” Jerry told the lady. “You’re not far off. I know Dale Brown. I worked with him.” In fact, Stovall, who was LSU’s head football coach from 1980-83, and Brown, now 90 who was LSU’s basketball coach from 1972-97, lived in the same Westminster/Pine Park neighborhood in Baton Rouge off Jefferson Highway in the 1980s. “Judy and their two kids and grandchildren referred to Jerry as Dale for weeks after that,” Toups said. “He had an amazing ability to stay humble his entire life despite all his accomplishments, if someone saw him on the street or at Frank’s (on Airline Highway) for breakfast on Saturdays.” > Jerry Stovall would give his players the shirt off his back, or in Dalton Hilliard’s case – the jersey number. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [September 3, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2095534066850259028?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) And there were times when Jerry inadvertently stole the spotlight from another man more famous. When Stovall was the running backs coach at LSU under Charles McClendon in the 1970s, he and Toups happened to attend a Georgia Tech alumni function with former Tech coaching legend Bobby Dodd speaking. Dodd was Georgia Tech’s head football coach from 1945-66 with a national championship in 1952 and entered the College Football Hall of Fame posthumously in 1993. Stovall attended, as he said, “despite being in the enemy’s camp” in Atlanta. And Stovall was introduced to the crowd not by his name, but by what he did on Oct. 6, 1962, at Georgia Tech against Dodd. Stovall returned the second half kickoff 98 yards to beat the No. 5 Yellow Jackets, 10-7, on the CBS Saturday Game of the Week on national television. “There was a big silence in the room as they looked at this professorial-looking guy, Jerry,” Toups said. “Then Bobby Dodd cut me off and said, ‘My God, Jerry Stovall, I’ll never forget you. I followed your entire career. I hope my son will be just like you.’ How’s that? And Bobby Dodd didn’t even know Jerry other than from that game. We went to a Georgia Tech alumni meeting, and it turned into a Jerry Stovall pep rally.” > [Legendary LSU All-American And Football Coach Jerry Stovall Dies At The Age Of 85](https://www.tigerrag.com/legendary-lsu-all-american-and-football-coach-jerry-stovall-dies-at-the-age-of-85/) That is how much of the ceremony on Friday went as well. “And it all started with this scrawny crew cut kid from West Monroe coming to LSU,” Toups said. “There was no quit in Jerry Stovall.” Stovall tried to instill that into his players. “Blood,” Stovall once told star linebacker Lawrence Williams after a practice in 1982, “I can whip you.” Williams looked surprised. “Because I can get up one more time than you can knock me down,” Stovall said. Then he yelled, “To the cones, men,” as he closed each practice with the players running laps. McClendon, who was Stovall’s assistant coach on defense in 1960 and ’61 and his head coach in 1962, called him “the most complete football player I have ever seen.” LSU head coach Paul Dietzel, who recruited Stovall and coached him in 1960 and ’61, said Stovall “was the type player who got faster as the game went on. A lot of players started the game faster than he was, but they weren’t in the end.” Stovall went on to become the second player picked in the 1963 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals and was a three-time All-Pro defensive back. After his coaching career ended at LSU in 1983, he went on to become the CEO of the Baton Rouge Sports Foundation and dedicated his life to helping others as the president of the Associaton of Special Needs Citizens and worked with people with chemical dependency, a drug task force, the Baton Rouge Food Bank, hospice services, the United Way and as a minister at the Angola penitentiary. “Jerry Stovall knew how to lay down his life for his team,” said First Presbyterian Chuch pastor Scott Graham. “He always showed up. Even when he disciplined players as a coach, he would run the stadium steps with that player being punished. And his family always was the top priority when he was coaching or not. When he was LSU’s head coach, he had a bumper sticker on his car in the LSU parking lot that said, “My son and my money go to Baylor.” Graham said Stovall loved two sayings, “Work as hard as you can for as long as you can.” And this, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose,” from the Book of Romans 8:28. “Jerry was the real deal,” Graham said in conclusion. “The total package. He had the intangibles. No tape measure could do him justice. You needed a mighty special tape measure.” Stovall will be honored during LSU’s season opening game against Clemson (6:30 p.m., ABC) Saturday night at Tiger Stadium in front of 102,321. “But today we say goodbye to Everybody’s All-American,” Graham said. “Goodbye my brother, until we all meet again in the heavenly kingdom.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** dale brown, jerry stovall, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [Clemson Threatens LSU For Obeying Court](https://www.tigerrag.com/clemson-threatens-lsu-for-obeying-court/) **Published:** September 4, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** By TODD HORNE, Tiger Rag Vice President & Executive Editor Judge William Jorden did not issue an advisory opinion. Dae’Quan Wright had enrolled at LSU and begun practicing. Zxavian Harris testified that he wanted to play for LSU. Jorden found that losing this season would cause irreparable harm, then barred the NCAA and SEC from denying their eligibility or punishing LSU for rostering them. The order was intended to put Wright and Harris on LSU’s roster. Leaving them off because of the rules Jorden enjoined would make his ruling meaningless. Now Clemson has warned LSU that playing them may breach Saturday’s game contract. > Clemson has notified LSU that playing former professional players on Saturday may breach the game contract between the schools, per a copy of an email obtained by [@YahooSports](https://x.com/YahooSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). > > However, Clemson intends to play the game and is not seeking financial damages > > — Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) [September 4, 2026](https://x.com/RossDellenger/status/2095934502228853102?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Strip away the polite legal language: The NCAA and SEC cannot punish LSU for obeying Jorden’s order, so Clemson has volunteered to become their proxy. It is threatening contractual consequences if LSU gives the court’s ruling its intended effect. Jorden compared the SEC’s threatened penalties to showing LSU a gun. The court took away the SEC’s gun. Clemson picked it up and pointed it at LSU. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, Dae'quan Wright, lsu football, NCAA, sec, Zxavian Harris --- ### [LSU President Wade Rousse's Complete Statement Regarding Players Winning Injunction Over NCAA, SEC](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-president-wade-rousses-complete-statement-regarding-players-winning-injunction-over-ncaa-sec/) **Published:** September 4, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU president Wade Rousse promised continued cooperation with the Southeastern Conference office on Friday after football players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris recently added to LSU’s roster received a preliminary injunction in a Baton Rouge court room on Thursday, allowing them to proceed as players for the Tigers this season. The players are two of many athletes from the collegiate entering class of 2022 who are suing the NCAA, and in this specific case the SEC as well, for a fifth year of eligibility in 2026 after being skipped over by a new NCAA rule in June that started with the class of 2023 entries. “LSU respects the judicial process and the court’s decision,” Rousse said. “Our responsibility is to support our programs while complying with the law and the rule governing our conference. We will carefully review the court’s order and continue to work constructively with the SEC and the NCAA as this matter moves forward. College football does not deserve this kind of ambiguity in eligibility standards.” > [Nine Hours Under Oath Exposed the Problem With the SEC’s Eligibility Rules](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-eligibility-ruling-nobody-could-define-pro/) Rouse, as have other college leaders, used the confusion by by the NCAA and SEC offices and SEC commissioner Greg Sankey’s lack of clarity concerning eligibility guardrails and exactly what constitutes a professional athlete to urge Congress to pass the Protect College Sports Act bill. That has been moving in Washington D.C. throughout the summer but is yet to pass. “This is just another illustration that Congress needs to pass a version of the Protect College Sport Act,” Rousse said. Rousse did not comment on the SEC’s lawsuit filed Thursday in federal court in Birmingham, Alabama, against Rouse, LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry and football coach Lane Kiffin for allegedly “waging a deliberate and coordinated campaign to recruit pro players.” Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, an LSU law school graduate and former Louisiana Law Review editor who has been a lawyer for more than three decades, dismissed the SEC’s lawsuit against LSU on Thursday, calling it “garbage.” None of the “pro players” the lawsuit references have ever played in a pro football game and only appeared as signed members of an NFL roster for a few weeks this summer. And all of them were isolated examples of players trying to return to college football because they were in the lawsuit with the other class of 2022 athletes trying to gain the extra year of elibility that the 2023 entries will be receiving after the 2022 entries just missed the opportunity. > From Court To Table, Lane Kiffin wins, Greg Sankey loses, but both may be in a Pickle as Lane’s radio show packs ‘em in. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [September 4, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2095873375679705542?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The Thursday ruling applied to only the athletes named in one of the many similar suits around the country by athletes entering college in 2022. Similar lawsuits from classes before 2022 are not expected as those athletes were already gone from college for a significant period of time. Whereas the 2022 entries just missed a chance for a fifth year by weeks as the NCAA did not pass the rule until June 16 after the sports calendar year for 2025-26 had ended. As far as players who appeared on NFL rosters such as Wright and Harris, albeit very briefly, they only tried to get back to school, specifically at LSU now, because they were in the lawsuit at question against the NCAA and the SEC. Past and future college players who were cut or will be cut from NFL rosters over a summer before playing in regular season games are not expected to try to sue for another year of college eligibility, becaues they are not on the present, isolated lawsuits. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Southeastern Conference, Wade Rousse --- ### [Nine Hours Under Oath Exposed the Problem With the SEC’s Eligibility Rules](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-eligibility-ruling-nobody-could-define-pro/) **Published:** September 4, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** Tiger Rag Column | Inside Courtroom 10C The Rabbit Got the Gun — And Nobody Could Define a Pro Nine hours inside a packed Baton Rouge courtroom revealed everything wrong with the way college sports now makes its rules. **By Todd Horne** Vice President & Executive Editor, Tiger Rag At 7:54 Friday morning, I was looking at a carefully worded statement from LSU President Wade Rousse. 7:54 a.m. — The institution> “LSU respects the judicial process and the court’s decision.” LSU System President Wade Rousse 7:56 a.m. — The courtroom> “Ain’t no fun when the rabbit got the gun!” Plaintiffs’ attorney Tony Clayton Clayton yelled that one across the courtroom after SEC attorney Jason Williams objected again during Clayton’s cross-examination of Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey. Judge William Jorden overruled Williams, then ordered Clayton’s comment struck from the record. Too late. It was all over social media by the time the hearing ended. People who knew little about injunctions, private associations or NCAA Rule 12.6 understood immediately what Clayton meant. For most of its history, the SEC had the gun. On Thursday, Sankey had to sit on a witness stand in a Baton Rouge courthouse for more than three hours and explain how the conference was using it. The whole day was like that—formal law colliding with Louisiana, complicated arguments periodically reduced to something everybody could understand. ## First, I Had to Get Inside Courtroom 10C was already packed when the hearing started shortly after 11 a.m. Approximately 40 plaintiffs filled the benches, along with lawyers, family members, court personnel, spectators and reporters. The room is about half the size of the courtroom one floor above, where another trial was taking place in front of all of five people. I was briefly allowed inside, then ordered out by the bailiff because there were no seats. A sheriff’s deputy at the door told me he would try to work me back in when somebody left. Until then, I stood in the hallway and reported what I could verify: Sankey had personally come to Baton Rouge. The plaintiffs were there. The hearing was underway. LSU had until the next day to submit its football roster to the conference. Eventually, a seat opened. Once I got inside and began listening, something strange happened. I had heard this hearing before. Not the exact testimony or the lawyers’ questions, of course. But I had spent the previous week writing about the SEC’s new policy and the questions it could not answer. What makes an athlete a professional now? Is it money, a contract, a roster spot or actual professional experience? Can the SEC punish LSU for using an athlete protected by a Louisiana court? When a court order and a conference rule collide, who gets the final word? The hearing followed that analysis almost point by point. That was not because I had seen the future. The problems were sitting there in the rule. Thursday was simply the first time the NCAA and SEC had to answer for them under oath. ## Walmart, Costco and the SEC’s Early Win The SEC scored the first significant legal victory. Most of the lawsuit’s 44 plaintiffs did not have a direct connection to an SEC school. Williams argued that they could not attach their claims against the conference to those brought by athletes trying to attend LSU or another SEC institution. > Judge, I think if someone slipped and fell in Walmart, you couldn’t bring a suit against Costco. SEC attorney Jason Williams Fair enough. The athletes’ lawyers agreed to narrow the SEC portion of the case to seven plaintiffs with direct conference connections, including Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris. It was a procedural win for the SEC, though it did not settle anything about the policy itself. Then Sankey took the stand. He testified for approximately three hours and 10 minutes, defending the historic boundary between college and professional sports and warning that the NFL could become a recruiting ground for college football if the SEC allowed players to return after being cut. That concern is not ridiculous. Nobody is arguing that established NFL veterans should start dropping back into the SEC whenever they feel like playing Alabama again. There has to be some line. The problem Thursday was that no one could say exactly where it was. ## The Boundary Sankey Couldn’t Locate Clayton asked why the SEC policy named the NFL, NBA and WNBA but did not account for every overseas professional league or women’s professional soccer. Sankey said the conference had not had enough time to examine every professional organization. The SEC had enough time to threaten a school with a fine equal to half of a sport’s operating budget. It had enough time to authorize a half-season suspension for a head coach, revoke a university’s conference voting rights and give the commissioner room to impose additional punishment. It just had not found enough time to determine whether its definition of “professional” made sense across every sport it governed. Sankey also testified that he earned approximately $4.8 million during the previous tax year and traveled to Baton Rouge on a private plane. Neither fact made the SEC wrong. Sankey is highly compensated because he runs the most powerful conference in college athletics, and he deserves credit for appearing personally when no NCAA executive did. Jorden gave him that credit, too. “For him to actually come down here, that was a big deal, and that took guts,” the judge said. But the contrast inside the room was impossible to miss. Sankey was defending the old boundary between college and professional sports in a system where some college athletes make more money than many professionals. ## Then the Plaintiffs Put Wright and Harris Before the Judge Both men testified that they had earned more than seven figures through name, image and likeness compensation while playing college football. Wright signed with Philadelphia, was waived, claimed by Cleveland and later released. Harris signed with New Orleans after leaving Ole Miss. Both said their NFL teams paid them nothing. That was the entire problem sitting there in two chairs. They had made seven figures as college athletes. They had made nothing from the professional organizations whose contracts could now make them too professional for college. Other plaintiffs testified about receiving approximately $190 in travel or gasoline money and having it treated as professional compensation capable of ending their college eligibility permanently. ### So Define “Pro” - **Getting paid?** College athletes get paid. - **Having an agent?** College athletes have representation. - **Signing a contract?** Wright and Harris signed NFL agreements and received no NFL salary. - **Professional experience?** The SEC policy does not consistently cover every league, sport or country. The SEC wants to protect college football from becoming a destination for established professional players. That is reasonable. But the plaintiffs did not put established NFL players before Jorden. They put two men before him who entered the NFL process after being told their college eligibility had expired, were released without pay and later learned that the NCAA had changed the underlying eligibility structure. When asked whether he wanted to return to college football, Harris answered with one word: “Yes.” For hours, the case had moved through the language of private associations, jurisdiction, standing, irreparable harm and preliminary injunctions. Harris reduced his part of it to the simplest human fact in the courtroom. He still wanted to play. ## The Attorney General Walked Over During a 30-minute recess, I was in the hallway talking with Clayton about his cross-examination. He believed Williams had tried to keep him from developing a rhythm with the repeated objections. “I think he tried his best to keep me unbalanced,” Clayton told me. “I don’t think he did a good job with me. I got what I wanted out of it.” Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill saw us talking and walked over. Her office had filed a friend-of-the-court brief the previous night. I asked her what she believed was really driving the SEC’s response. > This is about power and the fact that their power and their rules have been challenged, and they don’t like it. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill Murrill also rejected the idea that the lawsuit was nothing more than a Lane Kiffin roster scheme. “It’s not about Lane Kiffin,” she said. “It’s about these individuals who want to play.” She had identified the issue beneath everything else. A court could protect an athlete from the NCAA, but that protection would mean very little if the SEC could threaten LSU with such enormous penalties that the university became afraid to use him. LSU had already revealed its discomfort with that arrangement. The original policy passed unanimously, but when SEC presidents formally approved the punishment structure a day later, the vote was 15-0. LSU abstained. LSU did not vote against the penalties. It also did not put its name behind sanctions that could soon be aimed directly at LSU and Kiffin. ## The SEC Opened a Second Front While everyone was still inside the Baton Rouge courtroom, word arrived that the SEC had filed another lawsuit in federal court in Alabama against LSU, LSU President Wade Rousse, Athletics Director Verge Ausberry and Kiffin. That was when any remaining pretense disappeared. This was about power. The SEC was being forced to defend its authority in a Louisiana courtroom it did not control. Before Jorden had even ruled, the conference opened another front in a federal court in Alabama. Jorden ultimately declined to hold either the NCAA or SEC in contempt because neither organization had taken a sufficiently concrete action violating his earlier temporary restraining order. But he had no trouble understanding the message the SEC sent when it announced its potential penalties. > I’m showing you I’ve got a big gun. I’m showing you, if you feel froggy, go on and leap. Judge William Jorden, describing the SEC’s warning There was the gun again. The SEC displayed it through its penalties. Jorden’s injunction temporarily prevented the conference from firing it at the universities, coaches and administrators covered by his order. ## After Nine Hours, No Answer Jorden granted the preliminary injunction. He protected the named athletes from the NCAA’s disputed eligibility restrictions for this academic year and prevented the SEC from punishing schools, coaches and administrators for signing, rostering or playing the SEC-connected plaintiffs covered by his order. The judge did not rule that every former professional athlete can return to college. He did not eliminate the SEC’s ability to establish membership rules. He found that these plaintiffs had shown enough arbitrary and inconsistent treatment to justify protection while the case continues. “It doesn’t make any rhyme or reason,” Jorden said. “It doesn’t make any sense.” After nine hours, that was about as good a summary as anybody had offered. ## Rousse’s Statement Says More Than It Appears To Say LSU did not spike the football afterward. Rousse said the university would support its programs while complying with the law and conference rules. He said LSU would review the order and continue working “constructively” with the SEC and NCAA. That is diplomatic language from a university that had just been sued by its own conference. LSU’s response> “College football does not deserve this kind of ambiguity in eligibility standards.” LSU System President Wade Rousse, who called upon Congress to pass a version of the Protect College Sports Act Rousse is right about the ambiguity. Congress may eventually have to create a national standard because the current system is not sustainable. But federal legislation cannot simply hand unrestricted power back to the organizations that produced this mess. Any new law must give athletes and universities rules they can understand before decisions are made, not explanations delivered after careers have already changed. Thursday’s ruling solves LSU’s immediate problem. The university can submit its roster. Wright and Harris are protected by the order. Kiffin can prepare for Clemson without wondering whether using them will cost him half a season or cost LSU football half its operating budget. The rest remains unsettled. The SEC can appeal. Its Alabama lawsuit is pending. The Louisiana case continues. No permanent national eligibility standard emerged from Courtroom 10C. What makes someone a professional in a sport where the college players can earn millions and the supposed professionals can earn nothing? Clayton supplied the line everybody will remember. Jorden struck it from the record, but by then the sentence belonged to Louisiana. The rabbit got the gun. The people who wrote the rules still could not tell the judge where to point it. ### More From Tiger Rag - [‘This Is About Power’: Greg Sankey Defends SEC Rule Under Oath in Baton Rouge](https://www.tigerrag.com/this-is-about-power-greg-sankey-defends-sec-rule-under-oath-in-baton-rouge/) - [Judge Blocks NCAA, SEC From Denying Eligibility or Punishing Schools](https://www.tigerrag.com/judge-blocks-ncaa-sec-from-denying-eligibility-or-punishing-schools-in-baton-rouge-ruling/) - [Liz Murrill Tells the Court Why It Must Define SEC Authority](https://www.tigerrag.com/louisiana-ag-liz-murrill-sec-authority-eligibility-hearing/) - [SEC Eligibility Fight Raises a Bigger Question: What Defines a Pro?](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-eligibility-rule-define-pro-college-football/) **Categories:** Featured, Focal, Lane Kiffin, LSU athletics, LSU Football News **Tags:** Dae’Quan Wright, greg sankey, Liz Murrill, lsu football, NCAA, sec, Tony Clayton, Wade Rousse, Zxavian Harris --- ### [LSU Volleyball Team Loses, 3-1, At Michigan To Even Its Record At 2-2](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-volleyball-team-loses-3-1-at-michigan-to-even-its-record-at-2-2/) **Published:** September 4, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES ANN ARBOR, Michigan – The LSU volleyball team rallied from a 0-2 deficit, but fell 3-1 (20-25, 20-25, 25-23, 21-25) against Michigan to conclude the 2026 Allstate Big Ten/SEC Challenge Week at the Crisler Center here on Wednesday. After dropping the first two sets 25-20, LSU (2-2) battled back with a 25-23 victory in the third set and used a 6-0 run in the fourth to build a 21-18 lead, putting Michigan (3-1) on the ropes late. But the Wolverines responded with a 7-0 run to escape the decisive fifth set. Michigan held the slight edge in points (72.5-72), but LSU landed more kills (62-53). The biggest difference came at the net, where the Wolverines recorded 10.5 blocks, while LSU finished with five. Michigan had nine aces, two of which were the final points of the match. LSU outside hitter [Jurnee Robinson](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/jurnee-robinson) led all players with 25.5 points, tallying 21 kills, a season-high three aces, three blocks, and nine digs. Outside hitter [Samara Coleman](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/samara-coleman) followed with a season-best 12 kills. Other solid offensive performances included right side [Camryn Jeffery](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/camryn-jeffery)’s eight kills and middle blocker [Sanaa Donaie](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/sanaa-donaie), who finished with a .500 hitting percentage with seven kills on 12 attacks and one error in two sets played. Donaie also had two blocks. Setter [Takyla Brown](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/takyla-brown) directed the offense to a .238 hitting percentage with 36 assists and added an ace and eight digs. Setter [Lauren Brooker](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/lauren-brooker) finished with 12 helpers. Libero [Kiley Brooks](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/kiley-brooks) led the defense with a season-best 17 digs, had seven assists, and had an ace. The Tigers next play on Tuesday against North Carolina State at 7 p.m. at home in the Southeastern Conference/Atlantic Coast Conference Showdown For the latest news and information on Tiger volleyball, visit www.lsusports.net/volleyball. Fans can follow the team on its social media outlets at[ www.facebook.com/lsuvolleyball](http://www.facebook.com/lsuvolleyball) and @lsuvolleyball on[ Instagram](http://instagram.com/lsuvolleyball) and[ X](http://twitter.com/lsuvolleyball). **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Volleyball **Tags:** Jurnee Robinson, lsu, LSU Tigers, lsu volleyball, Michigan Wolverines --- ### [Lane Kiffin Show Rocks "COURT To Table," But Not That Kind Of Court](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-coaches-show-held-at-court-to-table-restaurant-but-not-that-kind-of-court/) **Published:** September 4, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor While LSU was winning and the Southeastern Conference and commissioner Greg Sankey were losing in a Baton Rouge courtroom downtown, new LSU football coach Lane Kiffin was in his happy place in more ways than one on Thursday night. Kiffin pulled up to the spacious Court To Table Kitchen & Bar at 7477 Burbank Drive near LSU that includes nearly a dozen pickleball courts. The super trending sport has been a favorite of Kiffin for years. And Kiffin heard about Court To Table from his daughter Landry last year while he was the head coach at Ole Miss, which naturally had smaller pickleball venues than Baton Rouge – much like the Rebels’ football stadium and other facilities. “I was just thinking pulling up here,” said Kiffin, who arrived at the 6 p.m. show at 6:38 p.m. “Sometimes you got to a place, and it takes a long time to build it and to have a radio who like this with this many people at it.” > LSU wins preliminary injunction from Baton Rouge judge vs. NCAA and SEC. [@racertodd](https://x.com/racertodd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [September 4, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2095684734722470095?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Court To Table, which is owned by mega LSU athletics donor and billboard injury lawyer giant Gordon McKernan, sold out of reserved tickets nearly instantly for the show and packed in several hundred raucous fans in anticipation of the No. 11 Tigers’ season opener against No. 23 Clemson on Saturday in Tiger Stadium (6:49 p.m., ABC). “I’ve been at some places where we started with about 10 at the radio show,” Kiffin said, but did not mention if that was at Ole Miss, which he rebuilt from a mostly average program to a double-digit win, playoff contender from 2020-25, or Florida Atlantic, where he coached from 2017-19. “So, it’s real exciting to be at a place where you realize we’re going into a first game and have this much excitement around the program and have a roster this good that may have takent years at another place to build is already here,” Kiffin said. “So, that’s really exciting.” Kiffin signed 41 players last January in a No. 1-ranked transfer portal class about a month after leaving Ole Miss for LSU, including the No. 1 portal player in redshirt junior quarterback Sam Leavitt of Arizona State and the No. 4 portal player in junior left tackle Jordan Seaton from Colorado. And shortly after Kiffin’s radio show ended at 7 p.m. Thursday, Kiffin was cleared to play two more “NFL Portal” additions in Baton Rouge court – former Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright and former Saints defensive lineman Zxavian Harris. Both were signed to the Browns’ and Saints’ rosters, but only briefly this summer and never played in any preseason games. Both players tried to return to college at LSU, only because they are in one of the many eligibility lawsuits across the country against the NCAA. They and many others have won temporary restraining orders and injunctions freeing them to play a fifth season. Each played for Kiffin at Ole Miss last season. > “Their power and their rules have been challenged, and they don’t like it. It’s that simple.” > –[@AGLizMurrill](https://x.com/AGLizMurrill?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) captures Greg Sankey in 2 sentences. [@racertodd](https://x.com/racertodd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [September 3, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2095642701752361443?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Baton Rouge District Court Judge William Jorden ruled against the NCAA, the SEC and Sankey in particular in a player eligibility case by granting a group of former college athletes, including Wright and Harris from the class of 2022 a preliminary injunction, allowing them to play for now. “I’m showing you I’ve got a big gun,” Jorden said to Sankey, who testified for several hours Thursday. And he amazingly displayed a lack of knowledge of the NCAA’s new rule giving athletes from 2023 on five years of play instead of four that was passed last June. And that is the focus the players’ lawsuit against the NCAA that drew the injunction. Sankey’s definition of what a professional athlete was very disjointed and provided no clarity and made him look unprepared. “I told you not to do something,” Jorden said referring to Sankey suddenly pushing forth new rules last week that banned the players from the 2022 class from returning to college from NFL teams by virtue of court rulings related to the lawsuit. Sankey later backed down from that. And he lost again Thursday. “I’m showing you if you feel froggy, go ahead and leap,” Jorden said. “Their power and their rules have been challenged, and they don’t like it. It’s that simple,” Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill said of Sankey and his conference. On Thursday morning, Sankey and the SEC announced via their headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama, a federal lawsuit against LSU president Wade Rousse, athletic director Verge Ausberry and Kiffin while the hearing was transpiring. Slick. The lawsuit accuses the above LSU parties with “waging a deliberate and coordinated campaign to recruit pro players.” Murrill did not say that lawsuit was frivolous. Rather, she called it “garbage.” > [Louisiana AG Liz Murrill Puts SEC Authority at Center of Thursday Eligibility Hearing](https://www.tigerrag.com/louisiana-ag-liz-murrill-sec-authority-eligibility-hearing/) And suddenly Sankey is in a pickle, but so too is Kiffin as La. Law goes on. Wright could play for LSU Saturday against Clemson as he has had the necessary five days of practice in the NCAA acclimitization protocol. Harris, who has not practiced because of an injury, cannot. Kiffin could list Wright on his player availability list to the SEC office due Friday, but he could risk backlash from Sankey, although Sankey has displayed a lack of legal knowledge in recent weeks. But back to Court To Table as LSU’s roster may be increasing from court to field. “It’s a good warm-up for Tiger Stadium,” Kiffin told the crowd. LSU football play-by-play radio announcer Chris Blair closed the show by telling Kiffin he was interested in some pickleball coaching tips so he can begin playing. Kiffin said sure, then told a pickleball. “You made me think about a pickleball story sitting here,” Kiffin said. “Sometimes things come back to me – you know I’ve had a lot of chaos in my life the last year. So, sometimes I forget the actual order of things.” > [Lane Kiffin To Be LSU LB Whit Weeks’ Father-In-Law? Don’t Blame The Media … Question Came From A Fan](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-to-be-lsu-lb-whit-weeks-father-in-law-dont-blame-the-media-question-came-from-a-fan/) Kiffin’s daughter Landry, a former Ole Miss student who has been dating LSU linebacker Whit Weeks for more than a year, was at the show Thursday night and has been at Court To Table previously. “Landry sent me a picture last year,” Kiffin said. “She was down here last season, and I think she had a plan. Like maybe, ‘Hey, I’m going to get my dad down here as a coach,’ you know. And she sent me a picture because at the previous place (Ole Miss), there was no, like pickleball place that had a restaurant indoors like this. They were just normal outdoor public courts. And she’s like, ‘Dad, you would love it down here. They’ve got an inside place that’s really nice with food and everything and you can play pickleball. Just telling you, you might want to look into this place one day.'” Landry Kiffin didn’t say, “It’s just different at LSU,” which became Kiffin’s patented catchphrase at his introductory LSU press conference on Dec. 1. But the rest is history. “Well, how about a hand for Landry,” Blair said. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, lane kiffin, Liz Murrill, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Southeastern Conference --- ### [LSU Soccer Falls To Baylor, 2-0, And Drops To 1-5-1 On The Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-soccer-falls-to-baylor-2-0-and-drops-to-1-5-1-on-the-season/) **Published:** September 4, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The LSU soccer team fell to No. 22 Baylor, 2-0, Thursday night at LSU Soccer Stadium. The Tigers (1-5-1) battled the Bears (5-1-0) throughout the match, but Baylor found the back of the net once in each half to secure the victory. LSU held a 52 percent possession advantage and finished with 11 shots compared to nine for the Bears. Baylor broke through in the 34th minute when Grace White scored her third goal of the season off an assist from Sydney Miller and Kate Runyon, giving the Bears a 1-0 lead heading into halftime. The Tigers continued to pressure in the second half, recording five shots after the break and three shots on target overall. Baylor goalkeeper Azul Alvarez made three saves to keep LSU off the scoreboard. The Bears added an insurance goal in the 78th minute when Theresa McCullough scored her second goal of the season. Kate Runyon and Olivia Hess were credited with assists on the goal, extending Baylor’s advantage to 2-0. [Ava Galligan](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/ava-galligan) led LSU with four shots, including one on target, while [Allie Fryer](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/allie-fryer) added three shots. [Berglind Hlynsdottir](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/berglind-hlynsdottir) and [Jazmin Ferguson](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/jazmin-ferguson) each recorded a shot on target for the Tigers. The Tigers return to action on Sunday at Miami of Ohio. Stay up to date with all things LSU Soccer by following our team’s social media channels @LSUsoccer on[ ](https://www.instagram.com/lsugym/?hl=en)[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/lsusoccer/?hl=en), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/LSUSoccer) and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/lsusoccer). **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Soccer **Tags:** Baylor Bears, lsu, lsu soccer, LSU Tigers --- ### [Judge Blocks NCAA, SEC From Denying Eligibility or Punishing Schools in Baton Rouge Ruling](https://www.tigerrag.com/judge-blocks-ncaa-sec-from-denying-eligibility-or-punishing-schools-in-baton-rouge-ruling/) **Published:** September 3, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** ## Judge William Jorden grants protection for the 2026 season but declines to impose contempt sanctions after a marathon hearing featuring Greg Sankey, Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris By Todd Horne | Vice President & Executive Editor, Tiger Rag BATON ROUGE — Judge William Jorden granted a preliminary injunction Thursday night preventing the NCAA from using its eligibility rules to keep the named plaintiffs from competing during the 2026-27 academic year. Jorden also continued protection against the Southeastern Conference for the remaining plaintiffs with SEC connections, preventing the conference from using its adopted NCAA eligibility requirements or threatened institutional penalties to make those athletes’ judicial relief unusable. The decision means the NCAA cannot declare the protected athletes ineligible under the disputed rules, and the SEC cannot punish a member university, coach or administrator for signing, rostering or using one of the SEC-connected plaintiffs covered by the order. For LSU, the ruling provides immediate protection involving former Ole Miss players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris. The university faces a Friday deadline to submit its football roster to the SEC before opening the season against Clemson on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. Jorden limited the injunction to the current academic and athletic year. He indicated that any attempt to stay his order would have to be taken to Louisiana’s First Circuit Court of Appeal or the Louisiana Supreme Court. The judge declined to impose contempt sanctions against either the NCAA or SEC, finding that neither organization had taken a sufficiently concrete action violating his previous temporary restraining order. Jorden nevertheless expressed considerable concern about the SEC announcing severe potential penalties after he ordered the NCAA not to interfere with the athletes’ ability to return. He compared the SEC’s announcement to displaying a weapon as a warning. “I’m showing you I’ve got a big gun,” Jorden said, describing the message conveyed to member schools. “I’m showing you, if you feel froggy, go on and leap.” The ruling concluded more than nine hours of testimony, argument and deliberation inside a courtroom filled to capacity at Louisiana’s 19th Judicial District Court. Approximately 40 plaintiffs attended the hearing, which began shortly after 11 a.m. and continued into Thursday night. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey spent approximately three hours and 10 minutes on the witness stand defending the conference’s authority to keep former professional athletes from returning to college competition. By the time he stepped down, Sankey had testified that he received approximately $4.8 million in compensation during the previous tax year, acknowledged traveling to Baton Rouge aboard a private plane and repeatedly defended the conference’s attempt to preserve a boundary between college and professional sports. “The NFL is not a recruiting ground for college football,” Sankey testified. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill offered a different explanation during a 30-minute recess. “I think this is about power and the fact that their power and their rules have been challenged, and they don’t like it,” Murrill told Tiger Rag. “It’s that simple.” ### Jorden finds arbitrary application In explaining his decision, Jorden acknowledged that courts ordinarily avoid interfering with the internal affairs of private associations. Louisiana law permits judicial intervention, however, when an association’s proceedings are not conducted fairly and honestly or when its actions are arbitrary, capricious or discriminatory. Jorden said the evidence presented during Thursday’s hearing met that threshold. He questioned why the NCAA waited until June to enact its new age-based eligibility system after discussing the possibility of a five-for-five model throughout 2024 and 2025. He also pointed to different treatment across sports, professional leagues and categories of athletes. The testimony included examples of athletes who competed professionally overseas or in the NBA G League before receiving college eligibility, along with softball players who were permitted to accept professional compensation or compete against college athletes in exhibition games. Other plaintiffs testified that brief experiences with professional organizations—including receiving approximately $190 in travel or gasoline expenses—were being treated as permanently disqualifying. “It doesn’t make any rhyme or reason,” Jorden said. “It doesn’t make any sense.” The judge repeatedly asked the attorneys to define where college competition ends and professional athletics begins. After hours of testimony, he said he remained unable to identify a consistently applied line. Jorden also focused upon NCAA Rule 12.6 in the new manual. The provision states that an athlete’s period of eligibility is limited to five years beginning with full-time collegiate enrollment or the year following the athlete’s 19th birthday. The published rule does not expressly state that athletes who entered college in 2022 are excluded. Jorden found that, at minimum, the named plaintiffs demonstrated a likelihood of succeeding on their claim that the rules had been applied arbitrarily or inconsistently. He also found recognizable harm in the loss of playing opportunities, education, development and potential name, image and likeness compensation. ### Judge narrows the SEC plaintiffs Before testimony reached the larger eligibility dispute, Jorden narrowed the group of athletes pursuing claims against the SEC. The conference argued that most of the lawsuit’s plaintiffs had no direct relationship with an SEC institution and therefore could not combine their claims against the conference with those of athletes who previously attended or intended to attend SEC schools. Attorneys for the athletes agreed that only seven plaintiffs would continue pursuing claims against the SEC. “Judge, I think if someone slipped and fell in Walmart, you couldn’t bring a suit against Costco,” SEC attorney Jason Williams said. Jorden therefore declined to grant an injunction against the SEC for plaintiffs who had withdrawn their conference-related claims. The NCAA portion of the order applies to the named plaintiffs who demonstrated standing, while the SEC protection applies to the remaining plaintiffs with a direct conference connection. ### Sankey defends the professional boundary Sankey testified that the principle barring professional athletes from returning to college competition dates to at least 1911. He said allowing athletes to return after participating in NFL training camps could create competitive inequities and displace other college athletes from limited roster positions. “The line between professional sports and college sports needs to be maintained,” Sankey said. Attorneys for the athletes challenged both the substance of that position and the process through which the SEC acted. They questioned Sankey about the relationship between SEC and NCAA eligibility requirements, the timing of the conference’s actions and the severe potential penalties announced for schools, coaches and administrators who use athletes crossing specified professional thresholds. Those consequences could include a fine equal to 50% of a sport’s operating budget, a head-coach suspension of up to half a season and the loss of a university’s voting privileges within the conference. Sankey maintained that the SEC acted independently rather than in coordination with the NCAA. He said conference presidents and chancellors believed they needed to establish a clear division between professional and college competition and meaningful consequences for institutions that crossed it. He was also questioned about why the SEC policy specifically identifies athletes associated with certain American professional leagues—including the NFL, NBA and WNBA—without expressly addressing every overseas professional league or women’s professional soccer. Sankey indicated that the conference had not had sufficient time to examine every professional organization. Jorden credited Sankey for personally appearing while no NCAA executive testified. “For him to actually come down here, that was a big deal, and that took guts,” Jorden said. The judge remained troubled, however, by the SEC’s decision to announce potentially devastating institutional penalties after entry of the temporary restraining order. ### Murrill: ‘It’s not about Lane Kiffin’ Murrill rejected the suggestion that the athletes’ case was primarily a product of LSU coach Lane Kiffin’s attempt to strengthen his first Tigers roster. “It’s not about Lane Kiffin,” Murrill told Tiger Rag. “It’s about these individuals who want to play.” She said college athletics has changed rapidly while the SEC continues to rely upon concepts developed under a substantially different economic structure. “There hasn’t been a whole lot of recognition from the commissioner about how much everything has changed,” Murrill said. “They are changing on the fly, and yet it affects these students dramatically.” Those consequences, she said, extend beyond whether an athlete eventually reaches the NFL. “It affects their economic opportunities—not just in the future, but today, right now,” Murrill said. “In fact, some of them have greater economic opportunities right now playing in college than they will when they get out of college.” Plaintiffs’ attorney Tony Clayton said Murrill’s presence alongside the athletes’ legal team reflected her responsibilities as Louisiana’s attorney general. “She has a commitment to the Constitution and making sure the kids are being treated fairly,” Clayton told Tiger Rag. “This is a constitutional issue.” Clayton also said SEC attorney Jason Williams attempted to disrupt his examination of Sankey. “I think he tried his best to keep me unbalanced, where I wouldn’t be able to cross-examine Sankey,” Clayton said. “I don’t think he did a good job with me. I got what I wanted out of it.” Murrill challenged the credibility of Sankey’s testimony concerning his familiarity with the rules at the center of the dispute. “I don’t even think that was a credible statement,” Murrill said. “With all the litigation that has been going around and around about the five-for-five rule, I don’t think it is credible that he hasn’t even read the rule or read the book or knows what the bylaws are. If that’s true, then he’s getting paid way too much.” ### Wright and Harris take the stand Former Ole Miss players Wright and Harris testified after Sankey completed his appearance. Wright, a tight end who enrolled at LSU and began practicing this week, testified that he earned more than seven figures through name, image and likeness compensation during his college career. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles after going undrafted, was waived, claimed by Cleveland and subsequently released by the Browns. Wright testified that he suited up for Cleveland but was not paid by the organization. He said he wanted to “just be treated fairly” and receive the fifth season now available to athletes under the NCAA’s new eligibility structure. Harris, a defensive tackle who signed with the New Orleans Saints after playing at Ole Miss, also testified that he earned seven figures during his college career but was not paid by the Saints. Asked whether he wanted to return to college football if permitted, Harris answered, “Yes.” Both players testified that they would not have entered the NFL process if they had known another college season might become available. Their testimony exposed one of the complications beneath the SEC’s attempt to preserve a traditional boundary between college and professional athletics: Both athletes earned substantial compensation while playing in college but received no pay from the NFL organizations whose contracts or rosters could have disqualified them. ### The arguments that decided the case Closing arguments reduced the dispute to two fundamentally different descriptions of the NCAA’s transition to five years of eligibility. Attorneys for the athletes argued that the NCAA arbitrarily excluded one class from the new system after allowing other former professionals, junior-college players and athletes receiving waivers to compete under materially different standards. They emphasized that the NCAA’s new manual states that an athlete’s eligibility period is limited to five years beginning with full-time college enrollment or the year following the athlete’s 19th birthday. Nothing in the published rule expressly excludes athletes who entered college in 2022. “The NCAA wrote the rules,” an attorney for the athletes argued. “They published the rules. They can live with the rules they wrote.” The athletes’ attorneys also argued that the SEC could not enforce NCAA restrictions covered by Jorden’s order merely by incorporating those restrictions into conference policy. “The SEC said the question is, can the SEC make its own rules?” plaintiffs’ counsel said during rebuttal. “That’s not the question. The question is, can the SEC say it is going to enforce NCAA rules that have been enjoined by saying they are our rules, too?” The NCAA countered that the athletes never clearly identified which manual created the contractual right they claimed had been violated. Its attorneys argued that the 2025-26 manual governed the athletes when their eligibility expired and that the 2026-27 age-based system was adopted prospectively. Because all members of the affected class were treated consistently, the NCAA maintained, its application was not arbitrary. The SEC framed its position more narrowly. Its attorneys argued that 16 member universities may voluntarily establish common standards for conference competition and enforce those standards equally. SEC counsel maintained that the conference was not threatening to punish the athletes directly. Its enforcement provisions applied to universities, coaches and athletic-department personnel who recruited or used athletes prohibited by conference policy. The conference also argued that the commissioner’s disciplinary authority existed before Jorden issued his temporary order. Its attorneys cited Article 4.4.3 of the SEC Constitution, which authorizes the commissioner to impose fines, suspensions and other penalties upon institutions and athletic personnel who violate SEC or NCAA rules. The SEC warned that an injunction could transform NFL roster-cut day into another college recruiting period. Once one program began signing players released by professional teams, the conference argued, competitive pressure would force the other 15 members to consider doing the same. Its attorneys asked Jorden to consider athletes not represented inside the courtroom—high school prospects seeking their first scholarship and current college players awaiting their first meaningful opportunity. “For these players, the case might be about one more opportunity,” SEC counsel argued. “But for some, Judge, it’s about the first.” The athletes answered that prediction by describing the dispute as a unique, one-time consequence of the NCAA changing its eligibility structure after the plaintiffs had been told their college careers were finished. “These guys are not professional athletes,” their attorney argued. “They did not choose to leave college to go pro. Their eligibility was determined to have ended, and they moved on with their lives.” Jorden ultimately concluded that the named athletes had demonstrated sufficient likelihood of success and irreparable harm to justify preliminary relief for the current season. He stopped short of holding the NCAA or SEC in contempt. Although the judge regarded the SEC’s threatened penalties as an unmistakable warning to its member institutions, he found that neither organization had yet crossed the line from warning to punishable action. **Categories:** Featured, Focal, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Dae'quan Wright, greg sankey, lsu football, NCAA, sec, Zxavian Harris --- ### [‘This Is About Power’: Greg Sankey Defends SEC Rule Under Oath in Baton Rouge](https://www.tigerrag.com/this-is-about-power-greg-sankey-defends-sec-rule-under-oath-in-baton-rouge/) **Published:** September 3, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** ## SEC commissioner testifies for more than three hours before Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris take the stand in a packed 19th Judicial District Court hearing By Todd Horne | Vice President & Executive Editor, Tiger Rag BATON ROUGE — Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey spent more than three hours on the witness stand Thursday defending the SEC’s authority to keep former professional athletes from returning to college competition. By the time he stepped down, Sankey had testified that he received approximately $4.8 million in compensation during the previous tax year, acknowledged traveling to Baton Rouge aboard a private plane and repeatedly defended the conference’s attempt to preserve a boundary between college and professional sports. “The NFL is not a recruiting ground for college football,” Sankey testified. Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill offered a considerably different explanation during a 30-minute recess. “I think this is about power and the fact that their power and their rules have been challenged, and they don’t like it,” Murrill told Tiger Rag. “It’s that simple.” The preliminary-injunction hearing began shortly after 11 a.m. before Judge William Jorden in Courtroom 10C of Louisiana’s 19th Judicial District Court. The courtroom was filled to capacity, with approximately 40 plaintiffs present and additional spectators and reporters waiting outside for seats. Sankey attended personally and became the first witness called. His testimony lasted approximately three hours and 10 minutes. Before addressing the larger eligibility dispute, Jorden narrowed the claims being pursued against the SEC. The conference argued that most of the lawsuit’s 44 plaintiffs had no direct connection to an SEC institution and could not properly combine their claims against the conference with those of athletes seeking to attend SEC schools. Attorneys for the athletes agreed that only seven plaintiffs would continue pursuing claims against the SEC. “Judge, I think if someone slipped and fell in Walmart, you couldn’t bring a suit against Costco,” SEC attorney Jason Williams said. The ruling was procedural. Jorden did not uphold the SEC’s eligibility policy, dissolve the existing temporary restraining order or decide whether the conference may punish a member institution for using an athlete protected by a court order. The larger preliminary-injunction question remained before the court. ### Sankey defends the professional boundary Sankey testified that the principle barring professional athletes from returning to college competition dates to at least 1911. He said the SEC’s members believe allowing athletes to return after entering professional sports could create competitive inequities and displace other college athletes from limited roster positions. “The line between professional sports and college sports needs to be maintained,” Sankey said. Attorneys for the athletes challenged both the substance of that position and the process through which the SEC acted. They questioned Sankey about the relationship between SEC and NCAA eligibility rules, the timing of the conference’s action and the severe penalties established for schools, coaches and administrators who use athletes crossing specified professional thresholds. Those penalties can include a fine equal to 50% of a sport’s operating budget, a suspension of up to half a season for a head coach and the loss of a university’s voting privileges within the conference. Sankey maintained that the SEC acted independently rather than in coordination with the NCAA. He said conference presidents and chancellors believed they needed to establish a clear division between professional and college competition and meaningful consequences for institutions that crossed it. He was also questioned about why the SEC’s policy specifically identifies athletes associated with certain American professional leagues—including the NFL, NBA and WNBA—without expressly addressing every overseas professional league or women’s professional soccer. Sankey indicated that the conference had not had sufficient time to examine every professional organization. Plaintiffs’ attorney Tony Clayton told Tiger Rag during the recess that Williams attempted to disrupt his examination of Sankey. “I think he tried his best to keep me unbalanced, where I wouldn’t be able to cross-examine Sankey,” Clayton said. “I don’t think he did a good job with me. I got what I wanted out of it.” ### Murrill: ‘It’s not about Lane Kiffin’ Murrill rejected the suggestion that the litigation is primarily a product of LSU coach Lane Kiffin’s effort to strengthen his first Tigers roster. “It’s not about Lane Kiffin,” Murrill told Tiger Rag. “It’s about these individuals who want to play.” She said the governing structure of college athletics has changed rapidly while the SEC continues to rely upon concepts formed under a substantially different economic model. “There hasn’t been a whole lot of recognition from the commissioner about how much everything has changed,” Murrill said. “They are changing on the fly, and yet it affects these students dramatically.” Those consequences, she said, are not confined to whether an athlete might eventually reach the NFL. “It affects their economic opportunities—not just in the future, but today, right now,” Murrill said. “In fact, some of them have greater economic opportunities right now playing in college than they will when they get out of college.” Clayton said Murrill’s presence beside the athletes’ legal team reflected her responsibilities as Louisiana’s top legal authority. “She has a commitment to the Constitution and making sure the kids are being treated fairly,” Clayton told Tiger Rag. “This is a constitutional issue.” Asked whether Murrill’s presence could influence Jorden, Clayton rejected the premise. “She’s protecting the rights of young athletes all around the state, so she’s not there to help me,” Clayton said. “I don’t think I need any help.” Murrill also questioned the credibility of Sankey’s testimony concerning his familiarity with the governing rules at the center of the dispute. “I don’t even think that was a credible statement,” Murrill said. “With all the litigation that has been going around and around about the five-for-five rule, I don’t think it is credible that he hasn’t even read the rule or read the book or knows what the bylaws are. If that’s true, then he’s getting paid way too much.” ### Wright and Harris testify Former Ole Miss players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris took the stand after Sankey completed his testimony. Wright, a tight end who has enrolled at LSU and begun practicing, testified that he earned more than seven figures through name, image and likeness compensation during his college career. He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles after going undrafted, was waived, claimed by Cleveland and subsequently released by the Browns. Wright testified that he suited up for Cleveland but was not paid by the organization. He said he wanted to “just be treated fairly” and receive the fifth season now available to athletes under the NCAA’s new eligibility structure. Harris, a defensive tackle who signed with the New Orleans Saints after playing at Ole Miss, also testified that he earned seven figures during his college career but was not paid by the Saints. Asked whether he wanted to return to college football if permitted, Harris answered, “Yes.” Their testimony exposed one of the complications beneath the SEC’s attempt to preserve a traditional boundary between college and professional athletics: Both athletes made substantial money while playing in college but testified that they received no pay from the NFL organizations whose contracts or rosters could now disqualify them. The plaintiffs contend that they entered the professional process only after being told their college eligibility was exhausted. The NCAA subsequently adopted a new structure allowing athletes five seasons of competition within five years, but it did not apply that rule retroactively to athletes whose eligibility previously expired. The SEC maintains that it possesses independent authority as a voluntary association to establish and enforce its own membership requirements, even when a court prevents the NCAA from declaring an athlete ineligible. The athletes are asking Jorden to continue preventing the SEC from punishing institutions, coaches or administrators who use players protected by the court while the underlying case proceeds. The conference wants that protection lifted. The timing is particularly urgent for LSU. The university must submit its football roster to the SEC on Friday before Kiffin’s Tigers open the season against Clemson on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. Jorden had not ruled on the broader preliminary-injunction request as the hearing continued. **Categories:** Featured, Focal, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** greg sankey, lane kiffin, Liz Murrill, lsu football, NCAA, sec --- ### [Lane Kiffin And LSU Dismantle Clemson, 44-10, In EA College Football 27 Simulation As Sam Leavitt Throws 4 TDs](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-and-lsu-dismantle-clemson-44-10-in-ea-college-football-27-simulation-as-sam-leavitt-throws-4-tds/) **Published:** September 3, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter LSU is going to dominate Clemson on Saturday night in Tiger Stadium — at least that is what EA Sports College Football 27 thinks. The Bayou Bengals took a 44-10 win in a CFB 27 simulation of coach Lane Kiffin’s LSU debut. The Tigers (now 1-0 by EA) capitalized on explosive plays and shut down the offens of Clemson (0-1). The real game between No. 11 LSU and No. 23 Clemson is at 6:30 p.m. Saturday in Tiger Stadium to open the 2026 season. LSU redshirt junior quarterback Sam Leavitt was the MVP of the game, completing 29 of 41 passes for a whopping 448 yards and four touchdowns and rushing for 92 yards and another score. Ole Miss transfer wide receiver Winston Watkins Jr. led the team with 11 receptions for 173 yards and two TDs, and sophomore Harlem Berry racked up 102 yards and a touchdown on the ground. > [LSU vs. Clemson Scouting Report: Rebuilt Rosters, New QBs & Coordinators, Who Rebounds In The Death Valley Rematch?](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-vs-clemson-scouting-report-rebuilt-rosters-new-qbs-coordinators-who-rebounds-in-the-death-valley-rematch/) LSU kicked off the scoring with a 72-yard connection between Leavitt and Florida transfer Eugene Wilson III at the 13:38 mark in the first quarter. Clemson responded with a 1-yard touchdown run from senior quarterback Christopher Vizzina, but another bomb from Leavitt, this time a 93-yard pass to Watkins, reclaimed the lead. LSU kicker Scott Starzyk missed on the point-after attempt, and a 30-yard field goal from Clemson’s Nolan Hauser brought the score to 13-10 at the end of the quarter. Another massive play for the Tigers’ offense blew the game wide open. Leavitt called his own number and ran for 86 yards to the house midway through the second quarter, surpassing Jayden Daniels’ 85-yard score against Florida in 2023 for the longest run ever by a Tigers QB. LSU piled on with a 1-yard TD pass to Kansas State transfer wideout Jayce Brown and ended the half up 30-10 after a 30-yard Starzyk field goal in the final seconds. Clemson was held scoreless after the 54-second mark in the first quarter. Vizzina finished 10 for 25 for just 90 yards, no doubt in part thanks to a deafening Death Valley – Baton Rouge version. True freshman Naeem Burroughs led Clemson with 31 receiving yards on two catches. Sophomore running back Gideon Davidson had a more productive evening with his 13 carries for 84 yards. After a scoreless third quarter, LSU offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. clicked in the final frame. The Tigers tacked on 14 more points thanks to a 9-yard run from Berry and 7-yard reception from Watkins, his second score of the night. > [LSU’s Trey’Dez Green Tied For No. 1 TE, And Lane Kiffin Offense No. 6 For EA Sports College Football 2026-27](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-treydez-green-tied-for-no-1-te-and-lane-kiffin-offense-no-6-for-ea-sports-college-football-2026-27/) It was a near-perfect performance for the Tigers. Leavitt’s 448 passing yards would be the sixth most in a game in LSU history, and the success of the rushing attack would help to silence any doubts about the Tigers’ offensive line. Player ratings reign supreme in CFB 27 simulations. LSU’s 88 overall rating is the eighth-best in the game while Clemson’s 83 overall is tied for No. 23. The disparity reflects the all-star roster Kiffin has built this offseason with the nation’s No. 1 transfer class. The mock game did miss the mark in a few aspects, though. Someone needs to tell EA that Wisconsin transfer Dilin Jones is the new sheriff in the Tigers’ backfield. He is expected to be the lead back Saturday night, but did not record a carry in the sim. Junior tight end Trey’Dez Green was also abnormally quiet, catching just three passes for 39 yards. He scored two touchdowns against Clemson last year, and many expect the preseason All-American to take another step up in production under Kiffin and Weis this season. So, will CFB 27’s prediction come to fruition Saturday night? Probably not exactly. > [SEC Files Lawsuit Against LSU – President Wade Rousse, AD Verge Ausberry, Coach Lane Kiffin Named As Defendants](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-files-lawsuit-against-lsu-rousse-ausberry-and-kiffin-named-as-defendants/) But it was a fun break from the lawsuits and temporary restraining orders. By the way, tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who has practiced with LSU this week after joining the Tigers via the new NFL transfer portal, did not play in the sim. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, Dae'quan Wright, EA SPORTS, lane kiffin, lsu football --- ### [LSU Football Season Opener: Tight End Trey'Dez Green Is "Just Ready To Go And Kill Clemson"](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-tight-end-treydez-green-is-just-ready-to-go-and-kill-clemson/) **Published:** September 3, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor There is a lot going on around LSU at the moment with the national spotlight on an eligibility lawsuit in downtown Baton Rouge on Thursday. And Lane Kiffin makes his debut as LSU’s head coach in Tiger Stadium on Saturday night as the No. 11 Tigers host No. 23 Clemson at 6:30 p.m. on ABC. > Breaking! … SEC suing LSU president Wade Rousse, AD Verge Ausberry, Coach Lane Kiffin for “deliberate and coordinated campaign to recruit pro players.” [@racertodd](https://x.com/racertodd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and [@kacehk](https://x.com/kacehk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [September 3, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2095568927128473657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) But pre-season All-American tight end Trey’Dez Green is trying to keep everything quiet before the explosion of sights and sounds come Saturday night. “I’ve been keeping my feet on the ground,” the junior from Zachary High outside Baton Rouge said this week. “I’ve been off social media. I’ve been in the back in the shadows, been focused and just ready to go and kill Clemson this Saturday.” Figuratively, of course. But LSU is a 10-point favorite to win regardless of what happens in a Baton Rouge courtroom concerning NFL portal transfer tight end Dae’ Quan Wright, who played for Kiffin last season at Ole Miss and is now practicing with the Tigers. > [Everything You Need To Know About The Louisiana NCAA-SEC Eligibility Case Before Thursday’s Hearing](https://www.tigerrag.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-louisiana-ncaa-sec-eligibility-case-before-thursdays-hearing/) “We should have a lot of fun this Saturday,” Green said. “I love when the stakes are high. I feel like I thrive better.” Green caught 33 passes for 433 yards and seven touchdowns last season on an offense greatly hampered by injured quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who played on with a painful abdomen tear that impacted his accuracy. Kiffin and new offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. have a much more advanced attack than anything former offensive coordinator Joe Sloan and former head coach Brian Kelly ever had, even when Nussmeier was healthy. They also have a new quarterback in Sam Leavitt, the top prospect in the portal last January when the transferred to LSU from Arizona State. “It’s going to be exciting,” Green said of the redshirt junior signal caller. “He’s a wonderful player, wonderful leader, and I’m just happy to call him my quarterback.” > [Distracted? What Distractions? Tiger Stadium, LSU Culture, LSU Nation Are All Distractions In And Of Themselves](https://www.tigerrag.com/distracted-what-distractions-tiger-stadium-lsu-culture-lsu-nation-are-all-distractions-in-and-of-themselves/) The offensive strategies and knowledge displayed by Kiffin and Weis, though, have really blown away Green. “Indescribable,” Green said of the Kiffin-Weis offense. “They’re geniuses. Stuff is just so open. They’ve taught me so much that I didn’t know about football. And I’m learning even the defense coverages, the different techniques with the ends and the fronts that the defensive line plays in. I’m just so appreciative of those guys (Kiffin and Weis). I love them – how they’ve accepted me. I feel so comfortable and so prepared going out there Saturday and showcasing everything.” Green said to be ready for an extremely quick attack. “At first it was difficult and different,” he said of the early practices last spring. “You had to be in a ton of shape to play in this offense because of the up tempo. This is the fastest offense in the country. But I feel so comfortable now.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers', Trey'Dez Green --- ### [Lane Kiffin Sees Saturday As "Showtime At The Apollo" As LSU Issues Record Number of Credentials](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-sees-saturday-as-showtime-at-the-apollo-as-lsu-issues-record-number-of-credentials/) **Published:** September 2, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU has confirmed that it has credentialed nearly 900 media members, including a handful of celebrities, for the No. 11 Tigers’ season opener against No. 23 Clemson on Saturday in Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC). It will also be the LSU head coaching debut of rock star head coach Lane Kiffin, who left Ole Miss after last regular season to turn around the Tigers. “Showtime’s real man, it’s a performance,” Kiffin said Wednesday on the first weekly Southeastern Conference teleconference of the season. “Nowadays especially. You go to great concerts, whoever you like? Taylor Swift – it’s a performance, the whole thing. And we want a performance where we win, and so that people want to come back and that the stadium’s always full. And people are fighting to get into the stadium.” > So, Lane Kiffin makes his LSU debut Saturday … any reason why he or his team might be distracted somewhat? > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 31, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2094412372098093138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The LSU-Clemson game has been sold out for weeks for 102,321-seat Tiger Stadium, and the LSU-Alabama and LSU-Texas games of Nov. 7 and Nov. 14 are also sold out. “We have the most credentialed game in the history of Tiger Stadium for two teams that were 7-6 last year,” Kiffin said. “So that speaks volumes of the eyeballs on us, and people wanting to be around the program and watch the program.” Among the credentialed celebrities expected are country music star Lainey Wilson, who will be ESPN’s GameDay guest picker on Saturday morning, former LSU and NBA great Shaquille O’Neal, former LSU gymnast and social media influencer/model Livvy Dunne, comedian Theo Vonn and nearly two dozen former LSU football players. For just the second time in Tiger Stadium history, LSU will have to use reserved seating in the pressbox lounge area behind the press seating for overflow media members. The first was when No. 5 LSU hosted No. 1 and defending national champion Alabama on Nov. 3, 2012 – one year after a Game of the Century when No. 1 LSU beat No. 2 Alabama, 9-6, in overtime in Tuscaloosa. This is more than a football game. “Bring your popcorn,” as Kiffin likes to say. “I do believe, especially nowadays, this is big business,” Kiffin said. “We pay the players a lot. We’ve got big payrolls.” > [Quarterback Sam Leavitt Is Locked In For His LSU Debut](https://www.tigerrag.com/quarterback-sam-leavitt-is-locked-in-for-his-lsu-debut/) New LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt, a junior transfer from Arizona State who was the No. 1 prospect in the transfer portal when he signed with LSU last January, is expected to make approximatley $5 million this year via LSU’s various Name, Image & Likeness collectives and packages. Left tackle Jordan Seaton, who was the No. 4 prospect in the portal, is expected to make in the $4 million range as well. LSU’s total roster tab is likely between $40 and $50 million. “We need to bring a lot of money in,” Kiffin, 51, said. “And so part of that is winning. The other thing is that you have a program that people want to support and players want to come to. You have to have a very marketable program that people want to be a part of in person and financially.” LSU finished 7-6 and 3-5 in the Southeastern Conference last year with a 38-35 loss to No. 21 Houston in the Texas Bowl. Coach Brian Kelly was fired the day after a 49-25 loss to Texas A&M on Oct. 25 that dropped the Tigers to 5-3 and 2-3 and out of the College Football Playoff for the fourth time in Kelly’s four seasons on a 10-year, $100 million contract. LSU will also be paying the majority of Kelly’s original buyout of $54 million for the next several years. Clemson finished 7-6 and 4-4 in the Atlantic Coast Conference last season in coach Dabo Swinney’s 18th season. Swinney, 56, won national championships in 2016 and ’18, but has been to the playoffs only once since losing the national championship game to LSU in the 2019 season. LSU has not been back since that season. “Dabo’s done one of the best jobs in college football, sustained over a long period of time,” Kiffin said. “That’s really hard to do. And he is dominant. To win as much as he has is about as good as anybody’s ever done. His teams are always well coached, well prepared, play really hard. And we know we’re going to have our hands full on Saturday. We’ve got to play really well in our first game together. We’ve got to play really smart. Not just outplay them as a goal, but outthink them. We’re still working on that.” > [Who Is Lane Kiffin? At His Father’s Funeral, He Realized How Much He Is His Father’s Son](https://www.tigerrag.com/who-is-lane-kiffin-at-his-fathers-funeral-he-realized-how-much-he-is-his-fathers-son/) LSU is Kiffin’s sixth head coaching job after the NFL Oakland Raiders (2007-08), Tennessee (2009), USC (2010-13), Florida Atlantic (2017-19) and Ole Miss (2020-25). He won big at Florida Atlantic and Ole Miss, but he has never taken a team into the playoffs as a head coach. He did leave Ole Miss after an 11-1 (7-1 SEC) regular season that qualified for the playoffs last year to come to LSU with a seven-year contract at $90 million. He wanted to stay and coach Ole Miss in the playoffs, and LSU gave him the go-ahead. But Ole Miss said no. And the Rebels won two playoff games with Kiffin’s players and offensive coaches to reach the CFP semifinals. Kiffin also won a national championship as Alabama’s offensive coordinator in the 2015 season over Clemson and Swinney and won two as a USC assistant in 2003 and ’04. “Excited for it to finally be here,” Kiffin said. “This has been eight months we’ve been here, at least, and all leading up to this performance. Our fans are really excited, the state. Our university has put a lot into us and entrusted us with a big time job to turn around LSU football to get it back where they want it to be. Don’t take that lightly and have great appreciation for that opportunity. So, that’s why we’ve worked the way that we have. That’s why we competed in every area to give our fans the best performance starting Saturday.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, sec football --- ### [SEC Files Lawsuit Against LSU - President Wade Rousse, AD Verge Ausberry, Coach Lane Kiffin Named As Defendants](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-files-lawsuit-against-lsu-rousse-ausberry-and-kiffin-named-as-defendants/) **Published:** September 3, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** By TODD HORNE And KACE KIESCHNICK, TIGER RAG The Southeastern Conference has filed suit against LSU, president Wade Rousse athletics director Verge Ausberry and head football coach Lane Kiffin. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey is personally attending today’s proceedings at the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge. The news comes just hours into the proceedings in the preliminary injunction hearing for 42 fifth-year players, including former pros, seeking another season of eligibility. The eligibility fight has now produced an extraordinary institutional confrontation: the SEC is suing one of its own member universities, its president, athletic director and head football coach. In legal documents obtained by On3’s Pete Nakos and Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports, the conference alleges that LSU’s recruitment of former and current NFL players and intent to roster and play them this season harms the conference and threatens further harm. “LSU waged a deliberate and coordinated campaign to recruit pro players,” the lawsuit says. The SEC is seeking a permanent and preliminary injunction to prevent LSU “from violating the Conference’s First Amendment rights by compelling the Conference to associate with conduct that is contrary to the Conference’s purpose and mission,” the complaint reads. > In its lawsuit against LSU, the SEC says the schools conduct "has already harmed the conference and threatens to cause further substantial harm if not curbed." [pic.twitter.com/wOBTi5q2Vk](https://t.co/wOBTi5q2Vk) > > — Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) [September 3, 2026](https://x.com/RossDellenger/status/2095561923307675720?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The argument is similar to the lawsuit filed by the Big 12 against Texas Tech this summer following Brendan Sorsby’s injunction to reinstate his eligibility for the 2026 season. Tiger Rag is inside the courtroom and will report the claims and requested relief as they become clear. **Categories:** Featured, Focal, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** greg sankey, lane kiffin, lsu football, sec --- ### [Jerry Stovall Dies at 85: The LSU Legend’s Life and Legacy](https://www.tigerrag.com/https-www-tigerrag-com-jerry-stovall-dies-85-lsu-legend-life-legacy/) **Published:** August 31, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** A Tiger Rag Special ## The Only Job Jerry Stovall Ever Wanted Jerry Stovall arrived at LSU as the final scholarship in a class of 52. Twenty-one years later, the university turned to him after Bo Rein disappeared over the Atlantic. Four years after that, LSU fired him. None of it changed what the university meant to him. **By Todd Horne** Executive Editor The [ Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame ](https://lasportshall.com/?inductees=jerry-stovall) preserved the contrast in its account of Jerry Stovall’s career. When LSU hired Stovall as its head football coach in January 1980, the family’s home filled with well-wishers and the telephone rang throughout the night. When LSU fired him four years later, no one came. The telephone rang twice. The distance between those two days contains much of Jerry Stovall’s LSU story. He received the only job he ever wanted because another man had died. He lost it 11 months after completing one of the finest coaching seasons in school history. LSU celebrated him, wounded him and eventually placed his name above the field in Tiger Stadium. Stovall died Monday in Baton Rouge at 85. His LSU life lasted 67 years, beginning when the university found one more scholarship for a player who was not certain he belonged and ending with Stovall recognized as one of the most accomplished and respected figures in the history of the athletic department. “They gave out 52 scholarships that year,” Stovall once said, “and I was number 52.” He came to LSU from West Monroe in 1959, one year after the Tigers won the national championship and during the season Billy Cannon won the Heisman Trophy. LSU’s freshman class was filled with players who had attracted more attention. Paul Dietzel called Stovall “that skinny little runt from West Monroe.” For a while, Stovall believed he had made a mistake. He packed his belongings and called his father to tell him he was coming home. William Stovall did not argue. He said he would find his son a job. Jerry Stovall considered the kind of job his father might find, unpacked his belongings and stayed. More than 50 years later, while discussing leadership in a 2011 interview, Stovall described the approach to life that had kept him at LSU. “It’s not okay just to sit down and let life go by,” he said. “You have to be active. You have to prioritize what you’re going to do, but you have to really know what to stand for and who you stand beside.” Dietzel soon discovered that the last player in the recruiting class could perform almost every assignment LSU gave him. In Stovall’s first varsity game against Texas A&M in 1960, he carried the ball, returned punts and kickoffs, played defense and punted 11 times. When an Aggie returner appeared headed for a touchdown, Stovall ran him down. By the end of that season, he had led LSU in rushing, intercepted three passes and averaged more than 42 yards per punt. The player who had nearly gone home was becoming “Mr. Everything.” The nickname was accurate. Stovall played halfback and defensive back. He caught passes, punted, returned kicks and blocked. LSU did not build its offense around giving him the football 25 times a game because the Tigers needed him everywhere else. Charles McClendon later called him “the most complete football player I’ve ever seen.” In 1961, LSU lost its opener at Rice and then won 10 consecutive games. The defining play came against No. 2 Ole Miss in Tiger Stadium. LSU trailed 7-3 late in the first half when Stovall broke a 57-yard run to the Rebels’ 23-yard line. The drive ended with the decisive touchdown in a 10-7 victory. LSU shared the Southeastern Conference championship, defeated Colorado in the Orange Bowl and finished fourth nationally. Stovall rushed for 405 yards on only 65 carries while continuing to punt and play defense. Dietzel left for Army after the season, and McClendon became LSU’s head coach. Stovall’s senior year moved him into the Heisman Trophy race. At Georgia Tech, he took the second-half kickoff at the LSU 2-yard line and ran 98 yards for a touchdown in a 10-7 victory. Stovall refused to claim much credit. “Nobody touched me,” he said. “The blocking was perfect. All I had to do was run.” Against Florida, Stovall rushed, caught passes, blocked and played defense as LSU won 23-0. McClendon said Stovall’s blocking and defensive play were the most vicious he had seen from one of his backs that season. In his final two games against Ole Miss, Stovall rushed for 190 yards on 13 carries, although the Rebels handed LSU its only loss of the 1962 season. Oregon State quarterback Terry Baker won the Heisman Trophy with 707 points. Stovall finished second with 618. He carried the South in the voting, but Baker drew support from both coasts and won by 89 points. Stovall still had one college game remaining. LSU faced unbeaten and fourth-ranked Texas in the Cotton Bowl. The Longhorns held him to 36 rushing yards, so he contributed somewhere else. Stovall intercepted Texas’ final offensive pass to preserve LSU’s 13-0 victory. His LSU career ended the same way it had unfolded: with Stovall performing whatever job the Tigers needed at that moment. LSU’s original season sheets credit him with 1,071 rushing yards and 462 receiving yards. He intercepted seven passes, punted 165 times and handled extensive return duties. The numbers show the range of his work without fully explaining it. Stovall played in an era before specialization separated those responsibilities among several players. He also remembered something beyond the games. Stovall and Judy married in February 1962 after his junior season and lived in married-student housing during his senior year. “I probably enjoyed that one year more than any I have ever had in athletics,” he later said. Judy had known him before LSU did. They were West Monroe high school sweethearts and later raised two children, Jay and Jodi. The St. Louis Cardinals selected Stovall with the second overall pick of the 1963 NFL Draft. The New York Jets chose him third in the competing AFL draft. He signed with St. Louis and became primarily a safety, playing beside Hall of Famer Larry Wilson. Stovall remained in the NFL for nine seasons, played 97 games, intercepted 18 passes and returned two for touchdowns. He also punted when the Cardinals needed him. He made the Pro Bowl in 1966, 1967 and 1969. 21 Near the end of his playing career, Stovall called Dietzel, who was coaching South Carolina. NFL salaries did not allow most players of that era to stop working permanently in their early thirties, and Stovall had a family to support. Dietzel gave him his first college coaching job. Stovall returned to LSU in 1974 to coach McClendon’s running backs. He told Coach Mac that he had not come back merely to learn more football. He wanted to make at least one young player feel the way McClendon had once made him feel before a game. Charles Alexander became one of those players. Stovall continued recruiting Alexander after repeated rejection and built the relationship that eventually brought him to LSU. Alexander became the first Tiger to rush for more than 4,000 career yards and later joined Stovall in the College Football Hall of Fame. Stovall’s coaching philosophy was not complicated. He believed instruction began with the example established by the person in charge. “Before you can lead, you have to know what your principles are,” he said in 2011, “and you can’t lead somebody where you haven’t been.” Stovall left McClendon’s staff before the 1979 season to direct LSU’s Varsity Club, a predecessor of the Tiger Athletic Foundation. He wanted to become a head coach, but his interest was specific. LSU was the only head-coaching job he wanted. By then, the university had already decided McClendon would not continue. McClendon had not resigned when Dietzel returned to LSU as athletic director before the 1978 season. Coach Mac worked both the 1978 and 1979 seasons under Dietzel, who had been brought back to find LSU’s next football coach. Dietzel permitted McClendon to remain for 1979 because McClendon was serving as president of the American Football Coaches Association. The additional season changed the timing, not the decision. Dietzel forced McClendon out. LSU hired North Carolina State coach Bo Rein on Nov. 30, 1979, before McClendon coached his final LSU game in the Tangerine Bowl. Rein was 34 and regarded as one of the rising coaches in college football. He assembled a staff, began recruiting and prepared to move his family to Baton Rouge. On Jan. 10, 1980, Rein boarded a private plane in Shreveport for the return flight to Baton Rouge. Assistant coach Greg Williams later said Rein had spent that evening speaking with his parents, his daughters and his wife before leaving. “Bo talked to everybody he loved before he died,” Williams recalled. The plane veered far off course and continued over the Atlantic Ocean. The widely accepted explanation is that a loss of cabin pressure caused Rein and pilot Louis Benscotter to lose consciousness, although investigators never established an official cause. The aircraft disappeared into the ocean, and no wreckage was recovered. Rein had been LSU’s head coach for 42 days. He never coached a game. LSU no longer needed someone merely capable of replacing McClendon. It needed someone who understood the university, could hold Rein’s staff together and would accept the job immediately. In the aftermath of Rein’s death, Dietzel considered returning to coaching himself. Paul Manasseh, LSU’s longtime SID, later recalled walking into Dietzel’s office and finding the athletic director watching film as he contemplated taking over the team. Manasseh objected immediately. “You can’t do this!” he told Dietzel. Dietzel then turned to Stovall. Dietzel described him as young, tough, aggressive, articulate and a gifted recruiter with exceptional integrity. He then summarized the choice more directly: **“Jerry Stovall is LSU through-and-through.”** The only job Stovall had ever wanted was finally available. The circumstances left no room for celebration. Stovall later called Rein’s death a tragedy that had changed many lives. If LSU needed him, he said, he was prepared to help however he could. He accepted without selecting his assistant coaches and without having met some of them. Stovall said it would have been unfair to Rein’s staff for him to take the job and immediately dismiss the coaches Rein had hired. At his introductory press conference, Stovall did not talk about fulfilling a career ambition. He talked about the man who should have been standing there. > “I would give up any job, I would give up my right arm if it meant Bo Rein could come back. I love LSU, but the loss of Coach Rein makes the conditions sorrowful.” > > Jerry Stovall, January 1980 LSU Board member Jerry McKernan later described the sequence to magazine writer Dave Kindred: “The only thing in life Jerry Stovall ever wanted was to be the LSU football coach.” Now he had it, but only because Rein was gone. The Tigers finished 7-4 in 1980, a credible result for a program shaken by Rein’s death. LSU fell to 3-7-1 the following season. Dietzel was removed as athletic director, and Bob Brodhead replaced him. Stovall entered 1982 working for an administrator who had not hired him and knowing another losing season would probably end his tenure. LSU responded with a season few expected. The Tigers won 24-13 at No. 4 Florida. In November, they traveled to Birmingham to face No. 8 Alabama. LSU had not beaten a Bear Bryant team since 1970. Stovall’s defense held Alabama to 119 total yards. LSU won 20-10 in Bryant’s final game against the Tigers. The victory placed LSU in position to reach the Orange Bowl, but the Tigers still had to defeat No. 7 Florida State in Tiger Stadium. Freshman Dalton Hilliard produced 233 rushing and receiving yards and scored four touchdowns. LSU won 55-21. Oranges began flying from the stands before the game ended. Fans threw so many onto the field that officials stopped play while workers cleared them away. LSU was headed to a major New Year’s bowl for the first time in nine years. The Tigers led Nebraska 17-7 in the third quarter of the Orange Bowl before losing 21-20. LSU finished 8-3-1. Stovall was named SEC Coach of the Year and Walter Camp National Coach of the Year. **Eleven months later, LSU fired him.** The 1983 Tigers went 4-7 and became the first LSU team to finish winless in SEC play. After LSU defeated Tulane in the final game, the players lifted Stovall onto their shoulders and carried him from the field. One week later, Brodhead recommended his dismissal. On Dec. 2, the LSU Board of Supervisors voted 13-5 to remove Stovall. He was 42 years old. His record was 22-21-2, and his college coaching career was finished. On the night LSU hired him, the Stovalls’ house had been packed and the telephone had rung continuously. On the day the university fired him, there were no visitors and two calls. 21 [ Jim Engster later described ](https://www.tigerrag.com/engster-jerrys-lsu-journey-is-complete/) Stovall’s career as a succession of near misses: a possible national championship in 1961, the Heisman Trophy in 1962 and a coaching career that ended one season after reaching the Orange Bowl. Stovall never pretended the firing had not hurt him. He also refused to allow it to determine his relationship with LSU. > “We can never control all the circumstances in which we find ourselves. Never. But we must be able to control ourselves in the midst of each one of those circumstances.” > > Jerry Stovall, 2011 Rein’s death was beyond his control. So were the conditions under which Stovall became LSU’s coach, the narrow losses of 1982 and the Board vote that ended his career. His response remained his own. The clearest evidence came in 1996, when Brodhead died at 59. LSU figures largely stayed away from the funeral. Stovall attended. Engster later wrote that Stovall possessed an intensity that could recall his playing days but had repeatedly demonstrated “immense class and dignity.” Going to Brodhead’s funeral did not undo the Board vote or return the coaching career Stovall had lost. It showed that Stovall would not allow another man’s decision to determine the kind of man he became afterward. In the 2011 interview, Stovall returned repeatedly to that question: “What kind of man do you really want to be?” Stovall entered banking, later served as athletic director at Louisiana Tech and helped establish what became the Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation. For more than two decades, he worked to bring sporting events and visitors to Baton Rouge. He also served organizations addressing hunger, hospice care, health, disabilities and senior athletics. His Christian faith remained central to that work. “God has a plan for each person’s life,” Stovall said, “and we need to offer that plan up to Him and ask His advice.” He believed leadership started at home. Stovall called marriage the most difficult job he had ever undertaken because it never stopped. “Even while that job is going on, I’m still being married 24/7,” he said, “and trying to make sure that I’m sensitive to and meet the needs of my wife.” He spoke about listening, patience and the example a father established for his children. A son, Stovall said, often learned how to treat his mother by watching how his father treated her. “It’s foolish to ask your children to do something you’re not doing,” he said. Judy moved through all of it with him: LSU, professional football, coaching, Rein’s death, the 1982 revival, the firing and the public-service career that followed. The public record belonged heavily to football. The endurance behind it was built at home. LSU placed Stovall in its Athletics Hall of Fame in 1977. The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame followed in 1981 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 2010. In 2018, the university announced that his No. 21 jersey would be retired. “This is the most humbling honor that you can ever imagine,” Stovall said. The ceremony took place on Oct. 13 during LSU’s game against Georgia. His name joined those of Billy Cannon and Tommy Casanova on the Tiger Stadium façade. Stovall again directed the honor toward everyone else. He credited the players who blocked for him, the coaches who demanded more from him and the trainers who kept him on the field. Nearly six decades had passed since Stovall packed his belongings and called his father from LSU. He had arrived as the final scholarship in a class of 52, unsure whether he belonged. Now his No. 21 was above the field. Asked late in life how he wanted to be remembered, Stovall did not mention the Heisman race, the Pro Bowls, the Orange Bowl season or the retired jersey. > “I would like someone to say, ‘He was a man of God.’ And he was not ashamed of it. And he spoke of it when he had the chance.” > > Jerry Stovall **Categories:** Extra, Featured, LSU athletics, LSU Football News **Tags:** bo rein, charles mcclendon, college football hall of fame, jerry stovall, lsu football, LSU football history, LSU Tigers --- ### [Lainey Wilson Announced As Guest Picker For LSU-Clemson College GameDay](https://www.tigerrag.com/lainey-wilson-announced-as-guest-picker-for-lsu-clemson-college-gameday/) **Published:** September 3, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter ESPN announced that country music singer and Baskin, Louisiana native Lainey Wilson will be “College GameDay’s” guest picker when LSU hosts Clemson on Saturday (6:30, ABC). The studio show is visiting Baton Rouge for the 15th time in its 500th road broadcast. > Callin' Baton Rouge[@laineywilson](https://x.com/laineywilson?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) is the Guest Picker for the 500th [@CollegeGameDay](https://x.com/CollegeGameDay?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) show [pic.twitter.com/VrGbyBkKCV](https://t.co/VrGbyBkKCV) > > — LSU Football (@LSUfootball) [September 3, 2026](https://x.com/LSUfootball/status/2095545392435745103?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Wilson is a Grammy award winning artist and experienced guest picker. She appeared on SEC Network when the Tigers hosted Florida last season and backed the home crowd. “I’ve spent a lot of my time down here in Baton Rouge doing a bunch of tailgating and drinking them cold beers for breakfast,” Wilson said. “I’ll be honest with you, I don’t remember a lot of it. But … I know something I’m gonna remember for dang fact, and that is LSU is gonna to put a whoopin’ on the Gators.” LSU went on to beat the Gators 20-10. GameDay will begin its broadcast from LSU’s campus at 8 a.m. CT and conclude with the week’s game picks before 11 a.m. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** ESPN College GameDay, Lainey Wilson, lsu football --- ### [Greg Sankey In Attendance For Former NFL Player Eligibility Hearing](https://www.tigerrag.com/greg-sankey-in-attendance-for-former-nfl-player-eligibility-hearing/) **Published:** September 3, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** ## Greg Sankey Made the Trip to Baton Rouge. By Todd Horne | Vice President & Executive Editor, Tiger Rag SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey is personally attending today’s eligibility hearing at the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge. Proceedings began promptly at 11 a.m. in Courtroom 10C, which is filled to capacity. Approximately 40 plaintiffs are present. I was briefly admitted but ordered out by the bailiff because no seats remained. A sheriff’s deputy at the door is working with me to gain entry as soon as a seat becomes available. Courtroom 10C is roughly half the size of the courtroom on the 11th floor. That larger courtroom is occupied by another trial, although only five people are presently inside. Tiger Rag is on the scene and will report developments as access permits. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** greg sankey, lsu football, NCAA, sec --- ### [Everything You Need To Know About The Louisiana NCAA-SEC Eligibility Case Before Thursday's Hearing](https://www.tigerrag.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-louisiana-ncaa-sec-eligibility-case-before-thursdays-hearing/) **Published:** September 3, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter The future of college football could be decided in a Baton Rouge courtroom on Thursday. Judge William Jorden will hold a preliminary injunction hearing in Louisiana’s 19th Judicial District Court set to begin at 11 a.m. at 300 North Boulevard downtown. The lawsuit it pertains to is not unlike dozens that have been filed against the NCAA across the country. A group of athletes, in this case 42 of them, who exhausted their fourth and final season of collegiate eligibility in the spring are suing the NCAA for the right to play a fifth season. The NCAA approved a new age-based eligibility model last June that gives all student-athletes going forward the chance to play five seasons of college athletics in five years. That clock starts when the athlete first enrolls full time in college or turns 19 years old, whichever comes first. The “five-for-five” model does away with traditional redshirts and medical waivers with limited exceptions, such as religious missions, maternity leave or active duty military service. This new model will be applied for all incoming classes beginning with the class of 2027. All currently enrolled athletes, the classes of 2023-2026, can choose to apply either the five-for-five model or the old set of eligibility rules, whichever is more beneficial to each athlete. However, since the policy was approved on June 23, the day after the final game of the College World Series and conclusion of the 2025-2026 athletics season, class of 2022 athletes who completed their four seasons of eligibility this past school year were not granted the same fifth season. **LATEST UPDATE:** > [Louisiana AG Liz Murrill Puts SEC Authority at Center of Thursday Eligibility Hearing](https://www.tigerrag.com/louisiana-ag-liz-murrill-sec-authority-eligibility-hearing/) That exclusion led to a flood of lawsuits from class of 2022 athletes and their lawyers who believed they were entitled to another year of eligibility like their former teammates. Many athletes in the classes before them were granted a fifth season of eligibility due to the shortened COVID 2020-2021 season. Considering that current and future classes now enjoy five seasons of eligibility, the class of 2022 felt they were unfairly singled out as the only group to be held to the four-year standard because of the poor timing by the NCAA. They were caught in the middle. “They have a constitutional right to be treated fairly and equitably just as everyone else, and that is where the problem lies,” Tony Clayton, one of the attorneys representing the athletes in the Louisiana case, told Tiger Rag Radio on Tuesday night. > [LSU Football: How The New 5-For-5 NCAA Eligibility Rule Impacts Lane Kiffin’s Present And Future Rosters](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-how-the-new-5-for-5-ncaa-eligibility-rule-impacts-lane-kiffins-present-and-future-rosters/) The athletes brought their grievances to court and argued the NCAA’s arbitrary, inconsistent and poorly timed rule violated antitrust law. John Holden, an associate professor in the Department of Business Law and Ethics at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University, broke down their argument during an interview on WWL’s “First News with Tommy Tucker” on Tuesday. “Antitrust law basically prohibits schools combining together to make rules that restrict competition,” Holden said. “The argument here is essentially that the NCAA or SEC schools (under the NCAA umbrella), whatever they may be, have come together and restricted market access from the players.” This is the legal issue brought forward by the 42 athletes in Louisiana court, and it is fundamentally no different than the others like it across the nation. Where the litigation drastically deviates from the precedent set by its counterparts, however, is the professional experience of some of its plaintiffs in the Louisiana suit and the scope of the temporary restraining order issued by Judge Jorden on Aug. 19. Named in the lawsuit are a handful of former college football players who went on to sign professional NFL contracts after exhausting their eligibility. While previous state level and national injunctions won in court allowed athletes to return for a fifth season or even forced the NCAA to reopen the transfer portal to accommodate them, none permitted athletes who had moved on to professional leagues to come back to college. That was the line in the sand in Louisiana. > [What’s Really Going On in the College Football Eligibility Fights](https://www.tigerrag.com/college-football-eligibility-lawsuits-sec-ncaa/) When Judge Jorden granted the plaintiffs the temporary restraining order (TRO) to temporarily return to college sports, enter the transfer portal and begin team activities, he ruled in this way. Since the athletes were not eligible for another collegiate season when they made the decision to go pro (before the rule passed in June), they should not be subject to the same rule as if they made the choice to sign a professional deal in a normal year without the new rule soon to come. That was their only option if they wanted to continue their athletic career. The other option of another year was not yet available. “In January of this year, those young folks had to make a choice,” Clayton said. “They couldn’t play college anymore. They weren’t allowed to have their fifth year. So, they went to try out for the pros. They had to enter the draft and dip their toes into this professional arena. Well, five months later, the NCAA decides upon itself to say, ‘You know what, I will give everybody five years with the exception of these student athletes from 2022.’ That’s not fair.” Judge Jorden’s ruling allowed former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who was on the roster of the Cleveland Browns but only for a brief time, and former Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, who was on the Saints’ roster also very briefly before being cut, to commit to LSU and coach Lane Kiffin. Each played last season for Kiffin during the regular season before he left to become LSU’s coach and became the most polarizing person in college football, even though multiple other coaches agreed to new jobs during the 2025 regular season. “We don’t put any energy into it,” Kiffin said on the SEC teleconference on Wednesday. “We’re not in it. So, this is a lot of athletes from a lot of different sports from a lot of different states in a hearing tomorrow (Thursday). We’re waiting to get more information tomorrow and more guidance from the SEC.” Shortly after the TRO was granted, the Southeastern Conference announced a new policy prohibiting member schools from rostering players who previously declared for the NFL, NBA or WNBA draft and did not appropriately withdraw, signed a professional contract in any of those leagues or was listed on a roster in them. > Following meetings with the Presidents, Chancellors, and Athletics Directors of the Southeastern Conference, the SEC will enforce the following policy: [pic.twitter.com/LohWnb7G1J](https://t.co/LohWnb7G1J) > > — Southeastern Conference (@SEC) [August 25, 2026](https://x.com/SEC/status/2092383884872765473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The following day, SEC university presidents voted 15-0 (LSU President Wade Rousse abstained) to approve punishments for any school that violated the bylaws. The team that rostered a former professional as defined by the policy would be subject to a fine equal to 50 percent of the team’s annual operating budget and a half-season suspension of the head coach and the university’s voting privileges in SEC decisions would be revoked. The Louisiana lawsuit was then amended at request of the plaintiffs’ lawyers to name the SEC and commissioner Greg Sankey as defendants along with the NCAA. The athletes involved are now no longer just seeking a fifth season of eligibility, but also a blockage of the SEC’s new bylaws. After being added to the lawsuit, Sankey backed down and agreed to comply with the TRO and refrain from enforcing the new SEC rule. Wright and Notre Dame transfer Junior Tuihalamaka, who is a plaintiff in the case but never signed an NFL contract, signed with LSU, enrolled and began practicing with approval from the SEC. “I don’t think they’re doing any niceties by complying to the court order,” Clayton said pointedly. “That’s just the rule of law. That’s what we do in this country.” > [SEC Eligibility Ruling: Sankey Will Comply as LSU Case Heads to Court](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-eligibility-ruling-greg-sankey-lsu-former-pros-court/) On Wednesday night, the SEC came out strong heading into Thursday’s hearing: > [SEC Eligibility Fight Reaches Louisiana Court as Greg Sankey Defends Conference Authority](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-eligibility-fight-louisiana-court-greg-sankey-authority/) On Thursday, the athletes are hoping for a preliminary injunction that would restore their eligibility for the 2026-2027 season. Such an injunction would not be a final ruling. But it would be an acknowledgment that the players have a reasonable chance of winning the lawsuit and would suffer harm if the NCAA and SEC are allowed to prevent their return or enforce any punitive damages on the athletes or schools signing them while they await a trial. “The harm to the players is pretty obvious,” Holden said. “They’d effectively miss out, particularly those that have left NFL rosters (by being cut), if they don’t play and don’t have access to NIL money. Then they are going to be harmed, so that harm is obvious. The NCAA is going to have to overcome that, and the SEC is going to have to overcome that and show that, despite this, they should prevail over the players.” If the players are awarded a preliminary injunction, attorneys would be allowed to do discovery, depose the defendants and prepare for trial. That process could last well into and even beyond the college football season, diluting the impact of the resulting trial, if there ever even is one. “The clock is ticking here, and the courts aren’t immune from knowing that’s happening,” Holden said. “No one wants this uncertainty going into the season, so this is a pressing matter. And I do expect that we hear something shortly after the hearing on Thursday, if not immediately. We might not get a written decision for a couple of hours or perhaps even a couple of days, but I expect that we get some additional information coming out of that hearing.” Holden said that he expects the SEC would seek an immediate appeal for emergency relief if the ruling does not go their way. But they would be tasked with proving what harm could be caused by not granting the relief and by letting one player – Dae’Quan Wright – play after only spending all of a few weeks on the roster of an NFL team as a deep reserve who was cut. > [SEC Eligibility Rule Raises Bigger Question: Authority](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-eligibility-rule-lsu-authority-legal-challenge/) But there is no telling what will happen. “I’ve long given up on trying to predict what courts are going to do,” Holden said. “It’s a little tough to say how things are going to turn out. We’ve sort of seen these rulings go both ways, so it really seems kind of fifty-fifty as to how this is likely to go. Certainly, the fact that a TRO was granted is not necessarily indicative of a final result, but the timeline is short. The NCAA is going to have to come in and show that they have harm if this isn’t lifted.” And that appears difficult as the issue centers on only one player. Clayton is confident his clients will receive a favorable ruling. “I had an old law professor who once told me that, ‘Clayton, if you don’t have the law on your side, scream the facts. If you don’t have the facts, scream the law. If you don’t have either, just scream.’” It appears that Sankey and a growing number of fans, media and school officials who seem to have it out for public enemy number one Kiffin and/or LSU have been doing most of the screaming. “Here,” Clayton said, “we have the law and the facts.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** greg sankey, lsu, lsu football, NCAA, sec --- ### [LSU vs. Clemson Scouting Report: Rebuilt Rosters, New QBs & Coordinators, Who Rebounds In The Death Valley Rematch?](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-vs-clemson-scouting-report-rebuilt-rosters-new-qbs-coordinators-who-rebounds-in-the-death-valley-rematch/) **Published:** September 3, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter **Clemson at LSU** **Saturday, Sept. 5** **•** **6:30 p.m. CT** **•** **ABC** **Baton Rouge, La.** **•** **Tiger Stadium (“Death Valley”)** **Spread: LSU -10.5 | O/U 50.5** **Overview** No. 11 LSU hosts Clemson in a rematch of the 2025 season opener (a 17-10 LSU win) that does not have the same top-10 pedigree or expected College Football Playoff implications as a season ago but carries just as much excitement. The Tigers kick off the first game of the Lane Kiffin era that has already been defined by the blockbuster transfer classes and drama that LSU fans anticipated when they welcomed the controversial figure from Ole Miss. On Saturday night, though, courtroom battles, eligibility debates, “X” rumors and everything else will fade into the background as the sun finds its home in the western sky above Tiger Stadium. With plenty of fresh faces on both sides of the ball, Blake Baker’s “Bayou Bandits” defense will look to set the tone against Clemson senior quarterback Christopher Vizzina in his second-ever start. His Clemson counterpart, Tom Allen, will hope his rebuilt but stout unit can contain an explosive, unproven LSU offense with only three returning starters. **KEY STORYLINES** 1. Rosters Overhauled The Bayou Bengals will roll out a roster rebuilt by Kiffin’s No. 1 ranked 40-player transfer portal class. Dabo Swinney’s Clemson team is also in the middle of a program reset. After disappointing 7-6 seasons from both schools last year, Swinney lost nine players to the NFL draft and welcomed his biggest portal class ever — 10 players, earth-shattering by his standards. LSU’s transfers have taken over key roles across the roster: QB Sam Leavitt, WRs Jayce Brown, Eugene Wilson III, Winston Watkins Jr. & Jackson Harris, RB Dilin Jones, LT Jordan Seaton, RG Aliou Bah, DEs Princewill Umanmielen & Jordan Ross and S Ty Benefield. Clemson’s impact transfers reside primarily on the defense: Safeties Corey Myrick & Jerome Carter III, CBs Elliot Washington & Donovan Starr, DTs Markus Strong & Andy Burburija and DE London Merritt. Swinney’s offense will rely on five returning starters to help young talents step into new roles in the QB, RB and OL rooms. 2. New Quarterbacks Vizzina was named the official starting QB just days before the season opener. The former five-star recruit is entering his fourth season in Clemson, but he has taken just 238 offensive snaps in his career. 71 of those came in his lone start, a 35-24 loss to SMU last season, when he was 29-for-42 with 317 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions against a Mustangs team that finished the season ranked 135th in passing defense. Swinney also said freshman QB Tait Reynolds would “likely” see the field after a strong fall camp made the position battle tighter than expected. For LSU, Leavitt makes his debut. The Arizona state transfer was the top-rated player in the portal this offseason but spent much of the spring sidelined as he recovered from a season-ending “Lisfranc” surgery. Kiffin reports that he has been impressive throughout fall camp and is able to make the explosive runs and “adult throws” that helped him lead the Sun Devils to the CFP in 2024. 3. Experienced Offensive Coordinators Find New Homes Former Ole Miss coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. made the trip from Oxford to Baton Rouge with Kiffin. Kiffin has hailed Weis as the true mastermind behind their explosive, up-tempo offense that ranked second in the nation in total yards each of the last two seasons and never finished outside the top 13 in their four seasons together at Ole Miss. Chad Morris returns to Clemson this season after previously serving as Swinney’s offensive coordinator from 2011-2014. During that span, his offense averaged 468.5 yards and 36.3 points per game, ranking ninth and 12th among Power Four schools respectively, and he helped the Tigers to a 41-11 record. After disappointing head coaching stints at SMU and Arkansas, Morris was Auburn’s OC in 2020, a high school coach in 2021, an offensive analyst at South Florida and Clemson the next two seasons, the Texas State passing game coordinator in 2024 and watched his son play QB for Virginia last season. His arrival reflects an effort to revitalize the offense and return to the Clemson identity, leadership and success of the 2010s. Look for both Tigers’ offenses to move at a blistering pace, establish the run and take deep shots when available. 4. Clemson defensive front vs. LSU offensive line A Clemson defensive line has become one of the most reliably talented groups in college football, but Allen had to replace a lot of last year’s production this offseason. Senior DE Will Heldt, who led the team with 7 ½ sacks and 15 ½ tackles for loss last season, is back, but DE T.J. Parker and DTs Peter Woods and DeMonte Capehart both left in the NFL Draft. LSU nabbed one of their Week 1 starters, DT Stephylan Green, in the transfer portal. Fifth-year EDGE Jahiem Lawson will step up from a rotational role that produced 3 ½ sacks a year ago to anchor the other end of the line while the interior looks to senior Strong and sophomore Amare Adams following the arrest and dismissal of graduate lineman Vic Burley last month. The linebacker corps lost No. 2 tackler Wade Woodaz to the NFL but returned junior LB Sammy Brown, who led the team with 106 tackles last season. He is joined by redshirt senior Jeremiah Alexander, who played in all 13 games last year. LSU’s offensive line is led by returning starting center Braelin Moore. Seaton was the No. 1 LT in the transfer portal, LG Bo Bordelon gets his chance as a starter after four seasons in Baton Rouge, Bah is a solid vet at RG and RT Weston Davis returns to the starting lineup after a challenging 2025. The unit will need to be much improved for the offense to move the ball. **PLAYMAKERS TO WATCH** • Sam Leavitt (LSU QB): A dual-threat playmaker who makes explosive plays on the ground and elite arm talent returns from a season-ending right foot surgery • Trey’Dez Green (LSU TE): LSU’s all-time TE touchdown leader (11). The only returning skill-position player, who could expand his role from a red-zone target to an every-down threat • Ty Benefield (LSU S): First-team All-Mountain West Boise State transfer who makes plays at every level of the defense • Sammy Brown (Clemson LB): First-team All-ACC selection who led the Tigers with 106 tackles • Ashton Hampton (Clemson CB): 47 tackles, a sack, an interception and 11 pass breakups last season stepping into No. 1 role **KEY MATCHUPS** CBs DJ Pickett and PJ Woodland vs WRs Bryant Wescoe Jr. and T.J. Moore — strength on strength, Vizzina will need help from his talented, veteran receivers. If Pickett and Woodland can shut them down, that could spell disaster for the Clemson offense. RB Dilin Jones vs. Clemson LBs — Jones has taken over the backfield ahead of returners Caden Durham and Harlem Berry. He needs to show why he earned that role to revive LSU’s rushing attack. DE Princewill Umanmielen vs. Clemson LT Brayden Jacobs — Jacobs is a sophomore who played 368 snaps and started four games last season stepping into the full-time LT role. Swinney likes him at that spot, but Umanmielen will be a big challenge for the former four-star after leading Ole Miss with nine sacks last season. **STATS AND TRENDS TO KNOW** LSU coaches are 22-10-1 in their first game as head coach all-time The Tigers are 4-1 against Clemson all-time Kiffin is 0-3 coaching inside Tiger Stadium The nearly 900 media and celebrity credentials issued for this game are the most in Tiger Stadium history **THE OUTLOOK** There are massive unknowns for both teams, but two things are certain. LSU’s defense is loaded and a capacity Tiger Stadium crowd is a horrific setting for a QBs first road start. If the Tigers can force Clemson turnovers, things can get ugly quick. Leavitt and the offense have the firepower to put up big points, but with so many new faces and a formidable Clemson defense, it may take some time to settle into the game. Their success depends on the line’s ability to protect Leavitt and prevent the Clemson edge rushers from blowing up the run game. There are a lot of similarities between the Tigers. Both offenses will want to run at track-meet pace, but growing pains could turn the game into more of a marathon than a 100-meter-sprint. The game will come down to which team can establish and stop the run in the trenches and keep their respective offenses away from talented pass rushes in obvious passing downs. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, Dabo Swinney, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU vs. Clemson Scouting Report, Sam Leavitt --- ### [LSU Soccer Hosts Baylor Tonight After Road Trip](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-soccer-hosts-baylor-tonight-after-road-trip/) **Published:** September 3, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The LSU soccer team is back home to host No. 22 Baylor at 7 p.m. Thursday (SEC Network+). LSU (1-4-1) is looking to return to the win column against the Bears (4-1) after three straight losses and a tie. The Tigers have been so close to wins, losing to Central Florida, 2-1, Florida Gulf Coast, 3-2, at Arizona State, 1-0, and a tie with Arizona, 1-1, on the Arizona State campus. Baylor dominated in wins over Arkansas, Texas A&M, Texas and Pepperdine. Their lone loss came versus Texas State. [Live stats](https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=663287) and [streaming](https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/eventCalendarId/401885855?gameId=401885855&sourceLang=en&om-navmethod=espn%3Aglobalsearch%3Aresults) links are available [here](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/schedule) for LSU vs. Baylor. Ticket information to watch the Tigers in action on Thursday night at the pitch can also be found [here](https://lsusports.net/tickets/soccer). LSU and Baylor meet for the second time. The Tigers hold a 1-0 advantage via a 1-0 win in 2000 at Baylor. LSU senior [Ava Galligan](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/ava-galligan) leads the Tigers offensively through the first six matches of the season, pacing the team with three goals and six points. Galligan has also recorded a team-best 17 shots, a mark that ranks sixth in the SEC through Aug. 31. Sophomores [Ryann Denecour](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/ryann-denecour) and [Sariyah Bailey](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/sariyah-bailey) have each recorded a team-high two assists, with Denecour adding one goal for four points on the season. Bailey has contributed two assists in just three appearances prior to leaving for a stint with the U-20 Women’s Canadian National Team. Senior [Allie Fryer](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/allie-fryer), juniors [Ava Amsden](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/ava-amsden) and [Linka Ono](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/linka-ono) and freshmen [Mia Conard](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/mia-conard) and [Alexia Hansen](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/alexia-hansen) have each found the back of the net once this season, with Fryer converting LSU’s lone penalty kick of the year. Defensively, junior goalkeeper [Audur Scheving](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/audur-scheving) has started five of LSU’s six matches and has made nine saves while helping the Tigers record one shutout. Her shutout total ranks tied for eighth in the SEC in combined shutouts. Scheving has also logged 472 minutes in goal this season. As a team, LSU has scored nine goals on 78 shots and has earned 36 corner kicks through six matches. The Tigers have been especially disciplined in the attacking third, recording just four offsides this season — the fewest in the SEC through Aug. 31. LSU has also scored seven of its nine goals in the second half. **LOOKING AHEAD** The Tigers will be on the road for their last non-conference match on Sunday, September 6 facing Miami (OH) at Bobby Kramig Field. LSU opens SEC play at home against Tennessee on Sept. 11. Stay up to date with all things LSU Soccer by following our team’s social media channels @LSUsoccer on[ ](https://www.instagram.com/lsugym/?hl=en)[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/lsusoccer/?hl=en), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/LSUSoccer) and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/lsusoccer). **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Soccer **Tags:** Baylor Bears, lsu soccer, LSU Tigers --- ### [Louisiana AG Liz Murrill Puts SEC Authority at Center of Thursday Eligibility Hearing](https://www.tigerrag.com/louisiana-ag-liz-murrill-sec-authority-eligibility-hearing/) **Published:** September 2, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** Todd Horne Column # Liz Murrill Tells the Court Why It Must Define SEC Authority Louisiana’s chief legal officer does not tell Judge William Jorden where conference authority ends. She explains why the court can no longer avoid answering the question. By Todd Horne | Vice President & Executive Editor, Tiger Rag Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill, the state’s constitutionally designated chief legal officer, entered the college sports eligibility fight Wednesday night. She entered without pretending to possess an easy answer. Murrill did not demand that former professional athletes be permitted to play college football. She did not ask that Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey be held in contempt. She did not tell East Baton Rouge Parish District Judge William Jorden exactly where the authority of the Southeastern Conference ends. She told him why the court must answer the question. ## The Caption Stayed. The Case Moved. The State filed its amicus brief in a case still captioned *Jack Pyburn, et al. v. National Collegiate Athletic Association, et al.* Pyburn, however, is no longer seeking relief. The Kansas City Chiefs claimed the former LSU defensive end from Tampa Bay on the NFL waiver wire Monday, and Pyburn withdrew his claim rather than continue pursuing another college season. The litigation kept his name. The underlying dispute kept moving. That is almost appropriate for a case built around eligibility rules, professional rosters and irreversible decisions changing faster than the legal system can record them. Pyburn received the NFL opportunity he wanted. He chose it and left the case. The athletes who remain did not receive the same answer from professional football, and they are still asking whether college football can remain available to them under rules adopted after their original eligibility appeared to be exhausted. Murrill’s filing asks Jorden to consider what this instability means beyond the athletes whose names appear on the petition. Louisiana’s public universities recruit players, allocate scholarships, construct rosters, hire coaches and commit public resources based upon eligibility determinations that are supposed to mean something when they are made. The State’s concern is what happens when those determinations keep changing—and when a university finds itself caught between a court order and a conference prepared to punish anyone who acts upon it. The Central QuestionIf a court grants an athlete relief, can a conference punish the school so severely that the relief becomes practically unusable? ## The Remedy Beneath the Rule The SEC did not merely establish a restriction against athletes who crossed specified professional thresholds. It constructed an enforcement system aimed primarily at its member institutions: a half-season suspension for a head coach, loss of conference voting privileges, a fine equal to 50 percent of the affected sport’s annual operating budget and additional sanctioning authority for the commissioner. Those penalties supplied the leverage. The conference did not necessarily have to defeat Dae’Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris or another affected athlete in a direct eligibility fight. It could make LSU or any other SEC school afraid to put that athlete on the field. A player might possess judicial protection against an NCAA restriction. The school would still have to decide whether using him was worth risking its coach, its money and its institutional standing inside the conference. Judge Jorden temporarily removed that leverage when he amended the restraining order on Aug. 28 to include the SEC and Sankey. Thursday’s hearing will determine whether that protection continues while the case proceeds. Murrill’s brief places the authority problem directly inside Louisiana’s constitutional promise of access to open courts. > “If reprisal outside the court system cuts against those individuals who exercised and protected their rights within it…” > > Amicus brief of the State of Louisiana The rest of the thought is more important than any roster decision: judicial relief loses its meaning when punishment outside the courthouse makes exercising that relief impossible. That does not automatically make the SEC policy unlawful. It does not establish that every former professional athlete deserves another college season. It does not eliminate the conference’s legitimate interest in competitive equity or in maintaining some recognizable boundary between college and professional sports. It does require the court to confront what its own order is worth. [Read Murrill’s Full Amicus Brief](https://d31hzlhk6di2h5.cloudfront.net/20260902/68/a0/3e/7b/174c4ee0692634ecc549f174/AG_Murrill_-_collegiate_sports_Amicus_Brief.pdf)## A Moving Target With Real Consequences Murrill calls the history a “classic bait-and-switch.” Her brief says members of the Class of 2022 were first treated as having completed their eligibility. The NCAA later created a pathway through which they could receive another season, then changed course again around April 27 and excluded them. By then, some had graduated. Some had entered the workforce. Some had signed professional contracts because another season of college football did not exist for them when the professional decision had to be made. Others did not enter the transfer portal because there appeared to be no eligible season awaiting them on the other side. None of those decisions can be recreated months later. An athlete cannot travel backward and decline an NFL contract after learning that a college opportunity might subsequently become available. A graduate cannot reconstruct a portal market that had already closed. A coach cannot recover a scholarship or roster position allocated under the rules existing at the time. Pyburn’s departure reveals the other side of that reliance problem. Kansas City supplied him with an NFL roster position, so he withdrew from the case and continued his professional career. Wright and Harris pursued professional opportunities under the same understanding that their college careers were finished, but they were released. When another college season later became arguable, the SEC treated the professional decisions they had already made as the reason they could not use it. The State does not pretend that only the plaintiffs relied upon the rules. Murrill acknowledges athletes who accepted roster spots and scholarships, schools that filled their teams and coaches who made recruiting decisions under the previous eligibility structure. Everyone relied upon something. Then the ground moved underneath all of them. ## The Authority the Court Must Define The legal hinge of Murrill’s argument is the Louisiana Supreme Court’s 1996 decision in *Jones v. NCAA*. Louisiana courts generally avoid interfering in the internal affairs of private athletic associations. But the court recognized exceptions when proceedings have not been conducted fairly and honestly or when the challenged action is capricious, arbitrary or unjustly discriminatory. Murrill tells Jorden that the present system falls well inside that exception. She also acknowledges the value of nationally uniform rules. College sports cannot function if every university competes under an entirely different eligibility system. But uniformity becomes a difficult defense when the national organization changes its own position, conferences construct separate restrictions and athletes receive different answers depending upon which court hears their case. A rule cannot provide stability merely because every member is ordered to follow it. The rule itself must be understandable, administrable and capable of being relied upon before life-changing decisions are made. The amicus filing is not a legal knockout. It is more powerful as a statement of public interest and institutional consequence than as a complete merits argument. It does not fully explain the source or limit of Jorden’s authority over future SEC enforcement. It does not prove that the NCAA and SEC acted together to evade a judicial order. It does not request a particular injunction or supply the exact boundary the court should draw. The SEC will argue that it is a voluntary association governed by its member institutions, that its presidents and chancellors authorized the enforcement structure and that courts ordinarily allow private associations to administer rules adopted through their established processes. LSU President Wade Rousse’s abstention complicates that institutional argument without defeating it. LSU did not vote against the penalties. It also did not authorize them. Jorden could ultimately accept the conference’s position. He could narrow the temporary order, decline to issue a preliminary injunction or conclude that the plaintiffs have not established the legal foundation necessary for continued relief. Louisiana’s participation does not determine the outcome. It changes the scale of what the outcome means. Before Murrill’s filing, this could still be described as a group of athletes seeking another season. Now Louisiana’s chief legal officer has placed the State’s interest in its public universities, their finances and the integrity of its courts directly into the record. The SEC may possess contractual authority to establish standards for its members. A Louisiana court possesses judicial authority to decide whether applying those standards produces an unlawful result. LSU, its coaches and the affected athletes cannot obey two irreconcilable answers. Murrill has not told Jorden where the boundary lies. She has told him why a boundary must exist—because judicial relief that survives only when the institution being challenged permits someone to use it is not much of a remedy at all. ## Related Tiger Rag Coverage [SEC Eligibility Fight Reaches Louisiana Court as Sankey Defends Conference Authority](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-eligibility-fight-louisiana-court-greg-sankey-authority/) [The SEC Will Comply. Now We Find Out Where Its Authority Ends.](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-eligibility-ruling-greg-sankey-lsu-former-pros-court/) [What’s Really Going On in the College Football Eligibility Fight](https://www.tigerrag.com/college-football-eligibility-lawsuits-sec-ncaa/) **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU athletics, LSU Football News **Tags:** Dae’Quan Wright, greg sankey, Liz Murrill, Louisiana Court, lsu football, NCAA Eligibility, sec, SEC Eligibility --- ### [Why Jerry Stovall Gave Freshman Dalton Hilliard No. 21 Just Before The 1982 Season Opener](https://www.tigerrag.com/why-jerry-stovall-gave-freshman-dalton-hilliard-no-21-just-before-the-1982-season-opener/) **Published:** September 2, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Dalton Hilliard thought he was in trouble the week of LSU’s season opener against Oregon State on Sept. 18, 1982, when he was called into the office of head coach Jerry Stovall. [New](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-admin/post-new.php) “I really did think I did something wrong, or something took place I didn’t know about,” Hilliard said on Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night – a day after Stovall passed away at age 85 in Baton Rouge. But Stovall had good news for the freshman running back from Patterson High in Patterson off the lower Atchafalaya River near Thibodaux. “He brought me in and told me I would be starting,” Hilliard said. “I was very surprised. Very few people know that story.” Hilliard said he started pre-season camp “about seventh” on the depth chart at tailback behind the much more highly recruited Garry James of West Jefferson High in New Orleans whom USC wanted in addition to returning backs Jesse Myles and Gene Lang, among others. Stovall knew a good running back when he saw one. He was one of the best in LSU history from 1960-62 while also returning kicks and was a consensus All-American and runner-up for the Heisman Trophy his senior year before becoming the second player picked in the 1961 NFL Draft by St. Louis, where he became an All-Pro defensive back. And Stovall understood players. “He asked me what would make me feel comfortable going into the season opener,” Hilliard explained. “I asked him if I could wear number 21. That was my number in high school and throughout junior high. I had been given number 26. So, he made that happen for me, and that was something very pleasing, very relaxing and made me feel comfortable about the situation.” Little did Hilliard know at the time that 21 was Stovall’s number. That was No. 21 who dashed 98 yards with the second half kickoff at No. 5 Georgia Tech on Oct. 6, 1962, on CBS afternoon television to give the Tigers a 10-7 win in a 9-1-1 season with a 13-0 win over No. 4 Texas in the Cotton Bowl. Stovall helped lead LSU to a 10-1 season and SEC championship at 6-0 in 1961 with a 25-7 win over No. 7 Colorado in the Orange Bowl as a junior. > [Jerry Stovall Dies at 85: The LSU Legend’s Life and Legacy](https://www.tigerrag.com/https-www-tigerrag-com-jerry-stovall-dies-85-lsu-legend-life-legacy/) Stovall’s No. 21 almost made people forget about the No. 20 worn by Billy Cannon, who led LSU to the national championship in 1958 and won the Heisman in 1959. “He never told me that was his number,” Hilliard said. “He basically let me find that out on my own. That was how coach Stovall was. He’s one of those guys who never put pressure on anyone. He just gave you the tools and information or advice to succeed.” And soon Hilliard did just that and had LSU fans “Doing The Dalton” as the smallish back (5-foot-8, 180 pounds) without a lot of speed, but the crafty moves and twists and cuts that defenders struggled to stop or even get a hold of at times. Hilliard rushed 18 times for 133 yards and three touchdowns as LSU romped Oregon State, 45-7, in that season opener of 1982, and he was off. Two weeks later, the unranked Tigers shocked No. 4 Florida in Gainesville, 24-13, as Hilliard rushed for 132 yards on 26 carries with an 11-yard touchdown and caught four passes for 80 yards with a 41-yard touchdown from quarterback Alan Risher. “I had a great time my freshman year,” Hilliard said. Hilliard finished with 901 yards on 193 carries and 11 touchdowns while catching 31 passes for 368 yards and another five scores. Playing against No. 7 Florida State on Nov. 20 for the right to go to the Orange Bowl, Hilliard gained 183 yards on 36 carries with a 28-yard touchdown run and a 46-yard TD catch with two other scores in a 55-21 rout. And fans threw oranges onto the Tiger Stadium field. By the time LSU’s Orange Bowl media guide under the headline “Proud Tradition Reborn” with Hilliard wearing No. 21 in 1982 and Stovall in 1962 on the cover together came out, Hilliard knew he had Stovall’s number Stovall was fired after a disappointing 4-7 season in 1983, but Hilliard went on to gain 1,268 yards in 1984 and 1,134 in 1985 under coach Bill Arnsparger before the Saints took him in the second round of the 1986 NFL Draft. He played eight years and became a member of the Saints’ and Louisiana Sports Halls of Fame. > [Legendary LSU All-American And Football Coach Jerry Stovall Dies At The Age Of 85](https://www.tigerrag.com/legendary-lsu-all-american-and-football-coach-jerry-stovall-dies-at-the-age-of-85/) Before Stovall and his No. 21 were placed in Tiger Stadium’s ring of honor in the south end zone rafters in 2018, he called Hilliard. “Hey, Dalton, that’s our number,” he told him. “I really appreciated him calling me and letting me know personally as an individual who also wore number 21,” Hilliard said. “He knew that I played the game with the same type of attitude that he had – giving every effort you can each play, each game and really being a team player. The atmosphere that he provided as a coach really molded me in that same direction as him.” Hilliard also remembers the hard work Stovall put the Tigers through. “No matter how things went good or bad, he always had that same attitude,” Hilliard said. “He was always upbeat, always inspiring.” Even when Stovall practiced the Tigers in the heat of August on the Ponderosa, the nickname for LSU’s practice fields. “And this guy would be out there and he’d be telling us, ‘Think snow,'” Hilliard said laughing as most LSU players had never seen snow. “He’s saying, ‘When we’re on the Ponderosa, think snow, baby,'” Hilliard said. “That’s what his attitude was. No matter how things were, he was very positive throughout his whole tenure.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Dalton Hilliard, jerry stovall, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [SEC Eligibility Fight Reaches Louisiana Court as Greg Sankey Defends Conference Authority](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-eligibility-fight-louisiana-court-greg-sankey-authority/) **Published:** September 2, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** Tiger Rag Column # The SEC’s Authority Has Reached the Courthouse Now It Must Defend It Greg Sankey’s new filing confirms what the eligibility fight was always about—not merely who qualifies to play, but who possesses the final authority to decide. By **Todd Horne** Vice President and Executive Editor The Southeastern Conference has now placed into a Louisiana court filing the question it spent the last week trying to answer through rules, memoranda and threatened punishment. Who gets the final word? Not whether the SEC can make an eligibility rule. It plainly can. Not whether its members ordinarily agree to follow conference rules. They plainly do. The harder question is whether that authority survives when a court grants relief to an athlete and the conference responds by threatening the school that might use him. The SEC’s authority has reached the courthouse. Thursday morning, it must defend it. The SEC and Commissioner Greg Sankey filed their opposition Wednesday to the athletes’ request for a preliminary injunction in Louisiana’s 19th Judicial District Court. The filing includes an affidavit from Sankey and argues that the conference possesses the authority to enforce its rules against its voluntary members without judicial interference. [Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger reported the filing Wednesday](https://x.com/RossDellenger/status/2095230024248959326). The SEC’s brief presents the issue in almost exactly those terms: whether the conference can enforce its rules and require its member institutions to follow them. That is the case now. It is not merely about fifth-year eligibility. It is not simply about whether former NFL players should return to college football. It is not only about LSU, Lane Kiffin or the athletes who may be added to the Tigers’ roster before Saturday night’s season opener against Clemson. It is about the location of authority. The Conference’s Position The SEC’s position is straightforward. Its schools voluntarily joined the conference. They agreed to abide by conference bylaws. The presidents and chancellors authorized the SEC office to issue enforcement guidance, and Sankey maintains that he is acting within the authority those institutions gave him. Louisiana courts, the conference argues, generally should not intervene in the internal affairs of a private association when that association is acting within its governing structure and proceeding fairly. The athletes’ position is equally direct. They obtained judicial relief against the NCAA. Then the SEC issued its own restrictions and created penalties severe enough to make that relief practically unusable. The conference did not have to defeat the athletes individually. It could make their return too dangerous for any SEC school to attempt. A player might hold a court order saying the NCAA could not prevent him from returning. The SEC could still make LSU afraid to put him on the field. A coach who played one of the affected athletes could be suspended for half a season. The school could be fined an amount equal to 50 percent of that sport’s annual operating budget. Conference voting rights could be revoked. Sankey also received authority to consider additional sanctions. That was the leverage. The Louisiana court temporarily removed it when Judge William Jorden added the SEC and Sankey to the order and prohibited them from enforcing the challenged penalties while the dispute remained before the court. The SEC said it would comply. Some interpreted that as a retreat. It was not. Compliance with a temporary restraining order is not an admission that the order is legally correct. It does not mean the SEC abandoned its eligibility rule or accepted the court’s ultimate jurisdiction over conference membership decisions. It means there was an order, and the conference would obey it until it had an opportunity to contest it. That opportunity arrives Thursday. The SEC is now doing exactly what its earlier statement indicated it would do: comply temporarily, contest the allegations and defend its authority as a voluntary association. [Tiger Rag previously examined what the SEC’s promise to comply actually meant](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-eligibility-ruling-greg-sankey-lsu-former-pros-court/). It was never a concession of permanent eligibility or judicial authority. The LSU Abstention The language of Sankey’s affidavit also shows how carefully the conference is constructing that argument. Sankey says the two enforcement memoranda were issued as guidance from the SEC office at the direction of the conference’s presidents and chancellors. He emphasizes that no SEC president or chancellor voted against that direction. Then he identifies the exception. LSU President Wade Rousse abstained. That sentence is not incidental. The SEC is using the vote to establish that Sankey did not act alone. Fifteen members did not oppose the enforcement direction. The conference wants the court to see an institutional decision authorized through its established governance structure—not a commissioner inventing punishment independently after a judge entered an order. But LSU’s abstention remains meaningful. LSU did not vote against the memoranda. It also did not authorize them. An abstention is neither open rebellion nor affirmative consent. It placed LSU outside the conference consensus without turning the disagreement into a direct institutional confrontation. That is an important fact because LSU is not the plaintiff in this lawsuit. The athletes are. LSU did not sue the SEC, and Rousse’s abstention was not itself a legal challenge to conference authority. But LSU is the institution most visibly caught between the competing commands. The court may say the protected athletes can participate. The SEC may say its members cannot use them. LSU must decide which authority controls its roster—and what risks accompany that decision. The Argument Beneath the Argument This is where the eligibility debate outgrew the original argument over whether athletes deserve a fifth season. The affected Class of 2022 players made decisions under one structure. Some entered professional drafts. Some signed contracts. Some appeared in NFL camps or on professional rosters because their college eligibility appeared exhausted. Then the NCAA moved toward a five-season model while excluding the group that had already been forced to choose. The players argue that the rules changed around them after their decisions became irreversible. The SEC responds that professional participation remains a legitimate eligibility boundary and that allowing former professionals to return would create competitive inequity for current college and high school athletes. That is a policy argument worth having. But the policy question and the authority question are no longer the same. Last week, I wrote that the traditional definition of a professional athlete had become increasingly difficult to defend in a system where college players may receive substantial NIL compensation, direct revenue sharing and financial offers tied to their roster decisions. [That column asked the question the governing system has not answered: What defines a professional now?](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-eligibility-rule-define-pro-college-football/) A college athlete can earn millions and remain eligible. Another athlete can spend several weeks in an NFL training camp or a handful of minutes in a developmental basketball league and become ineligible. Meanwhile, athletes who competed professionally in certain overseas systems have been permitted to enter American college athletics. The inherited categories no longer fit comfortably around the economic reality. But even if the SEC possesses a perfectly rational policy justification, it must still answer the procedural question now before the court. Can a conference use punishment against its member school to neutralize judicial relief granted to an athlete? Authority. Definition. Time. On Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night, attorney Tony Clayton spent several minutes explaining the conflicting layers: NCAA rules, SEC restrictions, professional definitions, court orders and punishments directed at schools and coaches. I summarized the problem as one of authority and jurisdiction. Clayton agreed. One day later, the SEC filed its brief and put that question in writing. Authority Definition Time The SEC argues that it is not acting as an agent of the NCAA. That point matters because the original order restrained the NCAA and people acting in concert with it. If the SEC is enforcing an independent conference rule through authority granted by its own members, it will argue that its actions cannot simply be treated as an extension of NCAA enforcement. The athletes will answer that the conference restrictions accomplish what the court prohibited the NCAA from accomplishing. The SEC may call it an independent rule, but the practical result is the same: the protected athletes cannot play because any school using them would face extraordinary punishment. The court does not have to resolve every issue in college sports Thursday. A preliminary-injunction hearing is not a final trial. The judge will not permanently define professional status, reconstruct the NCAA eligibility system or settle the national argument over five-year participation. But the hearing could determine whether the SEC may enforce its restriction while the litigation continues. That decision will matter far beyond the players hoping to join LSU. If the conference prevails, membership authority will remain a powerful additional barrier even when athletes obtain relief against the NCAA. A court may tell the NCAA that a player is eligible, but the conference could impose a separate standard and punish any member that uses him. If the athletes prevail, the order would establish—at least temporarily—that a conference cannot make judicial relief meaningless by shifting the threat from the player to the school. Either result will extend beyond Saturday’s game. For more than a week, the SEC has demonstrated that it possesses the power to write a rule and construct punishment behind it. The athletes have demonstrated that they can ask a court to intervene. **Thursday, the SEC must defend not merely the wisdom of its rule, but the jurisdiction of its power.** The SEC’s authority has reached the courthouse. **Now a Louisiana judge will decide how far it goes.** **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU athletics, LSU Football News **Tags:** Dae’Quan Wright, former professional athletes, greg sankey, lane kiffin, Louisiana Court, lsu football, NCAA, NCAA Eligibility, sec, SEC Eligibility, Zxavian Harris --- ### [Kim Mulkey's Signing Of Russian Anna Minaeva Is Why Ukraine's Kate Koval Left LSU Amid War](https://www.tigerrag.com/kim-mulkeys-signing-of-russian-anna-minaeva-is-why-ukraines-kate-koval-left-lsu-amid-war/) **Published:** September 2, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Former LSU center Kate Koval confirmed on Wednesday that her decision to leave the women’s basketball program days before the start of classes last week was because coach Kim Mulkey had just signed Russian Anna Minaeva. Koval addressed her departure in an [Instagram post](https://www.instagram.com/p/DczDCjUzLh9/) on Wednesday. > Kate Koval released a statement on her departure from LSU [pic.twitter.com/LOcj5cLHl5](https://t.co/LOcj5cLHl5) > > — Reed Darcey (@byreeddarcey) [September 2, 2026](https://x.com/byreeddarcey/status/2095241444898353554?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “This decision has not been easy,” Koval, a 6-foot-5 sophomore center for LSU last season, wrote. “While I understand and respect that roster decisions are a part of college basketball, I have to remain true to myself, my values and my country.” LSU announced that Mulkey signed Minaeva, a 17-year-old 6-foot-5 center from Moscow, Russia, on Aug. 14, although Koval’s post indicates Mulkey planned to bring on Minaeva as of last April. Koval, a native of Kyiv, Ukraine, said in the announcement that her father is a member of the Ukrainian military, and the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine has had a deeply personal impact on her and her family. “For me, this war is not distant or abstract,” Koval said. “People close to me have been killed and wounded in Russian attacks, and places where I grew up and first began playing basketball have been destroyed by missile strikes.” Koval averaged 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks in 35 games while shooting 56% from the floor last season after transferring from Notre Dame. “I felt I had found a home at LSU, and I am incredibly grateful for my teammates who became family, as well as my coaches, staff, professors and the entire LSU community. I will always cherish the relationships, experiences and memories that I made there,” Koval wrote. Mulkey and the team announced Koval’s departure with a statement issued on Aug. 24 – just 10 days after Minaeva officially signed. > [LSU Forward Kate Koval Leaving The Program For Personal Reasons](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-forward-kate-koval-leaving-the-program-for-personal-reasons/) “Kate came to see me and told me that after much consideration, she will be leaving the program for personal reasons,” Mulkey said in a statement at the time. “We will respect her privacy on her decision, but we had a long talk about it, and it was a hard decision for her. I know it is hard because she loves LSU. Kate is a great person. She has to do what she feels is right for her, and we fully support her in that. We all wish her the best.” Koval was expected to start at center for LSU next season. The NCAA women’s basketball transfer portal closed in April and is typically only re-opened for coaching changes. If Koval wants to play in the 2026-27 season, she will have to ask the NCAA to make an exception for her unique and extraordinary circumstance – a war between her homeland Ukraine and bordering Russia. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Women's Basketball **Tags:** Anna Minaeva, kate koval, kim mulkey, lsu women's basketball --- ### [Quarterback Sam Leavitt Is Locked In For His LSU Debut](https://www.tigerrag.com/quarterback-sam-leavitt-is-locked-in-for-his-lsu-debut/) **Published:** September 2, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt could not be more prepared or healthy as he heads into first game at Tiger Stadium. The Arizona State junior transfer will take the field for the first time since Oct. 25 of last year when No. 11 LSU hosts No. 23 Clemson on Saturday (6:30 p.m., ABC). Leavitt’s redshirt sophomore season in 2025 was cut short by a right foot injury that required mid-foot ligament surgery. He was sidelined most of spring practice, but coach Lane Kiffin and Leavitt have long said he is fully healthy and mobile. “I feel 100 percent,” Leavitt said after practice on Tuesday. “I’m ready to just be a great player for this team and do everything that they need to win games. I feel like I’m going to be the same player physically, and then every aspect mentally, I’ve just gotten better.” The 6-foot-2, 207-pound playmaker totaled 306 yards and five touchdowns on 73 carries in seven games last season. In 2024, Leavitt posted 443 yards and five scores on 110 carries and used his elusiveness to escape pressure and produce highlight plays in the passing game. He has flashed that same dual-threat ability throughout fall camp. In 2024, Leavitt copleted 216 of 350 passes (61.7 percent) for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns with only six interceptions through 13 games in leading Arizona State into the College Football Playoff. In just seven games last season because of the injury, he hit 145 of 239 passes (60.7 percent) for 1,628 yards and 10 TDs with three interceptions. He said he has attacked his recovery in the off-season and prioritizes taking care of his body. His nightly routine starts at 8 p.m. when he puts away his phone, dons blue-light glasses to ease eye strain, takes supplements and stretches each evening before bed. “I always say that my night before is kind of a direct reflection of my next day,” Leavitt said. “The things that I’m eating, putting in my body, the way I’m taking care of it the night before, is going to directly reflect how I feel physically and mentally the next day.” Then comes the mental preparation. He reviews coverages, pressures, defensive fronts and the game plan. > “He has a super powerful arm and is extremely confident. And he can run. What he’s really good at, too, is deciphering a lot of information in half a second.” LSU QB Sam Leavitt’s coach at West Linn High in Oregon – Jon Eagle. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [January 13, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2010909160905355759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “You get super dialed in,” Leavitt said. “Then, you go into the next day and get all sorted out, and you figure out what plays you like the most, which ones you don’t. They do a great job upstairs putting me in the best spot, and then I communicate with them, ‘Hey, didn’t love this look, absolutely love this play.’ So, it’s really just getting dialed in with them and exactly what plays we love and don’t love and getting timing with the guys and seeing the reps over and over.” All of that preparation, he said, will help him keep his focus in one of the most eagerly-awaited games in LSU history. ESPN’s Marty Smith reported LSU issued nearly 900 media and celebrity credentials for the Clemson opener, more than any other game in Death Valley ever. That number includes ABC and “College GameDay” crews. GameDay will be making its 15th trip to Baton Rouge and celebrating its 500th road broadcast. > \*Update: LSU specifies that nearly 900 credentials have been issued for Clemson @ LSU Saturday, including ABC/College GameDay crews. > > — Marty Smith (@MartySmithESPN) [September 2, 2026](https://x.com/MartySmithESPN/status/2095145838834077916?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) A sold-out Tiger Stadium will greet Kiffin and Leavitt in their first LSU home game. At Arizona State last season, Leavitt played in front of a home Mountain America Stadium crowd that averaged 54,444 fans, close to half of the over 102,000 expected Saturday. “I take it back to going and playing in the playoffs and how exciting that moment was,” Leavitt said. “I’m just going to really embrace the moment for a little bit because you’re not going to get many opportunities to play in Tiger Stadium at night. So, it’s going to be special playing with these fans and this crowd, this environment. You definitely have to soak it in and embrace the moment and the blessing that God has given you to be in this situation, and then you got to relock in and focus up.” > [Distracted? What Distractions? Tiger Stadium, LSU Culture, LSU Nation Are All Distractions In And Of Themselves](https://www.tigerrag.com/distracted-what-distractions-tiger-stadium-lsu-culture-lsu-nation-are-all-distractions-in-and-of-themselves/) In addition to his intensive preparation, Leavitt expects his growing comfort in coordinator Charlie Weis Jr.’s offense to help him settle into his first start. He said he has taken strides since returning to the practice field this summer. “I think the main thing really is just getting on the same page with coach Weis and our whole offense,” he said. “When we check to a certain play, the reason why we’re checking to it, what exactly we’re looking for out of the receivers, how we’re blocking up front, everything like that. And then them getting used to hearing my voice on the field, the pace of the game, how I control the huddle, everything like that. Everything takes time, especially with an offense, and we’ve just gotten better and better, and we’re going to continue to get better throughout the year.” Leavitt has focused on building chemistry with his coaching staff and teammates. He has high expectations for the Tigers’ offense, but Saturday will be just the beginning. He issued a challenge to the team to improve as the season goes on. “I really love the players that we got around me — the way that my coaches are able to put me in a great spot,” Leavitt said. “I’m just going to continue to learn and grow with them and understand situational awareness and ball. That’s what playing these games is going to get better and better at understanding what they want out of me in certain situations, and hopefully it’s just going to keep growing and growing.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, lane kiffin, lsu football, Sam Leavitt --- ### [LSU Baseball: 3 New Tigers Make Top 50 Transfer Pitchers List](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-3-new-tigers-make-top-50-transfer-pitchers-list/) **Published:** September 2, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Three LSU players are listed among the Top 50 transfer pitchers for the 2027 season by D1Baseball.com. The list includes LSU sophomore right-hander [Landon Hood](https://lsusports.net/sports/bsb/roster/player/landon-hood) (No. 2), sophomore right-hander [Diego Velazquez](https://lsusports.net/sports/bsb/roster/player/diego-velazquez) (No. 14) and junior right-hander [Kaden Smith](https://lsusports.net/sports/bsb/roster/player/kaden-smith) (No. 46). Hood, who is from Goodyear, Arizona, was the 2026 West Coast Conference Freshman of the Year at Gonzaga, where he posted a 3-1 record, five saves and a 2.48 ERA in 16 appearances and four starts with 21 walks and 78 strikeouts in 54.1 innings. He allowed just a .162 opponent batting average, the second-best single-season mark in Gonzaga history. Velazquez, a native of Reseda, Calif., transferred to LSU this summer after one season at USC, where he logged a 5-1 record and a 4.55 ERA in 13 appearances (five starts). He worked 29.2 innings for the Trojans, recording nine walks and 34 strikeouts, while limiting opponents to a .209 batting average. Smith, who is from Ocala, Florida, was 4-3 with a 4.24 ERA in 46.2 innings last season at South Florida with 52 strikeouts and 25 walks and limited batters to a .232 average. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Diego Velazquez, jay johnson, Kaden Smith, Landon Hood, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio: An LSU Great Remembers Jerry Stovall & Scouting The Tigers’ Opener vs. Clemson Behind Enemy Lines](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-an-lsu-great-remembers-jerry-stovall-scouting-the-tigers-opener-vs-clemson-behind-enemy-lines/) **Published:** September 2, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** [](https://www.youtube.com/@GrokseeVids)Legendary LSU and Saints running back Dalton Hilliard joins the show to remember his former coach Jerry Stovall, who passed away at the age of 85 on Monday. Hilliard reflects on the teachings and impact of “Mr. Everything,” who was an All-American and two-time All-SEC selection as a player for the Tigers from 1960-1962 and led LSU as the head coach from 1980-1983. Larry Williams, the host of Clemson Dubcast covering Tigers athletics, gives the scouting report on the Clemson Tigers and their new offensive coordinator Chad Morris and starting quarterback Christopher Vizzina. We wrap up Tiger Rag Radio with our bold predictions for the LSU football season. ***Here is the complete transcript of the show from YouTube. Tiger Rag apologizes for any AI generated mistakes:*** 0:00 0 seconds Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. Tiger Rag Radio is on the air. Let’s crank this thing up. 0:06 6 seconds We’re statewide breaking down the \[music\] latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is up. Hear from the coaches. Our time is now with LSU basketball. 0:14 14 seconds The players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 0:17 17 seconds One way or another, we’re going to make history. 0:19 19 seconds And those who cover the Fighting Tigers of LSU and the SEC. LSU is the best job in football. It’s 2 hours of non-stop LSU talk. 0:28 28 seconds I came here to win. We’re going to win a medium. 0:30 30 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is brought to you by Cumins. Cumins creates \[music\] power solutions that the world depends on. 0:36 36 seconds Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro’s Electrical Services, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 0:45 45 seconds Get ready to talk Tigers with producer Case \[music\] Kishnik and our host Todd Horn, Jeff Polmo, and Glenn Gilbo. 0:54 54 seconds Tiger players are better people than they are players. This is Tiger \[music\] Rag Radio. 1:00 1 minute Back here on Tiger Rag Radio for hour number two. And we got a great guest for you. One of the most versatile running backs in LSU in Saints history. Dalton 1:10 1 minute, 10 seconds Hillyard joins us to begin hour number two, Jeff Palmo, along with the executive editor for Tiger Magazine, Todd Orishnik, Glenn Gilbo in the 1:17 1 minute, 17 seconds building as well. But we bring in Dalton Hillier. Dalton, thanks a lot for joining us here on Tiger Rag Radio. How you doing tonight? 1:25 1 minute, 25 seconds Wonderful, guys. Thank you for having me on. 1:27 1 minute, 27 seconds Well, it’s great to have you on. We want to go back in memory lane here with you. 1:31 1 minute, 31 seconds First of all, we had Tony Clayton on to begin the show and he said that you’re the reason why he’s a lawyer. He said 1:38 1 minute, 38 seconds when uh Patterson played Bruley, you guys beat him like 56 to nothing and he ran over Tony Clayton on your way to probably your fourth or fifth touchdown of the night. Do you remember that game? 1:50 1 minute, 50 seconds Well, very unfortunately I do not, but I’m \[laughter\] sure we had some great great times 1:57 1 minute, 57 seconds type of rivalries in high school and \[snorts\] definitely Tony was among the member of the team during that time, but I’m sure he he he uh really put a good 2:06 2 minutes, 6 seconds effort. We all played and had some great times \[laughter\] in our younger days. 2:11 2 minutes, 11 seconds He he still wakes up in a cold sweat from that game. So, I don’t know if it was such a great time for him. But uh anyways, the the other question I wanted 2:18 2 minutes, 18 seconds to ask you, one of the reasons why we wanted to bring you on is the the man who recruited you to LSU, Jerry Stoval, passed away uh at the age of 85. Jerry 2:27 2 minutes, 27 seconds Stovall, Mr. Everything, just an outstanding uh football player, had a terrific uh run at it, you know, four 2:34 2 minutes, 34 seconds seasons in a tough situation as far as being the head coach here at LSU. You remember when you uh first met Jerry Stovald when he came and uh recruited you? 2:44 2 minutes, 44 seconds Yes, I do. I remember being recruited by Coach Buddy Nicks, a linebacker coach at that time. And I guess he had the area 2:53 2 minutes, 53 seconds that where I was from in St. Mary Parish at Patterson High. So, Coach Buddy Nicks and I got a chance to see each other a 3:00 3 minutes few times at the high school, formed a great relationship, and uh got a chance to go visit and take a visit to LSU. Uh 3:09 3 minutes, 9 seconds LSU was the only major school recruiting me at that time. But meeting coach Stoval for the first time on the LSU 3:17 3 minutes, 17 seconds campus, he really assured me that coming to LSU, I would get the best opportunity and education, best opportunity and 3:25 3 minutes, 25 seconds learning uh how to be a young man and how to be someone that really can be dependable. working together with a 3:32 3 minutes, 32 seconds group of guys that really had a lot of respect for him and understood that he had our had our back. You know, he knew 3:40 3 minutes, 40 seconds that as young men’s we needed that guidance. So, he was that person that really gave us the the motivation to 3:47 3 minutes, 47 seconds want to play for LSU and really enjoyed the time I was there with him. 3:52 3 minutes, 52 seconds Dalton, this is Todd Horn. Um, there’s a there’s an old Tiger Rag story from from 3:58 3 minutes, 58 seconds years ago that about Coach Stoval calling you into his office before the 4:04 4 minutes, 4 seconds 1982 opener your freshman year and you guys had a loaded running back room. 4:10 4 minutes, 10 seconds You, Gary James, I think there were eight people in that in that running back room. 4:15 4 minutes, 15 seconds Jean Lang, Jean Lang. Yeah. Just uh I think Eric Martin had just been moved to to receiver, but he had been in that 4:22 4 minutes, 22 seconds running back room, too. And it it was it was loaded. But when he called you in, according to the story in Tiger Rag years ago, you thought you were in 4:30 4 minutes, 30 seconds trouble and instead he told you that you were starting. And when he asked you 4:38 4 minutes, 38 seconds what would make you comfortable, you told him you wanted number 21, which was that. Yes, sir. 4:45 4 minutes, 45 seconds That was his number. Take us back. 4:48 4 minutes, 48 seconds Yes, I did. Uh definitely it was a very adventurous year for me as a freshman coming to LSU. Really not being the main 4:58 4 minutes, 58 seconds guy, but just that underdog just really going to LSU to to go prove that I can play at a major university. you know, my 5:06 5 minutes, 6 seconds high school coach, Jack Andre, always felt as though that I could play at that level. And I I really listened to him as 5:13 5 minutes, 13 seconds well to choose LSU. And knowing that, you know, you can at that time you can play at a major university and maybe go 5:20 5 minutes, 20 seconds down to a smaller university, you never could go up. So I took the chance to go to LSU because number one of coach Buddy Nixon and meeting Coach Stoval, you 5:29 5 minutes, 29 seconds know, he won my mother over. when you win Miss Neighborh Hill over then everything is everything’s okay. You know, he met he really really instilled 5:38 5 minutes, 38 seconds that confidence in and to her about me being at LSU with getting a good education and being around some great 5:46 5 minutes, 46 seconds guys. I was very fortunate to to start my freshman year at the first game and he brought me in um I believe during the 5:55 5 minutes, 55 seconds week of that game uh I guess against Oregon that um making me aware that I would be starting. I was very surprised 6:04 6 minutes, 4 seconds that I really did thought I did something wrong or something took place I didn’t know about. And yes, you’re correct. Very few people know that 6:11 6 minutes, 11 seconds story. And um he asked me what would make me feel comfortable going into the season. And I told him I love to wear number 21 because that’s the number I 6:19 6 minutes, 19 seconds wore I had um throughout my high school and throughout junior high. That was my favorite number. I didn’t know it was his number that he would that he wore during his time. 6:29 6 minutes, 29 seconds So he made that happen for me tied and and and that was something very um pleasing, very uh relaxing, made me feel 6:37 6 minutes, 37 seconds comfortable about that situation. I had number 26 when I first got there. So, he was able to get me number 21 and and the 6:44 6 minutes, 44 seconds story was um going forward uh as it did in the past. Had a great time my freshman year. 6:51 6 minutes, 51 seconds So, Don, I got I have two questions for you. That’s a great story first of all and it it’s it’s amazing. Um, but did 6:58 6 minutes, 58 seconds did he ever tell you at that point that that was his number and that maybe he expected something 7:06 7 minutes, 6 seconds extraordinary from somebody wearing his number or anything like that or did he just let you find that out on your own? 7:12 7 minutes, 12 seconds Basically, let me find that out on my own. He did tell me he wore that number during his time. You know, he had that smile on his face about that specific 7:20 7 minutes, 20 seconds number. And uh he’s one of those guys that he never put pressure on anyone. He he was a leader in an aspect of giving 7:28 7 minutes, 28 seconds you the tools and the information or the advice you need to to succeed. And that’s what he done with me as a head 7:35 7 minutes, 35 seconds coach during that time. Um, class of 82, we had a lot of talented guys uh that year. You can go down that roster and 7:43 7 minutes, 43 seconds see quite a few guys that made it to the NFL offensively and defensively. And uh I was just probably seventh on the depth 7:52 7 minutes, 52 seconds chart when I got there. was very fortunate to work my way up um through the ranks and and be a starter. 7:58 7 minutes, 58 seconds What the after that that year and you guys lost two games late in the season, first to Mississippi State, then you 8:06 8 minutes, 6 seconds blew out Florida State to make it to the Orange Bowl. The the the Mississippi State game was your first loss following 8:13 8 minutes, 13 seconds a 24-24 tie earlier in the season to Tennessee. And then you lose to two lane after you beat Florida State, but you still go to the Orange Bowl. 8:22 8 minutes, 22 seconds Were you shocked the next year in 1983 when when Coach Stoval’s effort and your 8:29 8 minutes, 29 seconds guys’ effort went yielded a 4 and seven record and no SEC wins? Very, very much so. Definitely a shock. 8:38 8 minutes, 38 seconds you know, um the kind of level we had our freshman year, but like anything goes, you know, you you have so many injuries throughout your throughout the 8:47 8 minutes, 47 seconds season, uh even myself included that you didn’t perform at the higher level. And that’s something that no coach I think 8:54 8 minutes, 54 seconds can control. And it was just very fortunate in my opinion that we had quite a few injuries my sophomore year 9:01 9 minutes, 1 second that led to a performance that wasn’t up to par to the standards of LSU of us during that time. but still very shocked 9:09 9 minutes, 9 seconds to the point that he did not coach my junior year uh with me through throughout my career going into my senior year. But he was that individual 9:18 9 minutes, 18 seconds that made us feel comfortable understanding that, you know, changes take place that you can’t control and 9:25 9 minutes, 25 seconds you have to adjust and adapt to those changes and make the best out of them. 9:30 9 minutes, 30 seconds What uh looking back, what do you what do you remember most about Jerry in the in the good times and and bad times uh 9:38 9 minutes, 38 seconds uh at at the end there when he was let go? But what what what memories of of Jerry last in in your heart and brain? Uh Dalton? 9:47 9 minutes, 47 seconds No matter how things went uh good or bad, he still had that same type of attitude. He was always upbeat, always 9:56 9 minutes, 56 seconds inspiring. You know, another story. We used to practice across the track over there where the baseball field is at in 10:03 10 minutes, 3 seconds the old diamond. And that practice field, man, we used to call that the Ponderosa where we practice. We used to 10:10 10 minutes, 10 seconds take a bus uh from the Tiger Stadium locker room and just drive across the the railroad track to the practice 10:17 10 minutes, 17 seconds field. And you know, Louisiana in this kind of weather is is very hot. And this guy would be out there, man. and he’d be 10:24 10 minutes, 24 seconds telling us, “Thank snow.” You know, even though it’s probably 100 degrees out there, \[laughter\] you know, and we’re on the road to thank 10:32 10 minutes, 32 seconds snow, baby. And that’s that’s what his attitude was about. He no matter how things was, he was very positive throughout the whole tender. 10:40 10 minutes, 40 seconds Don, do you get a chance to go back and watch LSU practice any today over at the new Ponderosa? 10:48 10 minutes, 48 seconds No, I haven’t. I’ve been very secluded to myself, business, working, not really going to a lot of functions with a lot of crowds. I’m one of those persons. 10:59 10 minutes, 59 seconds I’ve had season tickets over there at LSU for probably 25, 30 years now. And very fortunate to have a good parking 11:06 11 minutes, 6 seconds spot. Uh, and I would go to a game maybe one or two a year. And that’s basically for me to go see the ex players I played 11:14 11 minutes, 14 seconds with and see the players that I didn’t play with and enjoy the company meeting those fantast fantastic guys that that 11:22 11 minutes, 22 seconds had so much talent and played at LSU during that time. So I I I’ll probably definitely be at the Clemson game for sure this week coming up. 11:31 11 minutes, 31 seconds Well, that’s good. That leads me to the to my next question. when you when you see and when LSU fans see that number 21 11:38 11 minutes, 38 seconds from Jerry Stoval, which was retired um in October of 2018, hanging up on the 11:46 11 minutes, 46 seconds facade in Tiger Stadium alongside Tommy Kasanova and Billy Cannon, what do you want them to know about the 11:53 11 minutes, 53 seconds man whose name is attached to that about Jerry Stoval? 11:58 11 minutes, 58 seconds Well, not really seen coach Stoval play during during my days, during my time, but heard so many stories about his 12:06 12 minutes, 6 seconds ability to play and his attitude, his his work ethic, and I think it transfer 12:12 12 minutes, 12 seconds over to his coaching style as well. You know, when Coach Stoval and his number was retired, he he made a call to me 12:20 12 minutes, 20 seconds personally and say, “Hey, Dalton, that’s our number.” you know, and and I really appreciate him, you know, calling me and letting me know personally as that individual who wore number 21 as well. 12:32 12 minutes, 32 seconds Played four years at LSU, and he knew I played the game with the same type of attitude that he had with giving every 12:39 12 minutes, 39 seconds effort you can each play, each game, really being a team player. Uh, really got along with everyone. Um, and I felt 12:47 12 minutes, 47 seconds I was liked by everyone I played with because, you know, this just the attitude. It’s a team sport. Uh you have brothers that you play with that you 12:56 12 minutes, 56 seconds considered your family members, you know, that you begin to to to know throughout your career in college during 13:03 13 minutes, 3 seconds our time. So his atmosphere as a coach uh really um molded me in that that same direction. 13:11 13 minutes, 11 seconds And uh we’re talking to Dalton Hillard here on Tiger Rag Radio. and and Dalton, then you went to the New Orleans Saints and and kind of like LSU before you got 13:20 13 minutes, 20 seconds there, they were struggling and and you helped them turn around, they had a 7-9 season, your rookie year, but then after that, man, made the playoffs and were 13:28 13 minutes, 28 seconds really good for a long time. Uh, did you talk to Jerry as your career was going on with the Saints? 13:37 13 minutes, 37 seconds few times I did, not as much, but he he did reach out to me a few times during my career LSU to to keep me motivated, 13:45 13 minutes, 45 seconds make me realize. And I I realized my my rookie year going in NFL getting drafted uh getting a phone call uh making me 13:54 13 minutes, 54 seconds aware even though this team have never had a winning season, you know, and and what what I came from from LSU, I always felt I’m used to winning. uh his 14:03 14 minutes, 3 seconds attitude and his uh uh communication to me would just continue to play the game like I’ve been playing it and everything else would take care of itself and and 14:12 14 minutes, 12 seconds that’s basically uh how I played the game and basically how he motivated me personally and trying to achieve all the goals I could playing football. 14:23 14 minutes, 23 seconds How different was it Dalton whenever 1984 and coach Arnberger came in? Yeah, obviously Arnsburgger was a legend. 14:34 14 minutes, 34 seconds Stovall was a legend. Stovall had been the coach of the year in 1982, national coach of the year, SEC coach of the 14:42 14 minutes, 42 seconds year. Then what happened in ‘ 83 happened and and he’s gone and now you’re dealing with Bill Arner. How how different was that? 14:52 14 minutes, 52 seconds Well, you can see the business side of it. Um uh came to the program with us being, you know, young men’s playing in 15:00 15 minutes LSU. you you played a game during my time that you know you played it with with players you you got to know and 15:08 15 minutes, 8 seconds understand uh and you build relationships uh together with these individuals in 15:14 15 minutes, 14 seconds college at that sense but coach realized that there’s a lot of changes that will take place and he brought in that 15:22 15 minutes, 22 seconds atmosphere from atmosphere that you know as players you know you have to do a job you know do what you’re supposed to do 15:29 15 minutes, 29 seconds and and his motto So, uh, coach Bill Hersburg was do what you’re supposed to do and the rest will take care of yourself. And that’s similar to the same 15:37 15 minutes, 37 seconds philosophy, uh, Coach Stoval had. And, uh, it was a generation of change in time, but it still had the same type of 15:45 15 minutes, 45 seconds atmosphere still had the same professional feel of another coach coming in. Uh, Coach Armsburg did a 15:53 15 minutes, 53 seconds great job of making the players relax and understand that this is a change that, you know, we don’t have control of. only thing we had control of what we 16:01 16 minutes, 1 second do out there on the field. So that’s was basically the the kind of adjustment that really took place when coach 16:08 16 minutes, 8 seconds Armsburg came aboard and um I think the guys that plays you with coach realized that you know you had the same type of tradition and that was a good thing. 16:19 16 minutes, 19 seconds Well, Dalton, you’re uh obviously one of the legends in LSU football history, one of the greatest running backs ever to to 16:25 16 minutes, 25 seconds put on the the pads in Tiger Stadium and in the SEC for that matter. Um, but you 16:33 16 minutes, 33 seconds only played four years. You know, you ran over Tony Clayton. Maybe you could give him a call and see how he’s doing and ask him if you can come back for your fifth year. 16:44 16 minutes, 44 seconds Well, I tell you what, I I think myself and Tony both would love to come back during this generation with the type of income that’s being uh presented to the 16:52 16 minutes, 52 seconds guys these days. But uh Tony and I both know that we at an age that we we’re fine right where we at \[laughter\] right now. 17:02 17 minutes, 2 seconds Dan, thanks a lot for joining us. We appreciate it. Thanks. And uh continued good health and we hope to talk to you again soon. \[snorts\] 17:09 17 minutes, 9 seconds Yes, appreciate it, guys. Thank you for having me on. Dalton Hillyard 4,000 yards rushing at LSU, 44 touchdowns, 50 17:17 17 minutes, 17 seconds from scrimmage. He also had six receiving touchdowns, 1100 yards receiving. We’re going to take a break, more of Tiger Rag Radio when we come back. 17:24 17 minutes, 24 seconds I’m Richard Fontau, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau \[music\] Federation. My brother and I grow rice, soybeans, and raised crawfish on our farm in Evangeline Parish. For a fourth 17:32 17 minutes, 32 seconds generation farmer like myself, \[music\] Louisiana Farm Bureau is as much a part of my life as checking traps or harvesting rice. Our organization is 17:39 17 minutes, 39 seconds more than 145,000 members strong and we’ve \[music\] been around for more than 100 years. The Louisiana Farm Bureau spans generations and we want you to join our family. 17:48 17 minutes, 48 seconds Visit lafarmbureau.org. The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. 17:55 17 minutes, 55 seconds Now back to Tiger Rag Radio. 17:59 17 minutes, 59 seconds Looking forward to our next guest, Larry Williams from onree.com, Tigers Illustrated, Clemson Dubcast. We’ll get our scouting report on the Clemson 18:07 18 minutes, 7 seconds Tigers coming up in the next segment. Of course, uh Davos Sweeney was asked about uh the situation involving the fifthear seniors trying to regain eligibility. 18:19 18 minutes, 19 seconds Some of them were involved in NFL mini camps and training camps. And Davos Sweeney gave this answer in Dabau Sweeney like fashion. 18:28 18 minutes, 28 seconds Rarely am I at a loss for words, but Chapo, I’m at kind of a loss of words. I would just say it’s kind of embarrassing. I mean, honestly, just 18:37 18 minutes, 37 seconds it’s just embarrassing that that’s where we are. And I don’t blame the kids, people trying to take advantage of the system. I just think it’s embarrassing where we are with college football. And 18:45 18 minutes, 45 seconds we’ve been there for a while. So, I just keep my energy my my focus on and my energy on the things that that I control 18:53 18 minutes, 53 seconds and and the things that matter, and that’s these kids here and our team. 18:56 18 minutes, 56 seconds But, you know, all that outside stuff. I mean, we just kind of, no pun intended, we just stay in our lane, you know, uh here here at Clemson. try to every now 19:03 19 minutes, 3 seconds and then somebody will ram into us but but we try to just kind of handle our business here but it’s embarrassing I mean it really is you know we have no 19:10 19 minutes, 10 seconds rules there’s no governance I mean it’s a joke there’s zero rules and when you enforce rules somebody just goes and finds a judge to say no you can’t 19:19 19 minutes, 19 seconds enforce that rule so never did I think I’d be living in an era like this but that’s where we are yeah I I I love Dabau he’s 19:28 19 minutes, 28 seconds \[snorts\] he puts things in great perspective and you know he was he was talking about Lane somewhat and the NFL players coming back to college somewhat, 19:36 19 minutes, 36 seconds but he was talking about what’s been going on since the portal in NIL started. He even said that it’s been going on for years. And the uh guys 19:44 19 minutes, 44 seconds going to getting the judge for whatever they want. That that didn’t just start happening this month either. That’s been going on forever. And I think that’s also ridiculous, you know. I mean, 19:53 19 minutes, 53 seconds that’s how Alabama got the NBA player last year. They got a Tuscaloosa judge to put him in there. Well, that’s how Trinidad Chamblas got his 20:01 20 minutes, 1 second job at Old Miss this year, right? Right. And of course, yeah, I think he had a better argument, but but uh yeah, he they did find a a friendly 20:10 20 minutes, 10 seconds judge at the local 7-Eleven. That that’s the strategy. And I think that’s what Davo’s uh talking about. He took an interesting little shot at at Lane, 20:19 20 minutes, 19 seconds which everybody does. But uh it uh he’s right. He’s absolutely right. It’s hard to uh to have a consistent structure of 20:29 20 minutes, 29 seconds a league like college football or college basketball or any college sports when there’s 50 different states making 20:36 20 minutes, 36 seconds rules for you and you don’t have one particular rule book that you can go by. 20:40 20 minutes, 40 seconds Yeah. There’s just too many hands in the in the gumbo. And and you know, you can say what you want about the NCAA, but when they were in power and not as weak 20:49 20 minutes, 49 seconds as they are now and not losing as many law cases as U. Attorney Burgerer did to Perry Mason back in the day. You know, 20:57 20 minutes, 57 seconds the the the the c the college football was organized. Things were organized. 21:01 21 minutes, 1 second Maybe they weren’t done the right way, but but they were much more organized and it was a much more enjoyable sport. 21:08 21 minutes, 8 seconds uh in the off season. I I think I mean once the games start everything kind of goes away, I hope though there’ll probably be more TTRO’s but but um yeah, 21:17 21 minutes, 17 seconds it it’s just a mess. They they don’t know how to govern themselves. 21:21 21 minutes, 21 seconds Yeah. And and I I can’t help Glenn but think about you and I sitting down with Verge Osbury for several hours in February 21:30 21 minutes, 30 seconds um of this past year and him just repeating over and over again, the system’s broken. The whole system’s broken. This is not sustainable. This is not sustainable. 21:40 21 minutes, 40 seconds He’s right. 21:41 21 minutes, 41 seconds We’ll take another break and we’ll start to break down the LSU Clemson game even more with Larry Williams of onree.com, Tigers Illustrated, and Clemson Dubcast. 21:51 21 minutes, 51 seconds Got a lot of great questions lined up here for Larry. So stay tuned for that here on Tiger Rag Radio. 21:56 21 minutes, 56 seconds The East Baton \[music\] Rouge Parish Library believes that supporting the education of students is good for us all. 22:02 22 minutes, 2 seconds That’s why we provide access \[music\] to live in-person online tutoring through homework Louisiana. 22:09 22 minutes, 9 seconds Make available free test preparation tools through Learning Express \[music\] and Mometrics, plus reference tools for all ages. 22:18 22 minutes, 18 seconds Get a library \[music\] card. Get free education at ebrpl.com/homeworkhelp. 22:26 22 minutes, 26 seconds We now return to Tiger Rag Radio. 22:33 22 minutes, 33 seconds \[music\] 22:34 22 minutes, 34 seconds Back here on Tiger Rag Radio, Jeff Polmo, news and sports director, Louisiana Radio Network, along with the executive editor for Tiger Magazine, 22:42 22 minutes, 42 seconds Todd Horn, and Gwen Gilbo with us as well, along with Case Kishnik, our producer. Let’s bring in our next guest. 22:47 22 minutes, 47 seconds It’s Larry Williams. He covers the Clemson Tigers for on three.com, Tigers Illustrated, and the Clemson Dubcast. 22:54 22 minutes, 54 seconds Larry, seems like we’ve been talking about this game for months because we have, and it’s finally here. How you doing tonight? 23:00 23 minutes I’m doing great. Uh, can we talk about the game? I really hope not. 23:04 23 minutes, 4 seconds That’s exactly what we’re going to talk \[laughter\] about. 23:06 23 minutes, 6 seconds Trust me. Trust me. We are not going to ask you any uh legal legal questions. 23:12 23 minutes, 12 seconds That’s for sure. I want to ask you about Chad Morris. Uh, talk about bringing him back and what does this mean for the Clemson offense? 23:22 23 minutes, 22 seconds Well, I think it sort of the intent is to sort of rekindle what really got the Dabo era started in 23:30 23 minutes, 30 seconds such a big way. Back in 2011, um he hired Chad Morris from Tulsa. 23:36 23 minutes, 36 seconds Morris was, you know, kind of little known at that time. Had been in the high school ranks forever, had only been Tulsa for one season under Ty Graham. 23:45 23 minutes, 45 seconds But \[clears throat\] if you take yourself back, 2010 was when Gush and Cam Newton set the world on 23:53 23 minutes, 53 seconds fire at Auburn. And uh so Mars had was a close disciple of Malz. And so at that 24:01 24 minutes, 1 second time the what they called the hurry up no huddle offense and and and you know the spreading you out horizontally and 24:08 24 minutes, 8 seconds vertically and um quarterback run game, all that stuff. It was all the rage. And the tempo as well, by the way. And so 24:16 24 minutes, 16 seconds \[clears throat\] 24:17 24 minutes, 17 seconds Mars was here for four years before going on to to SMU and I think Davo just after dealing with Garrett Riley in the 24:26 24 minutes, 26 seconds air raid and realizing you know it’s kind of like a different language. I don’t really understand it. Um he wanted to get back to his instincts, back to 24:34 24 minutes, 34 seconds his comfort zone and Chad Morris just so happened to be available and really interested in the job. And so I think initially it was like wait what really? 24:44 24 minutes, 44 seconds he he’s he’s doing this. But I think the more you sort of piece it together and the more you understand like man, they 24:52 24 minutes, 52 seconds they really needed an identity over the last few years, they just they’ve just been sort of lost. Um kind of kind of 25:02 25 minutes, 2 seconds soulless, I guess, on offense, if that makes any sense. And I’m not sitting here saying I don’t think anybody knows whether it’s going to be a rousing 25:11 25 minutes, 11 seconds success, but I can see the logic and and from, you know, behind the scenes and all that. Ted Morris just his presence 25:19 25 minutes, 19 seconds and his command and his authority and his voice have made a huge difference, not just on the offensive side of the ball, but I 25:26 25 minutes, 26 seconds think for their overall just the feel of things. 25:30 25 minutes, 30 seconds The other big news from today is of course Davos Sweeney announcing that Christopher Vzena, senior quarterback, is going to be the starter uh when the 25:38 25 minutes, 38 seconds Clemson Tigers come to visit LSU week one. What can Tiger fans expect to see from a guy who spent his three years taking his time sitting behind Kate 25:47 25 minutes, 47 seconds Clubnick a lot like how Garrett Nmeer sat behind Jaden Daniels, now he gets his opportunity to start. Is that where the comparison stops between the two or 25:54 25 minutes, 54 seconds what can Tiger fans expect to see on Saturday? 25:57 25 minutes, 57 seconds Yeah, I think so. So, with Clemson, I think you’re going to see two quarterbacks Saturday. Uh Tate, uh Chris Vazina, like 26:06 26 minutes, 6 seconds you said, the starter, and Tate Reynolds, a freshman who enrolled midyear and who has really impressed them. 26:16 26 minutes, 16 seconds Reynolds is the more of the dual threat variety. Um way more active with his legs. Um can extend plays, can make 26:24 26 minutes, 24 seconds throws on the run. Um you know, just has that juice. I guess you could say Vzena less of a threat to run the ball, but 26:33 26 minutes, 33 seconds not a statue either. Um, and so I could see him, you know, pulling it on some zone reads and and and making you pay 26:41 26 minutes, 41 seconds with maybe a seven or eight yard gain if you don’t honor that, you know, the edge player. Um, he could also maybe some of 26:49 26 minutes, 49 seconds the more designed runs in the red zone goal line situations uh between the tackles. He’s a he’s Bazine is a big dude. Um, but I think 26:58 26 minutes, 58 seconds what got him the job so far, and it I have to emphasize so far because Davos says it remains an open competition is 27:06 27 minutes, 6 seconds uh, Vzina just did a better job of making the right decisions and protecting the football over the last few weeks in practice. I think uh, 27:14 27 minutes, 14 seconds Reynolds is more of a highwire act, puts the ball in jeopardy. And, um, you know, they’re going to have enough obstacles 27:21 27 minutes, 21 seconds on Saturday night um, against LSU in front of that crowd. uh to to to deal with, you know, to to have to worry 27:29 27 minutes, 29 seconds about, you know, throwing pick sixes and stuff like that. That game could be over uh in a hurry if that starts happening. 27:36 27 minutes, 36 seconds Hey, Larry, it’s Todd. Um you know, you guys were just talking about the quarterbacks. Um obviously Sam Levit is 27:43 27 minutes, 43 seconds is a a question mark, but he’s got a lot of confidence going into this game, he says, and and he’s got confidence behind him. 27:52 27 minutes, 52 seconds But is this game actually about being decided inside? I mean, Clemson has had a lot of attrition at defensive 27:59 27 minutes, 59 seconds tackle and on the other side LSU has concerns about its offensive line depth. Which team has the bigger problem there? 28:07 28 minutes, 7 seconds Boy, it’s a great question. I I think um I think LSU, their offensive line, the starting five is looks, you know, very salty to me. 28:19 28 minutes, 19 seconds Very talented, of course. 28:21 28 minutes, 21 seconds Um, you know, Clemson’s Clemson just has more questions, I believe. Um, if you’re talking about that particular matchup, 28:29 28 minutes, 29 seconds um, Clemson’s interior defensive line. 28:34 28 minutes, 34 seconds Um, they lost Peter Woods, they lost Deonte Kart, they lost of course Green, who’s over there. Um, and they lost a 28:44 28 minutes, 44 seconds portal guy, Courtney Kelly, during the spring who suffered a torn ACL. And so really right now, Clemson has three 28:53 28 minutes, 53 seconds defensive tackles um who they’re going to rotate. I mean, I guess they could conceivably put a fourth guy out there, 29:01 29 minutes, 1 second but even those three that I just referred to, none of those are proven guys. Uh Marcus Strong, an Oklahoma 29:09 29 minutes, 9 seconds transfer, uh he was a backup, didn’t play many snaps, maybe like a little over a hundred last year. Amari Adams is 29:17 29 minutes, 17 seconds a is a is a high school recruit for Clemson. Uh he was a freshman last year, played 107 snaps. 29:24 29 minutes, 24 seconds Um and uh Andy Beraria, who is a Jo transfer who they really liked, but that’s what you got. And that is 29:32 29 minutes, 32 seconds just um that’s concerning. I think it’s concerning overall for them this season, but I think it’s particularly concerning in light of this matchup Saturday night. 29:43 29 minutes, 43 seconds He said, and that leads me to this next question. I mean, obviously, you know, Clemson in the last like 54 road games is something like I think 44 and 10. But 29:53 29 minutes, 53 seconds Rody Jones told you something on your your podcast recently that that jumped out at me. He said he thinks Clemson 30:00 30 minutes believes it’s good, but he’s not sure Clemson knows it’s good yet, and LSU may answer that question. 30:08 30 minutes, 8 seconds Uh, is that the psychology around this Clemson team right now? 30:12 30 minutes, 12 seconds Yeah, I thought I thought that was a great and dead-on kind of observation. 30:17 30 minutes, 17 seconds You got to understand the everything is about the context of last year. Um, top five team. Um, they 30:26 30 minutes, 26 seconds spend the spring and summer being told how great they’re going to be. Kade Club Nick, number one draft pick, Heisman 30:33 30 minutes, 33 seconds candidate. Clemson’s going back to, you know, getting back in the business of playing for national championships. Then you come out and lose the opener. 30:41 30 minutes, 41 seconds Of course, LSU, you know, tight game. 30:43 30 minutes, 43 seconds You know, the the world’s not ending, but they were just kind of I just think 30:51 30 minutes, 51 seconds they were just kind of shattered from that result. Um, you know, at home in the opener, and then they go on the road 30:59 30 minutes, 59 seconds two weeks later, lose to Georgia Tech, and it’s like just they they fell apart and started one and three. They were three and five 31:08 31 minutes, 8 seconds at one point. My point is there is so much PTSD from last fall 31:15 31 minutes, 15 seconds because I think inside that building last summer, a year ago, right now, they all thought, man, we are really 31:22 31 minutes, 22 seconds freaking good. I mean that countless people told me like this, we got our best, we got our most talented team since 2019, the team that played LSU in the championship down in New Orleans. 31:34 31 minutes, 34 seconds And I just think that they’re still kind of shell shocked that they were that wrong about a team. And so, yeah, I 31:41 31 minutes, 41 seconds think they’re they are confident in some ways right now, but it’s like, yeah, we still don’t know. You know, it’s I don’t think 31:49 31 minutes, 49 seconds anybody any team really knows. It’s just so hard to tell when you’ve been playing against yourself. Um, and there are so many variables like injuries and such 31:57 31 minutes, 57 seconds things like that. But, but I think Rody Jones probably hit on it. Like I I think even Davo right now, the most optimistic 32:07 32 minutes, 7 seconds person on the planet, you could argue, is saying, “Okay, yeah, we got some good pieces, but y’all got to show me after 32:14 32 minutes, 14 seconds last year.” Hey, Larry, this is Glenn. Thanks for joining us on the show. Yes, sir. 32:19 32 minutes, 19 seconds Um, do you realize that this could be the first game that Clemson grad, former Clemson grad assistant, Will Wade, 32:28 32 minutes, 28 seconds attends, first Clemson football game since 2007. Will Wade’s going to be in the house, man? You think that’s going to inspire Clemson? Or \[laughter\] 32:38 32 minutes, 38 seconds are you laughing from the gut or from the stomach? That sound like a deep belly laugh to me. 32:43 32 minutes, 43 seconds I just want laugh I’ve had all day. 32:45 32 minutes, 45 seconds I just want to see the guy. He He Nobody can find him. He’s He’s only got four guys on his roster, but there’s a bunch of guys coming in. They just got to get him signed and everything. 32:54 32 minutes, 54 seconds You can find him in the courtroom. Yeah, they’ll be in the courtroom. 32:56 32 minutes, 56 seconds He \[laughter\] goes to Superior Grill for lunch over there on government. 33:00 33 minutes Oh, okay. All right. Well, I don’t go there. So, \[laughter\] I’ll say this. I’ll say this. I know Will and I mean I was here when he was 33:06 33 minutes, 6 seconds here u when he was uh on Oliver Presell’s staff. He was and is a a huge Clemson fan. 33:15 33 minutes, 15 seconds Oh, cool. Cool. 33:16 33 minutes, 16 seconds Huge. Uh you know, I don’t know how open he’ll be about it Saturday night, but um 33:23 33 minutes, 23 seconds Oh, yeah. when so they were he and there were these noon time basketball games here at the athletic department way back 33:31 33 minutes, 31 seconds when dating back to as far back as when Davo was the receivers’s coach here. Um and so 33:40 33 minutes, 40 seconds Will Way and and Will Wade and a bunch of others um you know support staffers 33:47 33 minutes, 47 seconds and things like that they would play and so that’s how they really got to know Davo. Um, and so \[clears throat\] when 33:55 33 minutes, 55 seconds Will left, I can’t remember the year. I think he 2007. 2007 was his last year at Clemson. 34:02 34 minutes, 2 seconds Okay, great. Um, so of course that’s the year, that’s the year before Davo takes over. Davo took over in ‘ 08. And so 34:10 34 minutes, 10 seconds fast forward to like, you know, 09, Clemson wins the ACC Atlantic Division for the first time. Then 2011, like I 34:18 34 minutes, 18 seconds was saying earlier, is when they take off after Chad Morris got there. Well, Will Weey and Shaka Smart, Mike Morurell was another one. He’s a head coach at 34:26 34 minutes, 26 seconds UNC Asheville right now. They were all on the same staff at VCU when Shaka was 34:33 34 minutes, 33 seconds the head coach there. And so they would they would literally will told me this 34:39 34 minutes, 39 seconds um they Shaka would would would cancel practice or or or schedule practice basketball practices around fall 34:48 34 minutes, 48 seconds Saturday so they could Yeah. 34:51 34 minutes, 51 seconds play. It’s a great That’s awesome. That’s awesome. Well, and I also wanted to ask you, do do you feel like Davo and uh and Lane Keifin 34:59 34 minutes, 59 seconds are kind of opposites? I mean, one loves the portal, one hates the portal, one’s a country dude from Decatur, and Lane’s a big California guy. Uh, you think 35:08 35 minutes, 8 seconds they’re kind of opposites or what do you think? 35:10 35 minutes, 10 seconds Kind of, Glenn? Kind of. I think I think they are polar opposites. I mean, there’s no doubt. I mean, I And that’s 35:18 35 minutes, 18 seconds not to say Lane doesn’t have some good qualities. I mean, he’s a freaking genius, of course, as a schemer and play caller and all that, but you just you 35:25 35 minutes, 25 seconds can’t get more opposite than this. Um, you know, I I feel I I don’t see how you can’t sort of if you put yourself in the 35:33 35 minutes, 33 seconds shoes of Davo and Clemson, like how you can’t feel a little bad for him with all this stuff that’s been going on. I know we’ve been talking about we promised to 35:40 35 minutes, 40 seconds talk about the game only, but um but this kind of impacts the game. Yeah. Yeah. 35:45 35 minutes, 45 seconds So, like the the the Pete Golding situation back in January, you know, it’s like, “Oh my god, we we just had 35:53 35 minutes, 53 seconds this linebacker who was in class for a week at Clemson. Pete Golding comes and is texting him during class and Pete 36:01 36 minutes, 1 second Golding’s response is well uh LSU did it to us, you know, and so it’s like you’re in this triangle if you’re Clemson and 36:08 36 minutes, 8 seconds you’re at the bottom of that food chain and then now fast forward to now and you’re suddenly having to go dust off 36:15 36 minutes, 15 seconds NFL tape. \[laughter\] Stay in your lane, Larry. 36:22 36 minutes, 22 seconds Hey, man. Hey, you think I don’t think that was I don’t think that was spur of the moment. And I bet De thought thought of that oneliner like a couple of days ago. 36:29 36 minutes, 29 seconds Hey. Hey, Larry. Have you ever been to Death Valley? 36:33 36 minutes, 33 seconds I have. I uh I came I I was So you’re So you’re thinking of Death Valley in Baton Rouge, the real one. 36:40 36 minutes, 40 seconds Well, I mean, I assume that you’re talking about Okay. Okay. Stay in. Stay in \[laughter\] Atlanta. 36:48 36 minutes, 48 seconds Hey. Hey. I love I love Clemson’s Death Valley. I mean, I think it’s a a freaking awesome place to watch a game. 36:54 36 minutes, 54 seconds And I think Glenn, you were here last year. It was. It was. 36:57 36 minutes, 57 seconds Not for that. But LSU is the pinnacle like that. I mean, that’s just it’s just different down there, man. 37:03 37 minutes, 3 seconds It’s just different. Where where did you get that from? 37:05 37 minutes, 5 seconds That’s the lane law. Stay in your \[laughter\] lane, Larry. Tommy, I got to tell you. 37:09 37 minutes, 9 seconds I think he’s been reading tiger.com a little bit. \[laughter\] Larry, when are you getting When are you getting here? 37:16 37 minutes, 16 seconds I came down there uh I came down there in 03. Uh, no. When are you getting here for the game this time? Are you coming? I I actually am not I’m not coming. 37:24 37 minutes, 24 seconds Oh, shoot. Okay. Unfortunately. 37:26 37 minutes, 26 seconds Um I have a family obligation, but uh um Yeah. 03 the Georgia LSU game. 37:34 37 minutes, 34 seconds That’s a great game. 37:36 37 minutes, 36 seconds Yeah, it it was not a night game, but it was still just and y’all probably remember. 37:41 37 minutes, 41 seconds Oh, yeah. It was it was a huge game. It was a huge game. I think it was the game that LSU fans uh finally believed, you 37:49 37 minutes, 49 seconds know, that true that, you know, Nick Sabin what he was preaching to the fan base for two years um to about the process and there was a 37:58 37 minutes, 58 seconds big touchdown that went against LSU at the towards the end of that game and the fans kind of rallied behind the team and the big touchdown pass to Skyler Green 38:07 38 minutes, 7 seconds which is one of the more legendary plays in LSU history. So that was huge. Game day was there for that one too and they’ll be there uh this Saturday. 38:15 38 minutes, 15 seconds Larry, we are running up against the break. Thank you very much for your time. Enjoy the 2026 season and who knows, maybe uh we’ll see a rematch 38:23 38 minutes, 23 seconds between these two teams in the college football playoffs. Maybe maybe our lanes will cross again. 38:28 38 minutes, 28 seconds \[laughter\] 38:30 38 minutes, 30 seconds All right, Larry. Thanks, man. 38:31 38 minutes, 31 seconds All right, let’s take a break. Uh right after this, more of Tiger Rag Radio. 38:36 38 minutes, 36 seconds We’re back to Tiger Rag Radio. All right, back here on Tiger Rag Radio, we finish up the show. I think all of us 38:43 38 minutes, 43 seconds are on the same page that LSU figures out a way to win it despite all the distractions and so forth. And I’m being 38:50 38 minutes, 50 seconds a little bit of um uh a little bit of tongue and cheek on that. Uh and I think all of us would say 9 and three, 10 and 38:59 38 minutes, 59 seconds two. That’s what pretty much everyone is saying. So what we’re going to do here in this final segment is bold B O D B O 39:06 39 minutes, 6 seconds D predictions. And we’ll start with you, Todd. 39:10 39 minutes, 10 seconds My bold prediction for this season is that Dylan Jones, LSU running back, 39:18 39 minutes, 18 seconds Kiwan Lacy, Miss running back, finished one and two in the SEC in rushing. 39:25 39 minutes, 25 seconds I’m not saying which one’s one, which one’s two, but they’re going to finish one and two in rushing. That’s my bold prediction. 39:31 39 minutes, 31 seconds All right, Case. I’m going to directly disagree with Todd and I’m gonna say that none of the three LSU running backs 39:39 39 minutes, 39 seconds go over 600 yards this season. I think uh Durham had 505 last year, Barry 491, Dylan Jones had 300 in only seven games, 39:47 39 minutes, 47 seconds which of course would put him on pace if he’s the lead back, but I think they just do it too much by committee. And I don’t think that they lean on him as much as they have as a single back in 39:55 39 minutes, 55 seconds past years. I think Gifin and Weiss changed their offense based off their personnel, and that’s what they’re going to do again this year. You’re entitled to your own opinion case, but you’re 40:03 40 minutes, 3 seconds also fired. \[laughter\] All right, my bold prediction. I’ll go defense. I don’t know how bold it is, 40:10 40 minutes, 10 seconds but I believe DJ Picket leads the team in interceptions. 40:15 40 minutes, 15 seconds I don’t think they’re going to throw at him enough for that to happen. But that’s why it’s a bold prediction. Okay. 40:21 40 minutes, 21 seconds I think he’s going to have three interceptions, which is the number he should be wearing. \[laughter\] Okay. My bold prediction is you got you 40:28 40 minutes, 28 seconds got three coaches on the hot seat in the SEC. Josh Hypel, uh Shane Beamer, and in my opinion, Pete 40:36 40 minutes, 36 seconds Golding, cuz he shouldn’t have got the job. He got the job in kind of a strange situation, and he probably shouldn’t have got it. I’m surprised they didn’t 40:43 40 minutes, 43 seconds hire Charlie Weiss Jr., but I predict Pete Golding has a very disappointing year. And because of his questionable 40:51 40 minutes, 51 seconds hiring, Pete Golden gets fired at Old Miss this season. Charlie Weiss Jr. 40:57 40 minutes, 57 seconds replaces him as head coach and Pete Golding becomes the defensive coordinator at LSU because Blake Baker becomes the new head coach at South Carolina. There you go. 41:06 41 minutes, 6 seconds And SEC media days suffers \[laughter\] for it. Wow. 41:12 41 minutes, 12 seconds Wow. That is uh that is quite a twist there. All right, we got to put that on the shelf so we can review it. 41:18 41 minutes, 18 seconds \[laughter\] 41:20 41 minutes, 20 seconds And you need to rehire uh Case because I’m not writing 15 stories a day, pal. All right, case you’re rehired. Appreciate that. 41:28 41 minutes, 28 seconds Well, speaking of tiger.com, check it out. Uh multiple stories are going up there uh every day. It’s a it’s amazing 41:36 41 minutes, 36 seconds the amount of work that Glenn, Todd, and Case put in. And uh there’s a lot of great stuff, player profiles, great columns from Todd, great stories from 41:44 41 minutes, 44 seconds Glenn. Uh Case knocks it out of the park with all the information that he provides and his stories. If you missed any of this podcast, you’ll certainly 41:52 41 minutes, 52 seconds want to listen to it or missed any of the show. You want to get it anywhere you get your podcast. It’ll also be uploaded to YouTube uh sometime tonight. 42:00 42 minutes Really good show. Got to thank all our guests. Tony Clayton, Corey Diaz from the USA Today Network, Dalton Hillyard, Larry Williams. It was a great way to uh 42:10 42 minutes, 10 seconds kick off the 2026 season. We’ll be back with you next week to recap what happened uh or what will happen on an 42:18 42 minutes, 18 seconds historic night in Tiger Stadium. Should be an outstanding atmosphere. Can’t wait for it. And until then, for the latest in LSU sports, check out tiger.com. For 42:27 42 minutes, 27 seconds Case Glen, Todd, I’m Jeff Polmo. Have a good night, everyone. 42:33 42 minutes, 33 seconds Tiger Ragg is everywhere. Online at tiger.com. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News, Podcast, Radio **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, Dalton Hilliard, jerry stovall, lsu football, tiger rag radio --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio: Previewing Titanic Battles In The Courtroom & On The Gridiron - LSU vs. Clemson](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-previewing-titanic-battles-in-the-courtroom-on-the-gridiron-lsu-vs-clemson/) **Published:** September 2, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** [](https://www.youtube.com/@GrokseeVids)LSU commitments Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris along with dozens of other athletes are awaiting a preliminary injunction hearing in Baton Rouge on Thursday to determine whether they will be allowed to return for a fifth season of eligibility. Tony Clayton, one of the attorneys representing the class of 2022 athletes, breaks down their case against the NCAA, Southeastern Conference and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey. Cory Diaz with USA Today helps break down the biggest concerns around the LSU football team ahead of its season opener versus Clemson on Saturday (6:30, ABC). ***Here is the complete transcript of the show from YouTube. Tiger Rag apologizes for any AI generated mistakes:*** 0:00 0 seconds Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. Tiger Rag Radio is on the air. Let’s crank this thing up. 0:06 6 seconds We’re statewide breaking \[music\] down the latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is up. Hear from the coaches. Our time is now with LSU basketball. 0:14 14 seconds The players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 0:17 17 seconds One way or another, we’re going to make history. 0:19 19 seconds And those who cover the Fighting Tigers \[music\] of LSU and the SEC. 0:23 23 seconds LSU is the best job in it’s 2 hours of non-stop LSU talk. 0:28 28 seconds I came here to win. We’re going to win a medium. 0:30 30 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is brought to you by \[music\] Cumins. Cumins creates power solutions that the world depends on. 0:36 36 seconds Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro’s Electrical \[music\] Services, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 0:45 45 seconds Get ready to talk Tigers \[music\] with producer Case Kishnik and our host Todd Horn, Jeff Polalmo, and Glenn \[music\] 0:53 53 seconds Gilbo. Tiger players are better people than they are players. This is Tiger \[music\] Rag Radio 1:01 1 minute, 1 second and welcome to another edition of Tiger Rag Radio. We have made it everyone. The 2026 football season will begin uh 4 1:09 1 minute, 9 seconds days from when we are broadcasting here on this lovely Tuesday night across the state of Louisiana. Hello everyone, Jeff Palmo along with the executive editor 1:17 1 minute, 17 seconds for Tiger Rag Magazine, Todd Horn, the editor, Glenn Gilbo, and Case Kishnik, our producer. for a loaded show for you tonight as we are just a few days as I 1:26 1 minute, 26 seconds mentioned away from the season opener against Clemson. Cory Diaz from the USA Today network will join us a little bit later on in this hour. We’ll also hear 1:34 1 minute, 34 seconds from former LSU and Saints great Dalton Hillard who played for Jerry Stoval. We lost another LSU legend this past 1:42 1 minute, 42 seconds weekend or actually this past week with the death of Jerry Stoval at the age of 85. We’ll talk to Dalton about coach 1:50 1 minute, 50 seconds Stoval and many other things as well when we have a chance to speak with him. 1:53 1 minute, 53 seconds And we’ll get you a scouting report on the Clemson Tigers, Larry Williams from the Clemson Dubcast. He will join us later on in \[snorts\] this show as well. 2:04 2 minutes, 4 seconds But uh we do have to start with the biggest topic that’s been around now it seems like for like two years, but it’s 2:12 2 minutes, 12 seconds \[laughter\] 2:12 2 minutes, 12 seconds it’s only been a couple of weeks and that is obviously the eligibility issues involving these fifthear seniors and there will be a a huge court hearing in 2:21 2 minutes, 21 seconds Baton Rouge on Thursday as uh many of these players who are seeking a fifth year some of them were in NFL train or a 2:30 2 minutes, 30 seconds couple of them were in NFL training camps and one of the individuals that are representing these players is on the hotline with us right now and that is 2:38 2 minutes, 38 seconds Tony Clayton. Tony, thanks a lot for joining us here on Tiger Rag Radio. How you doing tonight? 2:44 2 minutes, 44 seconds You know, I was doing great. Jeff, Todd, you know, you you two are two of my favorites. But you guys just sent me in this regressive kind of mind state 2:53 2 minutes, 53 seconds because in 1980 I was a running back for Bruley High School and Dalton Hillard was a running back for Patterson High 3:01 3 minutes, 1 second and I also played defense and they beat us 56 to nothing. Tony, you don’t have to talk about this. 3:07 3 minutes, 7 seconds You know, nothing. No, but I said nothing with a U in it. And they beat us so badly and and you to have this guy on the show after 3:15 3 minutes, 15 seconds me. H and get me out of the way. I \[laughter\] don’t want to I don’t want to have this vision tomorrow. 3:20 3 minutes, 20 seconds That was a complete accident, Tony. I did not know that. 3:23 3 minutes, 23 seconds Yeah. Yeah. And and I would suggest that you get therapy because you know it’s I swear I need therapy. 3:30 3 minutes, 30 seconds And now we’re going to ask him about that game. Oh, he will remember that. 3:35 3 minutes, 35 seconds Thank you. \[laughter\] Well, Tony, that dude that dude was a man amongst men. 3:40 3 minutes, 40 seconds Oh, he absolutely was. He was, he was incredible. And even in this pro career with the Saints, he was incredible. Really good. Versatile. 3:48 3 minutes, 48 seconds So, uh, but so you’ve got a you’ve got a busy week in front of you, Tony. Um, what what are we expecting? 3:56 3 minutes, 56 seconds What are you expecting to happen on Thursday? 4:01 4 minutes, 1 second So, so we’re prepared. And when I tell you we’re prepared, um I think and this is just one lawyer on one side. I 4:08 4 minutes, 8 seconds believe that the law and the facts are on our side. And you know, Jeff, I had a old law professor who once told me that 4:16 4 minutes, 16 seconds Clayton, if you don’t have the law on your side, scream the facts. If you don’t have the facts, scream the law. If you don’t have either, just scream. 4:27 4 minutes, 27 seconds \[laughter\] Here, we we \[snorts\] have the law and the facts. And and what this is Todd by the way, Tony, what what makes 4:34 4 minutes, 34 seconds you so confident heading into this session and what could happen? What could transpire for the fans that are listening? And just plain English, not not legal speak, just plain English. 4:45 4 minutes, 45 seconds So So I got So I think the national media has projected as if LSU is behind this entire deal, and they’re not. This 4:55 4 minutes, 55 seconds is about those student athletes and the the the NCAA has treated these young student athletes in an arbitrary and capriccious manner. 5:05 5 minutes, 5 seconds And what I mean by that Todd is that um during co uh athletes were given a fifth year. They were like okay you can play 5:13 5 minutes, 13 seconds another year cuz you couldn’t play during co. So that would take us back kids who started school 2017, 18, 19, 5:20 5 minutes, 20 seconds 20, and 21 uh were able to have a fifth year. And then the NCA Sue Sponte or 5:28 5 minutes, 28 seconds just out of the blue decided in 2023 to make it mandatory that everyone um will 5:36 5 minutes, 36 seconds allow will be allowed to get a fifth year. Well, the problem was that 2022 year, which those folks were seniors in 5:44 5 minutes, 44 seconds January of this year, had to make a choice. They were like, because this rule wasn’t in place yet, but but in 5:52 5 minutes, 52 seconds January of this year, those young folks had to make a choice. They couldn’t play college anymore. They weren’t allowed to have their fifth year. So, they went to 6:00 6 minutes try out for the pros. They had to enter the draft and and dip their toes into this professional arena. Well, five months later, the NCAA decides upon 6:09 6 minutes, 9 seconds itself to say, you know what, I will give everybody five years with the exception of this these students 6:16 6 minutes, 16 seconds athletes from 2022. That’s not fair. So, those guys went out there, they didn’t make it or whatever happened to them. 6:23 6 minutes, 23 seconds Um, now they’re like, “Wait a minute. If we would have known that we had another year left, we could have we would have 6:31 6 minutes, 31 seconds stayed and played our last year in college.” And the way it looks now on the NIO, they probably would have made as much money as they would have made in the pros. So they’re entitled to that. 6:40 6 minutes, 40 seconds They have a constitutional right to be treated fairly and equitably just as everyone else. And that is where the problem lies. 6:49 6 minutes, 49 seconds Just real quick, and I know Jeff uh Glenn and me to break it down simple. I broke that down. 6:55 6 minutes, 55 seconds That was very well done. \[clears throat\] Okay. Now the SEC the SEC has made all kinds of uh news in the last couple of 7:04 7 minutes, 4 seconds days. First of all saying that they will comply with whatever the court orders but then there’s a possibility and I 7:13 7 minutes, 13 seconds would say a probable likelihood that if they lose on Thursday which would mean that you get a a 7:20 7 minutes, 20 seconds an injunction. It wouldn’t be an a permanent injunction, but I guess it would be a what a temporary injunction that could last through the football 7:28 7 minutes, 28 seconds season that they may either appeal or ask for a stay. Do you think those are possibilities if in fact you prevail the way you think you will? 7:38 7 minutes, 38 seconds So that’s a multitude of questions there, but you would have passed the laws. You would have passed the bar exam on that that question. You you you were 7:46 7 minutes, 46 seconds spot on. So, so of course the SEC is putting out there that they would comply with the court order. They have no 7:53 7 minutes, 53 seconds choice. I mean to say that it’s kind of like when Confucious says dark cloud come it, rain come it or whatever. So they have to because it’s a court order. 8:02 8 minutes, 2 seconds So I I don’t think they’re just doing any nicities by complying to the court order. That’s just the rule of law. 8:08 8 minutes, 8 seconds That’s what we do in this country. But here’s the issue. So they now have a restraining order in place that restrains them from taking any punitive 8:16 8 minutes, 16 seconds action against these kids. So if we were to win Thursday, then we will have what’s called a preliminary injunction, 8:24 8 minutes, 24 seconds which means now it moves to a level where you get to have a trial. We get to go do discovery, take depositions of the 8:32 8 minutes, 32 seconds NCAA, take deposition of the SEC, and take deposition of guy who I want to depose is Mr. Greg Sanki or whatever his 8:40 8 minutes, 40 seconds name is. and find out what in the world made him say whatever he said and issue this this rule that he it would issue 8:48 8 minutes, 48 seconds punitive damages against any school that were to follow the laws of this country. So park that now we got that as a side. 8:56 8 minutes, 56 seconds So the SEC has to comply with the laws uh as well as Greg Sanki or Commissioner Sanki. For the life of me, once the NCAA 9:06 9 minutes, 6 seconds um once they were prohibited from violating these kids’ constitutional rights, what in the world enticed Mr. 9:15 9 minutes, 15 seconds Sanki to come in and create this little rule to say, I’m going to punish the schools and and I’m going to do this and 9:22 9 minutes, 22 seconds do that. He had no right to do that. I mean, these folks do not shed their constitutional rights at the college 9:30 9 minutes, 30 seconds footstep door. So, you have to make sure folks rights are protected. And that’s where we stepped in. 9:35 9 minutes, 35 seconds And Tony, Greg Sanki is going to be in court Thursday. Correct. 9:41 9 minutes, 41 seconds If I were him, I would not because I get to cross-examine him. And for the life of me, uh, you know, if I were his 9:49 9 minutes, 49 seconds lawyer, I would tell him, “Don’t show up cuz these guys are lying and wait.” Because he has to answer what in the world made you call all these colleges 9:58 9 minutes, 58 seconds together and say that you’re going to make this rude to defy a court order that was already in place. But doesn’t he have to show up? I don’t know how you answer that. 10:06 10 minutes, 6 seconds Doesn’t he have to show up? 10:07 10 minutes, 7 seconds No, he doesn’t have to show up. He has lawyers and all that. He does not. If I were him, I probably wouldn’t show up. 10:13 10 minutes, 13 seconds Okay, Tony, let me ask you this. Do you have any idea why the NCAA did not include the 2022 entries into college? 10:20 10 minutes, 20 seconds It would have been very simple to do that. You have any idea why they didn’t do that? 10:24 10 minutes, 24 seconds That’s a great question. And I’ll tell you why I think. And this is just Tony talking. Because they’ve been operating under a dictatorship. They just could do 10:32 10 minutes, 32 seconds whatever they want to do. Now, let’s just look at it from the past however long they’ve been in existence. 10:37 10 minutes, 37 seconds They made billions of dollars. They have made billions of dollars off the backs of these athletes. And you know that was the law then. They could have done it. 10:45 10 minutes, 45 seconds That’s okay. But now it’s at the point in time where these kids, these young folks get to have some part of revenue 10:52 10 minutes, 52 seconds sharing. And then you come in and you put up every roadblock that you could to stop them from enjoining the revenue that they create. Now some of my folks 11:01 11 minutes, 1 second who who may not agree with me might say, “Well, they got an education.” They did and it’s great for the institution and they did give them a fifth year. the 11:09 11 minutes, 9 seconds other guys and well some of them accept these guys we’re suing for right yeah you’re right you’re spot on and that’s the key so they keep trying to project LSU in a 11:17 11 minutes, 17 seconds negative light they’re so wrong on that I’ve never met Lane Kein in life I don’t know the guy from HappyJack the Cookie 11:25 11 minutes, 25 seconds man in terms of meeting him face to face have I heard his voice have I spoken to him yeah on the phone I don’t know the guy the guy’s never asked me to do 11:33 11 minutes, 33 seconds anything I happen to be one of the lawyers that that we last week or two weeks ago, we speak we spoke to LSU uh 11:42 11 minutes, 42 seconds football team as a prosecutor. Hillmore and I uh we would do it with Nick Sabin, we did it with coach O. We would go speak to the kids about the ramifications of some of their choices. 11:52 11 minutes, 52 seconds So, so, so that’s where I come into play with these guys who work at LSU. No one at LSU is asking me to do anything um in 12:02 12 minutes, 2 seconds terms of this. I represent these children. We I shouldn’t say I. When I say I, I mean this guy named Ryan. And there’s another lawyer named Elliot Abrams who he and I represented, R.J. 12:12 12 minutes, 12 seconds Louise. So, so and make sure you ask me a question about R.J. Louise as we progress through this conversation. And I’ll tell you about that. 12:19 12 minutes, 19 seconds Uh does he have a court date coming up? R.J. 12:23 12 minutes, 23 seconds So, so, so R.J. has already won his uh preliminary injunction. We had the TTRO and we had a hearing about a week and a 12:31 12 minutes, 31 seconds half ago with R.J. And here was the issue that that was forthcoming in that case. NCAA said that R.J. was not 12:40 12 minutes, 40 seconds allowed to play collegiate ball because he stepped his toe into the NBA draft. 12:47 12 minutes, 47 seconds The problem with that, there’s a statute bylaws 12.21 I think from the NCA that 12:54 12 minutes, 54 seconds says any kid that has any involvement uh with the draft of the pros cannot play collegiate ball. Well, here’s the rub. 13:02 13 minutes, 2 seconds There are 91 athletes this year alone that played pro ball in England, France, and Europe, and they’re now playing 13:11 13 minutes, 11 seconds collegiate ball. And so I asked the question from the from the NCA when we had the hearing, what’s why the disparit 13:19 13 minutes, 19 seconds treatment toward American citizens? So, you tell me that a guy from France or Europe or Spain or Africa or whatever can come over here and play college ball 13:28 13 minutes, 28 seconds after they made a ton of money playing pro ball overseas. And the NCA guy said, “Well, that’s different because the NBA 13:36 13 minutes, 36 seconds is a superior league around the world.” And I said, “Well, I don’t know how true that is. I think we’ve gotten our butts whipped a couple of times by some of 13:43 13 minutes, 43 seconds these foreign countries.” And he couldn’t reply. He couldn’t respond to that. And I said, “More so?” Oh, strike that. Then he said, “Well, they’re kind 13:50 13 minutes, 50 seconds of like,” he didn’t use this word developmental lead, but he kind of alluded that they were like a developmental type lead. And I said, 13:58 13 minutes, 58 seconds “Well, the problem you have, sir, is my client RJ Louise only played in the GLeague, which is developmental league. 14:04 14 minutes, 4 seconds He never played in a pro game. He played eight minutes in the G-League of all the games. Eight minutes.” So, so, so when 14:12 14 minutes, 12 seconds you juxtapose this American who dipped his toe in the NBA draft and played minutes in the G-League compared to 14:21 14 minutes, 21 seconds these folks overseas that have made a ton of money and they’re playing collegiate ball over here, it just doesn’t make sense. So Tony, and I think 14:30 14 minutes, 30 seconds we’re getting towards the end of our time, and we really appreciate you coming on, but if you had to wrap this up, it it sounds to me like the rules 14:38 14 minutes, 38 seconds are so fragmented or have been distorted over the course of the years from the NCAA and then from the various 14:46 14 minutes, 46 seconds conferences uh that add on to them in different ways, add on to the restrictions or limitations. And now 14:54 14 minutes, 54 seconds you’re that the basically they have a an authority problem or a jurisdictional problem. They 15:01 15 minutes, 1 second you’re spot on. You are spot on. I went to law school for seven years and you’ve spoken to me for seven minutes and you’ve dissect this entire problem. 15:09 15 minutes, 9 seconds Listen, the gist of this whole deal is that Commissioner Sanki cannot strike a match and give us the fire extinguisher 15:17 15 minutes, 17 seconds to tell us how to put this flame out. He he caused this flame. He as well as the NCAA. NCAA is broken. Congress needs to 15:26 15 minutes, 26 seconds step in and look the governor. I talked to the governor the other day. The governor, you guys got to do something about the NCAA. You can’t let these 15:33 15 minutes, 33 seconds folks come in with this totalitarian type rulership. I mean, it’s it’s a problem we have. But but gentlemen, I 15:40 15 minutes, 40 seconds appreciate you guys. I’m a big fan of the show. And thanks for letting me come on. And please, when you talk to Dalton Hill, ask him if he remembers me cuz he ran over me. I was like flat on my back. 15:50 15 minutes, 50 seconds I mean, it was horrible what the guy did to me. \[snorts\] And I that’s why I went to law school because I probably could have had a pro career, but he just he broke it. 15:58 15 minutes, 58 seconds Oh, man. 15:59 15 minutes, 59 seconds You should have got a temporary restraining order against him during the game. 16:02 16 minutes, 2 seconds That’s what I should have done. I should have hired Todd and Jeff. I should have hired you guys. \[laughter\] Tony, thanks a lot for your time, man. 16:10 16 minutes, 10 seconds We really appreciate it. 16:11 16 minutes, 11 seconds Thanks for talking to me, guys. All right, guys. 16:13 16 minutes, 13 seconds All right. Tony uh Tony Clayton, who is working with the plaintiffs in the Louisiana case. We’ll take our first break here on Tiger Rag Radio, react to 16:21 16 minutes, 21 seconds some of that. Trust us, we’re not going to be we’re going to talk a lot of ball tonight. Uh we’re going to probably get off this topic here fairly quickly, but 16:28 16 minutes, 28 seconds uh we’ll wrap things up on this issue that I think most LSU fans are tired of hearing about uh right after this break here on Title Radio. 16:38 16 minutes, 38 seconds The East Baton Rouge Parish Library believes that supporting the education of students is good for \[music\] us all. 16:44 16 minutes, 44 seconds That’s why we provide access to live in-person online tutoring \[music\] through homework Louisiana. 16:51 16 minutes, 51 seconds Make available free test preparation tools through Learning Express and Mometrics, plus reference tools for all ages. 17:00 17 minutes Get a library card. \[music\] Get free education at ebrpl.com/homeworkhelp. How you doing? This is Snow Golf. 17:09 17 minutes, 9 seconds Tiger Rag. Tiger Rag Radio. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, you are tuned in. 17:14 17 minutes, 14 seconds Talk LSU sports interviews, opinions, and newer calls around the Tiger Nation. 17:19 17 minutes, 19 seconds Bad road was a life for me, home of LSU Tigers. Now, more Tiger Rag Radio. 17:24 17 minutes, 24 seconds We love to score and get highlights in the championship play to win. Tiger Rag Radio. 17:28 17 minutes, 28 seconds Cory Diaz, who covers the LSU Tigers for the USA Today Network, will join us in the next segment. We just heard from attorney Tony Clayton who is 17:36 17 minutes, 36 seconds representing the plaintiffs in Thursday’s preliminary injunction hearing. Of course, LSU caught in the 17:43 17 minutes, 43 seconds storm, if you would, or of the media attention as the one that is the driving force behind this effort, the villains 17:50 17 minutes, 50 seconds to get players who were playing or at least for a short period of time, uh, 17:58 17 minutes, 58 seconds participating with NFL teams, whether in in training camp or mini camp, and having them now playing back on the collegiate level. 18:07 18 minutes, 7 seconds Lane Kitman was asked on Monday. I thought Lane was um once again I thought he was transparent to some extent where 18:16 18 minutes, 16 seconds he actually admitted that he struggled with this decision of going after guys like Daquin Wright, Zavon Harris, and 18:24 18 minutes, 24 seconds Junior Tul Tuli Halamaka. And Tul Tuli Halamaka I think is kind of on a separate level separate level than Harris and Wright 18:33 18 minutes, 33 seconds for sure since those guys were actually in NFL training camps. But Lane Keifin said he asked his uh leadership council 18:40 18 minutes, 40 seconds on their thoughts on adding these players to the roster right before the start of the season opener. 18:46 18 minutes, 46 seconds Coach Keifin came and talked to the leadership council and obviously well that was Sam. 18:49 18 minutes, 49 seconds I met with our leadership committee of our players and I asked them what it’s your team. What do you want to do? If these players are are allowed to be 18:58 18 minutes, 58 seconds added to rosters, what do you want to do? And every one of them was emphatic about if they can help us win, bring them. Here’s Sam Levit talking about that very same conversation. 19:09 19 minutes, 9 seconds Coach Keifin came and talked to the leadership council and obviously the whole team’s kind of been talking about it. We all were nothing but excited for the opportunity to bring guys in and 19:17 19 minutes, 17 seconds help us win some games. I don’t really know why there’s such an issue with it if it’s their fifth year. You know, everybody gets 5 years in college. So, I 19:25 19 minutes, 25 seconds don’t know the exact details on everything. I’m just here to play ball. 19:28 19 minutes, 28 seconds But came and talked to the leadership council and everyone’s on board with making it happen if everything falls into place and it’s legal. And here’s 19:35 19 minutes, 35 seconds linebacker Whit Weeks’s take on the situation. 19:38 19 minutes, 38 seconds I don’t think it’s a really a distraction for us in this building at all. And especially, I mean, with the last four years how college football’s gone, you kind of just got to be ready 19:46 19 minutes, 46 seconds to expect anything. But last week, Coach Kevin, he came up and he talked to all the leaders, our leadership council, and he asked us, he was like, “Are y’all 19:53 19 minutes, 53 seconds open to bringing these players back?” Um, and we all said yes. And he he told us, he said, “If if we don’t want them to come back and play, then they they won’t come back.” back, but we were 20:01 20 minutes, 1 second like, if that’s the rules, we might as well we might as well go ahead and take these guys. 20:05 20 minutes, 5 seconds So, there’s Lane Kiten and two of the leaders on this team. Seems like everyone is on the same page, guys. 20:12 20 minutes, 12 seconds Yeah, and those exact same quotes. I just filed a story on tiger.com uh with those same quotes and the 20:19 20 minutes, 19 seconds stories about how uh you know people have been talking about how LSU might be distracted this week which and there are 20:26 20 minutes, 26 seconds a lot of reasons out there for them to be distracted. But I I thought it was great when Whit started laughing at that cuz you know of new players coming in. 20:35 20 minutes, 35 seconds New players have been coming in in various portal windows for the last four or five years. So yeah. What do you say? What’s different from the last four years in college 20:43 20 minutes, 43 seconds football? Exactly. And he said later in the interview, you know, we’re just sitting around doing our job and oh, here’s another new guy. That’s what he said. And and uh and also I I kind of 20:52 20 minutes, 52 seconds made the point in the story that playing football at LSU and being around LSU football program by definition there’s 21:01 21 minutes, 1 second distractions. I mean, the stadium itself is a major distraction. you know, it’s a good distraction and they’re and they’re used to it, but the the fan base and and 21:10 21 minutes, 10 seconds just how everybody is very much into football, that’s a distraction. So, I think LSU was ready for that. And if you 21:19 21 minutes, 19 seconds remember, they they uh they they moved the team away from LSU for home games to stay in another hotel because of the distractions, right? And getting away from the 21:28 21 minutes, 28 seconds distractions, one of the things I can’t get over is the fact that there’s 60 other cases in the United States right now on the same exact subject. 24 of 21:36 21 minutes, 36 seconds them were filed last week. And yet somehow Lane Kippen and LSU are drawing all the attention from everybody just because they’re a \[music\] powerful, 21:44 21 minutes, 44 seconds popular, and and and uh polarizing for the wrong reasons. Yeah. All right, let’s take another break. 21:52 21 minutes, 52 seconds Cory Diaz from the USA Today Network right after this. I’m Richard Fontnau, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau \[music\] Federation. While I’m a fourth 21:59 21 minutes, 59 seconds generation rice and soybean grower, you don’t have to be a farmer to be a Louisiana Farm Bureau member. Membership has its benefits, from discounts on car 22:07 22 minutes, 7 seconds seats, hotel rooms, and rental cars to access to insurance you can count on to be there when you need, plus a whole lot 22:14 22 minutes, 14 seconds more. We’re 145,000 members strong, \[music\] and we want you to join the Louisiana Farm Bureau family. Visit lafarmbureau.org. 22:21 22 minutes, 21 seconds The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. And we’re back with Tiger Rag Radio. 22:32 22 minutes, 32 seconds Hey, we’re back here on Tiger Rag Radio. 22:34 22 minutes, 34 seconds Jeff Polarmo along with the executive editor for Tiger Rag Magazine, Todd Horn, and the editor, Gwen Gilbo, Case Kishnik, our producer. I’m Jeff Polarmo. 22:41 22 minutes, 41 seconds Glad you could be a part of Tiger Rag Radio as we’re kicking off the 2026 football season Saturday night in Tiger Stadium against the Clemson Tigers. 22:49 22 minutes, 49 seconds Let’s bring in Corey Diaz from the USA Today network. And Corey, we are not going to ask you one question about temporary restraining orders, 22:57 22 minutes, 57 seconds preliminary injunctions, permanent injunctions. It is a permanent injunction, temporary trans whatever free zone here. We’re talking ball with you. How you doing tonight? 23:09 23 minutes, 9 seconds You know, I to be honest, I kind of forgot that we were playing a football game. \[laughter\] Well, I actually heard, Corey, that that you 23:19 23 minutes, 19 seconds actually participated in a pro league for journalists at one point, and now 23:25 23 minutes, 25 seconds you I guess you’re considered a pro now, but your eligibility in college was was uh taken away from you at one point. 23:36 23 minutes, 36 seconds Yeah. I uh I didn’t find the right representation. Uh unfortunately, I apparently was not born in the right era. \[laughter\] 23:43 23 minutes, 43 seconds Yeah. Right. Well, you should sue about that. 23:46 23 minutes, 46 seconds In high school in 22, I’ I’d be able to come back and and play a couple snaps. 23:49 23 minutes, 49 seconds You should sue about that. That’s that’s what I would do. That’s what that’s that’s the American way. Hey, uh a lot of talk about the LSU defensive line. 23:57 23 minutes, 57 seconds That’s been one of the main talking points during preseason camp. But one of the things that I wonder, Cory, and and 24:04 24 minutes, 4 seconds no one really has an answer until we actually see it play out on Saturday night, how good is this offensive line going to be? What’s your thoughts on that? 24:13 24 minutes, 13 seconds Yeah, you know, it’s, you know, that’s actually one of the biggest questions that I have for this team heading into Saturday night because, you know, um, 24:22 24 minutes, 22 seconds between what, I guess, 18 12 minute viewing periods we’ve had, you know, over the last month, I don’t know what 24:30 24 minutes, 30 seconds the math is on that. Maybe we’ve seen an hour and 55 minutes of this team up until uh you know this week where we don’t get any access because it’s game 24:38 24 minutes, 38 seconds prep and and uh and look I mean everything we’ve seen from the offensive line has just been individual work and and you know them sectioning off the you 24:46 24 minutes, 46 seconds know the right sides and the left sides of the line you know to do you know just sort of combo drills. So how good are they? I don’t really know. Um, you know, 24:55 24 minutes, 55 seconds obviously we we’ve, you know, heard some rumblings during some of the scrimmages and, you know, some of the, you know, run game sort of catching catching on 25:03 25 minutes, 3 seconds kind of later on, you know, in fall camp. And obviously that’s encouraging to hear. Um, you know, if you’re an LSU fan. Um, but I mean, who knows? I mean, 25:12 25 minutes, 12 seconds who knows exactly how good they’re going to be, you know, um, you know, they’re they’re going to have, you know, two, you know, new faces, you know, in Jordan 25:20 25 minutes, 20 seconds Seat and and Aluba, you know, that’ll be playing, you know, Bo Borderline is going to be getting some of his first, you know, significant work, you know, 25:27 25 minutes, 27 seconds with this with this group and and with LSU in general, right? So, uh, the really two guys that we know something 25:36 25 minutes, 36 seconds about is is center Brilen Moore and and right tackle Weston Davis. And you know, from what we saw from Weston last year, that was wasn’t very encouraging. So, 25:45 25 minutes, 45 seconds uh, hopefully he’s improved. Um, so, you know, we we’ll see, man. You know, Clemson historically, right, is usually 25:52 25 minutes, 52 seconds about as loud as you can find, you know, along the defensive line, but, you know, the way Davos talked up there, um, you know, this preseason, you know, almost 26:00 26 minutes kind of sounds like he doesn’t really know what to expect from his team either. 26:03 26 minutes, 3 seconds Hey, Cory, this is Glenn. Thanks for joining us. Um, okay. From left to right on the offensive line, it’s Jordan Seat 26:10 26 minutes, 10 seconds and Bo Bortal and Brilan Moore, Aliu Ba, and Weston Davis. Who who is your best 26:17 26 minutes, 17 seconds guess for the five backups from left to right? 26:22 26 minutes, 22 seconds \[laughter\] 26:24 26 minutes, 24 seconds Come on, man. Oh my god. 26:25 26 minutes, 25 seconds Well, it’s it’s important because Kein did say that that the backup offensive line or the depth of the offensive line is a primary concern. 26:33 26 minutes, 33 seconds I’m just asking you for a guess. Who’s Who’s your guess? 26:36 26 minutes, 36 seconds I I I would think it’s going to be Devin Harper. Sean Thomas. I know, but he doesn’t have the roster. Bristen Martinez is probably in there. Thomas is probably in there. 26:47 26 minutes, 47 seconds Okay. Well, we’re not going with probably. Bryce Martinez is under uh Jordan Seat. That’s true. Who’s who who you think’s under Bo Bordon, Corey? 26:56 26 minutes, 56 seconds Uh my best guess is Devin Harper. 26:58 26 minutes, 58 seconds Okay. Right. And then who’s the backup center, you think? 27:04 27 minutes, 4 seconds Man, I want to say uh but could also be Ryan Marray. So, I don’t know. Right. It’s It could be Ryan Marray. 27:12 27 minutes, 12 seconds Okay, cool. And then behind Weston Davis at right tackle. 27:17 27 minutes, 17 seconds Uh that’s it’s got to be the Tomkins kid, right? 27:20 27 minutes, 20 seconds Right. Right. And then Ali Bob, the right guard back up. Who do you think? 27:26 27 minutes, 26 seconds Now, see that that see to me that’s kind of position, you know, all camp long. To be honest, I I I don’t know, you know, 27:34 27 minutes, 34 seconds because BA has been the guy, you know, since first we’ve been out. So, I I would think Sal or excuse me, uh William Satarites probably in that conversation. 27:44 27 minutes, 44 seconds What about uh what about that kid the kid that was a high draft I mean high not high draft \[laughter\] a high uh a five-star recruit? Solomon Thomas. 27:53 27 minutes, 53 seconds Solomon Thomas has got he hasn’t been on the second team most of the camp I would say. Uh Sat White was the backup center, but Ryan Morett 28:01 28 minutes, 1 second kind of moved in. So So you had about what what other people have had. Uh Corey, so you passed the test. You get to stay on the show. 28:07 28 minutes, 7 seconds Well, Corey and Jeff and Glenn, do you do you think when Kein points out that that the offensive line depth is a 28:14 28 minutes, 14 seconds primary concern or a big concern right now that it’s primarily because he he needs depth in a game to rotate in and 28:22 28 minutes, 22 seconds out? Or is it because he’s concerned about if somebody goes down on that offensive line? Which one is he most concerned about? Depth during a rotation 28:30 28 minutes, 30 seconds in a game or depth in case somebody gets hurt? 28:34 28 minutes, 34 seconds Um, I would I would say injury concern has got to be up there. Um, just because, 28:42 28 minutes, 42 seconds you know, even with some of these transfers, and the reason why I say is because even with some of these transfers that are coming in, you’re still looking at inexperienced um, you 28:51 28 minutes, 51 seconds know, at whatever particular position they may end up landing at. So, you know, the the five that they have, that’s going to be their first string. I 28:58 28 minutes, 58 seconds mean, you’ve got a lot of Yep. You have some starts. You know, you’ve got some guys that have played a decent amount of snaps in their collegiate career. It’s just what’s behind them is where you 29:07 29 minutes, 7 seconds have next to nothing. And so if a, you know, if an Aluba, you know, gets hurt at any point in the first, you know, 29:15 29 minutes, 15 seconds month of the season, um, you know, then you’re entering into the meat of your schedule and you’re having to throw a guy out there that, you know, has maybe 29:24 29 minutes, 24 seconds seen a dozen collegiate snaps and he may be maybe a year two, year three guy, you know. So that to me, if I was a head coach, that would make me lose sleep at night. 29:32 29 minutes, 32 seconds Well, you know what? Another thing that would make me lose sleep at night, and I don’t care how how good they are, but is 29:39 29 minutes, 39 seconds having a freshman or possibly two freshman get significant playing time in a Southeastern Conference uh power four 29:48 29 minutes, 48 seconds level defensive line start in their very first game. That would concern me. 29:53 29 minutes, 53 seconds Well, well, the true freshman aren’t going to start. Duce Geralds probably will start. 29:58 29 minutes, 58 seconds Oh, you’re talking about defense. I’m sorry. I thought you were still talking about the offensive line, but just think how good he’ll be next year and the year after because this is a rebuilding year, Todd. 30:05 30 minutes, 5 seconds Yeah. And and he’s got to be good. But but you know what’s interesting? We were talking about this earlier is LSU has a 30:12 30 minutes, 12 seconds lineman on the defense who’s an upper classman, not a senior, but an upper classman who actually played significant 30:20 30 minutes, 20 seconds time or Dominic meaningful time last year at Clemson. 30:25 30 minutes, 25 seconds Dominic McKinley, you talking about? Oh, Dominic McKinley played for LSU last year. 30:29 30 minutes, 29 seconds Oh, I’m sorry. I thought you were talking because McKinley’s back with the first team. He was the third team early. Go ahead, Corey. 30:37 30 minutes, 37 seconds Yeah. No. Um, I guess I didn’t understand. 30:39 30 minutes, 39 seconds Well, he was Todd was talking about Steph. Uh, Steph Green. So my my my Yeah, Corey, my concern is is that if 30:47 30 minutes, 47 seconds I’m a coach, I’m going to stay up late at night concerned because I’m probably going to have two freshman, Duce Geralds and Richard Anderson, it looks like, with starting andor significant playing 30:56 30 minutes, 56 seconds time and and that’s a tough position to be a freshman in. 31:03 31 minutes, 3 seconds Yeah, sure. I I I don’t know. But maybe I’m \[laughter\] maybe I just think about uh defensive 31:10 31 minutes, 10 seconds line play a little differently. But I I think having uh Princewell and Jordan Ross on the edges um that that kind of e eases that concern for me a little bit. 31:20 31 minutes, 20 seconds Um and then especially when you’ve got TJ Doy and Whit Weeks behind those young guys in the middle of the defense, you know, to sort of clean things up. Um, as 31:29 31 minutes, 29 seconds long as TJ and Wit, if they read, you know, if they read inside runs, you know, offtackle runs, offc center runs, 31:37 31 minutes, 37 seconds if they read those early immediately after the snap, you know, having Duce Geralds and Richard Anderson, you know, playing the two interior defensive line 31:46 31 minutes, 46 seconds positions shouldn’t be that big of a concern. Um but but you are right like guys like Stefon Lyn Green, you know, 31:53 31 minutes, 53 seconds Sean Washington, like these guys that have been in college for three or four years, you know, you know, I went out there day one of preseason camp, you 32:01 32 minutes, 1 second know, thinking, oh, okay, well, we’ll see these guys repping with the ones, you know, repping with the twos at least. And I mean, we’re talking about guys that are three, four years into 32:10 32 minutes, 10 seconds college and they’re on the third string defensive line. Right. But that to me tells me what the what Blake Baker and 32:19 32 minutes, 19 seconds you know uh Kevin Peoples have seen from from Deuce and Big Rich. 32:25 32 minutes, 25 seconds It has to be really good because I mean these are guys that have that have coached and coordinated for some really good defensive linemen over the years 32:33 32 minutes, 33 seconds and they’re not just going to shove anybody out there, right? So, um, even if the depth isn’t quite what they what they would need it to be at this point, 32:40 32 minutes, 40 seconds uh, in Lane Gif’s tenure, um, you know, you still would probably feel pretty good about at least from just like a raw talent level, what they can bring to the defense. 32:50 32 minutes, 50 seconds Yeah. And, uh, I think historically you see true freshman playing quicker on the defensive line than the offensive line. And I think I think that’s what you see. 32:59 32 minutes, 59 seconds Those guys just might be more talented even though they’re younger. But, but Corey, let me ask you, what what are you most excited about seeing from the new LSU offense on Saturday? 33:11 33 minutes, 11 seconds Good question. Uh, I mean, if I’m if I’m just going off excitement, I want to see how Lane uses 33:18 33 minutes, 18 seconds Tradez Green. Um, I want to I want to see where, you know, how much pre- snap movement they’re doing with him or where, you know, how many different 33:26 33 minutes, 26 seconds spots do they line him up pre- snap. Um, but the thing that I I’m I’m really interested to watch most is that run 33:35 33 minutes, 35 seconds game. Um, and not just, you know, the offensive line and his performance and how it run blocks, but, you know, Dylan Jones at running back, you know, that’s 33:43 33 minutes, 43 seconds a new face around here. You know, how is how is he going to run? Harlem Barry, I think, is probably pushing him the most, you know, for playing time. Um, you 33:52 33 minutes, 52 seconds know, how much better has Harlem Barry got, you know, as he’s entering in his second season. Um, so I’m really I’m I’m most excited to see what they do with 33:59 33 minutes, 59 seconds Trey Dez, but I’m I’m most intrigued to watch what the run game looks like. 34:04 34 minutes, 4 seconds And I’m intrigued to see what this tempo offense looks like. It’s been it’s been a while. It’s been a minute since we’ve seen an offense that really moves up and 34:13 34 minutes, 13 seconds down the field. I probably got to go back to 2019. And uh I’m not saying that this offense is going to be like 2019, but I’m very eager to see the tempo 34:21 34 minutes, 21 seconds offense and the chemistry between Lane Keifin, Charlie Weiss, Sam Levit, getting the play call in, all that kind of stuff. I think that is I think that’s 34:29 34 minutes, 29 seconds going to be fun to watch. Uh because especially last year where that offense uh in particular when Nus Meyer suffered his injury and then was out for the 34:38 34 minutes, 38 seconds year, that was a really tough watch at the end of the season to watch LSU offensively. Cory, thanks a lot, man. 34:43 34 minutes, 43 seconds Appreciate your time tonight. Uh, enjoy the 2026 football season. Thanks once again. 34:49 34 minutes, 49 seconds Yeah, man. You You boys be good. Talk to y’all soon. 34:52 34 minutes, 52 seconds That is Cory Diaz from the USA Today Network. We’ll take a break. We’ll hear more from the players when we come back here on Tiger Rag Radio. 35:01 35 minutes, 1 second Now, more Tiger Rag Radio. 35:05 35 minutes, 5 seconds Back here on Tiger Rag Radio, Jeff Barmo along with Todd Horn and Glenn Gilbo, Case Kishnik, our producer. Let’s hear more from Lane Keifin and LSU starting 35:14 35 minutes, 14 seconds quarterback Sam Levit. This was Lane Kein’s assessment of where Sam Levit is at along with the running backs. 35:21 35 minutes, 21 seconds I think there’s been really good improvement. I think that Sam has had a great camp and I’m usually pretty hard on the evals of anyone. So I usually 35:30 35 minutes, 30 seconds don’t say, you know, about as I can’t imagine it going much better for him. 35:33 35 minutes, 33 seconds Now we got to make more plays around him, protect better, be more consistent. 35:36 35 minutes, 36 seconds but he’s been he’s been great and the running game has looked really good. The running backs have really improved it. It’s really kind of exciting to watch. 35:43 35 minutes, 43 seconds Now, it doesn’t mean anything if we don’t go go to it Saturday, but the way that it’s progressed knowing that like almost nobody was here from this offense and how it looked at the beginning of 35:52 35 minutes, 52 seconds spring to how it looks now is it’s just exciting to see it all start to work together and them work together with each other. 35:58 35 minutes, 58 seconds Yeah, very upbeat lane Kein when talking about an offense that he wants to see get up and down the field. That though 36:06 36 minutes, 6 seconds that is the second time though, Glenn, that he has mentioned that it’s now up to the players to make plays around Sam 36:14 36 minutes, 14 seconds Levit. Do you do you think he’s a little bit worried about the supporting cast around Sam Levit at the skill position uh skill position spots? 36:22 36 minutes, 22 seconds Well, I’ll tell you this. Last Monday, a week ago Monday, Lane had a very interesting uh comment that kind of got 36:30 36 minutes, 30 seconds lost and nobody wrote about because of so much of this portal business and everything going on. But he basically gave a disclaimer for the offense for 36:40 36 minutes, 40 seconds the early season offense because there’s so many new faces and he says historically uh what happens with those type teams 36:47 36 minutes, 47 seconds and it’s hap and it happened at Old Miss they start a little slow but they get really better as the season goes on. and he goes he in fact he said now don’t LSU 36:56 36 minutes, 56 seconds fans don’t go crazy over this but you know and and that might be what you see early on and that’s why it’s really important for LSU’s defense to come out 37:05 37 minutes, 5 seconds strong in the first few games because it’s only going to be natural no matter how talented the offensive players are 37:13 37 minutes, 13 seconds all really new and Sam Levit missed most of the spring you know so there might be some some rough spots but you know we 37:21 37 minutes, 21 seconds might not really even see him until maybe Old Miss because I don’t think LSU plays a good defense until week three. 37:27 37 minutes, 27 seconds All right, here is Sam Levit talking about the growth of the offense. I think I’ve taken a lot of strides. 37:33 37 minutes, 33 seconds Obviously, not playing football for a while, just getting back into it. You’re going to get better. As you see more pictures and get used to the timing again and coming back from an injury, 37:41 37 minutes, 41 seconds obviously, but I think the main thing really is just getting on the same page with Coach Weiss and our whole offense. 37:46 37 minutes, 46 seconds you know, when we check to a certain play, the reason why we’re checking to it, what exactly we’re looking for out of the receivers, how we’re blocking up front, everything like that. And then 37:55 37 minutes, 55 seconds them getting used to hearing my voice on the field, the pace of the game, you know, how I control the huddle, everything like that. So, everything takes time, especially with an offense. 38:03 38 minutes, 3 seconds Um, and we’ve just gotten better and better, and we’re going to uh continue to get better throughout the year, and I’m going to challenge them with that. 38:08 38 minutes, 8 seconds Can’t really ever settle, especially in this league. 38:12 38 minutes, 12 seconds Yeah, I I \[clears throat\] think it’s going to be really exciting Saturday just to see what Sam can do with Tradez 38:20 38 minutes, 20 seconds Green particularly. They they’ve been doing a lot of solo work, right? 38:24 38 minutes, 24 seconds Um and uh it’s going to be fun to see Dylan Jones, a new bigger back than than LSU has had and he’s been running first team since since the spring. We’re going 38:33 38 minutes, 33 seconds to see some of the other guys too like Harlem Barry and Kaden Durham, but but I think we’re going to see a lot of Dylan Jones and you know there’s so many new 38:40 38 minutes, 40 seconds receivers. Um but uh I I think uh the most exciting thing is just going to see how Sam is. And Sam keeps talking about 38:49 38 minutes, 49 seconds how he’s been 100% for a long time and he can run, you know. So I I want to see if there’s going to be some design running plays for him. 38:58 38 minutes, 58 seconds For sure. For sure. And we got one more Sam Levit sound by. Let’s go ahead and play that case before we go to break. 39:03 39 minutes, 3 seconds I take it back to going and playing in the playoffs and just how exciting that moment was. And I’m just going to, you know, really embrace the moment for a 39:11 39 minutes, 11 seconds little bit because, you know, you’re not going to get many opportunities to play in Tiger Stadium tonight on game day. 39:16 39 minutes, 16 seconds So, it’s going to be special, you know, playing with these fans and this crowd in this environment. You definitely have to soak it in and embrace the moment and the blessing that God has given you to 39:24 39 minutes, 24 seconds be in this situation. And then you got to relock in and focus up. So, I’ll probably take a few minutes, you know, whether it’s on the run out pregame just 39:32 39 minutes, 32 seconds soaking it all in and embracing the moment and then uh getting back to, you know, square one and focusing on the play at hand. 39:38 39 minutes, 38 seconds Yeah, first time Sam Lev is going to be playing in front of a rabid fan base, a supercharged environment Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. Let’s take one more 39:47 39 minutes, 47 seconds break this hour and then we’ll finish off hour number one. Look ahead to hour number two where we’ll speak with Dalton Hillard and get your scouting report on 39:56 39 minutes, 56 seconds the Clemson Tigers from Larry Williams and of Clemson Dubcast. So stay tuned for that here on Tiger Rag Radio. 40:02 40 minutes, 2 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is back on the air. 40:10 40 minutes, 10 seconds Back here on Tiger Rag Radio as we wrap up hour number one. We started the hour talking about obviously the legal drama 40:17 40 minutes, 17 seconds involving LSU, the SEC, the NCAA that will be played out on Thursday inside a Baton Rouge courtroom. Tony Clayton was 40:26 40 minutes, 26 seconds our first guest. He was outstanding explaining the players side. Uh there have been a lot of coaches uh have 40:33 40 minutes, 33 seconds really come out and you know Steve Sark Keyzen he made some let’s play I know we said I we’re going to play Davo’s 40:41 40 minutes, 41 seconds comments first but let’s hear from coach Sarkc here again for Texas they do have an offensive lineman that participated 40:49 40 minutes, 49 seconds in NFL mini camps and then was added to his team on August 7th. 40:56 40 minutes, 56 seconds These players on all of our rosters, not just ours, have been working for nine months for this moment on Saturday, 41:03 41 minutes, 3 seconds which then will lead into the next five to six months. The fact that somebody out there is going to take a player on off of an NFL roster and tell somebody 41:12 41 minutes, 12 seconds who’s been doing it for nine months, go kick rocks, that doesn’t sit well with me. I think that’s wrong. That morally is wrong. So, I think our president’s 41:19 41 minutes, 19 seconds ads and and chancellors got it right and we’ll support it and and and we’ll fall in line. Lane Keifin’s an easy punching bag, isn’t he? 41:27 41 minutes, 27 seconds That’s such a weird statement from Sarkeesian who’s friends with with Lane. 41:32 41 minutes, 32 seconds I mean, to use the word moral. I mean, look, you’ve had players that were on teams since this new portal started for 41:41 41 minutes, 41 seconds 6 months during the regular season and then there’s all these new guys in spring football and then there used to be a portal window after spring football. So, they’ve been working the 41:50 41 minutes, 50 seconds previous eight months and then they bring in all these portal guys over the summer. So what is he talking about? You bring in high school kids in June. 41:56 41 minutes, 56 seconds Like Lamar Brown did not officially join the team until June 1st. 42:00 42 minutes Exactly. And Lane made the point, look, these kids are getting paid now. The NFL guys are paid and they’re used to the day there’s cuts. You know, they pick up 42:09 42 minutes, 9 seconds a bunch of new players that the other team cut. So it’s it’s part of it. I I don’t know what these people are thinking. Sarkeesian is nuts to make 42:16 42 minutes, 16 seconds that bringing up the moral comment. My god, what is recruiting? Recruiting 15 to 16 year old kids. Is that is that moral? 42:24 42 minutes, 24 seconds Boy, I put a quarter in Glenn Gilbo here. You’re fired up now. Well, now I don’t have time to play Davos Sweeney sound, but uh Come on. We got time. \[laughter\] We got time. Hurry up. Hurry up. 42:33 42 minutes, 33 seconds No, we don’t. We don’t. We It was a It’s a minute long and we got about 30 seconds here, but we we’ll get back to it. We’ll get back to it. Uh we got a great second hour coming up for you. 42:42 42 minutes, 42 seconds Dalton Hillard is going to join us right after the top of the hour break. And then Larry Williams, who covers the Clemson Tigers for on.com and Tigers Illustrated. So stay tuned for that. 42:51 42 minutes, 51 seconds Much more coming up. We got a great show for you and we still have a lot more to go as we get you ready for the season opener against Clemson on Saturday night **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, greg sankey, lsu football, NCAA, sec --- ### [LSU Baseball: What The Tigers Did Over The Summer - Bino Watters Won MVP](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-what-the-tigers-did-over-the-summer-bino-watters-won-mvp/) **Published:** September 2, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU baseball coach [Jay Johnson](https://lsusports.net/staff/jay-johnson-coach) has announced the Tigers’ Summer 2026 awards, recognizing three new players – junior outfielder Bino Watters, senior second baseman Cade Kurland and freshman right-handed pitcher Coleton Brady. Watters is LSU’s Summer Player of the Year after hitting .318 (42-for-132) in the wooden-bat Cape Cod League for the Chatham Anglers in Chatham, Massachusetts. A native of Rochester Hills, Michigan, Watters played his first two collegiate seasons at Notre Dame. He earned Cape Cod League All-Star recognition over the summer with the Anglers, and he won the team’s Thurman Munson Most Outstanding Position Player Award. He had 29 RBIs with seven doubles and a home run. A first team, All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection at Notre Dame, Watters hit .362 (79-for-218) with 10 homers, 18 doubles, three triples and 51 RBIs for the Irish. Kurland, a native of Tampa, Florida, who transferred to LSU from Florida, was honored by Johnson for helping lead the Harwich (Massachusetts) Mariners to the Cape Cod League Championship. He hit .238 (25-for-105) in 30 games with eight doubles, two homers, 15 RBIs and 16 runs in 30 games. An excellent defender, he hit .276 (200-for-725) in 193 games over four seasons for Florida, collecting 34 doubles, one triple, 43 home runs, 142 RBIs and 171 runs. Brady was the weight room winner. A native of North Collins, New York, he played at TNXL Academy in Ocoee, Florida, and was rated by Perfect Game as the No. 56 right-handed pitcher in the nation and the No. 3 overall player in the state of New York when he signed with LSU. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Bino Watters, jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers --- ### [Distracted? What Distractions? Tiger Stadium, LSU Culture, LSU Nation Are All Distractions In And Of Themselves](https://www.tigerrag.com/distracted-what-distractions-tiger-stadium-lsu-culture-lsu-nation-are-all-distractions-in-and-of-themselves/) **Published:** September 1, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** Anyone who has ever played a football game in Tiger Stadium – an LSU player or an opponent – is playing amid one of the greatest attractions and distractions in all of college football. Particularly in a season opener as No. 11 LSU and No. 23 Clemson, which plays in the other “Death Valley,” will meet on Saturday night (6:30 p.m., ABC). Playing amid the raucous LSU fan base and the football-crazy culture of Louisiana can also be distracting. LSU players are used to it. So, it is hard to believe that anyone, particularly LSU fans themselves, would think that LSU coach Lane Kiffin trying to add a couple or three or four former short-time NFL players to his roster this week will be any more of a distraction to LSU’s players on Saturday night or to Kiffin, who tends to be a walking distraction anyway. “I don’t think it’s really a distraction for us in this building at all,” LSU senior linebacker Whit Weeks said on Tuesday during player interviews in the football building. “And especially with the last four years how college football’s gone.” He was laughing when he said that last part, referring to the NCAA Transfer Portal as of 2021 without players having to sit out a year between schools that kicked into high gear in 2022. The historic Name, Image & Likeness-related payments to players also started in 2021. Over the last week or so, Kiffin has added two transfers from a special portal window brought about by class of 2022 players suing the NCAA over its new rule allowing five seasons to athletes instead of four. The only problem was that NCAA’s rule included players beginning with the class of 2023, skipping 2022 entries who were just planning their transitions but didn’t get the option of the fifth year. And recently, various judges around the country and in Louisiana have granted temporary restraining orders to the players in the lawsuits, allowing them to play in 2026. That status is pending, though, and could be ended or prolonged at a hearing Thursday in Baton Rouge. The new transfers practicing with LSU now are senior tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who was just cut on Aug. 23 from the Cleveland Browns roster after playing for Kiffin at Ole Miss last season, and Notre Dame senior edge rusher Junior Tuihalamaka, who was not with any NFL teams. There could potentially be others. “You have just got to be ready to expect anything,” Weeks said. “We’re just in here doing our jobs, and it’s kind of like, ‘Oh, here’s another guy that’s added to the team.'” Weeks watched 41 guys join LSU’s team last January via the regular portal window. “But I don’t think our team is distracted at all,” he said. > [Lane Kiffin Is Cooperating With The SEC And Greg Sankey, But Not Backing Down From NFL Transfer Controversy](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-is-cooperating-with-the-sec-and-greg-sankey-but-not-backing-down-from-nfl-transfer-controversy/) Kiffin spoke to the team’s leadership council last week about the potential new players. “He told us if we don’t want them to come here and play, then they won’t,” Weeks said. “But we all said yes. We were like, ‘If those are the rules (and the players are in the portal), then we might as well go ahead and take these guys.'” Wright, a starter at Ole Miss last season, and Tuihalamaka, a backup who played a lot for Notre Dame, are both talented players and at the worst add significant depth. “Obviously, the whole team’s been talking about it,” said LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt, who suddenly has another tall target in Wright at 6-foot-4 and 255 pounds. He caught 39 passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns for Kiffin’s Rebels last season. “We all were nothing but excited for the opportunity to bring guys in and help us win some games,” Leavitt said. “I don’t really know why there’s such an issue with it. Everybody gets five years in college now. Everybody’s on board with making it happen, if everything falls into place (at the hearing Thursday), and it’s legal.” Wright is not likely to replace 6-foot-7 LSU starting tight end Trey’Dez Green, a preseason All-American who caught 33 passes for 433 yards and seven touchdowns last season. “Coach asked us about this being a player-led team, and he asked us, ‘Was it okay?'” Green said. “We said yes. Even if it means less catches, less yards for me, I’m all about just bringing the national championship back to Baton Rouge. And Dae’Quan is amazing.” And Weeks, a native of Watkinsville, Georgia, can’t wait for more “distractions” during what promises to be an amazing Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. “I mean, I cannot wait to get into Death Valley this Saturday, especially with all the hype that we’ve had rolling through this off-season,” he said. “It’s coach Kiffin’s first game in Death Valley as head coach. It’s going to be incredible. It’s my first opener at home as a starter. So, it’s going to be insane. I cannot wait for it.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers', Sam Leavitt, Tiger Stadium, Trey'Dez Green, Whit Weeks --- ### [Dabo Swinney Calls NFL Players' Return To College To Play "Embarrassing," And Wants To Stay In His "Lane"](https://www.tigerrag.com/dabo-swinney-calls-nfl-players-return-to-college-to-play-embarrassing-and-wants-to-stay-in-his-lane/) **Published:** September 1, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Dabo Swinney was at a loss for words — something the 19th-year Clemson head coach said he rarely is. A reporter asked him about preparing for an LSU team that may or may not have former NFL players on its roster when his No. 23 Tigers play at No. 11 LSU in Tiger Stadium on Saturday (6:30, ABC). “Honestly it’s just embarrassing that that’s where we are, and I don’t blame the kids and people trying to take advantage of the system,” Swinney said. “I just think it’s embarrassing where we are with college football, and we’ve been there for a while.” Swinney also took a not-so-subtle shot at LSU coach Lane Kiffin, who became the first coach in college football history to sign a player who was just a signed member of an NFL roster – tight end Dae’Quan Wright. The NFL Cleveland Browns cut Wright on Aug. 23 – the day after he dressed out for a preseason game. Wright then committed to LSU, signed and enrolled last week before practicing on Monday and Tuesday. > Dabo Swinney with a not-so-subtle message ahead of Clemson’s Week 1 matchup vs. LSU 👀 [pic.twitter.com/xZJFUPp4m8](https://t.co/xZJFUPp4m8) > > — ESPN College Football (@ESPNCFB) [September 1, 2026](https://x.com/ESPNCFB/status/2094820497296859369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Wright and many other college athletes from the class of 2022 received temporary restraining orders from various judges around the country in an eligiblity lawsuit against the NCAA last month. They are suing to be included in the new rule by the NCAA last June that gives college athletes five seasons of sports instead of four. But the NCAA excluded class of 2022 players, whose lawyers have argued that was unfair as they were in the process of deciding their futures without the option of being eligible in 2026. “I just keep my focus on and my energy on the things that I control and the things that matter, and that’s these kids here and our team,” Swinney said. “That outside stuff, we just – no pun intended – stay in our *lane* here at Clemson. Try to. Every now and then, someone will ram into us. But we just try and handle our business here. But it’s embarrassing. It really is. We have no rules. There’s no governance. It’s a joke. There are zero rules. When you enforce rules, somebody just goes and finds a judge to say, ‘No, you can’t enforce that rule.’ Never did I think I’d be living in an era like this. But that’s where we are.” LSU also has a commitment from defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, who was a signed roster member in the NFL as was Wright. Harris was cut by the Saints last month. Wright and Harris, who each played last season for Kiffin when he was Ole Miss’ head coach, became the first former NFL players to announce their return college to play as they entered the portal. Harris, though, had not yet practiced with LSU as of Monday. The 40-plus athletes in one specific case were granted a temporary restraining order to return by Baton Rouge dudge William Jorden. Wright and Harris both committed to LSU before the Southeastern Conference approved a new bylaw prohibiting schools from rostering ex-pro football and basketball players. > [What’s Really Going On in the College Football Eligibility Fights](https://www.tigerrag.com/college-football-eligibility-lawsuits-sec-ncaa/) The lawsuit was then amended to name the SEC and commissioner Greg Sankey as defendants along with the NCAA. The players’ attorneys are seeking judicial interference to block the conference-level policy. The SEC has agreed to comply with the temporary restraining order issued by the court, while waiting for a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for Thursday in Baton Rouge. Also practicing with LSU is Notre Dame transfer defensive end Junior Tuihalamaka, who is also a plaintiff in the case but never appeared on an NFL roster. Kiffin said during a weekly press conference on Monday that Wright practicing does not violate the SEC’s bylaw that only applies to listing former NFL, NBA and WNBA players on team rosters. Coaches are not required to submit finalized rosters until the Friday before a game. Kiffin did not have a timeline on when the returning fifth-year players could see the field if they are allowed to play by the court ruling on Thursday. > [Lane Kiffin Is Cooperating With The SEC And Greg Sankey, But Not Backing Down From NFL Transfer Controversy](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-is-cooperating-with-the-sec-and-greg-sankey-but-not-backing-down-from-nfl-transfer-controversy/) “I’ve lost zero sleep over that,” Swinney said of preparing for whether or not LSU’s newest additions will play against Clemson. “I could care less, and I don’t judge anybody. They can do what they want to do. Everybody can do whatever they want to do. People judge us all the time. I’m not going to sit here and judge somebody else on decisions they make or how they want to run their program.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, Dabo Swinney, lane kiffin, lsu football --- ### [Senior Christopher Vizzina Named Clemson Starting QB Ahead Of LSU Opener](https://www.tigerrag.com/senior-christopher-vizzina-named-clemson-staring-qb-ahead-of-lsu-opener/) **Published:** September 1, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Clemson football coach Dabo Swinney named senior Christopher Vizzina the starting quarterback ahead of their opener at LSU on Saturday (6:30, ABC). He will be making just his second career start when he takes the field in Tiger Stadium. Vizzina (6-foot-4, 210 pounds) won an offseason position battle over talented true freshman Tait Reynolds. He completed 45-of-71 passes in five games last season for 406 yards, four touchdowns and an interception. In his lone start, a 34-25 loss to SMU, he was 29-for-42 with 317 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions but fumbled twice. Swinney announced his starter for the season opener in a press conference on Tuesday. He said Vizzina earned the job after Reynolds made a late surge following spring practice. “There was a time where I really thought Tait (Reynolds) had a chance to take the job, and then he had a couple of disastrous days and just looked like a freshman,” Swinney said. “(Vizzina) has just been incredibly steady.” Vizzina has taken 238 snaps in three seasons at Clemson and totaled 596 yards, four touchdowns and one interception in 14 appearances. He was a five-star prospect out of Briarwood Christian School in Birmingham, Alabama, but has waited his turn to start behind Cade Klubnik. “I can’t give him a lifetime contract,” Swinney said about whether Vizzina would have the starting role all season. “He’s got to go do it. People say, ‘What do you need to see?’ Well, you go win some games; go play well. This isn’t complicated.” Swinney said Vizzina won the job over Reynolds but is not miles ahead of the freshman. He was impressed by how Reynolds closed the gap between himself and the veteran throughout camp but said he could not get over those freshman mistakes. “He is really super talented, but you can’t just be talented,” Swinney said. “He ain’t going away. I think he’s going to continue to compete. I’m not going to guarantee that he’s going to play, but I would say it’s probably likely because we have to continue the competition and go from there.” Reynolds (6-2, 215) was rated as a four-star recruit by [ESPN.com](https://www.espn.com/) and a three-star by [247sports.com](http://247sports.com) out of Queen’s Creek High school in Arizona. He is expected to play both football and baseball for the Tigers after missing most of his senior season with a hamstring injury. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Christopher Vizzina, Clemson Tigers, Dabo Swinney, lsu football --- ### [Whit Weeks Talks Clemson And LSU Defense Days Away From Season Opener](https://www.tigerrag.com/whit-weeks-talks-clemson-and-lsu-defense-days-away-from-season-opener/) **Published:** September 1, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Senior linebacker Whit Weeks is one of the leaders of the LSU defense. He was honored with the No. 7 jersey on that side of the ball this season and will look to return to his status as one of the most dominant defenders in the Southeastern Conference. As a sophomore, he finished second in the conference with 125 total tackles and was named first-team All-SEC. Weeks missed five games last season with a broken ankle and totaled 31 tackles, 3 tackles for loss and a sack in eight starts. Weeks addressed Baton Rouge reporters after practice on Tuesday as the Tigers prepare to kick off the season on Saturday against Clemson (6:30, ABC). **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, lsu football, Whit Weeks --- ### [LSU TE Trey'Dez Green Breaks Down Tigers' Offensive Growth And Wearing No. 7](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-te-treydez-green-breaks-down-tigers-offensive-growth-and-wearing-no-7/) **Published:** September 1, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Junior tight end Trey’Dez Green is poised to be one of the top targets in Lane Kiffin’s first LSU offense. The Zachary High product already holds the program record with 11 receiving touchdowns by a tight end. He hauled in seven scores last year (the TE single-season record) to go along with 33 catches for 433 yards. He ranked first on the team in receiving TDs and third in receptions and yards and is the most experienced pass catcher to return to Baton Rouge. The preseason All-American has the size and athletic ability to line up out wide or in the slot and will wear the coveted No. 7 for the Tigers this season. Green spoke with local media on Tuesday about his offseason and building chemistry with the offense ahead of LSU’s primetime Week 1 matchup with Clemson on Saturday (6:30, ABC). **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, lsu football, Trey'Dez Green --- ### [LSU QB Sam Leavitt Previews Week 1 Against Clemson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-qb-sam-leavitt-previews-week-1-against-clemson/) **Published:** September 1, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Redshirt junior quarterback Sam Leavitt makes his LSU debut on Saturday against Clemson (6:30, ABC). The Arizona State transfer will make his first appearance since injuring his right foot midway through last season. He has worked to build chemistry with his receivers and learn a new offense in a shortened offseason. Coach Lane Kiffin has been impressed by his mobility and arm talent through the Tigers’ preseason practices and scrimmages, and Leavitt will have the chance to show LSU fans that talent for the first time. Leavitt spoke with reporters about his first game in Tiger Stadium and offseason progression after practice on Tuesday. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, lsu football, Sam Leavitt --- ### [Lane Kiffin Is Cooperating With The SEC And Greg Sankey, But Not Backing Down From NFL Transfer Controversy](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-is-cooperating-with-the-sec-and-greg-sankey-but-not-backing-down-from-nfl-transfer-controversy/) **Published:** September 1, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The way LSU football coach Lane Kiffin sees it – athletic director Verge Ausberry is his boss. Not Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey, who last week tried to block Kiffin from signing players just cut from NFL teams via the NCAA Transfer Portal, even though judges have made such players eligible through temporary restraining orders (TROs). Kiffin is also not concerned with being the persona non grata of college football, among many media members and fans. “I probably am in the minority of how I make decisions,” Kiffin said Monday at his first weekly press conference of the season, leading into the Tigers’ season opener against Clemson on Saturday (6:30 p.m., ABC). “Probably not what most coaches do,” he said. “I feel like my decision should always be made in the best interest of the players that sit in this team room, and not for my reputation and how the decisions play in the national media or other fan bases. I’ve never been that way, and that could be wrong. That’s probably part of my story, why it is the way it is. But those players and the people who hired me (Ausberry) know I’m always trying to do the best thing for them.” > LSU may have another former NFL roster member soon. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 31, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2094516379919462436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) But Kiffin did not make a rash decision about signing, for example, tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who was cut from the Cleveland Browns roster on Aug. 23 and signed last week with the Tigers. Wright was able to sign because he is one of hundreds of players from across the country from the class of 2022 suing the NCAA in an eligibility case. The NCAA passed a new rule in June allowing players from the class of 2023 on to have a fifth year of eligibility instead of four, which had been the case. The basis of the lawsuit is that the class of 2022 players should have had a chance for a fifth year since they unfairly missed an opportunity to decide to stay for the 2026-27 sports year by a matter of weeks. Judges have since granted such players TROs to play. A hearing Thursday in Baton Rouge could decide the fate of many of those players, including Wright and fellow LSU commitment Zxavian Harris, who was cut by the Saints in August. Wright and Harris both played for Kiffin last season at Ole Miss. > [LSU Football And Lane Kiffin Are At The Epicenter Of So Much Drama, But The Tigers Have A Game This Week](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-and-lane-kiffin-are-at-the-epicenter-of-so-much-drama-but-the-tigers-have-a-game-this-week/) Kiffin went back and forth on his decision in August to recruit players like Wright and Harris fresh off NFL rosters. “I struggled with it a lot,” he said. “There are a lot of factors into it and different things and one that I also struggled with too is because it’s this late, even though that’s what you do in the NFL. And there’s an argument that (college) players are paid like that. That’s what happened yesterday in the NFL (cut players being picked up on waivers by other NFL teams). New players come in and take people’s spots, they’re added to rosters and other guys have been there working.” Before making his decision to recruit NFL players, Kiffin met with the leadership council of his team. “I asked them, ‘If these players are allowed to be added to our roster, what do yout want to do?'” Kiffin said. “And every one of them was emphatic about it. ‘If they can help us win, bring them.’ And we understand that we have a team that’s practiced together and worked together all off-season. But this is how it works at the next level, and this is how the real world works. You can bring in employees to certain jobs to help the company, so that made me feel a little better in the struggle and being torn back and forth.” Kiffin said he has been in connection with the SEC office concerning transfers from the NFL. “So we’ll wait to hear for more guidance,” he said. “The SEC said that they’ll follow court orders, and so we’ll wait until (Thursday) to see if there’s any more guidance. I’ve been asked whether myself, as the head coach of football, will football follow SEC orders? Of course we will.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** greg sankey, lane kiffin, lsu football, sec, Southeastern Conference office --- ### [NIL Running Near Empty At Some Schools - "No One Has Endless Money," Says LSU Assistant AD Heath Schroyer](https://www.tigerrag.com/nil-running-near-empty-at-some-schools-no-one-has-endless-money-says-lsu-assistant-ad-heath-schroyer/) **Published:** September 1, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By PIPER HUTCHINSON, Tiger Rag/Louisiana Illuminator GRAMBLING — Athletics and campus administrators from Louisiana colleges convened last week to tackle one of their biggest challenges: How to deal with the downstream financial effects in the new era of paying student-athletes. Since 2021, the NCAA has allowed athletes to monetize their Name, Image and Likeness by inking sponsorship deals. Starting last year, Division I college sports programs were able to pay players directly for NIL deals through revenue sharing. The problems that accompany these paychecks were the topic of the NIL symposium the Louisiana Board of Regents held Friday at Grambling State University. Athletics administrators, university officials and others involved with college athletics at Louisiana’s public Division I schools took part in the event, along with representatives from the office of Attorney General Liz Murrill, who has pushed for more state laws to police the expanding NIL space. Though the challenges are varied — including whether student athletes have the emotional capacity or knowledge to navigate the market — athletics administrators agreed the biggest one is fundamental to all of higher education in Louisiana: There’s never enough money to go around. “No one has endless money, whether you’re at LSU or at McNeese,” said Heath Schroyer, LSU’s senior deputy athletics director who was the McNeese athletic director from 2021-25. “We’re all fighting the boogeyman, if you will?” > [LSU Sweetening Pot For Will Wade? McNeese AD Who Hired Wade Is Up For LSU Associate AD Job](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-sweetening-pot-for-will-wade-mcneese-ad-who-hired-wade-is-up-for-lsu-associate-ad-job/) Louisiana, which ranks 25th in the U.S. in population, has among the most Division I universities per capita in the nation with 11. That’s one Division I school for every 420,000 residents. The state is also next to last in wealth and median household income, leaving it with a limited donor pool to support all of its college sports programs. That pits national powerhouse LSU against 10 smaller, scrappy schools in the hunt for money. Louisiana’s 10 non-power conference schools operate on smaller budgets. Their administrators said they need to pay their players to maintain their rosters, on top of already constrained budgets for their [athletic departments](https://lailluminator.com/2026/08/20/college-sports-sales-tax/) and [schools as a whole](https://lailluminator.com/2026/08/25/higher-education-in-louisiana-short-800m-appears-headed-for-a-funding-overhaul/). Athletics and university administrators from non-power schools interviewed for this article said their budgets for paying players, including third-party deals and direct compensation, range from the low-six figures to low-seven figures. Their growing need for athletics donors has not translated to increased fundraising, so colleges are now diverting money from other areas previously covered through philanthropy, such as facility upkeep, to keep their rosters intact, school officials said. “Donor fatigue is a real thing,” Grambling athletics director Trayvean Scott said in an interview. “We’ve got what I believe is about 30,000 living alumni nationwide, and so that pull on those donors can create that fatigue.” Though it is a big ask to keep those players paid, athletics administrators said they believe it’s worth the investment. Schroyer, who was a very successful fund raiser as McNeese’s athletics director for six years before joining LSU’s program in March, said that when the Cowboys’ basketball team made the NCAA Tournament, interest in the university crashed its website. McNeese has earned a spot in the Big Dance the past three seasons. “I don’t know if you can put a monetary value on what successful athletics can do to market your university,” Schroyer said. “If you take athletics away from all of the institutions in this state, all those schools, they they can’t survive” But symposium participants said problems don’t disappear even when there is money available to pay players. Taylor Jacobs, the LSU’s athletic department’s top NIL administrator, said she frequently has to deal with two major problems with student-athletes. For starters, they often have unrealistic expectations about the value of their name, image and likeness. “I have more conversations with agents and athletes now, basically saying, ‘You have 10 followers on Instagram, you are quite literally not worth the money you are asking for,’” Jacobs said. Once NIL deals are inked, Jacobs said athletes often don’t want to fulfill their end of the contract and show up for the events and photoshoots they are getting paid to attend. That issue boils down to emotional capacity, Louisiana Tech athletics director Ryan Ivey said. “It is not your God-given right to be here to get paid and to do this, right?,” Ivey said. “If you don’t want to do what you’re supposed to do, that’s fine. Doesn’t make you a bad person. It just means you can’t be here because there are thousands of other people that want to do what you’re doing, and they were lined up to do it probably for less.” One area where Louisiana is succeeding, speakers agreed, is in protecting players. Earlier this year, Louisiana became first in the nation to approve a law requiring [NIL agents to register](https://lailluminator.com/2026/07/07/nil-agents-in-louisiana-now-have-to-register-high-school-rules-take-effect-soon/) with the state. Authored by Sen. Patrick Connick, R-Marrero, it expands Louisiana’s existing sports agent registry to include anyone who represents student-athletes in NIL sponsorship deals. It also requires agents to pass a background check and complete a training program before they can register with the state attorney general’s office. “It is really something that is rare that we get to say here in Louisiana that we’re leading in something,” said David Fleshman, an attorney who specializes in college athletics. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Grambling State, Heath Schroyer, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [Everything Lane Kiffin Said At 1st Game Week Press Conference Of The Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/everything-lane-kiffin-said-at-1st-game-week-press-conference-of-the-season/) **Published:** September 1, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Lane Kiffin will make his Tiger Stadium debut as LSU’s head football coach on Saturday as the No. 11 Tigers host No. 23 Clemson at 6:30 p.m. in Tiger Stadium. Kiffin held his first game-week press conference on Monday afternoon at the LSU Football Operations Center. Here is everything he said: **OPENING STATEMENT** “Alright, guys. Game week. Couldn’t be more excited for this, to be here. You know, 6:49 on Saturday on ABC, stadium sold out. It was really neat Saturday. We always try to prepare them for everything and we’ve always had a mock game and gone through hotel, meals, walk-throughs, everything that they do. How they dress, everything from really Sunday all the way to the end of Saturday. And on our walk (down victory hill), I thought that nobody would be there. And so it was pretty cool that some fans were there somehow and it was really neat to see the band play during the game so we could get used to that. TV timeouts and everything. So that kind of made it as real as we could make it for them and hopefully that will prepare them for Saturday. “It’s awesome having College GameDay here. I think that speaks a lot (about) where LSU is as a program and how it’s viewed and that’s really excited. That’s what kids want. They want to be the national game of the week and they want College GameDay to cover them, so really excited for that part, but again this will be about preparation, not hype. There’s so much hype in this game. So much excitement from our fanbase to watch us. Probably that same excitement for everybody else in the country to root the other way against us and just a lot of work went into it. Seven or eight months of getting to this point and I always look at the game as a performance. The players do all this work, the coaches do all this work to make sure that they put the best performance out there for our people and our fans. “Really tough opponent in Clemson. Very well coached. Veteran staff of guys that have won a lot of games, coordinators, head coach. Obviously, Dabo is one of the best to ever do it and has done it for a long time so this is a great matchup and one we’re excited to be a part of, and again, I’ve said it before, I’m humbled to be here as the LSU head coach. I don’t take that lightly. I would hope that the way that we work, the time that we put in and the preparation that we do over these seven months is what people brought us here to do.” And he opened it up for questions from the media. > [Lane Kiffin Previews LSU Week 1 Matchup With Clemson](https://www.tigerrag.com/live-lane-kiffin-previews-lsu-week-1-matchup-with-clemson/) ## Why Did You Bring In NFL Players, Considering SEC’s Stance? “That’s a great question about these decisions. I probably am in the minority of how I make decisions. Probably not what most coaches do. I feel like my decision should always be made in the best interest of the players that sit in this team room and not for my reputation and how the decisions play in the national media or other fanbases. I’ve never been that way and that could be wrong. That’s probably part of my story, why it is the way it is, but those players and the people that hired me know he’s always trying to do the best thing for them so I struggled with it a lot. “There’s a lot of factors into it and different things and one that I also struggled with too is this late, even though that’s what you do in the NFL and there’s an argument that these players are paid like that. That’s what happened yesterday in the NFL. New players come in and take people’s spots, added to rosters and other guys have been there working. So I met with our leadership committee of our players and I asked them, ‘It’s your team. What do you want to do? These players are allowed to be added to rosters. What do you want to do?’ And every one of them was emphatic about, ‘If they can help us win, bring them.’ And we understand that we have a team that’s practiced together and worked together all offseason, but this is how it works at the next level and this is how the real world works. You know, there aren’t days you can’t bring in employees to certain jobs to help the company, so that made me feel a little better in the struggle and being torn back and forth. “So we’ll wait to hear for more guidance. You know, the SEC issued guidance in our question about that they’ll follow court orders and so we’ll wait ’til this week to see if there’s any more guidance and question whether myself as the head coach of football and will football follow SEC orders? Of course we will.” ## Does Kiffin Like Where His Offense Is At This Point? “Yeah, I don’t ever feel like we’re there. That may be a good thing. I always feel like there’s somewhere to improve and there’s something we haven’t thought about, so the mock game, obviously because it’s against lesser competition, against our service teams as the other opponent, went really well and we moved the ball great, but I’m excited to see them play. But at the same time, there’s still a week of practice here and still things to do and different things to look at on offense, defense, to make sure we’re putting the best product out there for everyone on Saturday.” ## Reaction To SEC’s Initial Ban On Pro Players Coming Back To College “First off, a lot of athletes filed these injunctions or temporary restraining orders around the country against the NCAA, that were in this fifth-year. And their attorneys and them felt they should get the year back because of the NCAA not handling it properly, so when they started to win these cases, then came conference rules. And so, I don’t think it was very much a surprise. If you’re those kids’ attorneys or those kids, they feel they have a court order saying they can play. And now if they’re restricted by someone to not, they brought a court order against the conference, so there’s no intent, nor there ever was, to play somebody that we’re not supposed to in order of an SEC rule. So again, I’m not the spokesperson. I think now you’re waiting to see Thursday, the SEC had a stance, made a rule. A judge felt that they couldn’t do that to the players, so we’ll be practicing focused on Clemson and spending our time on that all week and they can figure out the rest and we’ll just wait for guidance.” “To clarify the rules: the SEC has a rule which I think is the only conference that we make our (roster) list the day before the competition for the first game. We have to turn the list in of the 105 to the SEC and that is locked. That cannot move from my understanding from our conference. So you’ve got to make decisions, unless there’s information I don’t know, by Friday for that. There’s a lot of people who say, ‘Well, how could you take players in and they’ll be ready for the game?’ It’s a long season. So, in my opinion, just like in the NFL, they take people in Week 1, knowing that they’ll have them ready by Week 2, 3, 4 and then they’ll be playing their best in another system. Every coach obviously runs their program the way they want to and they see things differently and I respect that. I think that we create systems that help this for people coming late. We did it last year. Trinidad got to us in the summer last year. Not that much earlier as a quarterback, so I think we can do it with other players.” ## Are The New Players Practicing? “I can tell you that Dae’Quan (Wright) practiced and the SEC knows that. We asked them before. Again, that’s in no violation of any previous rule or even the rule that’s out there now. The new rule does not prohibit that and, you know, strictly talks about that final roster when you make your 105 Friday. Junior (Tuihalamaka) practiced and he’s in the same court hearing, so I guess the question is, of the kids around the country that are in hearings and potential players who have practiced, it would be Dae’Quan and Junior.” ## How LSU Is Preparing For Clemson Offense? “Yeah, I remember him (Christopher Vizzina) from high school. Actually watched him work out. Really talented. Really throws well on the move, so that’s a really good combination of them coming together and us having to figure out what are they going to do because you don’t know. The coach (Chad Morris) hasn’t called for a little bit of time, so we’re not sure exactly what they’ll look like and that’s always scary, but this will be about us practicing really well and then playing really well in a really exciting environment. But going back to not all the hype and just the preparation of it and playing really well in our first game together.” ## Can Dae’Quan Wright, Junior Tuihalamaka Play Saturday If Cleared Thursday? “Yeah, I don’t know. I can’t predict on Junior and Dae’Quan being this early in the week and what that would look like. Obviously, there’s still new information to come Thursday and what the SEC guides us to do.” > “Things have really kind of settled down for the most part, except defensive tackle.” > -Lane Kiffin on his depth chart – not the NFL Portal: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 31, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2094547168765882593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ## Position Battles Update “I feel like things have really kind of settled down for the most part, except really D-tackle. D-tackle, still a lot of guys doing good things in there. Some old, some young and so we’ll rotate in there, but I would say outside of that, things have started to settle down.” ## Biggest Concern In Offseason And How That’s Been Addressed “Well, I think we put a lot of time into it. I know we did. We put a lot of time and energy into it. A lot of walk throughs, a lot of practices with the OTA’s and the different setups and there used to be player-led things so I think we’ve done a lot to prepare, because again, this is a really challenging opener, one we haven’t really been a part of. We’ve made our schedules different, so this is not a game you can kinda well, we’ll just try these things out with players and see how this freshman looks. This is a big time matchup on the national stage, and so, we’ve been knowing that the whole time through and just really trying to get them ready to go.” ## How Do You See Your Career Path To Here? “You’ve heard me say before. I said it, think, in the first press conference when I got here. I believe everything happened exactly how it was supposed to happen, when it was supposed to happen. And now I can look back on obstacles in my life and realize they all happened for a reason. And a lot of that side of me now, that came from getting fired at USC. “If I didn’t get fired from USC, I don’t go to coach Saban. And to realize and to be around him and see his focus of every single detail in a program and everything. And to see that and obviously wanna copy that because of his success and how great he was. And the further I got removed, I realized that’s such a big part of his consistency, really, in his story about, you know, maybe the greatest coach ever. He’s in that conversation of any sport. It would be his consistency. It’s not like he just won a couple championships and then disappeared and won one late. That consistency has probably never been matched. That’s because of the attention to detail every day, every week, every month, every year. And, you know, I used to joke about it. They’re like, okay, (we) won the national championship. We got a staff meeting at 7:30 in the morning. And then he’d say, ‘Take a picture of the trophy, hand it over, and get ready to go win the next.’ And then he’d tell us how we’re behind in recruiting. ‘This is ridiculous. We gotta get to work.’ So I kinda laughed at the time. I get it now. And I think sometimes when you get removed from someone, you find them yourself starting to be like them. And so I think a lot I know a lot of that’s where it comes from.” ## If New Transfers Win Thursday Ruling, Will CFP, SEC Push Back On LSU? “I don’t know that. We would want to obviously have confirmation before that time, of what that means.” ## What Does Kiffin Want To See This Team Do On Saturday? “First off win, most importantly, no matter what. But then, the style that they play with. Like, when you come to watch, like, that’s an exciting team to watch that plays really good football. Man, they really master situations. They’re really well coached. They have a style about how they play, which I think we’ve done at previous places. And I think that that style and kinda swagger that our players play with, I think matches perfectly to LSU and when it was great, how they played. So I wanna see that come together and look like that.” ## Is Passing Game Starting To Come Together? “I think there’s been really good improvement. I think that Sam has had a great camp, and I’m usually pretty hard on the evals of anyone. So I can’t imagine it going much better for him. Now we gotta make more plays around him, protect better, be more consistent, but he’s been great. “And the running game has looked really good, and the running backs have really improved. It’s really kinda exciting to watch now. It doesn’t mean anything if we don’t go do it Saturday. But the way that it’s progressed, knowing that, like, almost nobody was here from this offense and how it looked at the beginning of spring to how it looks now is exciting to see it all start to work together and them work together with each other.” ## Can You Play Clean, Disciplined Football This Saturday? “That’ll be a challenge, especially with the emotions of this game and first game in the stadium and at night and everything. So, we’ll talk extensively about that throughout the week, playing, like I said, really good fundamental disciplined football with a style also.” ## How Has Kiffin Handled All The Chaos These Last Couple Weeks? “Breathing. I’ve lived in chaos for a long time, and I like to say chaos is okay as long as it’s controlled chaos, especially in this room with your players. You know, this concern about ‘Are our players focused, you know, for this game?’ These guys work more or as much as anybody in the country. And just take Saturday, for example, that whole day for a mock game. And we’ve had that question before. Last year, I had that question all the way back to the Oklahoma game when it was like, ‘Oh, he’s taking this job. He’s taking this job. Where’s he going?’ And they said, there’s no way the team can be focused if you don’t come out and make an announcement, and the team went undefeated the rest of the season. So, I think that’s overrated. Just like if we play good, you know, doesn’t mean, okay, well, you know, we have all the answers there. Just like if we don’t play as well as we’d like. “So sometimes that’s overrated. Players gotta make plays in the games. But I’ve said it before to our staff, to our players, kind of in our programs, we’re gonna have chaos. But we’re gonna have controlled chaos, and our team’s gonna understand why we do what we do. Just like in this decision about potentially taking players, like I told you, I went to the players. What do you wanna do? And they wanted to do it. So it’s not like it’s chaos that comes in, and they don’t understand it. It doesn’t matter if national media understands why we do what we do for our team or other fan bases. It just matters if these guys do.” ## How Do Dae’Quan Wright And Junior Tuihalamaka Help LSU On The Field? “I feel like everybody’s thinking, like, here comes these guys who’ve been in the NFL for four or five years. You know, the guys that are in discussions, that are in court cases and getting eligibility, are players that maybe went to a minicamp or got cut in a training camp on a 90 man roster. They didn’t make final rosters. So, you know, we would add players that potentially we think would help our team win. Doesn’t even mean that anyone would start. So that’s just how we look at it. And I told you guys that from the beginning how we looked at it. If there’s players to look at that and they tell us we can add, we’re gonna look at it and see whatever gives us the best chance to win.” ## Is Risk Worth Reward During This Process Of Adding Transfers Late? “Like I said before, I don’t make decisions what benefits me personally and what it does to my reputation or how people outside of here view me. And again, really in the minority of thinking that way, and I’ve always thought that way. So even if it’s a couple of players that maybe don’t even start, if it makes your team better and it’s legal to do and your players want it, I’ll take the hit publicly for it because that that’s my job. Told you guys when I got here, my job is not for other schools, other people, media, any of that. My job is for the people that hired me, what they want me to do, and the players in this room. And that’s how I’ve always operated.” ## Has Kiffin Visualized What Saturday Will Be Like? “We’ve tried everything but the fans. So there’s no way that when you say we didn’t try, like I said, every minute of last week was exactly like every minute of this week but the fans: the walk, the bus, the hotel, the food, the night meetings. You know, Friday night over at the hotel, the walk throughs here, the snacks that they have at halftime, halftime speeches. Shoot, we had the people out there during TV timeouts, like, throwing through the hoops to try to win prizes and stuff. So the band was great. It was awesome to see them out there because that was a long mock game. So, I think we’ve done as much we can that way.” [](https://track.dayliy.com/739ff677-b1bd-4ef8-8c40-da145f6146e8) **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football Depth Chart Before Opener Vs. Clemson - Battle At Defensive Tackle, Says Lane Kiffin](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-depth-chart-before-opener-vs-clemson-battle-at-defensive-tackle-says-lane-kiffin/) **Published:** August 31, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The days of LSU’s football depth chart being distributed the week of the game at the head coach’s weekly press conference on Monday have long ended. New coach Lane Kiffin’s two-deep list will not be released by LSU until the day of the game in the pressbox on Saturday when the No. 11 Tigers host No. 23 Clemson in Tiger Stadium at 6:30 p.m. on ABC. “I feel like things have really kind of settled down for the most part, except really defensive tackle,” Kiffin said on Monday. “Still a lot of guys doing good things in there. Some old, some young, and so we’ll rotate in there. But I would say outside of that, things have started to settle down.” As of Saturday’s scrimmage at Tiger Stadium, the starting defensive tackles were true freshman Deuce Geralds and junior Dominick McKinley, who had been with the third team early in camp. The backup tackles on Saturday were true freshman Richard Anderson and Auburn junior transfer Malik Blocton. Both have been with the first team often in camp. The No. 1 edge rushers were senior Ole Miss transfer Princewill Umanmielen and junior Tennessee transfer Jordan Ross. Here is Tiger Rag’s best educated guess at the complete two-deep depth chart. — **THE OFFENSE** **QUARTERBACK** Sam Leavitt, Redshirt Junior Husan Longstreet, Redshirt Freshman **RUNNING BACK** Dilin Jones, Redshirt Sophomore Harlem Berry, Sophomore/Caden Durham, Junior **X WIDE RECEIVER** Jayce Brown, Senior Eugene “Trey” Wilson III, Redshirt Junior **Y WIDE RECEIVER** Jackson Harris, Redshirt Junior Tre’ Brown, Senior **SLOT WIDE RECEIVER** Winnie Watkins, Sophomore Phillip Wright III, Redshirt Freshman **TIGHT END** Trey’Dez Green, Junior Malachi Thomas, Junior **LEFT TACKLE** Jordan Seaton, Junior Brysten Martinez, Freshman **LEFT GUARD** Bo Bordelon, Senior William Satterwhite II, Sophomore **CENTER** Braelin Moore, Senior Ryan Miret, Freshman **RIGHT GUARD** Aliou Bah, Senior Devin Harper, Sophomore **RIGHT TACKLE** Weston Davis, Sophomore Darrin Strey, Redshirt Freshman — **THE DEFENSE** **EDGE** Princewill Umanmielen, Senior Lamar Brown, Freshman **TACKLE** Deuce Geralds, Freshman Richard Anderson, Freshman **TACKLE** Dominick McKinley, Junior Malik Blocton, Junior **EDGE** Jordan Ross, Junior Dylan Carpenter, Redshirt Junior. **LINEBACKER** Whit Weeks, Senior Davhon Keys, Junior **LINEBACKER** TJ Dottery, Senior Tylen Singleton, Redshirt Sophomore **STAR** Dashawn Spears, Junior C.J. Jimcoily, Sophomore **FREE SAFETY** Ty Benefield, Senior Faheem Delane, Sophomore **STRONG SAFETY** Tamarcus Cooley, Redshirt Junior Jhase Thomas, Redshirt Freshman **LEFT CORNERBACK** DJ Pickett, Sophomore Ja’Keem Jackson, Redshirt Junior **RIGHT CORNERBACK** PJ Woodland, Junior Michael Turner, Redshirt Sophomore — **SPECIAL TEAMS** **KICKER** Scott Starzyk, Sophomore Sean Perret, Redshirt Freshman **PUNTER** Grant Chadwick, Junior Hayden Craig, Redshirt Freshman **PUNT RETURNER** Jayce Brown, Senior Harlem Berry, Sophomore **LONG SNAPPER** Silas Hall, Sophomore Mack Mulhearn, Redshirt Freshman **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football Should Have The Same Policy From 9 To 5 | Jim Engster](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-should-have-the-same-policy-from-9-to-5-jim-engster/) **Published:** August 31, 2026 **Author:** Jim Engster | President, Tiger Rag **Content:** By JIM ENGSTER, Tiger Rag President At first blush, the dispute over the use of the number 5 on a Tiger jersey by someone other than Jayden Daniels is trivial, but rages over respect often take a life of their own. The controversy stands to last longer than the 26 glorious LSU performances from a human highlight reel. The Number 5 dilemma does not go away with DJ Pickett snaring the number Jayden Daniels seared into the memory bank as he passed, ran and danced his way to the Heisman Trophy in 2023. The message outside the visitors’ locker room is that Death Valley is the place where opponents’ dreams come to die. Yet it is a location where numbers are resurrected even if there is a Heisman connection. LSU is not the place for immortality. Most schools routinely retire Heisman recipient jerseys and numbers. USC has done it eight times and hasn’t unretired O.J. Simpson’s 32, even though it is widely believed he killed his wife Nicole and her friend, Ron Goldman, on June 12, 1994. Some schools like Notre Dame and Alabama retire no numbers, allowing them to remain consistent on a touchy policy. Steve Spurrier, who won the 1966 Heisman Trophy at Florida, put his own number 11 back in circulation when he became head coach of the Gators, and subsequent Heisman winners have their numbers in circulation at Gainesville. Ohio State stopped officially retiring football numbers in 2014. Billy Cannon’s 20 has been off limits in LSU competition since the legendary Tiger played his last college game at the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1,1960. In 1987, shortly after Cannon was released from a Texas prison for two and a half years ending in 1986, a fellow did wear 20 in Tiger Stadium on a uniform reminiscent of LSU. His name was Dennis Quaid, who was the star of “Everybody’s All American.” Some purists objected when a diminutive thespian like Quaid was decked out in Tiger Stadium in a jersey reserved for the Adonis-like Cannon. Frank Deford’s book of the same name took place at the University of North Carolina, but director Taylor Hackford chose LSU for the movie location after North Carolina refused, as Deford understood the mystique of Billy Cannon. Does the Daniels’ debacle mean that Cannon’s 20 and fellow Heisman winner Joe Burrow’s 9 are also available for future Bengals? Cannon’s number is officially retired, but things change when present day considerations are weighed against honoring deceased stalwarts of yesterday. An option for LSU is to officially retire 5 in honor of Daniels when Pickett’s eligibility expires. Another partial remedy would have Pickett wear 05 in lieu of 5. Disrespecting Daniels opens the debate for Number 9. If 5 is free for use, it is difficult to rationalize an exception for protection of 9. LSU risks alienating its support base over another symbolic salute to greatness. A prominent lawyer in Baton Rouge stopped writing checks to his alma mater when LSU removed former University President Troy Middleton’s name from the library. Many Dale Brown admirers were incensed when the LSU Board lifted the only honor bestowed on the school’s most prominent basketball coach months after the same board voted for Brown to receive exclusive recognition on the PMAC court. LSU has also dismayed alums by preventing Pete Maravich from entering its Athletic Hall of Fame after he became the leading scorer in NCAA basketball history. Fifty-six years later, Pistol Pete still holds the record, but is banned from the Hall under a rule that he is not eligible because he is not a college graduate. Maravich has been ostracized by his university despite the graduation requirement being waived at least four times for other inductees. The greatest player ever coached by Skip Bertman is also not a member of the LSU Athletic Hall of Famem even though he does have a degree. Albert Belle left the program 39 years ago in controversy and has been blackballed from the Hall despite being the only major league slugger to slam 50 homers and 50 doubles in the same season and hitting 381 career homers for the Indians, White Sox and Orioles. LSU will win any dispute with Daniels over Name, Image & Likeness in a Baton Rouge court, but the court of public opinion could be brutal. With his passing and running prowess, Daniels was the most complete quarterback LSU has produced. He boasts the most successful one-game performance in nearly a century of the SEC with 606 total yards. In a 52-35 win over Florida in 2023, Daniels passed for 372 yards and ran for 234. He reigns as the only FBS player in one game to amass more than 350 yards in the air and more than 200 yards on the ground. LSU can stop the current friction by allowing numbers for Cannon and Burrow to be worn by other players or rescind its decision on Daniels. The Ole War Skule will pay the price if is inconsistent. Numbers today are not as meaningful as they once were because players on the same team are wearing the same numerals at the same time. But the conflict with Daniels has tentacles. Heisman winners should enjoy comparable recognition. Any variation places one hero above another. There have been 90 recipients of college football’s greatest honor. LSU should treat its three winners with the same reverence. Anything less invites a mess to be avoided. > [Skip Bertman (1938-2026): Why He Was The Greatest Hire In The History Of LSU Athletics | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertman-legend-1938-2026-why-he-was-the-greatest-hire-in-the-history-of-lsu-athletics/) **Baton Rouge Loses A Great Adopted Son** Stanley “Skip” Bertman logged 88 grand years from his birth in Detroit in 1938 to his death in Baton Rouge in 2026. When he died, he left 870 wins in 18 years at LSU, where he won five national titles. A generation of his players remains to sing the praises of the man who lifted his program from insignificance on campus to the envy of the nation. Bertman spent the last 43 years of life in the same neighborhood, coaching at one school with one wife. Sandy Bertman died 15 months ago at 87. She grew up in Brooklyn and met Skip at Maddie Ives Elementary School in Miami. They married and were together for 63 years. The King and Queen of LSU Baseball raised four daughters and became icons in the local community. Skip Bertman reached the pinnacle at the College World Series for the first time in 1991. He was 53 years old. His resilience in an uncertain profession is a path followed by Nick Saban, who won his first college football title at 52. When Bertman and Saban retired, together they had been national champions on 12 occasions as head coaches. At one time, the Ole War Skule employed Mark Emmert as chancellor, Joe Dean as athletic director, Saban as head football coach, Pat Henry as track & field coach and Bertman as baseball coach. There was an ample supply of testosterone flowing through LSU and a plethora of success. Saban is the greatest football coach in LSU history, while Bertman is the gold standard for baseball. It is notable that one man left the place that made him famous while the other man stayed. Bertman was a person of immense loyalty with a legacy that will extend to generations to be born. He was a giant in the dugout and throughout the town he called home. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** DJ Pickett, Jayden Daniels, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, skip bertman --- ### [Former NFL Player As Of Last Week, TE Dae'Quan Wright, Practices For LSU; Next NFL Tiger May Be CB Blake Cotton](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-nfl-player-as-of-last-week-tight-end-daequan-wright-is-practicing-for-lsu/) **Published:** August 31, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Former Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Dae’Quan Wright – the first NFL roster member in history to return to a college team – practiced with LSU on Monday morning for the first time, LSU coach Lane Kiffin said at a press conference on Monday afternoon. Wright, who was dressed out for a game with Cleveland last Aug. 22, was cut by the Browns on Aug. 23, cleared waivers, then committed and signed with the Tigers and enrolled at LSU, where classes began on Aug. 24. Wright (6-foot-4, 255 pounds) played for Ole Miss last season when Kiffin was the head coach there. He caught 39 passes for 635 yards last season with five touchdowns. LSU already has star junior tight end and preseason All-American Trey’Dez Green, who caught 33 passes for 433 yards and seven touchdowns last season. But both could be used in alignments. “It was a walk-through, but he (Wright) practiced this morning,” Kiffin said. “He practiced. The SEC knows that. The SEC’s new rules do not prohibit that.” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey released new rules and punishments last Tuesday that banned any players who had signed with NFL, NBA or WNBA teams from returning to college to play. Sankey’s grandstanding was against recent temporary restraining orders (TROs) by various judges allowing players who began their college careers in 2022, such as Wright, involved in an elibility lawsuit against the NCAA. Sankey then backed down on Saturday and said he would comply with the TROs, pending a hearing on Thursday in Baton Rouge in connection with those TROs. Wright could be cleared to continue at LSU in that Thursday hearing, or he could be ruled ineligible, along with many of the other athletes listed as plaintiffs in the suit against the NCAA. If Wright gets a favorable ruling Thursday, he conceivably could play on Saturday when the No. 11 Tigers host No. 23 Clemson in Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC). The NCAA has an acclimatization process for all late signees of five days, so since Wright began practicing on Monday, he could be ready for Saturday, according to the NCAA, but Kiffin would still have to deem him ready to play by Friday afternoon when he sends his player list to the SEC office. > [LSU Football Gains Commitment From 5th-Year Senior Edge Junior Tuihalamaka Of Notre Dame For This Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-gains-commitment-from-5th-year-senior-edge-junior-tuihalamaka-of-notre-dame-for-this-season/) Another player in that lawsuit freed to play for 2026 through a TRO who has transferred to LSU and is also practicing is Junior Tuihalamaka, a senior edge rusher from Notre Dame. He has not been on any NFL rosters this spring or summer and has been practicing with the Tigers since last week. So he could play against Clemson on Saturday. **JACK PYBURN IS NOW A KANSAS CITY CHIEF** Meanwhile, former LSU 2025 edge rusher Jack Pyburn, who is also in the eligibility lawsuit, had said he would return to LSU if he was cut by the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Pyburn was cut on Sunday after he had played three preseason games for the Bucs and led the NFL with six sacks. But on Monday, the Kansas City Chiefs signed Pyburn on waivers, and he is now a Chief. LSU also has a commitment from defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, another former Ole Miss player under Kiffin who was on the Saints roster this summer before getting cut early this month. He has not yet practiced with the Tigers. **CORNERBACK BLAKE COTTON COULD BE LSU’s NEXT NFL PLAYER** And Kiffin may have another former NFL roster member also in the eligibility lawsuit against the NCAA practicing soon. That is former Utah cornerback Blake Cotton (6-2, 195). Cotton signed with Denver as an undrafted free agent on June 18 and was released on Aug. 3. Cotton started eight games last season for Utah, making 30 tackles with seven pass breakups. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, Dae'quan Wright, Jack Pyburn, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers' --- ### [How LSU Navigates Court Eligibility Rulings Will Be Bigger Than Football](https://www.tigerrag.com/how-lsu-navigates-court-eligibility-rulings-will-be-bigger-than-football/) **Published:** August 31, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** ## SEC School Leaders Are Exploring the Nuclear Option Against LSU. This Is No Longer Just an Eligibility Fight. By Todd Horne | Vice President & Executive Editor, Tiger Rag The fight over college football eligibility is no longer just about eligibility. According to Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger, presidents and general counsels representing the SEC’s other 15 universities are now exploring what they can do if LSU proceeds with plans to add athletes the conference considers ineligible under its newly adopted professional-player rules. The possibilities being discussed are extraordinary: placing LSU on probation, prohibiting the Tigers from competing for SEC championships, individual schools refusing to compete against LSU, filing a federal lawsuit and, at the outer edge of the discussion, even expulsion from the conference. None of those things has happened. The conversations are preliminary. Dellenger reports that they are “not league driven, but membership led,” and no formal action is expected before Thursday’s preliminary-injunction hearing in Baton Rouge. That qualification is important because the headline possibilities are spectacular enough to obscure what is actually happening. The SEC is not voting Monday afternoon to throw LSU out of the league. Fifteen angry presidents have not announced a boycott of Tiger Stadium. Greg Sankey has not declared war on Baton Rouge. But the fact that university presidents and general counsels are seriously examining those options tells us how dramatically this dispute has escalated. What began as a fight over whether several athletes should receive another year of eligibility has become a test of whether the Southeastern Conference can govern itself when one of its members is protected by a court order preventing enforcement of rules the rest of the membership believes it collectively adopted and has every right to enforce. That is a much larger question. ### LSU Is the Flashpoint, Not the Whole Problem For most of the last week, this story has been framed as Lane Kiffin against Greg Sankey. That was always too small. LSU has unquestionably been the most aggressive SEC program in pursuing athletes who may become eligible through litigation. Kiffin has said publicly that he believes players were wronged by the timing of the NCAA’s new eligibility rules. LSU has left roster space available. Former Ole Miss players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris have committed to LSU after signing professional contracts. Other possibilities remain alive. But LSU did not create the legal environment surrounding them. The NCAA itself says more than 300 athletes are now involved in roughly 60 eligibility lawsuits. Courts across multiple jurisdictions have issued inconsistent rulings. Some athletes have received temporary relief. Others have not. Some have won and then had that relief stayed on appeal. Conferences have responded by writing rules of their own, and athletes have responded by adding conferences and administrators to lawsuits. The SEC’s new professional-player policy was part of that response. Now the response has produced another response. Dellenger reports that executives from the other 15 SEC institutions have spent the last 36 to 48 hours discussing how they might protect the conference’s rules if LSU uses a Louisiana court order to do something the membership believes those rules prohibit. The lawsuits followed the authority to the SEC. Now the SEC membership is asking what authority it retains. ### The Most Important Word May Not Be “Expulsion” Expulsion will dominate the reaction because it is the most dramatic possibility Dellenger reported. It probably should not be the most important one. Dellenger examined a recent version of the SEC’s bylaws and found no explicit provision specifically describing expulsion. What the bylaws apparently do provide is substantial disciplinary authority to the conference’s presidents and chancellors. They can place a member institution on probation, prevent it from competing for an SEC championship or participating in conference competition, and impose “any other penalty which they consider appropriate.” That is broad language. The more revealing development, therefore, is not that SEC leaders are supposedly preparing to kick LSU out. Dellenger’s reporting does not say that. It is that presidents and university lawyers are now studying what powers they possess if the Louisiana court limits what the SEC office itself can enforce. That moves this dispute into new territory. The SEC has already agreed to comply with Judge William Jorden’s temporary restraining order. On Sunday evening, the conference made clear that compliance does not mean concession. The SEC said it and Sankey will contest the plaintiffs’ allegations Thursday morning and defend the conference’s rights “as a voluntary association” acting for its member institutions. Now the member institutions themselves appear to be examining the same concept. What can a voluntary association do when one member obtains judicial protection from a collectively adopted rule? That may become the defining question in this case. ### Kiffin’s Monday Comments Add Another Layer Kiffin addressed the roster controversy Monday during his regularly scheduled LSU media availability. His comments were not a response to Dellenger’s reporting about discussions among the other 15 SEC schools. He was answering questions about LSU’s decision-making, possible additions from professional football and his conversations with the conference. What he said complicates the idea that LSU is simply preparing to defy the SEC. Kiffin acknowledged that he struggled with whether LSU should add players this late, even if the courts ultimately make them available. His concern was not primarily how the decision would play nationally. He said he tries to make decisions based on what is best for the players already inside LSU’s team room. So he asked them. Kiffin said he met with LSU’s player leadership committee and asked what they wanted LSU to do if these athletes became legally available. According to Kiffin, every player was emphatic: “They can help us win, bring ’em.” One player compared it to professional football and the broader workplace, where organizations add people when those people can make the organization better. Kiffin said hearing that made him feel better about a decision over which he had been “torn back and forth.” Then came the more important institutional answer. Asked whether LSU football would follow SEC orders, Kiffin was direct: “Of course we will.” He said LSU would wait for additional guidance during the week while the court proceedings and conference process continue. That is not the language of a coach announcing that LSU intends to ignore the SEC. It actually illustrates how complicated the situation has become. LSU says it will follow SEC orders. The SEC says it will follow the Louisiana court order. The court order presently limits the SEC’s ability to enforce certain rules. Meanwhile, the other 15 universities are considering whether LSU’s reliance on that judicial protection threatens the conference’s ability to govern itself. Everybody can say they are following the rules. The problem is that they are no longer necessarily answering to the same source of authority. This Is the Self-Governance Test College Sports Has Been Asking For There is another reason Dellenger’s reporting matters beyond LSU. College sports leaders have spent years discussing greater conference autonomy and, eventually, the possibility that the major conferences might govern significant portions of competition independently from the NCAA. The theory is attractive. The NCAA has hundreds of member institutions across different divisions, states, legal regimes and competitive models. A conference has far fewer members. Those institutions voluntarily associate with one another. They adopt bylaws together. They agree to competitive standards. In theory, enforcement should be easier. The current dispute is testing that theory before the larger structure is even built. The SEC’s presidents unanimously adopted professional-player restrictions because they believe allowing former professional athletes to return creates a competitive problem. Whether one agrees with the policy or not, the competitive concern is real. A player who spends months inside an NFL organization may receive professional coaching, strength training, nutrition, film study and competition unavailable to someone who remained exclusively in college. SEC schools believe permitting those athletes to return could create an advantage inconsistent with the competitive structure they agreed to maintain. But then a Louisiana judge restrained enforcement against plaintiffs challenging the rules. Now what? If membership in a voluntary association means every member agrees to follow common rules, what happens when one member possesses a judicial order saying those rules cannot be enforced against it? That is no longer primarily an eligibility question. It is a governance question. ### The Calendar Is Still What Created This Mess None of this erases the problem at the center of the players’ lawsuits. Athletes such as Wright and Harris did not finish their college careers knowing another year of eligibility would later become possible. They exhausted their eligibility under the rules that existed at the time and did what football players normally do when college football is over: they entered professional football. Only later did the NCAA change its eligibility framework. That chronology is why Kiffin has repeatedly argued that these athletes were wronged. They did not necessarily choose professional football over another available season of college football. For some of them, college football was no longer an option when the professional decisions were made. The NCAA later changed the architecture. The courts then began deciding whether athletes excluded by the timing of that change deserved relief. That does not automatically mean former professional players should be allowed to return to college. The SEC has every right to argue that professional experience represents a separate competitive boundary. But prospective rules are much easier to defend conceptually than retroactive consequences. Tell a player in advance that signing an NFL contract permanently ends his ability to play in the SEC, and he can choose accordingly. Tell him his college eligibility is exhausted, watch him enter the NFL because no college option remains, change the eligibility framework months later and then punish him because he crossed into professional football while the first door was closed, and you create exactly the kind of reliance argument now appearing in court. That is why simply saying “LSU wants NFL players” has never explained the actual dispute. ### Federal Court May Be the Next Battlefield Dellenger’s reporting also moves another possibility from the theoretical column into the realm of serious institutional discussion. Federal litigation. The other SEC schools are reportedly examining whether some form of federal legal action against LSU could provide another avenue for protecting the conference’s rules. Dellenger points to the Big 12’s recent dispute involving Texas Tech and quarterback Brendan Sorsby as one possible model. The facts are different, but the strategic concept is relevant: a conference going to federal court to protect what it believes are its constitutional and contractual rights to govern member institutions. That would create an extraordinary jurisdictional collision. A Louisiana state court could be protecting LSU and certain athletes from enforcement of conference restrictions while the conference or its members ask a federal court to protect their ability to enforce the terms of membership. At that point, nobody could reasonably describe this as a roster dispute anymore. It would be a fight over competing sovereign, contractual and judicial authority. ### Thursday Is Now Bigger Than the Players Judge Jorden’s preliminary-injunction hearing Thursday was already important. It is more important now. If the plaintiffs lose, the current temporary protection could narrow or disappear and much of the institutional conflict may temporarily recede. If they win, the questions multiply. Does the SEC appeal? Does it seek an immediate stay? Do the other 15 universities pursue separate action? Does the conference impose internal sanctions? Does somebody file in federal court? Could individual schools actually refuse to compete against LSU? How much authority do the SEC presidents possess under the bylaws? And how far are they willing to go against one of the league’s most valuable and recognizable members? Dellenger reports that one person involved described the risk to LSU as “enormous.” That may ultimately prove true. But the risk is enormous for the SEC too. If the conference responds too weakly, its members may conclude that collectively adopted rules are meaningless whenever one institution finds a favorable state court. If it responds too aggressively, it risks an unprecedented confrontation with LSU, additional litigation and perhaps judicial scrutiny of powers the conference has rarely, if ever, attempted to exercise this way. There is no easy move left. ### And LSU Still Plays Clemson Saturday All of this is happening during game week. Kiffin spent part of Monday discussing roster litigation, conference guidance and players who may or may not become available while LSU prepares to open its season against Clemson. Yet the same Monday program also provided a revealing look at how LSU has approached the football side. LSU officials described an operation obsessed with eliminating surprises. The team simulated game-day procedures. Coaches rehearsed logistics. The staff worked through sideline locations, interviews, timing and other details so a roster filled with new players and led by a new coaching staff would experience as much of Saturday before Saturday as possible. The message around the program was preparation rather than hype. That matters because it undercuts the easy conclusion that all of this legal theater necessarily means Kiffin has stopped preparing for Clemson. He is doing both. Whether that becomes too much is a legitimate question, and Saturday will provide the first meaningful evidence. But roster construction is part of Kiffin’s job too. He made that clear Monday. His responsibility, as he sees it, is to make LSU as good as possible within whatever rules and legal boundaries actually exist when the decisions have to be made. The problem is that nobody can say with certainty what those boundaries will look like four days from now. And that brings us back to what this has really become. The NCAA has its rules. The SEC has its rules. LSU has a Louisiana court order. Fifteen other SEC institutions have their membership rights. A state judge will speak Thursday. A federal court may eventually be asked to speak too. Kiffin says LSU will follow SEC orders. The SEC says it will follow the court order. The other schools are now examining what they can do if following both leaves them with a result they believe destroys competitive equity. That is not Lane Kiffin beating Greg Sankey. It is not Greg Sankey backing down. And it is no longer simply a fight over whether former NFL players should be allowed to play college football. It is becoming a test of whether the Southeastern Conference can actually govern itself when its own rules collide with judicial authority. What happens to LSU may be dramatic. What happens to the SEC’s authority could be much more consequential. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, greg sankey, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, NCAA --- ### [Jack Pyburn's New NFL Landing Spot Stifles Return To LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/jack-pyburns-new-nfl-landing-spot-stifles-return-to-lsu/) **Published:** August 31, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES As the legendary Lee Corso would put it, “Not so fast.” Former LSU defensive end Jack Pyburn may not be returning to LSU after all. The Kansas City Chiefs claimed Pyburn off of the waiver wire on Monday, one day after the Buccaneers released him. > NEW: The Kansas City Chiefs have claimed EDGE Jack Pyburn, [@PeteNakos](https://x.com/PeteNakos?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) reports. > > The preseason sack leader was previously set to join LSU. [pic.twitter.com/xEaQomRHch](https://t.co/xEaQomRHch) > > — On3 (@On3) [August 31, 2026](https://x.com/On3/status/2094484566115504614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Pyburn is the lead plaintiff in the lawsuit of over 40 players against the NCAA, Southeastern Conference and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey seeking a fifth season of eligibility under the association’s new five-year, age-based eligibility model. He expressed his intent to enroll at LSU if he was not on an NFL team after they cut down to 53-man rosters, but he may have found his new home with the Chiefs. Pyburn led the NFL this preseason with four sacks to go along with 10 tackles in three games. Tampa Bay could not find room for him in a deep linebacker room, but he will now reunite with former LSU teammates Garrett Nussmeier and Mansoor Delane in Kansas City. > [NEXT! LSU’s Latest NFL Portal Target – Edge Jack Pyburn – Has Been Cut By Tampa Bay](https://www.tigerrag.com/next-lsus-latest-nfl-portal-target-edge-jack-pyburn-has-been-cut-by-tampa-bay/) Pyburn signed with the Bucs as an undrafted free agent after going undrafted this spring. In his only season at LSU after transferring from Florida, he made 52 tackles and two sacks last season. LSU coach Lane Kiffin and defensive coordinator Blake Baker could have used his experience in the defensive end rotation this season. There is still a path to return to LSU if Pyburn desires and receives a favorable ruling in Thursday’s preliminary injunction hearing. He would have to terminate his NFL contract and pay back whatever money he has already received, but court documents show he planned to sign at LSU only if he was not on an active roster. Now that he has his opportunity in the league, he may be on to the next level for good. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Jack Pyburn, lsu football --- ### [Lane Kiffin Previews LSU Week 1 Matchup With Clemson](https://www.tigerrag.com/live-lane-kiffin-previews-lsu-week-1-matchup-with-clemson/) **Published:** August 31, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Lane Kiffin officially kicks off his first LSU season in just five days when the No. 11 Tigers host Clemson on Saturday (6:30, ABC). Between his heated departure from Ole Miss and recruitment of former NFL players, Kiffin’s first nine months have been at the dramatic center of the college football world. The Tigers will need to push an extracurriculars aside as they prepare to spot the ball against Clemson. LSU won the schools’ Week 1 meeting last year 17-10. It was viewed as a staple, top 10 win and potential College Football Playoff preview at the start of the season, but both teams went on to disappointing 7-6 seasons. While Kiffin replaced head coach Brian Kelly, Dabo Swinney still leads a Clemson roster that lost nine players to the NFL draft. Swinney did welcome his largest portal class ever to rebuild the Tigers — 10 new transfers. Kiffin spoke with Baton Rouge media about preparing his team for a primetime season opener and the latest in LSU’s addition of ex-NFL signees. Watch the full press conference in the Team Room at LSU Football Ops here: **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, lane kiffin, lsu football --- ### [Legendary LSU All-American And Football Coach Jerry Stovall Dies At The Age Of 85](https://www.tigerrag.com/legendary-lsu-all-american-and-football-coach-jerry-stovall-dies-at-the-age-of-85/) **Published:** August 31, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU has lost another legend. All-American and Tigers head coach Jerry Stovall passed away at the age of 85, Matt Moscona reports. > Former LSU All American and head coach Jerry Stovall has died. He was 85. > > A great man. Kind and generous. He will be missed.[@1045espn](https://x.com/1045espn?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@LASportsDotNet](https://x.com/LASportsDotNet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Matt Moscona (@MattMoscona) [August 31, 2026](https://x.com/MattMoscona/status/2094474691075326395?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) *Tiger Rag will update the story with more details as they arrive.* Stovall played offense, defense and special teams for the Tigers from 1960-1962. The West Monroe native amassed 1,081 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns on the ground as a halfback and 452 receiving yards and one touchdown through the air. In 1962, he was named a unanimous All-American, the SEC Player of the Year and finished second in Heisman voting. He was selected second overall in the 1963 NFL Draft by the St. Louis Cardinals where he became a full-time defensive back. In nine seasons, he was named to three Pro Bowls and was named second-team All Pro in 1966. After his NFL career, Stovall returned to LSU in 1974 as the running backs coach under Charles McClendon. After head coach Bo Rein passed before the start of the 1980 season, Stovall took the reins and assumed the role as LSU’s head coach from 1980-1983. He was named Walter Camp Football Foundation Coach of the Year in 1982 after leading the Tigers to an 8-3-1 record and a 1983 Orange Bowl appearance. His teams went 22-21-2 in four seasons as head coach. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** jerry stovall, lsu football --- ### [LSU Soccer Defender Jazmin Ferguson Plays For Tigers After Signing With Pro Team](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-soccer-defender-jazmin-ferguson-plays-for-tigers-after-signing-with-pro-team/) **Published:** August 31, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Two returning fifth-year seniors included in the Baton Rouge temporary restraining order that allowed former signed NFL roster members Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris to commit to LSU last week saw their first action back with LSU soccer on Sunday. And one of them was defender Jazmin Ferguson, who signed a deal in July with the Tampa Bay Sun of the United Soccer League but never played for that pro team. She is one of many athletes around the country from the class of 2022 suing the NCAA for a fifth season of eligibility under the NCAA’s new five-year, age-based eligibility model passed in June. She became eligible to play after a recent temporary restraining order by East Baton Rouge Parish 19th District Court Judge William Jorden, whose ruling was the first to allow athletes to previously sign professional contracts and return. Ferguson and Jocelyn Ollivierre, who is also in the lawsuit but has not signed with a pro team, each played nearly 60 minutes in the Tigers’ 1-1 tie against Arizona Sunday in Tempe, Arizona. Both class of 2022 athletes exhausted their eligibility last year but returned to the team with the temporary eligibility granted by Jorden on Aug. 19. Neither started Sunday, but they both entered the game in the 22nd minute before either team had scored. > [LSU Soccer Does Not Lose – Battles Arizona To A 1-1 Deadlock](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-soccer-does-not-lose-battles-arizona-to-a-1-1-deadlock/) Ollivierre returned after four seasons at LSU, and Ferguson played the last two seasons as a junior and senior with the Tigers after transferring from East Carolina. Both played in all 25 matches last season and helped LSU to its first Sweet 16 appearance in program history. Ferguson finished the season with All-SEC honors. > [SEC’s New “Lane Kiffin Rule” To Feature Strict Punishments For Signing Players From The NFL](https://www.tigerrag.com/secs-lane-kiffin-rule-to-feature-strict-punishments-for-signing-players-from-the-nfl/) Ferguson and LSU soccer, though, are apparently not subject to the Southeastern Conference’s new rule as of just last week that prohibits schools from signing former pro basketball and football players. That policy applies to ex-NFL, NBA and WNBA players only and does not include any language referring to other sports. A preliminary injunction hearing connected to Jorden’s temporary restraining order is scheduled for Thursday in Baton Rouge. Ferguson and Ollivierre as well as Wright and Harris could find out whether they will keep their eligibility for the rest of the season during that hearing. A third recent commitment to the LSU football team in the lawsuit against the NCAA could see his fate decided by that hearing as well. That is senior edge rusher Junior Tuihalamaka, formerly of Notre Dame who committed to LSU on Aug. 21, but he never signed with an NFL team. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Soccer **Tags:** Jazmin Ferguson, Jocelyn Ollivierre, lsu soccer --- ### [LSU Football And Lane Kiffin Are At The Epicenter Of So Much Drama, But The Tigers Have A Game This Week](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-and-lane-kiffin-are-at-the-epicenter-of-so-much-drama-but-the-tigers-have-a-game-this-week/) **Published:** August 31, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU has a football game this week. Lane Kiffin, the most polarizing football coach in the country in college or pro and most sought after in college late last year, makes his LSU debut on Saturday as his No. 11 Tigers host No. 23 Clemson at 6:30 p.m. in Tiger Stadium. But on Thursday in a courtroom in Baton Rouge, a judge will hold a hearing concerning a previous temporary restraining order that freed members of the class of 2022 suing the NCAA in an eligibility case – including those on NFL teams – to transfer back to college teams. Kiffin was the first in college football history to gain commitments from players previously signed to NFL rosters this summer. He got two of those just last week in tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who had dressed out for a Cleveland Browns preseason game on Aug. 22, and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, whom the Saints cut on Aug. 8. Both players were able to enter the transfer portal only because East Baton Rouge Parish 19th District Court Judge William Jorden’s Aug. 19 temporary restraining order (TRO) against the NCAA – and by definition the Southeastern Conference and all other NCAA-member conferences. > [What’s Really Going On in the College Football Eligibility Fights](https://www.tigerrag.com/college-football-eligibility-lawsuits-sec-ncaa/) Jorden will hold a follow-up hearing on Thursday to his TRO, possibly extending the eligibility of the players in the lawsuit or ending that. There are a multitude of other similar cases and TROs granting eligibility across the country. Wright, Harris and a host of other 2022 college entries in all sports are among many players across the country suing for a fifth year of eligibility in 2026 after the NCAA’s new rule in June that allows five years of eligibility instead of four. But that rule begins with the 2023 class. The plaintiffs from the 2022 class and their attorneys feel they also deserve that extra year. Wright and Harris both played for Kiffin last season at Ole Miss and are in the suit being handeld by Jorden. > [NEXT! LSU’s Latest NFL Portal Target – Edge Jack Pyburn – Has Been Cut By Tampa Bay](https://www.tigerrag.com/next-lsus-latest-nfl-portal-target-edge-jack-pyburn-has-been-cut-by-tampa-bay/) A third, but very recent former NFL roster member in that same lawsuit is about to commit to LSU as well in former Tiger edge rusher Jack Pyburn, who just collected two sacks for the NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Saturday night in a preseason game at Jacksonville. Tampa Bay cut him on Sunday, and if he clears waivers by other other NFL teams today, he has said he will commit and sign with LSU, pending the outcome Jorden’s hearing on Thursday. LSU will also practice on Thursday. None of the possible three new LSU signees from the “NFL Portal” will be able to play against Clemson because of NCAA rules that dictate an acclimation process for such late additions to rosters. In the meantime, while not following court proceedings, Kiffin is trying to get his team ready for a nationally televised game. Oh, and ESPN’s College GameDay will be on campus Saturday, and will no doubt cover the reboot of L.A. Law – La. Law. Will Kiffin and LSU be distracted on Saturday because of the new NFL Transfer Portal and its court cases and so much drama. “It’s brand new to college football,” LSU transfer wide receiver Eugene Wilson III said last week when asked about his potential new teammates from the NFL. “So, I don’t really have nothing to say to it. I don’t really know too much about it.” Many do not understand it either. Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey seemed confused about it last Tuesday when he and his conference announced a ban on all players who have signed with NFL, NBA or WNBA teams with various, high-minded punishments. But he backed off of that on Saturday and decided to abide by Jorden’s TRO, which was amended last week to include Sankey as a defendant. The SEC is under the NCAA umbrella, and therefore must adhere to any judges’ rulings concerning the eligibility case. The case is likely a one-time situation as well. There will not be a mad dash of NFL players cut this week to try to go back to school. They would have to be in the college class of 2022 and in one of the lawsuits, or a new one. > Did Lane Kiffin call? 😂😂 > > — Bobby (@BobbyWilson1004) [August 30, 2026](https://x.com/BobbyWilson1004/status/2094155266870718622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > Cute, but Tua is not a 2022 college signee and not in the lawsuit vs. NCAA and its member conferences like the SEC. And therefore, he can’t go back to college in this unique, legal, eligibility situation as others can – barring another judge’s ruling. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 30, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2094165162907324853?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Kiffin was asked last week if there will be future eligibility cases between college football and the NFL, or would those be contained to the 2022 class. “No, I don’t,” he said. “I think this is a totally unique circumstance that came about becaue of the five-for-five rule, and the plaeyrs feeling like they should have know about it (the NCAA’s new rule for five years of eligibility instead of four passed last June) before. And that they should have had it, too. And then all the cases around the country and all the attention on that happened. And they were granted this (eligibility) – the ones that have won restraining orders or injunctions – have been granted this. So, this is an extremely unique situation that I don’t think you’ll have this again.” So, after Thursday, focus could be solely on football? “We’re all focused on football,” LSU cornerback PJ Woodland said last week. “We’re just going through day-by-day, trying to prepare for Clemson.” So is Kiffin. But he will also always remain focused on the most time consuming part of college football coach in present day – roster procurement during game weeks and non-game weeks, no matter if or when a new portal window opens up. “I believe that my job is to LSU and the LSU people that hired me and the fans,” he said. “And if players are available to recruit and are made eligible, I’m recruiting them.” They don’t call him the Portal King for nothing. Kiffin signed the No. 1 portal class in the country with 41 last January. It has grown to 44 over the last two weeks because of the players just entering the portal after the court rulings making them eligible – for now. In addition to Wright and Harris, Kiffin also gained a commitment from 2022 class member Junior Tuihalamaka, a senior edge rusher from Notre Dame who has not been on any NFL rosters. [LSU FOOTBALL UPDATED TRANSFER PORTAL CLASS](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2026-football/transferportal/?institutionkey=24102) “These guys have been told that they can play,” Kiffin said. “They hired an attorney. They won a case (for now) and were told they can play. And then they enter the portal. They’re available to be recruited. So, I feel in those situations, that’s my job.” If he doesn’t recruit them and try to sign them, conceivably they could beat him. “I wouldn’t like to be my boss who hired me who says, ‘Why aren’t we recruiting them? Here’s these guys around the country playing and making teams better from the ruling, and we may end up playing against them,'” Kiffin said. “So, that’s just the way I look at it. And I don’t think I’m very unique. I think these kids are being recruited by a lot of coaches around the country. We’re always going to be trying to get better in every area, no matter what. And any time portal or acquisitions come up, that’s what we’re going to do.” In the meantime, the national glare is on Kiffin, who turned down interest from Florida, Florida State and Penn State after last regular season when he left Ole Miss for LSU. “Yeah, I mean, I think that’s probably easy to figure out,” he said. “That’s the combination of the head coach, LSU, everything. So, I understand that, and it is what it is. And any time someone’s first out of the gate with something (NFL players coming to LSU), here comes the attention. Sometimes, when you’re the beneficiary of a player choosing you, you’re going to get all the attention of it, because they chose you when a lot of people were trying.” > [Lane Kiffen Explains His “It’s Just Different” Hashtag Mantra About LSU And Louisiana](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffen-explains-his-its-just-different-hashtag-mantra-about-lsu-and-louisiana/) In the end, and in the beginning of this season, LSU may be just more “different” than Kiffin ever imagined. “I don’t know that you could ever predict that there’d be a job taken and so much stuff around it,” Kiffin said. “The magnitude of it being LSU and then the leaving (from Ole Miss) and the timing of it (just before the Rebels went to the College Football Playoff). Would the players be coming to LSU or not? It’s been a lot – a lot of stuff. Now, this newer stuff coming, where all of a sudden there are some players in a new portal two weeks before the game.” Could Kiffin himself be distracted? There’s always his hot yoga each morning to give him focus. “We take each day and try to do the best at it and put together the best team, so those Saturdays go the right way,” he said. “Because that’s really all that we’re doing all this stuff for. It’s for those 12 Saturdays, and hopefully more Saturdays (in the playoffs).” And the next portal window, whenever that may be. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [What’s Really Going On in the College Football Eligibility Fights](https://www.tigerrag.com/college-football-eligibility-lawsuits-sec-ncaa/) **Published:** August 31, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** ## Fans Are Still Watching College Football Like It’s 2015. The NCAA Knows Better. By Todd Horne | Vice President & Executive Editor, Tiger Rag If you still think the NCAA can simply write a rule and end the current upheaval in college sports, you’re viewing a 2026 business through a 2015 lens. Sunday provided another illustration. In the 21st minute of LSU’s soccer match against Arizona, defenders Jazmin Ferguson and Jocelyn Ollivierre stepped onto the field. Both had been added to the roster that morning under the protection of a temporary restraining order (TRO) in the Louisiana eligibility litigation — a TRO that now covers not only the NCAA but the Southeastern Conference and Commissioner Greg Sankey as well. According to Matt Moscona’s Sunday report on *Locked On LSU*, after East Baton Rouge Parish District Judge William Jorden amended the TRO on Friday, LSU leadership reached out directly to the SEC. They asked whether the conference would honor the order if LSU fielded these athletes, or if the SEC would impose the new penalties it had just adopted. Conference counsel responded in about half an hour: the SEC would comply. That response only became public on Saturday, when attorney Darren Heitner and Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger reported that Sankey and the SEC would obey applicable court orders. By Sunday, LSU had acted on that assurance. Many have described Sankey’s response as a retreat. It was not. A court issued an order naming the SEC; LSU confirmed the conference’s intent to comply; the SEC agreed; and LSU used the rostered athletes. That is litigation in action, not capitulation — and LSU is only one part of the broader dispute. On Friday, the NCAA informed its members that nearly **60 lawsuits challenging Division I eligibility rules** now involve **322 former student-athletes**. Twenty-four of those suits were filed in just one week. Of the 322 plaintiffs, 184 currently have some form of active judicial relief; 138 do not. Men’s basketball players account for 96 of the beneficiaries, football players for 45. The NCAA memo highlights two lead cases: in Louisiana, *Pyburn v. NCAA*, 32 plaintiffs await a Sept. 3 hearing; in Texas, *Hudson v. NCAA*, 41 plaintiffs await a Sept. 11 hearing. It also notes an increasing trend of naming conferences, schools and administrators as co-defendants. That is the larger story: these lawsuits are targeting every source of authority in college sports. ### This Is Not Just an LSU Problem LSU draws so much attention because of Lane Kiffin’s profile, prominent football players, the Baton Rouge venue and an upcoming game versus Clemson. But LSU didn’t create the fundamental eligibility dispute. The scale of litigation — nearly 60 lawsuits, 322 plaintiffs, 24 new filings in a single week — cannot be chalked up to Lane Kiffin or LSU wanting extra defenders. This isn’t a roster tactic; it’s proof that the governing system can no longer produce stable eligibility rules that survive legal scrutiny. LSU is far from alone, even within the SEC. Moscona noted that Kentucky, Texas, Arkansas and South Carolina each face players who have gained or sought eligibility through court orders. Texas has an offensive lineman at issue; Arkansas pursued a former Liberty player; Kentucky has its own case; South Carolina is part of the broader landscape. The question for Sankey is no longer just how to stop Lane Kiffin — it’s how to enforce one conference eligibility rule when member schools face different court orders in different jurisdictions. That is vastly more complicated, and it’s why framing Saturday’s events as “Kiffin beating Sankey” misses what has truly changed in college sports. ### The Old Hierarchy No Longer Exists For decades, the chain of command was simple: the NCAA wrote national eligibility rules; conferences added their own; schools agreed to follow both; athletes competed. Lawsuits existed, but fans rarely questioned the NCAA’s authority. That clarity has evaporated. Today: - An athlete can challenge an NCAA rule in court. - A conference rule can draw a lawsuit against the conference. - A state legislature can pass a law affecting in-state universities. - A state court can restrain enforcement of an NCAA rule. - A federal court can review antitrust challenges. - An appellate court can stay another court’s order. - Congress can preempt state laws or grant antitrust exemptions. Meanwhile, athletic departments must recruit, enroll, build rosters, allocate revenue and schedule games — all while the ladder of authorities shifts beneath them. This is governance in 2026: no single rulebook, only multiple, colliding sources of authority. ### Follow the Calendar Much of the outrage around former NFL players returning to college rests on misunderstanding timing. Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris did not finish the 2025 season expecting another NCAA year — they had exhausted eligibility under the rules then in effect. Only later did the NCAA shift to an age-based eligibility model. By that point, these players had entered the NFL process: training, drafting, contracts, camps. Some even appeared on NFL rosters. Litigation then opened the door to courts reconsidering the earlier eligibility cutoff. Of course they signed NFL contracts; according to the existing NCAA rules, their college careers had ended. Only afterward did the governing body change the rules, and only afterward did courts begin to reopen their eligibility. If Wright or Harris had known in December that another season might exist, they could have chosen between college and the NFL. Instead, one door closed, they passed through the NFL door, and months later the landscape shifted while courts reopened the first door. That is not primarily a “player problem.” It is a governance system blinded by its calendar. ### The SEC Is Trying to Solve a Real Problem The SEC’s policy concern — that college sports should not become a revolving door for players who finish eligibility, train in the NFL, fail to stick and then return — is reasonable. Time spent in an NFL system can improve a player’s skills, altering competitive balance and roster opportunities. Every roster spot occupied by an older returning former professional is one that cannot be occupied by another college athlete. Still, college football already includes sixth-, seventh- and even eighth-year players, thanks to COVID relief, medical redshirts, junior-college transfers and other waivers. While those longer-tenure players stayed within the NCAA system, former pros crossed a firmer professional boundary. The SEC is entitled to draw that line. But it also asks everyone to accept that the surrounding eligibility structure — already riddled with exceptions — remains simple enough to hold one absolute boundary: professional experience. A crucial distinction exists between sixth- and seventh-year players who never left the NCAA system and the Class of 2022 athletes now suing. The extended-eligibility waivers were available prospectively within the system. The former professionals were told their eligibility was finished, made irreversible career decisions on that basis, and only afterward watched the system change. Thus, the SEC established a rule: no conference participation by athletes who crossed defined professional thresholds — signing a pro contract, appearing on a pro roster or failing to withdraw properly from pro drafts. The enforcement package was severe: a head coach suspension for half a season, fines up to 50 percent of a sport’s annual operating budget, loss of conference voting privileges and additional enforcement authority for Sankey. These penalties targeted schools, not athletes directly, aiming to deter institutions from using court-protected players. Then the plaintiffs followed the enforcement chain into court. The SEC and Sankey became defendants. Judge Jorden amended the Louisiana TRO — and that moment sparked claims that Sankey “backed down.” He did not abandon policy; he complied with a court order while continuing to challenge it. ### He Didn’t Back Down The SEC still has its rule. It hasn’t conceded that the policy is invalid, nor that affected athletes automatically have another season. It agreed to comply with existing court orders while fighting them through the courts. Those actions are worlds apart. On Sunday evening, the SEC removed any remaining ambiguity about its position. In its first public comment since the Louisiana order was expanded to include the conference and Sankey, the SEC emphasized that the current order is a temporary restraining order rather than a final decision on the merits. The conference said it and Sankey are prepared to contest the plaintiffs’ allegations at Thursday morning’s hearing and defend the SEC’s rights as a voluntary association acting on behalf of its member institutions. Until then, the SEC said it will continue complying with Judge Jorden’s order. After Thursday’s hearing, the conference will review the court’s decision and determine what legal steps come next. That is not a retreat. It is precisely how a defendant preserves both obligations at once: obey the order that exists today and contest the legal basis for extending it tomorrow. Attorney Tom Mars argues that athletes attempting to enforce third-party beneficiary rights under SEC agreements face an uphill battle: SEC contracts among member schools do not clearly create enforceable rights for individual athletes. Mars’s analogy is that it would be as if he tried to claim benefits from Kiffin’s $91 million LSU employment contract. Even if that contract argument succeeds, it doesn’t make the SEC’s authority absolute; private contract rights remain subject to law and judicial review. Thursday therefore is not the day Sankey decides whether to “back down.” It is the day the SEC begins making its substantive case for why temporary relief should not become something more durable. ### Ohio Already Supplied a Preview Consider Patrick McQuaide’s case at Villanova. He won judicial relief against NCAA eligibility restrictions, but then the Patriot League barred him from conference games — threatening forfeitures if Villanova used him. McQuaide added the Patriot League as a defendant; an Ohio judge issued a preliminary injunction on his behalf; and Villanova played McQuaide hours later. Different athlete, different rule, different conference, different state — but the sequence is the same: an athlete challenges a rule, wins relief, adds an enforcing conference to the lawsuit, wins relief against that conference, then plays. ### Sunday Made the Theory Real at LSU On Sunday, Ferguson and Ollivierre demonstrated the SEC version. A judge’s order existed, the SEC said it would comply, LSU rostered the players, and they entered the match. The conference withheld its sanctions. That doesn’t resolve the litigation; it simply shows who held controlling authority that afternoon: the court. ### What Sunday Means for LSU Football Several football players stand on similar footing. Junior Tuihalamaka is enrolled, practicing and could play against Clemson if Judge Jorden grants preliminary relief Thursday. Dae’Quan Wright, Zxavian Harris and Blake Cotton have not yet enrolled; LSU’s academic calendar — admission, credit transfers, enrollment — must align with the court schedule before football participation matters. Even with timely enrollment and judicial relief, acclimatization rules make playing Clemson unlikely; a more realistic debut would be the following week against Louisiana Tech. ### Pyburn Shows How Far This Has Gone Tiger Rag reported Sunday that former LSU edge rusher Jack Pyburn, who tallied four sacks in three preseason games for Tampa Bay, was waived at the end of August. Pyburn is a plaintiff in the Louisiana lawsuit. If he clears waivers, a return to LSU becomes a real possibility. Moscona reported that his understanding is Pyburn would be unlikely to accept a practice-squad opportunity if a return to LSU becomes legally available. LSU also would have obvious interest in bringing back a player of Pyburn’s caliber at a position of need. But legal coverage, enrollment, transfer credits and safety protocols still have to align. Yet here we are: a player finishes his college career, signs an NFL contract, records preseason sacks in another state, gets waived and could return to college before LSU’s first game. Absurd? Yes — but nobody at LSU, nor Kiffin, nor Pyburn created this. They’re all operating within a governance system shaped by NCAA rules, conference edicts and court orders. ### Thursday Does Not Necessarily End It Suppose Judge Jorden grants a preliminary injunction on Thursday. It would preserve eligibility for covered athletes while this litigation drags on — possibly for much of the season. But it would not end the conflict. The NCAA and SEC can appeal and request stays. The Colorado litigation showed how quickly an appellate stay can strip away practical eligibility, reversing a lower-court victory in an instant. Moscona also noted that the SEC could, in theory, sue member institutions using court-protected athletes — a course not yet decided but legally possible. With multiple schools facing different orders in different jurisdictions, such intra-conference litigation could become extraordinarily messy. Far from restoring uniform governance, it would underscore how badly uniform governance has already fractured. ### The NCAA Knows Exactly What Its Problem Is The NCAA’s own memo should dispel any notion that this is a local roster dispute. Nearly 60 lawsuits, 322 plaintiffs, 24 new cases in one week, 184 with active relief, 138 without. Competitive uniformity is collapsing: two athletes with nearly identical histories may have different eligibility solely because they sued in different states, obtained different relief, faced different stays or encountered separate conference restrictions. This is not one national system; it is eligibility by jurisdiction — and college sports cannot remain that way. ### Congress Is Already Part of This The NCAA and major conferences have repeatedly appealed to Congress for national legal uniformity. Only federal legislation can preempt conflicting state rules in a way an NCAA manual cannot. Only Congress can grant antitrust protection beyond what a private association can self-authorize. A truly national enterprise needs consistency — but wanting Congress’s shield also means Congress will demand a role in revenue sharing, name-image-likeness rules, media rights, athlete protections, transfer regulations and eligibility standards. That tradeoff reveals how profoundly the power structure has shifted: the NCAA once assumed national rules became reality by member consent; today it asks Congress to reinforce its authority. ### Nobody Has Won This Yet That brings us back to Sunday. LSU used two soccer players under court protection — a significant moment, but far from the end. The SEC still has its rule. The NCAA still defends its eligibility model. Thirty-two plaintiffs press on in Louisiana, 41 in Texas, and nearly 60 lawsuits involve 322 athletes nationwide. There is no single, uncontested national answer. Answers are coming plaintiff by plaintiff, judge by judge, court by court. LSU, Texas, Ohio, Kentucky, Arkansas, South Carolina and other laboratories each navigate different judicial orders. Greg Sankey did not back down, and Lane Kiffin did not beat the SEC. They are participants in a governing system that no longer has one uncontested source of authority. The SEC’s own Sunday evening statement makes its position unmistakable: comply with the order now, contest it Thursday, then determine what comes next. That is not surrender. It is the next stage of the fight. That is the part many fans and even some people covering the sport are still trying to process. For years, the final question in an eligibility dispute was simple: **What does the NCAA rulebook say?** That question is no longer enough. Now you have to ask what the rule says, when it was written, which court has examined it, whether another court has stayed the ruling, what the conference can enforce and whether Congress eventually supersedes the entire arrangement. **Fans may still be watching college football like it’s 2015. The NCAA’s own memo — nearly 60 lawsuits, 322 plaintiffs and counting — says the NCAA no longer has that luxury.** **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU athletics, LSU Football News, Soccer **Tags:** College Football Eligibility, College Sports, Dae’Quan Wright, greg sankey, Jack Pyburn, lane kiffin, lsu football, NCAA, NCAA Lawsuits, NCAA Rules, NIL, Pyburn v. NCAA, sec, SEC Eligibility, Zxavian Harris --- ### [LSU Soccer Does Not Lose - Battles Arizona To A 1-1 Deadlock](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-soccer-does-not-lose-battles-arizona-to-a-1-1-deadlock/) **Published:** August 31, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES TEMPE, Arizona – The LSU soccer team battled Arizona to a 1-1 draw on Sunday at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium and snapped its three-match losing streak. The Tigers (1-4-1) took a 1-0 lead late in the first half when senior forward [Ava Galligan](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/ava-galligan) found the back of the net in the 44th minute. Galligan collected an assist from [Senai Rogers](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/senai-rogers) and scored her third goal of the season to give LSU the advantage heading into halftime. Galligan finished the first half with two shots, including one on target. The Wildcats (2-1-1) responded in the second half, tying the match in the 68th minute when Kyleigh Johnson scored her first goal of the season off an assist from Allyson Brown. LSU will play its next match at home on Thursday against Baylor (7 p.m., SEC Network+). The Tigers lost their third straight match on Thursday, 1-0, against host Arizona State here. LSU recorded two shots in the second half, while Arizona added five attempts, including a pair of late shots from Lainey Swanson and Mireya Stephenson that went high. Goalkeeper [Audur Scheving](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/audur-scheving) played all 90 minutes for LSU, allowing one goal. The Tigers’ defense held Arizona to just two shots on target despite the Wildcats finishing with a 13-6 advantage in total shots. LSU held 58 percent of the possession and earned three corner kicks compared to four for Arizona. Both teams finished with two shots on goal. Galligan led the Tigers with two shots and one goal, while [Ryann Denecour](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/ryann-denecour), [Kelsey Major](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/kelsey-major), [Allie Fryer](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/allie-fryer) and [Brielyn Knowles](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/brielyn-knowles) each recorded one shot. Rogers finished the match with an assist on Galligan’s goal. Stay up to date with all things LSU Soccer by following our team’s social media channels @LSUsoccer on[ ](https://www.instagram.com/lsugym/?hl=en)[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/lsusoccer/?hl=en), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/LSUSoccer) and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/lsusoccer). **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Soccer **Tags:** Arizona Wildcats, Ava Galligan, lsu, lsu soccer, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football Player Profile No. 38 Of 42 - Cornerback PJ Woodland](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-38-of-42-cornerback-pj-woodland/) **Published:** August 30, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU junior cornerback has been a steady success story since signing with the Tigers before the 2024 season as a three-star prospect from Oak Grove High in Hattiesburg, Mississippi. Woodland (5-foot-11, 172 pounds) started all 13 games for LSU as a sophomore in 2025 and played in all 13 in 2024 as a true freshman with two starts. > [LSU Football: Cornerback PJ Woodland Enjoying His View Of Newbies Lane Kiffin And Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-cornerback-pj-woodland-enjoying-his-view-of-newbies-lane-kiffin-and-sam-leavitt/) **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** A physical man-to-man, press coverage corner who plays bigger than his frame. Top 10 in the SEC in passes defended with 11 and pass breakups last year with nine. **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** Fast-rising cornerback who teams with sophomore DJ Pickett to give LSU one of the nation’s top cornerback tandems heading into the 2026 season … Started all 13 games at cornerback and ranked No. 8 in the SEC in passes defended (11) and No. 9 in pass breakups (9) … Tremendous coverage skills with great defensive awareness … Excels in man-to-man coverage … Great ball skills … Rarely comes off the field as he played a total of 614 defensive snaps in 2025 …Has allowed only 1 passing TD in coverage in his 2 years at LSU … Helped LSU rank No. 3 and No. 24 in the nation in pass efficiency defense … LSU was only team in the SEC to have more interceptions (17) than touchdown passes allowed (14) … For career, has appeared in 26 games with 15 starts … 61 career tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, a sack, 12 pass breakups, 14 passes defended and 2 interceptions … Majoring in interdisciplinary studies. **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2025)** Starter in all 13 games at cornerback … Played opposite corner from LSU unanimous All-America Mansoor Delane … Helped LSU defense lead the SEC in interceptions (17) and passes defended per game (5.31) … The Tigers were No. 2 in the SEC in passes defended with 69 and No. 4 in passes broken up … As a unit, LSU ranked No. 3 in the SEC in pass efficiency and they were the only team in the league to have more interceptions (17) than touchdown passes allowed (14) … Individually, ranked No. 8 in the SEC in passes defended with 11 and No. 9 in pass breakups with 9 … Didn’t allowing a passing TD in coverage all season … Gave up 20 receptions for 331 yards in coverage … Limited his coverage receiver to only 13 first downs with just 1 coming over the final 4 games of the season … Tallied 41 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack … Added 2 interceptions with his first career interception coming at Ole Miss … Other interception came against Western Kentucky … Interception against Ole Miss came in third quarter at LSU 22-yard line, returned it 31 yards and eventually led to a field goal, pulling the Tigers to within 17-13 … Had career-best 6 tackles on 3 occasions (at Clemson, at Ole Miss, vs. Houston in the Texas Bowl) … Had first career sack against Clemson … Sack went for a 12-yard loss on third-and-8 and forced a Clemson punt in the first quarter … Credited with a pass breakup in 8 games with career-best 2 coming at Alabama. **FRESHMAN SEASON (2024)** Appeared in all 13 games with 2 starts (Nicholls, South Alabama) … Finished first season at LSU with 20 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and 3 pass breakups … Played a total of 174 defensive snaps with 114 coming in coverage … Season-best 41 snaps vs. South Alabama in week 5 and then against Baylor in Texas Bowl … Allowed only 1 receiving TD in 114 coverage opportunities (vs. UCLA) … Made LSU debut vs. Southern Cal, playing 9 defensive snaps … Made Tiger Stadium debut the following week with 4 tackles, including a tackle for a 2-yard loss, a forced fumble and fumble recovery vs. Nicholls … Had 3 tackles and a half-tackle for loss in other start vs. South Alabama … Set a career-best with 5 tackles and a pass breakup in Texas Bowl win over Baylor … Other pass breakups came vs. Southern Cal and Ole Miss … Added 3 tackles vs. Ole Miss. **HIGH SCHOOL** Rated as a 4-star cornerback by Rivals … Listed with 3-stars in the On3 composite … Ranked as high as No. 28 nationally at his position and No. 9 overall in Mississippi by Rivals … Multi-sport athlete who also plays basketball … Played on both sides of the ball and at multiple positions in the secondary … Had over 1,300 receiving yards as a senior on his way to being named the Mississippi 7A Defensive Player of the Year in 2023 … Played in the Mississippi/Alabama All-Star Game … As a junior in 2022, tallied 38 tackles and intercepted 7 passes … Recorded 52 tackles, 5 interceptions, returning 2 for touchdowns in 2023 … Named to the Jackson Clarion-Ledger Large School All-State team in 2023 … Led Oak Grove to the Mississippi 7A state title as a senior. **CAREER HIGHS** Tackles: 6, 3x (Last: vs. Houston, 2025 Texas Bowl; First: at Clemson, 2025) Tackles for Loss: 1.0, 2x (Last: at Clemson, 2025; First: vs. Nicholls, 2024) Sacks: 1.0 at Clemson, 2025 Interceptions: 1, 2x (Last: vs. Western Kentucky, 2025; First: at Ole Miss, 2025) Pass Breakups: 2 at Alabama, 2025 **NEXT:** Safety Jhase Thomas **EDITOR’S NOTE:** Due to some cuts from the original list of 42 LSU player profiles that began on July 25 (42 days away from LSU’s opener on Saturday, Sept. 5 against Clemson), we have added players that will not fall in alphabetical order, beginning with Jhase Thomas. He moved from third team on some depth charts to a starting role in August. Should LSU’s recent transfer portal adds in light of judges’ recent rulings indeed make it to the practice field, some are all of those players could be added. **PREVIOUS BIOS:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) Running Back [Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) Defensive Tackle [Deuce Geralds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) Tight End [Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-18-treydez-green-expected-to-be-among-nations-best-tight-ends/) Offensive Lineman [Devin Harper](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-19-offensive-lineman-devin-harper-is-back-home-in-louisiana/) Wide Receiver [Jackson Harris](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-signee-may-be-one-of-the-best-jackson-harris-is-player-profile-no-20/) Running Back [Dilin Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-32-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-21-running-back-dilin-jones/) Linebacker [Davhon Keys](https://www.tigerrag.com/one-month-until-lsu-football-kicks-off-linebacker-davhon-keys-is-player-profile-no-21/) Quarterback [Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-the-season-in-31-days-and-this-is-player-bio-no-22-qb-sam-leavitt/) Quarterback [Husan Longstreet](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-husan-longstreet-may-be-tigers-qb-of-the-future-player-profile-no-24/) Defensive Tackle [Dominick McKinley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-25-defensive-tackle-dominick-mckinley/) Center [Braelin Moore](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-in-29-days-and-here-is-player-profile-no-26-center-braelin-moore/) Cornerback [DJ Pickett](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-27-cornerback-dj-pickett-will-try-to-pick-up-where-he-left-off-in-2025/) Edge [Jordan Ross](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-28-can-lsu-unlock-the-potential-of-tennessee-transfer-edge-jordan-ross/) Offensive Tackle [Jordan Seaton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-29-jordan-seaton-may-be-prize-of-lane-kiffins-star-studded-no-1-portal-class/) Safety [Dashawn Spears](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-number-30-junior-safety-star-dashawn-spears/) Kicker [Scott Starzyk](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-31-new-kicker-scott-starzyk/) Offensive Tackle [Darrin Strey](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-32-offensive-tackle-darrin-strey/) Tight End [Malachi Thomas](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-3-saturdays-from-today-and-here-is-player-profile-no-33-tight-end-malachi-thomas/) Edge [Princewill Umanmielen](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-34-edge-princewill-umanmielen-will-be-battle-tested-because-of-ot-jordan-seaton/) Wide Receiver [Winston Watkins](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opens-2-weeks-from-today-player-profile-number-35-wr-winston-watkins/) Linebacker [Whit Weeks](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-starts-in-1-week-player-profile-no-36-is-linebacker-whit-weeks/) Wide Receiver [Eugene “Tre” Wilson III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-game-week-is-here-and-so-is-player-profile-no-37-wr-eugene-tre-wilson-iii/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, PJ Woodland --- ### [Joe Dean Jr., Son Of Former LSU Athletic Director And A Former Player And Coach, Passes Away](https://www.tigerrag.com/joe-dean-jr-son-of-former-lsu-athletic-director-and-a-former-player-and-coach-passes-away/) **Published:** August 17, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Joe Dean Jr., who followed in his father’s footsteps throughout his career, died on Sunday, August 16, at age 71 after some health issues. Dean Jr. grew up in Baton Rouge, where his father Joe Dean of Brazil, Indiana, settled after playing basketball for the Tigers from 1948-52. A two-time All-Southeastern Conference player for the Tigers, the elder Dean played pro basketball briefly before getting into business and becoming a marketing executive for Converse, the major athletic shoe company in the 1970s. He settled in Baton Rouge and later became famous for announcing SEC basketball games on regional television and for his signature phrase after a swished basket – “String Music.” Dean then became LSU’s athletic director in 1987 and held that job for 14 years. Dean Jr. played basketball at Baton Rouge High in the early 1970s as a guard with backcourt mate and childhood friend Jay Dardenne, who went on to become Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of State in Louisiana. “We were the guards,” Dardenne told Tiger Rag. “He didn’t play much defense. He played a lot of offense. I played a lot of defense. Joe could shoot. He was really a great high school player and had a good college career at Mississippi State. We were literally lifelong friends, and our families traveled together on vacations while our kids were little. And we stayed in touch. We were just inseparable.” Dardenne was to give one of eulogies at Dean Jr.’s funeral on August 24 in Birmingham, where Dean Jr. eventually settled and lived and worked for decades. ![Black-and-white photo of a young male wrestler wearing a state university singlet, standing in a gym.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/JoeDeanJr_MissState.jpg "JoeDeanJr_MissState | TigerRag.com")***Joe Dean Jr played for Mississippi State in the mid 1970s out of Baton Rouge High Mississippi State photo***“We maintained a friendship as if we were living in the same city, but we’d been separated our whole life after Baton Rouge High,” Dardenne said. “We saw each other regularly and stayed in touch. I grew up with the Dean family, being at their house all the time, just like Ron Higgins.” Higgins, a Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame sports writer, grew up on College Drive near the Dean home on Ormandy Drive by the Webb Memorial Golf Course and also played basketball at Baton Rouge High in the 1970s. [RON HIGGINS: How Joe Dean Jr. And Joe Dean Helped Me With The Loss Of My Father](https://shreveportbossierjournal.com/2026/08/18/how-joe-dean-jr-and-his-dad-repaired-my-broken-heart-and-now-have-left-another-hole-in-it/) “We grew up together, played baskeball together,” Dardenne said. “Joe Jr. and I were very, very close. He was the most upbeat, positive personality type I’ve ever known in my life. He was never down. He was always confident. He was so gregarious and so outgoing and such a positive person. And these last 10 years, he struggled with his health.” Dean Jr. played at Mississippi State from 1974-76 under coach Kermit Davis, the father of former Ole Miss basketball coach and LSU assistant Kermit Davis, Jr. Dean Jr. then became a graduate assistant coach along with future [LSU basketball coach John Brady](https://www.tigerrag.com/someone-up-there-must-like-john-brady-because-he-was-la-sports-hall-of-fame-bound-long-before-he-knew-it/) at Mississippi State. The two became friends, and Brady would spend weekends at the Dean home in Baton Rouge. This eventually led to the elder Dean becoming Brady’s chief reference for basketball coaching jobs that ended up with him becoming the Tigers’ head basketball coach in 1997. Dean made the hire. “It’s hard to explain what the Dean family has meant to me and how my relationship with Joe Dean Jr. has impacted my life,” Brady told Tiger Rag. “And it all started when Joe Jr. and I were graduate assistants together at Mississippi State in 1976-77. We maintained a wonderful friendship all these years. Joe was one of the most positive, most fun and encouraging people I have ever been around. Every time I was around him, I felt better about myself.” Dean Jr. became an assistant coach at Kentucky from 1977-83 under Joe B. Hall and was on the other side for some famous games between Hall and the Wildcats and LSU coach Dale Brown’s Tigers. Kentucky won the 1977-78 national championship with a 30-2 record (16-2 SEC), but it lost at LSU, 95-94, in overtime on Feb. 11, 1978, even though the Tigers’ five starters fouled out. Dean Jr. was Birmingham Southern’s basketball coach from 1983-89 and coached at Central Florida from 1989-93. > RIP to a Basketball Legend – Joe Dean Jr > > My childhood memories are flooded w/ basketball and a lot of those had to do with Coach Dean’s summer camps — “COLONNADE ALL STAR BASKETBALL CAMP AND COUNTRY CLUB, HEY!” > > He impacted so many people through his charisma and infectious… > > — Christian Schweers (@CoachSchweers) [August 17, 2026](https://x.com/CoachSchweers/status/2089324612005794173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) From 1993-1999, Dean Jr. worked as vice-president for sales and marketing for the Colonnade Group, Inc. in Birmingham and was an SEC basketball analyst, often pairing with Tim Brando. At this time, Brady was the basketball coach at Samford in Birmingham from 1991-97 and stayed close to Dean Jr. “He always inspired me to be the best I could possibly be,” Brady said. “He truly cared about people and was teh best friend, best husband and best father one could possibly be.” From 1999-2016, Dean was Birmingham Southern’s athletic director. He always kept up his contacts with LSU, and Dean Jr.’s son Scott worked in LSU’s sports information department in the late 1990s and early 2000s while his grandfather was athletic director. Scott Dean went on to be in private business. “Joe Dean Jr. influenced many and had a positive impact on everyone he met,” Brady said. “Loved life and loved his family and friends. I am grateful to have been one of those, but I do know he is in a better place now. And he and his dad are having a String Music happy reunion!” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** joe dean, Joe Dean Jr., john brady, LSU Tigers, Mississippi State basketball --- ### [NEXT! LSU's Latest NFL Portal Target - Edge Jack Pyburn - Has Been Cut By Tampa Bay](https://www.tigerrag.com/next-lsus-latest-nfl-portal-target-edge-jack-pyburn-has-been-cut-by-tampa-bay/) **Published:** August 30, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU football coach Lane Kiffin may be on the edge of Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey’s last nerve. But Kiffin will likely soon be adding another freshly cut NFL player to his portal roster for the 2026 season in edge rusher Jack Pyburn of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. On Sunday, Tampa Bay cut Pyburn, who played edge last season for LSU as a senior after transferring from Florida. > NEW: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have waived EDGE Jack Pyburn, [@gregauman](https://x.com/gregauman?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) reports. > > The NFL preseason sack leader plans to make his way to LSU if he clears waivers. [pic.twitter.com/r2AeuPK4m7](https://t.co/r2AeuPK4m7) > > — On3 (@On3) [August 30, 2026](https://x.com/On3/status/2094094140371820766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Pyburn is one of the many NFL players across the country who have sued the NCAA – and by definition the SEC or any other conference – for the right to play another college season in 2026. All have received various temporary restraining orders from various state judges, freeing them to play against Sankey’s wishes. > [What SEC Rule? Lane Kiffin’s Next NFL Transfer Portal Player May Be Tampa Bay Edge/Ex-Tiger Jack Pyburn](https://www.tigerrag.com/what-sec-rule-lane-kiffins-next-nfl-transfer-portal-player-may-be-tampa-bay-edge-ex-tiger-jack-pyburn/) The lawsuits were a reaction to a new NCAA rule passed just last June that gave college athletes in all sports a fifth year of eligibility instead of four, beginning with athletes who signed in 2023. Pyburn and the other athletes suing all signed with colleges in 2022 and have argued via their attorneys that they also have a right to their fifth season. Because had they known that a new five-year rule was coming, they would have made plans to stay in college for the 2026 season. The fact that the players did not know the new five-in-five rule was coming is a key argument in particular for those college football seniors in 2025 who signed with NFL teams this spring and summer – like Pyburn. > [It’s Happening! Lane Kiffin Expands His Portal Empire To NFL With Browns’ TE Dae’Quan Wright LSU Bound](https://www.tigerrag.com/its-happening-lane-kiffin-expands-his-portal-empire-to-the-nfl-with-browns-te-daequan-wright-to-be-a-tiger/) Former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who played as a senior last season for Kiffin when he was still Ole Miss’ coach, committed to Kiffin last Sunday after dressing out the night before as a Cleveland Brown for a preseason game. He became the first NFL player to transfer back to college in history. Then the next day, former Ole Miss defensive tackle Zxavian Harris committed to LSU. He was previously on the Saints’ roster over the summer as an undrafted free agent. Pyburn and Wright were also undrafted free agents on the Bucs’ and Browns’ rosters, respectively. Sankey came out with a new rule last week in reaction to the Kiffin additions via the NFL, banning any player signed to an NFL roster from coming back to a college team, regardless of the extenuating circumstances of the eligibility lawsuit. [Sankey, though, reversed his course on Saturday and agreed to adhere to the temporary restraining orders.](https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/breaking-news/article/lsu-poised-to-sign-former-nfl-players-after-sec-says-it-will-comply-with-court-order-154717701.html) > SEC commissioner Greg Sankey comes to his senses and bows to recent court rulings vs. NCAA (and by definition the SEC) that say SEC schools, like LSU, and others can sign players who were recently signed to NFL rosters. [@racertodd](https://x.com/racertodd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 29, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2093739462215729644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Another hearing that involves Pyburn, Wright and Harris will be in Baton Rouge on Thursday and could solidify their status and let them play the rest of the season at LSU. Or a ruling could stop their return to college. Pyburn, who has said he plans to sign with LSU, now only needs to clear waivers by not being picked up by any other NFL team off the waiver wire to return to LSU, barring a ruling against his wishes on Thursday. Another NFL team may be interested in Pyburn, though, as he has had a solid preseason with the Bucs. He just made two more sacks on Friday night in Tampa Bay’s 19-0 loss at Jacksonville – his hometown. He has 10 tackles with an NFL preseason high four sacks through three preseason games. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** greg sankey, Jack Pyburn, lane kiffin, lsu football, Southeastern Conference, Tampa Bay Buccaneers --- ### [LSU Football Game Week Is Here: And So Is Player Profile No. 37 - WR Eugene "Tre" Wilson III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-game-week-is-here-and-so-is-player-profile-no-37-wr-eugene-tre-wilson-iii/) **Published:** August 30, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES One won’t be able to tell all the new wide receivers without a depth chart on Saturday night when the No. 11 Tigers open the 2026 season against No. 23 Clemson in Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC). New LSU football coach Lane Kiffin’s rebuild of the Tigers began in January as he signed the No. 1 Transfer Portal class in the country with 41 new additions. Three more were added over the last 10 days via the various lawsuits versus the NCAA and the Southeastern Conferece that freed up members of the class of 2022 in all sports, pending a hearing Thursday. Those were edge Junior Tuihalamaka from Notre Dame, tight end Dae’Quan Wright from the Cleveland Browns (after being released) and Ole Miss and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris from the New Orleans Saints (after being released) and Ole Miss for a total of 44. > SEC commissioner Greg Sankey comes to his senses and bows to recent court rulings vs. NCAA (and by definition the SEC) that say SEC schools, like LSU, and others can sign players who were recently signed to NFL rosters. [@racertodd](https://x.com/racertodd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 29, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2093739462215729644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The most dramatic facelift was at wide receiver, where Kiffin signed no less than nine portal players – one more than for his offensive line restructuring. The only returning wide receiver is redshirt freshman Phillip Wright III of Destrehan High after one catch last season. He has been working with the second team as has true freshman Corey Barber of Trussville, Alabama. Following the Tigers’ final week of camp last week after a scrimmage on Aug. 22 and a “pre-season game” dress rehearsal on Saturday, it appears that the top four wide receivers remain senior Jayce Brown of Kansas State, redshirt junior Jackson Harris of Hawaii, sophomore Winston “Winnie” Watkins of Ole Miss and redshirt junior Eugene “Tre” Wilson III of Florida. > [LSU WR Eugene “Tre” Wilson III Was Instantly Impressed With Lane Kiffin And Staff Upon Transfer From Gators](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-wr-eugene-tre-wilson-iii-was-instantly-impressed-with-lane-kiffin-and-staff-upon-transfer-from-gators/) Wilson signed with LSU as the No. 58 player in the portal and No. 16 wide receiver and has been impressive since the spring. You will likely see his No. 3 often Saturday night. **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** Dynamic veteran receiver capable of creating separation and yards after the catch from multiple alignments. A four-star prospectd out of Gaither High in Tampa, he struggled with injuries at Florida, but has impressive potential potential when healthy. **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** **2024 SEC Academic Honor Roll** **2023 Freshman All-America (FWAA)** **2023 Freshman All-SEC** **2023 Shaun Alexander Award National Freshman of the Week vs. Arkansas** **2023 SEC Academic Honor Roll** Dynamic wide receiver who joins the Tigers after 3 years at Florida … Comes to LSU with 107 career receptions for 1,043 yards and 10 TDs … Appeared in 22 games with the Gators, starting 16 times … Had 2024 ad 2025 seasons cut short due to injuries … Freshman All-America selection in 2023 when he caught 61 passes for 538 yards and 6 TDs … Set Florida freshman record for receptions in a game with 11 against No. 1 Georgia in 2023 … In 2 career games vs. Georgia, has 20 receptions for 196 yards and 2 TDs … Played against LSU twice, catching 2 passes for 10 yards in a start in 2025 and 6 receptions for 63 yards and a score in 2023 … Two-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll … Nickname is “Tre” … Dad is a two-time Super Bowl Champion with the New England Patriots and played 8 seasons in the NFL (Patriots 2003-07; Texas 2008-10) … Dad played football at Illinois and was a starter in the secondary against LSU when the Tigers beat the Illini in the 2002 Sugar Bowl … He was picked in the second-round NFL Draft pick in 2003. **REDSHIRT SOPHOMORE SEASON (2025 at Florida)** Played in 8 games with 5 starts … Caught 27 passes for 239 yards and 3 TDs … Rushed for 12 yards on 3 carries … Missed final 4 games of the season with an injury … Started season-opener (vs. Long Island University) for second straight year … Caught 4-yard TD in win over Long Island … Had 7 receptions for 60 yards and TD vs. South Florida … Caught 3 passes for 45 yards vs. Texas A&M … Had another big game vs. Georgia with season-highs of 9 receptions for 121 yards and a 40-yard TD reception … Did not play against after the Georgia game due to an injury. **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2024 at Florida)** Appeared in 4 games, all starts … Earned a redshirt after season-ending hip surgery in November of 2024 … Caught 19 passes for 266 yards and a TD … Opened season with 7 catches for 50 yards vs. Miami … Followed that with 6 receptions for a career-best 141 yards and a TD against Samford despite playing most of the game with a high-ankle sprain … Injury forced him to miss weeks 3-6 … Returned to action at Tennessee (5 rec., 35 yards) and played the following week vs. Kentucky (1 rec., 40 yards) … Missed the remainder of the season due to a nagging hip injury. **FRESHMAN SEASON (2023 at Florida)** Had best season with the Gators, appearing in 10 with 7 starts … Caught 61 passes for 538 yards and a team-best 6 TDs … Earned Freshman All-America honors (FWAA) and Freshman All-SEC status … Second on team in both receptions and receiving yards … Rushed 6 times for 55 yards … Caught a TD pass in 4 straight games from Oct. 28 vs. Georgia through Nov. 18 against Missouri … Had career-best 11 receptions for 75 yards and a TD vs. Georgia … The 11 catches vs. Georgia set the Florida mark for catches in a game by a freshman … Caught at least 2 passes in each game in which he appeared and had 6 or more catches 7 times … Had 6 receptions for 44 yards in SEC debut vs. Tennessee … All 6 catches came on opening drive vs. Tennessee as he was the only Florida to catch a pass on the 14-play, 46-yard drive to start the game … Caught first career TD the following week vs. Vanderbilt … Had 8 receptions against Vanderbilt (64 yards, 1 TD) and Arkansas (90 yards, 2 TDs) … First Florida freshman with 2 TD receptions in a game since Riley Cooper in 2006 … Had 7 receptions for 23 yards and a TD against Missouri and 6 against Tennessee (44 yards), at South Carolina (83 yards) and at LSU (63 yards, 1 TD) … First career start came vs. McNeese (4 receptions for 36 yards). **HIGH SCHOOL** One of the nation’s top wide receiver prospects in the Class of 2023 … Rated with 5-stars by On3 … Listed as the nation’s No. 32 overall prospect and a Top 5 wide receiver for the 2023 class by On3 … Rated as a Top 10 player in Florida in the 2023 class by On3 … Invited to the 2023 Under Armour All-America Game … Caught 40 passes for 764 yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior season … Started both ways his junior year with 925 yards and 7 receiving TDs and had 23 total tackles, 5 pass breakups, and 4 interceptions on defense. **CAREER HIGHS** Receptions: 11 vs. Georgia, 2023 Yards: 141 vs. Samford, 2024 TDs: 2 vs. Arkansas, 2023 Long Reception: 14 vs. Monmouth, 2025 Rushes: 2 at South Carolina, 2023 Yards: 21 at South Carolina, 2023 Long: 18 vs. McNeese, 2023 **NEXT:** Cornerback PJ Woodland **PREVIOUS BIOS:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) Running Back [Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) Defensive Tackle [Deuce Geralds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) Tight End [Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-18-treydez-green-expected-to-be-among-nations-best-tight-ends/) Offensive Lineman [Devin Harper](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-19-offensive-lineman-devin-harper-is-back-home-in-louisiana/) Wide Receiver [Jackson Harris](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-signee-may-be-one-of-the-best-jackson-harris-is-player-profile-no-20/) Running Back [Dilin Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-32-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-21-running-back-dilin-jones/) Linebacker [Davhon Keys](https://www.tigerrag.com/one-month-until-lsu-football-kicks-off-linebacker-davhon-keys-is-player-profile-no-21/) Quarterback [Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-the-season-in-31-days-and-this-is-player-bio-no-22-qb-sam-leavitt/) Quarterback [Husan Longstreet](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-husan-longstreet-may-be-tigers-qb-of-the-future-player-profile-no-24/) Defensive Tackle [Dominick McKinley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-25-defensive-tackle-dominick-mckinley/) Center [Braelin Moore](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-in-29-days-and-here-is-player-profile-no-26-center-braelin-moore/) Cornerback [DJ Pickett](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-27-cornerback-dj-pickett-will-try-to-pick-up-where-he-left-off-in-2025/) Edge [Jordan Ross](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-28-can-lsu-unlock-the-potential-of-tennessee-transfer-edge-jordan-ross/) Offensive Tackle [Jordan Seaton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-29-jordan-seaton-may-be-prize-of-lane-kiffins-star-studded-no-1-portal-class/) Safety [Dashawn Spears](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-number-30-junior-safety-star-dashawn-spears/) Kicker [Scott Starzyk](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-31-new-kicker-scott-starzyk/) Offensive Tackle [Darrin Strey](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-32-offensive-tackle-darrin-strey/) Tight End [Malachi Thomas](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-3-saturdays-from-today-and-here-is-player-profile-no-33-tight-end-malachi-thomas/) Edge [Princewill Umanmielen](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-34-edge-princewill-umanmielen-will-be-battle-tested-because-of-ot-jordan-seaton/) Wide Receiver [Winston Watkins](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opens-2-weeks-from-today-player-profile-number-35-wr-winston-watkins/) Linebacker [Whit Weeks](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-starts-in-1-week-player-profile-no-36-is-linebacker-whit-weeks/) **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson, Eugene Wilson III, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [Lane Kiffin Interview: LSU, Sam Leavitt, NIL Pressure](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-interview-lsu-sam-leavitt-nil/) **Published:** August 30, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** # What Lane Kiffin Told DJ Siddiqi About LSU, Sam Leavitt and the Pressure That Comes With the Money By Todd Horne | Vice President & Executive Editor, Tiger Rag Lane Kiffin rarely needs much help producing a headline, but some of his more revealing answers come when the subject is not the controversy surrounding him. That was the case in an exclusive interview with **DJ Siddiqi of Covers.com**, who sat down with LSU’s first-year coach ahead of a season carrying national-title expectations, a massive player budget and one of the most anticipated openers in college football. **Read the full interview:** [ DJ Siddiqi’s exclusive interview with Lane Kiffin at Covers.com ](https://www.covers.com/ncaaf/exclusive-interview-lane-kiffin-talks-lsu-clemson-sam-leavitt) The interview ranges from Kiffin’s decision to leave Ole Miss for LSU to Sam Leavitt, Clemson, NIL pressure and even Kiffin’s appearance in Dr Pepper’s Fansville campaign. But several answers reveal considerably more about how Kiffin views the job he just accepted. The first is why LSU appealed to him in the first place. Kiffin told Siddiqi that repeatedly standing on the opposite sideline helped plant the idea. He had experienced Tiger Stadium, LSU’s players, Louisiana recruiting and the intensity surrounding the program from the outside. Over time, he began wondering what all of it would look like from LSU’s sideline instead. That answer is useful because it strips away some of the drama that surrounded his departure from Ole Miss. The move was not merely about a seven-year, $91 million contract or LSU assembling the resources to make Kiffin one of the highest-paid coaches in the sport. He had been evaluating LSU long before the job became available. He knew the building from the visitor’s entrance. Now he gets to find out what it looks like from inside. ## Kiffin’s Sam Leavitt Answer May Be the Most Important One Siddiqi’s strongest sequence concerns quarterback Sam Leavitt. Asked what makes Leavitt suited for LSU, Kiffin talked about his intensity and his pursuit of greatness. Asked for Leavitt’s best trait, however, Kiffin became more specific: **leadership by example** — preparation, seriousness and the priority Leavitt gives football. Then came the football comparison. Kiffin said Leavitt’s movement reminded him recently of Bo Nix after watching him create plays on the run. That is worth paying attention to. Kiffin has coached quarterbacks long enough that casual comparisons generally are not necessary. What he appears to like about Leavitt is not simply arm talent or mobility. It is the combination of movement, preparation and competitive personality. For an LSU offense entering Year 1 under Kiffin, that may be considerably more important than any preseason statistic. ## Against Clemson, Kiffin Is Worried About Emotion Kiffin’s Clemson answer also offered a glimpse into what concerns him heading into the opener. Not scheme. Not personnel. **Emotion.** He told Siddiqi LSU needs to avoid becoming consumed by the environment, limit turnovers, avoid penalties and play disciplined football despite the enormous buildup surrounding the game. He expects the atmosphere to be electric. His concern is making sure his players do not allow that electricity to control them. That is an interesting answer from a coach whose public persona often embraces emotion and provocation. Against Clemson, Kiffin apparently wants the opposite from his team. Controlled football. There was even some Kiffin humor attached. He said he and a partner beat Dabo Swinney’s sons in pickleball this summer and joked that LSU now needs to make the football result match the pickleball result. ## Then Kiffin Said the Quiet Part Out Loud About Money The most consequential answer in the interview may have had little to do with Clemson. Asked about sustaining success in the NIL era, Kiffin said college football increasingly resembles the NFL because money accelerates expectations and decisions. Players have money. Donors are investing money. Expectations rise with that investment. Coaches therefore get less time when the expected return does not arrive. “When money comes around, you get quicker changes.” That is probably the clearest explanation of the environment Kiffin himself has entered at LSU. Siddiqi followed by asking directly about the pressure accompanying an LSU roster budget reported above $40 million. Kiffin did not reject the premise. He said those expectations match his own. That response is very Kiffin. He did not ask LSU to lower the temperature. He walked into Baton Rouge knowing what the temperature was and turned the thermostat higher. ## One Answer Explained LSU Better Than Any Recruiting Pitch Toward the end of the football portion of the conversation, Kiffin mentioned Trey’Dez Green and Whit Weeks receiving LSU’s No. 7 jerseys. Leonard Fournette was there to present them. Patrick Peterson participated by video. Kiffin’s reaction was simple: moments like that remind him that LSU is different. That answer probably gets closer to the LSU sales pitch than anything a recruiting brochure could produce. The program does not merely tell current players about its history. Its history walks back into the building. Fournette and Peterson are not archival footage to Green and Weeks. They are people handing them the jersey. Kiffin noticed. ## A Good Interview Because It Let Kiffin Explain Himself Siddiqi’s interview works because it does not chase one controversy for 15 minutes. There is plenty of controversy available around Kiffin and LSU. The former-pro eligibility fight alone could have consumed the entire conversation. Instead, the questions move through the job, quarterback, opponent, economics, expectations and personality. The result is a version of Kiffin that LSU followers do not always get from press conferences. He is remarkably clear about what he believes he inherited. A program capable of recruiting Louisiana. A quarterback whose habits he trusts. A roster constructed to compete immediately. A fan base that expects precisely that. And an economic system in which spending tens of millions of dollars has eliminated much of the patience college football once afforded coaches. Kiffin does not sound intimidated by any of it. He sounds like a man who understood the transaction before he signed it. LSU supplied the resources. Kiffin accepted the expectations that came attached. Now comes Clemson. And after eight months of building, spending and talking about what LSU might become under Lane Kiffin, that is finally the part nobody can buy in advance. **They have to play.** **Categories:** Extra, Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson, College Football, DJ Siddiqi, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, NIL, Sam Leavitt --- ### [LSU Volleyball Sweeps Opening Weekend With Win Over Incarnate Word To Go To 2-0](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-volleyball-sweeps-opening-weekend-with-win-over-incarnate-word-to-go-to-2-0/) **Published:** August 30, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The LSU volleyball team downed Incarnate Word, 3-1, in by scores of 25-20, 25-27, 25-11 and 25-19 to sweep its opening weekend on Saturday night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU (2-0) beat Wake Forest, 3-2, on Friday to open the season. The Tigers will next travel to Ann Arbor, Michigan to play Michigan and Michigan State on Tuesday and Wednesday. > [LSU Volleyball: Jurnee Robinson Drops 34 Kills As Tigers Beat Wake Forest in Season Opener](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-volleyball-jurnee-robinson-drops-34-kills-as-tigers-beat-wake-forest-in-season-opener/) The victory gave LSU its first undefeated opening weekend since 2017. The Tigers outplayed Incarnate Word (0-2) held the advantage in hitting percentage at .281 to .169, in kills 61-46, assists 56-43, aces 5-1, blocks 11-2, and digs 78-56. On the weekend, LSU totaled 21 blocks, averaging 2.33 per set, and averaged 16.89 digs, holding opponents to a .176 hitting percentage. For the second consecutive match, outside hitter [Jurnee Robinson](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/jurnee-robinson) and setter [Takyla Brown](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/takyla-brown) registered double-doubles. Freshman libero [Kiley Brooks](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/kiley-brooks) joined the party, logging her first collegiate double-double with 12 assists and 16 digs. Robinson led LSU with 27.5 points behind 22 kills, six blocks and two aces. She also collected 14 digs. Brown handed out 43 assists and set a career-high with 23 digs. She added one ace, one block, and a kill. Middle blocker [Sanaa Donaie](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/sanaa-donaie) got her first start of the season and chipped in nine kills on a .348 hitting percentage, and was one of three Tigers with three blocks. The other two were middle blockers, [Jessica Jones](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/jessica-jones) and [Angelina Lee](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/angie-lee). **Set 1** LSU created separation early with a 5-0 run that gave the club a 9-4 lead. The Tigers stretched their margin to seven points at 15-8 thanks to four more unanswered points, capped by a kill for Brown off an overpass. UIW made a run, pulling within three at 17-14 when LSU called its first timeout of the match. The Tigers responded, however, with their second 4-0 burst of the frame, highlighted by back-to-back combo blocks by Lee and Robinson to regain a seven-point advantage, 21-14. Incarnate Word scored the next four points out of the timeout, but LSU ultimately won the set, 25-20. LSU hit .371 in the opening set on 15 kills and had two aces and three blocks. Outside hitter [Lainee Pyles](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/lainee-pyles) led the Tigers with five kills on seven swings with no errors for a .714 hitting percentage, while Robinson paced the team with 6.5 points behind four kills, three blocks and an ace. **Set 2** The Cardinals jumped out to a 6-3 lead, but a big kill in the middle from Donaie, followed by a Robinson kill and solo block, tied the set at 6-6. Soon after, the Bayou Bengals forced a UIW timeout behind another 4-0 run to take a 10-7 lead. LSU led 15-11 at the media timeout. Incarnate Word continued to fight and tied the set at 18 before signaling for time in an attempt to stop LSU’s momentum, following consecutive kills from Robinson that gave the Tigers a 20-18 lead. The Cardinals made one final push and gained a 25-24 lead thanks to an LSU error, setting up the advantage to win the set 27-25 and even the match. **Set 3** The Tigers came out the gate with an 8-2 run before UIW used their first timeout. LSU’s margin ballooned to 15-7 by the media timeout. The Tigers ran away with the set from there, closing out the stanza on a 10-4 run for the 25-11 win, including scoring the final six points of the set. LSU had its best offensive set of the match, hitting .480 with 13 kills, while holding UIW to a match-low .029 clip behind four blocks. Robinson hit .625 with five kills on eight errorless swings, and added an ace and a block. **Set 4** The momentum from set three rolled into the fourth frame as LSU jumped out to a 10-5 lead to force an early UIW timeout. The Cardinals responded by taking a 12-11 lead thanks to a 5-0 run, but LSU answered by scoring six of the next seven points, making the score 17-13. The Fighting Tigers increased their lead to 21-16 when UIW exhausted its final timeout, and LSU went on to win the set, 25-19. Although Robinson led the set with seven kills, Jones took control of the set, hitting .714 with five kills on seven attempts with no errors. For the latest news and information on Tiger volleyball, visit www.lsusports.net/volleyball. Fans can follow the team on its social media outlets at[ www.facebook.com/lsuvolleyball](http://www.facebook.com/lsuvolleyball) and @lsuvolleyball on[ Instagram](http://instagram.com/lsuvolleyball) and[ X](http://twitter.com/lsuvolleyball). **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Volleyball **Tags:** lsu, LSU Tigers, lsu volleyball --- ### [LSU Football Starts In 1 Week: Player Profile No. 36 Is Linebacker Whit Weeks](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-starts-in-1-week-player-profile-no-36-is-linebacker-whit-weeks/) **Published:** August 29, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU inside linebacker Whit Weeks is one star player who will not need [a temporary restraining order from a friendly judge to get an extra senior season.](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-is-not-alone-texas-judge-grants-temporary-restraining-order-with-sec-and-sankey-as-defendants/) He is a 2023 signee, and therefore he already has a fifth year to play five seasons according to the new NCAA five-in-five rule. He doesn’t have to sue the NCAA, [and by definition the Southeastern Conference](https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/breaking-news/article/lsu-poised-to-sign-former-nfl-players-after-sec-says-it-will-comply-with-court-order-154717701.html), for that fifth year as the members of the 2022 class have successfully done so far. The only question is will he be interested. He may be ready to turn pro in the NFL Draft in 2027 if he can return to his 2024 form in the 2026 season. Weeks finished No. 9 in the nation and No. 2 in the SEC in 2024 with 125 tackles – eighth best in LSU history. He also had 10 stops for loss with 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, six quarterback hurries and an intercetpion. > [Whit Weeks Was Too Much In Love To Leave LSU After His Junior Season For 2026 NFL Draft](https://www.tigerrag.com/whit-weeks-was-too-much-in-love-to-leave-lsu-after-his-junior-season-for-2026-nfl-draft/) Weeks (6-foot-3, 226 pounds) played only eight games last season because of an ankle injury, but he is back at full strength for 2026 in the third year of defensive coordinator Blake Baker. If LSU does make the College Football Playoff this season, or close to it, who knows? Weeks may want more and return for 2027. He turns 22 next Jan. 7. **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** The emotional and productive center of LSU’s defense. Weeks combines instincts, range and relentless effort, to set the standard in the locker room as one of the SEC’s top linebackers. **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** **-2025 Permanent Team Captain** **-2024 First-Team All-SEC (AP, SEC Coaches)** **-2024 SEC Defensive Player of the Week vs. Ole Miss** **-2024 SEC Defensive Player of the Week vs. Oklahoma** Leader of the LSU defense and one of the nation’s top linebackers … Enters fourth season with the Tigers with an opportunity to leave his mark as one of the best linebackers in program history … Missed 5 games in 2025, including the Texas Bowl against Houston, due to a lower leg injury … Will be back at full strength for 2026 … All-around outstanding player who makes others around him better … A high energy player who competes to the whistle on every snap … Tremendous passion for the game and for his teammates … Gives LSU a “coach” on the field … Flies to the football, had great instincts and a knack for finding the ball … Sheds blockers and has good speed to the ball … Makes plays from sideline to sideline with ease … 32 career games played with 22 starts … LSU is 17-5 with him in the starting lineup (2-0 in 2023, 9-3 in 2024, 6-2 in 2025) … 205 career tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks … Joined on the 2026 LSU roster by younger brother Zach, who is also a linebacker … In 2025, LSU’s roster featured 3 Weeks brothers – West, Whit and Zach … The Weeks brothers made program history against Western Kentucky when all 3 were on the field for a defensive series in the first quarter … It marked the first time in LSU history 3 brothers were on the field together at the same time … Had an outstanding sophomore season, earning first-team All-SEC honors and finishing No. 2 in the league in tackles with 125 … Had 6 double-digit tackle games, 5 coming in league play … Earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors twice in 2024 (vs. Ole Miss and Oklahoma) … In first career start vs. Mississippi State as a true freshman in 2023, led the Tigers in tackles with 8 … Mississippi State game in 2023 was also the first time Whit and West appeared on defense at the same time … Majoring in entrepreneurship … Dad played football at Georgia … Originally nicknamed “Sunshine” by his teammates when he arrived on campus with long blonde hair … Hair has since been cut … Represented LSU at SEC Football Media Days in 2025. **JUNIOR SEASON (2025)** Named permanent team captain prior to start of season … Returned to the field after suffering a gruesome ankle injury against Baylor in the 2024 Texas Bowl … Started all 8 games in which he appeared … LSU was 6-2 with him in the starting lineup … Missed 5 games, including Texas Bowl vs. Houston, with a lower leg injury … LSU went 1-4 without him … Finished season with 31 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss and a sack … Had 8 QB hurries, including a career-best 3 vs. South Carolina … Best overall game came at Ole Miss with season-high 10 tackles, a tackle for a 1-yard loss, 2 QB hurries and a fumble recovery … Fumble recovery came in endzone preventing an Ole Miss touchdown … Had 8 tackles, including a half-sack and 3 QB hurries, in win over South Carolina … Injured against South Carolina, but still played the entire game … Missed next 4 games (at Vanderbilt, Texas A&M, at Alabama, and Arkansas) with LSU going 1-3 over that span … Briefly played vs. Western Kentucky in the home finale … Played just 14 snaps vs. Western Kentucky but made LSU history when he was joined on the field by older brother West and younger brother Zach for a series in the first quarter … First time in LSU history 3 brothers were on the field at the same time … Played 36 snaps in regular-season finale at Oklahoma and recorded 2 tackles, including a tackle for a 1-yard loss … Opened season with 2 tackles in road win over Top 10 Clemson … Played just 3 snaps in win over Florida before being ejected from the game due to a targeting call. **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2024)** Played in all 13 games with 11 starts … First-Team All-SEC by both the AP and the SEC Coaches … Earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors twice (vs. Ole Miss, vs. Oklahoma) … Finished No. 2 in the SEC and No. 9 nationally in total tackles with 125 … The 125 tackles rank as the eighth-highest total in LSU history … Added 10.0 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, an interception, 6 quarterback hurries and batted down 3 passes in what was as good an all-around season for an LSU linebacker in program history … Had 6 games with double-digit tackles, 5 coming in SEC play, with career-best 18 in overtime win over Ole Miss … First start of season came in comeback road win over South Carolina, tallying 11 tackles in the 36-33 victory … Opened season with 6 tackles, including 1.5 for losses vs. USC … Had 11 tackles, including 2.5 for losses, in win over South Alabama, starting a stretch of 3 straight games with double-digit tackles … Earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors for the first time in overtime win over Ole Miss with a career-best 18 tackles, including 2.0 tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble … Inspired an LSU defense that held the Rebels, who were averaging 44.0 points a game, to only 3 field goals in the second half and overtime … In 2023 meeting against Ole Miss, LSU gave up 55 points and 706 total yards in the loss … His forced fumble with less than a minute to go in second quarter, led to an LSU field goal and pulled the Tigers to within 17-13 at halftime … Sacked Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart for a 6-yard loss on final play of regulation, sending game to overtime … Following week in road win over Arkansas, had third straight double-digit tackle game with 10 tackles, including a sack, and his first career interception as the Tigers held Arkansas to season-lows for points (10), total yards (277) and rushing yards (38) … With Arkansas pinned at its 14-yard line following a punt, his interception came after he batted the pass into the air, made a juggling catch, tripping up at the 2-yard line … LSU scored on its next play, extending the lead to 24-10 … Sacked Arkansas QB for a 10-yard loss on third-and-10 on next possession … Had 17 tackles against Alabama and in win over Oklahoma, which earned his second SEC Defensive Player of the Week honor … In win over Sooners, tallied 17 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, including a sack for a 6-yard loss … Added a forced fumble and a QB hurry as the Tigers limited the Sooners to only 10 offensive points and 277 total yards (167 rushing, 110 passing) … Suffered lower-leg injury in first half against Baylor in Texas Bowl, missing the remainder of the game … Had 6 tackles at the time of his injury. **FRESHMAN SEASON (2023)** Appeared in 11 games with 3 starts as a true freshman … Led all LSU freshmen in tackles with 49 … Added 3.5 tackles for loss, a half-sack and 4 quarterback hurries … Played 305 defensive snaps and another 182 on special teams … Played on all 4 of LSU’s special team units … Earned first career start in win over Mississippi State, responding with team-high 8 tackles and a quarterback hurry … Other starts came in wins over Arkansas (9 tackles, half-sack) and Missouri (4 tackles, 1 tackle for loss) … Teamed with Mekhi Wingo to sack Arkansas quarterback KJ Jefferson on 2-and-8 at LSU 9-yard line in third quarter … Arkansas had to settle for a field goal in a game LSU led 17-13 at the time of the sack … Had 9 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and 2 quarterback hurries at Ole Miss … Played season-high 59 defensive snaps against Arkansas … Closed season with 8 tackles on 45 snaps in ReliaQuest Bowl win over Wisconsin. **HIGH SCHOOL** Playmaking linebacker and one of the top players in the state of Georgia … Rated a consensus 4-star linebacker in the On3 Composite … Listed as high as the No. 11 player at his position nationally and No. 10 overall for the state of Georgia by 247Sports … Led Oconee County to the Georgia 3A state semifinals in 2022 … Named Region 8-3A Player of the Year as a senior … Played on both sides of the ball in high school, also seeing action at running back, wide receiver and kick returner … Recorded 104 tackles, 19 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and 3 interceptions in 2022 … Also rushed for 396 yards, caught 16 passes for 33 yards and scored a total of 16 touchdowns … Invited to play in the All-American Bowl … Dad played football at Georgia. **CAREER HIGHS** Tackles: 18 vs. Ole Miss, 2024 Tackles for Loss: 2.5, 2x (Last: vs. Oklahoma, 2024; First: vs. South Alabama, 2024) Sacks: 1, 3x (Last: vs. Oklahoma, 2024; First: Ole Miss, 2024) Interceptions: 1 at Arkansas Passes Breakups: 1, 3x (Last: vs. Alabama; First: vs. South Alabama) QB Hurries: 3, 2x (Last: vs. South Carolina, 2025, First; at Clemson, 2025) Forced Fumbles: 1, 2x (Last: vs. Oklahoma; First: vs. Ole Miss, 2024) Fumbles Recovered: 1 at Ole Miss **DOUBLE-DOUBLE TACKLE GAMES** 18 vs. Ole Miss, Oct. 12, 2024 17 vs. Alabama, Nov. 9, 2024 17 vs. Oklahoma, Nov. 30, 2024 11 at South Carolina, Sept. 14, 2024 11 vs. South Alabama, Sept. 28, 2024 10 at Arkansas, Oct. 19, 2024 10 at Ole Miss, Sept. 27, 2025 **NEXT:** Wide Receiver Eugene “Trey” Wilson III **PREVIOUS BIOS** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) Running Back [Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) Defensive Tackle [Deuce Geralds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) Tight End [Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-18-treydez-green-expected-to-be-among-nations-best-tight-ends/) Offensive Lineman [Devin Harper](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-19-offensive-lineman-devin-harper-is-back-home-in-louisiana/) Wide Receiver [Jackson Harris](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-signee-may-be-one-of-the-best-jackson-harris-is-player-profile-no-20/) Running Back [Dilin Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-32-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-21-running-back-dilin-jones/) Linebacker [Davhon Keys](https://www.tigerrag.com/one-month-until-lsu-football-kicks-off-linebacker-davhon-keys-is-player-profile-no-21/) Quarterback [Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-the-season-in-31-days-and-this-is-player-bio-no-22-qb-sam-leavitt/) Quarterback [Husan Longstreet](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-husan-longstreet-may-be-tigers-qb-of-the-future-player-profile-no-24/) Defensive Tackle [Dominick McKinley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-25-defensive-tackle-dominick-mckinley/) Center [Braelin Moore](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-in-29-days-and-here-is-player-profile-no-26-center-braelin-moore/) Cornerback [DJ Pickett](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-27-cornerback-dj-pickett-will-try-to-pick-up-where-he-left-off-in-2025/) Edge [Jordan Ross](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-28-can-lsu-unlock-the-potential-of-tennessee-transfer-edge-jordan-ross/) Offensive Tackle [Jordan Seaton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-29-jordan-seaton-may-be-prize-of-lane-kiffins-star-studded-no-1-portal-class/) Safety [Dashawn Spears](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-number-30-junior-safety-star-dashawn-spears/) Kicker [Scott Starzyk](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-31-new-kicker-scott-starzyk/) Offensive Tackle [Darrin Strey](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-32-offensive-tackle-darrin-strey/) Tight End [Malachi Thomas](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-3-saturdays-from-today-and-here-is-player-profile-no-33-tight-end-malachi-thomas/) Edge [Princewill Umanmielen](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-34-edge-princewill-umanmielen-will-be-battle-tested-because-of-ot-jordan-seaton/) Wide Receiver [Winston Watkins](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opens-2-weeks-from-today-player-profile-number-35-wr-winston-watkins/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Whit Weeks --- ### [SEC Eligibility Ruling: Sankey Will Comply as LSU Case Heads to Court](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-eligibility-ruling-greg-sankey-lsu-former-pros-court/) **Published:** August 29, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** # The SEC Will Comply. Now We Find Out Where Its Authority Ends. By Todd Horne | Vice President & Executive Editor, Tiger Rag Tuesday night on Tiger Rag Radio, somewhere between temporary restraining orders, fifth-year eligibility, professional contracts, transfer portals and rules that seemed capable of changing between commercial breaks, I borrowed an answer from comedian Nate Bargatze. **Nobody knows.** It was funny because it was true. Five days later, Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry was telling ESPN almost the same thing: the rules keep changing and “no one even knows what the actual rules are.” Then the NCAA distributed a memo to its membership documenting nearly 60 lawsuits challenging Division I eligibility rules, including 24 filed in a single week. And Saturday morning brought the latest development, one that matters immediately to LSU: The SEC will comply with the Louisiana court order preventing it, for now, from enforcing its newly adopted penalties against schools and coaches who sign or use the affected former professional athletes. [Yahoo Sports’ Ross Dellenger reported Saturday](https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/breaking-news/article/lsu-poised-to-sign-former-nfl-players-after-sec-says-it-will-comply-with-court-order-154717701.html) that the conference and Commissioner Greg Sankey have communicated through attorneys that they will comply with the order. Attorney Darren Heitner subsequently reported the same. That does not mean the SEC has abandoned its rule. It does not mean LSU tight end commitment Dae’Quan Wright or defensive line commitment Zxavian Harris has received some permanent declaration of eligibility. It does not decide the lawsuit. And it certainly does not mean the SEC agrees that a Louisiana judge ultimately possesses the authority to tell the conference whom its members may put on the field. It means something narrower, but enormously important: **There is a court order. The SEC will obey it.** For the moment, the conference will not use the extraordinary punishment structure it adopted this week to prevent covered athletes from returning. That is where this remarkable story sits Saturday morning. And it is almost exactly where the question we were asking Tuesday night eventually led. Not: Does the SEC have a rule? Not even: Can the SEC make a rule? The question was always harder than that. What happens when the SEC’s authority reaches a courthouse? By Thursday, that question was the central subject of a Tiger Rag column examining the league’s newly adopted professional-athlete restrictions. The SEC plainly could legislate within its conference. What remained unresolved was whether that authority would survive once athletes obtained judicial relief under NCAA rules and the conference attempted to make that relief unusable through sanctions against the schools employing them. Then the courthouse answered — temporarily. East Baton Rouge Parish District Judge William Jorden amended an existing temporary restraining order Friday to include the SEC and Sankey. The order prevents the conference, for now, from using its new former-professional rule to punish schools, coaches or the covered athletes for acting within the relief granted by the court. A preliminary-injunction hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 3, two days before LSU opens against Clemson. [Reuters reported](https://www.reuters.com/sports/louisiana-judge-opens-door-wider-return-pro-hopefuls-sec--flm-2026-08-29/). The sequence is worth following carefully because college sports has been moving so quickly that yesterday’s hypothetical keeps becoming today’s lawsuit. The SEC voted this week to prohibit athletes from returning to conference competition after crossing certain professional thresholds, including signing professional contracts, appearing on professional rosters or failing to withdraw properly after entering specified drafts. Then it constructed penalties meant to ensure nobody was tempted to challenge the rule casually: a half-season suspension for the head coach, loss of conference voting rights, a fine equal to 50 percent of the affected sport’s annual operating budget and additional sanctioning authority for the commissioner. [Reuters reported](https://www.reuters.com/sports/sec-reportedly-suspend-coaches-who-bring-players-back-pros--flm-2026-08-27/). Those penalties were important because they shifted the enforcement target. The SEC did not necessarily have to win an argument directly with Dae’Quan Wright. **It could make LSU afraid to play him.** A player might possess a court order saying the NCAA could not deny him another season, but LSU would still have to decide whether putting him on the field was worth risking Lane Kiffin for half a season and exposing the athletic department to an extraordinary financial penalty. That was the leverage. Friday, the Louisiana court temporarily took it away. Saturday, the SEC said it would comply. None of this proves that the conference’s underlying position is legally wrong. But it does demonstrate something fairly fundamental about institutional power: writing a rule and possessing the practical ability to enforce it are not necessarily the same thing. That is becoming a national problem. The NCAA’s memo Friday puts numbers around what has otherwise felt like a succession of disconnected eligibility controversies. According to Chief Legal Officer Scott Bearby, nearly 60 lawsuits have been filed challenging Division I eligibility rules. Twenty-four were filed this week. The litigation involves 322 former student-athletes, 184 of whom currently have some form of active judicial relief. Another 138 do not. The largest groups receiving relief are men’s basketball players, with 96, and football players, with 45. Then Bearby wrote perhaps the most revealing sentence in the document: Plaintiffs are increasingly naming conferences, institutions and administrators as co-defendants. That is precisely what is happening. **The lawsuits are following the enforcement chain.** When the NCAA denies eligibility, athletes sue the NCAA. When a court restrains the NCAA and a conference attempts to impose another restriction, lawyers move toward the conference. When the commissioner possesses sanctioning authority, the commissioner gets added too. The Louisiana case now includes the SEC and Sankey. The Texas case does as well. Dallas County Judge Martin Hoffman entered a 14-day temporary restraining order Friday protecting 41 plaintiffs and restricting the NCAA, SEC and Sankey from using professional activity to stop covered athletes who otherwise would qualify for the additional season contemplated by the order. A further hearing is scheduled for Sept. 11. [Reuters reported](https://www.reuters.com/sports/judges-order-prohibits-sec-blocking-pro-athletes-return--flm-2026-08-28/). And Friday night, Ohio supplied something even more useful than another hypothetical. Patrick McQuaide, Villanova’s quarterback, had already obtained judicial relief in his dispute with the NCAA. His underlying eligibility case is not the same as Wright’s or Harris’. McQuaide’s argument involves whether his 2022 junior-college season should count against his NCAA eligibility. But what happened afterward is strikingly familiar. The Patriot League independently decided McQuaide could not participate in conference games. Villanova appealed. The conference denied the appeal. According to McQuaide’s attorney, using him could have forced Villanova to forfeit games. There was one problem. **The Patriot League had not been a defendant in McQuaide’s original case.** So McQuaide sued the Patriot League. Friday, an Ohio judge granted a preliminary injunction specifically naming the conference and preventing it from stopping McQuaide from playing. Hours later, Villanova started him against William & Mary. [The Philadelphia Inquirer reported](https://www.inquirer.com/college-sports/villanova/pat-mcquaide-eligibile-villanova-football-court-case-20260828.html). That ruling does not control anything happening Thursday in Baton Rouge. Different court. Different conference. Different athlete. Different underlying eligibility argument. But the architecture is awfully difficult to miss. Athlete wins relief against NCAA. Conference attempts independent enforcement. Conference becomes defendant. Court restrains conference. Athlete plays. The NCAA’s own legal department now says cases increasingly are moving in precisely that direction. There is, nevertheless, a serious argument on the SEC’s side. Attorney Tom Mars made one version of it by comparing conference membership to joining a homeowners association. Members voluntarily submit themselves to rules. LSU did not wake up Tuesday morning surprised to discover that it belonged to the Southeastern Conference. The university has agreed for decades to conference governance, revenue arrangements, competition standards, disciplinary procedures and voting mechanisms. That contractual authority is real. Nebraska coach Matt Rhule offered the competitive argument. Rhule said this week that players who have gone through professional training, NFL preparation and a professional camp can return substantially improved. He worries about what happens when athletes move into professional football and then cycle back into college competition. That concern is also real. College football cannot indefinitely become a revolving door in which players exhaust eligibility, enter professional organizations, get released, return to college for another season, get paid again and repeat the process whenever litigation opens another window. There needs to be an endpoint. The SEC is not irrational for wanting one. But a sensible policy objective does not eliminate the legal questions surrounding how it is imposed, particularly upon athletes who made career decisions under rules that subsequently changed. That is the Class of 2022 problem in its simplest form. An athlete reaches what everyone understands to be the end of his college eligibility. College is over. So he does what football players do when college is over. He pursues professional football. Then the eligibility framework changes. Other athletes from the same general class may suddenly have access to an additional season. But the athlete who acted upon the rules that existed when his college career ended is told he cannot receive the same opportunity because he went professional. **Why did he go professional?** Because college athletics told him his eligibility had expired. Courts are now being asked to decide what the governing institutions did not adequately resolve before changing the system. And that has produced a remarkable contradiction. Rhule himself said this week that college football should quit hiding behind the NIL label when describing what top programs are spending on players. **“It’s just payroll,”** he said, estimating that elite rosters can approach $45 million. So modern college football has payroll, agents, revenue sharing, player contracts, general managers, roster limits, multimillion-dollar personnel budgets and open-market recruiting competition. Then everyone gathers around a table and tries to determine where, precisely, professionalism begins. That was why the other question raised here earlier this week was not rhetorical. Define pro. Signing an NFL contract certainly looks professional. Receiving hundreds of thousands of dollars to play college football also looks rather different from the amateur model whose vocabulary we continue using. That does not make the two legally equivalent. It demonstrates why a regulatory system built around a clean amateur-professional boundary is struggling in an enterprise where the boundary itself has become increasingly difficult to describe. The NCAA’s Friday memo documents the result. Nearly 60 lawsuits. Three hundred twenty-two plaintiffs. One hundred eighty-four athletes with active relief. Hearings stretching from South Carolina to California. One court grants an injunction. Another court denies one. An appellate court stays another. An athlete files somewhere else. A conference passes a rule. The conference becomes a defendant. Another judge restrains it. And the football season is beginning while everyone is still litigating who gets to play in it. Landry has called for the U.S. Senate to intervene. There is already legislation in Washington aimed, among other things, at restoring national uniformity to parts of college athletics. Tiger Rag examined that legislation months ago because the underlying problem was never merely NIL or the transfer portal. College sports has been moving toward a moment in which Congress, the NCAA, conferences and courts would have to determine who actually possesses governing authority in the revenue-sharing era. That theoretical argument has now arrived in Baton Rouge. Thursday morning, the SEC will enter Judge Jorden’s courtroom with substantial contractual authority over LSU and its other member institutions. It also will enter after telling attorneys that it intends to comply with his current order. That is not capitulation. The SEC can argue Thursday that the temporary order goes too far. It can defend the integrity of its rule. It can argue that member institutions knowingly consented to conference governance. It can challenge whether the court possesses the power to restrict independent SEC eligibility standards. It can ultimately prevail. But Saturday morning gives us at least one answer we did not have Tuesday night. The SEC adopted the rule. The SEC created the penalties. The players followed the enforcement mechanism into court. The court reached the SEC. And the SEC will comply. So perhaps the question has evolved. It is no longer whether the SEC possesses authority. It unquestionably does. It is where that authority ends when a conference rule collides with judicial relief. Authority is not established by making the punishment enormous. Nor does contractual authority become unlimited because member institutions once agreed to be governed. Ohio demonstrated that Friday. Louisiana is testing it now. And Thursday may determine whether the boundary Judge Jorden has temporarily drawn remains in place long enough for LSU to put players such as Wright and Harris on the field without fearing punishment from its own conference. Tuesday night, the answer was **nobody knows.** Saturday morning, we know a little more. The SEC has a rule. The SEC has authority. And, for now, **the SEC has encountered an authority it has agreed to obey.** **Thursday, we find out whether that lasts.** **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU athletics, LSU Football News **Tags:** College Football, Dae'quan Wright, former professional athletes, greg sankey, lane kiffin, Louisiana Court, lsu football, NCAA, NCAA Eligibility, sec, SEC Eligibility, Zxavian Harris --- ### [LSU Soccer Will Try To End 3-Match Losing Streak Against Arizona On Sunday](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-soccer-will-try-to-end-3-match-losing-streak-against-arizona-on-sunday/) **Published:** August 29, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES TEMPE, Arizona – The LSU Soccer team (1-4-0) returns to Sun Devil Soccer Stadium on Sunday, August 29 to take on Arizona (2-1-0) at 12 p.m. CT. The Tigers and Wildcats will meet for the third time in program history. LSU (1-4) is looking to end its three-match losing streak, which were all by one goal – 2-1 to Central Florida, 3-2 to Florida Gulf Coast and 1-0 at Arizona State here Thursday. Arizona (2-1) has won two straight over New Mexico State and Gonzaga. The match will not be available on any streaming networks, but [Live stats](https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=663283) are available. > [LSU Soccer Loses At Arizona State, 1-0, For Its 3rd Straight Setback](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-soccer-loses-at-arizona-state-1-0-for-its-3rd-straight-setback/) LSU holds a 2-1 lead in all-time matchups against Arizona, including a 2-0 win in the last meeting in 2021 at LSU. The Tigers will return home to host Baylor on Thursday before traveling to Miami-Ohio next Sunday to conclude non-conference play. LSU will begin Southeastern Conference action on Sept. 11 against Tennessee at 7 p.m. at LSU. Stay up to date with all things LSU Soccer by following our team’s social media channels @LSUsoccer on[ ](https://www.instagram.com/lsugym/?hl=en)[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/lsusoccer/?hl=en), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/LSUSoccer) and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/lsusoccer). **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Soccer **Tags:** Arizona Wildcats, lsu, lsu soccer, LSU Tigers --- ### [Lane Kiffin Documentary, "The Difference," To Air On Wednesday Nights This Football Season On ESPNU](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-documentary-the-difference-to-air-on-wednesday-nights-this-football-season-on-espnu/) **Published:** August 29, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES A documentary series called “The Difference” on new LSU football coach Lane Kiffin will premier on Wednesday, Sept. 9, on ESPNU, detailing the former Ole Miss head coach’s first season with the Tigers. [BREAKING … LANE KIFFIN WINS ELIGIBILITY BATTLE WITH GREG SANKEY FOR NOW](https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/breaking-news/article/lsu-poised-to-sign-former-nfl-players-after-sec-says-it-will-comply-with-court-order-154717701.html) The title comes from Kiffin’s catchphrase about LSU – “It’s just different” – that he said during his introductory press conference on Dec. 1. > “‘Just different’ really entails a lot.” > -Lane Kiffin. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [March 24, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2036570373219606557?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The docuseries will air first on Tuesday, Sept. 8, and on Tuesday nights during the season on LSU+, the LSU athletic department’s exclusive, on-demand content streaming service. But it will also air on ESPNU every Wednesday at 7 p.m., beginning on Sept. 9. > BREAKING … Lane Kiffin breaks his ban on tweeting. Film at 11. And when will Greg Sankey be on “Fansville?” > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 28, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2093466172335292900?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) LSU+ is available to stream on mobile devices, desktop and laptop computers, and OTT streaming platforms including Roku, Apple TV, Android TV and Amazon Fire TV. Until Sept. 6, fans can unlock a discounted subscription to LSU+ using the promo code “GeauxTigers” after [registering here](https://lsusports.net/pages/lsuplus.net/register). In addition to seeing the episode a full day before anyone else, the complete, director’s cut of *The Difference* will be available exclusively to LSU+ subscribers on the platform. The show will provide fans unparalleled access to the Tigers all year long, from exclusive interviews with coaches and players, to human interest stories and behind-the-scenes content you won’t see anywhere else. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** ESPNU, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football Season Must Be Near ... Because Lane Kiffin Just Tweeted](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-must-be-near-because-lane-kiffin-just-tweeted/) **Published:** August 28, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor You knew he wouldn’t be able to last too long. This just in … New LSU football coach Lane Kiffin has tweeted. On Friday afternoon, just eight days before he and his No. 11 Tigers open the 2026 season against No. 23 Clemson in Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC), Kiffin tweeted for the first time since May 11. That’s when he suddenly stopped after [a cover story on him appeared on the same day in Vanity Fair magazine](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-graces-cover-of-vanity-fair-which-takes-deep-dive-on-rock-star-lsu-football-coach/) that included controversial comments by him about his previous head coaching job at Ole Miss from 2020-25. Kiffin said he quit tweeting because his son Knox, the starting quarterback at University High on the LSU campus, challenged him to do so. > [Lane Kiffin Stopped Tweeting After Vanity Fair Article Hit, But He Says Now His Son Knox Deserves The Credit](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-stopped-tweeting-after-vanity-fair-article-hit-but-he-says-now-his-son-knox-deserves-the-credit/) Kiffin tweeted on Friday about the new “Fansville” commercial he appears in for Dr. Pepper. > [\#ad](https://x.com/hashtag/ad?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Nothing beats hitting the open road. Just me, my [@DrPepper](https://x.com/drpepper?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and a straight shot to Fansville. Watch here: > > — Lane Kiffin (@Lane\_Kiffin) [August 28, 2026](https://x.com/Lane_Kiffin/status/2093441865345343666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Kiffin is pulled over by the sheriff of the fictional town of “Fansville” in the commercial and says, “Not really known for following the rules.” > [Lane “Bad Boy” Kiffin Gets Pulled Over By A Cop In New “Fansville” Dr. Pepper Commercial](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-bad-boy-kiffin-gets-pulled-over-by-a-cop-in-new-fansville-dr-pepper-commercial/) Meanwhile, Kiffin is embroiled in a controversial feud over the eligiblity of NFL players in which he is not following the rules, according to Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey. > One would think that being a former NCAA compliance guy at the SEC office, Greg Sankey would understand that the SEC is under the NCAA umbrella. And therefore, if the NCAA is under a restraining order, so is the SEC. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 27, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2093106147477655963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) But judges and attorneys involved in an eligibility lawsuit by players now committed to Kiffin against the NCAA – and by definition the SEC – see it differently. One attorney says Sankey is not following the rules and could be contempt of court. And as of Saturday, August 29, Sankey finally saw the light and succumbed to the court rulings in a victory for Kiffin. [FORMER NFL PLAYERS ELIGIBILITY UPDATE: SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey Admits Defeat For Now](https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/breaking-news/article/lsu-poised-to-sign-former-nfl-players-after-sec-says-it-will-comply-with-court-order-154717701.html) When will Sankey be in a “Fansville” commercial? **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** greg sankey, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Is Not Alone - Texas Judge Grants Temporary Restraining Order With SEC And Sankey As Defendants](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-is-not-alone-texas-judge-grants-temporary-restraining-order-with-sec-and-sankey-as-defendants/) **Published:** August 28, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter While the college football world debates whether Baton Rouge Judge William Jorden’s amended temporary restraining order (TRO) that now blocks the Southeastern Conference’s rule prohibiting schools from signing former pro players will hold up in a hearing scheduled for next Thursday, a Texas judge has made the same ruling. > [SEC Ban On LSU’s NFL Commitments Illegal, Says Attorney, And Greg Sankey Added To Suit As Defendant](https://www.tigerrag.com/secs-ban-on-lsus-nfl-commitments-is-illegal-says-their-attorney-tony-clayton/) Per multiple reports, Dallas County Judge Martin Hoffman granted a group of more than 40 class of 2022 athletes a 14-day TRO on Thursday, restoring their eligibility and allowing them to enter the transfer portal during that period. Among the plaintiffs are ex-Miami linebacker Wesley Bissainthe and former Washington receiver Omari Evans, who are both currently rostered by the NFL Kansas City Chiefs, and former SMU-now Cowboys receiver Jordan Hudson. Judge Hoffman’s ruling, like Jorden’s amended TRO, names the NCAA, SEC and SEC commissioner Greg Sankey as defendants. [SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, UPDATE: SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey Succumbs To Court Orders After All](https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/breaking-news/article/lsu-poised-to-sign-former-nfl-players-after-sec-says-it-will-comply-with-court-order-154717701.html) That means the TRO also restrains the Sankey’s punishments for rostering an athlete who declared for the NFL, NBA or WNBA draft without removing their name, signed a contract with any of the leagues, or been listed on a roster in one of them. Punishments include a fine equal to 50 percent of the team’s annual operating budget, a half season suspension for the head coach and the revoking of the school’s voting rights in SEC matters. > A Dallas judge granted a TRO earlier today for several college athletes granting them an additional year of eligibility. > > The TRO names the NCAA, SEC and commissioner Greg Sankey as defendants. [pic.twitter.com/kxKntqVfHJ](https://t.co/kxKntqVfHJ) > > — Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) [August 27, 2026](https://x.com/RossDellenger/status/2093089475014300066?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) No players who qualify as a former professional under the SEC’s criteria in the Texas TRO have committed to transfering to a new school or returning to their previous one. The Baton Rouge lawsuit involving tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris – both commitments to LSU football coach Lane Kiffin as of this week – is still the only one to produce a commitment of a freshly-released NFL player to return to college football. But the Texas ruling could be an indication that there are more to come. Kiffin said last Monday that more judges’ rulings like the one by Hoffman in Dallas above were on the way. “From my information, this isn’t stopping,” Kiffin said Monday. “There are cases that are going to come out where there are other athletes in the same type cases. You may end up having hundreds of athletes in this case that are told they have a fifth year. So, this is really a unique circumstance that isn’t a traditional pros trying to go back to college because they win (an individual) case.” > Lane Kiffin refutes CBS Sports story that says he “reached out” to players on NFL rosters to join eligibility suit vs. NCAA. > “These kids made these decisions on their own with attorneys,” Kiffin said. > Story also has error concerning Junior Tuihalamaka. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 28, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2093424478860595336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Each of the other Power Four conferences joined the SEC in passing conference bylaws deterring schools from signing athletes that were deemed eligible after signing a professional contract. These rules were put in place as a second line of defense to prevent these athletes from playing college sports even if a judge ruled in their favor in one of the many nationwide lawsuits against the NCAA. Now they too, are becoming a target for athletes’ attorneys and state judges to knock down. It’s not just a Louisiana judge thing. The primary question is whether or not a conference has the authority to enforce its own rules or if their actions are in participation or concert with the NCAA. A similar question was answered in the U.S. Supreme Court case *Alston v. NCAA* (2021). The court ruled that while the NCAA could not impose national limits on athletes receiving “education-related benefits,” the conferences were free to set their own rules. That autonomy is the crux of these TROs. The NCAA has lost eligibility lawsuits hand over fist this summer and over recent years. The same may very well end up being true at the conference level if athletes and their reputation continue to pursue litigation restraining their rules. However, the question remains whether ruling to grant class of 2022 athletes a fifth season of eligibility is the same as ruling that a conference cannot enforce its own rules on its member schools. Was the *Alston* decision case-specific, or can it be applied to these lawsuits as well? Whatever the conclusion is, it will likely face appeals from the losing side. This debate is far from over and, if appealed to its fullest extent, will likely take longer to resolve than the 2026 college football season. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** greg sankey, lsu football, NCAA, sec --- ### [Athletic Director Verge Ausberry Avoids LSU-SEC Feud During Appearance On WAFB's "Jacques Talk"](https://www.tigerrag.com/athletic-director-verge-ausberry-avoids-lsu-sec-feud-during-appearance-on-wafbs-jacques-talk/) **Published:** August 28, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry talked a lot about new football coach Lane Kiffin and the upcoming season that starts a week from Saturday while on WAFB-TV’s “Jacques Talk” with sports director Jacques Doucet on Thursday. But he did not discuss Kiffin’s and LSU’s much-publicized feud with the Southeastern Conference and commissioner Greg Sankey over Kiffin gaining commitments from two freshly former NFL players over the past week with a possible third on the way. And Sankey has been added to the controversial lawsuit by college athletes from the class of 2022 versus the NCAA (which includes the SEC) for an extra season in 2026. That lawsuit includes the former NFL players Kiffin has added – tight end Dae’Quan Wright, formerly of the Cleveland Browns as of last week, and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, formerly of the New Orleans Saints as of this summer. > One would think that being a former NCAA compliance guy at the SEC office, Greg Sankey would understand that the SEC is under the NCAA umbrella. And therefore, if the NCAA is under a restraining order, so is the SEC. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 27, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2093106147477655963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Sankey and the SEC passed a rule barring LSU and other SEC schools from signing such NFL players with punishments for that in a move that goes directly against various judges’ temporary restraining orders against the NCAA and its member conferences like the SEC. > “The judges have ruled. The SEC ([@GregSankey](https://x.com/GregSankey?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)) needs to abide by that. The NCAA needs to abide by that.” > -Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry, an attorney and former Attorney General of Louisiana. [@kacehk](https://x.com/kacehk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 28, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2093394710249288023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > [LSU Is Not Alone – Texas Judge Grants Temporary Restraining Order With SEC And Sankey As Defendants](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-is-not-alone-texas-judge-grants-temporary-restraining-order-with-sec-and-sankey-as-defendants/) Those restraining orders have legally freed those players to return to college teams for the time being, regardless of what Sankey says. Another hearing involving many of those players will be in Baton Rouge on Thursday. > [What SEC Rule? Lane Kiffin’s Next NFL Transfer Portal Player May Be Tampa Bay Edge/Ex-Tiger Jack Pyburn](https://www.tigerrag.com/what-sec-rule-lane-kiffins-next-nfl-transfer-portal-player-may-be-tampa-bay-edge-ex-tiger-jack-pyburn/) A third former NFL player – 2025 LSU edge rusher Jack Pyburn – is also expected to commit to LSU under the same lawsuit and temporary restraining orders, if he is released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the NFL’s next cutting day on Tuesday. So, Ausberry, not surprisingly, asked not to discuss all that drama on WAFB as it is a sitting legal battle. But Ausberry did discuss Kiffin and the upcoming football season. “We’re ready for the game,” Ausberry said. “It’s time for football season. I’ve been trying to find something on TV for the last three or four weeks.” No. 11 LSU hosts No. 23 Clemson a week from Saturday in 102,321-seat Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC). The game is sold out as is LSU’s home game against Alabama on Nov. 7 and Texas on Nov. 14. And ESPN’s College GameDay on Saturday morning will be broadcasting live from campus. “This is the first time in history we’re on GameDay for the first game,” Ausberry beamed. “And also the SEC Network. The whole football world will be watching LSU in nine days. It’s just so great. You hire a guy like Lane Kiffin – that’s the expectation, the expectation of this team.” > [Tiger Rag Wins Breaking News 1st And 2nd Place In Louisiana Sports Writers Association Contest](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-wins-breaking-news-1st-and-2nd-place-in-louisiana-sports-writers-association-contest/) Ausberry was the one who hired Kiffin away from the Ole Miss head coaching job last November shortly after replacing the fired Scott Woodward as athletic director after Woodward fired football coach Brian Kelly last October. “Lane has put together a great staff and a great roster,” Ausberry said. Doucet asked Ausberry about Dr. Pepper’s latest “Fansville” commercial that Kiffin appears on, saying, “Not really known for following the rules.” > [Lane “Bad Boy” Kiffin Gets Pulled Over By A Cop In New “Fansville” Dr. Pepper Commercial](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-bad-boy-kiffin-gets-pulled-over-by-a-cop-in-new-fansville-dr-pepper-commercial/) But any publicity is good publicity, as far as Ausberry is concerned. “That’s what we want,” Ausberry said about the commercial. “That’s the LSU brand. That’s what Kim Mulkey (LSU national champion women’s basketball coach), Jay Johnson (twice-LSU national champion baseball coach) and [Will Wade](https://www.tigerrag.com/done-will-wade-exiting-nc-state-to-return-to-lsu-as-basketball-coach-replacing-matt-mcmahon/) (new basketball coach for a second time after being fired the first time for NCAA recruiting violations). That’s the brand. It sells LSU.” Southern athletic director Roman Banks appeared on “Jacques Talk” with Ausberry. His football team opens the season against Alabama State in Birmingham, Alabama, today (2 p.m., ESPNU) under new coach Marshall Faulk, the former NFL great running back with Indianapolis and St. Louis from Carver High in New Orleans and San Diego State. Ausberry pointed out that Faulk’s introductory press conference at Southern last Dec. 1 was on the same day Kiffin was introduced at LSU, and Faulk drove to LSU that day to say hello to Kiffin. “What are you doing here?” Ausberry said Kiffin asked Faulk. “He had no idea that Marshall was just named Southern’s coach,” Ausberry said. “We had the press conferences on the same day.” Ausberry also shared an anecdote about Faulk when he was being recruited by then-LSU coach Curley Hallman for the 1991 recruiting class. “I was at LSU when he came on his recruiting visit,” said Ausberry, who was a rookie in the athletic department at the time. “They told him at LSU to play defensive back instead of running back.” Faulk instead went to San Diego State as a running back, and the rest is history as he gained 1,429 yards as a freshman. “So, that gets coaches fired,” Ausberry said. Hallman never had a winning season as LSU’s coach from 1991-94 before being fired. Ausberry and Banks also discussed the second-ever LSU-Southern football game that will be on Sept. 9, 2028, at Tiger Stadium. LSU beat Southern, 65-17, on Sept. 10, 2022, in Tiger Stadium in the first meeting. “Verge, thanks a lot for that check. It means a lot, old friend,” Banks said smiling of the $700,000 LSU paid Southern for the game. “Keep it in the state,” laughed Ausberry, who did the football scheduling at the time as deputy athletic director. > [Skip Bertman’s Celebration Of Life Ceremony Full Of Stories, Love And Tears](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertmans-celebration-of-life-ceremony-full-of-stories-love-and-tears/) Ausberry also spoke of former LSU athletic director and five-time national champion LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman, who died on Aug. 14 with a Celebration of Life at the Assembly Center on Tuesday. “He taught me how to deal with coaches and players,” Ausberry said of Bertman, whom he worked under from 2001-09. “Great mentor. Skip was one of the best at how you pull a team together in the athletic department to one goal.” Ausberry gave one of the eulogies on Tuesday night. > [Skip Bertman (1938-2026): Why He Was The Greatest Hire In The History Of LSU Athletics | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertman-legend-1938-2026-why-he-was-the-greatest-hire-in-the-history-of-lsu-athletics/) “He took what he did as a coach and transcended that into us in the athletic administration,” Ausberry said. “He put the structures in place that we have now. He started the Tradition Fund (extremely lucrative football season ticket licensing program in 2003). He built facilities – the Football Operations Center, the basketball practice facility, the new baseball stadium and softball stadium, the Academic Center for Athletes (started by then-football coach Nick Saban). That was Skip. He did a lot that most athletic directors wouldn’t do or couldn’t do.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Southern Jaguars, verge ausberry --- ### [LSU Volleyball: Jurnee Robinson Drops 34 Kills As Tigers Beat Wake Forest in Season Opener](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-volleyball-jurnee-robinson-drops-34-kills-as-tigers-beat-wake-forest-in-season-opener/) **Published:** August 29, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Outside hitter star [Jurnee Robinson](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/jurnee-robinson) powered the LSU volleyball team to a 3-2 win over Wake Forest in five sets – 25-20, 22-25, 25-23, 23-25 and 17-15 on Friday night in its season opener at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. Robinson, a senior from Simpsonville, South Carolina, turned in her 30th career double-double, matching a career-high 34 kills and adding 11 digs and two solo blocks. Robinson etched her name into the program’s top 10 all-time list with her 18th kill of the night, surpassing [Jennifer Hampton](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/jennifer-hampton) (1999-2002). Robinson now ranks No. 9 all-time with 1,386 career kills. LSU (1-0) had a .219 hitting percentage on 68 overall kills, and the defense collected 74 digs and 10 blocks, holding Wake Forest (0-1) to a .182 attacking percentage. Four LSU players registered double-digit digs. The Tigers host Incarnate Word Saturday night at the Assembly Center (6 p.m., SEC Network+). > [LSU Volleyball Opens Season Tonight Against Wake Forest At Home](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-volleyball-opens-season-tonight-against-wake-forest-at-home/) Setter [Takyla Brown](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/takyla-brown) logged her fifth career double-double by recording career-highs of 52 assists, 13 digs, and four blocks. She also snuck in three kills. Freshman libero [Kiley Brooks](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/kiley-brooks) anchored the defense with 16 digs in her collegiate debut, and added six assists and one ace. And defensive specialist [Ella Hemmings](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/ella-hemmings) added 12 digs. Middle blocker [Jessica Jones](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/jessica-jones) had six blocks to lead the Tigers and chipped in four kills. Her fifth block of the match was her 200th career block. **Set 1** LSU built an 8-4 lead behind a 5-0 run, forcing Wake Forest to burn its first timeout of the match. The Tigers pushed their lead to 12-5, and after outlasting a WF 4-0 burst, the home team took a 15-9 advantage into the media timeout. The Demon Deacons stayed in the fight and pulled within two points late at 22-20, but LSU scored the final three points, capped by a solo block by Robinson for a 25-20 win. LSU hit .323 in the set behind 15 kills. Robinson led the way with five kills and a solo block, and middle blocker [Angelina Lee](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/angie-lee) followed with four kills. **Set 2** Although LSU was the first to 10 points, Wake Forest ripped off five in-a-row to take a 14-10 lead and led 15-11 at the media timeout. Overall, WF pieced together a 9-2 run for an 18-12 margin. LSU chipped away and cut the deficit to 18-16, and threatened late at 24-22 to force a Demon Deacons timeout, but the visiting team evened the match with a 25-22 victory. **Set 3** The Tigers scored the first four points of the set, but Wake’s three unanswered points sparked a 13-5 run, giving the Demon Deacons a 13-9 lead when LSU called a timeout. WF led 15-11 at the media timeout and pushed its lead to five at 17-12. LSU rallied back beginning with consecutive kills by Robinson, igniting a Tiger 9-4 run that tied the set at 21 and forced a Wake Forest timeout. The Fighting Tigers kept the momentum and scored four of the final five points for a 25-23 set win. Robinson, who led the charge with nine kills on a .500 hitting percentage, landed four of LSU’s final five kills. LSU held Wake Forest to a .162 hitting percentage thanks to four blocks. **Set 4** The fourth set featured 11 ties and six lead changes by the media timeout, where Wake Forest led 15-13. The Demon Deacons built a 20-16 lead, but had to call a timeout after kills from Brown and Robinson, followed by a WF attacking error, trimmed the Tigers’ deficit to 20-19. Both clubs exchanged points to 24-23, but a kill by the Demon Deacons gave them the 25-23 set win to force a fifth set. **Set 5** Both clubs exchanged blows with neither team leading by more than two points throughout the entire set. Robinson recorded her second solo block of the match, and followed with a kill to put LSU on top, 10-9. The teams continued to trade points after the Wake Forest timeout, and the teams locked again at 15-15. WF sailed an attack out of play to put LSU ahead 16-15, and Robinson sealed the match with her 34th kill, giving the Tigers the 17-15 victory. Robinson had seven of LSU’s 10 kills, while right side [Tireh Smith](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/tireh-smith) added two kills and two blocks, and Lee added one kill and a block. For the latest news and information on Tiger volleyball, visit www.lsusports.net/volleyball. Fans can follow the team on its social media outlets at [www.facebook.com/lsuvolleyball](http://www.facebook.com/lsuvolleyball) and @lsuvolleyball on [Instagram](http://instagram.com/lsuvolleyball) and [X](http://twitter.com/lsuvolleyball). **Categories:** Featured, Volleyball **Tags:** Incarnate Word, Jurnee Robinson, lsu, LSU Tigers, lsu volleyball, Wake Forest --- ### [LSU Hall Of Fame Coach John Brady Leaving LSU Radio To Become LSU-NO Basketball Advisor](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-hall-of-fame-coach-john-brady-leaving-lsu-radio-to-become-lsu-no-basketball-advisor/) **Published:** August 28, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU’s last men’s Final Four basketball coach is moving closer to the game he has always loved. John Brady, who took the Tigers to the 2006 Final Four and won two Southeastern Conference titles, has been named senior advisor for athletic advancement and men’s basketball strategy at the newly named LSU-New Orleans, the school announced on Friday. Brady, who was just inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches over the summer, will be leaving his position as analyst on the LSU Radio Network for LSU men’s basketball after nine years. He returns to the school formerly known as the University of New Orleans, where he was an assistant coach in the 1990-91 season under head coach Tim Floyd. > [Someone Up There Must Like John Brady, Because He Was La. Sports Hall Of Fame Bound Long Before He Knew It](https://www.tigerrag.com/someone-up-there-must-like-john-brady-because-he-was-la-sports-hall-of-fame-bound-long-before-he-knew-it/) “I will miss doing the games, but this is a full time position,” Brady told Tiger Rag on Friday. “I will be involved on a daily basis. I feel I can help the program here. It’s still LSU and attached to a city I really like. What a wonderful combination – LSU and New Orleans!” Brady lived in New Orleans for several years after he retired from coaching in 2016 from Arkansas State. He has lived in Florida in recent years. Brady, 71, will be introduced at a press conference on Monday at LSU-NO. He will be working with new LSU-NO athletic director Michael Giorlando, who was an assistant coach under Brady at LSU from 2001-04 before becoming athletic director at Loyola from 2004-14. Brady will be developing “overall program strategy, roster building and long term performance goals” with the basketball team while also “identifying fundraising opportunities,” a university release said. “His success as a head coach speaks for itself,” LSU-NO head basketball coach Stacy Hollowell said. “And there are very few people who have the experience and perspective he brings to the game. That combination of experience, knowledge and relationships will bring a unique and valuable perspective to our program.” Hollowell was formerly the head coach at Loyola. “I’m excited about what our players and staff can learn from him every day,” he said. Brady was LSU’s coach from 1997-2008 and took the Tigers to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 and won the SEC in the 1999-2000 season before reaching the NCAA Tournament three more times in 2003, ’05 and ’06. Brady’s 2005-06 team finished 27-9 after winning the SEC at 14-2. The Tigers upset No. 1 overall seed Duke in the Sweet 16 that season before beating Texas in the Elite Eight to reach LSU’s first Final Four since Dale Brown’s Tigers went in 1986. Brady also coached at Arkansas State from 2008-16 before retiring from coaching. He became analyst for LSU Radio in 2017-18 during coach Will Wade’s first season in 2017-18. Wade begins his second term as LSU’s coach this season after a one-year stint at North Carolina State last season and the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons at McNeese State. A native of McComb, Mississippi, Brady played at Belhaven in Jackson before becoming a graduate assistant coach at Mississippi State. He moved on to a head coaching job in Louisiana at Crowley High before becoming an assistant at Mississippi State and UNO, then the head coach at Samford in Birmingham from 1991-97. Brady was inducted into three Halls of Fame over the past year – the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame in September, the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame in May and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in June. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** john brady, lsu, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, will wade --- ### [LSU Volleyball Opens Season Tonight Against Wake Forest At Home](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-volleyball-opens-season-tonight-against-wake-forest-at-home/) **Published:** August 28, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The LSU volleyball team opens the 2026 season at home with a pair of matches against Wake Forest and Incarnate Word on Friday and Saturday at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. The Tigers open the season at 6 p.m. Friday against Wake Forest before Incarnate Word at 6 p.m. Saturday. Both matches will stream live on SEC Network+ with Lyn Rollins and Garrett Walvoord calling Friday’s match, and Andrew Beyer joining Rollins on Saturday’s call. Fans may park free of charge before 4:30 p.m. in lots 101, 104, 202, and 300. Tickets are required for all LSU matches. The home tournament full schedule, as well as a marking map, can be viewed [here](https://lsusports.net/2026-lsu-volleyball-home-tournament). LSU is 41-9 all-time when opening its season at the Maravich Center and has won seven of its last nine home openers. The Tigers return 14 players from last season, led by senior outside hitter [Jurnee Robinson](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/jurnee-robinson), who was named to the 2026 Preseason All-SEC Team. Robinson earned AVCA All-America Honorable Mention recognition last season and is a three-time AVCA All-Region and All-SEC selection. She led the SEC in 2025 with 5.34 points per set and 4.84 kills per set. Entering the 2026 season, Robinson ranks as LSU’s career leader in points per set (5.09) and kills per set (4.54) and is fourth in the rally-scoring era with 1,352 career kills. Other key returners include middle blockers [Jessica Jones](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/jessica-jones) and [Angelina Lee](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/angie-lee), who combined for 278 kills while hitting .300, and accounted for 185 total blocks together. LSU welcomes six newcomers, including a pair of transfers in sophomore outside hitter [Samara Coleman](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/samara-coleman) and senior setter [Martina Villani](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/martina-villani). Coleman transferred from TCU, while Villani joins the Tigers from Akron. LSU’s four freshmen are defensive specialist [Kiley Brooks](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/kiley-brooks) (Justin, Texas), middle blocker/pin hitter [Hannah Lee](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/hannah-lee) (Frisco, Texas), defensive specialist [Katie Raymer](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/katie-raymer) (Apex, N.C.), and middle blocker [Djay Seaward](https://lsusports.net/sports/vb/roster/player/djay-seaward) (Plano, Texas). LSU is 2-0 all-time against Wake Forest, sweeping the Demon Deacons in 2006 and 2011. Saturday’s matchup with Incarnate Word will mark the first meeting between the Tigers and Cardinals. For the latest news and information on Tiger volleyball, visit www.lsusports.net/volleyball. Fans can follow the team on its social media outlets, such as [www.facebook.com/lsuvolleyball](http://www.facebook.com/lsuvolleyball) and @lsuvolleyball, as well as on [Instagram](http://instagram.com/lsuvolleyball) and [X](http://twitter.com/lsuvolleyball). **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Volleyball **Tags:** Jessica Jones, lsu, LSU Tigers, lsu volleyball, Wake Forest --- ### [Lane Kiffin Says He Did Not Encourage NFL Players To Sue The NCAA](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-says-he-did-not-encourage-nfl-players-to-sue-the-ncaa/) **Published:** August 28, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU coach Lane Kiffin denied reports that he encouraged players to join the Louisiana lawsuit seeking a fifth season of eligibility for class of 2022 athletes during an appearance on “Off Campus” on SirusXM College Sports Radio Friday morning. > Did [\#LSU](https://x.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and Lane Kiffin ask NFL players to join a lawsuit against the NCAA? > > "That's really the first I heard of that… these kids made these decisions on their own with attorneys." > > Kiffin gave his thoughts on the situation when he joined [\#OffCampus](https://x.com/hashtag/OffCampus?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). [pic.twitter.com/9gxLmaQ2s7](https://t.co/9gxLmaQ2s7) > > — College Sports on SiriusXM (@SXMCollege) [August 28, 2026](https://x.com/SXMCollege/status/2093309098741665798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “These kids made these decisions on their own with attorneys of what to do, and this was a while back that they made these decisions,” Kiffin said. “And it’s all around the country. Everybody wants to point to the Louisiana case, but there’s cases in South Carolina, Texas, California, all over that have athletes in the exact same situations wanting to play this year they’ve been granted.” Kiffin said that the question about the reports was the first he had heard of the report. The article in question was from [CBS Sports by John Talty and Chris Hummer](https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/lane-kiffin-lsu-nfl-players-college-football-eligibility-loophole/) that was published Tuesday night, following the Southeastern Conference’s announcement of its new policy prohibiting schools from signing ex-players from the NFL, NBA and WNBA. The story said that Kiffin and LSU orchestrated the lawsuit behind the scenes and pointed to the facts it was filed in Baton Rouge and included former Tiger Jack Pyburn as well as three former Ole Miss players coached by Kiffin last year. The article reads, “Kiffin and the Tigers reached out to multiple players on NFL rosters or their representation in an effort to get them to bring a lawsuit against the NCAA and return to school, per sources.” In addition to Kiffin refuting the the Talty-Hummer story, it also has a mistake in paragraph nine concerning Notre Dame edge rusher Junior Tuihalamaka. He committed to LSU on Aug. 21 after entering the portal on Aug. 20 – one day after a Louisiana judge’s ruling that he was eligible to play a fifth season in 2026 along with many others suing the NCAA over its new rule allowing five seasons for players in five years instead of four seasons in five. “The Tigers have signed three former NFL players so far — Harris, [former Ole Miss tight end Dae’quan Wright](https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/lane-kiffin-lsu-daequan-wright-transfer-portal-browns/) and former [Notre Dame](https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/teams/ND/notre-dame-fighting-irish/) EDGE [Junior Tuihalamaka](https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/players/28873981/junior-tuihalamaka/),” the story says. Tuihalamaka has never been on an NFL roster as Harris and Wright were. And Tuihalamaka never even tried out for an NFL team or attended a mini-camp. The mistake still remains in the story. Talty and Hummer were not the first to report that LSU played a hand in developing the lawsuit. Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports made the connection to LSU’s campus in [an article published on Aug. 21](https://sports.yahoo.com/college-football/article/an-nfl-player-lsu-and-a-legal-loophole-college-footballs-bizarre-eligibility-fight-is-getting-wild-004046214.html), four days before the SEC approved its new bylaws. However, Dellenger and his sources did not explicitly name Kiffin as the mastermind. “Those with knowledge of the situation in Baton Rouge and beyond have made it quite clear: The lawsuit was an orchestrated effort originating from LSU’s campus,” Dellenger wrote. Unlike the CBS Sports article, Dellenger went on to write that LSU was not alone in helping along eligibility lawsuits across the country. Dellenger stated that numerous schools have been fighting eligibility rules under the belief that another school will try to gain the competitive advantage if they do not do it first. This is the same rationale Kiffin had when he first received a commitment from former Eagles and Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright last Sunday. “At the end of the day, you know, because of these rulings, they’re either going to play for you or they’re going to play somewhere else around the country,” Kiffin said in a press conference on Monday. “We’ve made the decision to recruit them like probably most people are.” > [Lane Kiffin Will Continue To Recruit NFL Players, Others Gaining New Eligibility Through Court Rulings](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-will-continue-to-recruit-nfl-players-others-gaining-new-eligibility-through-court-rulings/) Kiffin also noted Friday that other schools have recruited the former NFL players, but he and LSU are receiving the bulk of the attention because they were the first to receive a major commitment from an ex-pro in Wright. That conclusion also echoed the sentiment he expressed on Monday. “I understand that. That is what it is. Any time someone’s first out of the gate with something, that happens,” he said. “But there are a lot of people trying to do the same thing. Other coaches are trying to do the same thing. But these players, they chose you, so you get attention.” This is not the first claim about him Kiffin has refuted during the NFL player eligibility saga. Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken, who coached Wright from when he was claimed off waivers on Aug. 11 to when Cleveland waived him Aug. 23, said at a press conference last Saturday that he missed a call the previous week from Kiffin likely about Wright. > Browns coach Todd Monken on TE Dae’Quan Wright, who is in the NCAA transfer portal and suited up today: > > “Ain’t s\*\*\* crazy? … I wondered why Lane Kiffin reached out a week ago. Now I know. I didn’t call him back. Now I guess I should have.” [pic.twitter.com/dplAKde68f](https://t.co/dplAKde68f) > > — Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) [August 22, 2026](https://x.com/DanielOyefusi/status/2091276252380266579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “I wondered why Lane Kiffin reached out a week ago. Now I know,” Monken said. “I didn’t call him back now. I guess I should have.” Kiffin, though, said that he never called Monken. In fact, he doesn’t even have his number. “I found that interesting. There are some inaccuracies in that story,” Kiffin said. “Maybe somebody else called and said it was me. I don’t know him. That was not me.” Monken later walked back the comments, apologized and said he was not contacted by Kiffin. Someone on his staff told him he was contacted by someone with LSU. “One of our staff had said that they had gotten a text,” Monken said. “I should have followed through with it. Maybe they meant someone from their staff. That’s on me. I should not throw someone’s name out there without following through with it. I was just making light of it. I really was not trying to make a big thing of it. It was just like, ‘Man, what’s this world coming to?’” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu football --- ### [Governor Jeff Landry Says NCAA-SEC Eligibility Chaos Is "Ridiculous"](https://www.tigerrag.com/governor-landry-says-ncaa-sec-eligibility-chaos-is-ridiculous/) **Published:** August 28, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter When it comes to former professional football and basketball players returning to college sports, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry says, “Don’t hate the player. Hate the game.” Landry appeared on “Mornings with Brian Haldane” on Talk 107.3 in Baton Rouge Friday morning. In between discussions of a $100 billion SpaceX project and future capital investments, Landry weighed in on the college athletes’ eligibility lawsuit looking to give 33 former players a fifth season of eligibility. That suit includes two players on NFL teams this summer who have committed to LSU coach Lane Kiffin in recent days – tight end Dae’Quan Wright, formerly of the Cleveland Browns just last week, and Zxavian Harris formerly of the Saints during this training camp. The Southeastern Conference and commissioner Greg Sankey have been added as defendants in the Louisiana case in which 33 former college athletes are seeking a fifth season of eligibility after passing a new rule this week that bans Wright and Harris from coming to LSU along with other former NFL players to other SEC schools. Attorneys argue the SEC’s rule against member schools rostering former pros violates the temporary restraining order Judge William Jorden granted against the NCAA and the SEC last week. > [SEC Ban On LSU’s NFL Commitments Illegal, Says Attorney, And Greg Sankey Added To Suit As Defendant](https://www.tigerrag.com/secs-ban-on-lsus-nfl-commitments-is-illegal-says-their-attorney-tony-clayton/) Landry, who is an attorney and the former Attorney General of Louisiana and perhaps knows the law better than Sankey, agrees with the lawyers who are against Sankey’s edict. “The judges have ruled. The SEC needs to abide by that,” Landry said. “The NCAA needs to abide by that.” > [Gov. Jeff Landry Confirms Brian Kelly Buyout Could Cost La. Taxpayers On Pat McAfee Show; Does Landry Want Scott Woodward Fired?](https://www.tigerrag.com/gov-jeff-landry-confirms-brian-kelly-buyout-could-cost-la-taxpayers-on-pat-mcafee-show-does-landry-want-scott-woodward-fired/) Landry, it should be noted, was proven correct the last time he got into a major debate about the law in sports stories. He correctly said that Louisiana taxpayers would end up paying for the $54 million buyout former LSU football coach Brian Kelly took home when he was fired without cause by LSU athletic director Scott Woodward last October. The SEC’s suddenly updated eligibility policy prohibits schools from rostering a player who signed or was on a roster of a team in the NFL, NBA or WNBA as Wright, Harris and Pyburn have all done. Teams that do will be subject to a fine worth 50 percent of its annual operating budget and a half-season suspension for the head coach. The institution’s voting privileges in SEC decisions will also be revoked. “The SEC was, allegedly, able to go in and basically ruin like 100 kids’ lives, and yet for six years, they haven’t been able to fix college football,” Landry said. “This thing is ridiculous. It’s out of control.” Landry said it is unfair to punish the athletes for choosing to sign pro contracts when they thought their eligibility was up. > [What SEC Rule? Lane Kiffin’s Next NFL Transfer Portal Player May Be Tampa Bay Edge/Ex-Tiger Jack Pyburn](https://www.tigerrag.com/what-sec-rule-lane-kiffins-next-nfl-transfer-portal-player-may-be-tampa-bay-edge-ex-tiger-jack-pyburn/) “This is all about them hating on LSU, but ultimately, it’s also about affecting these kids,” he said. “There are a lot of kids out there that were told, ‘Hey, you have to leave.’ Only to find out that, ‘No, no, no, you really didn’t have to leave. You could have stayed for the fifth year.’ And then they institute a five-year rule, so why not just grant them the same waiver that you did during COVID and let’s get on and start playing football, and baseball, and basketball and go enjoy sports?” After the players’ attorneys added Sankey and the SEC as defendants on Thursday to the lawsuit because of his ban earlier in the week, the next preliminary injunction hearing in the case was pushed from this Monday to Thursday. That’s just two days before LSU’s season opener versus Clemson on Sept. 5 in Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC). The lawsuit is one of a slew across the country in which players from the class of 2022 have been granted eligibility for the same reasons. The player’s initial eligibility to enter the transfer portal, sign with schools and begin practice was temporary, but a preliminary injunction could give them more permanent eligibility for this season. Landry said all of this chaos could have been avoided with congressional action over the summer with the Protect College Sports Act. “Don’t hate the player, just hate the game,” Landry repeated. “We can’t even fix something like college sports.” > [TODD HORNE: Don’t Blame Lane Kiffin for the NCAA’s Eligibility Mess](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-ncaa-eligibility-mess/) The U.S. Senate failed to hold a vote on the Protect College Sports Act before a month-long recess set to end Sept. 14. The bill has a spot on the September calendar. If eventually passed, it could give the NCAA the antitrust protections to enforce its own rules and defend itself from lawsuits like the ones it has been bombarded with since approving the five-year eligibility model along with a plethora of lawsuits that led to Name, Image & Likeness payments to players and a no-sit-out transfer portal in 2021. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Dae'quan Wright, Jack Pyburn, Jeff Landry, lane kiffin, lsu football, NCAA, sec, Zxavian Harris --- ### [LSU Soccer Loses At Arizona State, 1-0, For Its 3rd Straight Setback](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-soccer-loses-at-arizona-state-1-0-for-its-3rd-straight-setback/) **Published:** August 28, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES TEMPE, Arizona – LSU soccer battled Arizona State until the end, but came up just short in a 1-0 loss on Thursday night at Sun Devil Soccer Stadium to fall to 1-4 on the season with its third straight loss. Arizona State (3-0) scored the lone goal of the match in the 29th minute when Emmie Ennis found the back of the net with an unassisted score for the 1-0 lead going into halftime. LSU created several opportunities throughout the match, recording 10 total shots, including three on target. [Ryann Denecour](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/ryann-denecour) and [Allie Fryer](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/allie-fryer) each put a shot on frame in the first half. But Arizona State goalkeeper Kennedy Zorn turned both attempts away. The Tigers continued to push in the second half. [Berglind Hlynsdottir](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/berglind-hlynsdottir) and Fryer registered shots, while Denecour and [Ryleigh Albin](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/ryleigh-albin) added late attempts. [Ava Galligan](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/ava-galligan) came closest to tying the match in the closing minutes, forcing Zorn into her third save of the night in the 87th minute. Arizona State finished with a 15-10 advantage in shots and earned eight corner kicks to LSU’s one. The Tigers will look to bounce back in its next match against Arizona (2-1) on Sunday at noon also at Arizona State’s stadium. Stay up to date with all things LSU Soccer by following our team’s social media channels @LSUsoccer on[ ](https://www.instagram.com/lsugym/?hl=en)[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/lsusoccer/?hl=en), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/LSUSoccer) and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/lsusoccer). **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Soccer **Tags:** Allie Fryer, Arizona State Sun Devils, lsu soccer, LSU Tigers, Ryann Denecour --- ### [What SEC Rule? Lane Kiffin's Next NFL Transfer Portal Player May Be Tampa Bay Edge/Ex-Tiger Jack Pyburn](https://www.tigerrag.com/what-sec-rule-lane-kiffins-next-nfl-transfer-portal-player-may-be-tampa-bay-edge-ex-tiger-jack-pyburn/) **Published:** August 28, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU football coach Lane Kiffin says it all in a just-released Dr. Pepper commercial in the fictional town of “Fansville.” “Not really known for following the rules,” Kiffin says in the commercial after being pulled over by the local sheriff. > [Lane “Bad Boy” Kiffin Gets Pulled Over By A Cop In New “Fansville” Dr. Pepper Commercial](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-bad-boy-kiffin-gets-pulled-over-by-a-cop-in-new-fansville-dr-pepper-commercial/) Fact or fiction? The Southeastern Conference just passed a new rule this week banning its member institutions from signing former NFL players, even though they’re in the NFL/NCAA Transfer Portal and ruled eligible to return by temporary restraining orders by judges regarding various lawsuits against the NCAA. The TROs freed players from all sports who began their college careers in 2022 and sued the NCAA for a fifth year of eligibility after the NCAA recently passed a new rule giving players five seasons in five years as opposed to four in five, but didn’t include the 2022 class. And, by definition, the players’ lawsuits were against the NCAA and all conferences, as conferences like the SEC operate under the NCAA umbrella. Therefore, the TRO lets those players return to play in college from the NFL, NBA or WNBA, despite the SEC’s new rule prohibiting that. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey’s rule banning league schools from signing NFL players from this week also includes various punishments, but since then Sankey has been named as a defendant in the players’ suits against the NCAA, which includes the SEC. So, he could be up for punishments as well, such as contempt of court. > One would think that being a former NCAA compliance guy at the SEC office, Greg Sankey would understand that the SEC is under the NCAA umbrella. And therefore, if the NCAA is under a restraining order, so is the SEC. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 27, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2093106147477655963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) So, Kiffin actually is following the judges’ “rule,” not the SEC rule that came after various judges’ rulings. That is why the two former NFL players he gained commitments from this week for 2026 remain as commitments – tight end De’Quan Wright of the Cleveland Browns as of last week and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, who was with the Saints in training camp this summer before being cut. > [SEC Eligibility Fight Raises a Bigger Question: What Defines a Pro?](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-eligibility-rule-define-pro-college-football/) And Kiffin may add a third former NFL player soon in Tampa Bay edge rusher Jack Pyburn, who remains on that NFL roster as of Friday going into the Bucs’ game at Jacksonville tonight. Pyburn, who played at LSU last season, has made six tackles with two sacks for the Bucs this preseason. Pyburn, one of the many class of 2022 plaintiffs in the eligibility lawsuit against the NCAA (and by definition the SEC) plans to return to LSU in accordance with the TRO as an NFL portal transfer. That is, if he is cut by Tampa Bay, which will cut down to 53 players by 5 p.m. Tuesday along with all other NFL teams. Pyburn’s intentions of a return to LSU appear in an amendment added Thursday to the lawsuit, according to documents received by the Baton Rouge Advocate. “Jack Pyburn has expressed his desire to return to college and plans to do if the Court allows and if Tampa Bay release him from his contractual obligations by Sept. 1, 2026 (Tuesday),” the amendment to the lawsuit states. “If allowed another year, Pyburn plans to return to LSU.” Pyburn signed with Tampa Bay on May 8 as an undrafted free agent. After transferring from Florida after the 2024 season, Pyburn (6-foot-4, 264) started 11 games for the Tigers last season. The Jacksonville, Florida, native made 52 tackles with 5.5 for losses, including two sacks, and he recovered a fumble. > [LSU Football Gains Commitment From 5th-Year Senior Edge Junior Tuihalamaka Of Notre Dame For This Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-gains-commitment-from-5th-year-senior-edge-junior-tuihalamaka-of-notre-dame-for-this-season/) Kiffin needs help on the defensive line as junior Gabriel Reliford is out for the season with an injury. Kiffin gained a commitment last week from Notre Dame senior edge rusher Junior Tuihalamaka, who is also in the lawsuit against the NCAA and the SEC. Unlike Pyburn, Wright and Harris, Tuihalamaka has not been with an NFL team. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Jack Pyburn, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers --- ### [SEC Eligibility Fight Raises a Bigger Question: What Defines a Pro?](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-eligibility-rule-define-pro-college-football/) **Published:** August 27, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** Define Pro: LSU, the SEC and College Football’s Eligibility Problem# Define Pro By Todd Horne | Vice President & Executive Editor, Tiger Rag Who’s ready for college football season? Nine days from now, No. 11 LSU opens the Lane Kiffin era against Clemson in Tiger Stadium. College GameDay will be in Baton Rouge for its 500th road show. The question is whether Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris will be there, too. Will they be watching on television or taking reps for LSU? As comedian Nate Bargatze would say, “Nobody knows.” At least not yet. On Monday, attorneys representing Wright, Harris and other members of the 2022 recruiting class return to a Baton Rouge courtroom seeking longer-term relief from the NCAA. In the meantime, the Southeastern Conference has erected another barrier: even if the players regain NCAA eligibility, the SEC says its members cannot put certain former professionals on their rosters. Which raises a question college athletics could have answered without hesitation six years ago. **What, exactly, is a professional athlete?** ## Start with what the SEC said Before adopting its policy Tuesday, SEC presidents and chancellors framed the issue in sweeping language: **“College athletes, not former professional athletes, have been at the heart of the Southeastern Conference.”** They argued that allowing athletes to return from professional sports would blur the college-professional boundary, create competitive-equity problems and take opportunities from current college and high school athletes. Then the conference converted the philosophy into a rule. The operative sentence begins: **“An SEC institution is not permitted to have an athlete on its roster who has”** crossed one of three specified lines. The policy covers athletes who fail to withdraw properly after entering the NFL, NBA or WNBA draft, sign contracts with the listed professional football or basketball organizations or affiliates, or appear on those professional rosters. Commissioner Greg Sankey is empowered to punish member institutions that violate the policy. And those consequences are no slap on the wrist. The approved penalty structure reportedly includes a half-season suspension for the head coach, a fine equal to 50 percent of the sport’s annual operating budget and loss of conference voting rights. LSU abstained from the penalty vote after the underlying policy passed unanimously. So this isn’t an academic exercise anymore. But look closely at what the SEC actually wrote. The policy does not determine how much money someone made professionally. It doesn’t ask whether he became an established NFL player. It doesn’t require a regular-season game. It doesn’t require a preseason game. A signed contract can be enough. Which brings us back to the word everybody keeps using as though it answers the question. *Pro.* They went pro. Fine. Define it. ## Six years changed the vocabulary Six years ago, the architecture was simple enough for almost anyone to understand. Professional athletes got paid to play. Professional athletes had agents. Professional athletes negotiated their economic worth. College athletes received scholarships and, with limited exceptions, endangered their eligibility if they crossed those lines. Try applying those definitions to college football in 2026. College athletes can be paid substantial sums because of the commercial value created by their athletic identity. They can use agents and marketing professionals for NIL activities. Their representatives negotiate contracts. Schools themselves can now provide direct financial benefits under the post-House settlement system. The NCAA’s own rulebook tells the story better than any philosophical argument about amateurism. Article 12 says an athlete receiving payment for athletics participation is considered professional **except when the governing legislation permits the payment.** It also expressly allows a professional athlete in one sport to represent an NCAA institution in a different sport. That is where the old definition breaks. Getting paid no longer answers the question. Having representation no longer answers it. Monetizing athletic fame no longer answers it. The system decides which forms of economic conduct it will permit and which ones cross the line. Professionalism has become, in significant part, a regulatory classification. And we don’t even need LSU to prove it. We can go to Arkansas. ## Arkansas already had a professional athlete playing SEC football Monte Harrison spent 10 seasons in professional baseball. He reached the majors with the Miami Marlins and Los Angeles Angels and appeared in 50 MLB games. Then he went to Arkansas and played college football. Not in 1957. In 2024 and 2025. Nobody had to pretend Harrison wasn’t a professional athlete. He unquestionably was. He had been drafted in the second round of the Major League Baseball Draft. He played 10 years professionally. He reached the highest professional level of his sport. And NCAA rules permitted him to play college football because his professional career occurred in a different sport. Of course, professional baseball followed by college football isn’t the same thing as NFL football followed by college football. That is precisely why the phrase *former professional athlete* is too imprecise to settle this debate. The SEC itself does not prohibit all former professional athletes. Its Aug. 25 policy names professional football and specific professional basketball leagues. It doesn’t say anyone who has ever earned money playing any professional sport is forever disqualified from SEC athletics. So the real argument is already narrower than the rhetoric. It isn’t: **Can a former professional athlete play in the SEC?** One already has. The real question is what kind of professional experience, in what sport and under what circumstances, should extinguish collegiate eligibility. And Texas gives us an even better test. ## Forget the accountant. Look at Texas. Cole Hutson played four seasons for Texas and believed his college eligibility was finished. He went through the NFL process. Hutson went undrafted and participated in rookie minicamps with both the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns. He stood inside NFL facilities, wore NFL equipment and competed for an NFL job. Then he regained another year of college eligibility and returned to Texas. He is expected to remain eligible under the SEC’s new policy. Why? Hutson never signed an NFL contract and did not make an NFL roster. Now put Hutson beside Harris. Hutson tried out with two NFL organizations. Harris signed with one. Hutson can play for Texas. The SEC says Harris cannot play for LSU. What separates them? Not the desire to become a professional football player. Both pursued the NFL. Not entering an NFL environment. Both did. Not believing their college careers were over. Both did. Not even NFL game experience. Harris never reached a preseason game. The crucial event is the contract. Hutson didn’t sign one. Harris did. That is far more useful than saying one is a college athlete and the other is a pro. The SEC has chosen the signature as one of its regulatory tripwires. And maybe that is exactly where the line should be. But now we know what we’re actually debating. **Why should the signature be transformative?** ## Look closely at Harris Zxavian Harris exhausted his eligibility at Ole Miss after the 2025 season under the rules then governing him. There was no fifth season available. The New Orleans Saints signed him May 7 as an undrafted free agent. Harris was recovering from foot surgery and was eventually placed on the active/non-football injury list. The Saints waived him Aug. 8, before New Orleans played its first preseason game. Was Harris a professional football player? Yes. No verbal gymnastics required. He signed a contract with an NFL franchise. He entered professional football. But that answers the easy question. The harder one is why his signature should permanently extinguish a college opportunity that did not exist when he signed. Harris did not have another Ole Miss season sitting on the table and choose the Saints instead. College football had told him he was finished. Then the rules changed. The NCAA adopted a new five-year eligibility model but applied it beginning with the 2023 class, leaving players who entered in 2022 on the outside after many had already exhausted their eligibility. Those athletes began suing. Courts started granting relief. In Baton Rouge, Judge William Jorden issued a temporary restraining order that allowed Harris, Wright and the other plaintiffs to regain enough eligibility status to enter the portal and pursue another season. Only after all of that did the additional college opportunity appear. Tiger Rag staff reporter Kace Kieschnick captured the chronology Thursday in his story on attorney Tony Clayton’s challenge to the SEC policy. Kiffin said the 2022 athletes **“did not know that they would have another year.”** That’s not rhetoric. It’s the calendar. Harris signed with the Saints because, under the rules then in force, college football was over. The Saints cut him. Then a judge opened a door that had not existed when Harris signed. And then the SEC closed it again. ## Wright pushes farther across the line Dae’Quan Wright presents a stronger case for the SEC. Philadelphia signed him as an undrafted free agent May 1. The Eagles waived him Aug. 10. Cleveland claimed him the next day, and Wright remained with the Browns until Aug. 24. He got far enough into the process to dress during the preseason. So we now have an actual continuum inside the SEC. **Cole Hutson:** two NFL rookie minicamps, no contract, back at Texas. **Zxavian Harris:** NFL contract, injured, cut before the Saints’ first preseason game, SEC says no LSU. **Dae’Quan Wright:** NFL contract, two organizations, preseason experience, SEC says no LSU. **Monte Harrison:** 10 years of professional baseball and 50 MLB games, then SEC football at Arkansas because his professional status was in another sport. If the word *pro* solved all of this, those four cases would not require four different answers. They do. Because the rules are not actually sorting human beings into two obvious species called *college athlete* and *professional athlete*. They’re sorting conduct. Draft decisions. Contracts. Roster status. Sport. Timing. And now court orders. ## LSU isn’t alone in exploiting the new eligibility landscape Another point is getting lost because Kiffin is the loudest character in the story. LSU did not invent the 2022-class eligibility problem. Texas brought Hutson back after he went through NFL tryouts and obtained another year. Arkansas added Caleb Wooden and Sean Williams while pursuing fifth-year eligibility for members of the same 2022 class. After an appellate ruling put their status in jeopardy, the two Razorbacks filed their own lawsuit against the NCAA seeking a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction. Neither is reported to fall under the SEC’s professional-contract prohibition, but their cases make the larger point: this eligibility fight is not some private LSU invention. Kentucky and Missouri were also reported to have explored players with professional-football experience as the new eligibility environment developed. Once courts began reopening eligibility for the 2022 class, SEC programs started examining the available talent. Of course they did. That’s what competitive organizations do when the rules create a new labor pool. Kiffin simply appears to have attacked the opportunity harder than anyone else. That probably helps explain why the SEC acted so quickly. This was not merely an attempt to stop two LSU players. The conference was trying to stop an emerging market before it became an established recruiting category. That is a much stronger explanation of the SEC’s position. ## Two different kinds of eligibility There is another piece readers need to understand. NCAA eligibility and SEC roster permission are not necessarily the same thing. The Baton Rouge litigation asks whether the NCAA can deny these players another year of eligibility. The SEC rule asks whether a member institution can place certain athletes on its roster even if NCAA eligibility exists. Those are separate layers of governance. It is therefore possible, at least in theory, for a court to prevent the NCAA from declaring Harris or Wright ineligible while the SEC still tells LSU: You cannot put him on your roster. That’s where this moves from eligibility into authority. The SEC’s argument is straightforward. LSU voluntarily belongs to the conference. Conference members agree to conference rules. The SEC can impose requirements more restrictive than the NCAA baseline and punish institutions that violate them. Clayton’s answer is equally direct. In [Kace Kieschnick’s Tiger Rag report](https://www.tigerrag.com/secs-ban-on-lsus-nfl-commitments-is-illegal-says-their-attorney-tony-clayton/), Clayton argues the Baton Rouge TRO extends to parties acting in concert with the NCAA and therefore reaches the SEC. > “We plan to address all this in court.” Clayton may win that argument. He may lose it. The SEC may establish that its rule is independently enforceable against its own members. A judge may decide the conference cannot use a new rule to produce the very result an injunction was designed to prevent. Nobody knows. There’s Bargatze again. But uncertainty about the outcome doesn’t make the question frivolous. It makes it litigation. ## The SEC’s strongest case The SEC has a legitimate problem to solve here, and pretending otherwise weakens the argument against its policy. Forget amateurism. That horse didn’t just leave the barn. Somebody sold the barn, securitized the naming rights and gave the horse an NIL agent. The SEC’s strongest case is structural. College football and the NFL remain different competitive systems. If unrestricted movement from NFL camps back into college football becomes normal, the consequences are easy to imagine. NFL cutdown day becomes another transfer window. College staffs track professional rosters for immediate reinforcements. Coaches leave roster spots open in August waiting to see which NFL players become available. Players spend the summer receiving NFL coaching and evaluation, get cut and appear on college rosters days later. That could become absurd very quickly. The SEC has every reason to prevent it. Its concern about opportunities for existing college athletes isn’t imaginary, either. Somebody loses the roster spot when an NFL cut arrives in late August. Those are real competitive and institutional interests. But the 2022 class creates a problem for a clean rule because these athletes did not knowingly choose professional football over an available college season. Harris is the easiest example. His eligibility expired. He signed with the Saints. The Saints released him before playing a preseason game. Then a court-created opportunity appeared. The SEC’s rule treats that chronology as irrelevant because the contract is dispositive. Perhaps administrative certainty requires exactly that. But then say so. Don’t tell me merely that he is a former professional athlete. Monte Harrison was a former professional athlete. Cole Hutson spent two NFL minicamps trying to become one. Zxavian Harris signed a contract and never reached a preseason game. Dae’Quan Wright reached the preseason. Four paths. Different regulatory outcomes. The word *pro* isn’t doing the work. The rule is. ## And that is the real question Six years ago, this column would have sounded ridiculous. What is a professional athlete? The guy who gets paid. Next question. Today the college player gets paid. He can have representation. He negotiates commercial value. His university can make direct payments to him. His market value can exceed that of the undrafted NFL player fighting for the 90th spot in training camp. And the NCAA still classifies him as a college athlete because those forms of compensation are permitted. Meanwhile, the SEC permits a Texas player who participated in two NFL rookie minicamps to return because he never signed a contract, while prohibiting an LSU player who signed with the Saints but was released before the Saints played a preseason game. Again, that may be the correct line. But the existence of the line is not its justification. Monday, lawyers will argue in Baton Rouge about how much protection the 2022 plaintiffs actually have. Nine days from now, Clemson will come through the visitors’ tunnel in Tiger Stadium. College GameDay will have packed away its set. Lane Kiffin will coach his first game at LSU. Maybe Wright and Harris will be suited up. Maybe they’ll be in the stands. Maybe they’ll be watching from home. Nobody knows. But we know enough now to stop pretending this can be resolved with three words. *They went pro.* Yes. They did. Now do the harder work. Explain why signing the contract changes everything when attending two NFL minicamps does not. Explain why one kind of previous professional career is permissible while another isn’t. Explain why the rule should apply to players whose additional college eligibility did not exist when they entered professional football. Explain the competitive interest. Explain the timing. Explain the conference’s authority. Then defend it in court if necessary. College athletics spent six years making the old definition obsolete. The SEC has every right to draw a new line. But before that line determines who can take the field in Tiger Stadium, the conference—and college sports generally—should be able to answer the question its own modern economy created. Define pro. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU athletics, LSU Football News **Tags:** Cole Hutson, College Football, College Football Eligibility, college sports law, Dae’Quan Wright, former professional athletes, greg sankey, lane kiffin, Monte Harrison, NCAA, NCAA eligibility lawsuit, NIL, Revenue Sharing, sec, SEC eligibility rule, sec football, Zxavian Harris --- ### [SEC Ban On LSU's NFL Commitments Illegal, Says Attorney, And Greg Sankey Added To Suit As Defendant](https://www.tigerrag.com/secs-ban-on-lsus-nfl-commitments-is-illegal-says-their-attorney-tony-clayton/) **Published:** August 27, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter The attorneys representing LSU commitments Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris along with 31 other class of 2022 athletes in their lawsuit against the NCAA are moving forward with their injunction despite the Southeastern Conference’s new rule preventing former pros from playing for SEC schools. The former collegiate athletes, along with many others around the country, are seeking an injunction for a fifth season of eligibility as part of the NCAA’s new five-year, age-based eligibility model retroactive to the 2023 class, excluding the 2022 class. Baton Rouge Judge William Jorden granted the plaintiffs a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the NCAA to restore their eligibility last week. That allowed them to enter the transfer portal and come back to college sports – even after signing a professional contract. That TRO is set to expire on Saturday, and a hearing in the case is scheduled for Monday in Baton Rouge. Baton Rouge attorney Tony Clayton, who is assisting the players while also representing LSU basketball signee and former NBA player RJ Luis in a separate eligibility suit against the NCAA, told Tiger Rag Thursday that the SEC’s policy “flat-out” breaks Louisiana law. “SEC schools, by operational law, are derivatives of the NCAA,” Clayton, a Cum Laude graduate of Southern University’s law school in Baton Rouge, said. “They are the NCAA, so if the NCAA is prohibited from taking any punitive action against these young players (via temporary restraining orders), then the SEC is, too.” **STORY UPDATE STARTS HERE:** And later Thursday, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey was added to the players’ lawsuit as a defendant by name against the NCAA and, by definition, also against the SEC, which is under the NCAA umbrella. The players are now suing Sankey, too, according to a court filing late Thursday, as reported by the Baton Rouge Advocate. The athletes’ lawsuit is scheduled for a hearing on Monday to determined whether they will receive a preliminary injunction against the NCAA and, now, the SEC. The SEC ban this week came with punishments. Team that sign an ex-pro will face a half-season-long suspension of the head coach and a fine of 50 percent of the team’s annual operating budget. The school will also lose its voting privileges in SEC decisions. Wright committed to LSU football coach Lane Kiffin on Sunday. Harris committed on Monday. They each played for Kiffin last season at Ole Miss. Each entered the 2026 NFL Draft, but neither was selected and signed with pro teams as undrafted free agents. Wright was released by the Philadelphia Eagles before signing with the Cleveland Browns, and he dressed out as a Brown for a preseason game last weekend. Harris was cut after a brief stay with the Saints in training camp this summer. > [SEC’s New “Lane Kiffin Rule” To Feature Strict Punishments For Signing Players From The NFL](https://www.tigerrag.com/secs-lane-kiffin-rule-to-feature-strict-punishments-for-signing-players-from-the-nfl/) The TRO issued by Judge Jorden, however, blocks any SEC ban or punishments, because the restraining order restricts the NCAA’s “officers, agents. employees, representatives, successors, assigns and all persons acting in concert or participation with it” from preventing the plaintiffs from playing this season. Clayton’s assertion is that the SEC is included in that categorization, because the SEC and all conferences reside under the NCAA umbrella and always have. [A Texas judge went as far as to explicitly name the SEC as one of those associated actors in an eligibility ruling for former NBA player Bryson Warren.](https://www.tigerrag.com/texas-judge-ruling-takes-aim-at-secs-efforts-to-block-lane-kiffin-from-keeping-his-2-committed-nfl-players/) “We plan to address all this in court,” Clayton said. “The SEC and the commissioners can do whatever they want to do, but they have to abide by the rules of Louisiana courtrooms.” Clayton said that SEC commissioner Greg Sankey and other conference officials cannot retroactively create a policy to circumvent the ruling of a state court. He went as far as to argue that Sankey should be brought to Baton Rouge to be possibly held for contempt of court. “Why doesn’t he come down here to Louisiana and explain to a judge how he can overrule a judge’s injunction? That’s the craziest thing I’ve seen in quite some time,” Clayton said. “I don’t know the commissioner. I’ve never met him, don’t care to meet him, but he needs to follow the rules of the courts here in Louisiana.” > [SEC Eligibility Rule Raises Bigger Question: Authority](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-eligibility-rule-lsu-authority-legal-challenge/) The athletes’ representatives believe their clients are entitled to the same fifth season of eligibility that the NCAA has decided to offer to all student-athletes moving forward, beginning with the class of 2023. Since the class of 2022 was excluded from the five-for-five model passed this summer, decisions on their professional future were made well before they knew the possibility of another season of eligibility was available. “You can’t deprive these young athletes who would have stayed in college, but for you not having this rule in effect,” Clayton said. “It’s now in effect. They have a right to take advantage of it.” Kiffin made a similar comment on Monday at a press conference, speaking in general terms about all college players from the class of 2022 suing for their fifth year under the new NCAA rule. “They were granted a fifth year by a judge (multiple judges actually), saying that they were wronged by the NCAA,” Kiffin said. “And they should have had the fifth year all along like all the kids moving forward will have a fifth year (with the new NCAA rule). These athletes in all sports have started to win injunctions around the country to get that. This is a very unique circumstance. Judges ruled that these players should have been eligible for a fifth year. Had they known that, they would’ve stayed. They did not know that they would have another year. They’re just going to play the year that they’ve been granted.” Clayton said they plan to seek a more permanent injunction for the players to compete in 2026-27 in Monday’s hearing, and he believes whatever ruling is made will bypass any conference rules. Ultimately, Clayton anticipates a favorable result. “I think we have a strong case to put forth as to why these young folks ought to have their opportunity to enhance their education and better themselves and play ball on the collegiate level,” he said. *(Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau contributed to this report.)* **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Dae'quan Wright, greg sankey, lane kiffin, lsu football, sec, Tony Clayton, Zxavian Harris --- ### [LSU Football Recruiting Target Jalen Brewster Reaffirms Commitment To Texas Tech, And Ends All Recruitment](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-recruiting-target-jalen-brewster-reaffirms-commitment-to-texas-tech-and-ends-all-recruitment/) **Published:** August 27, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU coach Lane Kiffin tried, but apparently he is not going to get the No. 1 high school prospect in all the land for his 2027 recruiting class. Defensive tackle Jalen Brewster, whom 247sports.com and On3.com recruiting websites rank as the top prep player in the nation, has ended his recruitment and will stick to his commitment of Oct. 4 last year to Texas Tech, according to On3.com. Brewster (6-foot-3, 302 pounds), who is from Cedar Hill High in Cedar Hill, Texas, in the Dallas area, visited LSU on May 29, Florida on June 11, Indiana on April 24 and Miami on April 29, among others. Throughout the summer, Kiffin was seen as the favorite to flip Brewster to LSU. [LSU FOOTBALL CLASS OF 2027](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2027-football/commits/) Kiffin still has the 10th ranked class in the nation by 247sports.com for 2027 with 16 commitments. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Jalen Brewster, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Texas Tech --- ### [LSU Football: Cornerback PJ Woodland Enjoying His View Of Newbies Lane Kiffin And Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-cornerback-pj-woodland-enjoying-his-view-of-newbies-lane-kiffin-and-sam-leavitt/) **Published:** August 27, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor PJ Woodland has seen a lot of new LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt. Mainly because Woodland plays cornerback for the Tigers and remains with the first team after starting all 13 games last season after playing in 13 and starting two in his freshman season in 2024. Woodland has allowed one touchdown pass in two seasons. He didn’t say how many Leavitt has thrown off him in the two scrimmages the Tigers have had so far in camp, but he clearly likes what he sees from the junior transfer from Arizona State. “Sam is an excellent quarterback,” said Woodland, who was eighth in the Southeastern Conference last season with 11 passes defended while also intercepting two passes. “He does little things well – looking off and throwing the ball, or just flicking the ball sometimes.” > [LSU’s Blake Baker Pulled Against Skip Bertman When He Was At Tulane, But He’s Been Wearing The Right Hat Lately](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-blake-baker-pulled-against-skip-bertman-when-he-was-at-tulane-but-hes-been-wearing-the-right-hat-lately/) Woodland also likes new coach Lane Kiffin’s approach, which includes some trash talking. “Specifically for me, I’m not much of a trash talker,” Woodland said. “I just go out there and play my game. But coach Kiffin, he’ll be like, ‘Hey, we’re coming after you today.’ So, he just has a competitive edge. He just wants the best out of me.” Woodland has been impressed by a new leader on defense as well – transfer senior safety Ty Benefield of Boise State. “Ty – that’s the quarterback of the defense,” he said. “He’s always talking, communicating, helping the defense. He’s an excellent player.” No. 11 LSU opens the season a week from Saturday against No. 23 Clemson in Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC). “We have a lot of structure on defense,” Woodland said of defensive coordinator Blake Baker, secondary coach Corey Raymond and safeties coach Jake Olsen all back for their third consecutive seasons at LSU. “We’re all very familiar with our defense,” he said. “The next step for us is finishing.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, PJ Woodland, Sam Leavitt --- ### [Texas Judge Ruling Takes Aim At SEC's Efforts To Block Lane Kiffin From Keeping His 2 Committed NFL Players](https://www.tigerrag.com/texas-judge-ruling-takes-aim-at-secs-efforts-to-block-lane-kiffin-from-keeping-his-2-committed-nfl-players/) **Published:** August 27, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter The Southeastern Conference is trying to slam the door shut on former professionals returning to college, but a Texas judge could be handing athletes and their lawyers a new key. The SEC announced a new policy on Tuesday designed to stop member schools from signing athletes who signed with NFL, NBA and WNBA teams a day after LSU football coach Lane Kiffin gained a commitment from his second player fresh off an NFL roster. Last Sunday, Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright committed to LSU just after being cut by the Browns, and former Saints defensive tackle Zxavian Harris committed on Monday after the Saints cut him earlier this month. The SEC also said that teams that violate this rule face a fine of 50 percent of the annual operating budget of the sport with a pro player, a half season suspension for the head coach and a revocation of SEC voting rights. > [SEC’s New “Lane Kiffin Rule” To Feature Strict Punishments For Signing Players From The NFL](https://www.tigerrag.com/secs-lane-kiffin-rule-to-feature-strict-punishments-for-signing-players-from-the-nfl/) The Big Ten and Big 12 have approved similar policies barring former pros from coming back to school to play. The rare united effort across college sports comes after LSU became the first to tap the new “NFL” Transfer Portal. Wright and Harris both had signed with NFL teams, but they were granted college eligibility via a temporary restraining order (TRO) by Baton Rouge judge William Jorden, allowing them to return to college under the NCAA’s new five-year eligibility model that was for athletes from the class of 2023. Jorden’s TRO is one many granted to class of 2022 players who have sued the NCAA seeking a fifth year, but it is the only one that grants eligibility to athletes who played in and signed contracts with professional leagues. Another Baton Rouge judge, Ronald Johnson, also granted LSU basketball signee RJ Luis a preliminary injunction for eligibility after he signed with two NBA teams and wanted to return to college – against NCAA rules. Those legal wins for the players were wiped out by the SEC’s rule, but questions remain on whether the rulings could be extended to the conference level. > [TODD HORNE: Don’t Blame Lane Kiffin for the NCAA’s Eligibility Mess](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-ncaa-eligibility-mess/) Texas Judge John Brick answered those questions in his court on Wednesday. Brick granted Texas A&M basketball signee Bryson Warren a TRO against the NCAA and notably mentioned any of its member conferences, including the SEC, in his ruling, which was obtained by Boise State Associate Professor Sam C. Ehrlich. Warren’s case is not another five-for-five lawsuit. The 21-year-old never played college basketball, instead opting to go straight to pro competition. After time in the Overtime Elite league, he played three seasons in the NBA G League, appearing in 72 games from 2023-2026. Now, Warren is eligible to participate in team activities until his hearing scheduled for Sept. 4. > This lawsuit — filed just this morning by a former G-League athlete — is going to be fascinating. I was just going through the granted TRO and noticed this little nugget… > > Does it apply to the SEC's new rule? Can it apply to this new rule? I guess we'll see! [pic.twitter.com/w0FxNgSPFf](https://t.co/w0FxNgSPFf) > > — Sam C. Ehrlich (@samcehrlich) [August 26, 2026](https://x.com/samcehrlich/status/2092702846198399099?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The situation is different than the ones affecting Kiffin’s two NFL commitments, but the underlying precedent is what is most important. If conferences like the SEC are considered “entities acting in active concert or participation with” the NCAA, then any injunctions or TROs issued against the NCAA can also restrain the new rules passed by the SEC, Big Ten and Big 12. Obviously, all conferences like the SEC and others are part of the NCAA umbrella. A hearing in the case that includes Wright, Harris and 31 other class of 2022 athletes is scheduled for Monday. If Judge Jorden decides to rule in their favor and apply that ruling to the SEC, as Judge Brick did, Wright, Harris and any other ex-pros in the case could win eligibility this season. And they would not have to file separate lawsuits versus the SEC. The same could be said for Luis, although his follow-up hearing date to his injunction ruling last week has not yet been set. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, LSU Football News, Men's Basketball **Tags:** lsu basketball, lsu football, sec, texas A&M --- ### [SEC Eligibility Rule Raises Bigger Question: Authority](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-eligibility-rule-lsu-authority-legal-challenge/) **Published:** August 27, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** Todd Horne Column # Authority The SEC can write the rule and enforce it inside the conference. The harder question is what happens when that authority reaches the courthouse. By **Todd Horne** | Vice President & Executive Editor, Tiger Rag Ten minutes before we went on the air Tuesday night, the SEC rendered about 20 pages of my notes mostly useless. I had spent much of the day preparing for what had already become one of the strangest eligibility disputes in the history of college athletics. Federal and state judges were issuing competing rulings. LSU was preparing to add former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris. R.J. Luis Jr. had just won a preliminary injunction in Baton Rouge allowing him to continue his college basketball career despite signing professional contracts. The NCAA was fighting lawsuits across the country over athletes from the 2022 class who had exhausted their eligibility just before the organization changed its rules. Then the SEC issued its policy. If an athlete had declared for the NFL, NBA or WNBA draft and failed to properly withdraw, signed a contract with an NFL, NBA, G League or WNBA team, or appeared on one of those professional rosters, that athlete could not compete at an SEC school. Commissioner Greg Sankey was given enforcement authority against member institutions that violated the policy. [\[AP\]](https://apnews.com/article/f2a4b95071d634c22ffba31a56224085) So much for the outline. Ten minutes later, we went live on Tiger Rag Radio, and the question changed. Not whether former professionals should be allowed to return to college. I understand the SEC’s position. Frankly, I’m sympathetic to it. The question was simpler. What authority does the SEC actually have? That question requires a better answer than I gave it Tuesday night. The SEC unquestionably has organizational authority. Its 16 universities voluntarily belong to the conference, agree to conference rules and delegate substantial enforcement power to the commissioner. If the presidents and chancellors tell Sankey he can penalize a member that violates an SEC policy, that authority is real inside the organization. But organizational authority is not the same thing as legal supremacy. The SEC is not a legislature. It is not a court. It does not write Louisiana law, Texas law or federal law. Its rules exist inside a larger legal system, and when those rules collide with rights recognized by a court, the conference does not get to settle the conflict merely by announcing that its rule wins. That is where this gets complicated. And where the chronology matters. Take the 2022 football class. Those players entered college under the old eligibility structure. When the 2025 season ended, players who had used their fourth season were finished. Their college careers were over. Then, on June 23, the NCAA approved its new age-based eligibility system, commonly described as a five-for-five model. But the transition rules specifically excluded athletes who had already used their final season during 2025-26. They received no additional eligibility. [\[NCAA\]](https://www.ncaa.org/division-i-adopts-age-based-eligibility-model/) The door had closed before the rule changed. That matters because players made decisions based upon the rules that existed when they had to make them. Wright went to the NFL. Harris went to the NFL. Others from the same class may have taken accounting jobs, entered banking, started engineering careers or simply begun whatever came next. At that moment, none of them had the option of saying, “I think I’ll play another year of college football.” There was no another year. Then courts began reopening the door. A Louisiana court temporarily restored eligibility to members of that class, creating the possibility that some athletes who had already moved into professional football could return to college. LSU did what any program competing for championships would be expected to do: it looked at the available players and tried to improve its roster. [\[Reuters\]](https://www.reuters.com/sports/lsus-lane-kiffin-defends-adding-nfl-players-who-want-5th-ncaa-season--flm-2026-08-24/) The SEC responded by drawing another line. If you left college and became an accountant, the conference’s new professional-athlete prohibition does not apply to you. If you left the same day because your eligibility was exhausted, went to NFL camp and were later waived, it does. Same original eligibility problem. Same rule change. Same class. Different employment decision. That is the vulnerability in the SEC’s position. The easy response is: You turned professional. Tough luck. I understand it. I said essentially the same thing on the radio. There is something fundamentally strange about watching someone participate in an NFL training camp in August and potentially run out of the Tiger Stadium tunnel as a college player weeks later. It feels wrong. But “it feels wrong” is not much of a legal argument. The athletes are not asking courts to preserve amateurism. College athletics largely abandoned that vocabulary itself when schools began directly sharing millions of dollars in revenue with players and roster compensation climbed into the tens of millions. They are asking whether rules governing access to an extraordinarily valuable economic opportunity can be applied in a way that treats similarly situated athletes differently because one sought employment in professional sports after being told his college eligibility had ended. That is where antitrust enters the conversation. I went too far Tuesday night when I said the discrepancy itself was essentially an antitrust violation. It isn’t that simple. An antitrust plaintiff would have to establish far more, beginning with a relevant market—likely some version of the labor market for elite college athletic services in which major programs compete for the same athletes—and then show that the challenged restraint materially suppresses competition in that market. That is not automatic. Neither is coordination. The SEC and Big Ten adopting similar restrictions does not by itself prove an illegal agreement. Competing conferences can independently arrive at the same policy without violating antitrust law. But if competing conferences coordinate restrictions that substantially limit where a class of athletes may sell its services, the legal question becomes much more serious. Conference autonomy does not provide an antitrust shield simply because the restraint was adopted through conference governance. Internal rules remain subject to external law when their practical effect reaches beyond the organization and into a competitive labor market. And the economic stakes are no longer theoretical. College football players at the highest level can now earn hundreds of thousands—and in some cases millions—of dollars through direct revenue sharing and other compensation. Preventing someone from competing is no longer merely denying him another autumn of college football. It can mean denying him a very substantial earning opportunity. That changes the legal temperature. The courts are already showing how unstable the landscape remains. On Wednesday, Texas A&M basketball guard Bryson Warren, who previously played in the NBA G League, received a temporary restraining order against the NCAA allowing him to resume team activities until a Sept. 4 hearing. That ruling does not mean Warren ultimately wins. A temporary restraining order is exactly what the name says it is: temporary. But it is another example of a judge being willing to intervene before the governing organizations finish deciding the matter themselves. [\[On3\]](https://www.on3.com/news/report-texas-am-guard-bryson-warren-granted-eligibility-after-court-victory-vs-ncaa/) The NCAA has won elsewhere. The 10th Circuit recently stayed a broader federal ruling that had favored athletes challenging the eligibility structure. These cases are not moving uniformly in one direction. Which is precisely the problem. Nobody currently possesses the kind of undisputed authority professional leagues take for granted. The NFL has a collective bargaining agreement. It has a players association. It has collectively bargained rules and enforcement mechanisms operating inside a mature professional labor structure. College athletics has conferences, the NCAA, state legislatures, Congress, federal judges, state judges, settlement agreements, institutional policies and increasingly well-compensated athletes, all overlapping one another without a single governing structure capable of settling the argument for everybody. That is why Greg Sankey can possess broad authority from 16 SEC presidents and still find the boundaries of that authority tested in a courthouse. It is also why LSU’s position is more complicated than simply choosing between Lane Kiffin and the conference. LSU is an SEC member. Wade Rousse participated in the process that produced the policy. The university has obligations to the conference it voluntarily belongs to. But LSU is also a Louisiana public institution. If a court with jurisdiction issues an order governing an athlete’s eligibility or restricting enforcement against him, LSU cannot pretend the judicial system is merely another opinion in the room. The eventual answer may favor the SEC. A judge may decide that former professionals are differently situated and that the conference’s restriction is lawful. An appellate court may reverse one of these athlete-friendly orders. Congress may eventually provide the national structure college sports has spent years asking for. All of that is possible. But the SEC cannot create the final answer simply by asserting it. That is what fascinated me Tuesday night after the press release blew up the notes sitting in front of me. The SEC was trying to restore order. I understand why. College sports desperately needs order. But order and authority are not synonymous. A conference can write a rule. Its presidents can approve it unanimously. A commissioner can enforce it. Schools can agree to live by it. And then somebody can walk into a courthouse and ask whether that rule may legally be applied to him. At that point, the conference’s authority is no longer being measured in Birmingham. It is being tested against an authority outside Birmingham’s control. That is the part college sports still has not solved. The NCAA has learned it repeatedly. The conferences are beginning to learn it now. Authority is not self-validating because an institution announces that it possesses it. In the end, authority is what survives when somebody with standing challenges it. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU athletics, LSU Football News **Tags:** antitrust law, athlete eligibility, college athlete compensation, college athletics, College Football, College Football Eligibility, college sports governance, college sports law, Dae’Quan Wright, former NFL players, greg sankey, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, NCAA, NCAA eligibility lawsuit, NCAA Football, sec, SEC authority, SEC eligibility rule, Southeastern Conference, Tiger Rag, transfer eligibility, Zxavian Harris --- ### [Lane "Bad Boy" Kiffin Gets Pulled Over By A Cop In New "Fansville" Dr. Pepper Commercial](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-bad-boy-kiffin-gets-pulled-over-by-a-cop-in-new-fansville-dr-pepper-commercial/) **Published:** August 27, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor If you can’t beat the image, join it. LSU football coach Lane Kiffin embraces his villain role in a new Dr. Pepper “Fansville” commercial set to air this football season and leading up to it. In the ninth year of the fictional college football town called “Fansville” in the Dr. Pepper commercials, Kiffin is pulled over while driving a red sports car in front of a “State College” stadium by Brian Bosworth, the former Oklahoma Sooner star linebacker who has played a town sheriff in the commercials. “There’s a new bad boy in town,” the narrator of the commercial says as Kiffin is shown speaking from his car to Bosworth. “Not really known for following the rules,” Kiffin says. There are no former NFL players in the car with Kiffin being transported to LSU through the portal, though that would have been funny. > [SEC’s New “Lane Kiffin Rule” To Feature Strict Punishments For Signing Players From The NFL](https://www.tigerrag.com/secs-lane-kiffin-rule-to-feature-strict-punishments-for-signing-players-from-the-nfl/) Kiffin just inspired the Southeastern Conference to come up with punishments for its member coaches signing players freshly cut from NFL, NBA and WNBA teams via recent judges’ rulings for athletes from the class of 2022 suing the NCAA for eligibility. The NCAA’s recent new rule allowing athletes to play five seasons in five years – instead of four in five – starts with athletes who began their college careers in 2023, skipping 2022 players. > [It’s Happening! Lane Kiffin Expands His Portal Empire To NFL With Browns’ TE Dae’Quan Wright LSU Bound](https://www.tigerrag.com/its-happening-lane-kiffin-expands-his-portal-empire-to-the-nfl-with-browns-te-daequan-wright-to-be-a-tiger/) Former Cleveland Browns tight end Daa’Quan Wright, who dressed out for a preseason game just last Saturday, cleared waivers after being cut by the Browns and committed to LSU this week. He had entered the portal last Thursday and is the first player in college football history to transfer back to school from the NFL. Kiffin also gained a commitment on Monday from [defensive tackle Zxavian Harris](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-nfl-portal-pops-on-with-ex-saint-dt-zxavian-harris-lsu-bound-and-possibly-more/), who was with the Saints during training camp this month before getting cut and entering the portal on Aug. 19. Both Wright and Harris played for Kiffin at Ole Miss during the 2025 regular season before Kiffin left to become LSU’s head coach. Kiffin has somewhat cultivated a bad boy image since he first became a college head coach at Tennessee during the 2009 season and was reprimanded by the NCAA in 2011 for making impermissible phone calls to recruits. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Brian Bosworth, Fansville, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Soccer Opens Road Trip At Arizona State Tonight Before Arizona On Sunday](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-soccer-opens-road-trip-at-arizona-state-tonight-before-arizona-on-sunday/) **Published:** August 27, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The LSU soccer team plays at Arizona State on Thursday at 9 p.m. central time on ESPN+ in Tempe. After Arizona State (2-0-1), the Tigers (1-3) play at Arizona (2-1) in Tucson at noon central time. The Tigers are coming off back-to-back losses at home to Central Florida, 2-1, and Florida Gulf Coast, 3-2. Arizona State is coming off wins over New Mexico State and Buffalo and a tie with Texas. Senior forward [Ava Galligan](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/ava-galligan) has been a bright spot for LSU as she leads the team with two goals so far. [Live stats](https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=663283) and [streaming](https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/02f4c5aa-ee17-4264-8d19-b40cb259a94e) links are also available [here](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/schedule). LSU has met ASU in soccer twic previously with the Sun Devils holding a 2-1 advantage, including a 5-2 win at LSU in 2024. Arizona State is led by returning standouts Kierra Blundell and Miki Hayashi. LSU next plays at home on Thursday, Sept. 3, against Baylor. Stay up to date with all things LSU Soccer by following our team’s social media channels @LSUsoccer on[ ](https://www.instagram.com/lsugym/?hl=en)[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/lsusoccer/?hl=en), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/LSUSoccer) and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/lsusoccer). **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Soccer **Tags:** Arizona State, Arizona Wildcats, Ava Galligan, lsu, lsu soccer, LSU Tigers --- ### [Lane Kiffin Always "Different" And An "Acquired Taste," Says Writer Who Covered Him Since Tennessee Days](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-always-different-and-an-acquired-taste-says-writer-who-covered-him-since-tennessee-days/) **Published:** August 26, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor When On3.com columnist Chris Low first met Lane Kiffin, Tennessee had just hired him as head coach after the 2008 season to replace Phillip Fulmer – Tennessee’s last coach to win a national championship in the 1998 season. Kiffin was just 33 years old at the time after getting fired by the Oakland Raiders as head coach after a 1-3 start in 2008 following a 4-12 season the previous year. Fulmer had just had his second losing season in four years in 2008. Kiffin went 7-6 and 4-4 in the Southeastern Conference with the Volunteers in 2009, which was seen as a solid season. But then he bolted for the head coaching job at USC, where he had been an assistant for six seasons and had risen to offensive coordinator under Pete Carroll. It was Los Angeles over Knoxville. But he got fired there in the 2013 season, and he resurfaced as Alabama’s offensive coordinator for three very successful seasons under Nick Saban with a national title in the 2015 season. Then he was a successful head coach at Florida Atlantic from 2017-19 and at Ole Miss from 2020-25 before landing at LSU. “He was sort of a bull in a china shop,” Low said on Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night of Kiffin’s time at Tennessee. “I think he still is, but I think he’s been able to reign in some of the things that were his undoing in his personal life. And he’ll tell you that.” ***Listen to Chris Low’s complete interview on Lane Kiffin on Tiger Rag Radio by hitting the white arrow in the red box below:*** Kiffin has stayed away from alcohol since 2020 and is much healthier as he took up yoga at about the same time. “He’s sober now, and that’s made a big difference with him,” Low said. “Lane is one of those guys, and I don’t mean this in a good or bad way, but he’s willing to do whatever it takes to win at the highest level. He’s 1,000 percent committed to winning and winning big.” Kiffin, 51, opens the 2026 season with his No. 11 Tigers against No. 23 Clemson on Sept. 5 at Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC). “And he’s going to blow hot and cold,” Low said. “He’s going to be one of those guys who’s very much an acquired taste. Some people never acquire that. But he has a way of rallying teams and rallying players. Almost all the guys I talked to who played for him at Tennessee, and who played for him at Florida Atlantic and at Ole Miss, they like playing for him. They enjoy his swag, the way he goes at it.” Not all coaches have enjoyed working for him, though. “Some of them swear by him. Some of them swear at him,” Low said. “But he is unabashedly who he is. And that’s never going to change.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, Uncategorized **Tags:** Chris Low, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Tennessee Volunteers --- ### [SEC's New "Lane Kiffin Rule" To Feature Strict Punishments For Signing Players From The NFL](https://www.tigerrag.com/secs-lane-kiffin-rule-to-feature-strict-punishments-for-signing-players-from-the-nfl/) **Published:** August 26, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU football coach Lane Kiffin continues to be Public Enemy No. 1 in the eyes of the Southeastern Conference and many in the national media and college football fans in general. Although, he seems to be just following the rules set by judges via injunctions and/or temporary restraining orders in recruiting players through the NCAA Transfer Portal. And he seems to be trying to adhere to the NCAA and SEC rules – or lack thereof, which perhaps is why so many lawyers and judges have been involved. “In general, should NFL players come back to college? That answer would be no,” Kiffin said last Monday when asked “how comfortable” he is “with NFL players coming back to college?” But the day before, Kiffin had just received the first commitment in college football history from a sitting NFL player to return to college. That was Cleveland Browns tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who dressed out for a Browns’ preseason game last Saturday, but had entered the NCAA Transfer Portal the previous Wednesday and committed to Kiffin on Sunday. Wright (6-foot-3, 246 pounds) is listed on LSU’s portal class by 247sports.com along with the other 40-plus portal players Kiffin signed last January. So is defensive tackle [Zxavian Harris (6-7, 330), who was cut by the New Orleans Saints recently and committed to Kiffin on Monday.](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-nfl-portal-pops-on-with-ex-saint-dt-zxavian-harris-lsu-bound-and-possibly-more/) > [It’s Happening! Lane Kiffin Expands His Portal Empire To NFL With Browns’ TE Dae’Quan Wright LSU Bound](https://www.tigerrag.com/its-happening-lane-kiffin-expands-his-portal-empire-to-the-nfl-with-browns-te-daequan-wright-to-be-a-tiger/) Both Wright and Harris played for Kiffin last season at Ole Miss as seniors. “I think every circumstance should be looked at differently,” Kiffin continued on the subject of NFL players going back to college football. “This is a very unique circumstance. Judges ruled that these players should have been eligible for a fifth year. Had they known that, they would’ve stayed (off NFL teams after not being drafted, or not entered the draft to begin with). They did not know they had a year. They’re just going back to play the year they they’ve been granted.” And when Kiffin looked at the NCAA Transfer Portal last week, both Wright and Harris were in the portal after receiving that fifth-year of eligibility for 2026 via a temporary restraining order ruling by East Baton Rouge Parish 19th District Court Judge William Jorden. Wright, Harris and a host of other players in all sports around the country who began their college careers in 2022 have sued the NCAA over its new rule giving five seasons of athletics in five years instead of four, but beginning in 2023. Hence, the 2022 players’ legal action that led to the temporary restraining order by Jorden. Other judges around the country have made similar rulings in reaction to the same lawsuit by other 2022 players. “Through them winning their injunctions and entering into the portal, they’re available to recruit,” Kiffin said Monday. “So, we’re recruiting them. At the end of the day, they’re either going to play for you or for someone else around the country. So, we’ve made the decision to recruit them, like probably most people are.” But as of now on Wednesday, the Big Ten and SEC have added new rules against its member schools signing NFL players, regardless of the circumstances, or various judges’ rulings. And news leaked Wednesday that the SEC office has released a list of stringent penalties against Kiffin, or other league coaches signing NFL, NBA or WNBA players. The league presidents voted 15-0 on Wednesday to confirm the following penalties, with one of the 16 SEC schools abstaining. That was LSU. > Sources: In the formal SEC presidents vote today to confirm the penalties in the legislation involving banning of NFL players, there ended up being a 15-0 vote. LSU abstained from voting. There was an initial vote of 16-0 on Tuesday. [pic.twitter.com/YXFp5dddCj](https://t.co/YXFp5dddCj) > > — Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) [August 26, 2026](https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/2092681115689508887?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Those penalties follow: ***-The head coach would be suspended for half of their team’s season.*** ***-The school would be issued a financial fine that would equal 50 percent of the entire budget of the sport team involved.*** ***-The school would have its vote on SEC business matters revoked.*** ***-And SEC commissioner Greg Sankey would maintain the “latitude to apply other sanctions” to the guilty school.*** The Big Ten has similar penalties as the SEC, and the Atlantic Coast Conference and Big 12 are moving in similar directions. Kiffin has not yet commented on the SEC’s new rules and punishments concerning him. Meanwhile, Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken has apologized for incorrectly claiming over the weekend that Kiffin called him about Dae’Quan Wright. > [Lane Kiffin Targets Ex-Ole Miss TE Dae’Quan Wright Of Cleveland Browns; Jack Pyburn In NFL-Portal Limbo](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-targets-ex-ole-miss-te-daequan-wright-of-cleveland-browns-jack-pyburn-in-nfl-portal-limbo/) Monken was asked about Wright in a postgame press conference on Saturday. He corrected himself on Tuesday. > NEW: Browns HC Todd Monken clarifies he was WRONG by saying Lane Kiffin called him: > > “I should’ve followed through with it.” > > “That’s on me. Should not have thrown someone’s name out there without following through with it.” 😳 [pic.twitter.com/wz9iW3MQLw](https://t.co/wz9iW3MQLw) > > — College Transfer Portal (@CollegeFBPortal) [August 25, 2026](https://x.com/CollegeFBPortal/status/2092373017477497111?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** greg sankey, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Southeastern Conference --- ### [LSU Edge Rusher Dylan Carpenter Wants To Pick Up Where He Left Off Last Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-edge-rusher-dylan-carpenter-wants-to-pick-up-where-he-left-off-last-season/) **Published:** August 26, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter While transfer edge rushers Princewill Umanmielen and Jordan Ross and five-star freshman Lamar Brown make headlines in a new-look defensive end room, one familiar face could also play a significant role. Redshirt junior Dylan Carpenter is coming off his most productive season as a Tiger. He played in 10 games as a rotational defensive end in 2025 and made total 10 tackles with two sacks. In addition to Umanmielen and Ross, LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker welcomed Sterling Lucas as the new defensive line coach and Lou Spanos as pass rush specialist. Lucas spent the last four seasons coaching South Carolina’s edge rushers, and Spanos was a defensive analyst under coach Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss the last three seasons with 21 years of NFL coaching experience before that. Carpenter said their guidance has helped him refine his technique, while new head strength and conditioning coach Nick Savage has helped him get in the best shape of his career. “This is like the best, conditioning-wise, I’ve been in a long time,” he said. “I feel stronger than ever; I feel faster than ever, and they really prepped us very well to go into the season with a lot of confidence in ourselves.” > [\#LSU](https://x.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Blake Baker had high praise for redshirt junior edge Dylan Carpenter Friday. > > “Dylan Carpenter is a guy that has absolutely been outstanding… I can’t be more complimentary to him and Lamar Brown” > > The St. Amant, La. native has running with the 2nd team with Brown. [pic.twitter.com/ipUYfx8GVA](https://t.co/ipUYfx8GVA) > > — Tripp Buhler (@TrippBuhler) [August 19, 2026](https://x.com/TrippBuhler/status/2089892585649447241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) And Carpenter is not just learning from the coaching staff. In his time as a Tiger since 2024, he has played behind veteran defensive ends like Jack Pyburn, Bradyn Swinson, Saivion Jones and Masson Smith. “Last year, I just really focused on watching the older guys, see how they do it,” Carpenter said. “They’ve been around. They had a lot more snaps than me, so I learned a lot from them and learned how important our role is on the team, and how we can really control the game at the edge.” Carpenter was a three-star recruit out of St. Amant High in 2023. The local product said he hopes the 2026 Tigers can emulate the storied LSU teams he grew up watching. “I would like to try to be more like the 2019 team and just have that same energy that they had and just bring it to every game and be a dominant football team,” he said. “With this whole new roster, I believe that we’re in the best position to do that.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Dylan Carpenter, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football --- ### [LSU Football: Double 7 Trouble For Tiger Opponents This Season As Trey'Dez Green And Whit Weeks Draw The Digit](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-double-7-trouble-for-tiger-opponents-this-season-as-treydez-green-and-whit-weeks-draw-the-digit/) **Published:** August 26, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Some of LSU’s best playmakers in history have worn No. 7, including quarterback Bert Jones from 1970-72 and cornerback Patrick Peterson, who was the first to wear 7 as a specially designated number in 2008. Among those honored with No. 7 – emblematic of Tigers making big plays – since Peterson include running back Leonard Fournette, wide receiver D.J. Chark, safety Grant Delpit, wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., wide receiver Kayshon Boutte and offensive tackle Will Campbell. Well, new coach Lane Kiffin is hoping for double the fun as he has given separate No. 7 numbers to tight end Trey’Dez Green on offense and linebacker Whit Weeks on defense. They will only the second Tigers to wear No. 7 in the same season since the number gained special significance in 2008. The previous two were Campbell and linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. in the 2024 season. > [LSU Football Honors Senior Center Braelin Moore With Its 21st Treasured No. 18 Jersey For 2026 Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-honors-senior-center-braelin-moore-with-its-21st-treasured-no-18-jersey-for-2026-season/) Green has already shown major big play ability as he caught 33 passes for 433 yards and a school record seven touchdowns last season for a tight end. He is also the career school record holder for TD passes by a tight end with 11 going into his junior season. Weeks, meanwhile, made 125 tackles as a sophomore in 2024 for second in the SEC with 10 stops for loss with 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, an interception and six quarterback hurries. He is healthy again this season for the first time since 2024 after missing much of last season with an ankle injury. **LSU NUMBER 7 HONOREES** -Cornerback Patrick Peterson, 2008-10 -Running Back Leonard Fournette, 2014-16 -Wide Receiver D.J. Chark, 2017 -Wide Receiver Jonathan Giles, 2018 -Safety Grant Delpit, 2019 -Wide Receiver Ja’Marr Chase, 2020 (but opted out of COVID season) -Safety JaCoby Stevens, 2020 -Cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., 2021 -Wide Receiver Kayshon Boutte, 2022 -Offensive Tackle Will Campbell, 2023-24 -Linbacker Harold Perkins, Jr., 2023-25 -Tight End Trey’Dez Green, 2026 -Linebacker Whit Weeks, 2026 **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers', Trey'Dez Green, Whit Weeks --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio: An Older and Wiser Lane Kiffin & Kim Mulkey’s Failed Model United Nations](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-an-older-and-wiser-lane-kiffin-kim-mulkeys-failed-model-united-nations/) **Published:** August 26, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** The Lane Kiffin era of LSU football has not eOn3.com’s Chris Low weighs in on the SEC’s policy penalizing schools for signing players who signed professional contracts and discusses the version of Lane Kiffin LSU is getting. Reed Darcey with The Advocate gives some insight on Ukrainian center Kate Koval’s departure from the LSU women’s basketball program before the start of the school year. ***Here is the complete transcript of the show from YouTube. Tiger Rag apologizes for any AI generated mistakes:*** 0:00 0 seconds Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. Tiger Rag Radio is on the air. Let’s crank this thing up. 0:06 6 seconds We’re statewide breaking down the latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is up. Hear from the coaches. Our time is now with LSU basketball. 0:14 14 seconds The players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 0:17 17 seconds One way or another, we’re going to make history. 0:19 19 seconds And those who cover \[music\] the Fighting Tigers of LSU and the SEC. 0:23 23 seconds LSU is the best job in it’s 2 hours of \[music\] non-stop LSU talk. 0:28 28 seconds We came here to win. We’re going to win immediately. 0:30 30 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is brought to you by \[music\] Cumins. Cumins creates power solutions that the world depends on. 0:36 36 seconds Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro’s Electrical Services, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 0:45 45 seconds Get ready to talk Tigers with producer \[music\] Case Kishnik and our host Todd Horn, Jeff Polalmo, and Glenn Gilbo. 0:55 55 seconds Players are better people than they are players. This is Tiger \[music\] Rag Radio. 1:02 1 minute, 2 seconds Back here on Tiger Rag Radio. As we continue on with the show, Jeff Polmo along with the executive editor for Tiger Rag magazine, Todd Horn, and Case 1:11 1 minute, 11 seconds Kishnik is our producer. Reed Darcy will join us from The Advocate a little bit later on in the hour. Uh we are set to 1:18 1 minute, 18 seconds or we were scheduled to speak with Chris Low from onree.com. 1:22 1 minute, 22 seconds But, uh, Chris may be busy with obviously the the latest developments here. And again, if you’re just joining 1:30 1 minute, 30 seconds us, a little over an hour ago, the SEC issued a new policy regarding professionals returning to college athletics. 1:39 1 minute, 39 seconds And according to the new policy, previously declared for the NFL, NBA, or WNBA draft and did not appropriately 1:46 1 minute, 46 seconds withdraw, they are not eligible to play if they signed a contract with an NFL or other professional football league, NBA, 1:54 1 minute, 54 seconds GLeague, or WNBA or affiliate team. not allowed to play in college athletics according to the SEC, been listed on an 2:02 2 minutes, 2 seconds NFL or other professional football league, NBA GLeague or WNBA or affiliate roster, not allowed to play. This 2:10 2 minutes, 10 seconds impacts three particular players involved with LSU. The two football players that were involved in training 2:17 2 minutes, 17 seconds camp earlier this month, Dacoin Wright, the tight end who was at Old Miss, who had spent time with both the Eagles and the Browns before he was finally waved. 2:25 2 minutes, 25 seconds And I understand he cleared waivers today. Uh it’s usually a 48 hour period before you finally clear a waiver. So he 2:33 2 minutes, 33 seconds is now eligible \[laughter\] or available or I don’t eligible is not the word, but he can now transfer to LSU if he wants. 2:40 2 minutes, 40 seconds Whether he plays or not, I don’t know. 2:43 2 minutes, 43 seconds Xavian Harris, the defensive tackle who was with the Saints, never practiced, had a foot injury, uh, but was on the 2:50 2 minutes, 50 seconds Saints training camp roster and announced that he or it was announced that he committed to LSU and plan to 2:58 2 minutes, 58 seconds sign. And of course, RJ Lewis, the former Big East player of the year from St. John’s, who did not play basketball 3:04 3 minutes, 4 seconds at all last year, declared for the NBA draft, forgo the rest of his eligibility. uh he did 3:12 3 minutes, 12 seconds not play uh last year as I mentioned and uh he was uh granted another year of eligibility by a judge yesterday. All 3:21 3 minutes, 21 seconds right, we do have Chris on now here from on three.com. So Chris, I know we want to get into some actual football talk 3:29 3 minutes, 29 seconds and not what’s happening in the courtroom, but um you’ve been reporting on this story all day as far as the SEC. 3:35 3 minutes, 35 seconds You you had a tweet that went out about 4 hours ago that said one SEC president called it a mockery what was going on 3:43 3 minutes, 43 seconds with former NFL players trying to return and expressly LSU bringing in transfers within the league. Uh as the meetings 3:51 3 minutes, 51 seconds continued this week in Birmingham, 14 of the 16 schools strongly opposed and one undecided. LSU holding firm for now. 3:59 3 minutes, 59 seconds From what we’ve heard, Chris, that it was eventually a 160 vote. So, I would imagine LSU eventually is behind this 4:06 4 minutes, 6 seconds policy, but whether they actually follow it, I guess we we it still remains to be seen. What’s your take on this situation right now? 4:15 4 minutes, 15 seconds Yeah, I’d say you’re right. I I think when you’re sitting in a room with your peers and you’re a chancellor or president, and you got 14 or 15 looking at you and saying, “No, this is not 4:23 4 minutes, 23 seconds going to happen. We’re never going to go for this.” Well, you know, one against 15 is not good odds. And so, 4:30 4 minutes, 30 seconds you know, whether they’re jumping up, whether LSU is jumping up and down about it and and uh and and hoping that this thing will pass, I’ I’d say not. But I 4:39 4 minutes, 39 seconds think they also see sort of see the writing on the wall. And that’s just sort of where we are now. It’s a uh it’s a weird time in college athletics. And 4:48 4 minutes, 48 seconds there’s there’s the loophole that sort of created all this with the 22 class not being grandfathered in when the NCAA 4:57 4 minutes, 57 seconds went, you know, the five to five rule. I think that would have probably eliminated a lot of this, but not all of it. And I think when there’s there’s the 5:05 5 minutes, 5 seconds ability to weaponize district courts and state courts now, which we’ve seen a lot of different schools do, and I think 5:12 5 minutes, 12 seconds people wonder where that ends if you don’t sort of crack down and say, “Nope, we’re not going to allow this, which is 5:19 5 minutes, 19 seconds essentially what the Big 10 did today, the SEC following suit. We are not going to accept players who are pro players, 5:27 5 minutes, 27 seconds who’ve been in pro camps, who’ve signed contracts, who’ve been drafted, etc., back into playing sports in our 5:34 5 minutes, 34 seconds league. Now, remember, too, there was a sort of separate issue in the SEC that wasn’t necessarily the case in the Big 10, which is the interconerence transfer 5:43 5 minutes, 43 seconds rule that after that period in winter that you cannot transfer to another school within your conference, which 5:50 5 minutes, 50 seconds which clearly LSU and Lane were trying to circumvent that by saying, “Well, these guys didn’t really transfer from another school. 5:58 5 minutes, 58 seconds They went from Old Miss to the NFL. Now they’re coming back.” And and some of the people I talked to were especially upset about that. That no, we we can’t 6:07 6 minutes, 7 seconds do that. And for one of the quotes was, “Hey, if we don’t stand firm against this, then it’s over for us. We’re never ever going to be able to enforce anything.” I sort of agree with that. 6:17 6 minutes, 17 seconds Now, I also agree that this was a lot of this could have been avoided. Maybe not the transfer thing, but the players 6:25 6 minutes, 25 seconds coming back from pros, you know, had most of these kids been told before they declared for the draft that they were going to get fifth year because a lot of them probably wouldn’t have declared. 6:34 6 minutes, 34 seconds I I agree. Hey, Chris, we really don’t want to keep talking about this. We want to talk about Lane Keifin, and you’ve covered him for years, but I do have one 6:43 6 minutes, 43 seconds question. What What’s the difference between the NFL money, the NBA money, and the SEC’s money in the school? Is 6:52 6 minutes, 52 seconds there a difference in the money that they’re getting that makes one a pro and one not a pro or what’s the deal? 6:57 6 minutes, 57 seconds Well, actually, I think if you come back to school, some of the money that’s being paid now in NIL, uh, let’s take Zeaquin Wright or Zen 7:06 7 minutes, 6 seconds Harris as examples, they’re going to make would make more money coming back to play college ball than they would as a rookie, you know, in training camp, that 7:15 7 minutes, 15 seconds kind of thing. So now, you know, neither one of those those both those kids got cut, but yeah, I think you stand to make 7:25 7 minutes, 25 seconds everybody I’ve talked to \[clears throat\] if if uh if Harris and Wright would have been eligible, will they still be eligible? Looks like now they’re not 7:32 7 minutes, 32 seconds going to be that they could have stood to make I don’t know four or $500,000 each. Man, that that’s doesn’t seem fair, huh? 7:40 7 minutes, 40 seconds Yeah. And and I money. So, it’s there’s a lot of money there at stake, which is you look at what quarterbacks are making. My colleague Pete Nikos did a 7:48 7 minutes, 48 seconds story today on what upper tier quarterbacks are making in college football and just about every one of them are 7:55 7 minutes, 55 seconds over three million. And then you at the upper tier like Levit, Trend Shamblas, uh Darian Mensah, you’re talking about five, six approaching seven million. 8:05 8 minutes, 5 seconds That’s crazy. Well, let let’s talk about Lane Keven. Um you’ve covered him for years. Uh, you’ve been through a lot of 8:14 8 minutes, 14 seconds different versions of Lane Keifin. And is the guy that LSU hired fundamentally different from the guy who was at 8:20 8 minutes, 20 seconds Tennessee or USC? Or is he basically the same guy who finally figured out how to harness it all? Or is he just unleashing it differently now? 8:31 8 minutes, 31 seconds Well, he’s a lot older and Lane would tell you that he remember he was 34, 33 when he was in Tennessee and sort of 8:40 8 minutes, 40 seconds a bull in a china shop. I think he still is, but he’s I think he’s been able to reign in some of the things that um were 8:47 8 minutes, 47 seconds undoing and he’ll tell you in his personal life. He’s sober now and that’s made a big part big made a big difference for him. Uh I still think 8:55 8 minutes, 55 seconds Lane is one of those guys and I don’t mean this in a good way or bad way. He’s wanted to do whatever it takes to win at the highest level. And you’ve sort of 9:04 9 minutes, 4 seconds seen this with this recent deal. Not that he’s the only coach who would try to bring back pro players, but uh he’s a thousand% committed to winning and 9:13 9 minutes, 13 seconds winning big. And he’s going to blow hot and cold. He’s going to be one of those guys that, as I said in the piece they did on him, and he’s 60, you know, he’s 9:22 9 minutes, 22 seconds very much an acquired taste. Some people never acquire that taste. Uh but you know he he has a way of rallying teams 9:31 9 minutes, 31 seconds uh and rallying players. Almost all the guys that I have talked to that played for him at Tennessee, they played for 9:38 9 minutes, 38 seconds him at Florida Atlantic, at Old Miss, now they haven’t played a game yet at LSU, they like playing for him. 9:45 9 minutes, 45 seconds They enjoy his swag. They enjoy the way he goes at it. Um and I think that’s the thing he has sort of done consistently. 9:53 9 minutes, 53 seconds And you know, you you have guys who coach with him, some of them swear by him, some of them swear at him, but he is unabashedly 10:00 10 minutes who he is, and that’s never going to change. 10:04 10 minutes, 4 seconds What What do you think it is that that Lane understands about modern college football better than most of the other coaches? 10:12 10 minutes, 12 seconds You know, he’s always been a step ahead. 10:14 10 minutes, 14 seconds you know, the way he was, you know, playing fast, doing some of those things. Uh, pushing the envelope, uh, I 10:23 10 minutes, 23 seconds think react, not reacting, but anticipating, uh, the game itself where it’s where it’s headed, sort of off off the field, 10:32 10 minutes, 32 seconds on the field. Uh, he’s always been uh I think look, he’s looked at players and the way he develops players uh, and the 10:40 10 minutes, 40 seconds way he relates to players. I think he’s probably the fact that he’s been, you know, he’s not young anymore, but he’s younger than a lot of coaches, but I 10:49 10 minutes, 49 seconds think being closer to their ages in some respects and I think his dad, you know, Lane’s dad was a huge influence on him. 10:56 10 minutes, 56 seconds Monty, I know he misses Monty a lot and Monty was one of those guys that um everybody loved Monty. Okay, not everybody loves 11:04 11 minutes, 4 seconds Lane, right? But everybody loved Monty and Monty was just one of those guys that uh you gravitated to. The players 11:12 11 minutes, 12 seconds loved him. And I think down deep Lane listened to Monty uh a lot more than maybe any of us ever realized. I think 11:19 11 minutes, 19 seconds now that Monty’s gone, uh he’s he’s told me, in fact, he’s thought a lot about some of the things that Monty told him and taught him and the way Monty, you 11:28 11 minutes, 28 seconds know, treated people. Um, and I think that’s one of the things that Lane has probably been criticized a lot about that he doesn’t always treat people the way he should. 11:38 11 minutes, 38 seconds Um, and but I think he’s just he’s he’s matured. He’s matured in a lot of ways, but as I said, you know, he’s still not for everybody. There’s a lot of people 11:45 11 minutes, 45 seconds that don’t trust him. A lot of people think that he’s, you know, just way way too narcissistic. And if you can do something for him, uh, then you’re good. 11:55 11 minutes, 55 seconds But he uh he also has people that u have remained pretty tight in his circle. And then you look at guys that came with him 12:02 12 minutes, 2 seconds from Old Miss. You Kevin Smith’s been with him going all the way back to Florida Atlantic. Charlie Weiss has been with him. Charlie Weiss Jr. all the way 12:09 12 minutes, 9 seconds back to Florida Atlantic. Charlie miss would have loved to have kept Charlie. 12:14 12 minutes, 14 seconds And I know that was a hard decision for him, but he went with Lane. So, you know, there’s always two sides to every story. And I think we hear with Lane, we 12:23 12 minutes, 23 seconds hear wildly on one side of who he is or what he isn’t, and we hear wildly on the other side of who he is or what he 12:30 12 minutes, 30 seconds isn’t. I’ve known him for gosh, I guess going on 18 years now, and I’ve seen all the sides. And I’ll say 12:37 12 minutes, 37 seconds this, uh, and I believe this sincerely, I think Lane will win big at LSU. 12:43 12 minutes, 43 seconds I don’t know if he’s going to do it right away, but I also think this, I’m going to write something about this next week. I think there’s more pressure on him to 12:51 12 minutes, 51 seconds win big right away. And when I say win big, win a championship or certainly make a deep run for a championship in 12:59 12 minutes, 59 seconds his first year more so than any other first year coach I can remember in college football history. He will be expected to win immediately. 13:08 13 minutes, 8 seconds Do do you think that motivates him to work constantly, work harder? I mean, he’s got a tremendous work ethic and 13:17 13 minutes, 17 seconds he’s exhibiting it here. Or has that always been the way he’s been or or has he just increased that work tendency? 13:25 13 minutes, 25 seconds Well, he’s always been fishly competitive. 13:29 13 minutes, 29 seconds Uh, but I think he probably works smarter now and u I don’t I don’t think it motivates him anymore. 13:36 13 minutes, 36 seconds \[clears throat\] 13:37 13 minutes, 37 seconds Think he’s always been motivated. He’s always wanted to be a guy that um he’ll tell you, you know, I used to think about going somewhere and they build 13:45 13 minutes, 45 seconds statues for me, that kind of thing. But more than anything, I think Lane wants to to do what he hasn’t done, and that’s, you know, win a national 13:52 13 minutes, 52 seconds championship as a head coach, you know, win a conference championship. Now, I think they did win one there when he was at uh at Florida Atlantic, you know, but 14:01 14 minutes, 1 second he’s he’s sort of been swimming. They swam in his waters a little bit at Old Miss and did things he never done. So, he’s got the vehicle now at LSU. 14:11 14 minutes, 11 seconds Yeah. Why is that? What is it about LSU that’s institutionally better than stronger than Miss? 14:17 14 minutes, 17 seconds Well, I think that the talented state year in year out. Uh I think the brand is a bigger brand nationally. I think 14:25 14 minutes, 25 seconds you can go out get which we’ve seen there. You can go out and get a Patrick Peterson in South Florida. You can go in Houston and get great football players. 14:35 14 minutes, 35 seconds Uh they’ve exhibited that. you know, you’ve had three coaches there, three different coaches, um, over the last what, 22 years and won national titles. 14:44 14 minutes, 44 seconds Uh, so many coaches that I talked to, some of whom have coached there, some of who coached against LSU, tell me very 14:52 14 minutes, 52 seconds simply that there’s not a place in America year in and year out that you can recruit championship caliber athletes to as consistently as you can 15:01 15 minutes, 1 second LSU. And I think when you’re spending $50 million on the roster, an investment that LSU now has made and essentially giving Lane cart blanch to do what he wants to do. 15:12 15 minutes, 12 seconds you know, if you ask me, and I thought this even before, in fact, when I was talking to Wayne last year when he was trying to decide what he was going to 15:20 15 minutes, 20 seconds do, uh, not that he needs my advice, but I felt like and have felt like even before he got involved that LSU, if it wasn’t 15:29 15 minutes, 29 seconds the best job in America, it was certainly one of the top two or three. 15:34 15 minutes, 34 seconds Chris, thanks a lot, man, for your perspective on Lane and what’s going on in college athletics. I know it’s a busy night, so we’re going to let you get back at it. We really appreciate it. 15:42 15 minutes, 42 seconds We’ll talk again here maybe right around LSU miss game. 15:46 15 minutes, 46 seconds All right. I hope you guys get some work out of Gilbo somewhere down \[laughter\] the road. 15:49 15 minutes, 49 seconds We’ll try. We’ll try. He’s all right. 15:51 15 minutes, 51 seconds Thanks a lot. We appreciate it. Chris Low of on.com. We’ll take a break. When we come back, more of Tiger Rag Radio right after this. 15:58 15 minutes, 58 seconds I’m Richard \[snorts\] Fontno, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 16:00 16 minutes \[music\] 16:01 16 minutes, 1 second My brother and I grow rice, soybeans, and raised crawfish on our farm in Evangeline Parish. For a \[music\] fourth generation farmer like myself, Louisiana 16:08 16 minutes, 8 seconds Farm Bureau is as much a part of my life as checking traps \[music\] or harvesting rice. Our organization is more than 145,000 members strong, \[music\] and 16:16 16 minutes, 16 seconds we’ve been around for more than 100 years. The Louisiana Farm Bureau spans generations, and we want you to join our family. 16:22 16 minutes, 22 seconds Visit lafarmbureau.org. The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. 16:28 16 minutes, 28 seconds We now return to Tiger Rag Radio. 16:32 16 minutes, 32 seconds Back here on Tiger Rag Radio, Jeff Warmo \[music\] along with the executive editor for Tiger Rag magazine, Todd Horn. Got a question for you, Todd. And I’ve heard a 16:41 16 minutes, 41 seconds lot of people say, and Chris just talked about it as well, that the NCAA should have just did a blanket waiver for the 16:50 16 minutes, 50 seconds high school class of 2022 and and grandfathered them in in the five for five. 16:56 16 minutes, 56 seconds But there’s also the point that that could have created even more chaos. How? 17:02 17 minutes, 2 seconds Because I looked it up today. There are 205,000 and I’m just talking division one athletes. 205,000. 17:14 17 minutes, 14 seconds So if you let’s just say you divide that by five, right? So that that would be like one 17:21 17 minutes, 21 seconds class if I’m thinking and I go by five just because there’s some red shirts in there. And that that means there are then the potential. I’m not saying it 17:30 17 minutes, 30 seconds would be this many 40,000 athletes trying to play another year when you 17:37 17 minutes, 37 seconds have because of the house settlement roster caps there’s revenue share 17:45 17 minutes, 45 seconds you have an incoming high school class you would have players being cut left 17:52 17 minutes, 52 seconds and right supply and demand supply and demand but but don’t forget they did increase the roster size for 17:59 17 minutes, 59 seconds But what about but okay that’s fine for football but what about some of these other sports? 18:05 18 minutes, 5 seconds Well yeah baseball reduced to theirs um and basketball stayed pretty much the same. So there’s really that’s really 18:12 18 minutes, 12 seconds not a factor in those other sports. But yeah, it is it it would it would create it a a huge amount of of players without 18:21 18 minutes, 21 seconds work, so to speak. And actually, it’s it is work because they’re getting comp, you know, compensated at every level, right? 18:29 18 minutes, 29 seconds Where when they’re playing when they’re on the roster, if they make a roster, which is what I asked Chris, too, and 18:36 18 minutes, 36 seconds you know, he took it to another level, which was great. His answer was great, but well, why is when I look at this SEC 18:44 18 minutes, 44 seconds statement from tonight, they’re they’re pro is 18:52 18 minutes, 52 seconds I don’t get it. They’re they’re saying you can’t go pro unless you want to play pro ball for us. \[snorts\] What’s the difference? 19:03 19 minutes, 3 seconds I know what you’re saying, right? But it’s a different it is different in when you’re in the NFL and the NBA. You’re in a league. You’re in a 19:11 19 minutes, 11 seconds professional league where they have rules. \[laughter\] This is still some sort of I and and if 19:18 19 minutes, 18 seconds you if you start blurring the lines between college athletics and professional who’s going to do that? 19:26 19 minutes, 26 seconds Well, that’s what they’re doing right now. Oh, they’re blurring the lines. They’re blurring the lines badly. What blurs the the money? 19:32 19 minutes, 32 seconds Exactly. the fact they don’t have to go to school anymore. 19:34 19 minutes, 34 seconds Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I you know, so my frustration level is is that no one 19:44 19 minutes, 44 seconds and I I’m glad to see the SEC took a take a stand because if Greg Seni issued that statement yesterday, the 19:51 19 minutes, 51 seconds statement that he issued yesterday regarding, hey, we can’t we can’t have this anymore and then they didn’t follow through if anything, I think that would have been pretty disappointing. Now, we 19:59 19 minutes, 59 seconds have to wait and see what exactly happens. Based on some of the tweets that I’ve been seeing from Ross Dinger, who’s been uh talking with the attorneys 20:07 20 minutes, 7 seconds um involved in these various TTRO, they’re they’re lawyered up and they’re ready to go to battle. Shocking. 20:14 20 minutes, 14 seconds Yeah. So, but it’s just uh it’s brutal. It it’s brutal. And um 20:22 20 minutes, 22 seconds what’s the difference between college sports and pro sports? It’s just a perception like amateurism or what? It’s not amateurism anymore. 20:30 20 minutes, 30 seconds It’s not amateurism. So, what are they protecting? 20:32 20 minutes, 32 seconds But you’re you’re representing a university tradition. 20:36 20 minutes, 36 seconds The the players don’t even go to this class anymore. 20:38 20 minutes, 38 seconds Well, but you’re wearing LSU on your jersey, so you’re representing the university. I’m not saying whether they’re going to school, but they’re representing the university. 20:47 20 minutes, 47 seconds Remember when you used to have to go to school? 20:49 20 minutes, 49 seconds I know. \[laughter\] I know. I know. I know. Um, I’m really interested to hear what Reed Darcy has to say. He’s going 20:57 20 minutes, 57 seconds to be our next guest. Um, this is a very interesting story and we’ll get his uh take on it and he did a great article 21:05 21 minutes, 5 seconds last week uh where Kim Moi was pretty open about the conversation she had with Kate Kovville who’s from the Ukraine that she was bringing in a player from 21:14 21 minutes, 14 seconds Russia and trying to get Kate to she was trying to play United Nations in a way here 21:21 21 minutes, 21 seconds and it doesn’t seem like Kate was willing to go along with it which is a prerogative but we don’t know we don’t know that. We don’t know that. 21:28 21 minutes, 28 seconds I mean that that seems like it, right? 21:30 21 minutes, 30 seconds But the way Kate was the quotes that Reed had, Kim was trying to be a a peacemaker here in a sense and it didn’t 21:38 21 minutes, 38 seconds quite work out. All right, we’ll take a break and we’ll get Reed’s thoughts on this and we’ll continue. More coming up here on Tiger Rag Radio. 21:46 21 minutes, 46 seconds The East Baton \[music\] Rouge Parish Library believes that supporting the education of students is good for us all. 21:52 21 minutes, 52 seconds That’s why we provide access to live in-person online tutoring \[music\] through homework Louisiana. 21:59 21 minutes, 59 seconds Make available free test preparation tools through \[music\] Learning Express and Mometrics, plus reference tools for all ages. 22:08 22 minutes, 8 seconds Get \[music\] a library card. Get free education at ebrpl.com/homeworkhelp. 22:17 22 minutes, 17 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is back. 22:20 22 minutes, 20 seconds All right, back here. on Tiger Rag Radio. Jeff Palmo along with the executive editor for Tiger Rag magazine, Todd Horn, Case Kishnik, our producer 22:28 22 minutes, 28 seconds tonight. You know, lost in all this TTRO madness and Jaden Daniels gate jersey number and all that kind of stuff. A 22:36 22 minutes, 36 seconds very interesting story was developing with the LSU women’s basketball program and Reed Darcy had an excellent article 22:43 22 minutes, 43 seconds last week where coach Kim Moy um and good for her for really opening up to uh Reed Darcy about the the situation that 22:51 22 minutes, 51 seconds she had on her team. Many of us are familiar with center Kate Koval, a junior from Ukraine who joined the Tigers as a transfer in 2025. She 23:00 23 minutes started 17 games last year, was expected to have a significant role on this season’s team, but uh in an effort to 23:09 23 minutes, 9 seconds continue to get better, which is what we see with Lane Kein and bringing back NFL players, all these coaches, they’re here 23:16 23 minutes, 16 seconds to win. So, I get it. Uh Kim Moy was adding 17-year-old Anna Manava, I believe I’m pronouncing her name 23:24 23 minutes, 24 seconds correctly. Uh they they really feel good. They really think that this girl is going to be an outstanding player for the LSU women’s basketball program. But 23:33 23 minutes, 33 seconds of course, uh, anybody that’s been following world politics for the last few years, or even if you were just halfway paying attention, um, you know 23:42 23 minutes, 42 seconds that there is a military conflict between Russia and Ukraine. And what makes the story even a little more 23:50 23 minutes, 50 seconds interesting is that Kate Koval’s dad is um in the Ukrainian army. And it was Russia who invaded Ukraine back in 2022. 24:00 24 minutes So let’s bring in Reed Darcy who uh wrote that article last week. And of course the latest development in it is that Kate Koval uh told Kim Moi over the 24:10 24 minutes, 10 seconds weekend that she is going to leave the program. She will not play basketball this season. If she continues to play basketball, she’ll have to wait until 24:17 24 minutes, 17 seconds the transfer portal window opens in April. So it was a very tough decision for Kate. Uh Reed, thanks for joining us 24:24 24 minutes, 24 seconds tonight. Let’s first of all go back to your conversation with Kim. 24:30 24 minutes, 30 seconds How did did Kim feel like she I I think your last line of that story, it didn’t seem like Kate Koval was 24:38 24 minutes, 38 seconds really convinced what that this could be maybe a good thing that we have two 24:46 24 minutes, 46 seconds players from two countries that don’t like each other, but they’re going to be on this team and they’re going to bond and they’re going to win. It didn’t seem 24:54 24 minutes, 54 seconds like when you got to the end of your story last week that maybe Kate Koval saw it that way. I guess what’s your perspective on it? 25:03 25 minutes, 3 seconds Yeah, I think we can say that now that she has officially um told Kim Moi and that LSU has officially announced that 25:10 25 minutes, 10 seconds she is no longer going to be on the team this year. Um, I I think Kim Loki had that perspective on it that she hoped 25:19 25 minutes, 19 seconds that this could turn into an inspiring story, an uplifting story, a feel-good story where um, two players who were on 25:28 25 minutes, 28 seconds opposite sides of this longstanding international conflict, a really uh, deadly war for the last few years could 25:37 25 minutes, 37 seconds get along and they could be teammates. I think Kim re really wanted to or at least she hoped that um it would turn 25:44 25 minutes, 44 seconds into a positive story for her team, but but uh now obviously they won’t get the chance. It’s important to point out that 25:52 25 minutes, 52 seconds we have not heard from Kate Koval throughout this process. You know, I reached out to her agents, her 25:59 25 minutes, 59 seconds representatives, and then they declined um to talk as have they declined to talk to other media outlets I’ve seen. So, we 26:07 26 minutes, 7 seconds don’t exactly know what Kate Koval is thinking and feeling right now. We can only project what we think she might be 26:15 26 minutes, 15 seconds thinking and feeling. So, it’s important to point that out. Um, I just think that Kim Mulki, to her credit, was was very open and honest about what she hoped to 26:24 26 minutes, 24 seconds accomplish here by by signing um the Russian player named it’s pronounced Anna Maniva, by the way. 26:30 26 minutes, 30 seconds Okay. Ana Maniva. Ana Man. to her to her credit, she she was very very upfront and open and honest. Um and I don’t 26:38 26 minutes, 38 seconds think that she um really expected that it would blow up um this quickly, if that makes sense. Yeah. 26:45 26 minutes, 45 seconds But but Reed, like you said, I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer here or anything, but we don’t know Kate Koval’s reasons at all. Like you said, I mean, 26:53 26 minutes, 53 seconds there there could be extenduating circumstances. There could be all kinds of things that we can’t imagine that entered into her specific decision-making process. 27:04 27 minutes, 4 seconds Correct. 27:07 27 minutes, 7 seconds Yeah, correct. I mean, we we don’t we don’t know. I mean, we can presume that it had something to do with the fact that um if she wanted to play this 27:15 27 minutes, 15 seconds season, she would have to share a locker room with a player from Russia. We can make that assumption. Now, I know when I sat down with Kim Bulki, um she said 27:24 27 minutes, 24 seconds that most of the team was not on campus yet. It was last Monday, so it would have been a week before LSU started um 27:32 27 minutes, 32 seconds classes for the semester and the players had would spend all of that week, all of last week kind of trickling in to get ready for the semester to start. So, 27:41 27 minutes, 41 seconds Kate Kogall was not yet on campus. The only players who were on campus were the international ones, Anaman and Noah Morrow, the one from Spain. Um, so my my 27:50 27 minutes, 50 seconds assumption here is that once Kate Koval got into town, got into Baton Rouge from wherever she was spending um her off seasonason, her summer, just the weeks 27:58 27 minutes, 58 seconds leading up to the school year, I’d assume that she just decided to sit down with Kimi and let her know what she had 28:06 28 minutes, 6 seconds um what she had decided to do. I I think what’s important to point out here is that the fact that LSU was at least trying to sign a Russian player or 28:15 28 minutes, 15 seconds recruiting a Russian player, it wasn’t really a secret. this thing was kind of the subject of online rumors, right? 28:21 28 minutes, 21 seconds \[clears throat\] 28:21 28 minutes, 21 seconds Really since April when you think about it and we just never were able to confirm it until LSU um announced it once Anamiva got on campus a couple 28:30 28 minutes, 30 seconds weeks ago. So, she’s known that this was kind of in the works for a while and so she’s had a lot of time, I think, to 28:37 28 minutes, 37 seconds come to this decision and um I suppose you can say it’s unfortunate timing for LSU, but um I don’t I don’t think 28:45 28 minutes, 45 seconds there’s really any kind of good time for something like this to happen, the player \[clears throat\] leaving the team right before the season starts. 28:51 28 minutes, 51 seconds So, you know, Koval wasn’t some into the bench player either. I mean, she was expected and projected to be LSU’s 28:58 28 minutes, 58 seconds starting center this year. Um, so how significance of a basketball loss is this? 29:05 29 minutes, 5 seconds It’s huge. I I’ I’d say it’s pretty significant. Uh, Kate Koval is is 6’5 and she’s really strong and she’s really 29:13 29 minutes, 13 seconds skilled and all of last year, keep in mind, she was only a sophomore. She really really improved as the year rolled along to the point where in the 29:21 29 minutes, 21 seconds NCAA tournament in the second round at when LSU beat Texas Tech big, she she played one of the best games of her career. Now, the numbers in in the box 29:30 29 minutes, 30 seconds score don’t exactly show that, but she did a very very good job of protecting the rim and making sure Texas Tech didn’t score really anything in the 29:38 29 minutes, 38 seconds paint or around the rim. And so, that’s kind of all that we we saw throughout the season. She was just slowly working toward and making progress and and just 29:47 29 minutes, 47 seconds um slowly improving to the point where she could she could really control a game on the defensive end before and that was always what her potential was. 29:55 29 minutes, 55 seconds um you you could absolutely see her take a step forward this year going into her junior year. Um she would she’s would 30:02 30 minutes, 2 seconds have started at center for LSU. Um she would have been the leader um in the front court. She would have been the tallest, strongest, most physical uh 30:11 30 minutes, 11 seconds player in the front court, most experienced certainly player for LSU. 30:14 30 minutes, 14 seconds And now they don’t have her and they don’t really have a way to replace um any of the things that she would have 30:22 30 minutes, 22 seconds provided. They really have to seems like to me they’re going to have to figure out uh p how to piece it together with what they have on the roster which is a 30:31 30 minutes, 31 seconds collection of some some talent some versatility but not a whole lot of proven uh experience especially at the 30:38 30 minutes, 38 seconds SEC level. So it’s going to be quite a challenge I think for for LSU and for Kim Multi to do it um this year without Koval their anchor really in the middle. 30:47 30 minutes, 47 seconds Uh hi Reed this is Case. Um, the other thing that Koval of course uh supplies is the the rebounding in the paint there. 30:56 30 minutes, 56 seconds And with that, LSU’s leading rebounder last season, Amaya Joiner, was named in the TTRO in Baton Rouge to return for a 31:04 31 minutes, 4 seconds fifth season of Batt of College basketball, excuse me. Is there any avenue, She’s already entered the transfer portal. Is there any any avenue 31:11 31 minutes, 11 seconds for her to come back to play for Multi this season? 31:15 31 minutes, 15 seconds Uh there was and I think there technically still is, but she’s committed to Louisville as of this morning, I believe. So, um it seems like 31:24 31 minutes, 24 seconds she’s headed elsewhere. Seems like she kind of wants to head elsewhere. She went into the portal last Thursday, so that would be two days before LSU found 31:33 31 minutes, 33 seconds out that Cobalt was leaving. Maybe had the timing worked out a different way, maybe they could have brought her back, but um it certainly seems like she is 31:41 31 minutes, 41 seconds headed elsewhere, which um which means that LSU would not be able to bring her back. 31:46 31 minutes, 46 seconds So Reed, I have two questions probably relatively quickly as far as a replacement. Manava, I’m probably mispronouncing that already. She’s only 31:54 31 minutes, 54 seconds 17 years old. She is 6’5 if I’m not mistaken and and she’s already been playing in the Russian professional leagues. So, she kind of fits with the 32:03 32 minutes, 3 seconds type of player as well as she’s getting in all sports right now. Um, having a professional league background, but it’s not in the United States, so she 32:12 32 minutes, 12 seconds shouldn’t be under the SEC’s uh watchful eye as far as that goes. But is is there a sign that she could develop and 32:21 32 minutes, 21 seconds contribute immediately even though she’s only 17? Yeah, there’s a sign. I think LSU thinks she can play right away. I 32:28 32 minutes, 28 seconds think they really like her. They they like what they see now and they think she can become a really really impactful player in the future. And what they see 32:37 32 minutes, 37 seconds in her, I think, is her vision. That’s really what um the quality of hers that stands out for Kim Liy and Bob Starky 32:45 32 minutes, 45 seconds and the rest of that staff. They they put on her film and they saw her competing in a professional league as a 16, 17 year old. really making some 32:54 32 minutes, 54 seconds impressive passes um around the paint to her teammates, setting up teammates for for open shots and and that that I think 33:01 33 minutes, 1 second showed them that she is maybe a little bit ahead of some 17-year-olds, some teenagers, um maybe ones that you would 33:09 33 minutes, 9 seconds find in the US. And and on top of that, she has um she has a lot she has got a great touch, good feel around the rim. 33:16 33 minutes, 16 seconds You can tell her footwork um is kind of uh it looks pretty good. I think she’s a decent athlete. She’s got good feet, 33:24 33 minutes, 24 seconds good hands. But again, if you if you watch any of her highlights or if you watch any of her films, the little of it that’s available out there, it it’s just 33:34 33 minutes, 34 seconds hard to see how the level of competition she was playing in Russia translates to 33:40 33 minutes, 40 seconds the SEC, in college basketball in the US. It’s It’s almost impossible to figure out how she’s going to do when she’s dropped into this new environment. 33:49 33 minutes, 49 seconds So, I I guess we’ll find out once we actually see her play and practice for LSU. We could get a clue then. 33:55 33 minutes, 55 seconds And and the last question for me, Reed, the Koval thing is is done. The door’s shut. There’s no way she could possibly 34:03 34 minutes, 3 seconds come back or is there a chance that this could reverse itself? 34:08 34 minutes, 8 seconds It it seems done to me. Um that that statement didn’t really seem like there was any wiggle room there. Um, and I 34:15 34 minutes, 15 seconds believe I read front office sports I believe had a report um citing an LSU spokesperson I believe that she had she 34:23 34 minutes, 23 seconds was also deciding to withdraw from the university as well. So um it seems like her decision is pretty final. 34:30 34 minutes, 30 seconds Interesting story. Well uh thanks a lot Reed. Good stuff. Good coverage on it and we appreciate your time tonight. We’ll chat again here down the road. 34:38 34 minutes, 38 seconds Thanks a lot. Good work as always. 34:41 34 minutes, 41 seconds All right. Thank you guys. Have a good night. All right. Reed Darcy from The Advocate. 34:44 34 minutes, 44 seconds We’ll be back after this here on Tiger Rag Radio. We’re back to Tiger Rag Radio. 34:56 34 minutes, 56 seconds All right, back here on Tiger Rag Radio. 34:58 34 minutes, 58 seconds Let’s talk some football, not courtroom here for the last couple of segments. We heard from some more players today. Uh I 35:05 35 minutes, 5 seconds know Case was going through a lot of that earlier today. We do have some sound bites queued up, ready to be heard from Trey Wilson. And um first of all 35:15 35 minutes, 15 seconds though, Dylan Jones spoke. Dylan Jones is still considered between him and Harlon Barry, starter A, starter B. Both of them probably split in time. 35:25 35 minutes, 25 seconds But what about what about Kaden Durham’s 270 yards breakaway touchdown runs during Saturday scrimmage? And Kaden 35:31 35 minutes, 31 seconds Durham is actually faster than Harlem Barry. 35:35 35 minutes, 35 seconds Mhm. I I I think a lot of people forget that. 35:38 35 minutes, 38 seconds I I think you’re going to see a rotation here with all four of these guys and Stacy Gage being the other one, too. 35:45 35 minutes, 45 seconds I I don’t doubt it. I mean, and I think they each bring something unique to it. 35:50 35 minutes, 50 seconds I mean, obviously Dylan Jones is a bigger guy, right, by a substantial margin. And he also not 35:59 35 minutes, 59 seconds only runs hard, which and different than the other, at least Durham and and Barry, but but I think he’s also a a 36:08 36 minutes, 8 seconds better blocker, you know, and I think that’s what sets him apart the most. A big physical. All right. Well, I think that was Case. 36:15 36 minutes, 15 seconds So, you found the cut. All right. Well, here here’s the cut from Dylan Jones from what he had to say today. 36:22 36 minutes, 22 seconds Being a big physical back and then getting here, I’ve been able to I would say the strength staff got me faster. 36:29 36 minutes, 29 seconds Being out there just being able to play with speed really helped out my game a lot and just decision- making able to make a cut, hit the hole. 36:36 36 minutes, 36 seconds Very interested to see what this kid could do because when you look at it, you know, he was one of the top running backs in his high school class. Didn’t 36:43 36 minutes, 43 seconds put up big numbers at Wisconsin. Uh gets hurt, has the turf toe injury, commits to here, goes through spring ball 36:53 36 minutes, 53 seconds immediately, uh makes his mark. coaches are impressed with it. Able to shoot up the depth chart to where he surpasses a 37:00 37 minutes couple of guys that already have played in Kaden Durham’s case two season, Harlon Barry’s case, one season. 37:08 37 minutes, 8 seconds I’m eager to see what he does in a game. 37:10 37 minutes, 10 seconds Yeah. Again, I think like what we were just talking about before we listened to the clip and he kind of addressed it and I didn’t know that, but his his size 37:18 37 minutes, 18 seconds that he feels like he’s faster now and he’s playing around speed, which he thinks motivates him. But again, the 37:25 37 minutes, 25 seconds fact that this is a a multi-dimensional offense that runs fast uh at a at a quick pace most of the time and blocking 37:34 37 minutes, 34 seconds is so important. You know, Kaden Durham and Harlem Barry both struggled as pass protectors in the old regime. 37:44 37 minutes, 44 seconds So, that may be a deficiency that they’re still trying to overcome. Let’s go ahead and take our final break. 37:49 37 minutes, 49 seconds Then we’ll hear a little bit from Trey Wilson, who could be one of the top wide receivers for LSU this season. That’s what you’re expecting anyways from a guy 37:56 37 minutes, 56 seconds that was a five-star prospect that has battled injuries the last couple of seasons. We’ll hear from him when we come back on Tiger Rag Radio. 38:04 38 minutes, 4 seconds This is Tiger Rag Radio. \[music\] Back here on Tiger Rag Radio. It’s been a very spirited show as new policy 38:13 38 minutes, 13 seconds instituted by the Southeastern Conference. And now we wait for another wave of lawsuits potentially to happen. 38:19 38 minutes, 19 seconds I I love this uh quote from uh Ryan Down that Ross Dinger of Yahoo Sports got um regarding the new policy for the SEC. 38:29 38 minutes, 29 seconds And then we’re going to get to the Trey Wilson. I just wanted to get this in here, Todd. I know. Yeah, I figured. 38:33 38 minutes, 33 seconds Listen, I I I know you’re sick of hearing about it, but um Ryan Townson saying regarding the SEC policy that says that anyone 38:42 38 minutes, 42 seconds that’s been in the NFL or signed a professional contract can’t play. Uh says uh that the NCAA should be held in 38:49 38 minutes, 49 seconds contempt of court for permitting conferences under its purview to blatantly violate court orders. And he plans to file such a motion. 38:58 38 minutes, 58 seconds Yeah, that’s interesting. again. 38:59 38 minutes, 59 seconds Meanwhile, uh I’m looking here on Twitter and uh Brett Favre just committed to LSU. 39:05 39 minutes, 5 seconds Okay. All right. \[clears throat\] All right. Uh Trey Wilson is on LSU’s team. 39:10 39 minutes, 10 seconds He has not played professionally. He got off to a great start at Florida. 39:15 39 minutes, 15 seconds Remember, he was a freshman all-American for the Gator after he was one of the top wide receiver prospects in the class of 2023. A five-star recruit according 39:23 39 minutes, 23 seconds to onree.com. caught 61 passes. Had a team high six touchdowns, 538 yards. 39:30 39 minutes, 30 seconds Only played four games in 2024 because of injuries. Only played eight games last year once again because of injury. 39:37 39 minutes, 37 seconds So, he comes here to LSU. Has the potential to really be one of the top wide receivers. In the highlight films that you see that LSU puts out or even 39:45 39 minutes, 45 seconds some of the great folks that are out there uh showing some of the video, Tiger Bait and all that sort of stuff, Wilson does flash on there quite a bit. 39:54 39 minutes, 54 seconds Uh let’s hear a little bit. Let’s just go ahead. Uh since we’re running out of time here, Case, just play the three cuts that you have back to back to back 40:01 40 minutes, 1 second and then we’ll comment after that. Bring Oh, that it’s off. Okay. All right. 40:05 40 minutes, 5 seconds Well, we thought we had it. Um best lay plans. But Trey Wilson should be a big part of uh this team, right, Todd? 40:13 40 minutes, 13 seconds Yeah, I think he should. I mean, his expectations, like you said, he’s had injuries over the last few years. Uh but he he’s an exceptional exceptional route 40:22 40 minutes, 22 seconds runner and he runs uh really good in the seams and uh I I guess if he can learn 40:29 40 minutes, 29 seconds to catch the ball \[laughter\] um that he’ll be an exceptional weapon both uh as a receiver and possibly a special teams play. 40:37 40 minutes, 37 seconds All right, I believe we do have the sound. Here we go. He done taught me a lot off the field and on the field and he done kind of brought a new perspective to me as far as playing 40:45 40 minutes, 45 seconds receiver and being able to see and have a different feeling different holes that I may not be looking at him but I know he see the same thing I be seeing so it’s just great chemistry that’s 40:54 40 minutes, 54 seconds building between me and him and the rest of the receivers for sure frustrating but you know injuries a part of the game and one thing I think that comes from it is that you don’t let it happen again so 41:02 41 minutes, 2 seconds always being able to grow my mind in that aspect as far as taking care of the body and learning new things about the body all the time So yeah, it’s 41:09 41 minutes, 9 seconds unfortunate, but guys time it so got to go with it. Just bunch of guys going and do what they love every day. We done grab guys across the whole country that 41:17 41 minutes, 17 seconds can go out there and ball, make plays, and everybody brings their own type of talent and skill to the team and it’s going to be a fun show to watch for sure. 41:24 41 minutes, 24 seconds So there in the first soundbite talking about his connection with Sam Levit, talking about the injuries and the sound bite there, and then he’s one of nine guys they brought in through the 41:33 41 minutes, 33 seconds transfer portal as far as wide receivers. And uh he is certainly among the top tier there along with Jackson Harris, Winnie Watkins, Jace Brown, 41:42 41 minutes, 42 seconds those are your four. Uh Malik Elie, right? Um am I he he’s in there as well. 41:49 41 minutes, 49 seconds So Watkins, Watkins, I said Winnie Watkins. I’m sorry. Yeah. I got lost. Yeah. Yeah. 41:55 41 minutes, 55 seconds It’s hard to keep up with hard. And we’re going to get familiar with them here soon. 41:59 41 minutes, 59 seconds And at least their most of their names are English or close to \[laughter\] Well, on that note, we’re going to wrap 42:07 42 minutes, 7 seconds up the show. Uh, again, it’s a very interesting show. Always love it when uh news breaks minutes before the show happens. That’s the second time that’s 42:15 42 minutes, 15 seconds happened this summer. We had the situation of the I think it was the lawsuit, right? The the lawsuits against uh Princewell Uman Ellen and Devin 42:24 42 minutes, 24 seconds Harper. And that’s still out there too, Todd. So, you still a lot to chew on here. 42:28 42 minutes, 28 seconds More legal stuff. Yay. \[laughter\] All right, for Case Kishnik, Todd Horn, I’m Jeff Bla. For the latest in LSU sports, check out tiger.com. All kinds 42:37 42 minutes, 37 seconds of stuff there. And if you missed any of the show, go to YouTube or anywhere you get your favorite podcast. Have a great night, everyone. 42:44 42 minutes, 44 seconds Tiger is everywhere online at tiger.com. 42:48 42 minutes, 48 seconds Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/tiger \[music\] magazine or follow us on Twitter at tiger\_reg. **Categories:** LSU Basketball, LSU Football News, Podcast, Radio, Women's Basketball **Tags:** kim mulkey, lane kiffin, lsu football, lsu women's basketball --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio: Deciphering Chaos in College Sports - SEC Blocks Former Pros From Signing At LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-deciphering-chaos-in-college-sports-sec-blocks-former-pros-from-signing-at-lsu/) **Published:** August 26, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** LSU had plans to sign two football players who signed NFL deals but could receive another season of eligibility from a Baton Rouge judge, but Tiger Rag breaks down the news of a new SEC rule banning the return of former pros like tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris. Brett Martel of the Associated Press was in the courtroom when a Baton Rouge judge granted LSU basketball signee RJ Luis a preliminary injunction to return to college basketball after signing an NBA contract. He reacts to the SEC’s new policy and breaks down what’s next for Luis and the Tigers. ***Here is the complete transcript of the show from YouTube. Tiger Rag apologizes for any AI generated mistakes:*** 0:00 0 seconds Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. Tiger Rag \[music\] Radio is on the air. Let’s crank this thing up. 0:06 6 seconds We’re statewide breaking down \[music\] the latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is up. Hear from the coaches. Our time is now with LSU basketball. 0:14 14 seconds The players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 0:17 17 seconds One way or another, we’re going to make history. 0:19 19 seconds And \[music\] those who cover the Fighting Tigers of LSU and the SEC. LSU is the best job in the world. 0:25 25 seconds \[music\] 0:25 25 seconds It’s 2 hours of non-stop LSU talk. 0:28 28 seconds I came here to win. We’re going to win immediately. 0:30 30 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is brought to you by Cumins. Cumins creates \[music\] power solutions that the world depends on. 0:36 36 seconds Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro’s Electrical Services, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 0:45 45 seconds Get ready to talk Tigers \[music\] with producer Case Kishnik and our host Todd Horn, Jeff Polalmo, and Glenn Gilbo. 0:54 54 seconds Players are better people than they are players. This is Tiger \[music\] Rag Radio. 1:00 1 minute Back here on Tiger Rag Radio, Jeff Polmo along with the executive editor for Tiger Rag magazine, Todd Horn and Case 1:07 1 minute, 7 seconds Kishnik is our producer tonight. Glenn Gilbo is at the Celebration of Life memorial for Skip Bertman. And we got a 1:16 1 minute, 16 seconds lot to talk about here as we got some breaking news just as we are set to come on the air. Uh but we got a good show 1:23 1 minute, 23 seconds for you lined up. Chris Low from onree.com. He will join us a little bit later on in the show. We’ll also hear 1:30 1 minute, 30 seconds from Brett Martell from the Associated Press. He was among several reporters in a Baton Rouge courtroom yesterday 1:38 1 minute, 38 seconds covering the RJ Lewis hearing as he was granted another year of eligibility. Or was he? We’re about ready to get into 1:45 1 minute, 45 seconds that discussion here in a second. And then a little bit later on, we’ll talk with Reed Darcy, who covers women’s basketball for the 1:54 1 minute, 54 seconds Advocate. And there is a very interesting story involving Kim Moy and her team with Kate Koval deciding to 2:01 2 minutes, 1 second leave the program after LSU brought a Russian in to uh join the program. And 2:09 2 minutes, 9 seconds of course, Kate is from the Ukraine and her dad is a member of the Ukraine army. 2:14 2 minutes, 14 seconds So, a lot going on there. And we do have football. Thankfully, thankfully football season is set to begin here in 2:22 2 minutes, 22 seconds a couple weeks. And kind of looking forward to next week’s show where we can actually start breaking down the LSU Clemson game. But man, um, a lot more to 2:31 2 minutes, 31 seconds get to here over the u what’s happening outside or on the sidelines or away from 2:38 2 minutes, 38 seconds the game itself. Um, as many of you know, and by the way, uh, we we are cognizant of the fact that tonight is 2:47 2 minutes, 47 seconds Skip Bertman, the the memorial for, uh, or the celebration of life for Skip Bman. If you missed our show last week, 2:54 2 minutes, 54 seconds we dedicated basically the entire show to it. Uh, great interviews there with Doug Thompson, Todd Walker, Ryan Tero. I 3:02 3 minutes, 2 seconds strongly encourage you to go back uh, whether on YouTube or wherever you get your podcast and listen to it. It’s some 3:09 3 minutes, 9 seconds It’s available on tiger.com and available at tiger.com as well uh to listen to it. Uh and we may uh depending 3:16 3 minutes, 16 seconds on how this show flows and what might may or may not be said tonight uh during the memorial, we may try to incorporate that. But we certainly took our time 3:25 3 minutes, 25 seconds last week uh honoring the man who meant so much to LSU, Baton Rouge, and the state of Louisiana. But getting to our 3:33 3 minutes, 33 seconds breaking news, Todd, um I think we’re all pretty much up to date as far as what’s been going on here. LSU has been 3:40 3 minutes, 40 seconds bringing in professional players. Uh Dayquin Wright, Xaven Harris, these were two guys that were on NFL uh rosters um 3:50 3 minutes, 50 seconds just earlier this month and now are committed to LSU, are set to sign at LSU if they have not signed already. And 3:58 3 minutes, 58 seconds then RJ Lewis, who signed two contracts with NBA teams, 4:05 4 minutes, 5 seconds he was given another year of eligibility yesterday by Judge Ron Johnson. Well, today the SEC and several and really all 4:14 4 minutes, 14 seconds the other leagues have come out with strong statements and policies regarding 4:21 4 minutes, 21 seconds professionals playing in college athletics or those athletes who were involved in American professional sports 4:29 4 minutes, 29 seconds leagues. And I’ll I’ll read what the uh policy is that the SEC, this just came out about 10 minutes ago. An SEC 4:38 4 minutes, 38 seconds institution is not permitted to have an athlete on its roster who has previously declared for the NFL, NBA, or WNBA draft 4:48 4 minutes, 48 seconds and did not appropriately withdraw. So that would be targeting RJ Lewis for sure. signed a contract with an NFL or 4:56 4 minutes, 56 seconds other professional football league, NBA GLeague, or WNBA or affiliate team that would be targeting Dayquin Wright and 5:04 5 minutes, 4 seconds Xavan Harris. Uh been listed on an NFL or other professional football league, NBA, GLLeague, or WNBA or affiliate 5:12 5 minutes, 12 seconds roster. The commissioner is authorized to enforce this expectation with penalties against member institutions. 5:21 5 minutes, 21 seconds Now, we do not know what the penalties are. Um, no response just yet from LSU. 5:27 5 minutes, 27 seconds Again, this came out minutes ago, but um, in the beginning there there is there was already a previously scheduled 5:35 5 minutes, 35 seconds meeting involving the SEC presidents and ads in Birmingham, which started today and will go into tomorrow. So Wade Roose 5:45 5 minutes, 45 seconds and Verge Osbury we presume are there or whether they’re I I got a feeling they’re at the assembly center today. 5:52 5 minutes, 52 seconds Yeah, they could be. Verge certainly could be there for sure, but they’re supposed to be there. This is pretty big meeting. Um regardless, I don’t know if fellowship cares. 6:01 6 minutes, 1 second Well, okay. So that’s where we’re at at this point. So based on this, uh, RJ 6:08 6 minutes, 8 seconds Lewis, Daquin Wright, Xavon Harris, if they play, it could result in penalties for LSU. Yeah, that’s what this says. 6:18 6 minutes, 18 seconds Question. Well, first of all, before we dig into it completely, I just want to say that I have, and you do too, about 6:25 6 minutes, 25 seconds 20 pages of single page spaced notes here that we were going to use as reference as we discuss this 6:33 6 minutes, 33 seconds labyrinthal, detailed, sophisticated, complex, emotional 6:41 6 minutes, 41 seconds subject. And just like John Steinbeck said in 1937, the 6:48 6 minutes, 48 seconds bestlaid plans of mice and men often go ary. Well, we are having to play this off the cuff because as you said 10 6:55 6 minutes, 55 seconds minutes ago, the SEC basically said it ain’t happening. What’s not happening? 7:03 7 minutes, 3 seconds They’re basically saying the temporary restraining orders, the TTRO’s that were issued by the 19th Judicial District Court in Baton Rouge, freeing up 16 7:12 7 minutes, 12 seconds players, the session that took place in the same courtrooms in Baton Rouge yesterday for R.J. Lewis. None of those 7:20 7 minutes, 20 seconds matter to the SEC is what they’re saying here. They’re saying if you played pro 7:28 7 minutes, 28 seconds sports at any level in America in America at any level for any length of time 7:35 7 minutes, 35 seconds whether you actually participated in competition or it was just practice if you were compensated if you were 7:41 7 minutes, 41 seconds contracted at any level you cannot play and be on a roster right now. So that 7:49 7 minutes, 49 seconds eliminates, as you said, all three of those players, the two football players, u as well as Lewis from the basketball 7:57 7 minutes, 57 seconds team. My question is, my question is, what authority does the SEC have? 8:06 8 minutes, 6 seconds What can they really do? Because what this this whole question is, they’re just a conference. They’re 8:15 8 minutes, 15 seconds not a league. They don’t have real authority. And that’s why they’re in this situation to begin with. And that’s why for the last five years and 8:23 8 minutes, 23 seconds certainly for the last two years, the state courts have been deciding the rules for the powerless uh castrated NCAA. 8:34 8 minutes, 34 seconds And now the Big 10, the SEC, think that they don’t like the way this feels. They don’t like the way it tastes. They don’t like the way it smells. And I I’m with 8:43 8 minutes, 43 seconds them. I I don’t like it either. But there are cases to be made that the certain players 8:51 8 minutes, 51 seconds made decisions because things were yanked out from under them in terms of rules, rule changes, opportunities, 9:00 9 minutes and those have only one place to be questioned and answered, and that is the courtroom. 9:09 9 minutes, 9 seconds All right, Case has got something for us. 9:11 9 minutes, 11 seconds Well, Todd, you you said it yourself right there. Authority is the name here and Ross Dellinger with Yahoo Sport Sports is reporting that the SEC 9:18 9 minutes, 18 seconds presidents granted Commissioner Greg Seni full and unlimited authority which includes suspending a school from competition uh if they violate these 9:27 9 minutes, 27 seconds rules. Now again that’s coming down to the the SEC self-governing which is what’s been considered here for apparently years now as Greg Zeni said 9:36 9 minutes, 36 seconds at SEC media days and whether or not that happens we’ll we’ll have to see but that’s how it lays right now. And on Monday night, 9:45 9 minutes, 45 seconds Ross Dillinger reported the night before the SEC had this president’s meeting that the league’s leaders unanimously 9:53 9 minutes, 53 seconds unanimously. Now, I don’t know if LSU abstained from it, but unanimously 10:00 10 minutes supported opposition to professional players returning to college, even releasing a statement decrying such. 10:08 10 minutes, 8 seconds And I think that that there’s a lot of word smithing going on. So, let me ask you this. 10:13 10 minutes, 13 seconds I don’t mean to throw you off your train of thought. That’s okay. You do that all the time. 10:17 10 minutes, 17 seconds Is Wade Roose \[laughter\] now going to Is Wade Roose going to turn around and tell Will Wade and Lane Keifin these guys can’t play? 10:26 10 minutes, 26 seconds No, I I I don’t know. I don’t know the answer. I can’t get in Wade Roose’s head and and determine what he or Virgin or is LSU going to go rogue? I think 10:34 10 minutes, 34 seconds that what LSU is going to do, I think the biggest hint, and case I’d be interested to hear your thoughts on this, too. But I think the biggest hint as to LSU, how LSU is going to react, is they’re going to let this play out. 10:46 10 minutes, 46 seconds They’re going to let the laws, the rules dictate what they do. Now, what what this seems to me like, and what what I 10:55 10 minutes, 55 seconds mean by that, first of all, I’m jumping ahead, thinking too fast. 11:00 11 minutes If if 10 days from now there’s another court case, another court situation, another court hearing 11:09 11 minutes, 9 seconds and the NCAA loses, the SEC has no authority over state law. 11:15 11 minutes, 15 seconds All right? If that occurs in a state or an appellet court somewhere that is a district with multiple states and multiple jurisdictions in it, that 11:22 11 minutes, 22 seconds carries a hell of a lot more weight than what the SEC or the Big 10 or even if the NCAA were to say something. And we’ve learned that. 11:30 11 minutes, 30 seconds So I think LSU is just going to wait. I think Lane Keifin indicated that yesterday. We’re just going to play it by the rule. Whatever happens, then what’s the point of having 11:39 11 minutes, 39 seconds conferences if they can’t instant? So you’re telling me the SEC I’m I’m going to pick out a a simple rule. Uh if you 11:47 11 minutes, 47 seconds rush the field after a game, what schools get fined? $250,000, $500,000, whatever the number is. You’re telling me the schools don’t have to pay that by 11:56 11 minutes, 56 seconds law? If I if if if you if you I’m trying to think of a good analogy here, but a personalized one. If you were 12:04 12 minutes, 4 seconds invoiced, if I invoiced you, sent you a bill for services rendered, whether it was a penalty or services rendered, 12:12 12 minutes, 12 seconds whatever, for $100, okay? And then you took me to small claims court and you 12:19 12 minutes, 19 seconds won the case, I wouldn’t have to you wouldn’t have to pay me. 12:23 12 minutes, 23 seconds Okay? So you so schools all this time when they were f I’m just taking this particular rule because it’s on the top of my head. All these time when LSU 12:32 12 minutes, 32 seconds rushed the field against Miss and beat them in 2024, they could have sued the SEC and said we’re not paying. 12:37 12 minutes, 37 seconds They could have. You got a quarterback who’s starting for Old Miss this year who was told by the NCAA and that under no circumstances was he allowed to play. 12:49 12 minutes, 49 seconds His eligibility was up and finished. 12:51 12 minutes, 51 seconds went into a courtroom about the size of this room, a little bit larger in Mississippi and a favorable judge gave 12:58 12 minutes, 58 seconds him a ruling and he’s the starting quarterback for a top 10 college football team right now. The situation is different. 13:05 13 minutes, 5 seconds I would say that it’s not different at that level. 13:08 13 minutes, 8 seconds I say it’s different in the fact that we’re talking about pro entering pro. 13:13 13 minutes, 13 seconds you have when when you make the decision to decide that I am going to play for a professional team. That’s it. 13:25 13 minutes, 25 seconds You’re done. You’re you’re college that that is the that is the core that’s one of the core principles of being a 13:33 13 minutes, 33 seconds college athlete is someone that has not played in a professional league. 13:37 13 minutes, 37 seconds Jeeoff, I agree with you. Okay. And and this is what’s weird. Okay. This is what’s hard to understand. I agree with 13:44 13 minutes, 44 seconds you. The difference is for the those players, whether they’re basketball and now the Lewis situation is a little different 13:52 13 minutes, 52 seconds and we can talk about that in greater detail or different detail later, but let’s just focus on the three football players for LSU or the two because the 14:00 14 minutes two that one played for the Saints and one that played for the Browns and whoever else he played for. All right. 14:05 14 minutes, 5 seconds in preseason. They were told prior to June 23rd of this past year that their 14:14 14 minutes, 14 seconds eligibility was up. The doors were, as well, I said my column doors were locked behind them. They did not have an option 14:21 14 minutes, 21 seconds to to return for a fifth year of eligibility. Then on June 23rd, the NCAA changed that rule. 14:31 14 minutes, 31 seconds Not for them. 14:32 14 minutes, 32 seconds Not for them. for that date moving forward. Right. Right. But just because they went pro. 14:41 14 minutes, 41 seconds All right. Because they had the opportunity to do so. All right. Versus another person in their same 2022 14:49 14 minutes, 49 seconds starting class that didn’t have that opportunity. Now they will be treated differently as evidenced right here in 14:56 14 minutes, 56 seconds these words. It doesn’t say anything about the guy who left his eligibility and went and got an accounting job somewhere or went and became a bank 15:04 15 minutes, 4 seconds teller or went and started his engineering career. 15:08 15 minutes, 8 seconds Now they want to come back. They can come back. They have a clearer path to come back under the TTRO and they will their 15:16 15 minutes, 16 seconds school will not be fined. That is a problem. Okay, that discrepancy may seem small right now, but that is a problem 15:25 15 minutes, 25 seconds mainly because you’re depriving those individuals not of an amateur opportunity to play 15:33 15 minutes, 33 seconds football in Tiger Stadium or or uh the Grove at Oxford or wherever. You’re 15:40 15 minutes, 40 seconds depriving them of literally potentially hundreds of thousands if not millions. 15:46 15 minutes, 46 seconds Sam Levit is supposedly making $6 million this year to be the quarterback for LSU. 15:54 15 minutes, 54 seconds That is generational money. 15:57 15 minutes, 57 seconds And and you cannot That is the definition of antirust. It’s a violation. It’s a It’s a problem. All 16:04 16 minutes, 4 seconds right. And And we may not like it. We may not like the way it feels. We may agree that if you go pro under whatever, life’s tough like you say. I agree with 16:12 16 minutes, 12 seconds all that. But the bottom line is they have a question, they want it answered, they go to a judge like they’re supposed to, and regardless of how we feel about 16:20 16 minutes, 20 seconds the favoritism of local judges, the judges grant them the authority to continue their career. And the NCAA is 16:30 16 minutes, 30 seconds paralyzed. And there’s no difference between that and what happened with Trinidad Chamblas. Yeah, there is. They turned pro. No, there’s none. 16:37 16 minutes, 37 seconds They’re pro. They’re professionals. They were professionals. and Trinidad Chamblas and and when they when they signed their their scholarship in class 16:45 16 minutes, 45 seconds of 2022, they knew they had four years and that’s their four years. Goodbye. See you later. 16:51 16 minutes, 51 seconds That’s a detail. That’s not the principle. Oh. Oh. So, let’s just ignore details. 16:56 16 minutes, 56 seconds No, I’m No, I’m not saying that. I told you I agree. No, I told you I agree with you. 17:01 17 minutes, 1 second I agree with you. That But they don’t agree. 17:05 17 minutes, 5 seconds I I don’t think it’s the same as Trinidad Chamblas. And I don’t think Chambble should be eligible either. I’m I’m I’m 17:12 17 minutes, 12 seconds talking about and and the the topic of the conversation is professionals. 17:16 17 minutes, 16 seconds You know how you know how it’s different? One’s an apple, another’s an orange. They’re both fruits. Okay? It’s the same situation here. We’re talking about college athletes that are 17:24 17 minutes, 24 seconds compensated and we’re talking about a a a league. This doesn’t happen in in the NFL. It doesn’t happen in Major League 17:32 17 minutes, 32 seconds Baseball. It doesn’t happen where there’s authority. Okay? The SEC is acting like it has authority here and it 17:40 17 minutes, 40 seconds is it is touting authority from the presidents and the reality of it is is it’s only an authority to the level that you accept it. If you have a question 17:49 17 minutes, 49 seconds about it and the state of Louisiana contradicts it in the judicial system, guess who wins? 17:54 17 minutes, 54 seconds The state of Louisiana. Because there is no league that has control. And what are 18:03 18 minutes, 3 seconds what are the what are they all scared of all the time? They’re all scared of antirust. 18:10 18 minutes, 10 seconds All right. And that that that that’s huge because that’s what they’re violating potentially here. Now, I could be wrong. 18:18 18 minutes, 18 seconds All right. We got to take our first break. Uh I don’t want I didn’t mean to end it where you said you were wrong, but No. Well, I could be wrong in the sense that that the judges or the court could 18:27 18 minutes, 27 seconds side for the NCAA or for the SEC or whatever, but there’s still that opportunity. All right, let’s take our first break. 18:34 18 minutes, 34 seconds We’ll be back. More of Tiger Rag Radio when we come back. 18:37 18 minutes, 37 seconds I’m Richard Font, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau \[music\] Federation. My brother and I grow rice, soybeans, and raised crawfish on our farm in Evangeline Parish. For a fourth 18:45 18 minutes, 45 seconds \[music\] generation farmer like myself, Louisiana Farm Bureau is as much a part of my life as checking \[music\] traps or harvesting rice. Our organization is 18:53 18 minutes, 53 seconds more than 145,000 members strong and \[music\] we’ve been around for more than 100 years. The Louisiana Farm Bureau spans generations and we want you to join our family. 19:02 19 minutes, 2 seconds Visit lafarmbureau.org. The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture and we’re back with Tiger Rag Radio. 19:12 19 minutes, 12 seconds Jeff Polarmo along with the executive editor for Tiger Rag Magazine, Todd Horn, as we’re reacting to the big announcement made by SEC Commissioner 19:19 19 minutes, 19 seconds Greg Sanki. And in case you’re just joining us, it says that uh if you are an athlete that previously declared for 19:26 19 minutes, 26 seconds the NFL, NBA, or WNBA draft, it did not appropriate withdrawal. You’re not eligible to play. If you signed a 19:33 19 minutes, 33 seconds contract with an NFL team or NBA GLeague team or a WNBA team, you’re not allowed to play or been listed on an NFL roster, 19:42 19 minutes, 42 seconds NBA GLeague roster. So that would mean for LSU’s perspective that Daquin Wright and Xavian Harris, two players believed 19:50 19 minutes, 50 seconds to be uh soon to be added to LSU’s roster officially, would not be allowed to play under this new policy. And the 19:56 19 minutes, 56 seconds same for RJ Lewis, who just won a recent court injunction, giving him another year of eligibility. Uh Todd, me and you 20:03 20 minutes, 3 seconds could probably go around and around in circles. I I I think the biggest question that could be asked here, and we only got two minutes before we hit the next break, and I asked it to you 20:11 20 minutes, 11 seconds before, but now that we know the vote, the vote was, at least according to multiple reporters that are in the know, including Pete Tamill at ESPN, the vote 20:20 20 minutes, 20 seconds was 16 to nothing. The president’s backing this new policy. So, I’m going to ask the question again. 20:28 20 minutes, 28 seconds What does Wade Roose do? How could you vote for this policy and then tell Lane Keifin and Will Wade, go ahead, keep 20:36 20 minutes, 36 seconds playing right and Harris? Will RJ Lewis is going to be your shooting guard this year. Go ahead, just do it. I 20:44 20 minutes, 44 seconds I think that the the answer to that question is what I said earlier is that it will depend on what the climate is on 20:53 20 minutes, 53 seconds that particular day with who has the authority. right now. Wait, it’s just a bat. 21:00 21 minutes You can’t you keep interrupting. 21:02 21 minutes, 2 seconds We got a minute here and we don’t have a what I want to say. How bad of a look is that if you vote for this policy and then you let your two head coaches allow 21:11 21 minutes, 11 seconds these players to play. How bad does that look? 21:14 21 minutes, 14 seconds It may look horrible, but it’s also following the rule. But the rule is the SEC. 21:19 21 minutes, 19 seconds That’s the SEC rule. And the SEC rule may be in contradiction to the latest court ruling. And the latest ruling. 21:30 21 minutes, 30 seconds The latest court ruling is always going to hold more until the law is in place. 21:36 21 minutes, 36 seconds There is no law right now. That’s the biggest problem. There is no law. The SEC is not a government. I understand that. The SEC is a conference. 21:45 21 minutes, 45 seconds But it just looks horrible. I didn’t say it doesn’t look horrible. And I didn’t say I like it. 21:50 21 minutes, 50 seconds I never did say that you liked it. We’ll be back after this. Brett Martell from the AP will join us here on Tiger Radio. 21:57 21 minutes, 57 seconds The East Baton Rouge Parish Library believes that \[music\] supporting the education of students is good for us all. 22:04 22 minutes, 4 seconds That’s why we provide access \[music\] to live in-person online tutoring through homework Louisiana. 22:10 22 minutes, 10 seconds Make available free test \[music\] preparation tools through Learning Express and Mometrics, plus reference tools for all ages. 22:19 22 minutes, 19 seconds Get a \[music\] library card. Get free education at ebrpl.com/homeworkhelp. 22:28 22 minutes, 28 seconds Now, more Tiger \[music\] Rag Radio. All right, back here on Tiger Rag Radio, Jeff War along with the executive editor 22:35 22 minutes, 35 seconds for Tiger Rag Magazine, Todd Horn, and Case Kishnik is our producer. Uh, joining us now on the airline on the 22:43 22 minutes, 43 seconds hotline here is Brett Martell. Before we get to Brett, um we’ve been talking about obviously we’re talking about the big news that just broke minutes before 22:52 22 minutes, 52 seconds we got on the air here tonight, and that is saying the new SEC policy that uh if you’ve declared for the NFL, NBA, or 23:01 23 minutes, 1 second WNBA draft, and did not appropriately withdraw, you’re not eligible to play. 23:05 23 minutes, 5 seconds If you signed a contract with the NFL, the NBA GLeague, or WNBA, you’re not allowed to play. If you’ve been listed 23:12 23 minutes, 12 seconds on an NFL or NBA GLeague or WNBA or affiliate roster, you’re not allowed to 23:19 23 minutes, 19 seconds play. RJ Lewis has been involved with two NBA franchises and the Utah Jazz and 23:27 23 minutes, 27 seconds the Boston Celtics and he had his he was granted a uh an injunction yesterday 23:34 23 minutes, 34 seconds that allows him to play in 26 27th season. 23:38 23 minutes, 38 seconds case. There is still got to be a full hearing on his case, right? 23:44 23 minutes, 44 seconds As far as the um for RJ Lewis or for the Yeah, for RJ. Right. For RJ or is it for the other is it for the the temporary 23:53 23 minutes, 53 seconds restraining player? It’s for the 33 players with the temporary restraining order issued by the 19th Judicial District. There that temporary 24:00 24 minutes restraining order is just that temporary and it was issued for 10 days and that expires I believe next Friday. 24:06 24 minutes, 6 seconds Okay. Or this Friday, excuse me. excuse me. And then on Monday the 31st, the hearing in that case actually happens. 24:12 24 minutes, 12 seconds So as of right now, disregarding any conference rules or what have you, uh those players can come back for that 24:20 24 minutes, 20 seconds 10day period and then that hearing will actually decide their future. 24:23 24 minutes, 23 seconds Okay. And that’s the one that’s going to involve Daquin Wright, Xavon Harris, and Junior Tulle Hamaka. All right. Let’s bring in Brett Martell, who was in the 24:31 24 minutes, 31 seconds courtroom yesterday for the OJ for the O for the RJ Lewis case. for the OJ. 24:37 24 minutes, 37 seconds \[laughter\] 24:38 24 minutes, 38 seconds Uh Brett, thanks a lot for joining us here on Tiger Rag Radio. Um, first of all, what uh just kind of uh quickly give us uh give us the mood inside the 24:47 24 minutes, 47 seconds courtroom yesterday as it was being debated on whether RJ Lewis, despite having signed professional NBA contracts 24:56 24 minutes, 56 seconds with the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics, uh fighting for another year of eligibility, it was his decision to go to the NBA or try to make an NBA team. 25:06 25 minutes, 6 seconds He left college voluntarily, unlike the class of 2022. 25:11 25 minutes, 11 seconds So, give me your sense of just kind of what it was like inside the courtroom as the discussion and the debate and the arguments were being made. 25:21 25 minutes, 21 seconds Well, I would say that Tony Clayton um you know, a Baton Rouge area attorney pretty well known who represented uh RJ 25:27 25 minutes, 27 seconds Luis uh Jr. um he was very combative um kind of uh kind of working in these 25:35 25 minutes, 35 seconds little these little backhanded Yeah. in insults constantly of opposing council and said, you know, there was a guy from Nashville representing the NCA 25:44 25 minutes, 44 seconds and he kept referring to him as as, you know, the Nashville attorney and I don’t know how they do things in Tennessee, but you know, here um you know, we we we you know, expect it to be another way. 25:55 25 minutes, 55 seconds So, um they were certainly emotional in their arguments and trying to move the judge in that regard and it seemed to be 26:01 26 minutes, 1 second somewhat effective. Um, you know, and then of course in the gallery, um, there was the coaching staff. I mean, Will Wade was there, Stanbury was there, um, 26:10 26 minutes, 10 seconds Johnny Jones was there. There were a couple of teammates that were there as well. Um, uh, Abdi Basher was there, and 26:20 26 minutes, 20 seconds uh, I’m trying to I’m trying to remember the other one, but um, his name’s eluding me at the moment, but anyway, 26:27 26 minutes, 27 seconds uh, yeah. So it was um you know and when when the ruling came down and it took a long time for the judge to explain his 26:34 26 minutes, 34 seconds ruling uh you know there were hugs all around first between the two attorneys and R.J. Lewis and then then them then with the player and the coaching staff. 26:45 26 minutes, 45 seconds Um, and they were all, you know, smiling widely in a very good mood and and it almost seemed like they were walking off, you know, walking away from the 26:52 26 minutes, 52 seconds courthouse to celebrate on the, you know, as I I saw them kind of go around the corner while I was trying to talk to Tony Clayton about um, you know, what 27:00 27 minutes the next steps were. Um, and obviously this was a a preliminary um, or temporary injunction as well. So, um he 27:09 27 minutes, 9 seconds would have been allowed to play in practice as long as uh it took to reach a permanent uh ruling on that case and 27:16 27 minutes, 16 seconds it might have taken a long time um because uh the uh attorneys for um Louise had indicated that they had a lot 27:24 27 minutes, 24 seconds of questions and a lot of discovery to go through um before uh anything even got to trial. So, Well, Brett, let me I’m sorry. Go ahead. 27:33 27 minutes, 33 seconds Go ahead. 27:34 27 minutes, 34 seconds I think the office is in doubt now with the SEC. Uh yeah. 27:37 27 minutes, 37 seconds Yeah, I know. And we’ll get into that in in just a second, but I want to go back to yesterday. Um because you were 27:44 27 minutes, 44 seconds sitting there, I think it was roughly 5 hours. Um and forget about the legal filings and the and actually what 27:52 27 minutes, 52 seconds happened just for a minute, but sitting in that courtroom with the atmosphere that you described, the players, the 27:59 27 minutes, 59 seconds coaches, the Tony Clayton theatrics, if you will, uh the drama. When did you 28:07 28 minutes, 7 seconds actually first get the feeling during that five hours that R.J. Lewis Louuise was going to win? Or did you? 28:17 28 minutes, 17 seconds I never I had no idea what the judge was going to say until he it I think it was very suspenseful as he was going through 28:24 28 minutes, 24 seconds his rationale for his ruling. Um because he wasn’t being definitive in either direction. and he was just talking about 28:32 28 minutes, 32 seconds um the questions he had. Maybe maybe there’s one point in the middle of his ruling where he said that in the court’s 28:40 28 minutes, 40 seconds opinion um you know Luis had not actually played professional basketball. 28:46 28 minutes, 46 seconds So that made me think, okay, he’s leaning towards um you know siding with LSU and Louise here. But um you know then he talked 28:55 28 minutes, 55 seconds about other questions in the case that were weighing heavily on him. And then right near the end of his ruling, he said that he also I guess he was moved 29:02 29 minutes, 2 seconds by this argument. I’m personally like to me like logically I’m not sure how germaine this argument was but but uh 29:10 29 minutes, 10 seconds Luis’s attorneys tried to make it clear that that um Luis was essentially advised to go to the NBA 29:19 29 minutes, 19 seconds by uh and and you know by Patino and wasn’t really 29:26 29 minutes, 26 seconds um I guess didn’t really understand the ramifications he wouldn’t be able to Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, that he would that he wouldn’t be able to come back. But he should have he should have understood that. 29:36 29 minutes, 36 seconds I knew that when I was 6 years old. I mean, come on. I mean, you’re an exceptionally bright individual, \[laughter\] Jeff, and we already know that. So, that 29:44 29 minutes, 44 seconds I mean, it it really Come on. Just think about Come on, man. 29:47 29 minutes, 47 seconds I just think about it. He practices professionally, but that doesn’t It’s Oh my god. Makes me want to Brett, that’s the That’s the movement. 29:59 29 minutes, 59 seconds That’s the argument that you think moved Judge Johnson the most or you were you had alluded to one earlier which was that that because he never played in an 30:07 30 minutes, 7 seconds actual game that that was the argument or do you think it was one? 30:11 30 minutes, 11 seconds Right. I think it was mostly because he hadn’t played in a game. Um you know so he was so the the judge was concerned 30:20 30 minutes, 20 seconds that there was you know a gray area there where you know generally players like in the NFL you know they call them game checks right? So, um, you know, you 30:29 30 minutes, 29 seconds haven’t really provided the service to your employer as a pro alete unless you’ve played in a game. Everything else is just kind of covering expenses and, 30:36 30 minutes, 36 seconds um, you know, especially if the the money is not significant, right? I mean, it’s one thing if you get like a $10 million signing bonus and then say, 30:44 30 minutes, 44 seconds “Well, he never played, \[laughter\] you know.” But in this case, he was saying he received a grand total of $89,000 and basically went into debt 30:52 30 minutes, 52 seconds because um you know, he had to he had an injury and he ended up having to cover his own medical expenses. Um and so you 31:01 31 minutes, 1 second know they were saying that he’s kind of in a similar boat to a lot of the European um professionals, the young 31:09 31 minutes, 9 seconds like the young guys that play on developmental teams in Europe and they get paid but it’s basically just covering their expenses and they have a different system over there but then they end up getting um sort of an 31:18 31 minutes, 18 seconds exception to play in college here. Um and Luis even had two teammates um on his St. John’s team in the 24-25 season 31:27 31 minutes, 27 seconds that were exactly that they had played professionally in Europe and then after that played for St. Sean and so, you know, I think the judge for a lot of 31:35 31 minutes, 35 seconds reasons felt like Luis was right to be um given his experience uh very limited experience, you know, having bro 31:43 31 minutes, 43 seconds contracts and not getting a lot of money and essentially even going into debt um never playing in a game um you know uh 31:51 31 minutes, 51 seconds and having had teammates who had also you know played professionally and then ended up playing for St. John’s um approved by the NCA. I think the judge 31:59 31 minutes, 59 seconds felt like that Louise had had, you know, it could it could be understood if he was confused about, you 32:06 32 minutes, 6 seconds know, the permanent nature of a situation. Um, you know, as as a as a pro versus, you know, who might be ineligible to come 32:15 32 minutes, 15 seconds back to college. Um, and also I think the judge was, you know, kind of looking at the the land the current landscape we’re in where there’s all kinds of 32:24 32 minutes, 24 seconds legal challenges right going on. \[laughter\] is trying to go back to college. 32:29 32 minutes, 29 seconds So, we’re going to have to wrap up here in just a second. 32:31 32 minutes, 31 seconds Hold on, Brett. Could you hold on for one more segment? Uh, sure. I can do that. 32:36 32 minutes, 36 seconds All right, we got to just take a two-minute break. Come back and we’ll finish it up here with Brett Martell from the AP who was inside the courtroom yesterday when R.J. Lewis or Louise has was granted another year of eligibility. 32:46 32 minutes, 46 seconds We’ll be back after this here on Tiger Rag Radio. 32:49 32 minutes, 49 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is back on the air. All right, let’s quickly get back to our guest here, Brett Martell from the Associated Press, who’s been covering 32:57 32 minutes, 57 seconds Louisiana sports for a long time now, over a couple decades. He was in the courtroom yesterday when R.J. Lewis was granted another year of eligibility. 33:06 33 minutes, 6 seconds Todd, you had a question that you wanted to ask Brett. 33:08 33 minutes, 8 seconds Yeah. Yeah. Um Brett, the the the Louise case is is it legally the same issue 33:17 33 minutes, 17 seconds that we’re talking about with Dcoin Wright and and Xavon Harris who went pro in football and they’re now supposedly 33:25 33 minutes, 25 seconds returning to LSU or coming to LSU through the transfer portal or are people making a mistake by lumping all these cases together? 33:34 33 minutes, 34 seconds I think they’re similar but not the same. um you know like it there’s there are certain practical similarities 33:43 33 minutes, 43 seconds um and that you know he was a a pro who’s coming back um but he had he he 33:51 33 minutes, 51 seconds left college early like he had another year of eligibility. Um so his so his eligibility was not exhausted those other twos were. 33:59 33 minutes, 59 seconds Yeah. So there’s an argument missing from him which is that well they changed the system you know um although he could 34:08 34 minutes, 8 seconds make he could theoretically make that argument and said well if I knew I was going to have two years left to play in college and get paid all the you know what I can get paid in college instead 34:17 34 minutes, 17 seconds of you know taking a chance on going to the pros and getting cut I would have definitely stayed in college. So he could make that argument. Um but he would have he would have had to make it they did not make that argument really. 34:26 34 minutes, 26 seconds I mean I think it came up momentarily. 34:29 34 minutes, 29 seconds Um there was seem see seemed to be like a passing reference to to the five for five thing. Um and how and I think it 34:36 34 minutes, 36 seconds was Tony Clayton’s way. I think he brought it up and it was his way of just making the judge like making sure the judge was aware that all the there’s all 34:44 34 minutes, 44 seconds these cases going on and they’re all going the players way. 34:46 34 minutes, 46 seconds Right. Well, to that to that to that point, are are these courts deciding who should be eligible or are they really reacting to 34:54 34 minutes, 54 seconds inconsistencies in how the NCAA is implying its own rules? 34:59 34 minutes, 59 seconds Yeah, they’re they’re reacting to inconsistencies. They’re not trying to decide um who is eligible. They’re 35:05 35 minutes, 5 seconds trying to decide if the the rules have been applied equitably to to people and if people have been 35:13 35 minutes, 13 seconds denied um opportunities that they might have taken had they 35:20 35 minutes, 20 seconds um you know understood, you know, had they had all the information at the time, they were forced to make a life-changing decision 35:27 35 minutes, 27 seconds essentially. So, well Brett, the big question is what happens now now that the SEC has issued 35:34 35 minutes, 34 seconds this policy and what’s different about the SEC policy when it comes to professional athlete or athletes going 35:42 35 minutes, 42 seconds pro and then coming back is that the SEC one is certainly directed at the RJ 35:50 35 minutes, 50 seconds Louise case because it says uh previously declared for the NFL NBA or 35:57 35 minutes, 57 seconds WNBA NBA draft, which R.J. did. The Big 10 and the other leagues strictly go to football. So, the SEC is certainly aware 36:05 36 minutes, 5 seconds of the RJ Louise situation. What do you think happens? This was a policy that was supported by every president or 36:14 36 minutes, 14 seconds chancellor uh in the league, including Wade Roose. So, what’s your take on how this transpires from here? 36:22 36 minutes, 22 seconds Well, I I suspect that there could be lawsuits now naming the SEC as a defendant, depending on how desperate 36:29 36 minutes, 29 seconds these guys are to try to come back and take advantage of college opportunities that were offered versus continuing to 36:37 36 minutes, 37 seconds slog it out and, you know, work out on their own and hope they can get a uh, you know, and the NFL players, look, I covered the NFL since 2005 basically. I 36:46 36 minutes, 46 seconds mean, players go in and out of the league all the time. and they they get invited to to workouts. They get on practice squads. Um practice squad is 36:54 36 minutes, 54 seconds actually not a bad living. It’s like a six-f figureure living, but it’s not what maybe what some of them might get to be a star player in college for an SEC team. So, um but essentially, you 37:04 37 minutes, 4 seconds know, if they want it bad enough and the attorneys are willing to uh not, you know, charge, you know, take it on a 37:12 37 minutes, 12 seconds contingency fee essentially, like if you get the big college deal, then I get this amount. If you don’t, then you don’t have to pay as much. I mean, I 37:19 37 minutes, 19 seconds don’t really know how it’s all going to work out, and that’s up to the attorneys a lot to to make it economical for the players to even accept these cases, but I think the attorneys love the exposure, 37:28 37 minutes, 28 seconds right? Because it promotes their brand as a lawyer. So, I would expect to see um you know, maybe some legal challenges 37:36 37 minutes, 36 seconds to the to the SEC ruling um you know, with the idea that that it it it it’s not something that they would challenge 37:44 37 minutes, 44 seconds going forward, but it’s something they would challenge just this year because the SEC is teams are competing in the 37:51 37 minutes, 51 seconds NCAA, which just changed the rule, which you know means that players like is the same argument they made before might 37:58 37 minutes, 58 seconds have made a different decision about whether to turn pro or if they had known this rule was coming. Um, and so they I that would be the basis for the lawsuit, 38:06 38 minutes, 6 seconds I would imagine. But there’s, you know, there’s a lot that goes into it. It’s another layer of resistance now against the the players and their lawyers to getting back in college. 38:14 38 minutes, 14 seconds Hey Brett, this is case. So let’s say that that lawsuit does get filed against the SEC by a player or a group of players and they win that case. What’s 38:23 38 minutes, 23 seconds then to force an SEC school to enroll that player or assign that player to a team? Is is there any way like what’s 38:32 38 minutes, 32 seconds the disconnect there between okay like okay you win you you are eligible but can’t all the SEC schools just agree we’re not going to sign any former professional players. 38:43 38 minutes, 43 seconds Um yes I guess they can. And then you’d have a situation where Yeah. I mean the 38:50 38 minutes, 50 seconds um I I mean just imagine though like think about how much money and political capital is invested in someone like Lane 38:58 38 minutes, 58 seconds Keifin. And I I mean I guess he could be fired for cause and they wouldn’t have to pay pay out his buyout if he if the 39:07 39 minutes, 7 seconds president said you know we agreed to this SEC rule and you signed him anyway. 39:12 39 minutes, 12 seconds um you know maybe so so maybe he wouldn’t uh go there and so maybe the practical effect is yeah like if all the 39:20 39 minutes, 20 seconds presidents of the SEC members agreed to it then the coaches aren’t going to defy the presidents they’re not going to defy their individual institutions who pay 39:28 39 minutes, 28 seconds them and so that’s that they could file for collusion oh wait a minute they’re not collectively bargain but they still could they still could 39:36 39 minutes, 36 seconds file and and LSU and the SEC would be a part of the punitive damages if an antitrust 39:44 39 minutes, 44 seconds suit was to be won by and that would be criminal too. So Brett uh Go ahead. Sorry. 39:52 39 minutes, 52 seconds Yeah. No, I just think that would be hard to do with so many different co conferences and so many different options. Um you know I mean not every 39:59 39 minutes, 59 seconds conference has made that rule yet. So yeah. Yeah. They could go down to the FCS level. They could go division two. 40:05 40 minutes, 5 seconds They could go to division three. I mean they could you know if they really wanted to play that bad if that’s what it was all about. I doubt they could make that much money. \[laughter\] Oh, it’s all about the money, Todd. 40:16 40 minutes, 16 seconds Brett, thanks a lot, man. We appreciate it. Um, we’ll have to check on you again later, but man, what a what a fascinating time for sure. Thanks for your time tonight. 40:26 40 minutes, 26 seconds You got it. Take care. Great show, guys. 40:28 40 minutes, 28 seconds All right, that’s Brett Martell from the Associated Press. Let’s take our final break of the hour. Chris Low from ESPN joining us to begin hour number two. 40:35 40 minutes, 35 seconds Can’t wait to talk or excuse me, Chris Low from onree.com. my fault. We’ll we’ll talk with Chris a little bit later on in the show, so stay tuned. More coming up here on Tiger Rag Radio. 40:46 40 minutes, 46 seconds Now, back to Tiger Rag Radio. 40:50 40 minutes, 50 seconds Well, back here on Tiger Rag Radio. Good stuff from Brett Martell and Chris Low from onree.com will join us in hour number two. We’ll also talk with Reed 40:59 40 minutes, 59 seconds Darcy who covers LSU women’s basketball for the advocate to get the latest on this Kate Kovville story. But uh before 41:06 41 minutes, 6 seconds we bring in uh Chris, uh LSU football camp is wrapping up here, Todd. And I think one of the biggest developments is that there have been no major injuries. 41:18 41 minutes, 18 seconds Oo man, where’s the wood? Knock on the wood. 41:21 41 minutes, 21 seconds Well, you know, there’s eventually going to be injuries during the season. Knock on wood. 41:25 41 minutes, 25 seconds But they there’s been no abdominal injuries as far as we know. 41:30 41 minutes, 30 seconds That’s because you have a coach that knows \[laughter\] how to run to practice. 41:33 41 minutes, 33 seconds They may not be able to tackle when the game starts, but they won’t be hurt. 41:37 41 minutes, 37 seconds But, uh, they’ve gone through this whole thing and it seems like, uh, what do you make out of the, uh, conversation that Lane has had about or some of the 41:45 41 minutes, 45 seconds talking points about Sam Lev, man, he’s been really pumping him up. 41:49 41 minutes, 49 seconds He’s been high on Sam Levit. He’s been really high on Sam Levit. And, you know, watching Sam Levit throw against air, he’s looked really good. Yeah. But the reports that have come out from 41:57 41 minutes, 57 seconds especially from some of the former players secondhand if not direct who were at the scrimmage that he has really 42:04 42 minutes, 4 seconds looked good but but not just passing uh deep but his timing looks good and they also say that he is running the ball 42:12 42 minutes, 12 seconds well and that you know that’s the biggest advantage that I think he’s going to have overall \[snorts\] is the ability to add that dimension of being 42:20 42 minutes, 20 seconds able to break out and run. He certainly did that at Arizona State two years ago before the injury early last season. So, and I think you know everybody knows 42:28 42 minutes, 28 seconds that a running quarterback is important to a Lane Keven and Charlie Weiss coached offense. All right, so uh this is going to wrap up hour number one. If 42:36 42 minutes, 36 seconds you missed this hour and you want to listen back at it, you can check it out on YouTube later on tonight or anywhere 42:43 42 minutes, 43 seconds where you get your podcast or it’ll also be posted at tiger.com as well. So, uh, an eventful hour number 42:51 42 minutes, 51 seconds two coming up with Chris Low from onree.com and also Reed Darcy from The Advocate. So, stay tuned. We got a lot more Tiger Rag Radio coming for you. Uh, 43:00 43 minutes we’ll keeping mostly with Chris about football, but we certainly got to address real football. 43:06 43 minutes, 6 seconds Real football, X’s and O’s. Well, maybe not necessarily X’s and O’s, but the big talking the outside of what’s been happening in the courtroom. We’ll we’ll 43:14 43 minutes, 14 seconds certainly ask one question on it and then we’ll move on. More of Tiger Rag Radio after this. **Categories:** Lane Kiffin, LSU Basketball, LSU Football News, Men's Basketball, Podcast, Radio **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu basketball, lsu football, will wade --- ### [Watch: LSU Celebrates the Life of Legendary Skip Bertman](https://www.tigerrag.com/watch-lsu-celebrates-the-life-of-legendary-skip-bertman/) **Published:** August 26, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Fans, former players and colleagues, friends and family gathered in LSU’s Pete Maravich Assembly Center for a Celebration of Life Ceremony for legendary baseball coach and athletics director Skip Bertman on Tuesday night. The people who knew him best shared stories and remembered the man that forever changed LSU Athletics and the lives of those he interacted with. Watch the full ceremony here – with remarks Bill Francques, Ben McDonald, Jay Johnson, Herb Vincent, Verge Ausberry and Lorie Bertman: **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** ben mcdonald, jay johnson, lsu baseball, skip bertman, verge ausberry --- ### [LSU Football Honors Senior Center Braelin Moore With Its 21st Treasured No. 18 Jersey For 2026 Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-honors-senior-center-braelin-moore-with-its-21st-treasured-no-18-jersey-for-2026-season/) **Published:** August 26, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Here is a LSU football number story without controversy. LSU starting senior center Braelin Moore has been given the honorary No. 18 jersey for the 2026 season. LSU’s No. 18 has been given out since the 2003 season to a player who best displays leadership and perseverance by coming back from adversity, such as an injury, and/or leadership on and off the field. > The Tradition of 18 | Braelin Moore joins the exclusive group and the second offensive lineman to wear the 18 patch [pic.twitter.com/kPnw8OknoJ](https://t.co/kPnw8OknoJ) > > — LSU Football (@LSUfootball) [August 26, 2026](https://x.com/LSUfootball/status/2092599736402415810?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Moore transferred to LSU before the 2025 season from Virginia Tech and has been a leader on the offensive line ever since. [THE HISTORY OF LSU’s NUMBER 18](https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/sports/college/lsu/2015/08/08/became-lsu-tradition/31352635/) He will start at center for the second straight season. > [Who Else? LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier Gets Coveted, Treasured, Honored No. 18](https://www.tigerrag.com/who-else-lsu-qb-garrett-nussmeier-gets-coveted-treasured-honored-no-18/) Running back Jacob Hester became the first No. 18 after the national championship season in 2003 with coach Nick Saban. Quarterback Matt Mauck wore the 18 in 2003 before it became an LSU tradition. Hester wore it from 2004 through 2007 when he helped lead the Tigers to the national championship in his senior year of 2007. LSU recently went through a number controversy as new coach Lane Kiffin gave sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett the No. 5 after he wore No. 3 in the 2025 season. Pickett wore No. 5 in high school in Zephyrhills, Florida, and was promised No. 5 during his recruitment by then-LSU coach Brian Kelly. But Kelly later reneged and gave Pickett No. 3 because former LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels wore No. 5 in the 2023 season when he won the Heisman Trophy. And LSU’s two previous Heisman winners – Billy Cannon (No. 20) in 1959 and Joe Burrow (No. 9) in 2019 – have not had their numbers worn by another player. > [Jayden Daniels Crunching Number Decision By Lane Kiffin, Who Gave Heisman Winner’s No. 5 To DJ Pickett](https://www.tigerrag.com/jayden-daniels-crunching-number-decision-by-lane-kiffin-who-gave-heisman-winners-no-5-to-dj-pickett/) Moore will not wear the No. 18 as his jersey number during games. He will remain with No. 61, but will wear 18 as a patch on his uniform. Here is the complete list of LSU’s No. 18 players: RB Jacob Hester (2004-07) TE Richard Dickson (2008-09) RB Richard Murphy (2010) S Brandon Taylor (2011) DT Bennie Logan (2012) LB Lamin Barrow (2013) WR Terrence Magee (2014) CB Tre’Davious White (2015-16) DT Christian LaCouture (2017) and RB John David Moore (2017) TE Foster Moreau (2018) LB K’Lavon Chaisson (2019) and OL Lloyd Cushenberry III (2019) RB Chris Curry (2020) LB Damone Clark (2020-21) LB BJ Ojulari (2022) DL Mekhi Wingo (2023) LB Greg Penn (2024) and TB Josh Williams (2024) QB Garrett Nussmeier (2025) C Braelin Moore (2026) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Braelin Moore, garrett nussmeier, Jacob Hester, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [Skip Bertman's Celebration Of Life Ceremony Full Of Stories, Love And Tears](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertmans-celebration-of-life-ceremony-full-of-stories-love-and-tears/) **Published:** August 25, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor As LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman taught him, former LSU pitcher Ben McDonald had a plan as he stepped to the podium to eulogize his coach on Tuesday night at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. “Always have a plan, Skip used to say,” McDonald said of the five-time national champion coach and former LSU athletic director who passed away at age 88 on Aug. 15. In this case, it was a contingency plan. “I’ve been busted up pretty good the last 12 days as I’m sure all of you have been over the loss we’ve all had,” said McDonald, who pitched for LSU from 1987-89 and was the first selection of the 1989 Major League Baseball Draft. “The loss of someone we all loved.” So, McDonald’s plan was – if he got too choked up to speak – to hold up his right index finger and thumb in the shape of an “L” and take a break. “And you hold it up at that point, too, and we’ll get through this together,” McDonald said. That was the strategy when the inevitable tears would come, much like the “inevitable two” runs teams often gave up in the first inning, according to Bertman’s preachings. And just minutes into his speech, McDonald’s “L” went up and the crowd followed suit. McDonald wept openly at times as he did during an interview with Paul Finebaum on ESPN on the day Bertman died. As McDonald finally got through it before a likewise tearful audience, he said, “I’m one of the many sons of this program saying goodbye to the man who built it.” > What a great night of stories and love for Skip Bertman, who held the rope like no other for LSU. [pic.twitter.com/g4AE9KWAlm](https://t.co/g4AE9KWAlm) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 26, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2092441366152224977?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson was 14 years old on June 8, 1991, watching on TV at his home in Oroville, California, when Bertman and his Tigers won their first national championship. Pitcher Rick Greene’s slider induced a ground ball from Jason White to third baseman Chris Moock, who threw to first for the final out and a 6-3 win over Wichita State at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska. Greene carried the 1991 national championship trophy to the front of the stage. “I immediately wanted to go the Chico Mall and buy an LSU Baseball hat,” Johnson said. “I didn’t know where Baton Rouge was at the time.” Johnson was watching LSU in a national championship game again on June 17, 2000, when he was 23 and just finished his college baseball playing career at Point Loma Nazarene in San Diego. And he watched Brad Cresse single to left field to score Ryan Theriot from second base for a walk-off, 6-5 victory over Stanford in the national championship game. Cresse carried the 2000 national championship trophy to the front of the stage, joining the 1991 trophy, the 1993 trophy carried by Todd Walker, the 1996 trophy brought up by Warren Morris and the 1997 trophy carried up by Patrick Coogan. After watching Bertman win his fifth national title in 2000, Johnson soon became a baseball coach the next season as an assistant at Point Loma Nazarene, then its head coach in 2005. From there he was an assistant at the University of San Diego from 2006-13, Nevada’s coach in 2014 and ’15 and Arizona’s coach from 2016-21 before arriving at LSU for the 2022 season. He has won two national championships in five seasons (2023 and ’25) with Bertman there each time. “In what world,” Johnson beamed, “does your idol become your best friend?” ![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/GOss1jPXwAAGxsJ-1024x683.jpeg "Tommy White | TigerRag.com")***Former LSU slugger Tommy White became famous for his post home run poses LSU photo***And in what world does the 86-year-old Bertman mimic Tommy White’s pose after after his walk-off, two-run home run to beat No.1 Wake Forest, 2-0, in 11 innings to put LSU in the national championship series in 2023? Bertman did that while walking by the LSU dugout after receiving an award on the field just before the national championship opener against Florida two nights after the win over Wake Forest. “This dude has got it,” Johnson said he thought at the time. “The team loved it. It relaxed them, and we won it.” Johnson then quoted Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco, who was Bertman’s catcher in 1988 and ’89 at LSU and an assistant under him for three national titles in 1993, ’96 and ’97. “Mike said that Skip was a self-esteem machine,” Johnson said. And he closed with, “Now, it’s all of our jobs to hold the rope. I love you coach.” Small pieces of rope were given to attendees, emblematic of Bertman’s famous, “Hold The Rope” story that is also the name of an SEC Storied documentary on Bertman. The moral of the story is that all players must trust every single one of their teammates enough to where they would pick any teammate to hold the end of a rope, if they were hanging off a cliff by the other end. SEC associate commissioner Herb Vincent, who worked as an associate athletic director when Bertman was athletic director from 2001-09, also eulogized Bertman. “Skip let us come into his world, and we were all better because of it,” he said. LSU baseball sports information director opened the Celebration of Life at the microphone and closed it there as he does at all baseball games at Alex Box Stadium. Franques said opposing coaches would often praise Bertman for his players’ approach at the plate or for a particular bunt defense. But there was one comment from an opposing coach that Franques said was Bertman’s favorite: “Coach, when your players take the field, they look like they know they’re going to win.” > [Skip Bertman (1938-2026): Why He Was The Greatest Hire In The History Of LSU Athletics | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertman-legend-1938-2026-why-he-was-the-greatest-hire-in-the-history-of-lsu-athletics/) Franques said Bertman brought that same approach to his job as athletic director, particularly when Bertman started the vastly profitable football season tickete licensing plan in 2003. “Skip Bertman set LSU on a course to becoming the global power that we are today,” Franques said. Former LSU associate athletic director Dan Radakovich said Bertman brought the “Hold The Rope” mentality to the athletic department. “He took the rope from baseball to the athletic department, but not to hold,” said Radakovich, who worked with Vincent and current LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry under Bertman. “He gave it to us to let us do things based on our decisions under his direction. He always gave us the freedom, or enough rope, to do our jobs. And he always gave coaches what they needed to be successful.” While Bertman was LSU’s athletic director from 2001-09, the football team won national championships in 2003 and ’07 and the baseball team won it all in 2009. He also hired four coaches who went on to win national championhips – Les Miles in football in 2007 with a runner-up finish in 2011, Paul Mainieri in baseball in 2009 with a runner-up finish in 2017, Dennis Shaver in women’s outdoor track in 2008 and in men’s outdoor track in 2021, and Chuck Winstead in men’s golf in 2015. “He was the best athletic director in the history of LSU,” Ausberry said. “We’ve learned the lessons,” former baseball player Pete Bush said at a private players’ ceremony for Bertman earlier Tuesday. “We know what to do. We’ve got the rope from here.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** ben mcdonald, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, skip bertman --- ### [SEC Presidents Unanimously Approve Policy Banning Former Pros From College Athletics](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-presidents-unanimously-approve-policy-banning-former-pros-from-college-athletics/) **Published:** August 25, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The call was put out for the Southeastern Conference to self govern like Commissioner Greg Sankey said they could, and the conference has responded. SEC member presidents, chancellors and athletics directors agreed, during a meeting on Tuesday, to enforce a new policy banning any league school from signing a player who has declared for the NFL, NBA or WNBA draft without removing their name, signed a professional contract with those leagues or been listed on one of their rosters. ESPN reports the vote to approve the rule was 16-0 in favor. > Following meetings with the Presidents, Chancellors, and Athletics Directors of the Southeastern Conference, the SEC will enforce the following policy: [pic.twitter.com/LohWnb7G1J](https://t.co/LohWnb7G1J) > > — Southeastern Conference (@SEC) [August 25, 2026](https://x.com/SEC/status/2092383884872765473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The policy comes after the Big Ten unanimously approved a similar rule preventing the return of college football players who signed NFL contracts Tuesday morning. The clear distinction between the two conferences’ policies is how the SEC targets LSU’s recent acquisitions. Lane Kiffin received commitments from two former Rebels he coached at Ole Miss last year, tight end Dae’Quan Wright and defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, to sign at LSU after a temporary restraining order granted by a Baton Rouge judge made them eligible to return to college football despite signing contracts with NFL teams and participating in training camp. The eligibility issued in that case will not be made certain until a hearing scheduled for Aug. 31. On Monday, Will Wade got a favorable ruling from another Baton Rouge judge who granted former St. John’s basketball player RJ Luis a preliminary injunction to practice and play for LSU after declaring for the NBA draft in 2025 and signing pro deals with the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics organizations. Luis had a year of eligibility remaining following his Big East Player of the Year 2024-2025 season but chose to enter the draft. However, since he never played a G League game due to injury, Judge Ronald Johnson opened the door for his return. > SEC presidents granted Greg Sankey "full and unlimited authority," which includes suspending a school from competition, sources tell [@YahooSports](https://x.com/YahooSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). > > In addition to that, league bylaws grant the commissioner powers to deem a player ineligible, suspend coaches/administrators, etc. > > — Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) [August 25, 2026](https://x.com/RossDellenger/status/2092386571513217522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The SEC’s new rule, however, makes all three of those signees immediately ineligible. Schools that do sign former pros could face hefty consequences. Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports reports that university presidents gave Sankey complete authority to enforce the rule, including the power to suspend a team from competition. The slew of conference bans against these players and the TRO they have been granted could face the same scrutiny the NCAA faced for its initial decision not to include the class of 2022 in the new, five-year eligibility model. Instead of putting an end to the roster chaos and threat to the traditional line in the sand of college athletics, these policies could spur on more lawsuits now targeting the SEC or Big Ten instead of the NCAA. > Separately, Downtown says attorneys are considering “the appropriate legal response to hold the Big Ten and SEC accountable for their cartel-like coordination with the NCAA.” > > It is clear that attorneys are poised to file legal challenges against the two conferences. > > — Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) [August 26, 2026](https://x.com/RossDellenger/status/2092403638312304718?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, LSU Football News, Men's Basketball **Tags:** greg sankey, lsu basketball, lsu football, sec --- ### [Wisconsin Transfer Dilin Jones Has Taken Over The LSU Running Back Room](https://www.tigerrag.com/wisconsin-transfer-dilin-jones-has-taken-over-the-lsu-running-back-room/) **Published:** August 25, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Redshirt sophomore running back [Dilin Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-32-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-21-running-back-dilin-jones/) committed to transfer to Lane Kiffin’s LSU roster on Jan. 13, just a day after returning starter Caden Durham pulled his name from the transfer portal. Two weeks before that, Harlem Berry, the top-rated rusher in the freshman class of 2025, announced his plan to stay at LSU through the coaching change. With the top two ball carriers from the 2025 season back in the building, many running backs would have looked for opportunities somewhere else, but it had the opposite effect on the Wisconsin transfer. “I like competition,” Jones said after practice on Tuesday. “That’s going to drive me to be the best player that I am. The guys in the room help me push myself to be a better me.” > [LSU RB Dilin Jones Discusses The Tigers’ Run Game And Rebuilt Offensive Line](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-rb-dilin-jones-discusses-the-tigers-run-game-and-rebuilt-offensive-line/) Through spring practice and fall camp, it looks like Jones is winning that competition. He saw first team repetitions in the spring and has kept that status during pre-season practices and scrimmages. He said the challenge has pushed him to play faster and more decisively. > [LSU WR Eugene “Tre” Wilson III Was Instantly Impressed With Lane Kiffin And Staff Upon Transfer From Gators](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-wr-eugene-tre-wilson-iii-was-instantly-impressed-with-lane-kiffin-and-staff-upon-transfer-from-gators/) Head coach Lane Kiffin has praised Jones’ work ethic, footwork and physicality throughout the off-season. He identified him as an under-the-radar player to watch during an appearance on “In The Bayou With Tyrann Mathieu.” Jones was the Badgers’ leading rusher after winning a preseason position battle last year before a season-ending, turf toe injury. The Laurel, Maryland, native started the first seven games of the season and took 76 carries for 300 yards and two scores. He was a consensus four-star prospect out of Our Lady of Good Counsel High in Olney, Maryland, where he also ran track and wrestled. He said that wrestling background has helped him as a running back. > Lane Kiffin explains why Wisconsin transfer RB Dilin Jones is an under-the-radar Tiger to watch 👀 > > “He has really good feet and body control, a really smooth runner… He got hurt last year, so he’s not a big stats guy coming in and doesn’t have much notoriety… but I think… [pic.twitter.com/MsjDA5ma9K](https://t.co/MsjDA5ma9K) > > — In The Bayou With Tyrann Mathieu (@InTheBayouPod) [June 18, 2026](https://x.com/InTheBayouPod/status/2067756055686521337?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “Being physical and then knowing your balance, knowing your strength, I’d say that played a big part in it.” Jones said. At 5-foot-11, 206 pounds, Jones is the biggest option in the running back room for the Tigers this season. He said he is a physical runner, but staying on the field this season will take more than that. “Almost every running back can run the ball,” Jones said. “It’s what you do without the ball in your hands, being able to block, go out there, run routes, everything else other than running the ball, but for sure, you got to be able to run the ball, too.” Jones, Durham and Berry have shown they can all be prolific runners, but each have their own style. Berry (5-foot-10, 193 pounds) contrasts Jones’ physicality with a quick burst and blazing speed to out-maneuver defenders. He used those attributes to rack up 491 yards and two touchdowns on 104 attempts last season. Durham (5-9, 204) features a combination of explosive elusiveness and a low center of gravity to help him break tackles. He led the Tigers with 111 carries for 505 yards and three touchdowns last year. Jones said the entire running back room has progressed a lot since he arrived on campus. “The growth is crazy,” Jones said. “We all came a long way blocking-wise, physical, and just being able to play the game fast. We just really came a long way. Everybody in the room.” > [\#LSU](https://x.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) RB Dilin Jones remains the talk of the town after emerging as an offseason standout in Baton Rouge. > > The 5’11, 211-pound Wisconsin transfer handled the first reps on Day 1 with Harlem Berry + Caden Durham to follow. > > A ton of talent in Lane Kiffin’s running back room… [pic.twitter.com/fLNKavZGZb](https://t.co/fLNKavZGZb) > > — Zack Nagy (@znagy20) [August 5, 2026](https://x.com/znagy20/status/2085044877205647472?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) That is in large part thanks to another newcomer, running backs coach Kevin Smith, an All-American back at Central Florida who played in the NFL. Smith followed Kiffin to Baton Rouge after three seasons as the backs coach at Ole Miss. He helped develop Rebels running back Kewan Lacy into an All-American in his first season at Ole Miss last season after playing just six games his freshman year at Missouri. He will hope for another breakout transfer in Jones this season. “He’s done a lot for me,” Jones said. “He’s a great teacher, and then just being out there, he’s able to break everything down for you. And he really coaches routes like he’s a receiver coach.” > [Ole Miss RB Coach Kevin Smith To LSU, As Strangest Staff Swapping In College Football History Continues](https://www.tigerrag.com/ole-miss-rb-coach-kevin-smith-to-lsu-as-strangest-staff-swapping-in-college-football-history-continues/) Jones caught just nine passes for 21 yards last season. He will need to expand his receiving work this year, but most of his usage will come between the tackles. That is where the Tigers’ rebuilt offensive line comes into play. Poor push from the offensive front limited LSU’s rushing attack by backs over the last several seasons, but Jones says this year’s group is different. “They’re not average O-linemen,” he said. “They’re very athletic. They can do everything you need them to do.” And Jones said praise like that has not made them complacent. “The extra stuff they do after practice, seeing meetings with them, all the extra, how long they’re in here and really how hard they work. They’re in here every day, day and night, working hard, doing stuff after practice, after lifting, extra walk-throughs,” he said. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Dilin Jones, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football --- ### [LSU WR Eugene "Tre" Wilson III Was Instantly Impressed With Lane Kiffin And Staff Upon Transfer From Gators](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-wr-eugene-tre-wilson-iii-was-instantly-impressed-with-lane-kiffin-and-staff-upon-transfer-from-gators/) **Published:** August 25, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Like most college football players, Florida wide receiver Eugene “Tre” Wilson III did not follow college football in the news as much as fans. And he did not know all that much about his new coach at LSU, Lane Kiffin, when he transferred to the Tigers last January. But it did not take long. “Once I landed here, I could really see how much of a go-getter and how deep Lane Kiffin and the rest of the staff are about winning,” Wilson said during player interviews on Tuesday after the Tigers’ practice. “Like, they’re very passionate about everything they do. Not even just about winning, but creating good habits in everyday life and creating good men in the facility.” Wilson, who caught 27 passes for 239 yards and three touchdowns last season for Florida before a high ankle sprain ended his season after eight games, also didn’t realize how fast Kiffin’s offenses go and get it. “I thought a lot of practices were fast when I first got to college (at Florida),” he said. “But once I got here, there were really levels to it. The walk-throughs were fast, but in practice, it goes to even another faster level.” > [LSU Football Scrimmage: 4th Team RB Caden Durham Vaults Back Into The Mix With Pair Of 70-Yard Runs](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-scrimmage-4th-team-rb-caden-durham-vaults-back-into-the-mix-with-pair-of-70-yard-runs/) Wilson became known for his quickness at Florida as he caught 61 passes for 538 yards and six touchdowns as a freshman in 2023 out of Gaither High in Tampa, Florida, where he was the No. 16 receiver in the nation and 109 prospect. In a 52-35 loss at LSU in 2023, Wilson caught six passes for 63 yards with a 9-yard touchdown. He caught two passes for 10 yards in a 20-10 loss at LSU last year. A hip injury and surgery limited him to four games in 2024 (19 catches for 266 yards). “It feels great knowing I’m going to be on the other sideline for LSU,” Williams said of the 2026 season. “Can’t wait for it.” No. 11 LSU opens the season against No. 23 Clemson on Sept. 5 in Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC). The battles for playing time in the receiver rotation continues on the LSU practice field as Kiffin brought in nine receivers from the portal in all. “Yeah, just a bunch of guys going out there doing what they love every day,” Wilson said. “He grabbed guys across the country who can go out there and ball and make plays. And everybody brings their own type of talent and skill to the team. It’s going to be a fun show to watch for sure.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Eugene Wilson III, Florida Gators, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Sam Leavitt --- ### [LSU RB Dilin Jones Discusses The Tigers' Run Game And Rebuilt Offensive Line](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-rb-dilin-jones-discusses-the-tigers-run-game-and-rebuilt-offensive-line/) **Published:** August 25, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Lane Kiffin notched a major win early by retaining both of LSU’s talented running backs, Caden Durham and Harlem Berry, through the coaching change, but Wisconsin transfer Dilin Jones seems to be in line to take the first carry in the season opener on Sept. 5 versus Clemson. The redshirt sophomore saw first-team reps when he arrived in the spring and has only solidified that role through fall camp thanks to his physicality, footwork and vision. He was the Badgers leading rusher with 300 yards and two touchdowns in seven starts before a turf-toe injury cut his season short. Jones talked his transition to LSU and fall camp with quarterback Sam Leavitt and the rest of the offense with local media in the Team Room at LSU Football Ops after Tuesday’s practice. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Dilin Jones, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football --- ### [LSU Cornerback PJ Woodland On Revamped Secondary And Tigers Preseason Practice](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-cornerback-pj-woodland-on-revamped-secondary-and-tigers-preseason-practice/) **Published:** August 25, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Junior cornerback PJ Woodland could be the only returning starter in the LSU secondary when the Tigers open the season against Clemson on Sept. 5. Cornerback Mansoor Delane and safety A.J. Haulcy are both off to the NFL and safety Tamarcus Cooley may have lost his starting job to redshirt freshman Jhase Thomas. Woodland started all 13 games at corner for a unit that saw more more interceptions (17) than touchdown passes allowed (14) last season. He defended 11 passes, made two interceptions and allowed 20 catches for 330 yards all season. Woodland spoke with Baton Rouge media about how he plans to build on that season alongside cornerback partner DJ Pickett and recapped his fall camp after practice on Tuesday. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football, PJ Woodland --- ### [Transfer WR Eugene Wilson III Makes LSU Media Debut](https://www.tigerrag.com/transfer-wr-eugen-wilson-iii-makes-lsu-media-debut/) **Published:** August 25, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** LSU is looking for a top receiver to come out of a 13-man position group that features 12 newcomers. Redshirt junior Florida transfer Eugene “Tre” Wilson III was the top-rated portal prospect of the bunch (No. 16 by 247sports.com) and he has made a case to become quarterback Sam Leavitt’s top target this offseason. The former five-star had 107 receptions for 1,043 yards and 10 touchdowns in three seasons at Florida but has struggled with ankle, knee and hip injuries. Wilson spoke to reporters for the first time as a Tiger in the Team Room at LSU Football Ops after practice on Tuesday. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Eugene "Tre" Wilson, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football --- ### [DE Dylan Carpenter Talks LSU Fall Camp and Tigers Defense](https://www.tigerrag.com/de-dylan-carpenter-talks-lsu-fall-camp-and-tigers-defense/) **Published:** August 25, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Redshirt junior defensive end Dylan Carpenter could be a key rotational piece in the LSU EDGE room. The St. Amant native played 10 games last season and had a career-best 10 tackles and two sacks. Carpenter will serve as a Tigers veteran in a room led by transfers Princewill Umanmielen and Jordan Ross and featuring five-star freshman Lamar Brown. Carpenter broke down the talented LSU defensive front and spoke to the media about the Tigers’ fall camp and upcoming season opener versus Clemson in the Team Room at LSU Football Ops after practice on Tuesday. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Dylan Carpenter, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football --- ### [LSU Basketball Coach Will Wade Adds Another Overseas Player As His Roster Building Frenzy Continues](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-basketball-coach-will-wade-adds-another-overseas-player-as-his-roster-building-frenzy-continues/) **Published:** August 25, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU basketball coach Will Wade’s roster is now potentially up to a whopping 13 players for the 2026-27 season. Wade, who will begin his second term as LSU’s coach on Nov. 3 against LSU-New Orleans after previously coaching the Tigers from 2017-22, has gained a commitment from 7-foot-3 center Gilad Levy. He has not played since the 2024-25 season for the Afula professional team in Afula, Israel. Levy is a project prospect as he averaged only 1.7 points in 5.6 minutes of action that season. In 51 professional games, Levy, 24, has 16 blocked shots and 113 rebounds, but he is a big body. In the last week, though, Wade has added three elite players via the NCAA Transfer Portal. > [LSU Gets Friendly Local Judge Ruling That Makes Former NBA Pro RJ Luis A Tiger; But SEC Stands Against It](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-gets-friendly-local-judge-ruling-that-makes-former-nba-pro-rj-luis-a-tiger-but-sec-stands-against-it/) On Monday, Wade got perhaps his best player for this coming season in senior forward signee RJ Luis, the former Big East Player of the Year from 2024-25 at St. John’s who averaged 18.2 points and 7.2 rebounds that season. Baton Rouge 19th Judicial District Judge Ronald Johnson ruled Luis eligible for 2026-27 despite Luis clearly breaking NCAA eligibility rules by signing contracts with two NBA teams after leaving St. John’s to enter the NBA Draft and not getting picked. He signed with LSU in May. > [RJ Luis’s Attorneys Defend Injunction Ruling While NCAA ‘Cries Wolf’](https://www.tigerrag.com/rj-luiss-attorneys-defend-injunction-ruling-while-ncaa-cries-wolf/) Before that, Wade gained commitments from two fifth-year seniors from UCLA in point guard [Donovan Dent](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-grabs-perhaps-his-best-recruit-yet-in-ucla-point-guard-donovan-dent/) and guard [Skyy Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/alleluia-will-wade-may-have-just-found-a-player-via-the-judges-ruling-on-2022-signees-seeking-a-5th-year/) via another judge’s recent ruling supporting lawsuits against the NCAA by athletes seeking an extra year in the 2026-27 season. Dent and Clark and other class of 2022 members in various sports nationwide sued because the NCAA’s new rule allowing athletes to play five seasons in five years instead of four in five begins with players in the class of 2023, skipping 2022. Dent averaged 13.3 points and 7.6 assists a game for UCLA last season, while Clark scored 11.5 a game. The only players listed on Wade’s current roster at the moment are four transfers – small forward Mouhamed Dioubate of Kentucky, guard Abdi Bashri of Kansas State, point guard Divine Ugochukwu of Michigan State and unranked guard Austin Nunez of Texas-San Antonio. Levy, Luis, Dent and Clark are expected to be added to the official roster at some point this week for a total of eight. Also expected to be added to the LSU roster this week are four other international commitments in forward Saliou Niang of Italy, center Marcio Santos of Brazil, center Brice Dessert of France and forward Michael Ruzic of Croatia. That makes 12. Wade also has a commitment from unranked forward Jordan Bender of Northside Christian School in St. Petersburg, Florida, for 13. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** Gilad Levy, lsu, LSU men's basketball, LSU Tigers', will wade --- ### [RJ Luis's Attorneys Defend Injunction Ruling While NCAA 'Cries Wolf'](https://www.tigerrag.com/rj-luiss-attorneys-defend-injunction-ruling-while-ncaa-cries-wolf/) **Published:** August 25, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter After a Baton Rouge judge granted LSU basketball signee RJ Luis a preliminary injunction allowing him to return to college basketball on Monday, one of his attorneys, Elliot Abrams said that the decision is not the death of the NCAA as so often claimed during eligibility cases. > Statements from attorneys representing RJ Luis in his case, Elliot Abrams and Tony Clayton following their successful injunction [pic.twitter.com/76ZzKp5VJ7](https://t.co/76ZzKp5VJ7) > > — Michael Cauble (@Cauble) [August 25, 2026](https://x.com/Cauble/status/2092044506942017959?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Luis’s attorneys, Abrams and Baton Rouge lawyer Tony Clayton, argued that overseas professional players are allowed to play college basketball, but the same standard is not applied to domestic players. Abrams also said that with name image and likeness deals and revenue sharing allowing schools to pay athletes directly, the NCAA is now a professional sports league. “When you create the NCAA now as a professional league, and then you start drawing these arbitrary distinctions and saying, ‘this is too much or that’s too much,’ all of these things, every time someone challenges an arbitrary decision of the NCAA, the NCAA cries wolf,” Abrams told reporters after judge Ronald Johnson’s ruling. The 2025 Big East Player of the Year, Luis never played in a professional game due to injury, but he did sign two-way and Exhibit 10 contracts with the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtic’s G League affiliate. Judge Johnson ruled he did not technically play professionally, but NCAA rules state a player who simply signs a pro contract is not eligible to return. “This is just a judge forcing the NCAA to live up to the law as so many judges have had to do because the NCAA has decided to try to draw distinctions that don’t stand up to reason,” Abrams said. > [LSU Gets Friendly Local Judge Ruling That Makes Former NBA Pro RJ Luis A Tiger; But SEC Stands Against It](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-gets-friendly-local-judge-ruling-that-makes-former-nba-pro-rj-luis-a-tiger-but-sec-stands-against-it/) The NCAA is likely to appeal the decision, and the SEC could take action to rule Luis ineligible after commissioner Greg Sankey came out against Luis’s return. For now, the 23-year-old will be allowed to practice with the Tigers. Clayton shared an emotional embrace with Luis after the ruling. “I kind of teared up,” he said. “His dad looked at me teary-eyed, and I looked at him because his kid finally gets to be treated fairly. So I hugged him, and he said thank you, and he started looking for Elliott. And I didn’t want to hug him too long because I didn’t want to cry, but I felt a big relief lift off of that kid’s shoulders.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** lsu basketball, LSU men's basketball, RJ Luis --- ### [LSU Gets Friendly Local Judge Ruling That Makes Former NBA Pro RJ Luis A Tiger; But SEC Stands Against It](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-gets-friendly-local-judge-ruling-that-makes-former-nba-pro-rj-luis-a-tiger-but-sec-stands-against-it/) **Published:** August 24, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU basketball coach Will Wade got his judge and his man … for now. Baton Rouge 19th Judicial District Judge Ronald Johnson ruled on Monday night that former St. John’s star forward RJ Luis is eligible to play for the Tigers in the 2026-27 season as a senior despite signing contracts with two NBA teams after leaving St. John’s following the 2024-25 season to enter the NBA Draft. Luis went undrafted, but later signed with the Utah Jazz. Then Jazz soon traded him to Boston, who cut him to end his NBA career at the time, never having played in a regular season game. At St. John’s, Luis was the Big East Player of the Year in the 2024-25 season as a junior, averaging 18.2 points and 7.2 rebounds. He signed with Wade and LSU last May 19. After more than five hours in court on Monday with Luis, Wade and LSU assistant athletic director Heath Schroyer present, Johnson at about 6:30 p.m. granted Luis the preliminary injunction regarding a lawsuit by Luis against the NCAA. > [Will Wade Signs Former NBA Player RJ Luis, But There May Be Legal Baggage](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-signs-former-nba-player-rj-luis-but-there-may-be-legal-baggage/) Luis won despite a lawsuit viewed as weak based on precedent, and even LSU athletic department officials said last spring that the chances of him playing for the Tigers was a long shot. But LSU, Luis and his attorney, Elliot Abrams, a veteran of NCAA cases based in Raleigh, North Carolina, wanted to try. They based part of their argument on the fact that Luis never played in a regular season NBA game and had injury issues. But scores of college players historically have not been able to return to college after only signing with an NBA pro team and never playing in a regular season game, either because of injuries or lack of ability, or both. NCAA rules clearly state that it does not allow collegiate players who have signed NBA contracts to return to college play, whether they played in NBA regular season games or not. “The NCAA has not and will not grant eligibility to any prospective or returning student-athletes who have signed an NBA contract,” NCAA president Charlie Baker said last December, regarding other players and programs attempting similar ploys as Luis and LSU. The NCAA can request a stay to delay the ruling or pursue other options, such as an appeal. > [Not So Fast, Says SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey To LSU Coach Will Wade’s Quest For NBA-Signed Star RJ Luis](https://www.tigerrag.com/not-so-fast-says-sec-commissioner-greg-sankey-to-lsu-coach-will-wades-quest-for-nba-signed-star-rj-luis/) Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey took a strong stand against Luis playing at LSU with a statement from his office on Monday. “College athletes, not former professional athletes, have been at the heart of the Southeastern Conference,” his statement read. “Individuals who choose to leave college athletics, sign professional contracts and compete professionally should not then be permitted to return to college competition. Allowing that to occur will blur the line between college and pro sports, create significant competitive equity concerns and reduce opportunities for high school and current college athletes. College sports are for college athletes.” Sankey previously vehemently went against LSU’s move through an affidavit letter to Johnson two weeks ago in preparation for the Monday hearing. Sankey said that such a move by LSU “fuels disruption,” stopping it is “essential to the integrity of college sports,” and if allowed would undermine the “fundamental principles” of college sports and “limit the opportunities of high school athletes everywhere trying to be college athletes,” Sankey said in the affidavit. “These rules are grounded in the principle that athletics are an integral part of the academic experience,” Sankey wrote. “The rules align the time permitted for college athletics with the pursuit of an undergraduate education and further the important purpose of preserving opportunities for future student-athletes to participate in college sports.” Sankey took a similar stand against Alabama and center Charles Bediako when he tried to return to Alabama last season after Bediako had signed with the NBA and played in its developmental league following his career at Alabama from 2021-23. But Alabama also got a friendly local judge for a temporary restraining order that allowed Bediako to play briefly last January before the judge later reversed his decision amid pressure from Sankey and the NCAA. “Permitting former professional athletes to return to competition creates a competitive disadvantage and fundamental unfairness for current student-athletes who have not pursued a professional sports career,” Sankey said at the time. > [Will Wade Grabs Perhaps His Best Recruit Yet In UCLA Point Guard Donovan Dent](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-grabs-perhaps-his-best-recruit-yet-in-ucla-point-guard-donovan-dent/) But at this time, LSU and Wade have a very talented player to add to a roster that is suddenly very talented with the addition of a pair of UCLA guards – Donovan Dent and Skyy Clark – over the last week. Each also are eligible for the 2026-27 season because of recent judge’s rulings. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** lsu, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers', RJ Luis, St. John's, will wade --- ### [TODD HORNE: Don’t Blame Lane Kiffin for the NCAA’s Eligibility Mess](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-ncaa-eligibility-mess/) **Published:** August 24, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** SEC’S FIVE-FOR-FIVE STAND IGNORES WHY LSU’S 2022-CLASS PLAYERS WENT PRO # These Players Didn’t Leave College. College Left Them. The SEC wants to punish 2022 signees for taking NFL opportunities after the NCAA told them their eligibility was gone. That’s not integrity. That’s convenient amnesia. By Todd Horne, Executive Editor The SEC found the culprit in college football’s latest eligibility mess Monday night. Apparently, it is the player who believed the NCAA. After a videoconference of its presidents and chancellors, the conference issued a stern statement declaring that college athletics should be populated by college athletes, not former professionals. Fair enough. Then came this: > “Individuals who choose to leave college athletics, sign professional playing contracts, and compete professionally should not then be permitted to return to college competition.” Sounds perfectly reasonable. It also skips the most important fact in the entire controversy. These players didn’t necessarily choose to leave college athletics. College athletics told them they were finished. That is not semantics. It is the center of the case. The players now holding temporary restraining orders are largely members of the 2022 entering class, athletes who played four seasons under the rules that existed when they arrived. When the 2025 season ended, their eligibility was exhausted. Four seasons. Done. Thanks for playing. Good luck with the rest of your life. So some of them did what football players do when college football is no longer an available option. They pursued professional football. Then the NCAA changed the rules. On June 23, the NCAA Division I Cabinet approved a sweeping new age-based eligibility model, commonly described as “five-for-five,” although the NCAA itself notes that the shorthand is imperfect. Under the new structure, athletes who enter college at the traditional age generally can compete throughout a five-year eligibility period instead of being limited to four seasons of competition. [The NCAA explained the new eligibility model here.](https://www.ncaa.org/division-i-adopts-age-based-eligibility-model/) There was a catch. The NCAA specifically excluded athletes who had already used what, under the old rules, was their final season during the 2025-26 academic year. In other words, if you were standing inside the building when the NCAA changed the rule, you might get the benefit of the new rule. If the NCAA had already escorted you outside, locked the door and told you your eligibility was gone, too bad. That is the 2022-class problem now bouncing around courtrooms. And it makes the SEC’s statement sound considerably less tidy. ## Apparently They Needed a Crystal Ball Consider two players. Both enroll in college in 2022. Both play four seasons. Both finish the 2025 season believing — because the NCAA rules say so — that their college careers are over. Player A gets an NFL opportunity. He signs a contract, reports to camp and tries to make a roster. Player B gets no NFL offer. Maybe he keeps training. Maybe he starts graduate school. Maybe he gets a job selling insurance. Maybe he goes home and wonders what comes next. Then the NCAA adopts a system under which, had it applied to them, both players could have been eligible in 2026. They sue. A court temporarily restores eligibility. Under the SEC’s logic, Player B can come back. Player A cannot. Why? They entered college together. They played the same number of college seasons. Their eligibility expired on the same schedule. One difference: Somebody in the NFL wanted Player A. That’s it. Apparently the equitable solution is to reward the player who had nowhere else to play and punish the player who was good enough to get a professional opportunity. Call it whatever you want. I’m having trouble calling that competitive equity. I’d probably call it **eligibility by unemployment.** The SEC says allowing former professionals back into college sports would “reduce opportunities for high school and current college athletes.” That concern is legitimate. Rosters are finite. Scholarships are finite. Playing time is finite. A 22- or 23-year-old physically mature player returning after an NFL training camp could absolutely take a roster spot from an 18-year-old freshman. Fine. Write a rule. Write it prospectively. Tell every college athlete entering the system today that signing a professional playing contract permanently terminates his remaining collegiate eligibility. Put it in 40-point type. Make the player initial the page. I could support that. What you cannot reasonably do is tell a player in January that his eligibility is exhausted, watch him pursue the NFL because you told him there was no college football left for him, change your eligibility structure in June and then condemn him in August for having believed you in January. The SEC would apparently have preferred that these players turn down NFL contracts on the possibility that the NCAA might change its mind six months later. They needed an agent, a financial adviser and, evidently, a crystal ball. ## I Understand Breiden Fehoko. He’s Still Missing the Point. Former LSU defensive lineman Breiden Fehoko, a member of the Tigers’ 2019 national championship team, was considerably less diplomatic than the SEC Monday. Reacting to former Ole Miss defensive lineman Zxavian Harris’ decision to join LSU, Fehoko wrote on X: > “I want LSU to win but this ain’t the way.” Then he went directly at Lane Kiffin and his staff. > “I don’t care if the ‘rules’ allow it. Integrity/amateurism all gotta count for something bro.” I understand the instinct. I respect Fehoko enough to take the argument seriously. I just think he’s wrong. Integrity certainly ought to count for something. But **amateurism?** College athletics has spent the last five years holding a funeral for amateurism and apparently forgot to tell everyone where it buried the body. Schools now directly share millions of dollars in revenue with athletes. NIL compensation is legal. Collectives have become marketing operations, recruiting operations and, occasionally, something resembling payroll departments wearing fake mustaches. Transfer recruiting occurs with numbers attached. Agents negotiate college opportunities. Congress is considering legislation establishing a federal compensation and governance framework. And now, precisely when LSU finds a legal roster advantage somebody doesn’t like, we’re digging “amateurism” out of the attic? Come on. More importantly, Lane Kiffin did not create this. He did not write the old eligibility rule. He did not exclude the 2022 class from the transition to the new rule. He did not grant the temporary restraining order. He did not reopen the transfer portal. And he did not make these players legally available to recruit. A Louisiana judge did that temporarily, and the larger eligibility issue remains in litigation. The TRO involves a group of 2022-class athletes who were denied another season under the NCAA’s transition rules, including players who had already pursued NFL opportunities after their college eligibility expired under the previous system. Kiffin simply looked at the board. There were players on it. He recruited them. Of course he did. His explanation Monday was essentially the only answer a major college football coach can give: if the courts make these players eligible, they are going to play somewhere, and LSU made the decision to recruit them. You can dislike the rule. You can dislike the court ruling. You can dislike what college football has become. But asking LSU to voluntarily refuse legally eligible players while Alabama, Texas, Georgia, Texas A&M, Ole Miss or anybody else remains free to recruit them isn’t integrity. It’s unilateral disarmament. Nobody hired Lane Kiffin to finish first in the SEC sportsmanship hypothetical. They hired him to win football games. ## The SEC’s Statement Actually Makes the Players’ Argument Here is where Monday night gets really interesting. The SEC concluded its statement by saying: > “The current confusion around national eligibility standards emphasizes the need to advance the Protect College Sports Act.” On that point, the conference may be more right than it realizes. Yes. There should be one national rule. Yes. Players should know exactly how long they are eligible. Yes. Schools should know whom they may recruit. Yes. Professional status should have a clear effect on collegiate eligibility. Yes. The courts should not be effectively creating different eligibility standards depending on whether somebody files in Louisiana, Colorado, Ohio or somewhere else. This is chaos. Congress can address it. But Monday’s SEC statement also demonstrates why a national rule has to be clear **before the player makes the decision.** The league wants to make this a morality play about college athletes choosing to become professionals and then deciding they would rather come back. That would be a much easier argument. It just isn’t what happened here. Dae’Quan Wright didn’t leave college with another season of NCAA eligibility sitting in his pocket and suddenly decide Tiger Stadium sounded more fun. Zxavian Harris didn’t abandon an available fifth college season for the NFL and then ask for a mulligan. These players were told their four-season eligibility had been exhausted. They acted accordingly. Only afterward did the NCAA adopt a new eligibility model under which similarly situated athletes with eligibility remaining could potentially compete for a fifth year. The NCAA’s own transition table says athletes who used their final season during 2025-26 receive no additional eligibility under the new model. That’s the issue the SEC statement never addresses. Maybe the courts ultimately decide the NCAA has every right to draw that transition line. Maybe the TRO disappears. Maybe Wright never plays a snap for LSU. Maybe Harris doesn’t either. Those are legal questions still being resolved. But don’t rewrite the chronology. And don’t turn the players into villains because the NCAA changed the rules after their clocks hit zero. ## LSU Is Exploiting the Mess. Good. There is another uncomfortable truth here. LSU is exploiting this situation. Absolutely. So would I. And so would virtually every serious football program in America once a player it needed became legally available. College football spent years constructing this environment. Courts tore apart old restrictions. NIL became legal. Revenue sharing arrived. Transfer rules loosened. The NCAA lost lawsuit after lawsuit. Conferences demanded federal protection. Schools assembled general managers and personnel departments. Coaches became roster CEOs. Then Lane Kiffin showed up and treated the system exactly like the competitive marketplace everyone created. And everybody suddenly became shocked that Lane Kiffin was acting like Lane Kiffin. That part is almost funny. The better question isn’t why LSU is recruiting these players. The better question is why LSU wouldn’t. If somebody wants the answer to be **because the rules prohibit it**, fine. Pass the rule. If Congress wants professional contracts to permanently end college eligibility, put it in the Protect College Sports Act. If the SEC wants its own prohibition and can legally enforce one, adopt it. But make the rule before the decision. Don’t expire a player’s eligibility, send him into the professional marketplace, change the eligibility system after he gets there and then lecture him about the sanctity of college athletics when a judge lets him back through the door. Because these players didn’t walk away from a fifth season. They were told they didn’t have one. The NCAA changed the rule. The courts noticed. Lane Kiffin noticed faster. And now the SEC would prefer everyone forget how we got here. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** 2022 Recruiting Class, College Football Eligibility, Dae’Quan Wright, Five-for-Five Rule, lane kiffin, lsu football, NCAA Eligibility, Protect College Sports Act, sec, Zxavian Harris --- ### [LSU Forward Kate Koval Leaving The Program For Personal Reasons](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-forward-kate-koval-leaving-the-program-for-personal-reasons/) **Published:** August 24, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU junior forward Kate Koval will not be returning to the women’s basketball team, coach Kim Mulkey announced Monday. Koval informed Mulkey of her decision to leave the team for personal, private reasons in a meeting on Sunday. > A Statement From Head Coach Kim Mulkey: [pic.twitter.com/vIkici06aH](https://t.co/vIkici06aH) > > — LSU Women's Basketball (@LSUwbkb) [August 24, 2026](https://x.com/LSUwbkb/status/2092032886404780082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “Kate came to see me on Sunday and told me that after much consideration, she will be leaving the program for personal reasons. We will respect her privacy on her decision, but we had a long talk about it, and it was a hard decision for her. I know it is hard because she loves LSU. Kate is a great person. She has to do what she feels is right for her, and we fully support her in that. We all wish her the best,” Mulkey said in her announcement of the departure. The 6-foot-5 Ukrainian transferred to LSU from Notre Dame last season. Koval started 17 of 35 games and averaged 8.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 1.1 steals and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 56% from the floor. As a freshman at Notre Dame, she averaged 5.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.7 blocks in 32 games. She was a McDonald’s High School All-American out of Long Island Lutheran High School in New York. Koval was poised to be a full-time starter in the frontcourt this season alongside sophomore Grace Knox and the Lady Tigers’ primary rebounder and rim protector as the roster’s only true center. Without Koval, Mulkey could be forced to rely on 6-foot-5 Russian signee Anna Minaeva to contribute in the paint, but she joins the Tigers at just 17-years-old. Mulkey told The Advocate that she consulted Koval, whose father is in the Ukrainian military, before recruiting Minaeva. > Kate Koval’s dad is in the Ukrainian military, and she’s said that she fears for his life “every single day.” > > The war is personal for Koval, which is why Kim Mulkey talked to her before she started recruiting Anna Minaeva [pic.twitter.com/iB09d2JkwU](https://t.co/iB09d2JkwU) > > — Reed Darcey (@byreeddarcey) [August 19, 2026](https://x.com/byreeddarcey/status/2090208689542119480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Mulkey could also potentially look to supplement her need for quality rebounding by targeting a return from last year’s rebound-leader Amiya Joyner. Joyner entered the transfer portal after being granted a temporary restraining order for a fifth season of eligibility, but perhaps a new roster spot and an attractive role could help Mulkey bring her back to Baton Rouge. At 6-foot-2, Joyner does not have Koval’s size, but she averaged 7.5 boards and 9.2 points a game last season. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Women's Basketball **Tags:** kate koval, kim mulkey, lsu women's basketball --- ### [Lane Kiffin's NFL Portal Pops On With Ex-Saint DT Zxavian Harris LSU Bound, And Possibly More](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-nfl-portal-pops-on-with-ex-saint-dt-zxavian-harris-lsu-bound-and-possibly-more/) **Published:** August 24, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU coach Lane Kiffin is not stopping with just two additions from the Temporary Restraining Order transfer portal. Just hours after discussing the historic transfer of NFL tight end Dae’Quan Wright of the Cleveland Browns to his LSU Tigers on Monday, Kiffin received a commitment from former Saints rookie defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, who was cut by New Orleans three weeks ago. Wright, a former Ole Miss player for Kiffin last season, was just cut by Cleveland after dressing out for a Browns’ preseason game on Saturday night. > [Lane Kiffin Will Continue To Recruit NFL Players, Others Gaining New Eligibility Through Court Rulings](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-will-continue-to-recruit-nfl-players-others-gaining-new-eligibility-through-court-rulings/) Harris (6-foot-8, 330 pounds) made 58 tackles last season with three sacks as a senior in 2025 at Ole Miss in what he thought at the time was his last season. But he is one of the college athletes from the class of 2022 suing the NCAA over its new rule allowing athletes five seasons in five years instead of four in five that begins with 2023 players. Harris and Wright, among others, received a temporary restraining order for another season last week by Baton Rouge 19th District Court Judge William Jorden. And Harris wants to join his former teammate Wright at LSU with Kiffin, their former head coach who put the Rebels in the College Football Playoff last season at 11-1 (7-1 SEC) before taking the LSU job. > BREAKING: [\#LSU](https://x.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) has landed a commitment from [\#OleMiss](https://x.com/hashtag/OleMiss?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) transfer DL Zxavian Harris! > > The 6’8, 330-pound defender notched 58 tackles and three sacks for the Rebels, last season. > > Harris received a TRO from a Louisiana court after spending time with the Saints during training camp. [pic.twitter.com/ZmS7rNxUos](https://t.co/ZmS7rNxUos) > > — CJ (TigerBait.com) (@CJFWrites) [August 24, 2026](https://x.com/CJFWrites/status/2091976078642340149?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) That is likely not all for Kiffin. Former Ole Miss senior safety Wydett Williams, who played for Kiffin last season and is currently with the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL, also is part of the suing group receiving the temporary restraining order from Jorden and is also expected to come to LSU. Williams (6-2, 210 pounds) started 14 games last season ast safety and intercepted three passes with 13 pass breakups while making 73 tackles. Williams is also from Louisiana, having played at General Trass High in Lake Providence. And don’t forget former LSU senior edge rusher Jack Pyburn, who made 52 tackles last season for LSU with two sacks and eight quarterback hurries. He is playing for the NFL Tampa Bay Bucs now and made three tackles in a preseason game on Saturday after collecting two sacks the previous week. But he has also entered the portal and may end up at LSU as well. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, ole miss, Zxavian Harris --- ### [Former LSU WR Kayshon Boutte Traded To Texans](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-wr-kayshon-boutte-traded-to-texans/) **Published:** August 24, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Former LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte is on the move. The 2023 sixth-round pick was traded from the Patriots to the Texans for second-year safety Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh-round pick after spending three seasons in New England, ESPN reports. > Trade: The Patriots are sending WR Kayshon Boutte to the Texans in exchange for safety Jaylen Reed and a 2028 seventh-round pick, as [@TomPelissero](https://x.com/TomPelissero?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) reported. [pic.twitter.com/Z5W8sLkjuR](https://t.co/Z5W8sLkjuR) > > — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) [August 24, 2026](https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2091962149878796544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The 24-year-old carved out a substantial role in the Patriots’ offense each of the last two seasons. In 2024, he broke out with 43 catches for 589 yards and three touchdowns. Last season, he caught 33 passes for 551 yards and six TDs in 14 games. He helped New England to a Super Bowl appearance with nine catches for 168 yards and a touchdown in the postseason and finished the year third on the team in receiving yards and second in receiving scores. This offseason, the Patriots acquired three-time All-Pro wide receiver AJ Brown from the Eagles. Boutte, who is entering the final season of his rookie contract, could have seen a reduced role competing for targets with Brown and free agent addition Romeo Doubs. Instead, he will join a Houston position group led by two-time Pro-Bowler Nico Collins that just lost its No.2 wideout Jayden Higgins to a season-ending ACL injury. > [Ex-LSU Star Kayshon Boutte Has “Come A Long Way” Since Gambling Addiction Exploded – Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/ex-lsu-star-kayshon-boutte-has-come-a-long-way-since-gambling-addiction-exploded-tiger-rag-radio/) Boutte’s young NFL career has been far from obstacle-free. He struggled with a gambling addiction while at LSU and lost more than $80,000 in sports gambling, including bets on himself and his team. He was arrested in January of 2024 but has since worked to reinvent himself and revive his career. At LSU, Boutte played 27 games in three seasons and racked up 131 receptions for 1,781 yards and 16 touchdowns. The New Iberia native will now play his home games less than four hours away from where he grew up. Boutte and the Texans kick off the season in Houston against the Bills Sept. 13 at noon. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Kayshon Boutte, lsu football --- ### [Lane Kiffin Addresses Returning Fifth-Year College Football Players](https://www.tigerrag.com/live-lane-kiffin-recaps-2nd-lsu-scrimmage-and-prepares-for-clemson-opener/) **Published:** August 24, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** LSU is officially shifting focus to its Week 1 matchup against Clemson with just two weeks of preseason practice remaining. Lane Kiffin led the Tigers’ second preseason scrimmage on Saturday as the coaching staff decides its final depth chart and rotations for the opener. A new wrench could be thrown into the final roster outlook, though, with fifth-year senior transfers [Junior Tuihalamaka](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-gains-commitment-from-5th-year-senior-edge-junior-tuihalamaka-of-notre-dame-for-this-season/), a Notre Dame defensive end, and [Dae’Quan Wright](https://www.tigerrag.com/its-happening-lane-kiffin-expands-his-portal-empire-to-the-nfl-with-browns-te-daequan-wright-to-be-a-tiger/), Kiffin’s former Ole Miss tight end, committed to joining the Tigers after being granted another season of eligibility by a Baton Rouge judge. Kiffin talked college football roster chaos and and gave some insight on his first LSU roster and Saturday’s scrimmage from the Team Room at LSU Football Ops after practice Monday. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football --- ### [Lane Kiffin Will Continue To Recruit NFL Players, Others Gaining New Eligibility Through Court Rulings](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-will-continue-to-recruit-nfl-players-others-gaining-new-eligibility-through-court-rulings/) **Published:** August 24, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU football coach Lane Kiffin does not see himself as a maverick portal recruiter of NFL players and others recently ruled eligible for 2026 by various federal and state court rulings in this extremely unique time in college athletics. “We made a decision to recruit some players around the country through these multiple injunctions and temporary restraining orders across the country,” Kiffin said at a press conference on Monday amid criticism nationally for going after such players recently ruled eligible. That includes NFL players. > [It’s Happening! Lane Kiffin Expands His Portal Empire To NFL With Browns’ TE Dae’Quan Wright LSU Bound](https://www.tigerrag.com/its-happening-lane-kiffin-expands-his-portal-empire-to-the-nfl-with-browns-te-daequan-wright-to-be-a-tiger/) Kiffin became the first coach in college football history to add an NFL player to his roster via the transfer portal on Sunday in former Cleveland Browns rookie tight end Dae’Quan Wright, whom Kiffin coached while he was Ole Miss’ coach last season before coming to LSU. “All of a sudden there’s some players in a new portal,” Kiffin said. Wright (6-foot-4, 246 pounds), who caught 39 passes for 635 yards for College Football Playoff semifinalist Ole Miss (13-2, 7-1 SEC) in 2025-26, still has to clear waivers as every NFL team has a chance to claim him after Cleveland cut him. But he is expected to join LSU’s team. Last Wednesday, Wright entered the NCAA Transfer Portal after East Baton Rouge Parish 19th District Court Judge William Jorden granted a temporary restraining order to a large group of athletes, including Wright, suing the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility in 2026. Wright and other athletes who began their college careers in 2022 sued the NCAA over its new rule allowing athletes to play five seasons in five years, instead of the previous rule of four seasons in five years. Since the NCAA rule is only for athletes beginning their college careers in 2023, the legal action began. And plaintiffs with college careers beginning in 2022 have been getting temporary restraining orders and injunctions from various state judges allowing them to play in 2026. “The judges decided they should have an extra year,” Kiffin said. “They started to get injunctions around the country, so, we’re recruiting them. They were made eligible. The judges found that these players should’ve been eligible for a fifth year. They did not know they were going to become eligible.” Kiffin also added Notre Dame senior edge rusher Junior Tuihalamaka, who benefited from the same ruling by Jorden, on Friday to his roster. > Lane Kiffin’s 2-minute portal offense scores! > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 21, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2090908091390800338?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) A reporter asked Kiffin about a Southeastern Conference rule that prohibits transfers from one SEC school to another outside of the scheduled portal window earlier in the year. Wright’s transfer to LSU from Ole Miss breaks that rule conceivably. “I can’t really say anything about that,” Kiffin said. “This is an extremely unique situation, and I don’t think you’ll have this again.” Asked about the criticism he is receiving for jumping head first into this new portal, Kiffin said, “That’s probably easy to figure out. I understand that. That is what it is. Any time someone’s first out of the gate with something, that happens. But there are a lot of people trying to do the same thing. Other coaches are trying to do the same thing. But these players (Wright and Tuihalamaka), they chose you. So you get attention.” A reporter asked when Wright and Tuihalamaka will be joining the team at practice. “I’m not getting into that,” he said. “There is so much gray area.” For one, the players temporary restraining orders will elapse by Aug. 31, and they will need another ruling. LSU opens the season on Sept. 5 against Clemson. Kiffin was also asked if he has spoken to his current players about suddenly adding new players, which could hurt team chemistry. “Our guys know we’re in the relentless pursuit of excellence,” Kiffin said. “We’re always going to look at every avenue to give you the best chance to win.” **TODD MONKEN COMMENTS** Kiffin was asked about Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken’s comments on Saturday in which he said Kiffin called him about Wright and left a message. > [Lane Kiffin Targets Ex-Ole Miss TE Dae’Quan Wright Of Cleveland Browns; Jack Pyburn In NFL-Portal Limbo](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-targets-ex-ole-miss-te-daequan-wright-of-cleveland-browns-jack-pyburn-in-nfl-portal-limbo/) “I found that interesting. There are some inaccuracies in that story,” Kiffin said. “Maybe somebody else called and said it was me. I don’t know him. That was not me.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [Two ex-Tigers Named Starters Elsewhere This Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/two-ex-tigers-named-starters-elsewhere-this-season/) **Published:** August 24, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter While some college football players are redefining NCAA rules by [leaving for the NFL and returning to college football](https://www.tigerrag.com/its-happening-lane-kiffin-expands-his-portal-empire-to-the-nfl-with-browns-te-daequan-wright-to-be-a-tiger/), others are prolonging their time as an “amateur” the old-school way — bouncing around schools until they find a spot with the role they are looking for. Two former LSU quarterbacks have been named starters in the Group of Six this season. Max Johnson has landed at Georgia Southern to conclude his seven-year college football odyssey. Johnson was a class of 2020 signee at LSU, the same class as fourth-year NFL wide receiver Kayshon Boutte and quarterback TJ Finley, who was set to attend his seventh different school this season before declaring for the NFL Draft. Johnson appeared in six games and started twice as a freshman before becoming the full-time LSU starter in 2021. After leading the Tigers to a 6-6 regular season with 2,815 passing yards and 27 touchdowns, Johnson transferred to Texas A&M. > Max Johnson and TJ Finley signed with LSU in Dec. 2019 as the first QB recruits after Joe Burrow. Combined, they have played at eight schools — 10 if you count Finley’s brief stops at Tulane and Incarnate Word — and now Johnson will be a starter in his seventh college season. > > — Wilson Alexander (@walexander) [August 23, 2026](https://x.com/walexander/status/2091606679188090888?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) In 2022, Johnson began the season as the Aggies’ backup. He took over the starting job after an upset loss to Appalachian State and earned two ranked wins over No. 13 Miami and No. 10 Arkansas but suffered a season-ending injury to his throwing hand in his third start versus Mississippi State. He again took over starting duties after starting the season as a second-teamer in 2023 and appeared in eight games with five starts. He then transferred to North Carolina but suffered a devastating leg fracture in the season opener that required five surgeries and ended his 2024 campaign. Johnson played in four games for the Tarheels last season and transferred to Georgia Southern in January. > [Max Johnson to remain LSU’s starter at quarterback and close out season](https://www.tigerrag.com/max-johnson-to-remain-lsus-starter-at-quarterback-when-tigers-host-ul-monroe/) The 25-year-old will have played long enough for almost two full collegiate careers but has appeared in just 35 games and totaled 6,355 passing yards, 49 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. He saw Ed Orgeron get fired from LSU in 2021, Jimbo Fisher from A&M in 2023 and Mack Brown from UNC in 2024. He watched the legalization of name, image, and likeness deals before his second season and may see college football’s first former NFL signee take the field at LSU this year. Georgia Southern kicks off its season on Sept. 5 versus Charleston Southern. The other former Tiger staring at a new school is a more recent name to LSU fans — South Florida’s Michael Van Buren Jr. Van Buren started the final four games of last season as Garrett Nussmeier dealt with a spinal cyst that went undiagnosed until the NFL combine. He completed 94-of-151 passes for 1,010 yards, eight touchdowns and two interceptions while running for 129 yards and a touchdown and went 2-2 as the starter. > Sources: USF has named Michael Van Buren Jr. the school’s starting quarterback. He’s a junior transfer from LSU/Miss State who has played in 17 games in two seasons and thrown for 2,896 yards and 19 TDs. [pic.twitter.com/Cl3QQPz0cC](https://t.co/Cl3QQPz0cC) > > — Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) [August 24, 2026](https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/2091867133886046666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Van Buren will be a junior at USF this season and enters his third stop in as many years. His college career started at Mississippi State, where he appeared in 10 games and went 1-7 as a starter in 2024. Van Buren and the Bulls open their season Sept. 5 against Florida International. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu football, Max Johnson, Michael Van Buren --- ### [Former LSU LB Deion Jones Traded By Injury-Riddled Saints To 49ers For RB Zamir White](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-lb-deion-jones-traded-by-injury-riddled-saints-to-49ers-for-rb-zamir-white/) **Published:** August 24, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES That ended up being a short homecoming. The New Orleans Saints traded former LSU linebacker and New Orleans native Deion Jones on Sunday to San Francisco for running back Zamir White just three weeks after the Saints signed Jones to a one-year deal. Jones, 31, played at Tampa Bay in 2024 and ’25, Carolina in 2023 and Cleveland in 2022 after seven seasons with Saints’ rival Atlanta, which selected him in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft out of LSU as the No. 52 overall pick. [DEION JONES WAS ON HIS FOURTH OF FOUR NFC SOUTH TEAMS](https://www.tigerrag.com/ex-lsu-linebacker-deion-jones-signing-with-saints-his-4th-of-4-nfc-south-teams-as-he-goes-home/) The Saints needed running back help after a slew of injuries there – Devin Neal (hamstring), Audric Estime (foot) and Alvin Kamara (knee) – just in the last week. New Orleans’ only healthy backs in addition to White for its final preseason game on Friday at Dallas are Travis Etienne, Kendre Miller and undrafted free agent C.J. Donaldson. And second-year coach Kellen Moore doesn’t want to play Etienne as he wants to rest his starters before the opener on Sept. 13 at Detroit. New Orleans is 0-2 in the preseason after an embarrassing, 34-0 loss at the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday. Moore was 6-11 in his first season with the Saints in 2025. White, 26, was primarily a backup in his first four seasons in the NFL with the Las Vegas Raiders, gaining 736 yards on 198 carries in 45 games and nine starts. He signed with the 49ers after last season. Jones started regularly in only his last season with the Tigers in 2015, making 100 tackles from outside linebacker. He made the Pro Bowl with Atlanta in 2017 and is remembered for intercepting Saints quarterback Drew Brees in the end zone with less than two minutes to play in week 14 that year to preserve a 20-17 Falcons’ win in Atlanta on Thursday Night Football. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** deion jones, Drew Brees, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, New Orleans Saints, Zamir White --- ### [LSU Soccer Team Falls To Florida Gulf Coast, 3-2, For Its Third Straight Loss](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-soccer-team-falls-to-florida-gulf-coast-3-2-for-its-third-straight-loss/) **Published:** August 24, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU soccer lost, 3-2, to Florida Gulf Coast on Sunday afternoon at LSU Soccer Stadium, falling to 1-3 on the season with its third straight setback. Senior [Ava Galligan](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/ava-galligan) got the Tigers on the board early with a goal in the second minute. The forward received a cross into the box from [Ryann Denecour](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/ryann-denecour) and slotted it past the Eagle goalkeeper into the top right corner of the net to give the Tigers an early lead. FGCU answered in the 19th minute when Kaitlin Gabelman scored to level the match before Ava Russell gave the Eagles a 2-1 advantage in the 38th minute. FGCU (2-1-1) extended its lead in the 84th minute when Sarah Greiner converted a penalty kick. LSU responded just 93 seconds later as freshman [Alexia Hansen](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/alexia-hansen) scored her first goal of the season off an assist from [Kelsey Major](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/kelsey-major) and [Audur Scheving](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/audur-scheving). The Tigers were unable to find a third goal in the closing minutes, however, as the Eagles held on for the 3-2 victory. The Tigers continued to pressure in the second half, outshooting FGCU 11-9 after halftime and finishing the match with a 16-16 edge in total shots. LSU also held a 6-3 advantage in corner kicks and controlled 54 percent of possession. Galligan led the Tigers with three shots and scored her second goal of the season, while Hansen recorded three shots on target and added her first career goal for LSU. Denecour finished with two shots and an assist, while goalkeeper [Audur Scheving](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/audur-scheving) made four saves in the second half. LSU next plays at Arizona State on Thursday (9 p.m., ESPN+). **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Soccer **Tags:** Florida Gulf Coast, lsu, lsu soccer, LSU Tigers --- ### [Lane Kiffin Targets Ex-Ole Miss TE Dae'Quan Wright Of Cleveland Browns; Jack Pyburn In NFL-Portal Limbo](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-targets-ex-ole-miss-te-daequan-wright-of-cleveland-browns-jack-pyburn-in-nfl-portal-limbo/) **Published:** August 23, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Cleveland Browns head coach Todd Monken inadvertently imitated the late, great Green Bay Packers coach of the 1960s, Vince Lombardi, on Saturday. Lombardi famously said in an NFL Films classic clip, “What the hell’s going on out there,” on the sidelines during a game in which his team was struggling. On Saturday, Monken, who was LSU’s passing game coordinator/receivers coach in 2005 and ’06 under Les Miles, rebooted Lombardi’s comment. Only his was about the absurdity of a sitting NFL player entering the NCAA Transfer Portal to go back to college. > [3 Lane Kiffin Starters At Ole Miss, And Jack Pyburn Could End Up At LSU After Ruling By Baton Rouge Judge](https://www.tigerrag.com/3-lane-kiffin-starters-at-ole-miss-and-jack-pyburn-could-end-up-at-lsu-after-ruling-by-baton-rouge-judge/) Such is the case with former Ole Miss tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who is currently on the Browns’ roster. But last Wednesday, Wright entered the portal and is reportedly the first NFL player to do so. On Saturday, Wright was in the portal, but also in full uniform for the Browns in their 31-7 loss to Buffalo in a preseason game in Cleveland “just in case we had to have him,” Monken said. The only reason he didn’t play was because Monken said he missed too much practices leading up to the game, even though he was cleared late in the week for play. As far as Wright also entering the portal last week, Monken cracked, “Man, isn’t this (expletive deleted) crazy,” in the postgame press conference. “I don’t know what to say. I wondered why Lane Kiffin reached out a week ago? Now, I know.” Kiffin apparently left a message. “I didn’t call back,” Monken said. “I guess I should have.” > Browns coach Todd Monken on TE Dae’Quan Wright, who is in the NCAA transfer portal and suited up today: > > “Ain’t s\*\*\* crazy? … I wondered why Lane Kiffin reached out a week ago. Now I know. I didn’t call him back. Now I guess I should have.” [pic.twitter.com/dplAKde68f](https://t.co/dplAKde68f) > > — Daniel Oyefusi (@DanielOyefusi) [August 22, 2026](https://x.com/DanielOyefusi/status/2091276252380266579?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Wright recently became eligible for a fifth and extra year of eligibility after playing four full seasons – two at Virginia Tech (2022-23) and two at Ole Miss (2024-25) for Kiffin – by recent court rulings as he is one of many athletes who began their college careers in 2022 and have sued the NCAA. The NCAA recently passed a rule for athletes to play five seasons in five years instead of only four in five years, but excluding athletes before 2023. Hence, the suit from the players of 2022 who had thought they were done with the conclusion of the 2025-26 sports calendar year. Veteran sports agent Drew Rosenhaus echoed Lombardi on the Pat McAfee Show on ESPN last week after Wright entered the portal as a Brown. “This is crazy. This could be the first player to play in the NFL through training camp and then go play collegiately,” he said of Wright, although Wright has not played in a game yet. Wright was not chosen in the April NFL Draft before signing for $25,000 as a free agent with Philadelphia, which later cut him before the Browns signed him. Wright (6-foot-4, 246 pounds) played in 15 games last season for Ole Miss – the first 12 for Kiffin in the regular season before he left for the LSU job. He caught 39 passes in all for 635 yards and five touchdowns. In 2024, Wright started six of 13 games for Kiffin and caught 27 passes for 394 yards and four touchdowns. In 2023 with Virginia Tech, he caugh 28 passes for 366 yards in 12 games with seven starts. In seven games and one start as a true freshman from Perry High in Perry, Georgia, Wright caught 17 passes for 208 yards. > [LSU Football Gains Commitment From 5th-Year Senior Edge Junior Tuihalamaka Of Notre Dame For This Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-gains-commitment-from-5th-year-senior-edge-junior-tuihalamaka-of-notre-dame-for-this-season/) Kiffin has already signed one of the 2022 players involved in the extra eligibility year lawsuit in fifth-year senior Junior Tuihalamaka of Notre Dame on Friday. Tuihalamaka, though, had spent no time with any NFL teams after not getting drafted. And Kiffin may or not be interested in former LSU senior defensive end Jack Pyburn, who is also suing as a 2022 college enrollee after his senior season at LSU in 2025 and can apparently play in college in 2026. Pyburn made three tackles for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a 16-14 win over Kansas City in an NFL preseason game in Tampa on Saturday night after two sacks the previous week against the New York Jets. Pyburn signed a $3.1 million contract over three years with the Bucs after not getting picked in the 2026 draft. He has reportedly been interested in also entering the portal after judges’ rulings that he could have another collegiate season. But it is not clear if he has yet as he remains in an NFL-Portal limbo. “I don’t want to speak too much on it,” Pyburn told reporters after the game Saturday. “My agents are handling it. They’re doing it in my best interests. I’m just focused on playing good football. I love being here. I’ve been going as hard as I can to make this team and be a part of this special organization.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Cleveland Browns, Dae'quan Wright, Jack Pyburn, lane kiffin, Ole Miss Rebels, Todd Monken --- ### [It's Happening! Lane Kiffin Expands His Portal Empire To NFL With Browns' TE Dae'Quan Wright LSU Bound](https://www.tigerrag.com/its-happening-lane-kiffin-expands-his-portal-empire-to-the-nfl-with-browns-te-daequan-wright-to-be-a-tiger/) **Published:** August 23, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The Cleveland Browns are planning to waive rookie tight end [Dae’Quan Wright](https://www.espn.com/nfl/player/_/id/4838696/daequan-wright), an undrafted free agent from Ole Miss, and he will play for LSU this season for Lane Kiffin, his former Ole Miss coach now at LSU, after clearing waivers, ESPN reported on Sunday. Sports agents Drew Rosenhaus and Kyle Lincoln told ESPN’s Adam Schefter that Wright is LSU bound and will make history as the first player on an NFL team to return to a college team. Wright (6-foot-4, 246 pounds) caught 39 passes for 635 yards last season for Ole Miss, which went 13-2 (7-1 Southeastern Conference) and reached the semifinals of the College Football Playoff with one of the best offenses in the nation. Kiffin left after an 11-1 regular season to be LSU’s coach, but his offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. and several other offensive assistant kept coaching the Rebels’ offense in the playoffs while double-dipping on Kiffin’s staff at LSU, where they remain. > Could Lane be 1st NFL Portal King? He called the Cleveland Browns coach on a player for a “Back To School” remake. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 23, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2091550631299346764?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) After not being chosen in the NFL Draft last April, Wright signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as a free agent, but the Eagles cut him before the Browns picked him up on waivers on Aug. 11. After East Baton Rouge Parish 19th District Court Judge William Jorden last Wednesday granted a temporary restraining order to a large group of athletes suing the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility in 2026, Wright entered the portal that day. Wright and a number of athletes who began their college careers in 2022 have sued the NCAA over its new rule allowing athletes to play five seasons in five years instead of the previous rule of four seasons in five years. Since the NCAA rule is only for athletes beginning their college careers in 2023, the legal action began and plaintiffs with college careers beginning in 2022 have been getting temporary restraining orders from various judges allowing them to play in 2026. The Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals granted the NCAA a stay Friday against the original ruling in favor of the 2022 suing athletes by federal judge Charlotte Sweeney of Colorado early this month. That stay stopped some of the flood of 2022 college entry athletes from getting another year. But it does not cease the cases of dozens of athletes who have successfully petitioned for restraining orders to play a fifth season in state courts around the country – such as Wright and many others via Jorden’s restraininig order. > [3 Lane Kiffin Starters At Ole Miss, And Jack Pyburn Could End Up At LSU After Ruling By Baton Rouge Judge](https://www.tigerrag.com/3-lane-kiffin-starters-at-ole-miss-and-jack-pyburn-could-end-up-at-lsu-after-ruling-by-baton-rouge-judge/) Kiffin just added one of the players benefitting from state court rulings. That was Notre Dame fifth-year senior edge rusher Junior Tuihalamaka, who is on LSU’s roster as of Friday. Tuihalamaka has not been with any NFL teams since going undrafted in April. Meanwhile, LSU basketball coach Will Wade has added two fifth-year seniors from UCLA also getting another season from temporary restraining order rulings – point guard Donovan Dent and guard Skyy Clark. > [Will Wade Grabs Perhaps His Best Recruit Yet In UCLA Point Guard Donovan Dent](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-grabs-perhaps-his-best-recruit-yet-in-ucla-point-guard-donovan-dent/) Wright didn’t appear in either of Cleveland’s first two preseason games as he has missed several practices recently with an injury, but he was dressed out for the Browns preseason game on Saturday against Buffalo. His next uniform looks like it will be in purple and gold on Sept. 5 when No. 11 LSU hosts No. 23 Clemson in Tiger Stadium. The Wild West of the NCAA Transfer Portal and Name, Image & Likeness pay for college athletes that began in 2021 just got wilder. “Man, isn’t this (expletive deleted) crazy,” Cleveland Browns coach Todd Monken said when asked about Wright’s possible transfer to LSU on Saturday after his team’s 31-7 loss to Buffalo. “I don’t know what to say. I wondered why Lane Kiffin reached out a week ago? Now, I know. I didn’t call back. I guess I should have.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Cleveland Browns, Dae'quan Wright, Drew Rosenhaus, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers', Todd Monken --- ### [Kade Anderson Had "A Blast" In His Major League Debut With The Seattle Mariners On Saturday](https://www.tigerrag.com/kade-anderson-had-a-blast-in-his-major-league-debut-with-the-seattle-mariners-on-saturday/) **Published:** August 23, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Former LSU pitcher Kade Anderson gave up two home runs to the Chicago Cubs and left the game in the sixth inning Saturday night in Seattle. But he enjoyed just about everything about his first day as a Major League Baseball player with the Seattle Mariners. “It was obviously a really cool opportunity,” the left-hander from Madisonville and St. Paul’s High said after the game. “Forever grateful for this opportunity. It was special.” > Kade Anderson’s opening statement in his first [@Mariners](https://x.com/Mariners?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) postgame press conference.[\#TridentsUp](https://x.com/hashtag/TridentsUp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#SeattleMariners](https://x.com/hashtag/SeattleMariners?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/mZGcVwkPGZ](https://t.co/mZGcVwkPGZ) > > — Circling Seattle Sports (@CirclingSports) [August 23, 2026](https://x.com/CirclingSports/status/2091349274944778734?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Anderson, a consensus All-American at LSU in 2025 and the Baseball America National Pitcher of the Year, won the College World Series MVP award in leading the Tigers to the national title in the ’25 season. He finished 12-1 with a 3.18 ERA and a nation-leading 180 strikeouts. > [Former LSU Baseball Ace Kade Anderson Was Rolling In Major League Debut … Then Alex Bregman Stepped Up](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-baseball-ace-kade-anderson-was-rolling-in-major-league-debut-then-alex-bregman-stepped-up/) On Saturday, he limited the Cubs to three runs on five hits and two walks in five and two-thirds innings while striking out five in a no-decision that the Mariners won, 5-4, on a walk-off home run by Randy Arozarena. Anderson left the game after allowing home runs to former LSU star Alex Bregman and Michael Busch in the sixth to fall behind, 3-2. “Glad I got to come in yesterday and get my feet wet a little bit,” he said. “It felt more comfortable. It was just a blast out there, and the way the game finished was truly, really cool.” > A special moment for the Anderson crew 🥹 [pic.twitter.com/HYhOyl5wQL](https://t.co/HYhOyl5wQL) > > — Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) [August 23, 2026](https://x.com/Mariners/status/2091319632426930522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The Mariners may have entered play Sunday six games under .500 at 62-68, but they are in the playoff chase as they were just three games behind leading Houston in the American League West and are in the Wild Card hunt. “The team was counting on me for a big game today,” Anderson said. “These games matter, especially when the season is getting shorter and shorter. These games matter. I understood that going in. Obviously, it’s a big day for me, but it’s an even bigger day for this organization. So just going out there and giving the team a chance to win is all that matters.” > [Kade Anderson Hurls Gem For LSU’s 1st 1-0 Win In Its NCAA History And 1-0 Lead In Title Series](https://www.tigerrag.com/kade-anderson-hurls-gem-for-lsus-1st-1-0-win-in-its-ncaa-history-and-1-0-lead-in-title-series/) Anderson got used to pitching in big games at LSU. He started and won the opener of the national championship, best-of-three series in 2025 for LSU before becoming the third pick of the first round by Seattle. “I’ve had the opportunity to pitch in some pretty big games, and I used those games to help me through this one,” Anderson said. “Obviously, there’s going to be some jitters, but I feel like I controlled them pretty well and got through those pretty quick.” Anderson threw 81 pitches with 53 for strikes Saturday after going 10-1 with a 1.06 ERA in 18 starts for the Double-A Arkansas Travelers in Little Rock this season. He struck out 135 and walked 13 in 93 and a third innings, allowing just 47 hits and 11 runs for Arkansas. “It’s just another game,” Anderson said. “And I feel like when you have that mindset, it clearly just calms the nerves a little bit.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Kade Anderson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Seattle Mariners --- ### [Garrett Nussmeier Continues Strong Rookie Preseason With Kansas City Chiefs](https://www.tigerrag.com/garrett-nussmeier-continues-strong-rookie-preseason-with-kansas-city-chiefs/) **Published:** August 23, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Former LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier looks to be fully recovered from the spinal cyst and painful abdomen strain that plagued his final season as a Tiger in 2025. The 24-year-old gunslinger has been back in action for the Kansas City Chiefs and is flashing his potential during the NFL preseason. > We saw some great reps from our young players in Tampa last night. > > — Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) [August 23, 2026](https://x.com/Chiefs/status/2091564865630400683?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The seventh-round NFL draft pick made his second preseason appearance Saturday night in a 16-15 loss at Tampa Bay, which got three tackles from [former LSU defensive end Jack Pyburn.](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-targets-ex-ole-miss-te-daequan-wright-of-cleveland-browns-jack-pyburn-in-nfl-portal-limbo/) As the second quarterback to take the field behind regular backup Justin Fields, Nussmeier completed 9 of 17 passes for 74 yards. Although it may not have been the most jaw-dropping outing, he had a consistent and productive night. > [Garrett Nussmeier Says LSU Missed On His Injury: “Wasn’t What We Thought It Was Throughout Entire Season” | Analysis](https://www.tigerrag.com/garrett-nussmeier-says-lsu-missed-on-his-injury-wasnt-what-we-thought-it-was-throughout-entire-season-analysis/) “It looked like he handled things well,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said during his postgame press conference. “He’s getting more comfortable.” Nussmeier entered the game in the second quarter and led the Chiefs on a 13-play, 50-yard drive that started from their own 10-yard line and ended in a field goal. The offense did not get the ball back for Nussmeier until the second drive of the third quarter. Kansas City went three and out with two incomplete passes from Nussmeier. On his final drive, though, Nussmeier directed the Chiefs on a 75-yard drive for their only touchdown of the game as he completed 4 of 5 passes for 29 yards. “I thought he had some nice throws in there,” Reid said. Nussmeier threw no touchdowns or interceptions, although he did have one pass picked off that was then called back as an incompletion. His longest completion of the night was a 17-yard connection with second-year receiver Jalen Royals. > Garrett Nussmeier escapes pressure and finds Jalen Royals for the first down. > > Nuss looks good. [pic.twitter.com/hiFkfKIJN0](https://t.co/hiFkfKIJN0) > > — SleeperChiefs (@SleeperChiefsKC) [August 23, 2026](https://x.com/SleeperChiefsKC/status/2091340250949779557?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) In Nussmeier’s preseason debut versus the Rams on Aug. 15 in Kansas City, he completed 13 of 19 for 98 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. He apparently has solidified himself as the Chief’s third string quarterback behind Fields and Patrick Mahomes. Kansas City’s final preseason game is Friday against Seattle in Kansas City, and Nussmeier has a chance to take the opening snap for the offense. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** garrett nussmeier, Kansas City Chiefs, lsu, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Soccer Hosts Florida Gulf Coast on Sunday Before Road Trip](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-soccer-hosts-florida-gulf-coast-on-sunday-before-road-trip/) **Published:** August 23, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The LSU soccer team hosts Florida Gulf Coast on Sunday at 1 p.m. on SEC Network+ after losing to Central Florida, 2-1, on Thursday at home. LSU (1-2) fell out of the top 25 with the loss. Florida Gulf Coast (1-1-1) beat Southern, 4-0, on Thursday. LSU and Florida Gulf Coast have met once previously with LSU winning, 6-1, last season in Fort Myers, Florida. FGCU is led by Ryanne Robinson and Madara Matrevica along with captains Kate Friday, Lily Borders and Hanna Phillips. Senior forwards [Ava Galligan](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/ava-galligan) and [Allie Fryer](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/allie-fryer) lead the Tigers along with sophomore forward [Sariyah Bailey](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/sariyah-bailey), senior defender [Kelsey Major](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/kelsey-major) and senior goalkeeper [Audur Scheving](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/audur-scheving). After Sunday, LSU will play at Arizona State on Thursday and then at Arizona on Sunday. The Tigers will return home to host Baylor on Thursday, September 3 to conclude non-conference play before SEC action begins on Sept. 11 against Tennessee. Stay up to date with all things LSU Soccer by following our team’s social media channels @LSUsoccer on[ ](https://www.instagram.com/lsugym/?hl=en)[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/lsusoccer/?hl=en), [Twitter](https://twitter.com/LSUSoccer) and [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/lsusoccer). **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Soccer **Tags:** Allie Fryer, Ava Galligan, Florida Gulf Coast, lsu soccer --- ### [LSU Football Scrimmage: 4th Team RB Caden Durham Vaults Back Into The Mix With Pair Of 70-Yard Runs](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-scrimmage-4th-team-rb-caden-durham-vaults-back-into-the-mix-with-pair-of-70-yard-runs/) **Published:** August 23, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor At times, preseason football camp is used to give backups a chance to perform, and perhaps light a grill under starters who may be getting a little too comfortable. Could that be why LSU redshirt sophomore transfer Stacy Gage of Central Florida has been running ahead of junior two-time leading rusher Caden Durham for weeks? > [LSU Football’s Surprise Of August? Transfer Running Back Stacy Gage, And The Disappointment? Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-footballs-surprise-of-august-transfer-running-back-stacy-gage/) Durham has often been taking hand-offs fourth behind Dilin Jones, Harlem Berry and Gage this camp despite gaining 1,258 yards in 2024 and ’25 for the Tigers. But on Saturday, Durham was with the first team at times and twice rushed for gains of 70 yards or more during LSU’s full-contact scrimmage at Tiger Stadium. Jones, a redshirt sophomore transfer from Wisconsin, opened the scrimmage as the No. 1 running back, where he has been since the spring, but did not return. Durham, Berry and Gage got the rest of the carries. The scrimmage was closed to reporters, but open to former players, some of whom have given various reporters the highlights. > [Ole Miss WR Winston Watkins Jr. Follows Lane Kiffin To Baton Rouge And Becomes Portal Addition No. 24 For LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/ole-miss-wr-winston-watkins-jr-follows-lane-kiffin-to-baton-rouge-and-becomes-portal-addition-no-24-for-lsu/) From most accounts Saturday and previously during camp, it appears that coach Lane Kiffin’s top four receivers are transfers Jackson Harris, Tre’ Wilson, Winnie Watkins and Jayce Brown. Harris, Watkins and tight end Trey’Dez Green caught passes for significant yardage from quarterback Sam Leavitt. Leavitt continued to impress and threw some “unbelievable” passes, a former player told Matt Moscona of LouisianaSports.net. Leavitt, according to witnesses, also is running as if he did not suffer a foot injury last season at Arizona State that required surgery and sitting out most of spring. > Lane Kiffin is not one to throw a lot of feel-good BS when it comes to his players. So, what he said recently about Sam Leavitt is significant. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 22, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2091241043618300188?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The offensive line starting five was the same as it has been since the spring with junior transfer Jordan Seaton at left tackle, fifth-year senior Bo Bordelon at left guard, fifth-year senior Braelin Moore at center, fifth-year senior transfer Aliou Bah at right guard and redshirt sophomore Weston Davis at right tackle. There has been movement on the second team O-Line, though. True freshman Ryan Miret of Southridge High in Miami is backing up Moore at center. Redshirt sophomore transfer William Satterwhite had previously been at No. 2 center. Satterwhite worked at No. 2 left guard Saturday, but has moved around the line in recent practices. And true freshman Brysten Martinez of East Ascension High in Gonzales is at No. 2 left tackle behind Seaton. Redshirt junior transfer Sean Thompkins was at No. 2 left tackle. Apparently, redshirt freshman Jhase Thomas of Destrehan High playing at a No. 1 safety spot next to senior transfer Ty Benefield was more than just a look early in camp. Thomas was with the first team again Saturday ahead of projected starter Tamarcus Cooley, a reshirt junior who started all 13 games last season after transferring in from North Carolina State. Thomas played in only five games last year as a reserve defensive back and on special teams and made no tackles. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Caden Durham, Dilin Jones, Harlem Berry, Jhase Thomas, lane kiffin, Stacy Gage --- ### [Former LSU Baseball Ace Kade Anderson Was Rolling In Major League Debut ... Then Alex Bregman Stepped Up](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-baseball-ace-kade-anderson-was-rolling-in-major-league-debut-then-alex-bregman-stepped-up/) **Published:** August 22, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Former LSU ace Kade Anderson was one out away from an impressive quality start in the sixth inning of his Major League Baseball debut for the Seattle Mariners on Saturday night. Anderson, the third pick of the MLB Draft first round in 2023 just weeks after he was the MVP for LSU’s national champions at the College World Series, became the first member of his draft class to reach the Big Show on Saturday. And a double play put him an out away of going the necessary six innings with three earned runs or less allowed for the “quality” standard as he held a 2-1 lead over the visiting Chicago Cubs. But former LSU great Alex Bregman, the second pick of the 2015 MLB Draft by Houston, homered off Anderson to tie it 2-2. Then Michael Busch homered as well to give the Cubs a 3-2 lead, and Anderson left the game. Bregman played in two College World Series for the Tigers in 2013 and ’15. The Mariners came back to win it, 5-4, on a walk-off, two-run home run in the ninth by Randy Arozarena. And Anderson still had a quality debut in the no-decision. He struck out five in five and two-thirds innings while allowing three runs on five hits with two walks. > [LSU’s Kade Anderson Set To Become 94th Ex-Tiger To Play In A Major League Baseball Game Tonight](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-kade-anderson-set-to-become-94th-ex-tiger-to-play-in-a-major-league-baseball-game-tonight/) And Anderson could end up in the playoffs as Seattle (62-68) is just two games out of the final American League Wild Card spot and was three and a half games behind AL West leading Houston. Anderson was called up last week by Seattle after going 10-1 with a 1.06 ERA in 18 starts for the Double-A Arkansas Travelers in Little Rock. He struck out 135 and walked 13 in 93 and a third innings, allowing just 47 hits and 11 runs for Arkansas. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball, Uncategorized **Tags:** Chicago Cubs, Kade Anderson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Major League Baseball, Seattle Mariners --- ### [LSU Football: Sam Leavitt Has Been In A Word ... "Awesome," Lane Kiffin Says](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-sam-leavitt-has-been-in-a-word-awesome-lane-kiffin-says/) **Published:** August 22, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The full contact scrimmage that LSU held Saturday morning in Tiger Stadium could be critical for multiple position decisions as far as playing time heading into the season in two weeks. One position, though, that LSU coach Lane Kiffin will not be sweating over as far as a starter is quarterback with the opener on Sept. 5 against Clemson (6:30 p.m., ABC). It is and has been left with Sam Leavitt, the No. 1 quarterback and No. 1 overall player in the transfer portal from Arizona State when he signed with the Tigers last January over Tennessee, Miami, Kentucky and Oregon. “Sam has been,” Kiffin said at his press conference Thursday and paused for a beat. “Awesome. Really has been.” > If a tree falls in a forest, and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound? If a football team scrimmages, and no one in the media is allowed to be around to see or hear it, did it scrimmage? [@racertodd](https://x.com/racertodd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 22, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2091183229780783152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) And Kiffin was not asked about Leavitt before that comment. When coaches are asked how a specific player is doing, it tends to put coaches in a corner. And sometimes, they just say something to say something, and it’s usually nice. In this case, Kiffin fielded a general question – “Where is your team now?” And he brought up Leavitt. This is significant. Kiffin is not one to throw high praise around either, which makes that comment that much more believable. “I don’t say that very often,” Kiffin said. “But he made two throws back-to-back today that I call them adult throws that not many people in the country can make.” Kiffin was talking about Leavitt’s play during practice that Thursday morning. The scrimmage Saturday was closed to all media. “So, really pleased with him,” Kiffin continued on Leavitt. “And now, we’ve got to make more plays around him.” > [So, Former Twitter King Lane Kiffin Wants Editorial Control Over @LSUfootball On X?](https://www.tigerrag.com/so-former-twitter-king-lane-kiffin-wants-editorial-control-over-lsufootball-on-x/) Kiffin also dropped another critical comment on Leavitt, who missed half of last season because of a right foot injury that required surgery and kept him out of most of spring drills. He has continued to be fleet of foot at practice as if he was never hurt. “Our offense is starting to improve,” Kiffin said Thursday after saying the defense was clearly ahead after the Tigers’ first scrimmage a week ago Saturday. “A big part of third downs is, ‘Can you get him (the quarterback) down?’ And that was in our favor a lot last year.” Kiffin was 11-1 in the regular season last year at Ole Miss largely because of dual-action quarterback Trinidad Chambliss. “He (Leavitt) made a number plays like that today,” Kiffin said. Kiffin will report on LSU’s Saturday scrimmage on Monday. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Sam Leavitt --- ### [LSU's Kade Anderson Set To Become 94th Ex-Tiger To Play In A Major League Baseball Game Tonight](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-kade-anderson-set-to-become-94th-ex-tiger-to-play-in-a-major-league-baseball-game-tonight/) **Published:** August 22, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By BILL FRANQUES, Tiger Rag News Services Former LSU All-American pitcher [Kade Anderson](https://lsusports.net/sports/bsb/roster/player/kade-anderson) is a Major League Baseball player for the Seattle Mariners and is scheduled to start tonight against the Chicago Cubs (6:15 p.m., FOX). He will become the 94th former Tiger who finished his college career at LSU to see action in Major League Baseball since 1912 and third this season. [LSU’s complete list](https://lsusports.net/all-time-tigers-in-major-league-baseball) excludes former Tigers who finished their college careers elsewhere, former Tigers who appeared on MLB rosters but did not participate in a game, and those who attended LSU and played in an MLB game but did not play baseball at LSU. [KADE ANDERSON GETS THE CALL](https://www.tigerrag.com/ex-lsu-star-kade-anderson-to-make-mlb-debut-saturday/) [The previous two Tigers to debut in a MLB game this season were third baseman Tommy White on July 17](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-tommy-white-doubles-in-mlb-debut-but-as-lose-23-4-to-nats-and-dylan-crews-with-jay-johnson-there/) with the Sacramento Athletics (formerly Oakland and moving to Las Vegas in 2028) and pitcher Gage Jump on May 26 with the Athletics. White played at LSU in the 2023 national championship season and in ’24 after transferring from North Carolina State. Jump was at LSU in the 2024 season. > [LSU Baseball: National Champion Ace Kade Anderson Does Well As Starter In All-Star Futures Game](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-national-champion-ace-kade-anderson-does-well-as-starter-in-all-star-futures-game/) Anderson, a left-hander from Madisonville, will become the seventh MLB player to make it under current coach [Jay Johnson](https://lsusports.net/staff/jay-johnson-coach) during his five seasons with the Tigers, beginning in 2022. LSU has had at least one former player make his MLB debut in of 32 of the past 36 seasons. Former coach Skip Bertman, who passed away on Aug. 14 at age 88, coached 40 players at LSU from 1984-2001 who reached the Majors. > [Skip Bertman (1938-2026): Why He Was The Greatest Hire In The History Of LSU Athletics | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertman-legend-1938-2026-why-he-was-the-greatest-hire-in-the-history-of-lsu-athletics/) Johnson’s other LSU Major Leaguers include pitcher [Paul Skenes](https://lsusports.net/sports/bsb/roster/player/paul-skenes) of the Pittsburgh Pirates and outfielder [Dylan Crews](https://lsusports.net/sports/bsb/roster/player/dylan-crews) of the Washington Nationals after they were drafted 1 and 2 in the 2023 MLB Draft after leading the Tigers to the national title. Others are pitcher [Grant Taylor](https://lsusports.net/sports/bsb/roster/player/grant-taylor) of the Chicago White Sox, pitcher [Paul Gervase](https://lsusports.net/sports/bsb/roster/player/paul-gervase) of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Anderson, who pitched at LSU in 2024 and 2025 and was the College World Series MVP for the ’25 national champion Tigers, is 10-1 this season with a 1.06 ERA in 18 starts for the Double-A Arkansas Travelers in Little Rock. Selected No. 3 overall by the Mariners in the 2025 draft, Anderson has struck out 135 and walked 13 in 93 and a third innings, allowing just 47 hits and 11 runs in 18 starts. A first team All-American and All-SEC pitcher in 2025, Anderson was also named the Baseball America College Pitcher of the Year. He was 2-0 in the CWS with victories over Arkansas and Coastal Carolina in the national championship series, posting a 0.56 ERA while allowing just one run on six hits in 16 innings with 17 strikeouts. Anderson fired only the second complete-game shutout in LSU’s College World Series history when he defeated Coastal Carolina with a brilliant three-hitter in the opener of the CWS finals. He finished 12-1 on the season with a 3.18 ERA and 180 strikeouts in 119.0 innings. He completed the year No. 1 in the nation in total strikeouts and No. 7 in strikeouts per nine innings at 13.61. > [Paul Skenes And Pirates Searching For Answers As Their Down Years Continue](https://www.tigerrag.com/paul-skenes-and-pirates-searching-for-answers-as-their-down-years-continue/) The 180 strikeouts in 2025 by Anderson is No. 3 on the LSU season strikeouts list, trailing Skenes’ SEC record 209 in 2023 and Ben McDonald’s 202 strikeouts in 1989 that was the SEC record until Skenes broke it. Over his LSU career, Anderson was 16-3 record with a 3.38 ERA in 157 and a third with 55 walks and 239 strikeouts. Anderson posted a 3.57 grade point average as a sport administration major with a business administration minor at LSU and was voted a 2025 Academic All-American by College Sports Communicators. And he received the 2025 Jim Corbett Award, presented by the Sugar Bowl to the top male athlete in the state of Louisiana and named after the former LSU athletic director from 1954-67. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Chicago Cubs, jay johnson, Kade Anderson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Seattle Mariners, skip bertman --- ### [Paul Skenes And Pirates Searching For Answers As Their Down Years Continue](https://www.tigerrag.com/paul-skenes-and-pirates-searching-for-answers-as-their-down-years-continue/) **Published:** August 22, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Paul Skenes is in the midst of the worst season of his young baseball career. The Pirates’ ace had three of the most dominant seasons on the mound one could have going back to his 2023 season at LSU. He concluded his collegiate career with an unbelievable All-American and Pitcher of the Year campaign at 13-2 record with a miniscule 1.69 ERA and an LSU record 209 strikeouts. After being drafted No. 1 overall by Pittsburgh in 2023, he showed no signs of slowing down. The 24-year-old began his MLB career with a National League Rookie of the Year season in 2024 and a Cy Young Award in 2025, but the 2026 season has been nowhere near the remarkable standard he set in his first two years. > [Paul Skenes Is In Biggest Slump Of His Career With 0 Wins Over Last 9 Starts, And Jacob Misiorowski Is Taking Over](https://www.tigerrag.com/paul-skenes-is-in-biggest-slump-of-his-career-with-0-wins-over-last-9-starts-and-jacob-misiorowski-is-taking-over/) Skenes has posted a 3.95 ERA through late August. That is more than the 1.96 (2024) and 1.97 (2025) marks of his first two seasons combined. In fact, there has not been a single point this year that Skenes’ season ERA has matched either of his prior two campaigns with his lowest average coming in at 1.98 after a May 12 game against the Rockies. [LSU GREAT KADE ANDERSON TO MAKE MAJOR LEAGUE DEBUT TONIGHT](https://www.tigerrag.com/ex-lsu-star-kade-anderson-to-make-mlb-debut-saturday/) He is 9-11 on 26 starts this season with a 1.14 WHIP (walks plus hits per innings pitched), 171 strikeouts and 40 walks through 139 innings pitched. He is still above the league average of a 4.16 ERA and 1.304 WHIP, but Skenes has never been just above average. He is an anomaly. > [Cy Skenes! Former LSU Great Paul Skenes Wins National League Top Pitcher Award](https://www.tigerrag.com/cy-skenes-former-lsu-great-paul-skenes-wins-national-league-top-pitcher-award/) Unfortunately, the only thing out of the ordinary about Skenes this season is his fading velocity. After averaging four-seam fastball velocities of 98.8 mph and 98.2 mph in his first two years, that number is down to 96.9 mph this season. While that first drew headlines, as velo often does, now even his control is being called into question. Skenes gave up four walks, four hits and three earned runs in four and a third innings in his last outing against the Tigers on Wednesday. He threw 81 pitches in the 4-3 Pirates win and struck out five batters in a no decision. He has now given up four walks in three of his last four starts after not having done so once the entire season prior. “I think there’s been a lot of good,” Skenes said after the game. “I think there’s some stuff, the walks. It’s frustrating. Nobody wants to go out there and walk anybody.” > "The main thing is that Paul (Skenes) says he's good."[\#Pirates](https://x.com/hashtag/Pirates?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > 🔗 [pic.twitter.com/reLsc7GbYS](https://t.co/reLsc7GbYS) > > — MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) [August 21, 2026](https://x.com/MLBNetworkRadio/status/2090871366287290642?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The game against the Tigers came after a strategic, prolonged rest of seven days rest after his 65-pitch start against the Marlins on Aug. 11 for his third-lowest pitch total this season. Pittsburgh Manager Don Kelly opted to push back his scheduled start versus the Red Sox on Sunday and set an 85-pitch ceiling for Wednesday’s outing. The rest was apparently not injury related. “Felt good,” Skenes said. “Just a little out of sync, I guess, kind of the whole outing, which probably makes sense a little bit with the longer rotation (extra rest). But nice to be back.” The extra rest did not seem to help initially as Skenes and the Pirates still search for answers for Skenes and the team, and they will need to find them fast. As of Saturday morning, Pittsburgh’s 63-67 record puts them fourth in the National League Central and 6.5 games out of the NL Wild Card race. With 32 games left in the regular season – around six more starts for Skenes if he takes on his typical workload – opportunities are dwindling for the reigning Cy Young Award winner to return to the Skenes fans are used to seeing. Skenes’ next scheduled start is Tuesday night at San Diego after five days rest, which is his normal grind. “Grinding is a relative thing,” he said. “I would say that in ’24 and ’25, I grinded at times, too. So, I think it’s how you view it more than anything. I’ve been learning a lot, and I’ll continue to learn a lot. Just got to keep going.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates --- ### [LSU Football Opens 2 Weeks From Today: Player Profile Number 35 - WR Winston Watkins](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opens-2-weeks-from-today-player-profile-number-35-wr-winston-watkins/) **Published:** August 22, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The countdown continues to No. 11 LSU opening the football season against No. 23 Clemson on Saturday, Sept. 5, in Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC). The Tigers have a full-contact scrimmage scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday that is closed to reporters. Today’s No. 35 player profile is sophomore wide receiver Winston “Winnie” Watkins, one of four transfers from Ole Miss who followed coach Lane Kiffin from the Rebels after the 2025 regular season along with edge Princewill Umanmielen, linebacker TJ Dottery and offensive lineman Devin Harper. > [Ole Miss WR Winston Watkins Jr. Follows Lane Kiffin To Baton Rouge And Becomes Portal Addition No. 24 For LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/ole-miss-wr-winston-watkins-jr-follows-lane-kiffin-to-baton-rouge-and-becomes-portal-addition-no-24-for-lsu/) Watkins (5-foot-10, 182 pounds) caught 26 passes for 373 yards and a touchdown last season as a backup, playing 15 games with no starts. **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** Twitchy slot receiver with quick route running and yard-after-catch ability. **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** Talented wideout who joins the LSU program after 1 season at Ole Miss … Former 4-star recruit who spent early part of prep career at IMG Academy … Signed with Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss in December of 2024 and was a mid-year enrollee … Appeared in all 15 games as a true freshman for the Rebels in 2025, catching 26 passes for 373 yards and a TD … Caught a pass in 11 of 15 games and had 1 catch against Georgia and Miami in the College Football Playoffs … Named to Chancellor’s Honor Roll at Ole Miss in the spring of 2025. **FRESHMAN SEASON (2025 at Ole Miss)** Played in all 15 games with no starts for the Rebels … Helped Ole Miss to the best season in school history, going 13-2 and reaching the semifinals of the College Football Playoffs … Caught 26 passes for 373 yards and a touchdown … Added 21 rushing yards on 5 carries … Caught at least 1 pass in 11 games … Had 2 receptions for 33 yards in his collegiate debut against Georgia State … Career-high 5 catches for 80 yards and first career TD vs. The Citadel … TD pass vs. The Citadel went for 11 yards in first quarter … Led team in receiving yards with 111 on 4 catches in road win over Oklahoma … Had a 40-yard catch early in the fourth quarter in win over Oklahoma, setting up the go-ahead touchdown for the Rebels … Three-catch games against LSU (38 yards), Florida (34 yards), and at Mississippi State (31 yards) … Had a catch for 7 yards in win over Georgia in CFP Quarterfinals … Had 1 reception for 3 yards against Miami in the CFP Semifinals. **HIGH SCHOOL** Ranked as a consensus 4-star prospect by all major national recruiting services … Rated the No. 15 wide receiver prospect in the country by Rivals … Ranked as a top-60 recruit in the state of Florida by Rivals, ESPN, 247 and On3, checking in as high as No. 21 by Rivals … Hauled in 78 passes for 1,011 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior … Averaged 77.8 yards per game and 13.0 yards per catch … Also had 129 rushing yards and 7 rushing touchdowns across his junior and senior seasons … Caught 61 passes for 1,170 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2023 … Averaged 146.3 receiving yards and 19.2 yards per reception … Coached by John Peacock. **CAREER HIGHS:** Receptions: 5 vs. The Citadel, 2025 Yards: 111 at Oklahoma, 2025 TDs: 1 vs. The Citadel, 2025 Long Reception: 43 at Oklahoma, 2025 **NEXT:** Linebacker Whit Weeks **PREVIOUS BIOS** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) Running Back [Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) Defensive Tackle [Deuce Geralds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) Tight End [Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-18-treydez-green-expected-to-be-among-nations-best-tight-ends/) Offensive Lineman [Devin Harper](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-19-offensive-lineman-devin-harper-is-back-home-in-louisiana/) Wide Receiver [Jackson Harris](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-signee-may-be-one-of-the-best-jackson-harris-is-player-profile-no-20/) Running Back [Dilin Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-32-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-21-running-back-dilin-jones/) Linebacker [Davhon Keys](https://www.tigerrag.com/one-month-until-lsu-football-kicks-off-linebacker-davhon-keys-is-player-profile-no-21/) Quarterback [Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-the-season-in-31-days-and-this-is-player-bio-no-22-qb-sam-leavitt/) Quarterback [Husan Longstreet](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-husan-longstreet-may-be-tigers-qb-of-the-future-player-profile-no-24/) Defensive Tackle [Dominick McKinley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-25-defensive-tackle-dominick-mckinley/) Center [Braelin Moore](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-in-29-days-and-here-is-player-profile-no-26-center-braelin-moore/) Cornerback [DJ Pickett](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-27-cornerback-dj-pickett-will-try-to-pick-up-where-he-left-off-in-2025/) Edge [Jordan Ross](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-28-can-lsu-unlock-the-potential-of-tennessee-transfer-edge-jordan-ross/) Offensive Tackle [Jordan Seaton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-29-jordan-seaton-may-be-prize-of-lane-kiffins-star-studded-no-1-portal-class/) Safety [Dashawn Spears](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-number-30-junior-safety-star-dashawn-spears/) Kicker [Scott Starzyk](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-31-new-kicker-scott-starzyk/) Offensive Tackle [Darrin Strey](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-32-offensive-tackle-darrin-strey/) Tight End [Malachi Thomas](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-3-saturdays-from-today-and-here-is-player-profile-no-33-tight-end-malachi-thomas/) Edge [Princewill Umanmielen](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-34-edge-princewill-umanmielen-will-be-battle-tested-because-of-ot-jordan-seaton/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Winnie Watkins --- ### [Lane Kiffin’s Closed LSU Scrimmage Will Answer Major Questions](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-lane-kiffin-closed-scrimmage-questions/) **Published:** August 22, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** **By TODD HORNE, EXECUTIVE EDITOR** # LSU’s Closed Scrimmage Isn’t A Mystery. Lane Kiffin Has Questions To Answer At 10 o’clock this morning, LSU will play one of its most important football games of the season. Nobody outside the program will see it. Lane Kiffin’s second major scrimmage of preseason camp is closed to the media. There will be no reporters in Tiger Stadium, no live statistics and no independent account of what happens inside. That does not mean we don’t know what matters. Kiffin gave us a pretty good starting point after LSU’s first major scrimmage last Saturday. The Tigers ran approximately 170 plays. About half included live tackling. And Kiffin was clear about which side had the better start. > “I thought the first defense played extremely well,” he said. “Gave the offense a lot of pressure and really good in coverage.” The first offense struggled for a while before responding later. So the most obvious question facing LSU this morning is also the simplest. **Has the offense gotten better?** Not against air. Not during an individual passing period. Not during the 10 or 12 minutes of practice the media has been permitted to watch. Against Blake Baker’s defense. That is a considerably more useful measurement with Clemson two weeks away. Sam Leavitt also gave Kiffin something important in the first scrimmage. Movement. Leavitt underwent Lisfranc surgery after last season at Arizona State and spent LSU’s spring practice recovering from it. He was able to throw, study and participate in portions of the offense, but LSU could not really find out whether the quarterback who had made plays with his legs at Arizona State was completely back. Last Saturday provided the first extended evidence. > “He’s moved great,” Kiffin said. Leavitt escaped several pressures, including some that came free, and Kiffin sounded encouraged by his ability to create when protection failed. That makes today another important test, but not because LSU needs to find out whether Leavitt can scramble. Kiffin needs his quarterback operating his offense. And that includes tempo. “Spot the ball” has become associated with Kiffin for a reason, but it does not mean what people sometimes make it mean. It is not some mystical football declaration about toughness or competition. It is about going fast. Kiffin wants the offense back at the line and ready for the next play as quickly as the officials will allow it. Get the ball spotted. Get aligned. Get the call. Force the defense to communicate quickly, limit its ability to substitute and make it play at the offense’s pace. **Spot the ball.** That requires more than Leavitt knowing the playbook. The offensive line has to identify the front. Receivers have to get aligned correctly. Everybody has to receive the call and be ready to function without LSU taking 25 seconds between plays to sort everything out. We have seen very little of that during the portions of practice open to the media. Kiffin will see plenty of it today. And his offensive line remains one of the biggest questions. Not necessarily the first five. Jordan Seaton has been working at left tackle. Bo Bordelon at left guard. Braelin Moore at center. Aliou Bah at right guard. Weston Davis at right tackle. Kiffin’s concern is what comes next. > “It’s a concern, and it’s something that’s high on our list of concerns right now,” he said Thursday about LSU’s offensive-line depth. That is significant. Coaches spend August telling us they need more depth everywhere. Kiffin specifically identified the offensive line. Five offensive linemen will not get LSU through an SEC season. Who is No. 6? Who is No. 7? Can LSU lose Seaton or Moore for a series without the offense changing? Can the second unit protect well enough for Kiffin to keep running his offense rather than protecting his protection? Today should tell him more. And if Kiffin does not like the answers, we already know he is willing to keep looking for players long after most coaches would consider their roster complete. Thursday, while discussing the possibility that a court ruling could make additional players available, Kiffin acknowledged how unusual the current environment has become. Normally this late in August, he said, “Our team is our team. It’s what we’ve got.” Then came Friday. LSU gained a commitment from Notre Dame fifth-year senior edge Junior Tuihalamaka, whose opportunity to play another season grew out of the continuing legal fight over eligibility for players from the 2022 signing class. LSU was preparing for its second major preseason scrimmage. Kiffin was still adding players. Those two things happened on the same day. Tuihalamaka also addresses a real roster issue. LSU lost Gabriel Reliford for the season, and while the Tigers have intriguing young edge players behind Princewill Umanmielen, there is a difference between intriguing and proven. Kiffin found another experienced option. Whether LSU is finished looking is another matter. Running back requires no additional shopping. Kiffin already has more viable choices than carries. Caden Durham entered camp as LSU’s established runner and its leading returning producer at the position. He has not been treated like an incumbent. Dilin Jones has worked prominently in the rotation. Harlem Berry broke a long touchdown run during the first scrimmage, and Kiffin said afterward that Berry has begun running more physically. Then there is Stacy Gage. Gage came from UCF after carrying the football only 13 times last season and has been one of the more noticeable risers of LSU’s camp. During the limited periods reporters have been allowed to see, Durham has not consistently been at the front of the line. Kiffin explained his approach Thursday. > “We just open it up and evaluate guys from scratch, regardless of what they’ve done before,” he said. That makes today useful. Not because somebody needs to “want it more.” Because Kiffin has carries to distribute. Durham has SEC production. Berry has explosiveness. Jones has continued to push. Gage has forced himself into the discussion. One football. Kiffin has to decide who gets it. The defense presents a different problem. LSU already knows its first defense won much of the early work in the first scrimmage. What Kiffin and Baker need to determine today is whether that performance was the beginning of something or simply the defense being further along than an offense installing a new system with a new quarterback and massive personnel turnover. The returning advantage is obvious. Baker is in his third season running LSU’s defense. Kiffin is in his first running the offense. LSU also has competition still playing out along the defensive line and at safety, and the addition of Tuihalamaka creates another piece to evaluate at edge if and when his eligibility is resolved. So Kiffin has plenty to learn this morning. **Has Leavitt’s offense closed the gap on Baker’s defense?** **Can LSU run Kiffin’s tempo cleanly instead of merely quickly?** **Does the offensive line have seven or eight players Kiffin trusts, or only five?** **Who is actually LSU’s best running back?** **How deep is Baker’s defense when the first unit leaves the field?** Those are measurable football questions. They are also why this scrimmage matters more than anything reporters could learn from another 12-minute practice viewing period. The media will not be there. Kiffin prefers it that way. He did not particularly enjoy discovering earlier this week that LSU had even released a few seconds of video from the first scrimmage. So Clemson will not get much help from us today. Neither will LSU fans. But sometime around noon, Kiffin should have another substantial collection of evidence about the football team he will put on the field Sept. 5. He will know whether the offense improved. He will know more about his offensive line. He will have more information on his running backs. He will see whether Leavitt can run his offense at the pace Kiffin demands. And, considering what happened Friday, he may walk out of Tiger Stadium and decide he still needs somebody else. But first the official has to put the football down. Then Kiffin’s offense can do what he has been teaching it to do. **Spot the ball.** **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** blake baker, Caden Durham, clemson football, Dilin Jones, Harlem Berry, Jordan Seaton, Junior Tuihalamaka, lane kiffin, LSU fall camp, lsu football, LSU football 2026, LSU offensive line, LSU Running Backs, LSU scrimmage, Princewill Umanmielen, Sam Leavitt, Stacy Gage, Tiger Stadium --- ### [Will Wade Grabs Perhaps His Best Recruit Yet In UCLA Point Guard Donovan Dent](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-grabs-perhaps-his-best-recruit-yet-in-ucla-point-guard-donovan-dent/) **Published:** August 21, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor It’s not how you start, but how you finish. And new LSU basketball coach Will Wade – the second time around – is closing strong in recruiting his class for the 2026-27 season. On Friday, Wade gained a commitment from one of the top point guards in the country in fifth-year senior to be Donovan Dent of UCLA. > NEWS: UCLA transfer Donovan Dent, one of the top guards in the portal, has committed to LSU, he told [@On3](https://x.com/On3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). > > The 6-2 senior averaged 13.3 points and 7.6 assists per game this past season. [pic.twitter.com/iBc5ZbRkg3](https://t.co/iBc5ZbRkg3) > > — Joe Tipton (@JoeTipton) [August 21, 2026](https://x.com/JoeTipton/status/2090944645895242213?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Dent is Wade’s second major commitment from the Bruins this week after getting fifth-year senior guard Skyy Clark. > [Will Wade Catches A Break – UCLA Transfer Commitment Skyy Clark Gets 5th Season At LSU After Ruling](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-catches-a-break-ucla-transfer-commitment-skyy-clark-gets-5th-season-at-lsu-after-ruling/) Dent (6-foot-2, 185 pounds) averaged 13.3 points and 7.6 assists last season for UCLA, which finished 24-12 (13-7, Big Ten) and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Dent, like Clark, is part of the large group of athletes who began their college careers in 2022 and have sued the NCAA over its new rule that allows athletes to play five seasons in five years, instead of four in five with the old rule. But the new rule is limited to players who began their college careers in 2023. Various judges have issued temporary restraining orders and injunctions, making players who started their collegiate careers in 2022 suddenly eligible. Dent entered the portal after such a ruling and committed to Wade on Friday. A transfer to UCLA before last season, Dent was the Mountain West player of the year in 2024-24 for New Mexico as he averaged 20.6 points and 6.4 assists a game. In 2023-24 with the Lobos, he scored 14.1 a game with 5.4 assists. As a freshman in 2022-23, he scored 5.6 a game with 2.3 assists. Dent was the No. 116 prospect in the nation and No. 20 point guard when he signed with New Mexico before the 2022-23 season from Centennial High in Corona, California, as the No. 16 player in his state. Clark (6-3, 210) averaged 11.5 points and 2.0 assists last season for the Bruins. Dent and Clark are expected to sign by or on Monday when classes begin at LSU. Those two will give Wade just his fifth and sixt official roster players, but several more signees from previous commitments are expected soon. The first four on Wade’s roster are all from the transfer portal – No. 11 small forward Mouhamed Dioubate (No. 68 overall) of Kentucky, No. 26 shooting guard Abdi Bashri (132 overall) of Kansas State, No. 48 point guard Divine Ugochukwu (243 overall) of Michigan State and unranked guard Austin Nunez of Texas-San Antonio. Wade also has four international commitments he expects to get signed and enrolled by Monday – forward Saliou Niang of Italy, center Marcio Santos of Brazil, center Brice Dessert of France and forward Michael Ruzic of Croatia. > [Not So Fast, Says SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey To LSU Coach Will Wade’s Quest For NBA-Signed Star RJ Luis](https://www.tigerrag.com/not-so-fast-says-sec-commissioner-greg-sankey-to-lsu-coach-will-wades-quest-for-nba-signed-star-rj-luis/) There is also signee forward RJ Luis, but his eligibility status is likely a long shot. Luis last played collegiately in 2024-25 at St. John’s, averaging 18.2 points and 7.2 rebounds in being named the Big East player of the year. Only problem with him is he signed NBA contracts with the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey has come out strongly against Luis signing with LSU or any other college, considering his NBA baggage. Wade also has a commitment from unranked forward Jordan Bender of Northside Christian School in St. Petersburg, Florida. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** Donovan Dent, lsu, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, LSU Tigers Baseball, will wade --- ### [LSU Football Gains Commitment From 5th-Year Senior Edge Junior Tuihalamaka Of Notre Dame For This Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-gains-commitment-from-5th-year-senior-edge-junior-tuihalamaka-of-notre-dame-for-this-season/) **Published:** August 21, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor That was fast. One day after Notre Dame fifth-year senior edge rusher Junior Tuihalamaka entered the transfer portal, following recent court rulings giving college athletes who signed in 2022 a fifth year of eligibility in the 2026 season, he committed to LSU football coach Lane Kiffin on Friday. And that commitment is exempt from another courtroom ruling previously on Friday that negated fifth seasons for other 2022 signees, unless they were listed by various judges’ injunctions or temporary restraining orders. That is the case with Tuihalamaka, who as of now can play for the Tigers this season. > [U.S. Appellate Court Grants NCAA Stay Request Vs. Fifth-Year Eligibility Ruling, But Excludes LSU Players](https://www.tigerrag.com/u-s-appellate-court-grants-ncaa-stay-request-against-national-fifth-year-eligibility-ruling/) Tuihalamaka (6-foot-2, 255 pounds) played in 12 games with three starts last season for the Fighting Irish and made 12 tackles with one sack. He had three sacks through 16 games and three starts in the 2024 season. He was the No. 190 overall prospect for the class of 2022 out of Mission Hills High in the Los Angeles area as well as the No. 14 linebacker and No. 13 player in California. > NEWS: Notre Dame transfer defensive end Junior Tuihalamaka has committed to LSU, per his agent Noah Reisenfeld of 21 Sports & Entertainment. Tuihalamaka is eligible for a fifth year of college football from the state court ruling in Louisiana on Thursday. [pic.twitter.com/ILB4hJ1trV](https://t.co/ILB4hJ1trV) > > — Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) [August 21, 2026](https://x.com/PeteThamel/status/2090894388138242212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) LSU lost one of its top edge rushers in redshirt sophomore Gabe Reliford for the season last spring to an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) knee injury. Kiffin may have considering adding Jack Pyburn, who was a senior edge rusher last season who can also play college football in 2026 as a result of recent court rulings. > [Lane Kiffin May Be Targeting BYU Guard Weylin Lapuaho, Who’s Among Suing Players Getting Another Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-may-be-targeting-byu-guard-weylin-lapuaho-whos-among-suing-players-getting-another-season/) The NCAA recently changed a rule that allows athletes who began their college careers in 2023 to play five seasons in five years, as opposed to four seasons in five years by the former rule. College athletes across all sports, including Tuihalamaka and Pyburn, who began their college careers in 2022, have sued the NCAA to also get that fifth season. And judges have been ruling in their favor for an extra year. In 2023 at Notre Dame, Tuihalamaka played in 13 games and made 10 tackles as a reserve. In his freshman season of 2022, he played in 13 games, mostly on special teams, with one start at edge and made six tackles on the season. Going into the 2024 season, he was on the Polynesian player of the year watch list. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Junior Tuihalamaka, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Notre Dame --- ### [U.S. Appellate Court Grants NCAA Stay Request Vs. Fifth-Year Eligibility Ruling, But Excludes LSU Players](https://www.tigerrag.com/u-s-appellate-court-grants-ncaa-stay-request-against-national-fifth-year-eligibility-ruling/) **Published:** August 21, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Many class of 2022 athletes who exhausted their eligibility in the spring are now back to being ineligible, at least temporarily. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit granted the NCAA’s stay request against the ruling of Colorado U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney that granted the athletes a fifth season of eligibility. This is not a final ruling against the injunction, but it does make any players affected by it ineligible until an expedited hearing unless they have been deemed eligible by state-level injunction or temporary restraining order already. > BREAKING: The Tenth Circuit has GRANTED the NCAA’s stay request in Wisne v. NCAA. > > Judge Sweeney’s nationwide injunction is now stayed pending appeal, meaning qualifying Class of 2022 athletes lose its federal fifth-season protection for now. [pic.twitter.com/i3ASE2TmHi](https://t.co/i3ASE2TmHi) > > — Austin Massey (@austinmasseySBI) [August 21, 2026](https://x.com/austinmasseySBI/status/2090815038260981887?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) That is the case for former defensive end Jack Pyburn, forward Amiya Joyner, guard Rashad King and soccer player Jazmin Ferguson, who were at LSU in the 2025-26 sports calendar year. That also includes Notre Dame 2022 signee Junior Tuihalamaka, a senior edge rusher who just committed to LSU for his fifth season on Wednesday. > [LSU Football Gains Commitment From 5th-Year Senior Edge Junior Tuihalamaka Of Notre Dame For This Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-gains-commitment-from-5th-year-senior-edge-junior-tuihalamaka-of-notre-dame-for-this-season/) Each of those former Tigers and Tuihalamaka were included in a temporary restraining order granted by Baton Rouge 19th District Court Judge William Jorden on Wednesday. The 33 athletes named in that ruling are eligible to enter the transfer portal and return to play for 10 days after its issuance. An initial hearing in that case is scheduled for Aug. 31. No. 11 LSU opens the 2026 season on Sept. 5 in Tiger Stadium against No. 23 Clemson (6:30 p.m., ABC). > [3 Lane Kiffin Starters At Ole Miss, And Jack Pyburn Could End Up At LSU After Ruling By Baton Rouge Judge](https://www.tigerrag.com/3-lane-kiffin-starters-at-ole-miss-and-jack-pyburn-could-end-up-at-lsu-after-ruling-by-baton-rouge-judge/) [UCLA transfer guard Skyy Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-catches-a-break-ucla-transfer-commitment-skyy-clark-gets-5th-season-at-lsu-after-ruling/), who committed to LSU on Aug. 13, is also not impacted by this stay. He was one of [73 players included in a California temporary restraining order ](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-catches-a-break-ucla-transfer-commitment-skyy-clark-gets-5th-season-at-lsu-after-ruling/)granted on Tuesday that awards the athletes a fifth season of eligibility regardless of the outcome of the national Colorado case, according to the Texas Trial Group. On the national level, it is the first win for the NCAA who has been bombarded with lawsuits since establishing the new age-based eligibility model that grants five seasons of eligibility from the time an athlete enrolls in school or turns 19. It could indicate that the governance will be able to fight off the national ruling and combat state-level orders as well. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, LSU Football News, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball **Tags:** Jack Pyburn, LSU Tigers, NCAA, Skyy Clark --- ### [LSU Football Prized Defensive Lineman Lamar Brown Returns To Practice After Injury Scare](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-prized-defensive-lineman-lamar-brown-returns-to-practice-after-injury-scare/) **Published:** August 21, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Five-star true freshman Lamar Brown, who is the No. 1 prospect in the athlete category for the class of 2026 nationally by 247sports.com and the No. 1 defensive lineman by On3.com, was back at practice on Friday morning for LSU. Brown (6-foot-5, 294 pounds) of University High on the LSU campus was working at edge as usual after missing practice on Thursday. He apparently suffered a minor leg injury on Tuesday. He has been seen with the second team and a bit with the first team throughout preseason camp during the brief media viewing periods. > [LSU Football’s Surprise Of August? Transfer Running Back Stacy Gage, And The Disappointment? Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-footballs-surprise-of-august-transfer-running-back-stacy-gage/) On offense Friday during a 10-minute viewing period, redshirt sophomore Wisconsin transfer Dilin Jones continued to be the first team running back. Redshirt sophomore transfer Stacy Gage, formerly of Central Florida, got handoffs next after Jones. They were followed by LSU returning backs Harlem Berry, a sophomore, and junior Caden Durham. **LSU TO SCRIMMAGE SATURDAY** LSU will hold a full-contact scrimmage on Saturday at 10 a.m. in Tiger Stadium that is closed to media. [The Tigers held a 170-play scrimmage last Saturday.](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-defense-took-the-lead-on-the-offense-in-1st-scrimmage/) > [‘College GameDay’ Headed To Oxford For Lane Kiffin’s Ole Miss Return, LSU Featured Twice In Three Weeks](https://www.tigerrag.com/college-gameday-headed-to-oxford-for-lane-kiffins-ole-miss-return-lsu-featured-twice-in-three-weeks/) No. 11 LSU opens the season two weeks from Saturday against No. 23 Clemson at 6:30 p.m. on ABC in Tiger Stadium. ESPN’s College GameDay will be on campus for the game and again on Sept. 19 when the Tigers play at No. 9 Ole Miss as LSU coach Lane Kiffin returns to Oxford, where he coached the Rebels from 2020-25. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Lamar Brown, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Offensive "Genius" Charlie Weis Jr. Has Been Passing Tests Ever Since That Night At A Restaurant In Tuscaloosa](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-offensive-genius-charlie-weis-jr-has-been-passing-tests-ever-since-that-night-at-a-restaurant-in-tuscaloosa/) **Published:** August 21, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Lane Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr. were at Chuck’s Fish restaurant in downtown Tuscaloosa after the 2014 season. And deciding what he would order was not the biggest challenge ahead for Weis – then a 21-year-old student manager for his dad’s football team at Kansas interviewing for a job with Kiffin. Kiffin, who was then coming off his first season as Alabama coach Nick Saban’s offensive coordinator, was looking for a new lower level offensive assistant. And he was told that Weis, the son of former New England Patriots’ offensive coordinator and Notre Dame head coach Charlie Weis, was a boy “genius” and had a photographic memory. So Kiffin gave Weis his driver’s license and one of his credit cards. “You can have these for three minutes,” Kiffin said. Then he took them back and started asking questions. “What street do I live on,” Kiffin asked. Weis got it right. “What is my credit card number,” Kiffin asked. And Weis got it right, and so far has not made any charges with it. But Kiffin wasn’t done. The next day, he asked for the expiration date on the credit card. Weis got that one right, too. “He could remember all of it,” Kiffin said Thursday at an LSU press conference. “I don’t think I have a photographic memory,” Weis, who is in his first year as LSU’s offensive coordinator and fifth straight in that role under Kiffin, said Friday at a press conference at LSU after a morning practice. “I think I have a pretty good memory.” And he thinks well on his feet under pressure, as an OC must. “The job was on the line that night,” he said. “I had to memorize that right there and find a way.” Weis got the job and learned offense in 2015 and ’16 under Kiffin as the Crimson Tide won the national championship in ’15 and played for another one in ’16. “Coach has just been a great mentor to me throughout my career and always guided me, and it’s been great,” Weis said of Kiffin. “He has corrected me in the things I need to do better, and he tells me things I’m doing well.” > [Lane Kiffin-Charlie Weis Jr. Play Call Train Arrives At LSU Via Ole Miss, Florida-Atlantic And Bama](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-charlie-weis-jr-play-call-train-arrives-at-lsu-via-ole-miss-florida-atlantic-and-bama/) When Kiffin took the head coaching job at Florida Atlantic, Weis went with him, but left after only a few weeks to coach under new Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, who was at Alabama in 2016 as an offensive assistant. Kiffin was able to hire Weis back in 2018 as his offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for two seasons. But when Kiffin got the Ole Miss job before the 2020 season, he did not bring Weis with him. And Weis landed as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at South Florida for two seasons before reuniting with Kiffin at Ole Miss as his offensive coordinator and chief play caller. Weis joined Kiffin on the plane out of Oxford, Mississippi, to LSU on that Sunday, Nov. 30, without having to take another memory test. This time LSU and Kiffin had to pass the test as Ole Miss made a counter offer for Weis. And LSU gave Weis a new, more lucrative contract before he stayed at LSU. > [LSU’s Charlie Weis Jr. May Be Ole Miss Offensive Coordinator Until January, But He I$ Coming Back](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-charlie-weis-jr-may-be-ole-miss-offensive-coordinator-until-january-but-he-i-coming-back/) “That whole saga and everything that went down, it feels like put about 20 years on my life,” Weis said. Weis remained Ole Miss’ offensive coordinator through three playoff games after Kiffin went to LSU as did other assistant coaches from Ole Miss who accepted new jobs with Kiffin at LSU. All the while, they also kept returning to LSU to help Kiffin recruit and get ready for the 2026 season. “So, I’m just so happy to be here now,” Weis said. “Fired up. I love our players. That’s the main focus right now.” Weis is excited about being at LSU, which he called “a dream place to be with the coolest environment in all of sports to go play in.” He added that the thought of playing here as the home team “kind of gives me chills.” > [LSU Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. Has Been A Multi-Tasking Mad Man For Ole Miss](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-offensive-coordinator-charlie-weis-jr-has-been-a-multi-tasking-mad-man-for-ole-miss/) But that’s not the main reason he stayed at LSU. “Number one, coach Kiffin,” he said. “I mean, he believed in me at a very early age, and probably a lot of people wouldn’t have taken a chance on a young coach. And he did. And so, I do feel I owe a lot to him for my career and the places that he’s hired me. That’s the number one factor.” That and the fact that he passed the test. “I remember the restaurant we were at in Tuscaloosa,” he said. “It was Chuck’s. And so, he handed me his credit card and ID. The job was on the line, so I had to come through.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Alabama Crimson Tide, Charlie Weis Jr., lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, nick saban --- ### [Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. Holds 1st LSU Press Conference](https://www.tigerrag.com/live-offensive-coordinator-charlie-weis-jr-holds-1st-lsu-press-conference/) **Published:** August 21, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** LSU offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. is entering his seventh season as Lane Kiffin’s offensive coordinator. Weis and Kiffin helped direct one of the Southeastern Conference’s most explosive offenses at Ole Miss the last four seasons, and he led the Florida Atlantic offense under Kiffin in 2018 and 2019. Weis also handled play calling duties for the 13-2 Rebels last season and led the offense on their College Football Playoff Semifinal run while Kiffin was in Baton Rouge. Weis talked his transition to LSU, experience with Kiffin and rebuilt Tigers’ offense in the Team room at LSU Football Ops following Friday’s practice. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Charlie Weis Jr., lane kiffin, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football --- ### [Ex-LSU Sports Information Director Legend, And Current SEC Communications Ace Herb Vincent Is Retiring](https://www.tigerrag.com/ex-lsu-sports-information-director-legend-and-current-sec-communications-ace-herb-vincent-is-retiring/) **Published:** August 20, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Herb Vincent, the associate commissioner for communications at the Southeastern Conference, has announced that he will retire from the SEC following the 2026 football season at the conclusion of 43 years in college and professional sports. Vincent, 65, has been in his current position for 13 years, coming to the SEC in 2013 from LSU, where he had served as associate vice chancellor for university relations/senior associate athletic director for communications for several years. A Shreveport native and LSU Journalism graduate in 1983, Vincent worked for LSU sports information director legend Paul Manasseh as a student from 1979-83 while also covering high school football games for the Baton Rouge Advocate and writing LSU football feature stories for the Tiger Rag Magazine. Vincent then joined Manasseh in the media relations office of the brand new, New Orleans Breakers USFL team in 1983. He moved on to the Los Angeles Express media relations department in the USFL and worked with quarterback great Steve Young. Vincent later worked in the Louisiana-Lafayette sports information department and in media relations at the SEC office in the mid-1980s before returning to LSU and becoming the sports information director in 1988, focusing on football. [HERB VINCENT TO ENTER LOUISIANA SPORTS HALL OF FAME](https://lasportshall.com/2025/06/16/vincents-versatility-creative-skill-and-affability-among-attributes-earning-his-dixon-award-recognition/) Vincent remained at LSU as SID until the summer of 2000 when he became vice president for communications for the College Sports Southeast regional cable network in Birmingham, then returned to LSU in 2002 as associate athletic director under athletic director Skip Bertman. > [Skip Bertman (1938-2026): Why He Was The Greatest Hire In The History Of LSU Athletics | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertman-legend-1938-2026-why-he-was-the-greatest-hire-in-the-history-of-lsu-athletics/) At the SEC, Vincent is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing the overall communications strategies and efforts for the Conference and acts as the primary liaison between the SEC office and campus communicators. He also served as primary conference administrator for baseball from 2014-2022 and has served as director of the SEC Baseball Tournament since 2015. Vincent is a member of the LSU Alumni Hall of Distinction, LSU’s Manship School of Mass Communications Hall of Fame and the College Sports Communicators (formerly CoSIDA) Hall of Fame. > Congrats to the great [@herbvincent](https://x.com/herbvincent?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) former LSU sports info director who announced his retirement from SEC office today. Here he is with me and a former coach in Natchitoches in 2025. [pic.twitter.com/MHF5Qy0z6p](https://t.co/MHF5Qy0z6p) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 20, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2090567029220938054?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Vincent went into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches in the summer of 2025 with former LSU coach Nick Saban. He is a past president of the College Sports Communicators and recipient of its Arch Ward Award. Vincent authored, “The LSU Football Vault,” on the history of LSU football in 2008. Vincent earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from LSU in 1983 and grew up in North Little Rock, Ark. His wife Jamey is a native of Versailles, Ky., and they have a daughter, Kennedy, who is a junior at Auburn. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Herb Vincent, LSU Tigers, paul manasseh --- ### ['College GameDay' Headed To Oxford For Lane Kiffin's Ole Miss Return, LSU Featured Twice In Three Weeks](https://www.tigerrag.com/college-gameday-headed-to-oxford-for-lane-kiffins-ole-miss-return-lsu-featured-twice-in-three-weeks/) **Published:** August 21, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The worst-kept secret in college football is out. ESPN’s “College GameDay” will be in Oxford, Mississippi when Lane Kiffin makes his return to Ole Miss Sept. 19 (6:30, ABC). > Well … since you asked 😏 > > WE'LL SEE YOU IN OXFORD WEEK 3 FOR LSU AND OLE MISS![@LSUfootball](https://x.com/LSUfootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) | [@OleMissFB](https://x.com/OleMissFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/n2A51TVELi](https://t.co/n2A51TVELi) > > — College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) [August 21, 2026](https://x.com/CollegeGameDay/status/2090801205442175301?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) It will be the second GameDay appearance for LSU in the first three weeks of the season. The Tigers will also host the show on campus for their season opener versus Clemson on Sept. 5 (6:30, ABC). LSU becomes the fourth school to have two games at host locations in the first three weeks of the season and the first since Florida in 2012. The Gators were on the road for games at Texas A&M and Tennessee. Colorado made appearances in Week 2 and 3 of the 1995 season as they hosted No. 3 Texas A&M and visited No. 10 Oklahoma. The Buffaloes won both games. The next time a team was featured twice was the first two weeks of the 2007 season when Virginia Tech welcomed East Carolina and then visited No. 2 LSU. The Tigers blew the ninth-ranked Hokies out in a 49-7 win. ESPN announced their visits to Baton Rouge Week 1 and Austin, Texas for the Texas-Ohio State game in Week 2 in May. College football fans have long-expected Kiffin’s return to Ole Miss to be the site of the pregame show in Week 3, but it is now official. > [LANE KIFFIN TV: ESPN’s GameDay Will Be At LSU-Clemson Sept 5; ABC Televising Game And Ole Miss on Sept. 19](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-tv-espns-college-gameday-will-be-at-lsu-season-opener-vs-clemson-on-sept-5/) GameDay did not attend Kiffin’s vitriolic return to Tennessee in 2021. He led the Rebels to a 31-26 win over the school he coached at for just one season before leaving to become the head coach at Southern California in 2010. The show instead visited Athens, Georgia to see the top-ranked Bulldogs host No. 11 Kentucky. Nick Saban’s welcome back to Baton Rouge as the Alabama head coach in 2007 also missed out on hosting the show. While Saban’s Crimson Tide prepared to secure a 41-34 win over LSU in Tiger Stadium, GameDay was previewing a top-10 matchup between No. 6 Arizona state and No. 4 Oregon. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** College Gameday, lane kiffin, lsu football, Ole Miss football --- ### [Lane Kiffin May Be Targeting BYU Guard Weylin Lapuaho, Who's Among Suing Players Getting Another Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-may-be-targeting-byu-guard-weylin-lapuaho-whos-among-suing-players-getting-another-season/) **Published:** August 20, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU football coach Lane Kiffin was answering a question about the depth on his offensive line on Thursday when he threw in a comment that surely sounded like a tell. “It’s a concern, and it’s something that’s high on our list of concerns right now,” Kiffin said of the offensive line. “So, we’ve got to continue to get guys better and improve, so we can be more confident with that.” But then he added with a light laugh, “I guess, before yesterday, I would normally say, ‘Our team is our team. It’s what we’ve got.’ But that potentially changes yesterday.” What Kiffin was referring to from “yesterday (Wedneday)” was likely the temporary restraining order granted by 19th District Court Judge William Jorden of East Baton Rouge Parish on Wednesday to a large group college athletes across the country suing the NCAA to return to school for one more season. Jorden’s order stems from a previous ruling by Colorado judge Charlotte Sweeney that allows college athletes who signed in 2022 to have another season because of the NCAA’s recent new rule that gives players after 2022 five seasons in five years instead of four over five. Among those players looking at another senior season in 2026 is one of the top offensive lineman in that group of players who began their career in 2022. That is former Brigham Young offensive guard Weylin Lapuaho (6-foot-4, 310 pounds). Lapuaho could return to BYU for another season, but Kiffin may be taking a shot at him since news broke on Wednesday (Kiffin’s “yesterday”) that Lapuaho would be entering the transfer portal. And he did just that on Thursday. > Former BYU offensive guard Weylin Lapuaho is entering the transfer portal, a source tells [@CBSSports](https://x.com/CBSSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). > > Was a three-year starter and an All-Big 12 selection at BYU. [pic.twitter.com/qCJVVDzEHd](https://t.co/qCJVVDzEHd) > > — Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) [August 20, 2026](https://x.com/mzenitz/status/2090236520011604276?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Lapuaho got brief looks with the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins over the summer, but is ready to go back to school. He started 13 games as a true freshman at Utah State in 2022 after signing out of Bingham High in South Jordan, Utah, as the No. 53 interior offensive lineman in the country by 247sports.com. Then he transferred to BYU and started the next three seasons and made All-Big 12. Among the other players Kiffin is possibly considering to sign as a transfer included former LSU defensive end Jack Pyburn, who is still in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ training camp, and a trio of former Ole Miss players he coached last season. Those are tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who is now with the Cleveland Browns, defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, who was with the Saints before being cut two weeks ago, and safety Wydett Williams, who is with the Arizona Cardinals. All started for Kiffin last season at Ole Miss. > [3 Lane Kiffin Starters At Ole Miss, And Jack Pyburn Could End Up At LSU After Ruling By Baton Rouge Judge](https://www.tigerrag.com/3-lane-kiffin-starters-at-ole-miss-and-jack-pyburn-could-end-up-at-lsu-after-ruling-by-baton-rouge-judge/) When asked about Jorden’s Wednesday ruling earlier in the press conference, Kiffin didn’t sound as interested in new roster members. “There’s a lot to that,” he said. “Fair question, but I’m not going to comment on any of it.” When his offensive line depth came up, though, he changed that tune. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Brigham Young, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Weylin Lapuaho --- ### [Not So Fast, Says SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey To LSU Coach Will Wade's Quest For NBA-Signed Star RJ Luis](https://www.tigerrag.com/not-so-fast-says-sec-commissioner-greg-sankey-to-lsu-coach-will-wades-quest-for-nba-signed-star-rj-luis/) **Published:** August 20, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey is trying to block LSU basketball coach Will Wade from adding star forward RJ Luis, because Luis signed with two NBA teams after his Big East Player of the Year season at St. John’s in 2024-25. Sankey filed an affidavit letter to 19th District Judge Ronald R. Johnson of East Baton Rouge Parish last week, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel, ahead of Luis’ preliminary injunction hearing at 1:30 p.m. Monday. Luis has hopes that Johnson will rule in his favor and make him eligible for LSU’s 2026-27 season, but it is a long shot for well beyond the arc. Luis and LSU lawyers filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, saying that he should be allowed to play because he did not play in any NBA regular season games. That was because Luis was hurt, however, which his camp has often skipped over. Sankey told Johnson in his letter that such a move by LSU “fuels disruption” and it not happening is “essential to the integrity of college sports.” > [Will Wade’s Big Day May Be Monday As His Miniscule Roster Could Finally Take Shape](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wades-big-day-may-be-monday-as-his-miniscule-roster-could-finally-take-shape/) Sankey is not just against Luis going back to school. He also came out against the large group of athletes who began their college careers in 2022 who are trying to gain another season via the court system. Temporary restraining orders in recent weeks have perhaps cleared the path for their return to college. That includes some who are at NFL training camps now, such as defensive end Jack Pyburn, who played what was considered his senior season at LSU in 2025. Those lawsuits versus the NCAA focus on the NCAA’s new rule allowing athletes who started in college in 2023 and beyond to play for five seasons in five years instead of the former four seasons in five. > [3 Lane Kiffin Starters At Ole Miss, And Jack Pyburn Could End Up At LSU After Ruling By Baton Rouge Judge](https://www.tigerrag.com/3-lane-kiffin-starters-at-ole-miss-and-jack-pyburn-could-end-up-at-lsu-after-ruling-by-baton-rouge-judge/) Allowing pros back into college in these fashions would undermine the “fundamental principles” of college sports and limit the opportunities of high school athletes everywhere trying to be college athletes, Sankey said. “These rules are grounded in the principle that athletics are an integral part of the academic experience,” Sankey wrote. “The rules align the time permitted for college athletics with the pursuit of an undergraduate education and further the important purpose of preserving opportunities for future student-athletes to participate in college sports.” Sankey also came out vehemently against Alabama signing and playing 6-foot-11 center Charles Bediako last season. Bediako had played in the NBA G League after two seasons at Alabama in 2021-22 and 2022-23, making him ineligible according to NCAA rules. Naturally, Alabama got a judge in Tuscaloosa to issue a temporary restraining order, and Bediako played five games for the Crimson Tide between Jan. 24 and Feb. 9. That judge then ruled in favor of the NCAA rules, and Bediako’s second college career ended. He is now playing in the National Basketball League for New Zealand. “Permitting former professional athletes to return to competition creates a competitive disadvantage and fundamental unfairness for current student-athletes who have not pursued a professional sports career,” Sankey said. LSU lawyers representing Luis are arguing that the NCAA allows players who have signed contracts with European pro teams to later play in college, which is inconsistent and not fair to the college players with NBA teams. Wade is also trying to get such former European pros enrolled in LSU now. The NCAA continues to look at college players signing with NBA teams and trying to return to college differently. Luis playing at LSU would “forever damage college basketball and make the NCAA and the NBA a revolving door,” NCAA lawyers say in court documents. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** greg sankey, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, RJ Luis, Southeastern Conference, will wade --- ### [LSU Soccer Loses To Central Florida, 2-1; Tigers Host Florida Gulf Coast On Sunday](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-soccer-loses-to-central-florida-2-1-tigers-host-florida-gulf-coast-on-sunday/) **Published:** August 21, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The LSU soccer team dropped its second match out of three on the season, 2-1, to Central Florida on Thursday night at LSU. UCF (2-0) took the lead in the 39th minute on a goal by Alysiah Lockette, and the Knights added insurance in the 64th minute on a goal by Payton Patrick as the Tigers fell to 1-2. Tiger midfielder [Ava Amsden](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/ava-amsden) cut the lead in half on a strike from 25 yards out in the 77th minute. The goal was Amsden’s first of the season and third of her collegiate career. The Tigers continued to battle in the final 14 minutes, but were unable to find the equalizer as UCF held on for the road victory. LSU finished the night with eight shots, including three on goal, while UCF recorded 11 shots and two on target. The Tigers held a slight advantage in possession at 51 percent and earned five corner kicks compared to seven for the Knights. [Sariyah Bailey](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/sariyah-bailey) led the Tigers with four shots, including one on target. [Amy Smith](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/amy-smith), [Ava Galligan](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/ava-galligan), [Ava Amsden](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/ava-amsden) and [Allie Fryer](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/allie-fryer) each added one shot, while Amsden’s lone shot found the back of the net. Amsden’s goal came when she found the back of the net unassisted to bring LSU within one. The Tigers created another opportunity late when Bailey put a shot on target in the 82nd minute, but UCF goalkeeper Ansley Ittel made the save to preserve the Knights’ victory. [Audur Scheving](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/audur-scheving) started in goal for LSU and played all 90 minutes, recording no saves on UCF’s two shots on target. UCF goalkeeper Ansley Ittel also played the full match and made two saves. The Knights opened the scoring at the 38:15 mark when Lockette finished a chance assisted by Naomi Clark and Maria Tregansin. Patrick doubled UCF’s lead at 63:09 after receiving assists from Clark and Tyra Eriksen. The Tigers will look to get back in the win column in their next home match against Florida Gulf Coast on Sunday (1 p.m., SEC Network+). **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Soccer **Tags:** Central Florida, lsu, lsu soccer, LSU Tigers --- ### [Former Lady Tigers Forward Entering The Transfer Portal For Fifth Season Of College Basketball](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lady-tigers-forward-entering-the-transfer-portal-for-fifth-season-of-college-basketball/) **Published:** August 20, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Former LSU forward Amiya Joyner is entering the transfer portal, per [on3.com](http://on3.com). Joyner was one of the 30 athletes given a fifth season of eligibility and allowed to enter the portal by a temporary restraining order issued by Baton Rouge 19th District Court Judge William Jorden. > NEWS: LSU’s Amiya Joyner has entered the transfer portal, sources told [@On3](https://x.com/On3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). > > The 6-2 forward averaged 9.2 ppg and 7.5 rpg last season. > > TRACKER: [pic.twitter.com/u9oBPjkuwp](https://t.co/u9oBPjkuwp) > > — Talia Goodman (@TaliaGoodmanWBB) [August 20, 2026](https://x.com/TaliaGoodmanWBB/status/2090550766947733896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Joyner signed a professional contract with the Greensboro Groove in the UPShot Pro League before leaving the team midseason. The TRO allows for athletes who have signed pro deals to return to college athletics provided they terminate the contract and repay any money they have already received. > [3 Lane Kiffin Starters At Ole Miss, And Jack Pyburn Could End Up At LSU After Ruling By Baton Rouge Judge](https://www.tigerrag.com/3-lane-kiffin-starters-at-ole-miss-and-jack-pyburn-could-end-up-at-lsu-after-ruling-by-baton-rouge-judge/) Joyner appeared in 34 games and made 19 starts in her lone season at LSU. She averaged 9.2 points per game while shooting 59.7% from the floor and led the team in rebounding, grabbing 7.5 boards per game. She is no stranger to the transfer portal after using it to come to LSU from East Carolina, where she played her first three collegiate seasons. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Women's Basketball **Tags:** Amiya Joyner, lsu women's basketball --- ### [Ex-LSU Star Kade Anderson To Make MLB Debut Saturday](https://www.tigerrag.com/ex-lsu-star-kade-anderson-to-make-mlb-debut-saturday/) **Published:** August 20, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The Seattle Mariners are calling up former LSU ace Kade Anderson, ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan reports. The left-handed starting pitcher will make his Major League debut against the Cubs on Saturday (6:15, Fox). > BREAKING: The Seattle Mariners plan to call up left-hander Kade Anderson, the top pitching prospect in baseball, to start Saturday, sources tell ESPN. Anderson, the third pick in the 2025 draft, has a 1.06 ERA over 93.1 innings with 135 strikeouts, 13 walks and 47 hits allowed. > > — Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) [August 20, 2026](https://x.com/JeffPassan/status/2090567536328777856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The 22-year-old is baseball’s top pitching prospect and ranked No. 5 overall by [MLB.com](http://mlb.com). He leads the Double-A Texas league with a 1.06 ERA, 0.63 WHIP and 135 strikeouts to just 13 walks in 93 ⅓ innings pitched and has posted a 10-1 record on the mound in his first professional season with the Arkansas Travelers. The Madisonville native was the third-overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft. Anderson was an All-American and Baseball America’s National Pitcher of the year in 2025 when he led the nation with 180 strikeouts, ranking third in LSU history behind only Paul Skenes (209 Ks, 2023) and Ben McDonald (202 Ks, 1989). He posted a 12-1 record with a 3.18 ERA in 19 starts and allowed a .211 opposing batting average while walking just 35 batters and led the Tigers to the programs eigthth national championship. > [LSU Baseball: National Champion Ace Kade Anderson Does Well As Starter In All-Star Futures Game](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-national-champion-ace-kade-anderson-does-well-as-starter-in-all-star-futures-game/) Anderson was named Most Outstanding Player of the 2025 College World Series after going 2-0 in Omaha with a 0.56 ERA and 17 strikeouts in 16 innings. He pitched a complete-game shutout to win Game 1 of the CWS Finals 1-0 over Coastal Carolina. He allowed just three hits and five walks while striking out 10 batters over 130 pitches. The Mariners are third in the American League West with a 60-68 record as of Thursday evening. They sit just 2 ½ games back from the Minnesota Twins and 4 ½ games behind the division-leading Houston Astros. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Kade Anderson, lsu baseball --- ### [LSU Football's Surprise Of August? Transfer Running Back Stacy Gage, And The Disappointment? Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-footballs-surprise-of-august-transfer-running-back-stacy-gage/) **Published:** August 20, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Recruiting rankings may mean less to Lane Kiffin than any LSU football coach in history. Sure, he signs his share of highly ranked players via high school or portal rankings. But he has his own system of judging talent and potential. This is why transfer running back Stacy Gage, a redshirt sophomore from Central Florida who ran the ball 13 times last season, has been impressive in recent practices and could be the No. 3 back behind projected starter Dilin Jones and No. 2 Harlem Berry. At the moment, returning starter Caden Durham is lagging behind at third or fourth. Gage (5-foot-10, 206 pounds) is ranked as the No. 1,739th player in the portal by 247sports.com and the No. 134th transfer back. A three-star prospect from St. Thomas Aquinas High in Tampa, he was the No. 30 back in the nation and No. 55 prospect in Florida in 2024. > Could Lane Kiffin be considering a four-year starting offensive guard who recently entered portal? > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 20, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2090517731963470124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) But Kiffin saw something, much like he saw something in Hawaii wide receiver Jackson Harris last January when he signed with the Tigers as the No. 173 propect in the portal and No. 40 wide receiver. He is now 110th overall and the No. 25 receiver – a significant jump for someone who hasn’t played since the previous ranking. Could that be the Kiffin Effect? “Stacy’s done really well. That’s a good spot by you,” Kiffin told TigerBait.com’s Michael Scarborough Thursday at a post-practice press conference. “He’s had a really good camp, really done things for not being kind of a marquee name coming in. And that’s how we do it.” Whether or not Gage ends up as the third back remains to be seen. But he is giving Durham – LSU’s leading rusher the last two seasons with 1,252 yards and nine touchdowns on 151 carries – a run for his playing time. Durham has frequently not been seen until the third or fourth running back in practice during the media’s limited time at practice. But again, this is just during the brief media windows of practice. Kiffin could be flipping everyone after the media leaves. But Kiffin is not into the past or rankings or statistics when he is figuring his personnel rotations. Gage gained just 63 yards through eight games at Central Florida last season. In 2024, he played in three games and did not touch the ball. “We just open it up and evaluate guys from scratch, regardless of what they’ve done before,” Kiffin said. Before this pre-season camp, LSU running back Harlem Berry gained 491 yards on 104 carries with two touchdowns as a freshman last season. Jones gained only 300 yards on 76 carries with two touchdowns in 2025 in just seven games because of a serious turf toe injury. But those numbers do not mean a lot to Kiffin. It’s about practice. And Jones has been at the top since spring, and Gage is moving on up. “So, we’re really pleased with him (Gage), and he’s gotten reps to show that,” Kiffin said. **PRACTICE NOTES:** True freshman defensive end Lamar Brown was not at practice on Thursday amid reports of an injury on Tuesday. Defensive tackle Malik Blocton returned to practice Thursday after missing Tuesday. Defensive end Jordan Ross was also practicing Thursday after missing Tuesday. And safety DJ Pickett was at full go on Thursday after no contact on Tuesday. Running back Harlem Berry also practiced Thursday after missing Tuesday. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Caden Durham, Dilin Jones, Harlem Berry, lane kiffin, Stacy Gage --- ### [LSU Football Goes Old School With Bo Bordelon, Who Is Realizing His Tiger Dreams In More Traditional Fashion](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-goes-old-school-with-bo-bordelon-who-is-realizing-his-tiger-dreams-in-more-traditional-fashion/) **Published:** August 20, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter LSU will start a new left guard this season, but it will be an old face filling the role. Fifth-year senior [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) has labored as a backup and rotational offensive lineman for four seasons at LSU, but he has finally earned his chance in the limelight. The Raceland native was rated as high as a four-star tackle out of Newman High in New Orleans. His father, Ben, was a standout offensive lineman from 1993-1996 at LSU and was named All-Southeastern Conference second team as a senior. Bo, though, was not handed a starting spot when he stepped onto campus or at any time since, because of his father’s success on the field or off in business as he is a a major LSU donor who also was on the search committee that landed new coach Lane Kiffin. Since red-shirting as a freshman in 2022, Bordelon has appeared in 39 games but made just one start. He said he continued to focus on himself and how he could improve every day. He never considered transferring, and when Kiffin and his staff took over in the offseason, he finally got his opportunity the old-fashioned way via work and waiting your turn. > [LSU Guard Bo Bordelon Recaps His Rise Through The Depth Chart Under Lane Kiffin – Fall Camp Interview](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-guard-bo-bordelon-talks-his-rise-through-the-depth-chart-growth-as-a-leader-at-lsu-fall-camp/) “I asked them point blank. I said, ‘Look, all I want is a blank slate and a fresh opportunity,’ a chance to really get re-evaluated and show them what I can do. Let them not take whatever went on in the past with me, just kind of rebuild anew and have a blank slate. That’s all I really asked for,” Bordelon said after practice on Thursday. Kiffin, offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. and the rest of the offensive staff did just that. Bordelon worked his way into the first team rotation in the spring and has held that starting spot throughout fall camp. “They were very open to that,” Bordelon said of his proposition. “They loved it. They were like, ‘Well, that’s what we’re going to give you,’ and they didn’t just give me the job. I had to go earn it.” Bordelon said he made the switch from backup right tackle behind redshirt sophomore Weston Davis to left guard with the starting unitH in the spring. He earned a role for himself, not through his recruiting ranking or status as a Bordelon legacy, but by his daily effort, focus and resilience. > [LSU Football: Rising 5th-Year Senior Guard Bo Bordelon Is Old School – As In Anti-Transfer Portal](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-rising-5th-year-senior-guard-bo-bordelon-is-old-school-as-in-anti-transfer-portal/) Kiffin said it is a story he has found often repeats itself when a new coaching staff brings a fresh perspective to veteran players. “It’s really valuable when there is one where a guy really hasn’t played as much as they thought or liked, and we come in with new eyes and a new system and give an opportunity, and they rise to the top,” Kiffin said Thursday. “I really like the story. Obviously, hope he plays really well, and then we use that story for years to come.” Kiffin has praised Bordelon throughout fall camp and so have his teammates. Much-decorated junior left tackle Jordan Seaton identified him as one of the hardest working people he knows and a perfect fit for the offensive line. Fifth-year senior center Braelin Moore said he was proud of Bordelon’s fight and development, and senior linebacker Whit Weeks went as far as to say that he deserves to wear LSU’s coveted No. 18 this season. [THE HISTORY OF LSU’S NUMBER 18 JERSEY](https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/sports/college/lsu/2015/08/08/became-lsu-tradition/31352635/) The coveted No. 18 historically goes to an LSU player who best exemplifies leaders and/or fighting through adversity, such as an injury. > [LSU Offensive Tackle Jordan Seaton Is Looking To Revive The Tigers Once Proud Run Game](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-offensive-tackle-jordan-seaton-is-looking-to-revive-the-tigers-once-proud-run-game/) “It’s been a great experience to be around these guys, and they pushed me to get better, and I think we’re going to have a fun year,” Bordelon said. “It’ll be great playing with these dudes. Like, I can’t wait to get out there on the gridiron with them.” Gridiron? Sounds Old School. Bordelon said the attitude and drive to succeed shared by him and his teammates is reflected in the coaching staff. “The new staff is awesome,” he said. “I feel like everybody they brought in is highly motivated. They want to be the best at whatever they do, whether it’s coaching, strength and conditioning, you can go all around the players as well. I feel like everybody they brought in are just really highly motivated guys who are looking to improve every day.” Bordelon said he is fortunate to have three excellent coaches leading the way. Offensive line coach Eric Wolford came to Baton Rouge after spending two seasons at Kentucky. He also had SEC stints at South Carolina (2017-20) and Alabama (2022-23) and coached two seasons as assistant O-line coach with the San Francisco 49ers (2015-16) Run game specialist and offensive line assistant coach James Cregg followed Kiffin from Ole Miss last season. Before that, he was an assistant offensive line coach for the 49ers (2022-23) followed by a season as offensive line coach with the Las Vegas Raiders (2024). He helped the Tigers win the national championship and win Jim Moore Award for college football’s best offensive front in 2019 as the LSU offensive line coach from 2018-2020. > [LSU Center Braelin Moore Believes Tigers’ O-Line Has The Makings Of Another Joe Moore Award](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-center-braelin-moore-believes-tigers-o-line-has-the-makings-of-another-joe-moore-award/) Kiffin also added offensive line analyst Na’Shan Goddard. He was previously the O-line coach at FCS West Georgia. The former South Carolina Gamecock spent five seasons bouncing around the NFL and won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants and New Orleans Saints. “They put a lot of faith in me, which I really appreciated. And they really went all in on me when I started playing well, trying to make me a better player,” Bordelon said. “They coached me hard, which is expected, and that’s what I want. I don’t want to be babied or whatever. I want to be pushed, so I think it was great just having a blank slate.” That slate is hardly blank now. In just one off-season with a new coaching staff and teammates, Bordelon has left a lasting impression. His effort has earned him the opportunity he has spent four seasons striving for, as he is expected to enter the season as the starting left guard when No. 11 LSU opens against No. 23 Clemson on Sept. 5 in Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC). But his work is hardly done. It is only just beginning. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** bo bordelon, lane kiffin, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football --- ### [LSU Guard Bo Bordelon Recaps His Rise Through The Depth Chart Under Lane Kiffin - Fall Camp Interview](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-guard-bo-bordelon-talks-his-rise-through-the-depth-chart-growth-as-a-leader-at-lsu-fall-camp/) **Published:** August 20, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Fifth-year senior [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) may be the greatest story of Lane Kiffin’s LSU tenure so far. The former four-star offensive guard made just one start in four years as a Tiger. Kiffin & Co. brought fresh eyes to the program that saw something in Bordelon previous regimes did not. He established himself early in spring ball as a potential starter at left guard for the Tigers and has secured that role through fall practice. Teammates and coaches have praised his leadership, work ethic and approach to the game. The Raceland native spoke to media after practice Thursday about his unlikely story and previewed the Tigers offense with their season opener versus Clemson right around the corner. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** bo bordelon, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football --- ### [LSU Linebacker TJ Dottery Talks Following Lane Kiffin To LSU & Tigers Defense - Post Practice Interview](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-linebacker-tj-dottery-talks-following-lane-kiffin-to-lsu-tigers-defense-post-practice-interview/) **Published:** August 20, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** LSU fifth-year senior linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) was one of four Ole Miss football players who transferred to LSU after head coach Lane Kiffin made the same transition. The Montgomery, Alabama native led the Southeastern conference with 98 tackles last season. He was [247sports.com](https://247sports.com/season/2026-football/transferportaltop/?)‘s No. 168 portal prospect and No. 13 linebacker. Dottery spoke to Baton Rouge reporters following Thursday’s practice about playing two of his former schools, Clemson and Ole Miss, this season and fitting into the Tigers’ defense alongside returning senior linebacker Whit Weeks. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football, TJ Dottery --- ### [Lane Kiffin LSU Fall Camp Press Conference - Week 3](https://www.tigerrag.com/live-lane-kiffin-recaps-week-3-of-lsu-fall-camp/) **Published:** August 20, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** The LSU Tigers are just 16 days away from kicking off the Lane Kiffin era against Clemson on Sept. 5 (6:30, ABC). The first-year Tigers coach will have some key position battles to decide before then as LSU irons out its receiver, running back, defensive line and safety rotations. Kiffin updated local media with the latest on his team through three weeks of fall camp from the Team Room at LSU Football Ops. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football --- ### [Former LSU WR Malik Nabers Eying Remarkable Comeback From Knee Injury](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-wr-malik-nabers-eying-remarkable-comeback-from-knee-injury/) **Published:** August 20, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter LSU’s all-time leading receiver, Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers, is pushing to return from a major knee injury Week 1 against the Cowboys. On Monday, the 23-year-old participated in full-speed live drills for the first time since tearing his ACL and meniscus during the Giants’ Week 4 game against the Chargers in September of last year. “Felt good getting some team reps, getting out there, catching the football,” Nabers said after practice on Monday. New York initially hoped the 2024 Pro Bowler could be available for the start of training camp, but Nabers’ timeline was pushed back after he underwent a second, cleanup procedure on his knee in May. He had his first knee surgery in October and experienced stiffness during his rehab due to scar tissue. > [Former LSU WR Malik Nabers Is Out For The Season With Knee Injury](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-wr-malik-nabers-is-out-for-the-season-with-knee-injury/) Nabers avoided the physically unable to perform list when camp kicked off and had been limited to individual drills. He participated in his first team drills last Thursday in a no-physicality practice. “My soul’s been dead for so long just being away from the game,” Nabers said. “Just getting out there and having my teammates behind me kind of felt that soul come back to life out there.” Nabers had an electric rookie season after being drafted No. 6 overall in 2024. In 15 games, he racked up 109 receptions for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns. He ranked seventh in the NFL in receiving yards and second among rookies behind LSU teammate Brian Thomas Jr. > [NFL Draft Profile: LSU’s Malik Nabers is the second receiver taken in the draft](https://www.tigerrag.com/nfl-draft-profile-malik-nabers-is-one-of-the-top-receivers-in-the-draft/) While Nabers was excited to get back on the field, he said he has no plans of trying to rush back before he is fully ready. “The most important thing is my health,” he said. “I’m taking each step accordingly or just making sure my body feels good with taking the next step week by week or day by day or whatever they want to do. So, just letting them know how my body feels just so I can take it more.” Nabers caught 189 passes for 3,003 yards and 21 touchdowns. The Youngsville native was a consensus All-American in 2023 as he ranked second in the nation with 1,569 receiving yards and third with 14 touchdown catches. He was the leading receiver for 2023 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels and was a finalist for the 2023 Biletnikoff Award for college football’s top receiver. Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. won over Nabers and Washington WR Rome Odunze by one vote. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu football, Malik Nabers --- ### [Will Wade's Big Day May Be Monday As His Miniscule Roster Could Finally Take Shape](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wades-big-day-may-be-monday-as-his-miniscule-roster-could-finally-take-shape/) **Published:** August 20, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor What new LSU basketball coach Will Wade has been telling the many media members close to him and others for months may finally come to public fruition on Monday – the first day of classes at LSU. That is the day when his official roster may actually grow from four guys without pictures on the LSU website to double digits as several of his commitments may become signees. > [Will Wade Signs Former NBA Player RJ Luis, But There May Be Legal Baggage](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-signs-former-nba-player-rj-luis-but-there-may-be-legal-baggage/) Wade’s best signee is not official yet, as he also has the most baggage. That is former St. John’s 6-foot-7 forward RJ Luis, who was the Big East player of the year in his last college season in 2024-25 when he averaged 18.2 points and 7.2 rebounds. Luis signed NBA contracts with the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics after that season, which tends to make players ineligible by the NCAA. But LSU lawyers have been trying to finesse the situation for months and have found a local judge to help them, which tends to be all the rage in player eligibility battles recently. Luis is expected to appear in 19th District Judge Ronald R. Johnson’s East Baton Rouge Parish court at 1:30 p.m. Monday, and a favorable ruling would not be a surprise. LSU and Luis have filed a lawsuit against the NCAA, and who hasn’t lately? The suit is asking the NCAA to disregard Luis’ NBA contracts as he played in no regular season games. > [Will Wade Catches A Break – UCLA Transfer Commitment Skyy Clark Gets 5th Season At LSU After Ruling](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-catches-a-break-ucla-transfer-commitment-skyy-clark-gets-5th-season-at-lsu-after-ruling/) Wade just got a previous favorable court ruling on Tuesday for another top transfer commitment in UCLA fifth-year senior guard Skyy Clark. He is headed to LSU for the 2026-27 season after he and 72 other college athletes suing the NCAA for a fifth season were granted a temporary restraining order, according to the Texas Trial Group. Clark averaged 11.5 points a game last season for the Bruins, who reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He shot 47 percent from three-point range. He was the No. 7 point guard in the country from Montverde Academy in Florida when he signed with Illinois in 2022. The 73 college athletes suing the NCAA all signed in 2022 and are claiming they deserve a fifth year, because the NCAA recently passed a new rule that gives athletes after 2022 five seasons in five years. > [3 Lane Kiffin Starters At Ole Miss, And Jack Pyburn Could End Up At LSU After Ruling By Baton Rouge Judge](https://www.tigerrag.com/3-lane-kiffin-starters-at-ole-miss-and-jack-pyburn-could-end-up-at-lsu-after-ruling-by-baton-rouge-judge/) If Luis and Clark proceed to the LSU written roster, that would give the Tigers six players so far. The first four are previous transfer signees, including three ranked additions – No. 11 small forward Mouhamed Dioubate (No. 68 overall) of Kentucky, No. 26 shooting guard Abdi Bashri (132 overall) of Kansas State and No. 48 point guard Divine Ugochukwu (243 overall) of Michigan State. The other transfer is unranked guard Austin Nunez of Texas-San Antonio. Wade also has four international commitments he expects to get signed and enrolled by Monday or soon after – forward Saliou Niang of Italy, center Marcio Santos of Brazil, center Brice Dessert of France and forward Michael Ruzic of Croatia. That would be 10. And Wade has a commitment from unranked prep forward Jordan Bender of Northside Christian School in St. Petersburg, Florida. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** lsu, LSU men's basketball, LSU Tigers', RJ Luis, will wade --- ### [3 Lane Kiffin Starters At Ole Miss, And Jack Pyburn Could End Up At LSU After Ruling By Baton Rouge Judge](https://www.tigerrag.com/3-lane-kiffin-starters-at-ole-miss-and-jack-pyburn-could-end-up-at-lsu-after-ruling-by-baton-rouge-judge/) **Published:** August 19, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Everybody gets a temporary restraining order. Three Ole Miss starters for coach Lane Kiffin last season before he took the LSU job could end up with their former coach after Baton Rouge 19th District Court Judge William Jorden granted a temporary restraining order, allowing a group of 30 college athletes across the country in yet another lawsuit vs. the NCAA to return to school for one more season. Tight end Dae’Quan Wright, who is now with the Cleveland Browns, defensive tackle Zxavian Harris, who was with the Saints before being cut two weeks ago, and safety Wydett Williams, who is with the Arizona Cardinals, all started for Kiffin last season at Ole Miss. And the Rebels went 11-1 overall and 7-1 in the SEC before Kiffin left for LSU. They could also return to Ole Miss or go to another school, even though they all signed as undrafted free agents with NFL teams. Another player in the group of 30 is former 2025 LSU defensive end Jack Pyburn, who just collected two sacks over the weekend for Tampa Bay in a preseason game. Pyburn and the other players from the 30 currently on NFL teams could conceivably leave those teams, return to college and return to the NFL next year – maybe to the same team. Pyburn made 52 tackles last season for LSU with two sacks and eight quarterback hurries after transferring from Florida. > [Ex-LSU Edge Rusher Jack Pyburn Has Newfound Motivation In The NFL That He Lacked In College](https://www.tigerrag.com/ex-lsu-edge-rusher-jack-pyburn-has-newfound-motivation-in-the-nfl-that-he-lacked-in-college/) Meanwhile, LSU women’s basketball player Amiya Joyner will get another season at LSU should the Jorden ruling hold after what was thought to be be her senior year this past season. > Worth noting that former [\#LSU](https://x.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) forward, Amiya Joyner has been granted an additional year of eligibility after today’s NCAA ruling in Louisiana. > > Joyner signed with the Greensboro Groove of the UPShot Pro League but left the team during the season. [pic.twitter.com/bhVxMFiVpm](https://t.co/bhVxMFiVpm) > > — CJ (TigerBait.com) (@CJFWrites) [August 19, 2026](https://x.com/CJFWrites/status/2090192444084175244?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) This legal maneuver is the latest in a fashionable wave of more than a dozen lawsuits filed this summer by more than 100 athletes that keep attracting temporary restraining orders. They all began their college careers in 2022 and want to play a fifth season in light of the NCAA’s recent new rule allowing current and future athletes to play five seasons in five years, instead of four in five. The athletes and their lawyers, who seem to crop up everywhere when the potential opponent is the NCAA, are claiming that the NCAA broke a “covenant of good faith” by not giving these 2022 signees the same opportunities. The most significant restraining order before the copycats, which was the case Wednesday in Baton Rouge, was issued on July 31 by Colorado federal Judge Charlotte Sweeney. She ruled in the athletes’ favor in a class action lawsuit against the NCAA. The NCAA has been fighting back, though, as its lawyer, Scott Bearby, called the Sweeney ruling “egregious.” He correctly said it “invites further chaos in college sports and irreparably harms thousands of student-athletes already on campus.” So, let the chaos continue. Wright (6-4, 255) started 15 games last season for the Rebels, who reached the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. He caught 39 passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns. Harris (6-8, 330) made 58 tackles in 15 starts for Ole Miss with nine for losses, including three sacks. Williams, who is from General Trass High in Lake Providence, Louisiana, started 14 games for the Rebels and intercepted three passes while making 73 tackles and breaking up 13 passes. Kiffin did not sound overly interested when asked about the possibility of adding players in light of the Sweeney ruling early this month. “We look at everything, so we would be prepared for that,” Kiffin said. “I don’t know what that would mean. You’ve always got to look at who they are, and will they learn your systems and all those things coming that late?” No. 11 LSU has been practicing for more than two weeks already and open the season in just over two weeks against No. 23 Clemson (6:30 p.m., ABC) on Sept. 5. “And where some are, the coaches have changed at a number of them,” Kiffin said, possibly speaking of himself. “And there are places that don’t want them back, because they’re full at that position, or there are new coaches there.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Dae'quan Wright, Jack Pyburn, lane kiffin, ole miss, Wydett Williams, Zxavian Harris --- ### [LSU Baseball Greats Doug Thompson And Todd Walker Take Over Tiger Rag Radio To Honor Skip Bertman](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-greats-doug-thompson-and-todd-walker-take-over-tiger-rag-radio-to-honor-skip-bertman/) **Published:** August 19, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman would have been proud of “Dougie Boy” on Tuesday night. Doug Thompson, who pitched for Bertman in 1997 and ’98 and was the winning pitcher in the Tigers’ national championship victory over Alabama in 1997, joined Tiger Rag Radio on Tuesday night to discuss Bertman, who passed away last Friday at age 88. Bertman used to call him “Dougie Boy.” “I’m trying to focus on the fact that I had a special relationship with coach, like so many others had,” said Thompson, who lives near Bertman’s home and had been driving him to games and lunches over the last several years. “It’s been infinite and immeasurable in terms of how he has affected my life. He’s the most important man in my life right there with my dad.” And Thompson did not want to stop talking about Bertman. In fact, Thompson asked if he could stay on on through his guest time slot so he could talk to the next guest – former LSU second baseman and 1993 national champion Todd Walker. The answer naturally was yes, and soon Thompson and Walker were basically hosting the show as regular host Jeff Palermo of the Louisiana Radio Network left the mound, so to speak. The complete Thompson appearance and that of Walker can be heard by clicking the red box with the white arrow above. > [Skip Bertman (1938-2026): Why He Was The Greatest Hire In The History Of LSU Athletics | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertman-legend-1938-2026-why-he-was-the-greatest-hire-in-the-history-of-lsu-athletics/) “It goes without saying,” Walker told Thompson. “Skip was like a father figure to me.” Walker also told Thompson and the audience about the night country music star Garth Brooks played the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Dec. 9, 1993, before Walker’s junior season with the Tigers and after he was the MVP of the ’93 College World Series won by the Tigers. “And the one person Garth Brooks sought out during the concert was Skip Bertman,” Walker said. “He was the special guest of Garth Brooks. We knew Skip was legendary, but we were saying at the time that this catapults him into a whole other realm.” > [Skip Bertman Celebration Of Life Ceremony Will Be At The Pete Maravich Assembly Center On Tuesday, August 25](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertman-celebration-of-life-ceremony-will-be-at-the-pete-maravich-assembly-center-on-tuesday-august-25/) That same Assembly Center will host the Celebration of Life ceremony honoring Bertman on Tuesday, April 25, at 7 p.m. Doors open at 6 p.m. for an event that will be televised live on the SEC Network and ESPN+. Seating will be general admission in the upper bowl. The entrance will be at the top of the exterior ramps. The floor and lower bowl seating will be reserved for guests of the Bertman family. Concessions will not be available, but attendees can bring their own sealed water bottle. General public parking is recommended in lots 401 and 404, as well as other available lots surrounding the PMAC. “I just really hope that the LSU community shows up,” Thompson said. “I hope it ends up being an historic event.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** College World Series, Doug Thompson, lsu baseball, skip bertman, tiger rag radio, todd walker --- ### [LSU Ties For Most In The Conference With Five On Preseason Coaches All-SEC First Team](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-leads-the-sec-with-five-on-preseason-coaches-all-sec-first-team/) **Published:** August 19, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEW SERVICES Lane Kiffin’s star-studded first LSU roster landed eight players on the 2026 Preseason Coaches All-Southeastern Conference Football Team announced Wednesday. The Tigers’ five first-team selections are tied for the most in the league with Texas. LSU’s eight representatives on the three teams rank fourth in the conference. Texas and Georgia led the way with 11 each, followed by Oklahoma with 10. > LSU has eight players on the 2026 Preseason Coaches All-SEC Team [pic.twitter.com/O9e8bekpsP](https://t.co/O9e8bekpsP) > > — LSU Football (@LSUfootball) [August 19, 2026](https://x.com/LSUfootball/status/2090151819129278778?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [Junior tight end Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-18-treydez-green-expected-to-be-among-nations-best-tight-ends/) and [junior left tackle Jordan Seaton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-29-jordan-seaton-may-be-prize-of-lane-kiffins-star-studded-no-1-portal-class/) headline the first-team offense. Green was named to the All-SEC second-team offense by the coaches last year after setting an LSU single-season record with seven receiving touchdowns by a TE. Seaton was also a second-team selection in the Big 12 at Colorado in 2025. Both were preseason Associated Press All-Americans this year. Green was named to the first team, and Seaton was named to the second team. On the first-team defense, [senior linebacker Whit Weeks](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-whit-weeks-wants-to-bring-back-that-nasty-defense-mentality-down-to-the-bayou/) returns to All-SEC glory after an injury-riddled 2025. Weeks was a consensus All-SEC first-team choice in 2024 when he had 125 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception as a sophomore. Joining Weeks is [senior Ole Miss Transfer Princewill Umanmielen](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-34-edge-princewill-umanmielen-will-be-battle-tested-because-of-ot-jordan-seaton/). The defensive end was third in the SEC with nine sacks as a Rebel last season. He finished the year as a third-team All-SEC pick. The final Tiger named to the first team is [junior punter Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/). He received third-team honors from the SEC coaches in his first season at LSU after transferring from Middle Tennessee last year. Chadwick averaged 45.7 yards on 62 punts, which ranked third in LSU history. > [LSU Football Lands 3 On Preseason Associated Press All-America Team](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-lands-3-on-preseason-associated-press-all-america-team/) LSU had one player on the second team — [sophomore defensive back DJ Pickett](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-27-cornerback-dj-pickett-will-try-to-pick-up-where-he-left-off-in-2025/). Pickett was a freshman All-American and freshman All-SEC selection after playing in all 13 games last season. He caught three interceptions to go along with three pass breakups and six passes defended. [Fifth-year senior center Braelin Moore](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-in-29-days-and-here-is-player-profile-no-26-center-braelin-moore/) landed on the third team. The Virginia Tech transfer allowed just one sack in 12 starts his first year in Baton Rouge. [Boise State transfer Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) joins Moore on the third team. The senior was first-team All-Mountain West last season after recording 107 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, two interceptions and three pass breakups. He was also a 2026 preseason AP All-American. **2026 PRESEASON COACHES ALL-SEC TEAM** **FIRST TEAM *Offense QB – Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss RB – Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss RB – Ahmad Hardy, Missouri WR – Cam Coleman, Texas WR – Mario Craver, Texas A&M TE – Trey’Dez Green, LSU OL – Trevor Goosby, Texas OL – Cayden Green, Missouri OL – Jordan Seaton, LSU OL – Earnest Greene III, Georgia C – Drew Bobo, Georgia AP – Mario Craver, Texas A&M *Defense DL – Colin Simmons, Texas DL – Dylan Stewart, South Carolina DL – Princewill Umanmielen, LSU DL – Will Echoles, Ole Miss LB – Xavier Atkins, Auburn LB – Whit Weeks, LSU LB – Rasheem Biles, Texas DB – KJ Bolden, Georgia DB – Bray Hubbard, Alabama DB – Zabien Brown, Alabama DB – Ellis Robinson IV, Georgia *Special Teams PK – Tate Sandell, Oklahoma P – Grant Chadwick, LSU RS – Ryan Niblett, Texas KOS – Tate Sandell, Oklahoma LS – Ben Anderson, Oklahoma **SECOND TEAM *Offense QB – Arch Manning, Texas RB – Jadan Baugh, Florida RB – Nate Frazier, Georgia WR – Ryan Coleman-Williams, Alabama WR – Isaiah Sategna III, Oklahoma TE – Lawson Luckie, Georgia OL – Lance Heard, Kentucky OL – Dontrell Glover, Georgia OL – Michael Carroll, Alabama OL – Michael Fasusi, Oklahoma C – Mark Nabou Jr., Texas A&M AP – Isaiah Sategna III, Oklahoma *Defense DL – David Stone, Oklahoma DL – Taylor Wein, Oklahoma DL – Quincy Rhodes Jr., Arkansas DL – Elijah Griffin, Georgia LB – Raylen Wilson, Georgia LB – Kip Lewis, Oklahoma LB – Suntarine Perkins, Ole Miss DB – Kelley Jones, Mississippi State DB – Peyton Bowen, Oklahoma DB – DJ Pickett, LSU DB – Eli Bowen, Oklahoma *Special Teams PK – Lucas Carneiro, Ole Miss P – Grayson Miller, Oklahoma RS – Isaiah Sategna III, Oklahoma KOS – Lucas Carneiro, Ole Miss LS – Brett Le Blanc, Missouri **THIRD TEAM *Offense QB – Gunner Stockton, Georgia RB – DeSean Bishop, Tennessee RB – Hollywood Smothers, Texas WR – Ryan Wingo, Texas WR – Nyck Harbor, South Carolina TE – Willie Rodriguez, Kentucky OL – David Sanders Jr., Tennessee OL – Patrick Kutas, Ole Miss OL – Wendell Moe Jr., Tennessee OL – Brandon Baker, Texas C – Braelin Moore, LSU AP – Ryan Niblett, Texas *Defense DL – DJ Hicks, Texas A&M DL – Kam Franklin, Ole Miss DL – Gabe Harris, Georgia DL – Jayden Woods, Florida LB – Arion Carter, Tennessee LB – Yhonzae Pierre, Alabama LB – Robert Woodyard Jr., Missouri DB – Ty Benefield, LSU DB – Jelani McDonald, Texas DB – Ty Redmond, Tennessee DB – Keon Sabb, Alabama *Special Teams PK – Alex McPherson, Auburn P – Ethan Pulliam, Mississippi State RS – Vernell Brown III, Florida KOS – Terry Bussey, Texas A&M LS – Trey Dubuc, Texas **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Jordan Seaton, lsu football, Princewill Umanmielen, Trey'Dez Green, Whit Weeks --- ### [LSU Receivers Tre' Brown III And Jackson Harris Named To Biletnikoff Award Watch List](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-receivers-tre-brown-iii-and-jackson-harris-named-to-biletnikoff-award-watch-list/) **Published:** August 19, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Two LSU transfers were named to the 2026 preseason Biletnikoff Award watch list for the top receiver in college football. Fifth-year senior Tre’ Brown III and redshirt junior Jackson Harris are both coming off of electric seasons in the Group of Six and will hope to replicate that success in their first year in Baton Rouge. > Tre Brown and Jackson Harris are on the Biletnikoff Award Preseason Watch List [@Tre3\_Brown](https://x.com/Tre3_Brown?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@jackssonharriss](https://x.com/jackssonharriss?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/QHIPl9WOxK](https://t.co/QHIPl9WOxK) > > — LSU Football (@LSUfootball) [August 19, 2026](https://x.com/LSUfootball/status/2090117456731717739?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Brown (6-foot-2, 190 pounds) was an All-Sun Belt third-team selection at Old Dominion in 2025. The explosive deep threat caught 38 passes for 762 yards and four TDs. His 20.05 yards per catch ranked seventh in the FBS last season. Harris (6-2, 202) was also a deep-play specialist with Hawaii last season. He racked up 49 catches for 963 yards and 12 touchdowns in 11 games and was named first-team All-Mountain West. He also ranked in the top 10 receivers in the nation with 19.65 yards per reception. Both will look to make an impact as explosive playmakers in LSU’s rebuilt receiver room. They will compete for playing time with the seven other talented freshmen Lane Kiffin welcomed to Baton Rouge this offseason. Kansas State receiver Jayce Brown, Ole Miss transfer Winston Watkins Jr., former Florida five-star Eugene Wilson III and even junior tight end Trey’Dez Green could all easily take the next step to find themselves in conversations for later-season watch lists. > [LSU Football: Consider The Tigers’ Wide Receiver Room To Be Very Wide And Deep](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-consider-the-tigers-wide-receiver-room-to-be-very-wide-and-deep/) The preseason watch list features 42 wide receivers and two tight ends. Southeastern Conference schools account for 13 wide receivers, and LSU is one of 10 schools to land two pass catchers on the list, along with California, Colorado, Houston, Miami, Oklahoma, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Texas State. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Jackson Harris, lsu football, Tre' Brown --- ### [The Most Influential Man In Baton Rouge - Ryan Theriot Remembers Skip Bertman On Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/the-most-influential-man-in-baton-rouge-ryan-theriot-remembers-skip-bertman-on-tiger-rag-radio/) **Published:** August 19, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter There may not be a single figure more integral to the story of LSU Athletics than legendary baseball coach and Athletic director Skip Bertman. At least, that is what one of his former players, Ryan Theriot, said on Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night. “I think we would be hard pressed to find someone that’s influenced our city more than Skip Bertman, ” Theriot said. “I went to the games when I was a kid when nobody was in the stands, but you talk about the economics of LSU baseball, the pride that it has brought to this state. I say Baton Rouge, but really it’s the whole state. And then what he’s done for actually the game of college baseball economically. You look at some of these stadiums, I don’t think they would be that way.” > [Skip Bertman Tribute: LSU Legends Remember Bertman on Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertman-tribute-tiger-rag-radio-lsu-baseball/) Theriot, a Baton Rouge native, played under Bertman from 1999-2001. He said that since [Bertman passed away at the age of 88 on Friday](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-master-legend-skip-bertman-passes-away/), he has recalled how Bertman impacted the lives of each and every one of his players. “I’ve really reflected on some of his core principles and things that he lived his life by and he coached his teams by,” Theriot said. “Trust and love for your teammates and respect for everybody and then the visual visualization piece, all three of those things translate into everyday life. Skip used them to win baseball games, but in reality, I think he was teaching us some life skills that are just second to none.” Theriot said Bertman was a fountain of wisdom. “There was something every day that you could write down in a journal and then read it every morning,” he said. Theriot scored the winning run on Bertman’s 2000 national championship team. He was named to the College World Series All-Tournament Team that year and earned second-team ALL-SEC honors in 2001. But before he became one of the top shortstops in the Southeastern Conference and a third-round MLB Draft pick, Theriot said he was a wide-eyed freshman excited to be living his dream playing for Bertman’s Tigers. He said he made all of the stupid mistakes that freshmen do, but Bertman expected more of him. One of Theriot’s favorite traits of Bertman’s is how he valued hard work over physical performance and knew how to motivate his players. “He would tear you down, but he would build you back up,” he said. “He would not continue to beat on you.” > [Skip Bertman and his LSU Baseball Legacy | TODD HORNE](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertman-and-his-lsu-baseball-legacy-todd-horne/) Theriot remembered a poor outing against Tulane during his freshman season and what Bertman said to him after the game in front of the rest of the team. “He told me I was the worst infielder he’d ever coached,” Theriot said. “Literally, little league, high school, junior college, college, there was not an infielder that was worse than me, and of course, everybody loved that and they were cracking up laughing.” Theriot said Bertman had him back in the starting lineup for the next game, and he had a pretty good day. “After that game, he put his arm around me, gave me the game ball, told me he loved me in front of the whole team,” Theriot said. “Little things like that, where I knew he was in my corner, he just wanted the best for me.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** lsu baseball, Ryan Theriot, skip bertman --- ### [Former LSU WR Barion Brown Could Make An Immediate Impact With Saints Top Draft Pick Sidelined](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-wr-barion-brown-could-make-an-immediate-impact-with-saints-top-draft-pick-sidelined/) **Published:** August 19, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Ex-LSU wide receiver Barion Brown was already making waves at Saints training camp, but now he could have the opportunity to show he can bring more than just hype from Baton Rouge to New Orleans. The Saints top rookie receiver, eighth-overall NFL Draft pick Jordyn Tyson, could be sidelined for around two months with a right hamstring strain. The former Arizona State receiver and ex-favorite target of now-LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt was the Saints’ No. 2 receiver behind All-Pro Chris Olave. 2024 seventh-rounder Devaughn Vele should fill that spot in Tyson’s absence, but it does create a chance for Brown to see real usage to start the regular season. Brown was taken in the sixth round of the NFL Draft this spring, but his breakaway speed, fluid route running and explosive kick return skills have generated a lot more preseason noise than the average late-rounder. > [Former LSU Wide Receiver Barion Brown Turning Heads Early At Saints Training Camp](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-wide-receiver-barion-brown-turning-heads-early-at-saints-training-camp/) In the Saints’ preseason opener versus the Jaguars on Saturday, Brown caught all four of his targets for 53 yards. With the starters on the bench, Brown handled the top wide receiver duties with the usual second-team to open the game. “Camp is going great uh for me so far, and I give all kudos to the coaching staff — offensive coaches, defense and special teams,” Brown said in a postgame interview. “That’s helping me become a better person. I’m a better player, and I’m just thankful they gave me the opportunity.” That opportunity will likely grow while Tyson is sidelined. The Saints ran 66.7% of their offensive plays out of 11 personnel (one RB, one TE) last season, the fourth highest rate in the NFL. New Orleans added free agent and rookie tight ends Noah Fant and Oscar Delp to help follow the league’s growing trend towards multi-TE packages, but head coach Kellen Moore will still be looking for a consistent No. 3 receiver. Brown offers speed and deep playmaking ability that other pass catchers on the roster do not. He connected with third-string QB Zach Wilson on a 28-yard pass to put the Saints in the red zone with 34 seconds left in the first half. All three of his other catches, though, came on quick slants under 10 yards, reflecting the offensive versatility that has impressed coaches, teammates and media throughout the preseason. > HELLO BARION BROWN.[@LSUfootball](https://x.com/LSUfootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) | 📺 : FOX-8 [pic.twitter.com/ohSoQEJxEG](https://t.co/ohSoQEJxEG) > > — New Orleans Saints (@Saints) [August 15, 2026](https://x.com/Saints/status/2088741957086396606?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Brown is listed as a backup receiver behind Olave, Tyson and Vele on the Saints’ unofficial depth chart. His most immediate competition for the WR3 role are fifth-round rookie Bryce Lance and third-year Saint Kevin Austin Jr. Brown will have another chance to improve his standing on the team in a preseason game against the Rams on Saturday. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Barion Brown, lsu football --- ### [Skip Bertman Tribute: LSU Legends Remember Bertman on Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertman-tribute-tiger-rag-radio-lsu-baseball/) **Published:** August 18, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES There are plenty of ways to explain what Skip Bertman accomplished at LSU. Five national championships. Eleven trips to the College World Series. Eight hundred seventy victories. A baseball program transformed from an afterthought into one of the signature programs in college sports. Then came seven years as LSU’s athletic director and another transformation that reached far beyond baseball. But on Tuesday night, Tiger Rag Radio found a better way to explain Bertman. Let the people who knew him tell stories. The special two-hour tribute to Bertman, who died Friday at age 88, brought together former LSU stars Ryan Theriot, Doug Thompson and Todd Walker, legendary LSU gymnastics coach D-D Breaux and D1Baseball’s Mark Etheridge. The result was less a conventional sports-talk show than an oral history of one of the most consequential figures LSU Athletics has ever had. **LISTEN TO THE COMPLETE TIGER RAG RADIO SKIP BERTMAN TRIBUTE BELOW.** ## Glenn Guilbeau Opens The Bertman Story Tiger Rag Radio host Jeff Palermo was joined in studio by Tiger Rag editor Glenn Guilbeau, author of *Everything Matters in Baseball: The Skip Bertman Story*. Tiger Rag Executive Editor and regular co-host Todd Horne made the decision to sit out the program because of the unusually deep guest lineup and Guilbeau’s unique history with Bertman. That history became important immediately. Guilbeau recalled spending hours with Bertman at his kitchen table over several years while working on the biography and described a coach with an extraordinary memory and an almost uncanny ability to anticipate what would happen in baseball games. The conversation also moved beyond baseball to Bertman’s years as LSU athletic director, including his role in establishing the Tradition Fund and helping modernize the financial foundation of LSU Athletics. Then the players began talking. ## Ryan Theriot: Bertman Was Teaching More Than Baseball Theriot, a member of LSU’s 2000 national championship team, grew up in Baton Rouge watching Bertman’s program before eventually playing for him. What stayed with him was not simply Bertman’s baseball instruction. Theriot talked about trust, love for teammates, visualization and the extraordinarily high standard Bertman demanded from his players. The lessons that helped LSU win baseball games, Theriot said, eventually became principles that translated into everyday life. He also remembered the other side of Bertman’s demanding personality. After Theriot committed four errors in a game as a freshman, Bertman let him know exactly how poorly he had played. But Bertman put him right back into the lineup. After Theriot responded with a strong game, his coach gave him the game ball, put an arm around him and told him he loved him in front of the team. That combination — demand more, then make sure the player understood why — surfaced throughout the night. ## Doug Thompson Tells The Story That Explains Skip Bertman Then came one of the strongest stories of the show. Thompson took listeners back to LSU’s 1997 series at Alabama. LSU needed one victory in the three-game series to win the SEC championship outright. Thompson started the second game and struggled. Bertman removed him early and told him something that sounded almost absurd in the moment. The game was going to get bad, Bertman told him. But Thompson needed to trust him because Bertman planned to bring him back the next day to help LSU win the SEC. It got very bad. Alabama won 28-2. Thompson assumed Bertman’s promise had simply been an attempt to keep his pitcher from dwelling on a terrible outing. It wasn’t. The next day, Thompson was sitting in tennis shoes when Bertman ordered him to get his spikes on and get ready. Thompson came out of the bullpen and carried LSU deep into the game without allowing a hit. When Thompson finally surrendered one with two outs in the ninth, Bertman walked to the mound. He had told Thompson before entering that one hit would end his outing. Bertman kept his word. LSU finished the victory and won the SEC championship. It was vintage Bertman: psychology, preparation, trust, accountability and an uncanny conviction about what his players could do before they necessarily believed it themselves. ## Thompson And Todd Walker Turn The Show Into A Conversation Thompson stayed for the beginning of the second hour when Walker joined the show, and the interview quickly became something better than an interview. The two former LSU stars began talking to each other. Walker, whose father also recently died, spoke about how loss suddenly changes a person’s relationship with memories that once seemed permanent. His three seasons at LSU still feel recent to him, he said, even though decades have passed. Bertman had become a father figure. Then the stories started flying. Thompson recalled Bertman’s unusually direct recruiting pitch. Another coach had essentially told Thompson he could be the missing piece needed to reach Omaha. Bertman’s message was different: LSU was going to Omaha with him or without him. Thompson loved it. Walker remembered arriving at LSU with other scholarship opportunities and considerably more money available elsewhere. At LSU, he entered a program that had just won the national championship and found himself buried on the depth chart. Bertman initially intimidated him. Walker described the coach as almost Caesar-like to an incoming freshman. Three years later, the intimidating figure had become a father figure and one of the most important people in his life. That evolution said as much about Bertman as another championship statistic ever could. ## D-D Breaux Explains What Bertman Changed Beyond Baseball Breaux provided another essential piece of the story. When Bertman became LSU athletic director in 2001, he inherited more than the football and baseball programs. He inherited coaches in sports that had spent years fighting for resources. Breaux remembered those fights. Then Bertman changed the conversation. Instead of making her fight him for what gymnastics needed, Breaux recalled Bertman essentially telling her to explain what she needed and they would figure out a way to get it. Equipment mattered. Resources mattered. Expectations mattered. And Bertman’s influence extended across LSU’s Olympic and women’s sports. Breaux described an administrator who brought the same standard of excellence he had demanded from himself in baseball into the entire athletic department. It was another version of the same Bertman the players had been describing all evening. ## Mark Etheridge Remembers The Coach Calling A Young Reporter Etheridge supplied the perspective from outside LSU. Before becoming one of college baseball’s leading national voices, he was a young journalist trying to establish a baseball publication in the late 1990s. He needed to cover LSU. So he tried to arrange an interview with Bertman. Bertman did not know him. Etheridge was simply a young writer trying to get started. Then his phone rang. Skip Bertman was on the other end. The story fit perfectly with everything that had come before it. Bertman could be one of the most powerful people in college baseball and still make time for someone who had very little stature at the time. Players remembered that quality. Coaches remembered it. So did reporters. ## Doug Thompson Wants LSU Fans To Show Up One More Time Some of the most emotional moments came when Thompson discussed Bertman’s final years. He described Bertman as one of the most important men in his life, alongside his own father, and talked about how difficult it had been to receive calls from former teammates after Bertman’s death because he knew how deeply they were hurting, too. What Bertman valued most late in life, Thompson said, was not the 870 victories or five national championships. It was the relationships. His players were still around. They still called. They still went to lunch with him. They were still his boys. Thompson then turned toward Bertman’s celebration of life, scheduled for Tuesday, Aug. 25, at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU fans have always shown up, Thompson said. They show up in Omaha. They show up for road games. They show up when LSU matters. He wants them to show up for Bertman. One more time. ## The Stories Became The Tribute Tiger Rag Radio eventually touched briefly on LSU football before Palermo and Guilbeau closed a night that also included a remembrance of longtime broadcaster and former Tiger Rag Radio guest Joe Dean Jr. But the two hours belonged overwhelmingly to Bertman. And perhaps the most telling thing about the show was how rarely the conversation stayed with trophies. Theriot remembered what Bertman taught him. Thompson remembered what Bertman believed about him. Walker remembered how intimidation became love. Breaux remembered an athletic director who listened and supplied what her program needed. Etheridge remembered the powerful coach who returned a young reporter’s phone call. Different people. Different relationships. Different decades. The same Skip Bertman kept appearing. The championships explain why Bertman became famous. The stories explain why, so many years later, the people who knew him still call him **Coach**. Listen to the complete Tiger Rag Radio tribute to Skip Bertman in the player above. **Categories:** Featured, LSU athletics, LSU Baseball, Podcast, Radio **Tags:** d-d breaux, Doug Thompson, Glenn Guilbeau, lsu baseball, Mark Etheridge, Ryan Theriot, skip bertman, Skip Bertman tribute, tiger rag radio, todd walker --- ### [LSU Football Lands 3 On Preseason Associated Press All-America Team](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-lands-3-on-preseason-associated-press-all-america-team/) **Published:** August 18, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Three Tigers were named 2026 preseason All-Americans by the Associated Press on Tuesday. [Junior tight end Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-treydez-green-tied-for-no-1-te-and-lane-kiffin-offense-no-6-for-ea-sports-college-football-2026-27/) of Zachary High in the Baton Rouge area was the only LSU player to receive first team honors. He holds the LSU record for most career touchdowns for a tight end with 11, and his seven scores last year were a season receiving record. Green (6-foot-7, 237 pounds) finished 2025 with 33 catches for 433 yards and is poised to build on that success under new head coach Lane Kiffin’s offense with offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. > [LSU Offensive Tackle Jordan Seaton Is Looking To Revive The Tigers Once Proud Run Game](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-offensive-tackle-jordan-seaton-is-looking-to-revive-the-tigers-once-proud-run-game/) Junior left tackle Jordan Seaton, a top transfer junior from Colorado, was named to the second team offense in his first season in Baton Rouge. Seaton was [247sports.com](http://247sports.com)’s No. 3 portal player and top transfer offensive tackle this off-season. He was an All-Big 12 second team selection last year. > [LSU Football: Ty Benefield Expanding His Cultural Major In Louisiana After Living In Canada, Los Angeles And Idaho](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-ty-benefield-expanding-his-cultural-major-in-louisiana-after-living-in-canada-los-angeles-and-idaho/) Senior safety Ty Benefield, a transfer from Boise State, was the Tigers’ only selection on defense. He was named to the second team after making headlines in the Tigers’ secondary all off-season. In three seasons as a Bronco, Benefield made 235 tackles and 18 tackles for loss while intercepting five passes in 33 starts. He was named an All-Mountain West first teamer last season. ## The 2026 Pre-season Associated Press All-America Team **First Team Offense** Quarterback — Dante Moore, fourth year, Oregon. Running backs — Kewan Lacy, third year, Mississippi; Ahmad Hardy, third year, Missouri. Tackles — Carter Smith, fifth year, Indiana; Trevor Goosby, fourth year, Texas. Guards — Evan Tengesdahl, fourth year, Cincinnati; Shadre Hurst, fifth year, Houston. Center — Kade Pieper, fourth year, Iowa. Tight end — Trey’Dez Green, third year, LSU. Wide receivers — Jeremiah Smith, third year, Ohio State; Malachi Toney, second year, Miami; Cam Coleman, third year, Texas. All-purpose player — Wayne Knight, fifth year, UCLA. Kicker — Tate Sandell, fifth year, Oklahoma. **First Team Defense** Edge — Colin Simmons, third year, Texas; Dylan Stewart, third year, South Carolina. Tackles — A’Mauri Washington, fourth year, Oregon; David Stone, third year, Oklahoma. Linebackers — Rasheem Biles, fourth year, Texas; Xavier Atkins, third year, Auburn; Rolijah Hardy, third year, Indiana. Cornerbacks — Leonard Moore, third year, Notre Dame; Ellis Robinson IV, third year, Georgia. Safeties — KJ Bolden, third year, Georgia; Koi Perich, third year, Oregon. Defensive back — Bray Hubbard, fourth year, Alabama. Punter — Evan Crenshaw, fifth year, Troy. **Second Team Offense** Quarterback — Trinidad Chambliss, fifth year, Mississippi. Running backs — Mark Fletcher Jr., fourth year, Miami; LJ Martin, fourth year, BYU. Tackles — Cayden Green, fourth year, Missouri; Jordan Seaton, third year, LSU. Guards — Greg Johnson, fourth year, Minnesota; Luke Montgomery, fourth year, Ohio State. Center — Drew Bobo, fifth season, Georgia. Tight end — Terrance Carter Jr., fifth year, Texas Tech. Wide receivers — Duce Robinson, fourth year, Florida State; Charlie Becker, third year, Indiana; KJ Duff, third year, Rutgers. All-purpose player — Cam Cook, fourth year, West Virginia. Kicker — Lucas Carneiro, fifth year, Mississippi. **Second Team Defense** Edge — Anthony Smith, fifth season, Minnesota; John Henry Daley, fourth year, Michigan. Tackles — Tyrique Tucker, fifth year, Indiana; Will Echoles, third year, Mississippi. Linebackers — Sammy Brown, third year Clemson; Raylen Wilson, fourth year, Georgia; Kyngstonn Viliamu-Asa, third year, Notre Dame. Cornerbacks — Brandon Finney Jr., second year, Oregon; Zabien Brown, third year, Alabama. Safeties — Brauntae Johnson, third year, Notre Dame; Ty Benefield, fourth year, LSU. Defensive back — Kelley Jones, fourth year, Mississippi State. Punter — Palmer Williams, fourth year, Baylor. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Jordan Seaton, lsu football, LSU Tigers', The Associated Press, Trey'Dez Green, Ty Benefield --- ### [LSU Football: Trey'Dez Green Named To Player Of Year Watch List By Walter Camp Foundation](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-te-treydez-green-named-to-player-of-the-watch-list-by-walter-camp-foundation/) **Published:** August 18, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU junior tight Trey’Dez Green end has not been practicing amid contact so far in the Tigers’ pre-season practices, but he continues to draw national attention. [Green](https://lsusports.net/sports/fb/roster/player/treydez-green) is among 50 players nationwide – and the only tight end – named to the Walter Camp Foundation “Players to Watch” list of its 2026 Player of the Year Award, the organization has announced. He enters his third season with the Tigers and already holds the program record for receiving touchdowns by a tight end with 11. Last year, he set the season record for TD receptions by a tight end at LSU with seven. > [Will Wade Was One Of The 1st To Notice The Talent And Reach Of Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-was-one-of-the-1st-to-notice-the-talent-and-reach-of-treydez-green/) In two years at LSU, Green has emerged as one of the nation’s top pass receiving threats with his 6-foot-7 height, wide and tall catch radius and athletic ability. Green has 46 career receptions for 534 yards. The 2026 Walter Camp Award watch list includes 41 offensive players along with nine from the defensive side of the ball. Green previously made the Walter Camp Foundation’s first team All-America team. Walter Camp is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious collegiate football All-America team, having started in 1889, The 2026 Player of Year watch list will be narrowed to 10 semifinalists in early November, and three finalists will be announced in early December. The winner will be announced in the second week of December after being voted upon by 138 NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision head coaches and sports information directors. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu football, LSU Tigers', Trey'Dez Green --- ### [Will Wade Catches A Break - UCLA Transfer Commitment Skyy Clark Gets 5th Season At LSU After Ruling](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-catches-a-break-ucla-transfer-commitment-skyy-clark-gets-5th-season-at-lsu-after-ruling/) **Published:** August 18, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES UCLA fifth-year senior guard Skyy Clark is headed to LSU for the 2026-27 season after he and 72 other college athletes suing the NCAA for a fifth season were granted a temporary restraining order on Tuesday, according to the Texas Trial Group. ![UCLA basketball player #55 dribbles down court, defended by a nearby opponent in a black and yellow uniform.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/Skyy-954x1024.jpg "UCLA Oregon NCAA Basketball | TigerRag.com")***UCLA guard Skyy Clark is headed to LSU for a fifth season of eligibility in 2026 27 UCLA photo***Clark is one of the 73 players in the lawsuit who began their college careers in 2022 and recently sued the NCAA in California to come under the new five seasons in five years rule. Then a ruling by U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney in Colorado early this month said college athletes who signed in 2022 can get a fifth year of eligibility, retroactively because of the new NCAA rule. The NCAA, though, has been battling that judge’s ruling. But the Texas Trial Group came to the rescue. > For those that message us daily about California – Today our clients were granted a TRO covering approx 73 players. [pic.twitter.com/h3n4EoZt4t](https://t.co/h3n4EoZt4t) > > — The Texas Trial Group (@TexasTrialGroup) [August 18, 2026](https://x.com/TexasTrialGroup/status/2089758161934655904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Clark (6-foot-3, 210 pounds) averaged 11.5 points, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals and hit 47 percent from 3-point range last season for UCLA, which finished 24-12 and 13-7 in the Big Ten and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He averaged 8.5 points and 2.7 assists with 1.3 steals in 2024-25 at UCLA. At Louisville in 2023-24, he scored 13.2 a game with 3.0 assists a game. As a freshman at Illinois in 2022-23, he scored 7.0 points a game with 2.1 assists. In 2022, he signed with Illinois as the No. 34 prospect in the country, No. 7 point guard and No. 8 player in Florida from Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida. He is not ranked as a portal player since the judge’s ruling just happened a little over a week ago. > [Alleluia! Will Wade May Have Just Found A Player Via The Judge’s Ruling On 2022 Signees Seeking A 5th Year](https://www.tigerrag.com/alleluia-will-wade-may-have-just-found-a-player-via-the-judges-ruling-on-2022-signees-seeking-a-5th-year/) When Clark signs, he will be Wade’s fifth roster player with more commitments on the way. The previous four all from the transfer portal, like Clark, are No. 11 small forward Mouhamed Dioubate (No. 68 overall) of Kentucky, No. 26 shooting guard Abdi Bashri (132 overall) of Kansas State, No. 48 point guard Divine Ugochukwu (243 overall) of Michigan State and unranked guard Austin Nunez of Texas-San Antonio. Wade also has four international commitments he expects to get signed and enrolled at LSU by Monday – the first day of classes at LSU. Those are forward Saliou Niang of Italy, center Marcio Santos of Brazil, center Brice Dessert of France and forward Michael Ruzic of Croatia. There is also a commitment from former St. John’s star forward RJ Luis, who last played collegiately in 2024-25 and averaged 18.2 points and 7.2 rebounds in being named the Big East player of the year. Only problem with him is he signed NBA contracts with the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics, and LSU will need another favorable court ruling to get him eligible for the Tigers at some point this season. And Wade has a commitment from unranked forward Jordan Bender of Northside Christian School in St. Petersburg, Florida. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** LSU Tigers, Skyy Clark, UCLA, will wade --- ### [So, Former Twitter King Lane Kiffin Wants Editorial Control Over @LSUfootball On X?](https://www.tigerrag.com/so-former-twitter-king-lane-kiffin-wants-editorial-control-over-lsufootball-on-x/) **Published:** August 18, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** LSU football coach Lane Kiffin quit tweeting back in May, and he sounded like he wishes @LSUfootball on X, which is the official Twitter account of the Tigers, would be more careful about what it tweets. Or at least check with him. > Lane Kiffin’s son Knox should be allowed to call some of his own plays as QB at University High if he called this one: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 23, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2080346800372814156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Some video of No. 1 quarterback Sam Leavitt was released over the weekend by @LSUfootball that showed Leavitt in Saturday’s first scrimmage planting hard on his former injured right foot, which required surgery last fall while he was at Arizona State. The video also shows the redshirt junior cutting and running in the scrimmage at Tiger Stadium. That video appears here on TikTok, but Leavitt (No. 10) enters the screen and exits very quickly, so pay attention: > [@lsufbtigers](https://www.tiktok.com/@lsufbtigers?refer=embed "@lsufbtigers")First scrimmage in the books [\#lsufootball](https://www.tiktok.com/tag/lsufootball?refer=embed "lsufootball") [\#collegefootball](https://www.tiktok.com/tag/collegefootball?refer=embed "collegefootball") [\#sec](https://www.tiktok.com/tag/sec?refer=embed "sec") [\#geauxtigers](https://www.tiktok.com/tag/geauxtigers?refer=embed "geauxtigers") > > [♬ original sound – LSU Football](https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7675011702576007950?refer=embed "♬ original sound - LSU Football") Kiffin was asked about what the public had seen of Leavitt via the above video at his press conference on Monday. “Yeah, I didn’t know we released those,” he said. “So I don’t know what’s on there. Don’t know that I’m happy about that.” Kiffin was smiling when he said that. He likes how well Leavitt is moving after missing most of spring football as he recovered from the surgery. But Kiffin may not want all of LSU’s opponents to know this until the season starts, which is on Sept. 5 when the No. 11 Tigers host No. 23 Clemson in Tiger Stadium. > [LSU Football: Defense Took The Lead On The Offense In 1st Scrimmage](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-defense-took-the-lead-on-the-offense-in-1st-scrimmage/) “The quarterback being out there every day and being fully healthy has made a big difference,” Kiffin said. “He’s moved great. We knew what kind of athlete he was, especially two years ago on film (before the right foot injury). He moves around great. Got out of a lot of trouble with some great pass rush (in the scrimmage) that came at him and some that came free on Saturday.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Arizona State, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Sam Leavitt --- ### [Ex-LSU Edge Rusher Jack Pyburn Has Newfound Motivation In The NFL That He Lacked In College](https://www.tigerrag.com/ex-lsu-edge-rusher-jack-pyburn-has-newfound-motivation-in-the-nfl-that-he-lacked-in-college/) **Published:** August 18, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Former LSU defensive end Jack Pyburn wowed in his NFL preseason debut with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Friday. Pyburn sacked the quarterback twice in just 25 snaps in the Bucs’ 24-16 win over the New York Jets, and he said his hot start is a product of working harder than he did during his college career at Florida and LSU. “My entire college career, I just don’t think I worked hard enough,” Pyburn said after practice Monday. “When I reflect back on it, no matter where I was, whether I was at Florida or LSU, I just did not dedicate my life to it. And simply, this is everything that I’ve ever wanted since I was a kid. My screen saver is me as a little kid playing football, and it says do it for him. I look at that every day when I wake up at 4:30, 5:00 in the morning, and that’s what I’m doing now.” > [Ex-Gator Edge Jack Pyburn Drains The Swamp From His System And Feels Reborn At LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/ex-gator-edge-jack-pyburn-drains-the-swamp-from-his-system-and-feels-reborn-at-lsu/) Pyburn, a native of Jacksonville, Florida, transferred from Florida to LSU for his senior year last season. As a Tiger, he played 12 games and totaled 52 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and two sacks. In his three years with the Gators, Pyburn appeared in 29 games and made eight starts. All of those starts came in his junior season when he tallied 60 total tackles, four tackles for loss with only one sack and an interception. “I did all the extra work, but not to a level that I want to do it because like I said, ‘One day I want to be one of the best,’” Pyburn said. “However long that takes, I don’t care. I’m going to continue to work like that, and in life. That’s going to carry me farther than I could ever hope for it to carry me. Whatever I do in life, I want to be successful.” > Former Gators and LSU OLB Jack Pyburn said he’s worked harder on the mental side of the game and when he wasn’t drafted, took responsibility for it. He got off social media. He had 2 sacks Friday vs Jets. [pic.twitter.com/iQozWDRE40](https://t.co/iQozWDRE40) > > — Rick Stroud (@NFLSTROUD) [August 17, 2026](https://x.com/NFLSTROUD/status/2089380692102611245?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Pyburn, 22, went unpicked in April’s NFL Draft. He signed a three-year, $3 million undrafted free agent contract with the Buccaneers in May. “I’ve always been a good football player and had a good college career, but I didn’t perform how I wanted to perform,” Pyburn said. “Part of that is a mental side of the game that I didn’t fully tap into and a confidence aspect. And when I sat on my couch on the day of the draft, and I didn’t get drafted, I had to look at myself in the mirror and decide, ‘Who do I want to be?’ Do I want to say, ‘Why me?’ Or do I want to say, ‘Why not me?’ And in that moment, I chose, ‘Why not me?’ And I’ve worked harder than I’ve ever worked in my life to be where I’m at, and I’m going to continue to work even harder.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Florida Gators, Jack Pyburn, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers --- ### [Skip Bertman Takes Over Tiger Rag Radio Tonight With His Players Todd Walker, Ryan Theriot, Doug Thompson, Others](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertman-takes-over-tiger-rag-radio-tonight-with-his-players-todd-walker-ryan-theriot-doug-thompson-others/) **Published:** August 18, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Discussion of the late, great Skip Bertman will take up all nine innings of Tuesday night’s statewide Tiger Rag Radio show from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. – 107.3 FM in Baton Rouge, 106.7 FM The Ticket in New Orleans and 103.7 The Game in Lafayette, among other stations. [Or you can listen to the show online by clicking here.](https://station.voscast.com/64cd62be67664) Other stations around Louisiana carrying the show will be: KFNV 107.1 FM in Ferriday … Tape delay at 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday KLCJ 104.1 FM in Lake Charles … Live WAKH 105.7 FM in McComb, Mississippi … Live. KASO 1240 AM in Minden … Live KRLQ 94.1 FM in Ruston … Tape delay at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday WSLA 1560 AM in Slidell … Live. WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans … Tape delay at 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Saturday KBZE 105.9 FM in Morgan City … 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday [Bertman passed away at 1:12 a.m. Friday morning at Baton Rouge General Hospital](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-master-legend-skip-bertman-passes-away/) after battling heart issues. He was 88. Bertman, his wife Sandy and four daughters Jan, Jodi, Lisa and Lori moved to Baton Rouge from Miami in the summer of 1983 when Bertman was 45 into a home in Riverbend near LSU that Bertman remained in for the rest of his life. > [Skip Bertman Celebration Of Life Ceremony Will Be At The Pete Maravich Assembly Center On Tuesday, August 25](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertman-celebration-of-life-ceremony-will-be-at-the-pete-maravich-assembly-center-on-tuesday-august-25/) After winning the 1982 national championship as associate head coach/pitching coach of the Miami Hurricanes from 1976-83, Bertman won five national championships with the Tigers in 1991, ’93, ’96, ’97 and 2000 before retiring and becoming LSU athletic director after the 2001 season. He guided LSU to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, as coach 11 times – in his third season in 1986 and then in 1987, ’89, ’90, ’91, ’93, ’94, ’96, ’97, ’98 and 2000. > Skip Bertman was so much more than a college baseball coach. He built it, and they never left. Column: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 17, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2089339001803026817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Joining Tiger Rag Radio host Jeff Palermo of the Louisiana Radio Network will be Tiger Rag executive editor Todd Horne, Tiger Rag/LRN reporter and radio producer Kace Kieschnick and Tiger Rag editor/columnist Glenn Guilbeau, who wrote the biography of Bertman – [“Everything Matters In Baseball: The Skip Bertman Story.”](https://www.skipbertman.net/category/all-products) Former LSU shortstop Ryan Theriot, who scored the winning run in Bertman’s last national championship game in 2000, will join the radio show at 6:15 p.m., followed at 6:30 p.m. by Doug Thompson, who was the winning pitcher in the 1997 national championship game. Then LSU second baseman great Todd Walker, the MVP of the 1993 College World Series for the national champion Tigers, will come on at 7 p.m. > 🆕 Etheridge: Bertman leaves a legacy greater than titles[@LSUBaseball](https://x.com/LSUbaseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) legend Skip Bertman won at unprecented rate. But there is more than just wins and losses for this coach’s legacy > > — D1Baseball (@d1baseball) [August 14, 2026](https://x.com/d1baseball/status/2088336430107857238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) D1 Baseball writer Mark Etheridge will join the show at 7:30 p.m. Etheridge wrote an excellent column on Bertman last Friday. > "When Skip became athletic director, the trajectory of women's athletics and gymnastics at LSU took a very positive turn." [@LSUgym](https://x.com/LSUgym?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) great DD Breaux on the late Skip Bertman as the [\#LSU](https://x.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) AD. > > Watch complete visit – [@LSUbaseball](https://x.com/LSUbaseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/Ys1SME0bjQ](https://t.co/Ys1SME0bjQ) > > — Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) [August 17, 2026](https://x.com/JacquesDoucet/status/2089462595916832792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) A special guest will be former LSU gymnastics coaching legend D-D Breaux, who has often praised Bertman for opening previously shut doors to women’s athletics at LSU as athletic director from 2001-09. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Doug Thompson, lsu baseball, Ryan Theriot, skip bertman, tiger rag radio, todd walker --- ### [LSU Football: Defense Took The Lead On The Offense In 1st Scrimmage](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-defense-took-the-lead-on-the-offense-in-1st-scrimmage/) **Published:** August 17, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt found playing against the Tigers’ defense was more difficult than going against air on Saturday in the team’s first scimmage of the pre-season at Tiger Stadium. “I thought the first team defense played extremely well, gave the offense a lot of pressure and really good coverage. That was great to see,” LSU coach Lane Kiffin said Monday. The scrimmage was closed from all reporters. “Obviously, any time in scrimmages, both sides are never going to look really good,” Kiffin continued. “The first offense struggled for a while, then came back and played well later, which is what we hope for.” Leavitt had been completing passes at a high percentage throughout the media portion of recent practices without contact. > [LSU Football: “It’s A Night And Day Difference From Last Year,” Says Safety Dashawn Spears](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-its-a-night-and-day-difference-from-last-year-says-safety-dashawn-spears/) Still, the redshirt junior transfer from Arizona State and first team quarterback moved well and appears to be completely over the foot injury from last season that required surgery, Kiffin said. “The quarterback being out there every day and being fully healthy has made a big difference,” he said. “He’s moved great. We knew what kind of athlete he was, especially two years ago on film. He moves around great. Got out of a lot of trouble with some great pass rush (in the scrimmage) that came at him and some that come free on Saturday.” The Tigers scrimmaged for 170 plays on Saturday. “There were a lot of good things to evaluate,” Kiffin said. “We played for a long time. That was really good to see to get a lot of information on our guys, and half of it being tackling helped us on some evaluations, too.” Kiffin praised the defense more. “I think the defensive mentality of the individual players has come together,” he said. “You have a lot of alphas over there that have come from other places and from here and them meshing together.” **MONDAY PRACTICE REPORT** After an off day Sunday, LSU practiced Monday morning. Missing from the workout were running back Harlem Berry, defensive tackle Malik Blocton and edge Jordan Ross. “They should be fine,” Kiffin said. Transfer wide receiver Roman Mothershed was seen working at tight end as No. 1 tight end Trey’Dez Green continues to be held out of any contact. “We held Trey’Dez today – just normal type of decisions,” Kiffin sadi. “Roman’s doing well outside. He’s been playing well for us, making big plays. Defensive assistant coach Ed Orgeron was also held out of practice. “He wasn’t feeling real well. We sent him home,” Kiffin said. “We expect him back soon. You can imagine what that conversation was like.” Kiffin was asked about the status of redshirt freshman defensive end Damian Shanklin, who has not practiced at all this month. “I do not have an upate on that, and I cannot comment on that,” Kiffin said. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** ed orgeron, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [Lane Kiffin Previews Week Three Of LSU Fall Camp, Discusses Saturday Scrimmage](https://www.tigerrag.com/live-lane-kiffin-previews-week-three-of-lsu-fall-camp/) **Published:** August 17, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** The 11th-ranked Tigers held their first scrimmage of fall practice on Saturday. Coach Lane Kiffin broke down what he’s seen from his team so far and previewed the final three weeks of preseason camp as LSU prepares to host Clemson on Sept. 5. Kiffin met with members of the media in the Team Room of LSU Football Ops after Monday’s practice. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football --- ### [LSU Ranked No. 11 In AP Preseason Top 25, Week One Opponent Clemson Left Off](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-ranked-no-11-in-ap-preseason-top-25-week-one-opponent-clemson-left-off/) **Published:** August 17, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU was ranked No. 11 in the preseason AP Poll. The Tigers were the ninth-ranked team in last season’s preseason poll before a disappointing 7-6 season left them unranked at the end of the year. LSU’s potential path to the College Football Playoff will go through five ranked opponents, three of which are in the top 10. The Tigers’ season opener versus Clemson on Sept. 5 will not be a ranked matchup, as Dabo Swinney’s Tigers landed as the first team out of the top 25. It is the first time Clemson has missed out on the preseason ranking since 2011. > BREAKING: Preseason College Football AP Poll🚨 [pic.twitter.com/wImUOmUUg5](https://t.co/wImUOmUUg5) > > — On3 (@On3) [August 17, 2026](https://x.com/On3/status/2089382520932405690?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) LSU plays back-to-back ranked games against No. 9 Ole Miss Sept. 19 and No. 8 Texas A&M Sept. 26. The ranked gauntlet resumes when the Tigers host No. 13 Alabama on Nov. 7. A visit from No. 5 Texas on Nov. 14 and a trip to No. 20 Tennessee on Nov. 21 make it three consecutive top 20 matchups that could decide LSU’s postseason. There are nine SEC teams in the top 25, the most of any conference followed by the Big Ten with eight. # Full AP Top 25 1. Ohio State 2. Oregon 3. Georgia 4. Notre Dame 5. Texas 6. Indiana 7. Miami 8. Texas A&M 9. Mississippi 10. Oklahoma 11. LSU 12. Texas Tech 13. Alabama 14. BYU 15. USC 16. Michigan 17. Washington 18. Penn State 19. SMU 20. Tennessee 21. Utah 22. Iowa 23. Houston 24. Louisville 25. Missouri Others Receiving votes: Clemson 112, Florida 51, Boise State 43, Arizona 32, TCU 11, Navy 10, South Carolina 10, Illinois 9, Oklahoma State 8, Vanderbilt 8, Pittsburgh 7, Virginia Tech 6, Minnesota 5, UNLV 4, New Mexico 4, Georgia Tech 4, Louisiana 4, James Madison 3, Auburn 3, Memphis 2, California 2, Liberty 1, Western Michigan 1, Tulane 1, Virginia 1 **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** AP Poll, lane kiffin, lsu football, Preseason Top 25 --- ### [LSU Great Jamal Adams' Season Is Over With Minnesota After Suffering Knee Injury In Preseason Game Saturday](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-great-jamal-adams-season-is-over-with-minnesota-after-suffering-knee-injury-in-preseason-game-saturday/) **Published:** August 17, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Former LSU safety Jamal Adams’ bad luck with injuries has continued. Adams, the first team All-American and All-Southeastern Conference player at LSU in 2016, suffered a season-ending right knee injury in Minnesota’s 13-10 win at the New York Giants on Saturday night. He had just signed shortly before training camp with Minnesota – his sixth team since the New York Jets drafted him with the sixth pick of the first round in 2017 out of LSU. “I’m crushed, and we’re going to miss him,” Minnesota coach Kevin O’Connell said. [JAMAL ADAMS WILL PLAY HIS 10TH NFL SEASON WITH MINNESOTA](https://www.tigerrag.com/ex-lsu-star-jamal-adams-signing-with-vikings-for-10th-nfl-season/) Adams, 30, played 17 games as a linebacker with the Las Vegas Raiders last season. Minnesota signed him as a linebacker for this season, but soon moved him to safety and switched him from number 54 to 32. He came in as a second team safety in the game Saturday night and suffered the injury in pass coverage without contact. He fell to the ground, rolled over and clutched his right knee before being carted off the field. Because of various injuries, Adams played in only five games in the 2024 season with Tennessee, nine in 2023 with Seattle and one in 2022 with Seattle. Adams signed with LSU in 2014 from Hebron High in Carrollton, Texas. He was a freshman All-American in the 2014 season. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** jamal adams, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets --- ### [Former LSU Basketball Star Trendon Watford Returns To The Boot With New Orleans Pelicans](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-basketball-star-trendon-watford-returns-to-the-boot-with-new-orleans-pelicans/) **Published:** August 17, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Former LSU forward Trendon Watford has signed a one-year $2.9 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, per ESPN’s Shams Charania. > Free agent F Trendon Watford has agreed to a one-year, $2.9 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans, sources tell ESPN. Watford considered multiple options but for New Orleans serves as a productive two-way get late into the offseason after a year in Philadelphia where he… [pic.twitter.com/F8ecDrfLei](https://t.co/F8ecDrfLei) > > — Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) [August 17, 2026](https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/2089337966183219709?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The 25-year-old free agent found a late landing spot that could provide more opportunity than other destinations. New Orleans made just two other free agent additions this off-season in guard Kobe Bufkin and center Hunter Dickinson after going 26-56 last season. Watford played in 53 games and made seven starts for the Philadelphia 76ers last season in 16.3 minutes a game. He averaged 6.5 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.5 assists a game while shooting 51.5% from the floor. It was the lowest scoring mark of his career for a player who has averaged 7.6 points, 3.6 boards and two assists over his six seasons. He signed with the Portland Trailblazers as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He spent two seasons in Portland and carved out a rotational role with nearly 20 minutes a night. In 2023 he moved on to the Brooklyn Nets, where he was again a regular contributor for two seasons. His best scoring season came in the 2024-2025 at 10.2 points per game on eight shots a night, 2.4 more than his career average. At LSU, Watford was a blockbuster five-star signing to coach Will Wade’s 2019 class out of Mountain Brook High in the Birmingham area. The three-time Class 7A Alabama high school state champion played 31 games as a true freshman in the 2019-20 season, starting all but one. He scored 13.6 points and grabbed 7.2 rebounds a game and helped the Tigers to a 21-10 record and second place finish in the Southeastern Conference before the postseason was cut short by COVID. > [Five-star PF Trendon Watford picks LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/five-star-pf-trendon-watford-picks-lsu/) As a sophomore in the 2020-21 season, he was LSU’s second-leading scorer behind freshman guard Cam Thomas with 16.3 points, 7.4 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game. Watford helped the Tigers to an NCAA Tournament berth as a No. 8 seed and a 76-61 win over St. Bonaventure in the first round of the NCAA Tournament before losing to Michigan. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** lsu basketball, New Orleans Pelicans, trendon watford, will wade --- ### [Skip Bertman Celebration Of Life Ceremony Will Be At The Pete Maravich Assembly Center On Tuesday, August 25](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertman-celebration-of-life-ceremony-will-be-at-the-pete-maravich-assembly-center-on-tuesday-august-25/) **Published:** August 17, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES A Celebration of Life ceremony in honor of former LSU baseball coach and athletic director Skip Bertman will be held Tuesday, August 25 in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center beginning at 7 p.m., the Bertman family has announced. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Bertman, 88, died on Friday in Baton Rouge because of heart issues. > [LSU Baseball Master Legend Skip Bertman Passes Away](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-master-legend-skip-bertman-passes-away/) A ceremony with Bertman family and friends and LSU baseball players will be held before the public services. > Skip Bertman was so much more than a college baseball coach. He built it, and they never left. Column: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 17, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2089339001803026817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Bertman came to LSU in 1983 from the associate head coach/pitching coach position at Miami. A native of Detroit who grew up in Miami, Bertman led the Tigers to five national championships from 1991 through 2000 before retiring after the 2001 season and becoming athletic director until 2009. Bertman took LSU to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, 11 times from 1986 through 2000. He also won seven Southeastern Conference regular season championships and put 40 players into Major League Baseball from LSU. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, pete maravich assembly center, skip bertman --- ### [Skip Bertman (1938-2026): Why He Was The Greatest Hire In The History Of LSU Athletics | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertman-legend-1938-2026-why-he-was-the-greatest-hire-in-the-history-of-lsu-athletics/) **Published:** August 17, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Not Nick Saban. Not Paul Dietzel. Not Bernie Moore. Not Lane Kiffin. Skip Bertman is the greatest hire in the history of LSU Athletics. And it was LSU athletic director Bob Brodhead who hired Bertman, an associate head coach/pitching coach for the Miami Hurricanes from 1976-83 with a national championship in 1982. The story made the front page of the Baton Rouge Advocate on Tuesday, April 26, 1983, but it was a non-byline press release. And it appeared under a column about a roller derby match between the Los Angeles T-Birds and the New York Bombers coming up at the Assembly Center that Friday night. “The potential for a superlative program is here. This opportunity is a once-in-a-lifetime chance,” Bertman, 44, said in the story. “We are going to have LSU at the top of the heap in all sports,” Brodhead, who had been at LSU less than a year, said with amazing foresight. “Skip will be the man to accomplish this in baseball.” But Brohead was only partially right in that second sentence. Yes, Bertman became that five times over in baseball as his Tigers won national championships in 1991, ’93, ’96, ’97 and 2000, but he was so much more to LSU. > [LSU Baseball Master Legend Skip Bertman Passes Away](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-master-legend-skip-bertman-passes-away/) Bertman died early Friday at age 88 in Baton Rouge after coaching the baseball team from 1984-2001 and serving as athletic director from 2001-2008. A Celebration of Life service for the public honoring Bertman will be on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center at 7 p.m. with the doors opening at 6 p.m., the Bertman family has announced. A ceremony for Bertman family and friends and former LSU baseball players will be held prior to the public ceremony. As baseball coach, Bertman not only won, he drew crowds to the original Alex Box Stadium almost immediately like a circus barker. He brought in the San Diego Chicken and lined up various promotions as if they were his Southeastern Conference weekend pitching rotation. But first, it was all about hot coffee and clean restrooms. He geared everything to families coming to games. Everything worked. Few coaches of any sport anywhere were as adept at combining in-game coaching ability, motivating, marketing and making money. LSU became one of the few baseball programs nationally to continually turn a significant profit, and he proudly showed smaller in-state schools how to do the same thing. He also scheduled those programs to showcase LSU, and he regularly took his teams to McNeese State, Southeastern Louisiana, Nicholls State, Louisiana Tech and Northwestern State. Often, Bertman would show up for practice in a coat and tie with a briefcase after having spoken to a business group or Kiwanis Club or after drumming up financial support for his program. He founded a very lucrative Coaches Committee of leading area businessmen, doctors and lawyers. Everyone was on the team. > “His true legacy is far less about his many accomplishments and much more about the deep personal impact he had on so many.” … LSU great Blair Barbier on Skip Bertman. Excellent piece by [@racertodd](https://x.com/racertodd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 15, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2088657397535461711?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) After retiring from coaching following the 2001 season and becoming athletic director, Bertman skillfully converted his coaching skills to administration like a champion. In fact, he hired four coaches who went on to win national championships. Those were Les Miles in football after the 2004 season when Nick Saban left to coach the Miami Dolphins. Miles won the national championship in the 2007 season and reached another national title game appearance in the 2011 season. He hired Paul Mainieri from Notre Dame in baseball after the 2007 season. Mainieri won the national championship in 2009 and reached a national title series appearance in 2017. When track coaching legend Pat Henry went to Texas A&M after the 2004 season, Bertmant promoted assistant coach Dennis Shaver. And he won the women’s outdoor track national title in 2008 and the men’s outdoor track crown in 2021. And Bertman hired Chuck Winstead as men’s golf coach in 2006, and in 2015 Winstead won LSU’s first national title in golf since 1955. That’s 10 national championships in four sports from one coach/athletic director from 1991 through 2021 at one school. That’s the Midas touch. > [One Of LSU’s Greatest Coaches Of All Time Who Got Away – Pat Henry – Shouldn’t Have | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/one-of-lsus-greatest-coaches-of-all-time-who-got-away-pat-henry-shouldnt-have-glenn-guilbeau/) Henry won 27 national championships while coaching the men’s and women’s track teams from 1988-2004, but he had a chance to win four national championships every season as he was coaching the men and women. And men’s and women’s track have separate national titles for indoor and outdoor. Henry is the greatest track coach of all time, but he never was an athletic director, who hire the coaches. And that’s not all. It was also Bertman who got the new Alex Box Stadium built in time for the 2009 season, just as he was retiring as AD, after working on that for several years with trips to other stadiums before he became AD. And the Tigers just happened to win the national championship that year in a stadium that remains state of the art. From 1996 through 2001 under Bertman, the old Alex Box led the nation in attendance six consecutive seasons. In the 25 years since Bertman retired from coaching, LSU Baseball led the nation in attendance 20 more times under three more coaches. And in his second year as AD in 2003 after retiring as coach after the 2001 season, it was Bertman who did what no LSU athletic director in history did, or wanted to do. He directed a game of musical seats with the 91,600 capacity at the time at Tiger Stadium. That’s the building you can see the arches of over Bertman’s right shoulder in the above picture. It was Bertman who brought LSU Football out of the antiquated age of football season ticket sales and into the future of the very profitable and drastically needed revenue stream of season ticket licensing. Ticket licensing requires present and future season ticket holders to pay hundreds, or in some cases, thousands of dollars just for the right to be able to buy season tickets. “We were so far behind. We were an outlier,” Scott Woodward told me on June 19, 2019, in an interview for the Skip Bertman book (Everything Matters In Baseball) just weeks into Woodward’s new job as LSU athletic director after leaving Texas A&M. Woodward had been director of external operations from 2000-04 under LSU chancellor Mark Emmert as the Bertman Ticket Doctrine began to take shape. Bertman had to move large groups of season ticket holders who had passed down their tickets to family members for generations. “It was like something out of Shakespeare,” Bertman said incredulously at the time. “It was unreal. Only a direct heir could take the throne and get the tickets. There were some families that had like 10 or 20 season tickets for decades.” And they didn’t care how many national championships Bertman had won in baseball. “It was seen as a radical thing at first,” Woodward said. “We’re going to put in a football seating license plan,” Bertman told LSU associate athletic director for communications Herb Vincent at the time. “And they’re going to fire me.” But as with Bertman’s patented timely hitting that helped him win the five national titles, once he got the controversial plan through via a 15-1 vote by the Board of Supervisors that August, coach Nick Saban won LSU’s first national championship in football since 1958 at 13-1. “Winning has a good way of curing a ticket price increase,” Woodward smiled. “It was like we kept waiting for this uproar about the ticket licensing, and it never happened, because everyone was so elated about LSU winning a national championship in football. Good timing. I remember thinking, ‘Oh, boy, this is beautiful.'” Invoices for the new costly football season tickets went out two weeks after LSU beat Oklahoma, 21-14, in the Sugar Bowl for the national title. “That sure didn’t hurt,” then-associate athletic director Dan Radakovich said. “Skip’s ticket plan is what brought us into the 21st centry,” Board member Stanley Jacobs said. Skip Bertman was truly a man for all seasons. He was likely the Greatest Of All Time college baseball coach with strong arguments from Augie Garrido, who also won five national championships, but at two schools (Cal State Fullerton and Texas) over a longer stretch of time (1979-2005), and from Rod Dedeaux, who won the most at 11 from 1948-78 at USC. But without argument, Skip Bertman is the G.O.A.T. of LSU Athletics. And trust me, there will be a full house or close to it at the P-MAC to thank him and tell him goodbye. He would like that, but not be at all surprised. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Alex Box Stadium, lsu athletics, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Scott Woodward, skip bertman --- ### [No. 16 LSU Soccer Team Dominates Northwestern State, 5-0, For 1st Win Of Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/no-16-lsu-soccer-team-dominates-northwestern-state-5-0-for-1st-win-of-season/) **Published:** August 17, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The No. 16 LSU soccer team beat Northwestern State, 5-0, for its first win of the season on Sunday night at the LSU Soccer Stadium. The Tigers (1-1) controlled the match from the opening whistle following a weather delay, outshooting the Lady Demons (0-2) by 24-3 and holding a 13-0 advantage in corner kicks. LSU also maintained 61 percent of possessions throughout the match and limited Northwestern State to three shots, none of which were on target. After a scoreless opening half, LSU broke through early in the second half, scoring three goals in a span of just 3:09. The Tigers broke through in the 52nd minute when sophomore [Sariyah Bailey](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/sariyah-bailey) sent a corner kick to the feet of senior forward [Ava Galligan](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/ava-galligan), who knocked the ball into the right corner of the goal for a 1-0 advantage. The goal was Galligan’s first of the season and 21st as a Tiger. Junior [Amy Smith](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/amy-smith) was also credited with an assist on the opening goal. In the 54th minute, 5th-year senior [Allie Fryer](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/allie-fryer) was awarded a penalty kick after being fouled in the box by a Lady Demon defender. Fryer took the penalty and launched it into the top right corner of the goal for a 2-0 lead. The goal marked Fryer’s first of the season and first in the Purple and Gold. Just 19 seconds later, LSU found the back of the net yet again. Senior [Brielyn Knowles](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/brielyn-knowles) dribbled down the left side of the pitch and crossed the ball to the running head of junior [Linka Ono](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/linka-ono). Ono headed the ball into the back of the net for the Tigers’ third goal of the night. Bailey was also credited with an assist on the play, giving her two assists on the night. The Tigers continued to pressure the Lady Demon defense throughout the second half, registering 14 shots. LSU eventually added two more goals in the final eight minutes to put the match away. > [LSU Soccer Loses Season Opener, 2-0, At Wake Forest](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-soccer-loses-season-opener-2-0-at-wake-forest/) Sophomore [Ryann Denecour](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/ryann-denecour) extended the lead to four in the 83rd minute. After LSU earned another corner kick, the ball was batted around in the box before Denecour struck it past the keeper for the fourth goal of the night. The goal was Denecour’s first of the 2026 campaign and the second of her career. The Tigers scored their final goal of the night in the 85th minute on a well-placed shot into the bottom left corner of the goal from freshman [Mia Conard](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/mia-conard). Denecour provided the assist, marking the first point of her LSU career on the play. Conard’s goal marked the first of her career on the same night she made her collegiate debut. LSU’s five-goal performance featured five different goal scorers, with Galligan, Fryer, Ono, Denecour and Conard each finding the back of the net. The Tigers also received five total assists, with Bailey leading the way with two. The Tigers were aggressive throughout the contest, putting nine of their 24 shots on target while Northwestern State managed just three total shots. LSU goalkeeper [Audur Scheving](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/audur-scheving) earned the win after playing the first 67:16, while [Marie Pues](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/marie-pues) finished the match in goal. Together, the LSU goalkeepers recorded the Tigers’ first shutout of the season. Galligan led LSU with five shots, including two on goal, while freshman [Berglind Hlynsdottir](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/berglind-hlynsdottir) added three shots. Another talented freshman, [Alexia Hansen](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/alexia-hansen), also recorded four shots off the bench. LSU opened the season Wednesday with a 1-0 loss at No. 18 Wake Forest before returning home and finished week one in the win column. The Tigers return to action on Thursday at home against UCF (7 p.m., SEC Network+). **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Soccer, Uncategorized **Tags:** Allie Fryer, Linka Ono, lsu, lsu soccer, LSU Tigers, Sariyah Bailey --- ### [LSU Swimmers Show Impressively At European Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-swimmers-show-impressively-at-european-championships/) **Published:** August 16, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES **PARIS, France –** LSU swimmers [Jere Hribar](https://lsusports.net/sports/sd/roster/player/jere-hribar) and [Volodymyr Lisovets](https://lsusports.net/sports/sd/roster/player/volodymyr-lisovets) headlined a strong week for the Tigers at the 2026 European Aquatics Championships in Paris, France. Hribar, a native of Split, Croatia, helped lead Croatia’s 4×100 freestyle relay squad to a bronze medal, clocking a time of 3:13.06. Hribar led off with a 47.77 split. The rising senior for the Tigers also competed in the 100 freestyle at the meet, finishing fifth with a personal-best time of 47.42. He also took tenth in the 50 freestyle (21.77) and 19th in the 50 butterfly (23.35). Lisovets found great success of his own, coming in the 50 breast stroke. In the semifinal heat, the native of Zhytomyr, Ukraine, set the national record with a time of 26.84, sending him through to the final. In the final, Lisovets improved his time to 26.78 to take fifth place, but was lost to a Ukrainian teammate by six hundredths of a second. He also competed in the 100 breast, posting a time of 1:00.77 to finish in 30th place. Rising sophomore [Martina Bukvic](https://lsusports.net/sports/sd/roster/player/martina-bukvic) of Serbia took 36th in the 50 breast (32.22), 24th in the 100 breast (1:08.91), and 19th in the 200 breast (2:30.89). Her Serbian teammate [Nikola Simic](https://lsusports.net/sports/sd/roster/player/nikola-simic) placed 29th in the 400 freestyle (3:53.51), 16th in the 800 freestyle with a personal best (7:58.27) and 16th in the 1500 freestyle with a personal best (15:15.72). [Nina Stanisavljevic](https://lsusports.net/sports/sd/roster/player/nina-stanisavljevic), also from Serbia, took 37th in the 50 freestyle (25.91), 29th in the 50 back stroke (28.96), 47th in the 50 butterfly (27.52), and 41st in the 100 butterfly with a personal best (1:00.55). Senior[ Jovan Lekic](https://lsusports.net/sports/sd/roster/player/jovan-lekic), a native of Banja Luka, Bosnia, placed 41st in the 200 freestyle (1:48.54) and 26th in the 400 freestyle (3:52.01). Senior [Karlo Percinic](https://lsusports.net/sports/sd/roster/player/karlo-percinic) touched the wall 66th in the 200 freestyle (1:51.92) and 48th in the 400 freestyle (4:00.73). He also helped the Croatian 4×200 freestyle team to a 14th place finish. Incoming freshman [Ieva Visockaite](https://lsusports.net/sports/sd/roster/player/ieva-visockaite) notched 50th in the 100 freestyle (57.34) for Lithuania, 42nd in the 200 freestyle (2:03.99), and 25th in the 400 freestyle (4:23.55). She also competed on her country’s 4×100 freestyle and 4×200 freestyle relay teams. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Swimming and Diving **Tags:** Jere Hribar, Jovan Lekic, Karlo Percinic, lsu swimming, LSU Tigers, Martina Bukvic, Volodymyr Lisovets --- ### [Jayden Daniels, Joe Burrow and LSU’s No. 5 Fight: What the NIL Law and Jersey Rules Actually Say](https://www.tigerrag.com/jayden-daniels-lsu-no-5-nil-joe-burrow-jersey-rules/) **Published:** August 16, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** Jayden Daniels Has NIL Rights. He Doesn’t Own LSU’s No. 5 # Jayden Daniels Has NIL Rights. He Doesn’t Own LSU’s No. 5 LSU’s Own Bylaws Say No. 5 And No. 9 Can Be Worn Again. If Brian Kelly Had Promised DJ Pickett Joe Burrow’s Number, Lane Kiffin Should Have Honored That Promise, Too. By Todd Horne | Vice President & Executive Editor Jayden Daniels has a legitimate argument that LSU cannot commercially use his name, image and likeness forever without his permission. He does not have a legitimate claim to ownership of No. 5. Those are separate issues, and almost everything about this increasingly strange dispute becomes clearer once they are treated that way. LSU’s own bylaws say No. 5 remains available to another football player. So does Joe Burrow’s No. 9. In fact, there is only one football number at LSU that cannot be issued again: Billy Cannon’s No. 20. That is why Lane Kiffin was right to give DJ Pickett the number LSU had promised him during recruiting. And if Brian Kelly’s staff had promised Pickett No. 9 instead of No. 5, Kiffin should have given him that one, too. That may offend LSU fans who understandably regard Burrow’s 2019 season as sacred ground. It does not change LSU’s written policy. Kiffin inherited a commitment LSU made to a current player. He investigated what Pickett and his family had been told and concluded LSU should keep its word. “When a kid is promised something to come to a school, he should wear it,” Kiffin said. “We should honor what he was told.” That is the governing principle here. Not which former quarterback was greater. Not which Heisman winner is more popular. Not which number means more to LSU fans. What did LSU promise the player it was recruiting, and does LSU intend to honor its promises after the coach who made them is gone? If Pickett had grown up wearing No. 9, if Kelly’s staff had promised him No. 9 and if that promise had helped LSU sign him, Kiffin would have been facing the same decision he faced with No. 5. I believe he would have given Pickett Burrow’s number. Under LSU’s bylaws, he could have. And under Kiffin’s own reasoning, he should have. That is where LSU’s 2007 jersey-retirement policy matters. Effective Jan. 1, 2007, LSU changed what it means to retire a jersey. From that point forward, retiring an athlete’s jersey no longer meant removing the number permanently from circulation. A future LSU athlete can wear a number associated with a retired jersey, subject to the head coach’s discretion. **LSU grandfathered five numbers that had already been permanently retired under the old system.** Pete Maravich’s No. 23 in men’s basketball. Bob Pettit’s No. 50 in men’s basketball. Shaquille O’Neal’s No. 33 in men’s basketball. Skip Bertman’s No. 15 in baseball. And Billy Cannon’s No. 20 in football. Those five numbers may never again be worn in their respective LSU sports. That is why Cannon’s 20 is different. It is not because LSU has a present-day rule saying a Heisman Trophy winner owns his number forever. Cannon’s number had already been permanently removed from circulation decades before LSU rewrote its policy, and LSU preserved that retirement when the new rules took effect. Every football jersey retired since then works differently. Tommy Casanova’s No. 37 jersey is retired, but another LSU player can wear 37. Jerry Stovall’s No. 21 jersey is retired, but another LSU player can wear 21. Charles Alexander’s No. 4 jersey is retired, but another LSU player can wear 4. Bert Jones’ No. 7 jersey will be retired this season, but 7 remains available. The same policy would apply if LSU retires Burrow’s jersey. It would apply if LSU eventually retires Daniels’ jersey. Their jerseys could be permanently honored without their numbers becoming permanently unavailable. Burrow’s No. 9 does not become Cannon’s No. 20. Daniels’ No. 5 does not become Cannon’s No. 20. That makes Brian Kelly’s explanation for withholding No. 5 particularly revealing. Kelly said he knew Pickett had been promised the number during recruiting but did not issue it because LSU also had been protecting Burrow’s No. 9. “We didn’t want to issue No. 9, so you can’t treat one differently from the other,” Kelly said. Kelly was trying to create consistency between Burrow and Daniels. Fair enough. But LSU’s consistency problem was created by an unwritten practice, not by its bylaws. No. 9 has not been worn since Burrow left LSU after the 2019 national championship, and Burrow has said he was told the number would not be issued again. That may have been an institutional promise LSU intends to honor. But it is not LSU’s retired-number policy. The written policy treats 9 and 5 the same way. Both are available. That does not mean Burrow and Daniels have identical résumés. They do not. Burrow’s case as the greatest quarterback in LSU history remains exceptionally strong. He went 25-3 as LSU’s starter. He threw for 8,565 yards and 76 touchdowns in two seasons. In 2019, he completed 76.3 percent of his passes for 5,671 yards and 60 touchdowns, produced 6,039 yards of total offense and accounted for 65 touchdowns. LSU went 15-0, won the SEC championship and won the national championship. And Burrow did it against one of the toughest schedules in the country. LSU’s 2019 schedule ranked sixth nationally in strength of schedule. The Tigers played seven teams ranked in the AP Top 10 at the time and beat all seven. Over Burrow’s two LSU seasons, he led the Tigers to 11 victories over Top-10 opponents. Daniels did not have that team résumé. But anyone using LSU’s 19-7 record with Daniels to dismiss how great he was individually is ignoring what happened around him. Daniels finished his two LSU seasons with 6,725 passing yards, 2,019 rushing yards and 8,744 yards of total offense. He accounted for 79 touchdowns. In 2023, he completed 72.2 percent of his passes for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns and four interceptions. He rushed for another 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns. His 208.0 passer-efficiency rating was an FBS record. His 412.2 yards of total offense per game were actually more than Burrow’s 402.6 in 2019. And Daniels operated with far less help from LSU’s defense. The 2019 defense behind Burrow allowed 21.9 points and 343.5 yards per game. The 2023 defense behind Daniels allowed 28.0 points and 416.6 yards per game. Daniels’ three losses that season came against Florida State, Ole Miss and Alabama. LSU allowed 45, 55 and 42 points. Against Ole Miss, Daniels produced 513 yards of total offense and accounted for five touchdowns. LSU scored 49 points. It still lost. That research matters because this should not become a cheap argument that Burrow deserves protection while Daniels does not because Burrow was somehow vastly more worthy. Burrow had the greater season because of what he accomplished against elite opponents and because LSU finished 15-0 with a national championship. Daniels nevertheless produced one of the greatest individual seasons an LSU quarterback has ever had. Both deserve to be honored. Neither owns a football number under LSU’s present rules. Daniels’ stronger argument involves something else entirely: his NIL. According to ESPN’s reporting on the cease-and-desist letter sent to LSU, Daniels’ agreement allowed the school to use his NIL for 180 days after his final college game. Daniels last played for LSU on Nov. 25, 2023, putting the expiration of that reported contractual period on May 23, 2024. I have not seen Daniels’ executed agreement, so that provision has to be understood as reported from the cease-and-desist letter. But if LSU’s contractual license expired, Daniels is entitled to insist that LSU respect the limits of whatever rights it retained. If LSU wants to use Daniels in a new commercial advertisement, build new merchandise around his identity, use him to solicit money or suggest that he currently endorses a commercial venture, LSU needs legal authority to do it. That is a legitimate issue. It does not follow that LSU must remove Daniels from its own history. Louisiana’s right-of-publicity law protects commercial rights in a person’s identity but also contains broad protections for sports accounts, historical and biographical works, news, photographs and audiovisual material. There is an obvious difference between LSU documenting that Jayden Daniels won the Heisman Trophy and LSU selling something by trading commercially on Jayden Daniels. The expiration of an NIL license does not turn LSU history into Daniels’ private property. And it certainly does not turn the number 5 on DJ Pickett’s jersey into Jayden Daniels’ name, image or likeness. No. 5 is not Daniels’ NIL when Pickett wears it. It is a football number LSU promised to Pickett. That promise should have been honored. The same would be true if the number were 9. LSU should certainly decide whether it intends to keep whatever promise was made to Burrow about No. 9. It also should understand why Daniels would look at No. 9 remaining unused and ask why No. 5 received different treatment. That is a fair question. But the solution is not to pretend LSU’s bylaws say something they do not. If LSU wants Heisman winners’ numbers permanently removed from circulation, change the policy. If LSU wants national championship quarterbacks treated differently, write that policy. If LSU wants 9 and 5 protected forever, say so. But under the rules LSU actually adopted almost 20 years ago, both numbers remain available. Only one LSU football number is truly untouchable. **Billy Cannon’s No. 20.** Everything else comes down to the promises LSU chooses to make — and whether LSU intends to keep them. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU athletics, LSU Football News **Tags:** Billy Cannon No. 20, brian kelly, DJ Pickett, Jayden Daniels, Jayden Daniels LSU, Jayden Daniels NIL, joe burrow, Joe Burrow No. 9, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU jersey rules, LSU NIL rights, LSU No. 5, LSU retired jerseys, LSU retired numbers --- ### [LSU Soccer To Open Home Season Vs. Northwestern State Tonight](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-soccer-to-open-home-season-vs-northwestern-state-tonight/) **Published:** August 16, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The No. 16 LSU Soccer team will open its home season against Northwestern State at 6 p.m. Sunday at the LSU Soccer Stadium on SEC Network+. The Tigers (0-1) fell, 2-0, at No. 18 Wake Forest last week, while the Demons (0-1) lost at Oklahoma, 9-0. To purchase tickets to the match, go to the link [here](https://lsusports.net/tickets/soccer). [Live stats](https://stats.statbroadcast.com/broadcast/?id=663283) and [streaming](https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/02f4c5aa-ee17-4264-8d19-b40cb259a94e) links are available [here](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/schedule). > [LSU Soccer Loses Season Opener, 2-0, At Wake Forest](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-soccer-loses-season-opener-2-0-at-wake-forest/) LSU is 5-0-1 all-time against Northwestern State. The Tigers and Demons last met in 2023 with LSU winning, 2-1. The Tigers won the inaugural meeting, 2-0, in 1998. The Demons are coming off a 13-5-3 season in 2025, including a semifinal finish in the Southland Conference Tournament. LSU (15-6-4 last season) entered this season with five Tigers named to the SEC Soccer Preseason Watch List and two recognized on the Hermann Trophy Players to Watch List. The Hermann Trophy recognizes some of the nation’s top returning forward. Senior forward [Ava Galligan](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/ava-galligan) headlines both lists after a standout 2025 campaign that helped lead LSU to the NCAA Sweet 16 for the first time in program history. The Ashburn, Virginia, native led the Tigers with 11 goals and four assists for 26 points last season, including six game-winning goals. Joining Galligan on the Hermann list is fifth-year forward [Allie Fryer](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/allie-fryer), who enters her first season in Baton Rouge after transferring from BYU. The Spanish Fork, Utah, native brings 30 career goals and extensive postseason experience to the Tigers’ attack. Galligan and Fryer are joined on the SEC Preseason Watchlist by sophomore forward [Sariyah Bailey](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/sariyah-bailey), senior defender [Kelsey Major](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/kelsey-major) and senior goalkeeper [Audur Scheving](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/audur-scheving). Bailey earned Third Team All-SEC and SEC All-Freshman Team honors as a freshman in 2025 after making an immediate impact during LSU’s historic postseason run. After Sunday night, LSU hosts Central Florida on Thursday and Florida Gulf Coast on Sunday. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Soccer **Tags:** lsu, lsu soccer, LSU Tigers, Northwestern State --- ### [LSU Football Profile No. 34 - Edge Princewill Umanmielen Will Be Battle Tested Because Of OT Jordan Seaton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-34-edge-princewill-umanmielen-will-be-battle-tested-because-of-ot-jordan-seaton/) **Published:** August 16, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES When the first team offense lined up against the first team defense at LSU’s scrimmage on Saturday, it was money. Of course, there is no film of that made public yet, nor were there any media members there. Or at least, they were not supposed to be as new coach Lane Kiffin’s first scrimmage of the preseason was closed to media. But he likely had a No. 1 vs. No. 1 period, which would have featured No. 1 transfer portal junior quarterback Sam Leavitt from Arizona State looking across the line and seeing No. 1 portal senior edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen of Ole Miss lined up against No. 1 portal junior offensive tackle [Jordan Seaton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-offensive-tackle-jordan-seaton-is-looking-to-revive-the-tigers-once-proud-run-game/) of Colorado. So, was that a college All-Star Game, or an LSU scrimmage? Or both? “He’s a great player,” Umanmielen (6-foot-4, 244 pounds) said of Seaton (6-5, 307) during player interviews on Thursday. > [LSU Football: Ed Orgeron Leaves Princewill Umanmielen At A Loss For Words](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-ed-orgeron-leaves-princewill-umanmielen-at-a-loss-for-words/) “Iron sharpens iron,” Umanmielen said. “We’re working on different techniques. He shows me things I’ve never seen before that I’ll eventually probably see during the season. So, it’s good seeing different stances, different hands that he’s showing me. So, it’s been good. It’s been a great battle this camp.” Seaton has noticed Umanmielen in flashes. “Speed guy, quick off the edge,” he said. [Umanmielen and former Ole Miss teammate Devin Harper, an offensive lineman transfer to LSU as well, are the subjects of a lawsuit by Ole Miss](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-paid-lane-kiffins-3-million-buyout-to-ole-miss-and-may-have-to-pay-nearly-1-million-for-2-rebel-transfers/) for not paying buyouts to Ole Miss after signing with LSU last January. Each player had just signed new contracts to play at Ole Miss in 2026 before signing with LSU. **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** A proven asset as the veteran edge rusher supplies immediate pass rush and SEC-ready physicality, Umanmielen’s experience and explosiveness make him a headliner on the defensive front. **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** A prized transfer portal addition for the Tigers in January of 2026 … Joins the LSU program after a dominant 2025 season at Ole Miss where he ranked No. 3 in the SEC in sacks (9.0) and No. 8 in tackles for loss (13.0) … Earned third-team All-SEC honors in 2025 after helping Ole Miss to the best season in school history with a 13-2 overall record and reaching the semifinals of the College Football Playoffs … Prior to Ole Miss, spent 2 seasons at Nebraska where he earned second-team Freshman All-America honors in 2023 … Has appeared in 38 career games with 2 starts … 79 career tackles with 20 going for losses and 10.5 going for sacks … 19 career quarterback hurries, including 13 in 2025 at Ole Miss … In 38 career games, has been credited with a tackle for loss in 19 games and a sack in 10 contests … Named to the Academic All-Big Ten Team in 2024 … Born in Brooklyn, New York, but moved to Texas in 2007 where he grew up … His parents (Austin and Tina) are Nigerian immigrants … Parents own a African restaurant (Lady T Kitchen) in Pflugerville, Texas … Two older brothers both played college football … Princely played at Florida and Ole Miss and was drafted in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers … Prince played at Tarleton State and East Central University and now plays Arena Football One for the Albany Firebirds … Has a third brother named Princeton, who plays wide receiver at Manor High School. **JUNIOR SEASON (2025 at Ole Miss)** Had a dominant season at Ole Miss, ranking among the SEC leaders in sacks (No. with 9.0) and tackles for loss (No. 8 with 13.0) … Earned third-team All-SEC honors from the league coaches … Credited with a tackle for loss in 11 games, including final 8 games of the season … Had a sack in 8 games, including 4 of last 5 contests … Played in all 15 games with 1 start … Start came against Kentucky in week 2 when he tallied 4 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss and a sack … Credited with 1.5 sacks at Oklahoma and against Tulane in the first round of the CFP Playoffs … Added 4 quarterback hurries in playoff win over the Green Wave … Had 6 tackles and a half-tackle for loss in win over Georgia in the quarterfinal round of the CFP Playoffs … Followed that with 4 tackles, including a sack for an 8-yard loss against Miami in the semifinal round of the playoffs … Had 2 tackles, including a sack for a 5-yuard loss, and first career interception in win over Mississippi State in the regular-season finale. **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2024 at Nebraska)** Played in 12 games … Tallied 13 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and a half-sack … Season-high 3 tackles in win over Wisconsin … Tackle for loss in win over Purdue … Had a tackle and credited with a half-sack against Colorado … Other games with a tackle for loss include Texas-El Paso and Indiana … Transferred to Ole Miss following the season. **FRESHMAN SEASON (2023 at Nebraska)** Appeared in 11 games with 1 start, earning second-team Freshman All-America honors from The Athletic … Start came against Purdue on Oct. 28 … Tallied 22 tackles, including 4.5 for losses and a sack … Had season-highs of 7 tackles, including 2.0 tackles for loss and a sack in win over Northwestern … Had 5 tackles and a tackle for loss in season-finale against Iowa … Made collegiate debut against Minnesota (1 tackle). **HIGH SCHOOL** One of the nation’s top defensive line prospects for the Class of 2023 … Standout at Manor High School in Austin, Texas … A consensus 4-star, listed as the nation’s No. 22 defensive line prospect in the Rivals composite … Ranked as high as No. 19 nationally at his position and No. 40 overall in the state of Texas by Rivals … Over final 2 high school seasons, tallied 130 tackles, 47.0 tackles for loss and 21.0 sacks over a 23-game span … As a senior in 2022, recorded 65 tackles with 22.0 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks and one forced fumble … Named the district defensive lineman of the year as a senior … As a junior, totaled 65 tackles with 25.0 tackles for loss, 13.0 sacks and 3 forced fumbles … First-Team All-State and district co-defensive lineman of the year in 2021. **CAREER HIGHS** Tackles: 7 vs. Northwestern, 2023 Tackles for Loss: 2, 3x (Last: at Oklahoma, 2025; First: vs. Northwestern, 2023) Sacks: 1.5, 2x (Last: vs. Tulane, 2025 CFP First Round; First: at Oklahoma, 2025) Interceptions: 1 at Mississippi State, 2025 Pass Breakups: 1, 2x (Last: vs. Tulane, 2025 CFP First Round; First: vs. Rutgers, 2024) QB Hurries: 4 vs. Tulane, 2025 CFP First Round **NEXT:** Wide Receiver Winston Watkins. **PREVIOUS BIOS** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) Running Back [Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) Defensive Tackle [Deuce Geralds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) Tight End [Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-18-treydez-green-expected-to-be-among-nations-best-tight-ends/) Offensive Lineman [Devin Harper](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-19-offensive-lineman-devin-harper-is-back-home-in-louisiana/) Wide Receiver [Jackson Harris](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-signee-may-be-one-of-the-best-jackson-harris-is-player-profile-no-20/) Running Back [Dilin Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-32-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-21-running-back-dilin-jones/) Linebacker [Davhon Keys](https://www.tigerrag.com/one-month-until-lsu-football-kicks-off-linebacker-davhon-keys-is-player-profile-no-21/) Quarterback [Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-the-season-in-31-days-and-this-is-player-bio-no-22-qb-sam-leavitt/) Quarterback [Husan Longstreet](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-husan-longstreet-may-be-tigers-qb-of-the-future-player-profile-no-24/) Defensive Tackle [Dominick McKinley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-25-defensive-tackle-dominick-mckinley/) Center [Braelin Moore](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-in-29-days-and-here-is-player-profile-no-26-center-braelin-moore/) Cornerback [DJ Pickett](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-27-cornerback-dj-pickett-will-try-to-pick-up-where-he-left-off-in-2025/) Edge [Jordan Ross](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-28-can-lsu-unlock-the-potential-of-tennessee-transfer-edge-jordan-ross/) Offensive Tackle [Jordan Seaton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-29-jordan-seaton-may-be-prize-of-lane-kiffins-star-studded-no-1-portal-class/) Safety [Dashawn Spears](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-number-30-junior-safety-star-dashawn-spears/) Kicker [Scott Starzyk](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-31-new-kicker-scott-starzyk/) Offensive Tackle [Darrin Strey](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-32-offensive-tackle-darrin-strey/) Tight End [Malachi Thomas](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-3-saturdays-from-today-and-here-is-player-profile-no-33-tight-end-malachi-thomas/) **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Jordan Seaton, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Princewill Umanmielen --- ### [LSU Football Recruiting Central - Lane Kiffin And Staff Looking Ahead To 2028 While Filling '27 Class](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-recruiting-central-lane-kiffin-and-staff-looking-ahead-to-2028-while-filling-27-class/) **Published:** August 16, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Football recruiting is in a Dead Period through Aug. 31 with No. 13 LSU opening the season on Sept. 5 at home against No. 23 Clemson (6:30 p.m., ABC). But that does not mean that LSU coach Lane Kiffin and his staff are not preparing now for the Evaluation Period that runs from Sept. 1 through Nov. 29 for off-campus recruiting and going to high school games. The Tigers have targeted a slew of the nation’s top recruits for the class of 2028 and some key additions to the well developing [2027 class that is ranked No. 10 with 16 commitments](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2027-football/commits/). That ’27 class includes two five-star prospects by 247sports.com – No. 2 edge and No. 5 overall prospect KJ Green (6-foot-4, 230 pounds) of Stephenson High in Stone Mountain, Georgia, and No. 1 tight end and No. 3 Louisiana prospect Ahmad Hudson (6-6, 239) of Ruston High in Ruston. > [EASTON ROYAL Can Play At Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium OR He Can Become Royalty At LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/easton-royal-can-play-at-royal-texas-memorial-stadium-or-he-can-become-royalty-at-lsu/) Five-star Brother Martin wide receiver Easton Royal (5-foot-11, 214 pounds) of New Orleans is the name LSU fans will be obsessing over likely all season. One of the top prep receivers in the nation for the class of ’27, Royal committed to Texas in November of 2025 and has the Longhorns’ class at No. 5 in the nation. Once Kiffin and Co. arrived in Baton Rouge, they made flipping the in-state prospect a top priority. His recruitment will likely go down to the wire. A scheduled visit to Death Valley for the LSU-Texas game on Nov. 14 could be the decider. Among the 2027 LSU commitments, quarterback Peyton “Pop” Houston and wide receiver Braylon Calais, who is in the athlete category, have already pledged to attend every Tigers home game this season to assist with recruiting future classes. Meanwhile, here are some big names for the class of 2028 to keep an eye on this season: **Prince Che** (6-3, 305) is the No. 2 defensive lineman in the nation. The Thomasville, Georgia, native has scheduled his first official visit to LSU for the opener against Clemson on Sept. 5. He has a slew of other SEC visits lined up, including multiple Texas, Texas A&M and Oklahoma games this season. **Maddox Davis** (6-0, 190) is a four-star wide receiver out of Cartersville, Georgia. He made two unofficial visits with Kiffin’s staff at Ole Miss last season before Kiffin departed for LSU, and he likes his potential role in coordinator Charlie Weis Jr.’s offense. **Jaylen Addai** (5-11, 165) is the No. 2 wide receiver in the nation and No. 1 prospect for ’28 in Texas by 247sports.com from Shadow Creek High in Pearland, Texas, in the Houston area. He is the son of former LSU star running back Joseph Addai (2001-05), who played at Sharpstown High in Houston. The elder Addai played for Kiffin mentor Nick Saban at LSU from 2001-04 as was a key runner and expert blocker on the Tigers’ 2003 national title team (520 rushing yards, 114 carries) and rushed for 911 yards and nine touchdowns as a senior for SEC West champion LSU in 2005 with 20 catches for 180 yards. A first round pick of Indianapolis, he was a Super Bowl XLI champion in the 2007 season with quarterback Peyton Manning. Jaylen Addai also plays basketball and runs track at Shadow Creek. Notre Dame, Ohio State and Alabama are also recruiting. **Grayson Williams** (6-4, 280) of Southeast Raleigh High in Raleigh, North Carolina, is the No. 3 interior offensive lineman in the country. The four-star has taken unofficial visits to Ohio State, Clemson and other ACC schools. **Tyzon Swann** (6-4, 245) of Lackey High in Indiana Head, Maryland, is ranked as a top three defensive lineman in the 2028 class. The four-star attended a defensive line camp with LSU defensive line coach Sterling Lucas this summer, but Lucas will have to fight off Alabama, Florida, Auburn and a slew of other top programs contending for his pledge. **Antonio Thomas Jr.** (6-3, 240) ranks as a top 15 prospect nationwide and top five edge rusher. The four-star from Carrollwood Day High in Tampa, Florida, has strong in-state connections with Florida and Florida State, but LSU is expected to be in the mix, thanks to Lucas. **Xevien Brinson** (6-6, 235) is a four-star tight end prospect at Stephenson High School in Stone Mountain, Georgia. With LSU’s success recruiting top tight ends like in-state products Trey’Dez Green and 2027 commitment Ahmad Hudson, Brinson could look to become the next in that line. Georgia Tech and Auburn currently lead the way. **Dalen Powell** (5-11, 190) is teammates with class of 2027 commitments Ahmad Hudson and Jayden Anding at Ruston High. That could come in handy as he is the top prospect in Louisiana and the No. 2 running back nationwide with strong ties to LSU. But he has also logged an unofficial visit to Auburn. **Noble Williams** (5-11, 200) of Alexandria Senior High received his LSU offer after attending an elite camp in Baton Rouge over the summer. A four-star recruit, he is the No. 10 running back in the nation and No. 3 prospect in Louisiana. **Shamar Evans** (6-2, 205) is another Ruston High player that LSU is recruiting. The four-star linebacker moved to Louisiana from Mississippi this year and is the No. 5 player in state and No. 9 linebacker. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Easton Royal, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Baseball Master Legend Skip Bertman Passes Away](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-master-legend-skip-bertman-passes-away/) **Published:** August 14, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU Tiger Rag Editor Skip Bertman, who made college baseball a happening in Baton Rouge as if it was football and built its brand nationally perhaps more than anyone else, died at approximately 1 a.m Friday in Baton Rouge after being hospitalized with heart issues. Bertman was 88. A native of Detroit who grew up in Miami, Bertman left the Miami Hurricanes associate head coach/pitching coach position a year after the Hurricanes won the 1982 national championship to take over an LSU baseball program in the summer of 1983 that had never sniffed Omaha, Nebraska, and the College World Series. In fact, LSU had not made the NCAA postseason since 1975 when it last won the Southeastern Conference and had eight losing seasons between 1965 and 1981. Within just eight years of the Bertman Method, LSU’s fan base basically owned Omaha – before, during and long after games as the Tigers reached the CWS in Bertman’s third season in 1986, again in 1987, 1989, 1990 and won it all in 1991 as Bertman began to take over college baseball in attendance and championships. From 1991 through 2000, Bertman won five national championships – 1991, ’93, ’96, ’97 and 2000 before retiring after the 2001 season and becoming LSU’s athletic director for eight years. In all, he took the Tigers and the LSU Nation to the Promised Land in Omaha 11 times. He retired with an NCAA best 20-2 record (.909 percent) on championship day of NCAA Regionals, Super Regionals and national championship games. The NCAA didn’t move to best-of-three national title series in Omaha until 2003. Bertman was also 90-31 in NCAA postseason play for a .743 winning percentage – also an NCAA record when he retired. Overall, he was 870-330-3 for a .724 winning percentage. > [Make A Wish, Skip Bertman, And Blow Out All The Championships | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/make-a-wish-skip-bertman-and-blow-out-all-the-championships-glenn-guilbeau/) He was one of only three college baseball coaches to win five national titles. The late USC head coach Rod Dedeaux won 11 from 1948-78 and the late Augie Garrido won five from 1979 through 2005 with the first three at Cal State Fullerton and the last two at Texas. Bertman also won the Bronze Medal with the U.S. Olympic team at the 1996 Atlanta Games. He was inducted into the first College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006. The Skip Bertman Coach of the Year Award has been bestowed on college baseball coaches at all levels since 2013. > [Skip Bertman Coach Of The Year Award Goes To UCLA’s John Savage After Spectacular Regular Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertman-coach-of-the-year-award-goes-to-uclas-john-savage-after-spectacular-regular-season/) “I look at this man, and I see the John Wooden of college baseball,” Jay Johnson said the day he was announced as LSU’s new baseball coach on June 28, 2021, inside Alex Box Stadium with Bertman in the audience – as he usually was for the three coaches who followed him. Wooden won 10 national championship in college basketball at UCLA from 1964-75. “This is the greatest college baseball coach of my entire lifetime,” Johnson continued. “Five national championships in a 10-year period is legendary.” It was in 2001 when Johnson was a 24-year-old assistant coach at Division II Point Loma Nazarene in San Diego that he bought “Motivation and Teamwork: Winning The Big One,” a video by Bertman. “I can’t tell you how influential that was in my development as a coach,” Johnson said, looking at Bertman during that press conference. “I used your speeches and your motivational sheets and all these things you utilized to motivate your players to do amazing things.” [Bertman’s most famous tale is the “Hold The Rope” story, which is the name of an “SEC Storied” documentary on Bertman](https://espnpressroom.com/press-release/sec-storied-film-hold-the-rope-chronicles-lsu-baseballs-climb-courtesy-of-coaching-legend-skip-bertman/) that premiered in 2021 – just weeks before then-LSU athletic director Scott Woodward hired Johnson from Arizona to replace retiring coach Paul Mainieri. As athletic director after the 2006 baseball season, Bertman hired Mainieri, who won the Tigers’ sixth national title in 2009 with Bertman watching. Johnson would go on to win the 2023 national championship with Bertman on the field after the game and the 2025 title with Bertman in the Tigers’ locker room before the game. > [Jay Johnson Had A Premonition That LSU Would Win When Someone Skipped Into Locker Room](https://www.tigerrag.com/jay-johnson-had-a-premonition-that-lsu-would-win-when-someone-skipped-into-locker-room/) “The ‘Hold The Rope’ story was told to me in a small town in California 20 years ago,” Johnson said. “And I believe that was the start of my journey to here. So, coach, thank you, for showing me exactly how this is to be done.” Along the way, Bertman also won six consecutive national championships in attendance from 1996 through 2001 at the original Alex Box Stadium, which Bertman kept building on annually like it was an Erector Set. But to LSU fans, it may as well have been the Colosseum in Rome. LSU never lost an elimination game with Omaha on the line under Bertman through 10 NCAA Regionals in the Box in 1986, 1990, ’91, ’92, ’93, ’94, ’95, ’96, ’97 and ’98. In 2000 and ’01, Bertman kept that streak alive. He didn’t reach Omaha from the Box in 1992 and ’95, but he didn’t lose final round games with the CWS at stake. “It’s the best college atmosphere I’ve ever seen,” then-Tennessee coach Rod Delmonico said during a three-game series that LSU swept in 1998. “They’ve got an Omaha crowd, except all of the fans are behind them.” Bertman also advanced to Omaha in 1989 from College Station, Texas, where his Tigers beat No. 1 Texas A&M (58-5) at home in back-to-back games, 13-5 and 5-4. LSU previously reached Omaha out of an NCAA Regional at the University of New Orleans in 1987. Bertman won seven Southeastern Conference championships in 1986, 1990, ’91, ’92, ’93, ’96 and ’97. Before him, LSU won just five SEC titles. > [A Summer Like No Other: Ezra Pate’s Unique Season With His Poppa](https://www.tigerrag.com/a-summer-like-no-other-ezra-pates-unique-summer-with-his-poppa/) And he turned LSU into a virtual Major League Baseball farm club with 40 who played for him reaching the Big Show. During his last season in 2001 alone, there were 16 in MLB that season. That included Pittsburgh second baseman Warren Morris. His walk-off home run that beat Bertman’s former school and alma mater, Miami, 9-8, in the 1996 national championship game with two outs and one on in the bottom of the ninth became the signature moment of the Bertman Era and college baseball overall. The late Billy Cannon, whose 89-yard punt return on Halloween Night 1959 for No. 1 LSU beat No. 3 Ole Miss, 7-3, and won him the school’s first Heisman Trophy, said it was the moment of LSU sports, period. He told Morris his home run was bigger than his punt return when they met at Tiger Stadium in 2019 while Cannon was being honored on the 60th anniversary of the return. “Because yours won the national championship,” Cannon told Morris. “We may win the national championship again,” Bertman said after what was his third title in six years. “But we’ll never do it like that.” And nobody did it quite like Bertman, who was a disciplined, exacting taskmaster, but who often had as much fun as his players. “I can remember him saying, ‘We want pressure. We invite it,’ Morris said in his foreword to Bertman’s biography – “Everything Matters In Baseball: The Skip Bertman Story.” Morris wrote that Bertman often told his players, “Be the star of your own movie. He had a great quote he repeated, ‘Anything you vividly imagine, ardently desire, sincerely believe, and enthusiastically act upon, must, absolutely must come to pass.'” That happened for Morris. “I was one of the lucky ones to have been able to learn from one of the greatest leaders,” Morris wrote. “I tell people today, as a player at LSU under coach Bertman, you received more than just an education in baseball. You got an education in life.” Bertman won as an athletic director at LSU, hiring four coaches who went on to win national championships. Late in the 2004 football season, he hired Les Miles to replace Nick Saban, who had left to coach the Miami Dolphins. Miles won the national championship in his third season in 2007. He hired Mainieri after the 2006 season, and Mainieri won the national title in his third season in 2009 and made the national championship series in 2017. He promoted assistant track coach Dennis Shaver to head coach when Pat Henry left for Texas A&M after the 2003 seasons. Shaver won the NCAA women’s outdoor national title in 2008 and the men’s outdoor crown in 2021. Bertman hired Chuck Winstead as golf coach in 2006, and he won the 2015 national championship. Under pressure to fire LSU basketball coach [John Brady](https://www.tigerrag.com/someone-up-there-must-like-john-brady-because-he-was-la-sports-hall-of-fame-bound-long-before-he-knew-it/) at times, Bertman didn’t pull the trigger, instead advised him to schedule tougher opponents and stuck with him. And Brady took LSU to the Final Four in 2006 for the first time in 20 years. Bertman did fire him two years later, though, in what was likely one of his few mistakes as Brady’s last team was injury filled. When his players returned the next season healthy in 2008-09 for new coach Trent Johnson, the Tigers won the SEC title. And Johnson gave Brady a championship ring as he knew he won with the players left for him. “Skip’s era – it was the greatest era of LSU athletics so far,” current LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry said while he was deputy athletic director under Woodward. “Nothing better – two football championships (2003, 2007), Final Four in men’s basketball (2006), five Final Fours in women’s basketball (2004, ’05, ’06, ’07, ’08 before Kim Mulkey’s national title in 2023), women’s and men’s track national championships (2008, ’21). Baseball and softball went to the World Series.” Bertman pupil Mike Bianco, a catcher for the Tigers in 1988 and ’89 and an assistant coach with LSU for national championships in 1993, ’96 and ’97, went on to win the 2022 national championship as Ole Miss’ coach. He spoke of Bertman’s influence throughout his run. [MIKE BIANCO AND SKIP BERTMAN](https://www.outkick.com/ncaa-bsb/ole-miss-baseball-coach-mike-bianco-has-come-far-from-first-paycheck-of-15-46) “His system evolved and came full circle with technology and the game changing,” Bianco said in the Bertman book. “Skip was never scared to change.” Bertman won his first two national championships at LSU in 1991 and ’93 mainly with pitching. But as the game changed with bigger, more powerful bats, Bertman went from defensive coordinator to offensive coordinator and stayed ahead of the curve, if you will, by being the architect of Gorilla Ball for national championships in 1996 and ’97. LSU still holds the NCAA record for home runs in a season in ’97 with 188. In fact, Bertman and LSU got so good at long ball that the NCAA changed the game by 1999 with less powerful bats. “He had guts. He was willing to venture out,” Bianco said. “And Skip was always more than a baseball coach,” friend and LSU Board of Supervisors member Stanley Jacobs at the time Bertman retired as athletic director in 2008. “If you hire smart people like Skip,” they’re adaptable,” Woodward said shortly after becoming LSU athletic director in 2019. “And if you have someone who really has savvy and understands what they’re doing like Skip, and then they hire smart people around them – that’s the key to success.” But first and foremost, Bertman was a baseball coach, always two or three innings ahead. “Skip has elephant brain,” outfielder Rich Cordani, who was on the first national title team in 1991, said in the Bertman book. “You couldn’t get anything past him. Not that you wanted to. He would always be ahead mentally, situationally. He was our dad, and we were his sons. He was it.” > [Skip Bertman’s Wife Sandy Passes Away](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertmans-wife-sandy-passes-away/) Bertman is survived by three daughters daughters – Jan, Jodi and Lori – and four grandchildren – Sophie, Isaac, Sam and Ezra. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Dr. Lisa Jo Pate, at age 44 of cancer in 2012 and by his wife of 63 years, Sandy, who passed away in March of 2025 at age 87. Skip and Sandy Schwartz of Brooklyn met in 1961 when both were teachers at Madie Ives Elementary School in Miami. Sandy explained how they started dating in a Baton Rouge Advocate special section on Bertman in his last year as LSU coach in 2001. “See that guy over there, that’s my kind of guy,” Sandy said she told her teaching girlfriends while at lunch one day at Corky’s in Miami when Bertman and some coaching friends happened to go to the same restaurant. “I was in the office later that day, and he walked in,” she said. “I saw him every day when he’d come to school. We started talking, started dating, and that was it. It was just meant to be. He was always coaching baseball, but whenever there was a serious thing with the girls, I always had them call their dad. He always knew the right thing to say at difficult times.” **Categories:** Featured **Tags:** Alex Box Stadium, College World Series, jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, Omaha, skip bertman --- ### [Someone Up There Must Like John Brady, Because He Was La. Sports Hall Of Fame Bound Long Before He Knew It](https://www.tigerrag.com/someone-up-there-must-like-john-brady-because-he-was-la-sports-hall-of-fame-bound-long-before-he-knew-it/) **Published:** June 24, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** *(Fourth in a series on inductees into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches on Saturday.)* By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Former LSU men’s basketball coach John Brady wanted to be a coach back when he was at McComb High in Mississippi in the early 1970s. But little did he know that the contacts he would make by chance would lead to the promised land of the 2006 Final Four, induction into the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame last fall, the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame last May and now, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches this weekend. Brady is part of the 12-member Class of 2026 going into the LSHOF to culminate three days of festivities from Thursday to Saturday in Natchitoches (7 p.m. Saturday, LBP, WLAE in New Orleans). **La. Sports Hall of Fame Tickets – go to LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238-4255.** For example, how would Brady have known that the Hattiesburg High guard who defended him in high school games and in junior high – Tim Floyd – would become a college head coach and one day hire him? Or how he happened to catch on with Mississippi State basketball coach Kermit Davis as a graduate assistant and become friends with Kermit Davis Jr., who would later become his top assistant coach at LSU and a lifelong friend. Or that one of his best friends in his early 20s would happen to be the son of Joe “String Music” Dean of SEC basketball television fame and a well-heeled Converse shoes marketing executive. It was Dean who would one day become LSU’s athletic director — and would hire Brady as the Tigers’ basketball coach. “I’m telling you, the dominoes were falling, and I didn’t even know what was going on,” Brady said. “I had no idea. It’s crazy now.” > [LSU Final Four 2006: The Saints Were Not The Only Team To Play For Louisiana Post-Katrina](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-final-four-2006-the-saints-were-not-the-only-team-to-play-for-louisiana-post-katrina/) There were also coaching mentors he would learn from, such as his McComb High coach, Bobby Nelson, and his college coach at Belhaven in Jackson – Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame coach Charlie Rugg. And the head coaches he would study and glean more from as an assistant – like Kermit Davis as a grad assistant at Mississippi State (1976-77) and as an assistant under Bob Boyd at Mississippi State (1982-86), Richard Williams at Mississippi State (1986-90) and Tim Floyd at UNO (1990-91). From each, he learned similar old school fundamentals. “Bobby Nelson is a great guy and had a big influence on me,” Brady said. “Charlie Rugg was at Belhaven and had a huge influence on me. I always thought about coaching when I was playing, because it was the only thing I really felt comfortable as far as what I was going to do.” But he had to get the jobs first. > Happy Father’s day Big Kerm! The very best! Love ya❤️❤️🏀 [pic.twitter.com/a7Ob8R5YBU](https://t.co/a7Ob8R5YBU) > > — Kermit Davis (@kermitdavisjr) [June 21, 2026](https://x.com/kermitdavisjr/status/2068661152440049866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) So, after graduating from Belhaven with a business degree in 1976, Brady enrolled at Mississippi State for a master’s degree in education to coach. He sent a resume and letter to coach Kermit Davis, who hired him. There he met Joe Dean Jr., who had just finished playing at State and was a graduate assistant. “Joe Dean Jr. and I became best friends,” Brady said. “I used to go home with Joe on weekends to Baton Rouge and hang out at his house with his dad. It’s amazing how that all worked.” Soon, Joe Dean Sr. was the star of Brady’s resume. “It changed my life,” Brady said. “Joe Dean was the Converse shoe man. He knew everybody. My connection with Kermit and his dad changed my life, too. That all played a huge part in me coming to LSU.” But first, Dean helped Brady land the coaching job at Crowley High in 1977. Brady won at Crowley and was named the Louisiana Sports Writers’ Association Class AAA coach of the year in 1981. “He embraced a collegiate blueprint as though we were in college,” said James Moore, who played on Crowley’s 1980-81 team. “He put Crowley on the map. He promoted his teams all over Crowley at grocery stores, churches, businesses.” > Hate I will miss this one but will be there in late June. Congrats to a great coach and a Hall of Fame human. Congrats Coach! > > — Chris Blair 🐅🎙 (@LSUTigersVoice) [May 2, 2026](https://x.com/LSUTigersVoice/status/2050601553032040771?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Brady also attended many LSU basketball games as coach Dale Brown took the Tigers to an SEC title in 1979, the Elite Eight in 1980 and the Final Four in 1981. Brown recruited Crowley, and so did that Hattiesburg guy, Tim Floyd, a Don Haskins assistant at Texas-El Paso who recruited Crowley forwards Jerome Batiste and Greg Lazard. “I went over there for players and ended up finding one of the greatest hires I ever made,” Floyd said. “I suggested to coach Haskins we hire him.” But Brady instead returned to Mississippi State to coach under Boyd, who was USC’s coach from 1967-79 and a nemesis of UCLA legend John Wooden. The two players came with Brady to State. Neither stayed, but Brady did and learned with fellow assistants Richard Williams and Larry Eustachy, who would soon become head coaches. “Bob Boyd taught me how to communicate the game to players,” Brady said. “Bob was the best communicator I’ve ever been around in terms of details in his teaching. And he held players accountable.” When Boyd retired in 1986, Williams replaced him and kept Brady. But Brady later moved to UNO to coach under Floyd in 1990-91. “Tim reiterated what I always believed in — defending without fouling, rebounding, taking care of the ball, getting a quality shot,” Brady said. After one season with Floyd, Brady got the head coaching job at Samford in Birmingham, Alabama, over bigger names like Mark Gottfried and Matt Doherty. Why? Dean. “Joe Dean helped me get every job I ever had,” Brady said. Brady quickly turned around Samford, which was coming off six straight single-digit-win seasons. Brady went 17-10 in his first season and won back-to-back Trans America West titles in 1996 and ‘97. “That place was asleep,” then-Birmingham News columnist Kevin Scarbinsky said. “I remember John counted the number of people at his first game. It was in the low hundreds. He vowed that he was going to fill the building, and eventually he did.” Brady never took Samford to the NCAA Tournament, but he did become Cinderella on Dec. 2, 1996. Boyd was an assistant on LSU’s staff at the time and had warned Brown. “You better be ready,” Boyd said. “That SOB could come in here and cut us up.” And Samford won, 53-50. > [One Of LSU’s Sweetest 16s Was 25 Years Ago, And It Laid Foundation For 2006 Final Four](https://www.tigerrag.com/one-of-lsus-sweetest-16s-was-25-years-ago-and-it-laid-foundation-for-2006-final-four/) Brown had announced before the season that the 1996-97 season – his 25th – would be his last. And Brady struck while the victory was still hot. He called Dean the next day. “I want to be the next basketball coach at LSU,” he told him. “John, I love you like a son,” Dean said. “But I can’t hire you at LSU from Samford.” Brady said to keep him in mind anyway. At this time, the NCAA was investigating LSU over its recruitment of star Baton Rouge forward Lester Earl. And one-by-one, the top candidates removed themselves. It came down to Ole Miss coach Rob Evans or Brady. “If Rob doesn’t take it, I’m sending the plane to pick you up,” Dean told Brady. “I was pumped. I didn’t care if they were going on 10-year probation,” Brady said. “And I got the call.” But Brady took over a program coming off four straight losing seasons, too. “I talked to him the night before he went down there,” Scarbinsky said. “And he told me he could get LSU to the Final Four. He really did. He had such confidence.” But not many players. He inherited seven, but three quit during his first team meeting. “Any ideas?” Brady asked assistant coach and old friend Kermit Davis Jr. after the meeting as the players packed their bags and left. “Yeah,” Davis said. “Let’s not have any more team meetings.” ![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/StromileSwift_LSUvsArizona_LSUAthletics-1024x575.jpg "StromileSwift_LSUvsArizona_LSUAthletics | TigerRag.com")***Forward Stromile Swift of Shreveport turned around the future of LSU basketball when he led the Tigers and coach John Brady to the 2000 NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 LSU photo*** Brady had losing seasons in 1997-98 and 1998-99. Then the NCAA sanctions hit and LSU lost six scholarships through 2002. Still, Brady and assistants Butch Pierre and Davis signed one of the nation’s top players in forward Stromile Swift of Fair Park High in Shreveport. At first, Swift did not like Brady and considered leaving the team, but his mother did like Brady and ordered him to stay. And soon, Swift became indoctrinated to Brady Ball and thrived. As a sophomore in 1999-2000, the 6-foot-10 Swift led LSU to the Sweet 16 with a 28-6 finish and first SEC title since 1991 at 12-4. “I appreciate you coach,” Swift told Brady at a 25-year reunion of that team in Baton Rouge as both choked up. “I needed a coach like you. He was a tough coach, and he made us better.” Once the sanctions stopped, LSU returned to NCAA Tournaments in 2003 and ’05 before a magical 2005-06 when the Tigers won another SEC title at 14-2 and reached the school’s first Final Four since 1986 and finished 27-9. In the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons, Brady had the best two-year SEC record at 26-6. Kentucky coach Tubby Smith, who won the 1998 national title, was 23-9 in the SEC from in 2004-05 and 2005-06. Florida coach Billy Donovan, who won the 2006 and ’07 national titles, was 22-10 in the SEC over the same span. At 47-19 and 26-6, Brady authored LSU’s best run since Dale Brown went 57-11 and 31-5 with an Elite Eight and Final Four in the 1979-80 and 1980-81 seasons – those glory years with a young and dreaming Brady watching at the Assembly Center as Crowley’s coach. > Longer, editor’s cut will be in Tiger Rag this week. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 21, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2068501119693705397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “I didn’t like John Brady at first,” Brown said just recently. “But I grew to admire and respect him as a coach and a man. He did a wonderful job with his Final Four team and really should’ve got to coach longer. I’m proud of him.” Brady often praised Brown after big wins and brought him up continuously in the 2006 Final Four run – 20 years after Brown’s last Final Four team of 1986. “One of my favorite things about finding success as LSU’s coach and after was becoming friends with coach Brown,” Brady said. Floyd looks at Brady’s career similar to how Brown has. “I always respected his journey. He didn’t take any shortcuts,” Floyd said. “His greatest strength was holding great players to a standard and making them accountable.” He got that from Boyd. “He was not afraid to be direct with his players. He coached with his gut. And accountability was everything to him,” Floyd said. The magic quickly ended, though, as Brady fell to 17-15 and 5-11 in the SEC in 2006-07. Then he was fired midway through 2007-08 at 8-13 and 1-6 in the SEC. Never mind that his best player – forward Tasmin Mitchell from the 2006 Final Four team – was lost very early in the season with a leg injury. Blossoming center Chris Johnson also missed seven games with a broken hand. “Fired, and 18 months before he was at the Final Four? You’ve got to be kidding me,” Floyd said, still angry 18 years later. “His best player was out. I didn’t agree with the firing at all.” > LSHOF 2026 CLASS FEATURE: [@LSUBasketball](https://x.com/LSUBasketball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)’s [@JohnBrady\_Coach](https://x.com/JohnBrady_Coach?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) was making connections for his future before he even knew he had one via [@lasportshall](https://x.com/LaSportsHall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Louisiana Sports HOF (@LaSportsHall) [June 20, 2026](https://x.com/LaSportsHall/status/2068464969587294462?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Brady quickly got another job at Arkansas State for the next season and won two Sun Belt Conference West titles before retiring in 2016. He received a third SEC championship ring from LSU a year after he left in 2009. Trent Johnson, the coach who replaced him at LSU, thought it only fair as he won the SEC in his first season with Mitchell, Johnson and other top players left by Brady, such as guard Marcus Thornton and Temple playing major roles. “Tasmin and Garrett might have asked him to do that, but Trent did it,” Brady said. “And I really appreciated it.” People liked Brady, and he didn’t even know it. Brady would get one more SEC title ring when LSU coach Will Wade won the league in 2019 with Brady as the LSU Radio Network game analyst, where he will remains as Wade has returned to coach the Tigers again after the 2025-26 season. “So, I got four rings and only won two as coach,” Brady laughed. “I didn’t leave LSU all mad. And coming back to do radio helped my legacy by people seeing me in a different light. It’s helped me go to this nice place with LSU people now, which I’m blown away by. I’m just so humbled by it and these Halls of Fame. I’m a lucky guy.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** Final Four, joe dean, john brady, Kevin Scarbinsky, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, lsu basketball, will wade --- ### [LSU Offensive Tackle Jordan Seaton Is Looking To Revive The Tigers Once Proud Run Game](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-offensive-tackle-jordan-seaton-is-looking-to-revive-the-tigers-once-proud-run-game/) **Published:** August 15, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter LSU junior left tackle Jordan Seaton has been regarded as one of the nation’s best offensive linemen since he was 18 years old, but he could be in for his best season yet in his first year at LSU. Seaton (6-foot-5, 307 pounds) was a coveted five-star recruit out of IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, in 2024. He committed as the top player in coach Deion Sanders’ Colorado recruiting class that year. He started 13 games as a true freshman, a program record, and was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year by College Football News and a Freshman All-America by On3.com, 247Sports.com and Pro Football Focus. He followed that up with another successful 2025 campaign where he was named second-team All-Big 12 after his season was limited to nine games by foot and leg/knee injuries. After the season, Seaton entered the transfer portal and said coming to LSU as the No. 1 tackle in the portal and No. 3 prospect overall was the right move. “I think if anybody chooses this program, they’ll see what’s best for them and see why this is a great program,” he said in post-practice interviews on Thursday. > [LSU’s Revamped Offensive Line Will Be A Mix Of New Blood And Old Purple And Gold](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-revamped-offensive-line-will-be-a-mix-of-new-blood-and-old-purple-and-gold/) Already a premier tackle, Seaton transformed his body on the road to Baton Rouge to take the next step. He was listed at 6-5 and 287 pounds at IMG after transferring from St. John’s College in his native Washington D.C. At Colorado last season, he played at 330 pounds, but this off-season, he has dropped nearly 30 pounds while retaining his strength to play with more athleticism. He said conditioning has been a huge priority for him, and he even got linebacker TJ Dottery, running back Dilin Jones and defensive coordinator Blake Baker to join him for some voluntary after-practice work on Thursday. “I think that kind of keeps me ahead in the game, because we’re a fast-paced offense and going against fast dudes,” Seaton said. “Sometimes you got to take a deep breath and get back to it.” His other focus is improving in the run game — a fitting goal as he joins an LSU team that ranked last in the Southeastern Conference in rushing yards with 104 a game and in touchdowns with 10 as season ago after finishing last in rushing in 2024 with 116 a game. > [Jayden Daniels Crunching Number Decision By Lane Kiffin, Who Gave Heisman Winner’s No. 5 To DJ Pickett](https://www.tigerrag.com/jayden-daniels-crunching-number-decision-by-lane-kiffin-who-gave-heisman-winners-no-5-to-dj-pickett/) The last time LSU had a dominant run game was in 2023, but that was more because of its quarterback at the time and not the offensive line. The Tigers finished second in the league in rushing that season and 10th nationally with 204 a game as Jayden Daniels rushed for 1,134 yards at 94.5 a game while passing for 3,812 yards for fifth in the nation with 40 touchdowns. LSU’s last running back to rush for 1,000 yards was Tyrion Davis-Price with 1,003 in 2021. “I think that’s a big emphasis this year, being able to run the ball,” Seaton said. “But even for myself, I wasn’t the best at that. That’s an area where I have to attack, and that’s where we’re attacking within the weight room, getting my legs stronger, getting my squat stronger, being able to be explosive from my stance. I think we’re finding everything that we’re probably not the best at and attacking that to be better at.” > [LSU Football Player Profile No. 29 – Jordan Seaton May Be Prize Of Lane Kiffin’s Star-Studded No. 1 Portal Class](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-29-jordan-seaton-may-be-prize-of-lane-kiffins-star-studded-no-1-portal-class/) But reigniting LSU’s rushing production will take more than just one tackle improving his squat. Coach Lane Kiffin has said the physicality required to run the ball reflects the team’s mindset. His Ole Miss offense has produced more rushing yards (15,506) than any other SEC team since he took over in 2020. Running the ball starts with the offensive line, and Seaton said this O-line is led by fifth-year senior Bo Bordelon, who has been a backup throughout his career until now. “He is probably one of the hardest working men I know, and I try to outwork him as much as I can,” Seaton said. “He’s a perfect left guard for me. Perfect left guard for this team, so Bordelon is everything that is advertised.” As for the rest of the offensive front, Seaton said they have spent a lot of time together and built great chemistry this offseason. “Being with each other for a long period of time is a great thing,” he said. “And not only that, just trying to build that non-verbal communication. I think that’s huge in a game where it’s a stadium of 100,000. Just being able to know what’s what and being able to have those non-verbal communications. That goes very well with playing and playing together and practicing together.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** bo bordelon, Jayden Daniels, Jordan Seaton, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football --- ### [LSU Football: Ed Orgeron Leaves Princewill Umanmielen At A Loss For Words](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-ed-orgeron-leaves-princewill-umanmielen-at-a-loss-for-words/) **Published:** August 15, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor There is always loud music exploding from speakers onto the LSU Football practice fields as the Tigers begin another training camp workout. But LSU already has a human sound machine in defensive special assistant coach Ed Orgeron, the former Tigers’ head coach whom new coach Lane Kiffin has brought back after he won the national championship as LSU’s head coach in the 2019 season before being let go in 2021. No need for speakers with the Cajun Jukebox on the Ponderosa practice fields. Senior Princewill Umanmielen, the No. 1 edge rusher in the portal whom Kiffin got from his old job at Ole Miss, was asked about his first impression of Coach O on the field Thursday at player interviews. ![A football coach in an LSU gray shirt and white cap shouting during practice, with players in yellow helmets in the background.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/LSUFball_Practice080626_EdOrgeron.jpg "LSUFball_Practice080626_EdOrgeron | TigerRag.com")***Former LSU head coach Ed Orgeron is a special assistant now working with defense and recruiting LSU photo***“I would say,” Umanmielen began. “I was like, I don’t know. I’m trying to find a word, like, I don’t know.” Many have had similar introductions to Orgeron, the 65-year-old native of Larose off Bayou Lafourche near the Gulf of Mexico. “He was loud, though,” Umanmielen finally got out. “That’s what I could say. He was loud.” Defensive coordinator Blake Baker made the same comment on Friday. “He was real passionate,” Umanmielen said of Orgeron. “You could feel his energy was going to change the tone of the whole team. He’s a great addition to the team. We look forward to having him here.” > [LSU’s Prince Will-ing A National Title: “This Ain’t No 1st-Year Thing – We’re Trying To Go All The Way”](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-prince-will-ing-a-national-title-this-aint-no-1st-year-thing-were-trying-to-go-all-the-way/) LSU finished 63rd in the nation last year with 27 sacks. Umanmielen and Orgeron were brought in to turn up the volume on that. Umanmielen finished third in the Southeastern Conference last season in sacks with nine and was eighth in tackles for loss with 13. Linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. led LSU last season with four sacks. “Me and the other edges are definitely going to try to make this an easier game for the offense and for the our back half of the defense,” Umanmielen said. “Pass rush is everything. And the way we’ve been practicing it, we’ve been attackingit every day, attacking the offensive line, attacking the film room. So, I see a lot of great things coming this season for sure.” Meanwhile, Umanmielen and teammate Devin Harper, who also transferred from Ole Miss, have been sued by Ole Miss for not paying buyouts to Ole Miss after signing new contracts with Ole Miss last January for the 2026 season, and then suddenly signing with LSU. > [LSU Paid Lane Kiffin’s $3 Million Buyout To Ole Miss, And May Have To Pay Nearly $1 Million For 2 Transfers’ Buyouts](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-paid-lane-kiffins-3-million-buyout-to-ole-miss-and-may-have-to-pay-nearly-1-million-for-2-rebel-transfers/) Umanmielen had no comment about the lawsuit on Friday. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** ed orgeron, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Princewill Umanmielen --- ### [LSU Football: "It's A Night And Day Difference From Last Year," Says Safety Dashawn Spears](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-its-a-night-and-day-difference-from-last-year-says-safety-dashawn-spears/) **Published:** August 15, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU junior safety Dashawn Spears was asked Thursday if there is a “huge speed difference in this fall camp as opposed to the last two years” as new coach Lane Kiffin and his offensive coordinator, Charlie Weis Jr., have installed a much more up tempo offense. He gave a double answer. “Oh yeah, if you ask anybody in the building, I think, it’s a night and day difference from last year, obviously,” he said with a smile. Then he applied the rest of his answer to the big picture. “And then this year, we’re really trying to win it all, so really, really different,” said Spears, who was the No. 2 safety in the nation and No. 3 prospect in Louisiana in 2025 when he signed from Denham Springs High. In addition to being forced to play faster on defense in reaction to the offense, Spears also finds himself at a new position. After playing as a third safety last season, he moved last spring to the star position, replacing linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. (sixth round pick by Atlanta in last NFL Draft) at star. > [LSU Player Profile Number 30 – Junior Safety/Star Dashawn Spears](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-number-30-junior-safety-star-dashawn-spears/) The star is a combination of defensive back and linebacker with more run coverage than a regular safety in defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s attack. > Blake Baker sought advice from Jay Johnson while considering switching hats to Tulane or Memphis after last season: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 14, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2088387615548469501?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “I’ve embraced it pretty well,” said Spears, who made 29 tackles last season with a sack and two interceptions. His 58-yard interception return for a touchdown gave the Tigers a 20-10 lead in the third quarter of the 20-10 win over Florida. He played as a sixth defensive back in passing situations last year, which is similar to his star role. “I put five pounds of weight on because I’m in the box (closer to the line of scrimmage) and for more tackling,” he said. “It’s a good role for me. I would say I’ve had some growing pains – the first time playing star for me was in the spring. But I think I’m a perfect fit for it, being a versatile player coming in for the run and I can guard in coverage.” The stress of the position change has eased. “It was definitely fast for me at the star with the new offense, but it’s slowed down with me watching extra film,” Spears said. That will help when LSU plays up tempo teams this season. “I’ll have my normal calm demeanor out there, reading things and everything being in slow motion, so I can play faster,” Spears said. “It’s slowed down for us because we’re getting used to that fast pace of a Lane Kiffin offense.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** blake baker, Dashawn Spears, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [Skip Bertman and his LSU Baseball Legacy | TODD HORNE](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertman-and-his-lsu-baseball-legacy-todd-horne/) **Published:** August 15, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** Skip Bertman Legacy: How He Built LSU Champions and Men | Tiger RagTiger Rag Column # EVERYTHING MATTERED Skip Bertman won 870 games and five national championships at LSU. Over the final years of his life, Tiger Rag had unusual access to the coach who built the program. What he talked about most was not what he had won, but how people and teams become something more than they were. By TODD HORNE | Tiger Rag Executive Editor Skip Bertman coached baseball at LSU from 1984 through 2001. He won 870 games, took the Tigers to the College World Series 11 times and won five national championships. He later spent seven years as LSU’s athletic director, where he hired four coaches who would win national championships at LSU in four different sports. Quite simply, Skip Bertman won. Yet when Bertman died in Baton Rouge on August 14, 2026, at 88, and the men who played for him, coached with and against him and worked alongside him began talking about his life, the championships were rarely where their memories stayed. Hunt Palmer gathered reactions from across the LSU baseball family and college baseball following Bertman’s death. Read together, they tell you something about the man behind one of the most extraordinary résumés in college sports. Again and again, people began with the coach and ended somewhere else. They talked about the teacher. The mentor. The friend. The man who coached them hard and called them years later. The man who remembered them after they were no longer players. Those of us at Tiger Rag had been fortunate enough to see much of that ourselves. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau wrote the definitive book on Bertman, Everything Matters in Baseball: The Skip Bertman Story, after spending extensive time reconstructing the life, methods and thinking of the coach who transformed LSU baseball. Over the past four years, Glenn, I and Tiger Rag enjoyed essentially unfettered access to Bertman’s mind and, perhaps more importantly now, his heart. He gave us hours. Bertman talked about baseball, of course, but baseball with Skip was rarely just baseball. He talked about players and coaches, leadership and motivation, failure and confidence, Sandy and LSU and teams from decades ago. He could begin with a pitching change and somehow end up explaining human nature. And he never really stopped coaching. I learned that again in January 2023, when Bertman sat down with me at Mike Anderson’s in Baton Rouge. We had planned to talk for about an hour. Four hours later, we were still there. Jay Johnson had coached only one season at LSU. His first team went 40-22 and reached an NCAA Regional final. Johnson’s second LSU team had yet to play a game, although expectations were enormous and the Tigers would begin the season ranked No. 1. I asked Bertman what he thought about the direction of the program. “I’m real pleased with Jay,” he told me. “In fact, I couldn’t be more pleased with him.” Then he explained why. “Whatever it takes, he figures it out. He’s a tough, tough guy.” Bertman had identified something in Johnson that he understood intimately. LSU had a problem in Johnson’s first season: pitching. Bertman knew it. Johnson knew it. Johnson didn’t rationalize the weakness or wait for it to disappear. He went into Major League Baseball and hired Wes Johnson away from the Minnesota Twins to run LSU’s pitching staff. Bertman had already gone down to the bullpen and watched the pitchers work under their new coach. “They can pitch,” he told me. Then he told me what to watch. “Watch what an impact Jay’s adding a pitching coach has on this team this year.” That was January. Paul Skenes had not thrown a pitch for LSU. Dylan Crews had not played his final college season. The Tigers had not spent 12 weeks ranked No. 1, endured the pitching injuries that eventually made them vulnerable, fought their way through Omaha or been beaten 24-4 by Florida one night before beating the Gators 18-4 the next. None of that had happened. Bertman did not predict it. What interested him was the construction. A weakness had been identified. The coach had attacked it. The players were responding. Bertman had gone to see the work himself, and he recognized something. That was how his mind worked. “Whatever it takes, he figures it out” could just as easily have been Bertman describing himself. When LSU didn’t have the resources he wanted, he found them. When the baseball yearbook wasn’t good enough, he sold advertising and helped build a better one. When LSU didn’t possess a culture that expected Omaha, Bertman started talking about Omaha until the expectation became so deeply embedded that generations of LSU fans would eventually have difficulty imagining a time when it had not existed. He understood that champions are constructed long before anybody hands them a trophy. In 2023, he saw Johnson constructing one. LSU eventually won the national championship. Two years later, I heard Bertman recognize another championship team while it, too, was still composing itself. This time the lesson was different. ## THE LONG SEASON Bertman joined us in May 2025 for Tiger Rag’s On Base With Skip Bertman podcast. LSU was preparing for a huge series against Arkansas and was not swinging the bat particularly well. The Tigers were good. Everybody knew that. But this was May, and their offensive struggles were becoming difficult to ignore. I asked Bertman what he saw. He didn’t pretend to have identified some mechanical flaw nobody else could see. He said he couldn’t give me anything specific. Instead, he explained what decades of baseball had taught him about judging a team in the middle of a season. “My belief is that teams go up and down through a long baseball season,” Bertman said. “The pitching goes up and down. The hitting goes up and down.” LSU had hit extraordinarily well earlier in the year. Now it wasn’t. Bertman wasn’t dismissing the problem. He was putting it in the context of a season. What mattered was when the next move upward occurred. The conversation carried him back 25 years to his final national championship team. LSU’s 2000 team had been excellent, but it had not been perfect. Bertman remembered how difficult it had been to complete weekend sweeps. Then the postseason arrived and everything changed. “We had a great team,” Bertman said, “but we did get hot around tournament time.” LSU went 13-0 through the SEC Tournament, NCAA Regional, Super Regional and College World Series. Bertman’s point was not complicated. Baseball seasons are long. Great teams struggle. Pitching rises and falls. Hitting rises and falls. The champion is not necessarily the team that avoids every downturn. The important question is what the team becomes when the games become elimination games. Then Bertman started talking about Trey Hodges. And there, perhaps better than anywhere, was Skip Bertman’s philosophy about building champions reduced to one player. Hodges entered the 2000 season coming off surgery on his throwing arm. Early in the year, he wasn’t very good. Opponents hit him. The results said one thing. Bertman believed something else. “I knew Trey Hodges was an outstanding pitcher,” he said. He believed Hodges’ arm simply wasn’t ready. So Bertman waited. He didn’t confuse what the player was early in the season with what the player might become when his arm was healthy and the games mattered most. The breakthrough Bertman remembered came in a late-season SEC game against Alabama at LSU. The Tigers were behind when Hodges entered, settled the game down and gave LSU a chance to respond offensively. Bertman remembered it as an important turning point, the moment when the pitcher he had expected to see began to emerge. From there, Hodges became one of LSU’s most important pitchers in the postseason and ultimately the Most Valuable Player of the College World Series. Against Stanford in Omaha, he delivered four innings, allowed two hits and a walk, struck out four and earned the victory. Bertman had a word for what happened to players like Hodges. He called it “graduating.” “You went to a higher level,” he explained. One great performance wasn’t necessarily enough. Bertman wanted to see it again. He wanted evidence that the player had not simply experienced a great night but had become something different. Sitting there in May 2025, he was watching another LSU pitcher for exactly that reason. Anthony Eyanson had just thrown a complete game at Texas A&M, allowing three hits and a run while striking out 14. Bertman called it the best game an LSU pitcher had thrown all season. But he wanted another one. “If Anthony pitches well this weekend,” Bertman said before the Arkansas series, “that would be an example of what I called graduating.” Eyanson went out against Arkansas and threw six scoreless innings with 11 strikeouts. He had done it again. Kade Anderson had already reached another level in Bertman’s mind. He called Anderson “really a superstar.” Casan Evans was developing. The pitching staff was getting better. “Our pitching is coming on,” Bertman said. Our. That word catches me now. Bertman had coached his final LSU game nearly a quarter-century earlier. Jay Johnson had his own program, his own players, his own coaches and his own methods. Bertman understood all of that. He had never expected Johnson to become another version of him. But LSU baseball was still “we.” When the conversation turned to how good Arkansas was, Bertman acknowledged it. “But so are we.” Still we. Six weeks later, LSU won the national championship. Again. Bertman hadn’t predicted that one, either. He had seen it composing. He understood the long season. He recognized which players were moving to another level. He understood that a team struggling offensively in May could become something different in June because he had watched that transformation happen before and had helped create it himself. In 2023, he saw a coach building a champion by attacking a weakness. In 2025, he saw players and a team becoming championship-caliber as the season moved toward the moment when it mattered most. Those conversations mean more to me now because they preserve Skip doing something he had done all his life: seeing not only what was there, but what it might become. And that ability was never confined to baseball teams. It was how he saw people. ## HIS BOYS Ben McDonald was one of the greatest pitchers Bertman ever coached, an All-American who became the No. 1 overall selection in the Major League Baseball draft. When McDonald learned Bertman had died, he began with the coach. “My heart is broken this morning,” McDonald said. “We have lost Coach Bertman, the best to ever fill out a lineup card … the man who changed college baseball forever and the man who built the best baseball program in the country, LSU.” Then he moved immediately beyond baseball. “As great a coach as he was, even a better man that touched countless lives,” McDonald said. “So thankful I got to see him last night and tell him how much I loved him one more time.” That became the pattern in the reactions Hunt Palmer gathered. Eddy Furniss called Bertman “a giant” who made everyone better — his teams and his opponents. Lloyd Peaver remembered a “visionary, master motivator, and community organizer,” but what he said next sounded remarkably similar to everything Bertman had been telling us about development. “He wanted to be the best on the field but also prepared his ‘boys’ for life outside the lines of baseball.” His boys. Doug Thompson said those relationships were among the things Bertman valued most late in his life. “The thing he was most proud of is how close he was to so many players 30-40 years later,” Thompson said. “His favorite thing to do was sit with ‘his boys’ and listen to all of the stories.” I had heard Bertman say essentially the same thing himself during that 2025 podcast. He had recently attended the 25th anniversary reunion of his 2000 championship team. Players from other LSU teams were there as well, and he estimated he had seen 25 or 30 former players. “It was just wonderful for me,” Bertman said. Then he told us why. “I have a memory attached to every guy.” There is the coach who remembered Trey Hodges before Hodges became the College World Series MVP. There is the man who understood that the pitcher struggling in front of him wasn’t necessarily the finished pitcher. And there is the 86-year-old Bertman, decades later, still carrying individual memories of the young men who had once occupied those uniforms. They remembered him just as vividly. ## MORE THAN A BASEBALL COACH Brad Cresse drove in the winning run in Bertman’s final national championship game, LSU’s 6-5 victory over Stanford in 2000. When Cresse remembered his coach, he didn’t talk about the hit. “Skip Bertman was far more than my baseball coach,” Cresse said. “He was a mentor who taught me how to be a teammate, a leader and a man, and his impact on my life will last forever.” Mike Fontenot called Bertman “the most influential person in my life other than my dad.” “Not just for baseball, but for every aspect of life.” Ed Yarnall said Bertman’s impact on him as a baseball player was significant, but his influence as a person was greater. “As a son, brother, father and husband,” Yarnall said. Blair Barbier put it plainly. “I would say his true legacy is far less about his many accomplishments and much more about the deep personal impact he had on so many.” These are men who played for a coach with five national championship rings. When asked what remained, they talked about becoming men. Todd Walker remembered how the relationship changed with age. “Skip went from the most intimidating person I’ve ever known to one of the best people I’ve ever known,” Walker said. The young Walker knew the demanding coach who controlled his place in the lineup and expected excellence. The older Walker knew the man who remained in his life after baseball no longer required either of them to maintain a relationship. Justin Hill saw Bertman from the other end of the roster. Hill was a walk-on trying to earn an opportunity when Bertman met with him and his father in the first-base dugout of the old Alex Box Stadium. Hill asked him for one thing: give me a chance to prove myself. “He was a man of his word,” Hill said. “He coached me hard, treated me with respect and let my play, not my walk-on status, determine my opportunities.” Bertman demanded much from his players. He also believed the demands created an obligation for the coach: pay attention, tell the truth, keep your word, believe in the player and give him an opportunity to become more than he is today. That is not very far removed from waiting on Trey Hodges. ## “NATIONAL CHAMPION RAY WRIGHT” Ray Wright remembers getting on the bus in Omaha after LSU had won a national championship. Bertman was waiting. As Wright climbed aboard, his coach greeted him personally. “National Champion Ray Wright.” More than three decades later, Wright still remembers the feeling. “It was an incredible feeling, but more than that, it put into perspective what we had just accomplished,” Wright said. “That was Skip. He made everyone around him believe they could accomplish something special.” There is something wonderfully Bertman about that story. LSU had just won a national championship, the largest collective accomplishment available to a college baseball team. Bertman handed it back to the individual. National Champion Ray Wright. Warren Morris understood the confidence Bertman could create. Morris authored the most famous ending in College World Series history when his two-out, two-run home run in the bottom of the ninth beat Miami for the 1996 national championship. Yet when Morris remembered Bertman, he talked about the comfort of knowing who was in LSU’s dugout. “As a player at LSU, I always felt like we had a huge advantage because he was in our dugout calling the shots and the other team didn’t have that same expertise.” Then he went where so many of Bertman’s former players went. “He taught us how to win in baseball and in life.” Rick Greene still repeats one of Bertman’s instructions because, he says, it applies to much more than sports: “Humble in victory, gracious in defeat.” Trey McClure remembers the language Bertman used to build belief. “If it is to be, it is up to me.” “I’m going to play my best nine players, not my nine best players.” “Anything you can vividly imagine, ardently desire, enthusiastically act upon must absolutely come to pass.” And: “You play for your father, mother, your maker, LSU Tigers tonight, let’s play like champions.” Bertman used words as tools. Before players could consistently perform like champions, he wanted them to believe they were capable of becoming champions. Before LSU could become Omaha, somebody had to imagine LSU in Omaha. Before Trey Hodges could become a College World Series MVP, somebody had to look beyond the struggling pitcher with the surgically repaired arm. That was coaching to Bertman. ## THE TEAM OUTLIVED THE SEASON Chris Demouy remembers something else Bertman built. Thirty years later, some of Demouy’s closest friends remain his LSU teammates. “His ability to create a bond within a team was unmatched,” Demouy said. He credited Bertman with creating “the trust, the belief, the love for your teammates through the ups and downs in a season.” “And that bond remains to this day. I’ve never experienced it anywhere else.” Baseball teams are temporary. Every season ends. Players graduate. Professional careers begin and end. Men marry, have children, build careers and become people who no longer look much like the college kids whose names once appeared on Bertman’s lineup card. The lineup disappears. The relationships often didn’t. Neither did Bertman. Patrick Coogan remembered “a father figure, a friend, a mentor and someone who’d call you in the moment you needed to hear from him most.” “Of course the baseball counted,” Coogan said, “but it was more than that.” He described what Bertman created as “a culture, one of dreaming, aspirations, hard work, fun, brotherhood, love and yes, winning.” For Coogan, Bertman’s influence eventually crossed three generations — his father, himself and his three sons. Ron Polk experienced another side of it. Polk spent years trying to beat Bertman at Mississippi State during an era when LSU-Mississippi State became one of college baseball’s great rivalries. When LSU prepared to close the old Alex Box Stadium, numbers along the left-field line counted down the remaining games. Bertman asked Polk to remove one. He was the only non-LSU person afforded the honor. Polk remembers climbing into a golf cart with Skip and Sandy Bertman and riding down the left-field line during the game, in front of the LSU crowd, to take the number down. After all those years competing against each other, that is one of Ron Polk’s enduring memories of Skip Bertman. ## KNOWING WHEN TO LET GO Paul Mainieri heard warnings when LSU approached him about leaving Notre Dame. Why would you want to coach there? Bertman had built LSU baseball. His presence remained enormous. People told Mainieri that Bertman had such proprietorship over the program that he would never allow another man to truly run it. Mainieri believed they misunderstood Bertman. “Skip Bertman is the reason I would want to take the job at LSU,” Mainieri remembered saying, “because I could have another mentor and another person I could continue to learn from.” Mainieri took the job. What he found was not interference. “Working for Skip as his baseball coach, he never interfered, always offered encouragement, positive advice, and he instilled a greater level of self-confidence in myself because I knew that I was the guy he wanted and believed in.” Mainieri won the 2009 national championship. Years later, Johnson developed his own relationship with Bertman. That brought Bertman back to where I found him in 2023 and 2025 — no longer LSU’s coach, but still deeply engaged with the process of coaching. He didn’t need Johnson to coach like him. He wanted to understand what Johnson was doing. He watched the pitchers. He talked with him. He saw Johnson identify a problem and fix it. He watched Anderson, Eyanson and Evans develop. He recognized when a pitcher “graduated.” He understood that LSU’s offensive struggles in May did not have to define LSU in June. And he still called them “we.” That may be one of the most generous things a builder can do. Bertman constructed LSU baseball so completely that his fingerprints remain everywhere, then understood that loving what he had built did not require possessing it forever. It meant wanting the next man to succeed. ## EVERYTHING MATTERED Mike Bianco played catcher for Bertman before becoming one of the most successful coaches of his own generation. Asked how to describe him, Bianco wondered where to begin. “Maybe at the end,” he said. “He’s the G.O.A.T.” Coach. Athletic director. Ambassador for college athletics. “There are very few, if any, you could even mention in the same breath,” Bianco said. Then he ended where almost everybody else did. “He has impacted countless lives. I know I speak for many when I say I would not be where I am today without Coach.” Bill Franques spent the morning of August 14 thinking about the same thing. “I’ve spent the entire morning thinking about how remarkable it is that one man could make such a significant impact upon so many lives,” Franques said. “His standard of excellence set LSU athletics on the course to becoming the global powerhouse it is today.” The institutional evidence of Bertman’s life is everywhere. It is visible at Alex Box Stadium and on the field bearing his name. It is visible in the crowds, the championship banners and in generations of LSU fans who now consider Omaha an expectation. It is visible throughout the SEC, where baseball facilities, attendance, investment and ambition bear little resemblance to what Bertman encountered when he became LSU’s coach in 1984. And it is visible in LSU’s 2023 and 2025 national championships. Those championships belong to Jay Johnson and his players and coaches. Bertman would have understood that better than anyone. But I find myself thinking about those two conversations now. In January 2023, before Johnson had won anything at LSU, Bertman sat across from me for four hours and told me why he liked him. Johnson was tough. He identified problems. He figured things out. Bertman had gone down to the bullpen himself and could see what was changing. A few months later, LSU was national champion. In May 2025, with LSU struggling offensively, Bertman explained that baseball seasons are long and teams rise and fall. He reached back to 2000 and talked about a team that found its best baseball late. He told us about Trey Hodges, the pitcher coming back from surgery whom he believed in before the results justified that belief, and about the late-season SEC game against Alabama at LSU when Hodges began to emerge into the pitcher Bertman knew was there. He explained “graduating” and pointed toward players on Johnson’s team who were doing it. “Our pitching is coming on.” “But so are we.” Six weeks later, LSU was national champion again. Skip Bertman didn’t predict either championship. He saw them composing. He could recognize the pieces moving into place because he had spent a lifetime putting those pieces together himself. And perhaps that explains why the remembrances Hunt Palmer gathered fit so naturally beside the Bertman we had come to know at Tiger Rag. The same man who could look at a baseball team and see what it might become looked at people that way, too. He saw Hodges beyond the bad outings. He saw Hill beyond the walk-on label. He saw Johnson beyond a first season that ended in a Regional. He saw Mainieri as the man who should run LSU baseball after him and then gave him room to do it. He saw players as something more than the numbers they produced for him. Years later, when the games no longer mattered at all, he still wanted to sit with them and hear their stories. “I have a memory attached to every guy,” Bertman told us. Doug Thompson tells us what happened on the other side of those memories. Skip loved sitting with his boys. They loved sitting with him. Glenn Guilbeau gave his biography exactly the right title: Everything Matters in Baseball. Skip Bertman spent a lifetime proving it. The pitching coach mattered. The bullpen session mattered. The slump mattered, but so did understanding that the slump would not last forever. Knowing when to wait on Trey Hodges mattered. Knowing when Anthony Eyanson had graduated mattered. The walk-on mattered. The rival coach mattered. How you won mattered. How you lost mattered. What happened to the player after his last game mattered. The 870 wins mattered. The five national championships mattered. But when Skip Bertman was gone and the people whose lives he touched began telling us what they remembered, something else became unmistakable. They mattered to him. And he mattered to them. Everything mattered. **Reporting note:** Player, coach and staff remembrances were gathered by Hunt Palmer. Bertman quotations and observations from 2023 and 2025 come from Todd Horne/Tiger Rag interviews and the *On Base With Skip Bertman* podcast. Glenn Guilbeau is the author of *Everything Matters in Baseball: The Skip Bertman Story*. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, LSU athletics, LSU Baseball, Tiger Rag **Tags:** Alex Box Stadium, ben mcdonald, College World Series, Everything Matters In Baseball, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU National Championships, LSU Tigers Baseball, mike bianco, Paul Mainieri, skip bertman, Tiger Rag, todd walker, Trey Hodges, Warren Morris --- ### [LSU Football Kicks Off 3 Saturdays From Today, And Here Is Player Profile No. 33 - Tight End Malachi Thomas](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-3-saturdays-from-today-and-here-is-player-profile-no-33-tight-end-malachi-thomas/) **Published:** August 15, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU is going out of its way to protect starting tight end Trey’Dez Green, a true freak at his position at 6-foot-7 and 237 pounds, during preseason camp. Green wears a yellow jersey, usually reserved for injured players to remind teammates they are not to be hit. Green is not injured, but he is one of LSU’s most valuable weapons. He is already the school record holder for career touchdown catches by a tight end with 11 after catching 33 passes for 433 yards and seven TDs last year. But just in case, something happens, there is backup tight end Malachi Thomas (6-3, 242), a junior transfer from Pittsburgh. He caught 13 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns last year. **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** Balanced tight end who can serve as a blocker and has playmaker potential in simple play action and multi-tight end sets. **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** Joins the Tigers after 2 seasons at Pittsburgh as the No. 47 tight end in the portal … Appeared in 26 games with 1 start at Pitt … Caught 15 passes for 214 yards and 3 TDs in his 2 seasons with the Panthers … First career start came in win over Syracuse in 2025. **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2025 at Pitt)** Appeared in all 13 games with 1 start … First career start came against Syracuse … Caught 13 passes for 192 yards and 2 TDs … Touchdowns came against Duquesne in the season-opener and Notre Dame … Played a total of 220 offensive snaps with a season-high 44 coming against Syracuse … Closed out Pitt career with 2 receptions for 36 yards against East Carolina in the Go Bowling Military Bowl. **FRESHMAN SEASON (2024 at Pitt)** Played in all 13 games, serving on special teams and as a reserve tight end … All of his season receiving production occurred at SMU, where he had 2 receptions for 22 yards and a 1-yard touchdown catch … Logged a 12-yard kickoff return against West Virginia. **HIGH SCHOOL** Highly productive tight end who thrived in the run and pass games for undefeated Georgia state champion Thomas County Central … Averaged 18.1 yards per catch, totaling 30 receptions for 542 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior … Helped the Yellow Jackets to a 15-0 record and the Georgia Class 6A championship … Scored two TDs in the state title game, a 49-28 victory over Woodward Academy … Atlanta Journal-Constitution All-State Class 6A … All-Region 1-6A … Played under Coach Justin Rogers. **CAREER HIGHS** Receptions: 3 vs. Boston College, 2025 Receiving Yards: 36 vs. East Carolina (2025 Go Bowling Military Bowl) Receiving TDs: 1, 3x (Last: vs. Notre Dame, 2025) Long Reception: 34 vs. Duquesne, 2025 **NEXT:** Edge Princewill Umanmielen [LSU FOOTBALL 2026 ROSTER](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-roster-2026/) **PREVIOUS BIOS:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) Running Back [Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) Defensive Tackle [Deuce Geralds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) Tight End [Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-18-treydez-green-expected-to-be-among-nations-best-tight-ends/) Offensive Lineman [Devin Harper](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-19-offensive-lineman-devin-harper-is-back-home-in-louisiana/) Wide Receiver [Jackson Harris](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-signee-may-be-one-of-the-best-jackson-harris-is-player-profile-no-20/) Running Back [Dilin Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-32-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-21-running-back-dilin-jones/) Linebacker [Davhon Keys](https://www.tigerrag.com/one-month-until-lsu-football-kicks-off-linebacker-davhon-keys-is-player-profile-no-21/) Quarterback [Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-the-season-in-31-days-and-this-is-player-bio-no-22-qb-sam-leavitt/) Quarterback [Husan Longstreet](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-husan-longstreet-may-be-tigers-qb-of-the-future-player-profile-no-24/) Defensive Tackle [Dominick McKinley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-25-defensive-tackle-dominick-mckinley/) Center [Braelin Moore](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-in-29-days-and-here-is-player-profile-no-26-center-braelin-moore/) Cornerback [DJ Pickett](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-27-cornerback-dj-pickett-will-try-to-pick-up-where-he-left-off-in-2025/) Edge [Jordan Ross](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-28-can-lsu-unlock-the-potential-of-tennessee-transfer-edge-jordan-ross/) Offensive Tackle [Jordan Seaton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-29-jordan-seaton-may-be-prize-of-lane-kiffins-star-studded-no-1-portal-class/) Safety [Dashawn Spears](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-number-30-junior-safety-star-dashawn-spears/) Kicker [Scott Starzyk](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-31-new-kicker-scott-starzyk/) Offensive Tackle [Darrin Strey](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-32-offensive-tackle-darrin-strey/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers', Malachi Thomas, Trey'Dez Green --- ### [LSU's Blake Baker Is Holding Out For A "Final Destination" Head Coaching Job](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-blake-baker-is-holding-out-for-a-final-destination-head-coaching-job/) **Published:** December 8, 2025 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The way Blake Baker envisions it is … LSU is Alabama with Lane Kiffin as Nick Saban to his Kirby Smart. “I see myself on the Kirby Smart plan,” LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker said on 104.5 FM Radio in Baton Rouge Monday to former Tiger co-hosts Jacob Hester and Matt Flynn. “When I leave this job, I want it to be the ultimate stop – the final destination,” Baker said after turning down the head coaching job at his alma mater Tulane over the weekend to remain with the Tigers and with Kiffin, who began his second week as LSU’s head coach on Monday. And Baker likely could have had the Memphis head coaching job, if he kept his name in it. Smart won national championships in 2021 and ’22 as Georgia’s head coach after serving as Alabama’s defensive coordinator from 2008-15 under Saban. Smart also coached defensive backs for Saban at LSU in the 2004 season. After turning down the Auburn job during the 2012 season before Auburn hired Gus Malzahn, Smart accepted the head coaching job at his alma mater Georgia before the 2016 season. South Carolina was also interested in Smart in 2015 before Georgia entered the picture, and South Carolina then hired Will Muschamp, another former Saban assistant at LSU. The Crimson Tide won national championships in 2009, ’11, ’12 and ’15 with Smart calling the defensive plays. Kiffin was calling plays as well as Alabama’s offensive coordinator from 2014-16. Smart has his current Georgia team poised for a third national crown under him as the Bulldogs (11-1) are SEC champions after a win over Alabama Saturday and headed to the Sugar Bowl on Jan. 1 (7 p.m., ESPN) as the No. 3 seed in the College Football Playoff. The winner of No. 6 seed Ole Miss (11-1) and No. 11 seed Tulane (11-2) in an opening round CFP game on Dec. 20 (2:30 p.m., TNT) in Oxford will advance to the Sugar Bowl. > Because of a hell of a GameNight at LSU, Lane Kiffin cancels GameDay appearance as he’s securing that defensive coordinator Blake Baker stay at LSU over going to Tulane or Memphis as head coach. [@racertodd](https://twitter.com/racertodd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [December 6, 2025](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/1997289329115488755?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Baker, 44, will be entering his third season as LSU’s defensive coordinator after steady improvement through his first two seasons following two seasons as Missouri’s DC. Former LSU coach Brian Kelly hired Baker from Missouri following the 2023 season. He just signed a new, three-year contract with the Tigers for $9.3 million, making him the highest paid assistant coach in college football. “It’s never just one thing,” Baker said when asked about his decision to stay at LSU. “It’s never cut and dry as some people may feel it’s supposed to be. But it starts with my family, sitting and talking with them. Kids are 10, 8 and 6 now. We’re extremely happy here, love the community, love the support of Baton Rouge. All those things played a major role, especially as many times as we’ve moved in the last five years. Happy wife, happy life, right?” Baker is married to Mandeville native Roslyn Jones, who was an All-SEC soccer player at LSU. Before Missouri, Baker was linebackers coach at LSU just in the 2021 season – the last under coach Ed Orgeron, who was fired during that season before finishing the regular season. He was at Louisiana Tech from 2014-18, including the last three years as DC. After playing linebacker at Tulane from 2000-04, the Houston native coached in 2009 at Clear Springs High in Houston before working as a graduate assistant at Texas from 2010-12. He was safeties coach at Arkansas State in 2013. “Part of it was loyalty to current players and the recruiting class,” Baker said. > Lane Kiffin gave up drinking years ago, but he should at least pop a non-alcohol beer on this TGIF as he ends a hectic 1st week as LSU’s coach with a flourish. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [December 5, 2025](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/1997052585115562130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) While Baker was making up his mind last week, Kiffin was trying to sign two of the top defensive linemen in the nation – No. 1 overall prospect Lamar Brown, who plays defensive tackle, of University High in Baton Rouge, and No. 1 defensive lineman Richard Anderson of Edna Karr High in New Orleans. Kiffin got both of them, and had Baker left, it could’ve been a deal breaker with one or both of them. “News had broke that I was taking the Tulane job,” Baker said. “Had a lot of the current players texting me and calling me, wondering what was going on. You’re sitting here telling guys that you’re going to be here next year, and, ‘We need you to sign on the dotted line.’ And I just couldn’t look at myself in the mirror and say those things, and then up and leave in the next 24 hours. But those things all cross your mind.” In two years at LSU, Baker has expertly shaved more than 100 yards off what the Tigers allowed in 2023 under former defensive coordinator, which was 416.6 yards a game for 105th in the nation out of 134 major programs. Under Baker, LSU finished 61st in total defense in 2024 with 364.4 yards allowed a game. This season, Baker’s unit finished 25th nationally in yards allowed a game at 319.7 “I feel like we have unfinished business here,” Baker said. “Not only from an overall team standpoint, but from a defensive standpoint.” > LSU in Texas Bowl for 2nd straight season: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [December 7, 2025](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/1997765516614574447?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) LSU finished the 2025 regular season at 7-5 (3-5 SEC) after a preseason No. 9 ranking. The Tigers will play No. 21 Houston (9-3, 6-3 Big 12) in the Texas Bowl in Houston on Saturday, Dec. 27 (8:15 p.m., ESPN). **Categories:** LSU Football News **Tags:** blake baker, Kirby Smart, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Tulane Green Wave --- ### [LSU's Blake Baker Pulled Against Skip Bertman When He Was At Tulane, But He's Been Wearing The Right Hat Lately](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-blake-baker-pulled-against-skip-bertman-when-he-was-at-tulane-but-hes-been-wearing-the-right-hat-lately/) **Published:** August 14, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker made two bad play calls on Friday during a rare press conference with an LSU football assistant coach. First, he forgot to lead off his appearance by commenting on the passing of LSU baseball coaching legend Skip Bertman, who died at age 88 early Friday. > “I look at this man, and I see the John Wooden of college baseball.” > -LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson at his introductory press conference in 2021 to Skip Bertman, who died at age 88 early Friday. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 14, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2088232563156353353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) And second, the third-year DC for the Tigers brought up Bertman’s last game as LSU’s coach, which was a 7-1 loss to Tulane on June 3, 2001, at Zephyr Field in Metairie that kept Bertman out of one last trip to Omaha, Nebraska, for the College World Series. “I should’ve started the press conference with that,” Baker said when asked about Bertman. “He obviously put LSU baseball on the map and really LSU Athletics in a sense when you talk about a five-time national champions (1991, ’93, ’96, ’97, 2000). My heart goes out for him and his family and LSU’s baseball family for sure.” Baker, who is known as a diehard LSU baseball fan and is almost always wearing an LSU baseball cap, was asked how a linebacker at Tulane from 2000-04 and a Houston native became such an LSU baseball fan. “Honestly, when I was at Tulane, they were really good in baseball,” he said. The Green Wave did reach the College World Series in 2001 when Baker was playing for the Greenies and again in 2005 just after he left. “I think they beat LSU in the Super Regional, if I’m not mistaken.” He wasn’t. After LSU beat Tulane in the opener of the best-of-three Super Regional on June 1, 2001, 4-3 in 13 innings on a Mike Fontenot home run, Tulane won games two and three, 9-4 and 7-1, and reached Omaha for the first time in Tulane history. A member of the media contingent said, “Hey,” faking anger when Baker mentioned the Tulane win. “But you know, once they start paying your bills, you become a fan,” Baker said of his switch from Tulane Baseball to LSU Baseball. “No. In all seriousness, they’re a fun group to watch, man,” he said of the Tigers’ baseball team, which has won two national championships in the last four years of coach Jay Johnson – the 2023 national title when Baker was Missouri’s defensive coordinator and the 2025 title. > [LSU’s Blake Baker Is Holding Out For A “Final Destination” Head Coaching Job](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-blake-baker-is-holding-out-for-a-final-destination-head-coaching-job/) Baker, 44, is about to begin his third season as the Tigers’ DC, but he thought about taking the head coaching job at Tulane or at Memphis after last season. He could have had either one, but opted to stay under new LSU head coach Lane Kiffin. And got a hefty $500,000 raise and a new three-year deal in the process that will pay him $9.3 million over three years.. “Jay Johnson, he’s one of my good friends,” Baker said. “A guy that honestly I leaned on when I was deciding about being a head coach. They do an outstanding job now, and I can’t wait to see what they do next season.” He also can’t wait to see how LSU’s new football coach does this season. “I had a couple of great opportunities (at Tulane and Memphis), but talking to Lane Kiffin, I truly believe in what he does on offense and what we do on defense,” Baker said. “And the ultimate goal is to bring a national championship to LSU. I kind of want to see that through.” Skip Bertman would have appreciated that. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball, LSU Football News **Tags:** blake baker, jay johnson, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, skip bertman --- ### [From The Podcast Vault: Greatest Of All Time Skip Bertman And Pitcher Trey Hodges Talk 2000 National Title](https://www.tigerrag.com/from-the-vault-greatest-of-all-time-skip-bertman-and-pitcher-trey-hodges-talk-about-the-2000-national-title/) **Published:** August 14, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES In honor of former LSU baseball coach and athletic director Skip Bertman, Tiger Rag presents the “On Base With Skip Bertman” podcast from the 2025 baseball season. > [LSU Baseball Master Legend Skip Bertman Passes Away](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-master-legend-skip-bertman-passes-away/) Bertman passed away early Friday at age 88. As you can tell from this video, Bertman still could talk baseball with the best of them and sounds as knowledgeable of the game as he did when he was coaching from 1984-2001 with the Tigers, whom he directed to five national championships in 1991, ’93, ’96, ’97 and 2000. He raves about LSU pitching in this podcast. And the Tigers went on to win the national title in that 2025 season with top starters Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson for coach Jay Johnson’s second crown at LSU. Bertman and former LSU pitcher Trey Hodges also discuss the 2000 national title, which was Bertman’s last as coach with Hodges winning MVP. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, skip bertman, Trey Hodges --- ### [LSU Signs Russian Post Player Anna Minaeva](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-signs-russian-post-player-anna-minaeva/) **Published:** August 14, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU women’s basketball and Coach Kim Mulkey announced the signing of 6-foot-5 Russian post player Anna Minaeva on Friday. “I’m thrilled to welcome Anna to our LSU family,” Mulkey said. “She has the experience, skill set, and size to make an immediate impact in our frontcourt. It takes tremendous courage to leave home at just 17 years old and travel across the world to pursue a dream. I’m excited to support and guide Anna as she begins this next chapter at LSU.” > Anna Minaeva is officially an LSU Tiger 🐅 > > 📄 [pic.twitter.com/sM3rq6WLRO](https://t.co/sM3rq6WLRO) > > — LSU Women's Basketball (@LSUwbkb) [August 14, 2026](https://x.com/LSUwbkb/status/2088264775327174662?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Minaeva joins the LSU roster after most recently spending her time with MBA Moscow, a professional women’s basketball club in Russia. Playing in the Russia Premier League and the Russia Superleague, Minaeva has participated in 29 games thus far in the 2025-26 season, averaging 11.2 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. She has found more success in the Superleague playing for Moscow’s second team. She averaged 15.1 points and 13.7 rebounds in 30.9 minutes per game while shooting 50.8% from the floor. Minaeva also averaged 2.1 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.3 steals in 17 games. With the senior squad in the Premier League, Minaeva logged 12.9 minutes per contest in 12 appearances. She shot 46.3% from the field and 60.7% from the free-throw line for an average of 5.6 points to go along with four boards and one steal a game. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Women's Basketball **Tags:** Anna Minaeva, kim mulkey, lsu women's basketball --- ### [Defensive Coordinator Blake Baker Gives Fall Camp Update](https://www.tigerrag.com/defensive-coordinator-blake-baker-gives-fall-camp-update/) **Published:** August 14, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker is back for his third season in Baton Rouge. The Tigers’ defense has made significant advancements each season under his leadership and will look to do the same in the first year under new head coach Lane Kiffin. Baker discussed what brought him back to LSU over other coaching opportunities and previewed this year’s LSU defense after practice Friday. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** blake baker, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football --- ### [SKIP BERTMAN (1938-2026): What People Are Tweeting About The Legendary LSU Baseball Coach/Athletic Director](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertman-1938-2026-what-people-are-tweeting-about-the-legendary-lsu-baseball-coach-athletic-director/) **Published:** August 14, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES This is a collection of some of the tweets by his former players and friends and people across the sports world about LSU baseball coach/athletic director Skip Bertman, who passed away early Friday morning at age 88. > [LSU Baseball Master Legend Skip Bertman Passes Away](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-master-legend-skip-bertman-passes-away/) > My heart is broken this morning….we have lost Coach Bertman. The best to ever fill out a lineup card….the man who changed college baseball forever and the man who built the best baseball program in the country [@LSUbaseball](https://x.com/LSUbaseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) As great a coach he was, even a better man that touched… [pic.twitter.com/W4eU48vpKj](https://t.co/W4eU48vpKj) > > — Ben McDonald (@realbenmcdonald) [August 14, 2026](https://x.com/realbenmcdonald/status/2088224165425725731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > It’s a sad day. This morning we lost a legend. Skip Bertman was simple the best. His impact on College Baseball will live on forever. I feel so blessed to have had him as a coach and a mentor. He meant so much to so many. I will miss you, Coach. [pic.twitter.com/o2sDMc9f7v](https://t.co/o2sDMc9f7v) > > — Coach Mike Bianco (@CoachMikeBianco) [August 14, 2026](https://x.com/CoachMikeBianco/status/2088265999376175475?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > The legend, my coach, my friend, Skip Bertman, passed away overnight. He meant so much to all of us whose lives he touched. I will miss him dearly. > > “Believe me, a great part of those we have loved, though chance has removed their persons, still abides with us. The past is ours,… [pic.twitter.com/Ds4xCoyyFH](https://t.co/Ds4xCoyyFH) > > — Eddy Furniss MD (@EddyFurniss) [August 14, 2026](https://x.com/EddyFurniss/status/2088229950788641258?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > The word legend is often used to signify the greatness of a person, but in sports being a legend isn’t measured by the trophies you collect. Those are just symbols of accomplishments. > > A legend is a person who changes a standard forever, and that is what Skip Bertman did. He… > > — Governor Jeff Landry (@LAGovJeffLandry) [August 14, 2026](https://x.com/LAGovJeffLandry/status/2088243128276783270?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > “I look at this man, and I see the John Wooden of college baseball.” > -LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson at his introductory press conference in 2021 to Skip Bertman, who died at age 88 early Friday. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 14, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2088232563156353353?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > There are finite numbers that can quantify Skip Bertman’s coaching success. Wins, titles, All-Americans. What cannot be measured is the personal impact he had on so many lives, including mine, through his wisdom, his instincts, his compassion, and his humor. He changed lives. His… [pic.twitter.com/PdLZUUYbaT](https://t.co/PdLZUUYbaT) > > — Herb Vincent (@herbvincent) [August 14, 2026](https://x.com/herbvincent/status/2088265585830269300?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > The legend, the goat, our beloved Stanley "Skip" Bertman passed away peacefully at 1:12 am surrounded by his daughters at Baton Rouge General Hospital. [\#LSU](https://x.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@LSUbaseball](https://x.com/LSUbaseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > Legendary LSU Coach and Athletic Director Skip Bertman dies at age 88 [@WAFB](https://x.com/WAFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) [August 14, 2026](https://x.com/JacquesDoucet/status/2088172958330065248?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > The LSU System family expresses our most heartfelt condolences on the passing of Skip Bertman. [pic.twitter.com/4KujTOhFyb](https://t.co/4KujTOhFyb) > > — LSU President Dr. Wade Rousse (@LSUpresident) [August 14, 2026](https://x.com/LSUpresident/status/2088246342510379158?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > A couple of things on Skip Bertman: > > 1\) Even in his mid 80s, his love for [\#LSU](https://x.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) baseball and college baseball never faded. Even as tough as it might be to get around, he would show up to fall games and regular season games alike and be completely locked in. I always thought that… > > — Kendall Rogers (@KendallRogers) [August 14, 2026](https://x.com/KendallRogers/status/2088238844768321979?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > Thank you, Skip, for making us all better. We are sad to learn of Skip’s passing, and grateful for having known and worked with him. His impact on college baseball, the Southeastern Conference, and LSU, will continue. Rest in peace, Skip. > > — Greg Sankey (@GregSankey) [August 14, 2026](https://x.com/GregSankey/status/2088239897903566959?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** ben mcdonald, Governor Jeff Landry, Herb Vincent, Kendall Rogers, lsu baseball, mike bianco, skip bertman --- ### [Joe Burrow Says LSU Has No Plans Of Giving Out No. 9 'But You Never Know'](https://www.tigerrag.com/joe-burrow-says-lsu-has-no-plans-of-giving-out-no-9-but-you-never-know/) **Published:** August 14, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter One LSU Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback’s number is unofficially retired; the other’s is not. 2019 Heisman winner Joe Burrow weighed in on the fallout from Jayden Daniels’ No. 5 jersey being reissued to sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett. After the Cincinnati Bengals’ preseason opener versus the Lions Thursday night, Burrow was asked if there have ever been any conversations about another LSU player wearing his No. 9. “They told me that they wouldn’t use it again, but you never know what happens,” Burrow said. > [Jayden Daniels Crunching Number Decision By Lane Kiffin, Who Gave Heisman Winner’s No. 5 To DJ Pickett](https://www.tigerrag.com/jayden-daniels-crunching-number-decision-by-lane-kiffin-who-gave-heisman-winners-no-5-to-dj-pickett/) Burrow said he just heard about the controversial cease-and-desist Daniels’ attorney sent to LSU after the Washington Commanders quarterback felt disrespected that another player received the No. 5. The letter requests the school stop using his name, image and likeness. “I don’t know too much about it,” he said. “I just heard about it a couple hours ago. I don’t necessarily have too many thoughts at this time. I just don’t know enough about the situation to have any thoughts I would say.” Before Pickett, no other player had worn No. 5 since Daniels won the Heisman in 2023. That has been the unofficial rule for LSU’s three Heisman winners. Billy Cannon’s jersey is officially retired, and the No. 20 was not given out to anyone else following his 1959 Heisman season. Burrow and Daniels are still waiting on official retirements due to the university’s policy that athletes must be five years removed from competition to receive the honor, but the No. 5 and No. 9 jerseys received the same treatment prior to this fall. > [The DJ-Daniels Digit Drama Drones On – LSU’s DJ Pickett And Ex-Tiger Jayden Daniels Make Statements](https://www.tigerrag.com/the-dj-daniels-digit-drama-drones-on-lsus-dj-pickett-and-ex-tiger-jayden-daniels-make-statements/) Daniels said in a social media post Thursday that he was focused on Commanders’ training camp and hoped the situation between LSU and his team could be resolved privately. The same seems to be true for Burrow who was coming off of his brief preseason debut. Burrow played the first quarter of the 16-14 Bengals win. He took 13 snaps in two drives and completed five of six passing attempts for 39 yards. His longest completion came on a 16-yard connection with LSU teammate Ja’Marr Chase on his first throw of the game. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** DJ Pickett, Jayden Daniels, joe burrow, lsu football --- ### [SKIP BERTMAN (1938-2026) What People Are Saying About The Legendary LSU Baseball Coach](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertman-1938-2026-what-people-are-saying-about-the-legendary-lsu-baseball-coach/) **Published:** August 14, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The following are statements from some of the people who knew and admired LSU baseball coach/athletic director Skip Bertman the most. Bertman passed away at age 88 on Friday morning. > [LSU Baseball Master Legend Skip Bertman Passes Away](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-master-legend-skip-bertman-passes-away/) “Few people have had a greater impact on LSU than Skip Bertman. As the greatest college baseball coach of all-time, and later as our Athletics Director, Skip developed a championship standard and culture that still guide us today. Personally, he was a dear friend, mentor and advisor, and I’m forever grateful for the trust and faith he placed in me to serve this institution. I will continue to honor Skip by leaning into the lessons he taught me every day. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones at this time.” .***.. LSU Athletic Director and neighbor of Bertman, Verge Ausberry.*** “By far the greatest part of being the baseball coach at LSU the last five years is the relationship I was able to build with the greatest college baseball coach of my lifetime, Skip Bertman. The mentorship, and most importantly, the friendship we built is easily one of the best, most rewarding, and special relationships I have ever had. What an honor it has been to sit with, talk baseball with, smile with, and laugh with Coach. “Coach Bertman was so far ahead of his time while leading the LSU Tigers, and as a young coach just starting my journey, I watched, studied, and admired his incredible skills of leading, motivating, teaching, coaching, and ultimately cultivating what became ‘The Powerhouse’ of College Baseball. Being able to share the 2023 and 2025 National Championships with Coach Bertman watching is something I wouldn’t trade for the world. The impact he made and legacy he has left on the state of Louisiana and college baseball is beyond remarkable and will never be duplicated. “I love you Coach, I will miss you, and will continue to work every day in a manner that I know would make you proud.” ***… LSU Baseball Coach Jay Johnson.*** “Today is a big loss for the city of Baton Rouge, the state of Louisiana, and the country. [Skip Bertman](https://lsusports.net/staff/skip-bertman) had such a profound impact on so many people, even if you didn’t know him personally. For those of us that were lucky enough to know him and were part of his life, it’s almost impossible to put into words what he meant to us. “In my case, everyone knows he was the athletic director that brought me to LSU. But actually, I’ve known Skip since I was 11 years old. Our families were very close while we lived in Miami. I’ve idolized him for almost my whole life and wanted to grow up and be a coach like he was. As a close friend and confidant, he was always there with advice and encouragement for me. When I came to LSU, I said that I had only one goal as the custodian of the program that Skip built – and that was to make Skip proud! “There is a new hole in my heart today that hurts so much. However, I’m going to try and remember just how grateful and lucky I was to have had Skip in my life for as long as I did.” ***… Former LSU Baseball Coach Paul Mainieri, whom Bertman as athletic director hired as baseball coach before the 2007 season.*** **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Paul Mainieri, skip bertman, verge ausberry --- ### [LSU EDGE Princewill Umanmielen Breaks Down LSU Defense and First Fall Camp As A Tiger](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-edge-princewill-umanmielen-breaks-down-lsu-defense-and-first-fall-camp-as-a-tiger/) **Published:** August 14, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Senior defensive end Princewill Umanmielen was one of four transfers to move from Ole Miss to LSU after head coach Lane Kiffin took his new job in Baton Rouge. He was a star for the Rebels’ defense in 2025, recording nine sacks and 13 tackles for loss. He will look to have a similar impact in coordinator Blake Baker’s defense that did not have a DE with more than two sacks last season. Umanmielen met with media in the Team Room of LSU Football Ops following practice on Thursday. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football, Princewill Umanmielen --- ### [LSU Left Tackle Jordan Seaton Talks Transition To LSU And Revamped Offensive Line](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-left-tackle-jordan-seaton-talks-transition-to-lsu-and-revamped-offensive-line/) **Published:** August 14, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Junior offensive tackle Jordan Seaton anchors the left side of the offensive front. The Colorado transfer allowed just four sacks in his 22 starts and 1,421 offensive snaps during two seasons as a Buffalo. Seaton spoke to Baton Rouge reporters about his fall camp after the team’s sixth preseason practice Thursday. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Jordan Seaton, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football --- ### [STAR Dashawn Spears Discusses LSU Fall Camp - Full Post-Practice Interview](https://www.tigerrag.com/star-dashawn-spears-discusses-lsu-fall-camp-full-post-practice-interview/) **Published:** August 14, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Junior safety Dashawn Spears will be asked to do it all for the Tigers’ defense this season. Playing the dynamic star position in coordinator Blake Baker’s defensive secondary, he will need to be an agile defensive back in coverage and physical linebacker in the box. Spears broke down his role and the rest of the LSU secondary after practice Thursday. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Dashawn Spears, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football --- ### [The DJ-Daniels Digit Drama Drones On - LSU's DJ Pickett And Ex-Tiger Jayden Daniels Make Statements](https://www.tigerrag.com/the-dj-daniels-digit-drama-drones-on-lsus-dj-pickett-and-ex-tiger-jayden-daniels-make-statements/) **Published:** August 13, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Well, there is no cease-and-desist in sight in the DJ Pickett-Jayden Daniels jersey digit drama. The story just kept going and going. First, LSU football coach Lane Kiffin said on Aug. 5 that his sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett is switching from his No. 3 jersey of last year to the No. 5 he was originally promised by former coach Brian Kelly and/or assistant coaches while being recruited as one of the top cornerbacks in the country from Zephyrhills, Florida. Apparently, Kelly and company did not get it cleared with Daniels, the NFL Washington Commanders quarterback since 2024, that they could give his LSU No. 5 to another player. Daniels won the 2023 Heisman Trophy with LSU while wearing No. 5. And the only two previous LSU Heisman winners have never had their jersey worn again by a Tiger. Running back Billy Cannon (No. 20) won the Heisman in 1959 after leading his team to the national title in 1958. And quarterback Joe Burrow (No. 9) won the Heisman in 2019 while leading his team to the national title that season. > [Jayden Daniels Crunching Number Decision By Lane Kiffin, Who Gave Heisman Winner’s No. 5 To DJ Pickett](https://www.tigerrag.com/jayden-daniels-crunching-number-decision-by-lane-kiffin-who-gave-heisman-winners-no-5-to-dj-pickett/) So Kelly never gave the No. 5 to Pickett, who wore No. 3 last season. Then, an attorney representing Daniels wrote a cease-and-desist letter to LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry later that same Aug. 5 day. The letter, which ESPN received and did a story on Wednesday night, demanded that Pickett stop wearing No. 5, or LSU can no longer use Daniels’ name, image and likeness, which can be a very profitable enterprise as he did win the Heisman Trophy for LSU in the 2023 season. Daniels, or perhaps those close to Daniels, were miffed that Kiffin decided to let Pickett wear that No. 5. Then Pickett’s father, Damien Pickett, joined the fray, telling the Baton Rouge Advocate that his son will not cease the wearing of his No. 5 jersey. “Honestly, man, this right here makes us want to wear the number more,” the elder Picket said. > Lane Kiffin already said his piece on the Jayden Daniels-DJ Pickett Digit Drama. So he didn’t add to it today. It IS refreshing that Ole Miss is not involved in this episode. … Or are they? [@kacehk](https://x.com/kacehk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 13, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2087965593450188941?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) After that, Kiffin referred reporters at a regularly scheduled press conference to his previous statements about his desire for Pickett to wear the No. 5. “It was promised to the kid,” Kiffin said. “He should be honored with what he was told. So, he’s wearing it.” Well, all righty then. Then later Thursday, DJ Pickett happened to be one of the three scheduled player interviews for reporters. And Pickett opened with a statement. “About the number situation,” he said. “I wore the number five my whole life, since I was 4 years old. It was the number I was promised. Yeah, and I wish Jayden the best. Good player, and he did real good here. So, that’s all.” No, it’s not folks. Still later Thursday afternoon, Daniels released a statement from the Commanders, who are in training camp. “I have been locked in on training camp and that’s been my number one focus,” Daniels wrote, although training camp started for veterans on July 28 and Daniels practiced on August 5. At some point, he found time to talk to the attorney who wrote th letter to LSU and sent it on August 5. > My guess is that Jayden’s mom is behind the Digit Drama. … And wouldn’t it be funny if Sam Leavitt suddenly asked for No. 9? > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 13, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2087971915524686154?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “I have a lot of gratitude for my time at LSU, and I’m proud of what my teammates and I accomplished there,” Daniels said. “Obviously, there are issues to be worked out between my team and LSU, and my hope is that it will get done privately.” Yes, privately. That might be the right call, but it’s hard not to see numbers, particularly when the season starts and No. 13 LSU plays No. 23 Clemson on national television in prime time on September 5 in Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC). “My sole personal focus is on Commanders’ football,” Daniels continued. “I realize the business of football is unique, and I trust this can all be resolved.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** DJ Pickett, Jayden Daniels, lane kiffin, lsu football, Washington Commanders --- ### [Lane Kiffin Unusually Pleased With New Look Roster and Coaching Staff Through Week Two Of Fall Camp](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-unusually-pleased-with-new-look-roster-and-coaching-staff-through-week-two-of-fall-camp/) **Published:** August 13, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter The Lane Kiffin era at LSU has come with a rebuild of just about every facet of Tigers football. New Athletics Director Verge Ausberry hired Kiffin after his predecessor, Scott Woodward, was fired. Kiffin brought over an almost completely new offensive staff when he replaced former head coach Brian Kelly and his regime. Even the roster itself is built up of mostly newcomers, highlighted by the nation’s top-ranked, 41-player transfer class. Kiffin said those changes seem to be paying off. “I’m very pleased where our team is actually, which I’m normally not right now, but obviously we’ve got a lot of work to do,” Kiffin said in his post-practice press conference Thursday. “No problems in players’ attitudes and playing physical, we repeated goal line today because we weren’t as physical as we’d like defensively, and so, continuing to work through things.” > [LSU Coach Lane Kiffin Fall Camp Press Conference](https://www.tigerrag.com/live-lsu-coach-lane-kiffin-fall-camp-press-conference/) That transition may have been eased by one area in Kiffin’s coaching staff that did not see as much turnover — the defense. Kiffin said he retained the third-year defensive coordinator after speaking with people who worked with the coach and got to know him and his process. Kiffin said he did have some impressions of Baker as an opposing coach while at Ole Miss. “I thought Blake was really complicated on third down and did a really good job giving people problems,” he said. “Always noticed him on the sideline with high energy, and very interactive with the players and have been really impressed with how he connects with the players having been here.” As Kiffin has gotten a closer look at Baker through spring practice, summer organized team activities and more than a week of fall camp, he said that perception has only continued to improve. > [Why Lane Kiffin Made Sure He Retained Blake Baker As Defensive Coordinator](https://www.tigerrag.com/why-lane-kiffin-made-sure-he-retained-blake-baker-as-defensive-coordinator/) “It’s been great,” Kiffin said. “He’s extremely competitive out there. I think that’s very important when you have two coordinators that are really sharp, so they make each other better and expose problems to the other side.” Kiffin gives much of the credit for his often prolific offenses to coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., who has followed Kiffin from Florida Atlantic to Ole Miss and now LSU. While the pair form an accomplished dynamic duo on the offensive side of the ball, Kiffin brought back a familiar face to assist Baker’s defense. Former LSU head coach Ed Orgeron returned to Baton Rouge as a special assistant to recruiting and defense. Coach O, of course, led the team for nearly six years and won a national title as the Tigers’ head coach in 2019 but had not taken a coaching job with any other team since being fired in 2021. Kiffin said the Larose native is meant to be at LSU. “I think it’s the perfect situation for everybody involved,” he said. > [LSU Football: Coach O Is Coming Back To LSU As Special Assistant To Defense And Recruiting](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-coach-o-is-coming-back-to-lsu-as-special-assistant-to-defense-and-recruiting/) In addition to bringing 32 years of coaching experience to the defense, Kiffin said Orgeron is a game changer in recruiting. “You get a great coach, get his energy, all the things you know about him, but to come back to LSU and his passion for the state and the players of the state and growing up here and what that means, obviously having won a national championship on top of that,” Kiffin said. “Then also working for me, we have a background, and it’s pretty easy for him to sit and sell to a kid why to come to LSU and why to play for this head coach more than anyone else on the planet could sell.” ## WR Winnie Watkins Missed Practice Likely With Injury Ole Miss transfer wide receiver Winston Watkins Jr. missed his third straight practice on Thursday. The sophomore was not seen during the portion of practice open to the media, and Kiffin said it is his policy not to give details on individual injuries until official reports are released. “He’s not out there, and we hope he comes back soon,” Kiffin said, “But he’s had a great camp up to that point and done really well and really has been a good leader too.” Watkins was one of the four former Rebels to follow their head coach to Baton Rouge. Watkins made 26 catches for 373 yards and one touchdown in 15 games as a true freshman last year. He has the potential to be a top target for the Tigers this season if he can stay healthy. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** blake baker, ed orgeron, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football, Winston Watkins --- ### [LSU Coach Lane Kiffin Fall Camp Press Conference](https://www.tigerrag.com/live-lsu-coach-lane-kiffin-fall-camp-press-conference/) **Published:** August 13, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Preseason camp is in full swing for LSU football, but the biggest question for the Tigers as week two comes to a close may be off the field. LSU coach Lane Kiffin declined the opportunity to address reports of a cease-and-desist letter LSU received from Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels following sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett’s switch to No. 5. It was Kiffin’s third media appearance since kicking off fall practice on Aug. 5. The offense has continued to build chemistry around quarterback Sam Leavitt while the defense looks to take another step heading into year three under coordinator Blake Baker. The Tigers will have their first scrimmage of preseason practice Saturday. Kiffin answered questions from local media live from the Team Room at LSU Football Ops. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Jayden Daniels, lane kiffin, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football --- ### [DJ Pickett Comments On Jayden Daniels No. 5 Drama - LSU Fall Camp Interview](https://www.tigerrag.com/dj-pickett-comments-on-jayden-daniels-no-5-drama-lsu-fall-camp-interview/) **Published:** August 13, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** LSU sophomore DJ Pickett is primed to be the next shutdown cornerback in the Tigers’ DBU tradition. After a stellar true freshman season where he played all 13 games and made three starts, he switched his jersey number to No. 5, the number LSU Heisman Trophy-winning QB Jayden Daniels wore, and all hell broke loose. Pickett got the chance to address [Daniels’ cease-and-desist ](https://www.tigerrag.com/jayden-daniels-crunching-number-decision-by-lane-kiffin-who-gave-heisman-winners-no-5-to-dj-pickett/)letter and break down his fall camp so far in a post-practice press conference with Baton Rouge media Thursday. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** DJ Pickett, Jayden Daniels, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football --- ### [LSU Football: Ty Benefield Expanding His Cultural Major In Louisiana After Living In Canada, Los Angeles And Idaho](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-ty-benefield-expanding-his-cultural-major-in-louisiana-after-living-in-canada-los-angeles-and-idaho/) **Published:** August 11, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor One of the best things about the NCAA Transfer Portal – though it is likely most athletes do not see it this way – is that it offers the opportunity for players to view their travels as sort of gap years of exploration. Instead of just finding the new school that pays the most, which is probably the road more traveled. LSU senior safety Ty Benefield is only on his second college, having played his first three seasons at Boise State in mostly White Boise, Idaho. But the Canadian grew up in Vancouver, British Columbia, in Canada, also with a smallish Black population. His father, [Daved Benefield](https://theprovince.com/news/vancouver/daved-benefields-life-the-definition-of-prejudice), is from Los Angeles and played linebacker at Cal State Northridge and then for several teams in the Canadian Football League in a 13-year pro career, including the BC Lions in Vancouver. His mother, [A.J. Benefield](https://www.facebook.com/VancouverPoliceDepartment/photos/meet-vpd-sergeant-aj-benefield-i-have-been-with-the-vpd-for-over-22-years-i-have/10157108870446627/), is Canadian and a former war crimes investigator for the United Nations and retired inspector/investigator for the Vancouver Police Department. > [LSU Football Opener Is 41 Days Away: Here Is No. 3 Of 42 Tiger Profiles By Game Week – Safety Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) After his family moved to California in 2020 because of COVID’s impact on Canada, Benefield went to high school just 15 miles from downtown Los Angeles in Altadena, California, at Crean Lutheran High. “Being in California, I got used to the Black culture,” he said. “And having this big Black culture world out here (in Baton Rouge) is just great.” Benefield also knows about the French-Canadian influence (Cajuns) in Louisiana. “Growing up in Canada, I see a lot of ties here,” he said on Monday during player interviews. “There are a lot of French-Canadians and French (heritage) in New Orleans. Louisiana’s pretty cool.” He likes the mix of everything he has seen so far in South Louisiana. “Honestly, just the hospitality and the people here – it’s amazing,” he said. “The fans are unbelievable.” Benefield experienced some home cooking, so to speak, when he said he recently got into a disagreement on TikTok. “I’ve never been defended in a comment section before on TikTok,” he said. “That was the first time, so I was just like, ‘Great. This is awesome. I love these people.’ Everything’s been really good. I’m right where I need to be, and I love it.” Asked what the disagreement was about on TikTok, Benefield said only that he needs to stay away from negative comments on TikTok and other social media. “I like posting positve things,” he said. “And really I need to tak my own advice sometimes, and that’s what a lot of people struggle with. Unfortunately, there are a lot of naysayers, and it is what it is. I love the fans. They defended me. So, love ’em. In this world, there’s so much negativity that’s been focused on.” He said he would rather play his part “as a leader for this team and also for young kids.” While not on social media, Benefield is preparing for the No. 13 Tigers’ season opener against No. 23 Clemson on September 5 in Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC). “I try not to look too forward,” he said. “I like to be where my feet are. But I’d be lying if I told you I didn’t have dreams about games in Death Valley. All I hear is talk about it from the guys. I just can’t wait to play in that stadium, and I know it’s probably going to be the best place I’ve ever played at. So, I’m really excited.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** A.J. Benefield, Addy Benefield, Boise State, Daved Benefield, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Ty Benefield --- ### [Lane Kiffin Opts Not To Weigh In On Jayden Daniels Cease-And-Desist](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-opts-not-to-weigh-in-on-jayden-daniels-cease-and-desist/) **Published:** August 13, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter When LSU Coach Lane Kiffin entered the Team Room at the LSU Football Operations building after practice on Thursday, he, like everyone else in the room, knew exactly what the first question would be. “I commented a week ago on that,” Kiffin said when asked to address the cease-and-desist letter that 2023 LSU Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels sent to LSU via an attorney. “That’s the comment that I had, and we’re moving forward.” > [LSU Coach Lane Kiffin Fall Camp Press Conference](https://www.tigerrag.com/live-lsu-coach-lane-kiffin-fall-camp-press-conference/) The comment Kiffin was referring to was one that explained why LSU sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett’s No. 3 jersety from last year was switched to a No. 5 for this year. “DJ is in number five,” Kiffin said at his preseason practice opening press conference on Aug. 5 – the same day the cease-and-desist letter was setn to LSU. “And that was a situation that was promised to him in recruiting here (by Kelly and/or staff) for him to sign here. And I’ve done a lot of research on that with the family and the representatives and the people. So, really, I didn’t have a decision to make.” Whether or not he sees it as a real choice, the decision Kiffin made was to honor the promise made to Pickett by LSU coaches before Kiffin. Pickett’s father, Damien Pickett, told the Baton Rouge Advocate on Thursday that Kiffin has stood by his son throughout the process. > [DJ Pickett Does Not Plan To Switch From No. 5 After Jayden Daniels’ Cease-And-Desist](https://www.tigerrag.com/dj-pickett-does-not-plan-to-switch-from-no-5-after-jayden-daniels-cease-and-desist/) “When a kid’s promised something to come to a school, he should wear it,” Kiffin continued. “So, I really don’t think that’s my decision. He should be honored with what he was told. So, he’s wearing it.” No Tiger has worn the number of a former LSU Heisman winner at LSU. There has not been a No. 9 since Joe Burrow’s 2019 season or a No. 20 since Billy Cannon’s 1959 campaign when each won the Heisman. Kiffin was asked, “What if a player asked to wear No. 9?” > [Jayden Daniels Crunching Number Decision By Lane Kiffin, Who Gave Heisman Winner’s No. 5 To DJ Pickett](https://www.tigerrag.com/jayden-daniels-crunching-number-decision-by-lane-kiffin-who-gave-heisman-winners-no-5-to-dj-pickett/) “I’m not going to get into that,” he said. “There are a lot to numbers, whether they’re retired, whether they’re not, different versions, and so, I don’t have an answer.” Neither Burrow’s nor Daniels’ number is officially retired due to LSU’s jersey retirement policy that requires athletes be five years removed from competition. Cannon’s number 20 was officially retired. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** DJ Pickett, Jayden Daniels, lane kiffin, lsu football --- ### [DJ Pickett Does Not Plan To Switch From No. 5 After Jayden Daniels' Cease-And-Desist](https://www.tigerrag.com/dj-pickett-does-not-plan-to-switch-from-no-5-after-jayden-daniels-cease-and-desist/) **Published:** August 13, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett’s father, Damien Pickett, told the Baton Rouge Advocate on Thursday that his son has no intentions of changing his jersey number from No. 5. Former LSU Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Jayden Daniels requested that LSU stop using his name, image and likeness in a cease-and-desist letter via an attorney to LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry obtained by ESPN after Pickett switched from No. 3 last season to No. 5 as practice opened for this season last week. Pickett thus became the first player to ever wear the number of an LSU Heisman winner. Billy Cannon’s No. 20 was officially retired shortly after he won the 1959 Heisman – a season after he led the Tigers to an 11-0 national championship in 1958. Quarterback Joe Burrow’s No. 9 has not been retired, but no one has worn No. 9 at LSU since Burrow last wore it in the 2019 season when he won the Heisman and led the Tigers to a national championship and 15-0 record. > EXCLUSIVE: DJ Pickett’s father says that his son still plans to wear the No. 5 for LSU this season despite Jayden Daniels’ cease-and-desist letter to the school about the jersey. > > “Honestly, man, this right here makes us want to wear the number more.” [pic.twitter.com/j2XLIJksTG](https://t.co/j2XLIJksTG) > > — The Advocate (@theadvocatebr) [August 13, 2026](https://x.com/theadvocatebr/status/2087938387986497974?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “Honestly, man, this right here makes us want to wear the number more,” Damien Pickett told The Advocate. Pickett said LSU coach Lane Kiffin has fully supported his son. Kiffin said after LSU’s first fall practice that DJ was promised the number by former head coach Brian Kelly and the previous coaching staff. Kelly confirmed this to ESPN, but said he did not issue the jersey to Pickett in his freshman season last year because Daniels did not approve. “We wish in a perfect world that (Daniels) would have given him his blessing, and just from Tiger to Tiger wish my son well,” Pickett said. Kiffin, though, said he intended to honor a promise made to a high school recruit. “DJ is in number five,” Kiffin said at his preseason practice opening press conference on Aug. 5. “And that was a situation that was promised to him in recruiting here (by Kelly and/or staff) for him to sign here. And I’ve done a lot of research on that with the family and the representatives and the people. So, really, I didn’t have a decision to make. It was promissed to the kid. It wasn’t done for whatever. I’m not going to get into that. I’m not going to judge something that I wasn’t here. When a kid’s promised something to come to a school, he should wear it,” Kiffin said. “So, I really don’t think that’s my decision. He should be honored with what he was told. So, he’s wearing it.” > [Lane Kiffin Opts Not To Weigh In On Jayden Daniels Cease-And-Desist](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-opts-not-to-weigh-in-on-jayden-daniels-cease-and-desist/) Kiffin was asked about the Daniels’ camp cease-and-desist letter at a press conference on Thursday, but decided not to comment. “I commented a week ago on that,” Kiffin said Thursday. “That’s the comment that I had, and we’re moving forward.” Pickett liked Kiffin’s stance of last week. “I have the utmost respect for him honoring what was promised to my son,” Pickett said. > [Jayden Daniels Crunching Number Decision By Lane Kiffin, Who Gave Heisman Winner’s No. 5 To DJ Pickett](https://www.tigerrag.com/jayden-daniels-crunching-number-decision-by-lane-kiffin-who-gave-heisman-winners-no-5-to-dj-pickett/) Pickett said his son wears the number to honor his older brother Jaylen, who wore No. 5 like many other former athletes in the Pickett family. DJ Pickett also has a tattoo of the number on his left arm. “He’s been put in the middle of something that has nothing to do with him,” Pickett’s father said. “My boy’s been wearing No. 5 his whole life.” Damien Pickett said the family did not know about the cease-and-desist letter, which was sent on the first day of fall camp on Aug. 5, until ESPN broke the story on Wednesday night. Pickett said his frustration lies more with Kelly and his staff for making a promise to his son without Daniels’ approval. “We never in a million years would have thought that it would come to this about a number, but we’re here,” Pickett said. “Again, my boy doesn’t really care for the attention. It’s disappointing, considering that we’re ready to start the season.” No. 13 LSU opens the 2026 season against No. 23 Clemson on Sept. 5 in Tiger Stadium on national ABC television at 6;30 p.m. “To have a situation like this happen right now, considering that Jayden is a legend at LSU, and it’s out that he’s not supportive of my son wearing his number, is very disappointing,” Pickett said. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** DJ Pickett, Jayden Daniels, lane kiffin, lsu football --- ### [Ex-LSU Star Kayshon Boutte Has "Come A Long Way" Since Gambling Addiction Exploded - Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/ex-lsu-star-kayshon-boutte-has-come-a-long-way-since-gambling-addiction-exploded-tiger-rag-radio/) **Published:** August 13, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Not only did former LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte lose a large bet he made on the LSU-Florida State football game on Sept. 4, 2022, in the Louisiana Superdome. He also got caught betting on himself. Boutte, who is now in his fourth year with the New England Patriots after they drafted him in the sixth round in 2023, bet on his yardage and touchdown totals. He caught all of two passes for 20 yards in a 24-23 loss, coming out far under. “He bet on himself to hit his overs in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns, police discovered,” Baton Rouge Advocate sports writer Reed Darcy said on Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night. “So, that bet didn’t hit.” Hear Darcy’s entire guest appearance by clicking the arrow below: Most of Boutte’s bets missed. “In total, he lost probably $80,000 to $90,000,” said Darcy, whose detailed feature on Boutte appeared in the Baton Rouge Advocate last Monday. [KAYSHON BOUTTE’S BAD BETS AND COMEBACK](https://www.nola.com/sports/lsu/football/kayshon-boutte-gambling-lsu-football-patriots/article_dcc060ae-b8b8-4459-8553-9e96d38b176b.html) “He acknowledges now that he had a really serious problem,” Darcy said. Darcy said there are comparisons to former Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby, whom LSU tried to sign last January out of the transfer portal before he chose Texas Tech. Because of evidence of his gambling addiction, Sorsby was banned from college football and a supplemental draft for the 2026 season. He is not eligible for the draft until 2027. Boutte’s gambling addiction did not come to light until he was already in the NFL. He was charged with felony computer fraud and a misdemeanor for gaming while under age 21. The charges were dropped when he entered a gambling awareness program. He caught 78 passes for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns last season with the Patriots and caught 43 passes for 589 yards and three touchdowns in 2024 after playing sparingly as a rookie in 2023. At LSU, Boutte, now 24, caught 131 passes for 1,781 yards and 16 touchdowns from 2020-22. “He’s really come a long way,” Darcy said. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Kayshon Boutte, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, New England Patriots, Reed Darcy --- ### [LSU Soccer Loses Season Opener, 2-0, At Wake Forest](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-soccer-loses-season-opener-2-0-at-wake-forest/) **Published:** August 13, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES **WINSTON-SALEM, North Carolina –** The No. 16 LSU soccer team fell at No. 18 Wake Forest, 2-0, in its season opener on Wednesday night at Spry Stadium. The Tigers (0-1) and Demon Deacons (1-0) played to a scoreless draw through the opening 45 minutes with both teams recording eight shots. LSU created several chances of its own in the opening half. Sophomore [Sariyah Bailey](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/sariyah-bailey) forced a save from Wake Forest goalkeeper Valentina Amaral in the 21st minute, while senior [Ava Galligan](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/ava-galligan) had three shots in a seven-minute span midway through the half. Freshman [Ryleigh Albin](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/ryleigh-albin) also put a shot on target in the 31st minute, but Amaral made the save to keep the match scoreless. The Tigers continued to pressure early in the second half, earning four corner kicks in the opening 12 minutes. Senior [Brielyn Knowles](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/brielyn-knowles) put a shot on target in the 54th minute, but Amaral again came up with the save. Wake Forest broke through in the 69th minute when Dempsey Brown scored the first goal of the match, giving the Demon Deacons a 1-0 advantage. The Tigers play for the first time at home on Sunday against Northwestern State (6 p.m., SEC Network+). > [LSU Athletics Home Season Kicks Off Sunday With Soccer Team Hosting Northwestern State](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-athletics-season-kicks-off-sunday-with-soccer-team-hosting-northwestern-state/) LSU continued to push for the equalizer and nearly found it through junior [Linka Ono](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/linka-ono), who recorded back-to-back shots on target in the 76th minute. Amaral turned both attempts away, however, preserving Wake Forest’s lead. The Demon Deacons added an insurance goal in the 87th minute when Kylie Maxwell found the back of the net off assists from Lola Ressler and Riley Cross. No. 16 LSU finished the night with 14 shots, including five on target, while Wake Forest recorded 17 shots and seven on target. The Tigers held an 8-6 advantage in corner kicks, and both teams finished with five saves. LSU goalkeeper [Audur Scheving](https://lsusports.net/sports/sc/roster/player/audur-scheving) made five saves in her LSU debut. Galligan led the Tigers with five shots, while Bailey finished with three shots and one on target. Ono recorded both of LSU’s shots on goal in the final 15 minutes. LSU returns to action Sunday, August 16, when the Tigers host Northwestern State for their home opener at 6 p.m. CT on SEC Network+. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Soccer **Tags:** lsu, lsu soccer, LSU Tigers --- ### [Jayden Daniels Crunching Number Decision By Lane Kiffin, Who Gave Heisman Winner's No. 5 To DJ Pickett](https://www.tigerrag.com/jayden-daniels-crunching-number-decision-by-lane-kiffin-who-gave-heisman-winners-no-5-to-dj-pickett/) **Published:** August 13, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU and former Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Jayden Daniels are crunching the number. Daniels, the Washington Commanders quarterback who won the Heisman at LSU in the 2023 season, had his attorney inform LSU by letter to athletic director Verge Ausberry on Aug. 5. The cease and desist letter says LSU can no longer use Daniels’ name, image and likeness, because it gave his jersey number 5 to another player, according to an ESPN story on Wednesday night. LSU football coach Lane Kiffin gave Tigers’ sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett Daniels’ No. 5 jersey as preseason practices began on Aug. 5. Pickett, a five-star signee from Zephyrhills, Florida, in 2025, wore No. 3 as a freshman last year for then-coach Brian Kelly. Daniels wore No. 5 at LSU in 2022 and ’23 after Kelly signed him as a transfer from Arizona State. Daniels became the Tigers’ third Heisman Trophy winner in history that season, and no one has ever worn the jersey number of the previous two Heisman winners ever again. Those were running back Billy Cannon (No. 20) in 1959 and quarterback Joe Burrow (No. 9) in 2019 when the Tigers won the national championship at 15-0. Cannon’s number was officially retired. Burrow’s was not retired, but no one has been given that number since. > [‘Life-changing experience’: LSU’s Jayden Daniels experiences whirlwind since winning Heisman Trophy](https://www.tigerrag.com/life-changing-experience-lsus-jayden-daniels-experiences-whirlwind-since-winning-heisman-trophy/) “DJ is in number five,” Kiffin said at his preseason practice opening press conference on Aug. 5. “And that was a situation that was promised to him in recruiting here (by Kelly and/or staff) for him to sign here. And I’ve done a lot of research on that with the family and the representatives and the people. So, really, I didn’t have a decision to make.” But he still made the decision. “It was promissed to the kid,” Kiffin said. “It wasn’t done for whatever. I’m not going to get into that. I’m not going to judge something that I wasn’t here.” But he just did and did again. “When a kid’s promised something to come to a school, he should wear it,” Kiffin said. “So, I really don’t think that’s my decision. He should be honored with what he was told. So, he’s wearing it.” Kelly confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday that the No. 5 was promised to Pickett during his recruitment, but he said he later decided against giving him the number because Daniels didn’t like the idea. “I just wasn’t prepared to do it until we got a full commitment from another Heisman Trophy winner,” Kelly told ESPN. “We didn’t want to issue No. 9 (Burrow’s number), so you can’t treat one differently from the other.” Kelly was fired during the 2025 season, which was his fourth at LSU. The Tigers did not make the playoffs under Kelly as Daniels is LSU’s only Heisman winner to not win a national title. Cannon won the national championship with LSU in 1958 – a year before winning the Heisman. Daniels led LSU to 10-4 season in 2022 with a SEC Championship Game invite after winning the West with a 6-2 record that included a 32-31 overtime victory over No. 6 Alabama in Tiger Stadium. The Tigers followed that with a 10-3 and 6-2 season in 2023 as Daniels set the FBS record for passer rating at 208 while throwing for 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns. He also rushed for 1,134 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Commanders took Daniels with the No. 2 pick of the 2024 NFL Draft and was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year. “The Daniels family is deeply disappointed and feels profoundly disrespected by LSU’s decision to give Jayden’s number to another player,” a Daniels’ spokesperson said. “Jayden and his family had every reason to believe that his number would remain a meaningful part of his LSU legacy and would be honored and protected in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to the university.” Ausberry initially declined comment to Tiger Rag on Thursday morning. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** brian kelly, DJ Pickett, heisman trophy, Jayden Daniels, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Baseball Signee Luke Tucker Opts For Junior College, But Expected To Return To The Tigers](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-signee-luke-tucker-opts-for-junior-college-but-expected-to-return-to-the-tigers/) **Published:** August 13, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU shortstop signee Luke Tucker of Krum, Texas, near Denton plans to attend McLennan Community College in Waco and likely return to the Tigers after a season or two. Tucker (6-foot-4, 210 pounds) made that announcement on social media on Wednesday. > Good luck Luke Tucker geaux get some valuable experience and come back in a big way geaux tigers [pic.twitter.com/8iCiuLeRJY](https://t.co/8iCiuLeRJY) > > — Robert (Robbie) Plaisance ⚾🏈🏀🇺🇸 (@robplaisance) [August 12, 2026](https://x.com/robplaisance/status/2087615393062105173?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Ranked as the 292nd prospect in the country and No. 79 shortstop by Perfect Game out of Krum High School, Tucker originally committed to Arkansas State, but signed with LSU coach Jay Johnson on Nov. 12. “It was crazy,” Tucker told the Denton Record Chronicle at the time of his flip to LSU. “I had a breakout summer, played pretty well on the circuit. I got to meet with Jay Johnson, and I just knew from the start that he was the guy. He’s the man.” > [LSU Baseball Gets Blockbuster Pitcher Logan Schmidt – 2nd Round Pick Who Turned Down Cleveland](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-gets-blockbuster-pitcher-logan-schmidt-2nd-round-pick-who-turned-down-cleveland/) Tucker was not taken in the Major League Baseball Draft last July. LSU’s roster is crowded at 39 players with Tucker off that list for 2027. The NCAA roster limit is technically 34, but programs can keep extra players through the designated student-athletes rule, which has no specific limit. Under the terms of a previous NCAA settlement, current student-athletes who were already on rosters or promised spots before a specific cutoff date can be grandfathered in as designated student-athletes, who do not count toward the 34-player cap for 2027. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, Logan Schmidt, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Luke Tucker --- ### [Alleluia! Will Wade May Have Just Found A Player Via The Judge's Ruling On 2022 Signees Seeking A 5th Year](https://www.tigerrag.com/alleluia-will-wade-may-have-just-found-a-player-via-the-judges-ruling-on-2022-signees-seeking-a-5th-year/) **Published:** August 12, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor There is room at the LSU Basketball Inn. That’s for sure. While LSU’s athletics website lists only four players on the men’s basketball roster, coach Will Wade has maintained that he will have enough on his roster by the time school starts on Aug. 24. And he has gone dark with no roster additions since mid-June when he added a prep commitment from a forward out of Northside Christian School in St. Petersburg, Florida, named Jordan Bender, who does not appear on any major recruiting websites. Wade’s four portal signees on the roster from a class ranked No. 44 nationally by 247sports.com are No. 11 small forward Mouhamed Dioubate (No. 68 overall) of Kentucky, No. 26 shooting guard Abdi Bashri (132 overall) of Kansas State, No. 48 point guard Divine Ugochukwu (243 overall) of Michigan State and unranked guard Austin Nunez of Texas-San Antonio. He does have four international commitments who remain unsigned at the moment – forward Saliou Niang of Italy, center Marcio Santos of Brazil, center Brice Dessert of France and forward Michael Ruzic of Croatia. And there is a commitment from former St. John’s star forward RJ Luis, who last played collegiately in 2024-25, averaging 18.2 points and 7.2 rebounds in being named the Big East player of the year. Only problem with him is he signed NBA contracts with the Utah Jazz and Boston Celtics, and will likely need a legal fast break to get eligible for the Tigers this season. > BREAKING: UCLA transfer guard Skyy Clark has committed to LSU, [@JoeTipton](https://x.com/JoeTipton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) reports🐯 [pic.twitter.com/brPDs06eqK](https://t.co/brPDs06eqK) > > — On3 (@On3) [August 12, 2026](https://x.com/On3/status/2087686584220975225?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) But a courtroom ruling by U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney in Colorado early this month could get Wade a much-needed new player. Sweeney ruled that college athletes who signed in 2022 can get a fifth year of eligibility because of the NCAA’s new rules instituting five-year athletic careers instead of four in five. > Sources: UCLA transfer Skyy Clark has committed to LSU. > > Averaged 11.5 PPG last season and entered the Transfer Portal in April. > > Clark is seeking a fifth year of eligibility during the 2026-27 season. > > — Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) [August 12, 2026](https://x.com/JonRothstein/status/2087685868106518935?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) And on Wednesday, UCLA guard Skyy Clark reportedly committed to Wade for a fifth season. The NCAA is battling to overturn Sweeney’s ruling, though. But it is still fun to think about Luis and Clark playing for the Tigers. Clark (6-foot-3, 210 pounds) averaged 11.5 points, 2.0 assists, 1.2 steals and hit 47 percent from 3-point range last season for UCLA, which finished 24-12 and 13-7 in the Big Ten and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament. He averged 8.5 points and 2.7 assists with 1.3 steals in 2024-25 at UCLA. At Louisville in 2023-24, he scored 13.2 a game with 3.0 assists a game. As a freshman at Illinois in 2022-23, he scored 7.0 points a game with 2.1 assists. In 2022, he signed with Illinois as the No. 34 prospect in the country, No. 7 point guard and No. 8 player in Florida from Montverde Academy in Montverde, Florida. He is not ranked as a portal player since the judge’s ruling just happened a little over a week ago. Clark is used to travel. LSU would be his fourth college, and Montverde was his third high school. Born in Minneapolis, Clark grew up in the Los Angeles area and played his first two prep seasons at Heritage Christian in Northridge, California, near L.A. Then he played at Ensworth High in Nashville before moving to Florida. LSU practice begins on Sept. 21, and its season opener is on Nov. 3 against LSU-New Orleans. **LANE KIFFIN ON ADDING PLAYERS RELATED TO 2022 RULING** Meanwhile, LSU football coach Lane Kiffin, whose roster is full, did not seem very interested in the new crop of 2022 football players suddenly available via the Sweeney fifth-year ruling. “We look at everything, so we would be prepared for that,” he said when asked if he would consider adding any fifth-year seniors who began their careers in 2022 this close to the season. But he didn’t sound convincing. The No. 13 Tigers open the season on Sept. 5 against No. 23 Clemson in Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC). “I don’t know what that would mean,” he said. “You’ve always got to look at who they are, and will they learn your systems and all those things coming that late? They haven’t been with programs for seven months. And where some are at (like at LSU), the coaches have changed at a number of them. And there are places that don’t want them back because they’re full at that position, or there are new coaches there.” LSU fans have asked on various radio talk shows about Kiffin possibly adding defensive linemen Bernard Gooden and Jack Pyburn, who were seniors in 2025 at LSU. But Gooden actually began his college career in 2021 at Wake Forest, not in 2022 for the court ruling. Pyburn did begin his college career in 2022 at Florida, but he recently joined Tampa Bay in the NFL as an undrafted free agent. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** lsu basketball, Skyy Clark, UCLA, will wade --- ### [Lane Kiffin's Freshmen Defensive Linemen Are The Most Talented He's Coached](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-freshmen-defensive-linemen-are-the-most-talented-hes-coached/) **Published:** August 12, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter A group of LSU true freshmen defensive linemen have the chance to make history. Defensive tackles [Deuce Geralds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) and [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) and defensive end [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) have all earned looks with the first-team defense through the first week of fall camp. If even one of them earns a starting spot in LSU’s season opener versus Clemson, it would be historic. Two making the cut would be almost unheard of. Geralds and Anderson have a real shot. Since 1995, only three true freshmen defensive linemen have started a season opener – tackle Johnny Mitchell in 1996, end Theo Williams in 1996 and tackle Booger McFarland in 1995. Mitchell notably only started that 1996 matchup against Houston because McFarland, a sophomore that season, was sidelined with an injury. LSU coach Lane Kiffin said after practice on Monday that the Tigers’ current group boasts the most freshman talent on a D-line he or special defensive assistant Ed Orgeron has ever coached. Orgeron was LSU’s head coach for part of 2016 through the 2021 regular season and won the national championship in the 2019 season. He was an LSU defensive line coach in 2015 and for the first four games of 2016 before becoming interim head coach, then head coach. > [Lane Kiffin Recaps First Day Of LSU Fall Camp](https://www.tigerrag.com/live-lane-kiffin-recaps-first-day-of-lsu-fall-camp/) “I was kind of thinking about all the places over the years we’ve been and even when we’ve been together or separate, and neither of us has had that,” Kiffin said of his coaching years with Orgeron at USC, Tennessee, USC again and now LSU. “It’s really unique to have nowadays, because now they’re more spread out usually, where before you could take more numbers. And so, maybe then you hit on some and got that. But it’s really exciting.” Kiffin also made it a point to mention first-year edge rusher Trenton Henderson (6-foot-4, 243 pounds), a consensus 4-star prospect who ranked as high as No. 8 nationally at his position by [247Sports.com](http://247sports.com) before signing with LSU in the 2026 class from Pine Forest High in Pensacola, Florida. Kiffin said all four of the newcomers have impressed, but Geralds (6-1, 279), Anderson (6-3, 339) and Brown (6-5, 294) are the ones to watch as far as making an impact this season. “All of them have a chance to play. Those three specifically are playing a lot,” he said. With the NCAA’s new five-year, age-based eligibility model, there is no reason not to play true freshmen, even just occasionally. In the five-years-to-play-four model, coaches tended to want to save true freshmen and red-shirt them so they could be fifth-year seniors. Coaches no longer have to worry about preserving a red-shirt season to earn another year of eligibility. That could pave the way for heavy rotational usage for the early years for backups. > [@thedeucegeralds\_](https://www.tiktok.com/@thedeucegeralds_?refer=embed "@thedeucegeralds_")Watch me work [\#fyp](https://www.tiktok.com/tag/fyp?refer=embed "fyp") [\#deucegeralds](https://www.tiktok.com/tag/deucegeralds?refer=embed "deucegeralds") > > [♬ original sound – Fendikaay](https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7580497360862595895?refer=embed "♬ original sound - Fendikaay") In the edge rusher room, transfers Princewill Umanmielen (6-4, 244) and [Jordan Ross](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-28-can-lsu-unlock-the-potential-of-tennessee-transfer-edge-jordan-ross/) (6-5, 246) have been penciled into the starting spots since committing to LSU. The interior of the line, though, seems wide open. Former five-star junior [Dominick McKinley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-25-defensive-tackle-dominick-mckinley/) (6-6, 297) has been relegated to third team at times this camp. Auburn transfer [Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) (6-3, 286) has been with the first team here and there, while Clemson transfer Stephiylan Green (6-3, 296) has either been with the second or third teams. Geralds (6-1, 279) was the most surprising of the freshman trio to contend for playing time right away, but now may have the best shot at being an immediate starter. The Suwanee, Georgia, native was rated as a four-star prospect and ranked as high as the No. 2 defensive tackle in the 2026 class by ESPN. He holds the all-time sack record in Georgia high school football with 53.5. His smaller size, though, raises concerns that his prep production may not translate to the Southeastern Conference. Geralds has quickly quieted that so far by using his low leverage and mature rush technique to move to the first team. Anderson (6-3, 339) was the nation’s top tackle out of Edna Karr High in New Orleans. The five-star’s massive frame gave him potential to make a smooth transition to college, but he needed the spring to refine his game. Now, he too is contending for a starting spot. Brown (6-5, 294) is a five-star University High School product who ranked as ESPN’s No. 1 overall prospect in this year’s freshman class. He did not enroll early like the other two, so he did not have the spring to practice. Despite his delay, Brown has solidified himself in the second-team rotation amid a few first team looks. Kiffin is not the only one raving about the young talents, either. Fifth-year senior starting center [Braelin Moore](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-in-29-days-and-here-is-player-profile-no-26-center-braelin-moore/) also praised the trio on Monday. “Those guys are going to be crazy talented,” he said. “Their future is so bright. I’ve played in the ACC, played against good Clemson teams, played in the SEC. Those freshmen are developed more than some of the players I played in their fourth year.” Moore (6-2, 301) started 24 games in three seasons at Virginia Tech and started 12 more as the Tigers’ center last year. He gave a breakdown of each of the freshmen after having to block against them. > [LSU Center Braelin Moore Fall Camp Press Conference](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-center-braelin-moore-fall-camp-press-conference/) “Deuce is an extremely talented pass rusher, ” Moore said. “His bag is endless. And then when it comes to Richard, he is a powerful dude. Can eat up double teams, could just cause chaos in the backfield. And then Lamar’s kind of a switch up. He’s an edge rusher, but he could also move into three technique (at tackle). He has that power. So he could work finesse, and he could just go right through you.” Other defenders have noticed a difference from the true freshmen as well. “Those guys up front are doing a great job,” safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) said. “Of course, they’re young, and they’re going to make little mistakes. But from what I’ve seen, this is one of the most talented young defensive lines I’ve seen.” > [LSU Transfer Safety Ty Benefield Excited For His Welcome To Death Valley – Full Post-Practice Interview](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-transfer-safety-ty-benefield-excited-for-his-welcome-to-death-valley-full-post-practice-interview/) Benefield (6-3, 208) started 33 games in three seasons at Boise State. He was a first team All-Mountain West selection last year and said that this year’s LSU defense could be the best in the nation. The miscues is why many coaches are leaning on more experienced transfers, but Kiffin sounds like he may gamble with youth. “It’s really exciting in an age that a lot of people play older portal players,” he said. “It’s been lost a little bit – significant freshmen playing, because there are challenges with playing them. They make more mistakes. And with a challenging schedule, and the way that it’s set up now and more competitive than ever, it’s even harder to have some of those games early.” No. 13 LSU, for example, opens the season on Sept. 5 against No. 23 Clemson, and Tiger fans may not have to wait long to find out if Geralds, Anderson and Brown are the real deal. If not right away, it appears LSU’s defensive line room has a bright future. “It’s an awesome situation to be in,” Kiffin concluded. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Deuce Geralds, Lamar Brown, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football, Richard Anderson --- ### [Reporters End Lawsuit Seeking LSU Athletes' Revenue Share Records After State Law Changes](https://www.tigerrag.com/reporters-end-lawsuit-seeking-lsu-athletes-revenue-share-records-after-state-law-changes/) **Published:** August 12, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By GREG LAROSE, Louisiana Illuminator/Tiger Rag Magazine Three media outlets that sued LSU to obtain records that detail how its athletics department spends public, revenue share money on student-athletes have agreed to end the case now that a new state law shields that information from disclosure. Louisiana Illuminator’s Piper Hutchinson, Chris Nakamoto with WAFB-TV and Tiger Rag executive editor Todd Horne filed suit last March against LSU, which had rejected public records requests from the journalists. They sought records showing how LSU uses the revenue share money its athletics programs generate that are legally considered state dollars from sources such as ticket sales, media deals and corporate sponsorships, to pay student athletes. Division I college athletics departments like LSU are part of a federal court settlement that allows them to share their self-generated revenue with student-athletes. This money stream is separate from the Name, Image & Likeness (NIL) deals players make with sponsors, which are private arrangements already exempt from Louisiana’s public records law. Once the journalists’ lawsuit was filed, state lawmakers advanced legislation to prevent public access to self-generated revenue records. [Act 818](https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?s=26RS&b=HB608&sbi=y), sponsored by Rep. Tehmi Chassion (Democrat-Lafayette), went into effect on June 8 with Governor Jeff Landry’s signature. In the final days of the legislative session this summer, lawmakers added a retroactivity clause to the bill. While the reporters and their attorney believe this clause is unconstitutional, it essentially neutralized their lawsuit. > [Tiger Rag, Louisiana Illuminator, WAFB-TV Suing LSU For Public Records Of Pay To Tiger Athletes](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-louisiana-illuminator-wafb-tv-suing-lsu-for-public-records-of-pay-to-tiger-athletes/) Scott Sternberg, a First Amendment attorney representing the reporters, said LSU agreed to cover their court filing costs in exchange for the plaintiffs dropping their lawsuit. “In Louisiana, our constitution preserves the right of access to public documents, but in this case, taxpayer money would be wasted if we continued on, and so the suit is being dismissed,” Sternberg said. In court filings, lawyers for LSU argued the revenue records being sought were covered under the NIL exemption to the state’s public records law and protected under federal student privacy law. If the revenue-sharing information was made public, LSU’s teams would be put at a competitive disadvantage in the student-athlete marketplace, the attorneys said. > [Why Tiger Rag Is Suing LSU Over Athlete Pay Records — And What It Means For College Sports](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-athlete-pay-lawsuit-public-records/) Federal student privacy laws do not provide an exception for all student records. LSU has in the past provided student records in response to reporters’ requests, including student-athlete information. The university has also previously made public information on how much it pays its coaches and top administrators without mentioning any competitive concerns. Historically, the state has treated self-generated money from its universities as public money subject to wide scrutiny. Lawmakers are required to approve how these resources are spent. Throughout the course of the lawsuit, the plaintiffs and their legal team were subject to a harassment campaign on social media. The messages included violent threats, some sexual in nature. One plaintiff was physically assaulted and another had their property vandalized after the lawsuit was filed. The threats became prevalent enough for Chassion to condemn the behavior in a floor speech seeking support for his legislation. Act 818 is the latest in a string of new exemptions to Louisiana’s public records law in recent years. Most recently, state lawmakers have voted to withhold details on the governor’s schedule and travel, economic development negotiations and higher education leadership candidates. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu football, LSU Revenue Share, LSU Tigers, Tiger Rag --- ### [Lane Kiffin Ceiling Is 9 Wins, Says National College Football Writer Brett McMurphy On Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-ceiling-is-9-wins-says-national-college-football-writer-brett-mcmurphy-on-tiger-rag-radio/) **Published:** August 12, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor If LSU football coach Lane Kiffin wins 10 games in his first season with the Tigers, No. 10 will be in the Southeastern Conference Championship Game, or the College Football Playoff, or a bowl game. That is how national college football writer Brett McMurphy of On3.com sees it. “I hate to say ceiling,” McMurphy said on Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night. “Because you guys will clip this, and then I’ll get very buried on Twitter. But I think nine’s the ceiling in the regular season.” And here’s that “clip.” Click the white arrow in the red box for McMurphy’s complete gues appearance on Tiger Rag Radio. “It’s because of the schedule and the pressure that’s going to be on this team on a day-to-day basis because of the expectations,” McMurphy said. “They’ve won national championships with three of the last four coaches (Nick Saban, Les Miles, Ed Orgeron). So, the expectation is not to win the SEC. It’s to win the national championship.” LSU, which is ranked No. 13 in the USA Today coaches’ poll, opens the season on Sept. 5 against No. 23 Clemson in Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC). “It’s going to be fascinating,” McMurphy said of Kiffin’s first season. “Must-watch TV. You know how polarizing Lane is. Everyone’s got September 19 circled.” > Lane Kiffin gave up tweeting after the Vanity Fair controversy. But with comments like this about Ole Miss, he might as well still be tweeting. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 12, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2087371537166774329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) LSU plays at Ole Miss, where Kiffin coached from 2020-25, on Sept. 19 (6:30 p.m., ABC). “It’ll be an interesting season,” McMurphy said. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** brett mcmurphy, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio: Where Does LSU Stand After Week One of Fall Camp?](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-where-does-lsu-stand-after-week-one-of-fall-camp/) **Published:** August 12, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** LSU coach Lane Kiffin’s Tigers completed their first week of preseason practice. We break down the latest comments from Kiffin and quarterback Sam Leavitt’s first Baton Rouge media appearance. Brett McMurphy with on3.com gives a national perspective on the Tigers and their grueling nine-game Southeastern Conference schedule. ***Here is the complete transcript of the show from YouTube. Tiger Rag apologizes for any AI generated mistakes:*** 0:00 0 seconds Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. Tiger Rag Radio is on the air. Let’s crank this thing up. 0:06 6 seconds We’re statewide breaking down the latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is up. Hear from the coaches. Our time is now with LSU basketball. 0:14 14 seconds The players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 0:17 17 seconds One way or another, we’re going to make history. 0:19 19 seconds And those who cover the Fighting Tigers of LSU and the SEC. LSU is the best job in football. It’s 2 hours of non-stop LSU talk. 0:28 28 seconds We came here to win. We’re going to win immediately. 0:30 30 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is brought to you by Cumins. Cumins creates power solutions that the world depends on. Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro’s 0:38 38 seconds Electrical Services, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 0:45 45 seconds Get ready to talk Tigers with producer Case Kishnik and our host Todd Horn, Jeff Polalmo, and Glenn Gilbo. 0:54 54 seconds Tiger players and better people than they are players. This is Tiger Rag Radio and good evening everyone. Welcome to 1:03 1 minute, 3 seconds another edition of Tiger Rag Radio. We are a week into pre-season camp. I’m Jeff Polmo, news and sports director of 1:10 1 minute, 10 seconds Louisiana Radio Network along with the executive editor for Tiger Rag magazine, Todd Horn. Case Kishnik, LRN reporter 1:17 1 minute, 17 seconds and Tiger Rag reporter and our producer is with us tonight. And Gwen Gilbo is about ready to sweat as he is out over 1:24 1 minute, 24 seconds at LSU football ops as there is an evening practice and the media will be allotted to watch three periods which 1:32 1 minute, 32 seconds will last about 15 minutes. But uh we may hear from Glenn later on in the show. We will hear or we hope to hear 1:39 1 minute, 39 seconds from Brett Mcmurphy from on three national college football writer. We’ll get his take on not only big topics in the SEC but nationally. And there’s 1:48 1 minute, 48 seconds always a lot to talk about when it comes to college football, whether it’s college football playoff expansion, some new rules. By the way, I love the new uh 1:58 1 minute, 58 seconds the new change to targeting. Uh we’ll get into that here in a little bit later on. Uh we’ll join up with Sam Hutchkins. You know, last time we had Sam on. 2:06 2 minutes, 6 seconds That’s when it it broke that Miss was suing a couple of LSU players and Prince Will Uman and Devin Harper. Uh, I was 2:15 2 minutes, 15 seconds hoping maybe some more breaking news would happen right before we would get Sam on, but we got an hour for maybe something to occur, but hopefully we’ll 2:23 2 minutes, 23 seconds get a update from Sam on where they are at with that lawsuit and how things are going in Oxford for them and preseason 2:30 2 minutes, 30 seconds camp. And then Reed Darcy of the Advocate had an excellent piece on Kahan Booty, of course, the wide receiver for the New England Patriots, who has 2:39 2 minutes, 39 seconds rehabilitated his life after a gambling problem. and he’s a better man for it. 2:45 2 minutes, 45 seconds And Reed had a really good article on him. And we’ll have to talk to Reed as well about the LSU women’s basketball schedule that came out today. Very 2:53 2 minutes, 53 seconds difficult stretch towards the end of the regular season and we’ll get Reed’s t uh we’ll get Reed’s thoughts on that. But 3:02 3 minutes, 2 seconds uh Todd, we are here. It’s preseason camp. We’ve heard from Lane Keifin twice. We’ll hear from him again on Thursday. Looking forward to hearing 3:10 3 minutes, 10 seconds from Blake Baker on Friday. We do get a chance to talk with the coordinators. 3:15 3 minutes, 15 seconds Charlie Weiss will also speak with the media. But your big takeaway so far after what are we at? Four practices in 3:23 3 minutes, 23 seconds the book. So maybe five five or six something like that. I think they look really good in shorts. 3:28 3 minutes, 28 seconds Uh and shells. 3:30 3 minutes, 30 seconds And shells. Yeah. I think and and what you said we’re at a week actually a week tomorrow. 3:36 3 minutes, 36 seconds Yeah. This was the first practice cumulative about 30 minutes probably give or take a few. I really don’t know 3:45 3 minutes, 45 seconds how you can surmise that much. I mean I do say that you can see that they’re a 3:52 3 minutes, 52 seconds talented team right in terms of individual talent. And you can see that on paper too. 3:57 3 minutes, 57 seconds You can see that on paper but you can certainly see it, you know, passes the eye test in in shorts and shells. Um but that’s about it. Yeah. 4:06 4 minutes, 6 seconds And and you know, you mentioned they’re going to be able to hopefully view three three uh sessions tonight. You know, 4:14 4 minutes, 14 seconds three rounds that that could last 15 minutes, it could last 10. It depends on how how long those rounds are. 4:21 4 minutes, 21 seconds I you know, there has been some news that’s come out and case has been out there several times and and we’ll call 4:28 4 minutes, 28 seconds on him to report it. We’ve got a lot of a lot of good sound. Yeah. Like you mentioned, Kean’s talked twice. Uh, we 4:36 4 minutes, 36 seconds heard from Sam Levit for the first time, which was great. 4:38 4 minutes, 38 seconds Yeah. And and we got some really good sound bites from that. I love Ty Benfield. I I you know, what I’ve seen of him on the field over the course of 4:48 4 minutes, 48 seconds the last couple of months has really been impressive. I think he I think you know that I think LSU’s defense is going to be really good. Um, but I think the 4:57 4 minutes, 57 seconds defensive backfield is going to be their strength. And I’ve thought that on paper and I think that there’s a there’s a 5:03 5 minutes, 3 seconds case that can be made by case. Um that that that’s the case. Yeah. Um well, speaking of case, well, why don’t 5:12 5 minutes, 12 seconds we ask him uh some of your observations, Case, of uh not only being out in practice, but also digesting what Lang 5:19 5 minutes, 19 seconds Keifin and Sam Levit along with Todd Benfield and Brilen Moore have had to say so far here in the first few days of 5:26 5 minutes, 26 seconds camp. Yeah, I mean I think you touched on the biggest takeaway for me from the, you know, brief experience that I’ve had 5:34 5 minutes, 34 seconds watching the team. I wasn’t out there in the spring and so the these fall practices were my first time seeing these guys in person and Tai Benfield 5:43 5 minutes, 43 seconds just looks like a guy. You know, he’s a head taller than everyone else in that safety room. He looks like almost an NFL 5:51 5 minutes, 51 seconds ready player. And that really shows all you’re doing is looking at him standing there, you know, of course, but uh it really seems like all the reports 5:59 5 minutes, 59 seconds coming out of the spring and everything that he’s going to be this big impact player and open up everything for you in the defense and in the secondary are true. 6:08 6 minutes, 8 seconds 6’3″, 210 lbs. One of the storylines at that other safety position is that we saw at least for a couple of drills, 6:17 6 minutes, 17 seconds Jace Thomas running with the ones over Tomarcus Kulie. your thoughts on either of you guys. Your thoughts on that situation? 6:24 6 minutes, 24 seconds Well, let me go first, Casey. I I I don’t think you can make anything out of that that much. I don’t think I think 6:32 6 minutes, 32 seconds Demarcus Culie had a great season last year, relatively speaking, and I think that he has proven himself. I don’t think he’s going to lose Yeah. 6:42 6 minutes, 42 seconds the job. I think in practice when you’re going through sessions like they’re going through that there’s going to be 6:49 6 minutes, 49 seconds different players that get reps. And I I think you can take a step too far when you only see 10 minutes of total action 6:57 6 minutes, 57 seconds and start to assume that that means somebody’s pressing somebody for for playing time. They may be pressing them for reps. Yeah. 7:04 7 minutes, 4 seconds But playing time, you know, could be conditional on certain situations. Yeah, that was my kind of takeaway with it too is just, you know, the the next 7:13 7 minutes, 13 seconds following days after there, there were reports of Jace Thomas kind of taking over that uh first team role. Now, Fahhem Delane’s getting run with the 7:21 7 minutes, 21 seconds ones and everything. And it’s just kind of you’ve got a proven SEC starter into Marcus Kulie who was very good alongside 7:28 7 minutes, 28 seconds AJ Holly last season. I don’t see a world where Kein comes in and tells Blake Baker, “No, yeah, you’re going to 7:37 7 minutes, 37 seconds bench him for this guy. Uh, I think they’re trying to get some younger guys some reps because they know that there is a future after this season. Uh, and 7:44 7 minutes, 44 seconds this is the time where you can kind of take a look. Keifin said that he had a lot of young guys that he liked in that room and this is just kind of your opportunity to actually get them seeing him play. 7:52 7 minutes, 52 seconds And I think that’s very important and I think that’s true, but I also think that there is a conditional situational things that they’re preparing for right 8:00 8 minutes now. I think Lane Keifin and his coaching staff compared to especially what we’ve seen for the last four years 8:08 8 minutes, 8 seconds is much more organized and purposeful with what they’re doing in these practices and in their whole season 8:16 8 minutes, 16 seconds planning and I think that’s part of what you’re seeing right now. 8:20 8 minutes, 20 seconds I will say you like what Jace Thomas potentially provides. Yeah, it’s not a 8:28 8 minutes, 28 seconds knock against the kid at all. It’s great. I mean, he’s elevated himself over the course of a couple of months through what he did 8:35 8 minutes, 35 seconds in offseason training and with team drills, you know, no coach allowed drills, what have you, to to warrant 8:44 8 minutes, 44 seconds reps. That’s great for the kid and that’s great, but that does not mean it is completely jumping to conclusions 8:52 8 minutes, 52 seconds to assume that he’s going to be pushing Tamarcus Kulie for the starting role right now. Now, that may happen, 8:59 8 minutes, 59 seconds but I think right now it’s way too early to begin making that assumption based off of two reps. 9:05 9 minutes, 5 seconds Now, Tammarcus did not grade out well with Pro Football Focus last year. So, there there may be more to it. 9:11 9 minutes, 11 seconds Situational again, you know, I mean, I don’t know. We’re not out there. No. And and and now I’m I sound like a hypocrite because I’m sitting here going the 9:20 9 minutes, 20 seconds opposite direction. We really don’t get to see that much to make any conclusions. And um you you have to piece together what 9:29 9 minutes, 29 seconds the the narrative is and it’s so tight and controlled most of the time. And and that’s the thing is any 11 on 111 drills that they’re doing, Tamarcus 9:37 9 minutes, 37 seconds Kulie could be out there with the ones in those, you know, from what we’ve seen, we know what we know. But I thought it was interesting. Benfield had 9:44 9 minutes, 44 seconds an answer in his uh interview the other day where he was talking about the depth in the room and he mentioned how there 9:51 9 minutes, 51 seconds are a lot of young guys that are great and there there’s a lot of young talent and it’s great that they have the opportunity to learn from guys like 9:58 9 minutes, 58 seconds himself, Kulie, and Spears. And I just don’t think you list off those three like they’re the sure starters without that kind of having been the case. 10:07 10 minutes, 7 seconds By the way, Desawn Spears, that dude has gotten bigger. His name is Deshawn. 10:12 10 minutes, 12 seconds Deshawn Spears has gotten bigger. I mean, he he was impeded out to me as far as Okay. Cuz I I saw 10:21 10 minutes, 21 seconds him at Denim Springs. You saw him at Denim Springs as well. 10:24 10 minutes, 24 seconds And um even just seen him a little bit last season. Uh that is a kid that has certainly uh grown into his body for sure. 10:32 10 minutes, 32 seconds And I think that’s very important especially considering he’s supposed to be the starter at Star, which is he’s going to need to be more physical. he’s 10:39 10 minutes, 39 seconds going to need that size. My biggest concern with him, if you’ll recall last year and even the year before, 10:46 10 minutes, 46 seconds uh I think it was the year or the spring before was his lack of physicality, but that will change and has changed uh with 10:55 10 minutes, 55 seconds that increase in size. It’ll improve his physicality and I think, you know, even though they haven’t tackled yet, defensive tackle, let’s talk about that. 11:03 11 minutes, 3 seconds That’s been one of the big storylines as well with uh both Richard Anderson and Duce Geralds again with the team drills 11:12 11 minutes, 12 seconds even though it’s not team on team it’s just the defensive team out there those two guys as your starters or with the 11:20 11 minutes, 20 seconds first team both true freshman meanwhile two guys that you brought in on the transfer portal uh Steph Green and then 11:27 11 minutes, 27 seconds along with Malik Blackton from Auburn and then you got Dominic McKinley who was a previous five-star recruit who’s entering his third season. 11:37 11 minutes, 37 seconds Defensive tackle is a position that sees serious rotation throughout the entire game. 11:42 11 minutes, 42 seconds And and to me, this is a little different than what we were just talking about with with Jace Thomas at safety 11:49 11 minutes, 49 seconds because these two guys are top-notch five-star recruits. It’s still hard for a freshman 11:58 11 minutes, 58 seconds to play at that position, right? But the narrative that follows it from Kein is him talking about how him and Ed Ozon have never seen a room like 12:06 12 minutes, 6 seconds this stocked with so much so much young talent, you know, together or separate. 12:12 12 minutes, 12 seconds You know, that was in his I think we probably have that clip. We’ll probably play it. But that that’s to me they’re 12:19 12 minutes, 19 seconds saying a little the narrative is a little bit different there. It’s like these guys are like almost 12:26 12 minutes, 26 seconds transformational type of players and I think Duce Gerald’s Lamar Brown and Richard Anderson are 12:35 12 minutes, 35 seconds going to see significant playing time this year. Now, I’m not saying they’re going to start and I’m not saying that they’re going to uh dominate the playing 12:44 12 minutes, 44 seconds time, but I think they’re going to have significant playing time. 12:46 12 minutes, 46 seconds Any concern about the size of Duce Gerald, 61, 280 pounds? last year who who was one of the names we kept hearing 12:54 12 minutes, 54 seconds about all the time last year was Bernard Gooden. 12:56 12 minutes, 56 seconds Bernard Gooden and then when the season came along, how many times did you hear Bernard Gooden’s name? 13:01 13 minutes, 1 second Okay, so so again, we’re they’re only in shorts. There’s no, we don’t see any real team action, 13:08 13 minutes, 8 seconds but from what you hear about him is that he handles his skill and his techniques 13:16 13 minutes, 16 seconds are technique is so good that he overcomes that size disadvantage. 13:21 13 minutes, 21 seconds Um, now I don’t know how you understand that whenever you’re seeing five minutes of action in against predominantly uh blocking dummies in blocks. 13:33 13 minutes, 33 seconds Yeah, I don’t understand. I really I I don’t I don’t know. I I I don’t I mean I’ve played football my whole life. I don’t get it. 13:40 13 minutes, 40 seconds I I would imagine though leverage is a big part. And this is a kid in Georgia. I thought this statistic is pretty cool. And I don’t know covering high schools. 13:49 13 minutes, 49 seconds Trust me, the sack stat is a little elusive, right? Or it could be it could be fudged one way or the other. But he is the all-time sachs leader in Georgia 13:58 13 minutes, 58 seconds prep football history. Wow. So, he is a kid that certainly I I think this news regarding Richard Anderson and Duce 14:06 14 minutes, 6 seconds Geralds and you want to throw in Lamar Brown and then Trenton Henderson who Lane Keifin threw in there as well. I think this is terrific news for 2027 and 14:14 14 minutes, 14 seconds 2028\. I just hope Malik Blockton and Steph Green and I want to see Dominic I wanted to see Dominic McKinley become 14:22 14 minutes, 22 seconds the dominant player that people thought when they signed this kid. Remember, they signed him in the late February signing period, and we have yet to see it. 14:32 14 minutes, 32 seconds We’re going to have to see it from McKinley and those other veterans that that transferred in, Blockton, and uh 14:40 14 minutes, 40 seconds Green, you’re going to have to see it from them because they need the depth and and these players, these, you know, Anderson 14:49 14 minutes, 49 seconds Brown even and uh uh Henderson. 14:52 14 minutes, 52 seconds Henderson. Yeah. uh and Duce Geralds that they could have an impact, but they’re not going to be able to play a veteran role. They’re just not. 15:04 15 minutes, 4 seconds Let’s take our first break, Todd. We’ll uh we’ll hear a little bit from Lane Keifin and some players. A lot to get to. Brett Mc Murphy also joining us later on in Tiger Rag Radio. Stay tuned. 15:12 15 minutes, 12 seconds Much more coming up. 15:13 15 minutes, 13 seconds I’m Richard Fontno, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. My brother and I grow rice, soybeans, and raised crawfish on our farm in Evangeline Parish. For a fourth 15:22 15 minutes, 22 seconds generation farmer like myself, Louisiana Farm Bureau is as much a part of my life as checking traps or harvesting rice. 15:28 15 minutes, 28 seconds Our organization is more than 145,000 members strong, and we’ve been around for more than 100 years. The Louisiana Farm Bureau spans generations, and we want you to join our family. 15:38 15 minutes, 38 seconds Visit lafarmbureau.org. The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. Tiger Rag Radio is back on the air. 15:49 15 minutes, 49 seconds Back here on Tiger Rag Radio, Jeff Palmo along with Todd Horn and Case Kishnik. 15:53 15 minutes, 53 seconds We were just talking about the LSU defensive line. Let’s hear from LSU center Brillin Moore who breaks down some of these young bucks on that D line. 16:01 16 minutes, 1 second Man, those guys are going to be crazy talented. Their future is so bright. I mean, I’ve played in the ACC, played against good Clemson teams, played in 16:08 16 minutes, 8 seconds the SEC. Those freshman are developed more than some of the players I played in their fourth year. Deuce is extremely 16:15 16 minutes, 15 seconds talented pass rusher. His bag is endless. And then when it comes to Rich, he is a powerful dude. Can eat up double teams, could just cause chaos in the 16:24 16 minutes, 24 seconds back field. And then Lamar’s kind of a switch up. You know, he’s a edge rusher, but he could also move into three tech. 16:29 16 minutes, 29 seconds You know, he has that power. So, he could work finesse and he could just go right through you. So, that group is set for the next couple years for sure. 16:36 16 minutes, 36 seconds They certainly are. Uh let’s hear a little bit from Lane Keifin where he was asked about have he ever had this talented group or these many talented 16:45 16 minutes, 45 seconds freshman at one time along the defensive line. 16:48 16 minutes, 48 seconds I talked to Ed about that. I was kind of thinking all the places over the years we’ve been and even when we’ve been together or separate and neither of us 16:55 16 minutes, 55 seconds has had that, you know, it’s really and really unique to have nowadays because now they’re more spread out usually where before you could take more 17:03 17 minutes, 3 seconds numbers, you know, and so maybe then you hit on some and got that. But it’s it’s really exciting. All of them have a chance to play. Those three specifically 17:10 17 minutes, 10 seconds are playing a lot. It’s really exciting in an age that Yeah, certainly is exciting. Um we’ll see how well it translates to those guys 17:18 17 minutes, 18 seconds um being able to go through some what will likely be some tough growing pains in 2027 2026, but obviously the future 17:26 17 minutes, 26 seconds looks bright for 2027 28. Uh let’s hear a little bit case before we have to go to a break again. Uh Sam Levit, here’s Lane Kein’s take on Sam. 17:36 17 minutes, 36 seconds Sam’s had a great week. Had a great practice today. Taking care of the ball, really throwing the ball really accurate and on time and um extremely pleased 17:45 17 minutes, 45 seconds with his week and how he looks. We have high standards how how we want things and what we want them to look like. It was probably unrealistic what I was expecting him to look like when he can’t 17:53 17 minutes, 53 seconds move and he’s just throwing without really having his weight to be able to push into. So, now that he’s healthy, he’s he’s had a great week. We’re really excited about him 18:01 18 minutes, 1 second and he should be and what we’ve been able to see is that he throws a really nice deep ball but with no pressure on 18:09 18 minutes, 9 seconds him and really no defender defending the wide receiver. So it’s it looks pretty but the one thing that is really good 18:17 18 minutes, 17 seconds about that is that he is stepping into the ball and there there is no impediment from the injury and that is 18:23 18 minutes, 23 seconds important. Uh, what about him thinking that Louisiana was fake? 18:30 18 minutes, 30 seconds I can see that. I I thought Oregon was fake. So, how about that? I could touch on that. Do we have that clip, Case? 18:36 18 minutes, 36 seconds The people are great in Louisiana. The passion, you know, just walking down the street is pretty incredible. Just, you know, the way that they love the state and put on for the state, you know, it 18:44 18 minutes, 44 seconds just makes you want to be here even more. People around the facility just showing so much love to Baton Rouge and the entire area. You know, it’s just been a blessing being out here. You 18:52 18 minutes, 52 seconds know, I’m from Oregon, so Louisiana kind of felt almost fake to me in a way. I didn’t think of I didn’t think it was a real place, but after being out here, 19:00 19 minutes you know, I just love the trees and I’ve always wanted to be in the south. The humidity obviously was something I had to get used to, but I love it now. I love the way it makes my skin feel and, 19:08 19 minutes, 8 seconds you know, everything like that. So, it’s been it’s been amazing. 19:11 19 minutes, 11 seconds So, let me get this straight. Because Louisiana has trees, it is now suddenly an authentic place that is real. And 19:20 19 minutes, 20 seconds because it’s so humid, it makes his skin feel like olive oil. Yeah. Yeah. 19:26 19 minutes, 26 seconds Well, he’s a he’s he’s a character. 19:29 19 minutes, 29 seconds That’s the first time he’s ever spoken to the LSU media uh beat reporters. Now, he did what? He had a like a week before he did something with the women’s group. 19:39 19 minutes, 39 seconds Yeah. NIL women’s clinic. But yeah, I came away impressed with the guy. I I love the story. I know it was 19:46 19 minutes, 46 seconds just a kind of a quick story about him taking the receivers to Dallas and we had heard about that, right? 19:52 19 minutes, 52 seconds Uh but he kind of gave a little bit more uh intel on or detail. Um but I I I found it interesting is that he said he 20:00 20 minutes fell in love with the place, but yet if you do a little revisionist history, he did leave LSU and go visit a couple other places. 20:10 20 minutes, 10 seconds That was a complicated 24 hours too. 20:13 20 minutes, 13 seconds Yes. because all of a sudden it seemed like De Man Williams was going to be the guy coming to LSU and then Lane had to 20:22 20 minutes, 22 seconds go to Knoxville and patch things up. And I I know they pressed him a little bit and trying to get more of the backstory. 20:29 20 minutes, 29 seconds To me, it would be a fascinating backstory and maybe one day it’ll all come out on what went down with that. 20:35 20 minutes, 35 seconds But I don’t know if it was maybe it was love at first sight and then there was a little bit of a rift and then there was 20:43 20 minutes, 43 seconds a there was a makeup and it and so far it’s been it’s been a nice relationship. 20:47 20 minutes, 47 seconds So the way I remember it okay that and I have a somewhat viv vivid memory of that weekend. I remember Lane Keifin and and 20:56 20 minutes, 56 seconds and Levit being at the LSU basketball game Whit Weeks with Whit Weeks and everything was reportedly going swimmingly and then 21:04 21 minutes, 4 seconds that’s when the Deont Williams story broke. Yeah. 21:08 21 minutes, 8 seconds And all of a sudden it’s like Levit’s leaving. Yes. And we didn’t expect Levit to leave, right? 21:14 21 minutes, 14 seconds And that was like I felt like LSU would not close the deal. Well, and if it wasn’t a sure thing, Lane would have 21:23 21 minutes, 23 seconds never gone up to Knoxville. He had a fence to mend, right, when he went up there. He didn’t go up there just cuz he wanted to see his old home. 21:33 21 minutes, 33 seconds And the thing about that was he met him at the airport when he was getting ready to get on a plane. So, it wasn’t like it was like, I’m invited to come see you, 21:40 21 minutes, 40 seconds let’s talk. It was like, okay, that’s when his flight is. We’ll see him at the gate. Yeah, but he’s here now and uh he 21:47 21 minutes, 47 seconds does he’s healthy and I’m eager to see what he can do. Let’s take a break. 21:51 21 minutes, 51 seconds Brett McMury from On Three will join us when we come back here on Tiger Rag Radio. 21:56 21 minutes, 56 seconds The East Baton Rouge Parish Library believes that supporting the education of students is good for us all. 22:03 22 minutes, 3 seconds That’s why we provide access to live in-person online tutoring through homework Louisiana. 22:10 22 minutes, 10 seconds Make available free test preparation tools through Learning Express and Mometrics, plus reference tools for all ages. 22:18 22 minutes, 18 seconds Get a library card. Get free education at ebrpl.com/homeworkhelp. 22:27 22 minutes, 27 seconds Now, back to Tiger Rag Radio. 22:31 22 minutes, 31 seconds Back here on Tiger Rag Radio, Jeff along with Todd Horn and Case Kishnik. Let’s bring in our first guest of tonight, Brett Mcury from On Three. He’s their 22:40 22 minutes, 40 seconds national college football writer, one of them. Anyways, Brett, thanks a lot for joining us here. How you doing tonight? 22:47 22 minutes, 47 seconds Uh good evening, guys. Good to talk to you. 22:49 22 minutes, 49 seconds Ah, it’s great having you on. It’s been a while. Uh Lane Kein getting ready for his uh first season here at LSU. What’s 22:56 22 minutes, 56 seconds your uh anticipation with what Lane can do in year one in Baton Rouge? 23:03 23 minutes, 3 seconds Uh you got the national title parade route already lined up. Is that is that uh selling tickets yet to that? 23:11 23 minutes, 11 seconds Yeah, there there’s some people that might be thinking that, but uh I don’t think anybody in this room is thinking that. Yeah. 23:19 23 minutes, 19 seconds Uh yeah, I don’t I don’t think so either. I mean, it’s it’s going to be fascinating. I mean, it’s going to be um you know, to steal it phrase from NBC, 23:28 23 minutes, 28 seconds much TV. Um, you know, obviously, you know, you guys how know how polarizing 23:34 23 minutes, 34 seconds Lane is and um, you know, that everyone’s, uh, got uh, you know, September 19th circled. Uh, you know, it’ll be it’ll be an interesting season. 23:46 23 minutes, 46 seconds I think overall it’ll it’ll be it’ll be a a tougher season for not only LSU, but I 23:54 23 minutes, 54 seconds think for the entire SEC. And I know you guys heard, you know, you probably done a lot on the coaches belly aching about 24:01 24 minutes, 1 second the nineame schedule. Um, but I do think that’ll have a that’ll have a big impact on the entire conference, including LSU. 24:09 24 minutes, 9 seconds And so, how will they will they be able to avoid getting dinged up um in the win loss column like everybody else? Can 24:16 24 minutes, 16 seconds they stay healthy? I don’t know. Because you look at the Vegas win totals, there’s only two teams at nine and a half. That’s Texas and Georgia. And then 24:24 24 minutes, 24 seconds you got LSU in there at eight and a half with Alabama and Texas A&M. So all I know of this guys is I if I’m a nine and three team um the college football 24:33 24 minutes, 33 seconds playoff selection committee has not given me any indication they’re going to put a three loss at large team in the playoffs. So I wouldn’t want to count on them doing that. 24:41 24 minutes, 41 seconds Yeah. 24:42 24 minutes, 42 seconds I just I just don’t know how how many SEC teams are going to get to 10 wins. Like you know certainly we’ll find out. 24:47 24 minutes, 47 seconds But if there’s not a lot of chaos everywhere in the Big 12, in the ACC, in the Big 10, um, you know, again, the 24:55 24 minutes, 55 seconds only thing we can go by is past history and what they’ve shown us is they consider one thing, and that’s the fewest number of losses. 25:01 25 minutes, 1 second Yeah, that it’s it’s kind of crazy to go to those nine game that nine game schedule with half the league on the road for five games and then that be a 25:11 25 minutes, 11 seconds penalty against you at the end of the season potentially. Um, but Brett, when you when you talk to to coaches and and 25:19 25 minutes, 19 seconds people around college football, especially in the SEC, but just around college football in general, what what are they saying about Kein uh 25:28 25 minutes, 28 seconds about what he’s assembled at LSU? And and is there any type of genuine belief that that LSU could to be a playoff team? 25:36 25 minutes, 36 seconds Yeah, I think so. I mean, look, you can, you know, you guys know this. you guys are, you know, um, you know, aren’t 25:44 25 minutes, 44 seconds rookies. So, if you can, if you want to write a story, if you want to push a narrative, you can find people that, you know, yes, LSU is definitely a playoff 25:52 25 minutes, 52 seconds team. They’re a national title contender. And you can find people that are saying, “No, he’s going to be lucky to go six and six.” Um, I’m personally, 26:00 26 minutes I’m somewhere in the middle. I think I think I hate to say ceiling because you know you guys will clip this and then 26:09 26 minutes, 9 seconds I’ll get very buried on Twitter, but I’ll say I think nine’s the ceiling in the regular season for for LSU. 26:15 26 minutes, 15 seconds I just think that um and it’s nothing against Lane, it’s nothing against LSU. 26:20 26 minutes, 20 seconds I just think the additional conference game is going to impact everybody. Yeah. 26:25 26 minutes, 25 seconds and also and also something that nobody has experienced and that is the pressure that’s going to be on this team on a 26:35 26 minutes, 35 seconds day-to-day basis because now Lane Keifin’s your coach the expectations are I mean you heck the last three or four 26:42 26 minutes, 42 seconds coaches except for Brian Kelly of course won a national championship so you know the expectation is not to win the SEC 26:49 26 minutes, 49 seconds it’s to win a national championship and if it’s not in year one well then okay we’ll give you a we’ll give you a honeymoon season and you better do it in 26:57 26 minutes, 57 seconds year two. Um I just don’t know how much that will wear on um on LSU and then you 27:05 27 minutes, 5 seconds know the schedule you know there’s there’s weak spots there’s tough spots I mean you know having to play&m after the you know game 27:15 27 minutes, 15 seconds of the millennium at all miss that’s that’s going to be hard to get back up for. 27:19 27 minutes, 19 seconds Yeah. Um, you know, in the closing stretch, Alabama, Texas, Tennessee in consecutive weeks, uh, you know, certainly two- one’s the worst you got 27:27 27 minutes, 27 seconds to do in that that threesome and at Arkansas shouldn’t be a problem. But, um, yeah, I mean, I don’t know. I mean, 27:34 27 minutes, 34 seconds I think Lane’s Lane did a tremendous job at Old Miss. Um, last year, of course, things got wonky at the end, um, when he 27:42 27 minutes, 42 seconds left and wanted to coach and all that stuff, which I won’t get into. Um the year before though it really I think was a disappointment and it sounds weird 27:51 27 minutes, 51 seconds saying that they l excuse me Miss was 10 and three and yeah that’s a how can I say it’s a disappointment. Well their 27:57 27 minutes, 57 seconds three the three final losses were all as favorites for miss and uh one of those LSU upset miss is about a fuel gold 28:06 28 minutes, 6 seconds underdog and then miss lost as two touchdown favorites to both Kentucky and Florida 28:13 28 minutes, 13 seconds and those smell like bad fish. So, he can certainly cannot do that at LSU. Um, 28:20 28 minutes, 20 seconds so will we see the 2024 version of Lane Keifin? Are we going to see the 2025 season of Lane Keifin? And 28:28 28 minutes, 28 seconds that’s, you know, that’s that’s an unknown. Um, certainly LSU did great in the portal. Um, you know, there’s a 28:36 28 minutes, 36 seconds there’s a ton of excitement. Um, but you know, Lane handles a spotlight well, but how will the team and the the surrounding 28:44 28 minutes, 44 seconds um, you know, key contributors in Baton Rouge handle that spotlight as well? I think that will probably play a big part on how successful this season is. 28:54 28 minutes, 54 seconds Well, you know, I think the I think we can all agree probably that Sam Levit is going to be a a wild card, if you will, 29:01 29 minutes, 1 second in in how LSU performs. What’s the national perception of him right now at LSU? 29:10 29 minutes, 10 seconds Um, I I think, you know, everyone expects him to to do well. It’s, you know, somebody did the, you know, the 29:18 29 minutes, 18 seconds the cliche an anonymous coaches quotes and said, “Oh, what do you think about Sam Levit?” You know, and some guys are like, “Oh, he’s the greatest thing 29:26 29 minutes, 26 seconds ever.” And then others are like, “Uh, vastly overrated.” So, um, I mean, look, he’s in a different place. Um, you know, his numbers last year were not great. 29:37 29 minutes, 37 seconds Obviously, he had some injuries. Um, 10 touchdowns, three interceptions, and only seven games. Um, the year before, 29:44 29 minutes, 44 seconds uh, but a little bit better, but he was a freshman. 24 TD, six interceptions. 29:49 29 minutes, 49 seconds Um, was a key component in Arizona State winning the Big 12 and nearly um, not could have, but absolutely a 29:58 29 minutes, 58 seconds thousand% should have beat Texas in that quarterfinal playoff game. Um but Sam Levit doesn’t play defensive back unfortunately for Arizona State. So um 30:07 30 minutes, 7 seconds look, I I think he’ll be fine. Um no indication he’s not 100% ready to go. 30:13 30 minutes, 13 seconds And um you know, it’s a it’s a different offense and having Lane as a you know, the guy directing the offense or the 30:21 30 minutes, 21 seconds main guy drawing up the drawing up the plays. um whether he’s doing that full-time or not anymore um you know 30:29 30 minutes, 29 seconds certainly is going to play to the strengths of the quarterback and I think I think Sam should have a should have a monster year in a season with you know 30:36 30 minutes, 36 seconds I’m sure you guys have noticed this there are just there’s so many talented quarterbacks all over the country like everyone’s like who do you like in the Heisman I’m 30:45 30 minutes, 45 seconds like ask me in like late November because whoever you tell me right now absolutely has a chance to win it and I 30:52 30 minutes, 52 seconds can name 10 other guys that has the same same chance. 30:56 30 minutes, 56 seconds So Brett, real quick, because I know Jeff wants to ask you something. We’re getting close here, but speaking of the talented quarterbacks, Trinidad Chambers at Old Miss, is he going to be uh 31:05 31 minutes, 5 seconds adversely impacted by losing Charlie Weiss and Lane Keifin. Is that is that going to hurt him more than we think? Possibly. 31:12 31 minutes, 12 seconds Um we’ll certainly find out right off the bat. They’ve got Louisville and Nashville. I I mean it could. You know, you’ve got the you know, again, you’ve 31:21 31 minutes, 21 seconds got the chip on the shoulder. let’s prove him wrong type deal. Um, you know, it’s it’s impossible to say. I 31:29 31 minutes, 29 seconds I there, you know, coaching now every everybody’s I think, you know, like even as recent as 10 years ago, you could see 31:38 31 minutes, 38 seconds like huge disparities in coaches, you know, and how good coaches were and different things that they do. But now, you know, everything’s everything’s 31:47 31 minutes, 47 seconds shared so much and everybody can see everything instantly, you know, that it’s it’s really hard to have a huge gap 31:55 31 minutes, 55 seconds coaching wise. So, basically, it’s, you know, the old saying, it’s not the X’s and O’s, it’s the Jimmies and the Joe’s. 32:02 32 minutes, 2 seconds And I think Miss has a lot of really good Joe’s um with him and Lacy. So, I expect I I expect Chamblas to to have a 32:11 32 minutes, 11 seconds solid year. You mentioned the Texas A&M game right behind the uh the game of the Millennium and the Old Miss and and I 32:18 32 minutes, 18 seconds think LSU fans forget that that because we’re kind of accustomed to seeing Texas A&M on the schedule in October and November and you you forget that game’s 32:27 32 minutes, 27 seconds coming up in late September, but the feeling is they lost a lot from last year’s college football playoff team. 32:33 32 minutes, 33 seconds How do you see the Aggies and what they could potentially do this season? 32:38 32 minutes, 38 seconds Well, you know, Marcel Reed has to be consistent obviously. um you know the the the advantage if there is an 32:46 32 minutes, 46 seconds advantage even though they’re going they’re coming to to Baton Rouge um you know&m’s coming off Kentucky which shouldn’t be an issue and then they’ve 32:54 32 minutes, 54 seconds got Arkansas the next week. So um they’ve got Arizona State in week two. 32:59 32 minutes, 59 seconds So basically their entire focus for the first month I’m sure um is is the game at LSU. Um, you know, Mike Elco is one 33:08 33 minutes, 8 seconds of the best um defensive minds out there and um, you know, they were, you know, good enough last year to get in the 33:16 33 minutes, 16 seconds playoff. They just, man, their offense just uh, yeah, I won’t use profanity, but you know what they did? Um, 33:24 33 minutes, 24 seconds well, that’s that’s the polite way of putting it. Um, you know, can they can they correct that? I mean, I think&m would prefer to get into these, you 33:32 33 minutes, 32 seconds know, Colin Klein’s gone. He’s no longer offensive coordinator. So, you got a new guy and an offensive coordinator. So, you know, are they going to be more of a 33:39 33 minutes, 39 seconds a slower tempo type team that plays into the strength of their defense? We’ll have to find out. And certainly, I’m 33:47 33 minutes, 47 seconds guessing LSU is going to want to go, you know, uptempo as much as they can um within reason. So, it’s it’s a clash of styles there. But, you know, look, it’s 33:56 33 minutes, 56 seconds just anytime you’ve you know, that’s the thing. I keep mentioning the nine game schedule, but yeah, you can’t every team cannot play their A 34:04 34 minutes, 4 seconds game every week, right? It’s it’s it’s not going to happen. 34:08 34 minutes, 8 seconds The key is being able to beat teams with your B or even your C game. And those are the teams that will stay alive for the playoff can get to the national 34:16 34 minutes, 16 seconds title game. Um or you’re Indiana and you don’t play anybody for 10 weeks and then you play all your games in the back end and do it 34:23 34 minutes, 23 seconds that way. But um that’s not the case in the SEC. But I mean, look, I think Texas and Georgia are the top two teams in the 34:30 34 minutes, 30 seconds SEC. I just think Texas’s schedule is so dang hard. Um, of the nine of the teams that are basically power rated as the 34:39 34 minutes, 39 seconds nine best teams in the SEC, Texas plays six of the other eight. That’s more than anybody. And oh, by the way, they also 34:47 34 minutes, 47 seconds got Ohio State. So, I think talent-wise, they’re the most talented team. I don’t think they can survive that schedule. 34:54 34 minutes, 54 seconds Yeah. So that’s why I like Georgia to win it. But I mean, we’ll see. It’s, you know, that’s why they play the games, I guess. 35:00 35 minutes And that’s why we love the sport so much. Brett, thanks a lot. We appreciate it, man. Thanks, guys. 35:06 35 minutes, 6 seconds Brett McMury from On Three. Good stuff from him. And I agree. It, you know, you want to sit here and analyze everything left and right. And it all comes back 35:13 35 minutes, 13 seconds down to that ninth game and just how difficult that will be. And for LSU, you know, going to Auburn, that could be a 35:22 35 minutes, 22 seconds really tough game. Todd, it’s a tough place to play regardless of Yeah. 35:26 35 minutes, 26 seconds of where they are in their program’s right status and and actually, you know, they’re they’ve got a great quarterback coming in. Now, he’s not a great 35:34 35 minutes, 34 seconds power five or power four quarterback, but he has a history of making good offensive decisions and being able to perform and he’s used to his coaching staff. 35:43 35 minutes, 43 seconds Yeah. 35:44 35 minutes, 44 seconds So, it it it is going to be a challenge at Auburn. 35:47 35 minutes, 47 seconds Let’s take a break. We’ll talk a little recruiting when we come back here on Tiger Brag Radio. 35:51 35 minutes, 51 seconds Let’s go. We now return to Tiger Rag Radio. 35:57 35 minutes, 57 seconds Back here on Tiger Rag Radio, Jeff Blurmo along with Tiger Rag editor, executive editor Todd Horn. The editor Glenn Gilbo is over at the Ponderosa 36:06 36 minutes, 6 seconds where LSU is practicing tonight. I kind of like this morning, evening, morning. 36:11 36 minutes, 11 seconds It’s good for the team and it saves injuries. 36:15 36 minutes, 15 seconds I understand it. I get it. I get it. I get it. you go, but I can’t talk about it because there’s a competitive disadvantage if we talk about it. 36:24 36 minutes, 24 seconds That’s fine. Uh, but I get the sense you work hard Monday morning, gives you extra time off till Tuesday night, then you have a walk through Wednesday. I 36:31 36 minutes, 31 seconds mean, it doesn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out what they’re doing. Oh, did I did I leak it off? Oh my gosh, George is listening and now they’re going to do 36:39 36 minutes, 39 seconds this. Oh my goodness. Uh anyways, uh Lane Keven’s also a really good recruiter and Case uh when LSU lines up 36:47 36 minutes, 47 seconds against Clemson in the season opener, some of the top recruits in the class of 27 and 28. Now granted, it is the 36:54 36 minutes, 54 seconds marquee game of the week. So if you’re a recruit and you want to take in a great game on Labor Day weekend, LSU would be 37:01 37 minutes, 1 second the place to go or place to be. And so, uh, you got an article up at tiger.com 37:09 37 minutes, 9 seconds or Tiger Rag does that lists the players that are going to be there. Again, it’s about 30 of them from 37:17 37 minutes, 17 seconds both the classes of 27 and 28 that will be in Tiger Stadium for the Lane Keifin debut. 37:24 37 minutes, 24 seconds Yeah, I mean there’s going to be a slew of guys, especially from that 2028 class, but the name everyone’s going to be talking about is of course still Eastn Royal, the wide receiver out of 37:33 37 minutes, 33 seconds New Orleans, the fivestar who’s currently committed to Texas and has been for months. But that conversation is not going to end as LSU keeps trying 37:41 37 minutes, 41 seconds to flip the instate five-star, one of the top receivers, if not the top receiver in the 2027 class. He’s coming 37:48 37 minutes, 48 seconds to that game. He’ll also be back in LSU for another game later in the season. 37:52 37 minutes, 52 seconds He’ll be visiting Texas for the following week at uh when they host Ohio State and he’s still in contention with Florida uh to to be a Gator potentially. 38:01 38 minutes, 1 second Some experts have logged predictions that he’s going to flip to LSU, but it’s still kind of up in the air. 38:06 38 minutes, 6 seconds So, the game he’s going to be back at LSU later in the season, do we know who they were going to be playing in that game? 38:15 38 minutes, 15 seconds That is a great question. Um I think it’s the Texas game. You are correct. Why not? They are. And if I was him, just why not, you know, if they’re 38:23 38 minutes, 23 seconds going to keep inviting me to games, what the heck? What what else to what better? 38:28 38 minutes, 28 seconds I might as well just soak it all in, right? 38:30 38 minutes, 30 seconds Yeah. I wrote a column a couple weeks ago. I actually think that it would be uh you know, he could be he could play at Royal, whatever they call that field at Texas. Yeah. 38:40 38 minutes, 40 seconds Or he could become royalty at LSU. Ah. Oh, that was good. That’s good. 38:45 38 minutes, 45 seconds That’s very good. Who Who else is going to be there? Uh some other top names, case couple of guys from the 2028 class to look out for. Uh two of the top three 38:53 38 minutes, 53 seconds defensive linemen. Uh Prince Chay out of Georgia, the number two guy in the class. It’ll be his first trip to LSU. 38:58 38 minutes, 58 seconds Uh Tyson Swan from Maryland. He’s the number three guy. He’s already kind of in contention with Alabama, Auburn, and Florida. So that’s another big SEC 39:06 39 minutes, 6 seconds recruiting battle there. Uh on the offensive side of the ball, Maddox Davis is a four-star receiver, a top 45 national prospect that uh Kein has been recruiting since his time at Old Miss. 39:16 39 minutes, 16 seconds He fits in really well to this Keif and Weiss offense and that’s going to be one of their top targets in the 2028 class. 39:23 39 minutes, 23 seconds Um, also on offense, number three interior offensive lineman in the 2028 class uh after LSU missed out on the Lake Charles fivestar Albert Simeon. 39:32 39 minutes, 32 seconds He’s a guy that this coaching staff could want to target to kind of supplement that interior. 39:36 39 minutes, 36 seconds What about Knox Keifin class of 2028? Is he said he’s not going to play for He’s not gonna play for Lane. But you know what I did say? You know what’s interesting? 39:45 39 minutes, 45 seconds Um, you know, Payton Houston and um, Pop Houston. Yeah, the name. 39:51 39 minutes, 51 seconds Yeah, you said Payton Houston, but everybody else. When he said Pton, I’m like, I like that name pop. 39:56 39 minutes, 56 seconds I love the name. I think it’s pop like my dad or something. 40:02 40 minutes, 2 seconds But anyway, he’s going to be at every game. 40:06 40 minutes, 6 seconds Well, for LSU, I could see that recruiting. 40:08 40 minutes, 8 seconds Well, yeah, that that’s that’s how it’s done nowadays. So, I mean, Russell Shepard kind of started that back in the 40:16 40 minutes, 16 seconds day. He was uh he was one of the first guys to commit to whatever year class that was, and he was in charge of trying to 40:24 40 minutes, 24 seconds Lamar Brown kind of kind of took over that role last year, even after Kelly was have like an alpha dog out there that’s trying to corral all these guys. 40:32 40 minutes, 32 seconds Russell Shepard is selling portaotties right now, isn’t he? That’s fine. Whatever, man. I mean, he’s doing really well. Yeah, that’s great. It’s great. That’s what it is. 40:40 40 minutes, 40 seconds Yeah, it is. You’re right. It is. That’s what it is. All right, let’s take a break. More coming up here on Tiger Rag Radio right after this. 40:47 40 minutes, 47 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is back. Hey, we’re wrapping up hour number one. 40:52 40 minutes, 52 seconds A couple of uh rule changes for college football this season. Uh let’s get to the one that’s maybe not as um interesting. Uh offensive pass 41:01 41 minutes, 1 second interference will only be 10 yards instead of 15 yards. They would rather have the personal foul penalties be 15. 41:07 41 minutes, 7 seconds Now, granted, defensive pass interference would still be either spotted the ball or 15 yards, whichever is the, you know, the correct ruling. 41:17 41 minutes, 17 seconds I I I just don’t I don’t get that. I I don’t get it. Yeah. 41:20 41 minutes, 20 seconds I mean, I get they want personal foul penalties to be 15 yards and everything else to be five or 10, but I think if you interfere 41:29 41 minutes, 29 seconds as an offensive receiver, you should get penalized the same as if you would if you were a defensive receiver. I do love college football’s defensive penalty or 41:37 41 minutes, 37 seconds defensive pass interference rule much more than the NFL. I can’t stand the NFL one where you can throw it 20 yards 41:44 41 minutes, 44 seconds short and then the receiver tries to run back and the defender has no chance to get out of the receivers’s way because the quarterback’s got a you know can’t throw the ball 35 yards. 41:57 41 minutes, 57 seconds Um, so anyways, but the other rule is that no longer will a player who gets hit with targeting in the second half of a game gets penalized for targeting. 42:08 42 minutes, 8 seconds Will they have to miss the first half of the next game? Can we call this the Devin White rule, Todd? 42:14 42 minutes, 14 seconds Well, I mean, that’s the most prominent thought that came to my mind when I first heard about 2018. 42:21 42 minutes, 21 seconds I kind of doubt Michigan thought about it that way. 42:25 42 minutes, 25 seconds 2018 Devin White hits Nick Fitzgerald. It’s certainly some helmetto helmet contact, but whether targeting 42:33 42 minutes, 33 seconds very very questionable. And this is why when we talk about all these other things about the SEC doing this and 42:40 42 minutes, 40 seconds doing that, this is where I say the SEC, they’re just a bunch of bean counters. 42:45 42 minutes, 45 seconds all these power conferences are because if they had a backbone, they had two weeks to re to nullify that 42:54 42 minutes, 54 seconds rule or or nullify Devin White’s first half suspension and they were too much of a coward to do it. 43:00 43 minutes Well, and that’s part of the now there’s a new appeals process in in this rule too now and and they can wipe it away whereas before they couldn’t. 43:10 43 minutes, 10 seconds All right. Uh first hour in the books. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News, Podcast, Radio **Tags:** lane kiffin, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio: Ole Miss-LSU Player Lawsuit Update & The Redemption of Kayshon Boutte](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-ole-miss-lsu-player-lawsuit-update-the-redemption-of-kayshon-boutte/) **Published:** August 12, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Sam Hutchens with the Clarion-Ledger reports the latest legal insight on Ole Miss’ lawsuit against LSU players Princewill Umanmielen and Devin Harper. He details why LSU may not be on the hook for $1 million. The Advocate’s Reed Darcy discusses former LSU WR Kayshon Boutte’s gambling scandal and how he bounced back to a rising NFL career. We wrap up with a surprise storyline out of LSU football fall camp and the not-so-surprising shortcomings of the Protect College Sports Act. ***Here is the complete transcript of the show from YouTube. Tiger Rag apologizes for any AI generated mistakes:*** 0:00 0 seconds Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. Tiger Rag Radio is on the air. Let’s crank this thing up. 0:06 6 seconds We’re statewide breaking down the latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is up. Hear from the coaches. Our time is now with LSU basketball. 0:14 14 seconds The players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 0:17 17 seconds One way or another, we’re going to make history. 0:19 19 seconds And those who cover the Fighting Tigers of LSU and the SEC. 0:23 23 seconds LSU is the best job in it’s 2 hours of non-stop LSU talk. 0:28 28 seconds I came here to win. We’re going to win immediately. 0:30 30 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is brought to you by Cumins. Cumins creates power solutions that the world depends on. Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro’s 0:39 39 seconds Electrical Services, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 0:45 45 seconds Get ready to talk Tigers with producer Case Kishnik and our hosts Todd Horn, Jeff Polmo, and Glenn Gilbo. 0:55 55 seconds Players are better people than they are players. This is Tiger Rag Radio. Hour two of Tiger Rag Radio is upon us. 1:03 1 minute, 3 seconds Coming up later on in the hour, Reed Darcy of the Advocate. We’ll talk some LSU football with him. He did a great article on Kan Booty who has overcome 1:11 1 minute, 11 seconds his uh illness with gambling and we’ll talk uh with Reed about that and we’ll probably throw in a women’s basketball 1:19 1 minute, 19 seconds question in there as well as the Lady Tiger schedule for 2026 27 has come out. 1:24 1 minute, 24 seconds We bring in though first Sam Hutchkins from the Clarion Ledger. We had Sam on. 1:29 1 minute, 29 seconds I guess it was about a month ago. Time flies when you’re having fun. And that happened to be the same day. We didn’t know it when we lined him up, but it 1:36 1 minute, 36 seconds happened to be the same day when Miss filed suit against Prince Umman Ellen and Devin Harper over the failure in 1:44 1 minute, 44 seconds Miss’s mind of paying a buyout for a revenue sharing agreement that those two had signed before entering the transfer 1:51 1 minute, 51 seconds portal and signing with LSU. So, we bring in Sam to get an update on the case because we really haven’t heard much here in Louisiana. Lane Keifin was 2:00 2 minutes asked about it on Monday. Said, “Hey, that sounds like a legal question or a question about litigation. I’m not going 2:07 2 minutes, 7 seconds to get into that.” Which uh completely understandable from Lane’s point of view, but the question needed to be asked and we basically got what we 2:15 2 minutes, 15 seconds anticipated as far as the answer. But maybe Sam’s got some more answers for us. Sam, how you doing tonight? 2:22 2 minutes, 22 seconds I’m good, guys. Thanks for having me back on. And yeah, I mean, I’m I’m happy to uh inform that I I was able to call up some folks a lot smarter than me with 2:30 2 minutes, 30 seconds with a lot more law degrees than me because uh any any number more than zero would would uh fit that criteria. But 2:38 2 minutes, 38 seconds yeah, I uh I think I can help, you know, explain some things or or try to work through this together with you guys. 2:44 2 minutes, 44 seconds Well, what are some of the things that you have learned since obviously when that happened? It made national news and everybody had some thoughts on it. But 2:51 2 minutes, 51 seconds it also is, you know, one of the points that I’ve made, Sam, is that you don’t it doesn’t happen on a daily basis or 3:00 3 minutes even on an annual basis maybe where a university is suing college athletes. It just doesn’t happen. So, what have you 3:08 3 minutes, 8 seconds learned since these lawsuits have been filed? And again, these lawsuits are against or target at or the defendants 3:17 3 minutes, 17 seconds in these cases are Princewell, Uman Miellen, and Devon Harper, not LSU. But Sam, what what could you tell us as far as what you’ve learned since then? 3:26 3 minutes, 26 seconds That’s right. Good distinction that yeah, uh, school against players, not not school against school here is how the lawsuits filed. Um but yeah guys, 3:35 3 minutes, 35 seconds what what I can tell you is that it’s it’s not as black and white cut and dried as we first thought. Now there 3:43 3 minutes, 43 seconds there is the the ultimate matter of hey player people you know uh party A owes 3:49 3 minutes, 49 seconds party B money but what what I’ve uh learned and it’s it’s not exactly secret knowledge but buyout contracts in in 3:58 3 minutes, 58 seconds America cannot be punitive and you know that’s they cannot be punishing and so what that means is that the intent of a 4:06 4 minutes, 6 seconds of a buyout contract is to compensate you know party A for lost services, 4:13 4 minutes, 13 seconds right? To compensate the party that was breached. But what it can’t do is overcompensate. So, so it’s illegal to 4:21 4 minutes, 21 seconds like get a windfall because your uh contract was breached. You can only get 4:28 4 minutes, 28 seconds the uh the monetary value that equates to that service. So, what does it mean? 4:34 4 minutes, 34 seconds Well, you melanin and Harper, they can argue something, which is that, hey, we’re not worth, you know, collectively 4:42 4 minutes, 42 seconds it’s it’s about a million dollars. Uh you meen can argue, hey, I’m I’m not worth $550,000 for my services next year. And Harper 4:51 4 minutes, 51 seconds can try to argue, hey, I’m not worth $400,000. 4:55 4 minutes, 55 seconds And uh that that’s what has to be litigated. 4:58 4 minutes, 58 seconds Well, the question is, will this ever end up in a courtroom or have there been active negotiations to try to settle 5:07 5 minutes, 7 seconds this, especially before the start of the college football season and in particular before September 19th rolls around, 5:15 5 minutes, 15 seconds right? So, so probably not. I I think that most people are of the opinion that, you know, just because the vast 5:21 5 minutes, 21 seconds majority of civil lawsuits where money is at stake wind up in a settlement because that’s cheaper um than than 5:30 5 minutes, 30 seconds winding its way all throughout the the process, which I’m told, you know, if this thing were were to go fully litigation, then it would be uh you 5:38 5 minutes, 38 seconds know, a matter of of months or, you know, maybe a year or something. So, I’m not expecting any resolution in court. 5:44 5 minutes, 44 seconds um certainly before September 19th, unless these parties come together and they’re like, “Hey, you know, now that the lawsuit’s out, let’s just get this settled.” 5:52 5 minutes, 52 seconds Have there been any filings at all in response to the lawsuit by Prince Will Manuel or Deon Harper’s attorneys? 6:01 6 minutes, 1 second Nothing since I I checked today. Um and and nothing since uh in either of those contracts. I I did ask uh it’s amazing 6:10 6 minutes, 10 seconds who you can call up with with a law degree and they’ll answer you know and uh I I called some people up and yeah 6:16 6 minutes, 16 seconds one guy he’s like uh I read his bio he’s uh was a road scholar who went to study law in Oxford and hit him with the email 6:24 6 minutes, 24 seconds hey I see we both uh spent time in Oxford you know and uh he said he liked my jokes so that’s where we were at but 6:32 6 minutes, 32 seconds yeah so so I I did ask you know my my my sources like hey what what could be next in filing and um you know Old Miss could 6:41 6 minutes, 41 seconds present the actual contracts um would presumably be the next thing that that could come in. Um and here’s the deal 6:49 6 minutes, 49 seconds with that. The the tough part ultimately where this whole thing comes down to is like how do you how do you assign the value of a 6:58 6 minutes, 58 seconds football player? Like what is a $550,000 football player versus a $400,000 7:05 7 minutes, 5 seconds football player? And you know, if if Devin Harper were to to to get hurt, um you know, how much could you assign a 7:14 7 minutes, 14 seconds value to that um as far as next year? So the the easiest way to do that in in a 7:20 7 minutes, 20 seconds court of law would be to to go with what they were about to get paid, right? 7:25 7 minutes, 25 seconds Because those are two parties that kind of set a market value. So that’s one way you could do it. But Old Miss, you know, 7:32 7 minutes, 32 seconds their lawyers could argue, hey, uh the the actual value is what anyone in the country could have afforded. Yeah. 7:40 7 minutes, 40 seconds Or could have wanted to pay these players. And so it is murkiness on top of of murkiness. It’s it’s you know, 7:48 7 minutes, 48 seconds nothing is is super clear in this whole thing. Um but there, you know, it’s uh it’s at least not a total black and white case of oh yep, fork over the money. 7:57 7 minutes, 57 seconds Yeah. Sam Hutchkins from the Cororean Ledger here with us once again on Tiger Rag Radio. Is LSU culpable at all? 8:06 8 minutes, 6 seconds So technically no. Right. Um the because the the revenue sharing agreements were 8:15 8 minutes, 15 seconds signed between Miss Party One and you know player one Prince Will and and player two Devin Harper, right? where 8:23 8 minutes, 23 seconds that starts to get, you know, again, a little murky is it’s like, well, if if you’re LSU, you know, you, as is 8:32 8 minutes, 32 seconds generally standard in college football, you kind of say that, hey, we we’ll, you know, pay the buyout and massage that 8:40 8 minutes, 40 seconds because generally the assumption is a player wouldn’t, you know, just transfer in uh and have to drop $400,000 that they may or may not have already spent. 8:48 8 minutes, 48 seconds We don’t know if LSU did that, though. 8:50 8 minutes, 50 seconds And the reason that LSU wisely isn’t just handing over the money um you know happily wrapped in a basket is because it comes out of the the salary cap. 9:01 9 minutes, 1 second Yeah. Right. And so that that’s the the matter of I mean if you can get those two players to pay it then it wouldn’t 9:10 9 minutes, 10 seconds be salary cap money which would be great for the Tigers because it is um oh I don’t have the the figure in my head but it’s it’s a significant percent you know 9:18 9 minutes, 18 seconds of the salary cap is is a million dollars it’s like 120th or something right um so so so that’s significant to where 9:25 9 minutes, 25 seconds if if you’re LSU you definitely want to avoid paying that you know if you’re not liable but then it becomes a matter are 9:32 9 minutes, 32 seconds you willing to not pay that and maybe sour future transfers, future recruits from hey like you know LSU didn’t have 9:40 9 minutes, 40 seconds the backs of these two players and it becomes you know how do you want to play this and it it starts to get again murky. So Sam, one quick question for 9:49 9 minutes, 49 seconds you. Uh, is there any record or any proof that either player received any 9:58 9 minutes, 58 seconds payment from Miss towards that original contract that they had signed that they would maybe have to recompensate miss 10:07 10 minutes, 7 seconds for since they didn’t fulfill the contract? 10:11 10 minutes, 11 seconds So they they’re allowed to to keep all the money that they they signed for under, you know, the the 2025 year 10:19 10 minutes, 19 seconds because both those players played that entire year out. Where this is concerned is both of these players signed new 10:27 10 minutes, 27 seconds revenue share deals re-upping for the 2026 season. 10:32 10 minutes, 32 seconds So the only money that But did they collect any of that new money is what I’m I’m asking. 10:39 10 minutes, 39 seconds Oh, you know, I I haven’t I I guess that would be something that that comes out in in the court documents as well, but I mean there there’s no proof of that. Old 10:47 10 minutes, 47 seconds Miss kind of put out in in their timeline that LSU has not responded to in in any give and take. But um I I 10:55 10 minutes, 55 seconds imagine that because that aspect is black and white of hey, this was deposited into this account, then uh you know, it probably was. But I I don’t 11:04 11 minutes, 4 seconds have any first tempers for that. S Sam, you mentioned I think you’ve used the word murky a few times and I think that is a very good word and you’ve 11:11 11 minutes, 11 seconds talked to some legal experts on this and granted contracts get signed every day across America, all kinds of different contracts. But because this is a new 11:19 11 minutes, 19 seconds realm that we’re in and this is basically we’re we’re a year and a half, I guess, or maybe two years now or yeah, a year plus, right, in revenue share in the in the revenue share world. 11:30 11 minutes, 30 seconds This is the second full season. 11:31 11 minutes, 31 seconds Yeah. So, this is we’re we’re 13 months into this thing. 11:34 11 minutes, 34 seconds Um, because this is so brand new, is it is it even hard for legal scholars to say, 11:42 11 minutes, 42 seconds “Boy, this one is going to be tough because there’s just not a lot of precedent for these type of situations. 11:49 11 minutes, 49 seconds There’s no precedent in in Mississippi for for this kind of So you’re absolutely right and that’s probably the the clearest answer that I got from 11:57 11 minutes, 57 seconds everyone is hey you know it’s it’s hard because this will be the case that sets precedent. So they said that you know 12:04 12 minutes, 4 seconds schools in in in other states um and certainly everyone in Mississippi because the the case is in Lefayet 12:11 12 minutes, 11 seconds County here in in uh in Oxford um that’s where it’ll be litigated. But yeah that that’s what everyone told me is there’s there’s no precedent for this. Um, so it 12:20 12 minutes, 20 seconds it becomes hard to come out with any sort of clarity about what should or or could or probably will happen. 12:27 12 minutes, 27 seconds But I do have a guess what will ultimately happen, guys. And it’s not very dramatic. 12:30 12 minutes, 30 seconds Okay. But before you give us before you give us that, let let me ask this one question. Is Trinidad Chamblas’s judge 12:39 12 minutes, 39 seconds going to be one of the judges that is in Lafayette County settling this? 12:45 12 minutes, 45 seconds Good question. that Judge Judge Whitwell is not uh presiding over either of these cases. So that that’s a good question. 12:52 12 minutes, 52 seconds No, no, he’s not. 12:54 12 minutes, 54 seconds Okay. So, what what how do you think this is going to shake out? 12:58 12 minutes, 58 seconds I think this will shake out. Um not not anywhere nearly as dramatic as a a Judge Witwell, you know, hour-long reading of 13:05 13 minutes, 5 seconds his decision in a courtroom with cameras all and all that. 13:09 13 minutes, 9 seconds Everyone just kind of says that, hey, this is probably going to settle and the amount is is, you know, certainly probably going to be more than zero, 13:18 13 minutes, 18 seconds right? Um but it could be less than than the 1 million if those players are able to argue that number down. Yeah. So, um 13:26 13 minutes, 26 seconds you know, the the thing that the thing that I’m most curious about is is who winds up paying, right? Um because do do 13:34 13 minutes, 34 seconds those players wind up paying or does does LSU wind up paying and you know take the dent in the salary cap and 13:41 13 minutes, 41 seconds that’s where the other tricky thing is is is is LSU’s you know 22 million or whatever the salary cap is is is that already spent you know so that’s the 13:50 13 minutes, 50 seconds other thing to if you’re LSU you may not have the option um and you know it gets really uh fishy 13:57 13 minutes, 57 seconds if you know principal you bought a nice house and taking care of some people and maybe Deon Harper, you know. So, so 14:04 14 minutes, 4 seconds where is the money is the other thing um that gets troublesome. But in in cases 14:11 14 minutes, 11 seconds where only monetary damages are at stake those are have the lowest priority because this is a deal where you know 14:19 14 minutes, 19 seconds you can award money months years into the future and it equates right that’s why this Trinidad Chamblas case to 14:25 14 minutes, 25 seconds contrast it got uh expedited is because it it was a matter you know a timesensitive matter hey this is coming 14:33 14 minutes, 33 seconds up. So that’s what I’ve also learned is that monetary uh you know cases determining monetary damages have the 14:41 14 minutes, 41 seconds kind of the lowest priority of of moving through the courses and that’s why this might not actually get settled until 2027 14:49 14 minutes, 49 seconds door and and then it’s a matter there might not even be a rule for this in the the college sports commission with the salary cap and all that but yeah, you know, would it would it come out of 14:57 14 minutes, 57 seconds next year’s salary cap or this year? I mean, it’s like we’re we’re on the cutting edge and making, you know, things up as we go, which is, you know, a weird place to be. 15:06 15 minutes, 6 seconds Well, that’s college football for you in today’s day and age. So, hey, Sam, thanks a lot, man. Good information. We appreciate it. 15:14 15 minutes, 14 seconds I’m just trying to keep up with Reed and Brett. You guys have a great lineup on, so yeah, happy to hop on. 15:20 15 minutes, 20 seconds All right, man. Next time we get you on, we’ll actually talk about the game. Okay, we’ll get you on for sure. 15:25 15 minutes, 25 seconds Let’s do it. That’s all anyone wants to talk about down here. Yeah. All right, Sam, have a good one, man. Stay cool out there. It’s blazing hot. Sam Hutchkins 15:33 15 minutes, 33 seconds from Clary and Ledger. Let’s take a break. More of Tiger Rag Radio when we come back. 15:36 15 minutes, 36 seconds I’m Richard Fontner, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. My brother and I grow rice, soybeans, and raised crawfish on our farm in Evangeline Parish. For a fourth 15:45 15 minutes, 45 seconds generation farmer like myself, Louisiana Farm Bureau is as much a part of my life as checking traps or harvesting rice. 15:51 15 minutes, 51 seconds Our organization is more than 145,000 members strong, and we’ve been around for more than 100 years. The Louisiana Farm Bureau spans generations and we want you to join our family. 16:01 16 minutes, 1 second Visit lafarmbureau.org. 16:03 16 minutes, 3 seconds The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. We’re back to Tiger Rag Radio. 16:12 16 minutes, 12 seconds Back here on Tiger Rag Radio, Jeff Lur along with Todd Horn joined now by a sweaty Tiger Rag editor Gwen Gilbo. How you doing tonight, Gwen? 16:21 16 minutes, 21 seconds I’m not sweating at all, man. Cool as a cucumber, huh? Feels grace. The sun has made my skin feel so good. 16:30 16 minutes, 30 seconds Like are you looking at the trees right now? Go ahead. Are you looking at the trees on the LSU campus? 16:35 16 minutes, 35 seconds Trees just, you know, me that is LSU is LSU. That’s really all I can tell you. 16:42 16 minutes, 42 seconds Is LSU football practice fake or real? 16:47 16 minutes, 47 seconds Well, it was real. It was real. I just can’t tell you anything about it because you know that’s that’s one of the new things. Yeah. this year walking out of 16:54 16 minutes, 54 seconds practice. They tell you, “Okay, you can’t write anything until this time.” And and tonight it was 8:45. So 8:45. 17:01 17 minutes, 1 second Yeah. This kind of stuff is started in the NFL and now it has trickled down to college football. Yeah. 17:08 17 minutes, 8 seconds So is the practice that’s when that practice ends. So you can’t write about until the till the practice ends. Well, is there if if I’m listening to Tiger 17:17 17 minutes, 17 seconds Rag Radio right now, is there going to be a reason that I want to go to tiger.com at about 8:45ish or 9:00ish to see what 17:26 17 minutes, 26 seconds happened at practice or or was it fake? 17:33 17 minutes, 33 seconds Uhoh. I think we lost Glenn. The uh the cut him off kit that he got intercepted. Drone some drone took him out. Something like that. 17:44 17 minutes, 44 seconds uh because they were concerned he was going to provide some sort of insight on what happened during a uh bunch of wide 17:51 17 minutes, 51 seconds receivers running a slant drill. So we can stay here. 17:56 17 minutes, 56 seconds Yeah. So anyways, uh I don’t know. Uh Case, can you see is he still there? You think or No, he’s gone. 18:04 18 minutes, 4 seconds I think he’s I guess he just didn’t like my question. I think that’s what it was. 18:07 18 minutes, 7 seconds The humidity humidity got him. So the olive skin felt like olive. Hey, uh, Case, let’s hear a cut from, uh, Ty 18:14 18 minutes, 14 seconds Benfield. How about that? That guy was a pretty intriguing young man. Let’s hear a little bit from him, uh, from yesterday. 18:21 18 minutes, 21 seconds All right. This, uh, Tai just kind of on what he’s going to do in the Blake Baker defense. 18:25 18 minutes, 25 seconds You could just see me doing doing everything. That’s the beauty of Coach Baker trusting his players and seeing the potential that they have and the 18:33 18 minutes, 33 seconds athletic ability they have. That’s what makes him such a great coach is that he knows guys very well and he knows what they can do. The thing that gets me really going is just making plays for my 18:41 18 minutes, 41 seconds for my team. Whether it be a tackle, whether it be setting an edge, little things like that. But for sure, that ball. I want that ball. I want to go 18:49 18 minutes, 49 seconds pick that ball off, you know, any chance that I get and I will, you know, when that time comes. I’m putting in a lot of work to do that. And you guys will see that. 18:56 18 minutes, 56 seconds What a confident young man. What a wellspoken young man. Has lived quite a life. His dad played in the CFL for what, about a dozen years. Had a cup of 19:04 19 minutes, 4 seconds coffee with the San Francisco 49ers. Uh, another West Coast kid, but also spent probably a lot of time up in Canada. 19:12 19 minutes, 12 seconds Spent time in Boise, and now here he is in uh, Louisiana. What did he say about Louisiana? Case, do you got anything on that? 19:20 19 minutes, 20 seconds Oh, wait. 19:20 19 minutes, 20 seconds Growing up in Canada, I see a lot of ties. There’s a lot of French Canadians and kind of understanding like the French and New Orleans and Louisiana is pretty cool. But, I mean, also being in 19:28 19 minutes, 28 seconds California, kind of getting used to that black culture and having that, you know, this world, this big black culture world out here is just great. But, you know, honestly, just the hospitality and the 19:37 19 minutes, 37 seconds people here, like it’s it’s amazing. And I’m so glad I have these great people around me. Like, the fans are unbelievable. I’ve never been defended in a comment section before on TikTok, 19:45 19 minutes, 45 seconds and like that was the first time. So, um I was just like, great. Like, this is awesome. I love these people. So, everything’s been really good and it’s been a blessing. So, uh I’m right where I need to be and I love it. 19:55 19 minutes, 55 seconds Good stuff from Tai Bennett. 19:57 19 minutes, 57 seconds Yeah. And he really is eloquent sounding, you know. It’s that’s amazing that um that Boise State education must be pretty darn good. 20:05 20 minutes, 5 seconds Well, and he’s well traveled. 20:07 20 minutes, 7 seconds Yeah, he is well a lot of culture. California, Canada, you know, Idaho. All right, I think we got Gwen back on. 20:14 20 minutes, 14 seconds Gwen, uh you back with us? Yeah. Hello. 20:18 20 minutes, 18 seconds Yeah, we’re here. Yeah, it looks like uh yeah, the uh the signals there near Tiger Stadium said figured out you were about ready to spill the beans about 20:27 20 minutes, 27 seconds practice, they cut you off. We only got about a minute though left in this segment, Glenn. So, give me your uh give me your quick take here before we have 20:34 20 minutes, 34 seconds to go to Reed Darcy just on LSU football in general. 20:38 20 minutes, 38 seconds Well, I like how they’re they’re trying young people on defense. You know, Lamar Brown’s been in there a lot. Richard 20:45 20 minutes, 45 seconds Anderson, Jace Thomas, you know, Dominic has not been playing about that early. 20:51 20 minutes, 51 seconds And I think what Lane’s doing is, you know, if a young guy is not older guy is only a little bit better than a young guy, they’re going to play. 21:00 21 minutes All right. Well, looks like they got to they got to improve that cell reception before September 5th comes around. 21:06 21 minutes, 6 seconds Yeah, that was really choppy. Really choppy. I think they were Did you see the drone fly? whatever you were talking about. 21:15 21 minutes, 15 seconds Hey, man. This this coaching staff’s on top of everything, man. It’s like, geez, they need to be over there in Iran like scoping out drones and stuff like that. 21:24 21 minutes, 24 seconds I would I would encourage everybody to go to tiger.com around 9:00 and see the practice report whenever we’re and be prepared for the flood of videos 21:32 21 minutes, 32 seconds in your social media channels come 8:45, I guess. Yes. 21:36 21 minutes, 36 seconds All right. Uh when we take we’re going to take a break and then when we come back, Reed Darcy from the Advocate, we’ll talk with him. good piece on Kahan 21:44 21 minutes, 44 seconds Booty and we’ll talk a little hoops with him as well. So stay tuned for all that here on Tiger Radio. 21:50 21 minutes, 50 seconds The East Baton Rouge Parish Library believes that supporting the education of students is good for us all. That’s 21:57 21 minutes, 57 seconds why we provide access to live in-person online tutoring through Homework Louisiana. 22:03 22 minutes, 3 seconds Make available free test preparation tools through Learning Express and Mometrics, plus reference tools for all ages. 22:12 22 minutes, 12 seconds Get a library card. Get free education at ebrpl.com/homeworkhelp. 22:21 22 minutes, 21 seconds This is Tiger Rag Radio. 22:27 22 minutes, 27 seconds All right, back here on Tiger Rag Radio, Jeff Polmo along with the executive editor for Tiger Rag magazine, Todd Horn 22:34 22 minutes, 34 seconds and Case Kishnik. And joining us now, it’s Reed Darcy of The Advocate. He’s with us here on Tiger Rag Radio. Reed, 22:42 22 minutes, 42 seconds how you doing today? Were you out at I know you can’t say anything about football practice, but were you out there tonight? 22:48 22 minutes, 48 seconds Yeah, I was out there. I can’t say anything until 9:00 p.m. So, yeah, 9:00 p.m., right? So, I can I can give you all the the details, but there really wasn’t much, 22:57 22 minutes, 57 seconds so I don’t think I have much for you in that. Well, we were talking to Glenn a minute ago and we weren’t addressing anything specifically that happened, but 23:04 23 minutes, 4 seconds the drones did interfere with the reception when we broached the ponderosa. So, let’s just be careful. We don’t want to lose you. 23:14 23 minutes, 14 seconds No. Yeah. But a great piece on uh Kan Booty and it really is quite a story about this. I mean really from the 23:22 23 minutes, 22 seconds beginning um when you go back and I say the beginning from his days at Westgate High School, one of the top price one of the top prospects as far as wide 23:31 23 minutes, 31 seconds receivers go. The guy just during the co year just puts up huge video game like 23:38 23 minutes, 38 seconds numbers and then in 2021 he gets hurt against Kentucky. Edron loses his job. 23:46 23 minutes, 46 seconds It just kind of I guess Orzron loses his job in 22, right? 23:50 23 minutes, 50 seconds Yeah. But but he struggled with with Kelly at first. There was friction between Yeah. about practice habits and all that kind of stuff. And uh 23:58 23 minutes, 58 seconds so the the thing is Reed when I read the story, it was a great story by the way and I would encourage anybody I think it published on the what the 10th. So today’s the 11th. So it was yesterday. 24:09 24 minutes, 9 seconds Um to check it out. It it was on the advocate.com. I don’t know if you need to be a subscriber or not. I don’t you’ll have to inform on all that. 24:17 24 minutes, 17 seconds read the the broad outlines of the the Boute gambling case that you write about. 24:23 24 minutes, 23 seconds I I knew about and obviously everybody followed, but what what struck me reading your story was the scale of it. 24:30 24 minutes, 30 seconds I mean, just put that scale in perspective for us. How much gambling activity did investigators find? 24:37 24 minutes, 37 seconds Yeah, they they found a lot. You know, it was really all confined according to what FanDuel reported to police and what 24:45 24 minutes, 45 seconds police later discovered was linked back to Kan was was really all confined to I think about a year period, 11, 12, 13 months. 24:54 24 minutes, 54 seconds April 22 to May 23rd. Yeah. 24:57 24 minutes, 57 seconds $600,000 and 9,000 bets. 25:00 25 minutes 9,000 bets over two months or whatever. Well, 13 months. 13 months. Okay. Yeah. 25:08 25 minutes, 8 seconds Yeah. So, so that’s a lot. Um, and overall in total he lost probably 80 to90,000 25:16 25 minutes, 16 seconds um total if if you turn add up to what he netted from that. It was um pretty far in the negative. So, so he he 25:24 25 minutes, 24 seconds acknowledges now that he had a really serious problem as those numbers of course demonstrate. And um this crux of the story, it really started with all 25:32 25 minutes, 32 seconds the Brendan Sorsby stuff um that was uh really taking a whole lot of national attention this summer. And so we were 25:39 25 minutes, 39 seconds trying to figure out ways to localize that story, right? What what better way to do that than to check in with Kan 25:48 25 minutes, 48 seconds Booty since he kind of got caught up in a similar situation. You know, this two situations are not exactly alike. Um, 25:55 25 minutes, 55 seconds but they both they’re both said that they both have gambling problems, gambling addictions, and they both bet 26:02 26 minutes, 2 seconds on their team’s games. In the case of Sorsby, he well did not play in those games that he bet on. At least that’s 26:10 26 minutes, 10 seconds what he’s said publicly. Um, but Kan Booty did and then he the famous example is uh the Florida State game, Brian 26:17 26 minutes, 17 seconds Kelly’s first game in charge at LSU in the Superdome. He he bet on himself to hit his overs and receiving yards and 26:26 26 minutes, 26 seconds receiving touchdowns. At least that’s what police discovered and he ended up playing in that game of course and he only had two catches for 20 yards or something. So that bet didn’t hit. 26:35 26 minutes, 35 seconds Yeah. So that that was an example of how he kind of got swept up in it and how bad it got for him. But um as the story story illustrated, he’s really come a 26:43 26 minutes, 43 seconds long way since then. And he in a sense though he is lucky because Sorsby that what really impacts him is he’s still in 26:52 26 minutes, 52 seconds college athlete where when all this came out regarding booty he’s already in the NFL and granted I guess the NFL could 27:00 27 minutes have you and we all know the NFL that there’s zero tolerance for this as well. 27:04 27 minutes, 4 seconds There’s been guys that have been um suspended or even kicked out of the league and whatnot, but because he 27:11 27 minutes, 11 seconds didn’t he wasn’t still in college, he was able to he had a second lease on life. Is that the way you look at it 27:19 27 minutes, 19 seconds too, Reed? Because there was no there was the NFL was not going to punish him for what he did as a college football player. 27:27 27 minutes, 27 seconds Correct. He he really benefited a lot from some fortuitous timing here because um if you look back at the timeline, LSU 27:34 27 minutes, 34 seconds said that it was not alerted to any of his gambling activity until July of 2023. So that’s two to three months 27:41 27 minutes, 41 seconds after he was already drafted in the sixth round by the Patriots. So because he was not um still a college football player, because he was not trying to 27:49 27 minutes, 49 seconds play um in the NCAA, then the NCAA kind of just had nothing to do with his case. 27:54 27 minutes, 54 seconds it just it it happened and and he he was moved on to the NFL so he wasn’t eligible to play anyway and the NFL from their perspective like he didn’t bet on 28:02 28 minutes, 2 seconds NFL games. He didn’t violate any of the NFL’s policy. So it really would have been up to the Patriots to decide if they wanted to keep him on and they did 28:10 28 minutes, 10 seconds because he he played well enough to make the roster that year. You know, six round picks not necessarily guaranteed to make the 53man roster, but um in that 28:18 28 minutes, 18 seconds training camp he really did. And that set the stage for um the next couple years of his career where he’s really carved out a pretty important role for the Patriots. You know, played in the 28:27 28 minutes, 27 seconds Super Bowl, was one of their leading receivers last year, and now um even though the Patriots traded for AJ Brown um in the offseason, he’s still got a 28:34 28 minutes, 34 seconds pretty big role on offense and all reports out of training camp this year are saying that he’s um he’s really playing well and he’s really seems to have a pretty big role for one of the 28:43 28 minutes, 43 seconds NFL’s best teams. So, um, he he did benefit quite a bit from timing, of course, but, um, once you get that second chance, I think you have to take advantage of that second chance. 28:53 28 minutes, 53 seconds I was going to say cash it in, but that that’s probably not the right term to use. Um, but before we talk about how he 29:00 29 minutes has rehabilitated, which is the good side of the story. Um, what did LSU learn from this, if anything, were you 29:08 29 minutes, 8 seconds able to pick up on any of that? Did they learn how that a player could gamble to that extravagant of a level and then not even know about it? Have they been able 29:16 29 minutes, 16 seconds to put anything in place to prevent that from happening future-wise moving forward or currently? Any anything on that? 29:23 29 minutes, 23 seconds Not that I know of. I don’t know if anything has changed on the LSU side of things, but I do know that LSU is beginning some form of partnership with 29:31 29 minutes, 31 seconds the Louisiana Department of Health in terms of getting um resources to the athletes, making sure they know exactly what the rules are and what they can and 29:39 29 minutes, 39 seconds cannot do and and what is ethically okay and what maybe, you know, might be not legally okay. So, I think um and and 29:47 29 minutes, 47 seconds there’s also just resources in general just for when you look at it from a mental health standpoint. That’s one thing the Louisiana Department of Health 29:55 29 minutes, 55 seconds has really stressed is that this is really a public health issue now. It’s it’s same way as you would treat addiction to alcohol or drugs. You know 30:03 30 minutes, 3 seconds that gambling has that kind of way about it and it’s really tough to kick because a lot of this a lot of betting you know nowadays people just bet on their phones 30:12 30 minutes, 12 seconds and the phones are in themselves can be an addiction right so when you combine those two things it can be pretty 30:19 30 minutes, 19 seconds powerful. I think that’s um kind of what Kaan Booty fell into and it’s what a lot of young people nowadays can fall into if they’re not careful. 30:27 30 minutes, 27 seconds Yeah. If I remember, he he did all this too when he was under the age of 21, which obviously isn’t the um the legal age to bet in Louisiana. if I set up a fake account. Yeah. 30:38 30 minutes, 38 seconds Um but the other thing that has happened I guess on a state level, there are no more you can no longer there are no more 30:46 30 minutes, 46 seconds uh college football uh player bet uh prop prop bets for players. 30:50 30 minutes, 50 seconds So there there’s no more of that. So I don’t know if that helps the situation at all, but no longer could you bet on your own individual performance if you 30:58 30 minutes, 58 seconds were a player. Um, hey Reed, before we get we let you go, got to ask you about women’s basketball. The schedule C came 31:06 31 minutes, 6 seconds out today. Uh, interesting non-conference games coming up against North Carolina. Yukon will be a fun game 31:12 31 minutes, 12 seconds in Nashville, Tennessee. Um, what do you think about the end of that regular season schedule where you you’re going 31:20 31 minutes, 20 seconds to be facing the likes of Oklahoma, Texas, obviously South Carolina, I think it’s the 21st of February, Tennessee is 31:28 31 minutes, 28 seconds in there. Uh January looks like a a breeze and then uh February looks much much tougher. 31:35 31 minutes, 35 seconds Yeah, it looks like they’re going to get out of January with maybe one or maybe zero losses. Vanderbilt Vanderbilt’s early on. Vanderbilt will be tough, but 31:43 31 minutes, 43 seconds all of the all of the most if not all of the toughest match matchups um SEC wise, they’re all confined to February. So, it’s going to be a really really 31:51 31 minutes, 51 seconds grueling month for LSU and it’s going to be especially um going to make things even tougher since they got to jump straight into the postseason after that. 31:57 31 minutes, 57 seconds So, that’s going to be um the most the period of time where we find out exactly what they’re made of. But um what I’m excited for this year is that we’re 32:05 32 minutes, 5 seconds going to have a much better idea of how good they are in December. You know, because they’re actually challenging themselves a little bit out of 32:12 32 minutes, 12 seconds conference in a way that they haven’t really done the past couple years under Kim Moy. So I am guys I’m looking forward to not having um to deal with 32:21 32 minutes, 21 seconds the discourse and the narrative around nonigma Charlie is not going to be able to come on Tiger Rag radio 32:30 32 minutes, 30 seconds and say that Kim Moy and LSU is an enigma. 32:33 32 minutes, 33 seconds Yeah I’m doing I I I did jumping jacks you know when I found out the they’d be playing Yukon and a couple teams Houston is Houston any good? 32:42 32 minutes, 42 seconds Houston Houston’s not good. 32:44 32 minutes, 44 seconds They’re not a very good program, but but still overall it’s a much tougher slate. 32:48 32 minutes, 48 seconds And obviously the Yukon matchup is is probably going to be the toughest non-conference game that they’ve played since Moki’s been at LSU, I would assume. 32:55 32 minutes, 55 seconds And and they play ACC challenge. Who who do they play for that? North Carolina. North Carolina. 33:01 33 minutes, 1 second And they got is North Carolina State good? I feel like they’re good. Like right, weren’t they a sweet 16 team or elite A team or something a few years back? So 33:09 33 minutes, 9 seconds yes, they um they made the final four a couple years ago. Okay. here. I don’t think they made it past the first weekend, but yeah, real solid program. 33:16 33 minutes, 16 seconds Wes Morris is a good coach. 33:17 33 minutes, 17 seconds Well, do do you think that uh that she’s, you know, built that roster to where she needs to to to make it back to the Elite 8, Final Four or further? 33:27 33 minutes, 27 seconds Yeah, I do. I think it’s a very good roster. I don’t know if it’s better than last year’s roster. It’s tough to say right now, but yeah, they definitely 33:35 33 minutes, 35 seconds definitely have enough talent to be in that mix. I I really think they did a good job, you know, reloading in the transfer portal. The biggest thing was 33:43 33 minutes, 43 seconds pivoting quickly from Jada Reishard to Jada Williams. Uh that was huge. Jada Williams is going to be a really really uh good fit for them. And having that 33:51 33 minutes, 51 seconds extra ball handler, that extra score in the back court is going to really really help them. 33:55 33 minutes, 55 seconds Was that an upgrade? Was that an upgrade? 33:58 33 minutes, 58 seconds Um it’s tough to say because they’re they’re two different players. They do different things. you know, Rishard is probably a better uh scorer and outside 34:07 34 minutes, 7 seconds shooter, while Williams is uh more of a facilitator and a much better distributor of the ball. So, they they bring different things to the table. Um 34:16 34 minutes, 16 seconds but but I think LSU will really benefit from having a point guard who who is kind of like a pass first kind of player. You know, they haven’t really 34:23 34 minutes, 23 seconds had one of those in a while. And so, that’s going to open up things for Michaela Williams, mileage for WY and the post as well. She’s really good at 34:31 34 minutes, 31 seconds throwing entry passes as she showed last year when she was playing for Iowa State. 34:35 34 minutes, 35 seconds Well, didn’t didn’t Angel Reese start in 2022? Couldn’t she come back? All right. 34:42 34 minutes, 42 seconds Well, wanted to file a lawsuit. I think if she could make it happen. 34:46 34 minutes, 46 seconds Yeah. Yeah. For sure. For sure. So, December 19th, 20th could be a fun weekend. You could have a college football playoff game involving LSU and 34:53 34 minutes, 53 seconds women’s basketball playing Yukon. So, we’ll see if that actually transpires. 34:57 34 minutes, 57 seconds We know LSU is playing Yukon in women’s hoops. Uh Reed, we’ll talk to you again. 35:02 35 minutes, 2 seconds Uh great piece again on Kan and uh good luck with your uh practice report from tonight and and you know making that interesting. 35:11 35 minutes, 11 seconds Awesome. Sounds good. Appreciate you guys. 35:13 35 minutes, 13 seconds All right, there we go. Reed Darcy from the Advocate. Uh good guy. We’ll take a break or unless you got something to add. 35:19 35 minutes, 19 seconds No, I just want to know what happened at football practice. 35:22 35 minutes, 22 seconds We’ll have to wait till 9:00, right? Is that it? 9 at least or 8:45? Something like that. All right, we’ll take a break. More coming up here after this break. 35:32 35 minutes, 32 seconds How you doing? This is Snow Dog. Tiger Rag. Tiger Rag Radio. 35:36 35 minutes, 36 seconds Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, you are tuned in. 35:38 35 minutes, 38 seconds Talk LSU sports interviews, opinions, and new calls around the Tiger Nation. 35:43 35 minutes, 43 seconds Batt Road was a life for me. Home of LSU Tigers. Now, more Tiger Rag Radio. 35:48 35 minutes, 48 seconds Love to score and get highlights and championships and play to win. Tiger Rag Radio. 35:53 35 minutes, 53 seconds We’re back here on Tiger Rag Radio. Jeff Wormo along with the executive editor for Tiger Era magazine, Todd Horn. Uh Gwen Gilbo may be in a holding cell at 36:02 36 minutes, 2 seconds this point after trying to tell us what was going on at football practice. But uh Hey, hey, don’t get us in trouble, man. 36:10 36 minutes, 10 seconds I’m sure Glenn’s okay. He’s he’s working on that article that will be published at 8:45 tonight. That will give you the recap of LSU football practice. Another 36:19 36 minutes, 19 seconds storyline so far through LSU football practice. I mean, there was we this started actually in the spring when Bo 36:25 36 minutes, 25 seconds Bordalon was taking reps with uh the starters on the offensive line at left guard and people were saying really I mean what about this Devin Harper kid 36:33 36 minutes, 33 seconds that’s you brought you know Calvary he was at Calvary Baptist he was at Old Miss he played a handful of games with the Rebels last season. I thought he was 36:42 36 minutes, 42 seconds supposed to be the guy at guard, but Bo Bordalon has uh stuck it out and here he is with an opportunity it looks like to 36:49 36 minutes, 49 seconds be a starter on that offensive line and basically Lane Keifin says he has certainly deserved it. 36:56 36 minutes, 56 seconds He’s earned it. You know, he’s uh practiced really well in the spring, worked out really hard and learned the playbook. It’s all new playbook obviously and done a really good job. 37:05 37 minutes, 5 seconds And so you guys have probably heard me heard me say before, people don’t play here by how many stars they are, what their contract is or where they’re from, what state they’re from, or who their 37:13 37 minutes, 13 seconds dad is. So that’s not how we do it. He’s earned it and done a really good job and we’re excited about that. 37:18 37 minutes, 18 seconds It is a pretty cool story and there’s a lot of speculation that he might actually be awarded the number 18 jersey. Now, of course, since he’s an 37:26 37 minutes, 26 seconds offensive lineman, he would not be able to wear the number 18 jersey, but he would have a patch, but um he would certainly be connects to the Woodside energy patch. 37:35 37 minutes, 35 seconds Yeah, it could. Yes, exactly. Um but that is the kind of guy that you sometimes want representing uh number 18. Someone that has just stuck with it. 37:46 37 minutes, 46 seconds He’s a legacy player. His dad played at LSU and is a guy that’s uh it sounds like really since his time and this is 37:54 37 minutes, 54 seconds his fifth year at LSU. Since his time there, he’s been someone that whatever you’ve asked him to do, he’s done. He’s 38:01 38 minutes, 1 second put the work in and now he’s put himself in an opportunity to be a starter on this team. And and I also thought it was really uh 38:10 38 minutes, 10 seconds interesting that Kein talked about it that way the way he did because he just wanted to lay it out there. You know, Borderline’s dad was not only a former 38:18 38 minutes, 18 seconds player, he’s also a very successful Louisiana businessman, very involved with LSU, and in fact was on the search committee that hired Lane Kein. 38:28 38 minutes, 28 seconds Yeah. 38:28 38 minutes, 28 seconds So, pretty transparent. All right, let’s take our final break. 38:34 38 minutes, 34 seconds When we come back, uh, we’ll wrap things up here on Tiger Rag Radio. And we’re back with Tiger Rag Radio. 38:44 38 minutes, 44 seconds All right, back here on Tiger Rag Radio. 38:48 38 minutes, 48 seconds Um, surprise, surprise, Todd, or did you anticipate uh when the clock rang out, the buzzer went off Friday night, early 38:57 38 minutes, 57 seconds Saturday morning that the Protect College Sports Act did not pass the US Senate? I I was not the least bit surprised because Case kept me updated 39:05 39 minutes, 5 seconds on what was going on all day Friday and um he had pretty much told me that the clock was going to run out on it this 39:13 39 minutes, 13 seconds time. I’m not sure that it’s going to run out on in September case. What do you think? 39:20 39 minutes, 20 seconds I think that Congress will try its hardest to make it as difficult as possible for it to get through um just as the nature of how the US Senate is. 39:30 39 minutes, 30 seconds And then when you add in the fact that once it does get through the Senate, it of course has to go to the House where uh Majority Leader Steve Scaliz has 39:38 39 minutes, 38 seconds already been against the bill. Now, his position might have since changed since LSU’s position changed and the SEC’s has and all the revisions they’ve made, but 39:46 39 minutes, 46 seconds it’s still certainly an uphill battle and one that’s not going to happen until September. 39:50 39 minutes, 50 seconds And the Congressional Black Caucus is not for it. 39:53 39 minutes, 53 seconds Yeah. Which is kind of surprising how late they came out against it. Yeah. I thought Yeah. I mean, maybe that’s just me, a weird take. 40:01 40 minutes, 1 second To be fair, that’s because it didn’t really become a real tangible issue until the SEC and Big 10 finally made up their minds and decided to support it in 40:09 40 minutes, 9 seconds the final hour and then it was finally kind of filed in those last few days. 40:14 40 minutes, 14 seconds For people not watching it on a minute-by-minute basis like you, Case, why did the SEC finally get behind the bill? 40:22 40 minutes, 22 seconds There were so many revisions that it’s almost a different bill than the one that was originally written this summer. 40:27 40 minutes, 27 seconds But the big things of course were that they they redid the media uh rights pooling to where that’s completely voluntary now and SEC and Big 10 schools 40:36 40 minutes, 36 seconds don’t have to opt into that. They’ve added or changed provisions to uh league expansion and uh realignment where all 40:43 40 minutes, 43 seconds power four schools if they want to change will have to sit out a five-year probationary period. And then the big thing at the at the end that was kind of 40:51 40 minutes, 51 seconds the holdup was they added new language to close loopholes around NIL and third-party uh NIL deals and how schools 40:59 40 minutes, 59 seconds might use that to work around caps and they added another retention pool and there’s just so many changes that seem to all go the SEC and Big 10 and Notre Dame’s way. 41:08 41 minutes, 8 seconds So I was about to say so they basically said what just tell us what you want SEC and Big 10. We’ll make it the language work that way and then it’ll get 41:16 41 minutes, 16 seconds approved. And then that’s when the Black Caucus came in and said, “Yeah, no, not going to happen.” Well, the Black Caucus, their argument was that uh black athletes and coaches 41:25 41 minutes, 25 seconds and people that this is going to disproportionately affect were not consulted enough and their opinions were not uh reflected enough in the final copy of the bill. 41:35 41 minutes, 35 seconds So that cuts to the antitrust really, if you really want to look at it. 41:42 41 minutes, 42 seconds So, we uh just continue with the wild wild west for who knows how long. Well, at least through September. 41:50 41 minutes, 50 seconds I just don’t see any I think you got to wait till a new Congress gets in there and you don’t know what the makeup of the new Congress is going to look like. 41:58 41 minutes, 58 seconds It’s just this was their chance, I think. And I don’t I don’t foresee them, you know, they got the ball across the 50 yard 42:06 42 minutes, 6 seconds line here. I don’t think they can mount another drive going in this way. Well, and the SEC’s and Big 10 are going to continue to complain about how that 42:14 42 minutes, 14 seconds hasn’t happened and it still is the Wild Wild West when they have no one else to blame but themselves for why this didn’t happen. You know, it’s there were uh 42:22 42 minutes, 22 seconds senators talking about how all anyone cared about was college sports, you know, while all these other bills are being heard and it was the Big 10 and SEC that they were waiting on. 42:31 42 minutes, 31 seconds Yeah. The Super League. As you see it. 42:35 42 minutes, 35 seconds Yeah, that’s a good way of putting it. case. 42:38 42 minutes, 38 seconds We’ll we’ll wrap up the show on that on that note. Uh for Case Kishnik, Todd Horn, Glenn Gilbo, we hope he’s okay. 42:45 42 minutes, 45 seconds Read his stuff at 8:45 tonight. I’m Jeff Plural. For the latest in LSU sports, check out tiger.com. We’ll talk with you again next week here on Tiger Radio. 42:55 42 minutes, 55 seconds Tiger Rag is everywhere. Online at tiger.com. Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/tigerragmagazine or follow us on Twitter at tiger\_rag. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, LSU Football News, Podcast, Radio, Women's Basketball **Tags:** Devin Harper, Kayshon Boutte, lsu football, Ole Miss Rebels, Princewill Umanmielen --- ### [LSU Athletics Home Season Kicks Off Sunday With Soccer Team Hosting Northwestern State](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-athletics-season-kicks-off-sunday-with-soccer-team-hosting-northwestern-state/) **Published:** August 12, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES As the 2026-27 athletic year officially gets underway, the Tiger Athletic Foundation (TAF), in partnership with LSU Athletics, is launching [LSU Athletics Kickoff Week](https://lsusports.evenue.net/www/ev_lsu/ss/ev/Donate?siteId=ev_lsu&linkID=lsu), through Sunday, August 16, when the No. 16 Tigers’ soccer team opens the home sports calendar year of 2026-27 against Northwestern State at 6 p.m. The soccer team opens the season on the road tonight at No. 18 Wake Forest in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Timed with the opening of LSU football practice last week and back-to-school energy with classes starting on August 24, the Tiger Athletic Foundation is opening a campaign encouraging LSU fans to rally behind their favorite sports programs and support student-athlete success, according to an LSU release. “LSU Athletics Kickoff Week provides supporters a direct opportunity to impact the programs they care about most,” Matt Borman, president and CEO of the Tiger Athletic Foundation, said. “Whether you choose to join a booster club, make a philanthropic gift to an excellence fund or sign up for recurring giving, every contribution directly enhances the student-athlete experience and elevates our 21 varsity sports and spirit squads.” Throughout Kickoff Week, supporters can tailor their impact by selecting between sport-specific [Booster Clubs and Excellence Funds](https://lsusports.evenue.net/www/ev_lsu/ss/ev/Donate?siteId=ev_lsu&linkID=lsu). Seven designated programs offer active booster club memberships, featuring exclusive benefits, such as custom team gear, special event invitations and behind-the-scenes access based on giving tiers. Booster clubs include: – Baseball Coaches Committee – Men’s Basketball Tip-Off Club – Women’s Basketball Fast Break Club – Men’s & Women’s Golf Swinging Mike Club – Gymnastics Tiger Spotters – Softball Diamond Backers – Bengal Belles Supporters can also choose to make 100% tax-deductible, philanthropic contributions directly to excellence funds for any LSU program, including all sports and spirit squads. These funds supply critical discretionary resources for team travel, equipment upgrades, training technology and sport-specific needs. For the first time, TAF is introducing [Recurring Giving](https://lsusports.evenue.net/give/EF?isRecurring=true), allowing supporters to make automatic monthly contributions to their preferred sport’s Excellence Fund. Recurring gifts offer a flexible, convenient way to provide sustained backing year-round while earning priority point rewards (4 points per $1,000 contributed). On Saturday, supporters will also have the opportunity to participate in the annual fan-favorite campaign – Pledge Per Win – for the 2026 football season. Commitments to Pledge Per Win support Team TAF, which directly supports the holistic student-athlete experience through scholarships and revenue share every time the Tigers secure a victory or score a touchdown on the gridiron. Supporters interested in contributing to third-party NIL initiatives to directly impact LSU student-athletes can submit an [online interest form here](https://athl.lsusports.net/NILSUMAX-Interest) or contact Mary Claire Logue with NILSU MAX [via email](mailto:mc.logue@lsusp.com). Help LSU Athletics launch the 2026-27 school year strong. To explore booster club tiers, establish a recurring monthly gift or contribute to an excellence fund, visit the official LSU Athletics Kickoff Week Giving Hub at [lsutaf.org/kickoffweek](https://lsutaf.org/kickoffweek) or contact TAF at (225) 578-4823 or . **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Soccer **Tags:** lsu athletics, LSU Tigers, TAF, Tiger Athletic Foundation --- ### [Lane Kiffin Lights Up Ole Miss Again With Tigers-Rebels Grudge Match Under 6 Weeks Away; Practice Report](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-lights-up-ole-miss-again-with-tigers-rebels-grudge-match-under-6-weeks-away-practice-report/) **Published:** August 11, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU coach Lane Kiffin was just getting some distance from his infamous quote to Vanity Fair magazine last May about Ole Miss’ racial past. > [Lane Kiffin Graces Cover Of “Vanity Fair,” Which Takes Deep Dive On Rock Star LSU Football Coach](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-graces-cover-of-vanity-fair-which-takes-deep-dive-on-rock-star-lsu-football-coach/) But on Tuesday, Kiffin poked the bear again, taking a shot at his former school, which he coached from 2020-25 at Ole Miss with great success, on the Marty and McGee Show on the SEC Network. > Tonight on [@SECNetwork](https://x.com/SECNetwork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) it’s our annual Marty & McGee Talkin’ Season specials, Monday & Tuesday at 7 PM ET. We kick it off with Lane Kiffin. I asked him the question people always ask me. So, our [@E60](https://x.com/E60?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) doc, was that all bulls—t? [pic.twitter.com/u8Pdnqo9tX](https://t.co/u8Pdnqo9tX) > > — Ryan McGee (@ESPNMcGee) [August 10, 2026](https://x.com/ESPNMcGee/status/2086908694269149473?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “There’s never a minute, a second in the day that I’m at LSU that I don’t feel the power of LSU,” Kiffin told Marty Smith and Ryan McGee. “At Ole Miss, you can go 7-5, have 7-5 seasons, and you’re good. They won’t even complain in the off-season. It’ll still be great.” Wow! Kiffin famously quit tweeting after[ the Vanity Fair controversy,](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-vanity-fair-writer-explains-what-led-to-kiffin-discussing-ole-miss-racial-image-issue/) but with comments like that, he might as well still be tweeting. > Lane Kiffin’s son Knox should be allowed to call some of his own plays as QB at University High if he called this one: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 23, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2080346800372814156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Kiffin will bring his No. 13 Tigers to Oxford, Mississippi, to play No. 10 Ole Miss on September 19 in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in prime time (6:30 p.m., ABC). LSU opens the season on Sept. 5 against No. 23 Clemson in Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC). Kiffin went 5-5 at Ole Miss in his first season in 2020, but the Rebels were 4-8 the year before for their third losing season in four years. Then he went 10-3, 8-5, 11-2, 10-3 and 11-1 last season before leaving after the regular season to become LSU’s coach. Defensive coordinator Pete Golding was promoted to head coach and won two playoff games to reach the semifinals before losing. Interesting “7-5” comment by Kiffin, but he is flat wrong. If Golding goes 7-5 this season with returning players like quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and running back Kewan Lacy, Ole Miss fans will indeed be disappointed, will complain and will not go around saying, “We’re good.” > [Lane Kiffin Is The Best LSU Football Coach Hire Ever … At The Time Of The Hire | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-is-the-best-lsu-football-coach-hire-ever-at-the-time-of-the-hire-glenn-guilbeau/) Why? Because of Kiffin. His success at Ole Miss and the success in the playoffs with Kiffin’s team by Golding and the players recruited and left by Kiffin has built up expectations for Ole Miss as high or higher than at any time in Ole Miss history. And Golding will be under more pressure to win with what Kiffin built for him than Kiffin will be under at LSU, which was 7-6 last season. Because Golding still has to prove that he even deserved the job since he had never been a head coach and only got the job because of the hurried timing. In a normal coaching search, Golding perhaps would not have even made an interview list. “If I’m 7-5, I’m miserable,” Kiffin said. “I don’t care where I am. I don’t care if the fans are mad or not. I’m miserable myself. So that didn’t appeal to me to stay somewhere because of that lower expectation of a program.” And wrong again. Kiffin repeated that he also left Ole Miss because he felt he was getting too comfortable there, which should be a warning for LSU fans should he win a national championship or two and start to get comfortable as Alabama or the Dallas Cowboys could come calling. “One of the benefits is it pushed me to grow more,” Kiffin said of the move to the Tigers. “The expectation at LSU is as high as anywhere in any sport or any program. It’s uncomfortable for a lot of people. I like that. That matches me.” Kiffin was alarmingly candid with Marty Smith, who famously chased him down by car to interview him just outside the plane he took to LSU upon leaving Ole Miss on Sunday, Nov. 30. > It’s over. Lane Kiffin is LSU’s next football coach. Press conference introducing him set for Monday at LSU. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [November 30, 2025](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/1995189623631618525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “I don’t handle breakups well, I guess,” Kiffin, who is divorced and has had multiple long relationships that have not lasted, said Tuesday. “This is a me thing. I’m the problem.” The Ole Miss Nation would agree. **PRACTICE NOTES:** The Tigers donned full pads for the first time this camp in practice number six on Tuesday. The media, though, did not get to see any hitting in an 11-minute viewing period of non-contact drills. Tight end Trey’Dez Green continued to wear a gold jersey for no contact, but he does not appear to have a significant injury or any injury at all. True freshman wide receiver Jabari Mack of Destrehan High in the New Orleans area was also wearing gold and does appear to have an injury. LSU will hold a walk-through of plays on Wednesday before a Thursday practice at 10 a.m. Kiffin and players will be available for interviews after practice. The Tigers will practice again at 10 a.m. on Friday before the first scrimmage of the preseason on Saturday, which will be closed to reporters. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** blake baker, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels, Pete Golding --- ### [LSU Center Braelin Moore Believes Tigers' O-Line Has The Makings Of Another Joe Moore Award](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-center-braelin-moore-believes-tigers-o-line-has-the-makings-of-another-joe-moore-award/) **Published:** August 11, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Fifth-year senior center [Braelin Moore](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-in-29-days-and-here-is-player-profile-no-26-center-braelin-moore/) is confident in the Tigers’ new-look offense under coach Lane Kiffin and coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. Moore (6-foot-2, 301 pounds) started 12 games for LSU last year after transferring from Virginia Tech. The Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, native started 24 games in three seasons with the Hokies. After the exits of head coach Brian Kelly, offensive coordinator Joe Sloan and offensive line coach Brad Davis last season, he could have understandably changed schools or tried his luck in the NFL. But he had unfinished business at LSU. “The decision was pretty easy for me,” he said after practice Monday. “I had a choice if I wanted to go to the next level, but there is still a lot on the table that I desire to go get. It’s a national championship. It’s a Joe Moore Award. That’s why I came back, just trying to go get those things.” > [LSU Center Braelin Moore Fall Camp Press Conference](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-center-braelin-moore-fall-camp-press-conference/) LSU’s 2019 offensive line helped the Tigers win the national championship at 15-0 and won the Joe Moore Award that goes to the nation’s best offensive line. It is named after legendary Pitt offensive line coach Joe Moore, who coached the Panthers’ line from 1980-85 and Notre Dame’s offensive line from 1988-96. Braelin Moore is not related to Joe Moore, but both are from Pennsylvania with the late Joe Moore from Pittsburgh. > [LSU’s offensive line named the best in college football](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-offensive-line-named-the-best-in-college-football/) Moore went 6-6 in starts each of his two seasons at Virginia Tech. The Tigers were 7-5 in games he started last year. He wants more success than that, and there are a lot of differences between Kelly and Sloan’s offense compared to Kiffin and Weis’. Moore said those two were the other reason he returned as Kiffin’s and Weis’ offenses have been among the best in the Southeastern Conference and the nation in recent years. > [Lane Kiffin Is An Ultra Modern Offensive Coach, But When It Comes To The Run, He’s All Old School](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-is-an-ultra-modern-offensive-coach-but-when-it-comes-to-the-run-hes-all-old-school/) “I haven’t been a part of an offense that’s demanded those kinds of numbers, so I know what that could do for our team. I know what that could do for me,” Moore said. The Kiffin-Weis Ole Miss offense averaged 176.3 rushing yards (2,645 total) and 2.6 rushing touchdowns (39 total) per game last season. The Rebels also allowed the fewest sacks per game in the SEC with just 1.27, only 19 all year. Compare those numbers to LSU’s averages of 104 yards (1,352 total) and 0.8 (10 total) touchdowns on the ground last season. Moore and the rest of the offensive front allowed Tigers quarterbacks to be sacked 29 times last year for a 2.23 per game average. > [LSU To Keep Its Best Offensive Lineman – Incoming Senior Center Braelin Moore](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-to-keep-its-best-offensive-lineman-incoming-senior-center-braelin-moore/) While it is easy to recognize the superior efficiency of Kiffin and Weis’ offensive line play, Moore quickly found out it is another thing to replicate it. “It was kind of rough in the spring going from a huddle team to now we’re on the ball as fast as we can, but there’s so many advantages to it. The defense has to play on their heels every play. They don’t know what we’re going to run because there’s so much motion going on. It’s really a headache for the defense,” he said. Ole Miss led all SEC teams with 1,099 offensive plays ran last season (489.67 per game), but the Rebels ranked 12th in time of possession, averaging just 28 minutes, 44 seconds a game. That makes for an average of one play every 23.5 seconds of game time. LSU’s offense was last in the conference with 333.54 plays in 30 minutes, 16 seconds of possession a game for an average of one snap every 28.75 seconds. That tempo has become a trademark of the Kiffin-Weis system. Kiffin said the simplified language required to run the offense quickly makes it easy for transfers like quarterback Sam Leavitt to get up to speed fast. Moore said it was great to get the young, talented backups Husan Longstreet and Landen Clark reps in the spring, but having Leavitt under center is a game changer. **LSU QUARTERBACK SAM LEAVITT IS THE OFFENSE’S COMFORTER** “When we got Sam back, it was almost just like a comfort blanket,” Moore said. “He’s been there before. He’s already played in the playoffs. He knows what it takes to win. Having a guy like that back there to really orchestrate everything is huge.” Leavitt led Arizona State to an 11-3 record, Big 12 title and College Football Playoff appearance in his first season as a Sun Devil in 2024. With talented new pieces all over the LSU offense, Moore did not prophecy that level of success this season, but is expecting improvement from last year. “I like where we’re at right now,” he said. “We still got a lot of ways to go, but this offense is going to be extremely explosive.” That starts with a revamped offensive line. Moore is joined by redshirt sophomore right tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) (6-6, 315) as the only returning starters from a season ago. Junior left tackle Jordan Seaton (6-5, 307) was a prize five-star transfer addition out of Colorado. Maryland fifth-year senior [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) (6-5, 327) is another experienced portal addition at right guard, and fifth-year senior [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) has finally earned his chance to start at left guard. > [LSU’s Revamped Offensive Line Will Be A Mix Of New Blood And Old Purple And Gold](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-revamped-offensive-line-will-be-a-mix-of-new-blood-and-old-purple-and-gold/) “Them guys is dogs,” Moore said. “That’s why we got them here. Seaton’s going to hold that left side down, and West and Aliou are gonna hold that right side down. But those guys are big, powerful dudes, and I look forward to what they’ll give us.” What they give, Moore hopes, is a performance worthy of that Joe Moore Award. LSU, by the way, has welcomed back offensive line coach/run game specialist James Cregg, who was LSU’s O-Line coach in 2019. “I got the utmost confidence in this group,” Moore said. “That we could go get that award, and we could be the most dominant O-line in the country.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Braelin Moore, Joe Moore Award, lane kiffin, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU QB Sam Leavitt Feeling It In Louisiana - "I'm From Oregon - I Didn't Think Louisiana Was A Real Place"](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-qb-sam-leavitt-feeling-it-in-louisiana-im-from-oregon-i-didnt-think-louisiana-was-a-real-place/) **Published:** August 10, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor New LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt is about 2,500 miles away from where he grew up in West Linn, Oregon – 75 miles east of the Pacific Ocean and a 36-hour drive to the LSU campus. “I’m from Oregon,” Leavitt said on Monday during his first interview session since transferring to LSU from Arizona State last January. “So, Louisiana kind of felt almost fake to me.” As in not a place you can touch or sweat profusely. “I didn’t think it was a real place,” he said. “But after being out here, I just love the trees. And I always wanted to be here in the South.” > [THIS TIME IT’S DONE! No. 1 Portal QB Sam Leavitt Has Signed With Lane Kiffin And LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/this-time-its-done-no-1-portal-qb-sam-leavitt-has-signed-with-lane-kiffin-and-lsu/) Leavitt has also lived in Utah and spent his freshman season at Michigan State and a redshirt freshman and sophomore season at Arizona State, and he has already grown to like the outdoor ovens of South Louisiana. “The humidity obviously was something I had to get used to, but I love it now,” he said. Now, LSU coach Lane Kiffin really sold this Pacific Northwest kid. “I love the way it makes my skin feel,” he said. “It’s been amazing.” Leavitt didn’t actually say, “It’s just different,” the patented mantra Kiffin began saying in his second day on the job last December, but he followed that game plan. “People are great in Louisiana,” he said. “The passion, you know. Just walking down the street, it’s pretty incredible the way that they love the state and put on for the state. Just makes you want to be here even more. It’s just been a blessing being out here.” > Everything you need to know about QB Sam Leavitt: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 5, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2085107986515550434?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) So much so that it makes one wonder now why Kiffin made a special trip to Knoxville, Tennessee, last January while Leavitt was visiting Tennessee on a recruiting trip after Leavitt had already visited the LSU campus just a few days prior. “When I came out here and took my visit, just kind of fell in love with the place,” Leavitt said. “Fell in love with the vision. At LSU, you walk around, and it’s an historic place. So many great players came out of here (including 2023 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Jayden Daniels after a transfer from Arizona State). It’s a situation where I don’t really see how anyone could pass it up.” But Leavitt did consider Tennessee, Miami and Kentucky. Kiffin visited him in Knoxville between visits to Tennessee and Miami. “Yeah, portal process was pretty crazy,” Leavitt said. “I didn’t expect it to go that direction, just the whole situation.” > [Lane Kiffin Is Not A Yes Man When It Comes To “No” In Recruiting | Glenn Guilbeau Column](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-is-not-a-yes-man-when-it-comes-to-no-in-recruiting-glenn-guilbeau-column/) Asked about the Kiffin visit at the Knoxville airport, Leavitt said, “I don’t really want to go too much into the portal process, but yeah, he definitely did some great tactics from his side. Ultimately, I made the decision to come here, so that all worked out.” In recruiting Leavitt, Kiffin pushed the fact that he and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. a year ago were able to quickly get another transfer ready in just a few months at Ole Miss for the 2025 season, even though that quarterback missed spring drills. That quarterback was Trinidad Chambliss, a late transfer from Division II Ferris State who finished third in the country last season with 3,937 passing yards. And he guided the Rebels to the College Football Playoff semifinals. “When does that ever happen?” Kiffin said last week of the season Chambliss had last year with such brief preparation from Kiffin and Weis. So Kiffin last January pushed that to Leavitt, who knew at the time he would miss most of spring drills wherever he went because of a mid-right foot injury he suffered last season that required surgery and limited his season to seven games. The recovery was expected to stretch through the spring. “I just think quarterback development’s an easy thing to sell,” Kiffin said Monday morning at a press conference when asked what his selling point to Leavitt was. “How well people play, how well people play in a short period of time with us,” Kiffin said. “And not having to wait a year and learn. With him projected to miss a lot of spring, we sold, ‘Well, hey look at the last place (Ole Miss) without a spring what the quarterback (Chambliss) was able to do.’ And we brought in pieces around him (receivers, offensive linemen), and so I think it’s kind of an easy sell.” Kiffin also pointed to previous LSU transfer quarterbacks Joe Burrow, who won a national championship and the Heisman in the 2019 season, and Daniels. “And you’re playing quarterback at LSU, which has been a pretty good move the last 10 years,” he said. Leavitt has been walking and running in practice without pain in that right foot, by the way, after the October surgery and another procedure last spring that took the screws out from the surgery. “I’m 100 percent right now, and I’ve been 100 percent for the past few months,” he said. “So, yeah I’m ready to go.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Sam Leavitt --- ### [LSU QB Sam Leavitt Makes His Highly-Anticipated First Media Appearance As A Tiger](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-qb-sam-leavitt-makes-his-highly-anticipated-first-media-appearance-as-a-tiger/) **Published:** August 11, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Arizona State transfer quarterback [Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-the-season-in-31-days-and-this-is-player-bio-no-22-qb-sam-leavitt/) came to LSU as the No. 1 player in the transfer portal this offseason. As he spent most of the spring sidelined recovering from right foot surgery, he had yet to make his media debut in Baton Rouge. The redshirt junior spoke to reporters for the first time after the first week of LSU fall camp. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football, Sam Leavitt --- ### [LSU Women's Basketball Complete 2026-27 Schedule Is Out](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-basketball-complete-2026-27-schedule-is-out/) **Published:** August 11, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The LSU women’s basketball team, in conjunction with the Southeastern Conference, announced its 2026-27 schedule Tuesday morning for the Tigers’ 52nd season, which is set to begin on Nov. 2 against Southeastern Louisiana. LSU will play 17 home games (plus two exhibitions) and 10 road games along with four neutral site contests in the non-conference slate. The schedule includes a Thanksgiving Tournament for the sixth-straight season in Fort Myers, Fla., and the Tigers’ second consecutive road trip in the SEC/ACC Challenge since it began during the 2023-24 season. For the SEC schedule, LSU will play each conference opponent only once except for Auburn, which will feature a home-and-home. Three of LSU’s home SEC games will come on a Sunday with four more occurring on Thursday. LSU will play on Monday once. On the road, LSU has four Sunday matchups and four Thursday contests. Single game tickets will go on sale closer to the start of the season. Fans are invited to join the Fast Break Club, the official booster club of LSU women’s basketball. All of LSU’s games will be broadcast on the LSU Sports Radio Network, 107.3 FM in Baton Rouge. A television schedule for the season will be released on a later date. Coach [Kim Mulkey](https://lsusports.net/staff/kim-mulkey) returns for her sixth season leading the Tigers after another Sweet Sixteen run last season. She is the sport’s second winningest coach currently active. Mulkey holds a career record of 783-130 and is the fastest NCAA head coach, men’s or women’s, to reach 750 career wins after defeating Kentucky on Feb. 23, 2025. LSU returns key players including First-Team All-SEC guard [Mikaylah Williams](https://lsusports.net/sports/wbball/roster/player/mikaylah-williams), Sixth Woman of the Year [MiLaysia Fulwiley](https://lsusports.net/sports/wbball/roster/player/milaysia-fulwiley), and [Kate Koval](https://lsusports.net/sports/wbball/roster/player/kate-koval). Three sophomores from the nation’s No. 1 recruiting class a season ago return. Having played significant minutes in their opening act, All-SEC freshman [ZaKiyah Johnson](https://lsusports.net/sports/wbball/roster/player/zakiyah-johnson), [Grace Knox](https://lsusports.net/sports/wbball/roster/player/grace-knox) and [Meghan Yarnevich](https://lsusports.net/sports/wbball/roster/player/meghan-yarnevich) look to build on their first season with the Tigers. Joining LSU’s team from the transfer portal includes point guard [Jada Williams](https://lsusports.net/sports/wbball/roster/player/jada-williams) from Iowa State, guard [Laila Reynolds](https://lsusports.net/sports/wbball/roster/player/laila-reynolds) from Florida and guard [Chloe Larry](https://lsusports.net/sports/wbball/roster/player/chloe-larry) from Tennessee Tech. Newcomers to the college basketball scene include LSU’s lone freshman [Lola Lampley](https://lsusports.net/sports/wbball/roster/player/lola-lampley) out of Indiana and international standout [Noa Morro](https://lsusports.net/sports/wbball/roster/player/noa-morro) from Spain. The Tigers will host two exhibition games which will be open to the public at the end of October to prepare for the season. LSU will face UNT Dallas on October 22 and Loyola (N.O.) on October 29. LSU’s season opener will be November 2 at home against Southeastern Louisiana. The Tigers will remain at friendly confines of the PMAC for six more games (Texas Southern (Nov. 5), McNeese State (Nov. 10), Denver (Nov. 13), Troy (Nov. 16), Fairleigh Dickinson (Nov. 19), Belmont (Nov. 23)) before traveling to Florida for the Fort Myers Tip-Off from Nov. 27-28. LSU will take on Villanova and NC State in the Sunshine State. The Tigers will follow that multi-team event with a trip to Chapel Hill, N.C., where LSU will take on North Carolina (Dec. 2) in the SEC/ACC Challenge. LSU is 3-0 in the SEC/ACC Challenge with victories over Virginia Tech, Stanford, and Duke. The Tigers will then battle Northwestern State (Dec. 6) on the road and Houston (Dec. 13) at the Toyota Center. LSU will return to the Maravich Center for one contest against Stonehill College on December 15. After that, the Tigers will take on the UConn Huskies for the espnW Invitational at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn., on December 20. It will be the first game between the two programs since 2016. LSU will close out the non-conference slate with Alcorn State on December 27. LSU will open the SEC slate with a matchup against Auburn inside Neville Arena on December 31. The Tigers will follow that up with two home games versus Vanderbilt (Jan. 3) and Texas A&M (Jan 7). LSU will hit the road and face Florida on January 10 before a home game against Mississippi State (Jan. 14). The Tigers will then travel to Arkansas (Jan. 17) and Alabama (Jan. 21) before hosting Auburn (Jan. 28) and Ole Miss (Feb. 1) in back-to-back contests. LSU’s final seven game stretch in the regular season will include matchups at Kentucky (Feb. 4), at Missouri (Feb. 7), home versus Texas (Feb. 11) and Georgia (Feb. 14), at South Carolina (Feb. 21) and at Tennessee (Feb. 25). LSU will host Oklahoma on February 28 for the regular-season finale. The Tigers’ two scheduled byes occur on January 24 and February 18. The SEC Tournament will once again be held in Greenville, S.C., from March 3-7. Selection Sunday for 2027 March Madness will take place on March 14 with the Opening Round starting up tournament play on March 17 and the First Round beginning on March 19. **LSU WOMEN BASKETBALL SCHEDULE FOR 2026-27** *Date, H for Home/A for Away/N for Neutral, Opponent* 10/22/26 H UNT Dallas 10/29/26 H Loyola (N.O.) 11/2/26 H Southeastern Louisiana 11/5/26 H Texas Southern 11/10/26 H McNeese 11/13/26 H Denver 11/16/26 H Troy 11/19/26 H Fairleigh Dickinson 11/23/26 H Belmont 11/27/26 N Villanova 11/28/26 N NC State 12/2/26 A North Carolina 12/6/26 A Northwestern State 12/13/26 N Houston 12/15/26 H Stonehill 12/20/26 N UConn 12/27/26 H Alcorn State 12/31/26 A Auburn 1/3/27 H Vanderbilt 1/7/27 H Texas A&M 1/10/27 A Florida 1/14/27 H Mississippi State 1/17/27 A Arkansas 1/21/27 A Alabama 1/28/27 H Auburn 2/1/27 H Ole Miss 2/4/27 A Kentucky 2/7/27 A Missouri 2/11/27 H Texas 2/14/27 H Georgia 2/21/27 A South Carolina 2/25/27 A Tennessee 2/28/27 H Oklahoma March 3-7 A SEC Tournament March 17 – April 4 NCAA Tournament **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Women's Basketball **Tags:** kim mulkey, LSU Tigers', lsu women's basketball --- ### [LSU Transfer Safety Ty Benefield Excited For His Welcome To Death Valley - Full Post-Practice Interview](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-transfer-safety-ty-benefield-excited-for-his-welcome-to-death-valley-full-post-practice-interview/) **Published:** August 11, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Senior safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) is poised to be one of the biggest playmakers on coach Lane Kiffin’s first LSU roster. The Boise State transfer was a standout in the Mountain West Conference and is excited to bring that talent to Baton Rouge. He spoke to local media Monday about his preseason camp so far. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football, Ty Benefield --- ### [LSU Center Braelin Moore Fall Camp Press Conference](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-center-braelin-moore-fall-camp-press-conference/) **Published:** August 11, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Fifth-year senior center Braelin Moore leads the offensive line into 2026. The Virginia Tech transfer started 12 games in his first season as a Tiger last year and is poised to fill the same role under head coach Lane Kiffin. Moore recapped the first week of fall camp live from the Team room at LSU Football Ops. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Braelin Moore, lane kiffin, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football --- ### [LSU Football Player Profile Number 32 - Offensive Tackle Darrin Strey](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-32-offensive-tackle-darrin-strey/) **Published:** August 10, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Redshirt freshman offensive tackle Darrin Strey followed offensive line coach Eric Wolford from Kentucky to LSU. Strey (6-foot-7, 314 pounds) is part of the youth section of LSU coach Lane Kiffin’s 41-man transfer portal class. Strey, 19, was a four-star prospect at Paw Paw High in Paw Paw, Michigan, and was the No. 41 offensive tackle in [247sports.com](http://247sports.com)’s transfer portal ranking. > [Lane Kiffin Picks Up 25th Portal Addition From OL Darrin Strey Of Kentucky](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-picks-up-25th-portal-addition-from-ol-darrin-strey-of-kentucky/) He played just 20 snaps at right tackle as a true freshman but his size gives LSU depth and competition in the tackle room. Strey is not projected to start this season but has an SEC-ready build to step in if necessary, and he could be a future option at the position if he can continue to develop his quickness, footwork and flexibility under Wolford. **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** *Strey is a prototypical offensive tackle frame with exceptional reach. Four-star high schooler with SEC starting upside and a valuable depth option.* **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** *Four-star offensive line transfer from Kentucky … Played for his dad, Dennis, at Paw Paw High School … Redshirted as a true freshman at Kentucky in 2025 … Played for current LSU offensive line coach Eric Wolford during his 1 season at Kentucky … Listed as the No. 2 right tackle on the 2025 Kentucky depth chart … Appeared in 4 games for the Wildcats, seeing action on 18 offensive snaps at right tackle … Tremendous all-around athlete, earned all-state honors in Michigan in both football and track (shot put and discus) … Named to the Dean’s List at Kentucky in the spring of 2025 … Born in Kalamazoo, Mich. … His dad Dennis was an All-America offensive lineman at Ferris State … His mom Jennifer was a pitcher on the softball team at Ferris State … Older brother Dennis played on the offensive line at Eastern Michigan (2022-25).* **FRESHMAN SEASON (2025 at Kentucky)** *Appeared in 4 games … Played 3 games at right tackle and saw action against Louisville in season-finale on special teams … Made collegiate debut vs. Eastern Michigan, playing 2 snaps at right tackle … His collegiate debut came against his brother Dennis, who played offensive line at Eastern Michigan … Played 4 snaps at right tackle against Florida and 12 against Tennessee Tech … Redshirted.* **HIGH SCHOOL** *Rated with 4-stars by On3 and ranked the No. 2 player in Michigan …Ranked No. 6 in the state of Michigan and No. 32 among offensive tackles by 247 Sports Composite … Four-year starter and letterwinner who played on both the offensive and defensive lines for his dad, Dennis Strey, at Paw Paw High School … Helped lead the Red Wolves to a 9-2 record and an appearance in the Wolverine Conference championship game in 2024 … Named first-team All-State for Division 4 by the MHSFCA … Earned first-team Wolverine All-Conference honors as both an offensive and defensive lineman … Voted Kalamazoo-area’s top fall sports athlete … Totaled 102 pin blocks, 59 tackles, including 21.0 tackles for loss with 2 sacks as a senior … His 21.0 tackles for loss set the single-season school record … Also owns the school’s career record with 31.0 tackles for loss … Totaled 96 pancake blocks and 64 tackles, including 12 for loss, as a junior … An all-around athlete who also played basketball and participated in the discus and the shot put for the track team … Earned all-state honors in 2023 and 2024 in track … Set the Paw Paw school-record in the discus with a throw of 162 feet … Excelled in the classroom as well, maintaining a 4.13 grade point average.* **NEXT:** Tight End Malachi Thomas **PREVIOUS BIOS:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) Running Back [Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) Defensive Tackle [Deuce Geralds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) Tight End [Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-18-treydez-green-expected-to-be-among-nations-best-tight-ends/) Offensive Lineman [Devin Harper](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-19-offensive-lineman-devin-harper-is-back-home-in-louisiana/) Wide Receiver [Jackson Harris](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-signee-may-be-one-of-the-best-jackson-harris-is-player-profile-no-20/) Running Back [Dilin Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-32-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-21-running-back-dilin-jones/) Linebacker [Davhon Keys](https://www.tigerrag.com/one-month-until-lsu-football-kicks-off-linebacker-davhon-keys-is-player-profile-no-21/) Quarterback [Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-the-season-in-31-days-and-this-is-player-bio-no-22-qb-sam-leavitt/) Quarterback [Husan Longstreet](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-husan-longstreet-may-be-tigers-qb-of-the-future-player-profile-no-24/) Defensive Tackle [Dominick McKinley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-25-defensive-tackle-dominick-mckinley/) Center [Braelin Moore](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-in-29-days-and-here-is-player-profile-no-26-center-braelin-moore/) Cornerback [DJ Pickett](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-27-cornerback-dj-pickett-will-try-to-pick-up-where-he-left-off-in-2025/) Edge [Jordan Ross](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-28-can-lsu-unlock-the-potential-of-tennessee-transfer-edge-jordan-ross/) Offensive Tackle [Jordan Seaton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-29-jordan-seaton-may-be-prize-of-lane-kiffins-star-studded-no-1-portal-class/) Safety [Dashawn Spears](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-number-30-junior-safety-star-dashawn-spears/) Kicker [Scott Starzyk](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-31-new-kicker-scott-starzyk/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Darrin Strey, Eric Wolford, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football Player Profile No. 31 - New Kicker Scott Starzyk](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-31-new-kicker-scott-starzyk/) **Published:** August 10, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Since the 2022 season, LSU had very little to worry about when it came to field goals and extra points. Damian Ramos left LSU after last season as the school record holder with 69 field goals, 409 points and 129 extra points. In his career, he was 42 of 49 on field goals between 20 and 39 yards. [LSU FOOTBALL ROSTER 2026](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-roster-2026/) Now, the question is can Arkansas transfer sophomore Scott Starzyk follow in his toe steps? If his season last year is any indication, yes. Starzyk made 9 of 9 field inside 40 yards last season and 14-18 field goals overall in being named to the All-Southeastern Conference freshmen team. > [LSU Adds Portal Addition No. 12 With Kicker Scott Starzyk of Arkansas](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-adds-portal-addition-no-12-with-kicker-scott-starzyk-of-arkansas/) **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** An experienced SEC kicker who did not miss a kick inside 40 yards in one year as a Razorback and had two made field goals over 50 yards. **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** Joins the Tigers after an outstanding true freshman season with Arkansas in 2025 … The top freshman kicker in the SEC in 2025 … Earned 2025 Freshman All-SEC honors after connecting on 14-of-18 field goals and all 47 PATs in his first season at Arkansas … Scored a team-best 89 points … Served as Arkansas’ kicker for all 12 games in 2025 … Made 9 straight field goals at one point during the season …. Didn’t miss from inside 40-yards, going 9-of-9 on those attempts. **FRESHMAN SEASON (2025 at Arkansas)** Served as the starting kicker in all 12 games … Connected on 14-of-18 field goal attempts and all 47 extra-point attempts to score a team-leading 89 points … Earned Freshman All-SEC honors … Went a perfect 9-of-9 on field goals inside 40-yards … In collegiate debut, drilled a 53-yard field goal in season-opener against Alabama A&M … The 53-yard field goal was the longest for a freshman in Arkansas history … After missing kicks of 51 and 49 yards vs. Ole Miss in week 3, hit 9 consecutive field goals beginning with a 46-yarder vs. Memphis in week 4 … Didn’t miss again until week 10 against LSU when he missed on a 48-yard attempt … The following week against Texas, went 3-for-3, connecting from 51, 33, and 33 yards … Went 3-of-6 from 40-49 yards and 2-of-3 from 50-yards or more … Other 40-yard field goals came vs. Notre Dame (49 yards) and Mississippi State (42 yards). **HIGH SCHOOL** A 5-star prospect according to Kohl’s Kicking … Rated the No. 1 kicker in the class of 2025 by Kohl’s Kicking … No. 2 kicker in the class of 2025 according to 247Sports and ESPN … Attended The Woodlands High School in The Woodlands, Texas … As a junior, made 4-of-4 field goal attempts with a long of 49 and connected on 71-of-74 point-after attempts … Averaged 39.9 yards on 29 punts, including a long of 60 in 2023 … MaxPreps Sophomore All-American first-team selection in 2022 after making 7-of-8 field goal attempts with a long of 45 yards and all 78 of his point-after attempts … Also punted 32 times for an average of 40.5 yards while pinning opponents inside their own 20-yard line 12 times … Tallied a combined 3,737 kickoff yards and over 20 touchbacks as a sophomore and junior … Invited to compete in the 2025 Under Armour All-American Game. **CAREER HIGHS** Field Goals: 3 vs. at Texas, 2025 Field Goals Attempted: 3 at Texas, 2025 Long Field Goal: 53 vs. Alabama A&M, 2025 PATs: 8 vs. Arkansas State, 2025 PATs Attempted: 8 vs. Arkansas State, 2025 Points Scored: 13 at Texas, 2025 **NEXT:** Offensive Tackle Darrin Strey **PREVIOUS BIOS:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) Running Back [Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) Defensive Tackle [Deuce Geralds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) Tight End [Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-18-treydez-green-expected-to-be-among-nations-best-tight-ends/) Offensive Lineman [Devin Harper](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-19-offensive-lineman-devin-harper-is-back-home-in-louisiana/) Wide Receiver [Jackson Harris](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-signee-may-be-one-of-the-best-jackson-harris-is-player-profile-no-20/) Running Back [Dilin Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-32-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-21-running-back-dilin-jones/) Linebacker [Davhon Keys](https://www.tigerrag.com/one-month-until-lsu-football-kicks-off-linebacker-davhon-keys-is-player-profile-no-21/) Quarterback [Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-the-season-in-31-days-and-this-is-player-bio-no-22-qb-sam-leavitt/) Quarterback [Husan Longstreet](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-husan-longstreet-may-be-tigers-qb-of-the-future-player-profile-no-24/) Defensive Tackle [Dominick McKinley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-25-defensive-tackle-dominick-mckinley/) Center [Braelin Moore](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-in-29-days-and-here-is-player-profile-no-26-center-braelin-moore/) Cornerback [DJ Pickett](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-27-cornerback-dj-pickett-will-try-to-pick-up-where-he-left-off-in-2025/) Edge [Jordan Ross](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-28-can-lsu-unlock-the-potential-of-tennessee-transfer-edge-jordan-ross/) Offensive Tackle [Jordan Seaton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-29-jordan-seaton-may-be-prize-of-lane-kiffins-star-studded-no-1-portal-class/) Safety/Star [Dashawn Spears](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-number-30-junior-safety-star-dashawn-spears/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Arkansas Razorbacks, Damian Ramos, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Scott Starzyk --- ### [Lane Kiffin Passes On Question About Ole Miss' Lawsuit Vs. Ex-Rebels Now At LSU; Damien Shanklin Not Practicing](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-passes-on-question-about-ole-miss-lawsuit-vs-ex-rebels-now-at-lsu-damien-shanklin-not-practicing/) **Published:** August 10, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor There has been little progress regarding the lawsuit Ole Miss filed on July 28 against former players Princewill Umanmielen and Devin Harper for not paying their buyouts from new contracts to Ole Miss before transferring to LSU last January. Other than lawyers telling the Clarion-Ledger newspaper in Jackson, Mississippi, that they expect the case to be settled out of court, there have been no developments. > [LSU Paid Lane Kiffin’s $3 Million Buyout To Ole Miss, And May Have To Pay Nearly $1 Million For 2 Transfers’ Buyouts](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-paid-lane-kiffins-3-million-buyout-to-ole-miss-and-may-have-to-pay-nearly-1-million-for-2-rebel-transfers/) On Monday, LSU coach Lane Kiffin was asked how aware he was of the players’ new contracts and the buyout and how does he hope to see it resolved. “Yeah, I don’t really get into that,” he said. “And that sounds like a legal matter, so I don’t have a comment.” **RESERVE EDGE RUSHER DAMIEN SHANKLIN NOT PRACTICING** Kiffin did answer a question somewhat about the status of redshirt freshman edge rusher Damien Shanklin, who has not been seen at practice since camp opened last week. “He is not practicing with the team right now, and that’s all I can comment on,” he said. Shanklin played briefly last season before being red-shirted. He had two tackles on the season in five games, and both were sacks in the win over Southeastern Louisiana. He signed with LSU in 2025 as the No. 31 edge rusher in the nation and No. 6 prospect in Indiana from Warren Central High in Indianapolis. Among the schools that recruited Shanklin were Alabama, Texas, Tennessee, Notre Dame, Ohio State, Florida and Oklahoma. **PRACTICE NOTES** Projected starting right offensive tackle Weston Davis, a redshirt sophomore from Beaumont, Texas, returned to practice on Monday after missing the last workout on Saturday. William Satterwhite II, a redshirt sophomore transfer from Tennessee, ran with the first team in Davis’ absence on Saturday. Satterwhite has appeared as starting center Braelin Moore’s backup on various media depth charts with Darrin Strey, a redshirt freshman transfer from Kentucky, behind Davis. Tamarcus Cooley and Ty Benefield were the No. 1 safeties on Monday. Jhase Thomas had been running at first team safety with Benefield. Redshirt freshman linebacker Jaiden Braker of Snellville, Georgia, has been getting a look at backup edge rusher after playing briefly as a linebacker last season. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU To Go 10-2 This Season, Says Ex-Coach Brian Kelly - Watch His Game-By-Game Prediction Here](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-to-go-10-2-this-season-says-ex-coach-brian-kelly-watch-his-game-by-game-prediction-here/) **Published:** August 10, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Former LSU football coach Brian Kelly has predicted that LSU will lose to Ole Miss on Sept. 19 in Oxford, as he did last season, but he has the Tigers of new coach Lane Kiffin winning every other game but one to finish 10-2. “Tiger Stadium wins that game,” Kelly said on CBS Sports of the No. 13 Tigers’ opener against No. 23 Clemson on Sept. 5 in Baton Rouge. But for the Ole Miss game, he said, “I think this really comes down to which quarterback plays better. If Trinidad Chambliss plays to the level that we all think he can, this could be a game that Ole Miss beats LSU.” [Kelly, who was fired during his fourth season with the Tigers last year](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-wins-breaking-news-1st-and-2nd-place-in-louisiana-sports-writers-association-contest/) when he fell out of playoff contention for the fourth time, will be calling [Moutain West Conference games this season for CBS.](https://www.tigerrag.com/brian-kelly-lands-cbs-announcing-job-doing-mountain-west-conference-football-games/) Here is Kelly’s complete prediction game-by-game of the Tigers’ 2026 regular season: > How will [@LSUfootball](https://x.com/LSUfootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) perform in its first season under Lane Kiffin?[@CoachBrianKelly](https://x.com/CoachBrianKelly?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) gives his game-by-game predictions for the Tigers 👀 [pic.twitter.com/dEnRxiLZSu](https://t.co/dEnRxiLZSu) > > — CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) [August 10, 2026](https://x.com/CBSSportsCFB/status/2086845956008329714?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) A 10-2 record will likely get LSU into the playoffs from the first time since it won the national championship in the 2019 season. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** brian kelly, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Trinidad Chambliss --- ### [Lane Kiffin Previews Week Two Of LSU Fall Camp With Post-Practice Press Conference](https://www.tigerrag.com/live-lane-kiffin-qb-sam-leavitt-lsu-players-post-practice-press-conference/) **Published:** August 10, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Lane Kiffin and the LSU football team have hit the practice field five times since returning for fall camp. Quarterback Sam Leavitt has been busy building rapport with his receivers after a shortened spring. A pair of freshmen defensive tackles, Deuce Geralds and Richard Anderson, have taken over as potential starters. And safety Jhase Thomas is challenging returning starter Tamarcus Cooley for his first-team spot. Kiffin spoke with local members of the media to discuss the latest updates from LSU fall camp live from the Team Room at LSU Football Ops. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, LSU Fall Camp 2026, lsu football --- ### [Protect College Sports Act Vote Delayed To September](https://www.tigerrag.com/protect-college-sports-act-vote-delayed-to-september/) **Published:** August 10, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter The Protect College Sports Act is headed to overtime. U.S. Senators pushed a vote on the bill back until a September return from recess after a late-night pre-recess session that ended early Saturday morning. The act does, however, have a place on the Senate’s calendar next month. Lawmakers tried to push the bill over the edge with a late surge in the final days before the annual five-week recess that lasts until Sept. 14. Despite the Southeastern and Big Ten Conferences finally voicing their support, the bill had slim chances of facing a vote thanks to a packed Senate agenda with little time remaining, thanks to last-minute alterations the leagues wanted for the bill. > [The Protect College Sports Act Appears To Be Near Death … Again](https://www.tigerrag.com/the-protect-college-sports-act-appears-to-be-near-death-again/) Once the legislation had been introduced, opposition from the Congressional Black Caucus and labor unions, amendments and objections filed by lawmakers and an underwhelming Whip vote count made accelerating a vote with unanimous consent impossible. The kick to September is just a delay for the bill, not a death sentence. It does, though, open up the Protect College Sports Act to another month of political scrutiny. The co-authors of the bill, Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Maria Cantwell (D-Wash.) and Eric Schmitt (R-Mo.) already willed their legislation through the complete redesign demanded by university and conference officials. Now, the bill could be facing a second overhaul when lawmakers return in September. Amendments already filed include protections for state laws restricting transgender participation in women’s sports and a 180-day conference realignment period to shield Power Four schools from the five-year probationary period required by the act. Whether or not the bill continues to evolve, it will face opposition and delays. Initial polls among Senators showed less support than expected. If it does manage to make it through the Senate, the bill’s path through the House will be no easier. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) has already voiced his opposition to the Protect College Sports Act. However, his statements against the legislation did come before the intense revisions of the bill and announced support from LSU and the SEC. > NEW – Scalise slams Ted Cruz's bipartisan college sports bill > > "Nobody can credibly say they're going to move a bill to address college athletics and have opposition from the two major college athletic conferences," House Majority Leader Steve Scalise tells [@politico](https://x.com/politico?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > The… > > — Meredith Lee Hill (@meredithllee) [June 4, 2026](https://x.com/meredithllee/status/2062573058033066222?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The start of the school year and fall athletics seasons will provide a brief respite from the seemingly never-ending debates over congressional reform in college sports, but the saga is far from over. In the meantime, conference and NCAA officials could explore changes to the revenue-share system through alterations to the language of the NCAA-House settlement. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Big Ten, lsu, Protect College Sports Act, sec --- ### [LSU Football Player Profile No. 29 - Jordan Seaton May Be Prize Of Lane Kiffin's Star-Studded No. 1 Portal Class](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-29-jordan-seaton-may-be-prize-of-lane-kiffins-star-studded-no-1-portal-class/) **Published:** August 9, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Need proof that LSU coach Lane Kiffin is the Transfer Portal King? The first college football coach known as the Portal King was Colorado coach Deion Sanders in 2023 in the early years of the no-sit-out portal that began in 2021. Sanders signed the No. 1 portal class in 2023 with a whopping 52 players and turned around a horrible Colorado program to 4-8 and then 9-4 in 2024 with the No. 8 transfer class, and he promised much more. But he fell to No. 19 in the portal and to a 3-9 campaign last season and has the No. 23 portal class going into 2026. In addition – or subtraction – Sanders lost one of his top players in No. 1 ranked portal offensive tackle Jordan Seaton to the new Portal King – Kiffin, who has had No. 1 transfer classes in 2026 with 41 at LSU and in 2024 while at Ole Miss with 27. Kiffin is coming off four double-digit-win seasons in the last five years at Ole Miss, which he put into the College Football Playoff last year. > [At Last … Lane Kiffin Lands No. 1 Portal Offensive Tackle Jordan Seaton To Put A Bow On Top Class](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-lands-no-1-ot-jordan-seaton-of-colorado/) Seaton had to have weighed the fool’s gold of Colorado to the true potential of what Kiffin may do at LSU. After two seasons at Colorado, Seaton (6-foot-5, 307 pounds) entered the portal and chose LSU over Oregon, Miami and Mississippi State. Before signing with Sanders, he played three seasons at St. John’s College High in Washington D.C. before playing his senior season at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida. [“THE BLIND SIDE” POST-MOVIE DRAMA](https://www.outkick.com/sports/which-blind-side-judge-apparently-believes-tuohy-family-took-advantage-of-michael-ohers-blindness-of-conservatorship) Seaton could be the next Michael Oher, a first round draft choice left tackle out of Ole Miss by the Baltimore Ravens in 2009 whom the book “The Blind Side” in 2006 by New Orleans’ Michael Lewis (Moneyball, The Big Short) was about. A movie “The Blind Side” followed in 2009. Oher likely would have signed with then-LSU coach Nick Saban out of Memphis in the class of 2005, but Saban left the Tigers after the 2004 season to become the Miami Dolphins head coach. And Oher went to Ole Miss instead and played eight seasons in the NFL. Seaton will be protecting new LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt’s blind side. > [LSU Practice: QB Sam Leavitt Sharp As He Completes 13 Of 15 Passes](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-practice-qb-sam-leavitt-sharp-as-he-completes-13-of-15-passes/) **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** Former five-star prospect and transfer portal No. 1 tackle has elite athleticism and pass protection skills. An experienced starter of 22 games with NFL first round upside, Seaton could be the best pass blocker in the nation. **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** Joined the Tigers as the No. 1 offensive tackle in the transfer portal … One of 3 players joining LSU through the transfer portal who were ranked No. 1 at their position – other are QB Sam Leavitt and Edge Princewill Umanmeilen … Transfer from Colorado where he 22 started games over the past 2 years … Second-team All-Big 12 in 2025 after earning Freshman All-America honors in 2024 … Former 5-star prospect from IMG Academy in Florida … Comes to LSU with 22 career games to his credit and 1,421 offensive snaps – all coming at left tackle. **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2025 at Colorado)** Started first 9 games of the season at left tackle … Missed final 3 games with an injury … Named second-team All-Big 12 … Played 561 offensive snaps … Whistled for 3 penalties … Gave up only 1 sack (vs. Utah) and allowed just 5 pressures and zero quarterback hits … Named PFF Big 12 left tackle of the week 3 times – vs. Georgia Tech, at Houston and vs. Wyoming. **FRESHMAN SEASON (2024 at Colorado)** Started all 13 games at left tackle, helping the Buffaloes to a 9-4 record … Part of an offense that produced the Heisman Trophy winner in two-way player Travis Hunter … Offense averaged 32.9 points and 383.2 total yards per game … Named Big 12 Freshman of the Year by College Football News … Freshman All-America by On3, 247Sports and PFF … His 13 starts were the most by a true freshman in Colorado history … Only the third true freshman to start every game in Colorado history joining Greg Henderson (2011) and Addison Gillam (2013) … Played a team-high 809 offensive snaps … On 612 pass blocking opportunities, allowed only 3 sacks … Didn’t allow a sack in 11 games and went 10 straight contests without giving up a sack. **HIGH SCHOOL** Consensus 5-star prospect from IMG Academy … Unanimous No. 1 rated offensive tackle for the Class of 2024 … Rated as the nation’s No. 13 overall prospect, the No. 1 offensive tackle and No. 4 in the state of Florida by Rivals … ESPN listed him as the No. 1 offensive tackle nationally, No. 5 in Florida and No. 20 overall nationally … On3 listed him as the No. 1 offensive tackle, No. 6 nationally and No. 4 in the state of Florida … Played first 3 seasons of high school football at St. John’s College … Transferred to IMG for his senior season … Helped IMG to a 10-0 record as a senior … St. John’s College High School went 20-6 which included a pair of WCAC Championships … Played both guard and tackle in high school … Coached at IMG by Billy Miller and played for Pat Ward at St. John’s College. **NEXT:** Safety/Star Dashawn Spears **PREVIOUS BIOS:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) Running Back [Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) Defensive Tackle [Deuce Geralds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) Tight End [Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-18-treydez-green-expected-to-be-among-nations-best-tight-ends/) Offensive Lineman [Devin Harper](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-19-offensive-lineman-devin-harper-is-back-home-in-louisiana/) Wide Receiver [Jackson Harris](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-signee-may-be-one-of-the-best-jackson-harris-is-player-profile-no-20/) Running Back [Dilin Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-32-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-21-running-back-dilin-jones/) Linebacker [Davhon Keys](https://www.tigerrag.com/one-month-until-lsu-football-kicks-off-linebacker-davhon-keys-is-player-profile-no-21/) Quarterback [Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-the-season-in-31-days-and-this-is-player-bio-no-22-qb-sam-leavitt/) Quarterback [Husan Longstreet](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-husan-longstreet-may-be-tigers-qb-of-the-future-player-profile-no-24/) Defensive Tackle [Dominick McKinley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-25-defensive-tackle-dominick-mckinley/) Center [Braelin Moore](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-in-29-days-and-here-is-player-profile-no-26-center-braelin-moore/) Cornerback [DJ Pickett](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-27-cornerback-dj-pickett-will-try-to-pick-up-where-he-left-off-in-2025/) Edge [Jordan Ross](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-28-can-lsu-unlock-the-potential-of-tennessee-transfer-edge-jordan-ross/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Deion Sanders, Jordan Seaton, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Player Profile Number 30 - Junior Safety/Star Dashawn Spears](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-number-30-junior-safety-star-dashawn-spears/) **Published:** August 9, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES After incremental development through his first two seasons, junior safety Dashawn Spears could break out in 2026 as he moves to the star position in defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s unit. Spears (6-foot-3, 209 pounds) has started four games and played in 26 games at safety through his first two years, and now replaces the talented Harold Perkins Jr. at the star – a combination safety-linebacker slot. > [Dashawn Spears Says LSU Becoming DBU Again After Tigers Intercept Florida’s DJ Lagway Five Times](https://www.tigerrag.com/dashawn-spears-says-lsu-becoming-dbu-again-after-tigers-intercept-floridas-dj-lagway-five-times/) **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** Returning rotational contributor poised for a key season. Versatile athlete who can cover and stuff the run with a great combination of size and speed. **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** Key member of LSU’s defensive backfield in his first two seasons at LSU … Enters third season at LSU having appeared in 26 games with 4 starts during his career … Proven to be a consistent contributor in the secondary during his 2 seasons … Earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors in 2025 win over Florida after intercepting 2 passes, returning one 58 yards for a touchdown, in the 20-10 LSU victory … 53 career tackles along with 3.0 tackles for loss, a sack and 2 interceptions … Local product who joined the Tigers as one of the nation’s top safety prospects from Denham Springs (La.) High School … Majoring in interdisciplinary studies. **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2025)** Played in all 13 games with 1 start … Start came against Houston in the Texas Bowl when he recorded a career-high 9 tackles … Finished year with 29 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss and a sack … Added 2 interceptions and a pair of pass breakups … Part of LSU’s rotation at safety that included All-America A.J. Haulcy and Tamarcus Cooley … Big part of LSU’s win over Florida, intercepting a pair of passes in the victory … First interception came in opening quarter at the LSU 26-yard line … Returned second interception 58 yards in the third quarter that put the Tigers up 20-10 … In win over Arkansas had first career sack, which went for a 9-yard loss … Credited with tackles for loss in 3 of LSU’s final 4 games … Had a tackle for a 1-yard loss at Oklahoma and 1 for a 2-yard loss vs. Houston … For season, played a total of 255 defensive snaps … Added another 152 snaps on special teams **FRESHMAN SEASON (2024)** Appeared in 13 games with 3 starts … First career start came in road win over South Carolina in what was the first of 3 straight starts … Also started against UCLA and South Alabama, all LSU wins … Finished season with 24 tackles and a pass breakup on 205 defensive snaps … Played another 122 snaps o special teams … Season-high 44 defensive snaps at South Carolina, followed by 37 against both UCLA and South Alabama …. Had career-best 5 tackles in Tiger Stadium debut against Nicholls … Added 5 tackles against South Alabama and Texas A&M … Closed season with 1 tackle on 27 snaps in Texas Bowl win over Baylor. **HIGH SCHOOL** Tremendous safety prospect from Denham Springs High School, located just east of Baton Rouge … Rated with 4-stars and as the nation’s No. 4 safety prospect in the On3 composite … Rated the No. 3 overall prospect in Louisiana in the composite rankings … Helped Denham Springs to a 10-3 record and the quarterfinals of the 2022 Division I non-select playoffs … Two-time First-Team 5A All-State selection in 2022 and 2023 … Earned All-Livingston Parish honors and named All-District 5-5A choice…Finished his senior season with 51 tackles, 9 interceptions, 9 pass breakups, and scored 3 defensive TDs … A multi-sport athlete who also competes in track and field… As a junior in 2022, set the school-record with 10 interceptions … Born in Utah but moved to Louisiana at a young age. **CAREER HIGHS** Tackles: 9 vs. Houston, 2025 Texas Bowl Tackles for Loss: 1.0 vs. Arkansas, 2025 Interceptions: 2 vs. Florida, 2025 Pass Breakups: 2 vs. Western Kentucky, 2025 **NEXT:** Kicker Scott Starzyk **PREVIOUS BIOS:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) Running Back [Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) Defensive Tackle [Deuce Geralds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) Tight End [Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-18-treydez-green-expected-to-be-among-nations-best-tight-ends/) Offensive Lineman [Devin Harper](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-19-offensive-lineman-devin-harper-is-back-home-in-louisiana/) Wide Receiver [Jackson Harris](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-signee-may-be-one-of-the-best-jackson-harris-is-player-profile-no-20/) Running Back [Dilin Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-32-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-21-running-back-dilin-jones/) Linebacker [Davhon Keys](https://www.tigerrag.com/one-month-until-lsu-football-kicks-off-linebacker-davhon-keys-is-player-profile-no-21/) Quarterback [Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-the-season-in-31-days-and-this-is-player-bio-no-22-qb-sam-leavitt/) Quarterback [Husan Longstreet](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-husan-longstreet-may-be-tigers-qb-of-the-future-player-profile-no-24/) Defensive Tackle [Dominick McKinley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-25-defensive-tackle-dominick-mckinley/) Center [Braelin Moore](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-in-29-days-and-here-is-player-profile-no-26-center-braelin-moore/) Cornerback [DJ Pickett](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-27-cornerback-dj-pickett-will-try-to-pick-up-where-he-left-off-in-2025/) Edge [Jordan Ross](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-28-can-lsu-unlock-the-potential-of-tennessee-transfer-edge-jordan-ross/) Offensive Tackle [Jordan Seaton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-29-jordan-seaton-may-be-prize-of-lane-kiffins-star-studded-no-1-portal-class/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Dashawn Spears, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Preseason All-America Tight End Trey'Dez Green Named To Mackey Award Watch List](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-preseason-all-america-tight-end-treydez-green-named-to-mackey-award-watch-list/) **Published:** August 9, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU junior [Trey’Dez Green](https://lsusports.net/sports/fb/roster/player/treydez-green) has been named to the Mackey Award watch list for the honor that goes to the nation’s best tight end. Named after one of the NFL’s greatest tight ends in John Mackey of the Baltimore Colts from 1963-71 and a Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee in 1992, the award will be given on Dec. 10. > [Will Wade Was One Of The 1st To Notice The Talent And Reach Of Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-was-one-of-the-1st-to-notice-the-talent-and-reach-of-treydez-green/) Green holds the LSU record for most career touchdowns by a tight end with 11. The junior from Zachary High near Baton Rouge caught 33 passes for 433 yards last season with seven touchdowns, which is the school record for TDs in a season by a tight end. A tall target at 6-foot-7 and 240 pounds, Green was recently named a first team preseason, Walter Camp All-America. He has 46 career receptions for 534 yards. Green has already been named a Mackey Award national tight end of the week. That came after he caught eight passes for 119 yards and a touchdown in a 20-10 win over South Carolina last season. That game began a stretch of three games in which Green caught 19 passes for 247 yards and three touchdowns. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** John Mackey, lsu football, Mackey Award Finalist, Trey'Dez Green --- ### [LSU Gymnastics Associate Coach Courtney McCool Griffeth Inducted Into USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-gymnastics-associate-coach-courtney-mccool-griffeth-inducted-into-usa-gymnastics-hall-of-fame/) **Published:** August 9, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU gymnastics associate head coach [Courtney McCool Griffeth](https://lsusports.net/staff/courtney-mccool-griffeth) added another prestigious honor to an already decorated career when she was inducted into the USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame on Saturday night in Phoenix. The 2026 class also featured 2016 Olympian and eight-time world championship team member Logan Dooley, two-time world team champion Kara Eaker, 2020 Olympian and 17-time U.S. medalist Camilla Feeley, longtime gymnastics athlete, coach and contributor Tim Klempnauer and the acrobatic pair of Maren Merwarth and Jessica Renteria. McCool Griffeth, 38, was inducted into the women’s artistic category as an athlete. “Being inducted into the Hall of Fame is a true honor,” she said. “Growing up in the sport, competing for my country, competing collegiately, and now getting to coach the sport I love, makes my heart explode with so much joy and gratitude. Gymnastics and the people in my life have had the greatest impact on me and have made me so much of who I am. Thank you to my family, my coaches, my teammates, my friends, the athletes and teams I’ve had the honor of coaching, and so many more who have loved and supported me throughout my life. “I’m so thankful for each and every one of you who has given me steadfast encouragement in the pursuit of my gymnastics dreams and impacted my life in ways I can’t fully put into words. I am forever grateful. Thank you USA Gymnastics for this tremendous honor.” A native of Kansas City, Missouri, McCool Griffeth’s path to the Hall of Fame began when she was a member of the 2004 U.S. Olympic team that earned the silver medal at the Athens Games. She also earned silver on floor exercise and bronze on balance beam at the 2004 U.S. Championships. McCool Griffeth continued her success at Georgia, where she competed under current LSU gymnastics head coach [Jay Clark](https://lsusports.net/staff/jay-clark). During her collegiate career from 2007-10, she helped the GymDogs capture three consecutive NCAA team championships from 2007-09 and won the 2008 NCAA individual championship on floor exercise, making her a four-time NCAA champion. Following her competitive career, McCool Griffeth transitioned into coaching and choreography, a career that has now spanned more than a decade. She held coaching positions at Texas Woman’s, Arkansas and Utah prior to coming to LSU in 2022. > [LSU’s Title Hopes End In Heartbreaking Finish In Fort Worth](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-title-hopes-end-in-heartbreaking-finish-in-fort-worth/) McCool Griffeth has played an integral role in LSU’s success on the national stage, particularly with her main event – the floor exercise. She was named Region One assistant coach of the year in 2024 when [the Tigers won the national championship.](https://www.outkick.com/analysis/olivia-dunne-didnt-compete-at-ncaa-championships-but-she-is-a-national-champion) The LSU floor team has remained one of the nation’s best under McCool Griffeth’s leadership. In her five seasons with the Tigers, she has helped lead LSU to an NCAA-record 49.725 national qualifying score, program record floor performances and multiple No. 1 finishes nationally. She has coached the Tigers to 23 All-America honors, 14 perfect 10s and three SEC floor champions with one NCAA individual title on floor. With McCool Griffeth, LSU advanced to the NCAA Championship final in 2026 and finished as the national runner-up to Oklahoma with a score of 198.0750, the second-highest in an NCAA final in program history. **Categories:** Featured, Gymnastics, More LSU Sports **Tags:** Courtney McCool Griffeth, Georgia gymnastics, jay clark, lsu, lsu gymnastics, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU and the BUSINESS OF COLLEGE SPORTS](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-cfo-matthew-laborde-business-college-sports/) **Published:** August 9, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** # TODD HORNE — LSU’s CFO Explains The New Business Of College Sports Matthew LaBorde has watched the old assumptions about revenue, facilities, forecasting and even football scheduling disappear in real time By Todd Horne Tiger Rag Executive Editor Matthew LaBorde has spent 15 years inside LSU Athletics, but the most consequential period of that tenure may have been the last five. He became the department’s chief financial officer in 2021, almost precisely when the economic foundation of major college athletics began shifting beneath everyone responsible for managing it. The transfer portal and name, image and likeness compensation arrived, conference realignment accelerated, the College Football Playoff expanded, direct revenue sharing with athletes followed and the Southeastern Conference eventually moved to a nine-game football schedule. LaBorde has therefore occupied the CFO’s office during a remarkable transformation. He isn’t studying the changing business of college sports from the outside. He has been responsible for forecasting LSU’s revenues and expenses while many of the assumptions underlying those forecasts have become less reliable. That was what interested me most when LaBorde joined us on Tiger Rag Radio. The obvious subject was LSU’s ongoing examination of new financial structures and the meetings surrounding those discussions, including those held at the Governor’s Mansion. LaBorde understandably wasn’t going to disclose what LSU President Wade Rousse and others may eventually present publicly. He said he would leave that discussion to those leading the effort and that there would be “a time and place to discuss that further.” What LaBorde was willing to discuss turned out to be more useful for understanding why LSU is exploring something different in the first place. He said conversations about alternative financial approaches didn’t suddenly begin because of one difficult fiscal year or one recent proposal. > “There has been discussions, but in reality, there’s been discussions for the last several years. Everybody knows the financial landscape has changed.” LSU, he added, has a responsibility to listen to “the creative financial options” available and consider whatever might put the department in a position to succeed. That provides important context for everything LSU is considering now. The problem isn’t simply that college athletics has become more expensive, although it certainly has. The deeper problem is that it has become considerably more difficult to predict. Higher expenses can be modeled when a CFO knows what they are likely to be. Stable revenue streams can be matched against those expenses, capital can be allocated and an organization can plan several years into the future. The challenge becomes very different when the underlying rules of the business can change during the period being forecast. LaBorde described exactly that problem. > “If I go back ten years, we used to map out three to five years and have a pretty good indication of where we’d be.” Today, LSU can be “one lawsuit, one NCAA rule away from absolutely flipping everything on its head,” forcing administrators to reconsider projections they previously believed were reasonable. > “You’ve got to rip it up and start again.” For me, that was the most revealing answer of the interview because it gets beneath the individual issues dominating college sports at any particular moment. Revenue sharing is an enormous new expense. NIL changed the economics of roster construction. The transfer portal changed how quickly rosters can be assembled and dismantled. Litigation has repeatedly altered the rules under which schools operate. Playoff expansion, conference realignment and television agreements have changed revenue opportunities and competitive incentives. But the common thread running through all of them is uncertainty. LaBorde said LSU consequently has to remain flexible while trying to anticipate where the industry is headed so it can stay ahead of its competition. That is increasingly the job of a modern college athletics CFO. Financial planning is no longer simply projecting ticket sales, conference distributions, donations and expenses over the next several years. It requires making assumptions about an industry whose economic and regulatory architecture is still being constructed. That also helps explain why LSU is willing to consider financial structures that would have seemed unnecessary a decade ago. An organization operating in an unstable environment needs more than money. It needs flexibility, access to capital, additional ways to generate revenue and enough freedom to respond when conditions change faster than its original forecasts. ## What Is LSU Actually Worth? The same philosophy emerged when I asked LaBorde what actually creates long-term value for LSU Athletics. With billion-dollar valuations increasingly attached to major athletic departments, it is easy to confuse valuation with cash. LSU isn’t sitting on a billion dollars. The value resides primarily in the future earning capacity of an extraordinarily powerful sports brand. LaBorde described LSU in precisely those terms. > “We look at LSU as one of the premier brands in the country. We don’t consider ourselves second to anyone.” Football is obviously “the big driver,” as it is at virtually every major institution, but LaBorde emphasized that LSU’s broader athletic success contributes to the value of the enterprise. > “Getting exposure from our other sports, competing for championships, being in the marquee games, playing deep in the postseason — that drives the brand for LSU and holds us at a high level.” There is an important business principle contained in that answer. LSU football generates the greatest direct economic power, but the LSU athletic brand operates throughout the year. Baseball reaching Omaha, women’s basketball advancing through March, gymnastics competing for championships and other successful programs repeatedly place LSU before national audiences. Those appearances create attention, and sustained attention increases the commercial power of the larger brand. Winning, then, has an economic consequence beyond ticket sales associated with any particular game. A championship-caliber athletic department creates more valuable media inventory, more sponsorship opportunities, more donor engagement and a stronger relationship between the institution and its customers. LSU’s objective, LaBorde said, is to put all of its teams in position to compete at the highest level. Doing that becomes considerably harder when the cost of competing at that level continues to rise. ## The Buildings Have To Produce More Money, Too I asked LaBorde how important premium seating, premium experiences and future facility development will be to LSU’s financial future. His answer was immediate. > “Critically important.” LSU has to put a product on the field that keeps people interested in renewing tickets and purchasing premium experiences, he said, while looking toward professional sports organizations that have become increasingly sophisticated at creating what he called an “elevated atmosphere.” LaBorde also made an important qualification. LSU can’t build its entire future around wealthy customers and corporations. Premium experiences aren’t for everyone, he said, and LSU has to make sure ordinary supporters can continue attending games and participating in the culture that created the brand in the first place. That balancing act will become increasingly important because the economics of sports facilities are changing. Capacity still matters, but revenue productivity matters more than it once did. Suites, clubs, hospitality spaces, corporate entertainment, premium food and beverage, sponsorship inventory and year-round events allow an athletic department to generate more revenue without simply adding thousands of seats. That is the framework through which LSU’s future facility development should be evaluated. A stadium or arena is not merely a place where a team plays. It is a physical asset, and an athletic department facing permanently higher expenses has to determine whether its largest assets are producing all the economic value they reasonably can. ## Now Even The Football Schedule Is A Financial Model LaBorde’s newest responsibility makes the same point in a less obvious place. He now works with football scheduling, a responsibility previously handled for years by Verge Ausberry. Scheduling might seem far removed from financial management until you listen to LaBorde describe what goes into building LSU’s future schedules. LSU wants seven home games because, as LaBorde put it, the department needs to “make sure we have value for our ticket holders.” It also wants to construct a schedule that gives its football team a reasonable opportunity to reach postseason play. The SEC’s move to nine conference games changes the calculation significantly, particularly while schools are also expected to play another Power Four opponent. Under that model, LSU is left with only two of what LaBorde called the traditional “buy games.” Those competing interests make scheduling a business exercise as much as a football exercise. A home game creates ticket, concession, hospitality and other revenue. A marquee opponent creates television value and national exposure. A difficult schedule can strengthen LSU’s playoff résumé, but an additional loss can damage it. Meanwhile, season-ticket holders reasonably expect an attractive home schedule in return for the increasingly substantial amount of money required to attend LSU football games. I asked LaBorde how much data LSU uses in making those decisions. Does the department consider playoff probabilities, television value and revenue before agreeing to future games? > “All those factors come into play.” His next answer demonstrated how quickly another old assumption about college football is disappearing. LSU historically scheduled major nonconference series eight or even 10 years into the future. LaBorde doesn’t expect that practice to continue at the same level because the transfer portal has made it increasingly difficult to know what an opponent will look like even a year or two from now. > “If I schedule a game four years in advance, well, that team could look completely different in four years. They might look completely different next year, just based on the transfer portal.” That is essentially the scheduling version of the problem LaBorde described with LSU’s financial forecasts. Information loses value more quickly in a volatile environment. The farther LSU attempts to project into the future, the greater the number of assumptions it has to make about things it cannot control. The opponent can change. The coach can change. Conference membership can change. Playoff criteria can change. Television priorities can change. Even the SEC’s requirement that its teams play another Power Four opponent could change as the playoff evolves. LaBorde also confirmed that Lane Kiffin and his staff will have considerable input into those decisions. LSU has been talking with members of Kiffin’s staff to understand his philosophy so future scheduling aligns with how he wants to prepare and develop his football team. That makes sense because scheduling now sits at the intersection of several interests that once could be treated more independently. The athletic department needs home revenue. Television partners need valuable games. Coaches need schedules that help them prepare their teams and reach the playoff. Fans want compelling opponents. The conference has its own scheduling requirements. LSU has to balance all of them. ## College Football Has Created A Bad Incentive The conflict becomes clearest in the way the College Football Playoff evaluates losses. When I asked LaBorde what he would change about college football scheduling nationally, he questioned whether teams receive enough credit for playing difficult opponents. A team can lose a top-five matchup, he noted, while another program plays a substantially weaker schedule and preserves a better record. > “It feels like there’s too much of a focus on the loss column in some of these games.” At some point, that creates an obvious conclusion for the people building schedules. > “Man, would have been better off just getting a cupcake win and put myself in the playoffs.” College football has created a peculiar economic contradiction. Television networks want marquee games because marquee games attract audiences. Fans want them because they make the regular season more compelling. Schools can create substantial financial and brand value from them. Yet if the playoff selection system punishes a team more for losing an elite matchup than it rewards that team for playing it, the competitive incentive is to reduce risk. That is not an LSU problem. It is an industry problem, and it illustrates the larger point LaBorde kept returning to throughout our conversation. The different pieces of college athletics can no longer be managed independently. Finance affects facilities. Facilities affect revenue. Scheduling affects television value and ticket sales. Scheduling also affects playoff probability. Playoff appearances increase brand value. Brand value creates revenue opportunities. Revenue determines how aggressively an athletic department can invest in winning. Everything connects. ## This Is What LSU Is Really Trying To Solve LaBorde never told us exactly what LSU is considering in its ongoing financial discussions, and I didn’t expect him to. Those details eventually will have to be evaluated on their own terms, including who invests, what LSU contributes, how revenues are shared, who controls the entity, how an investor exits and what LSU receives in return for whatever economic rights it grants. But the interview provided something necessary for evaluating that transaction whenever the details become public. It explained the business problem LSU is trying to solve. The athletic department LaBorde joined 15 years ago operated in an environment where administrators could project three to five years ahead with reasonable confidence and schedule football opponents almost a decade into the future. The athletic department he helps manage today operates in an environment where a lawsuit can destroy a financial forecast, the transfer portal can destroy an assumption about an opponent and a change to the playoff can alter the value of a football schedule. That is why LSU is looking at creative financial options. It is why premium experiences have become critically important. It is why scheduling has become a data-driven exercise involving revenue and playoff probability. And it is why flexibility may be becoming one of the most valuable assets LSU Athletics possesses. LaBorde said LSU is trying to anticipate where college athletics is heading so the department can remain ahead of its competition. After listening to him explain how thoroughly the business has changed around him, the strategy behind that statement becomes clearer. LSU isn’t simply trying to finance another season. It is trying to build an athletic enterprise capable of adapting to whatever college sports becomes next. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, LSU athletics, Tiger Rag **Tags:** business of college sports, college athletics finances, college football finances, College Football Playoff scheduling, Lane Kiffin LSU, LSU athletic facilities, LSU Athletics business model, LSU Athletics CFO, LSU athletics finances, LSU CFO Matthew LaBorde, LSU financial future, LSU football scheduling, LSU premium seating, LSU revenue sharing, LSU Sports business, LSU sports revenue, Matthew LaBorde LSU, NIL college sports, SEC nine-game schedule, tiger rag radio, Todd Horne --- ### [LSU's Ryleigh Knaub Finishes Tied For 9th in U.S. Women's Amateur Golf Tournament](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-ryleigh-knaub-finishes-tied-for-9th-in-u-s-womens-amateur-golf-tournament/) **Published:** August 9, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU sophomore golfer [Ryleigh Knaub](https://lsusports.net/sports/wg/roster/player/ryleigh-knaub) finished tied for ninth in the U.S. Women’s Amateur at The Honors Course Saturday in Ooltewah, Tennessee. Knaub made a strong rally to get the match back even before falling to Gabriella Nicastro of Huntsville, Alabama. When a rain and storm delay stopped play on Friday, Knaub was three down through seven holes, but the Debary, Florida, native responded when play resumed on Saturday with pars on the par 3 eighth and par 4 ninth holes to get within one heading to the final nine. Nicastro pushed ahead by two, but Knaub made one final push on the 14th and 15th with a birdie two and a birdie three, respectively, to square the match. Nicastro, however, had was able to get birdies on the 16th and 17th to close out the win. Knaub, who won a spot in this tournament earlier in the summer, was part of a field of 156 that teed off on Tuesday. After 36 holes, she qualified for match play by finishing in the top 64 with a 2-under 70 in the second round to cement her spot. She then won two matches in the round of 64 and 32 to advance to the round of 16 before finishing ninth. Knaub and her LSU teammates open the season in September. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu, LSU Tigers', lsu women's golf, Ryleigh Knaub --- ### [Ex-LSU DT Davon Godchaux "Feeling Good" About 2nd Year With Saints And Former Tiger D-Line Coach Bo Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/ex-lsu-dt-davon-godchaux-feeling-good-about-2nd-year-with-saints-and-former-tiger-d-line-coach-bo-davis/) **Published:** August 8, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Ex-LSU Tiger and current New Orleans Saints defensive tackle Davon Godchaux is poised to have another big season in his second year back in Louisiana. Godchaux was a three-year starter on the LSU defensive line from 2014-2016 after leaving Plaquemine High. In 37 games, he made 145 tackles, 18.5 for loss and 12 sacks. He entered the 2017 NFL Draft after his junior season and was selected 178th overall by the Miami Dolphins in the fifth round. Godchaux played four seasons in Miami, where he tallied 179 total tackles. A bicep injury in 2020 limited his final year as a Dolphin to just five games. He signed with the New England Patriots the following off-season and became one of the NFL’s most consistent nose tackles. At 6-foot-3 and 330 pounds, Godchaux was a force in the middle of the Pats’ defensive front while starting all but one game in four seasons for New England. He returned to his home state last year when the Saints traded a 2026 seventh-round pick for him. The veteran defender played in all 17 games in 2025, making 43 tackles with two for loss and forced a fumble. Now, he expects to improve on that in his second season under defensive coordinator Brandon Staley. > [\#Saints](https://x.com/hashtag/Saints?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) DT Davon Godchaux on why he lost weight this offseason: > > "I just feel better \[…\] I wanna feel great about myself and great about dominating the season." [pic.twitter.com/nE9gZ8dVIQ](https://t.co/nE9gZ8dVIQ) > > — NOF (@nofnetwork) [August 2, 2026](https://x.com/nofnetwork/status/2083942311101182207?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “I feel good, down 10 to 12 pounds from last year, I feel really good,” Godchaux said last week at Saints training camp. “Second year in Staley’s defense after the ebbs and flows of it last year, but second year, I feel comfortable. I feel great. I know what he wants.” What Staley wants, Godchaux said, is a little bit of everything. The nine-year NFL veteran said he cut the weight so he could stay healthy and feel better on and off the field. He wants to be on the field as much as possible this year. “Just doing whatever this team asks me to do,” he said. “Especially in the early downs, I can do it all. Nickel base, penny, whatever we do, I’m just ready to have a big season, and it’s going to start fast for us. I want to feel great about myself, and I want to feel great about dominating this season.” Unfortunately, the interior defensive line start this season was halted by a season-ending anterior cruciate ligament knee injury to former first round defensive tackle Bryan Bresee in the first practice of training camp. Godchaux will likely be called upon to continue stepping up in his absence, but he said it will be a group effort. “I expect us to have a big year, if we handle our part and everybody stays healthy,” he said. “Bryan Bresee – first day. Man, it was like a freak accident. There was hardly even any contact. Really, it was just a pass-rush move, and he felt his knee buckle.” Former LSU defensive line coach Bo Davis will be coaching the Saints’ defensive line for the second straight season after leaving the Tigers. Davis played at LSU from 1990-1992 before returning as a graduate assistant from 1995-1997. He won the 2003 national championship with the Tigers under coach Nick Saban after returning as an assistant strength and conditioning coach, where he remained through 2005. Davis coached under Saban with the Miami Dolphins (2006) and at Alabama (2007-10) before moving on to Texas (2011-13) and Alabama again (2014-15). He coached in the NFL with Jacksonville in 2016 and Detroit (2018-20) before returning to Texas (2021-23) and finally to LSU for the 2024 season. He is known as an intense coach. > [Starting up front: LSU head coach Brian Kelly continues to rebuild defensive staff with hiring of former Tiger Bo Davis to coach defensive line](https://www.tigerrag.com/starting-up-front-lsu-head-coach-brian-kelly-continues-to-rebuild-defensive-staff-with-hiring-of-former-tiger-bo-davis-to-coach-defensive-line/) “I’m excited to spend year two with him for sure,” Godchaux said. “Bo’s going to be Bo. I tell guys, ‘Just take what you need, and all the rest, just tune it out. Because Bo’s going to say a lot of stuff. Some stuff you should hear and some stuff you don’t want to hear.'” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Bo Davis, Davon Godchaux, lsu football, New Orleans Saints --- ### [LSU Golfer Ryleigh Knaub Advances To Round Of 16 At U.S. Women's Amateur](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-golfer-ryleigh-knaub-advances-to-round-of-16-at-u-s-womens-amateur/) **Published:** August 8, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Only rain and lightning could stop LSU sophomore golfer [Ryleigh Knaub](https://lsusports.net/sports/wg/roster/player/ryleigh-knaub) on Friday as she advanced to the round of 16 at the 126th United States Women’s Amateur tournament at The Honors course in Ooltewah, Tennessee. Play is expected to continue late Saturday and Sunday after heavy rains and lightning that struck a tree near the 17th tee on Friday halted play. The tournament continued Saturday morning and into the late afternoon on The Golf Channel. > [LSU Golf: Raegan Denton, Ryleigh Knaub Advance At U.S. Women’s Amateur](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-golf-raegan-denton-ryleigh-knaub-advance-at-u-s-womens-amateur/) Knaub advanced by beating Anna Fang, who is 51st in the World Amateur Golf Rankings. Knaub’s par on the par-4 fifth hole put her up by two strokes. She added birdies on the seventh and eighth holes to increase her lead by a shot. LSU freshman [Raegan Denton](https://lsusports.net/sports/wg/roster/player/raegan-denton), who advanced on Thursday, fell to Australian Pimchompoo “Pinky” Chaisilprungruang of Thailand on Friday in a playoff. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Women's Golf **Tags:** lsu women's golf, Raegan Denton, Ryleigh Knaub, U.S. Women's Amateur --- ### [LSU Player Profile No. 28 - Can LSU Unlock The Potential Of Tennessee Transfer Edge Jordan Ross?](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-28-can-lsu-unlock-the-potential-of-tennessee-transfer-edge-jordan-ross/) **Published:** August 8, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Jordan Ross had everything going for him as a senior at Vestavia Hills High in Birmingham in 2023. He was the No. 9 prospect in the country and No. 1 edge rusher as well as the No. 3 player in his state when he signed with Tennessee in 2024. Two years later when he entered the portal, he was just the No. 62 transfer in the nation and No. 8 edge rusher. In between through 22 games and no starts, Ross has exactly 1.5 career sacks and only seven solo tackles in his career. > [Lane Kiffin LSU Portal Class Is No. 2 Nationally – Adds 1st Edge Rusher In Tennessee’s Jordan Ross](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-lsu-portal-class-is-no-2-nationally-adds-1st-edge-rusher-in-tennessees-jordan-ross/) Lane Kiffin was one of the many coaches from major programs to recruit Ross out of high school along with Georgia, LSU, Florida, Alabama, Texas, Wisconsin, Florida State and Oregon. Kiffin now has him at LSU, and the hope is that defensive coordinator Blake Baker can help Ross see the light and tap the potential he once had. [LSU FOOTBALL 2026 ROSTER](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-roster-2026/) So far through the early preseason practices at LSU, Ross has been running with the first team at edge with Ole Miss senior transfer Princewill Umanmielen on the other side. **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** Former five-star with SEC experience but underwhelming production. He has elite speed and length and could play on Sundays, but needs to produce. **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** Joins the Tigers after 2 years at Tennessee where he developed into a vital part of the Vols defense as a sophomore in 2025 … Former 5-star edge rusher from Vestavia Hills (Ala.) High School … Rated as the nation’s No. 1 edge rusher for the Class of 2024 … Appeared in 22 games (no starts) in his 2 seasons at Tennessee … Earned Freshman All-SEC honors in 2024 … Blocked a punt and returned it 49 yards for a touchdown in his collegiate debut against Tennessee-Chattanooga … Capped 2 seasons in Knoxville with 26 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks … Had career-best 6 tackles in final game at Tennessee against Illinois in the 2025 Music City Bowl … Earned SEC Academic Honor Roll status in 2024. **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2025 at Tennessee)** Played in 11 games with no starts … Part of the rotation at edge rusher for the Vols … Saw action on 246 defensive snaps with a career-best 33 coming against Illinois in the Music City Bowl … Recorded a career-high 6 tackles to go with a half-tackle for loss and a quarterback hurry against the Illini … Finished year with 23 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks … Also forced a fumble, returning it 10 yards in win over Arkansas … Added 2 tackles and 1.5 sacks for 9-yards in losses against Arkansas … Played 30 snaps and had 3 tackles, including a half-tackle for loss, in conference opener against Georgia … Played 32 snaps and had a tackle against Kentucky … In season-opener, played 29 snaps and tallied a tackle for a 5-yard loss and a pass breakup in win over Syracuse … Registered 3 tackles vs. Alabama and 2 in overtime win over Mississippi State. **FRESHMAN SEASON (2024 at Tennessee)** Appeared in 11 games and tallied 3 tackles with 1.5 going for losses … Saw action on 20 defensive snaps and 58 on special teams (49 punt return, 7 kickoff coverage, 2 field goal block) … Earned Freshman All-SEC honors … Named to SEC Academic Honor Roll … In collegiate debut, blocked a punt and returned it 49 yards for a TD in season-opening win over Tennessee-Chattanooga … Added a tackle for a 2-yard loss against UT-Chattanooga … Had 2 tackles and a half-tackle for a 2-yard loss the following week vs. 24th-ranked NC State. **HIGH SCHOOL** Highly touted, lengthy defensive end from Vestavia (Ala.) High School … Rated as a 5-star prospect and the No. 1 edge rusher in the country for the Class of 2024 by On3 and 247Sports … Considered the No. 7 overall prospect in the nation and No. 2 in the state of Alabama by On3 … Rated the No. 9 overall prospect and No. 3 player from Alabama by 247Sports … The No. 24 overall prospect and No. 5 edge rusher in the country according to ESPN … Considered the No. 4 edge rusher in the country and No. 5 player from Alabama by Rivals … Selected to the 2024 Under Armour All-America Game … Helped lead Vestavia Hills High School to a 9-3 record his senior season, racking up 72 tackles, 23 tackles for loss and 12.5 sacks … Tabbed the 2023 Defensive Player of the Year by Over the Mountain Journal, a suburban Birmingham-based news publication … Recognized by Around The State Sports as the 2023 AHSA 7A Defensive Player of the Year … Tabbed the 2023 High School Lineman of the Year by the Birmingham Quarterback Club … Posted 49 tackles and 16 tackles for loss during his junior campaign … Earned ASWA Second Team All-State after his junior season … Tabbed to the AL.com Birmingham All-Region First Team in 2022 … Selected to the Alabama 7A Coaches’ All-Region 3 First Team … Also played basketball for Vestavia Hills where he nearly averaged a double-double (9.2 ppg, 8.1 rpg) as a junior and helped the Rebels reach the 2023 Class 7A Northwest Regional Final … Coached by Robert Evans. **CAREER HIGHS** Tackles: 6 vs. Illinois (2025 Music City Bowl) Tackles for Loss: 1.5 vs. Arkansas, 2025 Sacks: 1.5 vs. Arkansas, 2025 **NEXT:** Offensive Tackle Jordan Seaton **PREVIOUS BIOS:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) Running Back [Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) Defensive Tackle [Deuce Geralds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) Tight End [Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-18-treydez-green-expected-to-be-among-nations-best-tight-ends/) Offensive Lineman [Devin Harper](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-19-offensive-lineman-devin-harper-is-back-home-in-louisiana/) Wide Receiver [Jackson Harris](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-signee-may-be-one-of-the-best-jackson-harris-is-player-profile-no-20/) Running Back [Dilin Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-32-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-21-running-back-dilin-jones/) Linebacker [Davhon Keys](https://www.tigerrag.com/one-month-until-lsu-football-kicks-off-linebacker-davhon-keys-is-player-profile-no-21/) Quarterback [Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-the-season-in-31-days-and-this-is-player-bio-no-22-qb-sam-leavitt/) Quarterback [Husan Longstreet](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-husan-longstreet-may-be-tigers-qb-of-the-future-player-profile-no-24/) Defensive Tackle [Dominick McKinley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-25-defensive-tackle-dominick-mckinley/) Center [Braelin Moore](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-in-29-days-and-here-is-player-profile-no-26-center-braelin-moore/) Cornerback [DJ Pickett](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-27-cornerback-dj-pickett-will-try-to-pick-up-where-he-left-off-in-2025/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Jordan Ross, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Tennessee Volunteers --- ### [LSU Football Practice: QB Sam Leavitt's Top 3 Receivers Appear To Be Materializing, But It's Early](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-practice-qb-sam-leavitts-top-3-receivers-appear-to-be-materializing-but-its-early/) **Published:** August 8, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU has not donned full pads and contact yet, but it still is hard to ignore the talent of new quarterback Sam Leavitt. > Quarterback Sam Leavitt connecting with Illinois transfer WR Malik Elzy and McNeese transfer WR Josh Jackson on some deep balls at [\#LSU](https://x.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) practice today. [pic.twitter.com/HdGDpcku9F](https://t.co/HdGDpcku9F) > > — Kace Kieschnick (@kacehk) [August 8, 2026](https://x.com/kacehk/status/2086136043686793315?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Leavitt continued to put on a clinic on the Tigers’ third day of practice on Saturday as he routinely completed short passes to tight ends, back shoulder sideline routes, slants over the middle and deep balls. The only two incompletions on him were overthrows on long passes around a drop. > [LSU Football Kicks Off The Season In 31 Days, And This Is Player Bio No. 23 – QB Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-the-season-in-31-days-and-this-is-player-bio-no-22-qb-sam-leavitt/) The targets he has thrown to the most have been wide receivers [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/), a senior transfer from Kansas State, and Jackson Harris, a redshirt junior transfer from Hawaii. > [Lane Kiffin’s 1st LSU Portal Signee May Be One Of His Best – Jackson Harris Is Player Profile No. 20](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-signee-may-be-one-of-the-best-jackson-harris-is-player-profile-no-20/) On Saturday, redshirt junior Malik Elzy, a redshirt junior from Illinois got into the mix. The trio gives Leavitt a variety in size with Brown at 5-foot-11 and 175 pounds, Harris at 6-2 and 202 and Elzy at 6-2 and 214. Malachi Thomas (6-3, 242), a junior transfer from Pittsburgh, got much of the work at tight end Saturday as junior starter Trey’Dez Green had a gold jersey on, which usually means an injury. > “Oh, passing team,” people often say about Lane Kiffin offenses. But his Ole Miss teams finished 1st in SEC rushing twice and in top 5 five times in 6 years. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 8, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2086090682293227793?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) On defense, junior Dominick McKinley appeared to be working in the top five rotation at tackle with true freshman Deuce Geralds, junior Auburn transfer Malik Blocton, true freshman Richard Anderson and redshirt junior Clemson transfer Stephiylan Green. Sophomore linebacker CJ Jimcoily got a look at the No. 1 star position ahead of expected junior starter DaShawn Spears. And projected junior starter Tamarcus Cooley was one of the first team safeties with senior Boise State transfer Ty Benefield. Freshman Jhase Thomas was at first team in the previous two practices. After Sunday off, LSU returns to practice on Monday, and there will be player interviews along with a Lane Kiffin press conference. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Jackson Harris, Jayce Brown, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Malik Elzy, Sam Leavitt --- ### [Lane Kiffin Is An Ultra Modern Offensive Coach, But When It Comes To The Run, He's All Old School](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-is-an-ultra-modern-offensive-coach-but-when-it-comes-to-the-run-hes-all-old-school/) **Published:** August 8, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Deciphering how to defend a Lane Kiffin offense can be about as difficult as figuring out the coach himself. Kiffin, 51, is a mixture of maverick, offensive genius, up tempo play caller/director and Old School mantras of defense from his father, former NFL defensive coordinator wizard Monte Kiffin (Super Bowl XXXVII champion in 2007 season), and his two mentor head coaches known for defense who shaped his career as well – USC’s Pete Carroll (2003, ’04 national champion) and Alabama’s Nick Saban (2003, 2009, 2011, ’12, ’15, ’17 and ’20 national champion). Kiffin’s offenses finished No. 3, No. 6, No. 8, No. 13, No. 2 and No. 2 in total yards from 2020-25 at Ole Miss with a No. 2 and a No. 3 in passing and a No. 3 and a No. 10 in scoring the previous two seasons. But Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., who called the plays under Kiffin’s direction from 2022-25 at Ole Miss and followed him in that role to LSU after last regular season, are all about the run. > [Why LSU Football Coach Lane Kiffin Is The Yoda Of Ultra-Modern College Football Offenses](https://www.tigerrag.com/why-lsu-football-coach-lane-kiffin-is-the-yoda-of-ultra-modern-college-football-offenses/) Ole Miss led the Southeastern Conference in rushing in 2020 (210.6 yards a game) and in 2022 (256.6 a game) with a No. 3 finish in 2021 (217.6 yards), a No. 5 in 2023 (176.3) and 2024 (175.7) and a sixth last season (176.3). The 2022 offense finished third in the nation in rushing. “That’s a hell of a stat,” Kiffin said when told incorrectly that Ole Miss led the SEC in rushing the last five years at his post practice press conference on Wednesday. “I don’t think that’s accurate, but we’ll take it.” Kiffin knows the numbers. “I think that running the ball is very critical,” he said, but how much he and Weis choose to do so depends. “Each year is different, based off of your team, your situation, the personnel that you have,” he said. So, he’s not *that* Old School. He’s not just going to run the ball and keep running the ball, no matter what, like a Bo Schembechler, Pat Dye or Les Miles. “We don’t do just what we do,” he said. “That’s not how we run systems, programs, whatever. It’s always evolving.” > “I don’t think he has to do anything. There is no edict that he has to have a great year. It’s his honeymoon.” > … I said about Kiffin on Finebaum. Here is entire segment – [pic.twitter.com/qloBmZ9Pnl](https://t.co/qloBmZ9Pnl) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 7, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2085800786672460127?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) At practices for the next few weeks before the No. 13 Tigers open the 2026 season against No. 23 Clemson in Tiger Stadium on Sept. 5 (6:30 p.m., ABC), he and Weis will be figuring what is best for the personnel they have, particularly a rebuilt and talented offensive line, franchise quarterback in Sam Leavitt, a bevy of new receivers and returning backs Caden Durham and Harlem Berry and transfer Dilin Jones. “It’s always changing to, ‘What does that team do well? What are the specific needs for who you’re playing?’ All those things,” he said. “I can’t even tell you at this time of year what the team’s going to look like, even what I know already. Just because of the variables that start to happen and injuries and things.” Count on it being a little of this and a little of that, then a lot of this, and then maybe a lot of that. But he is starting up front. “Any time in a first year, it’s important that your team has a physicality up front,” he said, echoing Saban. “We’ve tried to recruit to that. We’re not to where we will be some day. But that’s important, I believe. And even though we go fast on offense, and at times we use big receiver splits, and people go, ‘Oh, passing team.’ And the last two years, we’ve had really good passing numbers and touchdown numbers.” > [LSU Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. Has Been A Multi-Tasking Mad Man For Ole Miss](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-offensive-coordinator-charlie-weis-jr-has-been-a-multi-tasking-mad-man-for-ole-miss/) Ole Miss finished second in the nation in passing in 2024 with 350.8 yards a game and third in scoring at 38.6 points a game behind quarterbacks Jaxson Dart in a 10-3, 5-3 season. Last season, the Rebels were No. 3 in passing with 313.3 yards a game and 10th in scoring with 37 points a game with quarterback Trinidad Chambliss in a 13-1 season and the College Football Playoff semifinals. “But to me, when we’ve been really good, you’ve got to be able to run the ball in critical situations, even if you’re throwing the ball a lot during the game and you’re ahead,” Kiffin said. “In this conference, you’re going to have a lot of one-score games.” Ole Miss went 5-1 in such games against SEC teams last season. “There’s going to be a lot of them more and more, because of the balance in the conference,” he said. “To me, that comes down to you’re in final possessions, and can you run the ball to make the last one or two first downs? And can you stop them on defense to get one more chance?” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Charlie Weis Jr., lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels, sec football --- ### [LSU's New Financial Plan Drawing Attention](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-new-financial-plan-drawing-attention/) **Published:** August 8, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** # TODD HORNE: Before Calling LSU’s Financial Plan Reckless, Understand The Transaction Matt Hayes sees danger. Scott Rabalais sees a necessary gamble. Both raise legitimate concerns. But until LSU’s proposed investment structure is fully understood, the most important questions remain unanswered. **By Todd Horne** Executive Editor Tiger Rag The national debate over LSU’s proposed new financial model is beginning to take shape. Matt Hayes of *USA TODAY* sees danger. LSU, in his view, wants cash now and is willing to put future media revenue at risk to get it. Scott Rabalais of *The Advocate* sees something more nuanced: a definite gamble, but perhaps a necessary one in an economic environment forcing athletic departments to find entirely new sources of revenue. Both raise legitimate concerns. Neither has the documents. Neither do we. **And that remains the most important fact in this entire discussion.** Before we decide whether LSU is being reckless, prudent or revolutionary, we first have to understand what LSU is actually building. Hayes has identified a legitimate risk. Rabalais has identified the necessity driving LSU toward it. **What neither can determine yet are the economics of the transaction itself.** We still do not have the valuation. We do not know precisely which media revenues would be transferred into the proposed company. We do not know how capital would move through the enterprise or how profits ultimately would be distributed. We do not know the precise governance rights granted to minority investors. And perhaps most importantly, we do not know how much of the reported $100 million would immediately flow into LSU Athletics and how much would remain inside the company as investment capital. Those are not technical details. **They are the transaction.** ## Start With What Has Actually Been Reported The clearest reporting now suggests LSU is considering creating a separate company built around one of its most valuable long-term assets: future broadcast revenue. According to *The Advocate*, a private investor would contribute approximately **$100 million** in exchange for a **9 percent ownership interest** in the company and **7 percent of its profits**. LSU would reportedly retain approximately **80 percent ownership**, while additional investors could eventually bring total outside ownership to no more than 20 percent. The company could also hire professional investment managers to invest its capital into other businesses designed to generate what LSU officials have described as **perpetual revenue**. LSU has characterized the proposal as an **“evolving scenario”** and said **“no deal has been confirmed or signed.”** The simplest way to understand what has been reported is this: > LSU appears to be building an investment company whose anchor asset is future broadcast revenue. That changes the analytical question. We are no longer simply asking whether LSU should take $100 million today in exchange for television money tomorrow. We are asking whether LSU can use the value of one durable asset to capitalize an enterprise capable of creating additional assets and additional revenue. That does not make it a good idea. It means we can finally begin evaluating the right idea. ## There Are Two Very Different Ways This Could Work Hayes’ argument essentially assumes one economic model. There is certainly a scenario in which he is exactly right. Call it the **Deficit Plug Model**. LSU receives $100 million. Most of the money immediately flows into Athletics. It covers operating deficits, coaching buyouts, roster expenses and other short-term obligations. Years later, LSU has surrendered part of a media-revenue stream that became considerably more valuable. If that is what LSU ultimately does, the criticism writes itself. LSU would have converted part of a valuable long-term asset into short-term operating cash. But the reporting also supports another possibility. Call it the **Investment Engine Model**. The company receives $100 million. A meaningful portion remains inside the enterprise. The company holds the economic benefit of an appreciating media-rights asset. Professional investment managers deploy capital into other businesses. Those investments generate returns. Some returns are reinvested. Compounding begins. Over time, SEC broadcast revenue is no longer the only source of growth because the company owns additional revenue-producing assets capable of generating cash flow independent of television distributions. LSU reportedly continues controlling approximately 80 percent of that enterprise. That is not simply borrowing tomorrow’s money. **It is an attempt to convert one durable asset into multiple long-term revenue streams.** And there is an enormous difference between those two models. ## Capital Allocation Is The Deal Which brings us to the most important unanswered question: **Where does the $100 million actually go?** *The Advocate* reported that its source could not say how much would go directly to LSU Athletics for current expenses and how much would remain inside the company as seed capital. That answer could determine whether Hayes’ characterization ultimately proves correct. If most of the money immediately leaves the company and gets spent by Athletics, the proposal begins looking much more like monetizing tomorrow to finance today. If most of the capital remains inside the company and is professionally invested, LSU is attempting something fundamentally different. Until we know how the capital will be allocated, we cannot know whether LSU is building a bridge or building a business. **Capital allocation is not a footnote.** **It is the deal.** ## Broadcast Revenue Explains The Architecture Once broadcast revenue emerged as the reported anchor asset, much of the structure became easier to understand. It helps explain the independent valuation. It helps explain why outside capital would receive equity rather than a conventional repayment schedule. It helps explain LSU’s repeated emphasis on maintaining control while allowing minority ownership. And it helps explain why a significant investor could receive board representation without necessarily gaining operational authority over LSU Athletics. Media revenue is also among the most durable assets available to a major college athletic program. LSU and other SEC schools received an average conference distribution of **$72.4 million** for the 2024-25 fiscal year, and the investment thesis apparently assumes those rights will become substantially more valuable in the future. That expectation itself carries risk. But it also explains why media revenue would become the foundation of the enterprise. ## Nine Percent Ownership Is Not Seven Percent Of Profits One of the most revealing reported details has received surprisingly little attention. The initial investor would reportedly receive: **9 percent ownership.** And: **7 percent of profits.** Those are different economic rights. Does the 7 percent represent ordinary profit participation? A preferred return? Some hybrid? Does it apply to all profits generated by the company or only certain income? How are retained earnings treated? Does the profit participation survive an ownership transfer? Until those terms are known, nobody outside the negotiations can accurately calculate what LSU is giving up in exchange for $100 million. **The question is not simply what percentage of the company LSU is selling.** **The question is what bundle of economic rights LSU is selling.** ## A Six-Year Exit Is A Valuation Event The reported six-year provision also should not be confused with a loan maturity. According to *The Advocate*, after six years an investor could seek to sell its ownership interest with board approval while LSU would hold a right of first refusal. That does not mean LSU owes the investor $100 million in six years. The investor appears to carry equity risk. If the company becomes extraordinarily valuable, LSU could have to pay substantially more to reacquire the stake. If the enterprise underperforms, the interest could be worth less. A six-year exit is not necessarily a repayment date. **It is potentially a valuation event.** And the valuation at that moment could tell us whether LSU created value or surrendered too much of it. ## Rabalais Identifies Another Risk Rabalais raises an important issue that extends beyond the investment portfolio itself. What if LSU successfully creates new revenue—and expenses simply grow faster? That possibility should not be dismissed. LSU could execute the investment strategy competently and still lose the larger economic race if athlete compensation, coaching salaries, roster acquisition and facilities expenses continue increasing faster than the enterprise can generate returns. **Creating more revenue does not solve college athletics’ cost problem if expenses compound faster than income.** There are regulatory risks as well. The reported IRS review remains unresolved. Congress continues considering legislation affecting college athletics. Revenue-sharing rules could change. Conference economics could change. The College Football Playoff could expand—or remain where it is. Media valuations themselves could change. LSU is not simply betting on investments. It is making assumptions about the future economics of college sports. ## Rabalais Is Also Right About Something Larger For all those risks, Rabalais reaches a conclusion that deserves attention: **LSU has to do something.** The old economic model of college athletics is gone. The new one requires capital. Revenue sharing with athletes is now embedded in the system. Roster acquisition has become dramatically more expensive. Coaching compensation continues climbing. Facilities continue demanding investment. And LSU entered this environment already facing substantial financial pressure. Tiger Rag reported months ago that LSU Athletics was projecting a **$25 million to $35 million Fiscal 2026 deficit**. LSU paid Brian Kelly more than $50 million not to coach. It bought out Matt McMahon. It committed $91 million to Lane Kiffin. Those decisions absolutely justify skepticism about LSU’s stewardship of money. But they do not mathematically determine whether this particular proposal is a bad transaction. The valuation does. The capital allocation does. The investor rights do. The governance does. The investment performance eventually will. Doing nothing carries risk, too. The question is not whether LSU should avoid risk. **It is whether LSU is receiving sufficient long-term value for the risk it chooses to take.** ## The National Conversation Is Changing Friday brought another development. **Sports Business Journal** picked up the story. SBJ did not add significant new reporting. Its importance was in how one of the nation’s leading sports-business publications framed what had already been reported. The focus was the structure: A new company. Future broadcast revenue. $100 million in outside capital. Minority ownership. Professional investment management. Perpetual revenue. That reflects the same evolution we have watched all week. The conversation began with labels. Private equity. Venture capital. Then came the $100 million. Then the LLC. Then LSU control. Then broadcast revenue. Then ownership percentages. Then profit participation. Then investment management. The more information that has emerged, the less useful the original labels have become. The question is no longer simply what LSU should call this. **The question is how the business actually works.** ## We Said Ball And Moscona Could Both Be Right That is also why we resisted treating J.R. Ball’s original reporting and Matt Moscona’s subsequent reporting as mutually exclusive. On Tuesday’s edition of **Tiger Rag Radio**, we said they could both be describing different parts of the same proposal. Ball appeared to have much of the economics: approximately $100 million, outside capital and future media revenue. Moscona appeared to have much of the architecture: an LSU-controlled LLC, retained control, independent valuation and IRS review. *The Advocate* then supplied additional pieces: ownership percentages, broadcast revenue, board governance, investment management and an exit mechanism. Those reports increasingly look less like competing stories than different windows into an evolving transaction. And the transaction is considerably more sophisticated than the first headlines suggested. ## So Is LSU Gambling With Its Future? Yes. In one sense, Rabalais’ description is unavoidable. This is a gamble. LSU could sell an interest in an extraordinarily valuable asset too cheaply. Investment managers could underperform. Media values could disappoint. Expenses could outrun investment returns. Governance could fail. Regulatory assumptions could change. Private investors could become difficult partners. And LSU could discover years from now that immediate financial pressure caused it to surrender far more future value than anyone realized. But the opposite outcome also exists. LSU could use one of its most durable assets to attract outside capital, build a portfolio of additional revenue-producing investments and create an institutional source of recurring income that LSU Athletics otherwise would never possess. **The stakes are enormous in either direction.** If LSU gets this wrong, it could spend years paying for a decision made during a period of extraordinary financial pressure. If LSU gets it right, it could create a blueprint other major athletic departments spend the next decade trying to replicate. That is why the documents matter so much. If LSU is selling tomorrow to pay for today, the documents will prove it. If LSU is building a new kind of university investment enterprise, the documents will prove that, too. Until then, **“reckless,” “necessary gamble” and “brilliant” are all conclusions ahead of the evidence.** **Before deciding LSU is mortgaging its future, I’d like to see the mortgage.** **Categories:** Extra, Featured, LSU athletics, Tiger Rag **Tags:** college athletics investment, college sports private equity, Greg Williams LSU, LSU $100 million investment, LSU athletic department revenue, LSU Athletics Deficit, LSU athletics finances, LSU athletics financial plan, LSU broadcast rights, LSU ESPN rights, LSU financial future, LSU investment company, LSU LLC, LSU media revenue, LSU media rights deal, LSU private equity, LSU private investment, Matt Hayes LSU, Scott Rabalais LSU, SEC broadcast rights, Tiger Rag LSU, Todd Horne LSU analysis, Wade Rousse LSU --- ### [LSU Football Player Profile No. 27 - Cornerback DJ Pickett Will Try To Pick Up Where He Left Off in 2025](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-27-cornerback-dj-pickett-will-try-to-pick-up-where-he-left-off-in-2025/) **Published:** August 7, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Cornerback DJ Pickett answered his elite potential during the 2025 season for LSU, which signed him out of Zephyrhills High near Tampa as the No. 2 player at his position in the nation by On3.com. Pickett played in all 13 games with three starts and picked off three passes while making three tackles for loss with two sacks and 37 tackles with 29 solos. He was named a freshman All-American by the Football Writers Association of American and freshman All-Southeastern Conference. He enters 2026 as a starter at cornerback. > [LSU CB DJ Pickett Credits Coach Corey Raymond For Tough Love And Coaching](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-cb-dj-pickett-credits-coach-corey-raymond-for-tough-love-and-coaching/) **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** Long, rangy cornerback with elite ball skills and recruiting pedigree and the physical tools to become a cornerstone of LSU’s secondary. **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** Lived up to his billing as the top cornerback for the Class of 2025, making an immediate impact during his true freshman season with the Tigers … Earned Freshman All-America honors from the Football Writers of America Association (FWAA) and Freshman All-SEC … Also named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll … Not your typical cornerback, standing 6-feet-5 … Tremendous wing span and range … Thrives in man-to-man coverage and isn’t fazed about being put on an island with a receiver … Mentality of a veteran as he’s able to shrug off previously play and move on to the next … Appeared in 13 games with 3 starts, seeing action on 524 defensive snaps … Tallied 37 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss and a sack in 2025 … Led team with 3 interceptions … Teams with junior PJ Woodland to give LSU one of the nation’s top cornerback tandems … Big part of LSU defense that led the SEC interceptions (17) and ranked No. 3 in the league in pass efficiency defense in 2025 … LSU was also only team in the SEC to have more interceptions (17) than touchdown passes allowed (14) in 2025 … Majoring in interdisciplinary studies. **FRESHMAN SEASON (2025)** Earned Freshman All-SEC and Freshman All-America honors in his first season with the Tigers … Appeared in all 13 games with 3 starts … Starts came against Texas A&M, Western Kentucky and Houston in the Texas Bowl … Played 524 defensive snaps … In 304 pass coverage snaps, allowed 21 receptions for 248 yards and 3 TDs … Didn’t allow a passing TD in coverage until the final 2 games of the season (1 at Oklahoma, 2 vs. Houston in Texas Bowl) … Gave up just 12 first downs … Tallied 37 games, 3.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks … Tied for team-high honors with 3 interceptions to go along with 3 pass breakups and 6 passes defended … Capped season with career-best 7 tackles, including 1 for a 6-yard loss, and a pass breakup against Houston in Texas Bowl … First career interception came in win over Florida … Interception came at LSU 33-yard line with 2:15 left in fourth quarter with Tigers up 20-10 … Interception against Oklahoma came at LSU 7-yard line in third quarter and with Tigers leading 10-3 … Other interception came in win over Western Kentucky … Had 5 tackles including a sack for a sack for a 9-yard loss vs. Western Kentucky … Sack against South Carolina came with LSU up 20-10 and went for 12-yards in the fourth quarter forcing a third-and-20 situation for the Gamecocks with 1:24 left in the contest … Had 6 total tackles vs. South Carolina … Played on special teams – seeing action on 122 snaps (53 kickoff coverage, 44 punt return, 21 field goal block, 2 kickoff return). **HIGH SCHOOL** The top-rated player in LSU’s 2025 signing class and the nation’s premier prep cornerback for the Class of 2025 in this year’s class … A consensus 5-star prospect who is rated as the nation’s No. 1 cornerback by On3 and Rivals … Ranked as the No. 2 cornerback nationally by ESPN and 247Sports … In the On3 composite, listed as the nation’s No. 10 overall prospect, the No. 2 cornerback and the top player in the state of Florida … Rated as high as No. 6 overall nationally by On3 … Recorded 94 total tackles and 10 interceptions during his prep career … A playmaker on the offensive side of the ball as well, catching 130 passes for 2,577 yards and 25 touchdowns in high school … Also ran track, clocking a 10.7 in the 100-meter dash … Coached at Zephyrhills by Nick Carroll … Nephew of former NFL defensive tackle Ryan Pickett, who won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers. **CAREER HIGHS** Tackles: 7 vs. Houston, 2025 Texas Bowl Tackles for Loss: 1.0, 3x (Last: vs. Houston, 2025 Texas Bowl; First: vs. South Carolina, 2025) Sacks: 1.0, 2x (Last: vs. Western Kentucky, 2025; First: vs. South Carolina, 2025) Interceptions: 1, 3x (Last: at Oklahoma, 2025; First: vs. Florida, 2025) Pass Breakups: 1, 3x (Last: vs. Houston, 2025 Texas Bowl; First: vs. Louisiana Tech, 2025) **NEXT:** Defensive End Jordan Ross **PREVIOUS BIOS:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) Running Back [Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) Defensive Tackle [Deuce Geralds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) Tight End [Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-18-treydez-green-expected-to-be-among-nations-best-tight-ends/) Offensive Lineman [Devin Harper](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-19-offensive-lineman-devin-harper-is-back-home-in-louisiana/) Wide Receiver [Jackson Harris](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-signee-may-be-one-of-the-best-jackson-harris-is-player-profile-no-20/) Running Back [Dilin Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-32-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-21-running-back-dilin-jones/) Linebacker [Davhon Keys](https://www.tigerrag.com/one-month-until-lsu-football-kicks-off-linebacker-davhon-keys-is-player-profile-no-21/) Quarterback [Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-the-season-in-31-days-and-this-is-player-bio-no-22-qb-sam-leavitt/) Quarterback [Husan Longstreet](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-husan-longstreet-may-be-tigers-qb-of-the-future-player-profile-no-24/) Defensive Tackle [Dominick McKinley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-25-defensive-tackle-dominick-mckinley/) Center [Braelin Moore](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-in-29-days-and-here-is-player-profile-no-26-center-braelin-moore/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** DJ Pickett, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [The Protect College Sports Act Appears To Be Near Death ... Again](https://www.tigerrag.com/the-protect-college-sports-act-appears-to-be-near-death-again/) **Published:** August 7, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag News Services The shot clock is dark. The closing seconds are ticking away. And it looks like the Protect College Sports Act will not beat the buzzer. There was hope for the bill to be passed before the U.S. Senate’s August recess after the Southeastern and Big Ten Conferences finally announced their support for the bill. [The leagues missed the prior two deadlines](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-and-big-ten-may-have-just-killed-the-protect-college-sports-act-for-their-own-good-kace-kieschnick/) lawmakers urged them to meet to have a chance of getting through the necessary procedure in time for a vote before recess, but hey, better late than never. Or in this case, too late. > [Protect College Sports Act Still Stands – Senate Vote May Happen Next Week After Two-Minute Offense Rally Friday](https://www.tigerrag.com/protect-college-sports-act-still-stands-senate-vote-may-happen-next-week-after-two-minute-offense-rally-friday/) Majority Leader John Thune filed cloture (formal procedure to end debate before voting) on the bill Wednesday, setting the process in motion. However, the legislation was already facing an uphill battle to see a vote before the end of the week. Late opposition and additional amendments filed by lawmakers did not help its cause. On Thursday, the Congressional Black Caucus released a statement against the bill. Its argument was that lawmakers failed to effectively incorporate the perspectives of black athletes, coaches and agents in a bill that would directly affect the lives, education, earning potential and careers of those individuals. > The Congressional Black Caucus cannot support advancing the Protect College Sports Act in its current form. > > Our statement: > > — Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) (@TheBlackCaucus) [August 6, 2026](https://x.com/TheBlackCaucus/status/2085419698657583296?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) This opposition created a major hurdle for supporters of the bill trying to accelerate the vote with unanimous consent. Then, the amendments started to roll in, stifling any chances of unanimity. Former Alabama and LSU football coach Nick Saban and Gordon Gee, a former president at West Virginia, Ohio State, Vanderbilt and Brown, sent a letter to Congress on Tuesday, urging the bill must pass. > Gordon Gee and Nick Saban have penned an open letter to Congress urging lawmakers to pass the Protect College Sports Act. > > “Congress rarely gets to strengthen an institution that has shaped generations of Americans. This is one of those moments.” [pic.twitter.com/TqAABDA8mK](https://t.co/TqAABDA8mK) > > — Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) [August 5, 2026](https://x.com/RossDellenger/status/2084794937472594284?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Saban also delivered an impressive presentation to Congress on June 3 on behalf of the bill. > Mr. Saban Goes To Washington … and Takes Over. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 4, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2062334762090455464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Republican Senators Josh Hawley (Missouri), Jim Banks (Indiana) and Tommy Tuberville (Alabama) filed an amendment to ensure the bill would not override state laws that prohibited biological men from competing in women’s sports. Florida Republican Senator Ashley Moody added three more amendments Friday. The most notable of these would add a 180-day period after the bill goes into effect in which Power Four schools could change conferences without waiting the five-year probationary period required in the expansion provision of the bill. > Sen. Majority Leader John Thune told reporters at the Capitol that the Protect College Sports Act is "an issue, we've got to get better clarity on," per [@burgessev](https://x.com/burgessev?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). There may only be a procedural (cloture) vote on PCSA before recess, paving the way for a full vote in September. > > — Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) [August 7, 2026](https://x.com/RossDellenger/status/2085812021849673828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) These last-minute changes likely raise too many questions to expedite a final vote before the Senate recess and start of the school year. Its postponement until September would not spell certain death for the bill, which has already progressed far past any other congressional attempt at reigning in college sports. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball, LSU Basketball, LSU Football News, More LSU Sports **Tags:** lsu football, LSU Tigers, nick saban, Protect College Sports Act --- ### [Ex-LSU Linebacker Deion Jones Signing With Saints - His 4th Of 4 NFC South Teams As He Goes Home](https://www.tigerrag.com/ex-lsu-linebacker-deion-jones-signing-with-saints-his-4th-of-4-nfc-south-teams-as-he-goes-home/) **Published:** August 7, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Former LSU linebacker Deion Jones completed his trip around the NFC South by signing a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The 31-year-old is now a member of his fourth of four NFC South teams. > The Saints are signing veteran linebacker Deion Jones to a one-year deal. Jones now will have played for every team in the NFC South, but this might be the most meaningful. Jones was born in New Orleans, grew up there, and played high school football there before attending LSU. [pic.twitter.com/pYU2zStmlJ](https://t.co/pYU2zStmlJ) > > — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) [August 7, 2026](https://x.com/AdamSchefter/status/2085790292779667629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The New Orleans native played his high school ball at Jesuit High School before attending LSU from 2012-2016. He was a rotational and special teams contributor his first three seasons in Baton Rouge before taking over as a starter his senior year. Jones led the 2015 Tigers with 100 tackles to go along with 13.5 tackles for loss and five sacks. He was selected by the Atlanta Falcons with the No. 52 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He finished third in NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting that season with 108 tackles and three interceptions, including two pick-sixes. In six years in Atlanta, Jones racked up 652 tackles, 40 TFLs, 8.5 sacks and 11 interceptions. He was also named to the 2017 Pro Bowl. Jones was traded to the Browns in the 2022 and went from starting 16 games each of the prior three seasons to only five in Cleveland. He made a one-year stop in Carolina before signing with the Buccaneers in 2024. He appeared in 19 games and made no starts in two seasons in Tampa. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** deion jones, lsu football, LSU Tigers, New Orleans Saints --- ### [Former LSU Wide Receiver Barion Brown Turning Heads Early At Saints Training Camp](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-wide-receiver-barion-brown-turning-heads-early-at-saints-training-camp/) **Published:** August 7, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Former LSU wide receiver Barion Brown has been the talk of Saints training camp after only a handful of practices. Brown has flashed as a returner and pass catcher with the first and second team. The Saints selected the 22-year-old 190th overall in the sixth round of April’s NFL Draft. New Orleans also welcomed first round pick Joydyn Tyson of Arizona State as the second receiver pick of the first round and eighth overall selection and fourth round pick Bryce Lance (136th overall) of North Dakota State in the draft class to add speed. > [LSU WR Barion Brown Staying In Louisiana, Selected No. 190 Overall By Saints](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-wr-barion-brown-staying-in-louisiana-selected-no-190-overall-by-saints/) At the time, Brown projected to compete for a spot primarily as the Saints’ return specialist, but it has been his play at receiver that has turned heads. At practice Thursday, Brown hauled in a “game-winning” 30-yard touchdown pass during two-minute drills. > THROW. OF. CAMP. [pic.twitter.com/El5gPJbPae](https://t.co/El5gPJbPae) > > — NOF (@nofnetwork) [August 6, 2026](https://x.com/nofnetwork/status/2085389918314856935?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “I got the play call from coach, and honestly, I just knew I had a deep shot,” Brown said after practice. “I got to the line, licking my chops, hoping Spencer (Rattler) would give me a chance, and that’s what he did. When the ball’s in the air, I was just thinking, ‘Make a play.’ Trying to win the game.” Brown was known for his blazing speed as a four-year Southeastern Conference receiver. In three years at Kentucky and one at LSU, Brown made 175 catches for 2,060 yards and 12 touchdowns for an average of 11.8 yards per catch. His collegiate numbers are not staggering by any means, but it seems much of his potential remained untapped. “I think that’s just me,” he said of his comfort as a deep threat. “Any time the ball’s in the air, I’m looking to go get that thing.” > Barion Brown 🔥 [pic.twitter.com/Oq1zNQ6bvK](https://t.co/Oq1zNQ6bvK) > > — New Orleans Saints (@Saints) [August 3, 2026](https://x.com/Saints/status/2084301558590685592?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) As a Tiger last season, Brown led the team with 53 receptions for 532 yards and a score. Saints head coach Kellen Moore praised his deep-ball skills despite his 5-foot-11, 177-pound frame. “Ball tracking, being able to attack the football, I think he does a really good job of that,” Moore said. “He’s able to utilize the speed that he has, and I think that’s obviously an asset to him.” > Wednesday Saints training camp > > 1-on-1 > > Barion Brown makes a nice catch over Isaac Yiadom along the sideline.[@wdsu](https://x.com/wdsu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/lfqDf4kP5O](https://t.co/lfqDf4kP5O) > > — Sharief Ishaq (@ShariefWDSU) [August 5, 2026](https://x.com/ShariefWDSU/status/2085014288779940036?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Moore said what has really impressed him about Brown is his focus and urgency to be well prepared as a rookie. “I think that’s the hardest part for these young guys,” Moore said. “The physical part, they’ve played football. There’s an acclamation part of that, but there’s so much more of a mental wear and tear on them with the preparation side. Sometimes that impacts their ability to go out there and perform. For Barion, he’s been really assignment sound. He’s been really detailed.” Brown said that preparation and effort to stay level headed is part of who he is. “I kind of already got it engraved in me, that next play mentality,” he said. “Don’t get too high, get too low on plays because the next one may be your best one.” As for the return game, Brown has brought the same effort. He said he catches extra punts on the weekends and is working closely with the coaching staff to help the team any way he can. He’s seen the hype around his camp performance from fans but said he does not want to focus on that right now. “I know what I can do, and I try not to let the outside noise get to me,” Brown said. “I just take every day day-by-day, and I’m just always looking to get better. That’s the return game, that’s receiver, that’s football. That’s just me being a person. I’m just always looking to get better.” Brown was one of the most prolific kickoff returners college football has ever seen. He brought back six kickoffs for touchdowns in his career, one shy of the NCAA record. He led the SEC in yards per return as both a sophomore at Kentucky with 36 and as senior at LSU with 29.7. His 445 total kick return yards were also the most in the conference last season. > Barion Brown returning punts. 🐯 [pic.twitter.com/wp1d9AmDAm](https://t.co/wp1d9AmDAm) > > — NOF (@nofnetwork) [July 31, 2026](https://x.com/nofnetwork/status/2083207546488152358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) That asset gives Brown an edge over other receivers looking to make the 53-man roster. He said he has always been a receiver, though, and wants to make a difference in the offense. Saints No. 1 wideout Chris Olave has been a veteran mentor for him there. Brown said he is like a big brother. “He wants the best for me, and any coaching points he got, I make sure I take it and try to use it,” he said. “I’m just happy that I got a good vet out there that’s willing to help me and give me some coaching tips.” Olave was a first-round 2022 NFL Draft pick after racking up 176 catches for 2,711 yards and 35 touchdowns in four seasons at Ohio State. Since joining the NFL, he has posted three 1,000-yard seasons and just signed a $136 million contract extension. With a similar build (6-0, 187) to Brown, there are not many better teachers to learn from. Brown will have a chance to make a big impression with the Saints’ coaching staff when the team hosts the Jacksonville Jaguars for a joint practice on Thursday and again when the teams square off in their preseason opener a week from Saturday at 3 p.m. on Aug. 15. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Barion Brown, Kellen Moore, lsu football, New Orleans Saints --- ### [LSU Golf: Raegan Denton, Ryleigh Knaub Advance At U.S. Women's Amateur](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-golf-raegan-denton-ryleigh-knaub-advance-at-u-s-womens-amateur/) **Published:** August 7, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICESae LSU incoming freshman [Raegan Denton](https://lsusports.net/sports/wg/roster/player/raegan-denton) and sophomore [Ryleigh Knaub](https://lsusports.net/sports/wg/roster/player/ryleigh-knaub) advanced to the round of 32 that begins Friday at the United States Women’s Amateur golf tournament on the Honors Club course in Ooltewah, Tennessee. Television coverage of the tournament began at 9:30 a.m. Friday on The Golf Channel and can also be seen live at Golfchannel.com. Tape delay coverage of the event will air on Friday night on The Golf Channel. Each advanced easily with victories in their opening matches to advance after two rounds of stroke play qualifying before match play opens in one of the country’s most prestigious women’s amateur golf events. > [LSU Golfers Ryleigh Knaub, Raegan Denton Playing In Prestigious United States Women’s Amateur](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-golfers-ryleigh-knaub-raegan-denton-playing-in-prestigious-united-states-womens-amateur/) Denton, who is from Adelaide, Australia, had seven birdies with five of those good enough to win holes. Knaub, from Debary, Florida, was 2-under through the 14 holes and basically took control from there. On Friday, Denton will face Pimchompoo “Pinky” Chaisilprungruang of Thailand and UNC-Charlotte. Denton is ranked 47th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings while Chaisilprungruang is No. 66 and may have the longest first and last names in sports at 27 letters total. Knaub faces 17-year-old Anna Fang (51st in the World Amateur rankings) of San Diego, California. Chaisilprungruang won her first-round match over Australian Jazy Roberts, while Fang beat Mary Miller. If Denton and/or Knaub advance, they will play their round of 16 match on Friday afternoon. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Women's Golf **Tags:** lsu golf, LSU Tigers, Raegan Denton, Ryleigh Knaub --- ### [LSU Football Kicks Off In 29 Days, And Here Is Player Profile No. 26 - Center Braelin Moore](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-in-29-days-and-here-is-player-profile-no-26-center-braelin-moore/) **Published:** August 7, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The Tigers’ battle-tested center Braelin Moore returns for his second season in Baton Rouge. Moore (6-foot-2, 301) was one of the few bright spots on the 2025 LSU offensive line. He played 623 offensive snaps in 12 starts land allowed just one sack. He played three seasons at Virginia Tech before transferring to LSU. He started the full 2023 season at left guard before becoming the Hokies’ starting center in 2024. Last year, the iron man showed his toughness as he made quick returns from two separate injuries for the Tigers. Moore made a remarkable recovery from a high ankle sprain suffered against Louisiana Tech to return the next week against Florida and then a mid-foot sprain against Western Kentucky sidelined him until he came back for the Texas Bowl. **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** *Returning starting center who serves as the physical and communication leader in the middle of the trenches. Moore is a strong, agile blocker with quick recovery skills and veteran experience.* **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** *Returning starter at center for the Tigers in 2026 … Versatile lineman who has career starts at left guard and center during his career … Starter on offensive line at the Power 4 level for 3 consecutive years heading into 2026 (1 at LSU, 2 at Virginia Tech) … Joined the LSU program after 3 seasons at Virginia Tech and immediately took over as the starter at center for the Tigers … Starter in 12 games in 2025, playing 623 offensive snaps … Made LSU debut in road win over Clemson, earning SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors for his performance in the 17-10 victory … Enters fifth season of college football and has appeared in 40 games with 36 games (12 at LSU, 24 at Virginia Tech) … 2,045 career snaps with 1,395 coming at center … Has allowed only 4 sacks during his career with 1 coming at LSU … Played alongside his brother Kaden Moore on the Virginia Tech offensive line for 2 years … Named to SEC Academic Honor Roll in 2025 and earned Academic All-ACC honors in 2023 … Majoring in interdisciplinary studies.* **JUNIOR SEASON (2025 at LSU)** *Started 12 games at center in his first year at LSU … Played 623 offensive snaps, allowing only 1 sack which came against Southeastern Louisiana … Missed the Oklahoma game … Returned to action and starter against Houston in the Texas Bowl … Played every offensive snap in 8 games … Injured (ankle) on first play of Louisiana Tech game in what was his Tiger Stadium debut … Returned to play all 55 snaps in win over Florida the following week … Made LSU debut in road win over Top 10 Clemson, earning SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week honors for his performance … Played every offensive snap against Clemson (75), Florida (55), Ole Miss (62), South Carolina (66), Vanderbilt (53), Texas (67), Alabama (59) and Arkansas (74).* **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2024 at Virginia Tech)** *Started all 12 regular-season games at center for the Hokies … Played a total of 754 snaps with a season-high coming against Duke … Allowed only 3 sacks all season … Yielded sacks in first 2 games of season and then allowed only 1 sack for the remainder of the year (vs. Syracuse in week 10) … Helped the Hokies average 178.4 yards rushing in his 12 starts … Paved the way for 1,000-yard rusher Bhayshul Taten.* **REDSHIRT FRESHMAN SEASON (2023 at Virginia Tech)** *Started 12 games at left guard as a redshirt freshman in 2023 … Missed only the Pitt game with an injury … Helped the Hokies to a 7-6 mark and a win over Tulane in Military Bowl … Hokies rushed for 362 yards in win over Tulane, a bowl game school record.* **FRESHMAN SEASON (2022 at Virginia Tech)** *Appeared in 4 games, playing a total of 81 offensive snaps … Made collegiate debut against West Virginia in week 4 … Played 36 snaps in his most extensive duty against Pitt in week 6 … Played 29 snaps vs. Miami (Fla.) in week 7 followed by 21 snaps vs. North Carolina State in week 9.* **HIGH SCHOOL** *Played guard and defensive end for head coach Jason Roeder at Freedom High School in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania … Freedom went 12-3 during the fall 2021 season … Ranked as the No. 19 high school player in Pennsylvania … Tied for second in the Eastern Pennsylvania Conference with 10 sacks on the season.* **CAREER HIGHS** *Offensive Snaps: 92 at Duke, 2024* **NEXT:** Cornerback DJ Pickett **Previous Bios:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) Running Back [Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) Defensive Tackle [Deuce Geralds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) Tight End [Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-18-treydez-green-expected-to-be-among-nations-best-tight-ends/) Offensive Lineman [Devin Harper](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-19-offensive-lineman-devin-harper-is-back-home-in-louisiana/) Wide Receiver [Jackson Harris](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-signee-may-be-one-of-the-best-jackson-harris-is-player-profile-no-20/) Running Back [Dilin Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-32-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-21-running-back-dilin-jones/) Linebacker [Davhon Keys](https://www.tigerrag.com/one-month-until-lsu-football-kicks-off-linebacker-davhon-keys-is-player-profile-no-21/) Quarterback [Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-the-season-in-31-days-and-this-is-player-bio-no-22-qb-sam-leavitt/) Quarterback [Husan Longstreet](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-husan-longstreet-may-be-tigers-qb-of-the-future-player-profile-no-24/) Defensive Tackle [Dominick McKinley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-25-defensive-tackle-dominick-mckinley/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Braelin Moore, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Baseball Odds Of Keeping Pitcher Logan Schmidt From Pro Ball? "0.1 Percent," Jay Johnson Tells Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-odds-of-keeping-pitcher-logan-schmidt-from-pro-ball-0-1-percent-jay-johnson-tells-tiger-rag-radio/) **Published:** August 7, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson might consider a trip to Las Vegas after the fortune he and the Tigers just got last week. Second round pick Logan Schmidt, a left-handed pitcher from Ganesha High in Aliso Viejo, California, decided to come to LSU after the Cleveland Guardians made him the 59th pick of the Major League Baseball Draft on July 11. > [LSU Baseball Gets Blockbuster Pitcher Logan Schmidt – 2nd Round Pick Who Turned Down Cleveland](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-gets-blockbuster-pitcher-logan-schmidt-2nd-round-pick-who-turned-down-cleveland/) Schmidt (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) entered the draft as a top 60 prospect, but turned down approximately $1.7 million and a chance to enter the draft again next year by signing with a junior college. Instead he will stay a Tiger after signing with LSU months ago, even though he cannot enter the draft again now until after his junior season at LSU in 2029. “I’ll be honest,” Johnson said on Tiger Rag Radio this week. “I thought there was a 0.1 percent chance that Logan was going to end up in college at LSU.” *Listen to Johnson’s entire interview on Tiger Rag Radio by clicking the arrow in the red box below.* “So, we feel fortunate to get him and found a pathway to be able to do that,” Johnson said. “Some of it wasn’t even our doing.” The Guardians drafted Schmidt after not having an agreement beforehand, which is against the norm in the early rounds of the MLB Draft. “Some of it was draft strategy by the team that selected him that didn’t work out in their favor and worked out in ours,” Johnson said. “It was a place we didn’t feel like we would be, but certainly happy that that’s what happened and really excited to add him.” Johnson was asked if LSU may have been out of or running low on NIL-related roster money since Schmidt’s decision happened so late after the dollar figures for the rest of his roster were likely settled, particularly with an impressive array of talent via the portal. > [LSU Baseball Position Lineup Taking Shape For 2027 With Key Portal Additions And Steven Milam Returning](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-position-lineup-taking-shape-for-2027-with-key-portal-additions-and-steven-milam-returning/) “That’s what I would call good problems as to what you’re referring to,” Johnson said. Schmidt will likely be a favorite to be in LSU’s Southeastern Conference weekend rotation next season. “He’s got tremendous stuff. My favorite quality is it’s just strike after strike after strike after strike,” said Johnson, whose pitching staff last season struggled mightily with walks and wild pitches. “He really fills up the strike zone. Excellent fastball command.” Schmidt throws in the mid-to-upper 90s, but doesn’t everybody now? Schmidt has another more critical quality. > [LSU Dynamic Duo Kade Anderson, Anthony Eyanson Named To Major League Baseball Futures Team](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-dynamic-duo-kade-anderson-anthony-eyanson-named-to-major-league-baseball-futures-team/) “He’s a pitcher, not a thrower,” Johnson said. “He has very loud stuff, but he’s a pitcher by trade. He’s like Kade Anderson or Anthony Eyanson (LSU’s top two starters in the 2025 national championship season), who were true pitchers. They could blow you away with fastballs, but have the ability to speed the hitter up, slow him down with different shapes, both sides of the plate, up and down. He’s young. Just turned 18. He’s been coached really well. Can’t wait to see what he can do for the LSU baseball program.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Cleveland Guardians, jay johnson, Logan Schmidt, lsu baseball, Major League Baseball Draft --- ### [Jay Johnson To Discuss Logan Schmidt, Who Turned Down $1.7 Million To Come To LSU, On Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/jay-johnson-to-discuss-logan-schmidt-turning-down-1-7-million-to-stay-at-lsu-on-tiger-rag-radio/) **Published:** August 3, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor He will likely not say how much high school signee pitcher Logan Schmidt will be paid by LSU via Name, Image & Likeness entities. But he will talk about how the second round pick of the Cleveland Guardians in the Major League Baseball Draft last month turned down approximately $1.7 million from Cleveland and will be enrolling at LSU for the fall semester and will play next season. Schmidt signed with LSU’s class of 2027 several months ago. LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson will be on Tiger Rag Radio at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to discuss Schmidt (6-foot-4, 215 pounds), who was the 59th overall pick in the MLB Draft on July 11 by Cleveland. Tiger Rag Radio airs from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on **107.3 FM in Baton Rouge** and **106.7 FM The Ticket in New Orleans.** Or you can listen to the show online: [LISTEN TO TIGER RAG RADIO BY CLICKING HERE](https://station.voscast.com/64cd62be67664) Other stations that Tiger Rag Radio is carried by are: KLWB 103.7 FM The Game in Lafayette KFNV 107.1 FM in Ferriday KLCJ 104.1 FM in Lake Charles WAKH 105.7 FM in McComb, Mississippi KASO 1240 AM in Minden KRLQ 94.1 FM in Ruston WSLA 1560 AM in Slidell WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans KBZE 105.9 FM in Morgan City The Guardians were ready to pay Schmidt the draft-slotted $1.7 million approximate amount, but Schmidt was asking for more. And Cleveland did not reach an agreement with him before drafting him, whereas MLB teams often have agreed to terms with a player before they draft him. LSU had to ante up a pretty penny as well – perhaps in the $1 million range – to keep him out of signing with a junior college, because he could have entered his name for the next MLB Draft again in 2027. > [LSU Baseball Gets Blockbuster Pitcher Logan Schmidt – 2nd Round Pick Who Turned Down Cleveland](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-gets-blockbuster-pitcher-logan-schmidt-2nd-round-pick-who-turned-down-cleveland/) At LSU, or another four-year college, Schmidt cannot enter the draft again until after his junior season in 2029. “We looked at it this morning, and the number of top five round draft picks that haven’t signed over the past decade is very small,” Johnson told the Baton Rouge Advocate over the weekend. “And so, I’m surprised, pleasantly surprised and excited about Logan. It’s a great deal for our program on a lot of levels. Having been doing this for a long time now, you don’t win these with Major League Baseball, typically.” Schmidt could find his way into LSU’s weekend rotation in the Southeastern Conference this season. He was a top 60 prospect going into the draft by MLB.com. “It’s a wide-open competition, and he has the ability to contend for it, as I think a number of guys do,” Johnson said of his projected weekend rotation. “Like, we have to perform better there.” Schmidt will arrive with a reputation for command of the strike zone, which was an issue through much of LSU’s pitching staff in a disappointing season in 2026 in which the Tigers did not make the postseason for the first time since 2011. “The standout quality is strike throwing,” Johnson said. “That’s what separates him. It’s a good arsenal of pitches. Also joining Tiger Rag Radio on Tuesday will be [LSU associate athletic director and chief financial officer Matthew LaBorde](https://lsusports.net/staff/matthew-laborde), who also works with football scheduling and men’s basketball. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Cleveland Guardians, jay johnson, Logan Schmidt, lsu baseball, Major League Baseball, Matthew Laborde, mlb draft --- ### [LSU Practice: QB Sam Leavitt Sharp As He Completes 13 Of 15 Passes](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-practice-qb-sam-leavitt-sharp-as-he-completes-13-of-15-passes/) **Published:** August 6, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Call it the 10-minute drill. Reporters were allowed to watch two early periods of practice on Thursday night for about 12 minutes in all, and quarterback Sam Leavitt stole the show. > [LSU Football Kicks Off The Season In 31 Days, And This Is Player Bio No. 23 – QB Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-the-season-in-31-days-and-this-is-player-bio-no-22-qb-sam-leavitt/) The redshirt junior transfer from Arizona State missed a deep ball to true freshman wide receiver Corey Barber and a short pass, but he completed every other throw. Now, there were no defenders during these periods, but he did complete 13 of 15 passes, including a nice deep route to sophomore transfer wide receiver Winnie Watkins, formerly of Ole Miss. > [LSU Football: Husan Longstreet May Be Tigers’ QB Of The Future – Player Profile No. 24](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-husan-longstreet-may-be-tigers-qb-of-the-future-player-profile-no-24/) LSU’s only returning receiver, redshirt freshman Phillip Wright III of Destrehan High in the New Orleans area, made one of the more impressive catches of the day on a pass from redshirt freshman quarterback Husan Longstreet. > Camp Kiffin is nothing like Camp Curley, and the idea is to not wilt during the season. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 6, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2085426463424057372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) On defense, true freshman Richard Anderson got a shot on the first team at tackle over Auburn junior transfer Malik Blocton, who was on first team on Wednesday. The other tackle was true freshman Deuce Geralds for the second straight day. Blocton and Stephiylan Green, a junior transfer from Clemson, were the No. 2 defensive tackles. [Junior Dominick McKinley, a five-star signee from Acadiana High in Lafayette in 2024](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-25-defensive-tackle-dominick-mckinley/), remained at third team tackle, but got a look at defensive end. Senior Ole Miss transfer Princewill Umanmielen and junior Tennessee transfer Jordan Ross remained as the No. 1 edge rushers with true freshman Lamar Brown and junior Dylan Carpenter on the second team. Redshirt freshman Jhase Thomas and senior Boise State transfer Ty Benefield stayed at the first team safeties. **WHAT’S NEXT?** LSU will have a walk-through practice on Friday only before a 10 a.m. practice on Saturday that is open to reporters. After an off day Sunday, LSU coach Lane Kiffin and players will be available for interviews after a morning practice. *(Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Kace Kieschnick contributed to this report.)* **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Sam Leavitt --- ### [LSU To Play Arizona State In Tournament Sponsored by Acrisure, Which Had CEO At Governor's Mansion Summit](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-to-play-arizona-state-in-tournament-sponsored-by-acrisure-which-had-ceo-at-governors-mansion-summit/) **Published:** August 6, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The LSU Tigers will face Arizona State and SMU in Palm Springs, California, this November as part of one of the nation’s premier Thanksgiving college basketball events. The 2026 Acrisure Series Tournament features 26 games with 26 programs across six days in the Coachella Valley. Acrisure, by the way, is a financial technology company headquarted in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in which [Greg Williams is the Chief Executive Officer and private equity expert.](https://www.acrisure.com/about-acrisure/leadership) > [LSU Worked For Years On Financial Plans Before Million Dollar Summit This Week – CFO Tells Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-worked-for-years-on-financial-plans-before-million-dollar-summit-this-week-cfo-tells-tiger-rag-radio/) Williams has been in Baton Rouge this week for the Governor’s Mansion summit with 40 of the most significant LSU athletic department donors with Governor Jeff Landry, LSU president Wade Rousse and other LSU officials concerning a $100 million financial plan in the works for LSU’s quest to be at the top of the Name, Image & Likeness game to fund its athletic deparment and athletes. > [EXPLAINING WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT LSU’S REPORTED NEW BUSINESS MODEL](https://www.tigerrag.com/explaining-what-we-know-about-lsus-reported-new-business-model/) LSU will face Arizona State on Wednesday, Nov. 25 and SMU on Thursday, Nov. 26 at the Acrisure Arena. The LSU-Arizona State game will be played at 1 p.m. CT (11 a.m. PT in Palm Springs) on Nov. 25 and the SMU game will be at 6 p.m. CT (4 p.m. PT). Both games will be televised on the CBS Sports Network and broadcast on the affiliates of the LSU Sports Radio Network. LSU and Arizona State has played twice, both on neutral courts, including an overtime game in the 2007 Maui Invitational. LSU and SMU are familiar with each other, having played each of the last two years (Frisco, Texas in 2024 and New Orleans in 2025) in the Compete 4 Cause Classics. The teams have played seven times overall with SMU having a 4-3 lead in the series. “The Acrisure Series has become one of the premier events in college basketball, and we believe this year’s field is the strongest we’ve assembled,” said Dan Shell, President of Total Sports Consulting and Co-Tournament Director. “Bringing together 26 outstanding programs for six consecutive days creates an incredible experience for student-athletes, coaches and fans while continuing to establish Greater Palm Springs as one of the country’s premier destinations for Thanksgiving college basketball.” Tickets for the 2026 Acrisure Series Thanksgiving Tournament go on sale on Saturday at Noon through Ticketmaster.com, the official ticketing provider of Acrisure Arena in Palm Springs. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** Arizona State Sun Devils, lsu, LSU men's basketball, LSU Tigers', SMU Mustangs Basketball, will wade --- ### [LSU Worked For Years On Financial Plans Before Million Dollar Summit This Week - CFO Tells Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-worked-for-years-on-financial-plans-before-million-dollar-summit-this-week-cfo-tells-tiger-rag-radio/) **Published:** August 6, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU’s million dollar summit at the Governor’s Mansion with approximately 40 major donors this week is expected to culminate with a new $100 million package for athletics. > [Analysis: LSU Athletics’ Potential Creative Financing Plan](https://www.tigerrag.com/analysis-lsu-athletics-potential-creative-financing-plan/) LSU associate athletic director and chief financial officer Matthew LaBorde spoke about the meetings in general terms on Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night. *Hit the white arrow in the red box below to listen to LaBorde’s appearance in full.* “Everybody’s highly interested in what’s going on,” he said. “But there’s a time and place to discuss that further. In reality, there have been discussions for the last several years on this, because the financial landscape has changed. So, it’s our duty to listen to everything that’s out there – the creative financial options, the different ideas that will put us into position to be successful.” That included having private equity expert Greg Williams at the meetings. [Williams is the chairman and CEO of the Acrisure ](https://www.highperformr.ai/people/greg-williams-acrisure)financial technology company in Grand Rapids, Michigan. ![Professional head-and-shoulders portrait of a smiling man in a dark suit and light blue tie against a gray background.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/MATTHEW_LABORDE-1024x1024.webp "MATTHEW_LABORDE | TigerRag.com")***LSU Associate AD and CFO Matthew LaBorde has seen enormous change in his 15 years at LSU LSU Photo***“We look at LSU as one of the premier brands in the country,” LaBorde said. “We don’t want to be second. For us, it’s about how do we elevate our brand across all the sports in addition to football. We try to have success across the board.” That is one reason why LSU hired men’s basketball coach Will Wade away from North Carolina State after the Tigers’ second consecutive 3-15 season in Southeastern Conference play and second straight losing season at 14-18 and 15-17. Wade was swiftly successful as LSU’s coach previously beginning in the 2017-18 season, and LaBorde worked with his program at the time. After an opening season of 18-15 and 8-10, Wade won the SEC regular season title in his second season in 2018-19 at 25-5 and 15-2 and reached the NCAA Tournament. He was suspended by LSU, however, when he failed to cooperate with LSU officials in an investigation of major recruiting violations. Wade followed that with a 21-10 and 12-6 season in 2019-20, but the postseason was canceled due to COVID-19. He then went 19-10 and 11-6 in the 2020-21 season and won a game in the NCAA Tournament. His last team in 2021-22 was 22-11 and 9-9 and reached the NCAA Tournament, but he was fired before the postseason because of major recruiting violations found by the NCAA. [NCAA RULES IN WILL WADE CASE](https://www.outkick.com/sports/ncaa-finishes-with-lsu-slaps-will-wade-with-2-year-show-cause-football-loses-37-wins) Wade resurfaced as McNeese State’s coach for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons before coaching at North Carolina State in the 2025-26 season. “When Will got here (the first time), you could tell right away that this wasn’t your normal coach,” LaBorde said. “He was going to put us in position to be successfull right out the gate. One of the things he said when he got here and recently is we’re not trying to be second to anyone. He challenged me as a young administrator (in 2017). He said, “What are our competitive edges?’ He was always pushing and wanted LSU to be considered a blue blood of college basketball. He had it in 2017, and he still has it today.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu athletics, Matthew Laborde, Tiger Rag, will wade --- ### [LSU Women's Basketball To Face UConn In Clash Of Coaching Legends](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-basketball-to-face-uconn-in-clash-of-coaching-legends/) **Published:** August 6, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The LSU women’s basketball team will face Connecticut in a blockbuster non-conference game in the 2026 ESPNW Invitational on Dec. 20, in Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, LSU announced on Thursday. > LSU & UConn will play this season for the first time since 2016 at the [@espnW](https://x.com/espnW?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Invitational in Nashville! > > 📄 [pic.twitter.com/XZJOXtTJkM](https://t.co/XZJOXtTJkM) > > — LSU Women's Basketball (@LSUwbkb) [August 6, 2026](https://x.com/LSUwbkb/status/2085441005952590266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Also playing in Bridgestone Arena will be Kentucky and Virginia. Game times and networks have not been announced. The two winningest active women’s college basketball coaches, Kim Mulkey (783-130) and Geno Auriemma (1,288-166), will meet for the first time since the 2021 Elite Eight when Mulkey was at Baylor in her last season before coming to LSU. Auriemma’s Huskies won that game, 69-67, on a controversial no-call on the game’s final shot. Mulkey is 4-5 against Auriemma all-time and 0-2 at neutral sites. The pair also lead active coaches in national titles – Mulkey with four and Auriemma with 12. It is the first meeting between LSU and UConn in a decade. The Huskies won the 2016 matchup, 76-53, and lead the all-time series 8-1. The Lady Tiger’s sole victory over the Huskies came in a 73-50 Elite Eight win led by interim and current associate head coach Bob Starkey. The Huskies were 38-1 last season, with their lone loss coming to South Carolina in the Final Four. UConn has reached at least the Sweet 16 in 32 straight tournaments. Auriemma’s Huskies have made the Final Four 17 of the last 18 years and won seven national championships in that span, most recently in 2024. ![Kim Mulkey, LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/KimMulkey_Sideline.jpg "KimMulkey_Sideline | TigerRag.com")***LSU womens basketball coach Kim Mulkey has an impressive non conference schedule for 2026 27 LSU photo***Mulkey won LSU’s first basketball national championship in the 2022-23 season before reaching Elite Eights in 2024 and ’25 and the Sweet 16 last season. LSU also has marquee non-conference games scheduled this season against Villanova in the Fort Myers (Florida) Tip-Off on Nov. 27 and North Carolina State at Fort Myers on Nov. 28 before North Carolina in the ACC/SEC Challenge on Dec. 2. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Women's Basketball **Tags:** Geno Auriemma, kim mulkey, LSU Lady Tigers, lsu women's basketball, UConn Huskies --- ### [Ranking The 5 Toughest Schedules In The SEC, And LSU Is Not In It | Kace Kieschnick](https://www.tigerrag.com/ranking-the-5-toughest-schedules-in-the-sec-and-lsu-is-not-in-it-kace-kieschnick/) **Published:** August 6, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Schools around the Southeastern Conference are preparing for a grueling 2026. Thanks to the league’s new nine-game conference schedule and the previous edict to play at least one Power Four program, 14 of the top 15 hardest schedules in the country, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) Strength of Schedule rankings, belong to the SEC. [SEC HAS TOP 7 MOST DIFFICULT SCHEDULES IN NATION AND 14 OF TOP 15 – LSU’s AT NUMBER 11](https://www.espn.com/college-football/fpi/_/view/resume/sort/resume.avgsosrank/dir/asc) Here is a look at the five toughest schedules in the SEC: **1. TEXAS** Texas has the pleasure of hosting preseason No. 1 Ohio State in week two. If the Longhorns can make it through the first three weeks of the season unscathed, their reward is a four-game stretch of games at Tennessee, against Oklahoma in the Cotton Bowl after a bye and at home against Florida and Ole Miss. After a home game versus Mississippi State, Texas travels to Missouri and LSU back-to-back before closing out at Texas A&M. That is seven total matchups with teams in the top 25 of the USA Today Preseason Coaches poll, four of which are road SEC games and one at a neutral site. **2. OKLAHOMA** On the other side of the Red River Rivalry, the Sooners have another Big Ten ranked matchup at Michigan in week two. Oklahoma opens SEC play in week four at Georgia and then faces Texas after a bye week. After a stretch of likely unranked conference games, the Sooners end the season hosting Ole Miss and Texas A&M and at Missouri. Oklahoma begins the SEC schedule against the two conference favorites. Even if the Sooners lose both, they should be in a position to make a playoff push come November. But that push will go through three more ranked opponents. > [LSU Football 2026 Schedule](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-2026-schedule/) **3. ARKANSAS** Arkansas is the not-so-proud owner of the FPI’s hardest schedule by ESPN. The Razorbacks make road trips to Texas and Texas A&M and welcome Georgia, Tennessee, Missouri and LSU to Fayetteville. Before their SEC opener versus Georgia at 11 a.m., the Hogs make a trip to Utah with a 9:15 p.m. kickoff in Arkansas. That’s essentially a lost day of recovery when considering travel time. Arkansas’ possible saving grace is that its only consecutive games against ranked opponents are the Aggies and Tennessee and Texas and LSU. However, the other SEC foes dispersed throughout are South Carolina, Auburn and Vanderbilt — not exactly a walk in the park. But Arkansas of late tends to be the walk in the park for opponents as it was 2-10 and 0-8 last season and is 4-20 in the SEC since 2023. **4. MISSISSIPPI STATE** Someone in the SEC scheduling committee does not like Mississippi State. There is only so much any team can do about what opponents it plays, but when the game falls is another story. The Bulldogs face South Carolina, Missouri, Alabama, LSU, Oklahoma and Texas in their first six conference games. They get a bye week before their matchup with the Tigers, but LSU and Texas are both on the road. It will be an SEC baptism by fire for quarterback Kamario Taylor. Mississippi State then ends the season in Oxford for the Egg Bowl, making that six preseason top 25 games, five of which come in the same stretch and half located in three of the toughest environments in college football. **5. OLE MISS** Ole Miss’ schedule is almost as torturous as its Starkville brethren. The Rebels kick off the season against Louisville in Nashville and host LSU and Lane Kiffin’s return in week three. An ill-timed bye week between Florida and Vanderbilt do no favors for a team who will welcome Missouri, visit Texas, host Auburn and Georgia and head to Oklahoma from weeks seven to 11. Like Arkansas and Oklahom above, the Rebels have two top-four preseason opponents in Texas and Georgia. The early bye sets Ole Miss for a possibly painstaking war of attrition. A week 12 game against Wofford is the closest thing to a week off in the team’s seven conference games following the bye. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Arkansas Razorbacks, lsu football, Mississippi State, Oklahoma Sooners, Ole Miss Rebels, sec football, Texas Longhorns --- ### [LSU Football Light Is The Early Approach To "Camp" As The Jurassic Times Of 3-A-Days Remain Long Gone](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-light-is-the-early-approach-to-camp-as-the-jurassic-times-of-3-a-days-remain-long-gone/) **Published:** August 6, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor They called it “Camp Curley,” and it featured three-a-day practices with the first one soon after sunrise. There was a very physical approach to the workouts with lots of contact. It was the time. And LSU coach Curley Hallman had inherited a program before the 1991 season that was coming off the first back-to-back losing seasons at LSU since 1955 and ’56. Hallman’s Tigers may have been stronger and battle tested as preseason practices ended. But it rarely showed on the field as LSU continued losing in all four seasons with him as coach – 5-6 in 1991 after 31-10 and 45-7 losses to open the season at Georgia and at Texas A&M, 2-9 in 1992, 5-6 in 1993 with a 58-3 home loss to Florida and 4-7 in 1994. New coach Gerry DiNardo had a similar practice philosophy and had three straight winning seasons from 1995-97 at 7-4-1, 10-2 and 9-3. But a 4-7 season followed in 1998. A punishing, full-contact practice just two days before LSU’s SEC opener in 1999 may have had something to do with a 41-7 loss to Auburn, which finished 5-6 and 2-6 in the league. LSU was 2-8 and 0-7 in the SEC in 1999 and had lost 10 straight league going back to 1998 when DiNardo was fired. LSU then hired Michigan State head coach Nick Saban, who carried in a hard-nosed reputation and was a successful defensive coordinator in the NFL. But he didn’t like and usually avoided two-a-day practices. > LSU QB Sam Leavitt looks like he was never injured, says Lane Kiffin after first preseason practice. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 5, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2085055038544584792?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) LSU has had one losing season – 6-7 in 2021 – this century. The Tigers have another new coach in Lane Kiffin, who inherits a 7-6 team from last year and a program void of the playoffs since winning the 2019 national championship. But his approach is actually a lighter one. “We’re following kind of a ramp-up program to prevent injuries,” Kiffin said after LSU’s first preseason practice of the year on Wednesday that lasted only 90 minutes. No. 13 LSU plays No. 23 Clemson on Sept. 5 in Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC). “There’s not much work out there, but that’s really long-term thinking,” he said. Then Kiffin gave the team Thursday day off before a night practice at 6:30 amid cooler temperatures. Only a walk-through is scheduled for Friday, a morning practice Saturday and a day off Sunday. There will be morning practices followed by night practices next week before things get more difficult in later August. > [LSU Football Outlook: Sunny, “Peaceful(?),” Jokes Lane Kiffin At Rotary Club Atop Tiger Stadium](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-outlook-sunny-peaceful-jokes-lane-kiffin-at-rotary-club-atop-tiger-stadium/) Kiffin used a similar less intense approach in August last year in his sixth and final season at Ole Miss. And the Rebels had one of their greatest seasons in history at 11-1 and 7-1 before a 2-1 run in the College Football Playff after Kiffin left for LSU following the regular season. “We kind of started that last year, just looking at being fresh at the end of season and avoiding injuries in the first five days of practice,” Kiffin said. Ole Miss finished the regular season strong with a 5-0 run of double-digit victories as practices grew shorter as the season grew longer. “Looking at last year, we were as healthy as any team going into the playoffs, if not healthier than anybody,” Kiffin said. “I think a big part of that was because of our change to practicing less and less.” And winning more and more is the idea. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football Coach's Radio Show Moves From TJ Ribs To Court To Table](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-coachs-radio-show-moves-from-tj-ribs-to-court-to-table/) **Published:** August 6, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES After several years at TJ Ribs restaurant on South Acadian, the LSU Football Coaches’ Show is moving to the new Court To Table restaurant at 7477 Burbank Drive, beginning on Thursday, Sept. 3 at 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. [Court To Table](https://courttotable.com/) just happens to be the premier place in town to play pickleball, which is a hobby of new coach Lane Kiffin. Presented by FMOL Health and Louisiana Loaded, the [Lane Kiffin](https://lsusports.net/staff/lane-kiffin) Show will be hosted by the Voice of the Tigers Chris Blair and broadcast statewide via the LSU Sports Radio Network. It can be heard in the Baton Rouge area on Eagle 98.1 FM, the flagship station for LSU football. > Money talks louder than ever now in college football, but as practice dawns around the country this week, please shut up for now. As Mike Gundy would say. Column: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 5, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2084996614796550176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Fans can listen to the show at [LSUsports.net/live](https://www.lsusports.net/live), on the [LSU Sports Mobile App](https://www.lsusports.net/apps), and on other [affiliates](https://www.lsusports.net/radioaffiliates) of the LSU Sports Radio Network. “We’re excited to begin a new chapter for our LSU Athletics Radio Shows with Court to Table as their new home,” said Clay Harris, LSU deputy athletic director and chief revenue officer. “Court to Table provides an outstanding setting while creating new opportunities to engage with our fans.” Located on six acres, Court To Table combines a full restaurant, sports bar, and 11 indoor and outdoor pickleball courts. Kiffin’s radio show will have a new feature – player interviews. Previous sites of the LSU football coach’s shows in addition to TJ Ribs include Walk-Ons, Superior Grill and Serranos. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin --- ### [LSU Football Player Profile No. 25 - Defensive Tackle Dominick McKinley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-25-defensive-tackle-dominick-mckinley/) **Published:** August 6, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU junior defensive tackle was listed as a starter or No. 2 on several depth charts leading into preseason camp that began on Wednesday. But McKinley (6-foot-6, 297 pounds) was on neither unit as practice opened during the media viewing portions. The first team tackles were junior Auburn transfer Malik Blocton and true freshman signee and No. 4 ranked prep defensive lineman Deuce Geralds of Collins Hill High in Suwanee, Georgia, after shining during spring drills. The tackles on the No. 2 team were junior Clemson transfer Stephylan Green and true freshman signee and No. 1 ranked prep defensive lineman Richard Anderson of Karr High in New Orleans. Anderson also went through spring practice. > [LSU Football Practice Opens, And Lane Kiffin Calls It “Awesome” … D.J. Pickett New Number Backstory](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-practice-opens-and-lane-kiffin-calls-it-awesome-d-j-pickett-new-number-backstory/) McKinley was the No. 1 prospect in Louisiana out of Acadiana High in Lafayette when he signed with LSU in 2024 as a five-star prospect ranked No. 18 overall and as the No. 5 defensive lineman. He played in 10 games with no starts in his true freshman season. Suddenly, his position has depth, and he will likely need to make a move over the next few weeks to get in the rotation. **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** Massive, athletic interior defender with the length and movement skills to disrupt both run and pass games. Needs to start living up to his billing more. **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** Emerged as a key contributor on the defensive front for the Tigers in 2025 … Expected to continue to be a big part of the LSU defense as a junior in 2026 … Showed steady improvement throughout the season which saw his play count increase with each game a year ago … Joined the Tigers as a 5-star recruit from powerhouse Acadiana High School in Lafayette, La. … Has all of the tools – size, work ethic, grit and determination – to be LSU’s next great defensive tackle … Takes up a lot of space in the interior of the defensive line often being double-teamed … Has appeared in 23 games during his career, starting twice – Louisiana Tech and Vanderbilt in 2025 … Played in 10 games as a true freshman in 2024 followed by all 13 games last year … 19 career tackles along with 5.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks … Earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors in 2024 after his 4-tackle, 2-sack performance against Oklahoma … Majoring in social sciences. **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2025)** Part of LSU’s interior defensive line rotation … Appeared in all 13 games with 2 starts … Made first career start in win over Louisiana Tech in week 2 … Other start came at Vanderbilt … Finished season with 12 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss and a sack … Added a quarterback hurry and batted down a pass … Impacted the Florida game with 2 tackles, including a sack for a 1-yard loss … Credited with half-tackles for loss against Ole Miss and Arkansas … Closed season with 3 tackles against Houston in the Texas Bowl when he played a career-best 48 snaps … Finished year with 370 defensive snaps with other high-snap counts coming against Ole Miss (40), Vanderbilt (39), and Florida (39). **FRESHMAN SEASON (2024)** Appeared in 10 games with no starts … Worked his way into the rotation at defensive tackle midway through the season … Played in LSU’s final 10 games … Had best overall game in win over Oklahoma with 4 tackles and a pair of sacks … Sacks vs. Oklahoma totaled 8 yards in losses … Sacks came on consecutive Oklahoma possessions in the fourth quarter … Earned SEC Freshman of the Week honors in win over the Sooners … Played season-high 23 snaps in wins over Ole Miss and Baylor in the Texas Bowl … Recovered a fumble in overtime win over Ole Miss … Fumble recovery came just before halftime at the Ole Miss 28-yard line … LSU kicked a field goal 4 plays later to cut the deficit to 17-13 at halftime … In first collegiate appearance and in Tiger Stadium debut, had a sack for a 5-yard loss in win over UCLA in week 4 … Had a pair of tackles and a quarterback hurry in win over Vanderbilt … Played a total of 146 defensive snaps and another 35 on special teams. **HIGH SCHOOL** Rated the top player in Louisiana for the Class of 2024 and a consensus 5-star defensive lineman … Ranked No. 13 nationally overall in the On3 composite and as the No. 3 player at his position … Ranked as high as No. 12 overall nationally by Rivals.com and No. 2 at his position by Rivals.com and ESPN … Prepped at Acadiana High School in Lafayette, leading the Rams to the Division I Select State Championship Game in 2023 … First-Team 5A All-State as a senior after recording 71 tackles, 15 quarterback hurries, 11 tackles for loss … Helped team to an 11-3 mark in 2023 … As a junior in 2022, racked up 86 tackles to go along with 18 tackles for loss and 10 sacks … Coached by Matt McCullough. **CAREER HIGHS** Tackles: 4 vs. Oklahoma, 2024 Tackles for Loss: 2.0 vs. Oklahoma, 2024 Sacks: 2.0 vs. Oklahoma, 2024 QB Hurries: 1, 2x (Last: at Alabama, 2025; First: vs. Vanderbilt, 2024) **NEXT:** Center Braelin Moore **PREVIOUS BIOS:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) Running Back [Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) Defensive Tackle [Deuce Geralds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) Tight End [Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-18-treydez-green-expected-to-be-among-nations-best-tight-ends/) Offensive Lineman [Devin Harper](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-19-offensive-lineman-devin-harper-is-back-home-in-louisiana/) Wide Receiver [Jackson Harris](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-signee-may-be-one-of-the-best-jackson-harris-is-player-profile-no-20/) Running Back [Dilin Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-32-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-21-running-back-dilin-jones/) Linebacker [Davhon Keys](https://www.tigerrag.com/one-month-until-lsu-football-kicks-off-linebacker-davhon-keys-is-player-profile-no-21/) Quarterback [Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-the-season-in-31-days-and-this-is-player-bio-no-22-qb-sam-leavitt/) Quarterback [Husan Longstreet](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-husan-longstreet-may-be-tigers-qb-of-the-future-player-profile-no-24/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Dominick McKinley, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football: Husan Longstreet May Be Tigers' QB Of The Future - Player Profile No. 24](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-husan-longstreet-may-be-tigers-qb-of-the-future-player-profile-no-24/) **Published:** August 6, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES One of the best parts of coach Lane Kiffin’s No. 1 portal class is the youth in the 41-man group of transfers. There are no less than 21 underclassmen. That is the future. One of those is redshirt freshman quarterback Husan Longstreet (6-foot-1, 195 pounds), formerly of USC who was a five-star prospect when he signed with the Trojans before the 2025 season. He was the No. 4 ranked quarterback in the nation, No. 32 overall prospect and No. 3 player in a talent-rich state out of Centennial High in Corona, California, in the Los Angeles area. > [Lane “Portal King” Kiffin Strikes Again: LSU Lands Third Transfer QB From Husan Longstreet Of USC](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-portal-king-kiffin-strikes-again-lsu-lands-third-transfer-qb-from-husan-longstreet-of-usc/) Longstreet exited spring drills at LSU and entered preseason practices on Wednesday as the Tigers’ No. 2 quarterback behind starter Sam Leavitt, a redshirt junior transfer from Arizona State. [LSU FOOTBALL 2026 ROSTER](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-roster-2026/) > There was a surprise player at a No. 1 safety slot today, and true freshman No. 2 edge Lamar Brown drew raves from Lane Kiffin. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 5, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2085147985445376422?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Should Leavitt leave for the NFL Draft after this season, Longstreet will have an excellent chance of becoming LSU’s starter in 2027, though he will likely have to contend with [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/), a redshirt sophomore transfer from Elon with the Tigers this season. **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** Elite prospect with high end arm talent, mobility and long term upside. High ceiling could have him taking over the offense sooner, rather than later. Gives LSU a talented developmental option with redshirt sophomore Landen Clark behind redshirt junior starter Sam Leavitt and could see situational and relief snaps this season. **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** One of the nation’s top prep quarterbacks in the Class of 2025 … Comes to LSU after 1 season at USC … Appeared in 4 games as a true freshman with the Trojans, completing 13-of-15 passes for 103 yards and a TD … Added 76 rushing yards and 2 scores … A 5-star prospect from Centennial High School in California … Rated as the No. 1 player in California as a senior and listed as the nation’s No. 3 quarterback … Passed for over 8,500 yards and 83 touchdowns in high school … Will be a redshirt freshman for the Tigers in 2026 … Older brother Kevin is a cornerback at USC. **FRESHMAN SEASON (2025 at USC)** Appeared in 4 games in a reserve role as a true freshman … Completed 13-of-15 passes for 103 yards and a TD … Rushed 11 times for 76 yards and 2 TDs … Saw action against Missouri State, Georgia Southern, at Illinois and at Notre Dame … In collegiate debut, completed all 9 of his passes for 69 yards and a TD vs. Missouri State … Rushed 8 times for 54 yards and 2 TDs vs. Missouri State … Scored on runs of 5 and 17 yards and threw a 9-yard TD pass all in the second half of win over Missouri State … The following week against Georgia Southern, completed 4-of-6 passes for 34 yards … Had a 16-yard run at Illinois … Redshirted. **HIGH SCHOOL** Rated as a 5-star quarterback and the No. 13 overall player in the nation for the Class of 2025 by On3, No. 28 by 247Sports, No. 47 by ESPN and No. 88 by Rivals … Rated as the No. 1 player in the state of California by On3, No. 2 by 247Sports and ESPN and No. 7 by Rivals. … Touted as the No. 3 quarterback in the country by On3, No. 4 by 247Sports and ESPN and No. 8 by Rival … 2025 Polynesian Bowl All-Star … As a senior in 2024, missed some time with an injury, but threw for 109-of-165 (.661) for 1,641 yards with 19 TDs and added 494 yards rushing and 6 scores on the ground … Helped Centennial to reach the CIF-SS semifinals … Named to the MaxPreps 2024 California All-State First Team and the 2024 All-Inland First Team … Attended the 2024 Elite 11, finished third overall and was the Day 1 MVP … As a junior in 2023, helped lead Centennial to a 9-3 record, completing 199-of-298 passes for 3,013 yards with 24 TDs … Added 645 rushing yards and 7 TDs … Named a 2023 MaxPreps California All-State selection and a 2023 LA Rams High School All-Star … Also named the 2023 All-Big West Player of the Year and a 2023 Los Angeles Times All-Sta … Earned placement on the 2023 Press Enterprise All-Inland First Team and the 2023 Cal-Hi Sports All-State Juniors team … In 2022 as a sophomore at Inglewood High School in 2022, led the team to a perfect 10-0 regular season and a 13-1 overall record with an appearance in the CIF Southern Section Division 2 championship … He went 177-of-258 (.686) for 3,941 yards and 40 TDs …. Named the 2022 Daily Breeze Player of the Year and the 2022 Ocean League Offensive Player of the Year. **CAREER HIGHS** Pass Attempts: 9 vs. Missouri State, 2025 Pass Completions: 9 vs. Missouri State, 2025 Pass Yards: 69 vs. Missouri State, 2025 Pass TDs: 1 vs. Missouri State, 2025 Long Pass: 25 vs. Missouri State, 2025 Rushing Attempts: 8 vs. Missouri State, 2025 Rushing Yards: 54 vs. Missouri State, 2025 Rushing TDs: 2 vs. Missouri State, 2025 Long Rush: 17 vs. Missouri State, 2025 **NEXT:** Defensive Tackle Dominick McKinley **PREVIOUS BIOS:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) Running Back [Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) Defensive Tackle [Deuce Geralds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) Tight End [Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-18-treydez-green-expected-to-be-among-nations-best-tight-ends/) Offensive Lineman [Devin Harper](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-19-offensive-lineman-devin-harper-is-back-home-in-louisiana/) Wide Receiver [Jackson Harris](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-signee-may-be-one-of-the-best-jackson-harris-is-player-profile-no-20/) Running Back [Dilin Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-32-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-21-running-back-dilin-jones/) Linebacker [Davhon Keys](https://www.tigerrag.com/one-month-until-lsu-football-kicks-off-linebacker-davhon-keys-is-player-profile-no-21/) Quarterback [Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-the-season-in-31-days-and-this-is-player-bio-no-22-qb-sam-leavitt/) **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Husan Longstreet, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football Kicks Off The Season In 31 Days, And This Is Player Bio No. 23 - QB Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-the-season-in-31-days-and-this-is-player-bio-no-22-qb-sam-leavitt/) **Published:** August 5, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES So far so good with new LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt. The media only saw two periods of the Tigers’ first practice of the preseason on Wednesday, but Leavitt was effortlessly lofting long spirals accurately. And coach Lane Kiffin was impressed. [“I thought Sam had a great day today,” he said.](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-practice-opens-and-lane-kiffin-calls-it-awesome-d-j-pickett-new-number-backstory/) “Really looked the best that he’s looked, and that was exciting to see. He looks more comfortable with the receivers.” > [LSU Football Season Will Likely Swing On The Arm, Legs And Right Foot Of QB Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-will-likely-swing-on-the-arm-legs-and-right-foot-of-qb-sam-leavitt/) Leavitt showed no signs of the right foot injury that sidelined him for the second half of the season last year at Arizona State and required surgery. “His progression has been really good, and I think he’s right on pace,” Kiffin said. “He looked really good (running). Sam’s been moving around really well. And if you just went out today and saw him, I don’t think that you would think that there was an injury. He’s all the way back from that. Now, it’s just getting him with the timing and everything.” **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** Arizona State transfer and the centerpiece of Kiffin’s first LSU offense. Proven dual-threat quarterback with Power Four starting and playoff experience at Arizona State to help the Tigers contend immediately. Leavitt’s ability to navigate the pocket and make off-script plays made him one of the best QBs in the Big 12 and the No. 1 signal caller in the portal. He can push the ball down the field and learn a new offense quickly. That will be important for a passer who missed most of spring with a foot injury. [LSU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-2026-schedule/) **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** TheOne of the nation’s top quarterbacks and the No. 1 rated player at his position in the transfer portal in January of 2026 … Joins the Tigers after 2 seasons as the starting quarterback at Arizona State … In 24 career games (20 at Arizona State, 4 at Michigan State), has passed for 4,652 yards and 36 TDs … Also rushed for 816 yards and 10 scores … Has completed 376-of-612 passes for a 61.4 career percentage … In 20 starts at Arizona State, led the Sun Devils to a 16-4 mark, including an 11-2 record (as the starter) and a berth in the College Football Playoffs in 2024 … Team went 5-2 in his 7 starts in 2025 … Threw for 4,513 yards and 34 TDs with only 9 interceptions in 20 games at Arizona State … Led team to an 11-2 mark in Big 12 games as the starting quarterback … Spent 1 season at Michigan State, appearing in 4 games in 2023 … Transferred to Arizona State in 2024 where he made an immediate impact, leading the Sun Devils to an 11-3 record, the Big 12 championship and a first round appearance in the College Football Playoffs, falling to Texas, 39-31, in double-overtime … Threw at least 1 TD pass in 17 of his 20 games at Arizona State, including all 7 in 2025 … Has 6 games with at least 3 TD passes and 6 games with a rushing and passing touchdown … Son of Jared and Tania Leavitt . . . Father, Jared, played football at BYU and earned two letters for the Cougars (1990-91) . . . Brother, Dallin, played football at Utah State (2016-17) and BYU (2013-14) and spent 6 seasons (2018-23) in the NFL as a safety … Played 4 season with the Raiders (2018-21) and 2 with the Packers (2022-23). **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2025 at Arizona State)** Started all 7 games in which he appeared … Started first 5 games of season before missing the Utah contest (foot) … Returned to action the following week, leading Arizona State to a 26-22 win over No. 7 Texas Tech … Played again the next week vs. Houston, but had to leave the game twice due to injury … Houston game was his final action in 2025 … Led Arizona State to a 5-2 mark in his 7 starts before missing remainder of season … For season, completed 145-of-239 passes for 1,628 yards, 10 TDs and 3 interceptions … Rushed 73 times for 306 yards and 5 scores … Had 4 games with a rushing and passing TD (Northern Arizona, Texas State, Baylor and TCU) … In win over Texas Tech, had career-high for completions (28), attempts (47) and passing yards (319) … Down 22-19 with 2 minutes left against Texas Tech, guided Arizona State on a 10-play, 75-yard drive to take a 26-19 lead with 25 seconds left in the game … Opened season by accounting for 4 TDs (2 rushing, 2 passing) in 38-19 win over Northern Arizona … Connected on 25-of-39 passes for 259 yards and rushed for 73 yards, including scoring runs of 52 and 18 yards in season-opener … In win over Baylor, led Arizona State on an 11-play, 49-yard drive capped with a 43-yard field goal as time expired to break at 24-24 tie and win, 27-24 … Finished Baylor game by going 22-of-32 for 221 yards and a TD … Added 62 rushing yards and a score vs. the Bears … Completed 27-of-39 passes for 291 yards and 2 TDs and rushed for 62 yards and a score in win over TCU … In final appearance in 2025, completed 18-of-35 passes for 270 yards and a TD in loss to Houston. **REDSHIRT FRESHMAN SEASON (2024 at Arizona State)** Big 12 Freshman of the Year and second-team All-Big 12 after leading Arizona State to an 11-3 mark, the conference title and a first round College Football Playoff appearance … Started 13 games, missing only the Utah game … Completed 216-of-350 passes (61.7 pct.) for 2,885 yards, 24 TDs and 6 interceptions … Rushed for 433 yards and 5 TDs on 110 carries … Averaged 4.0 yards per rush … Set program record for total offense by a freshman (3,328 yards) and ranked No. 2 for a freshman with 2,885 passing yards … The 3,328 passing ranks No. 8 in school history … Had 6 games with at least 3 TDs passes with career-best 4 in win over Kansas … Had 21 TD passes over final 9 games of the season with just 4 interceptions over that span … Eight passes for 50-plus yards, most in Big 12 and No. 2 in FBS …. His 435 rushing yards ranked No. 2 among FBS quarterbacks … Big 12 Newcomer of the Week 3 times – vs. Kansas, UCF, and Kansas State … Shaun Alexander National Freshman of the Week vs. Kansas State … Against Kansas, threw 4 TD passes, including the game-winner with less than a minute remaining … Threw for 157 yards and added 77 yards on the ground in win over Jayhawks … Had first career 300-yard passing game vs. Oklahoma State when he went 20-of-29 for 304 yards and 3 TDs … Went 12-of-17 for 219 yards and 3 TDs and added a rushing touchdown in win over Iowa State in the Big 12 Championship Game … Followed that with a 24-of-46 performance for 222 yards in 39-31 double-overtime loss to Texas in the first round of the CFP Playoffs … Led team back from a 17-3 second quarter deficit and a 24-8 fourth quarter deficit to force overtime … In ASU debut, threw for 258 yards and 2 TDs in win over Wyoming in season-opener. **FRESHMAN SEASON (2023 at Michigan State)** Appeared in 4 games as a true freshman at Michigan State … Saw action against Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, and Nebraska … Completed 15-of-23 passes for 139 yards and 2 TDs … Rushed 13 times for 67 yards … Made collegiate debut against Maryland, connecting on 2-of-2 passes for 9 yards while adding 7 rushing yards on 2 attempts … Went 4-of-7 for 32 yards and an interception against Michigan … Had best showing against Minnesota, connecting on 8-of-12 passes for 73 yards and a TD … Also rushed 6 times for 52 yards against the Gophers … Threw first career TD vs. Minnesota, a 9-yard pass to Tyrell Henry in the fourth quarter, that pulled Michigan State to within 17-12 with 8:37 remaining in the game … Final action came against Nebraska, completing a 25-yard TD pass that put the Spartans up 20-10 early in the fourth quarter … Went 1-of-2 for 25 yards and rushed twice for 2 yards in win over Cornhuskers. **HIGH SCHOOL** Ranked the No. 1 overall player in the state of Oregon in the Class of 2023 by On3 . . . Named the Gatorade Oregon Football Player of the Year . . . Rated a 4-star prospect by On3 . . . Ranked one of the best quarterbacks in the nation by On3 (No. 7), 247Sports (No. 17), ESPN (No. 20) and Rivals (No. 29 . . . Consensus No. 1 quarterback in the state of Oregon (On3, ESPN, 247Sports, Rivals) . . . Listed among the top 100 overall prospects in the country by On3 (No. 76 . . . Finished his high school career with 82 touchdown passes . . . Named the MaxPreps Oregon High School Player of the Year after helping lead West Linn High School to a 12-1 record and the Class 6A state championship . . . As a senior, passed for 3,184 yards and 36 touchdowns on 170-of-244 passing (.697) while rushing for 693 yards and 8 TDs . . . Played for Coach Jon Eagle at West Linn High School and was named a team captain in 2022 . . . Completed 13-of-21 passes for 131 yards and ran for 171 yards, including a 16-yard TD, in the state championship vs. Sheldon . . . In state semifinal win over Central Catholic, threw for 305 yards and 3 TDs . . . Played at Westview (Ore.) High School as a freshman (2019) and junior (2021) and Pleasant Grove (Utah) High School as a sophomore in 2020 . . . Was 103-of-196 passing for 1,672 yards and 17 TDs at Pleasant Grove in 2020. **CAREER HIGHS** Pass Attempts: 47 vs. Texas Tech, 2025 Pass Completions: 28 vs. Texas Tech, 2025 Pass Yards: 319 vs. Texas Tech, 2025 Pass TDs: 4 vs. Kansas, 2024 Long Pass: 68 vs. Wyoming, 2024 Rushing Attempts: 15 at Baylor, 2025 Rushing Yards: 77 vs. Kansas, 2024 Rushing TDs: 2, 2x (Last: vs. Northern Arizona, 2025; First: vs. Mississippi State, 2024) Long Rush: 52 vs. Northern Arizona, 2025 **300-YARD PASSING GAMES** 319 vs. Texas Tech, 2025 304 at Oklahoma State, 2024 **3-TD PASSING GAMES** 4 vs. Kansas, 2024 3 vs. Oklahoma State, 2024 3 vs. UCF, 2024 3 vs. Kansas State, 2024 3 vs. Arizona, 2024 3 vs. Iowa State, 2024 Big 12 Championship Game **GAMES WITH RUSHING AND PASSING TDs (6)** **2025 (4)** vs. Northern Arizona (2 rush, 2 pass) vs. Texas State, (1 rush, 2 pass) at Baylor (1 rush, 1 pass) vs. TCU (1 rush, 2 pass) **2024 (2)** at Texas State (1 rush, 1 pass) vs. Iowa State (1 rush, 3 pass) **NEXT:** Quarterback Husan Longstreet **PREVIOUS BIOS:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) Running Back [Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) Defensive Tackle [Deuce Geralds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) Tight End [Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-18-treydez-green-expected-to-be-among-nations-best-tight-ends/) Offensive Lineman [Devin Harper](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-19-offensive-lineman-devin-harper-is-back-home-in-louisiana/) Wide Receiver [Jackson Harris](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-signee-may-be-one-of-the-best-jackson-harris-is-player-profile-no-20/) Running Back [Dilin Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-32-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-21-running-back-dilin-jones/) Linebacker [Davhon Keys](https://www.tigerrag.com/one-month-until-lsu-football-kicks-off-linebacker-davhon-keys-is-player-profile-no-21/) **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Arizona State, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Sam Leavitt --- ### [One Month Until LSU Football Kicks Off - Linebacker Davhon Keys is Player Profile No. 22](https://www.tigerrag.com/one-month-until-lsu-football-kicks-off-linebacker-davhon-keys-is-player-profile-no-21/) **Published:** August 5, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Coordinator Blake Baker’s LSU defense has three bonafide starting Southeastern Conference linebackers. Seniors Whit Weeks and [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) will take most of the snaps and headlines, but do not forget about junior Davhon Keys. Keys was second in the SEC (behind Dottery) with 92 tackles last season. He played in all 13 games and made five starts in relief for an injured or disqualified Weeks. > [LSU’s Davhon Keys Enjoyed His Baptism By Tiger Stadium Fire Against Florida](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-davhon-keys-enjoyed-his-baptism-by-tiger-stadium-fire-against-florida/) Keys will force Baker to put all three backers on the field at times. The linebacker room is poised to be the best position group on the 2026 LSU roster, and Keys will play no small part in that. [LSU FOOTBALL ROSTER](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-roster-2026/) **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** *A two-year returning starter who led the team in tackles last season. Keys offers versatility as a competent coverage backer with explosive closing speed and high football IQ.* **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** *Two-year starter at linebacker entering third season with the program … Led Tigers in tackles with 92 last year … Started 4 of the final 7 games of the season, filling in for an injured Whit Weeks … Versatile linebacker who is good in coverage … Returned an interception 41 yards for a touchdown in win over Baylor in the 2024 Texas Bowl … Has a nose for the football and good instincts on the field … Has 5 career games with 10 or more tackles, including a career-best 15 in win over Florida in 2025 … Has played in 25 games with 9 starts in his 2 years at LSU … Enters junior season with 123 career tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss and a pair of sacks … Joined the program after a standout prep career that saw his team win 3 state titles at Aledo (Texas) High School … Excellent student in the classroom as well … Twice named to the SEC Academic Honor Roll in 2024 and 2025 … Majoring in information systems and decision sciences.* **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2025)** *Led LSU and finished second in the SEC in tackles with 92 … Appeared in 13 games with 5 starts … Started 4 of the final 7 games when he filled in for an injured Whit Weeks … Played a total of 572 defensive snaps with a season-high 78 coming against Florida … Had 4 games with double-digit tackles including a career-best 15 in win over Florida … Had career-outing vs. Florida when he filled in for Whit Weeks after the starter was ejected after just 3 plays due to targeting … Added a tackle for a 6-yard loss and credited with half-sack in win over the Gators … Other double-digit tackle games came against Louisiana Tech (11), Western Kentucky (10) and Houston (14) … First start of season came in win over Southeastern Louisiana and finished with 4 tackles, a quarterback hurry and a pass breakup … Started again at Vanderbilt (9 tackles) … Had back-to-back starts against Alabama (5 tackles, 1.0 TFL) and Arkansas (6 tackles).* **FRESHMAN SEASON (2024)** *Appeared in 12 games with 4 starts … Started final 4 games of season, helping LSU to a 3-1 mark during that span … Tallied 31 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and 1.5 sacks … Added 3 pass breakups, 2 quarterback hurries … Returned an interception 41 yards for a touchdown in Texas Bowl win over Baylor … The interception came on Baylor’s first possession of the game and put the Tigers up 14-0 in the first quarter … First career start came at Florida (4 tackles, 1 pass breakup) … Had career-best 10 tackles and a sack for a 6-yard loss in win over Oklahoma … Great all-around effort in win over Baylor with 6 tackles, an interception return for a TD (41 yards), a quarterback hurry and a pass breakup …. Made LSU debut against Nicholls in Tiger Stadium in week 2 … Played on special teams in 12 games, seeing most action on kickoff return and punt return … Played a total of 93 special teams snaps … On defense, logged 245 snaps with a season-best 83 coming against Baylor in the Texas Bowl.* **HIGH SCHOOL** *Top-rated inside linebacker from Texas powerhouse Aledo High School … Born in Louisiana but moved to Texas at an early age … Consensus 4-star linebacker and rated the No. 33 linebacker nationally and the No. 60 player in the state of Texas … Given 4-stars by Rivals and 247Sports … Rated as high as the No. 12 linebacker nationally by ESPN and No. 18 by Rivals … Won 3 state titles in high school, including the Texas 5A Division I State Championship as a senior … Had 12 tackles, 2 tackles for loss and a sack in 51-8 win over Smithson Valley in 2023 state championship game, earning game MVP honors … For career, racked up 398 total tackles, 40 tackles for loss, 19 quarterback hurries and 8 sacks … Added 9 interceptions – returning 4 for touchdowns – to go with 6 fumble recoveries, 4 forced fumbles, 2 blocked field goals and a blocked punt … Scored 35 total touchdowns in his prep career.* **CAREER HIGHS** Tackles: 15 vs. Florida, 2025 Tackles for Loss: 1.0, 4x (Last: at Oklahoma, 2025: First: vs. Oklahoma, 2024) Sacks: 1.0 vs. Oklahoma, 2024 Interceptions: 1 vs. Baylor, 2024 Texas Bowl Pass Breakups: 1, 5x (Last: vs. Houston, 2025 Texas Bowl; First: at Arkansas, 2024) Forced Fumble: 1 at Oklahoma, 2025 Fumble Recovery: 0 **NEXT:** Arizona State redshirt junior transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt **Previous Bios:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) Running Back [Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) Defensive Tackle [Deuce Geralds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) Tight End [Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-18-treydez-green-expected-to-be-among-nations-best-tight-ends/) Offensive Lineman [Devin Harper](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-19-offensive-lineman-devin-harper-is-back-home-in-louisiana/) Wide Receiver [Jackson Harris](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-signee-may-be-one-of-the-best-jackson-harris-is-player-profile-no-20/) Running Back [Dilin Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-32-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-21-running-back-dilin-jones/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** blake baker, Davhon Keys, lsu, LSUFootball, TJ Dottery, Whit Weeks --- ### [LSU Football Season Opener Is 32 Days Away, And Here Is Player Profile No. 21 - Running Back Dilin Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-32-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-21-running-back-dilin-jones/) **Published:** August 4, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** If you can’t beat ’em, add one from ’em. Why not sign a power running back from the most powerful conference in the land – the Big Ten, winners of the last three national championships and none by the same school – Michigan, Ohio State and Indiana? > [LSU Football Has An Every-Down Back In Wisconsin Transfer Dilin Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-has-an-every-down-back-in-wisconsin-transfer-dilin-jones/) Redshirt sophomore Dilin Jones (5-foot-11, 211 pounds) is the muscle, inside back the Tigers need to add to explosive but smallish backs Caden Durham (5-9, 200) and Harlem Berry (5-10, 187). Jones gained 300 yards on 76 carries in seven starts for Wisconsin last season before a turf toe injury suffered against Ohio State ended his season. [LSU FOOTBALL ROSTER](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-roster-2026/) Jones was the No. 10 running back in the nation out of Our Lady of Good Counsel High in Olney, Maryland, going into the 2024 season. **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** Lead back for Wisconsin last year before injury. His size, patience behind blocking and footwork make him a go-to, physical option between the tackles. > [Lane Kiffin’s 1st LSU Portal Signee May Be One Of His Best – Jackson Harris Is Player Profile No. 20](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-signee-may-be-one-of-the-best-jackson-harris-is-player-profile-no-20/) **BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES** Jones joins the LSU program after 2 years at Wisconsin … Starting running back for the Badgers for the first 7 games of 2025 before an injury (turf toe) cut his season short … Hurt against Ohio State … In 10 games over 2 years at Wisconsin, rushed for 388 yards and 2 TDs on 88 carries … In 7 starts in 2025, rushed for 300 yards and 2 TDs on 76 carries … One of the most sought-after running backs in the Class of 2024 as he was rated with 4-stars and ranked as the nation’s No. 12 overall running back on the Rivals composite … Played high school football at Our Lady of Good Counsel and faced Catholic High in Sept. 2, 2022 rushing for 142 yards and 2 TDs in the 38-35 win over the Bears in Baton Rouge. **REDSHIRT FRESHMAN SEASON (2025 at Wisconsin)** Started first 7 games of season at running back for the Badgers … Suffered season-ending turf toe injury against Ohio State in week 7 and missed the remainder of the year … Rushed 76 times for 300 yards and 2 TDs … Caught 9 passes for 21 yards … Opened season – in first career start – with 14 carries for 73 yards against Miami (Ohio) … Scored first career TD on a 1-yard run in week 2 in win over Middle Tennessee … Had 63 yards and a TD on 17 carries against Michigan … Rushed 5 times for 25 yards at Alabama … Added 69 yards on 16 carries against Iowa. **FRESHMAN SEASON (2024 at Wisconsin)** Appeared in 3 games in a backup role … Saw action against South Dakota, Purdue and Rutgers … Rushed 16 times for 88 yards … Best outing came against Purdue with 7 carries for 65 yards, including a 47-yard run … In collegiate debut, had 14 yards on 4 carries vs. South Dakota. **HIGH SCHOOL** Rated as a consensus 4-star prospect for the Class of 2024 … Listed by ESPN.com as the nation’s No. 6 overall running back prospect … Rushed for over 2,100 yards and 32 TDs in final 2 seasons at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Maryland … Twice named Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Player of the Year … MaxPreps second-team Junior All-America Team in 2022 … Also ran track and wrestled in high school … Coached by Andrew Stefanelli. **CAREER HIGHS** **Rushing** Attempts: 17 at Michigan, 2025 Yards: 73 vs. Miami (Ohio), 2025 TDs: 1, Twice (Last: at Michigan, 2025; First: vs. Middle Tennessee, 2025) Long rush: 47 vs. Purdue, 2024 **Receiving** Receptions: 3 vs. Miami (Ohio), 2025 Yards: 8, Twice (Last: at Alabama, 2025; First: vs. Miami (Ohio), 2025) Long Reception: 6 at Michigan, 2025 **NEXT:** Linebacker Davhon Keys **PREVIOUS BIOS:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) Running Back [Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) Defensive Tackle [Deuce Geralds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) Tight End [Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-18-treydez-green-expected-to-be-among-nations-best-tight-ends/) Offensive Lineman [Devin Harper](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-19-offensive-lineman-devin-harper-is-back-home-in-louisiana/) Wide Receiver [Jackson Harris](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-signee-may-be-one-of-the-best-jackson-harris-is-player-profile-no-20/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Big Ten Conference, Dilin Jones, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, sec football --- ### [LSU Football Practice Opens, And Lane Kiffin Calls It "Awesome" ... D.J. Pickett New Number Backstory](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-practice-opens-and-lane-kiffin-calls-it-awesome-d-j-pickett-new-number-backstory/) **Published:** August 5, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor New LSU football coach Lane Kiffin has had all his introductions to LSU and Baton Rouge since arriving in town last November, including a full dose of spring practice. But something hit him as he jogged onto the field for the Tigers’ first preseason practice on Wednesday morning. “Yeah, it was awesome. And it kind of hit me this morning going out there,” he said at a press conference following the workout. “A lot of respect for the program, a lot of gratitude for this opportunity. With that, a lot of work to do. Everyone was in really good spirits, really good energy. We have a long ways to go. We have a lot of really good pieces. We have a chance to be really good. But everybody wants to know how many wins is that. That’s all outcomes. There are so many variables in that. We’ve got a lot of work to do with these pieces, getting them to play together well and play as a team. And then there’s always outside circumstances, things that happen in games, injuries that have a lot to do with win-loss total.” > [Good Morning LSU Football! Game-By-Game Predictions Here For The 2026 Season | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/good-morning-lsu-football-game-by-game-predictions-here-for-the-2026-season-glenn-guilbeau/) LSU reported in full health and all players expected reported. During the media viewing portion of practice for two periods shortly after 10 a.m., most eyes were on new quarterback Sam Leavitt, who is coming off surgery on his right foot that ended his season midway through last year at Arizona State. > [LSU Football Kicks Off The Season In 31 Days, And This Is Player Bio No. 22 – QB Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-kicks-off-the-season-in-31-days-and-this-is-player-bio-no-22-qb-sam-leavitt/) “I thought Sam had a great day today,” Kiffin said. “Really looked the best that he’s looked, and that was exciting to see. He looks more comfortable with the receivers. His progression has been really good, and I think he’s right on pace. He looked really good (running). Sam’s been moving around really well. And if you just went out today and saw him, I don’t think that you would think that there was an injury. He’s all the way back from that. Now, it’s just getting him with the timing and everything.” LSU will practice again Thursday at 6:30 p.m. **PARTIAL OFFENSE DEPTH CHART:** The opening first team offensive line was the same one that closed spring drills with Jordan Seaton at left tackle, Bo Bordelon at left guard, Braelin Moore at center, Aliou Bah at right guard and Weston Davis at right tackle. The No. 2 line was also the same with, from left, was Sean Thompkins Jr., Devin Harper, William Satterwhite II, Ja’Quan Sprinkle and Darrin Strey. The first team running back was Caden Durham followed by Dilin Jones, then Harlem Berry. **DEFENSE DEPTH CHART:** The first team defensive line had from left to right Princewill Umanmielen, Malik Blocton, Deuce Geralds and Justin Ross. Whit Weeks and T.J. Dottery were at the linebackers with Dashawn Spears at the star position. The cornerbacks were DJ Pickett and PJ Woodland. At one safety was Ty Benefield with a surprise at the other safety in redshirt freshman Jhase Thomas of Destrehan over returning starter Tamarcus Cooley. But Kiffin downplayed Thomas being at No. 1. “Jhase has really done a good job, plays multiple things, and we rotate a lot of guys early in camp,” he said. The second team defensive line had from left had true freshman Lamar Brown, Stephylan Green, Richard Anderson and Dylan Carpenter. “Lamar is a great height-weight-speed combination and very rare to find,” Kiffin said of the No. 1 prospect overall in the nation for 2026 out of University High on the LSU campus. “And he’s an awesome kid. Really intelligent, really well spoken, has really good thoughts when you meet with him about being great and what it takes.” The backup linebackers were Davhon Keys and Tylen Singleton. CJ Jimcoily was the backup star. Ja’Keem Jackson and Michael Turner were the backup cornerbacks. The No. 2 safeties were Cooley and Faheem Delane. **NEW NUMBER FOR DJ PICKET:** Cornerback DJ Pickett was wearing No. 5 instead of his No. 3 from last season. Kiffin said Pickett changed his number to 5 because he was promised that number when he was being recruited by the previous staff before signing in 2024 from Zephyrhills, Florida, as a five-star prospect. But he never got the number until now. He played wearing No. 3 last season. “The kid’s promised something. He should wear it,” Kiffin said. “It should be honored what he was told.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** DJ Pickett, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Sam Leavitt --- ### [Lane Kiffin Recaps First Day Of LSU Fall Camp](https://www.tigerrag.com/live-lane-kiffin-recaps-first-day-of-lsu-fall-camp/) **Published:** August 5, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** LSU coach Lane Kiffin led his first day of preseason practice in Baton Rouge on Wednesday morning. Just one month out from the Tigers’ season opener against Clemson on Sept. 5, Kiffin and Co. will have to get their rebuilt LSU roster on the same page quickly. Kiffin meets with members of the media to recap practice one and preview fall camp live from the Team Room at LSU Football Ops. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Football Fall Camp 2026, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football: LB Whit Weeks, Edge Princewill Umanmielen Named To Nagurski Trophy Watch List](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-lb-whit-weeks-edge-princewill-umanmielen-named-to-nagurski-trophy-watch-list/) **Published:** August 5, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU linebacker [Whit Weeks](https://lsusports.net/sports/fb/roster/player/whit-weeks) and edge rusher [Princewill Umanmielen](https://lsusports.net/sports/fb/roster/player/princewill-umanmielen) have been named to the preseason watch list for the Nagurski Trophy, the Football Writers Association of America has announced. The two seniors are among 68 defensive standouts who are candidates for the award that is presented to the national defensive player of the year. Former Tiger [Glenn Dorsey](https://lsusports.net/sports/fb/roster/player/glenn-dorsey) won LSU’s only Nagurski Trophy in 2007 when he helped lead the program to the BCS National Championship that season. Weeks, now in his third season as a starting linebacker for the Tigers, enters his final year at LSU with 205 career tackles, including 16.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks. A first team All-SEC selection as a sophomore in 2024, Weeks has started 22 games during his three years with the Tigers and LSU is 17-5 with him in the starting lineup. Weeks enters the 2026 season healthy after missing five games a year ago due to an ankle injury. LSU was 6-2 last year with Weeks in the lineup – 1-4 without him. He capped his junior season with 31 tackles and 3.0 tackles for loss. He led the Tigers and finished No. 2 in the SEC in tackles with 125. He was named SEC Defensive Player of the Week twice in 2024 on his way to earning All-SEC honors. > [LSU Paid Lane Kiffin’s $3 Million Buyout To Ole Miss, And May Have To Pay Nearly $1 Million For 2 Transfers’ Buyouts](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-paid-lane-kiffins-3-million-buyout-to-ole-miss-and-may-have-to-pay-nearly-1-million-for-2-rebel-transfers/) Umanmielen, a transfer from Ole Miss, enters his first year with the Tigers after helping the Rebels to the most successful season in program history with a 13-2 record and a semifinals appearance in the College Football Playoffs. He earned third-team All-SEC honors with the Rebels in 2025 after ranking No. 3 in the league in sacks (8.0) and No. 8 in tackles for loss (13.0). He joins the Tigers with 38 career games to his credit and with 20.0 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Princewill Umanmielen, Whit Weeks --- ### [LSU Football Ranked No. 13 In Coaches' Preseason Poll, And Tigers Play 4 In Top 11 And 6 Overall](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-ranked-no-13-in-coaches-preseason-poll-and-tigers-play-4-in-top-11-and-6-overall/) **Published:** August 4, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** Strength of Schedule numbers sure could help LSU reach the College Football Playoff this season for the first time since 2019, but that is not officially part of the criteria the CFP committee is expected to use to choose the 12 postseason teams. “My concern is the selection process is not fixed until it is truly fixed to reward strength of schedule,” LSU coach Lane Kiffin said recently as the Southeastern Conference moves to a nine-game league schedule this season for the first time. So, LSU will just have to grin and beat enough teams on its schedule to reach the field. And the Tigers will play six teams ranked in the USA Today Preseason Coaches Poll released on Tuesday, including four in the top 11. > [Lane Kiffin: “It Blows My Mind That” AI Is Coming To Player Evaluations By Football Coaches](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-it-blows-my-mind-that-ai-is-coming-to-player-evaluations-by-football-coaches/) LSU, which is ranked No. 13 in the poll, plays No. 4 Texas, No. 8 Texas A&M, No. 10 Ole Miss on the road, No. 11 Alabama, No. 18 Tennessee away and No. 23 Clemson – the Tigers’ only ranked opponent not from the SEC. The Tigers open the season against Clemson on Sept. 5 in Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC). Ohio State is the preseason No. 1, followed by No. 2 Oregon and No. 3 Georgia, which is one of three SEC teams ranked that LSU does not play. The other two are No. 9 Oklahoma and No. 25 Missouri. The rest of the top 10 has Notre Dame at No. 5, followed by defending national champion Indiana at No. 6 and No. 7 Miami. **Rank****Team (First-Place Votes)****Points**1.Ohio State (38)17412.Oregon (6)16733.Georgia (7)15914.Texas (2)15445.Notre Dame (5)15246.Indiana (14)15227.Miami (Fla.)14098.Texas A&M11749.Oklahoma110410.Ole Miss109611.Alabama105012.Texas Tech1034**13.****LSU**95114.USC83815.BYU78116.Michigan71917.Penn State46318.Tennessee42819.Washington40620.SMU37821.Utah31322.Iowa29123.Clemson23524.Houston19425.Missouri158**Others Receiving Votes** Louisville 153; Florida 147; TCU 63; Illinois 62; South Carolina 50; Arizona 50; Virginia 40; Vanderbilt 37; Auburn 29; Georgia Tech 26; Boise State 24; Oklahoma State 22; UNLV 17; North Carolina State 13; Florida State 13; Virginia Tech 12; Nebraska 12; Memphis 9; Arizona State 8; James Madison 6; Duke 6; Pittsburgh 4; New Mexico 4; Western Michigan 3; Navy 3; San Diego State 2; Kansas State 1; Jacksonville State 1; Hawaii 1; California 1. **List Of Voters** The US LBM Board of Coaches for the 2026 season: Tim Albin, Charlotte; Blake Anderson, Southern Mississippi; Dave Aranda, Baylor; David Braun, Northwestern; Jeff Brohm, Louisville; Fran Brown, Syracuse; Neal Brown, North Texas; Troy Calhoun, Air Force; Jamey Chadwell, Liberty; Curt Cignetti, Indiana; Sonny Cumbie, Louisiana Tech; Spencer Danielson, Boise State; Ryan Day, Ohio State; Kalen DeBoer, Alabama; Manny Diaz, Duke; Jake Dickert, Wake Forest; Eliah Drinkwitz, Missouri; Sonny Dykes, TCU; Jason Eck, New Mexico; Mike Elko, Texas A&M; Tony Elliott, Virginia; Matt Entz, Fresno State; Jedd Fisch, Washington; James Franklin, Virginia Tech; Willie Fritz, Houston; Scott Frost, Central Florida; Tony Gibson, Marshall; Alex Golesh, Auburn; Will Hall, Tulane; Blake Harrell, East Carolina; John Hauser, Ohio; Clay Helton, Georgia Southern; Tyson Helton, Western Kentucky; Charles Huff, Memphis; Butch Jones, Arkansas State; KC Keeler, Temple; Charles Kelly, Jacksonville State; Brent Key, Georgia Tech; Zach Kittley, Florida Atlantic; Collin Klein, Kansas State; Tre Lamb, Tulsa; Rhett Lashlee, SMU; Clark Lea, Vanderbilt; Lance Leipold, Kansas; Pete Lembo, Buffalo; Sean Lewis, San Diego State; Dowell Loggains, Appalachian State; Joey McGuire, Texas Tech; Jeff Monken, Army; Kirby Moore, Washington State; Eric Morris, Oklahoma State; Dan Mullen, UNLV; Billy Napier, James Madison; Pat Narduzzi, Pittsburgh; Brian Newberry, Navy; Ken Niumatalolo, San Jose State; Barry Odom, Purdue; Tim Polasek, North Dakota State; Tavita Pritchard, Stanford; Ricky Rahne, Old Dominion; Matt Rhule, Nebraska; Rich Rodriguez, West Virginia; Morgan Scalley, Utah; JaMarcus Shephard, Oregon State; Kirby Smart, Georgia; Will Stein, Kentucky; Jon Sumrall, Florida; Lance Taylor, Western Michigan; Jeff Traylor, Texas-San Antonio; Scotty Walden, Texas-El Paso; Kyle Whittingham, Michigan; Casey Woods, Missouri State. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Coaches Poll, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, sec football --- ### [LSU Offensive Tackle Jordan Seaton Named To Outland Trophy List](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-offensive-tackle-jordan-seaton-named-to-outland-trophy-list/) **Published:** August 5, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU junior offensive tackle [Jordan Seaton](https://lsusports.net/sports/fb/roster/player/jordan-seaton), who was a second-team All-Big 12 selection last year at Colorado and the No. 4 overall player in the transfer portal last January, has been named to the 2026 preseason watch list for the Outland Trophy, the Football Writers Association of America has announced. The Outland Trophy is presented annually to college football’s most outstanding lineman. Former Tiger defensive tackle [Glenn Dorsey](https://lsusports.net/sports/fb/roster/player/glenn-dorsey) won LSU’s only Outland Trophy in the 2007 season when the Tigers won the national championship. > Money talks louder than ever now in college football, but as practice dawns around the country this week, please shut up for now. As Mike Gundy would say. Column: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 5, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2084996614796550176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Seaton, who enters his first season at LSU this year, started 22 games in two seasons at left tackle with the Buffaloes. As a true freshman in 2024, he started all 13 games, helping quarterback Travis Hunter claim the Heisman Trophy that season. A native of Washington D.C., Seaton was a five-star prospect at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, as a senior in high school. > [LSU Football Ranked No. 13 In Coaches’ Preseason Poll, And Tigers Play 4 In Top 11 And 6 Overall](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-ranked-no-13-in-coaches-preseason-poll-and-tigers-play-4-in-top-11-and-6-overall/) Seaton and the Tigers opened training camp on Wednesday morning. The No. 13 Tigers play No. 23 Clemson on Saturday, Sept. 5, at Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC). **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News, Uncategorized **Tags:** Colorado Buffaloes, Jordan Seaton, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Outland Trophy --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio: Jay Johnson Details Logan Schmidt Signing & Latest in Fundraising and Scheduling](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-jay-johnson-details-logan-schmidt-signing-latest-in-fundraising-and-scheduling/) **Published:** August 5, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** LSU Athletics Associate Athletic Director & Chief Financial Officer Matthew LaBorde gives insight on fundraising and football scheduling in Baton Rouge. LSU Baseball coach Jay Johnson breaks down the shocking arrival of second-round MLB Draft pick and top signee Logan Schmidt. ***Here is the complete transcript of the show from YouTube. Tiger Rag apologizes for any AI generated mistakes:* 0:00 0 seconds Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. Tiger Rag Radio is on the air. Let’s crank this thing up. 0:06 6 seconds We’re statewide breaking down the latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is up. Hear from the coaches. Our time is now with LSU basketball. 0:14 14 seconds The players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 0:17 17 seconds One way or another, we’re going to make history. 0:19 19 seconds And those who cover \[music\] the Fighting Tigers of LSU and the SEC. 0:23 23 seconds LSU is the best job in it’s 2 hours of \[music\] non-stop LSU talk. 0:28 28 seconds We came here to win. We’re going to win a medium. 0:30 30 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is brought to you by \[music\] Cumins. Cumins creates power solutions that the world depends on. 0:36 36 seconds Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro’s Electrical Services, \[music\] and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 0:45 45 seconds Get ready to talk Tigers \[music\] with producer Case Kishnik and our hosts Todd Horn, Jeff Polalmo, \[music\] and Glenn Gilbo. 0:54 54 seconds Tiger players are better people than they are players. This is Tiger \[music\] Rag Radio. 1:01 1 minute, 1 second Welcome back to Tiger Rag Radio. Glenn Gilbo here, Tiger Rag editor with Tiger Rag executive editor Todd Horn and Tiger Rag writer Case Kishnik 1:10 1 minute, 10 seconds filling in for Jeff Polalmo who’s on vacation. We are joined now by uh LSU Associate AD and Chief Financial Officer Matthew Labour. Matthew, how are you? 1:22 1 minute, 22 seconds I’m doing great, Glenn. Thank you all for having me. 1:25 1 minute, 25 seconds Sure. Thanks for joining us. Matthew is in his uh 15th year at LSU. Um, Matthew, what uh what can you tell us in general 1:33 1 minute, 33 seconds about the uh the the summit going on at the governor’s mansion and and what do you think uh will be happening uh tomorrow? 1:44 1 minute, 44 seconds Well, obviously they they had their meeting last night and another one tomorrow night. But um you know for that I’m going leave it to those who are 1:52 1 minute, 52 seconds leading the that charge for us with uh President Roose and others who are leading those efforts and obviously 1:59 1 minute, 59 seconds everybody’s highly interested um and what’s going on and what’s out there but there’s going to be a time and place to 2:06 2 minutes, 6 seconds discuss that further. So you know for now we’re going to let them lead that and uh put us in the position to be successful. 2:13 2 minutes, 13 seconds And that’s that’s been worked on since I think February, right? they’ve been working leading up to those meetings. Is that correct? 2:22 2 minutes, 22 seconds That there has been discussions, but in re in reality, there’s been discussions for the last several years uh with 2:30 2 minutes, 30 seconds not just LSU, but you know, you look across college athletics, everybody knows the financial landscape has changed. And so it’s it’s our duty to 2:39 2 minutes, 39 seconds listen to everything that’s out there, the creative financial options, just different things that will put us into position to be successful. 2:48 2 minutes, 48 seconds Hey Matt, this is Todd. How are you doing? Doing excellent. 2:52 2 minutes, 52 seconds Good. Good. Um, you you’ve been the at LSU for 15 years as Glenn said, but you’ve also been the CFO in of the 3:01 3 minutes, 1 second athletic department since 2021. and that that’s when the transfer portal and NIL actually started. So you’ve you’ve been 3:09 3 minutes, 9 seconds there at a at a rapidly changing time and I I kind of my question is kind of 3:17 3 minutes, 17 seconds more esoteric I guess but like when fans hear about you know a billion dollar valuation of athletic departments and 3:24 3 minutes, 24 seconds they you know that say LSU is the billiond dollar brand from your perspective as a CFO 3:32 3 minutes, 32 seconds what actually creates long-term value for LSU athletics? 3:39 3 minutes, 39 seconds So the where how we position ourselves is you know we look at LSU as one of the premier brands uh in the country. We 3:47 3 minutes, 47 seconds don’t we don’t consider ourselves second to anyone and for us it’s it’s how do we elevate our brand uh across all the 3:54 3 minutes, 54 seconds sports. Obviously, football is the big driver as it is for any power institution and you want to be successful in football, but getting 4:03 4 minutes, 3 seconds exposure from our other sports, competing for championships, being in the marquee games, playing deep in the postseason, that drives the brand for 4:12 4 minutes, 12 seconds LSU and holds us at a high level. So, we we try to have success across the board. 4:18 4 minutes, 18 seconds Obviously, you can’t do it year in and year out, but our goal is to put all of our teams in a position that they can compete at the highest level. So one of 4:26 4 minutes, 26 seconds the other questions I have is kind of related to that may not seem related but it’s how important in your calculations 4:34 4 minutes, 34 seconds in your forecast and your you know your planning is is how important is premium seating and premium experiences and 4:43 4 minutes, 43 seconds future facility development to LSU’s financial future? 4:49 4 minutes, 49 seconds Uh critically important. Um we we’ve got to put product on the field that gets our fans excited so that they continue 4:57 4 minutes, 57 seconds to renew those tickets. They continue to uh want the premium seating, premium experience. And you know, you look 5:03 5 minutes, 3 seconds across at professional sports and they do a great job of that of adding that premium experience and elevated elevated 5:11 5 minutes, 11 seconds atmosphere. And so we we try to model that and find ways to bring value, but we know that’s that’s also not for not 5:19 5 minutes, 19 seconds for everybody. and we want to make sure that we can cater to all of our fans and everybody’s able to still come and enjoy and support the Tigers as they’ve done forever. 5:28 5 minutes, 28 seconds As much as it the model has transitioned or changed in your last five years, 5:35 5 minutes, 35 seconds do you think it’ll change even more in the next five years? 5:41 5 minutes, 41 seconds Yes. And the the also the answer is it’s such a volatile time that you know you talked a lot about the forecasting and 5:49 5 minutes, 49 seconds planning and if I go back 10 years we used to map out 3 to 5 years and have a pretty good indication of where we’d be. 5:57 5 minutes, 57 seconds Now when I put those same scenarios together where we’re one lawsuit one NCA rule away from absolutely flipping 6:05 6 minutes, 5 seconds everything on the head on on its head to where those projections those models you got to rip it up and start again. So, we’re we’re constantly trying one to be 6:14 6 minutes, 14 seconds flexible, but also be proactive, do our best to predict where are things heading so that we can be ahead of our competition. 6:21 6 minutes, 21 seconds Talking to Matt Labour, uh LSU associate athletic director and uh CFO, chief financial officer, and you also work 6:29 6 minutes, 29 seconds with uh football scheduling, which is relatively new in in your job. Verge Osprey used to do it when he was deputy 6:37 6 minutes, 37 seconds athletic director. What are some of your your goals and and what’s interesting about uh working with the football scheduling? 6:45 6 minutes, 45 seconds Yeah, as you said, Verge has done that since I’ve been at LSU and has done a great job putting our teams in position to be successful and so trying to 6:53 6 minutes, 53 seconds continue that, but you know, now we have I’d say we have a few anchors that we work around. We’re we’re always going to try to have seven home games to make 7:02 7 minutes, 2 seconds sure we have value for our ticket holders. We’re always going to put our teams uh in position to hopefully be 7:10 7 minutes, 10 seconds successful. Um make sure that they can win and compete on the field and get into postseason play. And we’re working through right now. It’s the the 7:19 7 minutes, 19 seconds landscape’s a little different. As you know, SEC is switching to those nine games instead of the eight that we’ve been at uh in the modern era. So, that’s 7:28 7 minutes, 28 seconds changed how we looked at things. Uh as well as we’re now required to have another powerful opponent. So when you look at it, we’re playing nine SEC games 7:36 7 minutes, 36 seconds plus a power four opponent. That really only leaves us two of those what’s traditionally called those buy games. So we’re trying to evolve with that and 7:44 7 minutes, 44 seconds adjust and make sure that we’re in a position to be successful. 7:48 7 minutes, 48 seconds How how long is the our SEC teams going to have to continue to schedule one powerful opponent? Has there been 7:56 7 minutes, 56 seconds discussion to excuse me eliminate that because of the you know new nineame schedule? 8:03 8 minutes, 3 seconds There’s always discussions to make sure it’s it’s the best model to get us as many teams as we can into postseason play. So while I believe obviously 8:12 8 minutes, 12 seconds that’s there for this year. I believe it’ll be there for next year. But I think it’s going to be a moving target as the college football playoff. You know everybody talks about the 8:20 8 minutes, 20 seconds expansion. We’re still at 12 teams and that’s what we’re working off of now. If that expands to 1624, 8:28 8 minutes, 28 seconds that may make the ACC SEC take another look and see if, hey, does that power four, does that give us the best opportunity to get the most teams in? 8:36 8 minutes, 36 seconds Because obviously the Big 10, they don’t they don’t have that uh they don’t try to play a power four because that that’s why their schedules are so much easier. Right. 8:44 8 minutes, 44 seconds Right. They’ve they’ve had the nine games for a few years, but you know, we look at it if you look the last three national championship national 8:51 8 minutes, 51 seconds champions, obviously out of the Big 10 with Indiana, Ohio State, and Michigan. 8:55 8 minutes, 55 seconds In each of those years, not one of them played a power four opponent outside of their nine conference games. So, 9:03 9 minutes, 3 seconds different ways to do it, different ways to have success. You know, sometimes that power big marquee matchup, you win that, that might be the game that gets 9:11 9 minutes, 11 seconds you into the playoffs. So, it’s it’s not one sizefits-all, but it’s uh certainly trending in a way that we’ve got to be flexible. 9:19 9 minutes, 19 seconds Hey, so Matt, not not to geek out because I I have a tendency to do that. 9:24 9 minutes, 24 seconds I I mean, I could I could geek out on this. We could probably talk about this for four years if you wanted to. Um but when you’re when you’re doing the 9:32 9 minutes, 32 seconds scheduling and the future scheduling, how much of it is data driven? I mean, are you looking at like modeling playoff pro profit, you know, probabilities or 9:40 9 minutes, 40 seconds are you modeling tele television value of those particular games that you’re scheduling or or revenue before agreeing 9:48 9 minutes, 48 seconds to a game? I mean, are you looking at all those factors? How do you do that? 9:53 9 minutes, 53 seconds No, all all those factors come into play and if you know when Verge was doing it forever and you would see us have games 10:01 10 minutes, 1 second scheduled 8 to 10 years in advance. Uh I I don’t see that being the case right now going forward because to your point, 10:09 10 minutes, 9 seconds you’re you’re trying to make sure your team matches up and is able to have success. And the hard part with that is right now is if I schedule a game four 10:18 10 minutes, 18 seconds years in advance, well, that team could look completely different in four years, much less they might look completely different next year just based on the 10:25 10 minutes, 25 seconds transfer portal and all the movement within college football that it is hard to predict where that team is going to be in next year or two years from now. 10:35 10 minutes, 35 seconds So, you’re not going to see those games being scheduled so far out in advance, I don’t think, moving forward. 10:40 10 minutes, 40 seconds Yeah. So, the first thing that came to mind was you uh you guys cancelling the series with Arizona State recently. And maybe that had something to do with that. Maybe it didn’t. Maybe it was 10:49 10 minutes, 49 seconds totally unrelated, but I’m I was just curious how much input Lane Kein has in your scheduling decisions, if any. 10:58 10 minutes, 58 seconds He is he he’ll have he’ll have a lot of input in it. So for for this upcoming season, obviously those games were scheduled a couple years ago. So we’re 11:06 11 minutes, 6 seconds we are where we are with the current schedule, but we’ve been talking with members of his staff trying to understand how does he view things? What 11:13 11 minutes, 13 seconds is what is his philosophy? So that as we try to fill those by games and that as of now that mandated power four game, 11:21 11 minutes, 21 seconds making sure it aligns with how he prepares his team and how he sees his team being able to progress through a season. 11:28 11 minutes, 28 seconds Who are the power four teams after Clemson coming up? 11:32 11 minutes, 32 seconds So, right now we will have uh Clemson Clemson here this year finishing off the home and home with them and then we were 11:40 11 minutes, 40 seconds we were scheduled with SMU uh home and home with them. The the game with them has been moved to Jerry World in Dallas 11:48 11 minutes, 48 seconds when we go play them. That’s our next one. And then we’re after that, we’re still evaluating, looking at options because as you mentioned, the Arizona 11:55 11 minutes, 55 seconds State game, we mutually agreed with Arizona State to pull that one off the schedule. And so we’re we’re looking at future opponents now. 12:03 12 minutes, 3 seconds Uh hey Matt, this is Case. Um with that Arizona State announcement kind of soon after, uh y’all also scheduled a few new 12:10 12 minutes, 10 seconds in-state opponents uh in the coming years. Some of those games, at least as it stands right now, would be week zero 12:17 12 minutes, 17 seconds matchups. Does that reflect a consideration that the the college football schedule as a whole might get moved up? And also, what does it mean to schedule those instate schools? 12:29 12 minutes, 29 seconds Yeah, so the in-state schools we scheduled we scheduled four uh that just recently came out and I I think you’ll see us continuing to do that. Uh a lot 12:38 12 minutes, 38 seconds of lot of reasons behind that, but you know, we want to these buy games. just a lot of money you pay to these opposing schools. And if if we can keep that 12:46 12 minutes, 46 seconds within our Louisiana footprint and help our help our schools within the state, that’s what we want to do. It it obviously gets some fan interest. It 12:54 12 minutes, 54 seconds helps with travel, build some excitement. So, I think you’re going to continue to see see those games get 13:00 13 minutes scheduled. And then um as well, it’s the week zero piece is yes, that is new starting next year. We’re able to play 13:08 13 minutes, 8 seconds those games in week zero. And so there’s a lot of strategy that we’re working through on that because it’s going to open up in most years to have the double 13:15 13 minutes, 15 seconds buy. And so how do you how do you position yourself to have those buys set up at opportune times in the season because there are certain weeks where 13:23 13 minutes, 23 seconds it’s it’s an SEC game. You you can have a buy, but there is some opportunities and flexibility in there to try to be 13:31 13 minutes, 31 seconds strategic. But the week zero pushes that season up and and spreads it out a little bit for us. talking to Matthew Labour, associate athletic director \[clears throat\] at LSU. 13:41 13 minutes, 41 seconds Just a minute or so left. Matthew, you were \[clears throat\] working at LSU when Will Wade first came to the Tigers as 13:48 13 minutes, 48 seconds men’s basketball coach in 2017. What do you remember about those early years working with Wade? 13:56 13 minutes, 56 seconds Will when he got here, you could you could tell right away that uh this wasn’t your normal coach. he was he was 14:03 14 minutes, 3 seconds going to put us in position to be successful right out the gate. Uh I think one of the things, you know, he said when he got here in 2017 and even 14:11 14 minutes, 11 seconds when he got here recently is we’re not trying to be second to anybody. And what that means is he’s ready to compete at 14:19 14 minutes, 19 seconds the highest level. And so I think he really challenged and myself at that time a younger administrator, he challenged me to find, hey, what are the 14:26 14 minutes, 26 seconds competitive edges? What are those advantages we can get on other opponents? like we’re not going to just sit still and do things the way we’ve always done. He was always pushing and 14:35 14 minutes, 35 seconds trying to trying to put us in position to be at the top. Be considered one of those blueb bloods of college basketball. And so he had that in 2017 and he’s still got it today. 14:45 14 minutes, 45 seconds Hey Matt, we’re running out of time really quick, but I did want to ask you one more question uh and go back to football and scheduling for that one. Uh 14:54 14 minutes, 54 seconds if if you could change one thing about college football scheduling nationally, what what would it be? You personally, what would it be? 15:05 15 minutes, 5 seconds I think that would it would be some evaluation on who gets into the college football playoff. Uh I I think you’ve seen in 15:14 15 minutes, 14 seconds strength of schedule. Strength of schedule. You talking, right? 15:17 15 minutes, 17 seconds Yeah. Some of those teams you get penalized for losing a top five matchup uh where somebody’s got to lose a game 15:24 15 minutes, 24 seconds and you get penalized for that and other teams are not playing near the strength of schedule and it feels like we’ve there’s too much of a focus on the loss 15:33 15 minutes, 33 seconds column in some of these games. Obviously at some point you can’t lose a certain number of games. what that number is. 15:39 15 minutes, 39 seconds You don’t know. But there’s been too much of an emphasis on losing those high power games where it’s like, man, would I have been better better off just 15:46 15 minutes, 46 seconds getting a cupcake win and put myself in the playoffs. 15:50 15 minutes, 50 seconds Exactly. That’s what Lane Kein’s been saying. \[laughter\] Appreciate your time, Matt. Good luck with the scheduling and uh and uh thanks 15:58 15 minutes, 58 seconds again. Really enjoyed it. And uh we will be back with more Tiger Rag Radio right after this. 16:03 16 minutes, 3 seconds I’m Richard Fontno, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 16:06 16 minutes, 6 seconds \[music\] My brother and I grow rice, soybeans, and raised crawfish on our farm in Evangeline Parish. For a \[music\] 16:12 16 minutes, 12 seconds fourth generation farmer like myself, Louisiana Farm Bureau is as much a part of my life as checking traps or harvesting \[music\] rice. Our organization is more than 145,000 16:21 16 minutes, 21 seconds members strong, and we’ve been around for more than 100 years. The Louisiana Farm Bureau spans \[music\] generations, and we want you to join our family. 16:28 16 minutes, 28 seconds Visit lafarmbureau.org. The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. 16:35 16 minutes, 35 seconds This is Tiger Rag Radio. 16:41 16 minutes, 41 seconds Welcome back to Tiger Rag Radio. Glenn Gilbo from Tiger Rag editor with Todd Horn. Todd Tiger executive editor and 16:48 16 minutes, 48 seconds Tiger Rag uh versatile uh writer, broadcaster, producer case, fresh out of 16:56 16 minutes, 56 seconds Louisiana Tech. You ready for the Louisiana Tech LSU game, man? Well, according to the guy that scheduled it, 17:02 17 minutes, 2 seconds it’s a buy game. So, \[laughter\] I guess we’ll kind of let that one Oh, man. sail by. 17:09 17 minutes, 9 seconds In case we’re gonna have to talk about etiquette whenever \[laughter\] Well, we’re going to have uh Jay Johnson on at about 7:30 after one more break. 17:20 17 minutes, 20 seconds Um uh Todd, you want to continue with what Matthew was talking about or we got free time here? Yeah, I mean I I thought 17:28 17 minutes, 28 seconds Matthew was a a extremely interesting conversation. Uh I can’t imagine 17:37 17 minutes, 37 seconds being the CFO of a billion dollar valued athletic department during the last four or five years the 17:46 17 minutes, 46 seconds way he has and endured all the change had to adapt to all the changes he’s had to go through. as he said, you know, 17:54 17 minutes, 54 seconds it’s like they throw everything out the window if there’s a NCA violation, which I’m thinking was probably referring to Will Wade or or something else or 18:02 18 minutes, 2 seconds lawsuits or anything, you know, it just and that was the you’re exactly right. 18:07 18 minutes, 7 seconds That was the most interesting thing he said. You know, when Verge was doing the scheduling because he did it for years. Yeah. You know, they used to schedule 8 10 years 18:16 18 minutes, 16 seconds out and they said, “You can’t do that anymore. You \[clears throat\] can’t do that at all.” No. and and you know they they got to get rid of the power four game. I mean 18:24 18 minutes, 24 seconds it just make it doesn’t make any sense and and especially if you go to nine games. That was really bad planning by Greg Sanki. You don’t go to nine. They 18:32 18 minutes, 32 seconds \[snorts\] his plan was to not go to nine games until they went to 16. Well, he went to nine and then they decided not to go to 16. So, he got hoodwinkedked. 18:41 18 minutes, 41 seconds And oh, by the way, they also passed I don’t know why they passed the uh the um power for game. I mean, you didn’t you 18:49 18 minutes, 49 seconds didn’t need that because you’re already playing a tough schedule. So, it’s it’s smarter when you have a 12 team playoff. 18:58 18 minutes, 58 seconds It’s smarter to have an easier schedule. That’s just how it is. 19:02 19 minutes, 2 seconds And I think it it all goes back to what Matt was talking about and what Lane talked about at SEC media days, and that 19:09 19 minutes, 9 seconds is what is wrong with you guys that are figuring out who’s going to get the playoff invites if you’re not considering strength of sketch, 19:17 19 minutes, 17 seconds right? I I understand that. I understand that. But it still makes more sense not to try to stress strength of 19:24 19 minutes, 24 seconds schedule and just play easier teams because your league’s tough anyway. And you know what? It also helps with with injuries and playing backups. 19:32 19 minutes, 32 seconds No, no. I completely agree. I understand all that. But but but it’s unfair right now. 19:38 19 minutes, 38 seconds Well, it’s unfair to be in the SEC right now. 19:40 19 minutes, 40 seconds Right. Right. And part of that’s the SEC as well. It’d be much better. It’d be much better to be Notre Dame and and Independent and have a fluff schedule 19:47 19 minutes, 47 seconds or and Indiana’s got a fluff schedule, you know, but but still they beat the hell out of people at the end of the year and and having an easier schedule 19:54 19 minutes, 54 seconds helps. And and just because you have a better schedule doesn’t mean you’re better than a team that has an easier schedule, right? 20:02 20 minutes, 2 seconds But the team with an easier schedule has has a better chance. You know, I mean, when Alabama beat the hell out of Miami in the 1992 national championship game, 20:12 20 minutes, 12 seconds Miami had a much tougher schedule. But when it came down to it, Alabama was much better and Indiana was much better than everybody they played. 20:19 20 minutes, 19 seconds And you don’t have to go much further than LSU last year. I mean, that everybody thought that was a top 10 20:27 20 minutes, 27 seconds after a week one win over Clemson, a top five supposedly Clemson team. Everybody thought LSU was a top five team. Two bad teams. 20:34 20 minutes, 34 seconds Those were two bad teams. bad teams, you know, and LSU still finished seven and 20:40 20 minutes, 40 seconds five in the regular season and they weren’t a good team at all. 20:45 20 minutes, 45 seconds No. No. Uh-uh. Uh-uh. And and um you know, I think that’s what that’s what they got to do. Um, even even if they 20:52 20 minutes, 52 seconds don’t uh even if they start weighing strength of schedule, I think it still behooves the SEC not to have that power 21:00 21 minutes four game because they’re still going to win strength of schedule arguments and numbers just by playing SEC teams, especially if you’re playing another one. 21:07 21 minutes, 7 seconds But it’s all perception wise. There’s no standard. There’s no way to really evaluate it. And I think that’s the point. Yeah. as far as that because they’ve got to really, you know, I don’t 21:15 21 minutes, 15 seconds know if they’re talking about going back to computers to evaluate strength of schedule or what, but there there’s got to be a standard. There’s got to be a 21:22 21 minutes, 22 seconds standard. Notre Dame, if Notre Dame only loses one game this year and makes the playoffs, they don’t play anybody this year. 21:31 21 minutes, 31 seconds Yeah, they play nobody. 21:33 21 minutes, 33 seconds And you know it, look at LSU’s schedule this year. Alabama’s just another game this year. You got Texas at at home. You 21:41 21 minutes, 41 seconds got Texas A&M at home. You’re going to miss. You’re going to Auburn. You’re going to Tennessee. 21:48 21 minutes, 48 seconds Uh you don’t need to be playing Clemson. 21:51 21 minutes, 51 seconds They ought to be playing MC in this first game. And oh yeah, this is a much better TV game when you play Clemson, but this team needs an exhibition game in particular. 22:01 22 minutes, 1 second Yeah. And and uh you know, they’ll probably beat Clemson, but it’s a it’s a dangerous game. 22:08 22 minutes, 8 seconds All right, we’re going to take uh another break and we’ll be back with the man of the hour, Jay Johnson, LSU 22:15 22 minutes, 15 seconds baseball coach. The East Baton \[music\] Rouge Parish Library believes that supporting the education of students is good for us all. 22:23 22 minutes, 23 seconds That’s why we provide access to live in-person online tutoring \[music\] through homework Louisiana. 22:30 22 minutes, 30 seconds Make available free test preparation tools through \[music\] Learning Express and Mometrics, plus reference tools for all ages. 22:39 22 minutes, 39 seconds Get \[music\] a library card. Get free education at ebrpl.com/homeworkhelp. 22:46 22 minutes, 46 seconds How you doing? This is Snow Dog Tiger Rag. Tiger Rag Radio. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, you are tuned in. 22:53 22 minutes, 53 seconds Talk LSU sports interviews, opinions, and newer calls around the Tiger Nation. 22:58 22 minutes, 58 seconds Batt Road was a life for me, home of LSU Tigers. Now, more Tiger Rag Radio. 23:02 23 minutes, 2 seconds We love to score and get highlights and championships and play to win. Tiger Rag Radio. 23:09 23 minutes, 9 seconds Welcome back to Tiger Rag Radio. This is Glenn Gilbo, Tiger Rag editor with Tiger Egg executive editor Todd Horn, and Tiger Egg writer and radio star case. 23:18 23 minutes, 18 seconds We’re now joined by Jay Johnson, LSU baseball coach. Jay, how are you? Doing great. How are you guys? 23:25 23 minutes, 25 seconds Great. Great. Thanks, man. All right, Jay, I’m not going to ask you what your rotation is this summer, this spring, like I usually do. Not going to ask 23:33 23 minutes, 33 seconds that. I I do want to talk to you about Logan Schmidt a little bit. Um, of course, the second round pick from the Guardians who was kind of a surprise to 23:42 23 minutes, 42 seconds come to LSU um and not go pro. Jay, let me ask you, like that happened late. 23:48 23 minutes, 48 seconds He’s he’s the last guy that you know you’re getting on the roster. So, chances are since he was kind of a 23:56 23 minutes, 56 seconds surprise, you could have might have been out of money. You know, how did that how did that break down? I’m not asking you how much you paid him, but like is that 24:05 24 minutes, 5 seconds kind of a dangerous game when you get a a stud like that late when you’ve already settled what the NIL payments 24:12 24 minutes, 12 seconds and so forth are for the rest of the roster? 24:16 24 minutes, 16 seconds Yeah, I think we’re very excited to have Logan. I think it’s uh left-handed pitching, left-handed hitting, as I’ve 24:24 24 minutes, 24 seconds told you guys before. That’s uh something I took from Auggie Gerrio, you know, the great, you know, Texas Cal State Fullerton 24:32 24 minutes, 32 seconds coach. And, you know, I’ll be honest, like I thought there was a 0.1% chance that Logan was going to end up in in 24:41 24 minutes, 41 seconds college at LSU. So, we feel fortunate to get him and um you know, found a pathway 24:48 24 minutes, 48 seconds to be able to do that. Some of it wasn’t even our doing. Some of it was, you know, the draft strategy by the team 24:56 24 minutes, 56 seconds that selected him that didn’t work out in their favor and worked out in ours. 25:00 25 minutes And uh was a a place we didn’t feel like we would be, but certainly happy that that’s what happened. and and really 25:08 25 minutes, 8 seconds excited at him and and uh you know what I would call uh good problems is what you’re referring to. 25:14 25 minutes, 14 seconds Okay. Okay. Right. Uh and what does he what does he give you as far as options, 25:22 25 minutes, 22 seconds you know, as you’re deciding who’s who’s pitching for you and and and when and uh you know, as you formulate your your 25:30 25 minutes, 30 seconds roster during fall ball and going into the season. 25:34 25 minutes, 34 seconds Well, he’s got tremendous stuff. I think my favorite quality is it just it’s strike after strike after strike. He 25:41 25 minutes, 41 seconds really fills up the strike zone. Uh exceptional fast ball command. Uh he’s a pitcher, not a thrower. I mean, he has 25:50 25 minutes, 50 seconds very loud stuff, but he is a pitcher uh by trade. And you know, you think of, you know, what like in since Kate 25:59 25 minutes, 59 seconds Anderson for us or Anthony did for us, those guys are true pitchers. um you know they could blow you away with fast 26:05 26 minutes, 5 seconds balls, but uh has the ability to feel, you know, speed the hitter up, slow him down, different shapes, pitch to both 26:14 26 minutes, 14 seconds sides of the plate, up and down. So, he he brings a lot to the table. Um you know, very young, uh just turned 18 26:22 26 minutes, 22 seconds years old, but very mature from a baseball standpoint. He’s been coached really really well and um excited to uh 26:31 26 minutes, 31 seconds put him in a a role that’s going to help the Tigers. 26:34 26 minutes, 34 seconds And and Jay, his his other decision could have been junior college where he could go into the draft next year, 26:41 26 minutes, 41 seconds whereas with his birthday, you know, he can’t go into the draft until after three seasons with you or in or in college. How how did you get over that? 26:50 26 minutes, 50 seconds Uh you know, cuz he he had to stay for three years. Was was that a difficult finesse situation? You know, Miseroski uh went right away from junior college. 27:00 27 minutes Uh that actually helped us in \[clears throat\] this situation because yes, the the guy you mentioned is, you know, top five pitcher on the planet, 27:08 27 minutes, 8 seconds but I think he gave up like five hits for his entire junior college season and signed just for a little over $2 27:15 27 minutes, 15 seconds million. So, the logic was you have to almost be perfect, Logan, to get a 27:21 27 minutes, 21 seconds little bit more than what you’re offered um now out of a junior college. But, you 27:28 27 minutes, 28 seconds know, recent LSU history suggests, you know, when you had the number one pick, the number two pick, the number three pick, the number five pick, the number 27:35 27 minutes, 35 seconds six pick over five years, that that’s going to be time well spent, not just from a money standpoint and potential, 27:43 27 minutes, 43 seconds but uh development, life opportunity, playing meaningful baseball, education. 27:50 27 minutes, 50 seconds There was a lot that that tipped the scales in our favor. and he he’s a sharp kid, good people around him and um you know, we really just laid all that out. 28:01 28 minutes, 1 second So Jay, w with this recruiting class, I mean, you built a foundation uh you know, obviously it’s a transient sport 28:10 28 minutes, 10 seconds these days, but that’s a great recruiting class and and you I’m sure you’ll retain who you need to retain 28:18 28 minutes, 18 seconds moving forward. But when you combine that with what you did in the transfer portal, how is this team gonna just 28:26 28 minutes, 26 seconds characteristically be different uh and perhaps noticeably different even in this in the spring? 28:35 28 minutes, 35 seconds Yeah, I think um I always look at the the what and the how. You know, where do we need to be better? Need to be better on the mound. Need to throw more 28:43 28 minutes, 43 seconds strikes. I think uh some of the pitchers that were there last year, the ones that are returning, they will be 28:51 28 minutes, 51 seconds significantly better. And that’s just me believing in them. Um believing in our development as a staff, believing in 29:00 29 minutes time with experience. And you know, it’s not just, you know, Kase Evans, William Schmidt. It’s I believe a guy like Danny 29:07 29 minutes, 7 seconds Lackener is going to be better. A guy like Ethan Plog is going to be better. A guy like Reagan Ricken is going to be better. Zion, Theopoulos, Cooper 29:14 29 minutes, 14 seconds Williams. I think we have a a number of candidates that are more than capable of outperforming 2026. 29:23 29 minutes, 23 seconds So then you add a bunch of talent, you know, with uh the guys we did in the portal and the high school pitchers. So 29:31 29 minutes, 31 seconds I feel like that side of the ball is going to be significantly improved. Then uh we need to play better defense. 29:38 29 minutes, 38 seconds And when you look at, you know, retaining uh Steven coming back, that was a surprise. So, we all 29:46 29 minutes, 46 seconds love how he played shortstop. You know, adding uh Dawson Park, who’s an elite defensive player. Uh Kate Kurland’s 29:54 29 minutes, 54 seconds probably played more games at second base than any player um you know, in college baseball going into next year. 30:02 30 minutes, 2 seconds You know, and we got a really good freshman shortstop named Parker Low that’s an exceptional defensive player. 30:07 30 minutes, 7 seconds So, I feel like we’re better there. Uh, defensively a catcher, we need to be better. You know, again, I believe Omar and and Kade have a lot of talent and 30:16 30 minutes, 16 seconds they got a lot of experience and so, you know, usually when talented players get experience, they improve. So, feel like 30:24 30 minutes, 24 seconds a lot of areas we need to be better in that that we’re going to be better in. And so, I feel feel excited about that. Optimistic maybe a better word. 30:31 30 minutes, 31 seconds Right. whi which of the returning players whether it’s Steven Mollm or Kate or whoever which one of them has taken the biggest step as a leader right now. 30:44 30 minutes, 44 seconds Yeah, it’s a good question. I think uh you know I I we’ll go hats off to Stephen right now like as we were going 30:52 30 minutes, 52 seconds through this process last week with Logan I mean who’s texting me frequently like what do you need me to do? Do you 31:00 31 minutes want me to reach out to him? Can I reach out to him? And ironically, I was having a conversation with uh Logan’s mom after 31:07 31 minutes, 7 seconds his decision had been made that Stephen had reached out to him uh immediately after it was was public. And I’m proud 31:14 31 minutes, 14 seconds of him for that. He’s a very reserved guy, but has really grown as a person, you know, at LSU. And I think that’s 31:22 31 minutes, 22 seconds been reflective in in that uh in that example right there. 31:28 31 minutes, 28 seconds All right. Well, that’s that’s great news, man. Looks like you got a really good team. When when do y’all start uh fall ball fall practice? 31:37 31 minutes, 37 seconds Well, we’ll start uh individual workouts right away uh in the rate weight room right away. So, essentially first day of 31:44 31 minutes, 44 seconds school, I think um might be off by a day or two, but think we’re going to start our full 45day team segment like October 31:53 31 minutes, 53 seconds 8th and then we’ll run that right up until the the last weekend of Thanksgiving. and got some good fall 32:00 32 minutes games on tap. Excited about that and ready to get back to work. 32:04 32 minutes, 4 seconds Yeah. You’re going to be playing a a baseball game in Alex Box during the Alabama game, football game week, right? 32:11 32 minutes, 11 seconds Yes. And so my my thought is, you know, Coach Keifin will have everybody in a great mood that morning. And I was like, hey, let’s go out and check out some 32:20 32 minutes, 20 seconds baseball or uh you know, if if we don’t, then hopefully we can play well and give people something to be excited about, 32:28 32 minutes, 28 seconds you know, come spring. Either way, it’s a win-win. Who was that against that day? Uh that’s against Troy College. Okay. Oh, yeah. Excited about that. 32:36 32 minutes, 36 seconds Wow. That’s awesome. All right, Jay. 32:38 32 minutes, 38 seconds Well, thanks a lot, man. Appreciate your time. I know you’re a busy man and enjoy whatever time off you may have. Uh but thanks for joining us. 32:47 32 minutes, 47 seconds All right, guys. Have a good night. 32:49 32 minutes, 49 seconds All right. Thank you. All right. We’ll be back with a couple more segments of Tiger Rag Radio right after this. 32:56 32 minutes, 56 seconds And we’re back with Tiger Rag Radio. 33:05 33 minutes, 5 seconds Hello. Welcome back to Tiger Rag Radio. 33:08 33 minutes, 8 seconds Glenn Gilbo and Todd Horn here and Case Kishnik. Uh continuing what we were just talking about off the air. Uh Jay said 33:16 33 minutes, 16 seconds he felt like he had 0.1% \[snorts\] of getting Logan Schmidt. So So let’s 33:22 33 minutes, 22 seconds say his his money is all doowled out for for the roster when they decide, oh, we got a chance for Logan. You know, one of 33:30 33 minutes, 30 seconds the things they could do is uh like he could go to a donor. He could go to somebody and say or go to Verge and say, “Hey, look, uh, I realize that 33:38 33 minutes, 38 seconds everything’s in right now for this roster, but we got a chance to get a great player. Can we do something? Can I borrow against my roster limit next year 33:47 33 minutes, 47 seconds and and go extra this year, you know, or something? Hey, we got to get something together for this kid because he’s thinking about coming to us instead of 33:54 33 minutes, 54 seconds taking 1.7 with the Guardians.” Yeah. So, I think what that really comes down to, and I have no idea how much money they they had to pay Logan Schmidt 34:03 34 minutes, 3 seconds or anyone else for that matter, uh, and I don’t think we will ever really know because we don’t get the records. But, 34:10 34 minutes, 10 seconds um, I mean, obviously, like you said, it was late, so late in the game. Um, they didn’t think they were going to get him 34:18 34 minutes, 18 seconds anyway because he was a second round pick and that’s usually settled. I think any variable money that Jay was able to come up with came via NIL. 34:29 34 minutes, 29 seconds Yeah. 34:30 34 minutes, 30 seconds Because the revenue share you couldn’t borrow from next year like you suggested. So that had to be evaporated. 34:37 34 minutes, 37 seconds Now maybe they made some roster changes in anticipation or preparation for it and we’re able to free up some of that money. Uh, but I doubt it. I think most 34:46 34 minutes, 46 seconds of it was probably, you know, well, let’s see what we can go fishing in the NIL arena and see if we can dig up a package that’s good enough to to get him here. 34:55 34 minutes, 55 seconds Yeah. And you know, the other thing too about baseball, a lot of the baseball players, just the the way it is, they come from wellto-do families anyway. 35:05 35 minutes, 5 seconds It’s a little different than football and basketball, speaking in in general terms. So, you know, he might not have 35:13 35 minutes, 13 seconds been talking big- time money. You know, he he may have looked at the Guardian because they didn’t they never came to an agreement. The Guardians didn’t come 35:21 35 minutes, 21 seconds to an agreement with him before the draft, which is usually how it’s done. 35:24 35 minutes, 24 seconds And Jay referenced that. So, he might have just, you know, wanted to see, you know, well, if they pay me, you know, shoot real high and if they don’t give 35:32 35 minutes, 32 seconds me that, well, then I’ll just go to college. And he he may have wanted to go to college from the very beginning cuz he’s seen skins. He’s seen Kate Anderson. 35:40 35 minutes, 40 seconds Well, and to that point, I mean, I think what Jay said that, you know, when you brought up Miseroski going 35:46 35 minutes, 46 seconds to junior college and then going to to but only getting picked in the second round and only getting $2 million. Yeah. 35:53 35 minutes, 53 seconds Where he’s able to point to Curiel, he’s able to point to a bunch of other Paul Ske Anderson bunch. Yeah. And just say, “Look, look at them, you know, six 36:02 36 minutes, 2 seconds million, seven million, what? Nine million, 12 million.” And the kids going, “Yeah, if I if I can uh, you 36:09 36 minutes, 9 seconds know, make a decent income, play college ball, and and increase my 36:16 36 minutes, 16 seconds future value over the next three years by that much, that’s a really good investment for for your time, energy, and effort.” 36:24 36 minutes, 24 seconds Yeah. And when when they put together like a a a film package or just a a stat sheet of of what Paul Sch did and and 36:33 36 minutes, 33 seconds Kate Anderson, that that’s going to blow kids away. And you know, it’s amazing when I was just looking at the at the guys who got traded yesterday, the LSU 36:41 36 minutes, 41 seconds players. Josh Smith got traded from the from the Rangers. Uh Anthony got traded from the uh Red Sox to the Orioles 36:49 36 minutes, 49 seconds organization. I was uh and there was another one. Um, uh, oh, uh, Kevin Gosman. And I was looking at where those 36:57 36 minutes, 57 seconds kids were drafted in high school and then they dramatically went so much higher after they went to LSU. Like, they were all first rounders, you know. 37:07 37 minutes, 7 seconds So, you know, that that’s hard to argue with. Plus, those kids have so much more fun playing college baseball than they 37:14 37 minutes, 14 seconds do in single A and rookie ball. Of course, now they go up much faster now. 37:19 37 minutes, 19 seconds You know, Cade’s about to go in. I is probably going to be in there. next year. But still, I I think players more 37:26 37 minutes, 26 seconds and more now know how cool it is to play in college baseball for a couple years. 37:31 37 minutes, 31 seconds Well, I Yeah, I can’t imagine it even being a comparison. I can’t imagine even really considering junior college. Oh, yeah. Yeah. 37:39 37 minutes, 39 seconds You know, to to LSU. I mean, I understand the practicality of it if you really think you want to be drafted next year and you don’t want to have to wait 37:46 37 minutes, 46 seconds three years, but whenever you’re presented with the the evidence of what 37:53 37 minutes, 53 seconds your value is likely to do over the next three years and you get to play at LSU. Yeah. 38:00 38 minutes Or Tennessee or, you know, anywhere, but especially LSU. 38:04 38 minutes, 4 seconds Yeah. And even even the guys who who went and had big major league careers and pitched in World Series and 38:11 38 minutes, 11 seconds postseason like Mike Saraka and and Chad OJ, both of them told me at at reunions that 38:19 38 minutes, 19 seconds they felt like when they got to the postseason in Major League Baseball, they were more prepared than than some of their teammates because they had 38:26 38 minutes, 26 seconds pitched in such pressure situations, not only in Omaha, but in Alex Box, too. 38:31 38 minutes, 31 seconds Good points. You know what else? Um, and and this is a completely different subject in a lot of ways, but we kind of 38:39 38 minutes, 39 seconds touched on it there at the end a little bit with with Jay. This recruiting class of this this year that Logan Schmidt’s a 38:48 38 minutes, 48 seconds part of, and I’m just mentioning him because he’s the latest name added to it. 38:52 38 minutes, 52 seconds That’s a foundational class for the next two to three years for this LSU program. I don’t think 38:59 38 minutes, 59 seconds you’re going to see any more years like this in the near future like just happened this past \[music\] year. 39:05 39 minutes, 5 seconds Yeah, it’s it’s a great class and we said last year’s was was too, but uh I I I’m going to say it again. I mean, I I I really think this is an Omaha team. 39:14 39 minutes, 14 seconds There’s no no question about it, even though it’s too early to say that. But we’ll be back with more Tiger Rag right after this. 39:20 39 minutes, 20 seconds Now, more Tiger Rag Radio. 39:29 39 minutes, 29 seconds Hello, welcome back to Tiger Rag Radio. 39:31 39 minutes, 31 seconds Our final segment. It’s been a been a pretty interesting show. Matthew Labour, the uh associate AD, CFO, uh very 39:40 39 minutes, 40 seconds interesting uh as he spelled out some of the reasons behind uh scheduling and Jay 39:47 39 minutes, 47 seconds Johnson uh giving us some insidefo and uh his surprise at getting Logan 39:53 39 minutes, 53 seconds Schmidt. and our first guest Preston Guy talking about uh football practice. Uh what what what is the first day of 40:01 40 minutes, 1 second football practice like for a for a player, Todd? Like what do you remember about your first practice you were at for LSU? 40:09 40 minutes, 9 seconds Well, I was as nervous as I’ll get out. 40:12 40 minutes, 12 seconds I probably threw up about six times before we made it to the field. I’ve heard that from other guys, too. 40:17 40 minutes, 17 seconds Yeah, I was always I mean, especially as a freshman, especially back then. um because you 40:25 40 minutes, 25 seconds you you were just LSU was so big. I mean, compared to to high school and and 40:32 40 minutes, 32 seconds I don’t think that the I think it’s a little bit different now, but you still you want to perform. And uh I I I we 40:40 40 minutes, 40 seconds weren’t as in shape as they are now because you weren’t training year round uh at the level that they do now with 40:48 40 minutes, 48 seconds the intensity that they do now, with the consistency that they do now, and you didn’t meet with your team on a regular 40:55 40 minutes, 55 seconds basis during the off season. So it was all new. You know, that first day of fall practice was really the first day. 41:04 41 minutes, 4 seconds You know, you were seeing people, meeting people a lot for the first time, or it was only the second or third time you’d ever met them. So there was a lot 41:13 41 minutes, 13 seconds of change, a lot of transition, and it was nerve-wracking. Uh it’s not like that anymore. I mean, Sam Levit’s been 41:20 41 minutes, 20 seconds leading practices, player leon only practices for at least the last month or so. You know, that’s why one of the 41:28 41 minutes, 28 seconds reasons why Lane said he didn’t bring Sam Levit to SEC media days is he wanted him back leading player practices. We 41:36 41 minutes, 36 seconds didn’t have that stuff. So, it’s it’s different now. So, they’re more oriented. They’re more uh 41:43 41 minutes, 43 seconds into it already. So there it’s not as nerve-wracking, I would think, as it was, but you still you still have that 41:51 41 minutes, 51 seconds that nervousness that you want to perform. And now the clock’s ticking, you know, because they’re looking at you 41:57 41 minutes, 57 seconds right now, starting tomorrow, every single rep matters. Every single rep 42:04 42 minutes, 4 seconds matters to what especially if you’re not, you know, Jordan Seat and you know that you’re going to be the left tackle. 42:13 42 minutes, 13 seconds How much is it a difference like these first few days compared to the first day of contact? 42:20 42 minutes, 20 seconds See, I’m trying to for us it was different because you would go three or four days in 42:29 42 minutes, 29 seconds shorts, then maybe shoulder pads and helmets only. And then you would go into full pads. And once you went into full 42:37 42 minutes, 37 seconds pads, you’re in full pads for the rest of the time. 42:39 42 minutes, 39 seconds Twice a day sometimes. except for except for, you know, Fridays of game week or what have you or Thursdays of game week. 42:46 42 minutes, 46 seconds Um, it’s different for them now. I mean, look at look at what they’re doing this week. They’re starting out tomorrow morning at 10:00 or 9:00 on the practice 42:55 42 minutes, 55 seconds field and then they don’t practice again until the next day at 6:30 at night. 43:00 43 minutes I think that I think that’s pretty smart. I think that’s cool. 43:02 43 minutes, 2 seconds Gives them time to recover and be and be better. Yeah, exactly. 43:06 43 minutes, 6 seconds And and it’s cooler at night. you know, not much, but it’s still cooler at night. It But that’s totally different, so I can’t relate to that. 43:14 43 minutes, 14 seconds All right. Well, we’ll have it all for you next week, \[music\] the first week of football practice. That concludes it the show tonight. Thanks for joining us on Tiger Radio. 43:24 43 minutes, 24 seconds Tiger is everywhere. Online at Tiger.com. 43:27 43 minutes, 27 seconds Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/tiger magazine or follow us on Twitter at tiger\_rag.com **Categories:** LSU Baseball, LSU Basketball, LSU Football News, Men's Basketball, Podcast, Radio **Tags:** jay johnson, lsu baseball, lsu football, Matthew Laborde, tiger rag radio --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio: Is LSU Headed for Private Equity?](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-is-lsu-headed-for-private-equity/) **Published:** August 5, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** We decipher the latest on LSU’s new creative revenue-generating idea and discussions at the Governor’s mansion. Tigerbait.com’s Preston Guy previews Lane Kiffin’s first fall camp, and we look at how Will Wade could fill out his basketball roster with the new influx of eligible talent thanks to recent court rulings. ***Here is the complete transcript of the show from YouTube. Tiger Rag apologizes for any AI generated mistakes:*** 0:00 0 seconds Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. 0:02 2 seconds Tiger Rag Radio \[music\] is on the air. Let’s crank this thing up. 0:06 6 seconds We’re statewide breaking down the latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is up. Hear from the coaches. Our time is now with LSU basketball. 0:14 14 seconds The players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 0:17 17 seconds One way or another, we’re going to make history. 0:19 19 seconds And those who cover the \[music\] Fighting Tigers of LSU and the SEC. 0:23 23 seconds LSU is the best job in it’s 2 hours of non-stop \[music\] LSU talk. 0:28 28 seconds I came here to win. We’re going to win immediately. 0:30 30 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is brought to you by 0:32 32 seconds \[music\] 0:32 32 seconds Cumins. Cumins creates power solutions that the world depends on. Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro’s Electrical \[music\] Services, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 0:45 45 seconds Get ready to talk Tigers \[music\] with producer Case Kishnik and our hosts Todd Horn, Jeff Polalmo, and Glenn \[music\] Gilbo. 0:54 54 seconds Players are better people than they are players. This is Tiger \[music\] Rag Radio. 1:01 1 minute, 1 second Good afternoon. Glen Gilbo here, Tiger Rag editor filling in for Jeff Polalmo. 1:06 1 minute, 6 seconds He is on vacation with Todd Horn, our executive editor, and Case Kishnik, who got top billing there as producer. 1:14 1 minute, 14 seconds The way you said that, it sounded like I was on vacation with Jeff Polarmo. 1:19 1 minute, 19 seconds I’m sorry. Tom and Jeff Polmo were not on a beach in Dest, though I’m sure they’d like to, and I’d like to see those pictures. Just kidding. Uh, no. 1:27 1 minute, 27 seconds Jeff Polalmo is on vacation, but he keeps texting me about baseball trades. 1:31 1 minute, 31 seconds \[laughter\] 1:32 1 minute, 32 seconds Take some time off, Jeff. 1:36 1 minute, 36 seconds Uh, but uh, no, we’re filling in for uh, Jeffrey. And, um, actually, Case, you should go to Tiger Rag while you’re listening to the show. Tiger Egg Radio. 1:46 1 minute, 46 seconds case has a great story about the uh a recent judge ruling that frees up some fifth year seniors for the portal 1:53 1 minute, 53 seconds particularly teams who have openings i.e. Will Wade has many openings and there are some really good players in in 2:01 2 minutes, 1 second in the portal available all of a sudden and they’re not available to all teams unless they have openings. So So Will 2:08 2 minutes, 8 seconds has a shot to really enhance his uh his roster. Case has that story up now on uh tiger.com and and just like Will said in 2:17 2 minutes, 17 seconds the opening, he’s he’s here to win. So So I if he has a great August, man, that that could make a a big difference. And and you know, he’s already got some 2:24 2 minutes, 24 seconds decent players coming in. Uh he’s got five on the roster right now, not counting some commitments from overseas. 2:34 2 minutes, 34 seconds And um but these are mainland players from the United States. And I only say that not to be anti-uro, but the if you sign these guys from the United States, 2:43 2 minutes, 43 seconds there’s not as many difficulties with paperwork and so forth, which Wade has had with the um overseas players, but he’s probably going to get those guys in 2:51 2 minutes, 51 seconds and by late August, we’ll uh we’ll know the roster. But um first of all though, we’re going to discuss um the uh the 3:00 3 minutes pow-wow at the governor’s mansion between the LSU mafia. I mean the LSU donors and uh and Governor Landry and 3:08 3 minutes, 8 seconds and LSU’s uh new uh money plan and Todd is very well verssed on that. We’re going to discuss that in a second. Then 3:16 3 minutes, 16 seconds at 6:30, we’re going to turn our attention to football with Preston Guy from tigerbait.com. 3:22 3 minutes, 22 seconds as the Tigers have reported today for practice and they start practice tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock and that practice is open for a few periods. 3:31 3 minutes, 31 seconds Tiger Rag will be there. Then at 7 tonight, we’re going to have Matthew Labort who is a CFO in the athletic 3:38 3 minutes, 38 seconds department. He can talk to us a little bit about uh some of the money dealings going on uh at the governor’s mansion. 3:46 3 minutes, 46 seconds He also works with scheduling with the football team replacing Verge Osbury there. uh when Verge moved up to the 3:53 3 minutes, 53 seconds athletic director. Uh and at 7:30, Jay Johnson is going to talk about his 3:59 3 minutes, 59 seconds surprise new player, um Schmidt. Um Logan Logan Schmidt. Yes, Logan Schmidt, who 4:07 4 minutes, 7 seconds everybody thought was going to go to the Cleveland Guardians since he was a second round pick. They didn’t pay him enough money and he’s coming to LSU. 4:15 4 minutes, 15 seconds But, uh, Todd, first off, if what do what do you think of what has been happening at the governor’s mansion and 4:22 4 minutes, 22 seconds how do you think that is progressing for LSU’s new financial plans? 4:27 4 minutes, 27 seconds Uh, you know, it’s been an interesting couple of days. They they met yesterday at the governor’s mansion uh for the first time and they’re going to meet again tomorrow uh for the final of that. 4:38 4 minutes, 38 seconds And unfortunately uh we weren’t invited. 4:41 4 minutes, 41 seconds Uh \[laughter\] so anything that I’m going to relate to you about this comes from secondhand sources and then actually the 4:51 4 minutes, 51 seconds the way the story has evolved over the last 48 hours uh especially from the Tiger Rag perspective our perspective here at Tiger Rag has been based solely 5:01 5 minutes, 1 second on uh anonymous sources through other reporters uh outside reporters 5:09 5 minutes, 9 seconds um And today, uh, louisianaapasports.net, Matt Musona of AFR, 5:16 5 minutes, 16 seconds uh, has a lot of firsthand information that kind of changes the perspective and 5:23 5 minutes, 23 seconds the shape of what was reported by, uh, Redeye um, on Tuesday, I mean, on excuse me, on 5:32 5 minutes, 32 seconds Monday, so I’m getting confused with the days already. Uh, on Monday, J.R. Ball of Redeye was on Talk Louisiana with Jim 5:39 5 minutes, 39 seconds Inkingster and he had reported in the Redeye newsletter that he and Mughal Verma produce that it was um a basically 5:48 5 minutes, 48 seconds a done deal that LSU would be when they were meeting with the the donors. They would have uh they basically closed up 5:58 5 minutes, 58 seconds their their program that they were going to roll out. Um and it was 6:06 6 minutes, 6 seconds without going in deep into the details, it was basically based on them giving uh raising a hund00 million through you 6:14 6 minutes, 14 seconds know venture capital is what uh JR termed it uh which is a form of private equity of course but um and that would 6:24 6 minutes, 24 seconds uh that would result in LSU having uh to give up 10% of their media rights 6:32 6 minutes, 32 seconds according to what I understand JR had said over the next five years and then perhaps uh turning around and and getting those back. A lot of questions. 6:42 6 minutes, 42 seconds There were a lot of questions. There wasn’t a lot of structure given, but there was a framework that could allow you to see how LSU could get the $und00 6:51 6 minutes, 51 seconds million that they need or they want to be able to handle the the debt because this is all driven by the fact that LSU 6:59 6 minutes, 59 seconds has a lot of dead money in terms of buyouts they have to pay. Brian Kelly, Matt McMahon, other assistant coaches, 7:07 7 minutes, 7 seconds and then of course bringing in all the coaches and having to also absorb revenue sharing uh for the first time. 7:13 7 minutes, 13 seconds So they were facing in 2026, fiscal 2026, fiscal 2026, a um 7:21 7 minutes, 21 seconds a debt as we reported uh a deficit of 25 to 35 million. And we talked to Verge 7:28 7 minutes, 28 seconds about that in February and it was in our money issue and it’s still online at tiger.com where you can get the full breakdown on 7:35 7 minutes, 35 seconds that. What was interesting is that nobody else really talked about that uh for months um until they started talking 7:44 7 minutes, 44 seconds about the fact they were going to have this donor pow-wow at the governor’s mansion where they were going to roll out this plan. So anyway, back to this 7:52 7 minutes, 52 seconds week. uh people start talking about the deficit and how LSU needs to come up with with a 8:00 8 minutes a creative plan, a way to get money, but then it kind of freaked a lot of people out whenever everybody was talking about 8:07 8 minutes, 7 seconds private equity because like Verge said when you and I spoke with him at length in February of this past year, you know, 8:15 8 minutes, 15 seconds private equity, you got to consider everything, but private equity, Verge said, is scary because you basically lose control or tend to lose control and 8:24 8 minutes, 24 seconds and that’s what scares most people whenever private equity comes into play. 8:28 8 minutes, 28 seconds But anyway, Matt Muska today uh after talking to about 20 or or there were about 20 donors instead of 40 that 8:37 8 minutes, 37 seconds actually attended the summit if you want to call it that uh on Monday and he had conversations with several of them and 8:44 8 minutes, 44 seconds he reported basically that uh it’s it’s not traditional pro uh private equity at 8:50 8 minutes, 50 seconds all. In fact, it’s a very creative uh program that LSU is trying to put 8:57 8 minutes, 57 seconds together. Nothing is finalized yet at all. Uh we had reported uh via JR ball 9:05 9 minutes, 5 seconds that it was it was closed or closing soon. Apparently, that’s not the case right now. But the the gist of it is is 9:14 9 minutes, 14 seconds that it’s if if Matt’s reporting is accurate and if what was said on the radio today on his show uh from one of 9:23 9 minutes, 23 seconds the the donors who was at the event, right? Do you remember what his name was? 9:27 9 minutes, 27 seconds I can’t remember it right now. That’s why I didn’t say it. But the um if it’s accurate, the story is no longer about 9:34 9 minutes, 34 seconds LSU selling any of its uh revenue at all. In other words, to raise the hund00 million, which obviously would come from 9:42 9 minutes, 42 seconds a private fund, uh the $und00 million that they would get basically right away uh once this is finalized. 9:52 9 minutes, 52 seconds But they’re not selling anything. In fact, what they’re probably doing, it looks like, is going to be setting up a separate LLC and a separate nonprofit 10:03 10 minutes, 3 seconds that would become basically an investment company. Uh, that would be completely controlled by LSU and they 10:11 10 minutes, 11 seconds would invest in other companies that were, you know, expecting to be profitable and they would earn profits 10:19 10 minutes, 19 seconds off of that. So it would basically be an LSU holding company and structured within a nonprofit. Which brings into 10:26 10 minutes, 26 seconds questions some of the things. The reason it’s not finalized yet is they have to still go through valuations 10:34 10 minutes, 34 seconds because the assets have to be valuated uh for whatever that corporation’s assets are going to be. And also it has 10:43 10 minutes, 43 seconds to go through they’re waiting uh Roose said there Wade Roose said they were waiting for the IRS to get back to them uh with specific uh tax questions that 10:52 10 minutes, 52 seconds they have so maintain Charles Harvey was the guest. He’s president of the Southern Regional Medical Center. 10:59 10 minutes, 59 seconds Yeah. And he’s a big-time donor. He’s a donor primarily it sounded like from for basketball. Uh but not that he’s not a 11:08 11 minutes, 8 seconds football donor or an LSU sports donor, but he seems to seem like he favored uh well, they need that supporting basketball. 11:16 11 minutes, 16 seconds And he he said that he’s given a million dollars of his own money over the last few years. 11:22 11 minutes, 22 seconds Right. Right. That’s amazing. That’s that’s that’s the type that’s the level donors they have at this uh at this paw. 11:28 11 minutes, 28 seconds And I guess there’ll be another 20 there Wednesday. And some of some of the same people will be there as well. and and and the thing that that he characterized 11:36 11 minutes, 36 seconds it as and and Matt and Mosca and his reporting has characterized it as is they’re not asking for any money right now. Not that they’re going to quit 11:44 11 minutes, 44 seconds asking donors for money, but as far as this creative plan goes, this is a perpetual revenue generating engine that 11:51 11 minutes, 51 seconds they have conceived for LSU as an investment company. And it and there is private equity involved in a 12:01 12 minutes, 1 second sense that uh Greg Jackson who’s affiliated with Michigan State and is a 12:08 12 minutes, 8 seconds billionaire who’s involved with Acrier uh which is a private equity investment company. Um he would be involved. 12:16 12 minutes, 16 seconds You mean Greg Williams? Greg Williams. Did I say Jackson? Greg Williams. Yeah. Greg Greg Williams. 12:22 12 minutes, 22 seconds Uh would be involved. He would be on the board. But LSU the key point here is that uh LSU would maintain control 12:30 12 minutes, 30 seconds right of everything right. So Greg Williams works with private equity. 12:35 12 minutes, 35 seconds So so private equity will be somewhat involved. Obviously Greg Williams is involved but but how much you know remains to be seen. 12:44 12 minutes, 44 seconds The thing about the thing about it is I think the term private equity scares people. 12:49 12 minutes, 49 seconds Scares Verge Osbury. It scar Well, it scares people in general because because what it it implies is that is that 12:58 12 minutes, 58 seconds they’re going to seek control and they’re going to try to dictate, you know, how the business is run and what what happens. And that is true any and 13:05 13 minutes, 5 seconds I’ve been involved in private equity most of my career. Um they do have they exert control. They they take over the 13:13 13 minutes, 13 seconds way a company is operated and run because they’re putting their money in. 13:17 13 minutes, 17 seconds They want their profits out. But if you’re going to get money to fund 13:25 13 minutes, 25 seconds anything on the private side, that’s by definition private equity. And it and it can be structured in a way that they 13:33 13 minutes, 33 seconds don’t have that control. And it appears by coming up with this creative plan that LSU supposedly has according to 13:40 13 minutes, 40 seconds Matt’s reporting um with an LLC that’s going to be an investment holding 13:46 13 minutes, 46 seconds company. and uh apparently uh structured with a w with also a nonprofit in the mix so they can move funds and assets 13:55 13 minutes, 55 seconds back and forth. Uh and that’s what they have to check out all the legalities on. 13:59 13 minutes, 59 seconds But I’m sure that they’ve been working on this since February from what I understand. 14:02 14 minutes, 2 seconds Yeah. And and uh I think um you know they probably had a plan set. They didn’t just start doing it at at the 14:10 14 minutes, 10 seconds meeting. So I think JR’s that part was probably accurate. They may have been close to an agreement before the meetings even started and they have uh you know they still have work to do. 14:21 14 minutes, 21 seconds I I think whenever JR said that it was closed when he was on Talk Louisiana, I don’t think he meant that they had finalized everything. I think he meant 14:29 14 minutes, 29 seconds that the investment portion of it was closed. I think there’s a lot of detail that we’re not going to know until it actually is finalized. 14:37 14 minutes, 37 seconds Okay. and you know and and you know you’re calling it private equity but whenever you have donors at any major 14:44 14 minutes, 44 seconds program that are involved they’re always going to have somewhat of a say you know I mean if you know for decades you know 14:53 14 minutes, 53 seconds I I guarantee you when they were deciding whether to keep a coach or not or which coach to hire you know that those donors were saying well you know I 15:01 15 minutes, 1 second think we ought to get rid of the coach well I think that’s exactly the reason why that they invited the donors those particular donors to talk. They wanted 15:09 15 minutes, 9 seconds they wanted them to understand what they were trying to do, right? And we’ll \[music\] be back with more discussion on that and uh and getting ready for uh football practice 15:18 15 minutes, 18 seconds right right after this on Tiger Egg Radio. I’m Richard Fner, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau \[music\] Federation. My brother and I grow rice, 15:26 15 minutes, 26 seconds soybeans, and raised crawfish on our farm in Evangeline Parish. For a fourth generation farmer \[music\] like myself, Louisiana Farm Bureau is as much a part 15:33 15 minutes, 33 seconds of my life as checking traps or harvesting rice. Our organization is more than 145,000 members strong and \[music\] we’ve been around for more than 15:41 15 minutes, 41 seconds 100 years. The Louisiana Farm Bureau spans generations and we want you to join our family. Visit lafarmbureau.org. 15:48 15 minutes, 48 seconds The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. Now back to Tiger Rag Radio. 15:58 15 minutes, 58 seconds Welcome back to Tiger Rag Radio. This is Glenn Gilbo, Tiger Eagi with Todd Horn, Tiger Eag executive editor, and Case 16:06 16 minutes, 6 seconds Kishnik, sports writer radio guy, producer, overall good guy. Um, so we’re 16:13 16 minutes, 13 seconds going to have at uh 6:30, about 8 minutes from now, we’re going to have uh after another break, we’re going to have u uh who is our first guest? 16:24 16 minutes, 24 seconds Preston Guy of Tiger Bait. We’re going to talk about LSU football which is starting practice tomorrow morning uh to 16:31 16 minutes, 31 seconds kick off the Lane Keifin era almost call him Preston Gomez who is a former Astros manager but uh Preston Guy 16:39 16 minutes, 39 seconds uh from tigerbait.com who’s uh in the know with LSU football. Preston had an interesting uh tweet tonight today. He 16:46 16 minutes, 46 seconds was talking about the 2019 LSU Alabama game. and he said there was never been more talent on a foot college football 16:53 16 minutes, 53 seconds field at the same time than in that game. He might have been talking about just LSU Alabama games, but it probably 17:00 17 minutes rivals any game. And I said, “Well, that 2011 LSU Alabama game, they put a lot of guys in the NFL, too.” Preston said 2019 17:09 17 minutes, 9 seconds had a had a bit more than 2011. And you know, another great game that had a lot of draft choices, 1979 USC at LSU in Tiger Stadium. 17:19 17 minutes, 19 seconds Yeah. And I think you could also point to the 2000 or 2001 Miami Nebraska game that had several too. 17:27 17 minutes, 27 seconds Yeah. Yeah. And some other LSU Alabama games during the Les Miles Nick Sabin uh rivalry for sure. And the and the 17:35 17 minutes, 35 seconds Alabama Miami National Championship game in the 92 season as well. So, what do 17:42 17 minutes, 42 seconds you think about the talent on this roster? Uh, by the way, our our Tiger Rag uh preseason football guide is available on 17:50 17 minutes, 50 seconds tiger.com and digital and it’s also available at locations throughout Baton Rouge right now uh in hard copy. It’s uh 17:59 17 minutes, 59 seconds it’s got a lot of good good information in it. Um it’s a great season guide to to get you ready for the the season in in many ways. There’s a lot of short 18:08 18 minutes, 8 seconds stories, long stories, information uh packed magazine to get you ready for the season. And Tiger Rag will be at 18:16 18 minutes, 16 seconds practice tomorrow 10:00 a.m. And then after that, uh Lane Keifin has a press conference. And then 18:23 18 minutes, 23 seconds they practice Thursday at 6:30 p.m. Uh we’ll also be at that one. And there’s more practices uh through the weekend. And then players are available on Monday, August 10th. 18:34 18 minutes, 34 seconds So, we’ll be having lots of football in the U website next several days. 18:40 18 minutes, 40 seconds What do you think what do you think Lane’s going to say tomorrow? 18:44 18 minutes, 44 seconds Uh, well, he uh he’ll probably um pick up where he left off at the at the media days. I would I would think uh continue his filibuster. 18:55 18 minutes, 55 seconds He will not have uh seen a lot. Uh you know, just just one practice. probably uh give an update on the players who are 19:03 19 minutes, 3 seconds there and maybe some aren’t who recovering from injuries. Uh so, you know, there’ll be some news nuggets. 19:09 19 minutes, 9 seconds We’ll probably ask him about Sam, how he’s doing, but he’s been saying Sam’s been good for for weeks now. 19:15 19 minutes, 15 seconds What are you guys’ biggest questions heading into tomorrow? Just tomorrow. Just tomorrow. 19:22 19 minutes, 22 seconds Hm. Uh, well, I usually on the first day of practice, you you want to just check and see if everybody’s there, if 19:29 19 minutes, 29 seconds anyone’s missing, if there’s an injury that that maybe the coaches haven’t let us know about. Uh, and I’m looking at 19:36 19 minutes, 36 seconds just the um, of course, this was already done in spring, but just looking at at some of the size of the players and and 19:44 19 minutes, 44 seconds some of the true freshman that weren’t at spring. What about you, Case? 19:49 19 minutes, 49 seconds Yeah, I think you said it right there at the end. and the true freshman that weren’t involved in the spring, Lamar Brown comes to mind immediately just seeing what he looks like out on the 19:57 19 minutes, 57 seconds field. Um, you know, he’s a guy that is one of the top recruits to ever come to LSU and uh could be a real contributor 20:04 20 minutes, 4 seconds as a true freshman in a seemingly almost wide openen uh defensive end room outside of Prince William. And so 20:11 20 minutes, 11 seconds obviously you want to see, you know, that he is the the physical versatile beast that he’s supposed to be. And I’m I’m sure he will look like that even on that first day. 20:21 20 minutes, 21 seconds Well, those are those are two interesting takes and both are very important, I think. Um, so I respect 20:28 20 minutes, 28 seconds both of you very much. I don’t want you to think I don’t when I say this, but I’m going to walk straight over to where Sam Levit is and watch him because I think Sam Levit holds the keys. 20:39 20 minutes, 39 seconds You’re going to take a look at his foot. 20:42 20 minutes, 42 seconds Watch his foot. I’m going to ask him to lift his foot. I’m going to ask him uh why he chose to come to LSU, what, you 20:49 20 minutes, 49 seconds know, how much money he’s making, uh how much pressure he feels, can he play in the SEC, and how soon do you think you’ll be escorted off the field? Right away. Okay. 20:58 20 minutes, 58 seconds Right away. All right. 20:59 20 minutes, 59 seconds So, I’m going have to hurry up and get all those questions in. 21:01 21 minutes, 1 second By the way, have you guys heard Lane Keifin’s new uh Ford commercial? No. 21:05 21 minutes, 5 seconds I just heard it for the first time today. It’s It’s funny. I didn’t re recognize his voice right off. He doesn’t sound like a typical coach in 21:14 21 minutes, 14 seconds the truck commercial. You know, Coach O had one, Kelly had one, they all had one. Uh, but it’s it’s it’s kind of interesting. It’s it’s almost like he’s 21:21 21 minutes, 21 seconds kind of acting, you know, like he’s saying, “Get your truck and go Tigers.” It’s it’s really kind of funny. 21:27 21 minutes, 27 seconds \[laughter\] It’s like he almost said like Matt Matt McCehe, you know, MCA does all those Matthew McCat. Well, I call him Matt because we’re buddies. Okay. But uh 21:36 21 minutes, 36 seconds you know some of his car commercials like he did the Lincoln commercial cuz he was the Lincoln lawyer. But anyway, if if uh they make a movie out of Lane, 21:44 21 minutes, 44 seconds Matt McConey might be a good guy to uh to uh play him, I would say. 21:48 21 minutes, 48 seconds Maybe. So all right. Well, we’ll be back after this time out with Preston Guy and go a \[music\] little deeper on football. 21:56 21 minutes, 56 seconds The East Baton Rouge Parish Library believes that supporting the education of students is good for us all. 22:03 22 minutes, 3 seconds That’s why we provide access to \[music\] live in-person online tutoring through homework Louisiana. 22:09 22 minutes, 9 seconds Make available free test \[music\] preparation tools through Learning Express and Mometrics, plus \[music\] reference tools for all ages. 22:18 22 minutes, 18 seconds Get a library card. Get free education at ebrpl.com/homeworkhelp. \[music\] We now return to Tiger Rag Radio. 22:33 22 minutes, 33 seconds Bad Company. I saw Bad Company at the Assembly Center in I did too. I did tell you like 1977. 22:40 22 minutes, 40 seconds Actually, I saw him in the spring of 79. Okay. 22:44 22 minutes, 44 seconds I was a senior I was a senior at Rumble and we we came it was that summer. It was the summer. Uh and that their album at the time was Desolation Angels. Y 22:53 22 minutes, 53 seconds and I had a t-shirt Desolation Angels on the back. It was a great show, man. 22:56 22 minutes, 56 seconds I saw Ted Nan at the Assembly Center in about 77 or 78. That was Cat Scratch Fever. That was the wildest \[laughter\] concert. 23:02 23 minutes, 2 seconds Yeah, that was that was 77. Yeah. And and when Bad Company was doing the encors, um they they opened up one of the 23:10 23 minutes, 10 seconds garages of the assembly center and backed up like this 57 Chevy convertible and they did their last couple of songs and they all got into the convertible 23:18 23 minutes, 18 seconds and took off. It was it was so I’m sure all of our fans are Tiger Rag and LSU fans right now. They’re listening to this are very enthralled by this. 23:27 23 minutes, 27 seconds Well, I mean there is an LSU connection. 23:29 23 minutes, 29 seconds It was at the Assembly Center. That’s right. That’s right. And I saw Springsteen there, too. Great show. But anyway, we we’re are now joined by 23:36 23 minutes, 36 seconds Preston Guy from tigerbait.com. Fresh off the tigerbait.com 30th anniversary party on on Saturday. I would have liked 23:44 23 minutes, 44 seconds to have gone, but I had another commitment. And uh Preston, have you been were were you outside the governor’s mansion yesterday trying to 23:52 23 minutes, 52 seconds find out what was happening? \[snorts\] No. uh and I’m not so certain that uh even if I was there I would necessarily 23:59 23 minutes, 59 seconds understand what is going down there. Um but seems to be something related to private equity. Uh but then there’s a 24:07 24 minutes, 7 seconds hard refutal of that. Um my best guess in terms of what’s going on here and I’ve read the explanations and the 24:15 24 minutes, 15 seconds reports and all that jazz, right? It’s you know it’s like you know when when somebody says, “Oh, you lease this property.” No, man. I have a time share. 24:24 24 minutes, 24 seconds You know what I mean? It’s kind of the same thing sometimes, but you know, there’s some structural fundamental differences that have pros and cons and 24:32 24 minutes, 32 seconds advantages and disadvantages. That would be my best guess is this is some sort of manipulation of private equity. 24:40 24 minutes, 40 seconds Well, you know, and I would just expand on that a little bit because I think you’re basically right, Preston, from what I’ve, you know, we don’t have any firsthand knowledge just like no one 24:48 24 minutes, 48 seconds else does unless you were invited into the mafia or the mansion uh for the meeting. \[laughter\] But um I I I think it you know from 24:57 24 minutes, 57 seconds what’s what Matt Mosana reported today and what we’re reporting on Tiger Rag that Matt Moscone reported um Thanks Matt. 25:04 25 minutes, 4 seconds Yeah, thank you Matt. um is that it looks like it’s structured like they’re building a holding company that LSU is going to maintain control of and they’re 25:12 25 minutes, 12 seconds just going to invest in other companies and uh create a structure that allows them to just make money off the money 25:20 25 minutes, 20 seconds that they’re making and uh you know get some money upfront from private equity. 25:25 25 minutes, 25 seconds Although people don’t want to call it private equity because private equity scares people, but that’s you know if it’s private money and you get equity that’s private equity. 25:34 25 minutes, 34 seconds Yeah. And and at least it’s somewhat out in the open, too. You know, that that’s good. 25:38 25 minutes, 38 seconds Yeah, it sounds a bit like an endowment to me, but I’m no financial expert. Don’t take my word on that. 25:46 25 minutes, 46 seconds Well, okay. Well, tell us this. I mean, practice starts tomorrow. Is LSU going to be in the playoffs or what? That’s that’s all we want. LSU. 25:54 25 minutes, 54 seconds \[laughter\] Now, that I can talk about. 25:56 25 minutes, 56 seconds Uh, I think LSU is going to be pretty close to the playoffs. And I think that if LSU had Texas Tech schedule, I think that that would be a gimme. However, you 26:04 26 minutes, 4 seconds don’t you have, you know, four teams that are ranked in the top 11 of the coaches poll, right? So, that means for 26:12 26 minutes, 12 seconds you to finish better than eight and four means you beat some pretty good football team along the way if things pan out. 26:19 26 minutes, 19 seconds Not to mention Tennessee’s on your schedule. So, there’s a realistic argument that if LSU were the 19th best team in the country that we’re looking 26:28 26 minutes, 28 seconds at a seven and five finish, right? So, um, you know, I I think LSU is going to have a pretty good football team. I have 26:35 26 minutes, 35 seconds some concerns. I mean, number one, 59 new faces on the football team. That’s a lot of new faces learning how to play with each other. I mean, you think about 26:43 26 minutes, 43 seconds it. 12 out of 13 receivers are new to the team, right? Your entire quarterback room new to the team, right? 26:51 26 minutes, 51 seconds So, especially on the offensive side of the ball, it’s a lot of chemistry issues. Then you start looking at the actual logistical issues we saw in spring and we’ll see if those hold up. 26:59 26 minutes, 59 seconds Offensive line’s a big concern for me. 27:01 27 minutes, 1 second Um because three out of the five of your starters were on roster last year and that was the most putrid offensive line in school history, right? 27:09 27 minutes, 9 seconds Um I don’t know that plugging in a first round pick left tackle fixes all those problems, right? Uh you know, is Sam 27:17 27 minutes, 17 seconds Levit healthy and can he perform in the SEC? That’s a huge question I have that we have not even an inkling of an answer to, although you would assume he will be 27:26 27 minutes, 26 seconds a pretty good player based on his body of work. uh you know and and then can you run the ball because Lane Kein’s offense is highly predicated on running 27:34 27 minutes, 34 seconds the ball. I took stats. In fact, Glenn still owes me dinner from uh for keeping stats for him during spring. 27:39 27 minutes, 39 seconds Hey, you turn me down. I I had a time for you. You turned me down. I’ll still I’ll still get you. I’ll still get you. 27:45 27 minutes, 45 seconds I did. I did. You got to give me more than 14 minutes. \[laughter\] Hey, man. It’s all about spontaneity, Glenn. 27:53 27 minutes, 53 seconds Yeah. Yeah. But I would love to have gone. I’m not bad. I do love CRQ. Okay. 27:59 27 minutes, 59 seconds Anyways, I kept stats during spring and basically in between the tackles, they averaged like two yards a carry, right? It was not good in between the tackle. 28:07 28 minutes, 7 seconds So, everybody’s hyping up Dylan Jones, but the fact is when this when the scrimmages came, Dylan Jones wasn’t any more or less special than the other guys 28:15 28 minutes, 15 seconds you saw out there. So, you know, I have some questions about running the ball in between the tackles and, you know, offensive line play and quarterback health and chemistry. So, we’ll see. 28:26 28 minutes, 26 seconds So, Preston, the biggest thing that that I thought of when you were talking about that that running game and the two yards average between the tackles, um, I think 28:33 28 minutes, 33 seconds that’s very interesting. Um, but I think that that would probably be a byproduct of the offensive line not performing 28:40 28 minutes, 40 seconds more than the running backs. What would you say to that? 28:44 28 minutes, 44 seconds I probably would be uh I would tend to agree. Um, I mean, especially, I mean, the first three yards is basically something that the offensive line gives 28:53 28 minutes, 53 seconds you from most the part. Obviously, there’s vision and, you know, footwork that goes into it, but I I would argue for the most part your first three yards 29:01 29 minutes, 1 second of a run is all about can you get a hole for the running back to run with some exceptions of course, but I I would agree. I would also like to argue that 29:10 29 minutes, 10 seconds the front seven did have an impressive showing. Now, I’m not saying that, you know, they’re going to be a 2011 Bama LSU type front seven, but I I think that 29:18 29 minutes, 18 seconds they did show some some some good looks during spring. 29:22 29 minutes, 22 seconds LSU does not have a running back that really scares you that and they really haven’t had one of those since Leonard 29:29 29 minutes, 29 seconds Fornette, Darius, I’m sorry, Clyde Edwards Heler was very good. But the really scare you, Leonard Fornette, I 29:36 29 minutes, 36 seconds would say I think Dylan Jones is just a little bigger than the other two, but you’re right, he may have been overhyped. Sometimes a new guy gets gets 29:43 29 minutes, 43 seconds overhyped. But Preston, I got to tell you, that was not the most putrid offensive line in history. I covered several of those \[clears throat\] 29:51 29 minutes, 51 seconds LSU teams that had six straight losing seasons from 1989 through 94 and they had some bad offensive lines 30:00 30 minutes there for Curley. Well, and I’m not 30:01 30 minutes, 1 second \[clears throat\] 30:02 30 minutes, 2 seconds I’m not going to dispute that they were bad during Curley’s time, but I watched two games last week from last year on ESPN. 30:12 30 minutes, 12 seconds Were they from 1989? They were from they were from last year. 30:16 30 minutes, 16 seconds Last week and one of them was the Alabama game and I I think the other I think the other was Arkansas. They they were horrible. They were 30:24 30 minutes, 24 seconds But at least those guys were decent recruits. There were some linemen in the early late 80s and early 90s that weren’t even good recruits. don’t blame 30:31 30 minutes, 31 seconds it completely on the players. I blame it primarily honestly on the scheme and I think that that’s where this team I 30:38 30 minutes, 38 seconds think that you know spring was short relatively speaking like Preston you know points out that was a lot to get done in the spring and they they all 30:46 30 minutes, 46 seconds have you know mostly new new guys. They do have, you know, two or three coming back, but I think the fall, the first few weeks of fall are going to be 30:55 30 minutes, 55 seconds imperative for them to develop a running game and to form an offensive line that’s able to compete and hopefully be formidable. 31:04 31 minutes, 4 seconds Preston, we’re about out of time. Real quick, what’s the first thing you’re going to be looking at tomorrow when practice starts or when they start doing something? 31:11 31 minutes, 11 seconds Quarterback. Okay. Yeah, me too. 31:13 31 minutes, 13 seconds Quarterback and then if and then if you can run the ball. 31:16 31 minutes, 16 seconds I hear you. All right. All right. Well, Preston, thanks a lot for joining us. 31:20 31 minutes, 20 seconds Uh, and we will see you out there tomorrow morning at practice. I’ll see you soon, Glenn. 31:25 31 minutes, 25 seconds All right, but we’ll be back with more Tiger Rag right after this. Tiger Rag Radio is back. 31:35 31 minutes, 35 seconds Hello, welcome back to Tiger Rag Radio. 31:38 31 minutes, 38 seconds This is Glenn Gilbo, Tiger Rag editor with Case Kishnik, Tiger Rag writer. Uh 31:45 31 minutes, 45 seconds well, Case, what uh what are your uh thoughts as Will Wade gets close to uh completing his roster over the next few 31:54 31 minutes, 54 seconds weeks? How many of these guys who’s who are listed in your story today that’s up on tiger.com that are fifthear seniors 32:03 32 minutes, 3 seconds that are suddenly available in the portal by a judges ruling? You think Wade’s going to get a couple of those or is his is his roster close to being set 32:12 32 minutes, 12 seconds already uh as far as uh you know the players coming in from overseas that technically on on the team yet, but he knows if they’re coming before they’re before they’re here. 32:22 32 minutes, 22 seconds You know, I think he obviously got the guys that he wanted, right? Uh there were some portal players that he he missed on, but as far as the overseas 32:30 32 minutes, 30 seconds guys, he feels really good about who that is. Now, that being said, he did miss out on uh Yamadar, I believe, is 32:37 32 minutes, 37 seconds the the Israeli pro player who decided to stay and play the 25-year-old point guard, right? And and that was that was his decision. He decided to stay and play uh 32:46 32 minutes, 46 seconds in that pro league. And so, there’s going to be some help that they definitely need. And now you’ve got this new influx of players. And I don’t know 32:55 32 minutes, 55 seconds that there’s a power four program in the country that has more minutes to give out if you’re just looking at the roster 33:02 33 minutes, 2 seconds as it is currently. You know, um there’s probably a little bit more depth uh on the current roster in the back court, 33:09 33 minutes, 9 seconds but if he can get some some front court help uh with some big men that, you know, he’s relying really just on one or 33:16 33 minutes, 16 seconds two uh foreign players and none of the or or only one of the new guys coming in really has any size. um he’s going to go 33:26 33 minutes, 26 seconds for someone. Now, that being said, you can’t rule out the the top programs in the country, the the perennial Kucky’s, Dukes, you know, if they want a guy, they can probably still go get them. 33:36 33 minutes, 36 seconds Obviously, I’m not familiar with their roster uh situations, what their limit looks like, how their financial situation looks, what resources they 33:43 33 minutes, 43 seconds have, but you have to imagine that something’s going to get shaken here in the next couple weeks before school starts. 33:49 33 minutes, 49 seconds Yeah. And you know, the uh the roster limit for men’s basketball is 15 if I’m not mistaken. It’s been 15 for a long 33:57 33 minutes, 57 seconds time. And most teams don’t carry that many guys. You know, they usually carry about 13. So, if there’s some really good players in this group, some of the 34:06 34 minutes, 6 seconds other teams out there that are might maybe at 12 or 13, they might say, “Hey, well, look, let’s let’s get a couple of these guys.” And I I think LSU needs a a 34:14 34 minutes, 14 seconds true point guard if if there’s one out there. Well, the the first one that anyone’s going to talk about is Donovan Dent from UCLA. He was a guy that was at 34:22 34 minutes, 22 seconds New Mexico for three years and even uh the year before last, he was a guy that like going into the tournament made New Mexico everyone’s favorite Cinderella 34:31 34 minutes, 31 seconds pick because he he can do anything that you want from a point guard as far as playmaking, scoring. He went to UCLA, had a good season, didn’t put up quite 34:39 34 minutes, 39 seconds the same numbers that he did at New Mexico, but still a very productive season at UCLA. And so he comes back, he 34:46 34 minutes, 46 seconds actually retired from basketball after graduating. He said, “I’m not going to go to the uh NBA. I’m going to go back to New Mexico and develop youth 34:54 34 minutes, 54 seconds players.” So because of that, he never signed an NBA contract. He’s still eligible to return. He put his name in the portal, and that’s got to be the top guy that you’re looking at there. I 35:03 35 minutes, 3 seconds don’t know that LSU is targeting him, but he’s going to be a name that’s going around uh a lot of schools in the country. 35:09 35 minutes, 9 seconds You know, it’s amazing. There’s there’s never been a time in LSU history where you’ve had so much roster in flux this 35:17 35 minutes, 17 seconds late before school starts with the three major sports, baseball, football, and men’s basketball. You know, in the past, 35:26 35 minutes, 26 seconds the men’s basketball roster is usually set. Even in the portal years, it’s usually set before now, but you know, 35:33 35 minutes, 33 seconds extenduating circumstances with with Wade coming in, not getting all his targets early in the portal, going overseas. There’s delays with that. 35:42 35 minutes, 42 seconds Baseball is always kind of in August. 35:45 35 minutes, 45 seconds And Jay just got Logan Schmidt really enhances his roster, the the second round pick by the Guardians, who’s who’s 35:52 35 minutes, 52 seconds staying at LSU. He had signed at LSU months ago. We’re going to have Jay on at at 7:30. And then the the football roster. This is the most new players in 36:01 36 minutes, 1 second the history of the program, like 60 of them. Uh and and so Lane’s going to be getting that sorted out uh with his roster. He already started doing that in 36:09 36 minutes, 9 seconds the in the spring, but now all his uh true freshman not going through the the spring are in. So man, there there’s 36:16 36 minutes, 16 seconds just a lot of new players getting to know uh Baton Rouge. Of course, a lot of them have been here um all summer, but it’s going to be interesting to watch 36:23 36 minutes, 23 seconds all three of those teams as they uh get the roster together, start the season, and then LSU’s got fall ball as uh the 36:31 36 minutes, 31 seconds basketball team starts playing. It’s it’s going to be a lot of new faces out there. 36:36 36 minutes, 36 seconds Well, that’s just kind of the state of college athletics at this point. You know, I was looking through those guys. 36:40 36 minutes, 40 seconds There’s probably about 10 or so guys in the article that uh fifth year coming back entered the transfer portal and I 36:48 36 minutes, 48 seconds think maybe one of them was at one school for their entire four seasons. 36:52 36 minutes, 52 seconds Now these are guys that most people would point out and say see these guys did it right. They graduated in four years. Didn’t have any red shirts, didn’t have any COVID eligibility. This is, you know, traditional basketball. 37:02 37 minutes, 2 seconds Only one of them was at and I I believe it was Clemson was at Clemson for four years. 37:07 37 minutes, 7 seconds A lot of them were at four different schools in four years. Yeah. 37:11 37 minutes, 11 seconds And that’s just that’s just how it is across all the sports, not just basketball, but LSU basketball in particular. It’s felt like they’ve been playing catch-up throughout the entire 37:20 37 minutes, 20 seconds entire Portal era really because Will Wade kind of left or was forced to leave uh right complete empty roster, 37:28 37 minutes, 28 seconds right? And there was what one scholarship player left for Matt McMahon, right? And that was right kind of at the dawn of the real Portal era as we kind 37:36 37 minutes, 36 seconds of know it now. And then even with McMahon here, he was kind of rebuilding that roster every year because you bring in these Portal guys. 37:43 37 minutes, 43 seconds They’re fine moving on again. And he couldn’t really establish a consistent way to build out of high school. Yeah. 37:49 37 minutes, 49 seconds And you know, even now, Will Wade’s kind of been left to do the same thing. He comes in late. He can’t really build out that high school class and he’s going to be relying on the 37:57 37 minutes, 57 seconds portal again. Now, that’s definitely going to change in the coming years, but they’re just playing catch-up. 38:03 38 minutes, 3 seconds Yeah. And it’s funny, back in the day, like when Dale Brown was coaching and bringing in all kind of great players each year, those guys were here like in 38:11 38 minutes, 11 seconds late spring, May, and they were playing basketball pickup supposedly with no coaches around like all summer at the 38:19 38 minutes, 19 seconds fieldhouse and stuff. We could go watch them, you know, Stanley Roberts, Shaquille O’Neal, they played all summer together. These guys together are only 38:26 38 minutes, 26 seconds going to have a few weeks before uh like they get together late August. They’ll have to about uh uh I think practice starts September 25th. Yeah, September 38:35 38 minutes, 35 seconds 25th. So, that’s a lot of that’s a lot of catching up to do. But uh the uh let’s see, it’s about time for our next 38:42 38 minutes, 42 seconds break and uh we’re going to be we’re going to have uh another break before we’re joined by uh LSU CFO Matt Labour. 38:51 38 minutes, 51 seconds We’re going to talk about some um football scheduling with Matt, but we’ll be back with more Tiger Rag right after this. 38:58 38 minutes, 58 seconds We’re back to Tiger Rag Radio. Hello, welcome back to Tiger Rag Radio. 39:04 39 minutes, 4 seconds This is Glenn Gilbo, Tiger Rag editor filling in for Louisiana Radio Network’s Jeff Polalmo is on vacation joined by uh with Case Kishnik, Tiger Rag staff 39:13 39 minutes, 13 seconds reporter, also works for Louisiana Radio Network. Todd Horn has stepped out for a minute. He’s going to be back with us. 39:20 39 minutes, 20 seconds Um, case, we uh we just finished a couple of weeks ago working on the uh Tiger Rag season guide. One one of the 39:28 39 minutes, 28 seconds things cool about back in the day when you’re a sports writer, we had what was called the tab, which was a tabloid that 39:35 39 minutes, 35 seconds came out which was like usually 120 pages at the Advocate when I used to work at the Baton Rouge Advocate football schedules, college, all kind of 39:43 39 minutes, 43 seconds stuff. And one of and and basically what Tiger Egg has out now called the Lane Keifin reset. You can get it at news stands all over Baton Rouge grocery 39:52 39 minutes, 52 seconds stores and it’s on the website uh the Lane Keifin Reset. The cool thing about doing these things is as you’re doing the stories, you start learning about 40:00 40 minutes the team, it kind of gets emlazed in your head and by osmosis and you figure out some things maybe you didn’t know. 40:08 40 minutes, 8 seconds What What are some things you learned from doing your stories on this team? 40:13 40 minutes, 13 seconds Well, I mean really it’s just getting a familiarity with the roster, right? 40:17 40 minutes, 17 seconds There’s so much turnover this year. And I went through and I wrote, you know, 40:23 40 minutes, 23 seconds 30word bios on all 108 players. And now I’m not saying I can recall every single one of those. That was a late night. But 40:31 40 minutes, 31 seconds it it’s just it’s really remarkable just how much of a a reset it really is. Um, 40:39 40 minutes, 39 seconds you know, the wide receiver room always comes to mind for me that you’ve got a room of 13 guys and one of them was a Tiger last year. And you know, 40:48 40 minutes, 48 seconds J Philip Wright, Philip Wright, he had one uh one catch for two yards and you’ve got nine new transfers coming in that could be 40:55 40 minutes, 55 seconds anywhere from the number 13 guy in the portal to the number 259 guy in the portal. And there’s really just a lot to 41:04 41 minutes, 4 seconds unpack there. And you know, you have an idea of the top four guys through the spring and who’s been getting these reps and this and whatnot, but it’s wide open really. And that’s something to keep an 41:12 41 minutes, 12 seconds eye on through preseason camp, I feel, is just what does that rotation look like? Then you add in the fact that Sam Levit wasn’t the guy throwing it to him in the spring for the most part. 41:21 41 minutes, 21 seconds And so it’s just going to be a whole new dynamic that really this offense has only had this summer and this upcoming fall camp to build, 41:29 41 minutes, 29 seconds right? And hopefully Levit’s been throwing to the receivers over the summer, which is something kids always do. and because Sam has been able to to 41:36 41 minutes, 36 seconds throw. But uh and so those bios, a lot of those bios that you worked on, we’re running just about a bio or two a day. 41:44 41 minutes, 44 seconds We started a couple of weeks ago. We’re going to be doing um uh I think the number is 42. It’s not the whole team, 41:50 41 minutes, 50 seconds but it’s mainly the first two uh depth charts. Uh first team, second team, and some other key players. We’ll be running 41:58 41 minutes, 58 seconds those one or two a day, sometimes three a day, right up until uh kickoff against Clemson on uh September 5th. But um 42:06 42 minutes, 6 seconds yeah, there’s there’s a lot in here. You really ought to pick it up uh in your hand uh at throughout Baton Rouge, 42:14 42 minutes, 14 seconds grocery stores, all kind of barber shops, all kind of places, uh restaurants, and you can also get it on 42:20 42 minutes, 20 seconds the uh Tiger Egg website. And um plenty of uh football on the Tiger Egg website today and there’ll be a lot tomorrow as 42:28 42 minutes, 28 seconds practice starts at 10:00 a.m. and we’ll be having coverage uh all week right up into the U season opener September 5th 42:36 42 minutes, 36 seconds against Clemson. And we’ll we’re going to be back after this break with uh associate athletic director from LSU, Matthew Leort. Back right after this with more Tiger Rag Radio. Sync to video time **Categories:** Lane Kiffin, LSU Basketball, LSU Football News, Men's Basketball, Podcast, Radio **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu basketball, lsu football, tiger rag radio, will wade --- ### [Thank God It's Football Season - Almost Anyway - As Tigers Open Practice Today | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/thank-god-its-football-season-almost-anyway-as-tigers-open-practice-today-glenn-guilbeau/) **Published:** August 5, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Money talks in college football now more than ever, but maybe now it will shut up, at least for a little while. The No. 13-ranked LSU football team and new rock star coach Lane Kiffin open preseason practice at 10 a.m. today with the season starting on Sept. 5 against No. 23 Clemson (6:30 p.m., ABC) in Tiger Stadium with ESPN’s College GameDay broadcasting from campus that morning. Also today, approximately 20 mega donors to LSU athletics, particularly football, will meet at the Governor’s Mansion with Governor Jeff Landry and LSU president Wade Rousse for the second time in three days to continue discussions of a new state of the art financial plan to fund athletics. > [EXPLAINING WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT LSU’S REPORTED NEW BUSINESS MODEL](https://www.tigerrag.com/explaining-what-we-know-about-lsus-reported-new-business-model/) LSU will try to explain that it is not entering into a private equity deal, although a major player in its financial planning is [Greg Williams, the chairman and CEO of the Acrisure ](https://www.highperformr.ai/people/greg-williams-acrisure)financial technology company in Grand Rapids, Michigan, who is a private equity expert. Wink, wink. Private equity can tend to control those that enter into such business deals. “You really don’t want to go that way,” LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry told Tiger Rag in his office last February. “Private equity is a different ballgame. They come in with a certain percentage long term. How does that look? When you sit down and talk about these things, how much is this going to cost us? You deal with private equity, they’re going to want some long term inventory. Once you get certain benchmarks, how long does that go? Short term or long term? A lot of times with private equity, they come in and start controlling things. You lose some control when you deal with private equity. But we’re going to make this work.” LSU IS getting married to private equity. Don’t believe the spin, which LSU continues to make an art form while constantly seducing new spin doctors. LSU just thinks it can control its partners better than the type of private equity deals Ausberry warned about. So, good luck with that. It is a new world of finance in college athletics as programs desperately try to find new ways of paying athletes via the ever-expanding – like The Blob – world of Name, Image & Likeness that began somewhat quiet and small at about this time in 2021. It was so much simpler pre-2021, back when this was all done under the table, and the right players got paid instead of virtually everyone now, including multitudes of athletes who deserve “only” a scholarship. But groups of mega donors have been around major college programs for decades – just not in a Governor’s Mansion. Only in Louisiana. They just kept quieter and in the dark. Now, that football is about to start, I wish they would go back to the dimly lit rooms and and envelopes of cash. The baby, or the 2026 college football season, is due in Baton Rouge on Sept. 5, and I just want to see the baby. I’m sick of all the money talk. Once again, college football needs to follow the lead of the NFL, which knows how to “Keep ‘Em Separated,” as the 1994 song “Come Out And Play” by Offspring so perfectly says. During NFL training camps, which just started last week, about all one hears centers on football – not free agency or financial dealing. The NFL is the best sport in the world as far as media accessibility, and it is best scheduled sport in the world. The league knows how to compartmentalize a calendar like no one else and puts college football’s shoddy itineraries to shame. The Kiffin Rule? Please! Fix the freakin’ calendar. They’re still trying to figure the portal calendar. In the NFL, there is a time for coaching changes that turns to a time for free agency, which is analogous to the Transfer Portal in college football. But the NFL keeps free agency between strict dates in the spring perfectly after the season and before the draft. And then, IT’S OVER. In college football, the portal NEVER really ends. Yes, there are portal windows, but since college football tends to have year-by-year NIL-related deals, the negotiation part of the players’ pay often never really ends. I have heard parents of players actually talking about a raise just after a game early in the season. “The good news is for the next five weeks, we can just practice football,” then-Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy said on Aug. 16, 2024, to start a beautiful, anti-NIL-portal soliloquy. A reporter started a question with, “All that money stuff and NIL and all that,” but Gundy interrupted with, “It’s out,” and stretched his hand out to mimic an airplane. “It’s what I told the players,” Gundy continued. “There’s no negotiating now. Portal’s over. All negotiations are history. Now, we’re playing football. Just coaching and playing football. The business side of what we do now is we have to have those conversations with them. ‘Tell your agent to quit calling us and asking us for more money. It’s non-negotiable now. And start again in December.’ So now, we’re able to direct ourselves just at football, and that part is fun. Because there’s been so much other stuff that’s been going on, it’s been hard to really focus on football.” Thank you, Mike Gundy. I bet Lane Kiffin and hundreds of other college football coaches feel the same way as they hit the grass today and in the coming days and weeks. Now, Gundy went 3-9 and 0-9 in the Big 12 that year, breaking a tremendous run of 18 straight winning seasons – including eight of the double-digit-win variety – after a 4-7 campaign in 2005 upon replacing Les Miles. And he was fired after a 1-2 start in 2025. I sure miss Mike Gundy’s attitude. As WAFB Channel 9 sports director Jacques Doucet said on a recent Tiger Rag Radio show as football neared, “I’m so sick of hearing about money. I just want to hear about football.” Bring it on. It’s time to, “Come Out And Play.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Mike Gundy --- ### [LSU Tennis: Kayla Cross Advances In National Bank Open With 1st World Tennis Association Masters 1000 Win](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-tennis-kayla-cross-advances-in-national-bank-open-with-1st-world-tennis-association-masters-1000-win/) **Published:** August 5, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU’s [Kayla Cross](https://lsusports.net/sports/wt/roster/player/kayla-cross) will try to follow the biggest win of her professional career – an upset of No. 69 and former top 25 player Katie Boulter on Monday – in the second round of the National Bank Open on Wednesday against No. 31-ranked Ann Li (Tennis Channel, WTA TV) in Toronto, Canada. The victory was Cross’ first in a World Tennis Associaton Masters 1000 tournament. “I’m definitely shocked,” Cross said. “I think I said, ‘Oh my gosh,’ a few times while I was walking up to the net. It still doesn’t really feel real, so I’m just trying to soak it all in. I got a text message asking if I wanted to be on Center Court (today), and I obviously said yes right away. The game plan going in was to try and play my game, go for the shots, live in the moment and be happy out there.” Cross, a native of London, Canada, who was a sophomore on LSU’s 2025-26 team, opened the match with steady play, as the two traded service games for much of the opening set. Cross forged ahead with the first break of the match, taking a 5-3 advantage before Boulter fired right back to get back o in n serve at 5-5. Little separated the two as they entered the first-set tiebreaker upon reaching 6-6. Cross built an early lead at 4-1 and refused to let it slip, maintaining her cushion as she closed the set 7-6 (3). Boulter kept herself in the match, holding the lead over Cross through the middle stages of the second set. The Tiger faced break points at 2-2, and again at 4-4, but held strong to remain on serve. In the final stretch, Cross leveled up at 5-5 to steal the decisive break of the match, securing the final two games and completing the straight-sets win with a second-set score of 7-5. The win came just two weeks after she captured the previous biggest title of her professional career and a career-high world ranking of No. 168 at the WTT W75 Granby in Quebec, Canada. For more information on the LSU women’s tennis, follow the Tigers on X @lsuwten, Instagram @LSUWTen, and Facebook.com/lsuwten. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Women's Tennis **Tags:** Kayla Cross, LSU Tigers', lsu women's tennis --- ### [Will Wade Can Capitalize On Portal Bedlam In College Basketball](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-can-capitalize-on-portal-bedlam-in-college-basketball/) **Published:** August 4, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter There is hope for new LSU basketball coach Will Wade’s roster yet. Dozens of returning fifth-year basketball players are hitting the portal, and Wade has the one thing they are all looking for in bunches — opportunity. While Colorado U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney’s recent nationwide ruling that gives class of 2022 athletes who exhausted their eligibility in 2026 an extra fifth season of eligibility in all sports does not alter the transfer portal or any other rules, a Tennessee temporary injunction does. Davidson County Chancery Court Chancellor I’Ashea Myles’ Tennessee ruling on Friday reads, “Defendant shall recognize Plaintiffs as eligible for the 2026-2027 basketball season and shall not deny or impede their recruitment, transfer, or certification on the basis of the challenged eligibility determination.” Dozens of players who were listed in Tennessee, Ohio, Colorado and California injunctions can now enter the men’s basketball transfer portal, which opened Monday and will close Aug. 10. The catch in signing these players for most teams across the country is if a roster is already full, programs cannot just make room by cutting players. Such is not the case at LSU, where Wade has roster space for miles, so to speak, as he begins his second term as the Tigers’ coach, having previously coached with great success from 2017-22, albeit with voluminous NCAA recruiting violations that got him fired and later exiled to McNeese State for two seasons. He then landed at North Carolina State for 11 months as head coach before returning after last season to his beloved LSU, which has a fan base majority that has never stopped loving him. > [Will Wade Plans To Make History Again At LSU In His 2nd Chance – “One Way Or The Other”](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-plans-to-make-history-again-at-lsu-in-his-2nd-chance-one-way-or-the-other/) Wade’s current roster only has five players: four signed transfers and an unranked high school commit. He also has commitments from four overseas players awaiting NCAA approval to join the Tigers. > Until Will Wade brings in all his European “All-Stars,” LSU men’s basketball is looking like a Club Sport. Column; > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 18, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2067731045068214313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The resources and playing time Wade has to offer should make the Tigers instant contenders for some of the top returners to enter the portal. Here is a look at some of the top prospects. *(Portal entries are from those listed by 247sports.com)* **Donovan Dent – UCLA** Dent surprisingly retired from basketball and announced he would not be pursuing an NBA career after his final collegiate season. That has left one of the top guards in the country and a potential NBA Draft pick available for a return. He spent his first three seasons at New Mexico before transferring to the Bruins last year. The 6-foot-2 guard started 34 games and averaged 13.3 points, 7.6 assists and 1.7 steals. **Maurice Odum – ASU** Odum is a sharp shooting 6-2 guard who broke out in his single Power Four season at Arizona State last year. The former Pacific Tiger and Pepperdine Wave shined as a Sun Devil with 16.4 points, 5.7 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.4 steals a game. He was 40.6% from the floor but 37.7 percent from three and shot 7.2 three-pointers per game. **AJ Storr – Ole Miss** Storr is a 6-5 guard who scored 15.5 points per game in 35 appearances and 15 starts last season. He made 44.8% of his shots and knocked down threes at 35 percent. He has also played at St. John’s, Wisconsin and Kansas as the tour continues. **Cameron Corhen – Pitt** Corhen played his first two seasons at Florida State before finishing his career as a Panther. The forward started every game each of the last two seasons and tallied 13.6 points and 6.8 rebounds on a 53.3 field goal percentage and 36.8 from beyond the arc. **Chris Bell – California** The forward averaged over 20 minutes a game in three seasons at Syracuse before transferring to Cal as a senior. Bell shot a red-hot 40 percent from three-point range last season and has a career 38.7 percentage mark. He averaged 14.2 points and 2.6 rebounds a game while making 46 percent of all his shots. **Jayden Epps – Mississippi State** The 6-foot-2 guard started 23 games and made 30 appearances as a Bulldog last year. He started out at Illinois and spent two seasons at Georgetown before heading to Starkville. He averaged 13.7 points, 2.3 assists and 2.5 rebounds a game while shooting 40.4 percent from the floor and 30.6 percent from three-point range. **B.J. Edwards – SMU** Edwards, a 6-3 guard, was a three-year starter as a Mustang after his freshman season at Tennessee. His senior season, he averaged 12.7 points a game while making 47.4 percent of his shots and 37 percent of his threes. He also contributed 5.9 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game. **Dug McDaniel – Memphis** The 5-11 guard played his freshman and sophomore seasons at Michigan before heading to Kansas State and then Memphis. He started all 32 games as a Tiger last year and posted 13.9 points, 4.6 assists and 3.7 rebounds a night. **Oziyah Sellers – St. John’s** Another journeyman, Sellers made stops at USC and Stanford before making 36 starts as a senior with the Red Storm. The 6-5 guard averaged 10.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists as he helped St. John’s to the Sweet 16. **Barry Dunning Jr. – Pitt** In his one season at Pitt, Dunning, a 6-6 guard-forward, contributed 12.5 points and 5.9 rebounds a game. He started 27 of his 33 appearances and shot 46.6% from the field. **Dillon Hunter – Clemson** The 6-3 guard started every game at Clemson his senior season in his fourth season there as his role grew with each year. He scored just 7.5 points to go along with 3.0 assists and 3.7 boards a game while shooting 34.7 percent from downtown. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** lsu basketball, LSU men's basketball, Transfer Portal, will wade --- ### [Attorney Asks Sheriff To Halt LSU EDD Tax Collections After Discovery Responses | Tiger Rag](https://www.tigerrag.com/attorney-asks-sheriff-halt-lsu-edd-tax-collections-discovery/) **Published:** August 4, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** LSU EDD LAWSUIT # Attorney Asks Sheriff To Halt LSU EDD Tax Collections After Discovery Responses William Most says LSU’s taxing districts lack the maps and data needed to determine which properties legally fall within their boundaries. **By TODD HORNE** Executive Editor **BATON ROUGE —** The attorney challenging the legality of LSU’s Economic Development District has asked East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff Sid Gautreaux III to immediately suspend collection of taxes for the LSU EDD and its Athletic Subdistrict, arguing newly produced discovery responses show the districts cannot determine which properties legally fall within their boundaries. New Orleans attorney William Most sent the request Tuesday, one day after the LSU EDD and LSU EDD Athletic Subdistrict produced discovery responses in pending litigation filed by Baton Rouge resident Darrell Glasper Sr. In a three-page letter to Gautreaux, Most asked the sheriff, who serves as the parish’s ex officio tax collector, to halt tax collections until the districts can determine their legal boundaries. > “This letter asks you, in your capacity as ex officio tax collector for East Baton Rouge Parish, to pause the collection of any taxes for the Louisiana State University Economic Development District and the LSU EDD Athletic Subdistrict,” Most wrote. Most argued the request is supported by the defendants’ own discovery responses. > “The reason for the request is that the LSU EDD and Subdistrict have admitted that they do not have any way of determining what properties are inside or outside their boundaries,” Most wrote. > > “Given that the LSU EDD and Subdistrict are only empowered by the legislature to impose taxes ‘within the district,’ I hope you will agree that there should be no collection of taxes until the actual boundaries of the districts can be determined.” When contacted by Tiger Rag Tuesday afternoon for additional comment, Most declined. > “I’ll decline to provide a quote at this point, but thank you!” ## Discovery Responses The request relies on discovery responses filed by the LSU EDD and Athletic Subdistrict. In those responses, the defendants state that, after a reasonable inquiry, they are not aware of any maps identifying the specific properties located within either district beyond maps depicting the districts’ outer perimeters. **Key discovery response:** The defendants said no maps are known to exist showing the specific areas inside either the LSU EDD or Athletic Subdistrict beyond maps depicting the outer perimeter. The defendants also responded they are not aware of any dataset identifying whether property in Baton Rouge was in residential use on July 8, 2023, the effective date of Act 203, the legislation creating the LSU EDD. Most contends those responses mean the districts cannot determine which parcels were excluded under the statute because they were used for residential purposes on the law’s effective date. His letter compares the district to “Swiss cheese,” arguing that while an exterior boundary exists, numerous residential exclusions create internal boundaries the districts cannot presently identify. The letter also cites Louisiana Supreme Court precedent that uncertainty in the boundaries of a taxing district may constitute a fundamental defect affecting the validity of the tax. ## Other Discovery Admissions The discovery responses also contain several notable admissions. - One goal of the LSU EDD was to create a district containing no registered voters. - One goal was to levy a new tax. - One goal was to levy a new tax that did not require an election. - Taxes within the LSU EDD were imposed without an election. The defendants also reported the LSU EDD collected **$876,466.78** in sales taxes between Oct. 1, 2025, and May 2026, averaging approximately **$109,558 per month** during that period. When asked to identify the purposes for which the tax revenue would be used, the defendants responded: > “None. There has been no discussion or act by the Board members regarding the purposes for the taxes levied by the LSU EDD and Subdistrict.” The defendants also stated they were not aware of documents reflecting any intended use of the tax proceeds. ## Litigation Continues The request to Gautreaux comes one day after attorneys for the LSU EDD and Athletic Subdistrict, represented by the Louisiana Attorney General’s Office, asked the 19th Judicial District Court to dismiss Glasper’s lawsuit. In that filing, the defendants argued Glasper lacks standing to sue, failed to state a valid cause of action and failed to join necessary parties, including the East Baton Rouge Metropolitan Council and the Southern University Economic Development District. Glasper’s lawsuit challenges the legality of the LSU Economic Development District and its Athletic Subdistrict, which were created under Act 203 of 2023 and have authority to levy taxes within the district without a traditional public election under the statutory framework. It was not immediately known Tuesday whether Gautreaux would respond to Most’s request or whether tax collections would continue while the litigation proceeds. “` **Categories:** Extra, Featured, Gymnastics, LSU athletics, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball, Tiger Rag, Women's Basketball **Tags:** Darrel Glasper, lsu athletics, LSU Economic Development District, LSU EDD, LSU finances, Sid Guatreaux, Taxing Districts, William Most --- ### [LSU Golfers Ryleigh Knaub, Raegan Denton Playing In Prestigious United States Women's Amateur](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-golfers-ryleigh-knaub-raegan-denton-playing-in-prestigious-united-states-womens-amateur/) **Published:** August 4, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Two members of the LSU women’s golf team teed off Tuesday in one of America’s most famous amateur events, the 126th United States Women’s Amateur at The Honors Course in Ooltewah, Tennessee, near Chattanooga. [Ryleigh Knaub](https://lsusports.net/sports/wg/roster/player/ryleigh-knaub), who had a very good freshman season at LSU in 2025-26, and incoming freshman [Raegan Denton](https://lsusports.net/sports/wg/roster/player/raegan-denton) were competing in the first of two stroke play rounds on Tuesday that will determine the top 64 players who will advance to match play, beginning on Thursday. A total of 1,422 entries were accepted for the event and after invitees and qualifying events, the field is set at 156 competitors that will tackle the par-72, 6,539-yard course designed by the legendary Pete Dye that opened in 1983. Knaub had three top 10s for the Tigers as a freshman in helping the team make its sixth consecutive NCAA championship appearance in 2026. She finished fourth in the Darius Rucker Intercollegiate with three rounds of 1-under 70 and a third place tie finish in the ULM Invitational with three consecutive rounds of 3-under 69. She averaged 72.22 for 27 rounds this past year. Denton has traveled through most of the United States and Canada this summer playing in some of the top amateur events in preparation for the women’s amateur. That included a victory in the Pacific Northwest Women’s Amateur Championship last month. She also had top 10 finishes in the Western Amateur, the North South and the Women’s Southern Georgia Amateur. In April she finished fourth in her first appearance in the Augusta National Women’s Amateur Championship. She enters the U.S. Women’s Amateur ranked 47th in the World Amateur Golf Rankings. LSU players have had success in the Women’s Amateur with Shreveport’s [Meredith Duncan](https://lsusports.net/sports/wg/roster/player/meredith-duncan) capturing the Robert Cox Trophy in a tense win on the first extra hole in the 2001 event in Wichita, Kansas. [Austin Ernst](https://lsusports.net/sports/wg/roster/player/austin-ernst) was a semifinalist in the 2011 Women’s Amateur and most recently, [Latanna Stone](https://lsusports.net/sports/wg/roster/player/latanna-stone), advanced all the way to the final match in 2023. Television coverage of the event begins on Thursday with coverage of the round of 64-matches on the Golf Channel at 10 a.m. central. The 36-hole championship match is Sunday. ## Related Stories **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Women's Golf **Tags:** lsu women's golf, Raegan Denton, Ryleigh Knaub --- ### [EXPLAINING WHAT WE KNOW ABOUT LSU'S REPORTED NEW BUSINESS MODEL](https://www.tigerrag.com/explaining-what-we-know-about-lsus-reported-new-business-model/) **Published:** August 4, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** # Analysis: New Reporting Suggests LSU Is Building An Investment Company, Not Selling Its Athletic Department LouisianaSports.net reports LSU is pursuing an LSU-controlled investment structure—not a traditional private equity transaction. If accurate, the story is no longer about selling LSU Athletics. It is about how LSU hopes to build a perpetual revenue engine while maintaining institutional control. **By Todd Horne** Executive Editor Tiger Rag **BATON ROUGE** – Tuesday’s reporting by Matt Moscona of LouisianaSports.net significantly advances the public’s understanding of LSU’s search for long-term athletic revenue. Citing multiple anonymous sources familiar with LSU System President Dr. Wade Rousse’s presentation Monday evening at the Governor’s Mansion, Moscona reported LSU **has not entered into a traditional private equity transaction** and is **not pursuing what sources described as “traditional private equity.”** Instead, Moscona reported Rousse outlined a proposal centered on an **LSU-controlled limited liability company (LLC)** that would invest in businesses capable of generating recurring revenue while allowing LSU to maintain complete control. According to Moscona’s reporting, LSU is also awaiting a **third-party valuation** of the proposed entity and an **opinion from the Internal Revenue Service** before proceeding. Additional details emerged Tuesday during Moscona’s radio program when one guest who attended Monday night’s meeting described a structure involving **an LLC, a nonprofit organization and a board position for Acrisure Chairman and CEO Greg Williams, while LSU would retain complete control of the enterprise.** If accurate, those details suggest LSU may be attempting something considerably more sophisticated than either a traditional fundraising campaign or a conventional private equity transaction. ## What Moscona Reported According to LouisianaSports.net: - LSU has not signed a traditional private equity agreement. - LSU is not pursuing traditional private equity. - LSU would create and control an LLC. - The LLC would invest in companies capable of producing recurring revenue. - LSU is awaiting an independent valuation. - LSU is awaiting IRS guidance. - LSU would retain operational control. - The proposed structure could also involve a nonprofit organization. Those facts shift the conversation away from whether LSU is selling part of its athletic department and toward **what kind of investment enterprise the university may be creating.** ## So What Would The LLC Actually Do? That remains the central unanswered question. Simply creating an LLC does not generate revenue. The company must own something capable of producing profits. Based on what has been reported so far, one plausible model is an LSU-controlled holding company. Rather than selling a percentage of LSU Athletics, the LLC could acquire ownership interests in businesses expected to generate long-term cash flow. Those businesses might include sports technology companies, licensing ventures, media businesses, hospitality operations, real estate developments or other commercial enterprises aligned with LSU’s brand and mission. The profits from those investments would flow back into the LLC, creating a recurring revenue stream capable of supporting LSU Athletics without relying exclusively on donations, ticket sales or SEC distributions. **At this point, however, LSU has released no organizational documents, operating agreement or investment strategy that would confirm exactly how the proposed entity would operate.** ## Why The Valuation Matters One of the most intriguing aspects of Moscona’s reporting is LSU’s reported decision to obtain a third-party valuation. Valuations are commonly performed when assets are contributed to a company, ownership interests are created or investors need to understand the value of an enterprise. The reporting does not explain what is being valued. Is LSU valuing the LLC itself? Assets that will be transferred into it? Potential investment opportunities? **Until those questions are answered, the purpose of the valuation remains unclear.** ## Why The IRS Opinion Matters The reported IRS opinion is equally significant. If LSU intends to combine an LLC, a nonprofit organization and commercial investments, the university would almost certainly face complex federal tax questions involving nonprofit status, unrelated business income, governance and the tax treatment of investment returns. The request for IRS guidance suggests the proposed structure extends well beyond simply filing paperwork to create a limited liability company. ## The Nonprofit Could Be The Key Perhaps the most important new detail is the reported involvement of a nonprofit organization. Large universities and health systems frequently separate charitable activities from commercial operations. Under such a structure, a nonprofit organization can support a university’s educational mission while a controlled LLC conducts revenue-generating business activities. If LSU ultimately controls both entities, the university could preserve institutional oversight while expanding its ability to generate new sources of revenue. **Whether that is the structure LSU ultimately intends remains unknown.** ## The Questions That Still Need Answers Even after Moscona’s reporting, the most important questions remain unanswered. - What assets will capitalize the LLC? - Where will the initial investment capital come from? - What companies will the LLC invest in? - What role will the nonprofit organization play? - What responsibilities would Greg Williams have as a board member? - Will outside investors ever receive ownership or economic interests? - Will the LLC be subject to Louisiana’s Public Records Law? - Will the LSU Board of Supervisors approve the structure publicly? Until LSU releases the legal documents, operating agreement or organizational chart, the proposal cannot be fully evaluated. What Moscona’s reporting does accomplish is narrowing the field considerably. The discussion is no longer centered on whether LSU has sold a portion of its athletic department to a private equity firm. It is now centered on **whether LSU is creating a university-controlled investment company capable of generating perpetual revenue while preserving institutional control.** If that ultimately proves to be the case, the proposal could represent one of the most innovative—and closely watched—financial structures in the future of college athletics. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, LSU athletics, LSU Football News **Tags:** Governor Jeff Landry, Greg Williams, Investment Company, lsu athletics, LSU athletics new revenue plans, Matt Moscona --- ### [LSU Basketball: Former Forward Robert Miller III Transfers To Miami](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-basketball-former-forward-robert-miller-iii-transfers-to-miami/) **Published:** August 4, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Former LSU forward Robert Miller has transferred to Miami after entering the portal on April 10, marking the ninth player from the 2025-26 season under former coach Matt McMahon to find a new school. New coach Will Wade, who still has only five players on his roster for 2026-27, perhaps could’ve used Miller (6-foot-10, 230 pounds) as he averaged 6.1 points and 3.9 rebounds last season with 1.4 blocks a game. The previous eight LSU players to transfer also landed at major programs – guard Dedan Thomas Jr. at 2025 national champion runner-up Houston, forward Jalen Reed at 2026 national champion Michigan, guard Jalen Reece at Texas A&M, forward/center Mike Nwoko at Xavier, forward Marcus Vaughns at Arizona State, guards Ron Zipper and Mazi Mosley at Loyola Marymount and forward Matt Gilhool at Kansas State. > [NCAA’s 5 Seasons In 5 Years Changed By New Ruling](https://www.tigerrag.com/ncaas-5-seasons-in-5-years-changed-by-new-ruling-and-will-wades-2026-27-roster-could-be-in-danger/) Wade’s five players so far include four transfers – Kentucky forward Mouhamed Dioubate, Michigan State guard Divine Ugochukwu, Kansas State tguard Abdi Bashir and Texas-San Antonio guard Austin Nunez. Wade also has signed forward Jordan Bender of Northside Christian School in St. Petersburg, Florida. But Wade does have our international commitments who have not signed yet due to various paperwork delays. Those are forward Saliou Niang, center Brice Dessert, center Marcio Santos and forward Michael Ruzic. LSU’s best possible new player is former St. John’s star forward RJ Luis, who has committed to Wade. But he has significant eligibility issues as he signed an NBA contract, but LSU is attempting to finesse that with legal action. [LSU BASKETBALL SCHEDULE FOR 2026-27](https://lsusports.net/news/2026/07/27/lsu-announces-2026-27-mens-basketball-schedule) Wade is not likely to finalize his roster until the week that classes begin at LSU for the fall semester, which is on Monday, Aug. 24. LSU can begin full practices on Sept. 25. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, Robert Miller III, will wade --- ### [NCAA's 5 Seasons In 5 Years Changed By New Ruling](https://www.tigerrag.com/ncaas-5-seasons-in-5-years-changed-by-new-ruling-and-will-wades-2026-27-roster-could-be-in-danger/) **Published:** August 3, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter A ruling in the U.S. District Court of Colorado could alter the landscape of the upcoming collegiate athletics seasons right before the starting pistol was ready to fire. U.S. District Judge Charlotte Sweeney granted an injunction lastFriday against the NCAA allowing class of 2022 athletes who just exhausted their final season of eligibility to be included in the NCAA’s new age-based eligibility model with a fifth year of eligibility. > [New, Clear NCAA Eligibility Rules Could “Absolutely Eliminate” Glut Of Lawsuits NCAA Tends To Lose](https://www.tigerrag.com/new-clear-ncaa-eligibility-rules-could-absolutely-eliminate-glut-of-lawsuits-ncaa-tends-to-lose/) On Sunday, Sweeney clarified that her ruling does not affect any other NCAA rules. Players will not be able to return if they have already signed professional contracts; there will be no exceptions for them to enter the portal outside of the transfer window, and schools cannot exceed the revenue-share cap limit to sign a returning player. Athletes over the age of 34 are also ineligible. Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports said on WNSP radio in Mobile, Alabama, on Monday morning that the injunction is not as impactful as originally thought. “The ruling only gives athletes the fifth year if they submitted their name for the portal back in January,” he said. “And the schools can’t just create a roster spot. So, really what it does is, those athletes that did happen to enter the portal in January, they can move. But they have to move to a place that has a roster spot, and it’s really late, especially in football, for a roster spot to even exist. Or they can just stay at their previous school if it has a roster spot.” For LSU, that limits the options, especially in football where [Lane Kiffin’s roster](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-roster-2026/) is all but finalized. Many graduated players from the 2022 class, like defensive end Jack Pyburn, have already signed pro deals. Although Pyburn went undrafted, he signed a free agent contract with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Will Wade’s basketball roster, which currently has only five players, is in dire need of experienced depth. Wade is waiting on NCAA rulings on a group of overseas commits, but even with the addition of those, the roster still needs filling out. A slew of men’s basketball players tried to enter the portal when the injunction was first announced, but Sunday’s clarification suggests those players will not remain eligible to do so. > [High Five! Will Wade Now Officially Has Enough Guys To Play A Game | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/high-five-will-wade-now-officially-has-enough-guys-to-play-a-game-glenn-guilbeau/) The only player able to return from last year’s roster under the injunction is guard Rashad King. King averaged just 5.8 points, 2.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 18.7 minutes a game last season, but he could still serve as a rotational contributor on Wade’s roster. King was listed as one of the plaintiffs in a separate lawsuit to include class of 2022 players in the five-for-five model filed in North Carolina on Thursday. For Kim Mulkey’s Lady Tigers, the door could be opened for forward Amiya Joyner to return. Joyner spent three years at East Carolina and played her senior season at LSU. She led the team with 7.5 rebounds per game to go along with 11.8 points and 1.2 blocks. Jay Johnson is already over the 34-man college baseball roster limit after welcoming his high school signee class, [which now includes lefty ace Logan Schmidt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-gets-blockbuster-pitcher-logan-schmidt-2nd-round-pick-who-turned-down-cleveland/). If he can or wants to clear up roster spots, there are not many eligible suitors. Infielder Brayden Simpson announced a desire to return to college baseball and enter the transfer portal, but that may not be possible after the transfer window closed at the end of June. > I am interested in playing college baseball for my 5th year, entering the portal tomorrow. > > — Brayden Simpson (@bksimpson7) [August 2, 2026](https://x.com/bksimpson7/status/2083982037061361970?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) First baseman Zach Yorke reposted Simpson’s announcement but has not signaled that desire himself. Those are likely the only two graduates the new ruling would apply to. Despite not being drafted, outfielder Chris Stanfield would likely be unable to return after playing 38 games in the MLB Draft League, the second half of which is reserved for players who have exhausted their amateur eligibility. Stanfield played in the first half of the league before returning to LSU last year. Coach Beth Torina could bring back two starters to the LSU softball team. Catcher Maci Bergeron and infielder Avery Hodge both graduated in the spring and have not begun professional careers. Hodge batted .209 with 23 runs scored and 13 RBIs in 46 starts, and Bergeron started all 53 games, hitting .253 with 31 RBIs and three homers. The NCAA is appealing the injunction, and the future of the class of 2022 will be decided by how that appeal plays out. For now, college athletes across the country will be weighing decisions of whether or not to return for one extra season, and the ripple effects are sure to be felt in Baton Rouge. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Baseball, LSU Basketball, LSU Football News, Men's Basketball, More LSU Sports, Softball, Women's Basketball **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu baseball, lsu basketball, lsu football, lsu softball, will wade --- ### [LSU Quarterback Sam Leavitt Named To Prestigious Maxwell Watch List](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-quarterback-sam-leavitt-named-to-prestigious-maxwell-watch-list/) **Published:** August 4, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU new quarterback [Sam Leavitt](https://lsusports.net/sports/fb/roster/player/sam-leavitt) has been named to the preseason watch list for the 90th Maxwell Award, the Maxwell Football Club has announced. The Maxwell Award is presented annually to the outstanding player in college football. Past LSU winners of the Maxwell Award include quarterbacks [Joe Burrow](https://lsusports.net/sports/fb/roster/player/joe-burrow) (2019) and [Jayden Daniels](https://lsusports.net/sports/fb/roster/player/jayden-daniels) (2023), who each won the Heisman Trophy as well. Leavitt, a redshirt junior from West Linn, Oregon, is among 81 players, including 16 from the SEC, who have been selected to the preseason watch list. He signed with new LSU coach Lane Kiffin last January from Arizona State as the No. 1 player in the NCAA Transfer Portal. > [LSU Football: Sam Leavitt Speaks On Leaving Arizona State For “Just Different” Tigers](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-sam-leavitt-speaks-on-leaving-arizona-state-for-just-different-tigers/) He started the last two seasons at Arizona State. The Big 12 Freshman of the Year and second-team All-Big 12 selection in 2024, Leavitt threw for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns in leading the Sun Devils to an 11-3 record and College Football Playoff appearance. He started seven games in the 2025 season before a right foot injury ended his season, and he had [Lisfranc surgery](https://www.footcaremd.org/foot-and-ankle-treatments/midfoot/lisfranc-surgery) on the foot last fall and missed most of spring practice. Kiffin has said multiple times that Leavitt is now fully recovered. > LSU apparently is progressing down a private equity path that Athletic Director Verge Ausberry warned about to Tiger Rag Magazine months ago. [@racertodd](https://x.com/racertodd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 3, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2084408330315850214?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) He has thrown for 4,652 yards and 36 TDs while rushing for 816 yards and 10 scores during his collegiate career. Leavitt played briefly in four games at Michigan State in 2023 and was redshirted. Leavitt and the Tigers report to campus for the start of fall camp today with the first practice scheduled for Wednesday morning. LSU opens the season on Saturday, Sept. 5, at home against Clemson (6:30 p.m., ABC). **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Sam Leavitt --- ### [Former LSU Pitcher Anthony Eyanson Traded By Red Sox With 3 Others To Orioles For Catcher Adley Rutschman](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-pitcher-anthony-eyanson-traded-by-red-sox-with-3-others-to-orioles-for-catcher-adley-rutschman/) **Published:** August 3, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Former LSU pitcher Anthony Eyanson got the call Monday. He has had an exceptional summer, but he’s not going to the Big Leagues just yet. Eyanson, 21, was traded from the Boston Red Sox organization to the Baltimore Orioles before the trade deadline at 5 p.m. Monday. Eyanson, who was 12-2 with a team-best 3.00 ERA and 152 strikeouts in 108 innings during the Tigers’ 2025 national championship season, is 4-0 with a 1.69 ERA and 60 strikeouts in 48 innings for the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs in Maine. He is expected to join the Orioles’ Double-A team in Bowie, Maryland, called the Chesapeake Baysox and will likely have a chance to make the Orioles’ big club next spring. > Orioles will reportedly receive RHP Anthony Eyanson (No. 49 overall prospect), RHP Kyson Witherspoon, OF Enddy Azocar, and catcher Carlos Narváez from Red Sox in return for Adley Rutschman, per MLB's [@Feinsand](https://x.com/Feinsand?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). > > (MLB x [@CohnReznick](https://x.com/CohnReznick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)) [pic.twitter.com/EBerdvfnsw](https://t.co/EBerdvfnsw) > > — MLB (@MLB) [August 3, 2026](https://x.com/MLB/status/2084356619731673286?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) A third round pick by Boston last summer as the No. 87 overall pick, Eyanson was traded with three other players for three-time All-Star catcher Adley Rutschman, according to multiple reports. Other minor league players in the deal going to the Orioles are outfielder Enddy Azocar and right-handed pitcher Kyson Witherspoon. Baltimore is also getting catcher Carlos Narvaez, who was with the Red Sox big club. Rutschman, the first pick of the 2019 MLB Draft by Baltimore out of Oregon State, is hitting .251 this season with eight home runs and 47 RBIs, but he is on the injured list with a wrist ailment. After reaching the Big Leagues in 2022, Rutschman made the All-Star game in 2023, ’24 and this season. Boston is also getting catcher Jake Rogers and cash in the trade. > [LSU Dynamic Duo Kade Anderson, Anthony Eyanson Named To Major League Baseball Futures Team](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-dynamic-duo-kade-anderson-anthony-eyanson-named-to-major-league-baseball-futures-team/) Eyanson, a native of Long Beach, California, signed with LSU before the 2025 season via the portal after two seasons at California-San Diego. He was the No. 2 starter for the Tigers in 2025 behind ace Kade Anderson, who went 12-1 with a 3.18 ERA. Anderson led the nation in strikeouts with 180, while Eyanson was third with 152. Anderson, 22, was the third pick of the first round of the MLB Draft by Seattle last summer and is 9-1 with a 1.20 ERA and 119 strikeouts in 82 and a third innings for the Double-A Arkansas Travelers in Little Rock this summer. Anderson, who went to St. Paul’s High in Covington, has a chance to be called up to the Mariners this month or in September. **FORMER LSU ACE KEVIN GAUSMAN TRADED** Former LSU pitcher Kevin Gausman, who was 12-2 with a 2.77 ERA and 135 strikeouts in 123 and two-thirds innings for the Tigers in 2012, was traded by Toronto on Monday to the Chicago Cubs for minor league prospects Ty Southisene, and infielder, and Brett Bateman, an outfielder. A fan favorite in Toronto, Gausman was a Blue Jay since 2022. But he dropped to 5-10 this season with a 4.38 ERA as the Blue Jays have fallen to 52-60 on the season after reaching the World Series last season before losing to the Los Angeles Dodgers in seven games. Gausman, 35, was 2-3 with a 2.93 ERA in the postseason in 2025 in five starts. “This has been the best decision I’ve ever made to come here,” Gausman, a native of Centennial, Colorado, said Monday. He had winning seasons in his first three years in Toronto – 12-10 with a 3.35 ERA in 2022, 12-9 and 3.16 in 2023, 14-11 and 3.83 in 2024 and 10-33 and 3.59 last season. He was an All-Star in 2021 and ’23 and led the American League in strikeouts in ’23 with 237 and finished third for the Cy Yount. A first round pick by Baltimore in 2012, he was an Oriole from 2013-18 before pitching in Atlanta in 2018 and ’19, Cincinnati in 2019 and San Francisco in 2020 and ’21. He had his best season in ’21 with the Giants, finishing 14-6 with a 2.81 ERA. “I think Kev will go down as one of the best free agent signings this organization has made, especially from a pitching standpoint,” Toronto manager John Schneider said. **FORMER TIGER JOSH SMITH TRADED** Texas Rangers infielder Josh Smith, who played at LSU from 2017-19, was also traded on Monday to Toronto with right-handed pitcher Josh Stephan for left-handed pitcher Adam Macko. Smith, who went to Catholic High in Baton Rouge, was on the Tigers’ World Series team in 2017. He won a World Series title with the Rangers in 2023. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Adley Rutschman, Anthony Eyanson, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers --- ### [Analysis: LSU Athletics’ Potential Creative Financing Plan](https://www.tigerrag.com/analysis-lsu-athletics-potential-creative-financing-plan/) **Published:** August 3, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** TODD HORNE COLUMN # Analyzing LSU Athletics’ Potential Creative Financing Plan An unconfirmed $100 million media-revenue transaction would not be traditional private equity. It could be something more carefully engineered – and every bit as consequential. By TODD HORNE | Tiger Rag Executive Editor Let us begin with what we know. Then let us separate it carefully from what we do not. LSU Athletics is facing an unprecedented financial problem. Tiger Rag first reported in February that the athletic department projected a Fiscal Year 2026 deficit of between $25 million and $35 million. That shortfall did not appear overnight, and it was not created by one new expense. Its largest immediate culprits are the enormous dead-money obligations LSU created by firing coaches and replacing their staffs – most notably Brian Kelly's $54 million buyout, Matt McMahon's approximately $8 million buyout and the additional contractual obligations attached to members of their respective staffs. LSU is paying tens of millions of dollars to coaches who no longer work here while simultaneously paying the coaches and staffs hired to replace them. Those costs have collided with the new $20.5 million athlete-revenue-sharing obligation, escalating salaries, an expanded football personnel operation, facility demands and LSU's insistence on remaining nationally competitive across a broad portfolio of sports. Now comes an extraordinary, still-unconfirmed report about how LSU may intend to produce the cash needed to manage that collision. JR Ball of Red Stick's Red Eye said Monday on Talk Louisiana that LSU has closed – or is preparing to close – a private investment fund that would provide more than $100 million upfront in exchange for an economic interest equal to approximately 10 percent of LSU's future media-rights revenue, primarily related to football. Ball said LSU would have an opportunity to buy back that interest after five years. If LSU chose not to do so, the investors would continue participating in the revenue stream and could benefit from a substantially larger Southeastern Conference television contract in the future. He also said the minimum investment was $100,000 and that the vehicle was aimed largely at people already operating within LSU's six-figure donor class. **Tiger Rag has not independently confirmed the transaction.** LSU has not publicly released a term sheet, definitive agreement, Board resolution, independent valuation or legal opinion explaining it. No public document presently identifies the fund manager, the investors, the precise revenue included, the duration of the participation or the price LSU would have to pay to recover the interest after five years. Until those documents surface, every description must remain conditional. But Ball's account is detailed enough to explain the structure LSU may be attempting to build – and why a seemingly technical distinction could determine whether the arrangement is a lawful sale of future revenue or an unauthorized pledge of public money. ## THIS WOULD NOT BE PRIVATE EQUITY IN LSU ATHLETICS LSU cannot sell stock in its athletic department because LSU Athletics is not a private company. It is not an LLC. It is not a professional franchise. It is not a corporation with ownership shares available for purchase. LSU Athletics is part of a public university governed by the LSU Board of Supervisors. Every dollar LSU receives and controls – including ticket revenue, sponsorship revenue, multimedia-rights payments and SEC distributions – is public money. Its private commercial origin does not change its public character once it belongs to LSU. The same principle applies to LSU's valuable commercial rights before the money is collected. Its trademarks, media inventory, sponsorship categories, premium seating, venue access, naming rights and contractual revenue streams are public assets or public things of value. LSU cannot simply hand any of them to a private investment firm. It cannot give investors ownership of the athletic department. It cannot casually pledge the state's credit. It cannot allow a fund to displace the public authority of the Board of Supervisors. So, if Ball's information is accurate, LSU is not selling equity in LSU Athletics. It may instead be attempting to sell a contractual participation in a portion of future revenue. > That sounds like a technical distinction. Legally, it could be the entire ballgame. ## HOW LSU COULD TURN FUTURE REVENUE INTO CASH NOW The mechanics are easier to understand than the terminology. A separately organized private fund would collect money from investors. The fund would then pay LSU more than $100 million now in exchange for the right to receive an amount equal to roughly 10 percent of specified future media-related distributions. The investors would not own ESPN's contract with the SEC. They would not own LSU football broadcasts. They would not own 10 percent of LSU Athletics. Instead, LSU would promise that whenever it receives defined media revenue, the fund is entitled to a corresponding percentage of those receipts. The documents might call the interest a revenue participation, a future-receipts purchase, a royalty participation or a media-revenue monetization. The label matters less than the economics. > LSU receives cash today. Investors receive a piece of LSU's media revenue tomorrow. That is how LSU could obtain more than $100 million without publicly calling the transaction a loan and without selling ownership in the athletic department. ## THE LEGAL THEORY: A SALE, NOT A LOAN Louisiana law does not categorically forbid LSU from borrowing against future revenue. State law gives higher-education boards authority, under specified conditions, to borrow money and pledge fees, rents and revenues. Such borrowing must be conducted according to law and can require State Bond Commission approval. That creates a problem for any private transaction designed to avoid the established public-finance process. If a private fund gives LSU $100 million today and LSU is obligated to repay that amount plus a profit from future public revenue, the arrangement begins to look like debt. Calling it an investment would not change that. Calling the return a participation rather than interest would not change that. Calling repayment a buyback would not change that if the buyback is mandatory. LSU's lawyers would therefore need to argue that the fund is purchasing an actual economic interest in uncertain future revenue rather than lending LSU money. For that argument to hold, investors must assume genuine risk. If the media revenue rises dramatically, they could earn a substantial return. If it grows slowly, they earn less. If the defined revenue stream declines, changes materially or disappears, they could lose money. LSU could not guarantee their principal, promise a minimum annual return or agree to replace missing media revenue with ticket income, sponsorship money or another public revenue source. The more certain the investors' recovery becomes, the more the transaction resembles a loan secured by public money. That brings us to the most important provision in the reported deal. ## THE FIVE-YEAR BUYBACK IS THE HINGE Ball reported that LSU may have an opportunity to buy back the investors' 10 percent interest after five years. The exact wording of that provision may determine the transaction's legal character. There is an enormous difference between LSU having the option to repurchase the interest and LSU being required to repurchase it – or investors having the right to force a repurchase. If LSU alone holds the option, the structure could work this way: investors pay more than $100 million; they receive a defined percentage of revenue for at least five years; LSU then decides whether recovering that revenue stream is worth the contractual repurchase price. If LSU exercises the option, it pays the agreed amount. If it declines, investors continue receiving their percentage and remain exposed to both the upside and downside of future media economics. That is genuine investment risk. But suppose the investors can demand their money back. Suppose LSU must repurchase the interest at the original amount plus a predetermined return. Suppose the agreement ends automatically once investors receive a particular multiple of their money. Suppose LSU guarantees annual payments regardless of actual media revenue. Then the deal is functionally a loan, no matter what anyone calls it. > The buyback language is not a footnote. It may be the hinge upon which the entire transaction turns. ## WHY THE NEXT SEC CONTRACT IS THE INVESTMENT THESIS The reported pitch rests on a straightforward expectation: SEC media revenue will be worth considerably more in the future than it is today. An investor who acquires a 10 percent participation in LSU's present media economics may receive a much larger return when the conference negotiates its next major television agreement. That helps explain why LSU supporters might see the arrangement as both an investment and an act of institutional support. They would give LSU badly needed capital now. In return, they could participate in the future growth of college football's most valuable revenue stream. It also explains why LSU must be extraordinarily careful. A long-term interest in SEC media distributions could become vastly more valuable than today's projections suggest. A $100 million payment sounds enormous because it is enormous. It could provide immediate liquidity for revenue sharing, payroll, facilities and the financial consequences of rebuilding major programs. But if LSU surrenders 10 percent of a rapidly appreciating revenue stream for decades, the university could ultimately transfer far more value than it receives. > The question is not only how much LSU gets today. It is how much LSU gives up tomorrow. ## LSU CANNOT SELL PUBLIC VALUE ON FAITH Louisiana's Constitution prohibits the state from donating public funds, credit, property or things of value to private persons or companies. That does not prevent LSU from doing business with private entities. It requires LSU to receive real and reasonably equivalent value in return. If LSU sells an interest in future media revenue, it must be able to demonstrate that the purchase price is fair. That should require an independent valuation examining current SEC distributions, the remaining term of the existing television agreement, likely growth in the next contract, the length of the investors' participation, the five-year option, the repurchase price, conference-realignment risk and the present value of the revenue being transferred. This cannot rest on donor enthusiasm or the assumption that everyone in the room wants to help LSU. Major supporters can still receive an improper private benefit from a public transaction, even if they love the university. > Intent does not replace valuation. Friendship does not replace process. A room full of prominent donors does not convert public money into private money. ## WHY TAF DOES NOT MAGICALLY SOLVE THE PROBLEM The obvious assumption is that LSU would run the transaction through the Tiger Athletic Foundation. TAF is a private nonprofit organization legally separate from LSU. It can raise private money, borrow in its own name, own subsidiaries and enter commercial agreements. It has historically financed LSU athletic facilities and monetized certain rights granted to it by LSU. That makes TAF a natural vehicle for many public-private athletic projects. But TAF cannot magically change the legal character of LSU revenue. If LSU transfers media revenue – or the right to receive it – to TAF, the initial transfer still involves a public asset. LSU would still need legal authority, adequate consideration, enforceable obligations and a defensible valuation. Records directly involving public funds do not necessarily become private merely because a foundation handles them. Ball specifically suggested that the reported media-revenue arrangement is not presently being pursued through TAF or the LSU Foundation. That would make sense if LSU is pursuing a narrower structure: a direct agreement with a separately created private fund purchasing a defined revenue participation. TAF could still help identify investors, organize meetings or facilitate the process. It may simply not be the entity that buys, owns or pays for the revenue interest. ## THE FUND CAN BE CLOSED EVEN IF LSU'S TRANSACTION IS NOT Ball said he believes the fund has already closed. That does not necessarily mean LSU has executed the final transaction or received the cash. A private fund can close investor subscriptions before LSU signs the definitive agreement. Investors can commit capital subject to Board approval, legal review, confirmation of the revenue rights, an independent valuation and execution of final documents. That may explain how officials can describe the investment vehicle as closed while no public LSU Board action has yet revealed a transaction of this magnitude. It is also possible LSU believes the administration already possesses sufficient delegated authority to execute the agreement without a separately advertised vote. If so, that position deserves scrutiny. A transaction involving more than $100 million and a potentially long-term claim on LSU media revenue should not be treated as ordinary contracting paperwork. ## CASH IS NOT THE SAME AS REVENUE Even if LSU receives more than $100 million upfront, the athletic department may not be able to recognize the entire amount as current operating revenue. Government accounting distinguishes between receiving cash and earning revenue. A sale of future receipts may require LSU to recognize the proceeds over the period in which the future revenue is surrendered rather than count all of it in the year the money arrives. LSU could therefore gain enormous liquidity without making the projected Fiscal Year 2026 deficit disappear on paper. The cash could help LSU manage at least $62 million in reported head-coaching buyouts before even counting fired staff members. It could support revenue sharing, working capital, facilities and other obligations. But cash flow and operating profitability are not the same thing. > Selling future revenue does not create new underlying revenue. It accelerates it. That is why describing the proposal as an alternative revenue-generating opportunity may be incomplete if the transaction merely converts future income into present cash. It may not create new money. It may move tomorrow's money into today. ## THE PUBLIC DESERVES THE DOCUMENTS None of this means the reported transaction is illegal. A properly constructed, fairly valued, genuinely nonrecourse sale of a limited future-revenue interest could be legally defensible. Under the right terms, it might even be financially intelligent. But the words *under the right terms* are doing enormous work. The legality, fairness and wisdom of the arrangement cannot be determined from a private presentation, an invitation to selected donors or anonymous explanations from LSU officials and Board members. They depend on the documents. The public needs to see the identity of the fund and its manager; the revenue-participation agreement; the precise definition of media revenue; the duration of the investors' interest; the five-year repurchase language; the repurchase-price formula; any guaranteed payments, investor put rights or collateral; the independent valuation; the Board authorization; any State Bond Commission review; and LSU's accounting treatment. Until those documents are produced, no one outside the transaction can responsibly declare it legal, illegal, brilliant or reckless. But we can say this: If the unconfirmed account is accurate, LSU is not merely asking wealthy supporters for donations. It is not simply borrowing from friendly boosters. And it is not selling ownership in LSU Athletics. It may be attempting something more sophisticated – and potentially more consequential. > LSU may be selling investors a piece of its future to pay for the financial decisions of its recent past. The cash could relieve an immediate crisis. The price will be measured over decades. Source NoteThis commentary analyzes an unconfirmed transaction described by JR Ball on Talk Louisiana on Aug. 3, 2026. Tiger Rag has not independently confirmed the transaction or reviewed its governing documents. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, LSU athletics, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu athletics, LSU athletics finances, lsu football, LSU football news, LSU's creative financing plan, Private Equity, Private funding --- ### [LSU's Reported Nine-Figure, Media Rights Deal Raises Questions About Outside Control](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-near-nine-figure-investment-media-rights-deal-amid-questions-over-outside-control/) **Published:** August 3, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** By TODD HORNE, Tiger Rag Executive Editor BATON ROUGE – Six months after LSU Athletic Director Verge Ausberry warned about the long-term risks of private equity in an exclusive interview with Tiger Rag, reports now indicate LSU Athletics has entered into a private financing investment in the hundreds of millions of dollars involving LSU’s future media-rights revenue, largely regarding football. Ausberry said in the interview that LSU faced unprecedented financial pressure and that every option—including private equity—was on the table. Over the next six months, Tiger Rag remained the only publication consistently reporting LSU’s projected $25–35 million deficit for 2026 before other media also reported on it recently. > [Tiger Rag Exclusive: LSU AD Verge Ausberry On Projected Budget Deficits And Behind The Scenes With Lane Kiffin](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-exclusive-lsu-ad-verge-ausberry-on-projected-budget-deficits-and-behind-the-scenes-with-lane-kiffin/) The university has not publicly announced such a transaction or released supporting documents. [Veteran Louisiana business journalist JR Ball, who publishes the Red Eye newsletter (redeyebr.com), said Monday on Talk Louisiana with Tiger Rag president Jim Engster](https://www.wrkf.org/show/talk-louisiana/2026-08-03/august-3-2026-chauna-banks-jr-ball-judge-don-johnson) that LSU has already “closed” on what he described as a venture-capital investment fund. [LSU SPORTS VENTURES INTO NEW CAPITAL](https://www.redeyebr.com/lsu-sports-venture-capital-football-lane-kiffin/) According to Ball, the arrangement would provide LSU with more than $100 million in upfront capital in exchange for 10 percent of future media-rights revenue. “LSU has closed a deal for 10 percent of LSU’s media rights – primarily tied to football – that will generate in excess of $100 million,” Ball said. Ball said investors in the “six-figure donation range” would either receive a buyback from LSU after five years or continue participating in future growth tied to the next SEC television agreement, if LSU declines to repurchase the interest. Tiger Rag has not independently confirmed those details. If accurate, however, the reported transaction would represent one of the most significant financial restructurings in LSU Athletics history and place the university among a growing number of major athletic departments exploring outside institutional capital to finance the escalating costs of modern college athletics. **AUSBERRY WARNED ABOUT LOSING CONTROL** The reported private equity structure stands in sharp contrast to concerns Ausberry expressed during the exclusive February interview with Tiger Rag. With LSU projecting its $25-to-$35 million deficit, Ausberry acknowledged that private equity had become part of the national conversation at the time. “People talk about private equity firms,” Ausberry said last February. “And you really don’t want to go that way, but you’ve got to put everything on the table.” Asked why he viewed private equity cautiously, Ausberry said, “Well, private equity is a different ballgame. They come in with a certain percentage long term. How does that look? When you sit down and talk about these things, how much is this going to cost us? You deal with private equity, they’re going to want some long term inventory. Once you get certain benchmarks, how long does that go. Short term or long term?” The worst part of private equity deals, Ausberry said, was the question of who has the power. “A lot of times with private equity, they come in and start controlling things,” he said. “You lose some control when you deal with private equity. But we’re going to make this work.” Tiger Rag asked Ausberry on Monday if he still had the same opinions on private equity, considering the reported private equity deal. He did not respond as of late Monday. **MAJOR DONOR MEETINGS FUEL SPECULATION** The reports come as LSU convened meetings on Monday with approximately 40 of its largest athletic supporters at the Governor’s Mansion with LSU president Wade Rousse and Governor Jeff Landry, regarding the future financial direction of LSU Athletics. > [LSU Athletics “Top 40” Donors Invited to Financial Future Pow-Wow At Governor’s Mansion On August 3rd-5th](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-athletics-top-40-donors-invited-to-financial-future-pow-wow-at-governors-mansion-on-august-3rd-and-5th/) Tiger Rag is continuing to seek confirmation of whether any agreement has been executed, who the investors are, what legal entity entered into the agreement, whether LSU retains complete operational control, whether the Board of Supervisors approved the arrangement, and whether the agreement will be released publicly. Until LSU releases the underlying documents, significant questions remain regarding the structure, legal authority and long-term implications of the reported transaction. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Governor Jeff Landry, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Private Equity, verge ausberry, Wade Rousse --- ### [LSU Athletics "Top 40" Donors Invited to Financial Future Pow-Wow At Governor's Mansion On August 3rd-5th](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-athletics-top-40-donors-invited-to-financial-future-pow-wow-at-governors-mansion-on-august-3rd-and-5th/) **Published:** July 9, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU president Wade Rousse has bestowed new meaning upon the term “Top 40.” This is not about high selling music records. Rousse, a financial expert who worked at the Federal Reserve in Chicago and left the McNeese State presidency for LSU last November, is leading LSU into the ultra expensive new world of college athletics with the newly rising cost of elite athletes in addition to the titanic salaries of coaches – and their buyouts coming and going. On Thursday, Rousse was mentioned prominently by Matt Borman, the president of LSU’s Tiger Athletic Foundation fund raising arm, in an invitation to the top 40 LSU athletic donors, particularly football, to be with Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry at the Governor’s Mansion on either August 3 or 5 for presentations beginning at 6 p.m. about the financial future of LSU’s athletic department. The letter was first obtained by the LouisianaSports.net website. > > > — Matt Moscona (@MattMoscona) [July 9, 2026](https://x.com/MattMoscona/status/2075258824189964419?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Rousse and Landry will present an “an alternative revenue-generating opportunity for LSU athletics that is first of its kind nationally and could quite possibly change the future of college sports in America,” the invitation boldly stated. Donors have the option of going on either day. They don’t have to go both days, but can if they so choose. My goodness, this sounds like something out of the meeting of the five families involving the New York mafia in “The Godfather” film, which was based on a real meeting. But that one didn’t have 40 well-heeled attendees over two nights. “Let me be clear,” Borman states in the invitation. “This is not an ask for money. It’s not a fundraiser. It’s informational. This is a conversation about the future of LSU Athletics. And remember what unites us all. It’s three letters, two colors, one state. We are all for LSU. Hope to see you soon.” > [Gov. Jeff Landry Confirms Brian Kelly Buyout Could Cost La. Taxpayers On Pat McAfee Show; Does Landry Want Scott Woodward Fired?](https://www.tigerrag.com/gov-jeff-landry-confirms-brian-kelly-buyout-could-cost-la-taxpayers-on-pat-mcafee-show-does-landry-want-scott-woodward-fired/) As of late, projected major debt is also uniting LSU and its deepest-pocketed donors as of last October. Football coach Brian Kelly was fired without cause six years before his 10-year contract was up at a buyout cost to LSU and – as Landry has said – partly to the state of $54 million. > It’s over. Lane Kiffin is LSU’s next football coach. Press conference introducing him set for Monday at LSU. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [November 30, 2025](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/1995189623631618525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Then Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin was hired at $91 million over seven years to replace Kelly with LSU also agreeing to pay part of his buyout from Ole Miss at $3 million. In between, LSU athletic director Scott Woodward, who hired Kelly at $100 million over 10 years, was fired and will be receiving a $6 million buyout. Deputy athletic director Verge Ausberry replaced Woodward and last April received a new five-year contract that will pay him $1.5 million in 2026 and ’27, $1.6 million in 2028 and ’29 and $1.7 million in 2030. Men’s basketball coach Matt McMahon was fired last April and will be receiving an $8 million buyout. One-year North Carolina State coach Will Wade, who used to work under Rousse as basketball coach at McNeese State, was hired to come back to LSU as coach after his firing for voluminous NCAA violations in 2022. Wade’s new contract is for $30 million over seven years, and LSU agreed to pay the buyout Wade owed North Carolina State at approximately $4 million. In all, that is $75 million in buyout money for outgoing and incoming coaches. LSU paid only $43.3 million in buyouts from 2015-25, according to a recent report by the Louisiana Illuminator. > [\#LSU](https://x.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) has paid more than $43 million to buy out the contracts of its coaches and athletics department leaders over the past decade and soon might be on the hook for more than $53 million more. My latest w/ [@TigerRagMedia](https://x.com/TigerRagMedia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Piper Hutchinson (@ByPiperHutch) [November 18, 2025](https://x.com/ByPiperHutch/status/1990845186373468644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The athletic deparment also pays its athletes a yearly total of more than $20 million in revenue share. Oh, and meanwhile, the rest of LSU is tightening the budget to save money as 25 employees outside the free spending athletic department were let go last week. > [LSU Fires Chief Financial Officer Tommy Smith To Save Finances, Axes 25 Employees In All](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-fires-chief-financial-officer-tommy-smith-to-save-finances-axes-25-employees-in-all/) “College athletics is at a financial crossroads,” Borman said in his invitation’s opening to the top 40, pleading. “And we’re feeling it every day at LSU. As someone who has contributed generously to our athletic programs to keep them operational, you know how unsustainable the budget of the athletic department looks and how hard TAF has worked with our donors to assist.” The invitation came just three days after an “Invitation To Greatness” on Aug. 13 at Tiger Stadium was sent to LSU fans from the same TAF and the LSU Board of Supervisors that read: *You’re invited to **Champions Circle: An Invitation to Greatness,** the inaugural gathering hosted by the LSU Board of Supervisors and the Tiger Athletic Foundation, bringing together a distinguished community of supporters united by a shared commitment to excellence, transformational impact, and the future of LSU.* *The event will feature LSU Head Coaches & Special Athletic Guests. There will be 2 levels of ticket options to purchase – VIP and General Admission.* *VIP: $5,500 per person. General Admission: $3,500 per person.* *General Admission offers guests an invitation to an extraordinary evening celebrating the spirit and future of LSU. Attendees will enjoy access to the event, an exclusive opportunity to hear from LSU’s featured head coaches during an engaging panel discussion, thoughtfully curated culinary offerings, premium cocktails and beverages, and an elevated atmosphere designed to foster connection, excitement, and Tiger pride.* *VIP Admission includes all General Admission benefits, elevated with exclusive early access to the evening’s festivities and a private pre-event reception. Guests will enjoy a unique opportunity to meet and engage with LSU’s featured head coaches in an intimate setting prior to the main program, creating meaningful moments and unparalleled access. VIP attendees will also receive a specially curated commemorative gift, thoughtfully designed to mark an unforgettable evening celebrating the excellence and future of LSU.* *Proceeds from the event will support initiatives that enhance the experience of LSU students and student-athletes, as well as advance the strategic initiatives and priorities of the LSU Board of Supervisors and the Tiger Athletic Foundation Deadlin to RSVP is Monday, August 3.* *Questions go to events@lsutaf.org. Thank you for your continued support of LSU, and Geaux Tigers.* **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** brian kelly, Governor Jeff Landry, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, NIL, verge ausberry, Wade Rousse, will wade --- ### [Door Is Wide Open For Lane Kiffin To Rule The Valley And Louisiana | Jim Engster](https://www.tigerrag.com/door-is-wide-open-for-lane-kiffin-to-rule-the-valley-and-louisiana-jim-engster/) **Published:** August 3, 2026 **Author:** Jim Engster | President, Tiger Rag **Content:** By Jim Engster, President, Tiger Rag Fabled muckraker Jack Anderson became legend writing about intrigue in Washington D.C. His space was called the Washington Merry-Go-Round, and it became the most widely read syndicated column in American history. For 35 years, Anderson dished the latest gossip about government maneuvers, and he won the Pulitzer Prize in 1972. Anderson relished the ire of his foes and earned a spot on President Nixon’s enemies list. Jack Anderson spoke at the LSU Union in 1978 as Tiger Rag was beginning. As a sophomore journalism student, I was pondering what it would be like for Anderson to be on the beat in Baton Rouge. Sometimes strange things happen, and there is a story behind and beyond the surface. Here is the latest example of a development in our backyard that Anderson would love. The revelation that McNeese President Mike Reese plans to stay in the Louisiana Senate for the remainder of his term drew minimal reaction a few weeks ago. Senator Reese’s decision to represent District 30 while running his university could have sweeping implications. On the final day of the 2026 regular session, the House and Senate passed Act 790 to expand current law to mitigate any challenge to Reese under the dual office holding provision. Professors are exhorted to refrain from political speech that might reflect poorly on their employers and are presumably still prohibited from being one of the chosen 144 legislators ensconced at the State Capitol. But Reese is not the first exception of a campus guru dabbling in matters of state. Former LSU associate athletic director Donald Ray Kennard was a Louisiana lawmaker for eight terms during his 38 years at the Ole War Skule. This was a loophole allowed for athletic department employees to serve at the House that Huey built, meaning there is a chance for Louisiana’s highest-paid public official, Lane Kiffin, to moonlight in politics. Sounds doubtful, but with Kiffin, we never know. Never has an LSU coach entered the political arena while leading the Tigers. Still, a precedent is established for high level positions with Reese in charge of the campus at Lake Charles and simultaneously chairing a legislative committee in Baton Rouge examining higher education funding. > [Good Morning LSU Football! Game-By-Game Predictions Here For The 2026 Season | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/good-morning-lsu-football-game-by-game-predictions-here-for-the-2026-season-glenn-guilbeau/) It is a delicious prospect for the LSU coach to weigh after he leads his Tigers to the promised land this fall. Should the Lane Train capture a national championship as many anticipate, he will reign as the most popular person in Louisiana in time for the 2027 statewide election cycle. There appears no obstacle to prevent Lane from running for office and serving as an elected official while coaching the Tigers. Former Gov. John McKeithen was accused of operating a recruiting office at the mansion from 1964-72. Soon we may have the LSU head coach residing in the governor’s house as he directs the Bengals on the field. Kiffin is a publicity magnet and knows how to garner national fascination with his every step. Because of a new precedent from Senator Reese of McNeese, anything is possible. Former Gov. Mike Foster was also a law student at Southern University during his second term, and few constituents complained. Lane would generate a bonanza of media focus with LSU playing the third Saturday in October next year, and its coach being judged by voters at the ballot box on the same night. If victorious, Kiffin could have access to resources to fund his program with taxpayers applauding his goal to break Nick Saban’s record of seven national titles. Lane is a man on the move who is constantly seeking his next conquest. We must not rule out a government post for the choice of Gov. Jeff Landry to enhance the most significant brand name in Louisiana—LSU Football. Although the current governor might encourage Lane to wait until 2031 to avail himself of this opportunity. **Only The Strong Survive In The SEC** Thirty-eight years have passed since Tommy Hodson connected with Eddie Fuller in the Earthquake Game at Tiger Stadium on October 8 as LSU nipped the War Eagles 7-6. Seismic readings reached record levels for an athletic contest. The roars and rumbles of 1988 will be challenged by the cacophony to accompany Lane Kiffin as he sprints from the locker room on September 5th when LSU hosts Clemson in the season opener at the real Death Valley. The game is vital for a blissful honeymoon for a program with one of the largest budgets of any football factory in the country. A loss to Clemson is unacceptable. Even Brian Kelly won an opener on the road against the same foe last year. LK knows what happened to BK seven games later. Kelly was 1-3 in season openers, losing twice to Florida State and once to USC before whipping Dabo Swinney in 2025. In the 21st Century, Nick Saban was 4-1 in season openers at LSU; Les Miles was 11-1 with his lone defeat at Wisconsin in 2016. He was fired three games later. Ed Orgeron was 3-2 in openers at LSU to give the Tigers a 19-7 record in season debuts from 2000-25. No LSU team has secured a national championship without victory in the opening game of the season. In this century, LSU ranks third among conference members in SEC football championships with five titles in 2001, 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2019. Alabama has nine SEC crowns since 2000; Georgia has six; Florida and Auburn have won three league titles. The same five members have reached the pinnacle in the nation since 2000. Alabama boasts six national football titles; LSU has three; Florida and Georgia have won twice and Auburn once. **Welcome Back Tulane** Tulane returns to the LSU football schedule in four years as the Greenies and Tigers are slated to play on Aug. 31, 2030. The Green Wave has been resurgent in recent years and may present a tougher challenge than in recent matchups with its rival up the river. The last time Tulane defeated LSU was in 1982 when Vince Gibson’s troops scored a stunning upset over Orange Bowl-bound LSU at Tiger Stadium. The 31-28 shocker was a downer as LSU was already slated to face mighty Nebraska in Miami. The Battle for the Rag started on Nov. 25, 1893 as Tulane blanked the Bengals 34-0. The last time the schools competed in football, LSU prevailed 42-0 on Halloween of 2009. LSU leads the series 69-22-7. Both universities were charter members of the SEC in 1932. Tulane left the conference 60 years ago. The Greenies won the SEC title in 1934, 1939 and 1949. With three league crowns, Tulane boasts two more SEC trophies than half of the SEC combined. Vanderbilt, Arkansas, South Carolina, Missouri, Texas A&M, Texas and Oklahoma have zero SEC football titles. Mississippi State has a single championship from 1941 for a total of one from eight members of the 16-team conference. Perhaps the time is right for Tulane to return to the conference it left in 1966. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Governor Jeff Landry, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Tulane Green Wave --- ### [Good Morning LSU Football! Game-By-Game Predictions Here For The 2026 Season | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/good-morning-lsu-football-game-by-game-predictions-here-for-the-2026-season-glenn-guilbeau/) **Published:** August 3, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** Forget about how starved LSU football fans are for their first College Football Playoff since 2019. Forget about how cool a home playoff game in December in Tiger Stadium would be. LSU’s administration and donors want to win yesterday, too, because of the $91 million over seven years they will be doling out to new coach Lane Kiffin on the heels of paying off fired coach Brian Kelly nearly $54 million in a buyout. Kiffin’s new roster of 41 portal players and 19 via the 2026 signing class cost reportedly more than $40 million. No, this is not a rebuilding year. This is “Restoration On The Bayou,” a documentary coming to a national network near you soon. And it’s all about the now and the money. And Kiffin is just as impatient as any foaming-at-the-mouth LSU fan, though he’s not saying that. Or did you not see his manic approach to the portal and complete revamp of LSU’s roster like never before last January? He was a coach possessed as if he was in his win-or-get-fired season as Kelly was last year, instead of his honeymoon. > [Lane Kiffin’s 1st LSU Portal Class: From A Whisper To Shouts From Mountain Tops | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-class-from-a-whisper-to-shouts-from-mountain-tops-glenn-guilbeau/) The result is one of the most talented rosters in the country. [LSU 2026 FOOTBALL ROSTER](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-roster-2026/) Kiffin will carry the same sense of urgency into the season, even though his roster is as much built for the future as it is for 2026. [LSU 2026 FOOTBALL SCHEDULE](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-2026-schedule/) Here we go: **SEPT. 5 – LSU 27, CLEMSON 10:** New quarterback Sam Leavitt throws two touchdowns and runs for a third as his injured right foot looks fine in front of a full Tiger Stadium. Blake Baker’s defense shuts out Clemson until the third quarter. **SEPT. 12 – LSU 34, LOUISIANA TECH 7:** Leavitt throws for 312 yards and three touchdowns with transfer wide receiver Winnie Watkins of Ole Miss catching a 77-yard touchdown. > [LSU Paid Lane Kiffin’s $3 Million Buyout To Ole Miss, And May Have To Pay Nearly $1 Million For 2 Transfers’ Buyouts](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-paid-lane-kiffins-3-million-buyout-to-ole-miss-and-may-have-to-pay-nearly-1-million-for-2-rebel-transfers/) **SEPT. 19 – OLE MISS 34, LSU 31:** LSU gets the buyouts of Ole Miss transfers Princewill Umanmielen and Devin Harper paid off at $950,000 during game week, not to mention legal fees. Ole Miss defensive coordinator/head coach Pete Golding’s unit allows 298 passing yards to Leavitt and 108 rushing to running back Caden Durham, but LSU can’t stop the players left by Kiffin. Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss throws for 307 and rushes for 82, while running back Kewan Lacy gains 128 with a 68-yard touchdown burst in the final moments for the win in a rocking Oxford. A dozen Kiffin life-sized replica dolls burn throughout the night in The Grove. Talk about hot yoga! **SEPT. 26 – LSU 23, TEXAS A&M 13:** Baker’s defense recovers and dominates the Aggies as edge Umanmielen sacks Marcel Reed twice. Running back Dilin Jones gains 103 yards on 22 carries as the Tigers go Old School. **OCT. 3 – LSU 51, MCNEESE STATE 7:** It’s the Bonnette Bowl in Tiger Stadium as LSU sports information director Michael Bonnette welcomes his younger brother – McNeese SID Matthew Bonnette. After they each burn the other’s game notes, Leavitt torches the Cowboys’ secondary for 287 yards and two touchdowns before halftime. Backup Husan Longstreet completes 10 of 12 for another 111 yards and a TD in the second half. > He was the 1st passenger on the Lane Train of Transfer that traversed Hawaii to Maryland and 39 points in between for 41 players and the No. 1 portal class. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [August 3, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2084259751014080875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Jackson Harris, the first of 41 in Kiffin’s portal class, catches four passes for 163 yards. **OCT. 10 – LSU 37, KENTUCKY 10:** Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr.’s offense keeps on clicking to the tune of 528 yards in Lexington. **OCT. 17 – LSU 47, MISSISSIPPI STATE 13:** Leavitt throws for 300 and rushes for 62 as wide receiver Jayce Brown catches three touchdowns of more than 40 yards. **OCT. 24 –** **LSU 21, AUBURN 17:** Leavitt throws two interceptions in the first half at Jordan-Hare, but redeems himself by driving LSU 76 yards in six plays over the final minute. He finds the blossoming Harris for a 17-yard touchdown with 14 seconds left for the win. **NOV. 7 – LSU 31, ALABAMA 21:** Trailing 24-21, Alabama drives inside LSU’s 30 in the final minutes, but safety Ty Benefield intercepts quarterback Austin Mack and returns it 85 yards for a TD. The Tigers (8-1, 5-1 SEC) win their sixth straight and jump to No. 3 in the nation. **NOV. 14 – TEXAS 28, LSU 21:** The No. 1 Longhorns are too much for the Tigers as Arch Manning throws three TDs and becomes the third Manning to win in Tiger Stadium after Grandpa Archie in 1968 and Uncle Eli in 2001. **NOV. 21 – LSU 38, TENNESSEE 17:** The Tigers face a playoff-dangerous third loss as the Vols take a 14-3 lead at the half. But adjustments by Kiffin and Weis work wonders as Leavitt throws four touchdowns in the second half. **NOV. 28 – LSU 41, ARKANSAS 0:** LSU’s Dilin Jones runs it down the throat of the Hogs for 148 yards on 21 carries, and Baker’s defense holds Arkansas to 102 total yards. The No. 3 Tigers (10-2, 7-2) schedule former rival Tulane for the first time since 2009, sort of. The CFP committee puts the No. 20 Green Wave (11-1, 7-1 American Athletic Conference) in Baton Rouge on Saturday, Dec. 19, at night in the first playoff game ever in Tiger Stadium. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [Lane Kiffin's 1st LSU Portal Signee May Be One Of His Best - Jackson Harris Is Player Profile No. 20](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-signee-may-be-one-of-the-best-jackson-harris-is-player-profile-no-20/) **Published:** August 2, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Remember back when Lane “Portal King” Kiffin opened his first transfer season as LSU’s coach last January with … nothing. Through the opening few days, the man with the No. 1 transfer class in 2024, No. 4 in 2025 and No. 2 in 2023 and 2022 at Ole Miss had no one. Then his first one was only the No. 40 wide receiver in the nation at the time and No. 173 overall portal player in Jackson Harris of the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, which had four straight losing seasons before 2025. Some media members were more patient than others. Others wondered what the hell was going on, but kept quiet. > [So, What Happened To “Portal King” Lane Kiffin? LSU Opens Transfer Window With A Whimper](https://www.tigerrag.com/so-what-happened-to-portal-king-lane-kiffinlsu-opens-transfer-window-with-a-whimper/) Meanwhile, Texas Tech already had a commitment from a major LSU target named Brendan Sorsby, the No. 2 player in the portal and No. 1 quarterback. [Wonder whatever happened to him?](https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-network-nfl-informs-teams-brendan-sorsby-it-won-t-hold-supplemental-draft-this-summer) Soon, though, LSU was getting flooded with highly ranked transfers, such as No. 1 quarterback and No. 1 portal player Sam Leavitt of Arizona State, and several underrated ones – like Harris – until Kiffin had 41 transfers and the No. 1 portal class in the land with players from Hawaii to Pennsylvania. > Remember this one, “fans,” as much as you have a few others. Lane Kiffin will be the 1st coach to finish No. 1 in the portal and reach the playoffs the next season. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [January 26, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2015845820596097474?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Harris, by the way, somehow climbed to the No. 25 wide receiver from No. 40 and No. 110 portal player from 173 without playing a game. Funny, how that works on recruiting websites. Higher rankings by association? But Harris (6-foot-2, 202 pounds) recently received a ranking with more credibility than many recruiting websites. Pro Football Focus, which is not operated by Joe Fans, named him the Southeastern Conference’s No. 1 returning (meaning veteran) receiver entering the season with an 83.9 grade. > Highest Graded Returning SEC Wide Receivers🔥 [pic.twitter.com/KVjqSWhZd9](https://t.co/KVjqSWhZd9) > > — PFF College (@PFF\_College) [July 25, 2026](https://x.com/PFF_College/status/2081040701895385502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Harris could be one of Leavitt’s top targets this season. **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** *One of college football’s top deep threat receivers in 2025 with a 19.65-yard average per catch and 12 touchdowns on 49 catches for 963 yards in just 11 games. Former four-star from Berkeley High in Berkeley, California, with great size, sneaky speed and strong hands.* *Came into his own last season after two seasons as a little-used reserve at Stanford. Look out.* [LSU FOOTBALL ROSTER FOR 2026](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-roster-2026/) **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** *Big-play threat in the passing game who joined the Tigers through the transfer portal in January of 2026 … Comes to LSU from Hawaii, where he earned first-team All-Mountain West honors as a sophomore in 2025 after leading the MWC in receiving TDs (12) and yards per reception (19.65) and ranking No. 2 in receiving yards (963) and receiving yards per game (87.5) … Played first 2 seasons of college football at Stanford before transferring to Hawaii for the 2025 season … Joins LSU having appeared in 20 games with 10 starts (9 at Hawaii, 1 at Stanford) and with 55 career receptions for 1,049 yards and 13 TDs … Has 6 100-yard games to his credit with a career-best of 153 yards on 4 receptions vs. Wyoming in 2025 … Born in Oakland, Calif. … Son of Anthony Bush and Betsy Maisel … Has six siblings – Jalen Harris, Lance Harris, Philip Harris, Ryan Ford, Madison Harris, Arianna Ford … Brother Lance Harris, played football at Fresno State … Grandfather and uncle – Carl Ray Harris and Carl Ray Harris Jr. – both played football at Fresno State, while Carl Ray Harris Jr. also played basketball for the Bulldogs … Grandfather still holds the Fresno State record for interceptions in a season with 14 in 1970 … Uncle Clay Harris Jr. averaged 17.0 over 93 games during his basketball career at Fresno State.* **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2025 at Hawaii)** *First-team All-Mountain West Conference after leading the league in TD receptions (12) and yards per catch (19.65) … In 11 games (9 starts), hauled in 49 passes for 963 yards and 12 touchdowns … Ranked No. 2 in the MWC in receiving yards and receiving yards per game (87.5) … The 12 receiving TDs ranks No. 5 nationally … Had 5 receiving TDs of 68 yards or more with a longest of 78 coming against Wyoming … Others went for 75 yards vs. Colorado State, 74 vs. Air Force, 70 vs. UNLV and 68 vs. San Jose State … Caught at least 2 passes in games in which he appeared with a season-best of 7 three times (at Air Force, Utah State, and San Diego State) … Hauled in 7 passes for 130 yards and 3 TDs in win over San Diego State … Had 2 receiving TDs against Air Force, Colorado State, and San Jose State … In final game at Hawaii, caught 4 passes for a career-high 153 yards and a TD in win over Wyoming … Of his 49 receptions, 37 went for first downs with 19 going for 15-plus yards and 9 covering 25-plus yards … In Hawaii debut, caught 6 passes for 59 yards and a TD in win over his former team, Stanford … Capped year with 11 TD receptions over final 7 games in which he appeared … Did not play against Portland State and in the bowl game vs. Cal.* **REDSHIRT FRESHMAN SEASON (2024 at Stanford)** *Saw action in 6 games with 1 start as a redshirt freshman at Stanford … First career start came in season-opener against TCU … Caught 2 passes for 14 yards and a TD against Horned Frogs … Caught 1 pass for 5- yards the following week in win over Cal-Poly.* **FRESHMAN SEASON (2023 at Stanford)** *Appeared in 3 games with no starts as a true freshman at Stanford in 2023 … Caught 3 passes for 67 yards and a TD … His first collegiate reception went for a 44-yard touchdown against No. 2 Washington on Oct. 28 … It was also his first college appearance …. Caught 1 pass for 21 yards vs. Oregon State and had a 2-yard reception vs. Cal.* **HIGH SCHOOL** *A 4-star recruit by ESPN … Ranked No. 33 in California by ESPN and No. 46 by On3 … Played 3 sports at Berkeley – football, soccer and track … Leader in regular-season receiving yards, receiving touchdowns, and yards receiving/game for the state of California as a senior … Recorded 1,492 receiving yards on 73 receptions with 24 receiving touchdowns (26 total) as a senior … Broke school records for receiving yards and receiving touchdowns in a season … Earned two first-team All-WAAC DII honors at wide receiver and one as a defensive back and was named WAAC DII Offensive MVP.* **CAREER HIGHS** *Receptions: 7, 3 times (Last: vs. San Diego State, 2025 – at Hawaii) Receiving Yards: 153 vs. Wyoming, 2025 – at Hawaii Receiving TDs: 3 vs. San Diego State, 2025 – at Hawaii Long Reception: 78 vs. WyomingS, 2025 – at Hawaii* **CAREER 100-YARD GAMES – 6 IN 2025** 153 (4 rec.) vs. Wyoming, Nov. 29 144 (7 rec.) at Air Force, Sept. 27 134 (6 rec.) at San Jose State, Nov. 1 130 (7 rec.) vs. San Diego State, Nov. 8 117 (7 rec.) vs. Utah State, Oct. 11 109 (5 rec.) at Colorado State, Oct. 18 **NEXT:** Running Back Dilin Jones **PREVIOUS BIOS:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) Running Back [Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) Defensive Tackle [Deuce Geralds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) Tight End [Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-18-treydez-green-expected-to-be-among-nations-best-tight-ends/) Offensive Lineman [Devin Harper](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-19-offensive-lineman-devin-harper-is-back-home-in-louisiana/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Brendan Sorsby, Jackson Harris, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, NCAA transfer portal --- ### [LSU Quarterback Great Bert Jones' Number 7 To Be Retired In Tiger Stadium](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-quarterback-great-bert-jones-number-7-to-be-retired-in-tiger-stadium/) **Published:** July 15, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU quarterback great Bert Jones, the first All-America quarterback in LSU history in 1972 and the Tigers’ last NFL MVP in 1976, will have his Tigers’ No. 7 jersey ceremoniously retired this season at Tiger Stadium, the school announced on Wednesday. The LSU Athletic Hall of Fame Committee unanimously approved Jones’ jersey retirement, which will be on Nov. 14 when LSU hosts Texas. The No. 7 worn by Jones will join running back and 1959 Heisman Trophy winner [Billy Cannon](https://lsusports.net/sports/fb/roster/player/billy-cannon)’s No. 20, defensive back Tommy Casanova’s No. 37, running back/kick returner Jerry Stovall’s No. 21 and running back [Charles Alexander](https://lsusports.net/sports/fb/roster/player/charles-alexander)’s No. 4 as ceremoniously retired jerseys in the LSU football program and in the stadium. All retired jersey numbers are displayed on the façade in the south end zone of Tiger Stadium. Only Cannon’s No. 20 is no longer worn by LSU players. The other numbers are ceremoniously retired only. “I had no idea that there was anything in the works so this is totally unsuspecting,” Jones said. “I have been the beneficiary of a lot of good things and received a lot of accolades and a lot of awards, but this is at the top of the list. To be hung up in Tiger Stadium, where my father played, my brother played and cousins played, is special. And what’s even equally as special is that I will be up there with my LSU roommate Tommy Casanova.” > [LSU-Ole Miss 1972: Bert Jones To Brad Davis For A ‘Blinded By The Light’ Classic](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-ole-miss-1972-bert-jones-to-brad-davis-for-a-blinded-by-the-light-classic/) Jones and Casanova, a defensive back and return specialist from 1969-71, had his jersey retired in 2009. Jones and Casanova are both members of the College Football Hall of Fame. Jones is also a member of the LSU Athletics Hall of Fame and the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. A native of Ruston, Jones compiled a record of 26-6-1 from 1970-72 as LSU’s quarterback, leading the program to three bowl games and the 1970 SEC Championship. During his three seasons at LSU, the Tigers won nine games each year. He capped his career as the school’s record holder at the time for passing yards (3,255), touchdown passes (28), attempts (418) and completions (220). In 1972, Jones became the first quarterback in LSU history to top the 3,000-yard mark for passing yards in a career. Jones also set the school mark for passing yards in a game (242 vs. Alabama, 1972) and passing yards in a season (1,446 in 1972). His 14 passing TDs in 1972 was a school record and he became only the sixth player in program history to pass for three touchdowns in a game, doing it three times – vs. Auburn, 1972, vs. Texas A&M, 1972 and vs. Tulane, 1971. After directing the Tigers to a 9-2-1 mark in 1972, Jones became the first player in LSU history to earn first-team All-America honors as a quarterback. He went on to finish fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting that year. [FROM THE TIGER RAG VAULT: Jim Engster On Bert Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/night-to-remember-bert-jones-to-brad-davis-touchdown-pass-50-years-ago-a-historic-moment-that-still-resonates/) Nicknamed “The Ruston Rifle,” Jones earned first-team All-SEC honors as a senior in 1972 after leading the league in completion percentage (51.8), touchdown passes (14), total yards (1,464) and TDs responsible for (18). LSU finished the year with a 9-2-1 mark which included wins over Texas A&M, Wisconsin, Auburn, and Ole Miss. Jones went on to be selected No. 2 overall in the 1973 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts. During his 10-year NFL career, Jones appeared in 102 games with 96 starts. He led the Colts to an 11-3 regular-season mark in 1976 on his way to earning NFL MVP honors by the Associated Press – one of only three LSU players to do so. Running back Jim Taylor (1954, 1956-57 at LSU) of the Green Bay Packers won the A.P. NFL MVP in 1962, and quarterback Y.A. Tittle (1944-47 at LSU) of the New York Giants won it in 1963. A neck injury forced Jones to retire from the NFL following the 1982 season after passing for 17,766 yards and 122 touchdowns in a career that spanned nine years with the Colts and one season with the Rams. Jones became LSU’s first consensus All-America quarterback in 1972 when he threw for a school-record 1,446 yards and 14 touchdowns in leading the Tigers to a 9-2-1 mark and a berth in the Astro-Bluebonnet Bowl. Jones was named the National Player of the Year in 1972 by the Sporting News and finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy balloting following the season. In 1971, Jones threw three TD passes and ran for another score as the Tigers knocked off once-beaten and seventh-ranked Notre Dame, 28-8, in Tiger Stadium in national prime time telecast on ABC on November 20. A year later, Jones led the Tigers to a last-second game-winning touchdown when he found Brad Davis in the corner of the endzone for the winner over Ole Miss, a victory that kept LSU’s undefeated record intact at 7-0. Following his LSU career, Jones was picked No. 2 overall in the 1973 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts where he spent nine years. Jones earned NFL MVP honors and a spot in the Pro Bowl in 1976 after throwing for 3,104 yards and 24 touchdowns in leading the Colts to an 11-3 mark and a playoff berth. Jones finished his 10-year NFL career starting 96 regular season games and throwing for 18,190 yards and 124 touchdowns. After his NFL career, Jones served as an outdoors show host on ESPN for 10 years. He’s also a former chairman of the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission and is active in fundraising for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation with his annual golf tournament as well as the Boys Scouts of America. Jones graduated from LSU in 1983 with a degree in Business Administration. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** bert jones, lsu, lsu football, ole miss, Tiger Stadium --- ### [LSU QB Great Bert Jones Could Throw The Ball 100 Yards, He Says On Jim Engster's "Talk Louisiana"](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-qb-great-bert-jones-could-throw-the-ball-100-yards-he-says-on-jim-engsters-talk-louisiana/) **Published:** July 17, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Apparently, the “Ruston Rifle” was just that. Bert Jones, who became LSU’s first All-American quarterback in 1972, was from Ruston and given the rifle nickname when playing for Ruston High School in the late 1960s. And while at LSU, Jones went out to an empty Tiger Stadium with friends and teammates on occasion to “toss” the football around. “Yes, I could throw it 100 yards,” Jones told Jim Engster, host of the statewide “Talk Louisiana” radio talk show, when asked on Friday morning’s show. The show will be repeated at 9 p.m. Friday statewide on stations that carry the show or by clicking below: [LISTEN TO BERT JONES ON “TALK LOUISIANA” WITH JIM ENGSTER](https://www.wrkf.org/show/talk-louisiana/2026-07-17/july-17-2026-dadrius-lanus-quin-hillyer-bert-jones) And Jones said he threw the football 100 yards “multiple times on multiple bets.” Engster said he previously confirmed the 100-yard passes via eyewitnesses who were LSU teammates of Jones – running back Al Coffee, wide receiver Ben Jones, who is Bert’s younger brother, and kicker Mark Lumpkin. Engster said one of the eyewitnesses told him Jones actually threw it from one goal line past the other and into the end zone of Tiger Stadium. “Yeah, I think that was at an intramural throwing contest that we had,” Jones said. “I went out and did that, and I think it was 106 or 107 yards. And so, yes, I set the record.” In front of a full Tiger Stadium and other Southeastern Conference stadiums and the like, Jones threw shorter distances for a then-LSU record 3,255 career passing yards from 1970-72. He also left LSU as the career leader at the time in touchdown passes with 28, attempts with 418 and completions at 220. Jones helped lead the Tigers to a 26-6-1 record in his three seasons with the SEC championship in 1970 at 9-3 and 5-0 in the league. LSU was 9-3 and 3-2 in 1971 and 9-2-1 and 4-11 in 1972 before Jones became the second pick of the NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts. > [LSU Quarterback Great Bert Jones’ Number 7 To Be Retired In Tiger Stadium](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-quarterback-great-bert-jones-number-7-to-be-retired-in-tiger-stadium/) As reported Wednesday, Jones’ No. 7 will be ceremoniously retired and his name and number will be placed on Tiger Stadium’s south side facade on Nov. 14 when the Tigers host Texas. He will join the other LSU greats already represented on the facade – 1959 Heisman Trophy winning running back Billy Cannon (No. 20), 1962 Heisman runner-up running back/returner Jerry Stovall (No. 21), defensive back/returner Tommy Casanova (No. 37), who was LSU’s only three-time All-American from 1969-71, and 1977 and ’78 All-American running back Charles Alexander (No. 4). Only Cannon’s No. 20 is actually retired and cannot be worn by other players. The other numbers have continued to be worn by other players. “This is really a big deal in my mind,” Jones, 74, told Engster. “There is nothing greater. And I’ve received a lot of accolades and had a lot of good things happen to me. Some of them were part of my doing, but most of them were because of my surrounding cast of supporters. But this is the top of the ladder. Just being in the ring of honor with the great players – Billy and Jerry and Charles, and especially my roommate, Tommy Casanova. This is as big as it gets in my world.” Jones went on to become one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL during his time from 1973 through 1981 with the Colts before ending his injury-riddled career with the Los Angeles Rams in 1982. Jones is the last LSU player to win the Associated Press’ NFL Most Valuable Player Award, which he did in 1976 when he led the NFL in passing yards with 3,104 and threw a career-high 24 touchdowns. The only other A.P. NFL MVPs from LSU are quarterback Y.A. Tittle (1944-47 at LSU) in 1963 with the New York Giants and running back Jim Taylor (1954, ’56-57 at LSU) in 1962 with the Green Bay Packers. Tittle also won the award in 1963, but not by the A.P. The Sporting News and United Press International named Tittle in 1962. “I can say I was the best in the business at the time I was there,” Jones said. “It is what it is. It was a lot of fun.” And few can say they could heave it 100. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Al Coffee, Ben Jones, bert jones, Jim Engster, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Talk Louisiana, Tommy Casanova --- ### [LSU Football Player Profile No. 19 - Offensive Lineman Devin Harper Is Back Home In Louisiana](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-19-offensive-lineman-devin-harper-is-back-home-in-louisiana/) **Published:** August 2, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU sophomore offensive tackle/guard Devin Harper is back at his first choice. Harper (6-foot-4, 312 pounds) committed to the Tigers on Jan. 30, 2024, as the No. 3 player in Louisiana and No. 7 interior offensive lineman in the country from Shreveport after LSU offered him a scholarship on Jan. 15. He played his first three seasons in high school at Captain Shreve before a transfer to Calvary Baptist. [LSU FOOTBALL COMPLETE 2026 ROSTER](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-roster-2026/) After his official visit to LSU on Oct. 4, 2024, however, he decommitted on Nov. 16 and committed to Ole Miss and then-coach Lane Kiffin on the same day. The No. 131 prospect in the nation overall, Harper received offers from Texas, USC, Penn State, Michigan State, Florida, Florida State, TCU, Missouri, Houston and SMU, among others. Harper played in six games as a backup for the Rebels in 2025, logging 72 snaps – 57 at right tackle and seven at left tackle. After Kiffin transferred, so to speak, to LSU after the regular season, Harper followed him to the Tigers. > [Lane Kiffin To Reunite With No. 3-Ranked Portal Guard/Center Devin Harper Of Ole Miss](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-to-reunite-with-no-3-ranked-portal-guard-center-devin-harper-of-ole-miss/) He played guard in the spring and enters August practices as the No. 2 left guard behind fifth-year senior Bo Bordelon, but he can also play tackle. **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** A thick, versatile lineman who can shift spots along the line. An elite run blocker and physical tone-setter who will be a top backup, if not a starter this season. > [LSU Paid Lane Kiffin’s $3 Million Buyout To Ole Miss, And May Have To Pay Nearly $1 Million For 2 Transfers’ Buyouts](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-paid-lane-kiffins-3-million-buyout-to-ole-miss-and-may-have-to-pay-nearly-1-million-for-2-rebel-transfers/) **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** *Highly-touted offensive lineman prospect from Calvary Baptist in Shreveport, La. … Signed with Ole Miss out of high school and spent his true freshman season with the Rebels … Rated as 4-star recruit for the Class of 2025 and listed as one of the nation’s Top 15 offensive tackles … Ranked as high as the nation’s No. 5 offensive tackle prospect by On3 for the Class of 2025 … Earned Ole Miss’ Athletic Director’s Honor Roll status in the spring and fall of 2025.* **FRESHMAN SEASON (2025 at Ole Miss)** *Appeared in 6 games as a true freshman at Ole Miss … Played 72 total snaps with 57 coming at right tackle and 7 at left tackle … Made collegiate debut against Georgia State in the season-opener … Other action came against Arkansas, Tulane (twice), The Citadel, and Florida … Played season-high 33 snaps in win over The Citadel … Saw action on 10 offensive snaps in College Football Playoff win over Tulane … Played 12 snaps in collegiate debut against Georgia State.* **HIGH SCHOOL** *Rated as 4-star prospect by all major recruiting services … Listed as the No. 121 recruit in the ESPN 300 rankings … Ranked top-15 nationally at offensive tackle by ESPN, Rivals, 247, and On3, checking in as high as No. 5 by On3 … A top-10 prospect in the state of Louisiana according to ESPN, Rivals, 247, and On3, reaching as high as No. 3 by 247 … Earned 3 varsity letters in high school … Played 3 seasons at Captain Shreve before playing final season of high school football at Calvary Baptist … First-Team 2A All-State as a senior … As a junior, helped Captain Shreve roll up more than 3,100 rushing yards on its way to a 9-2 record and the district title … As a senior, helped team to a 10-3 mark and reach the semifinals of the LHSAA Selection Division III playoffs … Coached at Calvary by Rodney Guin.* **NEXT:** Wide Receiver Jackson Harris **PREVIOUS BIOS:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) Running Back [Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) Defensive Tackle [Deuce Geralds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) Tight End [Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-18-treydez-green-expected-to-be-among-nations-best-tight-ends/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Devin Harper, lane kiffin, lsu, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels --- ### [LSU Football's 12-Game Schedule Analysis for 2026](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-footballs-12-game-schedule-analysis-for-2026/) **Published:** August 2, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** LSU Football’s 12-Game Path to the 2026 Playoff | TigerRag.comLSU Football 2026 # The 12-Game Path for the Tigers Breaking the Season Into Quadrants and a Little Lagniappe By **Glenn Guilbeau** | Tiger Rag Editor LSU fans starved for their first playoff run since 2019 — when the playoffs had just four teams a full five years before the current 12-team format — will clearly have their best chance since then to watch their Tigers in the postseason. New coach Lane Kiffin has assembled one of the most talented teams in the country via a consensus No. 1-ranked portal class of 41 in addition to a solid, No. 13 signing class that will have a few members impacting as well. He also inherits one of the best rising defensive coordinators in the country in Blake Baker, who returns several key players to go with some gems on the front line added by Kiffin. In a normal season, you could pencil the Tigers into the playoffs. But this is the first edition of the nine-game Southeastern Conference schedule, and LSU has five on the road for the first time. LSU could be excellent in 2026 and not quite make the playoffs. But if Kiffin can quickly merge the talent into one consistent force, the Tigers will be playing on Dec. 18 or 19 in the College Football Playoff. We have divided the season into four quadrants with one lagniappe game. 1 Preseason ## Clemson, Louisiana Tech Clemson is coming off its worst season at 7-6 since a 6-7 mark in coach Dabo Swinney’s second year in 2010. An attractive opener at 6:30 p.m. on ABC on Sept. 5 in Tiger Stadium, but No. 10 LSU (7-6, 3-5 SEC) would be better with a rent-a-win for a true preseason game as Kiffin gets the kinks out of his talent. Still, the Tigers should handle this with minimal stress. Then it’s a nice tuneup on Sept. 12 in Louisiana Tech, which was 8-5 and 5-3 last season with a 23-7 loss at LSU. 2 Titanic Two-Game Test ## At No. 8 Ole Miss, No. 9 Texas A&M The Rebels (13-2, 7-1, CFP semifinalist) and Aggies (11-2, 7-1, CFP qualifier) may be the best two on LSU’s schedule. A split either way would be fine, because either will be a quality loss through season’s end. The ultimate grudge match between Kiffin and his former team and ex-defensive coordinator, unproven Pete Golding, will be in prime time on Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. on ABC. Then the Aggies come to Tiger Stadium on Sept. 26. 3 October Breather ## McNeese, At Kentucky, Mississippi State, At Auburn, Open October always has the best weather in Louisiana with cooler, true football fall temperatures. And the living will be mostly easy for LSU, but be careful at Auburn on Oct. 24 before the Halloween open date. 4 Fortnight From Hell ## No. 16 Alabama, No. 5 Texas, At No. 25 Tennessee LSU’s schedule is so rich that Alabama in Tiger Stadium on Nov. 7 is an afterthought amid Ole Miss, Texas A&M and Texas. Alabama is not what it was under Nick Saban, but Kalen DeBoer still has a lot of roster talent. Just a week later, the Longhorns and Arch Manning — the third Manning quarterback to enter Tiger Stadium after Archie in 1968 and 1970 and Eli in 2001 and 2002 at Ole Miss — hit Baton Rouge. Each was 1-1. It will be Texas’ first game in Baton Rouge since 1953. Splits with Ole Miss and Texas A&M and then Alabama and Texas would have LSU at 8-2 and 5-2 and needing to win out to make the playoffs. The Vols will be spoiler danger on Nov. 21 in Knoxville, but they don’t have the talent LSU does. And coach Josh Heupel is yet again trying to rebuild his defense. 5 Lagniappe ## At Arkansas After those three, a respite blowout in Fayetteville will be in order for a 10-2, 7-2 finish that will get LSU in the CFP at last, hopefully without a trip to the Jurassic SEC title game on Dec. 5. **Projected path:** A 10-2 overall record and 7-2 SEC finish should finally put LSU back in the College Football Playoff. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** 2026 12-game LSU football schedule, lsu football, LSU football news, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football Player Profile Number 18 - Trey'Dez Green Expected To Be Among Nation's Best Tight Ends](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-number-18-treydez-green-expected-to-be-among-nations-best-tight-ends/) **Published:** August 2, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES New LSU football coach Lane Kiffin brought in nine receivers via the portal last January, but quarterback Sam Leavitt’s best target in 2026 may not be one of those. It could be returning junior tight end Trey’Dez Green (6-foot-7, 237 pounds), who caught 33 passes for 433 yards and seven touchdowns last season in making second team All-Southeastern Conference. A mismatch for opposing defenses, Green is poised for an elite season in 2026, considering the talent throughout the offense that Kiffin has assembled. > [Will Wade Was One Of The 1st To Notice The Talent And Reach Of Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-was-one-of-the-1st-to-notice-the-talent-and-reach-of-treydez-green/) **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** *One of the nation’s best tight ends with a stout supporting cast, Green is an anomaly at the position. The tall target can haul in balls few defenders can reach while he can also torch linebackers and safeties with wide receiver-like speed and agility.* **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** *Arguably the most gifted athlete in college football … With size, strength, and wingspan, creates almost unfair mismatches with defenders in the passing game … Expected to thrive even more in the Lane Kiffin offense in 2026 … Listed as a tight end but more than capable of lining up in the slot or split out as a wide receiver … Great hands and speed … Has proven to be very difficult to tackle and often requires more than 1 defender to bring him down … 176 of his 433 receiving yards came after the catch in 2025 and for his career, he has 230 yards after the catch … Named second-team All-SEC in 2025 after catching 33 passes for 433 yards and a team-best 7 TDs … Has already established himself as the LSU career record holder for receiving TDs by a tight end with 11 … Set the LSU single-season TD reception record for a tight end in 2025 with 7 … Has developed into an all-around outstanding tight end with improved blocking skills and his physicality on the field … A dominant tight end in every aspect of the position now entering his junior season … In first 2 years with the Tigers, has appeared in 24 games with 8 starts … 46 career receptions for 534 yards and 11 TDs … Spent time with the LSU basketball team in January and February of 2025 … Made his debut with the LSU basketball team on Jan. 25 at Alabama … His first college basketball came after he blocked a shot on the perimeter and then raced down the court for a dunk in the first half against the Crimson Tide … Majoring in sport administration with a concentration on sport leadership.* **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2025)** *Appeared in 11 games with 6 starts … Led team with 7 TD receptions, which set the LSU single-season record for receiving touchdowns by a tight end … Ranked third on team in both receptions (33) and receiving yards (433) … 176 of his 433 receiving yards came after the catch, including a career-high 63 yards after the catch against Vanderbilt … Set the LSU career mark for receiving TDs by a tight end with his second touchdown against Houston in the Texas Bowl … Broke the previous mark of 10 held by Richard Dickson (2006-09) … Set the LSU single-season mark for receiving TDs by a tight end with his first touchdown against Houston the Texas Bowl, breaking the previous mark of 5 held by Richard Dickson (2007 and 2008), Robert Royal (200) and Brad Boyd (1972) … Caught a TD pass in 6 games … Named the John Mackey Award National Tight End of the Week vs. South Carolina when he had career-highs of 8 catches for 119 yards and a TD in the LSU win .. Had 3-game stretch where he caught 19 passes for 247 yards and 3 TDs … Stretch started with South Carolina game and continued against Vanderbilt (5 rec., 74 yards, 1 TD) and Texas A&M (6 rec., 54 yards, 1 TD) … Opened season with 2 catches for 17 yards and a TD in road win over Top 10 Clemson … His 8-yard TD reception came early in fourth quarter and put LSU up for good at 17-10 … Caught 6 passes for 45 yards and a TD in win over Western Kentucky … Capped season with 4 receptions for 80 yards and 2 TDs, which tied his career-high, against Houston in the Texas Bowl … Missed games against Florida and Southeastern Louisiana with an injury … Returned to action at Ole Miss.* **FRESHMAN SEASON (2024)** *Played in all 13 games, starting twice … Starts came Arkansas and the Texas Bowl win over Baylor … Had best game of season in win over Baylor in the Texas Bowl with career-highs in receptions (6), yards (53) and touchdowns (2) … Caught a 12-yard pass midway through second quarter against Ole Miss, putting the Tigers up 10-7, in a game LSU eventually won in overtime … First career reception was a 1-yard TD in his Tiger Stadium debut against Nicholls … Caught 2 passes for 13 yards at Texas A&M … Had 1 catch for 5 yards in win over Vanderbilt.* **HIGH SCHOOL** *Outstanding tight end prospect from Zachary High School, just a few miles north of Baton Rouge … Rated with 4-stars and considered the top prep prospect in the state of Louisiana for the Class of 2024 … Listed No. 35 overall nationally and the nation’s No. 1 tight end in the On3 composite … Two-sport standout who also excels in basketball … Described as a “once-in-a-generation type of player” by an opposing coach because of his elite athleticism with a 6-foot-7 frame… As a junior in 2022, had 45 receptions for 864 yards and 11 TDs … Had 350 receiving yards as a sophomore … On the basketball court, averaged 27 points and 11 rebounds as a junior in 2022 … Earned First-Team All-State honors in 2022 at East Feliciana High School … In 2023 state title game, caught 8 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown … Finished senior season with 53 receptions for 960 yards and 12 touchdowns … Coached by David Brewerton.* **CAREER HIGHS** *Receptions: 8 vs. South Carolina, 2025 Receiving Yards: 119 vs. South Carolina, 2025 Receiving TDs: Vs. Houston, 2025 Texas Bowl and Baylor, 2024 Texas Bowl) Longest Reception: 42 vs. Houston, 2025 Texas Bowl* **NEXT:** Offensive lineman Devin Harper **PREVIOUS BIOS:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) Running Back [Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) Defensive Tackle [Deuce Geralds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu football, LSU Tigers', Trey'Dez Green --- ### [Questions Loom Around LSU's 2026 Football Team](https://www.tigerrag.com/questions-loom-around-lsus-2026-football-team/) **Published:** August 2, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** Five Biggest Questions Entering Lane Kiffin’s First LSU Season | TigerRag.com LSU Football 2026 # The 5 Biggest Questions Entering Lane Kiffin’s First Season at LSU From the College Football Playoff to Sam Leavitt’s recovery and Lane Kiffin’s social-media silence, these are the questions surrounding LSU as a new era begins. By **Glenn Guilbeau** | Tiger Rag Editor | August 2026 LSU and new coach Lane Kiffin enter the program’s 132nd season on Sept. 6 against Clemson in Tiger Stadium. These are the five biggest questions surrounding the Tigers before kickoff. 1 ## Will LSU make the College Football Playoff? It has been a long six seasons since the Tigers were last in a playoff game, which was a 42-25 victory over No. 3 Clemson by No. 1 LSU on Jan. 13, 2020, in the CFP national championship game in the Superdome. A non-winning season followed in 2020 at 5-5, a losing campaign in 2021 at 6-7 and the third season over that span of five or more losses last year at 7-6. My answer is yes, at 10-2 and 7-2 with losses to Ole Miss and Texas. 2 ## Will LSU win the national championship this season? No. But it will be fun watching the Tigers finally play at an elite level with a chance to contend for the national title, and they may make the semifinals. LSU will undoubtedly meet a great team or two in the playoffs should they advance. Enjoy the ride. 3 ## Will new quarterback Sam Leavitt’s right foot be good to go following surgery last year? He may not be so nimble and quick through the first few games, but he will still be very effective. And he’s a much better passer than runner anyway. And remember, the last LSU quarterback to have the same injury was Matt Mauck midway through the 2002 season. He threw a then-school record 28 touchdowns in leading the Tigers to the national championship in the 2003 season. 4 ## Will LSU really have its first significant running back-driven rushing attack since 2019 in 2026? Yes. Kiffin always had a decent or very good running game in his six seasons at Ole Miss. Considering the offensive line he has built at LSU, particularly with the portal additions, and a decent group of running backs, it will happen. 5 ## Will Lane Kiffin tweet again? Yes. Kiffin will end his ban on tweeting that started shortly after the Vanity Fair article about him published on May 11. I’m betting he tweets about Ole Miss shortly before the Tigers and Rebels kick off on Sept. 19 in Oxford. And the Rebel Nation may just hyperventilate in unison. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, LSU 2026 Football Roster, lsu football, LSU football news, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football Opener Is 34 Days Away, And Deuce Geralds Is Player Profile No. 17](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-34-days-away-and-deuce-geralds-is-player-profile-no-17/) **Published:** August 2, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES One of the bright spots of spring football was true freshman defensive tackle Deuce Geralds of Collins Hill High in Suwanee, Georgia. [Geralds (6-foot-1, 279 pounds) took repetitions with the first team at times during spring drills](https://www.tigerrag.com/andre-champagne-10-biggest-winners-of-lsu-spring-football/) and will enter August practices as a likely No. 2 on the depth chart to [Auburn transfer Malik Blocton.](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Geralds signed with the Tigers as the No. 4 defensive lineman in the country and No. 68 overall prospect in the nation. [LSU FOOTBALL 2026 ROSTER](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-roster-2026/) **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** *A smaller interior lineman who has already flashed. Four-star freshman with mature timing and agility to utilize lower leverage.* **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** *One of the nation’s top-rated defensive tackle prospects out of Collins Hill High School in Suwanee, Georgia … Consensus 4-star prospect who is ranked No. 3 nationally at his position and No. 6 overall in Georgia in the Rivals composite … Ranked as high as No. 2 nationally at his position by ESPN … The state of Georgia’s all-time prep sack leader … Named the 2025 Georgia Public Broadcast Sports Most Outstanding Defensive Player in the state of Georgia … Led Collins Hill in tackles (91), tackles for loss (37) and sacks (16) in 2025 … Added 45 quarterback hurries and forced 7 fumbles … On offense as a senior, rushed for 533 yards and 15 TDs … Tallied 114 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, 13 sacks and 36 QB hurries in 2024, while adding 211 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns as a running back and wildcat quarterback … As a sophomore, recorded 30 tackles for loss and 14 sacks … Made immediate impact as a freshman with 17 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks … Participated in Under Armour All-American Game and Polynesian Bowl in 2025, recording 4.5 sacks between the two games … Also a member of the high school track and field team … Son of former Ole Miss offensive lineman Daverin Geralds Sr.* **NEXT:** Tight End Trey’Dez Green **PREVIOUS BIOS:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) Running Back [Caden Durham](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Deuce Geralds, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Baseball Gets Blockbuster Pitcher Logan Schmidt - 2nd Round Pick Who Turned Down Cleveland](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-gets-blockbuster-pitcher-logan-schmidt-2nd-round-pick-who-turned-down-cleveland/) **Published:** August 1, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The LSU baseball program just got a shot in the arm with one of the best high school, left-handed arms in the nation deciding to come to the Tigers for the 2027 season. Logan Schmidt (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) signed with LSU for the 2027 class several months ago. But when he was selected by the Cleveland Guardians in the second round of the Major League Baseball Draft and 59th overall on July 11, the chances of him enrolling at LSU seemed remote. > Logan Schmidt is headed to LSU 🐯 > > The 5-star prep lefthander will play for Jay Johnson in Baton Rouge despite being drafted No. 59 overall by the Guardians in the 2026 MLB Draft. > > LSU now has the No. 1 recruiting class for 2026. [pic.twitter.com/gpISpRkSKj](https://t.co/gpISpRkSKj) > > — Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) [August 1, 2026](https://x.com/BaseballAmerica/status/2083672548999360614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) However, Schmidt, the No. 12 prospect for the draft by Perfect Game from Ganesha High in Aliso Viejo, California, near Los Angeles, turned down approximately $1.7 million from the Guardians. Then he considered playing junior college baseball, which would have made him eligible for the 2027 MLB Draft instead of not until 2029 at a four-year college like LSU. Milwaukee Brewers ace Jacob Misiorowski went that route and was drafted in the second round in 2022 out of Crowder College after first committing to LSU. Schmidt considered Golden West College among other junior colleges before announcing his decision to go to LSU on Saturday. LSU coach Jay Johnson and pitching coach Nate Yeskie did not have a true ace last season, and the weekend starting rotation was average as Friday night starter Casan Evans struggled to repeat his exceptional freshman season of 2025. And sophomore William Schmidt continued to struggle at times as a starter. Schmidt could move right into the Southeastern Conference weekend rotation this season and will be a Tiger for three seasons, barring a move to another school via the portal. [Perfect Game has had Johnson’s class of 2027 ranked No. 2](https://www.perfectgame.org/College/CollegeCommitments.aspx?college=1658&grad=2026) to Vanderbilt for months, but Schmidt deciding to enroll at LSU will likely move that class to No. 1 in multiple rankings. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, Logan Schmidt, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Player Profile No. 16: Running Back Caden Durham ... As Countdown To LSU-Clemson Kickoff Continues](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-16-running-back-caden-durham-as-countdown-to-lsu-clemson-kickoff-continues/) **Published:** August 1, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Junior running back Caden Durham showed promise in 2024 when he led all Southeastern Conference freshmen with 753 rushing yards and scored six touchdowns while catching 28 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns despite. Has suffered with ankle and foot injuries, so with an injury-free season, he could have a breakout season. Durham (5-foot-9, 200 pounds) dropped to just 505 yards on 111 carries last season and 16 catches for 91 yards. **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** Explosive returning runner with the compact build, vision and burst to remain central to LSU’s backfield. Enters 2026 as one of LSU’s most dependable weapons. **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** *TheTeams with sophomore Harlem Berry to give LSU one of the SEC’s top running back tandems … Enters third season with the Tigers in 2026 … Heads into junior season with 1,258 career rushing yards and 9 TDs … Has scored 11 career TDs (9 rushing, 2 receiving) … 12 career starts with 24 appearances … Lived up to his billing as one of the nation’s top running backs in the Class of 2024, earning Freshman All-SEC honors an leading the Tigers with 753 rushing yards and 6 TDs as a true freshman … Followed that with 505 yards and 3 TDs as a sophomore when he split time with Harlem Berry … Has 4 rushes for 50-yards or more during his career with a long of 86 vs. South Alabama (2024) … Others are 51 yards vs. Florida (2025), at Vanderbilt (2025) and 50 vs. Oklahoma (2024) … Led all freshmen and ranked No. 10 in the SEC in rushing yards in 2024 (753) … His 5.4 yards per carry in 2024 ranked No. 8 in the SEC … As a freshman, was one of 2 players in the FBS to have a rush for 80+ yards and a reception of 70+ yards in 2024 (other was RJ Harvey of UCF), which he did in the same game vs. South Alabama (86-yard run, 71-yard reception) … Tremendous vision and speed out of the backfield … An every down back who has an impact in the passing game, both in protection and catching the ball … Effective running between the tackles or hitting the edge … Majoring in interdisciplinary studies … Named to the 2025 SEC Academic Honor Roll.* **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2025)** *Played in 12 games with 6 starts, including the first 5 contests of the season … Missed Ole Miss game (ankle) … Led team in rushing yards for second straight season … Rushed for 505 yards and 3 TDs on 111 carries … Averaged 4.5 yards per carry … Added 16 receptions for 91 yards …Opened season with 74 yards and a TD on 17 carries in win over Clemson … Had season-high 93 yards, including a 51-yard run, on 15 carries in win over Florida in week 3 … Tweaked ankle in week 4 vs. Southeastern Louisiana after rushing for only 17 yards on 7 carries … Missed the Ole Miss game the following week … Returned to action in win over South Carolina, rushing for 70 yards on 15 carries … Final start of season came at Vanderbilt, rushing for 59 yards on 7 carries … Had a 51-yard run against the Commodores … Rushed for 65 yards, including a 27-yard TD, in win over Arkansas.* **FRESHMAN SEASON (2024)** *Earned Freshman All-SEC honors … Appeared in 12 games with 6 starts … Led the Tigers and ranked first among all freshmen in the SEC in rushing yards with 753 … Scored 6 rushing touchdowns and averaged 5.4 yards per carry … First career start came in win over South Alabama in week 5, rushing for a career-best 128 yards and a TD on 7 carries … Added 3 receptions for 89 yards vs. the Jaguars … One of only 2 players in the FBS to have an 80-yard run and a 70-yard reception in 2024 and he did both in same game (vs. South Alabama) on consecutive offensive plays … Caught a screen pass and raced 71-yards for a TD on the first play of the game … On first play of LSU’s next possession, broke through the middle of the line and scampered 86 yards to the 1-yard line … Finished South Alabama game with career-high 217 all-purpose yards … Had breakout game in week 3 against South Carolina, rushing for 98 yards and 2 TDs in comeback win over South Carolina … Helped start the comeback midway through the second quarter with a 26-yard TD (first of his career), pulling the Tigers to within 17-7 … Added a 9-yard TD run in third quarter, getting LSU to within 24-22 … Scored career-high 3 rushing TDs to go along with 101 yards on 21 carries in road win over Arkansas … Rushed for 95 yards on 21 carries at Florida … Had 80 yards, including a 50-yard run, on 11 carries vs. Oklahoma and then followed that with 60 yards on 13 carries in Texas Bowl win over Baylor … Finished year with 3 runs of 45-yards or more and 3 receptions of at least 35 yards … Had 35-yard reception vs. UCLA and a 40-yard catch at Texas A&M … Other long run covered 45 yards against Alabama.* **HIGH SCHOOL** *One of the nation’s top running backs for the Class of 2024 … Rated with 4-stars from all of the major recruiting services … Listed as the nation’s No. 8 running back and No. 19 overall in the state of Texas in the On3 composite … Helped Duncanville High School to back-to-back Texas 6A Division I state titles in 2022 and 2023 … Named offensive MVP of 6A state title game after rushing for 243 yards and 3 TDs on 22 carries in the 49-33 win … Rushed for 200 yards and all 3 TDs in the first half of the championship game … Also named offensive MVP of 2022 state championship game, topping the 100-yard mark and rushing for 3 TDs … As a junior in 2022, rushed for 1,960 yards and 36 TDs … Excels on the track as well, advancing to the state championships in the 100-meters and 4×100 relay … Consistently clocked at 10.5 in the 100 with a best time of 10.28 … Mom ran track at Oklahoma.* **CAREER HIGHS** **RUSHING** *Attempts: 21, 2x (Last: at Florida, 2024; First: at Arkansas, 2024) Yards: 128 vs. South Alabama, 2024 TDs: 3 at Arkansas, 2024 Long rush: 86 vs. South Alabama, 2024* **RECEIVING** *Receptions: 4, 3x (Last: vs. Oklahoma, 2024; First: at Texas A&M, 2024) Yards: 89 vs. South Alabama, 2024 TDs: 1, 2x (Last: vs. South Alabama, 2024; First: vs. UCLA, 2024) Long Reception: 71 vs. South Alabama* **100-YARD GAMES** *128 vs. South Alabama, Sept. 28, 2024 101 at Arkansas, Oct. 19, 2024* **NEXT:** Defensive Tackle Deuce Geralds **PREVIOUS BIOS:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) Linebacker [TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Caden Durham, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football Season Is 6 Saturdays Away, And Here Is Player Profile No. 15 - Linebacker TJ Dottery](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-6-saturdays-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-15-linebacker-tj-dottery/) **Published:** August 1, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The fear from a panic-stricken, overreacting, paranoid Ole Miss Nation was that Lane Kiffin was going to take half the roster from his old job as the Rebels’ head coach as he took over at LSU last December. [LSU 2026 FOOTBALL ROSTER](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-roster-2026/) He may have tried for a lot more, but in the end Kiffin “poached” only four players from Ole Miss, which was significantly less than several other coaches who have left programs for new jobs in the no sit-out portal era that began in 2021. And Kiffin only got two players in the top 10 at their positions in the portal rankings – [No. 1 edge Princewill Umanmielen and No. 6 interior offensive guard Devin Harper](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-paid-lane-kiffins-3-million-buyout-to-ole-miss-and-may-have-to-pay-nearly-1-million-for-2-rebel-transfers/), who will enter August practices on Wednesday as a backup. Ole Miss transfer Winnie Watkins, meanwhile, was ranked as the No. 39 wide receiver. > [LSU Football: Linebacker TJ Dottery Has Made Seamless Transition From Rebel To Tiger](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-linebacker-tj-dottery-has-made-seamless-transition-from-rebel-to-tiger/) But look for three of the four to start, if not all four should Harper make a move over the next few weeks. Coming in as the No. 13 linebacker in the portal is projected starter TJ Dottery, a fifth-year senior who started 27 games the last two seasons at Ole Miss. Dottery (6-foot-2, 225 pounds) has made 174 tackles the last two seasons and is poised for another breakout season. **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** *An experienced leader who led the Southeastern Conference in tackles in 2025 with 98. A natural off-ball linebacker who is at his best against the run.* **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** *The Veteran linebacker who joins the Tigers after starting 27 games at Ole Miss over the past 2 seasons … Led the SEC in tackles in 2025 with 98 … Key defensive component that helped the Rebels to the best season in school history with a 13-2 record and reaching the semifinals of the College Football Playoffs … One of 4 Ole Miss players to join the Tigers in 2026 through the transfer portal – others are OL Devin Harper, Edge Princewill Umanmielen, and WR Winston Watkins … Originally signed with Clemson out of high school and played his freshman season with the Tigers … Transferred to Ole Miss following the 2022 season … Enters final season of college football with 177 career tackles to go with 10.0 tackles for losses and 3.5 sacks … Started 12 games at Ole Miss in 2024 and the Rebels defense set the school mark and led the nation in sacks (52) and tackles for loss (120) … Ole Miss went 22-5 with him in the starting lineup.* **JUNIOR SEASON (2025 at Ole Miss)** *Started all 15 games at linebacker helping Ole Miss to the best season in school history … Rebels posted a 13-2 mark and advanced to the semifinals of the College Football Playoffs … Led the SEC in total tackles with 98 … Added 5.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks … Forced 2 fumbles … Had season-high 11 tackles, including a sack for a 12-yard loss, against Miami in the semifinals of the College Football Playoffs … Recorded 9 tackles in season-opener against Georgia State, at Georgia and at Mississippi State … Forced fumbles came against Arkansas and Tulane in the first round of the College Football Playoffs … Added 6 tackles in playoff win over Green Wave.* **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2024 at Ole Miss)** *Started 12 games at linebacker, helping anchor one of the nation’s best run defenses … Ole Miss finished the year ranked No. 1 in the SEC and No. 2 in the FBS in rushing yards allowed (80.5) … Key contributor on Ole Miss defense that set school records for sacks (52) and tackles for loss (120) – which both led the nation … Finished second on team in tackles with 76 with double-digit tackles in 4 games … Added 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.0 sacks, 4 quarterback hurries, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery … Career-best 13 tackles at South Carolina … Named SEC Co-Defensive Player of the Week for performance in win over Arkansas after tallying 5 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack fumble that resulted in a touchdown … Other double-digit tackle games came against Kentucky (10), Oklahoma (10), and Georgia (10) … Sacks came against Arkansas and South Carolina …* **REDSHIRT FRESHMAN SEASON (2023 at Ole Miss)** *Sat out the regular-season due to NCAA transfer rules at the time … Gained eligibility for the post-season and made his Ole Miss debut against Penn State in the Peach Bowl … Had 2 tackles and a quarterback hurry in 38-25 win over the Nittany Lions … Played 46 snaps in the Peach Bowl win.* **FRESHMAN SEASON (2022 at Clemson)** *Appeared in 4 games as a true freshman at Clemson in 2022 … Played a total of 16 defensive snaps, tallying 2 tackles … Made collegiate debut on special teams against Furman … Had tackles against North Carolina and against No. 6 Tennessee in the Orange Bowl … Redshirted.* **HIGH SCHOOL** *Rated a consensus 4-star prep recruit … Ranked by Rivals.com as the nation’s No. 147 overall player, as the country’s 10th-best linebacker and as the No. 7-ranked prospect in the state of Alabama … Rated the nation’s 10th-best linebacker and the 14th-best overall player in the state of Alabama by ESPN … Was a 3-time all-state selection at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory School … Was 3-time All-Metro and All-Capital City Conference (CCC) honoree … Earned CCC Defensive Player of the Year accolades as a senior … Named the 2021 Alabama Sports Writers Association Class 3A Lineman of the Year … Tabbed “Super All-State” in 2022, which presented to the top 12 players in the state … Credited with 381 tackles (59 for loss), 10.5 sacks, 7 interceptions, 7 pass breakups and 7 touchdowns in his prep career … Participated in Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Classic … Led a Montgomery Catholic defense that gave up just 43 points in 14 games and reached the state semifinals in 2021 … Also lettered in basketball, helping his team to a state title game appearance in 2021 … Coached by Kirk Johnson.* **CAREER HIGHS** *Tackles: 13 at South Carolina, 2024 Tackles for loss: 2.0, 2x (Last: vs. The Citadel, 2025; First: at South Carolina, 2024) Sacks: 1.0, 3x (Last: vs. Miami, 2025 CFP Semifinals; First: at South Carolina, 2024) Quarterback Hurries: 3 vs. Kentucky, 2024* **NEXT:** Running back Caden Durham **PREVIOUS BIOS** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) Safety [Faheem Delane](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels, TJ Dottery --- ### [LSU Football's 2026 Offensive Position Groups Analyzed](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-footballs-2026-offensive-position-groups-analyzed/) **Published:** August 1, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** LSU Football Offense: Five Position-Group Questions for 2026 | TigerRag.comLSU Football 2026 # Five Questions That Will Define LSU’s Offense in 2026 **By Kase Kieschnick** Tiger Rag Staff Writer From Sam Leavitt’s recovery to a rebuilt receiver room, these are the five offensive questions that could shape Lane Kiffin’s first LSU season. By **Kase Kieschnick** | August 2026 LSU enters preseason practice with proven talent, major additions and uncertainty at every offensive position group. The answers to these five questions will help determine whether the Tigers’ rebuilt offense can become championship-caliber in 2026. 1 ## Quarterbacks ### Can Sam Leavitt get up to speed in the offense and build chemistry with receivers in a shortened offseason? This is the question that could define LSU’s entire season. Leavitt showed his playmaking ability at Arizona State, but many of those highlight plays were a result of creative scrambling in the backfield. Mid-foot surgery and a shortened offseason raise reasonable concerns of his post-injury mobility. Coach Lane Kiffin has confirmed Leavitt is fully cleared and even ahead of schedule on his recovery. Health aside, stepping into a new offense with just a few months to prepare is a major challenge. Add in the factor that all but one of his receivers are newcomers to Baton Rouge, and there are real worries about getting the offense on the same page. Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis were able to do it with Ferris State transfer quarterback Trinidad Chambliss when he arrived during the summer in Oxford last year. How long will it take Sam Leavitt to not only learn the offense but become comfortable enough to be a playmaker in it? 2 ## Running Backs ### How do three starting-caliber runners share the backfield? Caden Durham and Harlem Berry are electrifying ball carriers. The run game was on life support during the Brian Kelly era, but that was more the fault of dismal offensive line play than their own. Durham and Berry have shown breakaway speed and the ability to make defenders miss or run through them. Wisconsin transfer Dilin Jones appears ready to turn that one-two punch into a three-man rushing attack. Jones was the Badgers’ lead back before a season-ending turf toe injury, and he took some starting reps in the spring. Kiffin praised his smooth feet, patience in the backfield and work ethic. It’s a good problem to have, but how Kiffin and Weis distribute the carries during camp and this season will be something to keep an eye on. Will one of these ball carriers earn a role as the primary lead back, will it be a true three-man rotation, or will Durham and Berry take the lion’s share of the work? 3 ## Wide Receivers ### Who rises above the rest to become a true SEC WR1? Nine transfers, three freshmen, one returning redshirt freshman. Kiffin fully rebuilt his receiver room, and he did it with the philosophy of more is more. Instead of investing all of his resources into one or two of the top transfer portal receivers, he brought in nine transfers who ranged from No. 16 to No. 252 in 247sports.com’s transfer WR rankings. The hope is that the quantity of talent in the room as a whole will drive up the quality of a select few. But who that few will be remains to be seen. Florida transfer Eugene “Tre” Wilson III was the highest ranked prospect. Kansas State’s Jayce Brown has consistently produced at the Power Four level. Winston Watkins Jr. showed promise as a freshman at Ole Miss last year and has a head start going into year two under Kiffin and Weis. Jackson Harris and Tre’ Brown were explosive deep ball threats in the Group of Six. The list goes on. Preseason practice should bring the WR rotation into focus. Jayce Brown, Watkins, Harris and Wilson should lead the way, but which of the transfers can take the next step at LSU. The Tigers will need one of them to build a reliable connection with Leavitt. Prior to last year, LSU had a receiver rank in the top six of the SEC in yards per game for six consecutive seasons. Which one of these pass catchers will step up to resume that tradition? 4 ## Tight Ends ### Can Green continue to progress as an every-down threat under Lane Kiffin? They say a good tight end is a rookie NFL quarterback’s best friend. The same can be said for a quarterback who missed most of the offseason with an injury in his first year in a new offense. If none of those wide receivers step up, Trey’Dez Green has the talent to contend for the title of LSU’s leading receiver. Green has shown the quickness to beat linebackers and the physicality to dominate defensive backs. There is no reason to limit him to red zone opportunities. Green had just 13 catches for 101 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman and improved to 33 receptions for 433 yards and seven scores with more opportunities last season. He ranked third on the team in both catches and yards. Kiffin and Weis are creative enough to get the most out of their best players. If they choose to highlight Green in the offense, he can be as prolific a pass catcher as any in college football. 5 ## Offensive Line ### Can Weston Davis develop into the dominant SEC tackle he was recruited to be? It has not been the collegiate career Davis may have hoped for when he committed to LSU as a five-star in the class of 2024. The 6-foot-6, 315-pound right tackle played just 20 snaps and redshirted as a freshman behind Emery Jones Jr. (a third-round NFL Draft pick). He took over as the starter last season and struggled to live up to the five-star hype. He played in 12 games with 10 starts and missed the Ole Miss game after suffering an injury during warm-ups. He was benched for redshirt freshman Ory Williams before returning to the starting lineup after he went down with injury. Davis allowed just five sacks and 10 QB pressures in 424 passing opportunities last year. He did finish the season strong and allowed zero sacks over the final five games, but not all of those games were full-time outings thanks to the back-and-forth swap with Williams. With transfer additions Jordan Seaton and Aliou Bah and returning starting center Braelin Moore alongside veteran Bo Bordelon, Davis may be the biggest question mark on the offensive front. LSU will need him to build on a strong finish to last year and improve in the run game for the offense to operate. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu football, LSU football 2026, LSU football offense, LSU football offensive position groups 2026, LSU Tigers --- ### [2026 LSU Football Preseason Guide Feature](https://www.tigerrag.com/2026-lsu-football-preseason-guide-feature/) **Published:** August 1, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** 10 LSU Football Players Who Will Define the 2026 Season | TigerRag.com LSU Football 2026 # 10 Players Who Will Define LSU’s 2026 Season And they’re not all from the portal. By **Glenn Guilbeau** | Tiger Rag Editor | August 2026 Coach Lane Kiffin has brought in 60 scholarship players for 2026 — 41 from the nation’s No. 1 portal class and 19 from the No. 13 recruiting class. LSU has not experienced more dramatic year-to-year roster turnover in program history. The newcomers will matter, but several returning Tigers from last season’s disappointing 7-6 team could be just as important. These are the 10 players most likely to define LSU’s season. 1 Quarterback ## Sam Leavitt The No. 1 quarterback and player in the portal, the redshirt junior from Arizona State has LSU’s immediate future in his hands and right foot, which he had surgery on last season that limited him to seven games. He is expected to be 100 percent for August. When healthy in 2024, Leavitt threw for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns with six interceptions in 13 games, taking the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff and an 11-3 finish while rushing for 443 yards and five touchdowns. 2 EDGE ## Princewill Umanmielen The No. 1 edge in the portal, the LSU senior had nine sacks last season for Ole Miss and has 19 career quarterback hurries. 3 Left Tackle ## Jordan Seaton The No. 1 offensive tackle and No. 3 overall portal player from Colorado, the junior will be the pillar of the rebuilt offensive line that has been average to bad for too long. 4 Tight End ## Trey’Dez Green Likely the best tight end in the nation and a prized mismatch at 6-foot-7 and 237 pounds for Leavitt. Green caught 33 passes for 433 yards and seven touchdowns last season as a sophomore. 5 Middle Linebacker ## Whit Weeks If this key senior leader can return to his 2024 form before the ankle injury that limited him to eight games last season, look out. 6 Wide Receiver ## Jayce Brown The most experienced of the nine wide receivers added, the deep-threat senior from Kansas State caught 88 passes for 1,535 yards and 10 touchdowns over the last two seasons. 7 Cornerback ## DJ Pickett The five-star freshman lived up to his billing last season with three interceptions and two sacks. 8 Safety ## Ty Benefield One of the most discussed additions, the senior had 107 tackles at Boise State last year. 9 Running Back ## Dilin Jones A bigger back at 5-foot-11 and 211 pounds, he could be Kiffin’s power source between the tackles. 10 Center ## Braelin Moore The senior will be a stabilizing leadership force amid the new faces. **SEO title:** 10 LSU Football Players Who Will Define the 2026 Season **Suggested slug:** 10-lsu-football-players-who-will-define-2026-season **Meta description:** Sam Leavitt, Princewill Umanmielen, Jordan Seaton and Whit Weeks headline 10 LSU players who could define Lane Kiffin’s first season in 2026. **Suggested feature-image cutline:** LSU offensive tackle Jordan Seaton is one of 10 Tigers whose performance could define Lane Kiffin’s first season in Baton Rouge. **Suggested image alt text:** LSU offensive tackle Jordan Seaton during preseason practice. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** 10 Key Players, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU football news, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football's 2026 Defensive Analyzed](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-footballs-2026-defensive-analyzed/) **Published:** August 1, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** LSU Defensive Position Groups Analyzed for 2026 | TigerRag.com LSU Football 2026 # LSU Defensive Position Groups Analyzed From the defensive front to the kicking game, these are the questions that will determine whether Blake Baker’s unit can become one of the SEC’s best. By **Kase Kieschnick** | Tiger Rag Staff Writer | August 2026 LSU has star power at every level of the defense, but it also has unresolved questions involving production, health, depth and transition. These four position-group storylines will shape the Tigers’ defensive ceiling in 2026. 1 ## Defensive Line ### Can anyone take the next step to become a consistent threat alongside Princewill Umanmielen? Senior Ole Miss transfer edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen racked up nine sacks as a Rebel last year. His length and motor should seamlessly translate to defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s scheme. Where the Tigers’ front has questions is … everywhere else. Jordan Ross is a former five-star who recorded 1.5 sacks in two seasons at Tennessee. He has the build and talent to produce; he just hasn’t. Freshman Lamar Brown joins him as another five-star talent who could make an impact on the edge. Brown was ESPN’s top prospect in the 2026 class, but he will have a short turnaround to make the transition from high school to SEC play after enrolling at LSU this summer. Even if there is no proven production across from Umanmielen, the EDGE room does not lack talent. The interior of the defensive line is the bigger concern. Junior Dominick McKinley played in all 13 games and started twice last season. He is another former five-star, but he finished the season with just 12 tackles and one sack. He will have more than enough opportunity to step up this season. Next to McKinley is a group of transfers with experience but lackluster stats and talented true freshmen. Malik Blocton had 34 tackles and two sacks in two years at Auburn. Stephiylan Green tallied 34 tackles and 3.5 sacks in three years at Clemson. Achilles Woods made 12 tackles and a sack in two years at South Alabama. Richard Anderson is yet another five-star on the D-line. The 6-foot-3, 339-pounder is a massive force in the middle but also a true freshman who will need to adjust to the SEC. Deuce Geralds is another freshman who grabbed some first-team work in the spring. He was a four-star prospect. There are too many top recruits along the front to just be a cast of role players. Someone needs to break out and give Umanmielen some help. It could be a true freshman who forces his way onto the field, a once-coveted talent yet to find success or an unexpected jump from a serviceable veteran. 2 ## Linebackers ### Can Whit Weeks return to his dominant form after an injury-riddled 2025? Can TJ Dottery make a seamless transition? Senior linebacker Whit Weeks was one of the best in the country at his position in 2024. He was named first-team All-SEC after totaling 125 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an interception. At the end of the season, Weeks suffered an ankle injury in the Texas Bowl. He returned from that ankle injury only to receive another lower-leg injury and miss five games last season. Weeks returned to activity during spring camp and should be back to full health for this season. He is the on-field physical, mental and emotional leader of Baker’s defense. The Tigers can be a force on that side of the ball if he is all the way back. If he is not, Ole Miss fifth-year senior transfer linebacker TJ Dottery can alleviate some pressure. Dottery was first in the SEC with 98 tackles last season, and he added 5.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. The pair should be a dominant duo terrorizing opposing ball carriers. Dottery will need to adjust from Ole Miss coach Pete Golding’s defense to Baker’s. Dottery and Weeks have said they enjoy playing together and work well with each other. Let’s see if that translates on the field. 3 ## Defensive Backs ### Who is prepared to take over if one of the top two corners goes down? PJ Woodland and DJ Pickett are bonafide stars at starting corner, but behind them, the room is frighteningly thin. Sophomore Aidan Anding was projected to be the next man up, but he suffered a torn Achilles in the spring. Ja’Keem Jackson is the next most likely to fill the role. Jackson was a four-star high school prospect who spent two seasons at Florida and was a starter for the Gators in 2024 before a season-ending ankle injury. After Jackson is former wide receiver Michael Turner Jr., veteran special teamer Craig Walton Jr., Southern University transfer Treylan James and freshmen Havon Finney Jr., Emari Peterson and Dez Ellis. Ideally, none of these depth options are forced to take on a starting role, but a football season rarely goes according to plan. Someone needs to make a splash during preseason camp to solidify themselves as a reliable understudy. 4 ## Specialists ### Can Starzyk replicate his freshman success and fill the void left by Damian Ramos? Sophomore placekicker Scott Starzyk was named All-SEC at Arkansas last season as he made 14-of-18 field-goal attempts and all 47 extra-point attempts. He was perfect on field goals inside of 40 yards and was 3-of-6 from 40-49 yards and 2-of-3 from 50 yards or more. Ramos, though, was one of the best kickers to ever wear purple and gold. He finished his LSU career last year as the program leader in points (409), field goals (69) and consecutive successful PATs (129). Those are volume statistics. They speak to Ramos’ longevity and consistency, but there is no way Starzyk can fill those shoes right away. He is not being asked to. In any case, fans will be ready to scrutinize whoever has the unfortunate task of replacing a four-year staple like Ramos. If Starzyk can provide the same accuracy and leg as he did as a freshman, the Tigers will be just fine. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** blake baker, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU football 2026 defense, LSU football news --- ### [Angel Reese Makes More History In Atlanta Dream's Win Over Flau'jae Johnson And Seattle](https://www.tigerrag.com/angel-reese-makes-more-history-in-atlanta-dreams-win-over-flaujae-johnson-and-seattle/) **Published:** August 1, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Angel Reese and the Atlanta Dream clinched the season series over ex-LSU teammate Flau’jae Johnson’s Seattle Storm with a 98-89 win in Atlanta on Friday night. Reese led the Dream with 21 points and 13 rebounds for her 19th double-double of the season. Her six offensive rebounds brought her season total to 137 and set a new franchise record for most in a single season in just 27 games played. The 6-foot-4 forward shot 5-for-12 from the floor and 2-of-5 from three and went 9-of-12 at the free throw line. She added two assists and two steals. All of her shots but the five three-point attempts came under the basket. Johnson, a 22-year-old rookie, had a rough shooting night. The Savannah, Georgia, native made just two of her 11 attempts and none of her three three-point tries. She finished the game with nine points after going 5-for-6 at the charity stripe and tacked on three assists and a steal. The 5-10 guard gave up a game-leading seven turnovers, her most in 30 games this season. It was an off night for Johnson in her second homecoming. She has averaged 13.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game this season after being selected eighth overall in the WNBA Draft. It was the third and final meeting between the Dream and Storm this season. In the first matchup, Johnson’s 24 points and 11 rebounds led Seattle to a 105-90 home win. Round two came in Atlanta, where four Dream starters scored 14 points or more, including Reese with 18 and 11 boards. The Dream took the 89-78 win. Reese and Johnson, of course, won a national championship at LSU together in 2023. Johnson was a true freshman who started all 36 games, and Reese was a breakout star who was named an All-American and led the SEC in points (23 ppg) and rebounds (15.4 rpg) in her first season at LSU after transferring from Maryland. They again led the Lady Tigers to an Elite Eight appearance the following season but have shared the court just three times since then. With Seattle now 6-25 and securely in last place in the Western Conference, it will likely be another season until they meet again. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Women's Basketball **Tags:** Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream, Flau'jae Johnson, lsu women's basketball, Seattle Storm, WNBA --- ### [Protect College Sports Act Still Stands - Senate Vote May Happen Next Week After Two-Minute Offense Rally Friday](https://www.tigerrag.com/protect-college-sports-act-still-stands-senate-vote-may-happen-next-week-after-two-minute-offense-rally-friday/) **Published:** August 1, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The Protect College Sports Act appeared dead just a day ago, but went into its two-minute offense on Friday and rallied to stay alive, going into the last week before the U.S. Senate recess. The Big Ten and Southeastern Conferences agreed Friday night to support the Senate bill aimed at regulating college sports after league commissioners Tony Petitti and Greg Sankey missed deadlines on Thursday and Friday mornings, putting the bill in a fourth-and-long situation. Then Petitti and Sankey, after hours of talks from early to late Friday, released a joint statement for the significantly changed bill after the league’s presidents and chancellors voted for it. The 11th hour drive amounted to a 4th-and-20, 60-yard completion that reversed the bill’s field position and momentum, pushing the controversial legislation toward the end zone. > A joint statement from the Big Ten & SEC Presidents and Chancellors. [pic.twitter.com/tA6LewueyA](https://t.co/tA6LewueyA) > > — Big Ten Conference (@bigten) [August 1, 2026](https://x.com/bigten/status/2083371802546311360?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The bill moved after last-minute concessions concerning language related to third party Name, Image & Likeness deals and the “associated entities” (boosters) that often broker pay-for-play. > It is official: Big Ten presidents and chancellors voted to support the Protect College Sports Act, sources tell [@YahooSports](https://x.com/YahooSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). > > SEC presidents and chancellors are meeting this evening. > > — Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) [August 1, 2026](https://x.com/RossDellenger/status/2083354216962072946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [President Donald Trump, a strong supporter of the bill, also got involved.](https://www.foxnews.com/outkick-sports/lawmakers-praise-bipartisan-efforts-led-trump-admin-protect-college-sports-future-generations) “Trump engaged with stakeholders through intermediaries on Thursday evening, stating his intent to publicly condemn Big Ten and SEC leaders for opposing the bill, presumably through a social media account followed by millions,” Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports wrote. Negotiations on Thursday night and throughout Friday, which included lawmakers and representatives of the Big Ten, the SEC and Notre Dame, delved into wording of the bill to guard against schools circumventing the athlete revenue share cap. “The language, spearheaded by New York Yankees president and Trump confidant Randy Levine, requires school-affiliated sponsors and apparel brands to enter into an attestation (document certification) process to approve that NIL agreements are kosher, not directed by the school, and that the compensation doesn’t originate from the school,” Dellenger wrote. “Similar language is in the bill already related to NIL deals from multimedia rights partners, like Learfield and Playfly.” The athletic pay cap in the amended bill is up from $21.3 million to $48.8 million and includes all affiliated NIL deals. Senator Eric Schmitt (Republican-Missouri) was heavily involved in negotiations Friday and expects a Senate vote as early as Thursday or as late as Saturday, which would be a day after the Senate’s last day before the summer recess. But this bill already missed deadlines this past Thursday and Friday. “We have to stay to get it done, if that means Friday or Saturday,” Schmitt told Dellenger. > Mr. Saban Goes To Washington … and Takes Over. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 4, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2062334762090455464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The bill needs 60 votes to pass before moving on to the House of Representatives. Schmitt expects three touchdowns more than 60, as far as votes. He predicted 80 and spoke with Trump, Dellenger reported. “He’s happy,” Schmitt said of the [president, who held a summit on college sports’ problems back in March that got the football rolling.](https://www.espn.com/college-sports/story/_/id/48126931/donald-trump-plans-executive-order-solve-every-problem-raised-college-sports-panel) And Schmitt is not alone with his prediction of 80 votes. “Many predict that the bipartisan legislation has enough support to easily surpass the 60-vote threshold necessary in the Senate with the leagues throwing their weight behind the measure,” Dellenger wrote. “While the bill would still need to pass the House of Representatives, Senate ratification would stand as one of the most historic moves in college sports history and a victorious moment for the NCAA’s seven-year lobbying effort for a congressional bill.” Cody Campbell, the CEO of an oil company in Fort Worth, Texas, and Texas Tech board of regents member, helped shape the original, bipartisan bill with U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (Republican-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (Democrat-Washington). He was pleased late Friday. “This is a major breakthrough that moves us closer to a Senate vote and a better future,” he told the Associated Press. “The key components of the bill would grant the NCAA and conferences a limited antitrust exemption to re-implement the one-time transfer exception, standardize a five-year eligibility policy, ban professional athletes from returning to college, establish an agent registry and maximum fee of five percent and create a more strict athlete revenue-share cap,” Dellenger wrote. Among the key revisions obtained by Yahoo Sports are a $22.5 million retention pool for schools’ efforts to keep athletes in additon to the original $21.3 million cap, plus $5 million to be spent only on women and non-revenue sports. That’s a $48.8 million total cap. > It’s official. The [@thebigten](https://x.com/thebigten?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and the [@SEC](https://x.com/SEC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) have endorsed the Protect College Sports Act. Glad to have their support. > > Now it’s time to get the bill through Congress and on to President Trump’s desk. Let’s save college sports. > > — Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) [August 1, 2026](https://x.com/SenTedCruz/status/2083377171662323934?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “In general, the bill is the opposite of the narrow version that college leaders wanted,” Dellenger wrote. “It is incredibly specific, touching on several concepts, including conference expansion and coaching movement. The legislation caps power conference membership at 19 schools and requires those programs moving from one power league to another to operate as an independent for five years.” The bill addressed in detail the dissension, particularly from Petitti and Sankey over television money. “The senators and their staff members believe they’ve made ‘major concessions’ to appease the SEC and Big Ten,” a Senate staff member said. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Donald Trump, Eric Schmitt, greg sankey, Maria Cantwell, Protect College Sports Act, Ted Cruz, Tony Petitti --- ### [Former LSU Women's Basketball All-American Traded To WNBA Expansion Team](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-womens-basketball-all-american-traded-to-wnba-expansion-team/) **Published:** July 31, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Former LSU women’s basketball star Aneesah Morrow has been traded to one of the WNBA’s two new teams, the Toronto Tempo. The 23-year-old forward was drafted seventh overall by the Connecticut Sun last year and heads to Toronto in exchange for the rights to overseas veteran forward Maria “Masha” Kliundikova and a 2028 second-round pick. > Breaking: The Toronto Tempo have acquired Aneesah Morrow from the Connecticut Sun in exchange for the rights to Maria Kliundikova and a 2028 second-round pick. [pic.twitter.com/HYtIGQCm4f](https://t.co/HYtIGQCm4f) > > — ESPN (@espn) [July 31, 2026](https://x.com/espn/status/2083239854372958393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Morrow is averaging 11.6 points, 8.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists and a steal on 23.2 minutes a game this season while shooting 42.1 percent from the floor. Through 20 games with the Sun this year, she had nine starts and recorded nine double-doubles. She is coming off of back-to-back 21-point performances Tuesday and Thursday, matching her season high. The Tempo joined the league as an expansion team along with the Portland Fire this season. Their 11-18 record ranks fifth in the eight-team Eastern Conference, eight games back from the first place Indiana Fever. > [Former LSU Stars Turning Heads Early In WNBA](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-stars-turning-heads-early-in-wnba/) The Tempo have struggled defensively and on the glass. Toronto allows the second most points per game in the league at 93.6 a game, and its 31.1 rebounds average ranks third-to-last. Leading rebounder, forward Isabelle Harrison, averages just 6.4 per game. Morrow should have the opportunity to make an impact right away on a young team. At LSU, Morrow was a 2025 first-team All-American and earned first-team All-SEC honors in both of her seasons as a Lady Tiger. She transferred to LSU for her junior year from DePaul. As a senior, she led the team with 18.7 points per game and led the nation in rebounding with 13.5 a game and 30 double-doubles. Morrow has one more guaranteed year left on her rookie deal after this season with a team option in 2028. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Women's Basketball **Tags:** Aneesah Morrow, lsu women's basketball, WNBA --- ### [LSU Football Profile No. 14: Safety Faheem Delane To Try To Follow Large Footsteps Of Portal Brother Mansoor](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-profile-no-14-safety-faheem-delane-to-try-to-follow-large-footsteps-of-portal-brother-mansoor/) **Published:** July 31, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Sophomore safety Faheem Delane transferred to LSU after appearing in 13 games as a backup safety at Ohio State last season. He is the younger brother of LSU All-American cornerback Mansoor Delane, a portal addition for the 2025 season from Virginia Tech. Faheem (6-foot-2, 213 pounds) will look to have similar transfer success as his brother, who was drafted sixth overall in April’s NFL Draft by Kansas City. But he will likely have to wait a year before he can shine as his brother did at LSU. The four-star prep prospect is expected to spend another season as a backup behind Boise State transfer [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) this year. > [Faheem Delane – Brother Of Former LSU Portal Star – Transferring From Ohio State To Tigers](https://www.tigerrag.com/faheem-delane-brother-of-former-lsu-portal-star-transferring-from-ohio-state-to-tigers/) **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** *Young safety with ideal size and considerable upside who saw elite level experience as a backup at Ohio State.* **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** *Highly-touted safety who joins the LSU program after 1 season at Ohio State … Younger brother of LSU unanimous All-America cornerback Mansoor Delane, who played the 2025 season with the Tigers … Former 4-star prospect who was rated as one of the nation’s top safeties for the Class of 2025 … Played 13 games in a backup role at safety for the Buckeyes in 2025 … Comes to LSU after tallying 12 tackles and a tackle for loss during his 1 season at Ohio State.* **FRESHMAN SEASON (2025 at Ohio State)** *Appeared in 13 games as a true freshman in 2025 … Listed as the No. 2 safety on the Ohio State depth chart … Saw action on 81 defensive snaps with a season-high 23 coming in win over Grambling in week 2 … Played 18 snaps vs. UCLA and 10 vs. Purdue … Saw an additional 88 snaps on special teams (86 on kickoff coverage, 2 on field goal block) … Had 4 tackles against Rutgers … Had 2 tackles, including a tackle for a 1-yard loss at Wisconsin … Had 3 tackles against UCLA.* **HIGH SCHOOL** *One of the nation’s top safety prospects for the Class of 2025 … Rated with 4-stars by all major recruiting services … Listed as a national Top 50 player and ranked as the nation’s No. 8 safety and the No. 3 overall player in the state of Maryland … Named the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) Defensive Player of the Year as a senior … Tallied 97 tackles, 7 tackles for loss, 2 sacks and 3 interceptions as a senior in 2024 … Helped Good Counsel win a WCAC championship as a junior in 2023 … Totaled 69 tackles and 18 pass breakups while earning All-Met honors by the Washington Post as a junior.* **CAREER HIGHS** *Tackles: 4 vs. Rutgers, 2025* *Tackles for Loss: 1 at Wisconsin, 2025* **NEXT:** Linebacker TJ Dottery **PREVIOUS BIOS:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) Right Tackle [Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Faheem Delane, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Mansoor Delane, Ty Benefield --- ### [LSU Football Season Opener Is 36 Days Away, And Here Is Player Profile No. 13 - Offensive Tackle Weston Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-36-days-away-and-here-is-player-profile-no-13-offensive-tackle-weston-davis/) **Published:** July 31, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES There were not many LSU offensive linemen whom new coach Lane Kiffin wanted to keep from the 2025 unit. A total of eight transferred to other schools. One who considered leaving, but stayed, was Weston Davis, a starter in 10 games at right tackle last season as a redshirt freshman. He showed signs of promise, but also of inconsistency. Davis (6-foot-6, 315 pounds) has the size and the potential to be a dominant tackle. And the No. 13 offensive tackle in the nation from Beaumont United High in Beaumont, Texas, from the 2024 class should benefit greatly from the new coaching staff. > [LSU’s Revamped Offensive Line Will Be A Mix Of New Blood And Old Purple And Gold](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-revamped-offensive-line-will-be-a-mix-of-new-blood-and-old-purple-and-gold/) **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** A former five-star with ideal measurables whose progress late last season should carry over into 2026. **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** *Returning starter at right tackle for the Tigers in 2026 … Enters third season with the program … Joins center Braelin Moore as the only returning starters on the offensive line for the Tigers heading into 2026 … Opening day starter at right tackle in 2025 and went on to be in the starting lineup for 10 games … Had big shoes to fill in 2025, taking over for NFL draft pick Emery Jones at right tackle … Performed well for the Tigers, appearing in 699 snaps as a redshirt freshman … Heads into sophomore season having appeared in 16 game with 10 starts … Has played a total of 719 offensive snaps with all but 4 coming at right tackle … Redshirted as a true freshman after appearing in 4 games, playing a total of 20 offensive snaps … Joined the program as one of the nation’s top offensive line prospects in the Class of 2024 … Didn’t start playing football until his sophomore season of high school … Standout on the basketball court during his prep career … Earned SEC Academic Honor Roll status in 2025 … Majoring in interdisciplinary studies.* **REDSHIRT FRESHMAN SEASON (2025)** *Played in 12 games, starting 10 times at right guard … Made first career start in season-opening road win over Top 10 Clemson … Played a total of 699 offensive snaps, including 424 passing opportunities … Gave up 4 sacks … Didn’t allow a sack over final 5 games of the season – a stretch of 152 passing opportunities … Played season-high 82 snaps in home-opener against Louisiana Tech … Played every offensive snap in 5 games (75 at Clemson, 55 vs. Florida, 53 at Vanderbilt, 67 vs. Texas A&M, and 57 at Oklahoma) … Missed the Ole Miss game due to an injury suffered in pregame warmups … Didn’t’ start against Arkansas and Western Kentucky, but returned to starting lineup for Texas Bowl … Played 53 snaps vs. Houston in the Texas Bowl …* **FRESHMAN SEASON (2024)** *Appeared in 4 games, all in a backup role … Redshirted … Action came against Nicholls, South Alabama, Arkansas, and Baylor … Played a total of 20 offensive snaps with a career-high 11 coming in the win over South Alabama … Played 4 snaps in win over Arkansas and closed the year with 2 snaps in Texas Bowl win over Baylor.* **HIGH SCHOOL** *Two-sport standout at Beaumont (Texas) United and one of the nation’s top offensive line prospects … Ranked with 5-stars from On3 and 4-stars by ESPN, Rivals and 247Sports … Listed as a 4-star and No. 64 nationally in the On3 composite … In the On3 composite, ranked as the nation’s No. 5 offensive tackle prospect and No. 11 overall in Texas … Ranked as high as No. 3 nationally at his position by On3 and as the No. 5 player overall in Texas … Named First-Team Beaumont Enterprise Super Gold as a junior in 2022 … Team averaged 4.1 yards per carry in 2023 … Also a standout basketball player for one of the top prep programs in Texas … Still relatively new to football as he didn’t start playing until his sophomore season of high school.* **NEXT:** Safety Faheem Delane **PREVIOUS BIOS:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) Safety [Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Weston Davis --- ### [Lane Kiffin: "It Blows My Mind That" AI Is Coming To Player Evaluations By Football Coaches](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-it-blows-my-mind-that-ai-is-coming-to-player-evaluations-by-football-coaches/) **Published:** July 31, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor There is nothing artificial about Artificial Intelligence, or AI, as far as progressive LSU football coach Lane Kiffin is concerned. One of the best talent evaluation experts in college football since former Alabama coach Nick Saban retired, Kiffin has proven he can find talented players who may not always be ranked very high by the various recruiting websites. LSU portal addition Jackson Harris, for example, is the 110th-ranked transfer and No. 25 portal wide receiver by 247sports.com. But Pro Football Focus recently ranked Harris (6-foot-3, 205 pounds) as the Southeastern Conference’s No. 1 returning receiver, Matt Moscona mentioned on his “After Further Review” talk show on 104.5 FM in Baton Rouge on Thursday. > Highest Graded Returning SEC Wide Receivers🔥 [pic.twitter.com/KVjqSWhZd9](https://t.co/KVjqSWhZd9) > > — PFF College (@PFF\_College) [July 25, 2026](https://x.com/PFF_College/status/2081040701895385502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) But Kiffin is prepared to begin including AI in his talent evaluation of players. “We’re having conversations about that,” Kiffin said on Wednesday during a question-and-answer session with the Baton Rouge Rotary Club at Tiger Stadium. “That probably sounds really strange to people. We actually had a meeting about that yesterday, because we have started to talk about using that when it comes to evaluating players, which blows my mind that it’s gotten that close to where we can do that put a film into it. And it it can give an evaluation of the player.” Kiffin will still be using his own recruiting eye and those of his staff, but the more information the better. “We’d still have human elements in that evaluation, but it is a really amazing resource,” he said. “I didn’t even know all it can do.” Kiffin noticed recently that LSU pass game coordinator and receivers coach George McDonald, whom he works out with in the mornings, has been dressing better and complimented his new clothes. “Yeah, I take a picture and send it to AI and ask it how good I look,” Kiffin said McDonald told him. “So, it can do that,” Kiffin said. > Lane Kiffin will not have a moment in the sun this season if he takes LSU to a Sun Bowl-type postseason. > > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 29, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2082550528668553646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Embracing AI is similar to Kiffin’s early acceptance of Name, Image & Likeness and the new, no-sit-out transfer portal that each started in the summer of 2021. LSU and Florida, on the other hand, were slow to adapt to NIL and the new portal. “Do you embrace it? Or do you go, ‘No, we’re not doing that, because we’re coaches, and they didn’t used to do that? The old coaches never did that,'” Kiffin said. “Well, that passes you by. If you did that, you’d still be sitting in I-formation huddling. Which we did here for a while.” And Kiffin got a loud laugh, referencing LSU’s offenses before offensive coordinator Steve Ensminger and pass game coordinator Joe Brady went to true multi-receiver sets with three, four or five most of the time in the 2019 national championship season with quarterback Joe Burrow and head coach Ed Orgeron. Better AI than the I-formation, which featured the quarterback-fullback-tailback in a single file line behind the center with two wide receivers. It is no longer as prominent as it was in the 1970s and ’80s because of the present day three-to-five wide receivers and one or no running backs behind the quarterback. “AI is a good example of that,” Kiffin said. “We’re talking a lot about that.” Kiffin, who took Alabama out of its I-formation and archaic offenses as Saban’s offensive coordinator from 2014-16, heard the same Old School comments in the early days of NIL and the new portal in 2021 and ’22 when he was at Ole Miss. > [Lane Kiffin To Be LSU LB Whit Weeks’ Father-In-Law? Don’t Blame The Media … Question Came From A Fan](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-to-be-lsu-lb-whit-weeks-father-in-law-dont-blame-the-media-question-came-from-a-fan/) “What I’ve done is I’ve not sat around and complained about it,” he said. “And I’ve just embraced it. I said, ‘This is what it (NIL) is. How do we best maximize the situation?’ And I believe that really worked well, because when NIL started, a lot of people – administrators, people way up at universities – their first thing was, ‘It’s going to go away. We don’t need to do that. Don’t worry. It’s not going to stick.'” Famous last words, much like [astronomer/author Clifford Stoll writing in Newsweek in 1995 that the Internet wasn’t going to last](https://www.newsweek.com/clifford-stoll-why-web-wont-be-nirvana-185306), and he added neither would online shopping and digital publishing. You’re reading digital publishing now, by the way. “I said at the time, ‘If you believe it’s going to go away and you operate that way, you’re going to have new coaches, because you’re going to have fired us, because we will have fallen behind so far that we’ll lose,'” Kiffin said. “It actually happened over time in Major League Baseball.” Kiffin was the wide receivers coach at USC in 2002 when the Oakland Athletics won the American League West at 103-59 with a manic metrics approach on a low budget by innovative genius general manager Billy Beane, as opposed to high-priced free agents. “That usually doesn’t work,” Kiffin said. “Now, the one time it works out, they make a movie about it.” That was “Moneyball” in 2011 that was set in 2002 and starred Brad Pitt as Beane. “But most of the time, it doesn’t work,” Kiffin said. Kiffin’s money ball approach is working and may now include AI. He signed the No. 1 portal class in 2026 with 41 players and an overall roster at LSU estimated at a cost of more than $40 million. He said you have to play the NIL game and spend big to win. His No. 1 portal class at Ole Miss in 2024 helped lead his 2025 team to the semifinals of the College Football Playoff. But it’s not all about the salaries to top players. “Part of it is NIL opportunities,” he said. “It’s not just, do they have the donor base to raise the money? It’s, do they have the NIL opportunities because of the brand of the school?” And LSU apparently has one of the best brands in the game as it has 12 football players signed to Nike NIL deals with the next best with eight. “So, look at the brand opportunities when you come to LSU,” Kiffin said. “It’s not just how much money do you have at LSU from donors. A player can say, ‘I can make my brand better when I go there.'” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** AI, Artificial Intellingence, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Moneyball, NIL --- ### [LSU Football's $40 Million Bet](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-footballs-40-million-bet/) **Published:** July 31, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** # LSU’s $40 Million Bet **By TODD HORNE** *Vice President & Executive Editor* LSU has not released a payroll sheet for Lane Kiffin’s first football roster. There is no public, player-by-player accounting of direct revenue-sharing payments, third-party name, image and likeness agreements or the private commitments required to retain returning players and attract transfers. But the available evidence points in one direction. LSU appears to have invested at least $40 million—and perhaps closer to $50 million—in its 2026 football roster, combining school-funded revenue sharing with legitimate third-party NIL compensation. CBS Sports reported in March that sources placed LSU’s roster cost between $40 million and $50 million. The outlet had previously reported LSU’s original commitment was believed to be between $25 million and $30 million before the available pool increased to approximately $40 million through NIL and revenue-sharing resources. ESPN has repeatedly referred to LSU’s “reportedly $40 million roster.” Former LSU coach Brian Kelly later suggested the actual figure was closer to $50 million, though that estimate has not been independently verified. Understanding the number requires separating revenue sharing from third-party NIL. Under the House settlement, schools may directly share approximately $20.5 million with athletes across all sports. Third-party NIL agreements remain outside that cap if they reflect legitimate market-value business arrangements. Therefore, a $40 million football roster does not mean LSU wrote $40 million in university checks to football players. The estimate combines football’s share of institutional revenue sharing with outside NIL compensation and retention agreements. It also should not be confused with portal spending alone. LSU’s top-ranked transfer class represented only part of the investment. Retaining elite returning players required significant commitments as well. The significance is not merely that LSU spent heavily. It is that LSU chose not to treat Lane Kiffin’s first season as a rebuilding year. **LSU paid to accelerate the reset.** Money cannot create chemistry or guarantee victories. But it can dramatically improve the quality of the roster assembled before the first kickoff. **The financial message is unmistakable.** **LSU did not ask Lane Kiffin to patiently build toward championship contention.** **It gave him one of college football’s most expensive rosters and asked him to begin there.** **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, LSU 2026 Football Roster, lsu football, LSU football news --- ### [Lane Kiffin To Be LSU LB Whit Weeks' Father-In-Law? Don't Blame The Media ... Question Came From A Fan](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-to-be-lsu-lb-whit-weeks-father-in-law-dont-blame-the-media-question-came-from-a-fan/) **Published:** July 31, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter LSU coach Lane Kiffin was thrown off by a surprise question at The Huddle Women’s Clinic at the LSU indoor practice facility Thursday night. In a public question-and-answer session, one of the attendees asked if he could see senior linebacker Whit Weeks as his future son-in-law. > One of the participants of The Huddle Women's Clinic was doing some Big J Journalism here. Asking Lane the questions the people want answers to! [\#LSU](https://x.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@WBRZ](https://x.com/WBRZ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/xcjVFY0vca](https://t.co/xcjVFY0vca) > > — Brie (@briannaandras) [July 31, 2026](https://x.com/briannaandras/status/2083011156222836929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Weeks, a senior from Watkinsville, Georgia, and Kiffin’s daughter Landry, who has attended Ole Miss and LSU, went public that they were dating in September of 2025 when Landry was a sophomore at Ole Miss and her dad was Ole Miss’ head football coach. After a skeptical glance while he waited for cheers to die down, Kiffin responded, “That’s a question for Landry’s mom, Layla,” and smiled as he pointed Layla out in the crowd, which began roaring. Layla Kiffin, the coach’s ex-wife who was sitting in the crowd, replied with two thumbs up in support of Weeks, 21, as a future bride of Bailey, also 21. But Lane Kiffin was not quite as ready to welcome a new member to the family. “She gave a thumbs up,” Kiffin said. When the moderator said Weeks was about to take the stage and would be asked about his potential future as Kiffin’s son-in-law, Kiffin said, “Let’s see how he plays this year before we do that.” And the crowd roared again. At Southeastern Conference Media Days last week, Weeks answered a question about his relationship with his new head coach considering the fact that he dates his daugther and has been with the whole family. ![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/LandryKiffinBirthday.jpg "LandryKiffinBirthday | TigerRag.com")***Landry Kiffin center in white dress celebrates her birthday with friends and family last December Her boyfriend Whit Weeks is third from left after Landrys dad LSU coach Lane Kiffin and Landrys mom Layla Kiffin Twitter photo***“It hasn’t affected my relationship with him at all,” Weeks said. “I know that when we go into that building, everyone in our building has the same mindset and same goals. When you’re in that building, you’re there for work. We like to have a lot of fun up there, too, but at the end of the day it is work.” > "Has dating your head coach's daughter changed your relationship with him?" > > LSU linebacker Whit Weeks says not really. > > Inside the football building, Lane Kiffin is the head coach. Outside the building? > > "He's just my girlfriend's dad."[\#WhitWeeks](https://x.com/hashtag/WhitWeeks?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#LSUTigers](https://x.com/hashtag/LSUTigers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#LaneKiffin](https://x.com/hashtag/LaneKiffin?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#SEC](https://x.com/hashtag/SEC?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/JxHU9oXcvm](https://t.co/JxHU9oXcvm) > > — Jason Scarborough (@SpiritMediaMS) [July 25, 2026](https://x.com/SpiritMediaMS/status/2081030137315774625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) He said he enjoys spending time with Kiffin outside of football, too. “Whenever we leave, it’s cool because he’s my girlfriend’s dad.” Weeks said. “It is what it is when we’re outside the building hanging out and cutting up. It’s cool but it doesn’t affect anything in the football building.” Weeks and Kiffin might not be family just yet, but winning a national championship this season certainly would not hurt his chances. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Landry Kiffin, lane kiffin, Layla Kiffin, lsu football, Ole Miss Rebels, Whit Weeks --- ### [LSU Football: Sam Leavitt Speaks On Leaving Arizona State For "Just Different" Tigers](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-sam-leavitt-speaks-on-leaving-arizona-state-for-just-different-tigers/) **Published:** July 31, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Sam Leavitt, the mystery man, new quarterback for the LSU Tigers, broke his public silence on Thursday night at “The Huddle” team event at the LSU Indoor football facility. Leavitt, a redshirt junior transfer from Arizona State, has been at LSU since January but has done no interviefws. He went through only part of spring practice because of recovery from surgery on his right foot after last season. Leavitt also did not attend the Manning Passing Academy this month in Thibodaux as he continued to rest his foot. But for 83 seconds Thursday, he succinctly described his time as a Tiger so far. > LSU QB Sam Leavitt on why he chose to transfer from ASU to LSU at The Huddle event at LSU’s Indoor Practice Facility. > > This is the first time Leavitt has spoken since his arrival to Baton Rouge. [\#lsufootball](https://x.com/hashtag/lsufootball?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/zQebFl2cEu](https://t.co/zQebFl2cEu) > > — Juliette Marino (@MarinoJuli23940) [July 30, 2026](https://x.com/MarinoJuli23940/status/2082974005334544878?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “Just looking back at my process, leaving Arizona State, I had a comfortable situation,” he said. “Walking into the building, I saw my guys, built great relationshsip, won a lot of games there. But I want to do something a little bit different, you know.” > [LSU Football: Lane Kiffin’s Quarterback Room Filled To The Brim With Talent Entering 2026 Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-lane-kiffins-quarterback-room-filled-to-the-brim-with-talent-entering-2026-season/) Leavitt completed 145 of 239 passes for 1,628 yards and 10 touchdowns with three interceptions in seven games before missing the rest of the season with the foot injury. He also rushed 73 times for 365 yards and five touchdowns. When healty in 2024, he took the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff and 11-3 finish as he hit 216 of 350 passes for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns while rushing 110 times for 443 yards and five touchdowns. [LSU 2026 FOOTBALL ROSTER](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-roster-2026/) LSU coach Lane Kiffin called Leavitt “100 percent healthy” at the Baton Rouge Rotary Club on Wednesday and previously at the Southeastern Conference Media Days last week. Leavitt then caught himself repeating the mantra of his new coach, who started saying, “LSU’s just different,” back at his introductory press conference on Dec. 1 in Tiger Stadium. > “He has a super powerful arm and is extremely confident. And he can run. What he’s really good at, too, is deciphering a lot of information in half a second.” LSU QB Sam Leavitt’s coach at West Linn High in Oregon – Jon Eagle. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [January 13, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2010909160905355759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “It’s funny, that’s kind of what everyone’s been saying around here, ‘It’s just different,'” Leavitt said. “It really is in every aspect. You come out here to the practices, the way individual reps are ran, the way that every single coach is just so poured into this, the time that we meet outside the facility, outside the initial time we’re supposed to meet – it truly is just a different situation. You talk about being a pro, trying to become the best version of yourself, there’s no other place to do it, other than here.” [LSU FOOTBALL 2026 SCHEDULE](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-2026-schedule/) Leavitt and the Tigers report for practice for the 2026 season on Tuesday and begin workouts on Wednesday. The season opens on Sept. 5 in Tiger Stadium against Clemson (6:30 p.m., ABC). “Every single day I walk into the facility, I see (linebacker) Whit Weeks and (safety) Ty Benefield, all these dudes,” Leavitt said. “And you’ve got to go against them every single day. Some pretty good players to play.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Arizona State, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Sam Leavitt --- ### [LSU Football Player Profile No. 12 - Safety Tamarcus Cooley](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-12-safety-tamarcus-cooley/) **Published:** July 30, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Redshirt junior safety Tamarcus Cooley will enter his second season as the Tigers’ starting strong safety and could form a dynamic duo with incoming free safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/), a senior transfer from Boise State. Cooley (6-foot-0, 206 pounds) started 13 games last season and made 70 tackles with two interceptions next to free safety star A.J. Haulcy, a third round pick of Indianapolis in the NFL Draft last April. He had a great first season as a Tiger after transferring from North Carolina State on and off the field. > [LSU Transfer Tamarcus Cooley Has Already Impacted His Community With Kindness](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-transfer-tamarcus-cooley-has-already-impacted-his-community-with-kindness/) **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** *Experienced safety with the versatility to align deep, in the box or over the slot. LSU will rely on Cooley’s returning physicality and coverage background.* **BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES:** *Starter in all 13 games at safety in his first season at LSU in 2025 … Joined the Tigers after a year at North Carolina State (2024) and a season at Maryland (2023) … Key contributor on LSU defense that showed significant improvement in 2025 … LSU led the SEC in interceptions (17) and was the only team in the league to have more interceptions than TD passed allowed (14) … Brings good instincts and a knack for finding the football to the secondary … Hard-hitter who is also excels in coverage … Can play either safety position or nickel back … In 3 seasons, has appeared in 28 games with 22 starts … 113 career tackles and 4 interceptions … Older brother played college football at Troy, Georgia Tech and Louisville … Majoring in interdisciplinary studies.* **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2025 at LSU)** *Starter at safety in all 13 games in what was his first season at LSU … Tallied 70 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and a pair of interceptions for a much-improved LSU defense … Recorded a career-high 10 tackles against Houston in the Texas Bowl … Had 9 tackles in win over Florida and 7 against South Carolina, Texas A&M and Arkansas … Interceptions came against South Carolina and Florida … Had 6 tackles and 1.5 tackles for losses at Ole Miss.* **REDSHIRT FRESHMAN SEASON (2024 at North Carolina State)** *Appeared in all 13 games, starting 9 times at nickel … Had best game of season in his North Carolina State finale, intercepting 2 passes and recording career-best 9 tackles against East Carolina in the Military Bowl … Interceptions came on consecutive East Carolina possessions in the fourth quarter … Both interceptions stopped East Carolina drives in NC State territory … Other big outing came vs. Duke with 8 tackles and a 70-yard fumble return … Fumble return came at NC State 10-yard line just before halftime … Led to a NC State field goal with one-second remaining in first half … Had first career sack and a forced fumble vs. Wake Forest.* **FRESHMAN SEASON (2023 at Maryland)** *Appeared in 2 games … Recorded 4 tackles … Saw action against Towson in season-opener and then against Virginia in week 3 … Had 3 tackles in collegiate debut vs. Towson.* **HIGH SCHOOL** *Second-rated defensive back in North Carolina at Rolesville High School according to ESPN … Selected to 2022 Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas … As a senior in 2022, hauled in 31 receptions for 426 yards and 8 touchdowns … Also rushed 19 times for 121 yards and a TD … Defensively, compiled 54 total tackles, 40 solo tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions and a fumble recovery … As a junior, recorded 51 tackles including 3 sacks, 2 tackles for loss and 2 interceptions on defense and 14 receptions for 102 yards and 3 touchdowns on offense.* **CAREER HIGHS** *Tackles: 10 vs. Houston, 2025 Texas Bowl Tackles for Loss: 1.5 at Ole Miss, 2025 Sacks: 1 vs. Wake Forest, 2024 Interceptions: 2 vs. East Carolina, 2024 Military Bowl Passes Defended: 3 vs. Northern Illinois, 2024* **NEXT:** Offensive Tackle Weston Davis **PREVIOUS BIOS:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) Quarterback [Landen Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Tamarcus Cooley --- ### [SEC And Big Ten May Have Just Killed The Protect College Sports Act For Their Own Good | Kace Kieschnick](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-and-big-ten-may-have-just-killed-the-protect-college-sports-act-for-their-own-good-kace-kieschnick/) **Published:** July 30, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter The Southeastern Conference and Big Ten are content to leave the Protect College Sports Act on life support. The U.S. Senate adjourned for the week on Thursday, and the conferences did not reverse their positions on the bill in time for Majority Leader John Thune to file a motion to introduce the bill. Therefore, there is very little chance of any progress being made before the Senate’s month-long recess begins a week from Friday on Aug. 8. The two power conference commissioners, Tony Petitti of the Big Ten and Greg Sankey of the SEC, missed Thursday’s 9 a.m. deadline just like they missed Wednesday’s 8 a.m. deadline. > [Washington Blinked First](https://www.tigerrag.com/washington-blinked-first/) Ross Delenger of Yahoo Sports reports that Big Ten university presidents and athletics directors met Thursday afternoon to discuss the final revisions to the Protect College Sports Act, but did not hold a vote to decide whether or not to support it. SEC, the American Coastal Conference and Big 12 Conference officials held separate meetings on Thursday afternoon. > In a joint meeting today, Big Ten presidents and athletic directors reviewed the revised Protect College Sports Act, but did not cast a vote, sources tell [@YahooSports](https://x.com/YahooSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). > > The SEC, Big 12 and ACC are scheduled to hold separate presidents calls around 4 p.m. ET. > > — Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) [July 30, 2026](https://x.com/RossDellenger/status/2082892196663992818?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Delaying a vote on the bill until after the August recess and the start of football season would be a likely death sentence for any passage before next year. Lawmakers have bent over backwards to appeal to the demands of the SEC and Big Ten, but it seems like it will not be enough. Bill authors added a $22.5 million retention pool so the wealthiest programs can protect their best players from being poached. They made the pooling of media rights completely voluntary so the leagues could protect their biggest asset. They even extended the anti-Super League provision to apply to all Power Four conferences while also allowing those conferences to expand more than initially intended. Now, school and conference officials seemingly keep moving the bar. There are concerns the language is not strong enough to close a loophole that would allow schools to circumvent the revenue-share cap limit with third party Name, Image & Likeness deals. Senator Ted Cruz (Republican, Texas), one of the act’s authors, insists that Congress should not limit the earning potential of student-athletes in legitimate commercial sponsorships and endorsements outside of institution-related funding. > There’s confusion about how the cap and Associated Entity language work in the Protect College Sports Act. Let me clear it up. > > The cap is a hard cap. Full stop. That loophole is closed. > > Once a school hits the cap, a player can still do NIL deals on the open market — if the deal… > > — Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) [July 30, 2026](https://x.com/SenTedCruz/status/2082891670152978802?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) It is a perfect analogy for how college athletics got to this point in the first place. The biggest entities keep taking more, and if they run into someone who tells them no, they use their leverage, influence and economic might to find someone who will tell them yes. Competitive regulations, NIL guardrails, conference expansion, revenue sharing, media deals, it doesn’t matter. The SEC and Big Ten get what they want, or do not accept what they do not want. And it looks like they do not want the Protect College Sports Act. And college athletics will remain unprotected for now with few guardrails. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Big 10, greg sankey, Protect College Sports Act, sec, Tony Petitti --- ### [LSU's Revamped Offensive Line Will Be A Mix Of New Blood And Old Purple And Gold](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-revamped-offensive-line-will-be-a-mix-of-new-blood-and-old-purple-and-gold/) **Published:** July 20, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Next to wide receiver, the biggest restoration project that LSU coach Lane Kiffin and his staff broke ground on during the portal period last December and January was the offensive line. Kiffin brought in nine wide receivers for a position that will usually have three to five on the field. > [LSU Football: Consider The Tigers’ Wide Receiver Room To Be Very Wide And Deep](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-consider-the-tigers-wide-receiver-room-to-be-very-wide-and-deep/) He added eight offensive linemen for the unit of five. At first glance on Sept. 5 when the No. 10 Tigers host Clemson (6:30 p.m., ABC) in Tiger Stadium, the new quintet will be impressively tall and wide. The starting five entering August practices is expected to be junior transfer Jordan Seaton (6-foot-5, 307 pounds) of Colorado at left tackle, returning fifth-year senior, but new starter Bo Bordelon (6-6, 305) at left guard, returning fifth-year senior starting center Braelin Moore (6-2, 301), who transferred last year from Virginia Tech, senior transfer Aliou Bah (6-5, 327) of Maryland at right guard and returning sophomore starter Weston Davis at right tackle. That’s three holdovers, but the star is expected to be Seaton, the No. 1 tackle and No. 3 overall portal player when he signed with the Tigers. > [At Last … Lane Kiffin Lands No. 1 Portal Offensive Tackle Jordan Seaton To Put A Bow On Top Class](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-lands-no-1-ot-jordan-seaton-of-colorado/) “Jordan has done a phenomenal job,” Kiffin said. “His body’s changing. His work ethic is great. I’ll come here, it’ll be a Sunday at 9 p.m., and he’ll be out there doing his own stuff, working out. I’m happy that Jordan leads.” Bordelon impressed the staff after playing as a reserve for most of his career. “Our line coaches have been really excited about him from day one,” Kiffin said. “Sometimes new coaches come in and see different things in players, or a different system helps them. Moore has started 36 games in three seasons. Bah was the No. 5 interior offensive lineman in the portal and No. 109 overall player. Davis started 10 games last season at right tackle and improved as the season went on. “He’s done a good job,” Kiffin said. “Trying to make him more consistent like any young player, and he has a high ceiling.” Kiffin also has No. 6 interior offensive lineman and No. 112 portal player Devin Harper (6-4, 312) from Ole Miss, where he played in six games as a true freshman last season, but primarily at right tackle. He was the No. 15 offensive tackle in the nation coming out of Calvary Baptist in Shreveport in 2025, but he played guard at LSU during the spring. He closed spring as the No. 2 left guard to the surprise emergence of Bordelon. But Harper could obviously still move into a starting position at guard or tackle, depending how things go. Significant depth will ome from the portal as Kiffin recruited linemen for now and the future. No. 23 interior offensive lineman transfer William Satterwhite II (6-3, 293) of Tennessee is a redshirt sophomore and closed spring as the No. 2 center. Sean Thompkins Jr. (6-5, 300) was the No. 25 offensive tackle in the portal from Baylor and enters August as the No. 2 left tackle behind Seaton as a redshirt sophomore. Redshirt junior transfer Ja’Quan Sprinkle (6-4, 297) of North Carolina Central is behind Bah at right guard after signing ast the No. 61 interior offensive lineman. Behind Davis at right tackle is giant redshirt freshman Darrin Stray (6-7, 314), who played for new LSU offensive line coach Eric Wolford at Kentucky last season. Stray was the No. 41 offensive tackle in the portal. Another transfer who will help with depth is sophomore Ja’Mard Jones (6-2, 312), a transfer from Nicholls State who was the No. 143 tackle in the portal. “This is not normal territory that we’re going into,” Kiffin said of the eight transfer offensive linemen. “You can’t open the book of old coaching on how you do this, because rosters have never been turned like this.” So, Kiffin added a second vastly experienced offensive line coach in James Cregg as a run game specialist. He was LSU’s offensive line coach from 2018-20 with a national title in ’19, and his unit won the award for best overall offensive line. > [LSU’s offensive line named the best in college football](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-offensive-line-named-the-best-in-college-football/) Cregg previously coached on offensive lines in the NFL at Oakland, Denver, Los Angeles (Chargers) and Las Vegas. He coached offensive line under Kiffin at Oakland in 2007-08 and under him in college head coaching jobs at Tennessee (2009), USC (2010-13) and last year at Ole Miss. “I love the combination of those two guys (Cregg and Wolford) because they’ve done a lot of good things,” Kiffin said. “They’ve been at some great places with some tough offensive lines. Both have been in the NFL.” Wolford coached on the offensive line at San Francisco in 2015 and ’16. He also coached the O-Line under coach Nick Saban at Alabama in 2022 and ’23 before going to Kentucky when Saban retired. “That’s a great situation, and that is good timing because there is so much work to do there, because os much of the room is new,” Kiffin said. “And there was so much transition there from last year.” Kiffin, Wolford and Cregg have tried to build the base entering preseason practice. “We build that culture, and you’re an outlier when you just check the box and you’re normal,” Kiffin said. “That’s what we’re trying to build here – that the extra work becomes the norm. Building that mindset in the way that you work. We have some players that have that.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Aliou Bah, bo bordelon, Braelin Moore, Eric Wolford, Jordan Seaton, lane kiffin, Weston Davis --- ### [LSU Football: Landen Clark May Be One Of Best 3rd Team QBs Tigers Have Had - Player Profile No. 11](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-landen-clark-may-be-one-of-best-3rd-team-qbs-tigers-have-had-player-profile-no-11/) **Published:** July 30, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES If redshirt sophomore Landen Clark ends up as the Tigers’ No. 3 quarterback entering the season, he could be one of the best backups to the backup that LSU has ever had. Clark (6-0, 195 pounds), a transfer from Elon, will enter preseason practices next Wednesday as the likely No. 3 behind redshirt freshman Husan Longstreet, a transfer from USC, and starter Sam Leavitt, a redshirt junior transfer from Arizona State. That’s how things looked as spring practice ended. > [LSU Adds No. 75 QB Landen Clark From Elon And Unranked DE Achilles Woods Of South Alabama](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-adds-no-75-qb-landen-clark-from-elon-and-unranked-de-achilles-woods-of-south-alabama/) Versatility is Clark’s game as he threw for 2,231 yards and 18 touchdowns and rushed for 614 and 11 TDs last season at FCS Elon (6-6, 4-4 Coastal Athletic Association) and was named the CAA co-offensive rookie of the year. [LSU FOOTBALL COMPLETE ROSTER](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-roster-2026/) **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** Has excellent athleticism and ability to make plays beyond the pocket. Showcased impressive downfield precision and improvisation last season, but will need to adjust to the next level. **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** *Highly-regarded dual threat FCS quarterback from Elon University College … Joins the LSU program after 2 seasons at Elon University … Started all 12 games as a redshirt freshman at Elon in 2025 … Played a total of 16 games at Elon … Comes to LSU having completed 155-of-278 passes for 2,321 yards, 18 TDs and 8 interceptions … Has also rushed for 625 yards and 11 TDs … Co-Offensive Rookie of the Year in the Colonial Athletic Conference in 2025 … Had 6 games with a rushing and passing TD … Accounted for 29 total touchdowns (18 passing, 11 rushing) as a redshirt freshman in 2025 … The 29 TDs accounted for rank No. 2 in Elon history … In back-to-back games to end the 2025 season, rushed for an 86-yard touchdown against Campbell in week 11 followed by a 96-yard TD pass in the season-finale against North Carolina A&T.* **REDSHIRT FRESHMAN SEASON (2025 at Elon University)** *Started all 12 games at quarterback, leading Elon to a 6-6 overall mark … Named Co-Offensive Rookie of the Year in the Colonial Athletic Conference … Earned CAA Offensive Player of the Week vs. North Carolina A&T in season-finale … Named CAA Rookie of the Week 3 times – vs. Davidson, East Tennessee State, and Campbell … One of 25 players nationally named as a finalist for the Jerry Rice Award, which is presented to the top freshman in the FCS … Finished year connecting on 155-of-277 passes for 2,231 yards and 18 TDs … Second on team in rushing with 614 yards and 11 TDs on 189 carries … Led team and ranked No. 4 in the CAA in total offense with 244.6 yards per game … Accounted for 29 total touchdowns (18 passing, 11 rushing) … Passed for a career-high 305 yards and 2 TDs at Western Carolina … Accounted for 6 TDs (4 passing, 2 rushing) against North Carolina A&T in the season-finale … Had 6 games with a rushing and passing TD … Accounted for 4 TDs (2 passing, 2 rushing) at Campbell in week 11 and at Western Carolina in week 3 … Rushed for a TD in 8 games … Had a passing touchdown in 9 contests, including the final 5 games of the season … Broke a 24-24 in the fourth quarter against Campbell with a 96-yard TD pass with just over a minute left in the game … Following week scored on an 86-yard run vs. North Carolina A&T … Also threw TD passes of 76 and 54 yards against North Carolina A&T … Had 78-yard TD pass vs. Western Carolina in week 3 and an 81-yard TD pass vs. Hampton in week 5.* **FRESHMAN SEASON (2024 at Elon University)** *Appeared in 4 games in a reserve role as a true freshman … Rushed 4 times for 11 yards … Went 0-of-1 passing … Redshirted.* **HIGH SCHOOL** *Played four years of varsity football at Radford High School … Coached by Michael Crist … Led team to a 15-0 record the program’s first state championship in 51 years in 2023 … Had more than 4,300 yards and 71 total touchdowns as a senior … Team went 10-2 as a junior as Clark piled up more than 3,300 yards and 52 touchdowns … Played 3 games during an 8-4 sophomore campaign with 800 yards and 12 touchdowns … Two-time region Player of the Year … Two-time first team all-district and all-region … First team all-state as both a quarterback and defensive back and second team all-state as a punter … VHSL Offensive Player of the Year … City Player of the Year and WSLS Player of the Year … Also a state champion in track & field and state runner-up in basketball … Two-time team captain.* **CAREER HIGHS** *Pass Attempts: 29 at East Tennessee State, 2025 Pass Completions: 16 at Maine, 2025 Pass Yards: 305 at Western Carolina, 2025 Pass TDs: 4 vs. North Carolina A&T, 2025 Long Pass: 96 at Campbell, 2025 Rushing Attempts: 25 at Western Carolina, 2025 Rushing Yards: 105 vs. North Carolina A&T, 2025 Rushing TDs: 2, 3x (Last: vs. North Carolina A&T, 2025; First: at Western Carolina, 2025 Long Rush: 86 vs. North Carolina A&T, 2025* **300-YARD PASSING GAMES** *305 at Western Carolina, 2025* **3-TD PASSING GAMES** *4 vs. North Carolina A&T, 2025 3 vs. vs. Davidson, 2025* **NEXT:** Junior safety Tamarcus Cooley **PREVIOUS BIOS**: Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Receiver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) Punter [Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Landen Clark, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football 2026: 5 Games That Will Make Or Break The Tigers This Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-2026-5-games-that-will-make-or-break-the-tigers-this-season/) **Published:** July 30, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Don’t blame me, if you read it or hear about it here first. But LSU could be an excellent team in 2026 – a playoff team – and get off to a 2-2 start with little or no margin for error the rest of the way to reach the College Football Playoff. LSU’s schedule in the SEC’s new nine-game format is difficult, and the Tigers play their most league road games in history with five. [LSU FOOTBALL 2026 SCHEDULE](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-2026-schedule/) So, here are the five games that will define the No. 10 Tigers’ season with rankings by ESPN and each opponent’s record from last season. > Lane Kiffin will not have a moment in the sun this season if he takes LSU to a Sun Bowl-type postseason. > > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 29, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2082550528668553646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) **1. … At No. 8 Ole Miss (13-2, 7-1 SEC) … Sept. 19, 6:30 p.m. (ABC)** Clemson is an attractive opener for LSU on Sept. 5, but the Tigers should win comfortably. And we all know the real opener will be the third Saturday of September in Oxford, Mississippi, when The Grove becomes a satanic cult of hate for everything LSU and their LSU-loving traitor former coach, Lane Kiffin. Ole Miss will be so hyped, it could help LSU. Maybe the Rebels will hyperventilate. The key for LSU will be to not get overly emotional and keep itself in check, which bodes well for offensive and defensive execution. Kiffin did an expert job of keeping his team on an even keel in winning his last five last year amid everyone knowing he was entertaining offers to be a head coach elsewhere. > [LSU Paid Lane Kiffin’s $3 Million Buyout To Ole Miss, And May Have To Pay Nearly $1 Million For 2 Transfers’ Buyouts](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-paid-lane-kiffins-3-million-buyout-to-ole-miss-and-may-have-to-pay-nearly-1-million-for-2-rebel-transfers/) LSU edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen and offensive lineman Devin Harper, in particular, need to keep their emotions in check as they return to their old school before transferring last January. Meanwhile, if a recent lawsuit by Ole Miss against them for breach of contract before transferring to LSU is settled or still up in the air, they could use that as motivation. Whatever works, but don’t get carried away and draw penalties. The Tigers need to play like a robotic, well-oiled machine overall and not an emotional earthquake, so as not to leave it all in Oxford, because of the following week. **2. … No. 9 TEXAS A&M (11-2, 7-1) … Sept. 26** The Aggies could be the best team on LSU’s schedule, and they have won two straight over the Tigers by an average of three touchdowns. LSU has A&M at home, but just one week after Armageddon at Oxford. This will not be a good Saturday to be emotionally hungover. And as I said, Ole Miss and A&M could be so good in 2026 that LSU could lose both in close games and be 2-2. If that happens, the Tigers would still have a decent playoff shot via quality of loss, if the Rebels and Aggies stay highly ranked. **3. … No. 16 Alabama (11-4, 7-1) … Nov. 7** A rare Alabama game in Baton Rouge that is not LSU’s feature home game of a season. And that’s good, because LSU would be wise not to have its Post Bama Hangover with what is coming the next week. Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer is no Nick Saban yet, but he is a very good coach and has a talented roster. The Tigers don’t need him to flip the switch and start becoming a Saban Sequel in Tiger Stadium, where Saban lost only twice as Alabama’s coach with six wins. DeBoer’s first Bama team, by the way, had no trouble at LSU at night in 2024, winning 42-13. > [SEC Media Days: A New Arch Manning Will Return To The Bayou State For Likely Critical Game At LSU On Nov. 14](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-media-days-a-new-arch-manning-will-return-to-the-bayou-state-for-likely-critical-game-at-lsu-on-nov-14/) **4. … No. 5 Texas (10-3, 6-2) … Nov. 14** Alabama and Texas back-to-back after you’ve already played Ole Miss and Texas A&M on consecutive weeks is a lot to ask. Especially with Texas quarterback Arch Manning likely coming in at the top of his game and as the third Manning to play in Tiger Stadium. His grandfather Archie was 1-1 at Tiger Stadium with a win in 1968 and a loss in 1970. His uncle Eli won in 2001 and lost in 2002. If Kiffin has only two losses after this weekend, he will be earning his money. > Lane Train leaves Tennessee – and Smokey the mascot hound – in his smoke again by inking No. 1 portal QB Sam Leavitt 16 years ago to the day he left Rocky Top for USC after 1 season. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [January 13, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2010893385750757493?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) **5. … At No. 25 Tennessee (8-5, 4-4) … Nov. 21** The SEC office didn’t wish Kiffin – the first to coach three SEC schools – a happy honeymoon season by scheduling him against the two SEC schools he left on the road. The Vols would love nothing more than to be spoilers and keep their one-year coach of 2009 out of the playoffs. LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt, meanwhile, will return to Knoxville, where he visited during his portal recruitment with Kiffin following him there by air for one more meet-and-greet at the airport. Even if Tennessee is average yet again under coach Josh Heupel, this will be a difficult test for Kiffin and the Tigers against an emotionally charged Vols in Neyland Stadium. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels --- ### [LSU Football Outlook: Sunny, "Peaceful(?)," Jokes Lane Kiffin At Rotary Club Atop Tiger Stadium](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-outlook-sunny-peaceful-jokes-lane-kiffin-at-rotary-club-atop-tiger-stadium/) **Published:** July 29, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor During the introductions at the Baton Rouge Rotary Club luncheon at Tiger Stadium on Wednesday, one of the dignitaries mentioned LSU finishing off “a great season” by beating Iowa, 33-15, in the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, to finish 1971 off at 9-3, No. 11 in the Associated Press poll and 3-2 in the Southeastern Conference. “What a great season is has changed around here,” new LSU football coach Lane Kiffin cracked as he took the podium. Some media members and fans out there may refer to a 9-3 record this season for LSU, which is entirely possible and possibly likely, as a failure and would put Kiffin on the hot seat. Never mind he inherited a 7-6 team that was 3-5 in the SEC last season. > SEC Network’s Benjamin Watson says Lane Kiffin and LSU have to make the National Championship this year 👀 [pic.twitter.com/6uLLGcbTIF](https://t.co/6uLLGcbTIF) > > — CFB Kings (@CFBKings) [July 21, 2026](https://x.com/CFBKings/status/2079634611974389929?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) But Kiffin did sign the No. 1 transfer portal class in the country with 41 players, including the top quarterback in the portal in Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt, the top offensive lineman in Jordan Seaton from Colorado and the No. 1 edge rusher in Princewill Umanmielen from Ole Miss. [LSU’s COMPLETE 2026 FOOTBALL ROSTER](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-roster-2026/) Now, Umanmielen and LSU are facing a lawsuit by Ole Miss over the $550,000 buyout Ole Miss says he didn’t pay. Ole Miss transfer offensive lineman Devin Harper is also being sued by Ole Miss over his $400,000 buyout. > [LSU Paid Lane Kiffin’s $3 Million Buyout To Ole Miss, And May Have To Pay Nearly $1 Million For 2 Transfers’ Buyouts](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-paid-lane-kiffins-3-million-buyout-to-ole-miss-and-may-have-to-pay-nearly-1-million-for-2-rebel-transfers/) LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry, who introduced Kiffin on Wednesday, said he couldn’t comment on the lawsuit after Kiffin spoke. “It’s a legal matter,” he said. The talent glut, regardless of possible legal fees, coming in and the $91 million contract over seven years for Kiffin, who left Ole Miss after six seasons last November for LSU, has the Tigers trending for more of a “great” season in 2026-27 than what happened in 1971. The hope, or demand, is for LSU to reach the College Football Playoff for the first time since the 2019 season when the Tigers won the national title at 15-0. > Lane Kiffin addressing Baton Rouge Rotary Club luncheon now. [pic.twitter.com/6DIHKW47be](https://t.co/6DIHKW47be) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 29, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2082519714383716674?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “I didn’t know what I was walking into today,” Kiffin said – not of his new job, but of the crowd of several hundred at the LSU Stadium Club at South Gate 20. “I didn’t know how big this was going to be. I didn’t know I was going to get a peace pole.” [LSU FOOTBALL 2026 SCHEDULE](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-2026-schedule/) That was a gift from the Rotary Club, and Kiffin said it could come in handy when at Ole Miss when the Tigers play his old school on Sept. 19 (6:30 p.m., ABC) and at Tennessee on Nov. 21 when he returns to another former school in which he served as head coach in 2009. Kiffin is the first football coach in history to be the head coach at three SEC schools. “We’ll have to take that to Oxford and Knoxville,” Kiffin said of the pole. “And I didn’t know all we’ve got to do is go to the Sun Bowl to have a great year. It’s going to be a peaceful year.” Not if the Tigers are in El Paso on New Year’s Eve for the Sun Bowl that afternoon. Ausberry, who hired Kiffin, certainly has higher hopes than El Paso for the holidays. > [The Lane Kiffin Reset](https://www.tigerrag.com/the-lane-kiffin-reset/) “He coined the term that we feel when we try to describe this place. ‘We’re just different,'” Ausberry said as he introduced Kiffin. “And we’re going to win.” Kiffin was careful not to make any bold predictions about the 2026 season, which opens on Sept. 5 against Clemson in Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC). “Verge told me, ‘Remember, there are cameras back there,” Kiffin said. “It’s actually a pretty young team.” But Kiffin surely sounded enthusiastic about this season, particularly about being on the other sideline of Tiger Stadium after visiting as Alabama’s coach in 2014 and ’16 for tough 20-13 (overtime) and 10-0 wins before losses in 2020 (53-48), ’22 (45-20) and ’24 (29-26, overtime) as Ole Miss’ coach. “I’ve been on that other side, and when the sun sets, you’re like, ‘Where are we?’ It’s a true home field advantage,” he said. “There’s a weight. We were here a couple of years ago, and we were ahead. But then it was like, ‘Here they come.’ You can feel the weight of the crowd from the whole stadium.” The weight will be on Kiffin’s side now so as to lift him and his team, but that weight can always shift if there are too many Sun Bowl-type postseason games and no playoffs. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Sun Bowl --- ### [Lane Kiffin Explains His Opposition To New 9-Game Schedule In SEC This Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-explains-his-opposition-to-new-9-game-schedule-in-sec-this-season/) **Published:** July 30, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By JEFF PALERMO, Louisiana Radio Network The Southeastern Conference’s new nine-game conference schedule promises more marquee matchups for fans, more attractive schedules for season ticket holders and increased television ratings. But LSU coach Lane Kiffin believes the expanded schedule could come with an unintended consequence: fewer SEC teams reaching the College Football Playoff. Speaking Wednesday to the Baton Rouge Rotary Club, Kiffin said he would have preferred the conference wait to adopt a nine-game schedule until the College Football Playoff selection committee placed greater emphasis on strength of schedule. He argued that SEC teams face the nation’s toughest weekly competition, yet the committee continues to reward teams with better records despite weaker schedules. > Lane Kiffin will not have a moment in the sun this season if he takes LSU to a Sun Bowl-type postseason. > > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 29, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2082550528668553646?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) He even offered a tongue-in-cheek alternative for selecting the playoff field. “When it comes down to, ‘Is that team better than that team?,’ ask Las Vegas what the spread would be on a neutral site,” Kiffin said, drawing laughter from the audience. “They’re going to do it a lot better than a room of conference commissioners and former players saying which team is better.” Kiffin said the transfer portal has created more parity across the SEC, making every conference game more competitive. Adding a ninth league game, he said, only increases the likelihood of teams finishing with multiple losses. He worries that a 9-3 SEC team with several quality wins could be left out of the 12-team playoff in favor of an 11-1 team that faced an easier schedule. “We’ve got to get to the point where an 11-1 team that played one hard team and beat 11 teams it was supposed to beat isn’t automatically viewed as better than a 9-3 team that played really hard teams in really hard places, beat some of them and lost three,” Kiffin said. According to ESPN’s Football Power Index, LSU enters the season with the nation’s 11th-toughest schedule, and every SEC team ranks among the top 20. The Tigers will play five road SEC games for the first time in history. The Tigers open preseason practice Wednesday and open the season at home against Clemson on Sept 5 (6:30 p.m., ABC). “Nobody just gets anything,” Kiffin said of depth chart competition. “Whether they’re returning players, whether they’re five-star players, whether they make this much money, none of that has anything to do with how much they’re going to play. That’s going to be earned on the field, through competition, every day in practice.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, sec football --- ### [SEC and Big Ten On The Clock To Save Protect College Sports Act ... Again](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-and-big-ten-on-the-clock-to-save-protect-college-sports-act-again/) **Published:** July 30, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Let’s try this again. The Southeastern Conference and the Big Ten Conferences are now facing another deadline set by lawmakers. The final version of the Protect College Sports Act has been sent to conference officials after last minute negotiations Wednesday, and they had until 9 a.m. central time Thursday to announce their positions, and that deadline has been missed as of 10:30 a.m. Thursday. The conferences, of course, faced a similar deadline Wednesday after they received an overhauled version of the act, which conformed to many of the demands made by the SEC and Big 10. The leagues missed that deadline and held meetings to discuss the bill, threatening its future. > Lawmakers sent conferences a “last and final” version of the Protect College Sports Act around midnight, revising key sections and setting a 10 a.m. deadline for the leagues to agree, sources tell [@YahooSports](https://x.com/YahooSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). > > Big Ten and SEC have set afternoon presidents calls for a vote. > > — Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) [July 30, 2026](https://x.com/RossDellenger/status/2082783208622436781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Congress is running out of time to get the Protect College Sports Act to the U.S. Senate floor before a month-long recess beginning Aug. 7. If the bill does not make it to Majority Leader John Thune’s desk by tonight, it will likely be tabled until next off-season, if it does not die completely. The hold up for the conferences was a new revenue-share retention pool that has now been increased to $22.5 million that schools may exceed the normal $21.3 million cap by to retain athletes. With a $5 million retention pool exception for women’s sports, that is a $48.8 million total cap limit for schools. > [SEC and Big Ten Face Wednesday Deadline on Protect College Sports Act – Congress Blinked First](https://www.tigerrag.com/protect-college-sports-act-sec-big-ten-wednesday-deadline/) Also changed in the final copy is harsher language to prevent cap circumvention. It is believed the bill will pass through the Senate with the support of the SEC and Big 10. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Big 10, lsu football, Protect College Sports Act, sec --- ### [How LSU, Other Louisiana Colleges Will Use State Taxes From Gambling For Athletics](https://www.tigerrag.com/how-lsu-other-louisiana-colleges-will-use-state-taxes-from-gambling-for-athletics/) **Published:** July 30, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By PIPER HUTCHINSON, Louisiana Illuminator/Tiger Rag Scholarships and budget balancing are the main ways athletics programs at Louisiana colleges plan to use their allotments of gambling tax revenue under a new state law, but their exact spending might never be known because the law doesn’t require them to disclose it. The first annual allotment of sports gambling tax revenue was made available to Division I schools with football programs this month. The money comes from the [Supporting Programs, Opportunities, Resources and Teams (SPORT) Fund](https://lailluminator.com/2025/06/08/louisiana-hikes-sports-gambling-tax-to-subsidize-college-athletics/), created during the 2025 legislative session. Each program — LSU, Louisiana-Lafayette, Louisiana-Monroe, Louisiana Tech, Grambling, Southern, McNeese State, Nicholls State, Northwestern State and Southeastern Louisiana — will each receive approximately $2 million annually. The law requires that money be used on things that benefit student-athletes, such as scholarships. The fund was also created to assist athletics programs in navigating uncertain fiscal times for college athletics. The enabling legislation specifically mentions the money cannot be used to fund existing scholarships, but rather to provide new opportunities for students. The Louisiana Board of Regents administers the sports gambling revenue distribution. Its spokesman, Chris Yandle, said there are no reporting requirements for university athletic departments that receive the money, and there are no penalties for schools that use the money in ways not allowed by the law. Southern and ULM officials said they intend to use the money for new scholarships. LSU athletics spokesman Zach Greenwell said the SPORT Fund proceeds will be used for new scholarships and to help mitigate rising tuition costs. The university has recently raised tuition for a number of high cost programs, including engineering, that could impact the cost of scholarships for athletes enrolled in those majors. Officials at ULL, Nicholls and Southeastern mentioned using the funds to stabilize their budgets. > [How LSU’s New Athletic Department, Inc. Showed Its Hand | Todd Horne](https://www.tigerrag.com/how-lsus-new-athletic-department-inc-showed-its-hand-todd-horne/) LSU is the only profitable athletics program in the state, though its most recent financial report from 2024-25 showed it made just $28,000. That report covered the last year before revenue sharing kicked in, which has created additional financial constraints for the university. Though all athletics programs in the University of Louisiana System are operating in the red, occasionally creating fiscal challenges for universities as a whole, ULL’s program has the most severe budget deficit. The University of Louisiana System [board documents](https://public.onboardmeetings.com/Meeting/WDxRxjShZeLqLp1SGUZnw7AIC8baYvV6Y%2FIzSS%2FEg2AA/QpSBvCNd7ls0AmrPBTJwQJHgpICjhKwEwMpxOhnKDT8A/PM7UCj4p20pxyxP4GjLYp%2FDA0sd4HiYwZp0odVumgGcA/j0VCu99w8ode0WPlMfPPMbHHY5G3cc8rpaO0SzgnCIcA/Agenda%20Document) shows it ended the previous fiscal year with a negative fund balance of more than $57 million. “Those funds help cover the full range of athletics operations, including scholarships, travel, salaries and other program expenses,” ULL spokesman Eric Maron said in a statement. “By supporting those costs, the SPORT Fund reduces the level of institutional support required for athletics.” The sports gambling money from the fund is not intended to be used for revenue sharing. A settlement in the landmark federal case House v. NCAA requires college sports programs to share a portion of their in-house revenue with athletes. Division I schools can distribute up to 22% of their sports-generated income to their student-athletes annually, which comes to about $20.5 million for top-earning programs like LSU. Louisiana Tech athletic director Ryan Ivey specifically mentioned using its SPORT Fund money to help meet obligations under the House settlement, though he said it would also be used for student-athlete welfare issues, including academic services and nutrition. Grambling, McNeese and Northwestern State did not respond to questions about plans for their share of sports gambling revenue. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu, lsu athletics, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football Season Starts In 38 Days: Here Is Player Bio Number 10 - Punter Grant Chadwick](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-starts-in-38-days-here-is-player-bio-number-10-punter-grant-chadwick/) **Published:** July 29, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES One of the better transfer portal adds in the 2025 season, Grant Chadwick of Middle Tennessee averaged a whopping 45.7 yards a punt last year for second in the Southeastern Conference and third for a season in LSU history. Chadwick (6-foot-5, 213 pounds) was a third team All-Southeastern Conference choice. The Tullahoma, Tennessee, native landed 42 punts inside the 20-yard line last season, and 34 went for 50 yards or more. **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** One of the top returning punters in the SEC, and he can also kick field goals if needed. He hit 9-of-16 field goals as a senior at Tullahoma High in 2023 with a 53-yard boot. **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** *Enters second season as LSU’s punter … Also serves as LSU’s holder for placekicks … Transfer from Middle Tennessee who had an immediate impact in his first season with the Tigers in 2025 … Earned third-team All-SEC honors … Starter in all 13 games, punting 62 times for 45.7 average … The 45.7 average ranks No. 3 in single-season program history, while his 2,834 total punting yards ranks No. 4 … Ranked No. 2 in the SEC in punting average, trailing only Oklahoma’s Grayson Miller by 0.14 yards … Career average of 44.7 on 113 punts … 42 punts downed inside the 20 and 34 have traveled 50-yards or more … Majoring in interdisciplinary studies.* **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2025 at LSU)** *Earned third-team All-SEC honors after averaging 45.7 yards on 62 punts … Played in all 13 games … Served as the holder for all placekicks as well … 45.7 average ranks No. 3 in single-season LSU history, while his 2,834 total yards ranks No. 4 … Finished No. 2 in the SEC in punting average … Had 21 punts of 50-yards or more and 20 punts downed inside the 20-yard line … Had career-long punt of 71 yards against South Carolina … Had other long punts of punts of 68 yards at Oklahoma, 60 vs. Texas A&M and 59 at Alabama … Had at least 1 50-yard punt in all 12 regular-season games … Streak snapped against Houston in Texas Bowl … Averaged 55.0 yards on 4 punts against South Carolina, which ranks No. 5 in single-game program history for punting average … In win over Florida, average 50.4 yards on 7 punts with 4 of his punts downed inside the Florida 15-yard line … Had punts of 54, 58, 57, and 58 yards against the Gators … In win over Western Kentucky, punted 7 times with 5 of his punts downed inside the 20-yard line with 3 being spotted inside the 11.* **FRESHMAN SEASON (2024 at Middle Tennessee)** *Starting punter for Middle Tennessee in all 12 games as true freshman … Finished rookie season averaging 43.4 yards on 51 punts … Ranked No. 3 in Conference USA in punting average … Had a net punting average of 40.8 yards, which ranked No. 29 nationally … His 43.4 averaged ranked No. 4 nationally among FBS freshmen punters in 2024 … 13 of his punts traveled at least 50 yards with a season-long of 60 against Duke … Averaged 48.8 yards on 5 punts vs. Duke … Had 4 of his 7 punts vs. Memphis downed inside the 20-yard line … Averaged 46.1 yards on 7 punts vs. Kennesaw State … Had 3 of his 4 punts downed inside the 20-yard line against Liberty … Earned honorable mention All-Conference USA honors.* **HIGH SCHOOL** *Three-sport letterwinner in football, soccer and basketball at Tullahoma High School in Tennessee … Semifinalist for Tennessee Titans Mr. Football in 2023 … Twice named all-state and all-region … Rated as the nation’s No. 11 punter by Kohl’s Pro Camps … Selected for the Tennessee Coaches Association All-Star Game … Named Tennessee 4A Kicker of the Year by the Tennessee Sports Writers Association in 2022 … As a senior, averaged 42.0 yards on 46 punts with 20 downed inside the 20-yard line … As a junior, went 7-of-9 on field goals with a long of 46 yards … Averaged 42 yards a punt and had 90 percent of his kickoffs go for touchbacks … Helped team to 4A state title in 2021.* **CAREER HIGHS** *Punts: 9 at Oklahoma, 2025 Punting Yards: 401 at Oklahoma, 2025 Average: 50.4 vs. Florida, 2025 Longest Punt: 71 vs. South Carolina, 2025 Punts Inside 20: 5 vs. Western Kentucky, 2025 Punts of 50+ Yards: 4 vs. Florida, 2025 Fair Catches: 4 vs. Western Kentucky, 2025* **NEXT:** Redshirt sophomore transfer quarterback Landen Clark of Elon. **PREVIOUS BIOS:** Defensive Tackle [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) Wide Reciver [Tre Brown III](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Grant Chadwick, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [TODD HORNE: Lane Kiffin Walked Into a Room Full of Adults and Talked About Football Like It Was 1986](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-baton-rouge-rotary-club-lsu-football-message/) **Published:** July 29, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** **By TODD HORNE, EXECUTIVE EDITOR** Wednesday during the Baton Rouge Rotary Club meeting, the questions practically wrote themselves: NIL? Revenue sharing? A congressional rescue? The transfer portal? Roster budgets? The economics of a $40 million football team? Legal battles with every new season? Lane Kiffin could have spent an hour unpacking any of it—but he kept circling back to something far less complicated: Leadership. Preparation. Expectations. Accountability. Football. The more convoluted college football becomes, the more elemental Kiffin’s message gets. Not because he’s blind to the complexity—it’s the toughest era any LSU coach has inherited. He’s not just coaching X’s and O’s; he’s managing a personnel department, balancing salary structures, navigating NIL negotiations, retaining rosters, juggling recruiting calendars, vetting transfers, fielding agents and wrestling with compliance issues that didn’t exist a few years ago. All while installing an offense, developing quarterbacks and beating Alabama. The job has changed. The essentials haven’t. Good leaders don’t eliminate complexity. They absorb it—and hand everyone else something simpler. That’s what rang out in Kiffin’s remarks. He spoke of quarterback Sam Leavitt not as the centerpiece of a multimillion-dollar enterprise, but as a young man embracing leadership. He talked standards instead of spreadsheets. Preparation instead of projections. Culture instead of contracts. Those aren’t sound bites; they’re filters. Every coach must choose what reaches the locker room. Kiffin’s choice is clear: Outside, debate House settlements, congressional proposals, NIL clearinghouses and realignment. Inside the football building, speak one language: Show up. Work. Lead. Improve. Repeat tomorrow. It sounds almost old-fashioned—maybe that’s why it works. Modern college athletics has grown obsessively complex, yet asks teenagers to perform at an elite level inside that maze. Imagine being a 19-year-old offensive tackle: attend class; master a playbook; recover physically; manage social media; evaluate endorsements; understand your compensation; resist tampering; navigate recruiting contacts; answer agents—and still block an All-American on Saturday. Coaches have become translators, not just tacticians. Their job: filter noise. Kiffin doesn’t pretend the noise doesn’t exist. He just refuses to amplify it. Every championship is won the same way it always has been. Players prepare. Leaders lead. Teams trust one another. Someone blocks. Someone tackles. Someone throws when the game hangs in the balance. The fundamentals are wonderfully resistant to change. Lane Kiffin knows the modern business of college football as well as anyone. Wednesday, he reminded Baton Rouge he also grasps something older: when the world grows more complicated, leadership often becomes simpler—not because problems vanish, but because someone has to keep everyone focused on what matters. That may be the most important lesson he teaches this season. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Baton Rouge Rotary Club, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU football news, sec football --- ### [Tommy White Records Second 4-Hit Big League Game](https://www.tigerrag.com/tommy-white-records-second-4-hit-big-league-game/) **Published:** July 29, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Former LSU baseball national champion Tommy White had his second four-hit game Tuesday night since being called up to the majors July 17. The 23-year-old was a perfect 4-for-4 at the plate, all singles, and scored two runs in the Athletics’ 4-3 win over the Red Sox. Ex-Tiger Gage Jump earned the win on the mound after allowing just three hits, striking out seven batters and walking four in six shutout innings. The 23-year-old rookie improved to 4-6 on the year with a 4.00 ERA and 68 strikeouts in 12 starts. > [LSU Baseball Great Tommy White Promoted To Big Leagues With Athletics](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-great-tommy-white-promoted-to-big-leagues-with-athletics/) White is slashing .359/.390/.410 in 10 big-league games. The prolific college slugger ranks eighth all-time with 75 home runs in three collegiate seasons, but he’s turned himself into a contact hitter since being drafted by the A’s 40th overall in 2024. He has recorded a hit in six of his 10 outings and notched more than one hit four times. White’s .359 average through 39 ABs unofficially leads the MLB, but he has yet to hit a home run or record an RBI. The A’s improve to 45-62 on the season and are 4-6 since White’s debut. They sit at fourth in the American League West, 10 games back from the division-leading Texas Rangers. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Gage Jump, lsu baseball, Tommy White --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio: Ole Miss Suing LSU Players](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-ole-miss-suing-lsu-players/) **Published:** July 28, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Ole Miss beat reporter for the Clarion-Ledger Sam Hutchens breaks down Ole Miss’s breaking lawsuit against Princewill Umanmielen and Devin Harper for failing to pay their revenue-share contract after transferring to LSU. Hutchens gives his insight on the Rebels’ new staff ahead of their blockbuster matchup with LSU. USA Today’s Blake Toppmeyer gives a look around the SEC ahead of preseason camps. ***Here is the complete transcript of the show from YouTube. Tiger Rag apologizes for any AI generated mistakes:*** 0:00 0 seconds Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. Tiger Rag Radio is on the air. Let’s crank \[music\] this thing up. 0:06 6 seconds We’re statewide breaking down the latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is up. Hear from the coaches. > [Where Do Rookie Pete Golding And Lane Kiffin Rank Among SEC Coaches – 1 Through 16? | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/where-do-rookie-pete-golding-and-lane-kiffin-rank-among-sec-coaches-1-through-16-glenn-guilbeau/) 0:11 11 seconds Our time is now with LSU \[music\] basketball. 0:14 14 seconds The players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 0:17 17 seconds One way or another, we’re going to make history. 0:19 19 seconds And those who cover the \[music\] Fighting Tigers of LSU and the SEC. LSU is the best job in the world. 0:25 25 seconds It’s \[music\] 2 hours of non-stop LSU talk. 0:28 28 seconds I came here to win. We’re going to win immediately. 0:30 30 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is brought to you by Cumins. \[music\] Cumins creates power solutions that the world depends on. Louisiana Beef 0:37 37 seconds Industry Council, Budro’s Electrical Services, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. \[music\] 0:45 45 seconds Get ready to talk Tigers \[music\] with producer Case Kishnik and our hosts Todd Horn, Jeff Polalmo, and Glenn Gilbo. 0:54 54 seconds Players are better people than they are players. This is Tiger Rag Radio. 1:02 1 minute, 2 seconds The rivalry between LSU and Old Miss uh is turned up another notch today as uh news breaks that in 1:12 1 minute, 12 seconds a state court, Lafayette County State Court in Mississippi. lawsuits have or civil complaints have been filed against 1:19 1 minute, 19 seconds LSU football defensive end Prince Will Umami Yellen and LSU offensive lineman Devin Harper because according to the 1:26 1 minute, 26 seconds University of Mississippi, these two players signed revenue sharing agreements with the school in early January, then went ahead and broke those 1:35 1 minute, 35 seconds contracts. And according to those contracts uh based on what the University of Mississippi is saying that 1:42 1 minute, 42 seconds there is a provision requiring them to compensate the university with a predetermined amount basically a buyout if they depart before fulfilling their 1:51 1 minute, 51 seconds commitment. And of course, both of those players did transfer to LSU after originally saying that they were going to stay at Miss after Lane Keifin left. 2:01 2 minutes, 1 second And apparently they signed, according to the University of Mississippi, \[snorts\] signed revenue sharing agreements and then entered the transfer portal, signed 2:09 2 minutes, 9 seconds with LSU, and Miss has been sending letters to them and to LSU requesting that buyout money. They have not been 2:18 2 minutes, 18 seconds able to receive it. $550,000 from Umami Melon and Harper. They are 2:24 2 minutes, 24 seconds seeking to get $400,000 from him. Here to talk about it, he’s got a great article on the Aquarian Ledger website. 2:31 2 minutes, 31 seconds Sam Hutchkins is all over the story and our timing to have you on our show, Sam. 2:36 2 minutes, 36 seconds Could not be any better. Uh, thank you for spending some time talking with us. 2:40 2 minutes, 40 seconds I know there’s a lot going on, especially with this breaking story, but we appreciate your time tonight. 2:46 2 minutes, 46 seconds Right. I’m impressed that you you summed it up. That’d be like \[laughter\] a whole chapter in a John Gisham book or something getting all that out. But yeah, great summary. That’s you know, 2:54 2 minutes, 54 seconds it’s uh it’s not dying down until September the 19th, guys. There there’s always stuff popping up between these two schools. 3:01 3 minutes, 1 second Well, as me and Glenn were talking about, there’s always two sides to a story, but at least the side that the University of Mississippi is presenting, 3:08 3 minutes, 8 seconds it seems. Now, I if it is true that they actually did I I guess is that the question? Did they actually really sign revenue sharing agreements that require 3:17 3 minutes, 17 seconds them to pay a buyout if they left and went to another school? Is that what is in doubt here? 3:26 3 minutes, 26 seconds Yeah. So, Miss has has been doing that for a while now. And for for all players who who sign revenue sharing agreements 3:35 3 minutes, 35 seconds or or certainly a wide bulk of them and and the top players like Prince Will you and Devin Harper are Old Miss has been 3:43 3 minutes, 43 seconds been putting in uh buyout clauses is is the easiest word to put it. So yeah, and um you know that’s it it’s the type of 3:51 3 minutes, 51 seconds thing that Old Miss is is saying, “Hey, this this is very concrete, black and white um because it’s a buyout in a 4:00 4 minutes revenue sharing contract.” Um and then you’re right, I I I haven’t seen any sort of official comment from from LSU yet, but maybe their side is a little 4:08 4 minutes, 8 seconds different, but yeah, that’s uh that’s kind of what’s being litigated here uh in LeFay County. 4:14 4 minutes, 14 seconds Hey Sam, Glenn Gilbo here. Thanks for joining us. Um, do you know or do or do you do you ha have any guess that maybe 4:23 4 minutes, 23 seconds the players spent some of their revenue share money they got from Old Miss before they went to uh LSU or is that a question? 4:32 4 minutes, 32 seconds Yeah, I I don’t know that. and and that could play into it because I I think that the thing that jumped out to me the 4:40 4 minutes, 40 seconds most um from from Old Miss’s timeline that they provided me and some of the other beat reporters with is uh Old Miss 4:48 4 minutes, 48 seconds said that um you know they contacted the two players who didn’t respond and and didn’t pay and then Old Miss said so it 4:57 4 minutes, 57 seconds it reached out to LSU who who declined to play. But here’s the rub is um a lot 5:04 5 minutes, 4 seconds of these contracts, right? Uh you know, and I I certainly think it it would make sense for Prince Will and Devon uh transferring to negotiate that into 5:13 5 minutes, 13 seconds their LSU deal, right? You know, you know, if you’re going to have a buyout, you say you go to LSU and maybe you say, “Hey, can y’all pay this for me?” Yeah, they paid Lane Gibbons. 5:23 5 minutes, 23 seconds I don’t know if LSU did that or not. And that’s kind of the rub is like who is even ultimately responsible here for and 5:31 5 minutes, 31 seconds uh you know if it’s if it’s purely with the two players then do they even have the funds? It’s interesting 5:38 5 minutes, 38 seconds and and let me ask you too I think in the story Keith Carter said that that this has happened with previous Old Miss players who transferred. Did he mean 5:46 5 minutes, 46 seconds that that other players transferred and actually paid Miss their buyout and and do you know who those players are or did he say? Yeah, he he told me that I I 5:56 5 minutes, 56 seconds actually asked him I said, “Have you kind of done the inverse of this um when I last talked to Keith and he told me 6:02 6 minutes, 2 seconds that yes, Old Miss has paid buyouts from incoming transfers. Um but he didn’t give you the names on that, but yeah.” 6:11 6 minutes, 11 seconds And and his point there was to say like, you know, it’s kind of a bad look, right, to to sue the individual kids who 6:18 6 minutes, 18 seconds who are 20 years old. But Keith’s point was a lot of times you’re effectively suing the school and you know as long as 6:26 6 minutes, 26 seconds the school has made an agreement to pay on behalf of the player. But I think that’s what’s got to whole get sorted out here. 6:33 6 minutes, 33 seconds So did Miss pay the buyout of the Clemson player the the linebacker? 6:37 6 minutes, 37 seconds \[laughter\] I actually so I asked about I asked about Felli and they Old Miss has been that’s the whole that’s the player 6:44 6 minutes, 44 seconds that they’ve been quietest on throughout all of that. I wish I could tell you that. Yeah, I don’t know that. 6:51 6 minutes, 51 seconds Let’s hear from Case Kishnik. He’s got a question here, our producer. 6:54 6 minutes, 54 seconds Yeah. So, you mentioned you mentioned the uh the optics of it and how it might look bad suing, you know, some 20-year-old players. Do you see there’s 7:02 7 minutes, 2 seconds any world where this doesn’t end in LSU taking that buyout? And if they do, does that then count against their revenue share cap for this season? 7:12 7 minutes, 12 seconds Yes. So, so my understanding is it does count against the revenue share cap. So, here’s the unspoken thing that uh you 7:20 7 minutes, 20 seconds know, I I truly understood why, you know, maybe LSU is definitely planning on paying this and they they have funds earmarked, but I I totally understood 7:29 7 minutes, 29 seconds why LSU wasn’t just volunteering to to give up these funds. you know, don’t just hand it over to the enemy. I 7:37 7 minutes, 37 seconds totally get it. Ultimately, I feel like if this goes to lawsuits and especially in Mississippi, uh because of of the 7:44 7 minutes, 44 seconds black and white nature of revenue share contracts, I I have trouble imagining a 7:51 7 minutes, 51 seconds scenario where aside wearing purple and gold doesn’t pay, whether that’s the players or the school is, I guess, kind 8:00 8 minutes of up to those two entities. Now LSU’s statement on all this is that they are not party to the contract that they were 8:09 8 minutes, 9 seconds not involved. They did not sign this contract, the revenue sharing agreement. 8:14 8 minutes, 14 seconds Devin Harper and Princeell Umami Ellen were the two that actually signed it. 8:19 8 minutes, 19 seconds So, but I would imagine LSU’s in my mind they got to they have to step in and and help these kids. I think 8:28 8 minutes, 28 seconds \[laughter\] they got the kids, they get the baggage. Yeah. Yeah. 8:31 8 minutes, 31 seconds Yeah. But you’re right that that is absolutely true that nowhere was LSU mentioned in the deal that was signed 8:38 8 minutes, 38 seconds shortly after the Fiesta Bowl between an Old Miss player and Old Miss University. Right. LSU has not turned that anywhere. 8:46 8 minutes, 46 seconds So yeah, that’s the rub in this whole thing. 8:49 8 minutes, 49 seconds Well, let let me ask you too. So, so just to repeat you, uh, Keith Carter told you that in the past, Old Miss has 8:56 8 minutes, 56 seconds gotten transfers from other schools who had buyouts to the other school and Old Miss paid those buyouts. Correct. 9:04 9 minutes, 4 seconds Yes. Right. 9:05 9 minutes, 5 seconds And I think his point there was that you the school usually paid, right? So Miss is saying, “We paid it. 9:11 9 minutes, 11 seconds Why don’t you pay at LSU?” Yeah. And now he didn’t say, you know, Yuan Miellin and Harper are good players. He he didn’t tell me if that 9:19 9 minutes, 19 seconds buyout was $20,000 from Ball State or you know what what the sums are because obviously this is no this is no amount 9:27 9 minutes, 27 seconds of money to sneeze at. So that’s that’s the uh the note that I would draw there is you know it’s we could be it could be 9:34 9 minutes, 34 seconds it’s a different conversation if it’s you know hey 10 grand from Kent State versus what we’re doing here. 9:40 9 minutes, 40 seconds Exactly. Now, they provided you a the or the Old Miss administration provided you a timeline on what happened. Did they 9:48 9 minutes, 48 seconds actually provide media members there with the actual revenue sharing agreement that Harper and Uma and signed? 9:56 9 minutes, 56 seconds No, they did. They did not prevent provide the actual paperwork. So, um it’s just in the uh I when I had the 10:05 10 minutes, 5 seconds story just checking on the, you know, the court archives and all that. Um you could see the formal complaint that they 10:12 10 minutes, 12 seconds issued in court um which you have to include all the details, but they there was not the uh the official contract in there. It was just kind of a write up of what they said was contract. 10:22 10 minutes, 22 seconds So, what happens next? Is there a hearing coming up soon? And I can’t imagine um Old Miss is going to lose in 10:29 10 minutes, 29 seconds their own backyard on this kind of issue. 10:33 10 minutes, 33 seconds Yeah. And that’s my question. Certainly, you know, this is of course, as you guys know, a civil lawsuit, right? You know, just like uh right, you know, the type of lawsuit you’d 10:41 10 minutes, 41 seconds throw out if you had a fence line dispute with your neighbor or whatever, you know. So, there’s there’s no jury or anything. A lot of this is sides coming 10:50 10 minutes, 50 seconds in and, you know, paperwork and all that and seeing. Um but yeah, no, that’s that’s my that’s my question too is where where does this go from here? And 10:59 10 minutes, 59 seconds uh you know, I I I imagine that um my my ultimate guess is that LSU or or someone 11:06 11 minutes, 6 seconds I I would imagine that this could just get paid and not have to go through all the court because really I don’t think either side wants the court and looking 11:15 11 minutes, 15 seconds bad and frankly having to deal with all this right before the season. So, um, if I’m just taking bets, I my sort of guess 11:22 11 minutes, 22 seconds is that this is kind of the catalyst for, uh, the the two sides working together and figuring something out. 11:29 11 minutes, 29 seconds Is there any world where this could LSU or one of the players could file some sort of appeal to get that case moved to 11:37 11 minutes, 37 seconds uh, a federal court or an interstate court to where it’s not in a Mississippi court? 11:42 11 minutes, 42 seconds Yeah. Um, you’re testing my law degree, which \[laughter\] I don’t have. 11:46 11 minutes, 46 seconds That’s a good question, though. I think the attorney that because my guess \[snorts\] is that because the 11:53 11 minutes, 53 seconds the contract was was uh in, you know, um in Mississippi in Mississippi and through with the Mississippi school. I I imagine they 12:02 12 minutes, 2 seconds would have trouble moving that because Old Miss is the uh the um plaintiff in this, but yeah, I I’m not sure about that. I do 12:11 12 minutes, 11 seconds think this forces LSU’s hand to to provide more of a comment than just, hey, we’re not party to the contract. 12:19 12 minutes, 19 seconds Exactly. Because that’s that’s the players they got. But it it is interesting because LSU and Old Miss both have very good law schools. Man, 12:26 12 minutes, 26 seconds this this could be like a \[laughter\] the undercard. It could be the undercard on September 19th. 12:33 12 minutes, 33 seconds Guys, I’m so excited for I’m more excited to watch that game than the college football playoff game. I don’t know what \[laughter\] that says about my soul, but you know, as a as a as a just 12:42 12 minutes, 42 seconds a fan of college and frankly a fan of drama a little bit, that that will be such a fascinating game to watch. 12:48 12 minutes, 48 seconds Well, well, Sam, I’m glad you brought that up because that’s originally why we asked you on the show. 12:52 12 minutes, 52 seconds Let’s do Hey, Sam, could you because we did not anticipate this happening. Could we hold you on for another segment and actually talk ball with you or do you got to run? 13:01 13 minutes, 1 second Sure thing. Sure thing. I’m having a good time with you guys. Yeah, let’s do it. Okay, so let’s go ahead and take our break and then we’ll actually talk about what might actually happen on the 13:09 13 minutes, 9 seconds football field instead of the courtroom come September. So Sam Hutchkins is our guest from the Cororean Ledger. More coming up here on Tiger Rag Radio. 13:16 13 minutes, 16 seconds I’m Richard Fner, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau \[music\] Federation. My brother and I grow rice, soybeans, and raised crawfish on our farm in Evangeline Parish. For a fourth 13:25 13 minutes, 25 seconds generation farmer like myself, Louisiana \[music\] Farm Bureau is as much a part of my life as checking traps or harvesting rice. Our organization is more than 13:33 13 minutes, 33 seconds 145,000 members strong and \[music\] we’ve been around for more than 100 years. The Louisiana Farm Bureau spans generations and we want you to join our family. 13:41 13 minutes, 41 seconds Visit l Farmbbau.org. The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. How you doing? This is Snow Dog. 13:48 13 minutes, 48 seconds Tiger Rag. Tiger Rag Radio. 13:51 13 minutes, 51 seconds Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, you are tuned in. 13:54 13 minutes, 54 seconds Talk LSU sports interviews, opinions, and your calls around the Tiger Nation. 13:59 13 minutes, 59 seconds Bad road was a life for me. home of LSU Tigers. Now, more Tiger Rag Radio. 14:03 14 minutes, 3 seconds We love to score and get highlights in the championship and play to win. 14:06 14 minutes, 6 seconds Tiger Rag Radio. \[music\] Continuing our conversation. It’s a good one with Sam Hutchkins from the Aquarian Ledger. And we talked all about the 14:14 14 minutes, 14 seconds lawsuit that Old Miss has filed. Uh if you want to listen back to that, uh catch it on the podcast anywhere you get your podcast or the show also gets 14:22 14 minutes, 22 seconds uploaded to YouTube as well. But let’s talk about the game itself. Obviously, both teams have games before then. And LSU’s got Clemson. Miss has got 14:30 14 minutes, 30 seconds Louisville, but we’re all focusing or a lot of the focus already on the game September 19th. How Pete Golden 14:38 14 minutes, 38 seconds obviously did very well in the postseason, but he had Charlie Weiss as his offensive play caller. What’s this Old Miss offense going to look like 14:46 14 minutes, 46 seconds without Charlie Weiss and Lane Kitman directing it? 14:52 14 minutes, 52 seconds Yeah. Uh they hope it’ll look pretty similar. Um they they brought in an offensive coordinator who had experience 15:00 15 minutes in the system, experience with Lane uh in John David Baker who had spent the past couple years at as the offensive 15:08 15 minutes, 8 seconds coordinator of Eastern Carolina. So um the Pete Golding as a a defensive guy, he his focus on offense is kind of don’t 15:17 15 minutes, 17 seconds fix what ain’t broke, right? Um and and especially bringing back Trinidad Chamblas at quarterback and Kiwan Lacy 15:24 15 minutes, 24 seconds at running back. Um I’m still expecting them to be pretty uptempo, right? And uh you know, lean on lean on your stars, 15:33 15 minutes, 33 seconds Trinidad and Kiwan. So the hope in in Oxford inside the building is that the offense looks and feels pretty similar. 15:42 15 minutes, 42 seconds Um although it’ll be a completely new path to wide receivers pretty much. Sam, how much did you get to cover practice 15:50 15 minutes, 50 seconds during preeason before the opener last year at Old Miss with Lane? \[laughter\] Well, 15:57 15 minutes, 57 seconds certainly at I say that we we got to theoretically watch practice a few times, but a lot of it was stretching and and warming up. 16:09 16 minutes, 9 seconds Okay. 16:10 16 minutes, 10 seconds That’s that’s how it is here for the most part. But yeah. Yeah. You know, I I guess it kind of depends \[clears throat\] on on your definition of practice a little bit. Uh 16:17 16 minutes, 17 seconds but yeah. Yeah, that that doesn’t and you know, frankly, Pete was kind of the the same here, right? He he kept that the same too in terms of um you know, 16:25 16 minutes, 25 seconds you’re not coming in and certainly not watching him test out all the trick plays. So, you know, it’s it’s how college football’s going these days. 16:32 16 minutes, 32 seconds Now, now Jeff and Case uh uh Sam covered uh Lane Keifin’s hot yoga, man. How did you how did you get clearance for that, 16:41 16 minutes, 41 seconds dude? That’s some good reporting. And how’d that go? 16:44 16 minutes, 44 seconds Well, I appreciate that. Yeah, that was that was kind of my uh you know, holy grail like uh story that that I’d always 16:52 16 minutes, 52 seconds wanted to do. It it stuck in my mind because I’m I’m sure just like he he talked about it in Baton Rouge, it it is it has changed his life and you know, 17:00 17 minutes he’s he looks like a different person than than when he came to Oxford and and from his FAU days. And you know, it’s it’s impressive. So yeah, I I asked you 17:10 17 minutes, 10 seconds know Lane one day, hey Lane, like is it you you mind if you mind if I tag along to to one of your classes and he said 17:17 17 minutes, 17 seconds set your alarm. So I woke up \[laughter\] I don’t know it started at like six in the morning or something. Um but yeah 17:24 17 minutes, 24 seconds that that was I think the most fun story I’ve ever done just in terms of outside of out of my element I felt like but um 17:32 17 minutes, 32 seconds doing something unique and yeah that that was memorable. It I I got through it guys. Uh they they told me that if if you need to step out of the room um you 17:40 17 minutes, 40 seconds know or or take a breather, you can. But I was looking around like, man, no one else is stepping out, \[snorts\] you know. So I I want to be the one to step out. 17:47 17 minutes, 47 seconds So yeah, I got through it. That’s pretty cool. 17:50 17 minutes, 50 seconds How is Pete Golden ready for this challenge that he faces to try to follow in Lane Keifin’s footsteps? 17:59 17 minutes, 59 seconds Yeah. Um you you know I I I think it it’s made a little easier because Lane is is so disliked around here. You know, 18:07 18 minutes, 7 seconds it’s it’s not like following uh you know, it’s not like you’re Kaylin Dbor where you have to follow the legend um who is beloved, right? you 18:17 18 minutes, 17 seconds know, and and so I think people want people here in Oxford want Pete to succeed so much and and want him to uh 18:26 18 minutes, 26 seconds you know, they they wish him the best just because they want him to, you know, stick it to the other guy, so to speak. 18:32 18 minutes, 32 seconds So, I I think that is certainly different, but I mean, feelings don’t matter much when you get to week one and, you know, this is his first season 18:40 18 minutes, 40 seconds at any level being a head coach. So everything that I’ve I’ve seen gives me confidence that he can carry out head 18:48 18 minutes, 48 seconds coaching duties effectively and and be a good coach. But um you know the the thing that we’ve kind of joked is we’ve 18:55 18 minutes, 55 seconds never seen a Pete Golding team after a loss. How do they respond? Right? 18:59 18 minutes, 59 seconds Because their only loss last year ended the season. So uh yeah, I’m wondering the same thing as y’all. 19:05 19 minutes, 5 seconds I think that’s the the million-dollar question because we’ve seen it all the time in football. guys could be great defensive or offensive coordinators, but 19:13 19 minutes, 13 seconds when you when you put them in that head coaching seat, for whatever reason, it it doesn’t work out. They’re they’re 19:20 19 minutes, 20 seconds only good at organizing and coming up with game plans for one side of the ball, but trying to lead the entire team, that’s just too much. And it’s 19:30 19 minutes, 30 seconds interesting to see if Pete can can somehow pull that off. And I think Pete Pete talks about it in terms of when you 19:38 19 minutes, 38 seconds become the head coach, you kind of lose the coach role a little bit. You’re not, you know, it’s less emphasis on being 19:46 19 minutes, 46 seconds the defensive coordinator and breaking down the film with your group of guys. 19:50 19 minutes, 50 seconds It it’s more administrative and go talk to those darn reporters and, you know, go meet with the donors more and stuff. 19:58 19 minutes, 58 seconds and it’s so much um you know outside of the X’s and O’s of winning football 20:05 20 minutes, 5 seconds games that comes with that title. So that’s that’s kind of what Golding has talked about this off seasonason is his uh his goal to to hire others and hire 20:14 20 minutes, 14 seconds other people who can take care of that and for him to you know to allow him to do what he still loves best which you know is coach football and coach defense. 20:22 20 minutes, 22 seconds Well, how good is this defense going to be? 20:25 20 minutes, 25 seconds Uh they say to be they say to be pretty good, you know, it’s a lot of new players, right? You know, um I I think the thing if you’re old miss is when you 20:33 20 minutes, 33 seconds lose guys like uh your your leading sack jitter in in principle Yami Ellen and and a guy like TJ Doy in in the middle 20:41 20 minutes, 41 seconds of the defense like it hurts and it also clears up cap space quote unquote to to go get other guys. So we’ll see if if 20:50 20 minutes, 50 seconds they hit on on their portal guys. Um, we we’ll see who who steps up. Um, but I think the defensive front will be really 20:58 20 minutes, 58 seconds good. I think the linebackers will be really good. Um, there’s a guy Katon Thomas who’s coming in from Baylor who has some great tape. So, um, I think 21:06 21 minutes, 6 seconds they’ll be I think they’ll be uh they’ll be good. 21:08 21 minutes, 8 seconds Sam, thanks a lot for a fun and informative half hour. Good congratulations on the hot yoga story and congratulations on this story too 21:16 21 minutes, 16 seconds today with the lawsuit. You never know what you’re going to cover. That’s for sure. \[laughter\] Thanks, guys. We can do it again sometime. 21:22 21 minutes, 22 seconds Yeah, we’ll we’ll certainly talk again prior to September 19th. Sam Hutchkins from the Clarion Ledger. Check out the article that he has up there right now 21:31 21 minutes, 31 seconds on the lawsuit that Old Miss has filed against Prince Will Umadi Melon and also Devin Harper. We’ll take a break. Uh 21:40 21 minutes, 40 seconds when we come back, Blake Top Meer from the USA Today, he’ll join us. So stay tuned. A lot more to get to as we continue to roll on with Tiger Rag 21:48 21 minutes, 48 seconds Radio. The East Baton Rouge Parish Library believes that \[music\] a thriving business community is good for us all. 21:54 21 minutes, 54 seconds That’s why we help entrepreneurs start a business with tools like Gail Business Builder. Keep commerce rolling by providing \[music\] free access to 22:03 22 minutes, 3 seconds computers and free Wi-Fi at 15 branch locations. 22:08 22 minutes, 8 seconds \[music\] Get a library card. Grow your business at ebrpl.com/depart/sallus. 22:20 22 minutes, 20 seconds And we’re back with Tiger Rag Radio. 22:23 22 minutes, 23 seconds Back here on Tiger Rag Radio. Good show here so far. We got another half hour to go and we got another guest for you and that’s Blake Topmire from USA Today. 22:31 22 minutes, 31 seconds He’s the senior national college football columnist for USA Today. Blake, thanks a lot for joining us on Tiger Rag Radio. Jeff Polmo, Glen Gilbo, and Case Kishnik. How you doing tonight? 22:41 22 minutes, 41 seconds I’m doing well. You guys? 22:43 22 minutes, 43 seconds I’m doing well. Hey, I was checking out when Gwen told me we were going to have you as a guest. was checking out one of your recent articles uh or columns about 22:51 22 minutes, 51 seconds Davos Sweeney who of course will be in Tiger Stadium on September 5th for that highly anticipated season opener. LSU 22:58 22 minutes, 58 seconds and Clemson. It certainly looks like the glory days of Clemson are in the past. 23:04 23 minutes, 4 seconds Uh I know Davo has changed a little bit in the sense that he’s a little bit more willing to go out into the transfer 23:12 23 minutes, 12 seconds portal and sign guys there. They’ve added guys out of the transfer portal, but you had an interesting column comparing Davo Sweeney to Hugh Fes and 23:21 23 minutes, 21 seconds how Hugh Fes sounded in Auburn trying to look back at his glory days back at Old Miss. Um, 23:29 23 minutes, 29 seconds are we seeing the the near end here in in Davos’s time at Clemson? I know the fans still love him there. They they’ll always love the fact that he won two 23:37 23 minutes, 37 seconds national championships there, but everybody’s replaceable, I guess, eventually. Blake, but how how do you see Davo going into 2026 and whether 23:46 23 minutes, 46 seconds he’s ready to get back uh towards being one of the contenders again for the College Football Championship? 23:52 23 minutes, 52 seconds Well, he’s not ready to get back to being a contender for the the the National Championship. I mean, you just look at his team and uh I don’t think 23:59 23 minutes, 59 seconds there’s much debating that the glory days of of Davo at Clemson are behind him and and yes, he he does sound like 24:07 24 minutes, 7 seconds Hugh Fes in the in the latter years of of Hugh’s career because if you recall, you know, Hugh at Auburn spent three years telling everybody about how good 24:15 24 minutes, 15 seconds he used to be. And it’s it’s true when when when when Hugh is at Old Miss, I mean, he gave Nick Sabin fits. Um, Nick Sabin admits that that’s one of the 24:24 24 minutes, 24 seconds reasons why he hired Lane Keifin to evolve Alabama’s offense was uh they lost Alabama lost to to Miss in back-to-back years. And um and and Nick 24:33 24 minutes, 33 seconds knew he needed to evolve. And now Davo sounds like Hube. Uh at ACC media days uh a couple weeks ago, Davo spent some 24:41 24 minutes, 41 seconds time reminding everybody of how good he used to be. And undeniably, Davos Sweeney uh used to be a great coach. He 24:50 24 minutes, 50 seconds used to be the best coach this side of Nick Saven, but uh the the key words there that matter are used to be. And 24:57 24 minutes, 57 seconds he’s taken more transfers this past off season than he typically does, but he’s still not taking as many transfers than 25:05 25 minutes, 5 seconds his industry peers. Uh he didn’t go out and get a transfer quarterback, as he put it, he’s going to be rad over the 25:13 25 minutes, 13 seconds coals. um if his quarterback plan doesn’t work. And again, that draws some similarities to Hugh Fes. We remember uh 25:21 25 minutes, 21 seconds ahead of the 2024 season, Hugh said he didn’t think it was worth it to go out and get a transfer quarterback. Well, those of us who saw Auburn play that 25:28 25 minutes, 28 seconds year um I think came to the conclusion that it would have been worth it. So, I don’t see how you can look at Clemson and come away with any other takeaway 25:37 25 minutes, 37 seconds than uh this is a program that is a far cry from what it was in its heyday. and it and it doesn’t look like um it’s it’s 25:46 25 minutes, 46 seconds really imminent that it’s going to be back to its heyday anytime soon. I think Davo, frankly, might benefit from a reboot somewhere else. Whether he 25:55 25 minutes, 55 seconds chooses to pursue that, I don’t know. I do think there would be some demand for him elsewhere, much like James Franklin landed at Virginia Tech. Davo could go 26:04 26 minutes, 4 seconds get another job. Um I think that would benefit him. I just don’t know what his appetite is for that. 26:08 26 minutes, 8 seconds Talking to Blake Topmire, USA Today columnist. Well, if you’re going to compare um the uh Davo Sweeney, I’m 26:17 26 minutes, 17 seconds going to make another comparison for you. Uh to to me, Pete Golding is reminding me of Less Miles. Pete comes 26:25 26 minutes, 25 seconds in and he’s the most popular guy in the world because everybody wants to like him more than the ex-husband, you know, who left. And it was the same thing with 26:33 26 minutes, 33 seconds uh when Les came in and and replaced Nick. and they and they just kind of fantasize that one was as as good as the 26:41 26 minutes, 41 seconds other. Do you think Pete Golding, he hasn’t done much, he hasn’t never been a head coach before except for a couple of games. How do you see him in his career at Old Miss? 26:52 26 minutes, 52 seconds It was really interesting to me and Glenn when I saw the predicted order of finish at SEC uh media days with Miss 3 27:01 27 minutes, 1 second and LSU five and I thought wait a second I thought LSU was the one that plundered the others coach the coach that 27:10 27 minutes, 10 seconds everybody that everybody wanted right I I don’t know if there’s like I don’t I don’t know if the media members are just in mass tired of lane or um I you know 27:19 27 minutes, 19 seconds throughout the industry I I I think Lane put a sour taste in a lot of people’s mouth with the way he left Miss and I don’t know, do you take it out on Lane 27:27 27 minutes, 27 seconds by voting him down in the in the preseason poll or what? Because yeah, I was I was surprised to see LSU two spots 27:34 27 minutes, 34 seconds behind Miss because I think um we have no idea how Pete Golding is going to do at Miss. He got a lot of fanfare for 27:41 27 minutes, 41 seconds beating Kirby in in the quarterfinals as he should. That was a a marquee win. It earned him a lot of goodwill at Miss. 27:49 27 minutes, 49 seconds But Trinidad Chamblas had as much to do with that win as as anybody did. And uh and the best thing Pete Golding’s done so far is making sure Trinidad Chamblas 27:58 27 minutes, 58 seconds came back to Miss and uh making sure Kiwan Lacy is is running back came back to Miss. So I understand why everybody’s 28:06 28 minutes, 6 seconds eating out of the hand of of out of Pete’s palm right now because he’s the 180 of Lane Keifin. I think if you’re an 28:13 28 minutes, 13 seconds Old Miss fan who got uh left at the altar by Lane Keifin, you want the next person to be the 180 of the one who left you. And if and if you’re uh national 28:22 28 minutes, 22 seconds media, you’re probably a little bit tired of Lane right now. But the bottom line is um Lane has built a program. 28:28 28 minutes, 28 seconds He’s been a CEO. He’s taken a team to the playoff. And maybe Pete will do all 28:34 28 minutes, 34 seconds of that. Uh, but other than Old Miss, no other SEC school would have hired Pete Golding to be its head coach last year. 28:44 28 minutes, 44 seconds He got the job because he was the in-house option. They needed someone to keep the team um together, keep the locker room together after Lane left him 28:51 28 minutes, 51 seconds high and dry. And so Pete was was the man and he did a great job with it. Can he do that over the course of a season? 28:58 28 minutes, 58 seconds I’m much more I think in the wait andse camp than than I guess some of my peers are. wouldn’t have miss this high uh in 29:05 29 minutes, 5 seconds my predicted order of finish because I’d like to see it happen over the course of a full season rather than just the one marquee victory which undeniably was a 29:15 29 minutes, 15 seconds huge win for Pete Golding and got him a lot of goodwill. 29:17 29 minutes, 17 seconds Talking with Blake Blake Top Meer from the USA Today. He’s a senior national college football columnist for the USA Today. You recently wrote about Josh 29:25 29 minutes, 25 seconds Hypel, the Tennessee head football coach. you feel he’s one of the most underrated coaches in the conference. 29:30 29 minutes, 30 seconds And now they’re not much is expected from them. They could be starting a a freshman quarterback this season, it’s a game that when you look at LSU schedule. 29:38 29 minutes, 38 seconds Not a lot of people talk about maybe obviously because there’s the Old Miss game. There’s all Texas is coming to Tiger Stadium, but that’s going to be a very interesting matchup late in the season when LSU has to go to Knoxville. 29:48 29 minutes, 48 seconds Do you think Tennessee can surprise some folks this season? 29:52 29 minutes, 52 seconds I think they can. Uh Josh Hypel is a very high floor coach. He’s never had a losing season uh in five years at Tennessee or in his three years at UCF. 30:02 30 minutes, 2 seconds He’s very rinse and repeat when it comes to his quarterbacks. I mean, this guy had a very good season with Joe Milton as his quarterback. Uh, of course, he 30:10 30 minutes, 10 seconds had a great season with with Henden Hooker. Um, and then you look at last year, Joey Aguilar had an excellent 30:18 30 minutes, 18 seconds season for Tennessee. Tennessee had one of the best offenses in the conference. 30:21 30 minutes, 21 seconds ‘s defense wasn’t very good and that’s why Jim Nolles uh has been hired as one of the highest paid defensive coordinators in the country to fix that Tennessee defense. Will that happen in 30:31 30 minutes, 31 seconds year one? I don’t know. Normally, it takes until year two if you look at the course of Jim Nolles’s career when he really starts to have an impact. U that’s what happened at Oklahoma State. 30:42 30 minutes, 42 seconds That’s what happened at Ohio State. And then, well, we didn’t get to see Jim Nolles in year two at Penn State because that staff fell fell apart. But I think 30:50 30 minutes, 50 seconds he’s going to be a good hire for for Tennessee. I don’t know how much impact he’s going to have in year one, but I trust Hypel with that offense. Uh again, high floor coach. He doesn’t have losing 30:59 30 minutes, 59 seconds seasons. We don’t know who the starting quarterback is going to be at Tennessee, as you mentioned. It could be the freshman, but regardless of who wins the 31:06 31 minutes, 6 seconds job, I mean, I I just trust this guy with quarterbacks and and and I do feel like um you know, that could be a bit of a sleeper. I agree with that premise. 31:17 31 minutes, 17 seconds And I think, as you mentioned, I think he’s one of the more underrated coaches in the conference. I mean, I look at some of these offseason rankings. Um, 31:24 31 minutes, 24 seconds and and at USA Today, I had a ballot, but a lot of my colleagues didn’t see it like I did because Josh Hypel was ranked 24th in the nation um in a in our 31:33 31 minutes, 33 seconds collection of votes at USA Today. I had him much higher than that. Uh, I think this guy’s much better than than 24th in the country. Um, again, when when when 31:41 31 minutes, 41 seconds you’re having eight and five as your down seasons, which is what happened last year, that means you’re pretty good. 31:47 31 minutes, 47 seconds The the thing about Josh with me is that he he hasn’t been able to go get that really great quarterback either from the 31:54 31 minutes, 54 seconds portal, you know, he’s made good out of quarterbacks that didn’t come in, you know, with great expectations. Why do 32:02 32 minutes, 2 seconds you think he hasn’t been able to nab some of the quarterbacks out there? 32:06 32 minutes, 6 seconds Uh, it’s a good question. Uh, I don’t know the answer to it. I think he’s not been as um as hard after the transfer 32:14 32 minutes, 14 seconds quarterbacks as some others in the industry have been. So, I think that’s that’s a piece of it. They thought they had their sign and develop guy in and 32:22 32 minutes, 22 seconds Nicoyava and and I think if Nico would have stayed with Hel um his his career, you know, could have could have taken 32:29 32 minutes, 29 seconds off last year and and this year. Uh but they thought they had their guy there. 32:32 32 minutes, 32 seconds Of course, we know that story. He didn’t stay. He he he wanted more money than than Tennessee was willing to give. But um yeah, in terms of the transfers, it 32:40 32 minutes, 40 seconds just seems like Hypoel’s appetite for transfer quarterbacks hasn’t been as as high as others. I mean, Joey Aguular 32:48 32 minutes, 48 seconds last year, which Tennessee got him because UCLA decided they didn’t want him. And and and usually that’s not a ringing endorsement for a guy. When UCLA 32:56 32 minutes, 56 seconds decides they don’t want you as their starting quarterback, I mean, uh it’s not necessarily a recipe for success. 33:00 33 minutes But then he comes into Tennessee and and has one of the best seasons of of any quarterback. You know, not as good as as Trinidad Shamblas or Diego Gopavia, but 33:09 33 minutes, 9 seconds Joey Aguular was a top five quarterback in the conference. So, you’re right, Glenn, like he he he makes good with what he’s got. Why can’t he go out and get, you know, that marquee transfer? 33:18 33 minutes, 18 seconds Some would say it’s because Hypel hasn’t had um a guy crush it in the NFL. I think that narrative maybe used to 33:25 33 minutes, 25 seconds apply, but now it’s all about sold to the highest bidder. So, I don’t even think that narrative uh applies anymore. 33:32 33 minutes, 32 seconds Um it is kind of hard to put your finger on why he’s not getting those those top level transfers, but he’s shown he hasn’t needed it at quarterback anyway. 33:39 33 minutes, 39 seconds Well, he didn’t fly to Baton Rouge and go get Sam Levit like Lane Keifin went to Knoxville to go get Sam Levit. So, 33:45 33 minutes, 45 seconds \[laughter\] 33:46 33 minutes, 46 seconds that’s the that’s the thing. He’s got to get on a plane and go actually steal the guy back. Just kidding. But, uh hey, final question here for you, Blake. Uh 33:54 33 minutes, 54 seconds where are we going with the college football playoff? Do you do you believe it’s going to be 24 teams here sooner than later? 34:02 34 minutes, 2 seconds I think what’ll be interesting to see is how many teams does the SEC get in this year and how um how vitriolic is the 34:11 34 minutes, 11 seconds blowback if they don’t get as many bids as what the coaches, the chancellors, the presidents want, right? I mean, we know the SEC is going to nine conference 34:19 34 minutes, 19 seconds games this year. I actually don’t think that is going to have a big impact on the number of bids the league gets. past two years, the SEC’s averaged four bids. 34:28 34 minutes, 28 seconds Three bids in year one of the 12 team playoff, five bids last year, average of four. I think they’re going to continue to average four bids uh as long as the 34:36 34 minutes, 36 seconds 12 team playoff remains in place. I don’t think that’s going to substantially change uh with the nineame conference schedule. But um you know if 34:45 34 minutes, 45 seconds the if the blowback from the coaching ranks rises up to the chancellor and the president level of not getting enough 34:51 34 minutes, 51 seconds bids then I I I think there’s there’s a higher possibility of the SEC acquiescing to what the Big 10 wants uh 34:59 34 minutes, 59 seconds of 24 teams. But right now we hear from all the coaches that they want playoff expansion and I think some of the coaches are willing to go to 24 if they 35:08 35 minutes, 8 seconds can’t get to if they can’t get 16. I’m not sure um that that appetite is as big uh in the president and chancellor 35:17 35 minutes, 17 seconds ranks. Now, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some exceptions to that. I think some chancellors and presidents would go for 24 if they couldn’t get 16, but I 35:24 35 minutes, 24 seconds don’t think there’s uniformity. I don’t think there’s uniformity with much, quite frankly, between the SEC’s chancellors and presidents. And without 35:32 35 minutes, 32 seconds uh I think more of a push from the chancellor and president ranks to go to 24, I don’t think you’re going to see uh Greg Sanki pivot because ESPN doesn’t 35:42 35 minutes, 42 seconds want 24. And I think Greg Sanki is very cognizant of what his media partner wants. We know ESPN does not want more 35:49 35 minutes, 49 seconds than a 16 team playoff. I think that’s part of the reason why Greg Sanki does not want more than a 16 team playoff. 35:56 35 minutes, 56 seconds Frankly, I think that’s part of the reason why the SEC went to a nine-game conference schedule is that’s what ESPN probably wants, right? Um, if the 36:05 36 minutes, 5 seconds presidents and chancellors ultimately tell Greg Sanki he’s got to change his opinion and go make a deal on 24, I think he’ll do it. I don’t think he’s 36:12 36 minutes, 12 seconds gotten that call from the chancellors and presidents yet. Let’s wait and see what happens with the playoff this year. 36:18 36 minutes, 18 seconds See how many bids the SEC gets. See if the SEC gets a team to the national championship game. Does does ESPN want fewer SEC teams in the playoffs? Because that’s what’s been happening. 36:30 36 minutes, 30 seconds I don’t think they want fewer SEC teams in \[laughter\] the playoff, but I I think their biggest desire is they don’t want to go past 16. 36:36 36 minutes, 36 seconds They they they want balance. They want competitive balance. That’s what Greg says is great now. And Nick Sabin, too. Yeah. 36:42 36 minutes, 42 seconds Hey, great insight, Blake. We appreciate it, man. We got to run to a break, but we’ll get you back on sometime in September. Uh thanks a lot. We 36:50 36 minutes, 50 seconds appreciate it. Good stuff over at USA Today and we’ll talk again here soon. Okay, good talking to you guys. 36:55 36 minutes, 55 seconds All right, Blake Top Meer from the USA Today, senior national college football columnist. We’re late for a break. Let’s take it here on Tiger Rag Radio. 37:04 37 minutes, 4 seconds Now, more Tiger Rag Radio. 37:09 37 minutes, 9 seconds Still got to get one more break in before we’re out of here tonight. Glenn, I wanted to ask you quickly, uh, a little baseball talk here. We’ve only got about a minute or two to be on this 37:17 37 minutes, 17 seconds topic. What do you make out of the Logan Schmidt situation? The young man who was drafted in the second round by the Cleveland Guardians did not sign with 37:25 37 minutes, 25 seconds Cleveland. He is an LSU snee, but has yet to make a decision on whether he will sign at LSU. If he signs at LSU, he 37:34 37 minutes, 34 seconds has to be at LSU for three seasons. If he goes the junior college route, he can reenter the draft next year and see if 37:42 37 minutes, 42 seconds he can’t get the money that he’s looking for there. 37:45 37 minutes, 45 seconds Yeah, boy. you know, he 1.6 or 1.7 wasn’t enough for him with the 37:52 37 minutes, 52 seconds Guardians. And LSU is not going to pay him more than 1.7. \[laughter\] Now, they’ll probably give him a nice package and then so that’ll be good uh walking 38:01 38 minutes, 1 second around money until he can try again, but that’s three years. 38:05 38 minutes, 5 seconds So, you know, I don’t know if he if he wants to wait that long, especially if he thinks he could get the money next year after a year in junior 38:13 38 minutes, 13 seconds college. But, I don’t know. I mean, sometimes the guys what they do like uh you know, William Schmidt did this and other players did this like if they 38:21 38 minutes, 21 seconds don’t they they set a high number and if they don’t get it, well, I’ll go to college. So, if that’s what he’s thinking, you know, then LSU is going to have a great pitcher for three years. 38:29 38 minutes, 29 seconds Yeah, they could. But he may just want to try to go to junior college level and see if he can’t become a first round pick next year and get the money that 38:37 38 minutes, 37 seconds he’s looking for. Yeah, that’s what I’m afraid of cuz he’s probably thinking I can, you know, I’ll just a year from now maybe a different team with more money will take me. 38:45 38 minutes, 45 seconds By the way, as many people know, the collective bargaining agreement between the players association and Major League Baseball owners uh expires in December. 38:53 38 minutes, 53 seconds One of the talking points that they are discussing in the negotiations is making all college baseball players eligible 39:00 39 minutes after their sophomore season. So that means you, you know, for LSU, you might have some of these great, all these great players like a Dylan Cruz would have only been at LSU for two years. 39:11 39 minutes, 11 seconds Yeah. I mean, it it’s it’s not enough that you’re already uh you know, losing guys you want uh to the portal. So now 39:19 39 minutes, 19 seconds you lose another \[laughter\] way to keep a keep a program strong for year after year or transition which which is nice about 39:28 39 minutes, 28 seconds college baseball because you could see a guy like Jake Brown for three years or a Dylan Cruz for three years or Trey Morgan for you know and uh I I would 39:37 39 minutes, 37 seconds just hate to see that get reduced even more. Let’s take another break. We’ll wrap up the show right after this here on Tiger Rag Radio. 39:43 39 minutes, 43 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is back on the air. 39:47 39 minutes, 47 seconds Yeah, we’re back here on Tiger Rag Radio. Jeff Palmo along with Glenn Gilbo and Case Kishnik to wrap up the show. 39:53 39 minutes, 53 seconds LSU men’s basketball schedule came out yesterday. I think it’s a pretty good uh non-conference schedule. You got to make the trip up to Gonzaga. You have the 40:02 40 minutes, 2 seconds trip over to Houston and play the Cougars who were a Sweet 16 team last year. That game will be played in the 40:08 40 minutes, 8 seconds Toyota Center. I think some of the um home non-conference game, you know, even a team like High Point, they made it to the second round of the NCAA tournament. 40:18 40 minutes, 18 seconds The Queens College, they were in the NCAA tournament last year. I’m intrigued by the Friday night Old Miss game in uh 40:25 40 minutes, 25 seconds on Marty GR weekend. I think that could be a little fun. U especially when you consider the rivalry between the two schools and of course 40:34 40 minutes, 34 seconds Will Wade’s the coach. So, it’s going to be a heck of a lot more interesting. 40:39 40 minutes, 39 seconds Uh some of I’m excited about some of the uh in-state non-conference matchups that you got going on this year. Um something that feels like kind of been missing and 40:46 40 minutes, 46 seconds honestly that you can’t really write off when you have all the question marks that are on this LSU roster. But you welcome UL Lafayette, Latte, ULM, LSU. 40:55 40 minutes, 55 seconds Yeah. And nothing against uh nothing and they’ll have LSU UNO as a season opener, which is a good one. But it seemed like 41:03 41 minutes, 3 seconds that’s fine. You have like one Southland team. It it’s when you got like four of them on your on your schedule, that’s when it gets a little bit and then you 41:11 41 minutes, 11 seconds mix in a couple of swack schools in there, then you’re just not you’re not testing yourself at all. At least if you’re playing Louisiana Tech and UL 41:19 41 minutes, 19 seconds Lafayette, those are two programs that are going to have they’re going to have moderate to maybe even good even better than moderate success in in the Sunb Belt. 41:27 41 minutes, 27 seconds Well, and that was something Will Wade was kind of known for in his first is he really welcomed that mid- major competition in the non-conference. It helps out with the net rating and the 41:34 41 minutes, 34 seconds kin pom and all that and it’s something he’s really encouraged and you saw in his schedules and you’re seeing it in his first year. 41:40 41 minutes, 40 seconds Well, he didn’t welcome the cinjun in that NIT game. \[laughter\] Your alltime favorite game, Jeff. 41:45 41 minutes, 45 seconds It’s one of my f one of my favorite post games. 41:48 41 minutes, 48 seconds You know, you know what’s going to be cool is that LSU MC exhibition game that’s going to be that place is going to be sold out, man. 41:55 41 minutes, 55 seconds Yes, that that’ll be in October. That’ll get people hopping. 41:57 41 minutes, 57 seconds I think I’m going to drive down to Lake Charles for that. 41:59 41 minutes, 59 seconds Yeah. and and then they make two trips to the West Coast. They, as I mentioned, they’re playing Gonzaga in middle middle of November and they’ll be a top 25 42:08 42 minutes, 8 seconds team, of course. And then they’re going and playing in that tournament in Palm Springs and we’ll find out who the opponents will be next month on that. 42:16 42 minutes, 16 seconds So, a lot to look forward to. 42:18 42 minutes, 18 seconds As soon as they get that roster, as soon \[laughter\] as they get about four or five more players, they’ll be good. 42:24 42 minutes, 24 seconds Yes. Yes. All right. for Case Kishnik, Glenn Gilbo, I’m Jeff Polmo. Thanks a lot to our guest, John Eid from WFB. Sam 42:33 42 minutes, 33 seconds Hutchkins was great from the Clarion Ledger and Blake Top Meer. Man, good information from him as well at USA Today. That will do it for this show. 42:41 42 minutes, 41 seconds Check out tiger.com. Plenty of player profiles. They’re getting you ready for preseason camp. Whole bunch of information over there. And until next Tuesday, have a great night, everyone. 42:53 42 minutes, 53 seconds **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News, Podcast, Radio **Tags:** Devin Harper, lsu football, ole miss, Princewill Umanmielen, tiger rag radio, TigerRag.com's Audibles podcast --- ### [EASTON ROYAL Can Play At Royal–Texas Memorial Stadium OR He Can Become Royalty At LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/easton-royal-can-play-at-royal-texas-memorial-stadium-or-he-can-become-royalty-at-lsu/) **Published:** July 29, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** **By TODD HORNE, EXECUTIVE EDITOR** Today Easton Royal turns seventeen. It is an age that still belongs to possibility. Seventeen-year-olds imagine futures far more easily than they remember pasts. They measure life by what comes next—a Friday night game, a recruiting visit, a college commitment, the first chance to leave home and discover who they might become. Royal has reached that moment under a spotlight few teenagers ever experience. Every recruiting analyst wants to know whether the five-star receiver from Brother Martin will remain committed to Texas. LSU fans dissect every visit, every photograph and every rumor, searching for evidence that Louisiana’s top receiver may yet decide to stay home. Somewhere between Baton Rouge and Austin, a recruiting story has become daily conversation. Those stories are fascinating. They are also temporary. Five years from now, no one will remember which prediction proved correct in late July. Recruiting eventually becomes history. What survives is something else. The place a player chooses eventually becomes part of the story he tells himself. For all the changes that have swept through college football—NIL collectives, revenue sharing, transfer portals and roster management—we still ask eighteen-year-olds one timeless question: Where do you belong? Louisiana has always produced extraordinary wide receivers, but its greatest players often grew up imagining Tiger Stadium long before they imagined the NFL. That isn’t nostalgia. It’s culture. Josh Reed. Odell Beckham Jr. Justin Jefferson. Ja’Marr Chase. Malik Nabers. Brian Thomas Jr. Every generation inherits those memories. Then it decides whether to add another chapter. That is the decision before Easton Royal. Lane Kiffin now stands at the beginning of a new era for LSU. The Tigers already possess one of college football’s richest receiver traditions. They have now paired it with one of the game’s most creative offensive minds. If Easton Royal chooses LSU, he won’t simply be joining another football program. He will help write the opening chapter of the Lane Kiffin era. I first covered LSU football in the late 1980s before spending nearly three decades building media companies outside Louisiana. When I returned in 2022, almost everything about college football had changed. One thing hadn’t. Louisiana was still producing extraordinary wide receivers. Traditions survive because every generation decides they are worth continuing. Easton Royal is free to choose whatever future he believes is best. But if he chooses LSU, he won’t simply be committing to a football program. He’ll be accepting an invitation that has been waiting for Louisiana’s next great receiver long before anyone knew his name. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, Football Recruiting, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Easton Royal, lane kiffin, lsu football, lsu football recruiting, Wide Receiver U --- ### [LSU Football Star Receiver From 2007 National Champions Arrested In Miami For Aggravated Assault On A Bus](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-star-receiver-from-2007-national-champions-arrested-in-miami-for-aggravated-assault-on-a-bus/) **Published:** July 29, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Former LSU wide receiver Demetrius Byrd, who was a key piece to the Tigers’ national championship in 2007, was arrested on Monday in Miami Beach on felony charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after threatening people on a bus, according to WTVJ in Miami. Byrd, 40 and a Miami native, appeared in court Tuesday and was jailed with a $5,000 bond. Police said officers arrived at a Miami Beach bus stop after receiving reports of a man on a bus armed with a knife yelling “Who wants to die?” at passengers. According to Byrd’s arrest report, the bus driver said two passengers were involved in an altercation that escalated, and Byrd pulled out what appeared to be a knife. An officer located Byrd near a bus stop and found a silver multi-tool in his pocket, and Byrd was taken into custody. Byrd led LSU with seven touchdown receptions in the 2007 season when the Tigers finished a 12-2 national champions (6-2 SEC) with a 38-24 win over No. 1 Ohio State in the BCS national championship game at the Sugar Bowl in New Orleans on Jan. 7, 2008. LSU won the SEC title that season with a 21-14 victory over Tennessee in the SEC Championship Game. He caught 35 passes on the season for 621 yards. [DEMETRIUS BYRD PART OF ONE OF LSU FOOTBALL’S GREATEST MOMENTS](https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/sports/college/lsu/2016/08/27/top-moments-lsu-football-history/89497480/) Byrd became famous for his “Can’t See Me” pose with his hand moving in front of his face after catching a 22-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Matt Flynn with one second remaining for a 30-24 win over Auburn in Tiger Stadium on Oct. 20, 2007. Coach Les Miles misread the game clock and nearly let time elapse before Flynn got the snap and found Byrd just after running back Jacob Hester blocked a rushing defender that could have sacked Flynn and ended the game with LSU not trying a game-tying field goal. A junior college transfer from Pearl River Community College in Mississippi, Byrd finished his two-year career at LSU with 72 catches for 1,134 yards and 11 touchdowns. He was projected as a middle round choice in the 2009 NFL Draft, but a serious car accident in Miami in April of 2009 before the draft dropped him to a seventh round pick by San Diego. He was released by the Chargers in 2010. Byrd has worked as a trainer and an insurance salesman. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Auburn Tigers, Demetrius Byrd, lsu football, LSU Tigers, sec football --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio: Protect College Sports Act On Its Last Leg & LSU Camp Preview](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-protect-college-sports-act-on-its-last-leg-lsu-camp-preview/) **Published:** July 28, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** We discuss the future of the Protect College Sports Act as it awaits the position of the SEC and Big 10. WAFB’s John Eades joins the show to recap LSU’s SEC Media Days and preview preseason camp. We examine the breaking news that Ole Miss is suing two LSU players for breaking their revenue-share contracts. ***Here is the complete transcript of the show from YouTube. Tiger Rag apologizes for any AI generated mistakes:*** 0:00 0 seconds Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. Tiger Rag \[music\] Radio is on the air. Let’s crank this thing up. 0:06 6 seconds We’re statewide breaking down the \[music\] latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is up. Hear from the coaches. 0:12 12 seconds Our time is now \[music\] with LSU basketball. 0:14 14 seconds The players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 0:17 17 seconds One way or another, we’re going to make history. 0:19 19 seconds And those who cover \[music\] the Fighting Tigers of LSU and the SEC. 0:23 23 seconds LSU is the best job in it’s 2 hours of non-stop LSU talk. 0:28 28 seconds I came here to win. We’re going to win immediately. 0:30 30 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is brought to you by Cumins. Cumins creates \[music\] power solutions that the world depends on. 0:36 36 seconds Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro’s Electrical Services, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 0:45 45 seconds Get ready to talk Tigers \[music\] with producer Case Kishnik and our hosts Todd Horn, Jeff Polalmo, \[music\] and Glenn Gilbo. 0:54 54 seconds Players are better people than they are players. This is Tiger Rag Radio and good evening everyone. Welcome to 1:03 1 minute, 3 seconds another edition of Tiger Rag Radio. As we are getting closer and closer to the start of preseason practice for the LSU 1:11 1 minute, 11 seconds Tigers, the Tigers will report a week from today on the LSU campus and they will begin preseason practice Wednesday. 1:19 1 minute, 19 seconds We’ll actually hear one more time from Lane Kein before all day gets started. 1:24 1 minute, 24 seconds He’ll address the Baton Rouge Rotary Club on Wednesday for the first time and that of course is an annual event for when whoever the LSU football coach is. 1:34 1 minute, 34 seconds They speak in front of the Rotary Club right before preseason camp gets underway. Good evening everyone. Jeff Polmo, news and sports director of 1:41 1 minute, 41 seconds Louisiana Radio Network. Todd Horn’s got the night off. Tiger Rager Glenn Gilbo joining me here shortly. Case Kishnik, our producer. We got a good show lined 1:50 1 minute, 50 seconds up for you. We’ll look back at SEC football media days from last week. 1:54 1 minute, 54 seconds We’ll also talk about some of the other newsy things that have happened since uh everything wrapped up in Tampa last 2:01 2 minutes, 1 second week. John Eids from WFB, he will join us coming up a little bit later on in this hour. Obviously, a lot of talk 2:10 2 minutes, 10 seconds about LSU and Old Miss and the game coming up on September 19th. We’ll talk with Sam Hutchkins with the Clarion 2:17 2 minutes, 17 seconds Ledger. He’ll give us the old miss perspective as Pete Golding did pretty well uh in addressing the media, but of 2:25 2 minutes, 25 seconds course that doesn’t really matter once Saturday comes along and putting together a game plan and making in-game decisions and developing talent. It’s 2:34 2 minutes, 34 seconds great that he was or he excelled during the press conference, but actually running a football program’s a whole 2:42 2 minutes, 42 seconds different matter. We’ll get Sam’s take on that. And then also coming up in hour number two, we’ll hear from Blake Top 2:49 2 minutes, 49 seconds Meer from the USA Today. He’s got a lot of good stuff out. Of course, he’s the national senior national college 2:56 2 minutes, 56 seconds football columnist, and we’ll talk with him about a lot of different issues. The Protect College Sports Act. Tomorrow is 3:05 3 minutes, 5 seconds a big day. 900 a.m. is a deadline that senators are looking for from the 3:12 3 minutes, 12 seconds SEC and the Big 10. I’m going to bring in uh Case. He’s been following this story. Case Kishnik, who also works for 3:20 3 minutes, 20 seconds Tiger Egg and in the Louisiana radio network newsroom. So, give us an idea of what the deadline is tomorrow, Case, when it comes to the Protect College Sports Act. 3:29 3 minutes, 29 seconds Yeah, so that’s 9:00 a.m. Eastern time, 8 a.m. our time. Uh congressmen have pretty much just given the SEC and the 3:37 3 minutes, 37 seconds Big 10 a deadline to either change their position on the bill. They the SEC and Big 10 of course have been very opposed 3:44 3 minutes, 44 seconds to it and have worked with lawmakers to revise the bill. Those revisions kind of wrapped up yesterday and today. They sent out the new language to the 3:52 3 minutes, 52 seconds conferences and gave them that deadline to come out and say either you’re going to support it or you’re against it. And then it will either either be sent to 4:00 4 minutes the Senate floor next week likely or uh be delayed and then probably die after that. 4:06 4 minutes, 6 seconds Yeah. The recess is August 7th. So any legislation that you want to get approved has to get done before August 4:15 4 minutes, 15 seconds 7th because when they come back from August recess, it’s all about the midterms. And really, you’re not going 4:22 4 minutes, 22 seconds to see much as far as significant legislation get approved between Labor Day weekend or that week after Labor Day 4:30 4 minutes, 30 seconds when Congress returns and the November election. So, if it’s going to get done, it’s it’s got to get approved by the 4:37 4 minutes, 37 seconds Senate here to give it a a chance for it to make its way through Congress this year. What are some of the new 4:45 4 minutes, 45 seconds developments or some of the new particulars of the legislation that they’re trying to work out and trying to get the SEC and Big 10 to get on board? 4:57 4 minutes, 57 seconds So, Todd would probably tell you it’s a completely different bill at this point. 5:00 5 minutes They’ve they’ve changed and altered so much. Uh the big things that stuck out to me, they’ve added this uh revenue share retention pool, which is 5:09 5 minutes, 9 seconds essentially a 20 could be up to $25 million pool that would allow schools to go over that revenue share cap to retain 5:16 5 minutes, 16 seconds their student athletes. So to bring bring players back. Now, that would also include institutional NIL deals. So any 5:24 5 minutes, 24 seconds uh NIL collectives, things like that, that will count towards that revshare cap, but those deals won’t be subject to the same uh college sports commission 5:32 5 minutes, 32 seconds scrutiny about the valid business purpose and things like that. They’ve added in things to um the expansion 5:41 5 minutes, 41 seconds uh provisions about how the SEC and Big 10 would freeze their membership. Those expan uh those limits have been extended to the rest of the power four 5:49 5 minutes, 49 seconds conferences per the SEC and Big 10’s request. And of course the media rights uh have been kept voluntary. Uh this was from the lawmakers to the conferences. 6:00 6 minutes It says it makes entirely clear that nothing in this act permits an action under federal or state law to challenge a decision by an institution or 6:07 6 minutes, 7 seconds conference to not join or participate in any covered entity. Essentially making that pulled media rights voluntary, if I’m understanding that correctly. 6:15 6 minutes, 15 seconds Um so that of course was the big hangup for the SEC in the Big 10. 6:19 6 minutes, 19 seconds All right. So I don’t know. It’ll be interesting to see. I Something tells me this this thing is going to die on the on the vine though if if I had a guess. 6:29 6 minutes, 29 seconds Yeah, they they have kind of rallied here though in the in the last two minutes. I just I guess I don’t have faith. 6:35 6 minutes, 35 seconds Right. Well, \[laughter\] I understand that you it’s you really should read what’s on the Tiger Egg website right now. Todd Horn did a story on this. The 6:43 6 minutes, 43 seconds moment of truth. SEC and Big 10 face Wednesday deadline on protect college sports act. Congress blinked first. Um 6:51 6 minutes, 51 seconds but yeah, I’ll be surprised if they get something concrete done tomorrow where it proceeds Yeah. to a vote, but they’re 7:00 7 minutes making a the old college try, you might say. 7:03 7 minutes, 3 seconds Yeah. And and they should and they a deadline needs to happen. And it really there were some reports when you go back to last week at SEC media days that this 7:11 7 minutes, 11 seconds was not looking very good. Uh but then by the end of the week, it seemed like there had been some positive discussion. 7:18 7 minutes, 18 seconds So yeah, and and I thought Sanki came to his senses, you know, at at first during his address, he was talking about how, 7:26 7 minutes, 26 seconds you know, there’s a possibility that the SEC would break off and then he kind of polished that up as the week went on, particularly Wednesday on Paul Finebomb. 7:35 7 minutes, 35 seconds Yeah. And the big thing here, um the how about the retention? What 25 million to 7:42 7 minutes, 42 seconds to retain players? Obviously, they’re trying to cut down on the all the uh transfer portal moves. 7:50 7 minutes, 50 seconds Yeah, that’s you know because the when you buy in players out of the portal that gets most of the attention during these first few four four or five years 7:59 7 minutes, 59 seconds of this, but people don’t realize and it doesn’t get talked about as much as how much you’re paying to to keep people like I bet you LSU had to pay a pretty 8:06 8 minutes, 6 seconds penny to keep Trade Green, you know, and and they did to keep Garrett Nusmeer last year. So that would be one way to, 8:14 8 minutes, 14 seconds you know, to divide money or to compartmentalize money. This money is to keep what you already have and that 8:21 8 minutes, 21 seconds would make it ser for one thing and it would cut down on players constantly entering the portal. 8:28 8 minutes, 28 seconds Well, what do you think, Case? Uh what what do you think? You think this has got a a chance at uh potential passage? 8:35 8 minutes, 35 seconds I mean, it really just comes down to the SEC in the Big 10. first of all, if they even care about whatever artificial deadline lawmakers set for them, if they 8:43 8 minutes, 43 seconds they want to respond by then. But it’s going to live or die by whether or not they change their position on the bill. 8:48 8 minutes, 48 seconds Well, but I think if they miss the deadline, they’re not going to make it in time for the vote to to enact it. 8:55 8 minutes, 55 seconds Right. So, if they don’t say anything at all, then they’re saying, “We still oppose this. You didn’t change enough of what we wanted, and we’re going to let it go and see if anything else comes in the future.” 9:03 9 minutes, 3 seconds Yeah. And then and if they they could obviously it would be smart for them if they think they can get what they want a year from now to wait a year or two. 9:11 9 minutes, 11 seconds All right. So this is something obviously we’ll monitor and we’ll hopefully we’ll probably get some sort of answer on whether this is moving along or not during the day uh tomorrow. 9:23 9 minutes, 23 seconds Um Glenn just uh you know this is the first time we’ve been on the airwaves since Lane Keifin spoke on Thursday. 9:30 9 minutes, 30 seconds some of your reactions to what he had to say last Thursday. 9:34 9 minutes, 34 seconds Well, you know, the term filibuster comes from uh \[laughter\] congressmen back in the day, including Huie Long, reading from the phone book. 9:44 9 minutes, 44 seconds At least Lane Keifin’s u filibuster was interesting, you know, and and uh full of uh information and and of course he did go off on a tangent and started 9:53 9 minutes, 53 seconds talking about Hulk Hogan. And then he he broke the news of the whole week when he said, “We’re all going to die.” Yeah. \[laughter\] Right. But but uh you 10:01 10 minutes, 1 second know I thought I thought it was very entertaining. Even his answers were were filibustery, if you will. But but um you know, he’s 10:09 10 minutes, 9 seconds very uh honest. You know, he just casually talked about how uh you know, he he stopped drinking. And I 10:16 10 minutes, 16 seconds thought he made an excellent point about uh as you get older, you you get rid of things instead of adding them, which is 10:23 10 minutes, 23 seconds what he did with alcohol. And it’s also what he did on on social media, which I continue to believe that was totally his 10:30 10 minutes, 30 seconds decision. Um, and you know, it gives him more time and it gives him a better view of things, you know, and it’s it’s really good advice from from the guy. 10:40 10 minutes, 40 seconds But, um, you know, it was it was very interesting. I thought Pete Golding was was great, too. I I I thought it was funny that he got a round of applause, 10:48 10 minutes, 48 seconds but that was from bloggers, I later found out, not necessarily the beat reporters, fanboys. 10:54 10 minutes, 54 seconds Yeah. and Pat S Patal uh John Summer. 10:56 10 minutes, 56 seconds John Summerall, the uh the late great Pat Summerall, but but \[laughter\] John Summerall also got a round of applause. 11:03 11 minutes, 3 seconds And and I talked to uh Gary Smith, who’s been a guest on our show who covers two lane, and he went to the American South uh media days. He says it happened like 11:12 11 minutes, 12 seconds almost every coach. They were applauding coaches before, during, and after. And he says it’s all bloggers. You know, it’s what is this world \[laughter\] coming to? 11:19 11 minutes, 19 seconds I don’t know, man. I don’t know. The homers used to be the outliers. Now the guys who who are hardedged and objective are the outliers. 11:27 11 minutes, 27 seconds Yeah. And it is. And uh Yeah. Um it’s it’s especially impressive that impressive Summerroll got an applause after he threatened to throw a podium at 11:35 11 minutes, 35 seconds someone when their phone went \[laughter\] off. All right. Welcome to the SEC. Right. 11:41 11 minutes, 41 seconds \[laughter\] 11:41 11 minutes, 41 seconds Yeah. But John Srell was impressive and he’s an impressive. 11:46 11 minutes, 46 seconds He’s an impressive coach. Uh, I mean, anybody that dealt with him at Tulain, the guy just comes across like, “Okay, this guy gets it. He’s got the 11:55 11 minutes, 55 seconds personality. He understands today today’s college football, understands the athletes. Um, still has all that 12:02 12 minutes, 2 seconds passion. There’s a lot of things to like about him. Now, it’s whether he’s able to make Florida a consistent winner. And again, as I was saying at the top of the 12:10 12 minutes, 10 seconds show, just because you’re outstanding in handling the media and answering questions and providing a vision at SEC media days doesn’t that doesn’t 12:19 12 minutes, 19 seconds necessarily make you a coach. You now got to put all that into your program and making sure your program wins at a high level or else you’re out. 12:29 12 minutes, 29 seconds Who is the uh who is the Dallas Cowboys coach? Not not the coach now, the one before. His dad used to be a Saints assistant coach. 12:37 12 minutes, 37 seconds Jason Garrett. Jason Garrett, he he he won the press conference. Remember when he got the job, he was known for winning press conferences \[laughter\] and not 12:44 12 minutes, 44 seconds winning games. So, it’s not always about the press conference. 12:47 12 minutes, 47 seconds I tell you what what I do like about Lane is that and I know I understand why he does the filibuster. The guy just 12:54 12 minutes, 54 seconds gets attacked left and right. There are just people that are waiting for him to to fall flat on his face. They don’t like how everything transpired with his 13:03 13 minutes, 3 seconds move from Old Miss to LSU. Even though summer all did the same thing, but he got the coach’s new team, his whole team, different situations. 13:11 13 minutes, 11 seconds And Lane’s got a longer history of messy divorces or messy exits. And that’s true. 13:17 13 minutes, 17 seconds He’s fallen flat on his face before. He has failed before at USC or is the head coach at the Raiders or leaving Tennessee after one year and all these 13:26 13 minutes, 26 seconds kind of things. Uh, so there’s just he’s got a it’s easier to attack him because he made a lot of mistakes when he was 13:34 13 minutes, 34 seconds younger as a coach, but it’s just kind of like when you lose a football game early in the season. That doesn’t mean 13:41 13 minutes, 41 seconds you can’t improve. And I maybe I’m falling for it. I think the guy’s improved as a human being. I think he’s 13:49 13 minutes, 49 seconds improved as a coach as the years have gone on. And I think you’re getting LSU is getting the best version of Lane Keifin at the right time. 13:59 13 minutes, 59 seconds Yeah, that’s true. That’s true. Whereas Alabama kind of got the best version of Sabin just cuz he was older. He was pretty freaking good when he was shoot. 14:08 14 minutes, 8 seconds But no, I you know I think I think Lane’s filibuster wasn’t all strategic to avoid questions, which is what what Les Miles used to do and what other 14:17 14 minutes, 17 seconds coaches used to do. But I think he just likes to talk. I mean, he he filibustered at some LSU spring press conferences, too. He just kind of gets 14:25 14 minutes, 25 seconds off on tangents. He’s he’s very analytical and sharp, and I think sometimes he likes to talk and explain things where he’s coming from. But part 14:34 14 minutes, 34 seconds of it was probably what you’re you’re saying as well. And, you know, I think the other thing is it it’s funny. I remember some people getting mad at Old 14:42 14 minutes, 42 seconds Miss people, you know, cuz they were ripping lane for months after he came here. And it’s like, well, well, man, you know, if you’re so upset, you should 14:50 14 minutes, 50 seconds be happy that he left. They didn’t like him \[laughter\] that much. But the truth is, they loved him when he was there, just like they loved Sabin when he was at LSU, even they started ripping them. 14:59 14 minutes, 59 seconds LSU fans did when he went to uh to Miami. But I I think it’s part of the whole Rockstar thing because, you know, 15:06 15 minutes, 6 seconds Florida media, you know, they thought they had them, you know, and and I think I think Alabama media, if they’re not 15:14 15 minutes, 14 seconds already, if Lane wins big and and um uh Kaden Dbor does not, they’re going to be 15:22 15 minutes, 22 seconds mad, too, and they’re going to try to get him back. I I think there’s a lot of jealous hate of of Lane because of he’s at LSU. 15:30 15 minutes, 30 seconds Let’s take our first break. More of Tiger Rag Radio when we come back. 15:34 15 minutes, 34 seconds I’m Richard Fner, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. My brother and I grow rice, soybeans, and raised crawfish on our farm in Evangelin 15:41 15 minutes, 41 seconds Parish. For a fourth generation \[music\] farmer like myself, Louisiana Farm Bureau is as much a part of my life as checking traps or harvesting rice. 15:48 15 minutes, 48 seconds \[music\] Our organization is more than 145,000 members strong, and we’ve been around for more than 100 years. The Louisiana Farm Bureau spans \[music\] 15:55 15 minutes, 55 seconds generations, and we want you to join our family. 15:58 15 minutes, 58 seconds Visit lafarmbureau.org. at the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. 16:05 16 minutes, 5 seconds We now return to Tiger Rag Radio. 16:08 16 minutes, 8 seconds Back here on Tiger Rag Radio, Jeff Polmo, news and sports director of Louisiana Radio Network, along with the editor for Tiger Rag magazine, Glenn 16:16 16 minutes, 16 seconds Gilbo. So, we uh got an idea of why Lane Kein quit social media and so forth, but football-wise, what were your big 16:24 16 minutes, 24 seconds takeaways from what um was said at SEC media days? Excuse me. I think the health of Whit Weeks, uh, him diving 16:32 16 minutes, 32 seconds into a little bit more of what happened with him, uh, you know, that broken ankle that he suffered in the bowl game against Baylor. Certainly, well, it did 16:41 16 minutes, 41 seconds linger into last season and he breaks it again against Old Miss. Had surgery in January, feeling much better now. I 16:49 16 minutes, 49 seconds think the word u, and again, it’s just talk. It’s talking season, but what Tradez Green had to say regarding the chemistry that they’re seeing on 16:57 16 minutes, 57 seconds offense, at least through spring ball, and then what they’ve seen in offseason conditioning, he said what you would anticipate someone would say is that the 17:05 17 minutes, 5 seconds chemistry is great. We’ll have to wait and see whether that actually uh transpires during the course of the season. So, those were some of the things that were kind of discussed. 17:14 17 minutes, 14 seconds Glenn, what were um other football related items as far as what’s happening on the field that you could take away from SEC media days? 17:22 17 minutes, 22 seconds Yeah, I thought one thing that was interesting was was Whit Weeks uh was discussing how uh difficult it has been 17:30 17 minutes, 30 seconds uh to watch film of Lane Kein’s offense and practice it against it in the in the 17:37 17 minutes, 37 seconds spring and and also what he remembers from playing Old Miss uh twice in a row. 17:43 17 minutes, 43 seconds uh you know they they they they put the same formation out there, but they run a handful of plays from it instead of just one or two. So, you can’t figure out 17:51 17 minutes, 51 seconds what they’re going to do right off. And that that’s kind of the genius of of Kein and and Charlie Weiss. And it was interesting hearing it from a guy who’s 18:00 18 minutes gone against it and now he’s on the uh same team on on defense. So, I I thought that was pretty interesting. And and you 18:06 18 minutes, 6 seconds know, Trey Green is uh he’s going to be a star. you know, obviously he’s already a star, but he’s he’s going to be a very 18:14 18 minutes, 14 seconds media friendly player. I can tell if if not at LSU because they they tend to keep him under wraps but but \[laughter\] once he gets to the NFL. Yeah. 18:24 18 minutes, 24 seconds Um and uh you know and and I think u the way Lane was talk made the point about 18:32 18 minutes, 32 seconds the portal you know everybody’s focused on the guys who are going to play immediately but what he was saying is you know that portal 41 guys there’s a 18:39 18 minutes, 39 seconds lot of them underassman that that’s an investment for the future the long run as well as the short run. and he he really gave a great explanation of his 18:47 18 minutes, 47 seconds roster philosophy with which Case wrote about uh last week. So again, he may have been filibustering, but he was very informative. 18:56 18 minutes, 56 seconds Yeah. And I like the point that he made and I don’t know if we’ll if if they’ll get to it is uh he talked about how in the NFL when he was the head coach of 19:04 19 minutes, 4 seconds the I guess it was the Oakland Raiders at the time when they drafted Jammarcus Russell and at that time rookies got 19:11 19 minutes, 11 seconds these huge contracts even much more so than guys in their prime or other star 19:17 19 minutes, 17 seconds players. And the same situation is occurring now. You have a lot of these high school recruits that are demanding 19:24 19 minutes, 24 seconds these huge dollar figures when it comes to NIL or revenue sharing and it needs to be flipped. 19:33 19 minutes, 33 seconds There should be some sort of some whether it’s a cap on them as far as the incoming uh incoming freshman where 19:42 19 minutes, 42 seconds they’re however you can set up the system so the players coming out of high school going into college are not making more than say a wit weeks. 19:51 19 minutes, 51 seconds Right. Right. And that was an excellent point he made about Russell because Russell’s uh the fact that he bombed 19:59 19 minutes, 59 seconds so so badly in the NFL draft. I mean as a Raider after being the first pick of the NFL draft that had a lot to do with 20:06 20 minutes, 6 seconds that. It it didn’t happen for another couple of years, but that really kind of set it off, you know, and Lane mentioned, you know, you had these 20:13 20 minutes, 13 seconds rookies making $10 million more than than some veterans. And that’s what’s happening with some of the guys coming out of high school. And he also said 20:22 20 minutes, 22 seconds they need u you know each position needs kind of a salary which they also have in the NFL and and Lane said before you 20:29 20 minutes, 29 seconds know he was he he said that when he was talking about Billy Glascock as his GM he says if you want a great model to do anything you you look at the NFL 20:37 20 minutes, 37 seconds and what players are getting. So if you’re going to try to establish a cap then what players are getting needs to be public. 20:47 20 minutes, 47 seconds He also mentioned that as well. 20:48 20 minutes, 48 seconds Exactly. Uh yeah, I don’t know if that’s going to happen. No, I I don’t think so. 20:52 20 minutes, 52 seconds But uh you know it I remember when that happened in the NFL when free agency first started in the early 90s, 21:00 21 minutes everybody said, “Oh, it’s going to rip the team apart cuz they’re going to know this guy’s making that.” And it did nothing. Did none of that. 21:06 21 minutes, 6 seconds No. No. And uh I I have a feeling that pretty much everybody knows what everyone’s making at this point, right? 21:14 21 minutes, 14 seconds I mean there there’s agents um other teams can contact contact that 21:21 21 minutes, 21 seconds agent that agent can say well so and so is getting this much what are you going to potentially offer I don’t I I think I 21:29 21 minutes, 29 seconds think a lot of these what is what players are receiving I think everybody has a pretty good idea what’s happening so sure 21:36 21 minutes, 36 seconds I I don’t think it’s it’s as secretive as some people would like to make it out to be. All right, we’re going to take another break here on Tiger Rag Radio. 21:44 21 minutes, 44 seconds When we come back, John Eids from WFB, he will join us. So stay tuned. We got a lot more to get to here on Tiger Rag Radio. We’ll be back after this. 21:54 21 minutes, 54 seconds The East Baton \[music\] Rouge Parish Library believes that a thriving business community is good for us all. 21:59 21 minutes, 59 seconds That’s why we help entrepreneurs start a business with tools like Gail Business Builder. Keep commerce rolling by 22:06 22 minutes, 6 seconds providing free access to computers and free Wi-Fi at 15 branch locations. 22:13 22 minutes, 13 seconds Get \[music\] a library card. Grow your business at ebrpl.com/depart/sallus. 22:25 22 minutes, 25 seconds Tiger rag radio is back. 22:30 22 minutes, 30 seconds All right, some breaking news coming out of Oxford. it was discussed or we heard reports of it or it was at least miss 22:38 22 minutes, 38 seconds athletic director was talking about a potential lawsuit that would be filed in 22:45 22 minutes, 45 seconds against defensive end Prince Willil Uman Ellen and LSU offensive lineman Devin Harper for breaking out of their or 22:54 22 minutes, 54 seconds because they were seeking almost $1 million between the two in unreceived payments. They were looking for a buyout 23:01 23 minutes, 1 second for breaking their contracts on their revenue sharing agreements that they had signed with Old Miss. That lawsuit has 23:08 23 minutes, 8 seconds officially been filed now in old or in Mississippi. And uh someone who has a story on it, Sam Hutchkins with the 23:17 23 minutes, 17 seconds Clarion Ledger, uh he will be one of our guests coming up a little bit later on. 23:21 23 minutes, 21 seconds So, thank you very much. I I knew \[laughter\] that was going to happen. So that’s why I got sick. Well, I hope the lawsuit watch some Old Miss judge is going to 23:29 23 minutes, 29 seconds call the hearing for the s Saturday, September 19th at 4 p.m. Miss seeking um here we go. Miss seeking um Umain’s 23:38 23 minutes, 38 seconds penalty of $550,000 and Harper’s penalty of $400,000 as well as litigation fees resulting from the 23:45 23 minutes, 45 seconds lawsuit. Uh, according to Sam Hutchkins, it’s been common for universities to pay incoming players buyouts, but the lawsuits must be filed against the 23:53 23 minutes, 53 seconds players because they are the ones who breach the contract. Athletic director Keith Carter told the Clarion Ledger back on July 13th that said Miss has 24:02 24 minutes, 2 seconds paid similar buyouts on behalf of incoming players. So, uh, another level of this rivalry between LSU, Old Miss, it gets ramped up another notch here. 24:13 24 minutes, 13 seconds So, well, maybe Old Miss will will forgive the um monetary charges if both players transfer back to the Rebels just 24:21 24 minutes, 21 seconds \[laughter\] in time for kickoff September 19th. 24:23 24 minutes, 23 seconds I don’t think that will happen. Let’s get to our first guest of the night, John Eids, who covers LSU for WFB. John, 24:31 24 minutes, 31 seconds thanks a lot. We appreciate it. John was over in Tampa for the SEC media days. 24:36 24 minutes, 36 seconds And uh John, I know uh this is kind of a well, it’s supposed to be a quiet week, but there’s lawsuits being filed and all 24:43 24 minutes, 43 seconds kinds of other stuff going on this week leading up to the start of preseason camp, but uh how you doing and how did you enjoy SEC media days? 24:52 24 minutes, 52 seconds Doing well, guys. Thanks for having me on. Yeah, just when you think you might have two weeks of quiet time before \[laughter\] camp starts, uh I guess not. 24:59 24 minutes, 59 seconds The legal ease get involved. And interesting, they do this after media days, so that’s something that we can ask and talk about. um in Tampa Bay. But 25:07 25 minutes, 7 seconds no, it was a good experience. I’d never been to Tampa before. I think it was a nice destination. Uh good spot to host it there. Right on the water. Beautiful. 25:15 25 minutes, 15 seconds Pretty easy to get in and out of town and they had a pretty good setup there inside the hotel. So, had a good time and uh obviously had to wait all week 25:24 25 minutes, 24 seconds for LSU to take the podium and stuff, but a lot going on in between there with Deep Golding and Kaylin Dbor and Josh Heel obviously on the first day leading 25:32 25 minutes, 32 seconds it off with some fireworks. So overall, good time. Now let’s play some ball. 25:37 25 minutes, 37 seconds Who would you say uh impressed you the most at media days? 25:45 25 minutes, 45 seconds Well, I thought LSU did a good job of kind of coming in with a strategy and not really letting anything sizzle, you 25:52 25 minutes, 52 seconds know, like Lane didn’t really put a whole lot out there. I think that was clickbaity or catchy. Um and I think Old Miss the same way. you know, I I thought 26:01 26 minutes, 1 second this might be a bigger deal. Like the lane and miss, you know, that that that kind of stuff would be a bigger deal than it really was. All the players were 26:09 26 minutes, 9 seconds well trained, I thought, and gave some pretty good answers. Um, so I even thought Kayn Dbor kind of handled it pretty well. Now, you know, there’s 26:17 26 minutes, 17 seconds nothing he can do until they get back out there, play football, and he could try to, you know, continue to follow up Nick Sabin, the impossible task that 26:25 26 minutes, 25 seconds that is. But I think that his answers to those questions and his understanding of the situation was um well well spoken. I 26:33 26 minutes, 33 seconds think and that that doesn’t really mean anything once you flip the calendar to August and September and you actually got to go win football games. But just listening through the transcripts and 26:42 26 minutes, 42 seconds the answers that he had about the inevitable questions he was going to get. To be honest, I thought he answered them pretty well. 26:48 26 minutes, 48 seconds Hey John, this is Glenn. Thanks for for joining us. Um, what did what did you uh since Lane didn’t go until the last day, 26:56 26 minutes, 56 seconds what was the feeling you got from other media that you may have mixed with on their uh, you know, thoughts about Kein 27:04 27 minutes, 4 seconds and, you know, the the hate meter or or or not? You know, what kind of vibe did you get on Kein specifically? 27:13 27 minutes, 13 seconds Hey, Gwen. Um, well, I got a good vibe. 27:15 27 minutes, 15 seconds I had a discussion with somebody that used to work closely with Kein. I’ll say that. And he and I were just chatting 27:22 27 minutes, 22 seconds walking down the hallway and stuff. And um he told me he wouldn’t be surprised if he won three national championships 27:29 27 minutes, 29 seconds if not more in 10 years at LSU. Like he’s he’s really in on him. Just coupling the resources and and what’s 27:36 27 minutes, 36 seconds available here with the kind of coach that he is. Um really complemented a lot of the intangibles that Kein brings. As 27:43 27 minutes, 43 seconds far as the hatred between the two, I didn’t have a ton of discussion about that. I thought again it’d be a bigger deal than it was, you know. Um I thought 27:51 27 minutes, 51 seconds Pete Golden gave some pretty funny answers like the one about the ex-girlfriend. Yeah. Yeah. Very good. 27:56 27 minutes, 56 seconds There wasn’t a whole lot there to ignite that rivalry more than it already is. Um I I would say this this legal action 28:04 28 minutes, 4 seconds they just took was a bigger kind of blip on the radar than anything that was said or talked about in Tampa Bay. So, I will 28:11 28 minutes, 11 seconds say this though, a lot of media people told me that they’d been to Death Valley a couple times in recent years and they were underwhelmed with the experience. 28:20 28 minutes, 20 seconds And I told them, “Look, you haven’t been to and I don’t know that there’s been a game at in Death Valley in the past couple years that has 28:27 28 minutes, 27 seconds given the football team and the fans an opportunity to put together like the peak Death Valley experience because 28:34 28 minutes, 34 seconds maybe the most recent one in memory, it’s got to be LSU Alabama probably, right? in um 2022, but like there hasn’t 28:42 28 minutes, 42 seconds been a marquee early season game in Tiger Stadium in the past couple years. 28:47 28 minutes, 47 seconds There will be that opportunity against Clemson. And I say that because by the time the marquee games that you were looking forward to came to the schedule in late October, November, the season 28:56 28 minutes, 56 seconds was pretty much already over because LSU had three or four losses. So I told them that’s going to change. You will not be underwhelmed. I don’t think much going forward. I would think the one game that 29:05 29 minutes, 5 seconds might come close to the LSU Alabama game in 2022 was the LSU Old Miss game in 2024. Yeah, that was pretty loud game. Yeah. 29:13 29 minutes, 13 seconds Um I was thinking off the top of my head. 29:15 29 minutes, 15 seconds Yeah. No, I I I understand where you’re coming from, but you’re right. I I mean, you’re right. It’s been it’s been tough 29:21 29 minutes, 21 seconds and um you know, LSU’s had some during that time they they’ve had some games that have just haven’t been very good. I 29:29 29 minutes, 29 seconds remember there was a lot even though it was an 11 a.m. kickoff. The uh LSU Tennessee game in 2020 was that 2023, right? 29:37 29 minutes, 37 seconds That was uh that was Kelly’s first year. 29:39 29 minutes, 39 seconds 22 22 and then LSU’s down like 14 to nothing before you can and it just took the complete, you know, the air out and again it was an 11 a.m. kickoff as well. 29:48 29 minutes, 48 seconds So that that didn’t help. But um yeah, so I I I would imagine uh Saturday night, September 5th, Tiger Stadium will 29:57 29 minutes, 57 seconds be amped up as well as it’s been amped up. Maybe going all the way back to the 2019 season. 30:04 30 minutes, 4 seconds Yeah. And and you know the thing about Tiger Stadium, you never you never hear that it’s a comfortable place to watch a game, you know, unless you’re in the 30:11 30 minutes, 11 seconds suits or something. And if you’re at a day game in Tiger Stadium and you’re facing the sun, I I know people I mean, they couldn’t stand it, you know? It 30:20 30 minutes, 20 seconds it’s it’s kind of it’s not glam camping, you know? It’s it’s rustic camping and and it’s and it’s an all day thing. It’s work, man. 30:27 30 minutes, 27 seconds And look at the UCLA game last year, right? Was it last year? The year before? Yeah. Two years ago that that place there was no way. It was so 30:35 30 minutes, 35 seconds difficult to stick around for two halves of football for that one. But um what are your uh big storylines going into 30:42 30 minutes, 42 seconds preseason camp? John, I think the biggest one Sam Levitt, it was good to hear the players and Lane 30:49 30 minutes, 49 seconds Keifin talk about his health status, what he’s been doing this summer. Thing is though, none of us have seen that like have all been closed playerled 30:58 30 minutes, 58 seconds practices and there’s no guarantee that he’s going to return to the form that he was in before last October when he was 31:06 31 minutes, 6 seconds at Arizona State. you know, like you paid him the money, that’s great. That doesn’t mean he’s going to come here and be successful. Like last year, they 31:13 31 minutes, 13 seconds dumped a ton of money into a lot of skilled players. And I would say most of them didn’t live up to the potential that they got out of the transfer portal, you know, and even a couple 31:22 31 minutes, 22 seconds years before that in 23, they got a guy from Oregon State, Omar States, who is this all everything pack 12 linebacker came here and he’s in the NFL. He’s a 31:31 31 minutes, 31 seconds good player, but I mean, he didn’t make any kind of an impact. Nobody did on that LSU defense in 23. So that’s the biggest thing for me is yes, all the 31:39 31 minutes, 39 seconds stuff in writing and you know in a video game world Sam Levit comes to LSU, balls out, goes to the league and the Tigers win a bunch of games. That’s not 31:48 31 minutes, 48 seconds guaranteed though. And we haven’t seen him do anything except throw footballs and tennis shoes. So we need to see what his health is um and if he can gel with 31:56 31 minutes, 56 seconds these receivers because he hasn’t done any live game stuff that we’ve seen. So then that’s above all the biggest storyline. Another I’d say is the 32:06 32 minutes, 6 seconds defensive line. You’re a little thin at the edge spot because Gabriel Reford went down with the injury um earlier this year. You’re really young and 32:14 32 minutes, 14 seconds inexperienced and unproven at defensive tackle. I like what Blake Baker has in the linebacker and in the secondary, but you win in the trenches. It’s no secret. 32:24 32 minutes, 24 seconds I think they’ll have the upper hand from an offensive line perspective, but how about defensive line? Is a Duce Gerald’s ready to play? Is a Lamar Brown ready to 32:32 32 minutes, 32 seconds play? um does a show in Washington, a Dominic McKinley take the next step. So those are two of the biggest storylines I’m following is how is Sam Levit 32:40 32 minutes, 40 seconds progressing and then that defensive line who’s going to step up there. 32:46 32 minutes, 46 seconds John, we appreciate it, man. It’ll be here before you know it. Uh next Tuesday’s reporting day. Thanks a lot for spending some time with us tonight. 32:54 32 minutes, 54 seconds My pleasure. Thanks for having me, guys. All right, that is John Eids with WFB. 32:58 32 minutes, 58 seconds We’ll be back after this here on Tiger Rag Radio. We’re back to Tiger Rag Radio. 33:07 33 minutes, 7 seconds Back here on Tiger Rag Radio, Jeff Polmo, along with the editor for Tiger Rag Magazine, Gwen Gilbo, and our producer tonight, Case Kishnik. So, I 33:16 33 minutes, 16 seconds was trying to get through it quickly there with John because I wanted to get the story out there uh before we got to John Eid’s interview about the breaking 33:23 33 minutes, 23 seconds news out of uh Mississippi. And that is civil complaints have been filed. Miss has filed civil complaints against LSU 33:32 33 minutes, 32 seconds football defensive end Prince Will Uman Ellen and LSU offensive lineman Devin Harper. You may have heard that athletic 33:40 33 minutes, 40 seconds director Keith Carter said earlier this month that they were considering filing a lawsuit against both players because 33:48 33 minutes, 48 seconds both of them in early January signed a revenue sharing agreement with Miss and 33:55 33 minutes, 55 seconds then still entered the transfer portal and then ended up signing with LSU. So 34:02 34 minutes, 2 seconds what Miss is seeking is the buyout money from Umami Ellen and 34:09 34 minutes, 9 seconds from Harper getting out of their contracts. They have not paid that buyout money. And so Miss is seeking 34:18 34 minutes, 18 seconds $550,000 from Uman and then they are seeking $400,000 34:24 34 minutes, 24 seconds from Devin Harper as well as litigation fees resulting from the lawsuit. What? 34:30 34 minutes, 30 seconds And our next guest is going to talk a little bit more about this. Sam Hutchkins with the Clarion Ledger. He has a story right now at the Clarion 34:39 34 minutes, 39 seconds Ledger website, clarionledger.com, if you want to read more about it. And I know Tiger Rag is going to be following 34:45 34 minutes, 45 seconds up with this as well. But uh with some more of the information, but there’s a timeline here in the article, Glenn, of 34:54 34 minutes, 54 seconds of how this of what happened that on January 6, Harper signed his revenue sharing agreement with Old Miss. Um 35:02 35 minutes, 2 seconds Ellen signed his revenue sharing agreement with Miss on January 3rd. And then approximately a little later or more than a week 35:10 35 minutes, 10 seconds later, Harper enters the transfer portal. On the 16th of January, he signs with LSU. And then on the 16th, the day 35:18 35 minutes, 18 seconds that he signed with LSU, when Devin Harper signed, Miss sent him a letter requesting payment. Never got a response. 30-day deadline comes around 35:27 35 minutes, 27 seconds to make a payment. No response from Harper. So then Miss contacted LSU requesting payment on Harper’s behalf. 35:34 35 minutes, 34 seconds LSU denied in middle of March saying that they are not party to the contract. 35:40 35 minutes, 40 seconds And then uh Old Miss files the lawsuit on July 27th. What’s kind of interesting that the lawsuits have been filed in 35:47 35 minutes, 47 seconds circuit court in Lafayette County and uh there are two different judges. You got Judge Kelly Luther is listed as the 35:54 35 minutes, 54 seconds presiding judge in the lawsuit against Uman Miellen and then Judge Kent E. 36:00 36 minutes Smith is the presiding judge in the lawsuit against Harper. And as Keith Carter says that uh Old Miss has paid 36:09 36 minutes, 9 seconds similar buyouts on behalf of incoming players and that universities usually pay these incoming player buyouts. So 36:17 36 minutes, 17 seconds even though the lawsuits have been filed specifically against Uman Muellan and Harper uh in the end LSU may have to end 36:24 36 minutes, 24 seconds up paying these buyouts or we’ll see. I can’t imagine as we saw with the Trinidad Chamblas situation. I can’t 36:33 36 minutes, 33 seconds imagine an Old Miss judge or a Mississippi judge is going to rule against Miss. \[laughter\] Yeah. And and you know, it sounds like 36:39 36 minutes, 39 seconds Miss has a strong case because I mean, they signed and then they left. And if you remember, De Man Williams, the Washington quarterback who Lane Kein was recruiting after he entered the portal. 36:50 36 minutes, 50 seconds He had just signed a contract and then and then the wording of the contract, he he backed down and he stayed at Washington. I I’m wondering why Old Miss 36:59 36 minutes, 59 seconds didn’t press harder to uh try to keep those two kids back in January because of the revenue share. Now, it was a lot 37:06 37 minutes, 6 seconds less money than than the Washington quarterback, but it it it’s funny that you didn’t hear about that more at the time. Maybe maybe they just drafted the 37:14 37 minutes, 14 seconds lawsuit later after that. Maybe they didn’t think they had a chance of of getting him back. But, uh it sounds like Miss has a strong case. 37:23 37 minutes, 23 seconds And Miss provided this statement to the Clarion Ledger. I’ll kind of jump to the middle of it. Um, and I think that the 37:30 37 minutes, 30 seconds key part of it, uh, according to the statement, before transferring to another institution, student athletes Devon Harper and Prince Will Uman 37:39 37 minutes, 39 seconds Miellan signed revenue sharing agreements that included a provision requiring them to compensate the university with a predetermined amount 37:47 37 minutes, 47 seconds if they departed before fulfilling their commitment. The University of Mississippi has a responsibility to enforce its contractual terms and this 37:56 37 minutes, 56 seconds position is consistent with the action of other institutions in the current landscape of college athletics. So yeah, I would love to hear the story from 38:05 38 minutes, 5 seconds Prince Will and Devin Harper. There’s always two sides to a story, Gwen. Sure. 38:09 38 minutes, 9 seconds But I would love to hear why they never paid or why they feel like they don’t have to pay. 38:13 38 minutes, 13 seconds I I wonder if the people recruiting them, LSU and others were saying, “We’ll we’ll take care of that if y’all come.” you know, or who knows. 38:22 38 minutes, 22 seconds Yeah. All right, let’s take another break. Uh, and we’ll have one more little segment, then we’ll get to Sam Hutchkins from the Clarion Ledger. So, stay tuned. More from Tiger Rag Radio right after this. 38:33 38 minutes, 33 seconds This is \[music\] Tiger Rag Radio. 38:38 38 minutes, 38 seconds Back here on Tiger Rag Radio, Jeff Polmo along with Tiger Rag editor Glenn Gilbo. 38:43 38 minutes, 43 seconds Looking forward to our next guest Sam Hutchkins from the Clarion Ledger to talk about the lawsuit that has been filed by Old Miss against Prince Will 38:50 38 minutes, 50 seconds Umman Ellen and LSU offensive lineman Devin Harper. We’ll get into that a little bit more with Sam Hutchkins from 38:57 38 minutes, 57 seconds the Clarion Ledger. Um while SEC media days took place last week, this week it’s Big 10 media days. It’s kind of weird these media days are this late 39:06 39 minutes, 6 seconds into July. Like preseason camp starts next week. Usually there’s a little bit of more of a buffer in between media days. and uh but for whatever reason 39:13 39 minutes, 13 seconds it’s all backed up this year. But Big 10 uh Big 10 media days gets underway and of course 39:21 39 minutes, 21 seconds uh Commissioner Tony Patiti advocating for the 2014 playoff. Uh so 39:28 39 minutes, 28 seconds that was uh right now um that’s the big thing. The Big 10 is continuing to push for the 2014 playoff. Uh, of course, 39:38 39 minutes, 38 seconds Tony Patiti feels like the Big 10 has much more of a leg to stand on nowadays because they’ve won their last three national championships. 39:49 39 minutes, 49 seconds Um, and uh, so we’ll see. This debate will just continue to move on here, Glenn, as far as what might happen with that. 40:00 40 minutes Yeah, it’s going to be interesting to see what what happens uh, tomorrow. And it’s it’s wild that the Big 10 media days are going on at at the same time 40:08 40 minutes, 8 seconds that something could well um happen tomorrow with that. I I I I we’re going to talk to Blake Top Meer about that too 40:16 40 minutes, 16 seconds at at 7:30, but I’m I’m going to be s like I’m going to be surprised if something really goes down tomorrow. I think it’s going to be delayed. 40:23 40 minutes, 23 seconds Yeah. Uh Tony Patiti, this is what he says regarding the 2014 playoff. The 40:30 40 minutes, 30 seconds idea is keeping as many teams in contention for as long as possible. Play as many meaningful games for as long as you can. Secondly, the format creates 40:38 40 minutes, 38 seconds all kinds of incentives. If you think about a 2014 playoff, a bunch of teams that are going to be ranked between 16 and 24 that are just trying to make sure 40:46 40 minutes, 46 seconds they’re in. You’re going to have teams playing until the very end to see if they’re in. So, he believes it’s going to lead to a lot more meaningful games, especially in the month of November. 40:58 40 minutes, 58 seconds Yeah, you know, that makes sense. Um, I think the Big 10, you know, they’ve always played more conference games than 41:06 41 minutes, 6 seconds the SEC teams have. Uh, and they, you know, they they also have more teams. 41:13 41 minutes, 13 seconds Uh, they also have bigger television audiences as far as populations to draw from, but yet they they don’t always do 41:22 41 minutes, 22 seconds as well as some of the uh SEC games in in smaller populations. But, you know, and and ESPN and and the SEC, they don’t 41:30 41 minutes, 30 seconds they don’t want to go to 24. The most they’re ever going to go to is 16. So, so these two leagues and and really Fox and and ESPN, there’s still so much to 41:39 41 minutes, 39 seconds be worked out. That’s why I don’t think it’s going to happen this year. And then Patiti also said he is not interested in forcing his schools or the schools in 41:48 41 minutes, 48 seconds the Big 10 to play at least one power four non-conference opponent because they want to get as many team and 41:56 41 minutes, 56 seconds basically amidst it that they want to get as many teams as possible successful football playoff and and and the SEC teams are are 42:03 42 minutes, 3 seconds hurting themselves by insisting on that and then also them going to to nine teams on top of that even though the Big 42:10 42 minutes, 10 seconds 10’s already on that It it makes it harder for the SEC. 42:14 42 minutes, 14 seconds Wow. All right. So, Tony Patitini has made his statement regarding that. Not much has changed there and uh that 42:22 42 minutes, 22 seconds debate will just uh continue and it doesn’t seem like either side is going to back down when it comes to that. So, I I don’t know. I think we 42:30 42 minutes, 30 seconds just kind of keep punting on that issue until somebody blinks. Uh maybe another year of how you see the season work out and how the playoff works out. you gain 42:40 42 minutes, 40 seconds a a little bit more information and maybe that um maybe that leads to more discussions as far as how to expand it, 42:47 42 minutes, 47 seconds if to expand it and all those kind of things. Let’s take another break. When we come back, Sam Hutchkins from the Clarion Ledger in Mississippi. Of 42:56 42 minutes, 56 seconds course, we’ll be talking about the lawsuit Old Miss has filed against Princewell Umami Ellen and Devin Harper for breaking their revenue sharing **Categories:** Extra, Featured, LSU Football News, Podcast, Radio **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu football, Protect College Sports Act, SEC Media Days Review, Tiger Rag Audibles podcast, tiger rag radio --- ### [SEC, Big Ten Ignore Protect College Sports Act Deadline And To Meet Later Wednesday](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-big-ten-ignore-protect-college-sports-act-deadline-and-to-meet-later-wednesday/) **Published:** July 29, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staf Reporter And the Protect College Sports Act saga continues. Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey and Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti did not meet the 8 a.m. Wednesday deadline that lawmakers set for them to change their positions on the Protect College Sports Act, but will meet again later today. Lawmakers completed final revisions on the bill after extensive discussions with school and conference officials and sent that revised copy to the SEC and Big 10 on Tuesday. They told the conferences they had until 8 a.m. central time Wednesday to announce their positions on the bill. The leagues, however, instead skipped that and instead scheduled meetings with university presidents for this afternoon. Whatever stance they decide to take will likely determine the future of the Protect College Sports Act or delay it with the future of college athletics with or without guardrails hanging in the balance. > Big Ten and SEC officials are not expected to meet the 9 am deadline as negotiations continue with lawmakers and staff over revisions to the Protect College Sports Act. > > The leagues have calls scheduled this afternoon with their university presidents. > > — Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) [July 29, 2026](https://x.com/RossDellenger/status/2082433390700098016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) If the conferences support the bill, it could advance to the U.S. Senate floor next week for vote. If they oppose it, it could mean delays past the start of football season and the bill’s possible ensuing death. > [SEC and Big Ten Face Wednesday Deadline on Protect College Sports Act – Congress Blinked First](https://www.tigerrag.com/protect-college-sports-act-sec-big-ten-wednesday-deadline/) The Protect College Sports Act is now almost unrecognizable from when it was initially drafted by Senators Ted Cruz (Republican, Texas) and Maria Cantwell (Democrat, Washington). The proposed pooling of media rights has been made completely voluntary for all schools in the new draft. The previous draft had the lucrative media rights of the SEC and Big Ten pooled throughout all the other conferences, and was the main issue Sankey and Petitti had with it. > [The Protect College Sports Act: The Definitive LSU Guide to the Law That Could Change College Athletics](https://www.tigerrag.com/protect-college-sports-act-lsu-guide/) The authors also extended the Super League provision that freezes the membership of the wealthiest conferences to apply to all Power Four leagues. The newest addition and reported current hold up is an additional revenue-share retention pool. The act allows schools to exceed the revenue-share cap limit by $20 million to retain student athletes. An additional $5 million in women’s Name, Image & Likeness can be credited, but institutions wanted a $25 million pool outright. > Here is the summary of revisions to the Protect College Sports Act sent to conference leadership, which does include the new retention pool – it has dropped from $25M to $20M – that schools can spend on retaining athletes an addition to the $21.3M rev-share cap. [pic.twitter.com/bJbhFZAVdy](https://t.co/bJbhFZAVdy) > > — Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) [July 28, 2026](https://x.com/RossDellenger/status/2082085881221919018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Numerous other loopholes have been closed and language has been added to ensure all the regulations affect all schools evenly and are not targeted at the two largest conferences. The SEC and Big 10 have seemingly gotten all they asked for. They asked for congressional help. They got it. Now it is time for them to decide whether they want it or if they think they can get a better deal next offseason and do it all again. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Big Ten Conference, greg sankey, lsu, lsu football, Protect College Sports Act, sec --- ### [LSU Paid Lane Kiffin's $3 Million Buyout To Ole Miss, And May Have To Pay Nearly $1 Million For 2 Transfers' Buyouts](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-paid-lane-kiffins-3-million-buyout-to-ole-miss-and-may-have-to-pay-nearly-1-million-for-2-rebel-transfers/) **Published:** July 28, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU paid Lane Kiffin’s $3 million buyout to Ole Miss when he left the Ole Miss football coaching job to be LSU’s coach last November for a $91 million deal over seven years. And now, LSU may have to pay buyouts of $950,000 for two of Kiffin’s former Rebel players who transferred to LSU from Ole Miss last January. Ole Miss filed civil lawsuits for breach of contract against LSU transfer defensive end Princewill Umanmielen – the No. 1 edge rusher and No. 6 overall portal player last January – and LSU offensive lineman Devin Harper – the No. 6 transfer interior offensive lineman – on Tuesday in Lafayette County circuit court in Oxford near the Ole Miss campus, the Jackson Clarion-Ledger reported. The lawsuit states that Umanmielen, a senior at LSU from Austin, Texas, who previously played at Nebraska for two seasons, and Harper, a sophomore from Shreveport, each signed revenue sharing extension agreements with Ole Miss for the 2026 season on Jan. 3 and Jan. 6, respectively. Then they signed and transferred to LSU later that same month. The author of the Clarion-Ledger story, Sam Hutchens, appeared on Tiger Rag Radio on Tuesday night, shortly after he broke the news. [Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter had said on July 13 that he was considering legal action against Umanmeilen and Harper. ](https://www.tigerrag.com/ole-miss-sour-grapes-update-rebels-looking-into-lawsuit-vs-2-former-players-who-followed-lane-kiffin-to-lsu/) > [Tiger Rag Radio: Ole Miss Suing LSU Players](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-ole-miss-suing-lsu-players/) Ole Miss is seeking $550,000 from Umanmielen, who led Ole Miss with nine sacks last season, and $400,000 from Harper, who played in six games last season after signing with the Rebels as the No. 5 offensive tackle in the nation from Calvary Baptist Academy. Both revenue share contracts featured penalty language for voluntarily breaking the contract in a 90-day window from the early January signings. Umanmielen signed with LSU on Jan. 21. Harper signed with LSU on Jan. 16, the lawsuit states. The lawsuit falls less than two months before Kiffin will return to Ole Miss, where he coached with great success from 2020-25, with his new LSU team to play the Rebels on Sept. 19 in prime time (6:30 p.m., ABC). Should representatives of the two schools’ excellent law schools meet at midfield in a legal undercard of sorts? Will LSU and Ole Miss be able to settle out of court – or off the field – before taking the field? Or perhaps a Kangaroo Court in The Grove over cocktails and beer? > [LSU-Ole Miss Coach Swapping Has That Rivalry Passing LSU-Bama On Hate Meter | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-ole-miss-coach-swapping-has-that-rivalry-passing-lsu-bama-on-hate-meter-glenn-guilbeau/) According to an Ole Miss timeline provided to the Clarion-Ledger, Ole Miss sent a letters to Umanmielen and Harper on Jan. 22 Jan. 16, respectively, requesting buyout payments. After getting no response from both players, Ole Miss contacted LSU requesting payment on Umanmielen’s and Harper’s behalf on March 12. > NEW: Ole Miss has filed a lawsuit against LSU football players Princewill Umanmielen and Devin Harper for breach of contract. > > Details, damages sought and a statement from Ole Miss here: > > — Sam Hutchens (@Sam\_Hutchens\_) [July 28, 2026](https://x.com/Sam_Hutchens_/status/2082233281601540266?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) On March 18, LSU denied payment for each player, “stating they are not a party to the contract” of each. “The University of Mississippi expects commitment from its student-athletes and their representatives in upholding their contracts,” an Ole Miss statement said. “Before transferring to another institution, Princewill Umanmielen and Devin Harper signed revenue sharing agreements that included a provision requiring them to compensate the university with a predetermined amount if they departed before fulfilling their commitment. This position is consistent with the actions of other institutions in the current landscape of college athletics.” Carter told the Clarion-Ledger previously that Ole Miss has in the past paid similar buyouts to the the previous schools of players who transferred to Ole Miss. “LSU has no comment,” LSU athletic department spokesman Zach Greenwell told Tiger Rag on Tuesday night. Ole Miss is also asking for litigation fees concerning the lawsuit in addition to the $950,000 buyout total for the two players. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Devin Harper, Keith Carter, lane kiffin, lsu, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels, Pete Golding, Princewill Umanmielen, tiger rag radio --- ### [The Protect College Sports Act: The Definitive LSU Guide to the Law That Could Change College Athletics](https://www.tigerrag.com/protect-college-sports-act-lsu-guide/) **Published:** July 28, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** By TODD HORNE, EXECUTIVE EDITOR Cue the Capitol dome. A thousand miles from Tiger Stadium, lawmakers in Washington are rewriting the playbook for college sports—and they’re discovering the game’s most powerful decision-makers aren’t on Capitol Hill. For nearly five seasons, college athletics has been a free-agent carnival. The NCAA still markets March Madness, pens rule books and polices infractions, but its iron grip has slipped. Federal courts have unraveled its amateurism shield. Every state now writes its own Name, Image and Likeness code. The transfer portal turned roster management into a year-round bidding war. The House settlement unlocked direct revenue sharing between schools and athletes. Meanwhile, SEC and Big Ten television deals have poured billions into college sports, crowning those conferences as the game’s new power brokers. There was no single referee anymore. So Washington signaled a blitz: the Protect College Sports Act, a sweeping proposal to create one national rulebook for NIL, compensation, recruiting, transfers and oversight instead of fifty conflicting state statutes and a growing stack of court rulings. On paper, it promised exactly what college sports needed: uniformity, legal certainty and a level playing field. But reality quickly blitzed the legislation. The SEC and Big Ten—home to the richest television contracts in college football—warned lawmakers that key provisions would restrict conference flexibility, complicate media-rights negotiations and duplicate compliance systems already emerging under the House settlement. Congress huddled. The bill changed. That pivot became the real headline. Power in major college football no longer resides solely in statutes or Supreme Court opinions—it also lives in the boardrooms of the SEC and the Big Ten. They don’t wield a legal veto, but without their support, any lasting federal framework would face enormous resistance. This isn’t just Washington stepping onto the field. It’s Washington recognizing a game already in progress. The Protect College Sports Act isn’t inventing a new era. It’s trying to organize one that’s already here. And for LSU, that evolution carries enormous implications. **HOW COLLEGE SPORTS GOT HERE** For decades, the NCAA’s bargain was simple: athletes received scholarships, schools generated billions, and amateurism kept the professional model at bay. But as television contracts exploded, coaching salaries climbed into eight figures and facilities rivaled NFL practice complexes, courts began viewing the system through antitrust law. Then came NCAA v. Alston in June 2021. A unanimous Supreme Court struck down limits on education-related benefits, while Justice Brett Kavanaugh’s concurring opinion raised an even larger question: how many NCAA compensation restrictions could survive a basic antitrust challenge? Within days, NIL became reality. States rushed to pass laws. Compliance departments expanded. NIL collectives emerged. Recruiting and transfers changed almost overnight. The House settlement soon enshrined direct revenue sharing. The NCAA remained, but it no longer stood alone. **CONGRESS STEPS IN** Watching schools navigate conflicting state laws, conference policies, NCAA bylaws and court rulings, lawmakers concluded one national industry could not function efficiently under fifty different legal frameworks. Congress wasn’t trying to make college athletics more commercial. The marketplace had already done that. Lawmakers were trying to determine whether the nation’s most valuable amateur sports enterprise could continue operating without a coherent national framework. The Protect College Sports Act acknowledges today’s reality: NIL, revenue sharing and athlete mobility are here to stay. **WHY A NATIONAL PLAYBOOK MATTERS** Imagine NFL teams operating under different salary-cap rules depending on the state in which they play. Or Major League Baseball allowing free agency in California but not Texas. That’s the direction college athletics was heading. Congress concluded that when athletes—and the money surrounding them—cross state lines every day, the rules should as well. THE ANTITRUST HAIL MARY Nothing generates more debate than antitrust protections. Critics argue the bill grants the NCAA immunity. Supporters counter that any protections are narrowly tailored. The legislation attempts to strike a balance by protecting governance activities under the new federal framework without creating blanket immunity. Whether the courts ultimately agree remains one of the biggest unanswered questions. **INSTITUTIONAL NIL: THE NEXT FRONTIER** Forget autograph signings and shoe deals. The real revolution is institutional compensation. Universities are preparing to share revenue directly with athletes. Congress rewrote early language to better align with the House settlement because schools need one workable compliance system—not competing ones. **RECRUITING: ALWAYS THE ULTIMATE X-FACTOR** Every coach says championships are won in recruiting. Congress quickly discovered that roster management, scholarship limits and transfer rules cannot be separated. The compromise preserved guardrails while giving schools greater operational flexibility. **HOW THE SEC AND BIG TEN REWROTE THE SCRIPT** On conference expansion, media rights, institutional NIL and recruiting, the SEC and Big Ten shaped the debate. Congress discovered it could not build a lasting governance structure without the conferences driving the sport’s economic engine. The final proposal became less a congressional monologue than a negotiated framework. **WHY LSU CAN’T SIT OUT** LSU already lives in this world: NIL collectives, revenue-sharing projections, transfer-portal recruiting, multibillion-dollar media contracts and Louisiana’s HB 608. The athletic department is simultaneously implementing revenue sharing, competing for elite talent, operating under state law and benefiting from the SEC’s unmatched television economics. If Congress creates a clearer national framework, LSU could gain greater certainty while preserving its competitive advantages. **THE SEC EDGE** Throughout the negotiations, the SEC’s financial influence proved impossible to ignore. Television revenue fuels coaching salaries, facilities, recruiting and athlete compensation. Congress ultimately adjusted portions of the legislation to reflect that reality. For LSU, SEC membership remains one of its greatest strategic advantages. **THE END OF THE NCAA ERA** College sports has endured revolutions before—television, scholarships, conference realignment and the College Football Playoff—but none fundamentally redistributed power the way this moment has. The Protect College Sports Act isn’t about one NIL provision. It’s about building the legal architecture for the next era of college athletics. **THE LAST WORD** A decade from now, fans won’t remember committee votes or amendment language. They’ll remember the moment college athletics finally acknowledged what it had become: a multibillion-dollar enterprise shaped by television, economics, empowered athletes and the courts. The Protect College Sports Act is Washington’s attempt to catch up. Whether it passes as written, changes significantly or gives way to another proposal, one reality remains. The governance model that shaped college athletics for more than a century is over. What replaces it will define the next hundred years. For LSU, the future isn’t approaching. It’s already on the field. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Big Ten, College Sports legislation, Congress, lsu football, NCAA, sec, The Protect College Sports Act --- ### [SEC and Big Ten Face Wednesday Deadline on Protect College Sports Act - Congress Blinked First](https://www.tigerrag.com/protect-college-sports-act-sec-big-ten-wednesday-deadline/) **Published:** July 28, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** By TODD HORNE, EXECUTIVE EDITOR For the first time since Congress decided it could fix college athletics, Washington has run out of leverage. By 9 a.m. Wednesday, the SEC and Big Ten are expected to tell Senate negotiators whether months of revisions have produced a Protect College Sports Act they can support. That deadline represents a pivotal moment for the future governance of college athletics. Think about how extraordinary that is. Congress is asking the two most powerful conferences in college sports to decide the fate of the most consequential legislation in decades while negotiations are still being finalized. ## Washington Blinked When the Protect College Sports Act was introduced, lawmakers sought national NIL standards, antitrust protections, transfer reform and a framework to stabilize college athletics. The SEC and Big Ten responded that the proposal did not go far enough in protecting their interests, and negotiations shifted accordingly. ## The Bill Changed Conference expansion language softened. Media-rights pooling moved toward a voluntary model. Funding provisions were revised, including a reported $20 million athlete retention fund and a $5 million women’s sports fund. These were substantive negotiations, not cosmetic edits. ## Why LSU Should Care Every significant issue affecting LSU athletics—NIL, roster construction, revenue sharing, recruiting, transfer rules and future media rights—could be influenced by this legislation. Whatever emerges from Washington will directly affect the SEC’s operating environment. ## The Moment of Truth Even after weeks of revisions, neither the SEC nor the Big Ten has formally endorsed the legislation. Wednesday’s response will reveal whether Congress has negotiated enough to secure the support of the conferences that drive college football’s economics. Washington began this process believing it would rewrite college athletics. Instead, it spent much of the summer rewriting its own bill. By Wednesday morning, we’ll know whether those revisions were enough. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, LSU athletics, LSU Football News, More LSU Sports **Tags:** Big Ten, College Sports, Congress, lsu athletics, Moment of Truth, Protect College Sports Act, sec --- ### [LSU Football Adds Defensive Assistant Kevin Sherrer, A Former Coordinator At Georgia Tech And Tennessee](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-adds-defensive-assistant-kevin-sherrer-a-former-coordinator-at-georgia-tech-and-tennessee/) **Published:** July 28, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES A Southeastern Conference-tested defensive football coach has joined LSU coach Lane Kiffin’s staff. Kevin Sherrer, a former defensive coordinator at Tennessee in 2018 and outside linebackers coach at Georgia from 2014-17, has joined the Tigers’ staff as a defensive assistant or analyst. > NEW: Kevin Sherrer is joining Lane Kiffin’s defensive staff, sources confirm. Title and responsibilities still TBD. > > The longtime assistant has spent time at Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee and in the NFL. He spent the spring as the DC with the Birmingham Stallions of the UFL.… > > — Matt Moscona (@MattMoscona) [July 28, 2026](https://x.com/MattMoscona/status/2082221841565810844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Sherrer, 53, was most recently the defensive coordinator last spring for the Birmingham Stallions of the United. Football League. He was Georgia State’s defensive coordinator in 2024 after coordinating Georgia Tech’s defense in 2023. He also has NFL experience, having coached the New York Giants linebacker in 2020 and ’21. A native of Oneonta, Alabama, Sherrer was a a tight end at Alabama 1993-95 and served as a Crimson Tide graduate assistant for from 1998-2000 before coaching at Hoover High School in Hoover, Alabama. He was on Alabama coach Nick Saban’s staff director of player development from 2010-12 before being named defensive coordinator at South Alabama in 2013. Sherrer coached Georgia’s outside linebackers from 2014-17 before being named defensive coordinator at Tennessee in 2018. After just one season, he was moved to special teams coordinator with the Vols. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Kevin Sherrer, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Player Profile No. 9 Tre Brown III: From Hutchinson Community College To LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-9-tre-brown-iii-from-hutchinson-community-college-to-lsu/) **Published:** July 28, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES If LSU football coach Lane Kiffin thinks you can play, it doesn’t matter where you used to play. Such is the case with redshirt junior transfer wide receiver Tre Brown III of Old Dominion in Norfolk, Virginia, via Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas. > [New LSU Receiver Tre Brown III Of Old Dominion Says Baton Rouge Felt Like Home](https://www.tigerrag.com/new-lsu-receiver-tre-brown-iii-of-old-dominion-says-baton-rouge-felt-like-home/) Brown (6-foot-2, 190 pounds) caught 38 passes for 762 yards for Old Dominion in the Sun Belt Conference last season and signed with the Tigers as the No. 122 portal prospect in the nation and No. 29 wide receiver. After displaying excellent ability at spring practice, he is being called the sleeper of Kiffin’s portal class. **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** *Elite deep ball receiver averaged over 20 yards a catch with great speed and contested catch ability in one FBS season.* **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** *A third team All-Sun Belt wide receiver who joined the Tigers in January of 2026 through the transfer portal after one season at Old Dominion … Earned third-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors in 2025 after leading the league in yards per catch (20.05) … Led ODU to a 10-3 mark and a win over South Florida in the Cure Bowl … Started all 13 games for ODU in what was his first FBS season … Played first year of college ball at Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College where he helped team to the NJCAA Division I national title … Comes to LSU with 38 career receptions for 762 yards and 4 TDs … Native of Savannah, Ga., and prepped at Jenkins High School.* **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2025 at Old Dominion)** *Earned third-team All-Sun Belt Conference honors after leading the league in yards per reception (20.05) and No. 4 in receiving yards (762) … Started all 13 games for ODU, catching 38 passes for 762 yards and 4 TDs … Hauled in 4 passes for 138 yards, including a school-record 98-yard reception, against James Madison … Scored 2 TDs vs. James Madison … Had 5 catches for 112 yards in win over Troy … Caught at least 1 pass in every game with season-highs of 5 receptions vs. Troy and Louisiana-Monroe … Had 3 receptions for 27 yards in season-opener against No. 1 Indiana … Other TD came in win over Virginia Tech … Helped ODU to only the second 10-win season in school history and just the second bowl victory … ODU beat South Florida in the Cure Bowl … Caught 1 pass for 11 yards in the 24-10 win over South Florida.* **REDSHIRT FRESHMAN SEASON (2024 at Hutchinson Community College)** *Played in nine games in 2024, catching 30 passes for 566 yards and 10 TDs … Earned first-team All-Conference honors … Helped Hutchinson to an 11-1 record at the 2024 NJCAA Division I national title with a 28-23 victory over Iowa Western … Caught 3 passes for 66 yards and a TD in title game … Scored go-ahead points in title game on a 34-yard reception in the third quarter, putting Hutchinson up for good at 21-17.* **FRESHMAN SEASON (2023 at Hutchinson Community College)** *Medical redshirt.* **HIGH SCHOOL** *Had 21 receptions for 487 yards and 5 touchdowns as a senior at Jenkins High School in Georgia.* **Career Highs** *Receptions: 5, 2x (Last: vs. Troy, 2025) Receiving Yards: 138 vs. James Madison, 2025 Receiving TDs: 2 vs. James Madison, 2025 Long Reception: 98 vs. James Madison, 2025* **100-Yard Games** *138 (4 rec.) vs. James Madison, Oct. 18, 2025 112 (5 rec.) vs. Troy, Nov. 13, 2025* **NEXT:** Junior punter Grant Chadwick **PREVIOUS BIOS:** DT [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) Defensive End [Lamar Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Tre Brown III --- ### [Three Former LSU Basketball Standouts Headed Down Under](https://www.tigerrag.com/three-former-lsu-basketball-standouts-headed-down-under/) **Published:** July 28, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICE Three former Tigers are headed to Australia’s National Basketball League. Skylar Mays signed a one-year deal with the South East Melbourne Phoenix, Max Mackinnon inked a two-year contract with the Brisbane Bullets and Darius Days is returning to the Illawarra Hawks on a one-year deal. Mackinnon is a Brisbane, Australia native who played for the Bullets as a developmental player as a 17-year-old. The 6-foot-6 guard enrolled at Elon University in 2022 and spent two seasons there before transferring to Portland. He played just his senior season at LSU and averaged a career-high 15.7 points, 2.6 assists and 2.5 rebounds a game while shooting 37.6% from three. > Max Mackinnon has signed a two-year deal with the Brisbane Bullets, sources told ESPN. The 6'6 guard joins his hometown team, after averaging 15.7 ppg (37.6% 3PT), 2.6 rpg, and 2.5 apg as a senior at LSU. > > — Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) [July 28, 2026](https://x.com/OlgunUluc/status/2081915243945750718?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) His dad, Sam Mackinnon, is an NBL legend. He was the 1994 Rookie of the Year, won championships in 1996 with the Melbourne Magic and 2007 with the Bullets and was named League and Grand Finals MVP in 2007. He is currently the head coach of the Southside Melbourne Flyers in the WNBL. Mays, a 6-foot-4 guard, helped the Tigers to a Sweet 16 appearance as a junior in 2019. The Baton Rouge native played three seasons at LSU and averaged 12.4 points, 2.9 assists, 3.1 rebounds and 1.6 steals a game in 121 starts. Mays was named second-team All-SEC in 2019 when he started all 31 games and averaged 16.7 points on 39.4% three-point shooting. > Skylar Mays has signed a one-year deal with the South East Melbourne Phoenix, the team says. The 6’3 PG is coming off a season with KK Budućnost, where he averaged 8.3 ppg, 2.0 rpg, and 1.7 apg in all competitions; prior to that, he had a four-year NBA stint. > > — Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) [July 27, 2026](https://x.com/OlgunUluc/status/2081877885271593436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The Atlanta Hawks selected Mays with the 50th pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. He played 61 games in two seasons in Atlanta but averaged just eight minutes a game. He played brief stints with the Trail Blazers and Lakers and spent some time in the NBA G League. He moves to Australia after playing last season in the Turkish basketball league for KK Budućnost in Montenegro. Phoenix General Manager of Basketball Operations Simon Mitchell said Mays would be a valuable addition to the roster. “He’s a dynamic guard who can create his own shot, make plays for teammates, and defend multiple positions,” he said. “Those qualities are invaluable in our league, and we’re confident our fans will enjoy watching him compete every night.” Days was a sharpshooting 6-foot-7 power forward at LSU. He played four years as a Tiger and started three seasons. He was a freshman on the 2019 Sweet 16 team and a veteran leader on teams that earned back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances in 2021 and 2022. Days averaged 10.3 points and 4.4 rebounds in his LSU career and shot 35.3 % from three. > Darius Days has signed a one-year deal with the Illawarra Hawks, the team says. Days – a 6’7 American forward – was a member of the Hawks team that won the 2025 NBL Championship; he averaged 10.2 ppg (33.6% 3PT) and 6.1 rpg that season in Illawarra. > > — Olgun Uluc (@OlgunUluc) [July 28, 2026](https://x.com/OlgunUluc/status/2082019425415536644?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Days returns to Illawarra after helping the Hawks to an NBL championship in 2025. He averaged 11.4 points and 6.6 rebounds in 33 games during their championship season, but his year ended early with a hamstring injury. After leaving the Hawks, Days spent time in Japan’s B League and the Philippines’ PBA. Hawks Chief Operations Officer, Basketball Mat Campbell said “You don’t forget a player who helped deliver a championship. Darius gave us rebounding and outside shooting when we needed it most. Subject to NBL approval, we’re looking forward to what he adds to this squad for NBL27.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball **Tags:** darius days, lsu basketball, Max MacKinnon, skylar mays --- ### [Ex-LSU Star Jamal Adams Signing With Vikings For 10th NFL Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/ex-lsu-star-jamal-adams-signing-with-vikings-for-10th-nfl-season/) **Published:** July 28, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICE Former LSU All-American safety Jamal Adams is signing with the Minnesota Vikings. The 30-year-old will be entering his 10th NFL season. > Year 10. [\#skol](https://x.com/hashtag/skol?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Jamal Adams (@Prez) [July 28, 2026](https://x.com/Prez/status/2081901218843025862?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Once one of football’s best safeties, Adams made four starts and played in all 17 games as a linebacker for the Las Vegas Raiders last year. The three-time Pro Bowler could return to his role at safety if veteran Viking Harrison Smith decides to retire. More likely, he will serve as a versatile depth defender who could see use as a safety, linebacker or even edge rusher under coordinator Brian Flores. Adams has not been a full-time starter since his 2021 season with the Seattle Seahawks. He played just 20 games in the three seasons before last year’s Raiders campaign and had brief stints with the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions. An All-American and All-Southeastern Conference player in 2016 for the Tigers, Adams was the sixth pick of the 2017 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He played three seasons in New York and was named to two Pro Bowls and the 2019 All-Pro first team. He was traded to Seattle in 2020 and earned another Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection. Adams started 12 games each of his first two seasons with the Seahawks before a season-ending torn quadriceps tendon in week one of the 2022 season. Adams has started 87 games and recorded 546 tackles, 22.5 sacks and four interceptions in nine years in the NFL. His 9.5 sacks in 2020 are the NFL record for most by a defensive back in a season, and he ranks sixth in career sacks for an NFL DB. Vikings general manager Nolan Teasley took over in Minnesota this summer. He was the Seahawks’ director of pro personnel when they traded for Adams in 2020. > [DAMN STRONG SAFETY](https://www.tigerrag.com/damn-strong-safety-jamal-adams-lsu/) At LSU, Adams was named an All-American in 2016, All-SEC in 2016 and 2015 and Freshman All-American and Freshman All-SEC in 2014. He played in 37 games and made 26 starts as a Tiger. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** jamal adams, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Minnesota Vikings --- ### [Why Lane Kiffin Made Sure He Retained Blake Baker As Defensive Coordinator](https://www.tigerrag.com/why-lane-kiffin-made-sure-he-retained-blake-baker-as-defensive-coordinator/) **Published:** July 28, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Former LSU coach Nick Saban did not enjoy losing, but he enthusiastically reacted to some of them because they were excellent teaching points. After a fortunate, 22-21 overtime win by his No. 4 and defending national champion Tigers over unranked Oregon State to open the 2004 season, Saban actually said it may have been better to lose that game, because he felt his team was overconfident. When he did lose games, he usually fully took advantage. Over his last three regular seasons from 2002-04 of his five as LSU’s coach, Saban never lost consecutive games and won the national title in the 2003 season. As Alabama’s coach from 2007-23, he never lost consecutive games in a regular season from 2008-23 and won national crowns in 2009, ’11, ’12, ’15, ’17 and ’20. “Never miss an opportunity to learn from a loss,” LSU coach Lane Kiffin said he remembers Nick Saban saying while Kiffin was Saban’s offensive coordinator from 2014-16. > [LSU’s Blake Baker Is Holding Out For A “Final Destination” Head Coaching Job](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-blake-baker-is-holding-out-for-a-final-destination-head-coaching-job/) Kiffin, as the head coach from Florida Atlantic from 2017-19 and Ole Miss from 2020-25, split four games with Blake Baker, the aggressive, blitz-happy defensive coordinator now entering his third season at LSU. He was previously DC at Louisiana Tech (2015-18), Miami (2019-20) and Missouri (2022-23). And Kiffin remembers the losses well. **Oct. 26, 2018 – Louisiana Tech 21, Florida Atlantic 13:** Baker was in his fourth season as Tech’s defensive coordinator. Kiffin was in his second as Florida Atlantic’s head coach, and he did not have a good day in a home game at Boca Raton. Baker’s defense allowed one third down conversion to Kiffin’s offense in 11 tries while collecting three sacks and holding FAU quarterback Rave Peavey to 15-of-26 passing for 115 yards with an interception. “We just screwed up with some turnovers and were atrocious on third down,” Kiffin sad after the game. **Oct. 12, 2024 – No. 13 LSU 29, No. 8 Ole Miss 26 In Overtime:** Kiffin brought in a 5-1 team ranked No. 9 in the nation with the No. 1 portal class in the country. The Rebels dominated the first quarter with 140 yards to 42, but didn’t score on Baker’s defense. Ole Miss led 17-13 at the half, but it should have been by more as Kiffin went for it on fourth and one from the LSU 4-yard line and failed. The Rebels allowed six sacks to Baker’s blitzing, and the loss kept them out of the College Football Playoff as they finished 10-3 and 5-3 in the SEC. The year before without Baker at LSU and Matt House running LSU’s defense, Ole Miss beat the Tigers, 55-49, with 706 total yards – the most against LSU in history. Quarterback Jaxson Dart threw for 389 and four touchdowns, and Quinshon Judkins rushed for 177 yards on 33 carries. “Playing LSU every year like we did at the previous place (Ole Miss), we had to watch the transformation defensively when Blake got here and how much they improved each season,” Kiffin said when he retained Baker after the 2025 regular season after Kiffin left Ole Miss for the LSU coaching job. At the time, Baker’s alma mater Tulane, where he played linebacker from 2000-04, tried to make him its head coach. Baker’s defenses at LSU have improved incrementally from 2023 to 2024 and from 2024 to 2025. “It was really critical to keep him, because now we want to go to another level and play really physical, dominant defense that creates a lot of havoc and turnovers and plays with great discipline,” Kiffin said. > [LSU Football: Blake Baker’s Cleat Marks Are All Over Tigers’ Defense, Says New Edge Jordan Ross](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-blake-bakers-cleat-marks-are-all-over-tigers-defense-says-new-edge-jordan-ross/) Tennessee transfer edge rusher Jordan Ross was taken aback by Baker during LSU’s spring practice. “You don’t expect the defensive coordinator to be in some cleats and just start jukin’ everybody, but he definitely got me,” Ross said. “To be honest, he kind of surprised me when he had the cleats on. I’m like, ‘Why does he have cleats on?’ Because I’m not really used to that. I remember the first day, he’s just running out there. I’ve never seen that before. And he’s just having a blast being out there with us.” If a coach’s goal is creating havoc, he has to look and act the part. “We’re going to cause havoc on the field,” Ross said. “That’s what we worked on in spring.” Baker’s defense is all about pushing chaos. And for the first time at LSU, he appears to have the type players at all positions to do that with his disguised coverages, gap blitzes and blitzes from all areas on the field, particularly cornerback. “We like to keep opponents on their toes and guessing where we’re coming from,” Baker said. “It’s about pressure.” Kiffin remembers that. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** blake baker, Jordan Ross, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Tulane Green Wave --- ### [Brian Kelly Will Debut On CBS At North Dakota State Vs. Jacksonville State With Bigger Games To Follow](https://www.tigerrag.com/brian-kelly-will-debut-on-cbs-at-north-dakota-state-vs-jacksonville-state-with-bigger-games-to-follow/) **Published:** July 28, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Former LSU coach Brian Kelly will join CBS Sports college football coverage this season as analyst on the network’s weekly studio show “Inside College Football” on Tuesdays during the season. He will also call select games, primarily in the Pac-12 and ?Mountain West conferences. Kelly’s broadcast booth debut will come Saturday, Aug. 29, on CBS Sports Network in a week zero matchup between North Dakota State and Jacksonville State at 4:30 p.m. central time. It will be the Bison’s first game as an FBS program and member of the Mountain West. Kelly is also slated to call Texas Tech at Oregon State in week two and BYU at Colorado State in week three. Both games will be broadcast on CBS at 6:30 p.m. > [LSU Gives Up Fight Vs. Brian Kelly And Now Plans To Pay Him Full $54 Million Buyout After All](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-gives-up-fight-vs-brian-kelly-and-now-plans-to-pay-him-full-54-million-buyout-after-all/) Kelly was, of course, fired by LSU last season after posting a 34-14 record as the Tigers’ head coach with no playoff appearances. He is in the process of collecting roughly $54 million buyout (minus what he receives from his CBS job) from LSU in monthy installments. His contract required he at least actively seek another coaching job, not necessarily get one. It also states that LSU’s obligation to pay the buyout can be reduced by however much Kelly makes in football-related employment, including coaching, administration or media, such as his CBS gig. The details of Kelly’s CBS contract have not been released, and it almost certainly will not put much of a dent in the $54 million for which LSU is on the hook. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** brian kelly, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football Player Profile No. 8: Elite Lamar Brown's Signing Capped Huge Early Days Of Lane Kiffin Era](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-8-elite-lamar-browns-signing-capped-huge-early-days-of-lane-kiffin-era/) **Published:** July 28, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICE Freshman defensive end Lamar Brown is one of the highest-ranked recruits to sign with LSU. He will contend for playing time right away. Brown (6-foot-4, 295 pounds) was a consensus five-star and ESPN’s No. 1 prospect in the 2026 class. He played both offensive and defensive line at University Lab School in Baton Rouge. When he signed last December with new LSU coach Lane Kiffin, who was not even a week on the job, it capped off an eventful opening for Kiffin, who previously signed top-ranked defensive lineman Richard Anderson and kept defensive coordinator Blake Baker away from head coaching jobs at Tulane and Memphis to stay at LSU. > [No. 1 Player In The Land Lamar Brown Signs With LSU As Lane Kiffin Tops Off 1st Work Week](https://www.tigerrag.com/no-1-player-in-the-land-lamar-brown-signs-with-lsu-as-lane-kiffin-tops-off-1st-work-week/) **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** *One of the nation’s most elite recruits, Brown is a two-way star with the speed, size and agility to make a rotational impact as a true freshman.* **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** *The No. 1 rated high school prospect in America … Consensus 5-star rating and listed as the nation’s No. 1 overall prep play in the Rivals composite and by ESPN … One of only 8 players nationally with a 5-star plus rating in the Rivals composite … Dominant during his prep career at University Lab School … Played high school football games in the shadows of Tiger Stadium … LSU’s first No. 1 overall signee since running back Leonard Fournette in 2014 … First-Team 3A All-State as a defensive lineman in 2025 … Named the Baton Rouge Advocate’s Outstanding Defensive Player for Small Schools (3A, 2A, 1A) in 2025 … Had 29 tackles, 9 tackles for loss, 3 sacks and 2 forced fumbles in 2025 … Earned MaxPreps First-Team All-American honors on top of All-State honors as an offensive lineman in 2024 and 2023 … Played offensive and defensive line in high school and competed on the track and field team as a state champion in the shot put and discus … Led University to the district title and an appearance in the state semifinals as a senior in 2025 … Coached by Andy Martin.* **NEXT:** Redshirt junior transfer wide receiver Tre Brown, formerly of Ole Dominion. **PREVIOUS BIOS:** DT [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) Wide Receiver [Jayce Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Lamar Brown, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Player Profile No. 7 - Kansas State Transfer Jayce Brown Could Be LSU's Next Top Receiver](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-player-profile-no-7-kansas-state-transfer-jayce-brown-could-be-lsus-next-top-receiver/) **Published:** July 27, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The LSU wide receiver room needs a star to emerge. Kansas State senior transfer Jayce Brown is the safest bet to do just that. Brown (5-foot-11, 175 pounds) is expected to earn starting reps as the Tigers’ “X” receiver. The senior arrives at LSU as the No. 10 WR in On3.com’s transfer rankings and the No. 38 overall player. He started nine games and hauled in 41 receptions for 712 yards and five TDs at Kansas State last season. > [LSU Adds Eighth Total Portal Transfer from No. 3 WR Jayce Brown of Kansas State](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-adds-seventh-total-portal-transfer-from-no-3-wr-jayce-brown-of-kansas-state/) **Tiger Rag Scouting Report:** *Brown is a veteran receiver with experience to provide stability in a rebuilt room. He projects to be a leading receiver with elite speed, polished route-running and a deep understanding of college defenses.* **Biography Notes:** *Playmaking wide receiver who joins LSU after 3 seasons at Kansas State … A third-team All-Big 12 selection in 2025 after hauling in 41 passes for 712 yards and 5 TDs … Ranked among the Top 10 wide receivers in Kansas State history with 115 career receptions for 1,972 yards and 13 TDs … Departed Kansas State ranked No. 8 in program history in receiving yards (1,972) and No. 10 in TD receptions (13) … Averaged 17.1 yards per catch at Kansas State, which ranks No. 8 in program history … Of his 115 career receptions at Kansas State, 34 covered 20 or more yards with 21 going for 30-plus yards and 13 going 40 yards or more … Played in 33 games with 27 starts in 3 years with the Wildcats … Caught at least 1 pass in 31 of the 33 games in which he has appeared … Had streak of 25 straight games with a reception snapped against UCF in week 5 of the 2025 season when he left the game in the first quarter with an injury … Had 5 100-yard receiving games during his career with a best of 160 yards at Kansas in 2025 … Helped Kansas State to a pair of 9-win seasons and 2 bowl appearances … Father, Don, was drafted in the 15th round of the 1985 MLB Amateur Draft by the Cincinnati Reds … An outfielder, he played 6 seasons of Minor League Baseball, reaching the AA level … Sister Brittany played basketball at Florida State from 2013-17 and currently plays professionally overseas … She appeared in 138 games with a career scoring average of 8.6 points and 4.9 rebounds and helped Florida State to 4 NCAA Tournament appearances, including the Elite Eight twice … Other sister Gabby played basketball at East Tennessee State and West Florida* **JUNIOR SEASON (2025 at Kansas State)** *Played in 10 games with 9 starts … Missed final 2 games of the season … Finished with 41 receptions for 712 yards and 5 TDs … Led team in receiving yards and was second in receptions and receiving TDs … Tallied 3 100-yard games with a season-high 160 yards and a TD on 4 receptions vs. Kansas … Led the Big 12 in receptions of 30 or more yards with 10 and was No. 2 in the league in catches of 40-plus yards with 4 … Had career-best 12 receptions for 109 yards and a scored against North Dakota … Other 100-yard game came against Baylor (4 rec., 106 yards, 1 TD) … Ranked No. 10 in the FBS in receptions of 30 or more yards with 10 … Ran streak of consecutive games with a catch to 25 straight with 6 receptions for 68 yards at Arizona … Had streak snapped the following week against UCF when he left the game in the first quarter with an injury … Caught at least 2 passes in his final 5 appearances in a Kansas State uniform capped with 3 receptions for 82 yards and a TD at Oklahoma State.* **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2024 at Kansas State)** *Appeared in 13 games with 12 starts … Led team in all receiving categories with 47 receptions for 823 yards and 5 TDs … The 823 receiving yards were the most by a Kansas State player since 2014 and ranks as the most in program history by a sophomore … Caught at least 1 pass in all 13 games with a season-best 6 coming against Colorado … Averaged 17.5 yards per catch with 13 of his receptions going for at least 20 yards … Had 7 receptions of at least 40 yards, which ranked No. 4 nationally … Had 4 go for 50 yards or more, which ranked No. 8 in the FBS … Had 2 100-yard games – 121 yards and 2 TDs on 6 catches vs. Colorado and 106 yards and 2 TDs on 3 receptions vs. Iowa State … Caught game-winning TD vs. Colorado on a 50-yard reception with 2:14 left in the contest … Had season-long 65-yard TD reception vs. Iowa State … Team went 9-4 for second straight year capped with a 44-41 win over Rutgers in the Rate Bowl.* **FRESHMAN SEASON (2023 at Kansas State)** *10 games with 6 starts … First career start came against Houston … Started final 6 games of the season … Finished year with 27 receptions for 437 yards and 3 TDs … Had season-high 96 yards on 4 receptions vs. Kansas in Week 11 … Caught 5 passes for 69 yards vs. Iowa State in regular-season finale and followed that with 5 receptions for 52 yards and a TD in win over NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl … His 11-yard TD reception against NC State came with 2:48 left in the contest and put the game out of reach at 28-19 … Had 9 receptions of 20 yards or more … Scored on a 46-yard TD reception on the first play of the game vs. Kansas … Played a total of 373 offensive snaps with 351 of them coming over the final 8 games of the season … Team went 9-4 overall and capped year with a 28-19 victory over NC State in the Pop-Tarts Bowl.* **HIGH SCHOOL** *Played at Choctawhatchee under head coach Frank Beasley… Rated with 3-stars … Earned first-team all-state honors as a senior from FloridaHSFootball.com in addition to first-team all-area honors after hauling in 48 receptions for 925 yards and 12 touchdowns … Added 10 interceptions on defense … Helped lead the Indians to the third round of the playoffs in 2022 … Also competed in basketball, baseball and track and field.* **Career Highs** ***Receiving*** *Receptions: 12 vs. North Dakota, 2025* *Yards: 160 at Kansas, 2025* *TDs: 2, 2x (Last: at Iowa State, 2024; First: at Colorado, 2024)* *Long Reception: 78 at Kansas, 2025* ***Rushing*** *Attempts: 3 vs. Rutgers (2024 Rate Bowl)* *Yards: 75 at Arizona, 2025* *TDs: 1 at Arizona, 2025* *Long rush: 75 at Arizona, 2025* **NEXT:** Freshman defensive end Lamar Brown. **PREVIOUS BIOS:** DT [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) Offensive Guard [Bo Bordelon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Jayce Brown, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football Player Profile No. 6 - Guard Bo Bordelon Has Taken Advantage Of Coaching Change](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-player-profile-no-6-guard-bo-bordelon-has-taken-advantage-of-coaching-change/) **Published:** July 27, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Fifth-year senior Bo Bordelon (6-foot-6, 305 pounds) of Raceland started one game through four seasons at LSU, but he won the starting job at left guard during spring practice. “Our line coaches have been really excited about him from day one,” LSU coach Lane Kiffin said. “Sometimes new coaches come in and see different things in players, or a different system helps them.” > [LSU Football: Rising 5th-Year Senior Guard Bo Bordelon Is Old School – As In Anti-Transfer Portal](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-rising-5th-year-senior-guard-bo-bordelon-is-old-school-as-in-anti-transfer-portal/) Case in point – Bordelon, the son of Ben Bordelon, who was an All-Southeastern Conference offensive lineman in 1996 for the Tigers. Through four seasons, he saw action in 42 games at left guard, left tackle, right tackle, tight end and right guard, where he started his only game so far in 2024. **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** Has worked his way up gradually from a three-star signee from Newman High in New Orleans to the starting five. **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** *Following in the footsteps of his dad Ben Bordelon, who was a standout offensive lineman for the Tigers in the 1990s … Versatile player who can lineup at any position on the offensive line as well as tight end in short-yardage situations … Wears No. 67 when playing on offense line, but switches to No. 89 when lining up a tight end … Also a contributor on special teams … Has appeared in 42 games in his 4 years with the Tigers with 1 start (vs. Baylor in 2024 Texas Bowl) … Four-time member of the SEC Academic Honor Roll … Younger brother Brett is a redshirt freshman for the Tigers … Called signing with LSU a “dream come true” … Father, Ben Bordelon, was an All-SEC lineman for the Tigers in the 1990s and played professionally for the San Diego Chargers … Took part in LSU’s Study Abroad program in May of 2023 when he joined 10 of his teammates on a 10-day trip to Senegal … Majoring in management.* **JUNIOR SEASON (2025)** *Appeared in all 13 games seeing action at left guard (11 snaps), left tackle (1 snap), right tackle (2 snaps) and tight end (9 snaps) … Also played 127 special teams snaps with 63 coming as the shield on punt protection and 60 at field goal and PATs … Played a season-high 9 offensive snaps in win over Southeastern Louisiana … Saw action on 7 offensive snaps in win over Louisiana Tech … Other offensive snaps came against Florida (1), South Carolina (2) and Western Kentucky (2) … Named to SEC Academic Honor Roll for the fourth consecutive season.* **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2024)** *Played in all 13 games with 1 start … Made first career start (right guard) in LSU’s win over Baylor in the Texas Bowl … LSU’s offensive line didn’t allow a sack in the 44-31 win over Baylor … Played a total of 78 offensive snaps with a season-high 32 coming in Texas Bowl … Played 51 snaps on the offensive line and 27 at tight end … Saw action at 4 positions on the offensive line (36 at RG, 11 at LG, 3 at LT, 1 at RT) … Served as a short-yardage tight end for most of the year … Wore No. 89 when appearing as a tight end and on special teams … Wore No. 67 when playing the offensive line … Added another 106 snaps on special teams (33 on punt protection, 71 on field goal/PAT protection) … Didn’t allow a sack in 32 pass protection opportunities.* **REDSHIRT FRESHMAN SEASON (2023)** *Appeared in all 13 games with no starts … Saw action on special teams protection units in every game … Played 62 offensive snaps with a season-high 27 coming in win over Army … Played 23 snaps vs. Grambling, 7 vs. Mississippi State and 5 vs. Georgia State … Saw action on 98 special teams plays.* **FRESHMAN SEASON (2022)** *Redshirted as a true freshman … Appeared in 3 games – Southern, New Mexico and Purdue in the Citrus Bowl … Logged a total of 15 snaps … Played season-high 8 snaps vs. Southern in his LSU debut … Played 3 offensive snaps vs. New Mexico and 4 vs. Purdue.* **HIGH SCHOOL** *One of the top offensive linemen in the state of Louisiana for the Class of 2022 … Played final two seasons at Newman in New Orleans after transferring from E.D. White … Helped Newman to back-to-back appearances in the Louisiana Division III state semifinals in 2020 and 2021 … Team posted a 9-1 mark in 2020 … Rated a four-star prospect by ESPN and Rivals and three-stars by 247sports… No. 27 prospect state-wide and No. 45 in the nation by 247sports… Named to the 2022 Under Armour All-America game roster.* **NEXT:** Senior transfer wide receiver Jayce Brown of Kansas State. **PREVIOUS BIOS:** DT [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) Offensive Guard [Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) Safety [Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) Running Back [Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) Defensive Tackle[ Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** bo bordelon, lane kiffin, lsu, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football Is 40 Days Away From Opening The Season, And Here Is Player Profile No. 5 - DT Malik Blocton](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-is-40-days-away-from-opening-the-season-and-here-is-player-profile-no-5-dt-malik-blocton/) **Published:** July 27, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES If junior Malik Blocton can continue his steady development over his two seasons at Auburn, LSU may have found a solid starter or backup in the rotation at defensive tackle in the No. 141 prospect in the portal last January and No. 17 defensive lineman. > [LSU Lands 13th Transfer From No. 11 DL Malik Blocton Of Auburn](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-lands-13th-transfer-from-no-11-dl-malik-blocton-of-auburn/) Blocton (6-foot-3, 286 pounds) of Pike Road, Alabama, near Montgomery started the last eight games of the 2025 season for Auburn. He started twice out of 12 games as a true freshman in 2024 and has played in 24 games in two seasons. **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** Experienced addition with size and strength to play meaningful snaps immediately. A sturdy presence against the run and another mature option in a defensive tackle rotation. **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** *Dominant defensive tackle who joined the LSU program after 2 seasons at Auburn … Appeared in 24 games at Auburn, starting 10 times, including final 8 games of the 2025 season … Tallied 34 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and a pair of sacks in 2 years on the Plains … Brother Marcus Harris played football at Kansas and Auburn and was selected in the seventh round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Houston Texans.* **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2025 at Auburn)** *Played in all 12 games with 8 starts … Started final 8 games of the season at defensive tackle … First start of year came at Texas A&M in week 5 … For season, registered 18 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and a half-sack … Recovered a fumble, had 2 tackles for loss and 3 total tackles vs. Ball State … Had a tackle for loss vs. South Alabama … Had third straight game with a tackle for loss against Oklahoma … Season-best 3 tackles against Texas A&M and Georgia … Had 2 tackles and a half-sack in season-finale against Alabama.* **FRESHMAN SEASON (2024 at Auburn)** *Appeared in 12 games with 2 starts as a true freshman … Tallied 16 tackles, 4.0 tackle for loss and 1.5 sacks … In first collegiate appearance, had 3 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss and a sack against Alabama A&M … First collegiate start came against Oklahoma … Other start came vs. Vanderbilt … Credited with a half-sack against Missouri … Tallied 2 tackles and a tackle for loss against Texas A&M … Named a midseason true freshman All-America by On3.* **HIGH SCHOOL** *Dominant defensive line prospect who registered 118 tackles (school record), 30 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks as a senior for coach Granger Shook at Pike Road High … Career stats: 323 tackles, and 45 sacks (both school records) … Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game … ASWA 6A lineman of the year finalist … Second-team all-state as a junior … 4-stars from Rivals, 24/7Sports … ESPN, On3, 247Sports, Rivals ranks him among top 25 prospects in state of Alabama … Leadership council and honor student … Also a basketball letterman.* **CAREER HIGHS** *Tackles: 4 vs. Alabama A&M, 2024 Tackles for Loss: 2.0, 2x (Last: vs. Ball State, 2025; First: vs. Alabama A&M, 2024) Sacks: 1 vs. Alabama A&M, 2024*. **NEXT:** Fifth-year senior offensive guard Bo Bordelon. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Auburn Tigers, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Malik Blocton --- ### [LSU Football Season Opener Is 41 Days Away, And Here Is Tiger Player Profile No. 4 - RB Harlem Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-opener-is-41-days-away-and-here-is-tiger-player-profile-no-4-rb-harlem-berry/) **Published:** July 26, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Look for sophomore running back Harlem Berry to challenge junior Caden Durham for the starting job this season. Berry (5-foot-10, 187 pounds) started the last six games of the 2025 season and rushed for 491 yards and two touchdowns on 104 carries as a true freshman. Tiger Rag is counting down the final days before LSU and Clemson kick off on Sept. 5 in Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC) with 42 player profiles. We started on Saturday, July 25 – 42 days away from kickoff – with the first of 42 player profiles. Today’s profile on Berry is No. 4. The countdown will be from A to W. We started with [Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) on Saturday and will finish during game week of the opener with cornerback PJ Woodland. > [LSU’s Harlem Berry “Faked” Interest In Other Schools During Recruiting – He Was Always LSU Bound](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-harlem-berry-faked-interest-in-other-schools-during-recruiting-he-was-always-lsu-bound/) **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** Former five-star prospect from St. Martin’s in Metairie enters second season positioned for a larger role. His acceleration and open-field speed give LSU a home-run threat who can change games. **BIOGRAPHY NOTES**: *Talented running back who emerged as LSU’s most productive runner midway through his true freshman season in 2025 .,.. Electric out of the backfield with a twitch that makes defenders miss … Has breakaway speed with ability to outrun defenders … Good at catching the ball out of the backfield as well with 8 receptions for 32 yards … An every down back who made an impact down the stretch once he got accustomed to LSU’s offense and pass protections … Finished second on the team in rushing yards (491) and caries (104) and led the team in yards per rush (4.7) … Started final 6 games of the season, leading LSU in rushing in 4 of those contests …. Named to SEC Academic Honor Roll following freshman season … Majoring in interdisciplinary studies.* **FRESHMAN SEASON (2025)** *Appeared in 13 games, starting final 6 contests of season … One of the top freshmen running backs in the SEC as a true freshman in 2025 … Rushed for 491 yards and 2 TDs on 104 carries … Averaged 4.7 yards per carry … Caught 8 passes for 32 yards … Ranked third among all freshmen in the SEC in rushing yards … Scored first career TD on a 6-yard run at Ole Miss … Rushed for 55 yards on 11 carries at Vanderbilt which prompted his first career start the following week against Texas A&M … Rushed for 59 yards and a TD on 9 carries against the Aggies … Scored on a 7-yard run in the second quarter against Texas A&M that put the Tigers up, 15-14 … Had his highest rushing total in an SEC game against Alabama with 66 yards, including a 37-yard run, on 12 carries … In win over Arkansas, rushed for 52 yards on 11 carries and caught 3 passes for 24 yards … Season-highs for rushing yards (80) and carries (18) in win over Western Kentucky.* **HIGH SCHOOL** *The nation’s top-rated running back for the Class of 2025 according to all four major recruiting services … A consensus 5-star prospect and the top-rated player in the state of Louisiana for the Class of 2025 … Listed with 5-stars from all major recruiting services – On3, ESPN, 247Sports, and Rivals … Prepped at St. Martin’s Episcopal School in Metairie … The On3 composite has him ranked No. 1 nationally at his position, No. 17 overall and the No. 2 player in Louisiana … Ranked as the No. 1 player in Louisiana by On3 and 247Sports and No. 2 by ESPN and Rivals … Capped regular-season of senior campaign with 1,666 rushing yards and 32 touchdowns … As a junior, rushed 158 times for 2,080 yards and 37 touchdowns … Caught 20 passes for 401 yards and 7 TDs … On defense, tallied 36 tackles, including 3 for losses and a sack … He also forced 2 fumbles and returned an interception 62 yards for a score … Entered senior season with 7,285 rushing yards and 114 touchdowns … As a freshman, rushed for 2,036 yards and 27 TDs … Topped the 2,000-yard rushing mark in each of his 4 seasons of high school football … In first round playoff win in 2024, rushed for 312 yards and 6 TDs on 24 carries in a 56-36 victory … In his first two years of high school, he amassed 4,723 all-purpose yards and 67 touchdowns … Named the Allstate Sugar Bowl’s Outstanding Male Amateur Athlete of the Year Award following his junior season … Three-time first-team 1A All-State selection (2021, 2022, 2023) … Also a standout in track, winning the 2022 Louisiana 1A state titles in the 100-meter (10.98 seconds) and 200-meter (22.68 seconds) dashes … Finished second in the Louisiana state outdoor track meet in the 200-meters in both 2023 (21.43) and 2024 (21.80) … Selected to participate in the Under Armour All-American Game … Coached by Kevin Dizer.* **CAREER HIGHS** ***Rushing** Attempts: 18 vs. Western Kentucky, 2025 Yards: 80 vs. Western Kentucky, 2025 TDs: 1, 2x (Last: vs. Texas A&M, 2025; First: at Ole Miss, 2025) Long rush: 37 at Alabama, 2025* ***Receiving** Receptions: 3 vs. Arkansas, 2025 Yards: 24 vs. Arkansas, 2025 TDs: 0 Long Reception: 13 vs. Arkansas, 2025* **NEXT:** Junior transfer defensive tackle Malik Blocton, formerly of Auburn. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Harlem Berry, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football Season Is 42 Nights Away, So Get Ready With 42 Player Profiles Between Now And Game Week](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-is-42-nights-away-so-get-ready-with-42-player-profiles-between-now-and-game-week/) **Published:** July 25, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Exactly 42 nights from right now as of this writing on Saturday night, July 25, and LSU will be hosting Clemson in Tiger Stadium on Sept. 5 at 6:30 p.m. on ABC. The Lane Kiffin era is exactly six Saturday evenings away from its dawning. It is one of the most hotly anticipated LSU football seasons since the summer of 1959 after the Tigers’ first national championship in the 11-0 season of 1958 with running back Billy Cannon. The ’59 season was the first in LSU history in which the Tigers entered the season at No. 1 in the Associated Press poll and with Cannon and much of the national championship roster back. And that LSU team also opened the season on national television, playing Rice on NBC in an afternoon game – the first nationally televised game in Tiger Stadium ever. And the Tigers won, 26-3, and would remain No. 1 and undefeated until a 14-13 loss at No. 13 Tennessee on Nov. 7. The 2026 Tigers boast the No. 1-ranked transfer portal class and are ranked No. 10 at the moment by ESPN’s preseason poll with the A.P. poll not coming out until next month. And LSU will also play at No. 25 Tennessee on Nov. 21. Tiger Rag will be counting down the 42 days and nights before kickoff with profiles of 42 selected Tigers from A to W in the alphabet – defensive tackle Richard Anderson to cornerback PJ Woodland. We start with Anderson (6-foot-3, 339 pounds), a true freshman from Edna Karr High in New Orleans, and will continue alphabetically. He was one of two five-star signees in LSU’s class of 2026 as the No. 1 defensive lineman in the nation, No. 8 overall prospect and No. 2 player in the state, according to 247sports.com. Kiffin paid special attention to Anderson’s recruitment almost immediately after being introduced as LSU’s coach on Monday, Dec. 1 – the day after leaving Ole Miss’ head coaching job following the Rebels’ regular season ended with a clinching of the program’s first College Football Playoffs. Kiffin met with Anderson, his representatives, LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker, newly hired LSU general manager Billy Glasscock, formerly of Ole Miss, and running backs coach/interim head coach Frank Wilson, who had recruited Anderson, on that Tuesday night, which was the eve of national signing day. > [Lane Kiffin Puts Out 1st Fire As LSU Coach, Signs Nation’s No. 1 DT – Richard Anderson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-puts-out-1st-fire-as-lsu-coach-signs-nations-no-1-dt-richard-anderson/) Anderson had been telling people he was going to postpone his signing until later, but Kiffin wanted him locked in then and got him. He is expected to play a lot in 2026 at defensive tackle, if not start at some point in the season. **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** *A massive five-star freshman and top prospect. Has the frame and power to clog the middle of the front with surprising agility and will likely be featured early.* **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** *The nation’s No. 1 defensive line prospect for the Class of 2026 … Prepped at Edna Karr High School in New Orleans … Rated No. 1 at his position, No. 2 overall in Louisiana and No. 24 overall nationally in the Rivals composite … Also listed as the No. 1 defensive line prospect by 247Sports … Named the Class 5A Outstanding Defensive Player as well as first-team All-State in 2025 … As a senior, had 53 tackles, 10 sacks, 22 QB hurries, recovered 2 fumbles and returned an interception for a touchdown … Earned 5A All-State honors as a junior after tallying 44 tackles, 15 tackles for loss, 10 sacks and 18 QB hurries … Added a pair of interceptions and scored a touchdown as a junior … Helped Edna Karr to back-to-back 14-0 seasons culminated with the Division I Select state title in both 2024 and 2025 … Karr won the 2025 state title with a 49-14 win over St. Augustine … In 2024, helped lead Edna Karr to a 14-0 mark and the Division I Select state title with a 53-8 win over Alexandria in the championship game … In 2024 state title game, had 7 tackles, six going for losses, including a sack … He also recorded a tackle in the endzone for a safety … Played on Edna Karr team that won 28 consecutive games to cap his career … Coached at Edna Karr by Brice Brown.* **NEXT:** Fifth-year senior transfer offensive guard Aliou Bah, formerly of Maryland. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Richard Anderson --- ### [LSU Wunderkind GM Billy Glasscock Is The State Of The Art In His Field](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-wunderkind-gm-billy-glasscock-is-the-state-of-the-art-in-his-field/) **Published:** July 27, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Back in 2008, new LSU football general manager Billy Glasscock was 32 and the offensive coordinator at Arizona Western, a junior college in Yuma. And he decided to take the 3:10 (Out Of) Yuma, instead of (To), which is what the 2007 remake (with Russell Crowe) of the 1957 classic train western is titled. Glasscock, a native of Bloomington, Illinois, bet on himself, and that wager has kept paying out, reaching $1 million last December when he took the 3:10 To Baton Rouge … from Oxford, Mississippi. > [The Lane Kiffin Era Of Preseason Practice Begins Next Week, But Will Any Reporters Get To Watch?](https://www.tigerrag.com/the-lane-kiffin-era-of-preseason-practice-begins-next-week-but-will-any-reporters-get-to-watch/) “I got connected with Coach Kill,” Glasscock said in a story in 2016 when he was director of recruiting at the University of Minnesota. Glasscock does not have mafia ties, as far as we know, but, “I got connected with coach Kill,” sure sounds like it could be in a Martin Scorsese classic. But Coach Kill is not a hit man’s code name. Jerry Kill was Northern Illinois’ head football coach from 2008-10. “He didn’t have any paid positions, but he was looking for guys to help,” Glasscock said in 2016. “I left a full-time job as offensive coordinator at Arizona Western to work for free for him.” Glasscock helped Kill with recruiting, probably with coffee, and as assistant strength coach, eventually drawing a salary. After Kill went 7-6 and 5-3 in the Mid-American Conference in 2009 and 10-3 and 8-0 in 2010 with some players courtesy of Glasscock, Kill got the head coaching job at Minnesota. And he took Glasscock with him as director of recruiting. Kill and Glasscock and others turned around Minnesota to a pair of 8-5 seasons in 2013 and ’14. Glasscock through a 9-4 season in 2016 before taking a more lucrative director of player personnel position at North Carolina State. “Glasscock has spearheaded a recruiting effort that has sent Minnesota to four straight bowl appearances, while embracing the ever-expanding intricacies of evaluating high school prospects,” that 2016 story said of Glasscock. After 2017-20 at NC State, he moved on to the same job at Texas from 2021-23 before Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin made him general manager in 2024. In 2025, Glasscock made $425,000. He followed Kiffin to LSU last December with a $3 million contract over three years and is now one of the highest paid GMs in college football. > [Why LSU Football Coach Lane Kiffin Is The Yoda Of Ultra-Modern College Football Offenses](https://www.tigerrag.com/why-lsu-football-coach-lane-kiffin-is-the-yoda-of-ultra-modern-college-football-offenses/) Glasscock works in player acquisition and retention and salary cap management – which has been an incredibly important position since college football went to Name, Image & Likeness and the no-sit-out transfer portal in the summer of 2021. He helped Kiffin assemble the No. 1 portal class in 2024, No. 2 in ’25 and No. 1 at LSU in 2026. “It’s worked extremely well with Billy and I,” Kiffin said recently. “I know that I can get on a plane to go recruiting, and everything will be handled extremely well in this building. To put together the rosters the way we did, and now come here and turn this the way we did, at least on paper so far, is awesome. I think he’s as good as they come in the entire country.” Glasscock, 50, oversees at LSU an army of 10 various player personnel and recruiting assistants, who have lower level positions not unlike those he had in his career – J.R. Belton, Adam Clark, Thaddeus Rivers, Tyler Veeins, Mike Williams, Jeff Martin, Austin Shelton, Arl St. Cyr, Sam Petitto and Dwike Wilson. As GM, he and Kiffin run LSU’s personnel department like an NFL team. “If you want the answers of how to do something in college football, usually just look to the NFL,” Kiffin said. “Why not have a GM who can help you run the entire building?” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Billy Glasscock, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels --- ### [42 Nights To LSU Football Season: Player Profile No. 2 Of 42 - Offensive Guard Aliou Bah](https://www.tigerrag.com/42-nights-to-lsu-football-season-player-profile-no-2-of-42-offensive-guard-aliou-bah/) **Published:** July 25, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICE Aliou Bah is a large and experienced part of LSU coach Lane Kiffin’s major restoration of the offensive line. Bah (6-foot-5, 327 pounds) started 24 games over the previous two seasons at Maryland and signed with the Tigers as the No. 5 interior offensive lineman in the transfer portal and No. 109 overall. The Memphis, Tennessee, native is expected to start at right guard. > [Lane Kiffin Lands Starting Transfer Guard/Center Aliou Bah Of Maryland](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-lands-commitment-from-maryland-starting-transfer-ol-aliou-bah/) **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** *A massive force on the interior of the line with the starting experience to bring maturity and positional versatility.* **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** *Veteran offensive lineman who joins the Tigers with 24 career starts and over 1,500 collegiate snaps at right guard … Comes to LSU after 2 years at Maryland where he started 24 consecutive games at right guard for the Terrapins … Part of a Maryland offensive line that allowed only 9 sacks in 2025, which led the Big Ten and ranked No. 3 nationally … Began college career at Georgia, spending 2 seasons (2022 and 2023) with the Bulldogs … Graduated from Maryland in December of 2025 with a degree in sociology … Name is pronounced Ah-loo.* **JUNIOR SEASON (2025 at Maryland)** *Started all 12 games at right guard for Maryland … Key member of an offensive line that allowed only 9 sacks all season, which led the Big Ten and ranked No. 3 nationally … Played 681 offensive snaps … Whistled for only 1 penalty all season, which came in week 1 vs. Florida Atlantic … Didn’t allow a sack and gave up only 2 quarterback hits per PFF … Named to Shrine Bowl 1000, a list of the top players in college football.* **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2024 at Maryland)** *Started all 12 games in first season at Maryland after transferring from Georgia … Played 817 offensive snaps, allowing only 2 sacks … Gave up sacks against Rutgers and Michigan … First career start came against UConn in the season-opener … Blocked for the No. 3 ranked passing team in the Big Ten (275.7 yards per game).* **REDSHIRT FRESHMAN SEASON (2023 at Georgia)** *Played in 3 games for Georgia … Made his collegiate debut against UAB on Sept. 23 … Saw action against Ole Miss and Tennessee … Played a total of 13 snaps with a season-high of 7 coming against UAB … Played 2 snaps vs. Ole Miss and 4 vs. Tennessee … Transferred to Maryland following the 2023 season.* **FRESHMAN SEASON (2022 at Georgia)** *Redshirted as a true freshman at Georgia in 2022 … Did not appear in any games for the national champion Bulldogs.* **HIGH SCHOOL** *One of the nation’s top offensive line prospects for the Class of 2022 … Rated with 4-stars in the Rivals composite and as the nation’s No. 23 offensive line prospect … Listed as high as No. 18 nationally at his position by On3 and Rivals … Played final 2 seasons of high school football at IMG Academy where he was coached by Pepper Johnson … For Class of 2022, ranked as the No. 36 offensive tackle prospect nationally and the #50 prospect in Florida … Played sophomore season (2019) at Whitehaven High School in Memphis before transferring to IMG Academy … Helped IMG to a combined 17-1 record in his 2 seasons with the Ascenders … IMG went 8-0 and claimed the No. 1 final national ranking among all high schools … IMG posted a 9-1 mark his senior season in 2021.* **NEXT:** Senior safety transfer Ty Benefield, formerly of Boise State. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Aliou Bah, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Maryland Terrapins, Transfer Portal --- ### [The Lane Kiffin Era Of Preseason Practice Begins Next Week, But Will Any Reporters Get To Watch?](https://www.tigerrag.com/the-lane-kiffin-era-of-preseason-practice-begins-next-week-but-will-any-reporters-get-to-watch/) **Published:** July 27, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU football players are scheduled to report for preseason practices on Tuesday, August 4 with the first day of practice the next day. Temperatures in Baton Rouge on August 5 are expected to be in the 90s as usual with a 20 percent chance of rain and a heat index high of 106 degrees. The Tigers will likely practice early in morning as they usually do in August. Temperatures at 8 a.m. are expected to be in the low 80s with a heat index in the high 80s. > [LSU Football: Trey’Dez Green Calls Seemingly Ho-Hum Opener Vs. Clemson, “Wonderful, Magnificent”](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-treydez-green-calls-seemingly-ho-hum-opener-vs-clemson-wonderful-magnificent/) The Tigers open the season on Saturday, September 5 against Clemson in Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC). Tiger Rag hopes to be providing daily practice reports, though the practice access by reporters under Kiffin’s new regime is not known yet. LSU will be working this week on a schedule of interviews with Kiffin and players and any possible media access to practice. Media members were allowed to cover portions of LSU’s spring practice regularly, but it is unclear if Kiffin will have the same access opportunities this August and during the season. While Ole Miss’ coach from 2020-2025, Kiffin rarely allowed any media access during August practices. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [Will Wade's Schedule For 1st Season Back As Men's Basketball Coach Is Out](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wades-schedule-for-1st-season-back-as-mens-basketball-coach-is-out/) **Published:** July 27, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICE LSU announced its men’s basketball schedule for 2026-27 – coach Will Wade’s first season back in Baton Rouge. Wade was previously the Tigers’ coach from 2017-22 before being fired for NCAA recruiting violations. He resurfaced as McNeese State’s coach from 2023-24 and 2024-25 before coaching last season at North Carolina State. Wade will return to McNeese State on October 8 for an exhibition game in Lake Charles. The Tigers open the regular season at home against LSU-New Orleans on November 3. They also host in-state matchups against Louisiana Tech (Nov. 9), Louisiana-Monroe (Nov. 18) and Louisiana-Lafayette (Dec. 22). Wade’s squad hits the road for marquee non-conference matchups against Gonzaga in Spokane, Washington (Nov. 14), and at Houston (Dec. 13). Wade hopes to finalize his roster in August as it only has five players at the moment. > [High Five! Will Wade Now Officially Has Enough Guys To Play A Game | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/high-five-will-wade-now-officially-has-enough-guys-to-play-a-game-glenn-guilbeau/) Southeastern Conference play tips off Saturday, January 2 as the Tigers welcome South Carolina to the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU has three more Saturday conference home games against Tennessee (January 9), Auburn (January 23) and Texas A&M (February 27). LSU also hosts Ole Miss Friday, February 5, in the team’s first Friday night regular season SEC matchup since playing Georgia on February, 8, 1991. The Tigers play Arkansas and Texas A&M both home and away as the school’s regular double opponents. This year LSU will also face off against Auburn twice. Games listed with two dates will be played on either Tuesday or Wednesday nights to be decided by the league and its television partners. The complete schedule with game times and networks are expected to be announced in September. **2026-27 LSU Men’s Basketball Schedule** *(Home games in all caps.)* \* SEC Games; Tuesday-Wednesday dates, times/TV announced in September) **OCTOBER** Thurs. 8 At McNeese State (Exhibition) Wed. 14 UCF (Exhibition) Sat. 24 At Florida State (Exhibition) **NOVEMBER** Tues. 3 LSU NEW ORLEANS Fri. 6 TEXAS SOUTHERN Mon. 9 LOUISIANA TECH Sat. 14 vs. Gonzaga (At Spokane, Washington) Wed. 18 ULM Sat. 21 QUEENS Wed. 25 At Acrisure Series (at Palm Springs, California) Thurs. 26 At Acrisure Series (at Palm Springs, California) **DECEMBER** Tues. 1 WAKE FOREST (SEC/ACC CHALLENGE) Sat. 5 HOFSTRA Sun. 13 vs. Houston (at Toyota Center, Houston) Fri. 18 HIGH POINT Tues. 22 UL-LAFAYETTE Mon. 28 WASHINGTON STATE **JANUARY** Sat. 2 \*SOUTH CAROLINA 5 or 6 \*At Alabama Sat. 9 \*TENNESSEE 12 or 13 \*At Kentucky Sat. 16 \*At Texas A&M 19 or 20 \*TEXAS Sat. 23 \*AUBURN 26 or 27 \*At Arkansas Sat. 30 \*At Georgia **FEBRUARY** 2 or 3 \*VANDERBILT Fri. 5 \*OLE MISS Sat. 13 \*At Oklahoma 16 or 17 \*FLORIDA Sat. 20 \*At Mississippi State 23 or 24 \*At Auburn Sat. 27 \*TEXAS A&M **MARCH** 2 or 3 \*ARKANSAS Sat. 6 \*At Missouri 10-14/SEC Tournament (Nashville, Tennessee) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** lsu, LSU men's basketball, LSU Tigers, will wade --- ### [LSU Football: Trey'Dez Green Calls Seemingly Ho-Hum Opener Vs. Clemson, "Wonderful, Magnificent"](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-treydez-green-calls-seemingly-ho-hum-opener-vs-clemson-wonderful-magnificent/) **Published:** July 27, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter LSU’s season opener at Clemson last season surely had much more buzz than this 2026 version so far. It was No. 9 LSU at No. 4 Clemson on Aug. 30, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. in a stadium also called Death Valley. The fan bases and some media members sparred over the history of the nickname and what school held the real rights to it. Then LSU won, 17-10, and everything appeared all right for Tiger fans as LSU snapped a five-game losing streak in home openers. > [GLENN GUILBEAU: The Tigers Desperately Needed To Break Through The Pressure Barrier, And Boy Did They](https://www.tigerrag.com/glenn-guilbeau-the-tigers-desperately-needed-to-break-through-the-pressure-barrier-and-boy-did-they/) But, alas, LSU finished 7-6 and 3-5, and coach Brian Kelly was fired during the season. LSU, ranked No. 10 in ESPN’s preseason poll, opens the 2026 season with new coach Lane Kiffin at home against unranked Clemson on Sept. 5 (6:30 p.m., ABC). A matchup that earned an entire off-season of anticipation and targeted preparation last year is now largely overshadowed by many because of LSU’s marquee Southeastern Conference early matchups —- at No. 8 Ole Miss on September 19 and at home against No. 9 Texas A&M on September 26. Let’s not forget that LSU is still 1-5 in season openers since 2020. Kiffin’s Ole Miss teams went 5-1 during that span, but only one of those wins came against a power four team – Louisville in 2021. Two wins were against Sun Belt Conference schools and the other half came against FCS programs. The lone loss was at the hands of fifth-ranked Florida in 2020 in Kiffin’s opener. Despite the lowered expectations for Clemson and coach Dabo Swinney, LSU fans should not overlook the perennial contender. It seems Kiffin and LSU’s players at SEC Media Days last week are not. “The excitement of the schedule and to coach in Tiger Stadium and have the big opener against Clemson really every day pushes us to be the best,” Kiffin said. “Clemson is a great team, a wonderful program, and it’s going to be a great, wonderful and magnificent game, especially in Death Valley with those wonderful fans out there,” said LSU tight end Trey’Dez Green, who caught the go-ahead 8-yard touchdown last season early in the fourth quarter at Clemson. > [Will Wade Was One Of The 1st To Notice The Talent And Reach Of Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-was-one-of-the-1st-to-notice-the-talent-and-reach-of-treydez-green/) Senior linebacker Whit Weeks had an uncharacteristically quiet performance at Clemson last year, making just two tackles. He is hoping the extra juice from the prime time home kickoff can change that this year. “There’s no better feeling in the world than playing a night game in Death Valley,” Weeks said. “I cannot wait to play Clemson week one. Coach Kiffin’s welcome to Death Valley, I mean, that stadium is going to be rocking. I’m so excited.” For one Tiger, the matchup with Clemson will mean a little more. Senior transfer linebacker TJ Dottery followed Kiffin from Ole Miss this off-season after three seasons with the Rebels, but before that, he was a Clemson Tiger. > [LSU Football: Linebacker TJ Dottery Has Made Seamless Transition From Rebel To Tiger](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-linebacker-tj-dottery-has-made-seamless-transition-from-rebel-to-tiger/) “Definitely a disciplined team, especially under coach Swinney,” Dottery said. “A well-rounded team full of talent, and of course, some of the guys that played last year. A lot of returning guys here played them last year, so they know what to look for. But just another opportunity to play football. I’m excited.” Dottery signed with Clemson as a four-star prospect out of Catholic Prep in Montgomery, Alabama, before the 2022 season. He played just 16 snaps and red-shirted. Dottery was dismissed from the team by Swinney for violating team rules two weeks before the start of fall camp in 2023, and he transferred to Ole Miss. Dottery said he will not have any issues staying level-headed against his former school. “I had a great time at Clemson,” he said. “I built some great relationships with coaches and staff. I can even call coach Swinney now. We could talk right now. He’s awesome, and I don’t think the emotions would be too high.” > [Will The Real “Death Valley” Please Stand Up?](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-the-real-death-valley-please-stand-up/) Although Dottery’s emotions may be in check, the same will not be true for the 102,000 Tiger fans eager to prove Baton Rouge is the home of the real Death Valley. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, Dabo Swinney, lane kiffin, lsu football, SEC Media Days 2026, Trey'Dez Green --- ### [LSU Baseball Just Got Closer To Keeping Top Signee Logan Schmidt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-just-got-closer-to-keeping-top-signee-logan-schmidt/) **Published:** July 26, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES One out, one more to go. Left-handed pitcher Logan Schmidt has decided not to sign with the Cleveland Guardians, who drafted him in the second round of the Major League Baseball Draft on July 11 as the No. 59 player overall and highest selected prospect of LSU’s 2027 signees. [Schmidt (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) is an LSU signee](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-has-a-chance-to-keep-its-highest-drafted-signee-lefty-pitcher-logan-schmidt/), but he is considering Golden West College, a junior college in Huntington Beach, California, to begin his college career. Schmidt, the No. 12 MLB Draft prospect by Perfect Game, wanted more money than Cleveland wanted to pay, according to his slot-value range of $1.6 million. > News: [\#LSU](https://x.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) signee Logan Schmidt will not sign with the Cleveland Guardians after being selected in Round 2 of the MLB Draft. > > Schmidt – the No. 12 rated prospect in America – will now choose between two options: Join the LSU Tigers or go the JUCO route. > > Massive decision ahead. [pic.twitter.com/xAK7w7ZYEf](https://t.co/xAK7w7ZYEf) > > — Zack Nagy (@znagy20) [July 26, 2026](https://x.com/znagy20/status/2081510832978968890?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) So, a day before the deadline on Sunday, Schmidt informed the Guardians he would not be signing with them. Should Schmidt go to LSU, he will not be able to enter the MLB Draft again until after his junior season in 2029. If he goes to Golden West or another junior college, he could enter the draft after the 2027 season. [LSU’s class of 21 high school and junior college signees for 2027 is ranked No. 2 in the nation by Perfect Game](https://www.perfectgame.org/rankings/Recruiting/Rankings.aspx) with Vanderbilt at No. 1. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Cleveland Guardians, jay johnson, Logan Schmidt, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, mlb draft --- ### [LSU Track Adds 3-Time National Champion, 9-Time SEC Champ Sprinter JaMeesia Ford From South Carolina](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-track-adds-3-time-national-champion-9-time-sec-champ-sprinter-jameesia-ford-from-south-carolina/) **Published:** July 26, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The LSU track and field program signed sprinter JaMeesia Ford, men’s and women’s coach [Dennis Shaver](https://lsusports.net/staff/dennis-shaver) announced on Sunday. Ford has been one of the dominant sprinters in the Southeastern Conference and nation while at South Carolina the previous three seasons, winning three NCAA titles, nine SEC crowns and 15 All-American honors. During the 2025 season, Ford earned the SEC Commissioner’s Trophy at the SEC Outdoor Championships after winning gold in the 100 meters, 200 meters, 4×100-meter relay and 4×400-meter relay, earning 25 total points for her team. Later that season she clocked a personal best of 10.87 seconds in the 100 meters and a 21.98 time in the 200 meters at the NCAA Outdoor Championships. She also won 200 meters indoor in 2025 and 2024 and also was on the winning 4×400-meter relays. The Fayetteville, North Carolina, native from Jack Britt High, won NCAA titles in the 2025 outdoor 200 meters and the 2024 indoor 200 meters and in the 4×400 relay. Ford is a 12-time watch-list member for The Bowerman and finished as a semifinalist in 2025. And she has been a three-time Southeast Regional Track Athlete of the Year with two in 2024 and one in ’25. Her astounding list of personal-best times includes 7.24 time in the 60 meters, a 10.87 in the 100 meters, a 21.98 in the 200 meters , a 35.83 in the 300 meters and a 50.25 in the 400 meters. Ford had an abbreviated 2026 season because of a left hamstring injury. But she still appeared in eight meets, primarily running the short sprints as well as the 4×400 meter relay and earned a pair of first team All-American honors in the 200 meters and 4X400 meter relay indoor competitions. In outdoor competition in ’26, Ford was the anchor of South Carolina’s 42.44 time in the 4x100m relay at the NCAA Championships that pushed the Gamecocks into a fourth place finish in the semifinal round. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Track & Field **Tags:** dennis shaver, JaMeesia Ford, LSU Tigers, LSU track & field, South Carolina --- ### [LSU Football Opener Is 41 Days Away: Here Is No. 3 Of 42 Tiger Profiles By Game Week - Safety Ty Benefield](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-opener-is-41-days-away-here-is-no-3-of-42-tiger-profiles-by-game-week-safety-ty-benefield/) **Published:** July 26, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES One of the best parts about the NCAA Transfer Portal is the instant gratification. And that is already happening with senior transfer safety Ty Benefield of Boise State. Benefield (6-foot-3, 208 pounds) is the projected starter at free safety after making 235 tackles in his college career with 18 for loss along with five interceptions. The native of the Los Angeles area was the No. 26 portal player in the nation and No. 2 safety when he signed with LSU in January. > [LSU Adds Fifth Transfer In No. 2 Safety Ty Benefield of Boise State](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-adds-fifth-transfer-in-no-2-safety-ty-benefield-of-boise-state/) **TIGER RAG SCOUTING REPORT:** *Big, experienced safety whose size and range fit the a Southeastern Conference secondary. Benefield was dominant in the Mountain West and quickly became a standout on LSU’s defense during spring practice.* **BIOGRAPHY NOTES:** *2025 First-Team All-Mountain West, Mountain West Championship Game MVP, 2024 Academic All-Mountain West, 2023 Academic All-Mountain West*. *Veteran safety who joins the Tigers after three standout seasons at Boise State … Started 33 games, including 28-straight, for the Broncos from 2023-25 … First-team All-Mountain West in 2025 … Earned Mountain West Championship Game MVP honors as a junior in 2024 …. Comes to LSU with 41 career appearances tallying 235 tackles, 18 tackles for loss, 16 pass breakups and 5 interceptions … In 3 years at Boise State, the Broncos posted a 29-13 overall record, claimed 3 Mountain West Conference championships and appeared in the College Football Playoffs (2024) … Father Daved played 13 seasons in the CFL with 5 times and spent 1996 with the San Francisco 49ers, appearing in 15 games with the franchise … His dad won the CFL’s Grey Cup in 2000 and was a two-time CFL All-Star in 1999 and 2003 … Dad also set the CFL record for quarterback sacks in a game with 5 vs. Birmingham in 1995.* **JUNIOR SEASON (2025 at Boise State)** *First-team All-Mountain West Conference selection at safety … Started all 14 games at safety for the Broncos, leading the team in tackles with 107 … Added 8.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions and 3 pass breakups … Had 8 tackles, a tackle for a 4-yard loss and recovered in a fumble in MWC title game win over UNLV … Had career-best 11 tackles in 3 games – at Air Force, Fresno State, and at San Diego State … Interceptions came against Air Force and New Mexico … Set a career-best with 3.0 tackles for loss in win over Eastern Washington … Followed that with 2.0 tackles for loss the next week against Air Force … Forced a fumble vs. Notre Dame … Played a total of 847 defensive snaps and another 201 on special teams.* **SOPHOMORE SEASON (2024 at Boise State)** *Played and started all 14 games for the Mountain West Conference champions … Helped the Broncos to a 12-2 overall record and an appearance in the College Football Playoffs … Lost in first round of CFP to Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl … Led team with 9 tackles in loss to the Nittany Lions … Finished season with a team-best 82 tackles … Added 5.0 tackles for loss and had 5 takeaways (2 interceptions, 2 fumble recoveries and a forced fumble) … Played a team-high 1,070 total snaps, including a team-best 899 on defense … Named Defensive MVP of the Mountain West Championship Game after tallying 8 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss in the win over No. 20 UNLV … Posted a team-high 9 tackles against Georgia Southern in the season-opener … Had 6 tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and recovered a fumble vs. Oregon in week 2 … Had a pair of tackles for loss in week 3 vs. Portland State … Interceptions came against San Jose State and Washington State … Also forced a fumble vs. San Jose State … Had 8 tackles in 4 games – Washington State, Nevada, Wyoming and UNLV in MWC Championship Game.* **FRESHMAN SEASON (2023 at Boise State)** *Saw action in 13 games with 5 starts … First career start came against San Jose State in week 6 … Other starts came against Colorado State, Fresno State, New Mexico, and UNLV … Finished year with 46 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, 3 sacks, 5 pass breakups and an interception … Had season-high 8 tackles to go with a tackle for loss against UCLA in the LA Bowl … In MWC Championship Game, had 3 tackle and 3 pass breakups in win over UNLV … Had 4 tackles vs. San Jose State in what was his first career start … Had 7 tackles and a pair of sacks vs. Utah State … First career interception came vs. Wyoming … Played 424 snaps on defense and another 151 on special teams as a true freshman.* **HIGH SCHOOL** *Three-star recruit per 247Sports … Two-way standout in high school playing both defensive back and wide receiver … In 12 games as a senior, registered 91 tackles (52 solo), 7 pass breakups and 4 interceptions … On offensive, hauled in 90 receptions for 1,404 yards and 20 touchdowns (averaging 117 yards/game) … Added 136 yards and 2 touchdowns on 15 carries … Utilized on special teams, returning 12 punts and 9 kickoffs.* **CAREER HIGHS** *Tackles: 11, 3x (Last: at San Diego State, 2025; First: at Air Force, 2025) Tackles for Loss: 3.0 vs. Eastern Washington, 2025 Sacks: 2.0 vs. Utah State, 2023 Interceptions: 1, 5x (Last: vs. New Mexico, 2025; First: vs. Wyoming, 2023)* **NEXT:** Sophomore running back Harlem Berry. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** blake baker, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Ty Benefield --- ### [The Lane Kiffin Reset](https://www.tigerrag.com/the-lane-kiffin-reset/) **Published:** July 26, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** The Lane Kiffin Reset | Tiger Rag LSU Football 2026 Season Guide # The Lane Kiffin Reset LSU’s transformation extends far beyond the headset worn on Saturday afternoons. By Todd Horne | Vice President & Executive Editor Photo: LSU Athletics For more than a century, Tiger Stadium has been savage and sublime, a cauldron of noise and expectation that feels less like a building than a living, breathing organism. Ask the locals and they’ll tell you it doesn’t merely sit there stoic and timeless; it remembers. It remembers the roar of Billy Cannon turning on Ole Miss, the poetry of Bert Jones carving defenses apart, the fearless swirl of Tommy Casanova in flight, Kevin Faulk refusing to let a game slip away, and Joe Burrow conducting one of the greatest seasons college football has ever seen. It remembers moonlit triumphs and silent, empty mornings after unexpected defeat. But it does not remember excuses. > Tiger Stadium remembers triumphs and defeats. It does not remember excuses. That lesson is etched into the limestone columns and concrete ramps that saw their first leather-helmeted fans in 1924. Over the last hundred years, the game has evolved—plastic helmets, unlimited substitution, television blasting regional rivalries into national spectacle, scholarship caps, integration, the BCS and the College Football Playoff, the blurring of conference lines, the birth of the transfer portal and NIL. Yet no era in the modern game has rewritten its own rules as radically—or as rapidly—as the four years between Brian Kelly’s arrival in December 2021 and his departure on October 25, 2025. When Kelly walked into LSU’s football operations building, the landscape he inherited barely resembled the one Nick Saban confronted 25 years earlier. Before dawn, recruiting calls from agents and prospects in the portal; by lunch, personnel meetings that sounded more like balance-sheet reviews: What’s the market value of a veteran left tackle? Can you afford to keep both starting cornerbacks? Is the next million better spent on a quarterback, two defensive linemen, or retaining a sophomore receiver? Decisions once reserved for NFL general managers now consumed Wednesday mornings on Skip Bertman Drive. Kelly’s final ledger was solid if unspectacular. But Scott Woodward, LSU’s then athletic director, wasn’t evaluating play-calling proficiency when he met with Kelly on that fateful (and dreadful) night when Texas A&M embarrassed the Tigers in a second half dismantling. He was diagnosing organizational structure: Was LSU equipped to dominate the version of college football that exists today? That question matters far more than any Saturday result because the sport’s transformation has been systemic. The transfer portal is infrastructure, not anomaly; revenue sharing is budget, not headline; roster construction mirrors asset management; NIL collectives function like strategic operations. The head coach remains the face of the program—and also its chief executive, generating tens of millions of dollars, employing hundreds, making roster decisions year-round. Kelly’s dismissal on October 25—and Woodward’s departure four days later—didn’t fit the tidy, linear narrative most coaching changes follow. The man who decided Kelly would not coach another game never hired his successor. That responsibility shifted almost immediately to Verge Ausberry. And though the title athletic director confers authority, it would miss the story to focus on hierarchy rather than on the man. Ausberry had walked through those hallways for decades. Administrators and boosters and coaches might come and go, but the university endures. Its flagship program needed a leader who understood LSU’s truth: Football is built around LSU, not the other way around. Ausberry understood that the search could not become a referendum on Brian Kelly. Too many athletic departments hire not on vision but reaction: If one coach was reserved, hire someone brash; if one preferred structure, chase the maverick. LSU’s challenge was different. The question wasn’t Who is the opposite of Brian Kelly? It was Who can lead LSU through the version of college football that exists today? That perspective narrowed the field faster than most realized. Recruiting prowess, quarterback development, locker-room command and SEC composure remained non-negotiable. But so did six newer imperatives: ## Six imperatives for modern LSU football 1. Overseeing a roster that effectively reopens twice a year. 2. Operating in an environment where personnel moves resemble investment decisions. 3. Building an organization that thrives even when the head coach is off campus. 4. Embracing a general manager as a competitive advantage. 5. Aligning coordinators, analysts, recruiting, player development, sports science, nutrition, NIL strategy and roster management. 6. Preserving institutional standards over individual ego. When you view Lane Kiffin’s résumé through that lens, it stops reading like a series of one-year pit stops. Instead, it unfolds as an education in football leadership: ## The education of Lane Kiffin 2007### Oakland Authority At age 31, Kiffin became the youngest head coach in the modern NFL. He inherited a roomful of seasoned professionals who owed him little respect based on age or résumé. Authority had to be earned daily. The experiment ended painfully, but no success could have taught him what failure did. 2009### Tennessee Institutions A crucible of relationships—high school coaches, former players, boosters, administrators, a rabid fan base. The role of a college coach became clear: manager of people, politics and perceptions. 2010–13### USC Humility Tradition without direction is a prison. USC had talent and resources; what it lacked was alignment. Dozens of small disconnects snowballed. Kiffin learned that unchecked history can be a burden. 2014–16### Alabama Systems As Nick Saban’s offensive coordinator, Kiffin watched an organizational juggernaut operate Monday through Friday. He saw recruiting tied to roster planning, analysts integral to game prep, accountability baked into systems. The Crimson Tide’s Saturday domination was the byproduct of daily discipline. 2017–19### Florida Atlantic Ownership A true test of ownership. No inherited infrastructure, no Saban to shield the pressure. Every standard came from Kiffin’s hires, his expectations, his willingness to reinforce or tolerate discipline. FAU bore his fingerprints from foundation to roofline. 2020–25### Ole Miss Efficiency An incubator for modern roster construction. The portal and NIL had become reality. Resources demanded precision; staff hires had to matter; development wasn’t optional. Rebels learned to find value before anyone else, to retain wisely, to spend when necessary and wait when prudent. Seen cumulatively, Kiffin’s stops taught authority (Oakland), institutions (Tennessee), humility (USC), systems (Alabama), ownership (FAU) and efficiency (Ole Miss). When LSU’s reset committee evaluated candidates, they didn’t ignore his play-calling genius—they realized it was table stakes. They were looking for an architect of organizations. Within days of accepting the Baton Rouge challenge, Kiffin’s blueprint became visible not in an offensive install but in structural moves. Billy Glasscock’s title expanded to general manager. In elite football circles, GM roles have become indispensable: high school recruiting, portal evaluation, roster retention, NIL budgets and long-term scholarship planning all intersect in one ecosystem. Glasscock doesn’t simply scout players; he evaluates the interconnected tapestry that forms LSU’s roster today and six months from now. Then came the decision to convince and keep Blake Baker as defensive coordinator. A conventional reset would have seen every assistant replaced, new names on every door. But Baker was already one of the nation’s premier DCs. Retaining him wasn’t convenience—it was confidence. LSU didn’t need Baker to morph into Kiffin’s man; it needed Baker to remain LSU’s man. Because the Lane Kiffin Reset isn’t about replacing every piece. It’s about making sure every piece fits the same, larger picture. Activity without purpose is noise. True progress happens on Tuesday mornings in personnel meetings, in hard conversations with players weighing the portal, when assistants leave the room aligned despite disagreements, when a GM tells a head coach a talented player simply doesn’t fit the long-term plan—and the coach listens. Those moments don’t trend on social media, but championships often begin there. Kiffin isn’t the reset; he is its most visible expression. The reset is organizational: LSU deciding that the next decade demands a different kind of football operation. Whether it pays off in wins or losses is a story for the scoreboard; the decision itself was made long before the first kickoff of the 2026 season. Kiffin didn’t inherit a roster ready for championships; he constructed one capable of becoming one. LSU has rarely struggled for talent; its challenge has always been molding gifted individuals into teams that can survive four SEC months without one bad Saturday becoming two. That requires leadership, depth, quarterback play, health—and a hundred variables no coach fully controls. Organizational sophistication can’t erase those realities; the best structures simply make good decisions more likely. So when more than 100,000 people walk toward Tiger Stadium this fall—grandparents parking in lots their parents used, children experiencing the pilgrimage for the first time—few will ponder portal valuation models or retention strategies over jambalaya. Their privilege as fans is to believe. Inside the building, the work is infinitely more complex: protect the standard, adapt without losing identity, honor the past without being captive to it, prepare for a future that won’t stand still. That is LSU’s assignment. Not to win an introductory press conference or an offseason splash, but to build something capable of enduring. Tiger Stadium has seen too much to expect guarantees. It has watched legends rise and stumbles that no one predicted. It teaches that predictions are among sports’ least valuable currencies. What endures are standards—facilities, budgets and recruiting rankings mean little without them. Each generation inherits those standards and interprets them anew. Every era asks the same question: Can you carry this place forward? Bernie Moore, Paul Dietzel, Charles McClendon, Nick Saban, Les Miles, Ed Orgeron and Brian Kelly all faced it. Now it belongs to Lane Kiffin. His answer will not be found in headlines or highlight reels or even in his first season. It will be measured years from now by whether LSU’s program remains stronger than he found it. That is the story of The Lane Kiffin Reset. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Lane Kiffin LSU, lsu football, sec football, SEC Football News --- ### [Former LSU Star Ryan Clark Tackles ESPN (Entire Spin Network) Over His Departure](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-star-ryan-clark-tackles-espn-entire-spin-network-over-his-departure/) **Published:** July 26, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Former LSU and NFL defensive back Ryan Clark was one of several studio analysts at ESPN let go last week as the network continues with a string of layoffs that have been going on for several years. But the New Orleans area native gave his side to his departure after 12 years at the iconic sports entity. [Initial reports had Clark being fired while on air last week.](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-football-star-ryan-clark-fired-from-espn-while-on-the-air/) Some have said that Clark was not fired, rather he resigned. “Let me put this to bed,” Clark said on The Pivot podcast that he co-hosts on Friday. “I wasn’t laid off. I was fired.” He also said he “was the best analyst in the world.” Clark’s time at ESPN was filled with controversy and several apologies by himself for comments, and in recent years he said he tried to avoid that through meetings with top executives. > “I am the best analyst in the world” > > Who in your echo chamber telling you this? > > “I couldn’t be too black” > > After you Inject race or political views into nearly every segment including this one > > Unlike Karl Ravech and a few others that were fired, RC brought this on himself. [pic.twitter.com/JrjQb7AEPP](https://t.co/JrjQb7AEPP) > > — Zach Von Rosenberg (@ZVR09) [July 24, 2026](https://x.com/ZVR09/status/2080783141178892568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “What makes me a little bit sad about myself is I did adjust who I was to try to keep my job,” he said. “I couldn’t have no beef (he says he was told). I couldn’t respond to disrespect. I knew, for lack of a better word, I couldn’t be too black. What makes me sad is even in trying to adjust to beiing more of what certain people wanted, they still fired me.” OutKick.com/FOX News’ Dan Zaksheske was one of the first on the story and was a guest on Tiger Rag Radio last week. > [Tiger Rag Radio: Inside SEC Media Days & The Firing of Ryan Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-inside-sec-media-days-the-firing-of-ryan-clark/) Clark, who played safety at LSU from 1998-2001 out of Shaw High School, began working at ESPN as an analyst in 2015 shortly after he retired from the NFL following the 2014 season with Washington. He played for the New York Giants in 2002-03 after signing as an undrafted free agent. After two seasons with Washington in 2004 and ’05, he had his best years at Pittsburgh from 2006-13. He was part of the Steelers’ Super Bowl XLIIII championship team in the 2008 season and made the Pro Bowl in 2011. > Appreciate it, [@ClayTravis](https://x.com/ClayTravis?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). > > Ryan Clark just confirmed our reporting: [@OutKick](https://x.com/Outkick?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)’s call forced ESPN to accelerate its timeline, tell Clark during NFL Live, and rush the story to its buddy Marchand before we could publish. > > — Dan Zaksheske (@RealDanZak) [July 24, 2026](https://x.com/RealDanZak/status/2080798256586535039?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “They’re using layoffs as a cover and a camouflage for what they already intended on doing,” Clark said. “But there was no cause for it. So because there was no cause for it you couldn’t just fire me, so you had to wait until the layoffs so you could camouflage it and veil it.” Among the other ESPN talent let go last week were Karl Ravech after 33 years, Charles Davis, Tom Pelissero and Cam Newton. > Linda Cohn decries ESPN for ‘buffoonery’ in handling layoffs > > — Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) [July 25, 2026](https://x.com/awfulannouncing/status/2080807025643069688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) On The Pivot, which is co-hosted by former NFL players Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder, Clark was asked if there was anything he wishes he could change about his time at ESPN. “It depends on when you ask me,” Clark said and got emotional. “Like when I see people in public, and they tell me they’re proud of me. They’re proud of the way I represent the community. I wouldn’t change anything because that means the world to me. When I go home, and this kid (Clark) from the West Bank is so accepted in New Orleans now. Like, I wouldn’t change that. Never. All I ever wanted is to be accepted and wanted. I wouldn’t change that.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** ESPN, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Ryan Clark --- ### [Former LSU Football Star Ryan Clark Fired from ESPN While On The Air](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-football-star-ryan-clark-fired-from-espn-while-on-the-air/) **Published:** July 21, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Former LSU defensive back Ryan Clark was fired by ESPN while doing his job on Monday. Clark, a star safety for the Tigers who played from 1997-2001 before 13 seasons in the NFL after not being drafted, was on ESPN’s “NFL Live” when the network informed him of his firing during the show for fear the news would leak, according to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand. Clark, 46, did not finish the show. ESPN reportedly planned to fire Clark on Tuesday along with another set of on-air personality layoffs that could be incoming. Marchand reported Clark’s job had been in jeopardy since February. Clark, a native of New Orleans who played at Shaw High, addressed the layoffs on X, or Twitter, on Tuesday. > Sending prayers and love to all those laid off today by ESPN. So many of you have poured your life into that company, & I know how you’re feeling right now. > > My hope is as this door closes another opens for you all. God bless! > > — Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) [July 21, 2026](https://x.com/Realrclark25/status/2079567916731691065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “Sending prayers and love to all those laid off today by ESPN,” Clark’s post reads. “So many of you have poured your life into that company, and I know how you’re feeling right now. My hope is as this door closes another opens for you all. God bless!” Clark signed with ESPN in 2015 and was reportedly making more than $2 million a year. He won a Sports Emmy in 2023 for the most Outstanding Personality/Studio Analyst. He also hosts “The Pivot Podcast” with retired NFL players Fred Taylor and Channing Crowder. > [Former LSU standout Ryan Clark of ESPN wins Sports Emmy for ‘Outstanding Personality/Studio Analyst’](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-standout-ryan-clark-of-espn-wins-sports-emmy-for-outstanding-personality-studio-analyst/) Clark made 36 straight starts as the Tigers’ safety from 1998-2001, playing for both coach Gerry DiNardo and Nick Saban. He was named to the All-SEC second-team in 2000. From 2006-13, Clark played for the Pittsburgh Steelers and became one of coach Mike Tomlin’s favorites. He was on the Steelers’ Super Bowl XLIII winning team in the 2008-09 season and played in the Pro Bowl in the 2011 season. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** ESPN, lsu football, LSU Tigers, nick saban, Ryan Clark --- ### [Lane Kiffin's "Personal Changes Led To On-Field Success," Says Former Coaching Partner Steve Sarkisian](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-personal-changes-led-to-on-field-success-says-former-coaching-partner-steve-sarkisian/) **Published:** July 25, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter When LSU hosts Texas in Tiger Stadium Nov. 14, it will not just be a homecoming for Longhorns quarterback and New Orleans native Arch Manning, it will also be a reunion between former coaching partners – LSU head coach Lane Kiffin and Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian. And Kiffin, 51, and Sarkisian, 52, have much in common in addition to each becoming excellent, play calling offensive coordinators and head coaches after playing quarterback in college – Kiffin at Fresno State and Sarkisian at BYU. Kiffin and Sarkisian coached together Pete Carroll’s USC staff from 2001-03 and from 2005-06. After Kiffin was USC’s head coach from 2010-12 but fired early in the 2013 season, he was replaced by assistant Ed Orgeron on an interim basis. Then Sarkisian left the Washington head coaching job to become USC’s head coach before the 2014 season. After taking a leave of absence during the 2015 season for alcohol misuse, Sarkisian was fired later that year. Kiffin landed at Alabama under coach Nick Saban following his 2013 USC firing from 2014-16 as offensive coordinator. Sarkisian also landed at Alabama after his 2015 USC firing in 2016 as an offensive assistant and stopped drinking. Kiffin got the head coaching job at Florida Atlantic late in the 2016 season with plans to continue coaching Alabama’s offense through the playoffs. But Saban let Kiffin go before the national championship game because of eratic behavior. And Sarkisian replaced Kiffin as OC for the national title game, which the Tide lost, 35-31, to Clemson. Sarkisian left to become the Atlanta Falcons OC in 2017 and ’18 before becoming Saban’s OC at Alabama from 2019-20. He became the Texas head coach before the 2021 season. Meanwhile, Kiffin won at Florida Atlantic and got the Ole Miss coaching job before the 2020 season, and he quit drinking in early 2021. Along the way, each coach got divorced – Kiffin once and Sarkisian twice. Through their interwoven paths, Sarkisian has had a front row seat to the Lane Kiffin experience and vice versa. “I’m very proud of Lane,” Sarkisian said at SEC Media Days on Thursday. “I know he’s made a lot of changes personally. I’m really proud of him, and I think those personal changes have led to on-field success. I think there’s a direct correlation to that, so I’m very happy for him.” Kiffin opened up at Media Days about how his hiatus from social media has been good for him and the value of subtracting bad habits, such as drinking. “If you really want to keep growing, a lot of people add things as they go versus subtracting things that are issues,” Kiffin said. “Whether that’s diet, whether that’s in my situation – alcohol, whether that’s things that are subtracted along the way – toxic relationships, things that as you grow you decide, okay, I’m going to continue to grow.” > [Lane Kiffin Stopped Tweeting After Vanity Fair Article Hit, But He Says Now His Son Knox Deserves The Credit](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-stopped-tweeting-after-vanity-fair-article-hit-but-he-says-now-his-son-knox-deserves-the-credit/) Sarkisian has noticed the growth in Kiffin as others have noticed the growth in Sarkisian. “I think Lane’s a really good coach,” Sarkisian said. “Everywhere he’s been, there’s been success. Obviously the most recent success of what he’s had at Ole Miss.” Kiffin is 116-53 in 14 years as a college head coach. His teams have won 10 games or more in seven seasons, including each of the last three seasons. He has failed to reach a bowl game only three times, including his final season at USC when he was fired after just five games. His 55 wins in six seasons at Ole Miss is second only to Georgia’s Kirby Smart (73-9) among SEC coaches during that time. “He’s always going to assemble a talented roster,” Sarkisian said. “He’s always going to be creative, whether it’s through schemes, through recruiting, whatever that looks like. He does not look at things traditionally. He’s always going to try to think outside the box to find a unique way to accomplish something, and so I expect him to continue to do that at LSU.” The first creative problem solving of the Kiffin era was figuring how to fill a roster that lost 66 players from the 110 on last year’s team – many of whom Kiffin did not want back. The creative solution — spending more than $40 million on the No. 1 transfer class in college football. How did he come up with that one? > [Lane Kiffin’s 1st LSU Portal Class: From A Whisper To Shouts From Mountain Tops | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-class-from-a-whisper-to-shouts-from-mountain-tops-glenn-guilbeau/) Sarkisian knows. “Now he’s got more resources,” he said. “He’s got more support, so I think that that’s an opportunity for him to continue to grow on the path and the journey that he’s on.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Alabama Crimson Tide, lane kiffin, lsu football, nick saban, Steve Sarkisian, Texas Longhorns --- ### [LSU Baseball Has A Chance To Keep Its Highest Drafted Signee - Lefty Pitcher Logan Schmidt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-has-a-chance-to-keep-its-highest-drafted-signee-lefty-pitcher-logan-schmidt/) **Published:** July 25, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU is in the running for left-handed pitcher Logan Schmidt, a second round pick of the Major League Baseball Draft on July 11 by the Cleveland Guardians who was the highest selected Tiger signee from high school at No. 59 overall. Schmidt (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) of Ganesha High in Aliso Viejo, California, has a slot value of approximately $1.6 million and could be paid as much as $1.7 million by Cleveland. But he is reportedly interested in more money and may not sign with Cleveland, which means he could end up at LSU. > The top signee in LSU’s baseball class might not sign with the Guardians. > > But LSU isn’t the only option.[@HuntPalmer88](https://x.com/HuntPalmer88?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and I have the latest we’re hearing 👇 > > > > — Matt Moscona (@MattMoscona) [July 25, 2026](https://x.com/MattMoscona/status/2081041598868000978?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) But he also may opt to go to a junior college, which would mean he could enter the 2027 MLB Draft. If he goes to LSU, he could not enter the draft until after his junior season in 2029. > [LSU Baseball: Jay Johnson Exits A “Sweaty” Draft Weekend With Most Of His High School Signees Staying](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-jay-johnson-exits-a-sweaty-draft-weekend-with-most-of-his-high-school-signees-staying/) Perfect Game ranked Schmidt as the No. 12 prospect overall before the draft. [He is one of 21 signees in Johnson’s 2027 class](https://www.perfectgame.org/College/CollegeCommitments.aspx?college=1658&grad=2026) that is ranked second in the nation by Perfect Game to Vanderbilt. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Cleveland Guardians, jay johnson, Logan Schmidt, mlb draft --- ### [Lane Kiffin Gave Sneak Peek To His Portal-High School Recruiting Duality At SEC Media Days](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-gave-sneak-peek-to-his-portal-high-school-recruiting-duality-at-sec-media-days/) **Published:** July 25, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Although LSU’s 41-player transfer class in year one under Lane Kiffin may be an anomaly, expect the “Portal King” to continue his reign in Baton Rouge with likely smaller numbers. At Southeastern Conference Media Days, Kiffin gave some insight into how he plans to build his rosters in the future at LSU. “We’re coming to LSU to sign the best players in the country out of high school and then mix that with the best portal players in the country and put them together,” Kiffin said. “That’s led us into this roster that we have now, which is a really good mixture of that.” > [Lane Kiffin’s 1st LSU Portal Class: From A Whisper To Shouts From Mountain Tops | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-class-from-a-whisper-to-shouts-from-mountain-tops-glenn-guilbeau/) In addition to the No. 1 transfer class Kiffin and Co. also welcomed 16 freshmen and three junior college transfers (not to be grouped with the transfer portal). That includes five-star defensive linemen freshmen Lamar Brown and Richard Anderson in [247sports.com](http://247sports.com)’s 11th-ranked recruiting class. “We put together a roster that can win now, but as I look at when you build the program where it really will go to another level is how you build your depth,” Kiffin said. That depth will come largely from both the blockbuster group of underclassmen portal transfers and top true freshmen. Kiffin said people need to reframe how they think of the transfer portal. “The portal is thought so much about like every portal player is a senior or a one-year player,” he said. ”That’s not the case. A lot of times you sign a portal player, they may have two, three years of eligibility left. So, then you have them in your program. Now you go into year two, you’ve coached them already.” Many portal players may not even see the field their first year in the program. Of LSU’s 41 incoming transfers, 35 have more than one year of eligibility remaining, and 19 have three or more years. Kiffin said college coaches cannot rely solely on high school classes with the beginning of the no-sit-out portal in 2021. “A couple schools have done that, and it’s not working out well,” he said. “They can leave after year one when they don’t play as much as they like or they want more money, or they do play and then they want more money.” Georgia, though, did win national championships in the 2021 and ’22 seasons with very few portals coming in or going out. But that was early in the portal era. The program Kiffin was not-so-subtly alluding to is likely Dabo Swinney’s Clemson team, which will be in Tiger Stadium to open the season on Sept. 5 (6:30 p.m., ABC). Swinney has long criticized the portal and brought in very few transfers from 2021-24. But he welcomed 13 for this season. > [LANE KIFFIN TV: ESPN’s GameDay Will Be At LSU-Clemson Sept 5; ABC Televising Game And Ole Miss on Sept. 19](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-tv-espns-college-gameday-will-be-at-lsu-season-opener-vs-clemson-on-sept-5/) And Clemson has suffered. He went from undefeated national champions in the 2018 season, a second straight title game appearance in 2019 and seasons of 10-2 and 7-1, 10-3 and 6-2, 11-3 and 8-0 from 2020-22 to a drop as the portal era took over. Swinney slipped to 9-4 and 4-4 in 2023 for his first single-digit-win season and non-winning mark in the Atlantic Coast Conference since 2010. He followed that with a 10-4 and 7-1 in 2024, but dropped to 7-6 and 4-4 last year – his worst season since the 6-7 and 4-4 in 2010. Swinney’s Tigers are by no means irrelevant, but his recent rosters are a far cry from their former dominance. Kiffin is determined not to let modern college football leave him behind, even with LSU’s storied high school recruiting success. He is off to a [great start toward his 2027 class as it is ranked No. 10 by 247sports.com with 16 commitments, including a pair of five-star players.](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2027-football/commits/) “Even though we can sign great, elite, top-100 high school players like we just did, like what’s committing to us,” he said, “we’re still going to build a lot through the portal until they balance out the system and they balance out how contracts work.” Kiffin’s dilemma is that unproven, young talents who may not see the field immediately, compete for the same revenue-share and Name, Image, and Likeness dollars as seasoned upperclassmen. Why invest in a raw high school prospects when you can pay the same amount to a productive veteran? “You study the NFL, and they say the best teams over time will sustain the longest by building through the draft and supplement through free agency,” Kiffin said. “Because that’s where the long term contracts are at the lower prices. But our system doesn’t have that.” > [Lane Kiffin Is Running LSU Like An NFL Team Because College Football Has Left Him No Other Choice | TODD HORNE](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-lsu-football-nfl-model-sam-leavitt-spring-practice/) He suggested the NCAA limit the earnings of incoming freshmen similar to how the NFL lowered the rookie contracts dramatically not long after LSU quarterback JaMarcus Russell signed as the first pick of the draft with the Oakland Raiders – coached by Kiffin – in 2007 for a six-year, $61 million contract with $32 million guaranteed. Russell, who was picked by Oakland because then-owner Al Davis ordered it, became one of the biggest first-pick busts in NFL history and was out of the league by 2010. “Now, if you could fix it where the high school kids, in my opinion, are lower paid,” Kiffin said. “I was in the NFL when we drafted JaMarcus Russell before they moved down the rookie salary cap, and then they made the slots for the draft. Because the rookies were getting paid more than the 10-year vets. Well, they got that fixed. “That in our system is a little bit screwed up, in my opinion. The kids who haven’t played at all coming out of high school should be making less, and there should be a freshman cap, like a rookie cap. And then the max slots per position that they make. And then they’re signed to multi-year contracts. So, then you build through high school because that guy can stay longer.” Until that happens, and the system is fixed. Kiffin will continue to take advantage of the transfer portal to snag, not just immediate impact players, but fill out the entire roster.That does not mean he plans to abandon high school recruiting, though. The healthy mix will continue. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Dabo Swinney, lane kiffin, lsu football, SEC Media Days 2026, Transfer Portal --- ### [LSU Football 2026: Lane Kiffin And Tigers Preview LSU's First 9-Game SEC Schedule](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-2026-lane-kiffin-and-tigers-preview-lsus-first-9-game-sec-schedule/) **Published:** July 25, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter LSU was picked to finish fifth on Friday in the Southeastern Conference media poll at the SEC Media Days in Tampa, Florida, behind No. 1 pick Georgia, Texas, Ole Miss and Texas A&M. Georgia is the only team in the top four that LSU does not play. > So, after all these mandates of Lane Kiffin reaching playoffs or NC or bust, he’s picked 5th. Cue up MADTV’s “Lowered Expectations.” > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 24, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2080700789463437791?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Many national and some local media members have said it is national championship or bust for the Tigers and first-year head coach Lane Kiffin. While Kiffin has downplayed that sentiment, he said that challenge is part of why he came to Baton Rouge from Ole Miss after last regular season. > [TODD HORNE: Lane Kiffin Didn’t Win SEC Media Days, He Revealed Why LSU Believes He’s Ready](https://www.tigerrag.com/todd-horne-lane-kiffin-didnt-win-sec-media-days-he-revealed-why-lsu-believes-hes-ready/) “The team comes off of a 7-6 season, and then the expectations that everybody in the media has that we’re supposed to be this great team right away, that’s an awesome challenge,” Kiffin said. “You want to talk about getting uncomfortable, that does it.” The Tigers have a tough nine-game SEC schedule for the first time ever this season. The conference added the ninth game for its latest TV deal amid a projected move to a 16-team playoff schedule from 12, but that has not happened yet. The move could boost SEC teams’ strength of schedule points, but the College Football Playoff doesn’t exactly include that. And Kiffin said the nine will do more harm than good. “I was against it,” Kiffin said. “What you’re going to have is more conference losses, and you don’t prove anything. If we’re all in the same conference, and we keep playing each other we don’t really prove that we’re better than anyone else.” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey and league coaches at SEC Media Days discussed how the College Football Playoff Committee does not plan to reward SEC schools for the tougher strength of schedule. > [SEC Media Days: Commissioner Greg Sankey Kicks It Off, And Says Talk of SEC Breakaway “Real”](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-media-days-commissioner-greg-sankey-kicks-it-off-and-says-talk-of-sec-breakaway-real/) “Until we can get to a world where people can actually look at teams and say, ‘That team that is 9-3 with their schedule is a better team than that 11-1 team in a different conference,’ which now I think we aren’t even close to doing that. I think it causes a problem because we don’t have enough non-conference in our sport.” Kiffin may have been thinking about his 9-3 Ole Miss team in 2024 that didn’t make the CFP. That team, however, did not deserve to reach the playoffs because of the very strength of schedule argument Kiffin is making. His No. 6 Rebels that year lost at home to an unranked Kentucky team that finished 4-8 and 1-7 in the league. And he lost as the No. 9 team to Florida, which finished 8-5 and 4-4. Ole Miss finished 9-3 and 5-3 in the ’24 regular season with a win over No. 3 Georgia, which finished 11-2 and 6-2, but the two “bad” losses canceled that one out. The Rebels’ third loss was to No. 13 LSU on the road in overtime in a game in which Ole Miss outgained the Tigers. Strength of schedule is a great argument, especially if you win the games against the ranked teams and don’t lose to a couple of bad ones. > [LSU Football Could’ve Been A Contender For The Playoffs, But It Couldn’t Beat Sun Belt Billy](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-couldve-been-a-contender-for-the-playoffs-but-it-couldnt-beat-sun-belt-billy/) Alabama, which also finished 9-3 and 5-3 in 2024, also missed the playoffs, largely because of bad losses outweighing impressive wins. What killed the Tide that year was a 24-3 loss at unranked Oklahoma, which finished 6-7 and 2-6, in the regular season finale. Alabama also had a loss at unranked Vanderbilt, which finished 7-6 and 3-5. Those losses canceled out a win over No. 2 Georgia. As for the 2026 conference schedule, LSU senior linebacker Whit Weeks said the Tigers’ defense will be put to the test against the fast-paced offenses of Ole Miss, Auburn, Mississippi State and Tennessee. But going against former Ole Miss offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr.’s quick tempo in practice has prepared them. “We play four of the fastest offenses in the country, outside of our own offense, and it’s tough playing tempo teams, but we get to see that every day at practice,” he said. “And at practice you don’t have refs spotting the ball, so it goes even faster than a game.” **LSU’s 2026 Schedule** Sat, Sept. 5 Clemson Sat, Sept. 12 Louisiana Tech Sat, Sept. 19 at Ole Miss Sat, Sept. 26 Texas A&M Sat, Oct. 3 McNeese State Sat, Oct. 10 at Kentucky Sat, Oct. 17 Mississippi State Sat, Oct 24 at Auburn Sat, Nov 7 Alabama Sat, Nov 14 Texas Sat, Nov 21 at Tennessee Sat, Nov 28 at Arkansas **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu football, SEC Media Days 2026, Whit Weeks --- ### [Washington Blinked First](https://www.tigerrag.com/washington-blinked-first/) **Published:** July 25, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** By TODD HORNE, EXECUTIVE EDITOR Picture Washington three weeks ago: Capitol Hill filled with ambitious lawmakers convinced they could impose a national playbook on college sports and finally bring order to the NIL era—settling revenue-sharing disputes, taming the transfer portal and resolving the athlete-employment debate all at once. Fast-forward to today, and that playbook is already being redrawn, line by line, under pressure from the very powers Congress hoped to regulate: the SEC and Big Ten. Back in June, the Protect College Sports Act cleared the Senate Commerce Committee with bipartisan applause and broad institutional support. Nearly everyone agreed that college athletics needed a single national rulebook. But before the bill ever reached the Senate floor, the SEC and Big Ten reminded Washington where the sport’s greatest leverage resides. Lawmakers spent the following weeks revising conference-expansion provisions, media-rights language and antitrust protections after the conferences made clear those issues were non-negotiable. Every revision reinforced the same reality: you don’t rewrite college athletics without the people who generate most of its revenue. And here’s where LSU fans should lean in. This isn’t an abstract fight over legislative language. LSU is already restructuring its athletic department, preparing for revenue sharing, rising player compensation and the financial pressures that accompany them because the negotiations unfolding in Washington will shape the business of college athletics for the next decade. Federal legislation and LSU’s internal transformation aren’t parallel stories. They’re chapters of the same plot. So what has this summer taught us? Congress can write the framework, but lasting change happens only when the SEC and Big Ten are willing to accept it. The Protect College Sports Act isn’t dead; it’s evolving into something different from the version unveiled in June. And for anyone who follows LSU athletics, that evolution matters more than any eventual floor vote—because by the time Congress finally casts its ballots, much of college sports’ future may already have been negotiated by the conferences that drive it. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, LSU athletics, LSU Football News **Tags:** Big Ten Conference, lsu football, NCAA Football, Protect College Sports Act --- ### [LSU Softball: Four Incoming Tigers To Play In Elite High School All-American Game](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-four-incoming-tigers-to-play-in-all-american-game/) **Published:** July 24, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Four incoming LSU softball freshmen from coach Beth Torina’s class of 2027 will compete in the 2026 Premier Girls Fastpitch All-American Game on Saturday (9 p.m., ESPNU) at Deanna Manning Stadium in Irvine, California. The PGF All-American Game, established in 2016, showcases 44 of the nation’s top graduating seniors, along with 44 of the country’s premier sophomore and junior prospects. The LSU future players are pitcher **[Addie Rackley](https://lsusports.net/sports/sb/roster/player/addie-rackley)** on the East team and pitcher **[Ayla Tuua](https://lsusports.net/sports/sb/roster/player/ayla-tuua)**, catcher **[Karmen Vazquez](https://lsusports.net/sports/sb/roster/player/karmen-vazquez)**, and outfielder **[Sydnee Williams](https://lsusports.net/sports/sb/roster/player/sydnee-williams)** on the West team. Two-time Rawlings Gold Glove Award winner and LSU alumna **[Ciara Briggs](https://lsusports.net/staff/ciara-briggs-coach)** will serve as a coach for the West team. They are part of LSU coach Beth Torina’s No. 10-ranked recruiting class for 2027 by Softball America/Rivals. Rackley is a five-star pitcher according to Softball America/Rivals and is ranked as the nation’s No. 9 overall player, the No. 2 player in Georgia and the No. 4 pitcher in her class. She has starred for Georgia Impact, helping lead the program win multiple national championships, and has won multiple state championships at Buford High School. Tuua is a four-star pitcher by Softball America/Rivals and is ranked as the No. 6 player in California and No. 9 pitcher nationally in her class. The California Gatorade Player of the Year has competed for BSC Bengals Briggs and Destiny Christian Academy. She has captured multiple California Interscholastic Federation section championships and a Northern California Regional championship while earning multiple PGF All-America honors. Vazquez is a four-star catcher according to Rivals and ranks as the No. 4 player in California and the No. 4 catcher nationally in her class. She competes for Central California Dirtdogs Vazquez Gold, where she has earned TCS Future Stars All-America and PGF All-America honors. At Hanford West High School, Vazquez was named the team’s Most Valuable Player, Offensive Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, while also earning multiple All-State First Team selections. Williams is a five-star outfielder by Rivals and is ranked as the No. 3 outfielder nationally and the No. 4 overall player in Arizona. She has spent the past three seasons competing for Arizona Storm Mathis, helping the program win a Top 25 Tournament championship. At Sandra Day O’Connor High School, Williams was named the 2023 Regional Player of the Year and has earned multiple All-Region First Team honors. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Softball **Tags:** beth torina, lsu, lsu softball, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football: Linebacker TJ Dottery Has Made Seamless Transition From Rebel To Tiger](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-linebacker-tj-dottery-has-made-seamless-transition-from-rebel-to-tiger/) **Published:** July 24, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Lane Kiffin made sure to bring one of his defensive stars when he packed for LSU from Ole Miss — senior linebacker TJ Dottery. Dottery redshirted his freshman season at Clemson, and spent the last three years at Ole Miss. He led the Southeastern Conference with 98 tackles last season, and, for him, following Kiffin to Baton Rouge was a no-brainer. > [Ole Miss LB TJ Dottery Could Be A Portal Solution For LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/ole-miss-lb-tj-dottery-could-be-a-portal-solution-for-lsu/) “The biggest factor for me, honestly, was LSU itself,” Dottery said Thursday at Southeastern Conference Media Days. “Talking about the rich history of defense and talented players they’ve had on both sides of the ball, offense and defense, I felt like that was the opportunity I could see myself being a part of.” And he has not missed a beat since arriving in Baton Rouge. [After a strong spring, Dottery was named a third team Preseason All-SEC player on Friday.](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-puts-5-on-all-sec-preseason-first-team-and-9-in-all/) “The transition has been great, honestly,” he said. “I can attest to the the type of people we have on the team from even the returners like the Whit Weeks (linebacker) or Bo Bordelon (offensive guard) guys that know what it’s like to be at LSU and have been here for a while, and them embracing me and telling me to continue to be myself. And I feel like that’s made it the easiest for me, just being able to be myself and be the guy I am.” > [SEC Media Days: Whit Weeks Wants To Bring Back LSU’s “Nasty Defense”](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-media-days-whit-weeks-wants-to-bring-back-lsus-nasty-defense/) Weeks and Dottery will hold down a defense that looks to continue to improve under coordinator Blake Baker in this third season. “Coach Baker’s amazing,” Dottery said. “His intelligence for the game is phenomenal. And the type of person he is is even better. I can talk to him about anything. And his energy he brings, like him wearing cleats to practice, is awesome, and when we make a play he’s almost on the field with us. The first time I actually made a play he jumped on me and kind of scared me. That energy, I love it.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** blake baker, lane kiffin, lsu football, Ole Miss Rebels, SEC Media Days 2026, TJ Dottery --- ### [LSU Football Puts 5 On All-SEC Preseason First Team And 9 In All](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-puts-5-on-all-sec-preseason-first-team-and-9-in-all/) **Published:** July 24, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The LSU football team was picked to only finish fifth in the Southeastern Conference standings by reporters at the SEC Media Days this week in Tampa, Florida. But the Tigers were well represented on the All-SEC preseason team also released on Friday with five on the first team, two on the second team and two on the third team. > So, after all these mandates of Lane Kiffin reaching playoffs or NC or bust, he’s picked 5th. Cue up MADTV’s “Lowered Expectations.” > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 24, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2080700789463437791?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Returning junior tight end Trey’Dez Green was voted to the first team as were returning senior linebacker Whit Weeks and returning junior punter Grant Chadwick. Incoming transfers from the portal – junior left tackle Jordan Seaton of Colorado and senior edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen of Ole Miss – also made the first team. > [Will Wade Was One Of The 1st To Notice The Talent And Reach Of Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-was-one-of-the-1st-to-notice-the-talent-and-reach-of-treydez-green/) The second team featured sophomore corner back DJ Pickett and transfer senior safety TJ Dottery of Ole Miss. ## 2026 Preseason All-SEC Team ### Offense PositionFirst TeamSecond TeamThird TeamQuarterbackTrinidad Chambliss, Ole MissArch Manning, TexasGunner Stockton, GeorgiaRunning BackKewan Lacy, Ole Miss Ahmad Hardy, MissouriJadan Baugh, Florida Nate Frazier, GeorgiaDeSean Bishop, Tennessee Hollywood Smothers, TexasWide ReceiverCam Coleman, Texas Ryan Coleman-Williams, AlabamaMario Craver, Texas A&M Isaiah Sategna III, OklahomaRyan Wingo, Texas Nyck Harbor, South CarolinaTight EndTrey’Dez Green, LSULawson Luckie, GeorgiaWillie Rodriguez, KentuckyGuard/TackleTrevor Goosby, Texas Cayden Green, Missouri Jordan Seaton, LSU Earnest Greene III, GeorgiaDontrell Glover, Georgia Michael Fasusi, Oklahoma Michael Carroll, Alabama Lance Heard, KentuckyDavid Sanders Jr., Tennessee Patrick Kutas, Ole Miss Brandon Baker, Texas Wendell Moe Jr., TennesseeCenterDrew Bobo, GeorgiaMark Nabou Jr., Texas A&MBraelin Moore, LSUAll-PurposeMario Craver, Texas A&MRyan Niblett, TexasJadan Baugh, Florida### Defense PositionFirst TeamSecond TeamThird TeamDefensive LineColin Simmons, Texas Will Echoles, Ole Miss Dylan Stewart, South Carolina Princewill Umanmielen, LSUDavid Stone, Oklahoma Elijah Griffin, Georgia Taylor Wein, Oklahoma Quincy Rhodes Jr., ArkansasKam Franklin, Ole Miss DJ Hicks, Texas A&M Gabe Harris, Georgia Jayden Woods, FloridaLinebackerWhit Weeks, LSU Xavier Atkins, Auburn Rasheem Biles, TexasRaylen Wilson, Georgia Suntarine Perkins, Ole Miss Kip Lewis, OklahomaArion Carter, Tennessee TJ Dottery, LSU Yhonzae Pierre, AlabamaDefensive BackKJ Bolden, Georgia Zabien Brown, Alabama Bray Hubbard, Alabama Ellis Robinson IV, GeorgiaKelley Jones, Mississippi State DJ Pickett, LSU Ty Benefield, LSU Eli Bowen, Oklahoma \* Peyton Bowen, Oklahoma \*Keon Sabb, Alabama Champ Anthony, Auburn Khalil Barnes, Georgia Jelani McDonald, Texas### Specialists PositionFirst TeamSecond TeamThird TeamPlacekickerTate Sandell, OklahomaLucas Carneiro, Ole MissAlex McPherson, AuburnPunterGrant Chadwick, LSUGrayson Miller, OklahomaEthan Pulliam, Mississippi StateReturn SpecialistRyan Niblett, TexasIsaiah Sategna III, OklahomaVernell Brown III, FloridaKickoff SpecialistTate Sandell, OklahomaLucas Carneiro, Ole MissTerry Bussey, Texas A&MLong SnapperBen Anderson, OklahomaTrey Dubuc, TexasBrett Le Blanc, Missouri*\* – Indicates a tie* **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Grant Chadwick, Jordan Seaton, lsu football, Princewill Umanmielen, sec football, sec media days, Trey'Dez Green, Whit Weeks --- ### [SEC Media Days Predictions: After Claims of National Title Or Bust For Lane Kiffin, Tigers Picked 5th!](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-media-days-predictions-after-claims-of-national-title-or-bust-for-lane-kiffin-tigers-picked-5th/) **Published:** July 24, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES For months, national media and some closer to home have been proclaiming a national championship season, or close to it, for new LSU football coach Lane Kiffin, mainly because of his No. 1, 41-man portal class as well as his $13.5 million salary. SEC Network analyst Ben Watson went as far as to say this week that Kiffin has to make the national title game in his first season. Others have said, College Football Playoff or bust. > I think this is the first time [\#LSU](https://x.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) fans have had reasonable expectations for their team compared to the rest of the country. > > — Preston Guy (@PGuy77) [July 22, 2026](https://x.com/PGuy77/status/2079735748845076777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) But a poll of reporters at the SEC Media Days this week in Tampa, Florida, released on Friday has the Tigers tabbed to finish only fifth in the SEC. And the Tigers received only two votes to win the SEC title. National title votes were not taken, but draw your own obvious conclusion. > [JIM ENGSTER: Playoffs or Bust for Lane Kiffin](https://www.tigerrag.com/jim-engster-playoffs-or-bust-for-lane-kiffin/) Georgia was predicted to win the 2026 SEC Championship with 88 votes. The SEC Championship Game is on December 5 in Atlanta at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Texas was picked to be the Bulldogs’ opponent in a rematch of the 2024 SEC Championship Game. Texas received 57 votes to win the SEC Championship. The participants of the SEC Championship Game will be determined during the regular-season conference schedule as the teams with the two best overall SEC winning percentages. The SEC announced in August it would begin playing nine conference games for each school beginning in 2026. Each school will also continue to be required to schedule at least one opponent from the Atlantic Coast, Big Ten or Big 12 conferences or Notre Dame. Only 10 times since 1992 (34 years) has the predicted champion prior to the season at SEC Football Media Days proceeded to win the SEC Championship Game. ## Preseason Media Poll SchoolChampion VotesGeorgia88Texas57Ole Miss6Texas A&M5Alabama3Oklahoma2LSU2Kentucky1## Predicted Order of Finish RankSchoolPoints1Georgia2,5192Texas2,4493Ole Miss2,0044Texas A&M1,9675LSU1,9616Alabama1,9307Oklahoma1,9148Tennessee1,3209Florida1,21710Missouri1,10511South Carolina95612Auburn93613Vanderbilt75114Kentucky54615Mississippi State46716Arkansas262 **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, sec football, sec media days --- ### [Lane Kiffin Considering Holy Water For Game At Ole Miss On Sept. 19, Courtesy Of Nick Saban's Wife Terry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-considering-holy-water-for-game-at-ole-miss-on-sept-19-courtesy-of-nick-sabans-wife-terry/) **Published:** July 24, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The New Orleans Saints famously called on voodoo priestess Ava Kay Jones to break the curse on their franchise in the playoffs before their Wild Card playoff against the St. Louis Rams on Dec. 30, 2000, in the Superdome. At the time, they were 0-for-3 in the postseason and 0-for-4 overall. Jones wore a live, large boa constrictor snake as a necklace and carried a Voodoo doll and a “gris-gris” bag of herbs, stones, roots and personal items for good luck and, more importantly, spiritual protection. A drummer and dancer from the Voodoo Macumba band accompanied her. And it worked. The Saints broke the hex with a 31-28 win, thanks to Rams’ punt returner Az-Zahir Hakim dropping a punt deep in St. Louis territory to seal the win. “There is a God,” Saints play-by-play announcer Jim Henderson exclaimed on the radio. There is also voodoo. > [Nick Saban Is Not Coming Back, But He’s Trying To Get Lane Kiffin To LSU Via Jimmy Sexton](https://www.tigerrag.com/nick-saban-is-not-coming-back-but-hes-trying-to-get-lane-kiffin-to-lsu-via-jimmy-sexton/) New LSU football coach Nick Saban and his wife Terry had been in Louisiana for just over a year at this time, and Saban’s first LSU team had just defeated Georgia Tech, 28-14, the night before at the Peach Bowl in Atlanta. They were getting used to Louisiana’s customs at this point. Saban would win the national championship in the 2003 season, breaking a curse of no national titles in LSU football since 1958. But he left LSU after the 2004 season to become the Miami Dolphins coach before returning to college football for the 2007 season at LSU blook rival Alabama – much to the hateful chagrin of LSU fans. They burned for years over that, much like Ole Miss fans are now with their coach, Lane Kiffin, leaving Ole Miss for LSU after last season. And 14 years after the Saints’ curse lifted, Terry Saban was trying to protect her husband and his new team at Alabama from the voodoo spell Tiger Stadium tends to cast on visitors. But she used an alternate strategy. “I’m walking on the sidelines before the LSU game (in 2014),” new LSU football coach Lane Kiffin said on the SEC Network with Saban on Thursday. > Rambling Man Lane Kiffin’s question-control offense eats up the clock in Tampa. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 23, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2080306209198919963?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) At the time, Kiffin was in his first season as Saban’s offensive coordinator, and No. 4 Alabama was about to play No. 14 LSU in a prime time game on CBS. Saban was 5-3 against LSU as Alabama’s coach at the time, including the 21-0 national championship win at that same dome in New Orleans on Jan. 9, 2012, and he was 2-1 in Tiger Stadium. > Classic Story Time With Nick Saban and Lane Kiffin. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 24, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2080691885564178593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “And they still dislike him there at the time,” Kiffin said. “Fans are yelling stuff at him. And Terry’s got this stuff, and she’s putting it on the ground. And I’m like, ‘What are you doing?’ She’s like, ‘There’s real voodoo here in the stadium. And they don’t like Nick here, so I’ve got to spread this stuff out to make sure it’s going to be OK.'” Saban had been hung in effigy around Baton Rouge before his first game as Alabama’s coach at LSU in 2008, and Mrs. Saban had police escorts. Alabama won that one, 27-21, in overtime. “It was holy water,” Saban said on the SEC Network as the rest of the crew laughed. “She took holy water to the sidelines.” And it worked as Alabama prevailed, 20-13, in overtime. > [Lane Kiffin Stopped Tweeting After Vanity Fair Article Hit, But He Says Now His Son Knox Deserves The Credit](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-stopped-tweeting-after-vanity-fair-article-hit-but-he-says-now-his-son-knox-deserves-the-credit/) And Kiffin plans on having Mrs. Saban spread some holy water on the field at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium at Ole Miss before the Rebels game against Kiffin and LSU on Sept. 19. That will be Kiffin’s first game at Ole Miss as LSU’s coach after coaching the Rebels from 2020-25. “When you get to that game, give me a call,” Saban said. “Because you’re going to break the record for the ass kicking you get for the place you go back to. Because I have it right now when I went back to LSU (in 2008) after leaving and going to Alabama. All right, so I’ll give you some coaching points on how to get through that. You’re going to break the record.” Not if Mrs. Saban can help. She’ll be in Oxford with her husband, who will be part of ESPN’s College GameDay crew as usual for the game. “You’ll be there for College GameDay,” Kiffin told Saban. “So, I’ll probably need Miss Terry out there.” But would Mrs. Saban help Kiffin and LSU at Vaught-Hemingway? “Sure, she loves Lane,” Saban said. “I’m sure she will.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Alabama Crimson Tide, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, nick saban, Ole Miss Rebels, sec media days, Terry Saban --- ### [SEC Media Days: A New Arch Manning Will Return To The Bayou State For Likely Critical Game At LSU On Nov. 14](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-media-days-a-new-arch-manning-will-return-to-the-bayou-state-for-likely-critical-game-at-lsu-on-nov-14/) **Published:** July 24, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter For the first time since 2002, a Manning will play in Tiger Stadium. Arch Manning and the Texas Longhorns come to Baton Rouge on Nov. 14. In that Nov. 23, 2002, matchup, Eli Manning’s Ole Miss team came up just short in a 14-13 loss. He threw for only 218 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions on 19-of-38 passing. The Tigers will hope his nephew has a similar outcome in Death Valley. But the Mannings do have two wins in Tiger Stadium as Eli led the Rebels to a 35-24 victory on Oct. 27, 2001, as the sophomore completed 28 of 44 passes for 249 yards and three touchdowns, including two in the fourth quarter to erase a 24-21 deficit to LSU coach Nick Saban. And sophomore Archie Manning – Arch’s grandfather – passed for 344 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for another on Nov. 2, 1968, to beat LSU. “Archie Manning 27, LSU 24” was the headline the next day in the Baton Rouge Advocate as Manning led the Rebels on a 75-yard game-winning drive in the final minutes to upset the No. 14 and 5-1 Tigers. Arch Manning makes his return to Louisiana after playing his high school ball at Isadore Newman in New Orleans. It is the first meeting between the schools since the Tigers’ 45-38 win in Austin in 2019. The Longhorns were supposed to make a return trip as part of that series, but it was postponed by COVID and their move to the SEC. So, this will be Texas’ first game in Tiger Stadium since the No. 11 Longhorns lost 20-7 at unranked LSU on Sept. 19, 1953. > [Will Arch Manning Break 3-3 Tie Between Mannings And LSU On Nov. 14 In Tiger Stadium In Texas’ Favor](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-arch-manning-break-the-3-3-tie-between-the-mannings-and-lsu-on-nov-14-in-tiger-stadium/) “We’re excited,” Manning said at SEC Media Days on Thursday. “I grew up going to Baton Rouge for football games, and we’re excited to go. It’s going to be a good game. They’re a great program with a bunch of good players, so we’re excited.” Manning played his first season as the full-time starter last year. He led the Longhorns to a 10-3 record with a 41-27 Citrus Bowl victory over Michigan. In 13 games, he completed 248 of his 404 passes for 3,163 yards, 26 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He ran 92 times for 399 yards and 10 scores. “I learned a lot,” Manning said. “Gaining those game experiences was really good for me.” After a rough start, he finished the season strong, but a 14-7 week one loss to Ohio State and a disjointed 29-21 performance at Florida in week five dug too big a hole for the Longhorns to climb out of for SEC title contention. > [SEC This Week: So Far, Arch Manning Is The Biggest Texas Dud Since “The Last Picture Show” Sequel](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-this-week-so-far-arch-manning-is-the-biggest-texas-dud-since-the-last-picture-show-sequel/) “He didn’t play to the way he was capable of playing,” Texas coach Steve Sarkisian said Thursday. And then the fans who had been saying Manning was going to be the first pick of the NFL Draft and win the Heisman, Sarkisian said, “wanted to criticize and demean him for letting them down. What he got put through probably would have melted or destoryed 99 percent of people. Manning said he is a different quarterback from early last season. “I think I’ve become more present, obviously matured,” he said. “Going through those rough times, I learned a lot about myself and I’ve become a better man because of it and hopefully a better player.” Texas is again the preseason favorite to win the SEC. The Longhorns are ranked No. 2 overall in ESPN’s College Football Power Index. Manning will have his chance at redemption against the Buckeyes at home on Sept. 12. The road trip to Baton Rouge comes at a critical time for the Tigers, sandwiched between a home game against Alabama and an away trip to Tennessee. With difficult early schedules for both teams, there is a very good chance that College Football Playoff hopes will hang in the balance. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** arch manning, lsu football, SEC Media Days 2026, Steve Sarkisian, Texas Longhorns --- ### [Meet Lane Kiffin And The Tigers On Saturday, Aug. 8, At LSU Indoor Facility](https://www.tigerrag.com/meet-lane-kiffin-and-the-tigers-on-saturday-aug-8-at-lsu-indoor-facility/) **Published:** July 24, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU fans will have an opportunity to meet new head coach [Lane Kiffin](https://lsusports.net/staff/lane-kiffin), his staff and the entire football team on Saturday, August 8, as NILSU MAX will host a meet and greet at the LSU Indoor Football Facility. [NILLSU MAX](https://lsusports.net/nilsu/nilsu-max) is LSU’s new, independent entity dedicated to identifying and securing NIL opportunities for LSU athletes. > [Lane Kiffin’s Complete Press Conference At SEC Media Days On Thursday](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-complete-press-conference-at-sec-media-days-on-thursday/) Tickets for the event can be purchased at [www.nilsumaxevents.com/meettheteam](https://www.nilsumaxevents.com/meettheteam). Those purchasing VIP tickets for $100 will be admitted at 2 p.m. followed by general admission entry at 2:30 p.m. General Admission is $30 for adults and $10 for children 5-and-under and includes entry into the event along with a commemorative poster. Fans with VIP tickets can get a picture with Kiffin and the commemorative poster. VIP ticket holders are encouraged to arrive early. Fans will be permitted to bring one item for autographs. Those fans registering for the event will receive email correspondence with additional event details, their digital ticket and parking information. The event concludes at 4 p.m. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [Will Wade Was One Of The 1st To Notice The Talent And Reach Of Trey'Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-was-one-of-the-1st-to-notice-the-talent-and-reach-of-treydez-green/) **Published:** July 23, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Before LSU fired basketball coach Will Wade on March 12, 2022, for major NCAA recruiting violations, he had his eye on an outstanding, 6-foot-7 junior forward at East Feliciana High in Jackson near Baton Rouge and offered him a scholarship in 2022. But the player also was a star tight end on the football team. He averaged 27 points and 11 rebounds for East Feliciana in the 2021-22 basketball season before catching 45 passes for 864 yards and 11 touchdowns that fall as a junior. He eventually decided to focus on football and signed with LSU for the 2024 season. “I had a great relationship with coach Will Wade,” LSU junior tight end Trey’Dez Green (6-7, 240 pounds) said at the Southeastern Conference Media Days on Thursday in Tampa, Florida. “He was one of the first people to offer me a basketball scholarship.” Green played briefly for LSU basketball coach Matt McMahon in the 2024-25 season as a freshman, scoring 11 points with 10 rebounds and a blocked shot in 40 total minutes over six Southeastern Conference games. In his first game, he blocked a shot and raced down court for a dunk at No. 4 Alabama on Jan. 25, 2025, in an 80-73 loss. He did not play basketball this past season as he concentrated on football in the off-season after catching 33 passes for 433 yards and seven touchdowns as as sophomore in 2025. Green caught 13 passes for 101 yards and four touchdowns in 2024 as a true freshman. He will enter the 2026 season as one of the top tight ends in the SEC, if not the nation. > [LSU’s Trey’Dez Green Tied For No. 1 TE, And Lane Kiffin Offense No. 6 For EA Sports College Football 2026-27](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-treydez-green-tied-for-no-1-te-and-lane-kiffin-offense-no-6-for-ea-sports-college-football-2026-27/) Meanwhile, Wade has returned to LSU as its basketball coach as of last March following a year off in 2022-23, two seasons at McNeese State and the 2025-26 season as North Carolina State’s coach. And Wade could surely use a player like Green as he has struggled to complete his roster for the 2026-27 season. > [High Five! Will Wade Now Officially Has Enough Guys To Play A Game | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/high-five-will-wade-now-officially-has-enough-guys-to-play-a-game-glenn-guilbeau/) “I’m looking forward to having a conversation with him,” Green said. “I haven’t had a chance to talk to him yet. But I haven’t decided. I haven’t thought about playing basketball.” Wade would likely take him as he has already visited with perhaps LSU’s next great tight end – Ruston High’s Ahmad Hudson (6-6, 239), who committed to new football coach Lane Kiffin last spring for the 2027 signing class. Hudson is considering playing basketball as well at LSU. > [LSU No. 1 TE Commit Ahmad Hudson Tells Tiger Rag, “Count Me In” As Will Wade Commit, Too](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-no-1-te-commit-ahmad-hudson-tells-tiger-rag-count-me-in-as-will-wade-commit-too/) Green, for the moment, favors football for the mismatch problems he poses for defenders that he realized while at East Feliciana. He transferred to Zachary High near Baton Rouge for his senior season in 2023 and caught 53 passes for 960 yards and 12 touchdowns. “I felt like I would be a unicorn in football,” he said of his high school decision to focus on football. “There’s a lot of 6-7 guys in the NBA or in college basketball. There’s not that many in the NFL or college football. So, just being real with myself and having an understanding and making a grown-man decision.” It didn’t hurt that Green found instant success in football, which he didn’t start playing at East Feliciana until his sophomore season and became the starting tight end. In his first game, he caught two touchdowns. And the scholarship offers started coming. “My high school football career was just a bunch of me lining up at the outside receiver position and going to get the ball,” he said. “Running one route, really, and that was just the go ball. There’s a lot of stuff that I still need to learn about the game of football. I’ve grown in the aspect of just learning the game. I didn’t even know how to get in a three-point stance when I made it to the LSU. But I’ve learned to grow and to learn this game, and I love it so much. The love that I have for this game and the way that this game creates so many relationships and outlets, it has opened so many doors for me.” And there was little thought of a transfer as LSU matched or came close to matching whatever money he could have drawn via the portal. “It means everything to play at LSU,” Green said. “Me growing up in Jackson, Louisiana, probably a population of about 2,500 or 3,000 people, it’s everybody’s dream. It’s every kid’s dream in Louisiana to go play for those three letters and two colors. It means so much to me that that’s my university. It’s a blessing that I’ve been able to represent those people. And you just feel it when you’re there. It’s unexplainable. I really can’t tell you in words about how amazing the place is and how it just feels like home. From the time that I stepped on Victory Hill, and I walked down the hill, chills just going through my body. I just wanted to, and I just can’t wait to bring a winning environment back to Baton Rouge.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers Football, LSU Tigers', Trey'Dez Green, will wade --- ### [SEC Media Days: Whit Weeks Wants To Bring Back LSU's "Nasty Defense"](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-media-days-whit-weeks-wants-to-bring-back-lsus-nasty-defense/) **Published:** July 23, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Whit Weeks’ return to LSU for his senior season set the tone for Lane Kiffin’s roster rebuild. Weeks is a former first team All-Southeastern Conference player from 2024 and a preseason All-American selection last year. He could have easily gone into to the 2026 NFL Draft and cashed in. His head coach was gone. There was no clear future for the Tigers. But he decided to stay because he wanted to be a part of something special. “I want to bring back that nasty mentality to an LSU defense,” Weeks said at SEC Media Days on Thursday morning in Tampa, Florida. “I think we’ve lacked that in my first three years here. I truly do, and I take that personally on myself. I want to bring back that nasty defense when teams turn on the tape, they’re like, ‘Holy cow, we got to go play these dudes on Saturday.’ Like they know they’re in for one when they’re coming down to Baton Rouge.” > [LSU Football: Whit Weeks Wants To “Bring Back That Nasty Defense Mentality Down To The Bayou”](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-whit-weeks-wants-to-bring-back-that-nasty-defense-mentality-down-to-the-bayou/) Coordinator Blake Baker’s defense made vast improvements from year one to year two last season. The unit went from 15th in the SEC, allowing over 24 points per game, to fifth last year, giving up less than 20 a game. The 2025 Tigers’ defense also ranked sixth in the conference in yards allowed and led the SEC with 17 interceptions. Weeks is looking to continue that improvement into year three and believes they have the incoming and returning talent to do it. LSU will miss All-American cornerback Mansoor Delane, but PJ Woodland and DJ Pickett both made significant contributions last year in the secondary. Pickett tied for the team lead in interceptions with three in limited playing time as a true freshman, and Woodland’s eight passes defended were more than any other Tiger. > [LSU Cornerback Mansoor Delane Goes To Chiefs With The 6th Pick Of 1st Round After Trade](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-cornerback-mansoor-delane-goes-to-chiefs-with-the-6th-pick-of-1st-round-after-trade/) Weeks identified Woodland as someone who stepped up on the defense during spring practice. “He’s outstanding,” Weeks said. “Come week seven or eight, that’s going to be the guy who everybody’s like, ‘he’s the next great one from DBU.’” Boise State transfer safety Ty Benefield made headlines during the spring with his performance in the secondary. Weeks became just another in a long list of players, coaches and former Tigers who have noted his talent. “He is an amazing athlete, and if I call it right now, I think he’s going to be a first-round draft pick the way that he goes about his business,” Weeks said. “He’s up there every single morning at 5:30 catching jugs. Never skips a day, him and Tamarcus Cooley. And then his football mind, I mean, he plays right behind me, and he’ll call out the routes before it even happens.” Benefield started 33 games in three seasons with the Broncos. He was named first-team All-Mountain West last year after racking up 107 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, two INTs and three PBUs. Weeks, of course, has held down the middle of the defense as a regular in the LB rotation since his 2023 true freshman season. With his linebacker partner Harold Perkins selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the sixth round of the NFL Draft, Weeks will now line up alongside Ole Miss transfer linebacker TJ Dottery. “I love playing besides TJ,” Weeks said. “Being hurt during the spring, I kind of got to sit back and watch him and kind of learn how he plays and kind of pick his brain and see the football he plays. And I mean, he’s a tremendous athlete, loves to hit, and he brings energy every single snap. And that’s a guy who I want to play with.” > [LSU Football: Linebacker TJ Dottery Might Have Followed Lane Kiffin From Ole Miss To Anywhere](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-linebacker-tj-dottery-might-have-followed-lane-kiffin-from-ole-miss-to-anywhere/) Dottery led the SEC with 98 tackles as a Rebel last season. LSU is the third stop of his college career, and he will take on both of his former schools this year — Clemson Sept. 5 and Ole Miss Sept. 19. Baker’s unit, on paper, should take another step this year. Weeks is back from injury. Woodland, Pickett and Cooley return in the secondary. Benefield and Dottery join EDGE Princewill Umanmielen, who tallied nine sacks at Ole Miss last season, as immediate impact transfers. So could this season be the return of LSU’s nasty defense? Of DBU? Although the first snap against Clemson is still over six weeks away, it’s safe to say Weeks thinks so. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** blake baker, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, SEC Media Days 2026, Whit Weeks --- ### [Lane Kiffin Stopped Tweeting After Vanity Fair Article Hit, But He Says Now His Son Knox Deserves The Credit](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-stopped-tweeting-after-vanity-fair-article-hit-but-he-says-now-his-son-knox-deserves-the-credit/) **Published:** July 23, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor As far as Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey is concerned, Knox Kiffin, age 17, is his Social Media MVP. LSU football coach Lane Kiffin’s son, who will be the starting quarterback for University High on the LSU campus this season, was the real signal caller when it came to his dad stopping all his tweeting on X. “Last year, I introduced Lane by talking about his prolific social media activity,” Sankey said while introducing Kiffin to swarms of reporters at SEC Media Days on Thursday morning at the Marriott Tampa Water Street in Tampa, Florida. “As of this morning, Lane has been off social media since May 11,” Sankey said. “I’m told, he gave it up because of a challenge from his son, Knox.” Knox was born in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 2009 when Kiffin was the coach at Tennessee – hence the name. “Thus, my suggestion that someone give Knox a hug for me, who told his dad you spend too much time on social media,” Sankey said. Actually, Kiffin has tweeted since May 11, but only once, and he was tweeting about how he hasn’t been tweeting – in true Kiffin style. But he’s not the first of that ilk. Former LSU basketball coach Dale Brown once called a press conference back in the 1990s to announce that he will not be talking to the media as much as he had previously. Kiffin tweeted this on June 18: > 5/11/26 [pic.twitter.com/dPABjcSAxg](https://t.co/dPABjcSAxg) > > — Lane Kiffin (@Lane\_Kiffin) [June 18, 2026](https://x.com/Lane_Kiffin/status/2067649656448803242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) His last previous tweets and reposts were on Monday, May 11. > [Lane Kiffin Graces Cover Of “Vanity Fair,” Which Takes Deep Dive On Rock Star LSU Football Coach](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-graces-cover-of-vanity-fair-which-takes-deep-dive-on-rock-star-lsu-football-coach/) That just happened to be the day an excellent feature on him by Chris Smith of Vanity Fair published. > Great spending time with you [@chrissmithnymag](https://x.com/chrissmithnymag?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Have a great week everyone!!! [@LSUfootball](https://x.com/LSUfootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@VanityFair](https://x.com/VanityFair?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#SpotTheBall](https://x.com/hashtag/SpotTheBall?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Lane Kiffin (@Lane\_Kiffin) [May 11, 2026](https://x.com/Lane_Kiffin/status/2053813169999511566?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) But the story included a quote and anecdote from Kiffin about Ole Miss’ racial past that went viral, which he apologized for at the time and then said was “a poor decision” on Thursday at SEC Media Days. As that article began trending for days and weeks on May 11 is apparently about the time Kiffin’s son challenged his dad to stop tweeting. Or maybe Kiffin stopped on his own on May 11, and his son helped keep it stopped. > [Lane Kiffin DOES NOT Tweet For The Time Being After Vanity Fair Article Controversy](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-does-not-tweet-for-the-time-being-after-vanity-fair-article-controversy/) “Right now, he’s not tweeting,” Knox Kiffin said on May 26 on WAFB-Channel 9 sports anchor Jacques Doucet’s “Jacques Talk” show. “And he doesn’t really want to. And I respect that.” Some media members opined that LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry told Kiffin to stop tweeting because of the Vanity Fair controversy. Ausberry confirmed to Tiger Rag that he did not do that and also said that on a “Jacques Talk” edition. “I had nothing to do with that,” Ausberry said on Channel 9. “That’s all Lane. Lane’s Lane. One thing I do, I don’t try to change who my coaches are. They are who they are. Those personalities they have, that’s what makes those guys. I want them to have that. I don’t want them to say, ‘I’m going to change who I am.’ Be who you are. That’s what makes them so successful.” The idea of Ausberry, who makes $1.5 million a year, ordering or suggesting that Kiffin, who makes $13.5 million a year, is a ridiculous notion. In fact, one of the reasons Kiffin took the LSU job was partly because of Ausberry’s hands-off approach, as he said in his introductory press conference on Dec. 1. > [Lane Kiffin Really Liked One Selling Point In Particular From LSU AD Verge Ausberry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-really-liked-one-selling-point-in-particular-from-lsu-ad-verge-ausberry/) “I’m going to leave you alone and let you coach the team,” Kiffin said Ausberry told him in their first meeting about the LSU opening last November. “I like when I hear that. ‘We’re going to give you everything to win, and I’m going to leave you alone. Go coach the team and bring us championships.’” Athletic Directors at major programs in recent decades, because of the money power structure, rarely tell a football coach what to do or say, or not say or not tweet. So, the ban on Kiffin tweets came from a Kiffin as Tiger Rag has long reported, but Knox Kiffin’s role in that was only revealed on Thursday. “Knox one day was like, ‘Dad, there’s no way you can get off social media,'” Kiffin said Thursday. “If you know me, that’s the best thing to do. My kids have learned that, too. If they really want something, just say I can’t do it, and I’m going to do it. And so I’m like, ‘Oh, I bet I can.'” And so far, it’s working. But Kiffin’s return to Ole Miss looms on Sept. 19 (6:30 p.m., ABC). The motivation to tweet may be great. “And it really wasn’t a plan,” Kiffin said. “So, I got off of all of it. Then it was still on there. I said, ‘Okay, I’m going to go to another level,’ and I just deleted the apps. Wasn’t a long-term plan. It was really interesting to see as I went through it because Knox pushing me to do that, challenging me, allowed me to help other players, friends, coaches to say, ‘Man, you should try this sometime.’ Because once you remove something from your life, you start to realize how many other people are addicted to it or need it.” Kiffin said freedom of social media has meant freedom from unnecessary comparisons. “It is interesting now,” he said. “I did a 5 a.m. workout at Camp Tampa. And I watched, as soon as the workout is over this morning, what did everybody do? They rush to get their phones, because they have to get on there. To be free of that has been interesting because you don’t compare.” > [Who Is Lane Kiffin? At His Father’s Funeral, He Realized How Much He Is His Father’s Son](https://www.tigerrag.com/who-is-lane-kiffin-at-his-fathers-funeral-he-realized-how-much-he-is-his-fathers-son/) Kiffin brought up friend Kevin Elko, a motivational speaker and consultant who was at his dad Monte Kiffin’s funeral in Tampa in 2024. “Kevin used to say to us years ago at Alabama (where Kiffin was offensive coordinator from 2014-16): ‘Comparisons are the thief of joy,'” Kiffin said. “What I realized and what I talk to people about now is, like, if you’re not on anything, you don’t see anything all day, you don’t compare. Because now social media does what? You sit there all day long, and you start to compare your job. You start to compare the city you live in. You start to compare your vacation, your kids, your clothes, your car, your significant other. When you don’t see that all day, you’re free of that comparison.” It doesn’t sound like Kiffin will be returning to Twitter. “It’s been an interesting study,” he said. “I’ve always made our kids, our players, not have their phones in certain times, like team meetings and stuff, just to get them off of them so they can learn to communicate. It’s just been interesting and a way of being more present. So, I appreciate Knox challenging me on that. It’s been great.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** greg sankey, lane kiffin, lsu football, sec media days, Vanity Fair --- ### [TODD HORNE: Lane Kiffin Didn't Win SEC Media Days, He Revealed Why LSU Believes He's Ready](https://www.tigerrag.com/todd-horne-lane-kiffin-didnt-win-sec-media-days-he-revealed-why-lsu-believes-hes-ready/) **Published:** July 23, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** By TODD HORNE, EXECUTIVE EDITOR Every July, SEC Media Days produces its annual collection of predictions, clever one-liners and carefully rehearsed talking points. Coaches arrive hoping to survive two days of microphones without creating tomorrow’s controversy. By Labor Day, most of what is said has already been forgotten. What occasionally survives isn’t a quote. It’s an impression. A glimpse of how a coach carries himself when the games are still weeks away and nothing yet exists except expectations. > [Lane Kiffin’s Complete Press Conference At SEC Media Days On Thursday](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-complete-press-conference-at-sec-media-days-on-thursday/) Lane Kiffin left that impression Thursday morning. Not because he was funny. Not because he made bold promises. Not because he declared LSU the favorite to win the Southeastern Conference. He did something much more difficult. He looked comfortable carrying the weight of the job. > Everything Lane Kiffin said at main press conference today – minus the record 2,807 opening. The Gettysburg Address was only 272. But this is SEC football. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 23, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2080317530631983165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) For most of his career, Lane Kiffin has been one of college football’s most fascinating personalities. Brilliant offensive strategist. Elite recruiter. Program builder. Twitter provocateur. He often seemed to enjoy making himself part of the story. That coach never completely disappeared. He simply didn’t show up in Tampa. Instead, LSU’s first-year head coach delivered perhaps the most revealing public appearance of his career, and in doing so answered the question many LSU fans have quietly been asking since Verge Ausberry hired him. Is Lane Kiffin ready not only to coach LSU, but to lead it? Thursday suggested the answer is yes. He opened not with football, but with family. Returning to Tampa meant returning to the city where his father, Monte Kiffin, built one of the NFL’s greatest defensive legacies. It also meant returning to the place where memorial services for both of his parents had recently been held. Only then did he begin talking about LSU. “These seven months at LSU have been awesome,” Kiffin said. “The acceptance… and how great they’ve been to my family.” It didn’t sound rehearsed. It sounded grateful. That distinction matters. The LSU football coach occupies one of the most scrutinized positions in American sports. Saturdays are judged by scoreboards. Everything else is judged by leadership. Kiffin understands that. He also understands what accompanies the job. “Everybody in the media has that we’re supposed to be this great team right away,” he said. “That’s an awesome challenge… Expectations make you uncomfortable.” There was no complaint in his voice. Only recognition. At LSU, expectations aren’t obstacles. They’re evidence that people believe championships are possible. The most revealing portion of the morning, however, had nothing to do with Clemson, quarterbacks or the transfer portal. It was about social media. Kiffin explained that his son, Knox, challenged him to step away from it. What began as a simple challenge evolved into something more meaningful. “When you don’t see that all day,” he said, “you’re free of that comparison… It’s been… a way of being more present.” For years, Kiffin understood social media as well as any coach in America. He used it to recruit, entertain, provoke and occasionally irritate. Now he speaks about what life feels like without it. That’s not a football story. That’s a maturity story. He returned repeatedly Thursday to the idea of subtraction instead of addition—removing distractions, unhealthy habits and unnecessary noise. Eventually, football reclaimed the conversation. When it did, Kiffin offered perhaps the clearest explanation yet of LSU’s blueprint. “We’re coming to LSU to sign the best players in the country out of high school,” he said, “and then mix that with the best portal players in the country and put them together.” The immediate challenge, however, can be summarized by a single number. Fifty-nine. That’s how many new players now wear LSU uniforms. That isn’t ordinary roster turnover. It’s organizational reinvention. Talent alone won’t accomplish it. Leadership might. Another word surfaced repeatedly throughout Kiffin’s appearance. Alignment. He praised LSU President Wade Rousse, Athletic Director Verge Ausberry and the Board of Supervisors for pulling in the same direction. “The alignment has been great… and the commitment to building a championship program has been great.” Moments later, Nick Saban was asked for his reaction. “To have alignment at LSU is very, very important,” Saban said. “It makes a big difference when you have everyone pulling in the same direction and allowing you to build a program like you want to.” Then Saban added: “I think he’s in the right place mentally. I think he showed a tremendous amount of emotional intelligence.” **Categories:** Extra, Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU athletics, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU football news, sec football, SEC Football News, SEC Media Days 2026 --- ### [Lane Kiffin's Complete Press Conference At SEC Media Days On Thursday](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-complete-press-conference-at-sec-media-days-on-thursday/) **Published:** July 23, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES We have the complete press conference with LSU football coach Lane Kiffin on Thursday morning at the Southeastern Conference Media Days in the Marriott Tampa Water Street hotel. > Everything Lane Kiffin said at main press conference today – minus the record 2,807 opening. The Gettysburg Address was only 272. But this is SEC football. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 23, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2080317530631983165?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Kiffin appeared for the first time at SEC Media Days as LSU’s coach and became the first coach to stand at the podium as a head coach of three SEC programs – Tennessee in 2009, Ole Miss from 2020-25 and LSU in 2026. Here is the complete press conference video: For an analysis of what Kiffin said, read Tiger Rag Executive Editor Todd Horne’s column on it here below: > [TODD HORNE: Lane Kiffin Didn’t Win SEC Media Days, He Revealed Why LSU Believes He’s Ready](https://www.tigerrag.com/todd-horne-lane-kiffin-didnt-win-sec-media-days-he-revealed-why-lsu-believes-hes-ready/) **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, sec football, sec media days --- ### [Lane Kiffin Filibuster At SEC Media Days Would Have Made Huey Long Proud](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-filibuster-at-sec-media-days-would-have-made-huey-long-proud/) **Published:** July 23, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Four questions. Four questions was all LSU football coach Lane Kiffin took during his primary press conference at his first Southeastern Conference Media Days as the Tigers’ coach at the Tampa Marriott Water Street main ballroom on Thursday morning. Four questions. This was because Kiffin skillfully staged a rambling filibuster of 2,807 words for more than 15 minutes, thus limiting the remaining 10 minutes of his appearance for questions. Click the white arrow in the red box below to watch and listen the entire press conference. It was the No. 1 wordy opener in SEC Media Days history, according to On3com’s Brett McMurphy. > SEC Football Media Days Records > > Fewest/most number of words in coach's opening statements: > > In 2022, Mike Leach: 5 words > In 2026, Lane Kiffin: 2,807 words > > — Brett McMurphy (@Brett\_McMurphy) [July 23, 2026](https://x.com/Brett_McMurphy/status/2080306125698732497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Former Louisiana governor (1928-32) and major LSU fan [Huey Long](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Huey_Long) would have been so proud as he became infamous for lengthy filibusters as a U.S. Senator from 1932-35. Filibusters are designed by opponents to a bill to delay the vote. > Lane Kiffin has been on stage for more than 15 minutes, and finally goes to ?s. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 23, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2080283087808659891?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Kiffin started with a lengthy ode to SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, then discussed his son Knox – the starting quarterback at University High. He went on to talk about his late father, Monte Kiffin, a former NFL great assistant coach who was a defensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Bucs. Kiffin spoke of spending a lot of time in Tampa. He eventually got to being at LSU. “The seven months at LSU have been awesome,” he said. “Louisiana has real hard-working people who are really passionate and who love football. That’s been great. There are so many things to do in Baton Rouge, and New Orleans is right down the road.” > [TODD HORNE: Lane Kiffin Didn’t Win SEC Media Days, He Revealed Why LSU Believes He’s Ready](https://www.tigerrag.com/todd-horne-lane-kiffin-didnt-win-sec-media-days-he-revealed-why-lsu-believes-hes-ready/) He praised LSU’s alignment with president Wade Rousse and athletic director Verge Ausberry. He mentioned that 12 LSU athletes have Nike deals – four more than the next school. One of those is Jordan Seaton – the No. 1 offensive tackle in the portal and No. 3 overall portal player whom Kiffin signed last January from Colorado. “There’s never been a college offensive lineman ever have a deal with Nike,” Kiffin said. “I can’t wait to get to practices,” he said. Practice will begin for the 2026 season next month. LSU opens against Clemson on Sept. 5 at Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC). “I really just can’t wait to get on the field,” he said. > “There’s always going to be history. It’s the Ex right? Like, there’s always going to be the history. Do you have an Ex?” > -Ole Miss coach Pete Golding on the Lane Kiffin breakup. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 22, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2080055987835154457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Finally, Kiffin opened it up for questions. But his wordiness was far from done. -The first was what LSU spent on the Tigers’ roster for 2026 via Name, Image & Likeness, collectives and revenue share. He didn’t answer that specifically but discussed in and around the subject for several minutes. Here is that answer in full: *“Yeah, I don’t know that we’re going to see that day. I think that, again, this is a really hard thing to get to, but to do it right, just like the scheduling would need to be fixed and would be to have a real salary cap. I know what looked like it was going to be implemented, you know, coming with the revenue sharing. I think I’ve always been the coach to just tell you how it is. That’s not being followed because it’s not a real cap. It’s not a hard cap.* *“So that would be like in the NFL, like, hey, we have this cap, but it’s not a hard cap, and you can go above it. So it’s just really a poor system. And, like you said, things aren’t public. You know, the contracts aren’t public. So different than the NFL where in the NFL everybody has the contracts of all the players and the other teams and everything. Then you have long-term contracts. I think one of the things, too, as I talk about this system, I believe you build a system based off of where you are. We talked about you build your offensive system off your players. If you build your system off how many portal players, high school players, in my opinion it’s not, hey, here is the cookie-cutter formula wherever you are. You go at LSU; you do it different than you did at Ole Miss.* *“So as you build it, though, you know, you can’t say, in my opinion — some people will say, okay, the traditional powers should just build through high school. Well, study the NFL, and they say, okay, well, yes, the best teams over time, you will sustain the longest by building through the draft and supplement through free agency because that’s where the long-term contracts are at the lower prices than the free agency. But our system doesn’t have that. Now, if you could fix it where the high school kids, my opinion, they should be lower, just like I was in the NFL when we drafted JaMarcus Russell before they moved down the rookie salary cap and then they made the slots for the draft because the veterans — the rookies were getting paid more than the ten-year vets. Well, they got that fixed.* *“That in our system is a little bit screwed up, in my opinion. The kids that haven’t played at all coming out of high school should be making less, and there should be a freshman, like a rookie cap, of how they are, and then the max slots per position that they make. And then they’re signed to multi-year contracts. So now you really do get into, okay, you build through high school because that guy can stay longer. Think if you built through high school and that’s all you did, and I think a couple of schools have done that and it’s not working out well because you don’t have the — they can leave after year one when they don’t play as much as they like or they want more money or they do play and then they want more money. So that’s why we built so much through the portal and will continue to build a lot through the portal, because of the way the system is, even though we can sign great elite top-100 high school players, like we just did, like what’s committing to us. We’re still going to build a lot through the portal until they balance out the system and they balance out how contracts work.”* -The second question brought up [the controversial Vanity Fair article last May 11](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-vanity-fair-writer-explains-what-led-to-kiffin-discussing-ole-miss-racial-image-issue/) in which he said some prospects he recruited from out of state while at Ole Miss from 2020-25 didn’t come because of the the state of Mississippi’s racial past, which is what he was told. He was asked how much better he could have recruited without that past, considering how well he recruited with it. Vanity Fair’s Chris Smith wrote in the article, “When he was coaching (at Ole Miss), Kiffin says, top recruits would tell him, ‘Hey, coach, we really like you. But my grandparents aren’t letting me move to Oxford, Mississippi.'” Then Kiffin is quoted in the article saying, “That doesn’t come up when you say ‘Baton Rouge, Louisiana.’ Parents were sitting here this weekend saying the campus diversity feels so great. ‘It feels like there’s no segregation. And we want that for our kid because that’s the real world.’” Shortly after the article published, Kiffin said, “I really apologize if anybody at Ole Miss or in Mississippi was offended by that,” to On3.com. After a rambling dissertation Thursday, Kiffin admitted his mistake above. “You do things and you make really good decisions, and you make poor decisions,” Kiffin said. “And that was a poor usage of a term that I believe, just like many coaches, that was factual. But over the course of a long interview was bad timing and bad usage of the word. So, it is what it is. I apologized when I said it. And moving on.” Here is Kiffin’s full answer, and this is classic. Somehow, he brought up Jimmy Sexton, Ross Dellenger and Hulk Hogan in a few sentences and delivered a newsflash, “We’re all going to die.” Amazing stuff. *“I had a feeling that was going somewhere. You were doing really positive stuff the whole way through. I was like, man, this guy is good. Sounds like you should work for Jimmy Sexton, man. You were going a good direction there. I made a challenging decision in change. I think as I look back to that, I thought I could find a way for everybody to understand. Now as I look back later on, that was never going to happen.* *“I made a decision that I changed jobs, and as I get older and I go through things and losing both parents. I was actually talking to Ross Dellinger, and I kind of said something that might sound kind of funny to you, but, you know, I watched the Hulk Hogan special. I realized something. I was, like: We’re all going to die. And so some of the things that we put importance on, we worry about, and what this person says and that, really aren’t going to matter. When I lost my dad I started thinking that. I really started thinking, when I grew up there were two people that I thought just wouldn’t die… my dad and Hulk Hogan. Then I watched that special, and Hulk Hogan died too. Like, there was no way that Hulk Hogan was ever going to not wrestle and die, and he did.* *“It just made me reflect on I can’t be so concerned about little things and what people say and this. You got to make decisions; you got to go with them. You do things, and you make really good decisions, and you make poor decisions. That was a poor usage of a term that I believe, just like many coaches that have been there before, was factual, but over the course of a long interview, was bad timing and bad usage of the word. It is what it is. I apologized when I said it, and moving on.”* Question number three was about the Auburn-LSU rivalry with LSU playing Auburn for the first time since 2023 this season after decades of annual games. Not a well-timed question considering Kiffin has been the most talked about coach in America since he left Ole Miss. But he did turn down the Auburn job after the 2022 season before Auburn hired Hugh Freeze. Here is that answer: *“I think Auburn is a great program. I think they’ve got new energy with the coaching staff and a really good offensive system coming in and keeping DJ Durkin on defense. I think that they’re going to be a really improved program, and that’s a really hard place to play always and really gives people a lot of problems. Kind of a magical stadium that magical things happen in. That’s one of many extremely competitive games we have, including really for the first time that you have five road conference games.”* And the finale asked if Kiffin felt he got a bad rap for his move from Ole Miss to LSU just after the regular season with the Rebels in the College Football Playoff. “Well, the good thing is I don’t know if I do, because I don’t read anything,” Kiffin said. Here is the complete rest of that answer: *“So it really is a different way of not seeing. Like you just said that, and I didn’t know that until you said it. You know, I guess in that I hope that some way for future coaches they’re not put in that situation. You know, the NFL, you’re never put in that situation because of the calendar and because of the rules of movement within seasons. I do hope for future people that’s fixed so that you’re not in that same predicament for players, for coaches, which really was a player issue too. Then we fixed that with moving the portal date back. That was more of an issue earlier in the postseason, too, as you saw players having to leave teams to get into the portal during the season. Hopefully some way they fix it for coaches, too.”* **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Huey Long, lane kiffin, lsu football, sec media days --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio: Inside SEC Media Days & The Firing of Ryan Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-inside-sec-media-days-the-firing-of-ryan-clark/) **Published:** July 22, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Locked On SEC Podcast host Chris Gordy gives his observations from SEC Media Days in Tampa, Florida, and previews LSU’s turn at the podium Thursday. We talk LSU baseball stars in the pros, and OutKick writer Dan Zaksheske reveals how he knew ESPN was firing former LSU standout Ryan Clark before he did. And why he was the reason Clark was let go in the middle of a show. ***Here is the complete transcript of the show from YouTube. Tiger Rag apologizes for any AI generated mistakes:*** 0:00 0 seconds Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. Tiger Rag Radio is on the air. Let’s crank this thing up. 0:06 6 seconds We’re statewide breaking down \[music\] the latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is up. Hear from the coaches. 0:12 12 seconds Our time is now with \[music\] LSU basketball. 0:15 15 seconds The players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 0:18 18 seconds One way or another, we’re going to make history. 0:19 19 seconds And those who cover the Fighting \[music\] Tigers of LSU and the SEC. 0:23 23 seconds LSU is the best job in it’s 2 hours of non-stop \[music\] LSU talk. 0:28 28 seconds I came here to win. We’re going to win a medium. 0:30 30 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is brought to you by Cumins. Cumins \[music\] creates power solutions that the world depends on. 0:36 36 seconds Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro’s Electrical Services, and Louisiana Farm Bureau \[music\] Federation. 0:46 46 seconds Get ready to talk Tigers with producer \[music\] Case Kishnik and our hosts Todd Horn, Jeff Polalmo, and Glenn Gilbo. 0:55 55 seconds Players that are better people than they are players. This is Tiger Rag Radio. 1:01 1 minute, 1 second Back here on Tiger Rag Radio, hour number two of the show. Thanks for listening. If you missed the first hour, don’t worry. You’ll be able to uh catch 1:08 1 minute, 8 seconds it on YouTube or anywhere you get your podcast. It’ll be uploaded to those two uh venues here about an hour or two 1:18 1 minute, 18 seconds hours after the show. So, uh and then of course you’ll have the entire week to be able to have a chance to catch up to what we had in the first hour. A lot of 1:26 1 minute, 26 seconds talk about what Greg Sanki had to say to open up SEC football media days. Raymond Parsh from ESPN Southwest Radio joined 1:33 1 minute, 33 seconds us as well from Tampa. And our next guest is also in Tampa. It is Chris Gordy, host of the Locked on SEC 1:41 1 minute, 41 seconds podcast. Chris, thanks a lot for spending some time with us. Of course, Chris also works at Sports Talk 790 in Houston. How you doing, Chris? 1:51 1 minute, 51 seconds Doing good, guys. Good to know. RP3 opened for me. He’s a good \[laughter\] opener. 1:55 1 minute, 55 seconds He is a good opener. We’re not going to ask you to butt. We’re We’re going to ask you to try to, you know, hit it in the gap and try to drive him home after he got on base. So, uh, looking forward 2:03 2 minutes, 3 seconds to this that that would be better than this LSU baseball team. \[laughter\] There you go. Wow. 2:12 2 minutes, 12 seconds Not Not the team that’s in that great book that \[laughter\] you read, is it, Chris? 2:16 2 minutes, 16 seconds No. And I’m glad to tell Glenn I finally finished his book. It took me like four summers. 2:21 2 minutes, 21 seconds \[laughter\] 2:22 2 minutes, 22 seconds A lot of big words in there. 2:24 2 minutes, 24 seconds Yeah, it it helped, I guess, that LSU baseball got eliminated. It allowed you to \[laughter\] read a little bit more about uh the glory days of LSU baseball. 2:33 2 minutes, 33 seconds But uh Chris, uh what’s uh obviously Greg Seni is the one that made news. 2:39 2 minutes, 39 seconds It’s it’s still what everybody is talking about. Your big takeaways from what he had to say on Monday. 2:46 2 minutes, 46 seconds Yeah, I I think a lot of it is posturing. I mean, I think at the end of the day, they they just want, and Kirby Smart kind of reiterated today, they want rules and they want them enforced. 2:56 2 minutes, 56 seconds I mean, it’s not a crazy it’s \[laughter\] not a crazy idea. It just seems like there’s been so much anarchy these last few years of college sports cuz, you 3:04 3 minutes, 4 seconds know, that the NCA made rules and then everybody just breaks them or, you know, gets a local judge to overrule or, you know, whatever. And it’s just it’s a 3:12 3 minutes, 12 seconds mess. And so, I think that’s all they’re asking for. I don’t think it’s not a threat. It’s not like the SEC is saying fix this or we’re going to go do our own 3:19 3 minutes, 19 seconds thing. It’s saying you guys won’t do what you’re supposed to do, so what choice are you leaving us? We we want to have rules and rules enforcement. And 3:28 3 minutes, 28 seconds so, yeah, I think it’s just it’s just a sign on the NCA just being a spineless organization and not being retroactive 3:36 3 minutes, 36 seconds or proactive, I should say, in uh you know, the last few years and getting ahead of some of this stuff. And this is where we are right now. But uh yeah, I 3:44 3 minutes, 44 seconds don’t think it’s going to happen. I mean, it it sounds great and all. I mean, I’ve even said if if the SEC were to break off, I I think you could only do it in football only. I think you 3:53 3 minutes, 53 seconds would still have to be a member of the NCA and basketball and baseball, track and field, all that because I just can’t imagine you creating your own championships in those leagues. I mean, what are you not going to go to Omaha? 4:03 4 minutes, 3 seconds You’re not going to be part of the NCA tournament in basketball. It’s just it’s a crazy idea. So, you know, if you went off and branched off and did your own 4:11 4 minutes, 11 seconds thing in football, maybe, you know, there’s a world where the SEC and Big 10 could partner up and separate from the NCA in that in that light. But I think 4:18 4 minutes, 18 seconds every other sport you would have to participate still. And there’s just so many headaches and and red tape you’d have to get through. I think it’s like I said, I think it’s just posturing and 4:26 4 minutes, 26 seconds saying get your stuff together NCA and and you know, kind of pushing Congress and his protect college sports act a little bit too to say let’s get something passed here. 4:36 4 minutes, 36 seconds Yeah. They’re not going to break out in bowling. I don’t think so. But, uh, they don’t have a bowling. \[laughter\] Um, well, we we’ve covered that business 4:44 4 minutes, 44 seconds end of of uh the SEC media days uh pretty pretty well here so far. What uh getting back to the football field? What 4:52 4 minutes, 52 seconds what teams have you heard from the last couple of days uh that you think uh are impressive or just what’s some other uh 5:00 5 minutes observations and and what do you what have you heard interesting about Kein from the other coaches? 5:06 5 minutes, 6 seconds Well, I’ll tell you, you know, Kirby Smart today, I mean, Georgia is is Georgia. It’s it’s so crazy, guys. They they spent so many years try trying to 5:15 5 minutes, 15 seconds get to Atlanta and trying to win uh you know, win the SEC championship. Kirby finally broke through and did it a few years back and now he’s won backtoback SEC championships these past two years. 5:25 5 minutes, 25 seconds And yet, like all everybody wants to talk about with George is, man, they lost two years in a row in the playoff. 5:30 5 minutes, 30 seconds It’s like, do we not take a minute and and recognize like they they won the SEC tour championship two years in a row in in years where the SEC has been as 5:39 5 minutes, 39 seconds stacked as it’s ever been in terms of competitive and and it’s like we don’t even give a hat tip to that. But, you know, the the craziest stat to me is 5:46 5 minutes, 46 seconds Kirby is I believe it’s 65 and seven since 2021. I mean, he is he’s incredible. And I think the kind of 5:53 5 minutes, 53 seconds consensus around, you know, the media here at media days is that it’s Georgia and Texas. Those are the two best teams of the conference. I think those will be 6:01 6 minutes, 1 second the picks uh when the media votes uh tomorrow on um you know on who they think will win the conference. But um you know Kirby’s as confident as he’s 6:09 6 minutes, 9 seconds ever been. You know their defense took a little bit of step of a step back last year. They still only gave up 17 points a game, but they only had 20 sacks. You go look at Kirby’s teams the years 6:18 6 minutes, 18 seconds prior. It’s like 35 37 40 sacks. I mean they they they are known for wreaking havoc. They did not do that last year. 6:25 6 minutes, 25 seconds And so I know Kirby’s made that a mission to try to get back to doing that and he’s got his quarterback Garner Stockton back who is a very efficient, 6:32 6 minutes, 32 seconds you know, very smart quarterback, takes care of the football, takes a lot of hits. So yeah, Georgia is ready to go. 6:39 6 minutes, 39 seconds And you know, if you’re looking for a team that, you know, might be a little bit of a sleeper just in terms of might sneak up on people. I got to interview Will Stein yesterday from Kentucky and 6:47 6 minutes, 47 seconds that guy is a future rockstar in my opinion. I mean, he’s 36 years old. Uh he’s first time head coach, but man, he 6:55 6 minutes, 55 seconds is he is an offensive guru. He was the OC at Oregon just, you know, just last year. And he’s a Kentucky kid through and through. His family all lives there. 7:02 7 minutes, 2 seconds And he’s happy to be repping the blue the blueg grass state. And with, you know, I think it’s like 40 something, you know, guys they’ve run through the 7:09 7 minutes, 9 seconds portal. Like it’s going to be like I’ve called him the ultimate wild card. Like Kentucky is a team you look at the schedule and you don’t know what you’re going to get from. like that’s a team 7:18 7 minutes, 18 seconds that could uh you know that could really give anybody a game and we had several people say they think they’re going to give Alabama a game in week two in 7:25 7 minutes, 25 seconds Lexington because Alabama’s you know going to be working in a new quarterback. So going to be fascinating to watch Will start in Kentucky. 7:30 7 minutes, 30 seconds Well that leads me to my question that I wanted to ask you Chris which game is a bigger challenge for LSU at Kentucky or at Auburn? 7:39 7 minutes, 39 seconds I think at Auburn because Jordan hair look nothing against Kroger Field. It is tough. Um, you know, I was there a couple years ago when it was the game 7:46 7 minutes, 46 seconds that Oer at Ojeron got fired. Lost there. I mean, I was standing there as everybody in blue and white were singing calling Baton Rouge. They got 7:54 7 minutes, 54 seconds killed that night. \[laughter\] They sure did. 7:56 7 minutes, 56 seconds It was It was brutal. And that and that was that was the trip that the uh the big money people from LSU made that trip and they got to see that in person. So, uh 8:05 8 minutes, 5 seconds they reacted accordingly. But yeah, to to me at at Auburn, Jordan Hair, I mean, as as up and down as Auburn’s been in recent years, Jordan Hair is is still 8:14 8 minutes, 14 seconds one of the most feared stadiums when when that Eagle is flying around and uh that that crowd gets going. Kudos to their fans, man. I mean, they they 8:22 8 minutes, 22 seconds support their team through thick and thin and they can get loud. And so, yeah, it’s a little bit of a, you know, if you’re LSU, you would have rather 8:29 8 minutes, 29 seconds have gone to Auburn the last couple years as opposed to this year with Alex Gish, who actually knows what he’s doing on offense as opposed to whatever Hugh Fes was putting out there the last two 8:38 8 minutes, 38 seconds years. So, Brian Harson, man. \[laughter\] Yeah, exactly. But this might be this might be the year year one of goalish. 8:44 8 minutes, 44 seconds Maybe this is the year that that might be a little bit easier going back to Jordan Hair, but always a tough place to play on the road. 8:50 8 minutes, 50 seconds Look, Chris, you you’re locked on the SEC. See what I did there? 8:55 8 minutes, 55 seconds Yeah, that’s pretty good. So, um, what what do you think about all this talk that’s supposedly going around Tampa 9:03 9 minutes, 3 seconds right now that Lane Keven has to win and win big in his first year at LSU? Do you believe that? Do you buy into that? 9:10 9 minutes, 10 seconds I No, I don’t. I mean, I think it’s I think it’s a little silly because because most of the LSU fans I’ve talked to have said, “Look, we I know we spent 40 million on a transfer portal, but 9:19 9 minutes, 19 seconds like, you know, we go nine and three or eight and four, it’s a good foundational year to to get this thing started under Keifin, but everybody gets it. It’s a 9:27 9 minutes, 27 seconds tough schedule. I mean, it’s it’s a brutal schedule. You get road trips to Tennessee, a home game against te Texas in November. Like, it is it is brutal.” 9:34 9 minutes, 34 seconds And Clemson in the opener. So, um, yeah, I I think most levelheaded LSU guys, look, everybody’s everybody’s hoping to go 10 and two or better and make the 9:42 9 minutes, 42 seconds playoff. But, you know, are they going to call for his hit if he goes nine and eight and four? No. I think most people say, “Look, we got it. It was a tough It 9:49 9 minutes, 49 seconds was a tough uh, you know, year one.” And Kein will go back to the portal and make the adjustments he needs to make. But, um, you know, but no, on the outside, 9:56 9 minutes, 56 seconds you’re absolutely right. Everybody’s like, “He better win. You know, he left Old Miss for this.” And it’s like, look, man, he he didn’t leave to go win at LSU 10:04 10 minutes, 4 seconds this year. He left to go win at LSU in the next five years. That’s that’s the whole thing. It’s about establishing a big thing at LSU, recruiting well and building a dynasty at LSU potentially. 10:14 10 minutes, 14 seconds That’s why he left Oxford. Uh if it was just about winning this year, he would have stayed at Old Miss and you know, he would have uh he would have won, you 10:22 10 minutes, 22 seconds know, made the playoff this year. We turned down Champles and Kan Lacy back. 10:25 10 minutes, 25 seconds So um but you’re right. I I was talking to one of the national guys today. I said, man, it is like nationally lane Keith could do nothing right. I mean it 10:33 10 minutes, 33 seconds is when when they go to Oxford week three, guys, the entire nation will be rooting against LSU. If you’re an LSU fan, you just kind of kind of embrace 10:41 10 minutes, 41 seconds that because it everybody is rooting against you. 10:45 10 minutes, 45 seconds And that’s why I’m I fear a little bit at SEC media days on Thursday. We’re not going to learn much about the LSU team because the national guys are going to 10:53 10 minutes, 53 seconds continue to keep asking him, well, about leaving Old Miss. Yeah. 10:57 10 minutes, 57 seconds Yeah. And and that’s what I I’ve been saying, you know, people are saying like, what what are one of the big story lines you want to you want to watch? 11:03 11 minutes, 3 seconds People forget what when Lane got introduced at at LSU. It was a very L pro LSU, you know, press conference room 11:10 11 minutes, 10 seconds for him. It was all local media and I think maybe Ross Dinger and one other national person was there, but it was all local media. 11:16 11 minutes, 16 seconds And then and then every time he met with the media throughout the spring, it was all local media. This the first time since he left Oxford uh or really since 11:24 11 minutes, 24 seconds he left the tarmac with with Marty Smith that he’s going to be asked some tough questions by national media and Old Miss media as well. So, I’m curious to see 11:32 11 minutes, 32 seconds how Lane handles it because there are a lot of angry folks in Oxford that I think are going to be looking for their uh their piece of flesh on Thursday. 11:39 11 minutes, 39 seconds Hey, Chris, two of the uh the biggest games that LSU is going to play this year are in Tiger Stadium. Uh uh not 11:49 11 minutes, 49 seconds counting the Old Miss game, but they involved two Texas teams, Texas A&M and and Texas. And I know you’ve already 11:57 11 minutes, 57 seconds said you think Texas is one of the top two teams in the league this year, but do you give LSU a chance in either of those games? 12:05 12 minutes, 5 seconds Man, we’re gonna gloss over Alabama like like LSU’s just beaten Alabama. 12:09 12 minutes, 9 seconds They have a new quarterback. They have a new quarterback. Come on. 12:12 12 minutes, 12 seconds That is happened though quite a few times since that schedule is announced. 12:16 12 minutes, 16 seconds Alabama’s just another game. No, my al my Alabama friend likes to remind me that uh you know they Alabama win beats 12:23 12 minutes, 23 seconds LSU more in in Baton Rouge than uh than they win just about anywhere else. So uh it’s it’s pretty crazy. But no, I mean 12:30 12 minutes, 30 seconds it’s it’s a tough schedule top to bottom. It just is. I mean you go to a nineame conference slate, it’s it’s tough and and and news flash guys, 12:38 12 minutes, 38 seconds Vanderbilt is no they’re not the doormat anymore. They’re a competitive team. Clark Lee’s got those guys believing. 12:44 12 minutes, 44 seconds Jeff Levy and Mississippi State are supposed to take a step forward in year three. So, um, yeah, I mean, it’s the SEC is tough top to bottom, but you’re 12:52 12 minutes, 52 seconds right. I mean, Texas A&M is going to be tough. Texas is going to be tough. I do think&M takes a little bit of a step back. They lose Colin Klein, their their 12:59 12 minutes, 59 seconds young, bright offensive mind. He goes back to Kansas State. \[snorts\] They promoted within. Holdman Wiggins is their offensive coordinator. I think it’s a mistake on Mike Elco’s part. It reminds me a little bit of last year. 13:10 13 minutes, 10 seconds South Carolina promoted within and and made Mike Elco their OC. It was a disaster. Uh, you know, Lenor Sers went from, you know, one of the best quarterbacks in the conference to a dud. 13:20 13 minutes, 20 seconds They went four and eight. So, I think, um, this Holman Wiggins experiment. 13:25 13 minutes, 25 seconds Look, there’s a chance Marcel Reed regresses and is not as good this year. And so, um, maybe&M isn’t as tough. 13:32 13 minutes, 32 seconds Look, I know that LSU can’t get beat any worse than they did last year by by&M. 13:35 13 minutes, 35 seconds That’s the game that got Brian Kelly fired. So, Well, that was only the second half. That was only the second half. 13:40 13 minutes, 40 seconds They won the first half, man. \[laughter\] Come on. Yeah, that’s true. Hey, and Brian Kelly will let you know, too. Uh, they were really good \[laughter\] in the first half. But I will say, I mean, 13:49 13 minutes, 49 seconds Texas is going to be a problem. I mean, Steve Sarkeesian, they’ve used the words all in so many times this off season. They fired their defensive coordinator. 13:56 13 minutes, 56 seconds They brought in Will Muschamp to create more more havoc and pressure. They they got rid of their entire running back room and brought in, you know, new running backs through the portal. They 14:04 14 minutes, 4 seconds got Cam Coleman, one of the top wide receiver portal guys. And then Arch Manning kid’s pretty good. So, Texas is going to \[clears throat\] be a problem. 14:11 14 minutes, 11 seconds Well, we appreciate it, Chris. It’s always a pleasure to speak with you. 14:15 14 minutes, 15 seconds Thanks a lot for your time. Enjoy the final two days in Tampa and hopefully we get some u more uh good storylines. 14:21 14 minutes, 21 seconds It’ll be interesting to see what Lane says on Thursday. 14:24 14 minutes, 24 seconds Thanks, guys. And Glenn, you need to write another book. It’ll take me five years to \[laughter\] read. Thanks, man. 14:30 14 minutes, 30 seconds All right, Chris Gordy, uh host of the Lockdown SEC podcast, also with uh Sports Talk Radio in Houston. That’s 14:38 14 minutes, 38 seconds 790\. We’ll take a break. Uh talk a little baseball when we come back here on Tiger Radio. 14:42 14 minutes, 42 seconds The East Baton Rouge Parish Library believes that a \[music\] thriving business community is good for us all. 14:48 14 minutes, 48 seconds That’s why we help entrepreneurs start a business with tools like Gail Business Builder. Keep commerce rolling by providing free \[music\] access to 14:56 14 minutes, 56 seconds computers and free Wi-Fi at 15 branch locations. 15:02 15 minutes, 2 seconds Get a library card. Grow your business at ebrpl.com/dep \[music\] departments/s small business and we’re back with Tiger Rag Radio. 15:17 15 minutes, 17 seconds Back here on Tiger Rag Radio, Jeff Polarmo along with Glenn Gilbo and Todd Horn. For LSU baseball fans, Friday night was a cool night if you um stayed 15:26 15 minutes, 26 seconds up to watch the game. And there’s probably not too many people in Louisiana would normally stay up to watch the A’s take on the Nationals in 15:34 15 minutes, 34 seconds Sacramento, but that’s the situation you had on Friday night with Gage jump starting for the A’s. Tommy White making his major league debut. You had Dylan 15:43 15 minutes, 43 seconds Cruz in right field for the Nationals and Jay Johnson was there. Of course, he is from that part of uh the country. So, 15:51 15 minutes, 51 seconds a chance for him to go back home and then check out three of his former guys. 15:56 15 minutes, 56 seconds And so it was a fun game. It It was interesting. Uh Tommy Tanks got a um a double in his last at bat and a blowout 16:04 16 minutes, 4 seconds loss on Friday. But then last night, in case you didn’t see it, in the game in Arizona, Tommy White had four hits. And 16:13 16 minutes, 13 seconds this is the thing that um just watching him and then just kind of looking at his statistics, he hit 74 home runs in 16:21 16 minutes, 21 seconds college baseball. in minor league baseball. He’s only hit 24 home runs. He has become more of a and I saw a little 16:31 16 minutes, 31 seconds brief interview. I don’t know when it was exactly done. It wasn’t done on Friday. It was I think it seemed like it was an interview done in spring training 16:38 16 minutes, 38 seconds or something just kind of talking about and he talked a lot about being a contact hitter and that’s kind of what 16:47 16 minutes, 47 seconds his game looks like. like he’s not he’s still got that really good bat speed, but he seems more of a guy that would 16:56 16 minutes, 56 seconds rather hit closer than 300 than hit 30 home runs a season. 16:59 16 minutes, 59 seconds I think it has to do with the fact that he cut his hair. He’s not wearing the pink sleeves and or the uh eye black that’s on his face. 17:07 17 minutes, 7 seconds And he looks like he’s lost about 20 pounds, too. 17:10 17 minutes, 10 seconds Yeah. Uh, I was trying to figure that out because he was 242 as a freshman at North Carolina State, 230 at LSU. At 17:18 17 minutes, 18 seconds least that’s what it said on the LSU website. He’s now listed at 220. So, there you go. 22 lbs. There you go. 17:25 17 minutes, 25 seconds Yeah, I’m a good gauge. \[laughter\] So, uh, but yeah, it was pretty cool. 17:31 17 minutes, 31 seconds And, uh, of course, Tommy gets an opportunity because their all-star first baseman Nick Curts is out. He’s got a sprained thumb. And then their third 17:40 17 minutes, 40 seconds baseman, he got injured. So Tommy White can play first or third. And so we’ll see. We’ll see how long. He’s playing mostly first though, right? 17:47 17 minutes, 47 seconds Mostly first. Yeah. 17:49 17 minutes, 49 seconds You know, you know what was funny about his call up too is is uh you know, most of the time when you get called up, you go to a much bigger ballpark. But he he 17:58 17 minutes, 58 seconds he got called \[laughter\] up to to the athletics and they’re playing in a minor league ballpark that he’s already played in. 18:05 18 minutes, 5 seconds 14,000 seat Sacramento stadium. Are are they’re supposed to be in Las Vegas next year? No. 28 28. 18:12 18 minutes, 12 seconds So they’re going to play in that park all next year, too. Yeah. It’s crazy. 18:16 18 minutes, 16 seconds Charlie Finley’s rolling over in this grave. \[laughter\] Yeah. 18:19 18 minutes, 19 seconds And uh Paul Skins has rebounded a little bit. Uh he’s won his last three starts and the Pirates are hot and it’ll be interesting to see what they do at the 18:28 18 minutes, 28 seconds trade deadline if they try to add because they have one of the best offenses in Major League Baseball. And you combine that with their starting 18:36 18 minutes, 36 seconds staff, which is of course led by Skings, they could be it they could be a dangerous team. 18:42 18 minutes, 42 seconds I think they’re about nine games out though. Not in the wild card. Yeah. Right. But they’re right there. 18:49 18 minutes, 49 seconds If they were in the American League West, they’d be \[laughter\] in first place. 18:52 18 minutes, 52 seconds Wait, what does this mean for your Cubs though? 18:55 18 minutes, 55 seconds What it means is, you know, the Cubs have had a lot of success against Sk. 18:58 18 minutes, 58 seconds Yeah, for some reason. Um, they had beat them earlier this year, in fact. Um, yeah. I don’t know. I don’t know. I I mean, I kind of like the Pirates. I’ve always I’ve always I don’t like the Cardinals. 19:09 19 minutes, 9 seconds I hate the Brewers. But, um, the Pirates, I’m like, h, how can you hate the Brewers, man? Honky Wall bangers, man. I love the Brewers. 19:16 19 minutes, 16 seconds They just They annoy me. 19:18 19 minutes, 18 seconds So, they beat you. Exactly. They’re better. \[laughter\] They are. I will freely admit it. And it aggravates the living daylights out of me. 19:27 19 minutes, 27 seconds What’s uh what’s Bregman doing for the Cubs? Oh, he is not very wellliked in Chicago. 19:34 19 minutes, 34 seconds Was uh well uh in fact there was a game uh first well first of all he has not been very good. 19:41 19 minutes, 41 seconds Um that’s probably it right there. 19:42 19 minutes, 42 seconds That’s a big part of it. If he was he he’s only got 10 home runs. He’s hitting .240. He’s been basically a singles 19:50 19 minutes, 50 seconds hitter for him. He still plays really good defense. I I’ll give him that. I I think defensively he’s really good. But he had a game in Milwaukee. I want to 19:58 19 minutes, 58 seconds say it was around the 1st of July where he hit a ground ball to short, he didn’t bust it out of the box and then the shorts stop bobbled it and if he was 20:07 20 minutes, 7 seconds running hard down the line, he would have beat the throw. And so, uh, of course, the guy’s making 35 million a year, everybody’s saying that the guy 20:16 20 minutes, 16 seconds making 35 million a year can’t run down the first baseline. Bregman says, “Hey, I’ve had eight soft tissue.” You know how Bregman is, he’s very defensive 20:23 20 minutes, 23 seconds about his game. I’ve had eight soft tissues running on running down first base. There’s times where I where I book it. There are times that I don’t. Yeah, 20:31 20 minutes, 31 seconds if I could go back in time, I probably would have ran fast because I didn’t know he was going to bobble the ball. But the next night, he hits a home run. 20:39 20 minutes, 39 seconds He hits a three-run blast. And as he’s going around the bases, he trips. 20:45 20 minutes, 45 seconds No. At Wrigley Field, he’s doing this thumbs down motion. Oh my god. Oh man. 20:50 20 minutes, 50 seconds N that’s you don’t do that. You don’t do that. No. No. That’s not So, he is he’s not very wellliked in Chicago right now. 20:57 20 minutes, 57 seconds Now, if he hits a three-run homer to beat the Brewers in the playoffs, uh they’ll throw a parade for him, but for right now, it’s it’s not been a very good first year in Chicago for him. 21:05 21 minutes, 5 seconds Speaking of the Brewers, coached by former college coach Pat Murphy, what about the other uh college coach, San Francisco Giants coach, Tony Tony 21:15 21 minutes, 15 seconds Vatillo, is 20 and a half games out of first. Man, you think he’s going to last the year? That’s brutal. 21:20 21 minutes, 20 seconds Or make it the next year, you think? I don’t I don’t know. I could see them maybe pulling the plug. I don’t I don’t There wasn’t much hope for them 21:27 21 minutes, 27 seconds this year though, was there? Going into this to the year. 21:30 21 minutes, 30 seconds He’ll probably get a second year, I would think. 21:32 21 minutes, 32 seconds That’s a tough division, man. Even, you know, even as bad as San Diego’s not having I mean, San Diego’s a good team. 21:39 21 minutes, 39 seconds They got, you know, all stars all over their team. That’s a tough division. And he’s getting chewed up and spit up and 21:46 21 minutes, 46 seconds thrown. It’s It’s been bad. It’s been bad. All right. Uh let’s take a break. 21:50 21 minutes, 50 seconds When we come back, uh, we’ll talk about Ryan Clark’s dismissal from ESPN. 21:54 21 minutes, 54 seconds I’m Richard Fontnner, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. My brother and I grow rice, soybeans, and raised crawfish on our farm in Evangeline Parish. For a fourth 22:02 22 minutes, 2 seconds generation farmer like \[music\] myself, Louisiana Farm Bureau is as much a part of my life as checking traps or harvesting rice. Our organization is 22:10 22 minutes, 10 seconds more than 145,000 members strong, \[music\] and we’ve been around for more than 100 years. The Louisiana Farm Bureau spans generations, and we want you to join our family. 22:18 22 minutes, 18 seconds Visit lafarmbureau.org. org. The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. 22:25 22 minutes, 25 seconds Now, more Tiger Rag Radio. All right, back here on Tiger Rag Radio. 22:31 22 minutes, 31 seconds Tough day for ESPN as they laid off several of their on air personalities, uh, including former LSU Tiger Ryan 22:39 22 minutes, 39 seconds Clark and a man who was writing about it before Ryan Clark actually received his 22:46 22 minutes, 46 seconds dismissal. And the uh is Danh Zakesy from the from Outkick. Dan Zack Schesy joining us here on Tiger Rag Radio. Dan, 22:54 22 minutes, 54 seconds thanks a lot for joining us. How you doing tonight? 22:57 22 minutes, 57 seconds Uh sure, no problem. I’m doing well, thank you. 22:59 22 minutes, 59 seconds Ah, it’s good to have you on. Uh so this is just a bizarre story in a sense of how it all went down. Uh from Outkick’s perspective, how did they see this? 23:08 23 minutes, 8 seconds because obviously the news has come out that Ryan Clark was actually on the air and then when they went to commercial break they I guess brought him in the 23:16 23 minutes, 16 seconds room and said that’s it. Uh you’re done here and uh that’s a really a tough way to be told that you’re it’s never a good 23:25 23 minutes, 25 seconds thing to be fired. It’s never good news to get but to get it when you’re when you’re an on air personality to actually get it when you’re in the middle of your show. 23:34 23 minutes, 34 seconds Yeah. So, what happened was ESPN had planned to tell Ryan and everyone else who was being laid off uh Tuesday, so 23:42 23 minutes, 42 seconds this morning, that they were being laid off, which is why Ryan was scheduled for his normal appearance on NFL Live on Monday. Um, not knowing anything. Uh, I 23:52 23 minutes, 52 seconds received information on Monday morning that this was coming, that Clark was indeed going to be part of the layoffs. 23:58 23 minutes, 58 seconds Um, so I brought that information to, you know, our editorial team and one of our other reporters, Bobby Burck, said, “Hey, I actually I heard that too from a 24:07 24 minutes, 7 seconds different source.” So I was like, “Okay.” He had a couple sources, I had a couple sources, and we talked it over and we’re like, “All right, well, we feel comfortable. You know, we’ve got 24:15 24 minutes, 15 seconds four sources basically saying Ryan Clark is part of the ESPN layoff.” So, we felt pretty comfortable um to go with the story. Now, as you guys know, standard 24:24 24 minutes, 24 seconds journalism practice is to give the subject of a story, in this case it was ESPN, not Clark, because we didn’t know if Clark knew, uh, a chance to comment. 24:33 24 minutes, 33 seconds That being said, we had our reservations about contacting ESPN because the worry was that if we let them know that we knew, they could possibly try to undermine us. 24:44 24 minutes, 44 seconds Look, we can’t prove necessarily what happened, but we sent an email at 400 p.m. Eastern time saying, “We are going 24:50 24 minutes, 50 seconds to publish in 1 hour at 5:00. We are going to publish this story that says Ryan Clark is being laid off. Would you like to comment?” ESPN initially said, 24:59 24 minutes, 59 seconds “Can you hold the story till 5:45?” Now, I assume they asked for that because they wanted the show to end and then be able to tell Clark after the show. Um, 25:08 25 minutes, 8 seconds we said no because again, we we didn’t feel comfortable waiting. We knew other outlets could possibly have this. We knew ESPN could possibly be communicating to other outlets to make sure they got it first. So, we said no. 25:20 25 minutes, 20 seconds Um, and then ESPN suddenly, like 10 minutes later, was like, “Yeah, actually 5:00’s fine.” And then lo and behold, Andrew Marshand of The Athletic posts a 25:27 25 minutes, 27 seconds story that was two paragraphs long and contained a typo, which made it look like his story was quite rushed to get out there to beat our story, \[laughter\] 25:36 25 minutes, 36 seconds which again can’t prove it, but the circumstantial evidence seems to point to the fact that ESPN probably alerted Marshian that our story was coming at 25:44 25 minutes, 44 seconds 5:00 and if he wanted to get his story up at the same time, that would be ideal. 25:49 25 minutes, 49 seconds Dan, did did just out of curiosity, did you guys in your story, I didn’t see it, did you have uh Cam Newton also in it or was it just about Ryan Clark? 26:00 26 minutes Uh Bobby reported exclusively this morning uh on the Cam Newton news. We did not alert ESPN that we knew about Cam Newton. \[laughter\] We didn’t want to have that happen. 26:10 26 minutes, 10 seconds Hey, hey, Dan. This is Glenn. Thanks for joining us, man. Um yeah, that that’s amazing. Were were you and Bobby were 26:18 26 minutes, 18 seconds y’all communicating before you you realized you had this, you know, similar information or did that just kind of happen? 26:25 26 minutes, 25 seconds Yeah, it just kind of happened. Glenn, great to talk to you again. As you know, we have our Outkick editorial meetings uh twice a day. So, at the at the 26:33 26 minutes, 33 seconds afternoon meeting, I brought up that I had had this information and Bobby was like, “Oh, I do too.” Um, and that’s kind of how it came together. 26:40 26 minutes, 40 seconds It’s kind of how it came together. It’s why we do those meetings, right? Um, you know, and at that point realizing that we both had multiple sources, we felt comfortable with it because, you know, when it comes to stuff like this, 26:49 26 minutes, 49 seconds someone losing their job, like that’s something you want to be absolutely sure of. And I honestly would not have done the story if it was just me. I honestly 26:57 26 minutes, 57 seconds had some reservations. But once I heard that Bobby had a couple people, I was like, “Okay, this is we got four sources.” Like, that’s a lot. Like, we’re comfortable down with this. And 27:06 27 minutes, 6 seconds were you guys ever able to get in touch with Ryan or has Ryan spoken to anyone other than his statements on Twitter and so forth? 27:16 27 minutes, 16 seconds No, he we he he doesn’t uh communicate with us. Um he had his statement on social media and then I I did notice 27:23 27 minutes, 23 seconds that the Breakfast Club is circulating a statement from quote sources close to Ryan. That sounds like a text they’re reading from Ryan. But, you know, again, 27:30 27 minutes, 30 seconds my opinion, my opinion, sounds like he’s feeding some information to the media outlets that he wants to feed them to. 27:36 27 minutes, 36 seconds He’s not going to give us a statement because he thinks we’ll twist it or whatever he thinks. 27:40 27 minutes, 40 seconds Well, Outkick was was more fair to him than ESPN was. 27:46 27 minutes, 46 seconds I would say I would agree with that. Um, honestly, I would agree with that, especially in our in our breaking story. And you know 27:54 27 minutes, 54 seconds guys, quite frankly, if ESPN had told us like, “Hey, can you hold your story because we haven’t told Ryan yet and we don’t want this to come out while he’s 28:02 28 minutes, 2 seconds on the air.” I would have said, “Yes, that’s fine.” If they were totally open and honest and PR was transparent with me and said, “This is why we’d like you 28:10 28 minutes, 10 seconds to hold the story, and if you do that, we won’t go tell anyone else and we’ll let you have the story.” I would have said, “That’s fine.” Um, I actually 28:18 28 minutes, 18 seconds didn’t even realize Clark was on the air when I sent the email. like I don’t pay that close attention to ESPN schedule. 28:23 28 minutes, 23 seconds And I also was shocked to find out after the fact that he was on the air and I went back and watched I went back and watched the replay of NFL Live and I did 28:32 28 minutes, 32 seconds notice that he was on the air for about the first 40 minutes give or take because there with the commercial breaks and then in the fourth segment as you guys know all of a sudden a pre-produced 28:40 28 minutes, 40 seconds Leonard Fornette segment plays for like 10 minutes. You’re like oh I bet they threw that in there because they were like what do we do next? 28:47 28 minutes, 47 seconds Wow. some time. 28:50 28 minutes, 50 seconds Well, Dan, what do you make of Now the the reason for this for people that don’t foul sports media? Uh ESPN 28:58 28 minutes, 58 seconds acquired uh the NFL media assets and there’s the reason, one of the reasons why they’ve done this is because they wanted to reduce the duplication. 29:08 29 minutes, 8 seconds Obviously, you got like Tom Pelisero, who was an NFL network insider, was one of the individuals that was let go today, but there’s people outside of the 29:17 29 minutes, 17 seconds football realm that have also been let go. We mentioned Carl Ravage, who LSU baseball fans are very familiar with as someone who’s called College World 29:24 29 minutes, 24 seconds Series games, and he’s done a lot of the SEC basketball games, the Tuesday night games here over the last couple of seasons, and and several other people as 29:32 29 minutes, 32 seconds well. What do you make out of this? Um, a and Pat McAfee has been taking a lot of darts today because people are saying, “Look, they’re firing all these 29:40 29 minutes, 40 seconds people so they can give Pat McAfee this huge contract.” Yeah. I mean, that’s always been they they they everyone does that as soon as 29:48 29 minutes, 48 seconds these layoffs happen. ESPN does layoffs every couple of years. You guys probably realize that by now. I actually will tell you that I was part of an ESPN 29:56 29 minutes, 56 seconds layoff back in 2020, November. Um, I used to work for ESPN, worked there for almost 10 years. I was part of a layoff. 30:04 30 minutes, 4 seconds Like they happen every couple years. 30:06 30 minutes, 6 seconds I do believe them in in one aspect. Like it does make sense to get rid of Tom Pelisero because god forbid someone steps on Adam Shfter’s toes. You know, we can’t have that, right? 30:16 30 minutes, 16 seconds Um, you know, I feel bad for Ravage, who I also worked with and think is great. 30:20 30 minutes, 20 seconds Um, I think that’s tough. You know, Stefania Bell I worked with, thought she was great. I think that the NFL Network, though, was a a very convenient cover to 30:29 30 minutes, 29 seconds get rid of Ryan Clark. And guys, I think this started back when he signed his last deal. If you recall, in 2024, Ryan 30:39 30 minutes, 39 seconds made it very public that their contract negotiations were not going well. He accused ESPN of not valuing him enough, 30:45 30 minutes, 45 seconds of thinking he deserved more money. ESPN does not take kindly to that kind of thing. And in 2024, I think the climate 30:53 30 minutes, 53 seconds was a little bit more contentious where there was some concern about, you know, him bringing possibly race into it if they let him go. So, I think they 31:02 31 minutes, 2 seconds begrudgingly signed him in 2024, but I believe that that was always going to be his last contract, that he was never going to get another contract from ESPN. 31:11 31 minutes, 11 seconds And then, as you guys obviously are well aware, the statements he made around the Kairen Lacy situation when he essentially accused the entire Louisiana 31:18 31 minutes, 18 seconds state police of being racist, then the video comes out. I think that one was a big I think I don’t think enough people are talking about how important that 31:26 31 minutes, 26 seconds misstep was. Um, Ryan’s had to apologize on air like four or five times in the last two years for things that he said. 31:34 31 minutes, 34 seconds So, it it’s it’s easy to say it’s redundancy, but I think Clark’s Clark Clark’s days were numbered pretty much as soon as he signed that last deal. 31:42 31 minutes, 42 seconds Do you believe his career is uh pretty much over now? Uh, what do you mean? 31:48 31 minutes, 48 seconds Well, since he’s made so many missteps and there’s not too many places to land, he still has his podcast and I would imagine he’ll he’ll still very do very well. 31:56 31 minutes, 56 seconds I think that’s the reason I asked what do you mean is do I think he’s going to get another network television job? No, I don’t. I don’t think Ryan Clark is 32:02 32 minutes, 2 seconds going to be added to NBC’s Sunday Night Football coverage or, you know, I mean, there’s a possibility that one of the 32:10 32 minutes, 10 seconds streamers because they’re relatively new might want someone who draws some controversy maybe, but I think he’s going to 32:18 32 minutes, 18 seconds probably focus on his podcast. It does well. They’re out doing live shows and all that. And, you know, Ryan’s made a ton of money. I I mean, no one should 32:25 32 minutes, 25 seconds shed a tear for Ryan Clark. Um, it’s tough to get fired in the middle of a show, but you know, nature of the business. Um, it happened to Jeff earlier. 32:33 32 minutes, 33 seconds There certainly is. \[laughter\] Yeah, we we’ve announced, Dan, that Ryan Clark is is replacing Jeff here on our show. He’s going to start next week, 32:41 32 minutes, 41 seconds but I I I stayed on the show. I didn’t throw away like Ryan Clark did. 32:45 32 minutes, 45 seconds \[laughter\] 32:48 32 minutes, 48 seconds Yeah. Well, it’s uh for for those uh How old are you, Dan, if if I mind asking? I am 36 years old. 32:55 32 minutes, 55 seconds 36 years old. Okay. So, I’m 50 and a and I’ve been watching the uh the podcast uh that Rich Eisen This is Sports Center 33:04 33 minutes, 4 seconds was fantastic for those that haven’t been able to watch it for for someone like me, a kid of the 90s where Sports Center was at its peak and it’s 33:12 33 minutes, 12 seconds certainly ESPN is not even if even if you didn’t have all the the the politics that seem to be around 33:21 33 minutes, 21 seconds ESPN now, the Sports Center would still never be the same just because we have a phone and we can watch highlights. Back in the day, we had to wait till 10:00 33:29 33 minutes, 29 seconds Sports Center or the 11:00 Sports Center if you wanted to watch the highlights of a certain game. But it’s still for those 33:35 33 minutes, 35 seconds that like myself that grew up on ESPN Sports Center, seeing these kind of events and seeing all these people get 33:43 33 minutes, 43 seconds let go, it’s it’s tough. It’s it’s it’s tough to watch. And and um you’re right, a lot of these people, I don’t know 33:52 33 minutes, 52 seconds where they turn. And I’ve I’ve seen a lot of uh it’s good to see that it looks like you’ve rebounded pretty well in your career, but there’s a lot of people 34:00 34 minutes when they get let go from ESPN, man, this this shatters them. This this takes a long time for them to re to regroup. 34:08 34 minutes, 8 seconds It can. But honestly, guys, like almost everyone I know that’s been let go from ESPN tells me, and I I’ll say the same 34:16 34 minutes, 16 seconds thing. Didn’t know it at the time. Best day of my life. Yeah. 34:20 34 minutes, 20 seconds Best day of my life. Like people don’t understand like working at ESPN. I one guy said to me one time, it’s better to 34:27 34 minutes, 27 seconds be a former ESPN employee than a current ESPN employee. \[laughter\] And I didn’t understand what that actually meant. 34:32 34 minutes, 32 seconds Looks good on the resume until now. I It’s Yeah, it’s great. 34:36 34 minutes, 36 seconds Right. I could say I worked at ESPN for 10 years. 34:39 34 minutes, 39 seconds Um it looks good on a resume, but I do not miss working there. I’m glad I don’t. I did want to say you you brought up a memory of mine because I, you know, 34:47 34 minutes, 47 seconds same thing, right? like a little younger than you, but I remember my dad used to make me hold a cardboard box over the bottom of the TV to cover up the bottom 34:56 34 minutes, 56 seconds line cuz he \[laughter\] didn’t want the red score scheduled before they showed the highlights. 35:01 35 minutes, 1 second He wanted to be surprised and actually get to watch the highlights without knowing the score on Sports Center. \[laughter\] Those were the days, man. That was that 35:09 35 minutes, 9 seconds was awesome. Yeah. Well, hey, I very good stuff, Dan. And thanks for pulling the curtain behind and letting us know about it. A tough day for Ryan Clark, 35:18 35 minutes, 18 seconds but uh maybe he’ll he’ll bounce back uh just like you did and sounds like so many others have. We appreciate your time tonight. 35:25 35 minutes, 25 seconds Should have you should have just put some duct tape over the bottom \[laughter\] of the TV, Dan. That’s great. Thanks, guys. Have a great night. 35:32 35 minutes, 32 seconds All right, Dan Zakesy from Outkick. Good stuff, man. That’s pretty uh wow. U if you want to see how the sausage is made 35:41 35 minutes, 41 seconds when it comes to a breaking story or a story that you get a scoop on, that that was very interesting. We’ll be back after this here on Tiger Rag Radio. 35:48 35 minutes, 48 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is back on the air. 35:52 35 minutes, 52 seconds All right, back here on Tiger Rag Radio, we got uh well, we went a little long there with Dan. So, we got Lane Keifin speaking on Thursday. Uh what Lane’s been obviously quiet, no social media. 36:04 36 minutes, 4 seconds Do you think it’s going to be is he going to be when he and he’s going to get a lot of tough questions based on 36:11 36 minutes, 11 seconds the past and not so much about this 2026 LSU team I feel like but do you think he’s going to be a a low-key lane keen on Thursday? 36:20 36 minutes, 20 seconds I think he’ll start out low-key and I think he may remain low-key. I think he’s going to hide or cling, not hide behind, but cling to the resources that 36:29 36 minutes, 29 seconds LSU has, the opportunity that LSU has, the great best program that LSU football 36:36 36 minutes, 36 seconds is that he’s been mimicking and talking about. And I think that’s going to be his cover, if you will, uh, for those 36:43 36 minutes, 43 seconds hard questions coming from the national reporters about leaving Miss and from the Miss reporters. And I think he’s gonna talk about the fact that he did 36:52 36 minutes, 52 seconds have a a you know the financial support to bring the roster to to the level that he brought it to and then now it’s a 37:01 37 minutes, 1 second matter of putting it together and you can’t expect to do it because of the tough schedule and saying he’s submarining him. \[laughter\] 37:08 37 minutes, 8 seconds Well, I you know, let’s you know, national there’s a lot of national riders there and there’s a lot of Old Miss riders there, too. But there’s a lot of LSU riders and I guarantee you 37:17 37 minutes, 17 seconds they’re going to get their questions in that are going to be nice and softball, \[laughter\] okay? Cuz you see it, you see it every time. Not just LSU, the other 37:25 37 minutes, 25 seconds schools, they get they get those questions in there to kind of almost u filibuster. I remember there was a guy that covered Alabama that would do that all the time. 37:33 37 minutes, 33 seconds You mean like so what is Scott Riley going to ask? 37:36 37 minutes, 36 seconds Oh, come on, man. Wow. Well, I remember with Les Miles, he would just he ramble on for 14 minutes when he was at that main podium to I don’t know what did they all 25 minutes for each coach. 37:47 37 minutes, 47 seconds Oh, yeah. And he would just a lot he just ramble for 13 14 minutes. Lane might do that. Well, Brian Kelly did that. 37:54 37 minutes, 54 seconds Yeah. Yeah. You You know what’s going to happen, too? You know, uh Lane has not tweeted since there’ll be a question about that. Well, this is what’s going to happen. 38:02 38 minutes, 2 seconds He’s been he’s been lining up tweets for weeks. Okay. He just hadn’t published him and on the the Monday of the Old 38:10 38 minutes, 10 seconds Miss game before he’s going to start launching them all and Pete Golding’s head’s going to explode. 38:15 38 minutes, 15 seconds All right, let’s take one more break and we’ll be back after this here on Tiger Rag Radio. Now, back to Tiger Rag Radio. 38:24 38 minutes, 24 seconds All right, final segment of the show. 38:26 38 minutes, 26 seconds Haven’t been able to get to this. Uh some future opponents announced for LSU football. First of all, um, two lane, 38:34 38 minutes, 34 seconds LSU playing two-lane in 2030. Glenn, you excited about that? \[laughter\] Well, I was at some of the greatest LSU 38:41 38 minutes, 41 seconds two-lane games ever. I was at that 1973 game in Twolane Stadium. 38:46 38 minutes, 46 seconds I was 12 when Twolane beat LSU 14 to nothing. And then the year before, uh, LSU barely beat Twolane 9 to3 in 38:55 38 minutes, 55 seconds two-lane Stadium with Bert Jones in that game. Um, but you know that that rivalry had its day. I mean, there were 39:03 39 minutes, 3 seconds some great games, late 70s, early 80s on both sides. The the 1982 game that LSU 39:11 39 minutes, 11 seconds lost after getting the Orange Bowl bid, that was a classic game that that uh Twolane won, but uh you know, they they uh they haven’t played since 2009. 39:23 39 minutes, 23 seconds Uh I I always thought it was cool for LSU to play a regular season game in New Orleans every now and then. I think they had like a three in one deal going, you 39:33 39 minutes, 33 seconds know, uh considering some of the teams they play, it it would I think it would be smart to play two lane every now and then. So this is good. 39:40 39 minutes, 40 seconds I I think the bigger news actually is that they canled the Arizona State and it seems like they kind of replaced 39:49 39 minutes, 49 seconds two lane with Arizona State one of those years. So, does that mean they’re not going to play a power another school from a power four conference that year? 40:00 40 minutes Do they think that rule is going to go away? Do they also feel that the season could potentially start a week earlier 40:07 40 minutes, 7 seconds by scheduling Northwestern State and ulm on what would be right now week zero? 40:11 40 minutes, 11 seconds I think that’s a safe bet that they think it’s going to the schedule’s going to be moved up totally. Yes. 40:17 40 minutes, 17 seconds Okay. So there could be the two lane game is scheduled August 31st. There could be actually a game on August 24th as weird as that sounds. 40:26 40 minutes, 26 seconds Yeah. Yeah. In Tiger Stadium. \[laughter\] That better be a night game like like a night game like at 10:00. 40:35 40 minutes, 35 seconds I don’t know, man. I don’t know. It’s uh it’s crazy. Uh but I’m kind of gl you know to it’s great to see Tain um be as 40:43 40 minutes, 43 seconds competitive as they are. Hey two lane, man. You talk about a program that knew how to work the portal. The portal made them a program, 40:51 40 minutes, 51 seconds dude. By 2030, LSU is going to be in the SEC NFL and there’s not any will be with the Cowboys. \[laughter\] 40:59 40 minutes, 59 seconds I think there’s a better chance that will happen than the breakaway happens by 2030. 41:04 41 minutes, 4 seconds Case explain to us how the World Cup 41:07 41 minutes, 7 seconds \[laughter\] 41:07 41 minutes, 7 seconds How does Argentina have a How does How does the World Cup operate? 41:12 41 minutes, 12 seconds Extra time. \[laughter\] I forgot case was extra time. What does that have to do with that? 41:18 41 minutes, 18 seconds How do they How do they just end the game? It’s arbitrary. What the hell’s going on? 41:22 41 minutes, 22 seconds Oh, you’re saying like the extra the minutes at the end, the injury time and Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. I don’t get it either. 41:27 41 minutes, 27 seconds I think it’s whatever the team they want to win takes the lead. They say it’s And that’s the \[laughter\] problem. 41:32 41 minutes, 32 seconds That’s That’s what That’s what everyone’s Who’s more Who do you trust more, FIFA or the NCAA? 41:38 41 minutes, 38 seconds You want to You want to talk about an organization that won’t enforce any rules? \[laughter\] Ask Francis Balagan about that one. 41:45 41 minutes, 45 seconds Sorry. \[gasps\] So, uh, what did you think of the World Cup, Case? 41:49 41 minutes, 49 seconds I thought it was a fantastic filler between the end of LSU baseball and SEC media days. That’s all I ever wanted it to be, and it filled that role perfect. 41:57 41 minutes, 57 seconds Yeah. Okay. Yeah. See, the expectations were met there for Case. I hate SEC media days. 42:05 42 minutes, 5 seconds There’s only two more days left, and Thursday hopefully will be somewhat interesting with uh, Lane Kein. So, all right guys, we got to get out of here. 42:13 42 minutes, 13 seconds Good show. Uh, it was fun. Uh, Raymond Pars joined us and, uh, along al along with Chris Gordy from SEC football media days. Also, good stuff there from the 42:22 42 minutes, 22 seconds outcakes, Dan Zachesky. Uh, so that does it for another show. For the latest in Tiger Rag or for LSU News, check out tiger.com. If you missed any of the 42:30 42 minutes, 30 seconds show, it will be uploaded to YouTube and anywhere you get your podcast. For Case, Todd, Glenn, Jeff, and everyone else 42:38 42 minutes, 38 seconds that’s been listening here to Tiger Ragg Radio. Have a good night everyone. 42:42 42 minutes, 42 seconds Tiger Rag is everywhere. Online at tiger.com. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News, Podcast, Radio **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu football, Ryan Clark, SEC Media Days 2026 --- ### [SEC Media Days: Ole Miss Coach Pete Golding Compares Lane Kiffin To An Ex-Wife Or Girlfriend](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-media-days-ole-miss-coach-pete-golding-compares-lane-kiffin-to-an-ex-wife-or-girlfriend/) **Published:** July 22, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor You could say head football coach Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss had a nasty divorce last winter. Kiffin took most of his older children – his offensive coaching staff – with him to his new job – or spouse – at LSU. He wanted to visit with the younger kids – the players – and travel back and forth between the two coaching households through the College Football Playoffs. But Ole Miss said no. Kiffin also wanted to take several of the kids on the team – the players – to LSU, too, via the transfer portal, but ended up with only four in January. The two parties agreed to allow Kiffin’s older children to start working at LSU in December as coaches while also coaching Ole Miss through the playoffs and going back and forth. Meanwhile, Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding convinced athletic director Keith Carter that he should be Ole Miss’ new spouse, as in new football coach, and Carter accepted his promotion proposal. [RANKING ALL SEC HEAD FOOTBALL COACHES, 1-16](https://www.tigerrag.com/where-do-rookie-pete-golding-and-lane-kiffin-rank-among-sec-coaches-1-through-16-glenn-guilbeau/) Golding soon began making fun of Kiffin’s hot yoga habits, and Kiffin later said that he tried to get Golding into hot yoga to improve his physique, which has improved of late. Golding and Ole Miss also accused Kiffin of tampering with the Ole Miss kids to get them to LSU and threatened legal action. > [Ole Miss Sour Grapes Update: Rebels Looking Into Lawsuit Vs. 2 Former Players Who Followed Lane Kiffin To LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/ole-miss-sour-grapes-update-rebels-looking-into-lawsuit-vs-2-former-players-who-followed-lane-kiffin-to-lsu/) Never mind that [Clemson coach Dabo Swinney accused Golding of tampering](https://apnews.com/article/clemson-swinney-tampering-mississippi-golding-ferrelli-bbf354cba428229b337035b4fb8fc133) with a Clemson player who suddenly transferred to Ole Miss. ![Man in a dark suit and striped tie speaks at a podium with Miss logos in the background.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/PeteGolding_SECMediaDays.jpg "PeteGolding_SECMediaDays | TigerRag.com")*Ole Miss new head coach Pete Golding left Alabamas defensive coordinator post after five seasons for the same post at Ole Miss under then coach Lane Kiffin in 2023 25 SEC photo*On Wednesday, at the SEC Media Days in Tampa, Golding seemed to be getting along with his ex-spouse Kiffin, although the SEC office made sure the two didn’t cross paths at the Tampa Marriott Water Street as Kiffin does not take the stage until Thursday. Golding was asked if the Kiffin-Golding storyline “will be put to bed, or will it still follow you throughout the remainder of the season” after the LSU-Ole Miss game on Sept. 19 in Oxford passes. “I think that’s up to y’all,” Golding said. “No, there’s always going to be history. It’s the ex, right? Like, there’s always going to be the history. Like, do you have an ex? Are you married?” The answer was no. “Ok, all right,” said Golding, who has been married for more than 10 years with three children to attorney Carolyn Golding, a Cleveland, Mississippi, native and Ole Miss law school graduate. “Well, if you do get married, and you have an ex that your wife knows about, like she doesn’t ever end. Like, she’s always going to get brought up, so that’s kind of like where it is right now (with Kiffin). That’s always going to be there a little bit, which is fun to a certain degree.” > Ole Miss coach Pete Golding gets applause after he speaks at SEC Media Days! > “Nobody else has gotten any sort of applause (after speaking). Heavy contingent of Mississippi media here.” > – Cole Cubelic on SEC Nation. > Will more fans be ejected? Fan named Legend previously tossed. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 22, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2079991781911880079?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Golding, 42, is a native of Hammond, but played at Delta State in Cleveland, where he met his wife. He left Ole Miss partly to be closer to his wife’s family. “I did not know coach Kiffin prior to taking the Ole Miss job,” Golding said. “Everybody assumes Alabama, Alabama. I wasn’t at Alabama (2018-22) when coach Kiffin was (2014-16). I didn’t come to Ole Miss because of coach Kiffin. I came to Ole Miss to be at Ole Miss to raise three kids.” Golding was also asked what his relationship with Kiffin is right now. “Look, I get this everywhere we go,” Golding said. “We’re on our caravan tour right now with Ole Miss, so we go every Tuesday and Thursday and take a couple players and go around the country. We go Q and A with everybody, so everybody is like, ‘Tell me how you really feel about him.’ Lane and I are good. Our relationship really grew in those three and a half years (at Ole Miss), and and he did a lot for me. And I was very, very appreciative of how he treated me and my family. I learned a lot from him.” > [LSU-Ole Miss Coach Swapping Has That Rivalry Passing LSU-Bama On Hate Meter | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-ole-miss-coach-swapping-has-that-rivalry-passing-lsu-bama-on-hate-meter-glenn-guilbeau/) The three seasons Golding was under Kiffin at Ole Miss from 2023-25, the Rebels went 11-2 and 6-2 in the SEC, 10-3 and 5-3 and 11-1 and 7-1. Golding then went 2-1 in the College Football Playoff last season. His first Ole Miss defense finished 68th in the nation at 382.2 yards allowed a game in 2023 before a No. 14 finish in 2024 with 311.2 yards given up a game and 48th last season with 348 allowed. “I have no ill will towards coach Kiffin,” Golding said. “He texts me on a regular basis, and there are certain things we’ll talk about, and certain things we don’t talk about. He’s very competitive just like I’m very competitive. So, obviously a lot of this went a different direction. Now, he has a new job with new responsibilities, and he’s going to be super competitive to be the best he can at that job, which is his job.” Golding said he keeps the separation compartmentalized. “I can separate the two. Some people can’t,” he said. “I tell a lot of these people, and I probably shouldn’t say this. But but I don’t care, all right? Like I told an Ole Miss group the other day. In 2021, if you said, ‘Look into 2025, and you’re about to be 11-1 and go to the playoffs, would you take it, if your coach was leaving?’ Hell yeah. You would. Everybody won from it. It’s okay. Keith made a great hire (of Kiffin). He did a great job. Every place isn’t for everybody.” Kiffin should have stayed at Ole Miss, Golding told him. “Throughout the process, I’ll be the first one to tell you, I told him I would think he was dumb if he was to leave,” he said. “I wanted him to stay. It was a selfish decision by me, because I loved being the DC where I was at. He decided what was better for him and his family, and that’s for him to decide. No ill will towards him at all. Wish him the best of luck. We play him like every other SEC team, and we are going to both show up and spot the ball and play.” Golding said he and Kiffin still communicate. “I talk to him on a regular basis,” he said. “No ill will at all and really appreciative of how he treated me and my family, and then this created an unbelievable opportunity for me as well on top that I really wasn’t looking for, but so appreciative to have.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels, Pete Golding, sec football, sec media days --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio: Could the SEC Really Break Off from the NCAA?](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-could-the-sec-really-break-off-from-the-ncaa/) **Published:** July 22, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Conversations have been had about the SEC cutting ties with the NCAA and governing itself. We broke down SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey’s comments on the future of college football, SEC scheduling and the Protect College Sports Act on Tiger Radio on Tuesday night. Raymond Partsch of ESPN Radio 103.7 FM in Lafayette also gave his take from SEC Media Days. ***Here is the complete transcript of the show from YouTube. Tiger Rag apologizes for any AI generated mistakes:*** 0:00 0 seconds Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. Tiger Rag Radio is on the air. Let’s crank this thing up. 0:06 6 seconds We’re statewide breaking down the \[music\] latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is up. Hear from the coaches. Our time is now with LSU basketball. 0:14 14 seconds The players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 0:17 17 seconds One way or another, we’re going to make history. 0:19 19 seconds And those who cover the Fighting Tigers of LSU and the SEC. LSU is the best job in court. It’s 2 hours of non-stop LSU talk. 0:28 28 seconds I came here to win. We’re going to win immediately. 0:30 30 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is brought to you by Cumins. Cumins creates \[music\] power solutions that the world depends on. 0:36 36 seconds Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro’s Electrical Services, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 0:45 45 seconds Get ready to talk Tigers with producer Case Kishnik and \[music\] our host Todd Horn, Jeff Polalmo, and Glenn Gilbo. 0:54 54 seconds Tiger players are better people than they are players. This is Tiger Rag Radio and good evening everyone. Welcome to 1:02 1 minute, 2 seconds another edition of Tiger Rag Radio. This is Jeff Polmo, news and sports director of Louisiana Radio Network along with the executive editor for Tiger Rag 1:10 1 minute, 10 seconds magazine, Todd Horn, and the editor Glenn Gilbo. Happy SEC football media days. We are halfway through. Of course, Greg Sanki so far, the headliner. We are 1:19 1 minute, 19 seconds certainly going to get into that. We’ll talk a lot about that here over the next couple of hours. We’ll also hear from a couple of people that are in Tampa for 1:28 1 minute, 28 seconds the SEC media days, including Raymond Parch, who of course works over at ESPN Southwest Radio, where we are hurt. And 1:36 1 minute, 36 seconds uh we had some technical difficulties the last couple weeks for some of our affiliates. So, they were not able to catch us live. So, we are glad to be back on in Lafayette and Lake Charles. 1:45 1 minute, 45 seconds Hello everyone there. We really appreciate you sticking with us and hopefully you were able to catch it on podcast or YouTube or maybe even just 1:53 1 minute, 53 seconds streamed us at tiger.com. That’s another option as well. Uh so we’ll talk to Raymond coming up later on in this hour. 2:01 2 minutes, 1 second Chris Gordy, host of the Lockdown SEC podcast, also works for Sports Talk 790 in Houston. We’ll get his thoughts. He’s 2:08 2 minutes, 8 seconds in Tampa as well. And then um another story there there’s a lot of different stories here that have been uh breaking 2:15 2 minutes, 15 seconds LSU football scheduling news. Tommy White, we’re going to get into all all that stuff as well, but uh former LSU 2:23 2 minutes, 23 seconds Tiger Ryan Clark dismissed from ESPN. Uh Dan Zakesy from the Outkick who was uh 2:30 2 minutes, 30 seconds set to report it as ESPN had to uh quickly dismiss him during the middle of a show. So, we’ll get to Dan’s thoughts 2:39 2 minutes, 39 seconds on that. And uh Ryan Clark, now a free agent in the sports media world. Todd and Glenn, how you guys doing tonight? 2:46 2 minutes, 46 seconds Well, Jeff, um Ryan is actually going to be replacing you um next week. Not sure if you heard about that yet, but we’re 2:54 2 minutes, 54 seconds going to tell you what Ryan got left on air and \[laughter\] so are you. 2:58 2 minutes, 58 seconds Well, actually, go ahead and sign off now. 3:02 3 minutes, 2 seconds Yeah. Now, just real quick, Dan Zachesky, he’s a he’s a heck of a reporter. And Outkick, just so people know, a lot of people don’t realize, it’s really affiliated with Fox Sports. 3:11 3 minutes, 11 seconds Well, really now Fox News. 3:13 3 minutes, 13 seconds Yeah. Yeah. And when you click on Outkick story, Fox comes up. So, they they uh that was really a cool story he did along with another guy there, Bobby 3:22 3 minutes, 22 seconds Barack. They were both reporting on that from different angles and it it’s really some interesting stuff, but didn’t mean to interrupt. Go ahead. 3:30 3 minutes, 30 seconds I’m a short timer here, so go. 3:32 3 minutes, 32 seconds \[laughter\] Yeah. Yeah. Well, you’re supposed to sign off. You’re supposed to sign off. 3:36 3 minutes, 36 seconds I think we should talk about the American League batting champion first. 3:40 3 minutes, 40 seconds Who’s the American League B? Tommy White. Tommy White. Tommy White. Yeah, we’ll get into that. We’ll get into that. Uh I also got a little interesting uh nugget. Hopefully I don’t forget when 3:48 3 minutes, 48 seconds we do get into the baseball talk. You know, the uh obviously there is labor negotiations going on and there could be a significant change when it comes to 3:56 3 minutes, 56 seconds college baseball. So, I’ll leave that as a tease. Congress going to get involved? 4:00 4 minutes No. No, I \[laughter\] don’t think so, dude. Cuz that works so well. \[laughter\] Well, I guess it’s so amazing that Sanki is and and 4:09 4 minutes, 9 seconds Patito are upset at what Congress is doing because everybody told them that’s what’s going to happen. 4:14 4 minutes, 14 seconds All right. So, I guess that is a good way to segue into what we want to talk about. I’ll let you guys start off here. 4:21 4 minutes, 21 seconds Your impressions of what Greg Sanki had to say Monday to kick off SEC football media days. entirely predictable when it came to the Protect College Sports Act. 4:32 4 minutes, 32 seconds I mean that the writing’s been on the wall for weeks now. Uh it’s all and I wrote a column today on tiger.com. It’s 4:39 4 minutes, 39 seconds all about uh Congress is now doing the best they can to keep the SEC at the table. He validated Sanki did the fact 4:48 4 minutes, 48 seconds that there’s serious consideration to walk away from the NCAA. 4:53 4 minutes, 53 seconds And um I think that that that’s the biggest news. Uh the rest of the SEC media days bores me. 5:00 5 minutes Do you do you think Greg would would rather not walk away and and instead get what he wants and stay? Yeah. 5:09 5 minutes, 9 seconds \[clears throat\] Okay. Well, I I agree. 5:10 5 minutes, 10 seconds And I think I think he what he was saying yesterday was kind of like uh finessing Congress or Yeah. 5:18 5 minutes, 18 seconds You know, kind of a poker game with Congress is what that is, I thought. Well, I I think it’s I think he’s smart. 5:24 5 minutes, 24 seconds I think it’s negotiations, but I do think he is prepared. Yeah. 5:28 5 minutes, 28 seconds And I think the Big 10 is prepared to to walk away. And I know that’s not a popular sentiment and I know it scares 5:35 5 minutes, 35 seconds the hell out of a lot of people, but um and I don’t think it’s likely to happen right now, but I definitely believe that 5:43 5 minutes, 43 seconds if they restrain them, as much as they’re still trying to do by keeping them from adding teams, uh limiting it 5:52 5 minutes, 52 seconds the and and limiting the time frame that they can do that and that that hurts their media rights and and they’re not going to stand for that. They’re just 5:59 5 minutes, 59 seconds simply not. Let let’s say they both split off. You got the Big 10 and you got the SEC. Well, then there’s going to be a natural championship game every 6:08 6 minutes, 8 seconds year. The Big 10 champion plays the SEC champion for the national championship. Be like the AFC and the NFC. All right. 6:14 6 minutes, 14 seconds All right. Let’s No, but but I’m serious. That might be the only way the SEC can make the freaking national championship game because they can’t make one the way it is now. 6:22 6 minutes, 22 seconds This talk of breakaway just needs to stop. 6:24 6 minutes, 24 seconds Well, it’s not going to because it will kill college athletics. Well, it’ll kill it the way that you’ve seen it for the 6:33 6 minutes, 33 seconds LA in the way we’ve all been used to it, but it’s different now. This is not the same game it was three years ago. 6:40 6 minutes, 40 seconds But will it be better or worse? I’m not saying it’ll be better or worse. 6:44 6 minutes, 44 seconds I’m saying it’s different now. He talked about all this enforcement stuff, Mr. 6:49 6 minutes, 49 seconds Transparent SEC Commissioner. How come he didn’t in his 43 minutes explain He’s talking about we want everybody to play by the same rules. 6:57 6 minutes, 57 seconds They do. Well, but that’s not the reason why he first of all, he does not the SC when is the SEC ever going to 7:05 7 minutes, 5 seconds investigate anything, enforce any rules on their own. They love the fact that they can sit there and tell the NC, oh, 7:12 7 minutes, 12 seconds it’s the NCAA’s fault. It’s this and that. 7:15 7 minutes, 15 seconds The reason the reason the SEC and the rest of the and the Big 10 and the rest of college football wanted Congress’s 7:22 7 minutes, 22 seconds intervention is so they want the antitrust protection and they want conformed rules and that’s it. And that’s all the rest of But they also couldn’t figure things out. Media rights. 7:31 7 minutes, 31 seconds What? The media rights are are outside of the bounds of that. That’s the restraint that they’re rebelling against the revenue cap. How come he didn’t talk about that? 7:40 7 minutes, 40 seconds Because he doesn’t he’s that’s not the the negotiating point. The negotiating point right now is stay away from our expansion and stay away from our media rights which are one and the same thing. 7:50 7 minutes, 50 seconds Why did he say that? He he listed these four reasons on why they oppose the college or what needs to change. He mentioned nothing about that. 7:56 7 minutes, 56 seconds He was spinning. He He’s I understand, but it’s just it’s a bunch of bull. It is. 8:01 8 minutes, 1 second It’s a bunch of bull. And this idea that’s splitting off and the grass is greener on the other side. It’s just horrible. 8:09 8 minutes, 9 seconds And they now \[laughter\] it’s a pro game. 8:13 8 minutes, 13 seconds I understand. But it’s a pro game. 8:15 8 minutes, 15 seconds I understand it’s a pro game, but how do you have March Madness if you just have two conferences? Well, I don’t think that I don’t think that necessarily. 8:24 8 minutes, 24 seconds You can’t just split football off and then how you do that that explain that to me in 45 seconds. 8:30 8 minutes, 30 seconds I’m not saying it makes conventional sense. 8:32 8 minutes, 32 seconds How does that happen? It doesn’t make sense. Nobody’s thinking that. Nobody’s looking. 8:35 8 minutes, 35 seconds I’m not saying it makes conventional sense. I’m saying we’re because it’s not possible. 8:40 8 minutes, 40 seconds Look, the next three or five years, the next 3 to 5 years. 8:43 8 minutes, 43 seconds Yeah. I didn’t say it was going to be good. Okay. 8:45 8 minutes, 45 seconds They are going to they are going to hurt themselves even more. Follow the money. Okay. You want to talk about the money? 8:53 8 minutes, 53 seconds Yeah. 8:54 8 minutes, 54 seconds The a a championship game between the Big 10 and the SEC will not be as well watched as this last year’s national 9:02 9 minutes, 2 seconds championship because this is going to this is going to upset so many sports fans. If they do this, they’re done with 9:10 9 minutes, 10 seconds it, Todd. They are done with it. I know here I don’t know about I know here in They are. They will be done with it. 9:18 9 minutes, 18 seconds People said they were done with the NFL with all the national anthem stuff. 9:21 9 minutes, 21 seconds Oh, that says something. This is something where you’re completely changing a sport, a tradition that you’ve had for hundreds of years. 9:29 9 minutes, 29 seconds Let me explain something. Let me explain one fact to you. 9:32 9 minutes, 32 seconds But if a Big 10 team plays an SEC team in a national championship game, regardless of how those two guys, people are going to watch it. people are going 9:39 9 minutes, 39 seconds to not if they create some crazy little league and it’s just their own little rules and if it’s still a game. It’s still Big 10 vers. 9:47 9 minutes, 47 seconds If the Big 10 has 25 26 teams and the SEC has 25 26 teams. 9:52 9 minutes, 52 seconds Well, how are you going to get those teams? Where are they coming from? 9:55 9 minutes, 55 seconds Well, number one is you tell Congress you can’t you can’t limit our expansion over the next five years. 10:00 10 minutes Well, it’s hard to just tell Congress what to do. 10:03 10 minutes, 3 seconds Well, I know, but that’s what Well, they don’t have to agree to it. That’s where they could break away right away. I’m not saying what’s going to happen. I’m saying that we don’t know what’s going 10:11 10 minutes, 11 seconds to happen. But I guarantee you what will happen is nobody’s going to be able to tell Greg Sanki and whatever Patito or whatever his name is, 10:20 10 minutes, 20 seconds Tony Patiti, that that they can’t uh negotiate their own media rights. Well, Tony Patiti and 10:27 10 minutes, 27 seconds Greg Sanki, I think their big problems is they’re they’re trying to solve and fix some of the issues that involve all 10:36 10 minutes, 36 seconds of college football, but they have dual motivations cuz they’re trying to keep their conference. And that that’s not going to work 10:44 10 minutes, 44 seconds cuz cuz in the NFL, like Verge told us a couple of times, the NFL is all together 10:50 10 minutes, 50 seconds um Monday through Saturday, okay? And then they play the games. But but they’re all together and and they’ve got 10:57 10 minutes, 57 seconds their media rights in in a good system, you know, and and and they have and they don’t have an owner that that makes 11:04 11 minutes, 4 seconds those decisions. They got they have a commissioner and and uh and and Tony and Tony Patiti and Greg Sanki, particularly 11:12 11 minutes, 12 seconds Sanki, they just I just don’t think they can think big enough. And but Patiti is much more qualified than than Sanki is. 11:21 11 minutes, 21 seconds To me, Sanki is kind of a he’s too much like Roger Goodell, though. Roger Goodell finally figured it out. It’s a ship that doesn’t have a captain. 11:29 11 minutes, 29 seconds That’s true. \[clears throat\] And it’s just sailing in the open seas and it could hit an iceberg. It could hit whatever, right? But but to say it’s not going to 11:38 11 minutes, 38 seconds change is just I never said it was not going to change, but I think the change that they are thinking about or even throwing out 11:45 11 minutes, 45 seconds there is going to hurt the sport even more. And they’re not going to If you look at the draft of the Protect College Sports Act now compared to what 11:53 11 minutes, 53 seconds it was two weeks ago, it’s night and day already. So, well, well, that’s fine. That’s fine. 11:58 11 minutes, 58 seconds You can, but to to throw this stuff, well, the breakaway and this and that. 12:03 12 minutes, 3 seconds Uh, I I relistened to an interview that he did with Paul Finebomb uh a month ago, Greg Seni, and this was right when 12:11 12 minutes, 11 seconds the bill was first drafted. So he he’s at that point he said there had been no discussions no discussions of he lied a super league. 12:21 12 minutes, 21 seconds He lied. 12:22 12 minutes, 22 seconds Well they’re doing a distrust to their fans. 12:27 12 minutes, 27 seconds Well I think Charles Anig said it best a couple days ago. He said he said both Petiti and Sanki want to go to heaven 12:34 12 minutes, 34 seconds but neither of them wants to die. In other words, they they can’t they need to learn how to give up something. Yeah. You know, and that’s what you do in DC. 12:42 12 minutes, 42 seconds You give up this for this. That’s how New Orleans got the Saints. They you give up this and and you take that and and they’re not they’re not doing that, right? 12:51 12 minutes, 51 seconds Well, according to Christianity, you can have heaven on earth. You don’t have to die. All right? That’s a whole another topic I don’t want to get into. But, uh 12:59 12 minutes, 59 seconds heaven’s over for the SEC. \[laughter\] The Big 10 runs things. I am just I I I um it was a complete eye roll with what 13:07 13 minutes, 7 seconds he had to say yesterday. I think it’s just some of it. 13:11 13 minutes, 11 seconds All right. Well, uh we got uh my eyes are ready to roll. \[laughter\] All right. Uh go ahead, Case. Throw 13:18 13 minutes, 18 seconds something out there as far as uh I know you got a couple things that uh he had to say yesterday. What? Let’s hit one of them here before we go while he’s talking. 13:26 13 minutes, 26 seconds \[laughter\] 13:27 13 minutes, 27 seconds And so understand that beneath the observation is frustration. 13:34 13 minutes, 34 seconds But I also know the pride with which I spoke of 13 national championships. And there is meaning and value. And I do 13:41 13 minutes, 41 seconds think a national expectation that we pres we participate in a national organization. But that national 13:48 13 minutes, 48 seconds organization must function in a healthy manner. 13:53 13 minutes, 53 seconds Otherwise, that simmering will continue. 13:59 13 minutes, 59 seconds All right. Well, we’ll see if they’re able to get something done. I I don’t I I I I do sense that 14:08 14 minutes, 8 seconds breaking away is really their last option. I I I get that. I just don’t even really think it’s it’s in my mind, it’s not feasible. It’s not feasible. 14:18 14 minutes, 18 seconds It’s not going to result in what they’re anticipating. 14:21 14 minutes, 21 seconds You’re gonna you’re going to get together with a conference that you can’t even agree with as far as how a postseason how postseason should be. 14:29 14 minutes, 29 seconds Who’s going to who’s going to enforce the rules? You don’t even want to enforce the rules right now. The SEC could It is funny that the SEC is talking 14:37 14 minutes, 37 seconds about enforcing rules because historically they’re the most cheating conference in history. Well, and I I do want to say something. 14:43 14 minutes, 43 seconds The people that I have talked to that are quote unquote in the no are not talking about breaking away together. 14:50 14 minutes, 50 seconds Although that’s our natural assumption. 14:52 14 minutes, 52 seconds Well, that’s even worse in my mind. So, what are you I’m not saying they’re they’re they’re talking about it exclusive. 14:57 14 minutes, 57 seconds I understand, but they don’t are So, you’re going to have the SEC baseball tournament. LSU beats Tennessee. That’s the championship. Hurrah, hurray. Uh, 15:06 15 minutes, 6 seconds no. Omaha. How does that How does that really How does that make anyone happy? 15:11 15 minutes, 11 seconds my my perception of it and I know this is going to cause you to go into convulsions but I don’t believe that the 15:18 15 minutes, 18 seconds other sports are necessarily earmarked I don’t know how I’m not a freaking genius do it that way well they’ve already done it that way I 15:27 15 minutes, 27 seconds mean in what way football championships are done differently than than baseball 15:34 15 minutes, 34 seconds that’s fine but you still have 134 teams in multiple conferences battling it out just because we can’t write it out and plan it doesn’t mean it’s not possible. 15:44 15 minutes, 44 seconds It I’m telling you it will you you’re hurting yourself even more. 15:48 15 minutes, 48 seconds Yeah, you’re hurting yourself even more. 15:50 15 minutes, 50 seconds I understand that that’s what you believe and I don’t disagree necessarily with you, but I’m telling you that just because you believe that doesn’t mean it can’t happen. 15:58 15 minutes, 58 seconds Well, they’re going to lose a lot of fans. They’re going to lose a lot of casual fans. They’re going to lose I I don’t think they’re going to lose 16:04 16 minutes, 4 seconds fans. I think I think if you just if you just have an SEC league, do you think 16:11 16 minutes, 11 seconds the fan who from that’s a Miami Hurricane fan right now that watches all the championship games, do you think they’re going to watch the SEC Championship game? 16:20 16 minutes, 20 seconds I’ll tell you what Greg Sanki would say to that. He would say that 80,000 people attend. 16:25 16 minutes, 25 seconds Well, what what did Matt Hayes tell us when he was on the show? That SEC draws the most TV viewers. 16:31 16 minutes, 31 seconds That That’s fine. That’s under this environment. SEC versus it would be a different it would you’re going to alienate a huge fan base 16:40 16 minutes, 40 seconds outside of the SEC that will just they will be tuned on. Are you working for Ted Cruz? 16:45 16 minutes, 45 seconds I’m not working for anybody. \[laughter\] I’m just telling you and the Big 10 does have a lot more televisions and bigger cities than the SEC. All right, let’s take our first break. 16:53 16 minutes, 53 seconds More on this conversation and then how the SEC also got hoodwinkedked and getting into this nineame SEC schedule. 16:59 16 minutes, 59 seconds And Mr. Thank you. \[laughter\] He is No Mike’s Live Roy. 17:05 17 minutes, 5 seconds We’ll be back after this here on Tiger Rag Radio. 17:07 17 minutes, 7 seconds I’m Richard Fontnner, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau \[music\] Federation. My brother and I grow rice, soybeans, and raised crawfish on our farm in Evangelin Parish. For a fourth 17:16 17 minutes, 16 seconds generation farmer like myself, Louisiana Farm Bureau is as much a part of my life as checking traps or harvesting rice. 17:22 17 minutes, 22 seconds \[music\] Our organization is more than 145,000 members strong and we’ve been around for more than 100 years. The Louisiana Farm Bureau spans \[music\] 17:29 17 minutes, 29 seconds generations and we want you to join our family. 17:32 17 minutes, 32 seconds Visit lafarmbureau.org. The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. 17:39 17 minutes, 39 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is back. 17:43 17 minutes, 43 seconds Back here on Tiger Rag Radio. So, the other u a lot of different talking points from Greg Seni on Monday. One of 17:50 17 minutes, 50 seconds the others is the nineame conference schedule. As a fan, I love it. I I I wish they would play 10 conference 17:56 17 minutes, 56 seconds games. I wish they would. But um when you look at the reason why they did it, 18:03 18 minutes, 3 seconds one obviously money, right? Uh ESPN, their TV partner Disney wanted them to uh add another game. And that that’s a 18:10 18 minutes, 10 seconds big part of it. But the other part was, you know, the Big 10 said, “Hey, if if you guys go to nine games like we do, uh 18:17 18 minutes, 17 seconds we we’ll look at expanding to 16 teams.” And now, of course, the Big 10 has changed its tune on that. Now they want to do 24. 18:24 18 minutes, 24 seconds Everybody lies. And then when Greg Sinki, who here’s where he was transparent, um I believe in that he 18:32 18 minutes, 32 seconds said that when he was talking to those with the College Football Playoff Selection Committee, the strength of schedule is still not going to be a a a 18:42 18 minutes, 42 seconds major factor in deciding who’s going to get into the college football playoffs. So, the SEC is putting themselves on the line playing 18:51 18 minutes, 51 seconds nine conference schedule, nine conference games against tougher competition than what the Big 10 is facing, what the Big 12 is facing, what 18:58 18 minutes, 58 seconds the ACC is facing, what Notre Dame is facing. And now you’re you’re putting yourself at risk of say someone like LSU 19:06 19 minutes, 6 seconds going nine and three. And let’s just say I I’m going to throw it out there, Virginia Tech goes 10 and two somehow, right? Uh they they they have this great 19:14 19 minutes, 14 seconds season. Virginia Tech could get in over LSU even though LSU schedule is probably and I haven’t looked at Virginia Tech schedule. I’m just throwing that one out 19:22 19 minutes, 22 seconds of the air. Uh is much tougher than Virginia Tech. 19:27 19 minutes, 27 seconds So why I think I think you’re I think it would be better to use Notre Dame because they have the best cream puff schedule in the 19:35 19 minutes, 35 seconds history of America and they’re guaranteed a spot if they finish in the top 12. got to keep those helmets gold and they’re going to finish 11 and one at worst. 19:45 19 minutes, 45 seconds I I Yeah. Well, that’s why I didn’t use Notre Dame in this example because if they lose two games then they are really sorry. It was that schedule. Yeah. 19:52 19 minutes, 52 seconds So So why did Sanki Why did Sanki agree with nine games if if that’s true? I mean it’s like he got hoodwinning because he thought that they wouldn’t 19:59 19 minutes, 59 seconds they would consider schedule strength more and they’re he also thought they’d go to 16, right? 20:05 20 minutes, 5 seconds And then how is the College Football Playoff Selection Committee not take that into account? Why are they seriously sitting here saying that the 20:12 20 minutes, 12 seconds the the Big 12, the competition in the Big 12 is on par with the SEC? 20:18 20 minutes, 18 seconds Maybe it’s we’re uh SEC fatigue. They they were tired of seeing the SEC win so much. I don’t know. 20:23 20 minutes, 23 seconds I How did How did this frustrated the heck out of me when I heard him talk about this yesterday? 20:28 20 minutes, 28 seconds Yeah. And that’s what’s been frustrating Lane. Lane’s been the one saying all the time, you know, you got to get that strength and schedule in there, pal. He 20:36 20 minutes, 36 seconds told the other coaches that. And then of course in the SEC they’re asking the schools to play another uh power four 20:43 20 minutes, 43 seconds team where in the Big 10 it all playing G5 teams basically. 20:48 20 minutes, 48 seconds It’s like it’s another reason for the \[laughter\] it’s another reason for the SEC to break away completely. 20:55 20 minutes, 55 seconds Well, yeah. If they break away, they they they could only screw themselves, which is what they did here. \[laughter\] It’s just I’m ready for the games to 21:04 21 minutes, 4 seconds start. I’m just tired of all this nonsense talk that’s that’s going on. 21:09 21 minutes, 9 seconds Let’s just get the game started. Um because it it’ll take my mind off of this other stuff that’s happening that all this clutter that is out there. 21:19 21 minutes, 19 seconds Was there strength to schedule at the World Cup? Was that did that have anything? 21:22 21 minutes, 22 seconds Well, that it’s funny. My my friends who are way more into the World Cup than some of my college buddies, they were talking about after Argentina lost. 21:30 21 minutes, 30 seconds Well, Argentina didn’t play anybody. 21:32 21 minutes, 32 seconds \[laughter\] 21:32 21 minutes, 32 seconds Well, Spain, why why did Spain play so many more games than everybody else? 21:38 21 minutes, 38 seconds I’m like, “Oh my goodness.” Everybody has strength \[laughter\] to schedule problems. 21:44 21 minutes, 44 seconds All right. Well, we’ll get to Raymond Parch, our first guest here, coming up after this on Tiger Egg Radio. Stay tuned. Much more coming up. 21:52 21 minutes, 52 seconds The East \[music\] Baton Rouge Parish Library believes that a thriving business community is good for us all. 21:57 21 minutes, 57 seconds That’s why we help entrepreneurs start a business with tools \[music\] like Gail Business Builder. Keep commerce rolling by providing free \[music\] access to 22:06 22 minutes, 6 seconds computers and free Wi-Fi at 15 branch locations. 22:11 22 minutes, 11 seconds Get a library card. Grow your business at \[music\] ebrpl.com/depart/sallus. 22:21 22 minutes, 21 seconds We’re back to Tiger Rag Radio. 22:25 22 minutes, 25 seconds Wow, that’s interesting. Welcome back here to Tiger Rag Radio. Todd Horn, Gwen Gilbo, Case Kishnik, our producer. And 22:33 22 minutes, 33 seconds let’s bring in our first guest of the night. And we are heard on the radio station that he’s heard on as well every 22:40 22 minutes, 40 seconds midday and that is ESPN Southwest Radio in Lafayette and Lake Charles. Raymond Parsh is there with his contingent in Tampa. Raymond, how you doing tonight? 22:50 22 minutes, 50 seconds Thanks for uh joining us on the show. 22:53 22 minutes, 53 seconds Thanks for allowing us to be on the airwaves on your stations. We appreciate it. 22:58 22 minutes, 58 seconds Well, we greatly appreciate y’all partnering up with us. We love having Tiger Rag Radio and letting all our folks in Southwest Louisiana be able to 23:05 23 minutes, 5 seconds hear what you guys do every week. And it’s a pleasure to be on with uh you guys as always, man. 23:09 23 minutes, 9 seconds And we appreciate you saying that and we appreciate Jeff and \[laughter\] we appreciate Todd and we appreciate you and we appreciate we appreciate football. Hey, \[laughter\] 23:18 23 minutes, 18 seconds so Ra so Raymond, uh, we we’ve been hearing about all the coaches and everything, but what I want to hear about is what is going on in Tampa at 23:27 23 minutes, 27 seconds night? What what \[laughter\] did you do last night? What was the media party like like and what did you have to drink? 23:34 23 minutes, 34 seconds Well, I I I will go back to Sunday, brother, because we were supposed to fly out. Okay. So, we were supposed to fly out on Sunday out of New Orleans and 23:42 23 minutes, 42 seconds then our flight got delayed and then it got delayed again and then they just decided to say, “Well, you know what? 23:48 23 minutes, 48 seconds We’re going to fly you, we can fly you to Miami around midnight, but you’ll have to spend the night in a hotel and then we’ll fly you into Tampa from Miami 23:55 23 minutes, 55 seconds on Monday.” So, we decided to drive impromptu on Sunday. And uh let me tell you that stretch of road between 24:01 24 minutes, 1 second Tallahassee, Florida, and Tampa, that’s long, man. I’ve made that. 24:06 24 minutes, 6 seconds It’s long. It’s filled with uh deer and abandoned hotels from the 1950s. So, 24:13 24 minutes, 13 seconds \[laughter\] 24:14 24 minutes, 14 seconds um it’s it’s a beautiful part of the country. Um we nearly got in a wreck. A deer jumped in front of us right by the airport. It was we we got in like at 24:21 24 minutes, 21 seconds 2:00 in the morning on Sundays, uh Monday morning, rather. So, but no, it was uh it it was good. We had our little media suare last night. Uh a 24:31 24 minutes, 31 seconds place called American Social right there on the bay. I had no idea Tampa was this nice. Oh, yeah. I’d never been before. 24:37 24 minutes, 37 seconds So, I didn’t realize there was that much uh that that many people with boats and yachts everywhere. Um, but uh we had a we had a good time. I had a little crown 24:45 24 minutes, 45 seconds and a Sprite. I had a couple of those at the bar. You know, you know, you know, Glenn, you’ve been to these things. You know, uh you have to take advantage of 24:52 24 minutes, 52 seconds the free food and the free drinks, my friends. So, um and then tonight we had the little media thing where the Tampa 24:59 24 minutes, 59 seconds Bay Lightning play. So, um so that that was nice. and they were giving out like little party prizes of like free cigars and stuff like that. So, it’s been nice. 25:08 25 minutes, 8 seconds I’m actually sitting outside right now um outside of um uh Bayare Ballpark cuz I’m a big baseball guy. So, I got a 25:16 25 minutes, 16 seconds chance to drive make the short drive over to Clear Water to see minor league baseball. So, um so you know. Well, well, Raymond, what what’s the one 25:24 25 minutes, 24 seconds conversation that’s happening there that really matters that fans should really actually care about because there seems to be a lot of uh I don’t know, posturing going on. 25:36 25 minutes, 36 seconds Well, I mean, look look uh at these events that’s that’s really what it’s about, right? It’s about, you know, not giving you anything and a lot of posturing, right? And and so you you 25:45 25 minutes, 45 seconds kind of expect that. What I was surprised by and what’s been the big talking point is something I’ve been talking about on the radio and you guys 25:54 25 minutes, 54 seconds have been probably talking about it on Tiger Rag Radio as well. This whole thing of it feels like the SEC, the Big 26:01 26 minutes, 1 second 10, and whoever they want to invite to their party are going to pull away from the NCAA for football only. Right. 26:09 26 minutes, 9 seconds Right. And it’s you you feel it like we’ve been covering the sport long enough to know when we we can see how 26:16 26 minutes, 16 seconds things are headed in a particular direction and it’s a billion-dollar industry. College football is there’s so much revenue from television that drives 26:24 26 minutes, 24 seconds everything. All these decisions being made in football are driven by TV revenue. I mean that’s what it boils down to. So we’ve we’ve been seeing I’ve been talking about this for years. When 26:32 26 minutes, 32 seconds I heard the commission, who’s very careful with his words, by the way, we know this, like Greg Fanky doesn’t say anything that he doesn’t want to be 26:40 26 minutes, 40 seconds said, how he wants it to be said, and how he wants it to be delivered to the public. Okay? And when he goes up there in his opening address, he opens up 26:49 26 minutes, 49 seconds media days and he mentions that, you know, there’s been real conversations had about them going out on their own 26:59 26 minutes, 59 seconds and that, you know, he would prefer those conversations not be seen on the ticker the next day and everything else like that. Like that that stood out to 27:06 27 minutes, 6 seconds me like that set the tone for this media days where Yeah, you’re right. Cuz often he would have like dispelled that rumor, but he he welcomed it. He welcomed it. 27:16 27 minutes, 16 seconds Excellent. 27:16 27 minutes, 16 seconds And he didn’t. And then so he puts that out there and you know I have him scheduled to come on the show on 27:24 27 minutes, 24 seconds Thursday. So I’m going to ask him to follow up about that. Um um but then when you hear Kirby Smart this morning 27:32 27 minutes, 32 seconds echo that sentiment and saying that this is something that he’s been talking about or wanting for a couple of years, that tells me that this is going to 27:41 27 minutes, 41 seconds happen quicker than we thought it was going to happen. Like if if if the power brokers in the mighty SEC and the man 27:48 27 minutes, 48 seconds who leads the most powerful conference in college athletics, if they’re having legitimate conversations about this and they’ve been doing it for years now and 27:57 27 minutes, 57 seconds now they’re telling us about it, a room full of, you know, scoundrel, you know, scoundrels, you know, media folks. If they’re telling us all this, this tells 28:06 28 minutes, 6 seconds me that I would I would go on a limb and say that there’s a framework already being put in place and I thought it was 28:13 28 minutes, 13 seconds 10 years away. I think by the time we get to the 2030s that SEC, Big 10, and whoever else they want to decide to 28:20 28 minutes, 20 seconds bring to the party are going to have a football league that is not affiliated with the NCAA. And and the interesting thing about what you just said because we had a previous discussion in the 28:29 28 minutes, 29 seconds first half hour of Tiger Rack Radio tonight and and Jeff had a coronary when I tried to explain to him that it’s possible it could be 28:36 28 minutes, 36 seconds still could be leverage though. Might just be leverage. 28:39 28 minutes, 39 seconds Yeah. Yeah. But it but it it could very possibly just like Raymond just said happening down the road. Yeah. 28:45 28 minutes, 45 seconds Yeah. That’s what we’re talking about because that’s when the TV contracts expire. But whatever the point is is it could be football only. Could you 28:54 28 minutes, 54 seconds explain that how it could be football only in your mind? 28:58 28 minutes, 58 seconds Well, because football is the driving force for everything and the football you could, you know, I I bring this up all the time to folks. I go, do you ever 29:06 29 minutes, 6 seconds notice when you look at the national championship trophy in football, whether it’s with the playoff or what was the BCS, you never noticed you don’t see the NCAA logo prominently placed anywhere, if at all? 29:16 29 minutes, 16 seconds Yep. Yep. 29:16 29 minutes, 16 seconds You know, that’s been going on for decades, right? It’s already separate, right? It’s already it already it already is separate. Now, they lean on 29:24 29 minutes, 24 seconds the NCAA for a lot of things, right? Um but they believe that they have the amount of money to, you know, they use 29:31 29 minutes, 31 seconds the lazy term, it’s been used out there in the last year or so. Well, NFL 2.0. I don’t think that’s what they want. Okay? 29:37 29 minutes, 37 seconds They just want to run college football the way they want it run. You understand what I’m saying? So, they want to put in the rules that they want to put in for 29:46 29 minutes, 46 seconds eligibility. They want to put in the rules that they want to put in for NIL. 29:49 29 minutes, 49 seconds They want to put in the rules they want to for how many times a player can transfer, you know, uh, coaches salaries. They they uh, academic 29:56 29 minutes, 56 seconds requirements, they want to they want to dictate and control all of that. 30:01 30 minutes, 1 second But can they even agree on the rules, Raymond? They can’t. That’s why they went crawling to that’s why they went crawling to Congress to do that. And 30:10 30 minutes, 10 seconds that’s correct. So there there is they I don’t think they are smart enough to pull it off without destroying 30:18 30 minutes, 18 seconds they’re smart enough, Jeff. They’re smart enough. Their egos get in the way. And there’s a difference, right? 30:22 30 minutes, 22 seconds Intelligence has nothing to do with your ego, right? Because everyone wants to believes that they’re right. What’s going to what has to happen to make this 30:31 30 minutes, 31 seconds to expedite the process is that the SEC is going to have to get all their people on board and they’re going to have to have a unified approach to this and then 30:40 30 minutes, 40 seconds they’re going to have to find a dance partner. And if they find a dance partner and we we assume it’s the Big 10 even though they they bicker about 30:47 30 minutes, 47 seconds things already now, right? But but but let’s just say the SEC can they have talks with the Big 12 and the Big 12 says, you know, the exact way that 30:55 30 minutes, 55 seconds you’re talking about doing things with NIL and transfer port on academic requirements and so forth and so forth and budgets and all this stuff, we’re on 31:02 31 minutes, 2 seconds board. If the SEC can find a one league to be a dance parter, dance partner rather, then that kind of forces the 31:10 31 minutes, 10 seconds others to kind of maybe compromise on what they want to do, right? Um that’s the messy part of this. That that is the one I agree with you. That’s the one 31:18 31 minutes, 18 seconds hiccup on this. If the egos in the room from the Big 10, the Big 12, the SEC, and you would assume the ACC and Notre 31:25 31 minutes, 25 seconds Dame. Um, if they all can put their egos aside to say this is what we really want to do because they really want to run 31:33 31 minutes, 33 seconds college football because it’s the one that makes the most money. Look, you guys know this. Glenn reports on this. Tiger Rag reports on this, okay? 31:42 31 minutes, 42 seconds Football, even when a football team is terrible, they make money. They make money handover fist. Okay. The other sports can’t say that. That’s true. 31:49 31 minutes, 49 seconds So, so you know, you you know, people ask me on the street about this. They’re like, “Well, well, well, what about, you know, at LSU, what about women’s 31:57 31 minutes, 57 seconds basketball?” And I go, “If they can make a ton of money and keep generating a ton of money, they’ll leave women’s basketball to just be governed by the 32:05 32 minutes, 5 seconds like they don’t care about those other sports. Football is its own entity. It survives on its own. It just truly does. 32:13 32 minutes, 13 seconds I mean, there’s a reason why every sports information department in this country primarily has one person 32:20 32 minutes, 20 seconds dedicated for football. They’re not cross-pollinating the departments. Okay. 32:25 32 minutes, 25 seconds Over at LSU, you get Kent Low. He helps out with football, helps out Bonnet, but he’s your primary men’s basketball, but Michael’s the one that runs the SID department for football. 32:34 32 minutes, 34 seconds That’s true. That’s you understand what I’m saying? 32:36 32 minutes, 36 seconds They’re already a separate entity as they as it is. And so they don’t care about that and they’ll let the rest of the sports be ran by the NCAA and that’s what they’ll do. 32:46 32 minutes, 46 seconds So when it comes to the game itself, what was what’s the biggest news uh out there about the you know about the SEC right now? 32:55 32 minutes, 55 seconds You know, there’s a lot of buzz surpris a couple things have surprised me about like I I keep hearing stuff about Josh Hypel being on the hot seat. 33:06 33 minutes, 6 seconds Mhm. 33:06 33 minutes, 6 seconds At Tennessee and I go, “Okay, y’all remember what Tennessee was before he got there, right?” Like you for for a 33:13 33 minutes, 13 seconds good stretch, they weren’t very good. Do do you want Derek Douly back, right? Like is is that what you’re wanting? 33:20 33 minutes, 20 seconds like you know you know what though the playoff two years ago but Raymond his winning percentage is worse than Brian Kelly’s but I I 33:29 33 minutes, 29 seconds understand your point they they uh you know because of the bad coaches that 33:35 33 minutes, 35 seconds that he came after he’s seen in some circles as pretty good okay like compared to Derek Doul and so forth 33:43 33 minutes, 43 seconds but uh really there he’s been pretty average is how I see it and if he has another average type season like last 33:51 33 minutes, 51 seconds year, he could be on the hot seat. May maybe not right now, but he could be. 33:54 33 minutes, 54 seconds Not right now, but like a year out. And I I think I think that’s a fair point. 33:57 33 minutes, 57 seconds You know, they have a big question mark at quarterback, too. How are they going to go with that? 34:01 34 minutes, 1 second And he’s terrible at quarterbacks. He’s like a quarterback guru and he can’t get them. He can’t find them. 34:08 34 minutes, 8 seconds He’s supposed to be. Yeah. He’s supposed to be the guru. 34:10 34 minutes, 10 seconds But I was interesting like you know obviously Tennessee went day one but it was interesting that of course a lot of talk about Shane Beamer being on a hot 34:18 34 minutes, 18 seconds seat but let me tell you the talk everyone every national person that’s walking through the hallways is making sure to even tell janitorial staff that 34:26 34 minutes, 26 seconds they think Lane Kein should be winning a national championship or playing for one in year one. If not it’s a massive disappointment. And I just smile and I go really 34:35 34 minutes, 35 seconds yeah. Hey Raymond thanks a lot man. We appreciate your time. Thanks for checking in from Tampa. We’ll have to get you on again soon. 34:42 34 minutes, 42 seconds Anytime, brother. Y’all have a great show. 34:44 34 minutes, 44 seconds All right, Raymond Parch from ESPN Southwest Radio. We’ll take a break. 34:48 34 minutes, 48 seconds More of Tiger Rag Radio right after this. This is Tiger Rag Radio. 34:55 34 minutes, 55 seconds They’re all the way back here on Tiger Rag Radio. Jeff Polmo along with Todd Horn and Glenn Gilbo. We were just 35:02 35 minutes, 2 seconds talking uh Tennessee about Tennessee uh with Raymond Par from ESPN Southwest Radio in Lafayette and Lake Charles. So 35:11 35 minutes, 11 seconds far uh case uh there there’s there’s two good clips that are up for I guess best sound bites of the week. Let’s hear the 35:19 35 minutes, 19 seconds one about Josh Hypel and when asked about how Lane Keifin may be treated when he returns to Knoxville this time around. 35:28 35 minutes, 28 seconds Certainly hope our fan base hasn’t uh cooled off. So, uh, you know, whether it’s the grocery stores, uh, being fully 35:35 35 minutes, 35 seconds stocked with, uh, with mustard or, um, you know, our sports stores making sure that they got reinforcements on, uh, on the golf balls. Hopefully, Knoxville’s ready for for his arrival. 35:46 35 minutes, 46 seconds Dead pan. Josh Hypel. 35:49 35 minutes, 49 seconds Yeah, he’s trying to sell mustard and golf balls. \[laughter\] Hopes that keeps the special interest 35:56 35 minutes, 56 seconds brokers there in Knoxville. SEC ought to find them for \[laughter\] for uh starting a riot. 36:03 36 minutes, 3 seconds The SEC doesn’t enforce rules. I I I went over that in the first five minutes. Yeah. \[laughter\] Not against themselves. 36:09 36 minutes, 9 seconds No, that’s for sure. They just Anyway, I don’t want to go back down that path, but that that was an interesting comment. I didn’t see that one coming from I I think it’s interesting. I also think 36:18 36 minutes, 18 seconds it’s probably going to be uh there any mustard or golf balls that are going to be thrown are going to have to be thrown in the first or second quarter because I think it’s pretty much going to be over by then. 36:27 36 minutes, 27 seconds Wow. Wow. 36:28 36 minutes, 28 seconds And if and and if somebody throws a golf ball real far, Josh might try to sign him, but probably lose him \[laughter\] to lane. 36:37 36 minutes, 37 seconds November 21st is when LSU is at Tennessee. It’ll probably be cold there. 36:42 36 minutes, 42 seconds Yeah, it could be. Could be. Last time LSU was at Tennessee, that was when that crazy rainstorm came and then Orzon was uh all he had was, you know, his typical 36:51 36 minutes, 51 seconds polo shirt and it Did he take off his shirt? 36:56 36 minutes, 56 seconds No, he did not. But he he was uh that was a that was a beating when was that in 2020 you’re talking about or 21? 37:03 37 minutes, 3 seconds Was that an 18? Wasn’t it an 18? Oh, before the championship, I’m sorry. 37:07 37 minutes, 7 seconds Yeah, I think it was an 18 was the last time they’ve been to Tennessee. 37:10 37 minutes, 10 seconds Wow. Okay, that sounds about right. Yeah. Uh Will Stein, uh LSU facing Kentucky in October. Uh this uh this was an 37:18 37 minutes, 18 seconds interesting soundbite from Will Stein on why he thinks the Wildcat football program can win and win at a high level. I think because of me to be honest. 37:27 37 minutes, 27 seconds Because of \[laughter\] me. I think um I know what it takes. I have seen it at the highest levels. I know what it takes 37:34 37 minutes, 34 seconds to recruit at this level. And you just got to believe, man. You just got to put the ball down and play. 37:40 37 minutes, 40 seconds Wow. That’s interesting. That’s a different version of Clark Lee. Remember when \[laughter\] Clark Lee came out and said we’re going to contend for the national championship? And but but I tell you, he’s he’s sticking to it, man. 37:51 37 minutes, 51 seconds He’s done a lot better than people thought he would. Clark Lee is Vanderbilt’s coach, by the way. Uh, well, everybody knows that. 37:58 37 minutes, 58 seconds Well, no, not everybody. Brian Kelly’s does. Yeah, Brian Kelly definitely does. 38:03 38 minutes, 3 seconds But, uh, I like the moxy. I like, uh, you got to come in. Well, I would say my response has this kind of ego about him. 38:12 38 minutes, 12 seconds So, it worked for him. Let’s see if it works. 38:14 38 minutes, 14 seconds It’s good. I I think he should have an ego. I think he should have confidence. 38:17 38 minutes, 17 seconds And I think he should have hired a different offensive coordinator. 38:21 38 minutes, 21 seconds \[laughter\] 38:21 38 minutes, 21 seconds You did start. You did smirk right when you heard that, as did I. But I thought it was a pretty cool comment. I I tell you though, none better than this is 38:30 38 minutes, 30 seconds going way back for you young boys can can remember, but in the 19 it was the 1985 38:39 38 minutes, 39 seconds or 86 SEC media days in Birmingham, Emry Bard was the coach at Mississippi State and he came out and said, “We’re going 38:47 38 minutes, 47 seconds to win the SEC.” \[snorts\] I mean, and everybody and I think he got fired that year. 38:53 38 minutes, 53 seconds Um, Kucky’s quarterback, uh, he talked about Joe Sloan as his offensive coordinator, and Case has got a sound bite on that. 39:01 39 minutes, 1 second He’s one of the main reasons that I’m that I’m at Kentucky. Kind of like Stein, he’s a great great guy, great person to be around, a lot of energy, 39:10 39 minutes, 10 seconds and he loves football and obviously really smart. He’s coached some really some really good quarterbacks in the past, and he knows what he’s doing. That 39:17 39 minutes, 17 seconds is Kenny Mincchy who is the Notre Dame transfer that’s now the starting quarterback at Kentucky. That sounded a lot like Garrett Nusmire. Those are things you would say about 39:24 39 minutes, 24 seconds Well, here’s here’s some advice to Kenny. Don’t let him call \[laughter\] plays and and and Garrett’s on the phone to Kenny. Transfer \[laughter\] transfer the next window. 39:37 39 minutes, 37 seconds Uh all right, let’s take a break. More uh we’ll wrap up hour number one. A lively hour number one. Chris Gordy will join us. Lockdown SEC podcast host 39:46 39 minutes, 46 seconds coming up in the next hour. Also, Dan Zaksheski. I think I’m saying that right. Dan Zachesky. 39:53 39 minutes, 53 seconds Dan Zack Schesky. He will join us. Talk about Ryan Clark being let go at ESPN along with several other prominent onair 40:00 40 minutes people over at ESPN, including Carl Ravage, who’s been calling SEC men’s basketball and of course calling games at the College World Series. He was let 40:09 40 minutes, 9 seconds go today as well. So, we’ll take Yeah, he’s a good one, too. 40:11 40 minutes, 11 seconds We’ll take a break. More of Tiger Rag Radio after this. How you doing? This is Snoop Dog. Tiger Rag. Tiger Rag Radio. 40:19 40 minutes, 19 seconds Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, you are tuned in. 40:22 40 minutes, 22 seconds Talk LSU sports interviews, opinions, and new calls around the Tiger Nation. 40:27 40 minutes, 27 seconds Batt Road was a life for me. Home of LSU Tigers. Now, more Tiger Rag Radio. 40:32 40 minutes, 32 seconds Love to score and get highlights and championships and play to win. 40:34 40 minutes, 34 seconds Tiger Rag Radio. All right, back here on Tiger Eag Radio, we uh spent the first hour talking a lot about the comments of 40:42 40 minutes, 42 seconds uh Greg Seni and the legislation that they are seeking out of Congress. Uh there has been a development about that 40:50 40 minutes, 50 seconds uh right actually probably uh broke when we were on the air. Uh, Senator Tommy Tuberville, of course, the former head 40:58 40 minutes, 58 seconds football coach at Auburn and Old Miss, has sent a memo to Republican legislative directors today, and he is 41:05 41 minutes, 5 seconds telling them to oppose the Protect College Sports Act and instead approve a bill that only regulates 41:14 41 minutes, 14 seconds eligibility, basically the five for five. you got five years to play five years and the one-time exception for 41:22 41 minutes, 22 seconds transfers where you can transfer once without having to sit out. And then he says the legislation would also restore 41:30 41 minutes, 30 seconds enforcement. So nothing about pulling media rights, nothing about trying to limit conference expansion, 41:39 41 minutes, 39 seconds just the bare bones. Basically, this is what SEC Commissioner Greg Sanki is looking for. 41:47 41 minutes, 47 seconds Well, I’m sure he uh Tommy has some allegiances to the uh to the SEC. Spent most of his 41:54 41 minutes, 54 seconds career there. So, um that’s probably a smart move by the SEC if Sanki orchestrated that. I’m sure he had something 42:02 42 minutes, 2 seconds to do with it. Um why why and you think ju just trying to um maybe push the 42:10 42 minutes, 10 seconds media pool argument to next year or to just keep them out of it or keep them out of it for right now. Right. Right. 42:16 42 minutes, 16 seconds And uh he does say and I read a little bit of the letter there during the break. He says college athletics does not need a 42:24 42 minutes, 24 seconds federal takeover. They don’t need all these kind of this is the the thing that but yet they’re the ones that went into it. That that’s what gets me. Sanki and 42:33 42 minutes, 33 seconds Petiti went into it. Now they’re saying, “Oh, wow.” Yeah. Yeah. Well, yeah. All right. So, uh, we’ll keep our eye on that. Chris 42:41 42 minutes, 41 seconds Gordy from Locked On SEC podcast, the host of that show that you can download every day, uh, Monday through Friday. He 42:49 42 minutes, 49 seconds will join us when we come back. So, stay tuned for that as we got to take a break for the top of the hour break. This is Tiger Rag Radio. Thanks for listening. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News, Podcast, Radio **Tags:** greg sankey, sec football, SEC Media Days 2026 --- ### [SEC Media Days: Kalen DeBoer Needs To Improve To Live Up To The Alabama Standard](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-media-days-kalen-deboer-needs-to-improve-to-live-up-to-the-alabama-standard/) **Published:** July 22, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter LSU hosts Alabama in Tiger Stadium on Nov. 7. The game is the first of a grueling stretch in schedule that could determine Lane Kiffin’s first season in Baton Rouge, as far as the College Football Playoff is concerned. The Crimson Tide is 30-10-2 in Baton Rouge all-time, which is better than any other team at LSU that has played there that much. Alabama has won six of its last seven meetings in Tiger Stadium and is 13-2 against LSU going back to the Tide’s 21-0 win in the BCS Championship Game for the 2011 season in New Orleans. Almost all of those teams were led by Nick Saban. This is third-year coach Kalen DeBoer’s team now. But before you write him off, DeBoer’s teams have outscored the Tigers 62-22 in two meetings – a 42-13 domination in Death Valley in 2024 and a 20-9 embarrassment last year. > [TODD HORNE | LSU’s $18 Million Mirage: When NIL Bucks Can’t Block a Breeze](https://www.tigerrag.com/todd-horne-lsus-18-million-mirage-when-nil-bucks-cant-block-a-breeze/) Do not be distracted by matchups with Ole Miss, Texas and Texas A&M. Alabama-LSU by game day will be as big as any game on LSU’s schedule, though Ole Miss and Texas have been getting more off-season buzz. Alabama is not just another game for the Tigers. Despite leading Alabama to a 10-2 regular season and a College Football Playoff win over Oklahoma last year, Deboer has faced criticism in Tuscaloosa. A 31-17 week one loss to Florida State, an uninspired 28-7 SEC Championship loss to Georgia and a 38-3 Rose Bowl thrashing from Indiana garnered him no extra favor with Bama fans. They expect better. The Tide faithful will define the DeBoer era by national championships, not playoff appearances. “I certainly know that that’s an important part of what’s happened in the program, so I wouldn’t doubt that if that’s the case,” DeBoer said at SEC Media Days on Wednesday. “I’m not focused on that. I’m focused on just helping our program be the best and trying to bring out the best and raise the level of everyone around me from the coaching staff to our players.” He said the program took steps in the right direction in year two compared to a 9-4 2024, but improvements still need to be made. How much they can improve will depend on who is leading the offense — a question to which DeBoer does not know the answer. Last year’s starting quarterback, Ty Simpson, was picked 13th overall in April’s NFL Draft. The Rams’ pick was a reach at best, but Simpson was an effective college quarterback, completing 305 of 473 passes for 3,567 yards, 28 TDs and five interceptions last year. His successor will be either senior Austin Mack or sophomore Keelon Russell. > [LSU Football: Safety A.J. Haulcy And WR Zavion Thomas Taken In 3rd Round Of NFL Draft](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-safety-a-j-haulcy-and-wr-zavion-thomas-taken-in-3rd-round-of-nfl-draft/) Mack (6-foot-6, 232 pounds) transferred to Alabama from Washington in 2024 when DeBoer left the Huskies to coach the Tide. He has waited his turn as a backup for three years in DeBoer’s system. Russell (6-3, 201) was a five-star recruit in 2024. ESPN rated him as the top quarterback in the class and the No. 14 prospect overall. He has impressive arm talent and mobile playmaking ability. “Both of them are more than capable,” DeBoer said. “I think they’re high-level elite quarterbacks. Fortunately, we have them both in our program, and it’s going to be a competition that’s going to lead to a tough decision.” The pair split reps through the spring and even last year as reserves. DeBoer highlighted pros of both quarterbacks: Mack’s size and strength and Russell’s versatility. He said who starts week one will come down to how they handle pressure, something hard to simulate in practice. “Putting guys in spots where there is adversity, where there are moments that are tough and challenging, how they process, that comes down to the poise that you got to have,” DeBoer said. “We need the guy that can move the ball up and down the field the most efficiently and effectively and makes the guys around him better.” DeBoer will need to be certain of his decision, and whoever does get the starting job will have to hit the ground running. Alabama opens the season Sept. 5 versus East Carolina. Then, they jump right into SEC play at Kentucky Sept. 12. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** alabama football, Kalen DeBoer, lsu football, SEC Media Days 2026 --- ### [LSU Athletics Partners With REV Fiber As Exclusive Internet Partner](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-athletics-partners-with-rev-fiber-as-exclusive-internet-partner/) **Published:** July 22, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU Athletics and LSU Sports Properties have added REV Fiber as the exclusive official Internet partner of LSU Athletics, beginning in the 2026-27 season, according to an LSU release on Wednesday. REV Fiber, headquartered in Gonzales, is Louisiana’s largest locally owned, fiber-first internet provider. The agreement will support all LSU sports and reflects REV Fiber’s continued investment in connecting Louisiana communities with fast, reliable internet backed by local support. “Our partnership with LSU Athletics reflects what REV stands for: strong local roots, meaningful community investment, and a commitment to delivering the reliable connectivity Louisiana families and businesses depend on every day,” said Josh Descant, REV’s CEO. “As a Louisiana-grown company, there’s deep, local pride in aligning with a program like LSU Athletics that inspires pride across the state, and we look forward to supporting Tigers fans while continuing to invest in the future of the communities we serve,” Descant said. REV Fiber and LSU Athletics announced the partnership at a recent kick-off event hosted inside Tiger Stadium’s Stadium Club South – sharing marketing elements and creative campaigns generated to specifically support the partnership. “This partnership reflects our continued commitment to aligning with organizations that share our values and vision for LSU Athletics,” LSU deputy athletic director/chief revenue officer Clay Harris said. “REV Fiber’s investment in Louisiana, our student-athletes and the Tiger fan experience makes them an ideal partner, and we look forward to building on that relationship for years to come.” In addition to digital, online, in-game and venue branding as well as gameday activations, REV Fiber is supporting several Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) athletes with a focus on Louisiana – reinforcing the organization’s commitment to localizing its investments. “At LSU, we want to work with partners whose goals align with ours,” LSU sports properties general manager Ben Price said. “REV’s commitment to strengthening communities across Louisiana through meaningful engagement, innovation, and investment makes them a natural fit for our program. Together, we look forward to creating opportunities that benefit Tiger fans and the broader Louisiana community.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU athletics, LSU Football News, More LSU Sports **Tags:** Clay Harris, lsu athletics --- ### [SEC Media Days: Kirby Smart Trolls "Troll" Lane Kiffin By Calling Him "The Adonis Of College Football"](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-media-days-kirby-smart-trolls-troll-lane-kiffin-by-calling-him-the-adonis-of-college-football/) **Published:** July 22, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor New LSU football coach Lane Kiffin has been called a lot of things, particularly by dumped Ole Miss fans because he left them, and by overly dramatic national media members who seem to conveniently forget that several other coaches agreed to new jobs during the 2025 regular season. Kiffin has been called a drama queen, a portal king, narcissistic, immature for his age, which is now 51, and an offensive genius. On Tuesday at the Southeastern Conference Media Days in Tampa, Florida, Georgia coach Kirby Smart offered a new one for Kiffin regarding his ripped physique via daily hot yoga as Kiffin, a former Fresno State backup quarterback, often poses for topless photos via social media. > [Lane Kiffin Much Different Than Expected, Says LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette On Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-much-different-than-expected-says-lsu-sports-information-director-michael-bonnette-on-tiger-rag-radio/) “He would say I look like a troll,” said Smart, a former first team All-SEC Georgia defensive back who is not ripped. “Certainly, he is the Adonis of all college football coaches.” Before that, Smart had to ask what a troll was when a reporter referred to Kiffin as a “troll” in a question to Smart. “People say that all the time,” Smart said. “Can you define what a ‘troll’ is for me, please?” The reporter said a troll is someone who stirs the pot, pokes fun and/or agitates via Twitter, other social media or in public, such as at press conferences in Kiffin’s case. > [SEC Media Days Starts Today, But The Star Of The Show Won’t Be There Until Thursday](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-media-days-starts-today-but-the-star-of-the-show-wont-be-there-until-thursday/) “Yep. That’s him,” said Smart, who joined a long line of SEC coaches at this talk bonanza unable to avoid Kiffin discussion. Kiffin will take the stage on Thursday morning – the last day of Media Days. > Lane Kiffin is a talking point in Tampa, and he’s not even there yet. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 21, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2079544460917022767?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Smart also commented about Kiffin beyond the surface two days before Kiffin takes center stage on the last day Media Days on Thursday morning. Smart was Alabama’s defensive coordinator under head coach Nick Saban from 2008-15 before getting the Georgia job, and he coached for three seasons at Alabama with Kiffin, who dramatically improved and modernized Saban’s offense as offensive coordinator from 2014-16 with a national championship in the 2015 season. “He made coach Saban uncomfortable,” Smart said, and he wasn’t talking about Kiffin at times erratic behavior on and off the field. “Let’s just say what it is. He helped revolutionize that offense and bring it along and do some really good things in a day and age when people weren’t doing that as much. But he does a great job. He’s hard to play.” > [Ole Miss And LSU Coaches Upset Georgia, 39-34, In Sugar Bowl Classic Quarterfinal](https://www.tigerrag.com/ole-miss-and-lsu-coaches-upset-georgia-39-34-in-sugar-bowl-classic-quarterfinal/) Smart and Georgia beat Kiffin and Ole Miss last season, 43-34, in Athens. Then Smart lost to Kiffin’s team being coached by interim-turned head coach/defensive coordinator Pete Golding in the College Football Playoff quarterfinal, 39-34, in the Sugar Bowl behind Kiffin’s players and Kiffin’s offensive coaches, particularly coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., who followed him to LSU. Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss, a transfer from Division II Ferris State whom Kiffin and Weis got ready for the season even though he missed spring football, completed 30 of 46 passes for 362 yards and two touchdowns. He became Ole Miss’ starter when projected starter Austin Simmons got injured. Chambliss finished third in the nation in passing yards with 3,937. “This guy (Chambliss) was not even spoken about at this time last year,” Smart said. “Nobody knew who he was, and he got his opportunity by way of injury. What if he didn’t? He (Kiffin) has made players successful in his system just as easy as the players can make him successful.” Smart’s “trolling” of Kiffin in a nice way went on. “He is very bright,” he said. “He does an incredible job of evolving college football.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Georgia Bulldogs, Kirby Smart, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, sec football, sec media days --- ### [SEC Media Days Discussion Will Dominate Tiger Rag Radio Tonight With Guests On The Scene In Tampa](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-media-days-discussion-will-dominate-tiger-rag-radio-tonight-with-guests-on-the-scene-in-tampa/) **Published:** July 21, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor A special Southeastern Conference Media Days edition of Tiger Rag Radio will air tonight statewide from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. with Louisiana Radio Network host Jeff Palermo and Todd Horne, Glenn Guilbeau and Kace Kieschnick of Tiger Rag. Joining us live from Media Days will be Raymond Partsch of ESPN Radio 103.7 FM in Lafayette and Chris Gordy of 790 AM in Houston. [Partsch won a slew of writing awards at the recent Louisiana Sports Writers Association convention](https://espnsouthwestlouisiana.com/espn-southwest-louisiana-brings-home-multiple-lswa-honors/) in Natchitoches. > “They’re real,” SEC commissioner on talk of potential of his league entering the Portal, so to speak. [@kacehk](https://x.com/kacehk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 20, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2079250465410130281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) SEC commissioner Greg Sankey’s opening comments on Monday will also be replayed and discussed, particularly his comments on a possible breakaway by the league over frustration with the progress of the Protect College Sports Act bill with parts of the bill Sankey does not like. “People have talked about that,” Sankey said. “They’ve opined about the frustrations that bring them to the point of saying we should look at something significantly different.” > [TODD HORNE: Washington Isn’t Trying To Stop The SEC Anymore – It’s Trying To Keep The SEC At The Table](https://www.tigerrag.com/protect-college-sports-act-sec-big-ten-power-shift/) [LISTEN TO TIGER RAG RADIO BY CLICKING HERE](https://station.voscast.com/64cd62be67664) Or tune in to one of the following stations, though some may not be live: WBRP Talk 107.3 FM in Baton Rouge KKND 106.7 FM The Ticket In New Orleans KLWB 103.7 FM The Game in Lafayette KFNV 107.1 FM in Ferriday KLCJ 104.1 FM in Lake Charles WAKH 105.7 FM in McComb, Mississippi KASO 1240 AM in Minden KRLQ 94.1 FM in Ruston WSLA 1560 AM in Slidell WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans KBZE 105.9 FM in Morgan City **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** greg sankey, lsu football, LSU Tigers, sec football, sec media days, Southeastern Conference --- ### [Where Do Rookie Pete Golding And Lane Kiffin Rank Among SEC Coaches - 1 Through 16? | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/where-do-rookie-pete-golding-and-lane-kiffin-rank-among-sec-coaches-1-through-16-glenn-guilbeau/) **Published:** July 15, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Will the next Nick Saban please stand up! Saban has been gone for two seasons now, and it should come as no coincidence that suddenly the Southeastern Conference has fallen from grace. The Big Ten just means more and has taken over college football with three consecutive national championships by three programs. Meanwhile, SEC commissioner Greg Sankey is no longer talking championships as he used to, and is trying to sell overall competitive balance as sexy. You want overall competitive balance, Greg? Check out the American League West in Major League Baseball, aka competitive mediocrity. > [SEC Spring Meetings: Greg Sankey Had A Rough Week, No Matter The Metric | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-spring-meetings-greg-sankey-had-a-rough-week-no-matter-the-metric-glenn-guilbeau/) While there are no true candidates in any league to become the next Saban, there are a few around who can at least get within a few football fields of him. With that, let us rank the SEC coaches 1 through 16. **1. KIRBY SMART, Georgia –** Just four years ago, Smart appeared on his way to becoming the heir apparent to Saban, whom he was defensive coordinator for from 2008-15 and was part of four national titles. Smart won back-to-back national championships in 2021 and ’22 at Georgia before he was even 47. He went 13-1 and 8-0 in 2023, but did not get into the four-team playoff because he lost to Alabama in the SEC title game, which needs to go away as it continues to hurt SEC team’s playoff chances, particularly now with a 12-team playoff. Smart went 11-3 and 6-2 and 12-2 and 7-1 the last two years, but was not able to get over the hump, losing in back-to-back quarterfinals in the Sugar Bowl. Still, Smart, 50, has made Georgia an annual national contender, which last happened from 1980-83 under Vince Dooley, who in 1980 was the last to win a national title for Georgia before Smart. Kirby will get back to a national title game soon. Meanwhile, he leads all SEC coaches in national titles, 2-0. **2. STEVE SARKISIAN, Texas –** Another Saban disciple, Sarkisian keeps getting closer. After turning around Texas gradually in 2021 and ’22, he finished 12-2 and 8-1 in 2023 with a semifinal loss to Washington in the last year of the four-team playoff. In ’24, he reached the second round of the 12-team playoff, finishing 13-3 and 7-1 with an SEC title. After a 10-3 and 6-2, non-playoff season last year, this may be Sarkisian’s best chance to take a step up with quarterback Arch Manning as a junior. Still only 52, if Sark continues to keep Texas consistently near the top, his time will come. > [Lane Kiffin Is The Best LSU Football Coach Hire Ever … At The Time Of The Hire | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-is-the-best-lsu-football-coach-hire-ever-at-the-time-of-the-hire-glenn-guilbeau/) **3. LANE KIFFIN, LSU –** Few thought anyone could do at Ole Miss what Kiffin did from 2020-25. Remember, the Rebels that Kiffin inherited had four asterisks next to their season records from 2010-16 for NCAA violations. Then Matt Luke had three straight losing SEC seasons. After breaking even at 5-5 in 2020, Kiffin took flight, winning double-figure games in four of the next five years. No one won so consistently at Ole Miss since Johnny Vaught in the late 1950s and early ‘60s. Kiffin’s 2025 team went 11-1 and 7-1. There should be an asterisk next to Ole Miss glorified interim coach Pete Golding’s name for his two playoff wins after Kiffin exited when the regular season ended last year. Because Golding merely sat in the Corvette offensive engine left by Kiffin, who also graciously gave Golding most of his assistant coaches on loan from LSU, including brilliant offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. That kept everything purring on offense. Did Golding, a great defensive coordinator before his surprising promotion, ever say thank you? Before Kiffin’s four double-digit win seasons in five years, Ole Miss won 10 games exactly one time from 1972 through 2014 and once in 2015 before Kiffin won 10 in 2021. That was also Ole Miss’ first 10-win regular season. That’s called degree of difficulty. Look out, Sarkisian and Smart, another Son of Saban is about to start making a lot of noise with a lot of mileage in his sports car at only 51. **4. KALEN DEBOER, Alabama –** DeBoer, 51, was an outstanding coach in two seasons at Washington at 11-2 and 7-2 in 2022 and 14-1 and 9-0 in 2023 with a national championship game loss to Michigan. That after inheriting a 4-8 and 3-6 team. He also quick fixed Fresno State into a 9-3 and 6-2 team in 2021. But this Milbank, South Dakota, native has been a rib out of sauce at Alabama trying to replace Saban, whom even Bear Bryant would have struggled against. While 9-4 and 5-3 in 2024 and 11-4 and 7-1 with a playoff win last season is not bad, it’s not Alabama. And if Sons of Saban like Smart, Sarkisian and Kiffin win bigger than DeBoer, that will irk the Bama Nation to no end and hasten DeBoer’s exit. **5. CLARK LEA, Vanderbilt –** Lea, 44, is an extremely bright coach. After a pair of 2-10 seasons around a 5-7 mark in his first three seasons, he went 7-6 and 3-5 before the 10-3 and 6-2 breakthrough last season. That was Vanderbilt’s first double-digit win season ever. A major program will hire Lea soon. **6. MIKE ELKO, Texas A&M –** In just his second year, Elko went 11-2 and 7-1, doing what Jimbo Fisher couldn’t do in six years – win more than nine games and for significantly less money. Elko even won at Duke at 9-4 and 8-5 after inheriting a program coming off three straight losing seasons. Could Elko, 48, become the Aggies’ best coach since R.C. Slocum won between nine and 12 games eight times from 1990-98? **7. JOSH HEUPEL, Tennessee –** Heupel had Tennessee on the cusp in 2022 at 11-2 and 6-2 and again in 2024 at 10-3 and 6-2, but he stumbled after each of those seasons to 9-4 and 4-4 and 8-5 and 4-4 last season. If he doesn’t learn how to attract elite quarterbacks, Heupel, 48, will not be long for Knoxville, which was the case with visiting quarterback Sam Leavitt last January before signing with LSU. **8. ELI DRINKWITZ, Missouri –** There is a very good chance that this would be LSU’s coach had Kiffin decided to stay at Ole Miss or go elsewhere. To go 11-2 and 6-2 and 10-3 and 5-3 at Missouri in 2023 and ’24, considering its history outside the Journalism School, was remarkable. Drinkwitz, 43, is similar to Lea. He will soon be leaving for a better job. **9. JON SUMRALL, Florida –** This is another rising young coach at 44 in his first year at The Swamp. In four seasons at mid-majors Troy and Tulane, he has three seasons of 11 wins or more. This will be Florida’s best hire since Urban Meyer. **10. BRENT VENABLES, Oklahoma –** Who would have thought that Venables’ 32-20 record would be just a bit off former Oklahoma coach Lincoln Riley’s 35-18 mark at USC? And Venables, 55, leads Riley in playoff appearances, 1-0. But he has had two 6-7 seasons in his four years. **11. SHANE BEAMER, South Carolina –** A losing season by Beamer, 49, would be his third in four years after going 7-6 and 8-5 in his first two in 2021 and ’22. Best bet for the first SEC coaching search of 2026. **12. RYAN SILVERFIELD, Arkansas –** Silverfield, 45 and promising, went 29-9 at Memphis from 2023-25. This is one of the SEC’s toughest jobs. No one has won more than nine games since Bobby Petrino went 11-2 in 2011 after a 10-3 mark the previous season. And there have been eight losing seasons through four coaches since then. **13. ALEX GOLESH, Auburn –** It’s hard to believe Auburn hasn’t had a winning season since Gus Malzahn went 6-5 in his last there in 2020. Golesh, 42, went 9-3 and 6-2 last season at South Florida after 7-6 and 4-4 in each of his first two years. Potential? Or is he just yet another average hire? Looking at Auburn’s last three hires, it seems as if it has deemphasized football. The previous two hires – the disastrous Bryan Harsin and Hugh Freeze – combined for five losing seasons with six and three the most regular season and SEC wins, respectively. Another losing season this year, and Auburn equals another resource-filled SEC program with no business losing six straight years – LSU from 1989-94. **14. JEFF LEBBY, Mississippi State –** Kiffin’s first offensive coordinator at Ole Miss in 2020-21, Lebby went 5-8 and 1-7 last season after a 2-10 and 0-8 first year. Baby steps. Wonder if he wishes he was LSU’s offensive coordinator instead. **15. PETE GOLDING, Ole Miss –** He never was a head coach before going 2-1 in the playoffs last season, while Kiffin is 0-0 in playoffs. If you think that means something, you live on Fantasy Island – aka Oxford. He won with someone else’s players, coaches, culture and process. Golding, 42, is another Son of Saban, but a bit prodigal as Kiffin once was. Still, Golding has been one of the best defensive coordinators in the game since his days at Alabama, but his new job with his new staff really starts now at 0-0. And he still has many great players and a winning culture left by Kiffin, thank you very much. **16. WILL STEIN, Kentucky –** The youngest head coach in the league at 36, Stein had only been an offensive coordinator for three seasons at Oregon. He’s young and inexperienced and at another one of the most difficult jobs in the SEC. “It’s a dream freakin’ come true,” the Louisville native said at his introductory press conference. Ah, youth. But there’s more. “We work in the best conference in the world,” he said. “There’s no reason why we can’t be successful here. Zero.” Actually, the most competitive conference in the world, right Mr. Sankey? At least, you’re close geographically to the Big Ten, Will. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** greg sankey, lane kiffin, Ole Miss Rebels, Pete Golding, sec, Southeastern Conference --- ### [SEC Media Days: Auburn's Latest New Coach Alex Golesh Will Try To Build An Identity In A Fallen Program](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-media-days-auburns-latest-new-coach-alex-golesh-will-try-to-build-an-identity-in-a-fallen-program/) **Published:** July 21, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter New Auburn football coach Alex Golesh brought a list of one with him to Southeastern Conference Media Days in Tampa, Florida on Tuesday. “I don’t have any goals, other than laying a foundation for what our football’s going to be for years to come,” he said on day two of the press conference marathon. Golesh, 42, takes over the Tigers after three years at South Florida, where he was 9-3 and 6-2 in the American Conference last season after going 7-6 and 4-4 twice. The Bulls had only won four games in the three years before his arrival. Golesh turned the USF program around with an explosive offense that averaged more than 35 points and 450 yards per game. He will need to bring that offense to Auburn if he wants to facilitate a similar turnaround at a place that is on its fourth coach since 2020. > [Where Do Rookie Pete Golding And Lane Kiffin Rank Among SEC Coaches – 1 Through 16? | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/where-do-rookie-pete-golding-and-lane-kiffin-rank-among-sec-coaches-1-through-16-glenn-guilbeau/) The first step is already taken care of. The leader of that offense, quarterback Byrum Brown, followed his head coach to his new school. Brown was named second-team American All-Conference after completing 66.3 percent of his passes for 3,158 yards, 28 TDs and seven interceptions last year. “Byrum Brown is one of the best quarterbacks in the country, and he’s shown that over the years,” Golesh said. “He’s just got to continue to be him every single day. And what gives him confidence is everything that we’ve preached from day one. It’s your daily process. It’s how you come in that building. It’s how you treat people. It’s how you take care of your body. It’s how you show up to work.” That daily process is one that Golesh emphasized as he hammered the importance of building an identity at Auburn. He said he does not set goals. He sets standards. > It’s one thing to preach the standard. > It’s another to embrace it and live it. 🦅[@CoachGolesh](https://x.com/CoachGolesh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) | [\#SECMD26](https://x.com/hashtag/SECMD26?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/7LorSkmxo7](https://t.co/7LorSkmxo7) > > — Auburn Football (@AuburnFootball) [July 21, 2026](https://x.com/AuburnFootball/status/2079602043480670371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “Our standard is to be the best version of us every single day,” Golesh said. “The standard when I got to Auburn was to get as as good as we possibly can as fast as we can.” Golesh brought in a 39-player transfer class ranked ninth in the country by [247sports.com](http://247sports.com) to try to accomplish that. His staff also put together a recruiting class of 21 with three four-stars and is ranked No. 21 overall. “I love where our talent is,” Golesh said. “We’re plenty talented enough to go win every single game. This is a really talented league with elite players and elite coaches. And so what wins football games? The teams that can play on Saturdays and score one more point than the other, because they have a true identity of who they are.” > [TODD HORNE: Washington Isn’t Trying to Stop the SEC Anymore. It’s Trying to Keep the SEC at the Table.](https://www.tigerrag.com/protect-college-sports-act-sec-big-ten-power-shift/) Of the 39 transfers, 13 came from Golesh’s 2025 South Florida team. [LSU’s Lane Kiffin, by the way, brought only four from Ole Miss](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-class-from-a-whisper-to-shouts-from-mountain-tops-glenn-guilbeau/) amid accusations of poaching. Brown said that the group of his former teammates in new digs has a chip on their shoulder as they enter the SEC from the lesser group of six conferences. “We just put our heads down and go to work,” Brown said. “Be the best us that we can be every single day, and I think that speaks for everybody that transferred. We just want Auburn to be its best and leave it better than we found it. And that’s the plan: bring Auburn back to where it should be.” Auburn has had five straight losing seasons under two coaches – the last three by Hugh Freeze and the previous two by Bryan Harsin. That followed Gus Malzahn, who had eight straight winning seasons from 2013-20 with a national championship game appearance in his first season. Brown said the adjustment to the speed of the SEC is nothing the former Bulls cannot handle. “They’re a little faster, a little bigger, a little stronger, but it’s football at the end of the day,” he said. “We prepare week to week, so we can perform out on the field.” LSU visits Golesh and the Tigers on Oct. 24. It will be the penultimate matchup in a four-game October gauntlet that sends Auburn to Tennessee, Georgia and Ole Miss. But those teams are just “a little faster and stronger.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Alex Golesh, Byrum Brown, lsu football, SEC Media Days 2026 --- ### [TODD HORNE: Washington Isn’t Trying To Stop The SEC Anymore - It’s Trying To Keep The SEC At The Table](https://www.tigerrag.com/protect-college-sports-act-sec-big-ten-power-shift/) **Published:** July 21, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** By TODD HORNE, EXECUTIVE EDITOR Washington rolled out the Protect College Sports Act professing to save college athletics by reining in the SEC and Big Ten. Now, just weeks later, it’s rewriting key pieces of its own proposal to keep those very conferences from walking away. That shift—that recognition of where the power actually resides—is the real headline. Forget Clemson or Florida State hopping in next. Ditch the chatter about Notre Dame finally joining a league or whether the “right” realignment map has 19 or 20 teams sketched out in some Senate office. What matters is that Capitol Hill has already begun adjusting the legislation in response to the realities of the marketplace. The original draft would’ve effectively locked the Power Four’s doors shut—no adding members, no mergers, no super-league fantasies. But when the richest, most influential conferences objected, lawmakers returned with a revised proposal: allow up to 19 or 20 schools, provided any newcomer first spends five years as an independent, with Notre Dame and UConn exempt. In theory, that looks like flexibility. In practice, it’s a five-year cooling-off period that would make almost any expansion bid financially and competitively unrealistic. Make no mistake: this isn’t primarily about fair play. It’s about keeping the SEC and Big Ten engaged in the process while Washington can still claim it established meaningful guardrails. The irony? The SEC and Big Ten wanted protection, not restraint. That’s an enormous distinction, and one much of the national coverage has missed. They want federal preemption of conflicting NIL laws. They want meaningful antitrust protection. They want consistent transfer rules, scholarship safeguards and a stable system for regulating agents. What they don’t want is Washington deciding who belongs in their conferences or how the value they’ve spent decades creating should be distributed. SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey has played this masterfully. He has endorsed national NIL standards, agent regulation and scholarship protections while making clear that freezing conference membership or creating new legal exposure is a non-starter. He doesn’t need to threaten Congress or publicly flirt with a breakaway. He simply points out the obvious. Congress can pass legislation without SEC or Big Ten support. It cannot realistically build a long-term governance system if those conferences ultimately decide not to participate in it. That’s leverage. And make no mistake: media rights remain the true nuclear issue. Billions—not millions—are at stake. NIL dominates headlines because it’s visible. Television contracts determine who actually controls college football. That’s why the SEC and Big Ten are fighting harder over the bill’s media-rights language than almost anything else. They fear provisions that could invite antitrust challenges, dilute the exclusivity they’ve built with ESPN, Fox, CBS and NBC, or eventually pressure them toward revenue-sharing models they neither want nor need. Those conferences didn’t spend decades building the sport’s most valuable television inventory only to let Congress redefine how that value is controlled. Washington writes laws. The SEC and Big Ten own the inventory. Meanwhile, talk of a breakaway super conference isn’t just locker-room folklore anymore. Sankey has acknowledged that conversations about self-governance are real. That’s a sea change. Once the SEC and Big Ten begin treating departure from the NCAA as an operational option instead of an internet rumor, the NCAA’s leverage immediately weakens—and so does Congress’ ability to impose a structure those leagues simply refuse to inhabit. LSU fans should pay close attention. We’re not sitting outside the room hoping someone saves us a chair. We’re one of the reasons the room matters. LSU brings one of college football’s strongest brands, one of its largest television audiences, one of its most passionate fan bases and recruiting territory every major program covets. That isn’t incidental. It’s leverage. If the Protect College Sports Act survives with SEC and Big Ten support, LSU will compete inside a federal framework shaped in part by its own conference’s demands. If the legislation stalls, LSU remains positioned inside the conference best equipped to chart its own course. And if self-governance ultimately replaces today’s model, LSU won’t be asking for admission. It will be one of the institutions that gives the new structure its value. Congress can regulate interstate commerce. It can preempt conflicting state NIL laws. It can offer limited antitrust protections and establish national standards. What it cannot do is manufacture television audiences, equalize institutional value or pretend every football program occupies the same economic universe. It cannot legislate away market power. So yes, Washington introduced the Protect College Sports Act intending to place guardrails around the SEC and Big Ten. Today, it is revising portions of that proposal because those conferences have made clear they won’t simply accept whatever framework emerges. That doesn’t mean Congress has surrendered. It means Congress has discovered where the negotiating leverage actually resides. The Protect College Sports Act may still pass. It may ultimately stabilize college athletics. But one fact has already become unmistakable. The conferences Washington initially sought to restrain are now helping shape the legislation intended to regulate them. If you want to know who holds the leverage in college football’s next era, don’t just listen to the speeches. Watch the edits. They’re telling the real story. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, LSU athletics, LSU Football News, Tiger Rag **Tags:** Big Ten football, College Football, Congress, greg sankey, lsu football, Protect College Sports Act --- ### [LSU Baseball's Tommy White Unloads 4 Hits For Athletics And Is Hitting .454 In His 1st Week In The Big Show](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseballs-tommy-white-unloads-4-hits-for-athletics-and-is-hitting-454-in-his-1st-week-in-the-big-show/) **Published:** July 21, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES PHOENIX, Arizona – Former LSU baseball slugger Tommy “Tanks” White went 4-for-5 with a run scored in the Athletics’ 5-2 win at the Arizona Diamondbacks on Monday night. White, a star of the Tigers’ 2023 national championship team, was called up by the Athletics from the minors last week. He made his debut on Friday with a double in a 1-for-4 night in a 23-4 loss to Washington in Sacramento, where the A’s play their home games until a move to Las Vegas in 2028. > [LSU’s Tommy White Doubles In MLB Debut, But A’s Lose 23-4 To Nats And Dylan Crews With Jay Johnson There](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-tommy-white-doubles-in-mlb-debut-but-as-lose-23-4-to-nats-and-dylan-crews-with-jay-johnson-there/) LSU coach Jay Johnson, who is from near Sacramento, attended the game Friday. Former LSU pitcher Gage Jump is a starter for the A’s. White, 23, is hitting .454 on the season with five hits in 11 at-bats while playing first base. The Athletics (43-57) are in fifth place in the American League West and play at Arizona (51-49) on Tuesday (9:40 p.m.). > [LSU Baseball Great Tommy White Promoted To Big Leagues With Athletics](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-great-tommy-white-promoted-to-big-leagues-with-athletics/) A North Carolina State transfer who came to LSU in 2023, White was drafted with the first pick of the second round by the Athletics in 2024 and spent two seasons in the minors before his promotion. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Major League Baseball, The Athletics, Tommy White --- ### [LSU's Tommy White Doubles In MLB Debut, But A's Lose 23-4 To Nats And Dylan Crews With Jay Johnson There](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-tommy-white-doubles-in-mlb-debut-but-as-lose-23-4-to-nats-and-dylan-crews-with-jay-johnson-there/) **Published:** July 18, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor There couldn’t have been many better times for LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson to go home than this weekend. One of his best former Tiger players, power hitter Tommy White from Johnson’s 2023 national championship team at LSU, made his Major League Baseball debut on Friday night with the Athletics (formerly of Oakland) at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California – 70 miles south of Johnson’s hometown of Oroville. And a former Johnson pitcher with the Tigers, Gage Jump, started for the A’s against the Washington Nationals, for whom former LSU star Dylan Crews plays. White went 1-for-4 with a double in his debut, though his new team that moves to Las Vegas in 2028 lost to the Nats, 23-4, for their 10th straight loss, falling to 41-56. Jump, was just called up recently to the Majors, took the loss to fall to 3-5, allowing three runs on four hits with two walks while striking out eight. He was a starting pitcher for the Tigers in 2024. > [LSU Baseball Great Tommy White Promoted To Big Leagues With Athletics](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-great-tommy-white-promoted-to-big-leagues-with-athletics/) Crews, the second player picked in the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft after leading the Tigers to the 2023 national title, went 1-for-5 with an RBI double in the ninth inning. White was just called up this past week after spending the second half of the 2024 season and all of 2025 in the minor leagues. He was the first pick of the second round by the A’s in 2024. The A’s and Nats play again Saturday at 9:05 p.m. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** dylan crews, Gage Jump, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Tommy White, Washington Nationals --- ### [SEC Media Days: Lane Kiffin Doesn't Arrive Until Thursday, But It Seems Like He's Already There](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-media-days-lane-kiffin-doesnt-arrive-until-thursday-but-it-seems-like-hes-already-there/) **Published:** July 21, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The arrival of LSU football coach Lane Kiffin is still two days away in Tampa, Florida, on Thursday for the Southeastern Conference Media Days. But his presence was in the air and on the podiums at the Tampa Marriott Water Street on Monday as the four-day talk fest began. > [SEC Media Days Starts Today, But The Star Of The Show Won’t Be There Until Thursday](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-media-days-starts-today-but-the-star-of-the-show-wont-be-there-until-thursday/) Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz, who could have become LSU’s coach last December had Kiffin turned the job down and stayed at Ole Miss or gone to Florida, backs what Kiffin has said frequently over the last several months about the new SEC nine-game schedule. Kiffin was against the nine-game format, particularly since SEC commissioner Greg Sankey went to it partly because he thought the College Football Playoff would expand to 16 games from 12 by now. But it hasn’t. “Coach Kiffin has been somebody who’s been the one on the forefront of that,” Drinkwitz said Monday. “He said, ‘Guys, I don’t think this is the right play for us.'” And Drinkwitz agrees with Kiffin. “There are some things we look back on in the SEC, and maybe we shouldn’t have done it that way,” he said. “I was very outspoken in meeting with the commissioner, with presidents and athletic directors that that was not a good idea until the system of how they selected teams was fixed,” Kiffin said last April during a spring practice press conference at LSU. “Until it was fixed, until there were automatic bids, until it was truly fixed – when strength of schedule matters as it should like in basketball, it made zero sense to me to go add another hard game. You’re putting teams on the road five times in this conference, which top to bottom, is the hardest conference to play, and in the hardest stadiums.” LSU plays a record five road SEC games this season. “But we did it,” Kiffin said. “I understand there’s always things that go into decisions besides the way I think. I’m sure there were financial reasons for it, but I don’t think anybody now that they’ve seen how selections have gone, thinks there’s value in that. The teams that are 10-2 are in, 9-3’s out. Now, you’ve got some more losses in your conference and beat yourself up more.” Without more playoff entries. > “They’re real,” SEC commissioner on talk of potential of his league entering the Portal, so to speak. [@kacehk](https://x.com/kacehk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 20, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2079250465410130281?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Tennessee coach Josh Heupel also engaged in some Kiffin conversation as he made light of Tennessee fans hurling objects on the field late in Kiffin’s and Ole Miss’ 31-26 win over Heupel at Tennessee in 2021. Kiffin famously picked up a golf ball and a mustard bottle (for hot dogs and hot dog coaches apparently) off the field that landed near him. He still has both items, perhaps for evidence. “Whether it’s the grocery stores being fully stocked with mustard or our sports stores making sure that they got reinforcements on the golf balls, hopefully Knoxville will be ready for his arrival,” Heupel said. Kiffin and the Tigers will play at Tennessee on Nov. 21. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** eli drinkwitz, lane kiffin, LSU Tigers, Missouri Tigers, sec football, sec media days --- ### [Why LSU Football Coach Lane Kiffin Is The Yoda Of Ultra-Modern College Football Offenses](https://www.tigerrag.com/why-lsu-football-coach-lane-kiffin-is-the-yoda-of-ultra-modern-college-football-offenses/) **Published:** July 17, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU Tiger Rag Editor The nationally ranked offensive numbers produced by coach Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss from 2020-25 were constant through a parade of quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers and offensive coordinators. Also constant was a very fast up tempo style, tempered by effective run games with running backs and run-pass options with quarterbacks. He will be bringing the same attacks to LSU as its new coach beginning this season. **2020 –** No. 3 in total offense at 555.5 yards a game with offensive coordinator Jeff Lebby, No. 5 in passing with quarterback Matt Corral at 333.7 yards a game and 26th in rushing at 210.6. … 5-5 season with a 26-20 win over No. 11 Indiana in the Outback Bowl – the Rebels first bowl since the 2015 season. **2021 –** No. 6 in total offense at 492.5 yards with Lebby, No. 12 in rushing at 217.6, No. 23 in passing with Corral at 257.6 yards a game. … 10-3, 6-2 SEC for first 10-win regular season in program history. **2022 –** No. 8 in total offense at 496.4 yards and No. 3 in rushing at 256.6 with new offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., who was Kiffin’s OC in 2018-19 at Florida Atlantic and his offensive analyst in 2014-15 while Alabama’s OC from 2014-16. Sophomore USC transfer quarterback Jaxson Dart finished 51st in passing yards at 228.8. … But the Rebels dipped to 8-4 and 4-4. **2023 –** No. 13 in total offense at 461.9 for Kiffin’s worst season in that category at Ole Miss, 39th in rushing with 176.3 a game. Dart improved to No. 26 in passing with 258.8 a game. … 11-2, 6-2 with a win over No. 10 Penn State in the Peach Bowl. **2024 –** No. 2 in total offense at 526.5 and in passing at 350.8 with a No. 3 in scoring at 38.6 points a game. Dart jumped to No. 3 in passing at 329.2 and No. 1 in efficiency at 180.7 (276-of-398 for 4,279 yards, 29 TDs, 6 INTs). … 10-3, 5-3, but no College Football Playoff after inexcusable losses to Kentucky and Florida. **2025 –** No. 2 in total offense at 489.7, No. 3 in passing at 313.3, 10th in scoring at 36.9. Transfer quarterback Trinidad Chambliss of Division II Ferris State finished No. 3 in passing with 3,937 yards and rushed for another 527 after not even arriving on campus until the summer, but Kiffin and Weis got him ready. … With an 11-1, 7-1 regular season, Ole Miss reached the CFP for the first time just as Kiffin left for LSU. The Rebels finished 13-2 and No. 3 nationally, capping the program’s best run since coach Johnny Vaught in the late 1950s, early ‘60s. Kiffin had four 10-win seasons in six years from 2020-25 after Ole Miss had two from 1972-2019. > [Lane Kiffin Is The Best LSU Football Coach Hire Ever … At The Time Of The Hire | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-is-the-best-lsu-football-coach-hire-ever-at-the-time-of-the-hire-glenn-guilbeau/) The key to Kiffin’s offenses are [Explosive Plays, which Pro Football Focus defines](https://www.pff.com/news/college-football-most-least-explosive-offenses-of-the-last-five-years) as runs of 10 or more yards and completions of 15 yards or more. Ole Miss led FBS schools with 905 explosive plays from 2021-25 – 523 passes, 382 runs. Oregon was next with 842, followed by Georgia with 840, North Texas with 819 and Ohio State with 801. LSU was a distant 38th over that span with 723 explosive plays since 2021 – 425 by air and 298 on the ground. And in 2022 and ’23 of that span, it had dual-threat quarterback extraordinaire Jayden Daniels, who won the Heisman in the 2023 season with the lion’s share of those explosive plays. He threw for 3,812 yards and rushed for 1,134. Dart had 276 explosive passes from 2021-24 before becoming a first round pick of the New York Giants in 2025 and winning the job during the season. “I think if I would put it one word, it would be electric,” Dart said in a 2024 ESPN interview when asked about Kiffin’s offensive philosophy. “I’m really just out there playing point guard, trying to get the ball to the playmakers.” Weis called Ole Miss’ offensive plays as offensive coordinator from 2021-25, but Kiffin was still directing him. “He’s the best offensive mind I’ve been around,” said Weis, whose father Charlie Weis was a three-time Super Bowl winning offensive coordinator with the New England Patriots and a former head coach at Notre Dame. > [LSU Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. Has Been A Multi-Tasking Mad Man For Ole Miss](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-offensive-coordinator-charlie-weis-jr-has-been-a-multi-tasking-mad-man-for-ole-miss/) To stay with Kiffin was one of the main reasons Weis left Ole Miss … after staying on as the Rebels’ play caller and OC to finish out the playoffs as did most of Kiffin’s offensive staff, taking pay checks from both schools. “It’s been extremely emotional,” Weis said at the time. “It’s been very difficult. It was a really hard decision, but at the end of the day, I owe a lot to coach Kiffin and the things he’s given me in my career and brought me along and gave me opportunities to come here to Ole Miss and to Alabama.” After being Kiffin’s OC at Florida Atlantic in 2018 and ’19, Weis became South Florida’s offensive coordinator in 2020 and ’21. He returned to Kiffin at Ole Miss in 2022 when Lebby left to become Oklahoma’s offensive coordinator and then head coach at Mississippi State. Weis drew some NFL interest late last season, but stayed at LSU. “We just have a really good relationship, and I think we work really well with each other,” Weis said of Kiffin. “We have a system that kind of works. I was excited to continue to do that at LSU. And obviously I’ve had a great time here at Ole Miss.” Weis also called plays for Kiffin while at Florida Atlantic, but always under Kiffin’s watchful eyes and senses. “Oh yeah, absolutely,” Weis said. “He’s extremely involved in the process. A lot of it is more maybe before the series, when he says, ‘Hey, Charlie, get to this.’ Those sorts of things. He’s got such an unbelievable feel for the game. He’s got moments where he sees something or recognizes something. So, it’s certainly a collaborative effort for sure.” Dart sees Kiffin as the king of adjustments. “I’ve learned a lot from Kiff – just his ability to make adjustments in and out of possessions and especially during halftime,” he said. “With the iPads, the luxuries we have to make adjustments is great and quick nowadays. With each drive, it’s an advantage for us.” Kiffin and Weis cater the offense to the specific skills of the quarterback instead of fitting him into their box. “One of the cool things about coach Kiffin throughout his career is we’ve always molded the system to the quarterback, and not the other way around,” Weis said. A Star Wars fan, Dart was asked what character of all the Star Wars franchise of movies would best fit Kiffin. “The only right character would have to be Yoda, because of his wisdom, his knowledge,” Dart said of the Jedi Master who debuted in the first sequel – “The Empire Strikes Back” in 1980 after the original “Star Wars” in 1977. “I am constantly learning things from him,” Dart said. “You go across the college football landscape and ask any coach or player, they’d all say he’s one of the best – if the not the best – offensive mind. He’s someone that I look up to.” But coach Yoda’s prequel is on the dark side – defense. Kiffin’s late father Monte Kiffin was one of the greatest defensive coordinators in NFL history with Tampa Bay from 1996 through 2008, developing an offshoot of the Cover 2 pass defense that was named the “Tampa 2.” The Bucs won Super Bowl XXXVII in the 2002 season. Kiffin coached tight ends, receivers and quarterbacks and finally was offensive coordinator at USC under Pete Carroll from 2001-06. Carroll was a defensive coordinator from 1980-82 at North Carolina State under head coach Monte Kiffin. Carroll was later defensive coordinator for the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers before being head coach at New England from 1997-99 and then USC from 2001-09, winning two national championships. Then from 2014-16 at Alabama, Kiffin was offensive coordinator under defensive mastermind head coach Nick Saban, who won LSU’s first national championship since 1958 in the 2003 season and six more at Alabama from 2009-20. He won the 2015 title with Kiffin, who dramatically changed Alabama’s offenses by bringing them up to date. > [Lane Kiffin’s Memory Of His Nomadic Father May Say It All About His Nearing Ole Miss Exit](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-memory-of-his-nomadic-father-may-say-it-all-about-his-nearing-ole-miss-exit/) “I learned defense from my dad,” Kiffin said on the Pat McAfee show on Sept. 24, 2025 – the week of his win over LSU. “And I was always listening to the problems that teams and schemes gave him. Then I went to Pete Carroll for six years. So, I got to listen to him. Then I went to Nick Saban. That’s three of the greatest defensive minds ever that one I was raised with, the other two I spent nine years combined with, sitting in meetings, where they were talking about what gives them problems.” And Kiffin took notes. “Just kind of kept all that info and created this offense, and then added the tempo part to it,” he said. “Kind of the Baylor style when Art Briles came to us at FAU. And so, that’s where we are now.” Briles was a successful spread offense expert coach at Houston from 2003-07 and particularly at Baylor from 2008-15. He didn’t coach at FAU under Kiffin, who was there from 2017-19, but visited the program. “The explosive plays pay off,” Kiffin told McAfee. “We led the country in plus-30-yard plays last year and are first again this year. And obviously that has a lot to do with great players, too.” LSU fans get ready for an explosion of offense from all directions. “It’s a really cool system that we’ve created that plays at a really fast tempo,” Weis, aka Yoda Jr., said. “It’s high pace, but at the same time we’re trying to do pro-style schemes and prepare our players for the next level as well. The unique blend of our system is it’s not just a 100 percent speed offense. We run, too. It’s complex with what we do in it. I’m blessed I get to coach in it.” > [Lane Kiffin “Sees Things Other Coaches Can’t,” Says His QB At Ole Miss – Trinidad Chambliss](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-sees-things-other-coaches-cant-says-his-qb-at-ole-miss-trinidad-chambliss/) And Kiffin and Weis teach it very fast, too. They had Trinidad Chambliss, a transfer from Division II Ferris State, for just the summer before last season at Ole Miss because he did not arrive until after spring practice. And Chambliss threw for nearly 4,000 yards last season and rushed for another 500. He also delivered those explosive plays with 93 completions of 15 yards or more and seven runs of 10 yards or more. “Our system really has a lot of NFL elements in it – protections, routes, different runs,” Kiffin said. “We just happen to go really fast.” And Kiffin is keeping defensive coaches up at night thinking about it, like his father and Carroll and Saban used to worry about offenses. “Over time, defensive coordinators have said that, including coach Saban, that what this system does – it gives you problems plays. But it goes really fast also,” Kiffin said. “I’ve always said he’s one of the brightest offensive minds and one of the best play callers I’ve ever been around,” Saban said last season. “He brought creativity, energy and a real competitive spirit to everything he did (at Alabama). He can take advantage of a defense as well as anybody.” And so begins the Yoda Era at LSU. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Charlie Weis Jr., lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels --- ### [LSU Women's Golfer Signee Raegan Denton Wins Pacific Northwest Women's Amateur](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-golfer-signee-raegan-denton-wins-pacific-northwest-womens-amateur/) **Published:** July 20, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU incoming freshman women’s golfer [Raegan Denton](https://lsusports.net/sports/wg/roster/player/raegan-denton) captured the championship match of the 124th Pacific Northwest Golf Association’s Women’s Amateur in Woodburn, Oregon, over the weekend. Denton, who is from Adelaide, Australia, and will join the Tigers in August, captured the 36-hole championship match over Gabriella Kano of Fullerton, California. Denton was the medalist after stroke play in qualifying with rounds of 70 and 69 for a 5-under 139. After a bye in the opening round, Denton won three matches to advance to the championship match. In the finals, Kano won the fourth, fifth and sixth holes to go three up, but Denton won the seventh, ninth, 12th and 13th holes. In the afternoon round, Kano won the first hole to take her final lead of the day before Denton won five of the next 11. She closed the match out with a birdie on the 15th hole. Denton has already qualified with LSU teammate Ryleigh Knaub for the Women’s Amateur on Aug. 4-9 in Ooltewah, Tennessee. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Women's Golf **Tags:** LSU Tigers', lsu women's golf, Raegan Denton --- ### [The Year LSU Changed Everything](https://www.tigerrag.com/the-year-lsu-changed-everything/) **Published:** July 20, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** The Year LSU Changed Everything | Tiger RagTiger Rag • July 2026 Cover Story # The Year LSU Changed Everything Brian Kelly was fired. Scott Woodward was toppled. Wade Rousse assumed control. Verge Ausberry took command. Lane Kiffin arrived at the nation’s loudest stage. Will Wade returned from exile. In one season, LSU did not merely change coaches. It changed the power structure. By Todd Horne, Tiger Rag Executive Editor Glenn Guilbeau contributed to this story. There are years that fit neatly inside a record book. LSU’s 2025-26 year did not. It belonged in a war room, a board room, a governor’s office, a donor’s text thread and, finally, back on the fields and courts where the consequences of all that power were supposed to show up as wins and losses. The games mattered. They always do at LSU. But this was not a year defined only by final scores. It was the year the machinery behind those scores came out from behind the curtain. The football coach with the nine-figure contract was fired. The athletic director who wrote the contract was removed days later. A new university president arrived from McNeese with immediate authority over an institution in public upheaval. LSU separated its president and chancellor roles for the first time since 2012. Verge Ausberry, long one of the most influential men in the athletic department, moved from the background to the front of the room. Lane Kiffin became LSU’s football coach after the most watched coaching chase in the country. Will Wade, once fired in scandal, returned as men’s basketball coach with the same blunt force that made him both combustible and impossible to ignore. > LSU did not experience a normal transition. It experienced a regime change. LSU did not experience a normal transition. It experienced a regime change. And the most important story of the year is not any single firing, hiring, press conference or buyout. It is the combined force of all of them. The old LSU collapsed in public. A new LSU, more expensive, more political, more professionalized and more desperate to win immediately, began taking shape in real time. The 2025-26 season should be remembered as the year LSU stopped pretending its athletic department was merely a department. It behaved like what it has become: a billion-dollar public sports enterprise, run through public offices, private influence, political pressure, donor urgency, media scrutiny and an unforgiving fan base that has no patience for explanations when football falls behind. ## The First Domino: Brian Kelly Runs Out of Road Brian Kelly’s LSU tenure did not end slowly. It ended with the violence of a snapped cable. Less than 24 hours after a 49-25 loss to No. 3 Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium, LSU fired the winningest active coach in college football. Kelly had arrived from Notre Dame with a 10-year, $100 million contract and the polished confidence of a coach hired to professionalize LSU football. Four seasons later, he left with a 34-14 record, a 19-10 SEC mark, one SEC West title, no College Football Playoff appearances and the largest buyout LSU had ever faced. The firing itself was not the surprise. The timing, scale and financial consequence were. Kelly’s contract called for roughly $54 million if LSU fired him without cause in 2025. LSU’s public language suggested the separation terms were still being worked out, but the contract was the contract. The money was not a rumor. It was the price of LSU’s impatience and Scott Woodward’s wager. > Kelly was hired to make LSU more orderly. Kiffin was hired to make LSU dangerous again. Kelly’s LSU years will always be difficult to summarize because he was neither a disaster nor a success. He stabilized a program that had cratered after the 2019 national championship. He won the SEC West in his first season. He recruited. He spoke the language of process, alignment and development. But LSU does not pay for process. LSU pays for Saturdays. By the time Texas A&M walked into Tiger Stadium and left with a 24-point win, patience was gone. The problem was not merely that Kelly lost. It was that LSU had stopped believing in the direction of the program. His teams too often looked incomplete. The defense lagged behind. The edge was missing. The fan base saw a coach with a Notre Dame resume but not enough LSU voltage. At LSU, that distinction matters. The job requires organization, but it also requires combustion. Kelly brought structure. He never fully brought belief. That is why the Texas A&M loss became more than one bad night. It became a referendum. LSU had entered the year with national expectations and a No. 9 preseason ranking. By the end, the program was 7-5, 3-5 in the SEC and staring at the possibility that the new revenue-sharing era would bury any program too slow to act. Kelly did not get fired only because of what happened in 2025. He got fired because LSU looked at the future and decided it did not trust him to lead it there. His final message to the players was brief: love you, finish the season. Then he was gone. That was the human ending. The institutional ending came next, and it was louder. ## The Second Domino: Scott Woodward Gets the Blade If Kelly’s firing shook LSU football, Scott Woodward’s removal shook the entire university power structure. Athletic directors at LSU are not middle managers. They are power brokers, fundraisers, political operators, brand stewards and, in football, the people who either solve the central problem in Louisiana or become the problem themselves. Woodward had arrived in 2019 like a conquering son of Baton Rouge power. He replaced Joe Alleva, who was pushed out not long before Ed Orgeron, Alleva’s hire, delivered the 2019 national championship. Woodward then built an extraordinary non-football resume at LSU. He hired Kim Mulkey, and LSU won the 2023 women’s basketball national championship. He hired Jay Johnson, and LSU baseball won national titles in 2023 and 2025. He promoted Jay Clark, and gymnastics won the 2024 national championship. On paper, few athletic directors in America could match that trophy case. > Woodward had fired Kelly. Then Woodward was fired for hiring Kelly. But football is not one line on the LSU balance sheet. Football is the balance sheet. Woodward’s signature football hire was Brian Kelly, and the Kelly contract became the instrument of Woodward’s undoing. When LSU fired Kelly and the $54 million buyout came into view, Gov. Jeff Landry did not speak like a spectator. He spoke like someone determined to seize the process. Landry said Woodward would not pick the next coach. He even joked that he would let Donald Trump pick the coach before Woodward. The line was outrageous, memorable and devastating. Once the governor said it publicly, Woodward’s authority was effectively gone. LSU’s Board of Supervisors finished the job. Woodward was out days after firing Kelly, a coup following a coup. He had ruled with the aura of a man who could hire national championship coaches across the athletic department. But his football miss was too expensive and too visible to survive. The irony was pure LSU. Woodward had fired Kelly. Then Woodward was fired for hiring Kelly. His departure exposed what had been true all along. LSU athletics is not insulated from Louisiana politics. It never has been. The difference this year was the lack of disguise. The governor’s voice entered the coaching search. The board acted quickly. The athletic director was removed. Verge Ausberry was elevated. LSU’s internal hierarchy changed in less than a week. Woodward leaves a complicated legacy. He made LSU richer in championships. He also left LSU with one of the most expensive football corrections in the sport’s history. That contradiction is not a footnote. It is the story. In modern college athletics, excellence in every sport cannot save an athletic director if football becomes a financial and political liability. ## A New President, a Split Chancellorship and a Search Under Fire While LSU athletics was coming apart, the university itself was undergoing its own power shift. The Board of Supervisors named Wade Rousse, the president of McNeese State, as LSU system president and picked University of Alabama Provost Jim Dalton as chancellor and executive vice president. The decision separated the system presidency from the main campus chancellorship for the first time since the roles were merged in 2012. That structural change mattered. LSU was not just hiring two administrators. It was creating a new division of labor at a moment when athletics, academics, politics and public trust were all colliding. Rousse said he and Dalton had agreed in principle that Rousse would handle athletics, external affairs and government relations, while Dalton would oversee academics and research. In plain English, Rousse would sit closest to the heat. > LSU was not just hiring two administrators. It was creating a new division of labor. Rousse arrived with support from powerful figures but skepticism from faculty. His background was nontraditional for LSU’s top job. He had been president of McNeese only since 2024, after holding other administrative roles there since 2019. He was not the conventional research-university president rising through a long academic ladder. He argued that his experience was an asset. Critics wondered whether he had the scholarly profile and institutional depth required for LSU. Dalton’s arrival helped answer part of that concern. As Alabama’s provost since 2020, with experience at Michigan, Ohio State and Tennessee, Dalton gave LSU a more traditional academic hand over the flagship campus. Faculty Senate leadership indicated that putting Dalton over academics helped mitigate concerns about Rousse. But the timing was still brutal. LSU had interim officeholders across major positions, including provost, chief financial officer, enrollment management and multiple deans. The university needed stability at exactly the moment its search process had generated arrests, nondisclosure agreements and public criticism. Seven students were arrested at an Oct. 1 presidential search committee meeting after they were ordered out for exceeding their allotted public comment time. Search committee members were required to sign nondisclosure agreements that restricted discussion of the committee’s work. Finalist forums were held over three business days with sparse attendance and little advance notice on campus. For a university already battling suspicion over transparency, the optics were terrible. Then Rousse inherited the football crisis almost immediately. LSU did not need a ceremonial president. It needed someone who could stand in the middle of athletics, politics, government relations and public confidence without making the confusion worse. That challenge arrived before Rousse had even learned the room. ## The Verge Ausberry Question Into that uncertainty stepped Verge Ausberry, one of LSU’s most familiar internal power figures and, suddenly, its most important athletic decision-maker. Ausberry had been deputy athletic director since 2019 and had worked inside LSU athletics in various capacities since 1991. He had been involved in major football coaching searches across eras: Nick Saban, Les Miles, Ed Orgeron, Brian Kelly and now Lane Kiffin. He knew the place. He knew the donors. He knew the politics. He knew the sport. Most important, he knew LSU from the inside out. That should have made his elevation clean. It did not. Rousse’s early comments created confusion over whether Ausberry was interim, acting or permanent. Sources indicated Rousse had effectively made him the athletic director. Rousse then told Piper Hutchinson he would remove the interim tag and assess the situation, adding that he could not make a good decision after being on the job for eight hours. Later, he called Ausberry the acting athletic director with full authority to find a football coach. > When the person leading the search is described as interim one day, acting the next and potentially permanent later, LSU creates its own leverage problem. At most universities, this would be a communications stumble. At LSU, during a football search, it was dangerous. Agents listen for weakness. Coaches listen for uncertainty. Donors listen for alignment. When the person leading the search is described as interim one day, acting the next and potentially permanent later, LSU creates its own leverage problem. Ausberry deserved clarity because LSU needed clarity. He had a broader resume inside the athletic department than most people outside the building understood: academics, fundraising, corporate relations, marketing, game management, sports administration, life skills, sports medicine and performance, equipment, alumni relations, external relations and government relations. He was not a mascot hire or a caretaker. He was an institutional operator. There was also legitimate baggage. Rousse said he was not familiar with Ausberry’s 2021 suspension tied to LSU’s handling of sexual assault accusations after the Husch Blackwell investigation. That admission raised its own questions. Anyone assessing Ausberry for the permanent job needed to know the full record. But knowing the full record is different from pretending Ausberry did not have the experience to run the department. He did. The larger point was simple: LSU was asking Ausberry to land the biggest football coach on the market while leaving public ambiguity around his title. In the end, he did what LSU needed him to do. He got Lane Kiffin. That result changed the conversation. ## The Lane Kiffin Hire: LSU Chooses Combustion Lane Kiffin’s hiring was the year’s biggest athletic move and the clearest statement about what LSU wanted to become. After Kelly, LSU did not hire another corporate stabilizer. It hired voltage. It hired offense. It hired personality. It hired adaptability. It hired the coach Woodward had passed on after the 2021 season. Kiffin was LSU’s original target once Kelly was fired. He was also the most sought-after college football coach available. Florida pursued him. Ole Miss fought to keep him. Kiffin considered staying at Ole Miss, where he had built the Rebels into a College Football Playoff team and delivered the first 11-win regular season in school history. He wanted to coach Ole Miss through the playoff even after accepting LSU, with guardrails to protect both programs. Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter refused. Kiffin left for Baton Rouge. > This was not a rebuild on a budget. It was a declaration that LSU intended to spend like a national title contender immediately. The scene captured the modern sport perfectly: two LSU planes, a departing playoff coach, a furious old school, a restless new school, social media tracking flights and statements, and a fan base reading every minute as evidence of either triumph or chaos. Kiffin landed in Baton Rouge around 5 p.m. on Nov. 30 and was introduced the next day. The Lane Train had arrived. For LSU, the contract told the truth. Kiffin’s deal was expected to be about seven years and $91 million, roughly $13 million annually, with LSU also planning a massive annual talent procurement package through the transfer portal, recruiting and NIL. This was not a rebuild on a budget. It was a declaration that LSU intended to spend like a national title contender immediately. Kiffin’s resume fit the moment. At Ole Miss, he went 55-19 overall and 32-17 in the SEC from 2020 through 2025. After the COVID year, he went 50-14 over the next five seasons. He had rebuilt himself after USC, modernized Alabama’s offense under Nick Saban, won national championships as an assistant and become one of the sport’s most creative offensive minds. He also became the first coach in SEC history to lead three current SEC programs: Tennessee, Ole Miss and LSU. But the fit was not only tactical. It was cultural. LSU is not a quiet job. It is not a place for a coach who wants to disappear into process language. It is loud, emotional, political, theatrical and ravenous. Kiffin understands spectacle without being consumed by it. He understands the portal. He understands quarterbacks. He understands attention. He understands that in the new era, coaches are no longer just coaches. They are roster CEOs, media brands, offensive architects, negotiators and daily crisis managers. Kelly was hired to make LSU more orderly. Kiffin was hired to make LSU dangerous again. That does not guarantee success. It does clarify the bet. LSU chose the coach most capable of turning chaos into advantage. After a year in which the institution itself seemed to be on fire, that was not accidental. It was the job description. ## Will Wade Returns: The Exile Comes Home If Kiffin’s hire was the football swing, Will Wade’s return was the basketball thunderclap. LSU hiring Wade back after firing him in 2022 was one of the strangest and most revealing moves in modern college sports. It was not just a coaching hire. It was a verdict on the old rules, the new marketplace and LSU’s tolerance for reputational risk when losing becomes intolerable. Wade was fired on March 12, 2022, after FBI and NCAA investigations tied him to major Level 1 recruiting violations at LSU. The NCAA later said Wade obstructed its investigation by concealing evidence and lying to investigators. It charged him with unethical conduct, including allegations involving the use of his wife’s bank account to funnel money to a recruit. He received a two-year show-cause penalty. McNeese accepted restrictions when it hired him in 2023. > In the new SEC, losing quietly is not a moral victory. Then Wade won. That is the part that changed everything. He took McNeese, a downtrodden program, to NCAA Tournaments in 2023-24 and 2024-25. He moved to North Carolina State and took the Wolfpack to the NCAA Tournament in his first season. Meanwhile, LSU men’s basketball under Matt McMahon collapsed into three losing seasons in four years and a brutal SEC record. The program had become irrelevant in a league that was getting stronger and more expensive. So LSU did what LSU often does when the stakes get high enough. It made the uncomfortable move and dared everyone else to keep up. Wade returned at 43, not as a rehabilitated unknown, but as a known force with a known past and a known ability to build rosters fast. The decision reunited him with familiar Lake Charles connections: Wade Rousse, the former McNeese president now leading LSU, and Heath Schroyer, the McNeese athletic director who hired Wade and then accepted a senior LSU role. The Wade move also revealed how radically the sport had changed since his firing. What once existed in the shadows of recruiting now exists, in different form, in the open economy of NIL, revenue sharing and roster budgets. That does not erase the NCAA findings. It does explain why many fans viewed Wade less as a pariah than as a coach punished for operating before the market admitted what it was becoming. The risk remains real. LSU cannot afford compliance sloppiness. It cannot afford another scandal. It cannot pretend Wade’s record is clean. But the calculation was obvious. In the new SEC, losing quietly is not a moral victory. Wade gives LSU basketball immediate relevance, immediate recruiting credibility and immediate edge. Like Kiffin, he is not a safe hire. He is a high-ceiling hire. LSU chose ceiling. ## The Common Thread: LSU No Longer Has Time for Slow Fixes Put the six moves together and the pattern becomes unmistakable. Kelly was fired because LSU did not believe he could deliver a championship future fast enough. Woodward was fired because his football contract turned patience into a $54 million liability. Rousse was hired into a structure that put him close to athletics and government relations immediately. Dalton was hired to stabilize academics while Rousse handled the external heat. Ausberry was elevated because LSU needed an internal operator who could move quickly. Kiffin was hired because LSU wanted a coach built for the portal, NIL, offense and attention. Wade was rehired because LSU basketball could no longer afford irrelevance. This was not a year of patience. It was a year of acceleration. > The year in review, then, is not a clean celebration. It is a warning with a pulse. The new economics of college sports made that acceleration unavoidable. Revenue sharing, NIL, transfer freedom and media money have compressed timelines. Coaches do not get five years to build culture while the roster matures. Athletic directors do not get unlimited goodwill when contracts explode. Presidents cannot treat athletics as a side matter when athletics drives public attention, donor behavior and political pressure. Every decision is faster now because every mistake is more expensive. LSU’s response was messy because LSU is messy. But it was not timid. The university spent. It fired. It hired. It absorbed criticism. It let politics into the open. It accepted reputational risk. It gambled that elite coaches and institutional urgency could restore momentum faster than caution ever could. That approach can work at LSU because LSU has advantages few programs can match: brand power, recruiting territory, SEC membership, fan obsession, donor passion, national titles across multiple sports and a cultural identity that still sells. But it can also backfire because LSU’s greatest strength is also its weakness. The place runs hot. When aligned, that heat creates championships. When mismanaged, it burns through coaches, administrators and public trust. The year in review, then, is not a clean celebration. It is a warning with a pulse. LSU has put itself back at the center of the national conversation. It has also raised the cost of failure. Kiffin and Wade do not get to be interesting. They have to win. Rousse and Ausberry do not get to be symbolic. They have to govern. Dalton does not get to be a footnote. He has to protect the academic credibility of a flagship university while athletics consumes oxygen. ## What It Means Going Forward The next year will tell whether LSU experienced a correction or merely another convulsion. Kiffin will be judged immediately because football at LSU is judged immediately. His first roster, first quarterback decision, first SEC road game and first November loss, if it comes, will be interpreted as evidence. That is unfair only in the way LSU has always been unfair. The job pays too much and matters too much for patience to be the default setting. Wade will be judged differently but just as intensely. Fans will expect the PMAC to matter again. They will expect portal wins, SEC wins and March relevance. His return gives LSU basketball a jolt it badly needed, but it also reopens every question about oversight. If Wade wins cleanly, LSU will claim it saw the future before others admitted it. If trouble follows, the university will own the decision completely. > The job pays too much and matters too much for patience to be the default setting. Ausberry’s future may depend on whether the Kiffin hire becomes what LSU believes it can become. His case for permanence became stronger the moment Kiffin chose Baton Rouge. But running the department is bigger than landing one coach. LSU now sits in a world of revenue sharing, roster budgets, legal uncertainty, facility pressure, media scrutiny and public-records fights. The next athletic director is not just hiring coaches. He is managing a sports corporation inside a public university. Rousse’s challenge is broader. He must prove he is more than the beneficiary of political support and Lake Charles connections. He must win faculty trust, manage athletics without being swallowed by it, and show that LSU’s split leadership model can work. Dalton must make the academic side feel seen, protected and serious. If athletics becomes the only visible priority, the new structure will be judged harshly. And Woodward’s shadow will remain. His hires produced championships. His football contract produced a reckoning. That dual legacy will haunt every major LSU decision for years because it captures the modern dilemma perfectly. At the top of college sports, ambition is mandatory. But ambition without accountability becomes a bill someone else has to pay. That is what made 2025-26 different. LSU was not simply replacing names on doors. It was learning, painfully and publicly, what the new era costs. **Copyright © 2026 Tiger Rag / Kingfish Communications. All rights reserved.** HTML conversion prepared from the July 2026 print edition. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU athletics, LSU Basketball, LSU Football News, Men's Basketball, More LSU Sports, Uncategorized, Women's Basketball **Tags:** 2025-26 Year in Review, lane kiffin, lsu football, lsu women's basketball, verge ausberry --- ### [LSU Football: Ex-Offensive Coordinator Joe Sloan Garners High Praise At SEC Media Days](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-ex-offensive-coordinator-joe-sloan-garners-high-praise-at-sec-media-days/) **Published:** July 20, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter LSU visits Kentucky for the first time in five years on October 10, and there will be a familiar face calling plays on the opposing sideline. First-year Wildcats coach Will Stein hired former LSU offensive coordinator Joe Sloan to lead his inaugural offense. Stein, a former Oregon offensive coordinator himself, said as Southeastern Conference Media Days kicked off on Monday that he is giving Sloan the keys to the offense. “Joe’s having the play calling ability on Saturdays,” Stein said. “We’ll build the game plan up together, but I have to be involved in all facets of our program. There’s just too much going on to only worry about the offense.” > Here's Kentucky head coach Will Stein discussing play calling duties at UK and how not only Joe Sloan but everyone has a say in how it develops. > > Sloan was heavily praised by Stein for all aspects of his coaching resume. [pic.twitter.com/NdkRuHaAy7](https://t.co/NdkRuHaAy7) > > — Michael Cauble (@Cauble) [July 20, 2026](https://x.com/Cauble/status/2079271722188955899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Sloan was promoted from LSU quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator in 2024 after Mike Denbrock left for Notre Dame. He and quarterback Garrett Nussmeier led an offense ranked No. 2 in the SEC and No. 7 nationally in passing, averaging 315.2 yards per game in ’24. In 2025, though, an abdomen injury to Nussmeier that significantly downgraded his passing ability, an inability to run the ball for the second straight season and a failure to create explosive plays led to the Tigers falling out of playoff contention for the fourth straight season under coach Brian Kelly. And he was fired during his fourth season on Oct. 25 by then-LSU athletic director Scott Woodward. Woodward then fired Sloan the next day, before Woodward was fired by LSU’s Board of Supervisors via Governor Jeff Landry a few days later. At the time of Sloan’s firing, the Tigers’ offense ranked 96th in the nation in total offense with 355.5 yards a game and 82nd in scoring with 25.5 a game. > [LSU Offensive Coordinator Joe Sloan Fired As Brian Kelly Firing Fallout Continues](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-offensive-coordinator-joe-sloan-fired-as-brian-kelly-firing-fallout-continues/) Stein, though, thinks the 2024 campaign was a better indication of the coach Sloan can be. “I think he’s one of the best in the country. Elite communicator, especially for a coordinator. Communication’s huge. Presence, confidence that he has I’ve been very impressed with,” Stein said. “And then the man can recruit. He can really recruit. He can move the needle. He seems to know everybody.” One of the main reasons Kelly replaced the vastly successful Denbrock with Sloan was his recruiting ability as his only previous OC experience was at Louisiana Tech. Kentucky’s 2026 recruiting class ranked 53rd in Rivals’ Industry Rankings and was rated last in the SEC. To Sloan’s credit, the Wildcats did land four-star portal prospect and backup Notre Dame quarterback Kenny Minchey. > [Where Do Rookie Pete Golding And Lane Kiffin Rank Among SEC Coaches – 1 Through 16? | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/where-do-rookie-pete-golding-and-lane-kiffin-rank-among-sec-coaches-1-through-16-glenn-guilbeau/) “He’s one of the main reasons I’m at Kentucky,” Minchey said Monday. “Like Stein, he’s a great guy, great person to be around, a lot of energy. He loves football, and is obviously really smart. He’s coached some really good quarterbacks in the past, and he knows what he’s doing.” Sloan helped Denbrock develop LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels into a Heisman-winning signal caller and Nussmeier into one of the nation’s top gunslingers in 2024. Whether Sloan’s SEC success was a product of the talent in Baton Rouge or his own offensive creativity and development will be put to the test in Lexington on Oct 10. The Wildcats field a revamped roster in Stein’s first year which will not do Sloan any favors against his former counterpart Blake Baker’s stout defense. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** brian kelly, garrett nussmeier, Joe Sloan, Kentucky Wildcats, lsu football, Mike Denbrock, Will Stein --- ### [SEC Media Days: Commissioner Greg Sankey Kicks It Off, And Says Talk of SEC Breakaway "Real"](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-media-days-commissioner-greg-sankey-kicks-it-off-and-says-talk-of-sec-breakaway-real/) **Published:** July 20, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Wandering legislation, the value of a nine-game Southeastern Conference schedule, the future of the College Football Playoff and the SEC Championship Game and the potential of a self-governing SEC if it doesn’t get its way. These were some of the trending issues SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey confronted in his “State of the SEC” address at SEC Media Days in Tampa, Florida, on Monday morning. The wandering legislation, of course, refers to the development of the Protect College Sports Act. The bill authored by U.S. Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell has faced pushback from the SEC and Big 10 for its failure to consult the nation’s top conferences, although the nation’s top conferences asked them for help when they failed to solve their issues. > SEC Media Days has kicked off, but you’ll have to wait until Thursday to see the Main Event. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 20, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2079199284096811044?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Sankey echoed the sentiment of official statements from the conferences recently and member institutions that oppose the bill in its current form. “We support the effort behind the Protect College Sports Act,” Sankey said. “However, we believe changes to the act are necessary to make it most effective, and the changes we’ve suggested are both achievable and reasonable. And we’re committed to working with Congress to move the legislation across the finish line.” > [LSU, Other SEC Schools And League Office Fighting Against The Protect College Sports Act’s Early Lead](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-other-sec-schools-and-league-office-fighting-against-the-protect-college-sports-acts-early-lead/) His primary grievance and that of the Big Ten is the bill’s desire to pool nationally the lucrative media rights in which those two leagues have been enjoying the lion’s share and that the bill’s new rules are enforceable by the NCAA. “If Congress establishes national rules, individuals and organizations who comply with those rules should not be subject to litigation simply for following the law,” Sankey said. He also listed a need for national regulations to fully replace the state laws that currently govern college athletics and provide varying rule sets for different institutions. Sankey only briefly mentioned the critical media rights. “The legislation should treat similarly situated organizations equally while preserving institutional choice,” Sankey said. “Whether discussing conference structure or media rights, federal law should establish fair and consistent standards, not different rules for different organizations, and should preserve the voluntary decision making rather than mandating outcomes.” But, Sankey did want Congress involved. Now, he’s upset about the bill for which he asked. > [Protect College Sports Act Clears Commerce Committee To Chagrin Of SEC, Big Ten – On To U.S. Senate](https://www.tigerrag.com/protect-college-sports-act-clears-commerce-committee-to-chagrin-of-sec-big-ten-on-to-u-s-senate/) Sankey then set the College Football Playoff Committee in his sights. SEC teams will play nine conference games in the regular season for the first time this season. Sankey proclaimed the challenges of the schedule, calling the SEC the best conference in college football – though no national titles since 2022 with the Big Ten taking the last three – and repeated again how his league has the most difficult schedules. “The fact that our head coaches are here tells me they’re embracing the challenge,” Sankey said. “I’m actually one who believes competitors want great challenges, and I’m unapologetic about that reality.” But Sankey said he had an “unsatisfactory conversation” with College Football Playoff staff regarding how that strength of schedule would be rewarded come selection time. In addition to the regular season schedule, Sankey discussed how the expanded playoff could affect conference championship games. With selection controversy and potential scheduling conflicts, the need for the championship games have been called into question and called archaic. Sankey first said the SEC is no stranger to being the only conference with a championship game. The conference held the first ever in 1992 and was not joined by another until the Big 12 held its inaugural game in 1996. But that was a different long ago. He did say SEC officials were reviewing the current format and weighing the pros and cons of the SEC Championship. “We will have a conference championship game the first Saturday in December of 2026,” Sankey said. “We have contracts and plans in place well beyond that, but we have time for consideration. and one of the factors for us is what will happen with that College Football Playoff.” Finally Sankey addressed rumors that the SEC could be looking to break away from the NCAA and form a self-governing body. “They’re real,” Sankey said. “People have talked about that. They’ve opined about the frustrations that bring them to the point of saying we should look at something significantly different.” > [TODD HORNE: The SUPER LEAGUE Is Already Working — AND IT DOESN’T EVEN EXIST YET](https://www.tigerrag.com/college-football-super-league-lsu-sec-big-ten-leverage/) He said those conversations have been fueled by a growing frustration with the NCAA’s failure to govern and enforce its own rules. Sankey also said the SEC is tired of waiting around for its proposed changes to be made due to hesitation from other members. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** greg sankey, Protect College Sports Act, sec football, SEC Media Days 2026, Southeastern Conference --- ### [SEC Media Days Starts Today, But The Star Of The Show Won't Be There Until Thursday](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-media-days-starts-today-but-the-star-of-the-show-wont-be-there-until-thursday/) **Published:** July 20, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor There has been word that attendance at the Southeastern Conference Football Media Days will not be as high as it has been in recent years with the four-day gala of press conferences moving to Florida for the first time after years in the more sensible, centrally located Birmingham, Alabama, and recently in Atlanta and Nashville. There was also one in Dallas. Plus, maybe some of the national writers are taking vacations this week so they can attend the Big Ten Media Days next week, July 28-30, in a real city – Chicago for the best conference in college football and winners of the last three national championships. One way to keep attendees in Tampa if they arrive in the first place is by having the main event on the last day. And that will be rock star, controversial, new LSU coach Lane Kiffin – loved by those who are fans and reporters of his team, loathed by others jealous he isn’t coaching theirs or left theirs like a thief in the night (though most coaches leave). The Ole Miss Nation, by the way, has been remaking “Mississippi Burning” for the last seven months since Kiffin left after six seasons – four of which were 10-win-or-more campaigns like that program has never seen – for LSU. > Lane Kiffin developed his offense genius via the Dark Side – Defense, including his Father and Darth Vader Saban. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 18, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2078474753140998366?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “The last few years we’ve been leading off,” LSU associate athletic director for communications Michael Bonnette told Tiger Rag Radio last week. “And I think this (Kiffin on the last day) is an attempt to keep the media contingent there all week.” Bonnette will be at his 27th consecutive SEC Media Days as LSU football sports information director. “I think they strategically put us on the last day,” he said. “It gives us an advantage to see what everybody is talking about. It helps us get a look at what we’re heading into.” One of Lane Kiffin’s biggest national critics – of many – is ESPN and SEC Network star Paul Finebaum. Finebaum said with great clarity on SEC Nation Sunday night in a special SEC Media Days preview what many throughout the national, regional and local media have been saying for months. “What are the expectations you have for Kiffin in year one?” Finebaum was asked by SEC Nation host Matt Barrie. “CFP,” Finebaum said. “It’s really simple.” LSU has not made the CFP – the College Football Playoff – since the 2019 season when the Tigers won the national championship at 15-0 under coach Ed Orgeron – also a fan and coaching friend of Kiffin who has joined his staff as a special recruiting ace and defense assistant after LSU fired him during the 2021 season. “And if he fails to do that, the human cry will be loud and vociferous,” Finebaum said. “But that is the expectation, because not only the money paid to him ($13.5 million a year in a seven-year, $91 million contract), but the money paid to the players.” > [Lane Kiffin’s 1st LSU Portal Class: From A Whisper To Shouts From Mountain Tops | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-class-from-a-whisper-to-shouts-from-mountain-tops-glenn-guilbeau/) It has been estimated that LSU’s various collective and NIL money sources have shelled out between $30 and $45 million for its 2026 roster. That includes the No. 1 portal class in the country with 41 transfers, including No. 1 quarterback Sam Leavitt of Arizona State at an estimated $5 million a year. No. 1 offensive tackle Jordan Seaton of Colorado and No. 1 edge rusher Prince Umanmielen of Ole Miss likely have multi-million dollar deals as well. “Nobody did better in the portal,” Finebaum said. “He’s got players across the board, and it’s incumbent to get there (to the playoffs). Now, if he doesn’t, as much as I would like to say, ‘Lane Kiffin ought to be fired,’ he’s not going to be. It’s not even going to be close.” LSU coach Brian Kelly was fired last season after signing the No. 1 portal class, but that was going into his fourth season. He never put LSU into the playoffs. But Finebaum quickly pulled back on his “ought to be fired” hypothetical. “I say that jokingly because Kiffin has so much goodwill right now that even a subpar season is not going to change fan optimism for the future,” he said. This is true. LSU coach Jay Johnson had one of the worst seasons in school baseball history in 2026 at 30-28 and 9-21 in the SEC, and he still retains huge popularity. But he just won national championships in 2023 and ’25. LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade may have more goodwill than even Kiffin, so much so that he could withstand a poor season in 2025-26 and still remain immensely popular … for a while anyway. > [SEC Spring Meetings: Greg Sankey Had A Rough Week, No Matter The Metric | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-spring-meetings-greg-sankey-had-a-rough-week-no-matter-the-metric-glenn-guilbeau/) SEC Media Days started Monday as usual with an address by commissioner Greg Sankey, who may try to finesse around how the Big Ten has passed his league by stressing balance, which he did at the SEC Spring Meetings. Can’t wait for that. The four coaches today will be Oklahoma’s Brent Venables, Missouri’s Eli Drinkwitz, Kentucky new coach Will Stein and Tennessee’s Josh Heupel with each bringing three players. On Tuesday Auburn’s next new coach, Alex Golesh, will take the stage as will Georgia’s Kirby Smart – the last SEC coach to win a national title in 2021 and ’22 back when Sankey spoke more of championships than balance. South Carolina’s Shane Beamer and Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea are also scheduled. On Wednesday, the coaches will be Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer, Florida new coach Jon Sumrall, who left his program at Tulane as Kiffin did but got no national outcry as did Kiffin, Ole Miss’ interim-turned-head coach Pete Golding and Texas A&M’s Mike Elko. > [Lane Kiffin Tweets Stopped, But Others Have Been Tweeting About Him](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-tweets-stopped-but-others-have-been-tweeting-about-him/) Then on Thursday, Portal and Twitter King Kiffin, possibly soon to be SEC King, takes the stage as will Arkansas new coach Ryan Silverfield, Mississippi State’s Jeff Lebby, a former Kiffin offensive coordinator at Ole Miss, and Texas’ Steve Sarkisian, who coached with Kiffin at Alabama under Nick Saban. And then the only question is, will Kiffin, who stopped tweeting last May after a controversial feature in Vanity Fair, return to Twitter to talk about it? As a nation waits. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, sec media days, Southeastern Conference --- ### [Sam Burns Didn't Have His Day At British Open, Finishing 3rd Behind Winner Ryan Fox And Cameron Young](https://www.tigerrag.com/sam-burns-didnt-have-his-day-at-british-open-finishing-3rd-behind-winner-ryan-fox-and-cameron-young/) **Published:** July 19, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Sam Burns just needed to make a remarkable putt or two and stay out of trouble. The first didn’t happen, and the second did. And Burns, the former LSU All-American golfer from Shreveport, lost his best chance for his first major victory after entering the final day of the British Open with a two-stroke lead on Sunday. [After a brilliant major record tying 62 on Friday](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-former-golfer-sam-burns-ties-major-record-with-a-62-at-british-open/) and a 65 on Saturday, he shot a 2-over-72 Sunday to finish third at the Royal Birkdale golf club in Southport, England. “I just couldn’t find them today,” Burns, 29, said. “Just didn’t have my best stuff. Didn’t have things go my way. I played a lot of great golf this week. Unfortunately, didn’t have my best stuff today. Got off to a bad start, made a couple of mistakes early.” Ryan Fox, 39, of Auckland, New Zealand, holed a 12-foot birdie on 18 for the win at 10 under, beating Cameron Young, 29, of Scarborough, New York. Young, who went to Wake Forest, shot a 6-under 64 and was in the clubhouse for two hours with the lead, waiting for the others to finish so he would win or make a playoff. Neither happened as he finished second at 9 under. > [LSU’s Sam Burns’ Major Belle Could Ring Sunday At The British Open](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-sam-burns-major-belle-could-ring-sunday-at-the-british-open/) “Ryan played amazing,” Burns said. “He’s a well-earned champion. Hats off to him. He did what he needed to do down the stretch. Ultimately, I just came up short today.” Burns suffered three straight bogeys on the front nine as he quickly lost the lead. Through 54 holes, he was at 10-under 200 on Saturday. Over his final 12 holes Sunday, he had zero birdies. It was another case of not finishing for Burns, who had a chance to win the U.S. Open this year and in 2024 and led the Masters early this year before falling off. “I think the more you put yourself in this position, the better,” he said. Considering that Burns did not decide to play in this tournament until just a week ago, he fared extremely well. He had not planned to play as his wife Carolina was due to have their second baby last Tuesday. But daughter Belle came 11 days early on July 3, and Burns eventually decided to make the trip without practicing as much as normal. “Given the circumstances, I’m very pleased with the week,” he said. “I’m looking forward to being home.” **Categories:** Featured, Men's Golf, More LSU Sports **Tags:** British Open, lsu golf, LSU Tigers, PGA Tour, Sam Burns --- ### [LSU's Sam Burns' Major Belle Could Ring Sunday At The British Open](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-sam-burns-major-belle-could-ring-sunday-at-the-british-open/) **Published:** July 18, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Belle will be ringing if her dad wins the British Open on Sunday. Sam Burns, a former LSU golfer from Shreveport, leads the British Open in Southport, England, by two strokes after firing a 5-under-par 65 at the Royal Birkdale golf club on Saturday following a major championship record 62 on Friday for a three-day score of a 10-under 200. South Korean Si Woo Kim and New Zealander Ryan Fox are two shots back for a second place tie after Fox tied the major record with a 62 on Saturday. Australian Lucas Herbert, who also had a record 62 Friday, is three shots back as is Ryan Gerard of Raleigh, North Carolina. Bryson DeChambeau, the only player among the top 10 leaders to have won a major, is four shots back. Southport’s own Tommy Fleetwood is five behind, while defending champion Scottie Scheffler is six back. And Burns was supposed to be back home in Choudrant near Ruston watching it all on TV with his family, instead of sitting on top of the leaderboard in a Victorian resort town on the Irish Sea. Burns, 29, had not planned on playing this tournament because his wife Caroline was scheduled to have their second child last Tuesday. But their baby girl, Belle, rang early and was born on July 3 instead. Burns, though, still hadn’t decided if he would make the trip until just last week when his wife convinced him to go for it. “I didn’t have the normal preparation that I typically do,” Burns said in a Golf Channel interview after his round Saturday. “But ultimately, it was more of a mental thing than anything. If I could get over the hump mentally of being away from my family – that was going to be the biggest challenge. Honestly, it took a couple days, even after being here.” Burns shot a 73 in the first round on Thursday and was in 106th place. “I felt like, ‘Did I make the right decision to come?’ But ultimately, whatever happens on Sunday, it’ll be fun and exciting, and I’m looking forward to the challenge,” Burns said. Burns’ record 62 on Friday put him in fifth place at the time. > [LSU Former Golfer Sam Burns Ties Major Record With A 62 At British Open](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-former-golfer-sam-burns-ties-major-record-with-a-62-at-british-open/) Burns’ parents are with his wife, Belle and the couple’s son Bear, who was born in 2024, in Choudrant. Burns’ older brother Chase made the trip to the tournament. “To be able to come here was a bonus,” Burns said. Burns could win his first major in the same week he became a father again after just missing a 16-foot putt last Father’s Day in the U.S. Open at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, New York, that would have forced a playoff. And his father Todd Burns was right there with him. > [LSU’s Sam Burns Missed Chance For Perfect Father’s Day Gift By Less Than An Inch At U.S. Open](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-sam-burns-missed-perfect-fathers-day-gift-by-less-than-inch-at-u-s-open/) Burns openly wept at his U.S. Open press conference following the loss to Wyndham Clark by a stroke when his father’s being there was brought up. “It would’ve been really special,” he said. Burns led the Masters after the first round last April before finishing seventh. He led the U.S. Open at Oakmont in 2024 after three rounds before finishing seventh. His best finish at the British Open was 31st in 2024. “I didn’t think there was anyway possible I’d be here,” Burns said Saturday. “No matter what happens, I’m fine with the results.” **Categories:** Featured, Men's Golf, More LSU Sports **Tags:** British Open, lsu, lsu golf, LSU Tigers, PGA Tour, Sam Burns --- ### [LSU Baseball "Loses" No. 10 Outfielder Anthony Murphy From 2027 Signing Class](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-loses-no-10-outfielder-anthony-murphy-from-2027-signing-class/) **Published:** July 18, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU outfielder “signee” Anthony Murphy of Corona, California, has committed to Miami after decommitting from LSU following his selection in the 16th round of the 20-round Major League Baseball Draft last weekend. Murphy (6-0, 190 pounds) was the No. 39 prospect in the draft and No. 10 outfielder by Perfect Game, but he was the 466th selecton by Washington and doesn’t plan on pursuing pro baseball just yet. But don’t look for LSU and coach Jay Johnson to sue Murphy for getting out of his signed scholarship papers. LSU has or will release Murphy from that signing in a mutual agreement because he wants to go to Miami for a better chance to play sooner as the Tigers are full in the outfield via the portal and other high school signees. And LSU’s overall roster is suddenly crowded and can use the extra space. > [\#LSU](https://x.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) signee Anthony Murphy has decommitted from the program. > > Murphy was picked by the Nationals in the 16th round and was quiet about his intentions until today. [pic.twitter.com/6nXquhXng9](https://t.co/6nXquhXng9) > > — Koki Riley (@KokiRiley) [July 17, 2026](https://x.com/KokiRiley/status/2078135640160415897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) That is because LSU stands to lose only three or four from its now 22-member signing class of 2027 to the MLB Draft, which took only nine Tigers in all after Johnson projected 13 or 14 to be taken. And only four were taken in the first 10 rounds and 317 picks. The loss of Murphy cuts LSU’s roster down to 41. The maximum is 34 for next season, but the NCAA has a strange, contradictory loophole to that rule. Players beyond the 34 can be labeled as “designated student-athletes,” and there is no limit on those. The “designated” players can also still play, practice and travel and not count against the 34 “limit,” which therefore really isn’t a limit. [LSU BASEBALL 2027 SIGNING CLASS](https://www.perfectgame.org/College/CollegeCommitments.aspx?college=1658&grad=2026) “Being committed to LSU has been an incredible honor,” Murphy said in a social media post on Friday, mistakenly using the word “committed” instead of “signed” as scholarship signatures in college baseball are not viewed as seriously as in other college sports. Multitudes of high school seniors who have signed scholarship papers with colleges easily get out of them when they’re drafted into MLB and go pro immediately. The terms “signed” and “committed” are basically used interchangeably in college baseball. “And I’ll always be thankful for the relationships I’ve built and the support I’ve received,” Murphy went on. “This decision was not made lightly and is in no way a reflection of LSU, its coaches or the program. I have nothing but respect and appreciation for everything they’ve done for me.” > [LSU Baseball: Jay Johnson Exits A “Sweaty” Draft Weekend With Most Of His High School Signees Staying](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-jay-johnson-exits-a-sweaty-draft-weekend-with-most-of-his-high-school-signees-staying/) And Murphy is leaving because, via the portal, LSU signed No. 5 outfielder Bino Watters of Notre Dame, No. 15 outfielder Angel Laya of Oregon and No. 58 outfielder Jason Wachs of Tulane. And LSU returns highly recruited and talented center field candidate William Patrick of St. Frederick High in Monroe for his sophomore season. Plus Johnson has been raving about incoming freshmen outfielders Dominic Santarelli, a left-handed hitting 18th round pick from St. Joseph High in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, and Malachi Washington, an 18th round pick from Parkview High in Stone Mountain, Georgia. Washington was ranked as the No. 28 draft prospect by Perfect Game, while Santarelli was No. 45. “Both of them (Santarelli and Washington) could’ve been drafted higher,” Johnson said. “But they held themselves in high value and held this opportunity at LSU in high value, and the teams that were interested in drafting them didn’t meet it. And good for the Tigers that that’s the case. And they’re going to be here for three years.” There is also No. 34 Perfect Game draft prospect outfielder Nathaneal Davis, another left-handed hitter who is headed to LSU after taking his name out of the draft before draft weekend. Davis is expected to contend for center field as well. And Johnson has No. 50 Perfect Game draft prospect in incoming freshman Lucas Nawrocki, a left-handed pitcher and left-handed outfielder/first baseman who took his name out of the draft after not going in the first four rounds last Saturday. Not much room at the LSU Inn. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Anthony Murphy, jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, mlb draft --- ### [LSU Football: No. 1 Wide Receiver Monshun Sales Commits To Home State Indiana As Expected](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-no-1-wide-receiver-monshun-sales-commits-to-home-state-indiana-as-expected/) **Published:** July 17, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU football coach Lane Kiffin tried, but top wide receiver Monshun Sales of Indianapolis stayed in his home state and picked the other former offensive assistant of Nick Saban. Sales, who is the No. 1 wide receiver in the nation by 247sports.com and No. 2 by On3.com, committed to defending national champion Indiana and coach Curt Cignetti on Friday on the Pat McAfee Show on ESPN. Cignetti was Saban’s wide receivers coach at Alabama from 2007-10, while Kiffin was his offensive coordinator from 2014-16. > 5 star WR Monshun Sales commits to Indiana [pic.twitter.com/Xtdg4YApFy](https://t.co/Xtdg4YApFy) > > — NCAAF Nation (@NCAAFNation247) [July 17, 2026](https://x.com/NCAAFNation247/status/2078162763940077814?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Kiffin hosted Sales (6-foot-5, 195 pounds) on a visit to LSU on June 16 after visiting Ohio State on June 12. Sales is the No. 13 prospect overall by 247sports.com and No. 8 by On3.com out of Lawrence North High in Indianapolis. [LSU COMMITMENTS FOR THE CLASS OF 2027](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2027-football/commits/) LSU has the No. 10 class in the nation with 16 commitments, including five-star prospects KJ Green, an edge rusher from Stone Mountain, Georgia, and Ahmad Hudson, a tight end from Ruston. Indiana has the No. 30 class with 17 commitments and one five-star player – Sales. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Curt Cignetti, Indiana Hoosiers, lane kiffin, lsu football, Monshun Sales, nick saban --- ### [LSU Former Golfer Sam Burns Ties Major Record With A 62 At British Open](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-former-golfer-sam-burns-ties-major-record-with-a-62-at-british-open/) **Published:** July 17, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Ex-LSU All-American golfer Sam Burns and Australian Lucas Herbert each shot historic 62s about 20 minutes apart in round two of the British Open at the par-70 Royal Birkdale golf club in Southport, England, on Friday morning. The scores match the lowest ever in a men’s major championship. Burns’ bogey-less round featured eight birdies and six on the back nine. At 5 under entering the 16th tee box, Burns shot a miraculous final three holes. “I thought coming into the day if I could get it to red numbers for the golf tournament, that’d be a pretty good spot,” Burns said on NBC Sports following the round. “The finish there on the last three holes was just a bonus.” He holed a 40-foot birdie putt from off the 16th green, made a 20-foot birdie putt on the 17th and capped off the historic round by sinking a birdie chip out the greenside bunker on hole 18. > UNBELIEVABLE FINISH FOR 62 BY SAM BURNS! 🔥🤯 > > Brilliant bunker holeout on 18, and another player ties the lowest men's major round [pic.twitter.com/KnNMpCJjDT](https://t.co/KnNMpCJjDT) > > — Golf Channel (@GolfChannel) [July 17, 2026](https://x.com/GolfChannel/status/2078111992519270541?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “It was in a good spot in the bunker,” Burns said. “I was happy that I saw that when I walked up, and then, it was a tricky bunker shot just because I had to kind of land it in the fringe there and then use the slope down to the hole. But definitely very lucky for it to go in.” The 29-year-old Shreveport native who played at LSU from 2015-17 became the sixth to tie the single-round record after Branden Grace, Rickie Fowler, Shane Lowry and Xander Schauffele (twice) and Hebert, who missed a 5-foot put on 18 for what could have been a 61. Burns continues on a hot streak after finishing second at the U.S. Open last month at Shinnecock Hills in Southampton, New York, following a seventh at the Masters. He nearly mounted a seven-stroke comeback on the final day of the U.S. Open before finishing one-shot shy of winner Wyndham Clark. > [LSU’s Sam Burns Missed Chance For Perfect Father’s Day Gift By Less Than An Inch At U.S. Open](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-sam-burns-missed-perfect-fathers-day-gift-by-less-than-inch-at-u-s-open/) Burns was not even planning on attending this tournament until a week ago. His wife Caroline had a July 14 due date for the birth of their second child. But their new daughter, Belle, arrived 11 days ahead of schedule on July 3, which led to the last-minute decision. “Even then, I still wasn’t expecting to play by any means,” Burns said. “I had a bunch of conversations with my wife, and she encouraged me to come and play, and here we are.” Burns shot a 3-over 73 in his first round Thursday, bogeying the same three final holes he birdied to make history Friday. He finished his second round in fourth place, trailing Herbert, the leader, by three strokes. Still in search of his first major title, the former Tiger is again in prime position to challenge for one this weekend. **Categories:** Featured, Men's Golf, More LSU Sports **Tags:** British Open, lsu golf, Sam Burns, The Open Championship, U.S. Open --- ### [LSU Football: 6 Freshmen/Transfers To Watch For The Tigers In 2026](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-6-freshmen-transfers-to-watch-for-the-tigers-in-2026/) **Published:** July 17, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter In a blockbuster, No. 1 ranked class of 41 transfers and the No. 13 recruiting class of 16 true freshmen and three junior college signees, here are six top under-the-radar newcomers and freshmen who could make an impact. **DE Lamar Brown** Brown (6-foot-4, 295 pounds) is the top-rated recruit LSU welcomes to campus as a true freshman. He was listed as Rivals’ and ESPN’s top overall prospect. The edge rusher was a five-star on both the offensive and defensive lines. He made 29 tackles, nine for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles at University Lab in 2025. Brown did not enroll at LSU in the spring, so he will have a little less time to carve out a spot in the rotation, but he will force his way onto the field before the end of the season. **DTs Richard Anderson & Deuce Geralds** It really is unfair to lump these two true freshmen together, but both will have big roles on the interior of the defensive front. Anderson (6-3, 339) is a five-star Edna Karr prospect considered the No. 1 defensive lineman in the nation and went through spring practice as an early enrollee. Geralds (6-1, 279) was a four-star recruit, but has also already gotten time with the starting unit in practice as did Anderson. Lane Kiffin had praise for both of them. “This guy’s going to be a great player. It’s just a matter of time to when that happens. And love how physical he is, love how hard he’s worked,” he said of Anderson. “Deuce has really been extremely productive and caused havoc,” Kiffin said. “He’s going to be a great player.” **CB Havon Finney Jr.** Behind starters DJ Pickett and PJ Woodland, cornerback is the thinnest position on the team. Defensive coordinator Blake Baker is looking for depth, and another true freshmen in Finney could be one to answer the call. Finney (6-1, 173) was the No. 1 cornerback in the class of 2027, but he reclassified to come to LSU a year early. If he can mature quickly, he has more than enough potential to stay ahead of schedule. **TE Malachi Thomas** Junior Trey’Dez Green is the preseason All-American tight end for the Tigers, but that does not mean Thomas, a transfer from Pittsburgh, needs to live in his shadow in his junior season. Thomas (6-3, 242) caught just 13 passes for 192 yards and two TDs at Pitt last year as a sophomore. With 26 collegiate appearances, he has experience, and he’s shown enough versatility and playmaking ability not to be just another body on the end of the offensive line. Kiffin asks a lot of his tight ends and knows how to put them in a position to succeed. All Thomas needs to do is take advantage. **WR Tre’ Brown** Brown (6-2, 190) was one of the most prolific deep threats in the nation at Old Dominion last year as a sophomore. His 20.05 yards per catch ranked seventh in the nation after 38 receptions for 762 yards and four touchdowns. That kind of explosive production does not just disappear, even when making the jump from the Sun Belt to the SEC. The receiver room is packed with new talent. It will be hard to break through the crowd, but if Brown can make it onto the field, he could make make game-changing plays. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Lamar Brown, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers', Richard Anderson, Tre' Brown --- ### [LSU Football Adds 4 In-State Programs To Future Schedules Through 2030](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-adds-4-in-state-programs-to-future-schedules-through/) **Published:** July 17, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES LSU has added four Louisiana teams to its future non-conference football schedule beginning with a game against Northwestern State on Aug. 28, 2027, the school announced on Friday. Other additions to future LSU schedules include the Tigers hosting Louisiana-Monroe and Southern in 2028, followed by Tulane in 2030. In 2028, LSU will open the season against ULM on August 26 followed by Southern in week three on September 9. The game against Southern will mark only the second meeting between the teams and the first since 2022 when the Tigers beat the Jaguars, 65-17, in the home opener that year. In 2030, Tulane will make its first trip to Tiger Stadium since 2009 when LSU hosts the Green Wave in the season-opener on August. 31. LSU opens the [Lane Kiffin](https://lsusports.net/staff/lane-kiffin) era on Saturday, September 5, when the Tigers host Clemson in Death Valley. In 2026, the Tigers host in-state Louisiana Tech on Sept. 12 and McNeese State on Oct. 3. **LSU Football – Future Schedule Additions** **2027** Aug. 28 Northwestern State **2028** Aug. 26 Louisiana-Monroe Sept. 9 Southern **2030** Aug. 31 Tulane **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Tiger Stadium --- ### [How LSU's New Athletic Department, Inc. Showed Its Hand | Todd Horne](https://www.tigerrag.com/how-lsus-new-athletic-department-inc-showed-its-hand-todd-horne/) **Published:** July 14, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** By TODD HORNE, Tiger Rag Executive Editor If you want to know where LSU athletics is headed in 2026, you didn’t need another hype video or mission statement — you only need two dates. **November 30, 2025:** The day LSU ripped off the Band-Aid and hired Lane Kiffin to replace Brian Kelly as football coach. That was when the Tigers declared they were done managing decline and ready to swing for the fences. > It’s over. Lane Kiffin is LSU’s next football coach. Press conference introducing him set for Monday at LSU. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [November 30, 2025](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/1995189623631618525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) **April 23, 2026:** The day the plan came into razor-sharp focus. On paper, April 23 looked like a routine board meeting: Verge Ausberry officially named vice president and athletics director. Heath Schroyer, formerly McNeese State’s athletic director under president Wade Rousse turned LSU president last November, slotted into a senior athletic director external-relations post. Billy Glasscock installed as football general manager. Will Wade and his new men’s basketball staff approved. Assistant women’s basketball coach Bob Starkey’s new contract, new assistant women’s basketball coach Fitzroy Anthony green-lighted. Ticket, parking and Tradition Fund hikes rubber-stamped. Standard governance choreography. ![Magazine cover titled'Tiger Rag' with a collage of LSU coaches and players; main headline reads 'The Year LSU Changed Everything' in large yellow letters.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/TR_Aug2026_Cover.jpg "TR_Aug2026_Cover | TigerRag.com")***At newsstands now Tiger Rag Magazine Year In Review July issue for more on this columns topic or click on the cover to the right on this website Tiger Rag photo*** But this was no bureaucratic exercise. It was LSU laying its cards on the table. Kiffin’s arrival was the opening move; April 23 was the institutional blueprint. In one sweep, the university showed how it intended to organize, fund and prioritize its athletics empire in the modern era. It was a watershed moment — not because of fireworks or dissent, but because the architecture of a new LSU was exposed for anyone sharp enough to look beyond the names. Another one is perhaps coming early next month with two summits of the key donor “families,” if you will, at the Governor’s Mansion. > [LSU Athletics “Top 40” Donors Invited to Financial Future Pow-Wow At Governor’s Mansion On August 3rd Or 5th](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-athletics-top-40-donors-invited-to-financial-future-pow-wow-at-governors-mansion-on-august-3rd-and-5th/) Start with football, where the reset truly began. Bringing in Kiffin wasn’t just swapping head coaches. It was a posture shift: an aggressive bet on offensive juice, relentless recruiting, roster magnetism and national relevance. Kiffin is the first true offensive coordinator as in play calling and direction LSU has ever hired as head coach. LSU acknowledged that college football is now faster, more transactional and brutally competitive — and decided half-measures wouldn’t cut it. Then came the structure around him. Ausberry wasn’t a hometown nod; elevating him to AD redefined the role itself. Today’s athletic director is part CEO, part strategist, part negotiator, part fundraiser, part crisis manager – a C-suite executive running a live commercial enterprise inside a public university. By installing Ausberry, LSU signaled that the old, coach-centric model was dead. Schroyer’s external-relations portfolio mattered more than most realized. It meant LSU finally understood that revenue streams, political capital and brand stewardship can’t linger in the shadows — they have to be built into the organizational spine. This wasn’t just hiring around sports. It was staffing around the business conditions that now govern sports. > There was a lot going on at Will Wade’s introductory press conference, other than re-introducing Wade. … Only at LSU. Column: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [April 3, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2040200164850249822?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Football gave itself away again with Billy Glasscock as general manager. This wasn’t window dressing. College football is now a roster economy, complete with NIL math, transfer portals, scholarship calculus and constant attrition. By embracing a GM model, LSU admitted the sport has professionalized, and so must its operations. Men’s basketball was the loudest line item outside football. Wade’s rehiring wasn’t a courtesy call; it was the centerpiece of a full-scale reboot. LSU put its money where its impatience was, assembling a staff designed to drag the program back from irrelevance. This wasn’t incremental tinkering — it was a blunt declaration that the Tigers intend to matter in the winter as much as they do in the fall. > [Will Wade Plans To Make History Again At LSU In His 2nd Chance – “One Way Or The Other”](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-plans-to-make-history-again-at-lsu-in-his-2nd-chance-one-way-or-the-other/) But the smartest play of all was what LSU refused to sacrifice. It didn’t rebuild men’s hoops at the expense of women’s basketball. Bob Starkey and Fitzroy Anthony weren’t afterthoughts — they were part of the same blueprint. Kim Mulkey had already pushed LSU women’s basketball into the national spotlight. Neglecting that momentum in pursuit of fresh glory would have been institutional malpractice. By affirming both programs, LSU made clear that broad-based excellence was non-negotiable. And then came the giveaway: ticket, parking and Tradition Fund increases for both men’s and women’s basketball. That was more than an addendum — it was the day’s financial punchline. LSU wasn’t merely ratifying commitments; it was positioning itself to generate more from them. More spending paired with higher returns — that is the anatomy of a real reset. Not nostalgia. Not emotion. Economics. That, above all, was April 23’s message: LSU athletics has outgrown yesterday’s assumptions. The old, loose-knit, coach-centric department is out. In its place stands a more professional, more expensive and more honest enterprise — aware of what college sports have become and prepared to act accordingly. November 30 was the first shot across the bow. April 23 was the full reveal. That blueprint may be the most important move LSU athletics made all year: the university showed its hand – and there’s no folding now. For more, grab a copy of the July issue of the Tiger Rag Magazine’s Year In Review end issue that is everywhere in Baton Rouge now. Look for the headline, “The Year LSU Changed EVERYTHING” or click onto it at the right on this website. **Categories:** Featured, LSU athletics, LSU Basketball, LSU Football News, Men's Basketball, Tiger Rag, Women's Basketball **Tags:** lsu, LSU Athletic Department, lsu football, LSU Tigers, verge ausberry, Wade Rousse --- ### [Lane Kiffin And The Good Life: LSU Coach's Vacation Log Via Private Plane Perk Falls Under His Contract](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-and-the-good-life-lsu-coachs-vacation-log-via-private-plane-perk-falls-under-his-contract/) **Published:** July 16, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By PIPER HUTCHINSON, Louisiana Illuminator/Tiger Rag Magazine LSU football coach Lane Kiffin took his family to Boca Raton, Florida, using his private airplane travel benefits at a cost of $40,000 to LSU donors, according to LSU Board of Supervisors [documents](https://www.lsu.edu/bos/docs/agendas/2026/meeting-agenda2026-06-26.pdf). Kiffin’s employment contract allows him 65 hours of private air travel for personal use, a perk that is [not unusual for head football coaches](https://frontofficesports.com/college-football-private-jets-travel/?utm_source=TWITTER&utm_medium=Article&utm_campaign=Editorial), but one that former head coach Brian Kelly did not have and other LSU coaches are not currently granted. Kelly did have a longer contract, however, at approximately $100 million over 10 years, and he is in the process of collecting a $54 million buyout from that in monthly installments for several years after his firing without cause four years into the deal last October. Kiffin’s contract is for seven years at approximately $91 million. LSU athletics spokesman Zach Greenwell declined to respond to a request for comment regarding the number of hours Kiffin used for the trip to Boca Raton, which is home to Florida Atlantic University, where Kiffin coached from 2017-2019. The nearly $40,000 tab for the trip was paid by the Tiger Athletic Foundation (TAF) in March, though the report does not detail when the trip occurred or how long it was. The documents show the Tiger Athletic Foundation, a private entity that raises money for LSU athletics, also spent nearly $65,000 for four other private plane trips for business purposes, for Kiffin from January-March of this year. Kiffin’s ex-wife, Layla, children and nephew accompanied him for several of these business trips, which included recruiting visits and attending the Texas Bowl in December. > [Tiger Rag Wins Breaking News 1st And 2nd Place In Louisiana Sports Writers Association Contest](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-wins-breaking-news-1st-and-2nd-place-in-louisiana-sports-writers-association-contest/) LSU and Kiffin entered into his employment agreement last December, but the agreement did not receive final Board approval until last month. Kiffin was hired by the university in late November after Kelly was fired on Oct. 26. Then-LSU athletic director Scott Woodward, who hired Kelly, was fired a few days later. > It’s over. Lane Kiffin is LSU’s next football coach. Press conference introducing him set for Monday at LSU. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [November 30, 2025](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/1995189623631618525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Kiffin’s contract pays him $13 million in annual compensation and millions of dollars in bonus compensation. Kiffin’s trip was funded by the TAF, but the bulk of his compensation is paid by the university itself. His contract also does not specify that the travel must be paid by private donors. Because Kiffin is a state employee, benefits he receives from a private entity affiliated with the university that exceed $1,000 must be reported to the board quarterly under Louisiana law. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News, Uncategorized **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football Leads Nation With 11 Tigers On Nike's Blue Ribbon Elite Squad](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-leads-nation-with-11-tigers-on-nikes-blue-ribbon-elite-squad/) **Published:** July 16, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The LSU football team put the most players on Nike’s inaugural Blue Ribbon Elite Football Name, Image & Likeness roster with 11, Nike announced in a release on Thursday. The Tigers’ class is the largest of any school in the campaign with running backs Caden Durham and Harlem Berry, cornerback DJ Pickett, quarterback Husan Longstreet, wide receiver Jayce Brown, tight end Trey’Dez Green, offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, defensive lineman Lamar Brown, edge Princewill Umanmielen, linebacker Whit Weeks and safety Ty Benefield. > [LSU Football: Here Are 5 Candidates To Be Breakout Players For The Tigers In 2026](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-here-are-5-candidates-to-be-breakout-players-for-the-tigers-in-2026/) Nike’s Elite Blue Ribbon NIL program is designed to foster collaboration between Nike, athletic programs and athletes. Durham and Berry return as one of the potential top one-two punches in rushing along with Green catching passes. LSU also has the best offensive tackle from the portal in Jordan Seaton from Colorado. He is the first offensive lineman to sign with Nike. Pickett had 37 tackles and three interceptions last season for the Tigers. Benefield joins the secondary from Boise State as another top transfer in new coach Lane Kiffin’s portal class. And Weeks returns for his senior season. > [LSU And Nike Extend The Swoosh Through 2036](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-and-nike-extend-the-swoosh-through-2036/) In December of 2025, Nike used Baton Rouge and LSU as their launchpad for its Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program with Green and Pickett. LSU’s full, expanded list of athletes participating in the Nike Blue Ribbon Elite program for 2026-27 are expected to be announced closer to the start of the school year. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Caden Durham, Harlem Berry, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Nike --- ### [LSU Baseball Great Tommy White Promoted To Big Leagues With Athletics](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-great-tommy-white-promoted-to-big-leagues-with-athletics/) **Published:** July 16, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Former LSU home run hero Tommy White has done his time in the minors and is expected to make his Major League Baseball debut on Friday night for the former Oakland Athletics when they host the Washington Nationals at Sutter Health Park in Sacramento, California. He will be reunited with former LSU 2023 national champion Dylan Crews, an outfielder for the Nats hitting .211 with six home runs and 18 RBIs. Crews was the second pick of the first round of the MLB Draft in 2023 after LSU pitcher Paul Skenes went as the No. 1 overall pick to Pittsburgh. White is also now an Athletics teammate of former LSU pitcher Gage Jump, who was called up last May by the A’s and is 3-4 with a 3.51 ERA through nine starts. White, a second round pick of Oakland in 2024, was called up from Triple-A Las Vegas during the All-Star break this week, which was Monday through Thursday, after hitting .303 with nine home runs and 47 RBIs in 55 games for the Aviators. The first baseman/third baseman previously hit .301 with one home run and 17 RBIs in 21 games this season for the Double-A Midland, Texas RockHounds. White hit .374 for LSU in 2023 with 24 home runs and led the nation in RBIs with 105. With no outs and one on in the bottom of the 11th inning against No. 1 Wake Forest on June 22, 2023, at the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, White hit a walk-off, two-run home run to give the Tigers a 2-0 win and send them into the CWS best-of-three national championship series. LSU beat Florida two games to one to win the national title. White hit .351 (11-for-32) in the World Series that year with two home runs and eight RBIs. White’s walk-off home run was the first by an LSU player at the World Series since Warren Morris’ two-out, two-run home run on June 8, 1996, to beat Miami, 9-8, for the national championship. > [CWS Instant Classic with Video: LSU’s Tommy White’s walk-off home run vaults Tigers into Championship Series to cap epic pitchers’ duel against No. 1 Wake Forest](https://www.tigerrag.com/cws-instant-classic-with-video-lsus-tommy-whites-walk-off-home-run-vaults-tigers-into-championship-series-to-cap-epic-pitchers-duel-against-no-1-wake-forest/) A transfer from North Carolina State after the 2022 season, White was a first team All-American and All-SEC player in 2023 for the Tigers. In the 2024 season at LSU, White hit .330 with 24 home runs and 70 RBIs. > [LSU All-American Tommy White healthy at last, looking forward to another championship season one game at time](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-all-american-tommy-white-healthy-at-last-looking-forward-to-another-championship-season-one-game-at-time/) The Athletics left Oakland after the 2024 season and will begin play in a new ballpark in Las Vegas in 2028. They are currently playing their home games in Sacramento – 131 miles from Oakland – at 14,000-seat Sutter Health Park, which is the home of the Triple-A Sacramento River Cats. White is used to minor league ballparks, including the one in Sacramento. He has played 213 minor league games since 2024, including 19 in a fall league in 2025 in Mesa, Arizona, and has struggled at times. He started with the Single-A Stockton Ports in California, in 2024, hitting .224 with two home runs and 14 RBIs in 25 games. With Midland the first time in 2025, he hit .322 with one home run and 15 RBIs before hitting .260 for the Single-A Lansing, Michigan, Lugnuts that year with 11 homers and 36 RBIs. At Mesa last fall, he hit .292 with three home runs and 20 RBIs. The A’s are 41-55 on the season going into the second half and are in fourth place in the American League West – eight games behind first place Texas (49-47). The Nationals (48-49) are in fourth place in the five-team National League East – eight games behind first place Atlanta (55-40). **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers', Major League Baseball, Oakland A's, Tommy White --- ### [NCAA Approves Automated Ball-Strike Challenges For College Baseball, Possibly For 2027](https://www.tigerrag.com/ncaa-approves-automated-ball-strike-challenges-for-college-baseball-possibly-for-2027/) **Published:** July 16, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter The NCAA Baseball rules subcommittee has approved the use of the automated ball-strike (ABS) challenge system in college baseball. The proposal will take effect as soon as 2027, but is still pending approval from the NCAA Baseball oversight committee. The new challenge system will be modeled after the one used in the Southeastern Conference Tournament this past season. > NEWS: The NCAA Rules Subcommittee has approved the usage of ABS, sources tell [@BaseballAmerica](https://x.com/BaseballAmerica?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). It can be used in any game where the tech is available (includes Trackman). This still requires Baseball Oversight Committee approval but is expected to be implemented in 2027. > > — Jacob Rudner (@JacobRudner) [July 15, 2026](https://x.com/JacobRudner/status/2077435993473663293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Teams at the SEC Tournament started each game with three challenges and were awarded another for every call they correctly overturned. Challenges can be requested by batters, catchers or pitchers and must be signaled immediately following the pitch by tapping the top of the head. In the 15 SEC Tournament games, 105 challenges were made with 59 calls overturned. That’s an average of seven challenges per game with a 56.2% success rate. > The first ABS walk-off challenge in college baseball history ✔️[@AuburnBaseball](https://x.com/AuburnBaseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) x [\#SECTourney](https://x.com/hashtag/SECTourney?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/mLoRnevJ07](https://t.co/mLoRnevJ07) > > — Southeastern Conference (@SEC) [May 23, 2026](https://x.com/SEC/status/2058050585182535761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The rule has been in place in Major League Baseball as of this season, and over 6,000 ABS challenges have been requested with a 53.3% overturn rate. If passed, any school with the available ball-tracking technology, like Trackman or Hawk-Eye, can institute the ABS system. Over 400 college baseball teams use Trackman data, but not all of those teams have permanent systems installed in their stadiums. All major conference schools do have the system available, but due to the installation costs, it would not be featured in every collegiate ballpark right away. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** ABS System, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, NCAA --- ### [LSU Football: Here Are 5 Candidates To Be Breakout Players For The Tigers In 2026](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-here-are-5-candidates-to-be-breakout-players-for-the-tigers-in-2026/) **Published:** July 16, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter There are plenty of players to choose from for a high five selection of projected breakout players on the 2026 LSU football team, particularly when you consider new coach Lane Kiffin signed the No. 1 portal class in the nation in January with 41 players. Here is our top five, and four are from Kiffin’s transfer class. But there is one returning veteran turning heads. **Safety Ty Benefield** The Boise State transfer is the easiest choice to break out in his first season as a Tiger. Benefield (6-foot-3, 208 pounds) racked up 107 tackles with two interceptions and three pass breakups last season. He garnered rave reviews from teammates, coaches and former Tigers in the spring. Kiffin called him one of the “ultra-elite” talents on the roster, and Benefield made it easy to see why. He has the physicality to be an enforcer in the box and the ball skills to be a hawk in the secondary. **Edge Rusher Jordan Ross** Ross (6-5, 246) is a former five-star who could not find a place to shine at Tennessee last season. In 22 games, he recorded just 26 tackles and 1.5 sacks. But his 78.2 Pro Football Focus grade last season reflects his starting potential. And his raw athleticism and length are hard to ignore. > [LSU Football Has An Every-Down Back In Wisconsin Transfer Dilin Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-has-an-every-down-back-in-wisconsin-transfer-dilin-jones/) **Running Back Dilin Jones** Jones (5-11, 211) was Wisconsin’s leading rusher with 300 yards in seven games before his season was cut short by turf toe. The former four-star has impressed enough in spring to earn time with the first team. He will likely not usurp Caden Durham and Harlem Berry, but he will get his chances. “For a guy that wasn’t a headliner, he played like it,” Kiffin said. **Wide Receiver Jackson Harris** Take your pick for a breakout in the crowded receiver room. Winnie Watkins has a history with Kiffin at Ole Miss. Tre’ Wilson and Jayce Brown look the part, too. But Harris (6-2, 202) has a little bit of everything. He was a four-star Stanford commit who broke out with 49 catches for 963 yards and 12 touchdowns at Hawaii last season. After learning Kiffin’s offense, he will be a playmaker. **Offensive Lineman Bo Bordelon** Bordelon (6-6, 305) may not be a flashy breakout star, but he is a necessary one. There might not have been a larger deficiency anywhere on the 2025 Tigers than the interior of the line. He is a fifth-year senior who has failed to see significant playing time at LSU. But he took over at left guard in the spring and never looked back. His veteran experience and communication will be essential for a near completely revamped unit. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** bo bordelon, Dilin Jones, Jackson Harris, Jordan Ross, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Ty Benefield --- ### [LSU Football: Top Receiver in 2027 Class, Monshun Sales, To Announce Commitment Friday](https://www.tigerrag.com/top-receiver-in-2027-class-to-announce-commitment-friday/) **Published:** July 16, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Monshun Sales, the No. 1 wide receiver in the nation for the class of 2027 by 247sports.com, will announce his commitment live on the Pat McAfee Show at 11 a.m. Friday. The five-star prospect out of Lawrence North High in Indianapolis will decide among LSU, Alabama, Texas, Indiana and Ohio State. Sales (6-foot-5, 195 pounds) visited LSU on June 16, the third stop on a recruiting trip that brought him to four schools in two weeks. > 🚨NEWS🚨 Five-Star Plus+ WR Monshun Sales will announce his commitment on July 17, [@SWiltfong\_](https://x.com/SWiltfong_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) reports⏳ > > Who will he choose?🤔 > > Read: [pic.twitter.com/uiViZQWIwA](https://t.co/uiViZQWIwA) > > — Rivals (@Rivals) [July 11, 2026](https://x.com/Rivals/status/2076052483734925780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Sales caught 37 passes for 794 yards and nine touchdowns as a junior. Also a sprinter on the Lawrence North track team, he has run the 100-meter dash in 10.81 seconds and the 200 in 21.09. Indiana and Texas are LSU’s main competition for Sales. If LSU does somehow get him, his commitment could lead to a significant domino effect. Texas has a commitment from another five-star receiver and LSU target in Easton Royal of Brother Martin High in New Orleans that LSU and other schools continue to recruit, which is usually the case. > [Tiger Rag Radio: Momentum building for an Easton Royal LSU flip](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-momentum-building-for-an-easton-royal-lsu-flip/) LSU is not out of the running for Sales either. He is the nation’s top prospect yet to commit to a school. **Categories:** Featured, Football Recruiting, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu football, lsu football recruiting, Monshun Sales --- ### [Former LSU Pitcher Marcos Paz To Transfer To SEC Champion Georgia, Which Saw 6 Pitchers Drafted](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-pitcher-marcos-paz-to-transfer-to-sec-champion-georgia-which-saw-6-pitchers-drafted/) **Published:** July 15, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES The freshman pitcher that LSU coach Jay Johnson did not want to lose has committed to Southeastern Conference regular season and tournament champion Georgia, which won two games at the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, this season. Right-hander Marcos Paz was 1-4 with a 9.20 ERA last season for the Tigers after Tommy John elbow surgery, but Johnson kept giving him opportunities late in the Tigers’ lost season (30-28, 9-21 SEC) to get him ready for next season. But Georgia (53-14, 23-7 SEC) will now benefit from that after seeing six of its pitchers drafted over the weekend. Paz had surprised Johnson by entering the portal in late June just days before the deadline. > TRANSFER: Former LSU RHP Marcos Paz has committed to Georgia. Huge stuff from the right side, but struggled as a freshman. Mid-90s fastball and a really stuffy breaker. Frontline upside if it clicks in Athens. > > No. 61 on the 2028 Top 100. > > 👇PROFILE👇 [pic.twitter.com/FxTfws8C9P](https://t.co/FxTfws8C9P) > > — Joe Doyle (@JoeDoyleMiLB) [July 15, 2026](https://x.com/JoeDoyleMiLB/status/2077425852506333518?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Paz (6-foot-2, 228 pounds) was the No. 33 high school prospect in the nation by Perfect Game last year out of Hebron High in Carrollton, Texas. He struck out 40 in 29 and third innings in 2026. > [LSU Baseball: Freshman Pitcher Marcos Paz, One Of Coach Jay Johnson’s Favorites, Enters Portal](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-freshman-pitcher-marcos-paz-one-of-coach-jay-johnsons-favorites-enters-portal/) “He’s got everything you need to be great,” Johnson said on April 20. “And, again, like, he hadn’t pitched in 18 months prior to this season starting (after the surgery). It was very minimal work for him in the fall. I think he’s going to be the best pitcher in the program. I really believe that. And I think he’s moving in that direction.” Paz pitched at Georgia last May, allowing seven runs on five hits with four walks and a hit batsman in an inning and a third to drop to 1-3 on the season. He joins Georgia coach Wes Johnson, who was LSU’s pitching coach in the 2023 season. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Georgia baseball, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Marcos Paz --- ### [Lane Kiffin Much Different Than Expected, Says LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette On Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-much-different-than-expected-says-lsu-sports-information-director-michael-bonnette-on-tiger-rag-radio/) **Published:** July 15, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor – An introvert. – Aloof. – Doesn’t always connect well with his players. That is how new LSU football coach Lane Kiffin has been described throughout his coaching career by media members, media relations officials and other coaches. “I’m still learning and getting to know him,” LSU associate athletic director of communications for football Michael Bonnette said on Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night in a special 30-minute appearance. “We talk almost daily, either by text or in person. I was in his office twice today. He’s much different than what I thought.” ***For Bonnette’s entire interview on Tiger Rag Radio, click the red box below:*** “This guy is very thoughtful,” said Bonnette, who is breaking in his seventh head coach as LSU’s football sports information director since 2000 after Nick Saban (2000-04), Les Miles (2005-16), Ed Orgeron (2016-21), interim Brad Davis (2021), Brian Kelly (2022-25) and interim Frank Wilson (2025). “He’s got a process,” Bonnette said, quoting a patented term by Saban, who remains a mentor of Kiffin’s after Kiffin was his offensive coordinator from 2014-16. “The way he engages with players is just really unique. The players just rally around him. I’ve watched him at spring practice and in the weight room and in meetings. He’s got a special, unique gift. And I think he owes a lot of that to having coached with Nick, but also a lot of that has to do with his dad.” Kiffin’s father Monte Kiffin, who died at age 84 on July 11, 2024, was a journeyman college and NFL assistant throughout his career. But he became one of the greatest NFL defensive coordinators of all time with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1996-2008 for developing the “Tampa 2” pass defense – a version of Cover 2. > [Lane Kiffin’s Memory Of His Nomadic Father May Say It All About His Nearing Ole Miss Exit](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-memory-of-his-nomadic-father-may-say-it-all-about-his-nearing-ole-miss-exit/) “He talks about his dad a lot,” said Bonnette, who in turn discussed his father often during the radio interview. [Louis Bonnette was McNeese State’s sports information director for nearly 50 years](https://lasportshall.com/?inductees=louis-bonnette) and is a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches. Bonnette’s brother Matthew is now McNeese state’s sports information director. “You see photos of his father in his office,” Bonnette said. “He speaks about him quite a bit. I’ve really been impressed with him and with watching him interact with the players. And I’m telling you, he’s a relentless recruiter. They’ve got something special going on recruiting-wise here. So, I think we’re just getting started here with him. I don’t know how many games we’ll win this year, but by the looks of what’s going on out there in the conditioning program and at spring practice, we’re going to be fast, big, strong. And from the first snap to the last one, we’re going to be a team that plays for four full quarters, I promise you that.” > [Tiger Rag Radio: LSU SEC Media Days Preview & LSU’s Biggest Wins of the MLB Draft](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-lsu-sec-media-days-preview-lsus-biggest-wins-of-the-mlb-draft/) **WHY NO SAM LEAVITT AT SEC MEDIA DAYS?** Bonnett was prepared for a question about why new LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt – the No. 1 player in the portal after two seasons at Arizona State – will not be with Kiffin at the SEC Media Days a week from Thursday. LSU is bringing senior linebacker Whit Weeks, junior tight end Trey’Dez Green and senior Ole Miss transfer linebacker TJ Dottery. “Ultimately, the coach signs off on it,” Bonnette said of the players taken to SEC Media Days each year. “We talked about it. Sam didn’t practice much during the spring. We felt like we had a good group to pick from. If we would’ve taken four, Sam would’ve been that fourth player. Looking back, Jayden Daniels didn’t go to SEC Media Days his first year at LSU. Joe Burrow didn’t go his first year. So, it’s not entirely out of the ordinary that we didn’t bring a first-year transfer quarterback.” Leavitt’s mid-foot injury that required surgery last season and caused him to miss most of spring practice was part of the reasoning. “He is fully recovered, but let’s protect him because – are a lot of the questions going to be about his injury and recovery?” Bonnette said. He added that Weeks and Dottery have experience at SEC Media Days already, and Green “is in line for a special year.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Michael Bonnette, tiger rag radio --- ### [LSU, Other SEC Schools And League Office Fighting Against The Protect College Sports Act's Early Lead](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-other-sec-schools-and-league-office-fighting-against-the-protect-college-sports-acts-early-lead/) **Published:** July 15, 2026 **Author:** Kace Kieschnick **Content:** BY KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter LSU officials have expressed their opposition to the current Protect College Sports Act to Senators Ted Cruz and Maria Cantwell. LSU President Wade Rousse and Board of Supervisors Chairman Lee Mallett issued a joint statement acknowledging the need for government intervention in college athletics, but still condemning the bill. > LSU joins a growing list of SEC schools in sending a letter to lawmakers in opposition of the Protect College Sports Act as written in its current form. Similar messages have been sent from Alabama, Auburn, Texas and Texas A&M. [pic.twitter.com/bhcimoLRjY](https://t.co/bhcimoLRjY) > > — Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) [July 13, 2026](https://x.com/RossDellenger/status/2076797529170063372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “For nearly a century, LSU has been at the forefront of college athletics, and we recognize that the important issues facing us today necessitate substantive reform,” the letter reads. “While we appreciate all efforts surrounding the Protect College Sports Act, we believe key issues remain with the legislation and we do not support the bill in its current form.” The statement goes on to pledge the university’s future collaboration in improving the legislation. Alabama, Auburn, Texas and Texas A&M have released similar statements in recent days. > SEC, Big Ten lose early battle as Protect College Sports Act – pushed by Nick Saban – clears Senate Commerce Committee. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 18, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2067646635459457132?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) SEC Associate Commissioner Herb Vincent spoke about the league’s stance on the bill on Tuesday night on Tiger Rag Radio. “We’ve been very clear that we think we need federal legislation, and there’s some things about that bill that are very good,” he said. “There are just some things that, right now, are not in a place that we feel like we can support it. And I think that’s what some of the schools in the Southeastern Conference are expressing as well.” Hear Vincent’s entire interview on Tiger Rag Radio by clicking the box below: Rousse’s and Mallet’s signatures were included in a list of national collegiate officials in a June letter to lawmakers supporting the bill. Rousse later told Yahoo! Sports his name was used without authorization, and Mallett told [On3.com](http://on3.com) he supported the SCORE Act instead. The Protect College Sports Act proposes a slew of antitrust exemptions to return power to the NCAA. It allows the association to enforce its rules without fear of lawsuit, regulates transfer portal and NIL chaos and adds athlete protections — all things LSU mostly supports. > [The Protect College Sports Act: What It Really Does — And Why LSU Fans Should Pay Attention](https://www.tigerrag.com/the-protect-college-sports-act-what-it-really-does-and-why-lsu-fans-should-pay-attention/) The issue for the SEC and the Big Ten, the loudest and most influential opponents of the bill, is the pooling of media rights. Up to now, the SEC and Big Ten have made most of the money from television. Under the bill, FBS schools could choose to pool national media right when negotiating TV deals, diluting the massive profits of the SEC and Big 10. The conferences issued a joint statement against the bill with concerns that senators did not adequately seek and address their feedback, and Vincent said progress has been made since then. > [Nick Saban Dominates Hearing On “Protect College Sports Act,” As If He’s Still Stalking The Sidelines](https://www.tigerrag.com/nick-saban-dominates-hearing-on-protect-college-sports-act-as-if-hes-still-stalking-the-sidelines/) “We’re trying to work with the senators who have crafted the bill to make changes that we think would be appropriate to make it workable,” Vincent said. “And I think it’s headed in the right direction.” University presidents from Ohio State, Michigan, Penn State and USC held a meeting with Cruz and Cantwell to discuss the bill Wednesday. Lawmakers have reported positive revisions thanks to meetings with SEC and Big 10 officials and aim to bring the bill to the Senate floor by early August. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu football, LSU Tigers, Protect College Sports Act, Wade Rousse --- ### [LSU Football By The Numbers: 10 Digits That Will Define The 2026 Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-by-the-numbers-10-digits-that-will-define-the-2026-season/) **Published:** July 15, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By KACE KIEISCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter This is your paint-by-numbers guide for LSU’s 2026 football season. **59.26%** That is the percentage of the LSU roster that was not on the team last year — 64 of the 108 total players. There are five returning starters on offense, four on defense. This is a new era of LSU football under Lane Kiffin. **483** The number of rushing yards LSU gave up to quarterbacks in 2025. That jumps to 515, or 42 yards per game when the -32 yards by Western Kentucky are removed. With games against Ole Miss’s Trinidad Chambliss and Texas A&M’s Marcel Reed in weeks three and four, the Tigers will need to be better right away. **297** Three players on this LSU defense combined for 297 tackles in 2025 on three teams. Linebacker Dahvon Keys had 92 for LSU. Linebacker TJ Dottery led the SEC with 98 stops for Ole Miss. And safety Ty Benefield was No. 1 in the Mountain West with 107 tackles for Boise State. Factor in the 124 tackles a healthy Whit Weeks made in 2024, and a nightmare for opposing backs is brewing in Death Valley. **198** Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. ran the ball 576 times last year at Ole Miss, while LSU rushed 378 times – a difference of 198. The Rebels did play two more games, but take away the 48 carries in those two, and Ole Miss rushes still outnumber LSU’s by 150. Welcome to the Lane Train rushing attack. **21** A first-year head coach at an FBS program has led his team to nine or more regular season wins 21 times in the College Football Playoff era. Kiffin will need to make the 2026 Tigers the 22nd team to achieve that feat, if he wants a shot at the College Football Playoffs. **16.08** The average yards per catch of this year’s LSU receivers in the 2025 season at other schools. Compare that to the 10.92 mark LSU wideouts recorded last season, and the difference in the potential offense is apparent. Expect Kiffin’s unit to be much more explosive than the ‘25 Tigers. **11** Trey’Dez Green’s 11 touchdowns are already an LSU record for tight ends. But if LSU’s offense is going to put points on the board, it will need its top red zone threat to produce as much as ever. **9** Edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen tallied nine sacks at Ole Miss last season. Linebacker Harold Perkins led LSU with four in 2025. An edge like Umanmielen will be a difference maker for Blake Baker’s defense. **5** That is how many sacks projected starting tackles Jordan Seaton (at Colorado) and Weston Davis (at LSU) allowed in 1,060 snaps last season. LSU’s offense starts with these two bookends. **2** The total number of FBS starts made by LSU cornerbacks not named DJ Pickett or PJ Woodland. Both were made by redshirt junior Ja’Keem Jackson at Florida in 2023. After LSU sophomore Aidan Anding went down with an Achilles injury during spring camp, the Tigers will need to avoid any more injuries and rely on someone else in the room to step up. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio: LSU SEC Media Days Preview & LSU’s Biggest Wins of the MLB Draft](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-lsu-sec-media-days-preview-lsus-biggest-wins-of-the-mlb-draft/) **Published:** July 15, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** Entering his 27th season, Michael Bonnette has worked beside Nick Saban, Les Miles, Ed Orgeron, Brian Kelly and now Lane Kiffin. That perspective gave unusual weight to what he said next. ***Here is the complete transcript of the show from YouTube. Tiger Rag apologizes for any AI generated mistakes:*** 0:00 Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. Tiger Rag \[music\] Radio is on the air. Let’s crank this thing up. 0:06 6 seconds We’re statewide breaking down the \[music\] latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is up. Hear from the coaches. 0:12 12 seconds Our time is now \[music\] with LSU basketball. 0:14 14 seconds The players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 0:17 17 seconds One way or another, we’re going to make history. 0:19 19 seconds And those who cover the Fighting Tigers of LSU and the SEC. 0:23 23 seconds LSU is the best job in it’s 2 hours of non-stop LSU talk. 0:28 28 seconds We came here to win. We’re going to win a medium. 0:30 30 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is brought to you by Cumins. Cumins creates \[music\] power solutions that the world depends on. 0:36 36 seconds Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro’s Electrical Services, Sunshine Quality Solutions, Super Chevy Dealers, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 0:49 49 seconds Get ready to talk Tigers with producer Case Kishnik \[music\] and our host Todd Horn, Jeff Polalmo, 0:56 56 seconds and Glenn Gilbo. players that are better people than they are players. This is Tiger Rag Radio. 1:05 1 minute, 5 seconds Good evening. This is Glenn Gilbo from Tiger Rag. I am the editor of Tiger Rag with Todd Horn, the executive editor. 1:13 1 minute, 13 seconds And Case, say his last name for me, Todd. Kishnik. 1:16 1 minute, 16 seconds Kishnik. It’s really not that hard. Kate Kishnik, our producer, and Case Case Kishnik, our producer and Tiger Egg. Great Tiger Egg writer. In his 1:25 1 minute, 25 seconds second week, he’s doing a lot of stories. Uh, and I’m filling in for um, uh, Jeff Polarmo. Jeff Polarmo. 1:34 1 minute, 34 seconds Sorry about \[snorts\] Sorry about that, Jeff. Um, but, uh, yeah, we got we got a cool show tonight. 1:41 1 minute, 41 seconds We We’re going to go into SID history at LSU. Uh, you know, it’s amazing. LSU has only had two football sports information 1:49 1 minute, 49 seconds directors since 1988. Herb Vincent in 1988 who I was a classmate of his at LSU 1:57 1 minute, 57 seconds and uh he was the SID through the 1999 season and that summer and then he left to take like a television job in in 2:05 2 minutes, 5 seconds Birmingham right as Nick Sabin was coming in and Michael Bett became the SID in 2000 and he’s still the SID now. 2:14 2 minutes, 14 seconds And we’re going to have Michael on in just a few minutes at uh 6:00. He’s actually with us now. And then uh 6:30 we’re going to have Jacob Rudder from 2:22 2 minutes, 22 seconds Baseball America. He wrote a cool story about L how LSU is one of the best survivors of the draft. Uh they kept most of their signing class or or will. 2:32 2 minutes, 32 seconds Then at 7 p.m. we’re going to have Jacques Duceay from WFB and Jacques talk. He had Jay Johnson LSU’s baseball coach on yesterday. And at 7:30 we’re 2:41 2 minutes, 41 seconds going to have Herb Vincent who is now the associate commiss commissioner at the SEC office. and uh he’s getting 2:48 2 minutes, 48 seconds ready for SEC media days as is our first guest Michael Bonnet. Michael, are you with us? 2:57 2 minutes, 57 seconds Is he with us? Case? Michael, you there? 3:03 3 minutes, 3 seconds \[laughter\] 3:04 3 minutes, 4 seconds Um we can’t we can’t hear Michael right now. I see I see his number on the line though. But um anyway, u we’ll we’ll get 3:12 3 minutes, 12 seconds back to Michael. Uh LSU has announced or the SEC and LSU has announced the the three players they’re going to be with 3:20 3 minutes, 20 seconds Lane Keifin at SEC media days a week from Thursday morning and that is tight end TDZ Green linebacker with Weeks and 3:29 3 minutes, 29 seconds Old Miss transfer linebacker TJ Dy and um I was hoping that would be uh Sam 3:36 3 minutes, 36 seconds Levit but uh he’s not there. Michael, are you there? Yeah, I’m here. 3:41 3 minutes, 41 seconds Okay, there he is. There he is. Hey man, appreciate you joining us. That’s all right. That’s cool. That’s cool. Yeah. 3:46 3 minutes, 46 seconds Hey, um so are you ready for uh media days? Does that kind of mark the uh the beginning of the season for you guys? 3:54 3 minutes, 54 seconds Yeah, pretty much. Um yeah, it’s into summer and uh it, you know, it started ramping up now that we’re a week out 4:02 4 minutes, 2 seconds from media day. There’s a lot of prep that goes into that. Uh but yeah, once media days, that week gets here. You know, typic. 4:11 4 minutes, 11 seconds been lead off and I think in an attempt to uh keep the uh media contingent there all week, I think they strategically put 4:19 4 minutes, 19 seconds us last. U so we’re uh we’re at the bottom of the lineup this year. But uh but you know, it gives you some 4:27 4 minutes, 27 seconds advantages. Going first gives you some advantages. You allow you kind of you set the bar and uh you know for the rest 4:35 4 minutes, 35 seconds of the week, but going last allows you to see what everybody’s talking about. 4:39 4 minutes, 39 seconds And uh you know there are a lot of big picture items obviously in in college football that that are going to be probably asked. Uh so it gives us a 4:46 4 minutes, 46 seconds chance to sit back and watch the other coaches and players uh have their turn and uh it helps us to kind of get an idea of what we’re walking into. 4:56 4 minutes, 56 seconds So Michael, hey this is Todd. How you doing tonight? Hey good Todd. How are you? 5:00 5 minutes I’m doing well. Thank you. So, I was just thinking about it and you’re entering your 27th year as the LSU 5:08 5 minutes, 8 seconds football sid and I know that’s not your official title. It’s like some type of athletic director type thing. 5:15 5 minutes, 15 seconds Associate director, right? 5:17 5 minutes, 17 seconds Yeah. Y So, I was doing the math and so like you started when you were three. I mean, how did that work? Uh, yeah. It was five. 5:25 5 minutes, 25 seconds Five. Five. Okay. 5:26 5 minutes, 26 seconds Yeah. Yeah. You know, look, I was very lucky. I I came to school at LSU and uh worked uh worked under Herb and and 5:34 5 minutes, 34 seconds still work with Kent and Bill and u you know this is something I I’ve always wanted to do. I I knew from a very early age following in my dad’s footsteps and 5:43 5 minutes, 43 seconds and Herb really gave me an opportunity from an early age as a student here and and I’ve been very fortunate. I I’ve never left campus for any other job. I I 5:52 5 minutes, 52 seconds think I’ve had three jobs my entire three real jobs in my entire life. One was uh mowing grass at the Port of Lake 5:59 5 minutes, 59 seconds Charles. One was working at uh doing uh turnarounds at Sitco Industry in sulfur 6:07 6 minutes, 7 seconds and that didn’t last very long \[laughter\] and then uh and then this and then this. So I I’ve been very very lucky. 6:13 6 minutes, 13 seconds Well, you mentioned your legacy of SID heritage. Your dad of course spent years at Mc Mes and then I think you even have 6:21 6 minutes, 21 seconds a his brother his brother Matthew. Yeah, your brother is involved. Why don’t you go over that real quick? Just how how long? 6:27 6 minutes, 27 seconds So my dad Yeah. So my dad uh was at MCN for 46 years and uh that he was there so 6:35 6 minutes, 35 seconds long they named the football field after him. His name’s on the football field and then they just built a new press box after one of the hurricanes destroyed 6:43 6 minutes, 43 seconds the last one and uh you know they decided he was there so long they put his name on the press box as well or inside the media area of the press box. 6:51 6 minutes, 51 seconds Wow. Uh so yeah, 46 years it was uh you know quite a quite a career for him obviously and uh allowed me to uh to tag 6:59 6 minutes, 59 seconds along to a lot of events and be part of a lot of you know special memories. I grew up uh you know a magnes fan. I 7:07 7 minutes, 7 seconds didn’t I’d never experienced LSU of any type of athletic event until my junior year of high school. had never been to 7:16 7 minutes, 16 seconds anything because I was always, you know, my dad in Saturdays in the fall, I was in Cowboys Stadium. I was doing that and just, you know, pulled for LSU, but I 7:24 7 minutes, 24 seconds wasn’t, you know, a dieh hard fan and then had the opportunity to come here uh after I I did go to MCN for one year and 7:32 7 minutes, 32 seconds then I transferred here for year two and uh so yeah, it’s been it’s been uh really fun uh trying to live up to his 7:42 7 minutes, 42 seconds uh you know to what he did in his profession. has changed a lot obviously, but uh I I I can just have so many great 7:51 7 minutes, 51 seconds vivid memories of being being part of that. But and then you know he retires and my brother was an assistant for Doug 7:58 7 minutes, 58 seconds Ireland at Northwestern State and then uh you know he he was able to to get the MC job and so he’s been there since. So 8:06 8 minutes, 6 seconds there’s been a a bonet in the SID office at MCNE since uh 1963 I think. Wow, that’s amazing. 8:15 8 minutes, 15 seconds So, like when you guys used to have family dinners and just sit around and just talk about SID uh presses and how to write a press release. 8:22 8 minutes, 22 seconds Yeah, we would Yeah. You know, we would talk about a lot of stuff, but you know, I never understood why my dad um so he 8:30 8 minutes, 30 seconds was really a one-man, two-man shop for for ever to be honest. And I never could understand why he just on Sundays he 8:37 8 minutes, 37 seconds didn’t want to sit down and watch NFL football or some other sports. I think, you know, at some point you you got to take a break from sports. And I kind of 8:45 8 minutes, 45 seconds feel like that sometimes as well. I mean, this is your livelihood. This is your life. You spend every day. And I love it. I love talking LSU. Uh, you 8:53 8 minutes, 53 seconds know, you walk down the streets, you go into a store, everybody wants to talk LSU, and I I love it. But, uh, but yeah, taking a break from sports every once in 9:02 9 minutes, 2 seconds a while isn’t too bad. But uh but yeah, I mean it it’s been fun sharing stories and and uh you know it’s the the some of 9:09 9 minutes, 9 seconds the experiences I’ve had. Uh you know, I don’t think I could have ever uh been able to do the things that I’ve been able to to be part of uh without the 9:19 9 minutes, 19 seconds opportunity that Herb first gave me and then uh uh just being here at LSU during what’s been a a great run. I mean, football has been outstanding. 9:28 9 minutes, 28 seconds Baseball’s been tremendous. Women’s basketball, you name it. Gymnastics. Uh, and then with Will back for basketball, that should be a lot of fun as well. 9:36 9 minutes, 36 seconds Well, you know, let’s talk about that a little bit more though in detail. You’ve been here for almost three decades. 9:40 9 minutes, 40 seconds You’ve worked with Skip Bertman, Nick Sabin, Les Miles, Ed Oeron, Brian Kelly, and now Lane Keifin. So, I guess without 9:50 9 minutes, 50 seconds going into detail right now about each one of those because we got a little while to talk about that. What’s the biggest change in just being the LSU sports information director over those 9:58 9 minutes, 58 seconds almost three decades? Yeah, I think uh technology has changed uh you know it’s changed the world but I think from our 10:06 10 minutes, 6 seconds standpoint uh you know social media has really impacted us. Um you know we we 10:13 10 minutes, 13 seconds used to just uh send out press releases by email or or whatever and and and you know count on the media to to pretty 10:23 10 minutes, 23 seconds much tell our story. Now we have the internet, we have social media, we have the biggest social media following uh amongst all schools nationally. U and so 10:32 10 minutes, 32 seconds now we we we tell our own story. We’re able to to to control the message, if you will. And and um you know what our 10:40 10 minutes, 40 seconds people do here from a graphics and creative standpoint, uh you know, it sells LSU. you know, we we’re proud to 10:47 10 minutes, 47 seconds say we are the number one brand in college athletics and and that’s largely in due to uh our social media following. 10:54 10 minutes, 54 seconds Uh you know, we’re we’re way beyond the borders of Louisiana. I mean, it’s uh we’re nationwide and and now even 11:01 11 minutes, 1 second internationally uh with uh w with what you know, the internet and social media. So, um that’s been the biggest change. 11:10 11 minutes, 10 seconds But I I like to think that the traditional job of the sports information director hasn’t uh it’s the 11:17 11 minutes, 17 seconds foundation is still there. You know, we still uh work daily with the coach. We still work daily with you guys setting up interviews, press conferences, you 11:26 11 minutes, 26 seconds know, we do the stuff that that you know that people probably don’t even really care to know, but the stats and the media guides and all those sort of 11:34 11 minutes, 34 seconds things. That’s still part of our day-to-day, but a lot of our focus and emphasis is on enhancing our brand. And 11:41 11 minutes, 41 seconds we do that through social media. And then we take the leverage the power of our student athletes and our former student athletes. I mean, when you think 11:49 11 minutes, 49 seconds about LSU’s got some of the biggest names in all of all of sports that are now, whether they’re in the pro leagues or on TV, uh, you know, it’s really we’ve got a special thing going here. 12:00 12 minutes Yeah. talking to Michael Bett, LSU football sports information director going into his 27th season. And Michael, 12:07 12 minutes, 7 seconds you’re going to be able to stay with us through the next break, right? Till 6:30. Is that cool? Okay. Well, real quick before we we take a break, um, uh, 12:17 12 minutes, 17 seconds Sam Lev is not going to be at SEC media days. Is that is that usually the coach’s call on that when you when 12:24 12 minutes, 24 seconds you’re deciding who goes? Is that usually the coach? 12:27 12 minutes, 27 seconds Well, ultimately, yeah, the coach signs off on it. Look, we talked about it. Sam hasn’t didn’t practice during the spring. Um, we felt like we had a a good 12:36 12 minutes, 36 seconds group uh to pick from. Uh, if we could have taken four four players, I’m sure Sam would have been that fourth player. 12:43 12 minutes, 43 seconds But look, going back, you know, Jaden Daniels didn’t go his first year when he was at LSU. Joe Burrow didn’t go his first year when he was at LSU. So, it’s 12:51 12 minutes, 51 seconds not really out of the ordinary that we don’t bring a firstear transfer quarterback. Um I think eight of the SEC 12:59 12 minutes, 59 seconds schools aren’t bring are bringing quarterbacks and eight are not maybe nine something like that. So um we just felt like with Sam uh while he is uh 13:08 13 minutes, 8 seconds fully recovered and doing everything that we thought he’d be doing at this point um you know we just felt like u 13:15 13 minutes, 15 seconds you know let’s let’s protect him in in the fact that is it going to be all the talk about his injury and recovery and 13:22 13 minutes, 22 seconds all that or so so there was no other reason. I think we we got three really good people we’re bringing. Wit’s going for a second year. TJ Doy went last year 13:31 13 minutes, 31 seconds for Old Miss, so he’s been been there once and he’ll represent us this year. 13:35 13 minutes, 35 seconds And then, you know, Trey Dez, he’s in line for a special year. He’s already been a preseason all-americ and and uh you know, he’s certainly deserving of 13:44 13 minutes, 44 seconds the opportunity to represent LSU. Okay, we all Michael, we only have a couple seconds before break, maybe 15 or so, 13:51 13 minutes, 51 seconds but is there any truth to the rumor that you were gonna you were recommending Watkins, Prince, and TJ to go to Media Days? 13:59 13 minutes, 59 seconds Yes, Lane shot that down. \[laughter\] Yeah. 14:03 14 minutes, 3 seconds Yeah. I I saw an Old Miss writer already said that that the fact that y’all are bringing TJ D is a shot at Old Miss, man. \[laughter\] 14:10 14 minutes, 10 seconds Yeah. It has nothing to do with that at all. I know. I hear you. I hear you. 14:15 14 minutes, 15 seconds Yeah. Yeah, they’re uh they’re they’re going crazy over in Oxford. But uh well, thank Michael, thanks thanks for joining us and thanks for sticking with us to 14:23 14 minutes, 23 seconds through the break. We’re going to be back with uh more Tiger Rag Radio uh right after this break, we’re going to have Michael Bonnet till 6:30. Then at 14:31 14 minutes, 31 seconds 6:30, we’re going to have Jacob Rner from Baseball America. He had a great story on LSU’s uh surviving the draft. 14:38 14 minutes, 38 seconds 700 p.m. Jacques talk with Jacques Duceay. and 7:30, Michael Bonnett’s mentor, one of his mentors in addition 14:46 14 minutes, 46 seconds to his pop, that’s going to be Herb Vincent. But we’ll be back with more Tiger Rag Radio right after this. I’m Richard Fontno, president of the 14:53 14 minutes, 53 seconds Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. My brother and I grow rice, \[music\] soybeans, and raised crawfish on our farm in Evangeline Parish. For a fourth generation farmer like myself, \[music\] 15:02 15 minutes, 2 seconds Louisiana Farm Bureau is as much a part of my life as checking traps or harvesting rice. Our organization is more than 145,000 members \[music\] strong 15:10 15 minutes, 10 seconds and we’ve been around for more than 100 years. The Louisiana Farm Bureau spans generations and we want you to join our family. 15:16 15 minutes, 16 seconds Visit lafarmbureau.org. The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. 15:24 15 minutes, 24 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is back. 15:28 15 minutes, 28 seconds Hello, welcome back to Tiger Eag. This is Glenn Gilbo, editor of Tiger Era magazine with executive editor Todd Horn 15:35 15 minutes, 35 seconds and producer Case Kishnik. All right, got it right. And we’re we’re uh with Michael Bonnet, uh associate AD at LSU 15:43 15 minutes, 43 seconds and sports information director for football. Michael, you’ve worked for several head coaches or worked with 15:50 15 minutes, 50 seconds several head coaches at LSU. I think you were what, 29 when uh you started in 2000. Is that right? Yeah. No, he was five. He was five. Yeah. 15:59 15 minutes, 59 seconds Five. 15:59 15 minutes, 59 seconds And his first assignment was was Nick Sabin. And that was not that was not pretty. I can I remember 16:06 16 minutes, 6 seconds he uh he did not treat you well early on at least. But well, look, we were all learning. He was in his first year at LSU. I was my I 16:15 16 minutes, 15 seconds will tell you this. I I So Herb left around this time because he didn’t want to work with Nick. \[laughter\] Well, I don’t know. You You can ask him 16:22 16 minutes, 22 seconds at 7:30. But uh um I will tell you it was my dream job and all of a sudden I’m 16:31 16 minutes, 31 seconds thrust into a position that I’m like, “Oh my god, this guy Nick is here. He’s tough.” I mean, look, we we know he’s tough. He wanted to win. He had a plan. 16:40 16 minutes, 40 seconds I learned a lot from him. But that first camp, I mean, I don’t know that I slept for two weeks. I lost 20 pounds. I didn’t I couldn’t eat. 16:49 16 minutes, 49 seconds But but we got through it. And uh to be honest, if I picked up the phone and called Nick today, he would help me with anything. He’s, you know, I I owe a lot to him because I learned a lot. 17:00 17 minutes That’s awesome. 17:00 17 minutes And uh you know, Nick was the first coach that you would ever that I’d ever 17:06 17 minutes, 6 seconds heard talk about not outcomes, but processes and all that. And now that’s just common common talk amongst coaches. 17:14 17 minutes, 14 seconds There were really so many things that Nick did that were the first that I could recall. Now, maybe other coaches 17:21 17 minutes, 21 seconds did it and I’m just just having blinders on, but you know, everything he did from a uh me mental standpoint, the way he 17:30 17 minutes, 30 seconds prepared his team. I’ll never forget one of the, you know, he was always big on uh processes and he always wanted to um, 17:38 17 minutes, 38 seconds you know, he obviously wanted to win, but one of the most I think that one of the times I saw him most frustrated came 17:47 17 minutes, 47 seconds after we beat Kentucky in the Bluegrass miracle because if you recall, we played 17:50 17 minutes, 50 seconds \[laughter\] 17:51 17 minutes, 51 seconds terrible in that game. Played absolutely horrible in the second half and somehow found a way to win by obviously a 17:58 17 minutes, 58 seconds miracle. man, he was mad after that game. And that was the infamous Jordy Holtberg speech. Remember they said Jordy recorded this speech in the locker 18:07 18 minutes, 7 seconds room that that’s when Jordy did sideline and all that was all made up. It was all made up. It was all made up. 18:15 18 minutes, 15 seconds And uh Alabama just ran with it. And man, they stomped us that next outing. 18:20 18 minutes, 20 seconds Uh but but really owe a lot to Nick. He helped develop me uh from a a professional standpoint and uh you know 18:29 18 minutes, 29 seconds learned learned a lot. Met met some great people along the way with Nick that I’m still in touch with today. 18:34 18 minutes, 34 seconds Derek Douly, Will Muschamp, Kirby, Jimbo, all those guys. Stacy Surles uh became lifelong friends. So uh and and 18:42 18 minutes, 42 seconds the players, you know, Marcus Spears, I talked to him today. Matt Mock talked to him last week. Guys that, you know, I still remain in contact with. Uh, so those were really special times. 18:53 18 minutes, 53 seconds Hey, so what do you think of Lane so far? And how much do you do you talk to him on a on a weekly basis? I realize 19:02 19 minutes, 2 seconds it’s the off season. And just what is it what is it about Lane that maybe you’ve noticed that the average uh LSU fan hasn’t hasn’t or doesn’t know about? 19:12 19 minutes, 12 seconds Well, I’m still I’m still learning and still getting to know him. We talk almost daily uh either by text or in person. and I was in his office twice 19:20 19 minutes, 20 seconds today talking about stuff. Um, you know, he’s he’s uh he’s much different than than what I thought. I mean, this guy, 19:28 19 minutes, 28 seconds he’s very thoughtful. Uh, he’s got a process. Um, the way he engages with players is really unique. I mean, the 19:36 19 minutes, 36 seconds players just rally around him. So, I watch him out there uh in spring practice, during our offseason 19:42 19 minutes, 42 seconds conditioning. Uh it he’s got a special unique gift and I think he owes a lot of that you know to u having coached with 19:52 19 minutes, 52 seconds Nick but also I think a lot of that has to do with his dad. Uh you know he’s really u his dad is very special to him 20:00 20 minutes and I think his dad passed away a couple years ago but he talks about him a lot and if you’re in his office you see photos of his dad of his father and uh 20:09 20 minutes, 9 seconds you know he speaks about him quite a bit. So, uh, you know, it it’s, uh, I’m really been impressed with the the the time I’ve been around him and watching 20:17 20 minutes, 17 seconds him interact with the players, and I’m tell he’s a relentless recruiter. Um, you know, the they they uh they’ve got something special going uh recruiting 20:26 20 minutes, 26 seconds wise. So, I think we’re just getting started here with him. I don’t know how many games we’ll win this year, but uh uh by the looks of what’s going on out 20:35 20 minutes, 35 seconds there in the conditioning program, uh we are going to be fast, big, strong, and uh we’re going to from the first snap to 20:43 20 minutes, 43 seconds the last one, we’re going to be a team that plays for four full quarters. I can promise you that. 20:48 20 minutes, 48 seconds Michael, I had two questions for you and you just answered one and you’re not going to answer me. I want to know how many games LSU was going to win this year and and you’re not going to tell 20:56 20 minutes, 56 seconds us. So, no, I’m not. I’m not. I usually Yeah. I I I don’t I don’t make those types of predictions, \[laughter\] but I know how many I’d like us to win, but you know. 21:06 21 minutes, 6 seconds Well, so so we’re we’re almost to the end of this this session. Thank you so much for joining us, but I do have one more question for you. 21:14 21 minutes, 14 seconds Yeah. 21:15 21 minutes, 15 seconds The difference between biggest differences between Lane Keifin and Brian Kelly in your opinion right now. 21:23 21 minutes, 23 seconds Um you know, I had a great relationship with with BK. Um I I think they’re both 21:30 21 minutes, 30 seconds really good football coaches. You know, for whatever reason it didn’t work here with BK. Um I think that um they all you 21:38 21 minutes, 38 seconds know, obviously Lane has u offensively he’s got a brilliant mind, but yeah, I 21:45 21 minutes, 45 seconds can’t really \[music\] pinpoint differences. Um I I just know Lane’s going to do very well here. BK went 34 and 14. He won a lot of football games. 21:53 21 minutes, 53 seconds He just didn’t win at the right times. 21:56 21 minutes, 56 seconds Hey, Michael. Thanks a lot for joining us. Appreciate it. And we’ll see you in Tampa next week. Thanks a lot. 22:02 22 minutes, 2 seconds Okay. Thank you guys. All right. See you. 22:05 22 minutes, 5 seconds All right. We’ll be back with more Tiger Rag Radio right after this. 22:09 22 minutes, 9 seconds The East Baton Rouge Parish Libraryies dedicated millillage continuation is on the June 27th ballot. This \[music\] is not a new tax. It’s a continuation of 22:16 22 minutes, 16 seconds the library’s existing dedicated funding source at a lower rate, 9.5 \[music\] mills, which is 14.4% 4% less than the 22:24 22 minutes, 24 seconds rate approved by voters \[music\] in 1995, 2005, and 2015. Without it, future library services could be reduced, \[music\] including hours, collections, 22:33 22 minutes, 33 seconds and programs. Early voting begins June 12th. Learn more at ebrpl.com/millage. 22:37 22 minutes, 37 seconds \[music\] 22:40 22 minutes, 40 seconds We’re back to Tiger Rag \[music\] Radio. 22:45 22 minutes, 45 seconds Hello, welcome back to Tiger Radio. This is Glenn Gilbo with Case Kishnik. Uh, I want to thank Michael Bonnet again, LSU 22:52 22 minutes, 52 seconds sports information director for football. You know, so often we we’re only asking Michael, hey, can you get me this interview? Please can get me this interview. Can you get me Keifin? Can 23:01 23 minutes, 1 second you get me these players? And it was nice just to talk to him about himself and what he’s went going through cuz it’s a hell of a story what what that 23:09 23 minutes, 9 seconds young man did as a young man with with Coach Sabin and then all the controversies and other coaches that 23:16 23 minutes, 16 seconds that followed. He’s he’s seen it all. He should he should write a book. But uh and uh good luck to him with Lane 23:24 23 minutes, 24 seconds Keifin. Uh and we are now joined by Baseball America writer Jacob Ruddner. 23:31 23 minutes, 31 seconds Uh Jacob, how are you doing? Well, how are you? 23:34 23 minutes, 34 seconds Hey, thanks for joining us, man. Now, you were uh you were holding all weekend covering the uh M MLB draft and uh you 23:42 23 minutes, 42 seconds had a great story in Baseball America yesterday about Tennessee and LSU were two of the top schools as far as 23:50 23 minutes, 50 seconds surviving the draft with a with a great roster still intact. Uh what what do you think of uh of LSU as they as they come out of the draft? 24:01 24 minutes, 1 second Yeah, I mean I I think it went about as expected in terms of who would be removed from the college roster already. 24:07 24 minutes, 7 seconds Derek Curiel going fifth overall, Jake Brown, Devin Sheeran all picked inside the first four rounds, but I think largely they did quite well beyond the 24:16 24 minutes, 16 seconds expected departures. Uh Braden Simpson is doesn’t get drafted. Cooper Moore is expected to return. We’ve actually known 24:23 24 minutes, 23 seconds that now for some time. Uh they just it really is a roster that will stay intact. Kade Kurlin in the transfer portal also removes his name, doesn’t 24:31 24 minutes, 31 seconds get drafted. Uh, and then on the high school side that there were a number of victories. So, uh, by and large, I think that LSU came away as one of the, uh, 24:39 24 minutes, 39 seconds winners of the weekend, if you will, just in terms of how many players they expected to get to campus that will actually get there in the end. Do do you 24:47 24 minutes, 47 seconds think in the MLB draft that there’s more conversations between the players and their representatives and the teams as 24:56 24 minutes, 56 seconds far as, you know, deals being made beforehand, which leads to them maybe not getting drafted? Uh because that’s 25:04 25 minutes, 4 seconds what Jay mentioned about a couple of his players, like he said they would have got drafted higher, but they wanted more money and they were ready to stay at 25:13 25 minutes, 13 seconds LSU. that that probably happens more in baseball than the other sports, would you say? 25:18 25 minutes, 18 seconds There’s no doubt about that. I think a large part of this year’s draft, one of the themes that we saw was that players were holding teams to a higher bar uh 25:27 25 minutes, 27 seconds for signability. And whether that’s because they have lucrative deals lined up on the college side already or because they feel as though over the 25:34 25 minutes, 34 seconds course of a three-year college career, their earning potential plus what they’ll get paid after their junior seasons in the draft when they get 25:42 25 minutes, 42 seconds eligible again. Uh those are factors that are playing in as heavily as they ever have uh in the history of the 25:48 25 minutes, 48 seconds sport. I mean NIL is booming now relative to what it was in 2021 even in college baseball. So I I think that we 25:57 25 minutes, 57 seconds saw this year that there were a number of high schoolers who decided to set very high numbers that allowed them to get to campus and that was certainly the 26:05 26 minutes, 5 seconds case for a number of LSU players. Uh and then in the transfer portal as well. I you know I brought up Kade Kurland a couple minutes ago. So, he’s a great 26:13 26 minutes, 13 seconds example. College senior now, uh, was at Florida for four years, has a medical red shirt season. His earning potential 26:20 26 minutes, 20 seconds at LSU in 2027 is higher than what he would have earned in the draft this summer. And and so there are a number of cases like that around the country and I 26:29 26 minutes, 29 seconds thought that that really played a role in this year’s draft. 26:33 26 minutes, 33 seconds Hey, Jacob, this is Case. You mentioned that high school class that uh Jay Johnson was able to get to Baton Rouge. 26:38 26 minutes, 38 seconds What are some of the big names? maybe some 50-50 guys that he didn’t know whether or not would make it to campus that they were able to get enrolled at LSU, make it through the draft, maybe 26:46 26 minutes, 46 seconds not go as high as they expected. Uh what are some names to look out for uh for LSU fans? 26:52 26 minutes, 52 seconds Yeah, Kobe Stringer and Cooper Sides, two pitchers I I think were really 50/50 names going into day two. There were questions about whether or not they 27:00 27 minutes would get picked off. Uh Lucas Nraki, another pitcher, was somebody that I know that the staff was kind of sweating out a little bit going into day two. Uh 27:08 27 minutes, 8 seconds but there was I think there was a general confidence uh once the once day one ended that there was going to be uh a decent amount of representation from 27:17 27 minutes, 17 seconds the top of the class. Uh I I think that on the the bat side LSU maybe didn’t necessarily do as strong as it did uh 27:26 27 minutes, 26 seconds with its pitching, but you know by and large I think that the sum of this class that will get to campus uh is very good. 27:32 27 minutes, 32 seconds And I also think that there’s a number of guys who were drafted. Malachi Washington, outfielder Dominic Sanchelli. Both of them went into the 27:39 27 minutes, 39 seconds 18th round. Those guys I would expect to have a shot to still get to campus despite how late they went or the fact that they went in the draft at all. Uh 27:46 27 minutes, 46 seconds and if they do, those are impact bat players. 27:50 27 minutes, 50 seconds Yeah. And Jay Johnson did a great job in the portal with his uh position players and he got a couple of pitchers, but the 27:58 27 minutes, 58 seconds pitching remains the big question mark going into next season. Uh, you know, William Schmidt was okay last year. Kase 28:05 28 minutes, 5 seconds Evans was kind of hurt last year. Didn’t have the same type season he had the year before. Cooper Moore got hurt. He’s 28:12 28 minutes, 12 seconds coming back. Who Who on the present team do you see maybe stepping up on the pitching staff? 28:20 28 minutes, 20 seconds For me, it’s Case Evans. It pretty much has to be. I I think that he has ace potential in the SEC. We’ve certainly seen it uh in spurts last season and the 28:28 28 minutes, 28 seconds year before that when he was a freshman coming out of the bullpen. I I think his potential was very clear. I would imagine that LSU has had a very uh you 28:36 28 minutes, 36 seconds know direct approach with him this summer just in the sense that they know exactly what he needs to improve. 28:42 28 minutes, 42 seconds Whether that’s mechanically, whether that’s reshaping some things in his arsenal, uh playing with how much he’ll use certain pitches, all of that, I would imagine has has kind of gone under 28:51 28 minutes, 51 seconds the microscope with Kase Evans this offseason and he would really be the guy. I I’d be curious to see how soon Cooper Moore will be healthy uh next 29:00 29 minutes season. I think that he has the potential to be a very reliable weekend starter. Maybe not an ace, uh, but health permitting, I think that he’s an 29:07 29 minutes, 7 seconds impact player. And then I think that the the rest of the impact you’re looking at really is going to come from this transfer class. 29:14 29 minutes, 14 seconds What about the uh the incoming freshman that you mentioned? Uh, do you think do you see a path for them to to have a impact out of the bullpen in year one? 29:22 29 minutes, 22 seconds Is there any way that they can make an impact on those pitching staff or is it up to those transfers and those guys who are already on the roster to kind of pick up the slack? No, I mean the these 29:30 29 minutes, 30 seconds are very advanced freshman for sure and and I know that you know this is kind of a theme across the SEC, not necessarily unique to LSU, but we we’ve seen that 29:39 29 minutes, 39 seconds arms have a path to playing immediately uh if the stuff is ready to play. Sam Kosart at Texas this year was an all-American. Kaden Glober, you want to 29:47 29 minutes, 47 seconds go beyond the SEC at NC at UNCC was an all-American, one of the best relievers in the country. And so I think that a number of these arms, the guys who I 29:54 29 minutes, 54 seconds mentioned specifically, uh will be well positioned to uh potentially contribute, but but as you guys know, when when 30:02 30 minutes, 2 seconds you’re in the SEC and these rosters are so uh loaded with talent, it is also hard to find meaningful innings. So uh just in terms of pure potential, 30:10 30 minutes, 10 seconds absolutely, I think that they could contribute, but it will be very competitive, I think, in Baton Rouge. 30:15 30 minutes, 15 seconds Jacob, real quick, just got a couple minutes left. Um, how surprised were you at LSU’s season last year? How how it 30:22 30 minutes, 22 seconds fell apart? Uh, you know, the fewest SEC wins they ever had in history of the SEC. Did that did that surprise you? 30:32 30 minutes, 32 seconds Yeah, of course. I mean, we had LSU as the number two team in the country going into the season and and so for them to not even make the tournament obviously 30:39 30 minutes, 39 seconds comes as a a major surprise. That being said though, I I think any great program, especially in this era with the transfer portal, is going to go through 30:48 30 minutes, 48 seconds some of these very steep uh es and flows where you’re at the top of the sport one year and then things regress. I mean, to be good in college baseball right now, 30:57 30 minutes, 57 seconds we’ve seen pretty widely that you need to have an older roster a and generally one that’s going to be very draft eligible that that age. And so those 31:07 31 minutes, 7 seconds guys go. And so LSU had a great team that lost a lot of talent. Replacing that much that quickly is very difficult. And sometimes, you know, the 31:15 31 minutes, 15 seconds bets that you take in the transfer portal don’t materialize into the wins that you expected. And I think that that was the case for LSU. I I think that for 31:23 31 minutes, 23 seconds Jay Johnson because the reality is that this is a very, you know, quickly evolving landscape. Uh and I do think that he’s had some time to adjust. So, 31:32 31 minutes, 32 seconds uh, surprising, yes, but but I don’t think it’s, uh, you know, all that stunning when you consider just the era that we’re in and the volatility that comes with it. 31:40 31 minutes, 40 seconds Jacob Rner, Baseball America, thanks a lot for joining us. Appreciate it. Thanks for having me. 31:45 31 minutes, 45 seconds All right, and we will be back with more Tiger Rag Radio right after this. This is Tiger Rag Radio. 31:56 31 minutes, 56 seconds Hello, welcome back to Tiger Rag Radio. 31:58 31 minutes, 58 seconds This is Glenn Gilbo, Tiger Rag editor with uh producer and writer Case Kishnik. I want to thank Jacob Rner from 32:06 32 minutes, 6 seconds Baseball America. Check out his uh his stories. I tell you, I I thought the uh the most significant thing Case coming 32:14 32 minutes, 14 seconds out of the draft was something Jay Johnson said to Jacques Ducet, who’s going to be our guest at 7:00 uh in his 32:22 32 minutes, 22 seconds interview uh on Jacques Talk. He was said he was tired of the in-n-out modern baseball world that he’s in right now. 32:32 32 minutes, 32 seconds And he doesn’t want to have to go into the portal all the time. And he’s really liking the three-year commitment he’s 32:40 32 minutes, 40 seconds getting from a lot of these high school signes that he’s got. And he’s going to get most of that class. And and that 32:47 32 minutes, 47 seconds echoes what he said at midseason when when the season was going away. He he was upset with the Portal. Uh you know, 32:55 32 minutes, 55 seconds the Portal players he had were were disappointments and he was saying the future is with the high school players and and you accentuate that with the 33:04 33 minutes, 4 seconds Portal. But I think that’s how that’s that’s the type roster building I think we’re going to see from now on with LSU. 33:10 33 minutes, 10 seconds Yeah. And he mentioned uh when he was on the show last the um the kid from UCLA or that’s now committed to UCLA that uh that flipped his commitment. he would 33:18 33 minutes, 18 seconds have been one of those guys that was a draft ele eligible sophomore and there just wasn’t really the path for playing time in Baton Rouge. And I think you’re going to see that a lot with any recruit 33:27 33 minutes, 27 seconds that LSU is going to bring in is they kind of have to have that understanding that I’m probably not going to see much playing time in that first season just 33:34 33 minutes, 34 seconds because of how competitive Jay Johnson builds his rosters every year. You know, if there’s a position of need, he’s going to go out and grab a guy in the portal like we’ve seen with the 33:42 33 minutes, 42 seconds outfielders, like we’ve seen with Dawson Park and uh Kurland in the infield. 33:47 33 minutes, 47 seconds So, it does create kind of this in and out like he’s saying with um around the country where you get the guys coming in, even the one and done now with the 33:56 33 minutes, 56 seconds sophomore eligible uh draft eligible sophomores, excuse me. But that’s not I think what we’re going to see in Baton Rouge really. 34:03 34 minutes, 3 seconds Yeah. Here’s here’s the exact quote. I don’t want to do the inn-out and modern college athletics thing in the portal 34:11 34 minutes, 11 seconds all the time. We’re really focused on a three-year commitment. And that’s coming from a guy who’s really gotten some great players from the portal like Paul 34:20 34 minutes, 20 seconds Skins, you know, and Daniel Dickinson uh last year on the on the championship team and and and many others. But um I I 34:30 34 minutes, 30 seconds think that is the the best idea because um you know you get to train them, you get to coach them, you get to kind of 34:37 34 minutes, 37 seconds build your culture when you got guys for two or three years and then when you need something, you know, you need a short stop or something happens, you 34:44 34 minutes, 44 seconds lose a guy in the draft or uh you know, then then you go in the portal for a handful of guys and uh I think that’s what you’re going to see. 34:52 34 minutes, 52 seconds Well, and you’ve even seen it with the type of guys that he’s targeting out the portal this year. Of course, you know, there’s some upper classmen, Bino Waters, Jason Wax, that you’re getting 35:00 35 minutes to fill those positions of need that you don’t have control. But the pitchers, he’s targeting young guys that have years left of eligibility. Landon Hood, 35:07 35 minutes, 7 seconds uh, Diego Velasquez, they’re guys that it’s an investment in the future because you are going to have guys like Marcos Paws that maybe you do think you’ve got 35:15 35 minutes, 15 seconds for a couple years in Baton Rouge that end up heading out and you just that’s not in your control. Um, so it is kind of that balancing act of being able to 35:24 35 minutes, 24 seconds adapt and address the needs as they come up, but not banking on that every year. 35:29 35 minutes, 29 seconds And you’re kind of seeing that throughout college athletics, but I suppose if you can avoid it in Baton Rouge baseball, that would be for the best, 35:36 35 minutes, 36 seconds right? and uh he s sounds really excited about outfielder Dominic Santaelli 35:43 35 minutes, 43 seconds uh who was picked in the 18th round by Seattle and outfielder Malachi Washington also picked in the 18th round from the Pirates for the by the Pirates. 35:53 35 minutes, 53 seconds Malachi is from Stone Mountain, Georgia. 35:55 35 minutes, 55 seconds Dominic’s from uh Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. And and Jay said kind of what uh Jacob was talking about. Both of 36:04 36 minutes, 4 seconds those guys set a price for themselves that the major league teams didn’t meet and if they hadn’t done that, they’d 36:11 36 minutes, 11 seconds have got drafted a lot higher. Uh but but you know, they and and better for LSU because of that. So So that you can 36:18 36 minutes, 18 seconds imagine major league teams probably hate this uh NIL and Portal and and the money that that baseball players are getting 36:26 36 minutes, 26 seconds now cuz in the old days they were negotiating with guys who were not going to make any money. Now they’re negotiating against another team. You know, it’s almost like free agency 36:35 36 minutes, 35 seconds before they’re even in Major League Baseball. So, um the uh the Tigers are definitely I I think I mean, of course, 36:43 36 minutes, 43 seconds I thought they were going to be great last year, but I think they’re really going to be good this year because of the portal players they got who are from 36:50 36 minutes, 50 seconds bigger and better schools than some of the guys they got last year. The returning players they got like Kate Aaron Bey and Mason Brawn. And then some 36:59 36 minutes, 59 seconds of these true freshman are going to come in like Santaelli and Malachi who we who we just talked about and hopefully 37:06 37 minutes, 6 seconds William Schmidt takes that next step and Kase Evans returns to his 2025 form and they should be really good. 37:13 37 minutes, 13 seconds Yeah, I mean that’s really what the season comes down to for me is that you feel good about the position side of position player side of things. You think the bats are going to do well. 37:21 37 minutes, 21 seconds There’s there’s proven production out of the portal there. It’s can these guys uh on the pitching staff take that next step like uh Jacob was just saying, can 37:30 37 minutes, 30 seconds Kase Evans come back? Can they step up and be a true weekend starter? And that’s what you need. 37:36 37 minutes, 36 seconds Yeah. And and Cooper Moore too is going to be key. he was actually their best pitcher or it was off to the best start of the three pitchers and he got hurt 37:44 37 minutes, 44 seconds early uh in the SEC season and and you know really if Jake Brown doesn’t get hurt cuz he he he was having a really 37:53 37 minutes, 53 seconds good offensive year. They probably would have I don’t think I don’t know if they would have made the NCA tournament but they would probably won a few more SEC games and maybe maybe had a shot and 38:02 38 minutes, 2 seconds then and you know Kase got hurt, Cooper got hurt. They they really got hit by the injury bug in addition to the uh to the portal uh disappointments. But uh 38:11 38 minutes, 11 seconds we’re going to be back with Jacques Ducet at uh 700 p.m. We’re going to talk about him having Jay Johnson on the show. And then at 7:30 we’ll have Herb 38:20 38 minutes, 20 seconds Vincent talk about the SEC media days and uh his time at LSU. We’ll be back with more Tiger Rag Radio right after this. 38:29 38 minutes, 29 seconds How you doing? This is Snow Dog. 38:30 38 minutes, 30 seconds Tiger Rag. Tiger Rag Radio. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, you are tuned in. 38:35 38 minutes, 35 seconds Talk LSU sports interviews, opinions, and new calls around the Tiger Nation. 38:40 38 minutes, 40 seconds Batt Road was a life for me, home of LSU Tigers. Now, more Tiger Rag Radio. 38:44 38 minutes, 44 seconds We love to score and get highlights in the championship play to win. Tiger Rag Radio. 38:51 38 minutes, 51 seconds Welcome back to Tiger Rag Radio. This is Glenn Gilbo, Tiger editor with Todd Horn, Tiger Rag executive editor, vice president and uh Case Kishnik, president 39:00 39 minutes of Tiger Egg and Louisiana Radio Network. Not now, but he will be news to me. \[laughter\] 39:09 39 minutes, 9 seconds Uh I gave you access today. So there you go. First step in a seemingly very long journey according to Glenn. \[laughter\] 39:18 39 minutes, 18 seconds I’d never heard that story from Michael Bonnet earlier about him not sleeping for for two weeks. I I had talked to him 39:24 39 minutes, 24 seconds a lot at that time about just how tough it was working with Sabin. And then when Nick came back to LSU the first time as 39:33 39 minutes, 33 seconds Alabama’s coach in 2008, I remember did a feature on that and talked to Michael and uh he said the same thing. He said 39:41 39 minutes, 41 seconds during our our segment there that he learned a lot uh from Nick, but uh he really wanted less to beat Nick too. I 39:48 39 minutes, 48 seconds can tell you that. But but I mean everybody at LSU did, you know, it was it was an emotional time and it was very comparable to what’s going on at Old 39:57 39 minutes, 57 seconds Miss right now. Even though you had a two-year buffer when Nick was at the Dolphins, when he came back to Alabama, it was like those two years were erased. 40:06 40 minutes, 6 seconds So, you were there during all that time and I know you wanted to talk a little bit about Bonnet and I do too. Maybe we’ll catch catch up with that later. 40:13 40 minutes, 13 seconds But since you brought it up when Sabin left LSU to go to the Dolphins and then he spent two years 40:22 40 minutes, 22 seconds there and decided ultimately he wanted to come back to college football. There was all those rumors that he wanted to 40:29 40 minutes, 29 seconds come back to LSU and he actually checked out to see, you know, what the temperature was if he could come back. 40:37 40 minutes, 37 seconds Was there any veracity to that? 40:38 40 minutes, 38 seconds I I think there were people at LSU that wanted him to come back and I think he listened to him, but I do not think that 40:47 40 minutes, 47 seconds he was really looking to come back to LSU. I I don’t believe that. Now, he hasn’t told me that for sure, but I 40:55 40 minutes, 55 seconds think just from being around at the time and just knowing how coaches are, you know, that would have been going backwards even though it would have been a a great job and coaches have done it. 41:05 41 minutes, 5 seconds Mike Riley did that at um Oregon State. Oregon State. Yeah. 41:09 41 minutes, 9 seconds But see, but but and I but that was cuz he failed, right? But but but this is the same man who recommended Lane Ke because it’s the best job in America. 41:19 41 minutes, 19 seconds Yeah. It might not have been the best job in America in 2007 though. I think he he thinks it is now. But uh you know 41:28 41 minutes, 28 seconds and I can tell you this when he he was with the Dolphins in that um November of 2006 41:36 41 minutes, 36 seconds in his last season uh Alabama was about to hire Rich Rodriguez. In fact, Ian Raport is a big 41:43 41 minutes, 43 seconds NFL reporter now. He was covering Alabama for the Birmingham News and they had a story that Rich Rodriguez was going to be the coach and there was no 41:52 41 minutes, 52 seconds doubt about it. He was the coach and Rich Rodriguez changed his mind. And after that happened, I found out later 41:59 41 minutes, 59 seconds Nick told Jimmy Ston, “I want that job.” Okay. And uh and in the interim, you know, they kept it all a secret, you 42:08 42 minutes, 8 seconds know, as long as long as they could. So I think he really wanted the Alabama job and and the only other opening jobs at 42:15 42 minutes, 15 seconds the at at that time was like two lane and and you know some other job that he was not going to take. Now had LSU been 42:22 42 minutes, 22 seconds open and Alabama not open and the other jobs were like two lane or you know Auburn or Louisville he might have come back to LSU. 42:30 42 minutes, 30 seconds Yeah. Because if if people who may not remember or or just have a perception of Alabama because of what Bear Bryant did and then of course what Nick did later 42:38 42 minutes, 38 seconds after he got there, those were lean years for Alabama. 42:41 42 minutes, 41 seconds Oh yeah. Yeah. Well Well, if uh if LSU had had an opening and Alabama had an opening when Nick was really wanting to 42:49 42 minutes, 49 seconds leave the NFL cuz he did not like it in that situation, he might have taken LSU because it was better because all his players were still there. And and I 42:58 42 minutes, 58 seconds mean, you know, when when Les went to the national championship in 2007, that’s 2 years after uh Nick left, there 43:06 43 minutes, 6 seconds was more than 30 players that had \[music\] played for Nick on that national championship team. We’ll be back. We’ve got to take a break. We’ll \[music\] be 43:14 43 minutes, 14 seconds back with Jacqu Duceay from WFP right after **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News, Podcast, Radio **Tags:** Baseball America, Jacob Rudner, lsu baseball, Michael Bonnette, tiger rag radio, TigerRag.com Audibles podcast --- ### [LSU Football Season Will Likely Swing On The Arm, Legs And Right Foot Of QB Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-will-likely-swing-on-the-arm-legs-and-right-foot-of-qb-sam-leavitt/) **Published:** July 14, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By KACE KIEISCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter The 2026 LSU Tigers will go as far as redshirt junior quarterback Sam Leavitt’s right arm and legs can take them. Fortunately for Lane Kiffin and the Tigers, Leavitt was the No. 1 prospect in the transfer portal and has a proven record of excelling in year one in a new program. Unfortunately, one of those legs is attached to a right foot that underwent Lisfranc surgery last year and had the screws removed in April. Leavitt, though, knows how to adjust. This season, Leavitt enters the third school of his collegiate career and sixth since 2019. The four-star high school prospect began his prep career at Westview High in Portland, Oregon. As a sophomore, his family moved to Pleasant Grove, Utah, where he completed 103 of 196 passes for 1,672 yards and 17 TDs in 11 games. A new home, a new Sam Leavitt. He then moved back to Westview as a junior and led the Wildcats to a 9-2 record with 2,033 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, but his Westview team was eliminated in the second round of the Class 6A Oregon High School playoffs. Time for another change of scenery. Leavitt transferred to West Linn High School for his senior season in 2022 and finished with a 12-1 record and the Class 6A state championship. He threw for 3,184 yards and 36 touchdowns and racked up 693 yards and 8 TDs on the ground. He was named MaxPreps Oregon High School Player of the Year and Gatorade Oregon Football Player of the Year while being ranked as high as the No. 76 recruit in the class of 2023. He committed to Michigan State and redshirted as a freshman, appearing in just four games. But this mobile gunslinger was not done scrambling. Again, a new school welcomed an improved Leavitt. This time it was an Arizona State team that started three different quarterbacks the year prior. He led the Sun Devils to an 11-3 campaign, Big 12 title and the school’s first College Football Playoff appearance in the 2024 season. In 13 starts, Leavitt completed 61.7 percent of his passes for 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns and six interceptions. He ran for 433 yards and five TDs on 110 carries and was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year and second-team all-conference. In the Big 12 championship game, Leavitt completed 12 of 17 passes for 219 yards and three TDs and ran for another touchdown in a 45-19 win over Iowa State. “Sam’s good. Sam’s really good. I keep saying it,” then-Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham said late in the 2024 season. “Sam’s really good, and we should be really happy that we have Sam, and we have him for two to three more years. I mean, Sam’s going to play on Sundays. There’s zero doubt in my mind Sam’s an NFL player.” A ligament injury in his mid-right foot limited Leavitt to only seven starts last year as he led ASU to a 5-2 record. On pace to surpass his 2024 campaign, he completed 145 of 239 passes for 1,628 yards, 10 TDs with three interceptions and added 306 yards and five TDs on the ground before the injury. Now, he arrives in Baton Rouge. Again, poised to improve, but battling a new challenge. Leavitt’s Lisfranc (named after Jacques Lisfranc de St. Martin, a French surgeon in the 1800s) procedure on Oct. 31 realigned displaced and/or torn metatarsal bones in the center of his right foot with stabilizing screws. The injury and surgery are not uncommon in college athletics. Almost all athletes who experience the season-ending surgery return for the next year but typically experience a minor decrease in production. Former LSU quarterback Matt Mauck had the same injury in 2002 and missed much of that season. But he returned in 2003 to help lead LSU to the national title with minimal impact from the injury. Leavitt signed with Kiffin and the Tigers in January, but he missed the bulk of spring practice before and after having the screws removed from his surgery removed on April 6\. The expected starter was fully cleared for fall practice over the summer, and Kiffin was not that concerned that his quarterback missed the majority of spring drills. “Years ago, you’d have been really concerned that the quarterback’s going to miss your spring,” Kiffin said. “He’s done a great job mentally in the meetings and walk-throughs and was able to throw some individual before this procedure.” And Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. are also are used to developing transfer QBs into immediate stars. Kiffin and Weis Jr. did get quarterback Trinidad Chambliss ready for a superstar 2025 season at Ole Miss in just a summer, as Chambliss had not transferred in time from Division II Ferris State to make spring practices. All he did was throw for 3,937 yards and 22 TDs after an abbreviated offseason and enters this season as a Heisman Trophy contender. They helped USC transfer Jaxson Dart become a first-round NFL Draft pick after the 2024 season. He passed for 2,974 yards and 10 touchdowns and ran for 614 yards and a score in his first year at Ole Miss in 2022. The Kiffin-Weis offense has produced a 3,000-yard passer in each of the last three seasons, and Leavitt has the talent and tenacity to make his mark in year one at LSU. The redshirt junior is an exceptional improviser in and out of the pocket, a threat in open space and a creative passer who can make any throw on the field. Most importantly, he adapts quickly. Westview, Pleasant Grove, West Linn, Michigan State, Arizona State, LSU — wherever he goes, he succeeds. Leavitt gets better at each stop along the way. And he does not wait around to do it. “He’s really a quick study,” Jon Eagle, who was Leavitt’s coach at West Linn High, told Tiger Rag. “What he’s really good at, too, is deciphering a lot of information in half a second, which is important for a quarterback looking at the field.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Arizona State, Charlie Weis Jr., lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Sam Leavitt --- ### [LSU's Paul Skenes Wins Again, But Ex-Tiger Commitment Jacob Misiorowski Held Out Of Star-Studded Duel](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-paul-skenes-wins-again-but-ex-tiger-commitment-jacob-misiorowski-held-out-of-star-studded-duel/) **Published:** July 13, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Former LSU ace Paul Skenes won his second straight decision on Sunday for the Pittsburgh Pirates, 14-5, over the National League Central leading Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park in Pittsburgh after six straight decision losses. Skenes (8-8, 3.57 ERA) allowed two runs on three hits and struck out seven with one walk in five and a third innings for the victory. The victory completed a three-game sweep of the Central defending champion Brewers (59-37) by Pittsburgh and cut Milwaukee’s lead over the fourth place Pirates (50-47) to 9.5 games going into the All-Star break. Pittsburgh swept a doubleheader Saturday. Last year at this time, the Pirates were 39-58 and 18.5 games behind the first place Chicago Cubs. Skenes was scheduled for a nationally televised duel on Sunday with Milwaukee fireballing phenom and former LSU commitment Jacob Misiorowski (10-4, 1.62 ERA), who leads Major League Baseball in strikeouts with 167 and most pitches at 100 mph or higher this season with an MLB record 670. He also is averaging an MLB-high 100.5 mph average on his fastball. > [Paul Skenes Vs. Jacob Misiorowski Part II On National TV Sunday … Could’ve Been 1, 2 In LSU Rotation In 2023](https://www.tigerrag.com/paul-skenes-vs-jacob-misiorowski-part-ii-on-national-tv-sunday-couldve-been-1-2-in-lsu-rotation-in-2023/) But Misiorowski was scratched on Saturday due to, naturally, arm fatigue. And Skenes beat Robert Gasser (2-4) instead as the Pirates put up seven runs on eight hits off him in three innings. “His arm doesn’t feel great. His body doesn’t feel great,” Milwaukee manager Pat Murphy, a former Notre Dame and Arizona State head coach, told reporters on Saturday. “There’s no imaging or none of that stuff going on. We’re just giving him a rest, and he needs some time away from throwing. He’s had a big load, and we’re making that decision to give him a break, because his throwing program today was a little clunky, and we just didn’t like what we saw and we’re going to hold him out.” Misiorowski, who is expected to start again after the All-Star break, could have been in the same rotation with Skenes in 2023 after committing to LSU coach Jay Johnson in 2022. But he later entered the 2022 Major League Baseball Draft instead and went in the second round to Milwaukee. He and Skenes were both named last week to the All-Star Game Tuesday night (7 p.m., FOX) in Philadelphia. Both are expected to be at the game, but neither will pitch. “It stinks to miss a start and the All-Star Game, but I know it’s the right thing to do in this situation,” Misiorowski said Sunday. “My arm is a little tired.” Asked about missing a chance to pitch against Skenes again, Misiorowski said, “Even if I were pitching against someone off the street, I’d be disappointed not to pitch. “It doesn’t matter who I’m pitching against.” Misiorowski leads Skenes, 1-0, as he beat him, 4-2, on June 25, 2025, in Milwaukee in a five-inning shutout in which he allowed two hits and two walks with eight strikeouts. Skenes gave up four runs on four hits and two walks with four strikeouts in four innings. > From The Vault: Why Paul Skenes should’ve been Born On The Fourth of July: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 3, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2073187434368503960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Skenes is fifth in strikeouts this season with 130 in 108 and a third innings with 24 walks. Misiorowski has his 167 in 111 innings with 27 walks. The Pirates have been notorious for not scoring runs for Skenes, but they made up for that Sunday with 14 runs on 15 hits, including two homers and seven extra-base hits in all. “It makes it hard to lose when you score 14 runs,” Skenes said. “That’s nice. we should do that a lot.” > [Paul Skenes Showing His Acting Chops In More Ways Than One, And Girlfriend Livvy Dunne Agrees](https://www.tigerrag.com/paul-skenes-showing-his-acting-chops-in-more-ways-than-one-and-girlfriend-livvy-dunne-agrees/) Pittsburgh showed the same power in Skenes’ previous win over Atlanta, 12-4, last week as Ryan O’Hearn hit three home runs with a grand slam and two three-run bolts for 10 RBIs that set the Pittsburgh club record in the Pirates’ 14-hit attack. “And it was very democratic this time,” Skenes said. “Wasn’t just Ryan, so, got to point that out. Kinda wish we didn’t have an All-star break at this point. It’s been fun. We’ll keep it rolling. It’s going to be a fun year.” Skenes started the last two All-Star games, but will be watching this one in uniform. “Just be able to take a couple of days off and relax,” he said. “Can’t wait to see what happens in the second half.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Jacob Misiorowski, lsu baseball, Milwaukee Brewers, Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates --- ### [LSU Football: Lane Kiffin's Portal Class Leads The Way With 8 On ESPN's Top 100 List](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-lane-kiffins-portal-class-ties-indianas-with-8-in-espns-top-100-list/) **Published:** July 14, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By KACE KIEISCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter LSU put the most football players on [ESPN’s top 100 transfers](https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/47467021/2026-ncaa-football-transfer-portal-best-players) list for the 2026 season with eight, including three in the top five. Redshirt junior quarterback Sam Leavitt of Arizona State leads LSU’s 41-player transfer class at No. 2 on the list, followed by former five-star junior offensive tackle Jordan Seaton of Colorado at No. 3 and senior edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen of Ole Miss at No. 5. Kiffin also put three wide receivers in the top 100, whick could help Leavitt. Here are LSU’s eight: > [LSU Football Season Will Likely Swing On The Arm, Legs And Right Foot Of QB Sam Leavitt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-season-will-likely-swing-on-the-arm-legs-and-right-foot-of-qb-sam-leavitt/) **No. 2 Quarterback Sam Leavitt, Arizona State** Leavitt (6-foot-2, 216 pounds) was regarded as the top transfer quarterback and top transfer overall by many in the offseason. Former Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby’s annulment from college football helps Leavitt’s stock but not enough to propel him to the top overall spot in ESPN’s ranking. That honor went to Texas wide receiver Cam Coleman. Leavitt was a playmaker in two seasons at Arizona State. He revives broken plays in the backfield, leaves defenders in the dust on the ground and makes jaw-dropping throws a weekly occurrence. But he is also coming off a season-ending fight foot ligament injury that sidelined him most of spring practice. He will have to get up to speed quickly in a new scheme with a fresh group of pass catchers, but he can be a playmaker for the Tigers right away. **No. 3 Offensive Tackle Jordan Seaton, Colorado** Seaton (6-5, 307) was a five-star prospect when he committed to Colorado and head coach Deion Sanders in 2024. The junior started nine games last season before missing the final three. He allowed just one sack and was called for three penalties in 561 snaps. Seaton was the consensus No. 1 tackle in his high school class and he proved why immediately, starting all 13 games as a true freshman. He was an All-Big 12 selection last season and grades out as one of the nation’s best pass rushers. He will be an immediate upgrade at the left tackle position for an LSU team that desperately needed help on the offensive line. > [Ole Miss Sour Grapes Update: Rebels Looking Into Lawsuit Vs. 2 Former Players Who Followed Lane Kiffin To LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/ole-miss-sour-grapes-update-rebels-looking-into-lawsuit-vs-2-former-players-who-followed-lane-kiffin-to-lsu/) **No. 5 Edge Princewill Umanmielen, Ole Miss** Umanmielen (6-4, 244) was the top-rated edge rusher in the transfer portal. The senior tied for third in the SEC with nine sacks at Ole Miss last season and recorded 13 tackles for loss. He spent the prior two seasons at Nebraska where he played 23 games and made 35 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He was a four-star high school prospect. Umanmielen will be the Tigers’ biggest edge threat this season and can make plays as both a pass rusher and a run stopper. LSU ranked tenth in the SEC with 27 total sacks last season. **No. 33 Safety Ty Benefield, Boise State** Benefield (6-3, 208) has the unenviable task of replacing former LSU safety AJ Haulcy. As a three-year starter at Boise State, the senior has the experience and range to do just that. Benefield tallied a Mountain West-leading 107 tackles in 14 games for the Broncos last season. Benefield had arguably the best spring camp of any Tiger. He showed the speed and ball skills on the back end to be a difference maker in coverage and the defensive IQ and size to shut down ball carriers in the middle of the field. He may not be the ball-hawking coverage expert Haulcy was, but he has the versatility to become one of the most important pieces of defensive coordinator Blake Baker’s unit. > [LSU Football: Consider The Tigers’ Wide Receiver Room To Be Very Wide And Deep](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-consider-the-tigers-wide-receiver-room-to-be-very-wide-and-deep/) **No. 69 Wide Receiver Jayce Brown, Kansas State** Brown (5-11, 175) may be the Tigers’ best chance at a true WR1 this season. The senior became just that for Kansas State in three seasons as a Wildcat. He was named third-team All-Big 12 after catching 41 passes for 712 yards and 5 TDs in 10 games last year. Brown averaged 17.1 yards per catch at Kansas State and hopes his explosiveness can translate to the SEC. He exploits defenders with sharp route running and respectable speed. **No. 70 Edge Jordan Ross, Tennessee** Ross (5-5, 246) is a former Tennessee defensive end who struggled to make an impact with the Volunteers. The junior recorded 23 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble last season. Ross was a five-star high school prospect and considered the No. 1 edge rusher in the 2024 class by On3 and 247Sports. His potential has not translated to production so far, but a rushing partner like Umanmielen could be the boost he needs to take the next step. He is the likely second starter on the end of the defensive front opposite Umanmielen and will have ample opportunity to put it all together this season. **No. 77 Wide Receiver Winston “Winnie” Watkins Jr., Ole Miss** Watkins (5-10, 182) was a standout true freshman in Kiffin’s offense at Ole Miss last season. He played in all 15 games and hauled in 26 catches for 373 yards and a touchdown on just 38 targets. Watkins’ history in the offense gives him the advantage to be the week one starter in the slot. He already flashed in that role during spring camp, and another year in the scheme should only serve to improve his already impressive understanding of space in the offense. **No. 81 Wide Receiver Eugene “Tre” Wilson III, Florida** Wilson (5-11, 190) is a former five-star freshman All-American who has had difficulties staying on the field the last two seasons. As a true freshman at Florida, he caught 61 passes for 538 yards and 6 TDs. The redshirt junior made just 27 catches for 239 yards and 3 scores last year. Wilson’s 2025 campaign was cut short by surgery on a high ankle sprain and a hip surgery in 2024 limited him to just four games. When healthy, Wilson can be a difference maker in the slot, but he will have to fight his way through a crowded receiver room to get that chance. The only outgoing Tiger to make the list was sophomore offensive tackle Carius Curne at No. 58. Curne (6-5, 320) transferred to Ole Miss after making five starts as a true freshman last year. He dealt with typical first-year struggles but showed his potential as a former four-star. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** ES, ESPN, Jordan Seaton, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Princewill Umanmielen, Sam Leavitt --- ### [LSU Sports Information Director Icons Michael Bonnette And Herb Vincent To Grace Tiger Rag Radio Tonight](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-sports-information-director-icons-michael-bonnette-and-herb-vincent-to-grace-tiger-rag-radio-tonight/) **Published:** July 14, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor From 1988 through 2026, LSU has had two football Sports Information Directors – Herb Vincent and Michael Bonnette. Both will be on Tiger Rag Radio tonight, airing live from 6 p.m to 8 p.m. on 107.3 FM in Baton Rouge, 106.7 FM The Ticket in New Orleans, WSLA AM 1560 in Slidell and WAKH 105.7 FM in McComb, Mississippi. Other stations throughout the network will be airing the show on tape delays. The show is also available online by clicking below: [HOW TO LISTEN TO TIGER RAG RADIO ONLINE](https://station.voscast.com/64cd62be67664) Other guests on the show hosted by Tiger Rag executive editor Todd Horne, editor Glenn Guilbeau and Louisiana Radio Networ producer/Tiger Rag writer Kace Kieischnick will be Baseball America writer Jacob Rudner at 6:30 p.m. and WAFB Channel 9 sports director Jacques Doucet at 7 p.m. [MICHAEL BONNETTE ENTERING 27TH SEASON AS LSU FOOTBALL SID IN 2026](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-sports-information-director-michael-bonnette-goes-into-his-27th-season/) Bonnette, a Lake Charles native and LSU graduate who has been LSU’s football sports information director since 2000, will appear in studio at the Louisiana Radio Network from 6 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Vincent, a Shreveport native and LSU graduate who is now associate commissioner of the Southeastern Confernce office, was football SID from 1988 through 2000, will be on at 7:30 p.m. Bonnette is on his sixth football coach in Lane Kiffin after Nick Saban from 2000-04, Les Miles from 2005-2016, Ed Orgeron from 2016-21, interim coach Brad Davis in 2021 and Brian Kelly from 2022-25. [HERB VINCENT NAMED TO LOUISIANA SPORTS HALL OF FAME](https://lasportshall.com/2024/11/06/herb-vincent-earns-25-dave-dixon-louisiana-sports-leadership-award/) Vincent worked with three football coaches – Mike Archer from 1988-90, Curley Hallman from 1991-94 and Gerry DiNardo from 1995-99. And Vincent worked under legendary LSU sports information director Paul Manasseh as an LSU journalism student from 1979-83. > So, the nation’s No. 1 portal player, QB Sam Leavitt, will not be at SEC Media Days? > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 14, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2077072116629852371?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Both Bonnette and Vincent are gearing up for SEC Media Days in Tampa next Monday through Thursday with Kiffin and players Whit Weeks, Trey’Dez Green and TJ Dottery appearing on Thursday. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Herb Vincent, Jacques Doucet, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Michael Bonnette, Southeastern Conference office --- ### [Ole Miss Sour Grapes Update: Rebels Looking Into Lawsuit Vs. 2 Former Players Who Followed Lane Kiffin To LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/ole-miss-sour-grapes-update-rebels-looking-into-lawsuit-vs-2-former-players-who-followed-lane-kiffin-to-lsu/) **Published:** July 14, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By KACE KIEISCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Almost two months out from LSU and Ole Miss’s highly anticipated Sept. 19 football matchup in Oxford, Mississippi, yet another battle between the Rebels and Tigers could be brewing off the field. Ole Miss Athletic Director Keith Carter said the university would be open to taking LSU defensive end Princewill Umanmielen and offensive lineman Devin Harper to court for failing to pay their contract buyouts after transferring from Ole Miss to their blood rival in Baton Rouge last January. Their transfers came soon after they signed new revenue-share contracts with Ole Miss, Carter says. “Having signed a brand-new rev share contract basically a week or two before wanting to leave,” Carter says in Tuesday editions of the Jackson Clarion-Ledger newspaper. “That puts you in a bind, especially there in the portal cycle. We’re going to continue to figure out how to collect. We feel like based on the contract we deserve to collect.” > [LSU’s Prince Will-ing A National Title: “This Ain’t No 1st-Year Thing – We’re Trying To Go All The Way”](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-prince-will-ing-a-national-title-this-aint-no-1st-year-thing-were-trying-to-go-all-the-way/) Umanmielen was the No. 1 edge rusher in the portal and the No. 6 overall transfer in the nation when he signed with LSU in January. And Harper was the No. 6 interior offensive lineman and No. 112 portal prospect when he signed with the Tigers at the same time. They each followed their head coach at Ole Miss – Lane Kiffin, who left the Rebels to be LSU’s head coach after an 11-1 regular season (7-1 Southeastern Conference) put the Rebels in the college football playoffs for the first time. > No. 3-ranked Guard/Center Devin Harper of Shreveport has now flipped from LSU to Lane Kiffin at Ole Miss and flipped back to Lane Kiffin at LSU. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [January 16, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2012244120681468157?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) On3.com reports the two agreements total nearly $1 million. “That would be an option, going and asking a court to get that money for you,” Carter said. “Contracts are with the players. LSU could pay that on behalf of the players. So we’re kind of exploring all of that right now.” LSU did pay Kiffin’s buyout owed to Ole Miss at a reported $3 million. Umanmielen announced his return to Ole Miss in early January nine days before going back on that decision and entering the portal on Jan. 15. Since the contracts he and Harper signed were revenue-sharing deals directly with the school, they differ from NIL collective deals, which often explicitly outline player payments and contract buyout scenarios. LSU portal target quarterback Demond Williams Jr. entered the portal after last season after signing a $4 million deal with Washington. But he pulled back and stayed at Washington after realizing he – or his new school or both – would have to pay a buyout of $4 million to Washington, which threatened legal action for a lot more money than Ole Miss is asking for and in a much more timely fashion than Carter is now. > [Washington QB Demond Williams Jr. Staying After All, And LSU Is Back At The Drawing Board](https://www.tigerrag.com/washington-qb-demond-williams-jr-staying-after-all-and-lsu-is-back-at-the-drawing-board/) What grounds Ole Miss has to pursue the buyouts will come down to the verbiage of the contracts. Even if the university does have the legal high ground to force LSU to pay the buyouts, it could be a bad look for the athletics department. Taking a 20-year-old and a 19-year-old to court for doing what thousands of players have done since the no-sit-out portal began in 2021 could raise national scrutiny. Prospective recruits and their parents may see the Ole Miss move as a violation of the trust and care that college coaches often advertise they will put into young athletes. Nationally, it could be viewed more as a petty cash grab following the messy departure of Kiffin to Ole Miss’ daddy rivals than as a righteous enforcement of university litigation. Carter, however, said he is determined to collect the two buyouts after the bind Umanmielen and Harper put Ole Miss in by decommitting their allegiance so soon after inking deals to stay with the Rebels. When asked about Ole Miss’ potential legal action regarding the two players, LSU athletic department spokesman Zach Greenwell told Tiger Rag that LSU would decline comment. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Devin Harper, Keith Carter, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels, Pete Golding, Princewill Umanmielen, Transfer Portal --- ### [LSU Football: Whit Weeks, Trey'Dez Green And TJ Dottery Will Be At SEC Media Days, But No Sam Leavitt?](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-whit-weeks-treydez-green-and-tj-dottery-will-be-at-sec-media-days-but-no-sam-leavitt/) **Published:** July 14, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor No, Sam Leavitt at SEC Media Days, LSU? Really. Well, Tiger Rag went 1-for-3 in its selections for LSU players who should be interviewed at Southeastern Conference Media Days next week in Tampa. LSU and coach Lane Kiffin will not be bringing Leavitt, the Tigers’ new quarterback and Tiger Rag’s top selection who was only the No. 1 portal player in the country when he signed with LSU out of Arizona State last January. He also only plays the most important position in the game. Texas, by the way, is bringing its starting quarterback – Arch Manning. Texas knows how the game is played. > What 3 LSU players would you pick to be at SEC Media Days next week? Tweet me with your trio. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 13, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2076798053000876111?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) And LSU will not be bringing the No. 1 offensive tackle in the portal in Jordan Seaton, who signed with the Tigers last January as the No. 4 player in the portal from Colorado and was a selection by Tiger Rag. But LSU will be bringing Tiger Rag selection Whit Weeks, one of the top returning linebackers in the SEC and boyfriend of LSU coach Lane Kiffin’s daughter Landry. > [LSU Football May Have World Class TE Attack Via Trey’Dez Green And Kiffin&Weis Expertise](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-may-have-world-class-te-attack-via-treydez-green-and-kiffinweis-expertise/) The other two players LSU will be bringing to Tampa with Kiffin are Trey’Dez Green, one of the top returning tight ends in the nation, and transfer linebacker TJ Dottery, the No. 13 linebacker in the portal from Ole Miss. Kiffin and the Tigers will meet the media on Thursday morning, July 23, at the Marriott Water Street hotel in downtown Tampa. SEC Media Days start on Monday. The complete list of players from all 16 SEC teams selected for SEC Media Days follow: ***2026 Football Media Days Attendees*** **Alabama** Zabien Brown, DB Ryan Coleman-Williams, WR Bray Hubbard, DB **Arkansas** Caden Kitler, OL Quincy Rhodes Jr., DE Sutton Smith, RB **Auburn** Champ Anthony, DB Byrum Brown, QB Alex McPherson, K **Florida** Jadan Baugh, RB Myles Graham, LB Vernell Brown III, WR **Georgia** Drew Bobo, OL Gunner Stockton, QB Raylen Wilson, LB **Kentucky** Ty Bryant, S Kenny Minchey, QB Willie Rodriguez, TE **LSU** TJ Dottery, LB Trey’Dez Green, TE Whit Weeks, LB **Ole** **Miss** Trinidad Chambliss, QB Will Echoles, DT Kewan Lacy, RB **Mississippi State** Anthony Evans III, WR Kelley Jones, CB Kamario Taylor, QB **Missouri** Cayden Green, OL Jamal Roberts, RB Nicholas Rodriguez, LB **Oklahoma** John Mateer, QB Eddy Pierre-Louis, OL Taylor Wein, DL **South Carolina** Nyck Harbor, WR LaNorris Sellers, QB Peyton Williams, DB **Tennessee** DeSean Bishop, RB Arion Carter, LB Jeremiah Telander, LB **Texas** Trevor Goosby, OL Arch Manning, QB Colin Simmons, DE **Texas A&M** Daymion Sanford, LB Marcus Ratcliffe, S Marcel Reed, QB **Vanderbilt** Sedrick Alexander, RB Issa Ouattara, DL Junior Sherrill, WR **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Jordan Seaton, lane kiffin, Sam Leavitt, sec media days, TJ Dottery, Trey'Dez Green, Whit Weeks --- ### [LSU Baseball: Jay Johnson Exits A "Sweaty" Draft Weekend With Most Of His High School Signees Staying](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-jay-johnson-exits-a-sweaty-draft-weekend-with-most-of-his-high-school-signees-staying/) **Published:** July 13, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson saw only nine of his 22 high school signees for 2027 taken in the Major League Baseball Draft over the weekend after he projected as many as 13 or 14 to get picked just last week. And of those nine, he could possibly lose only three or four to MLB contracts. So, his take of his signing class could be in the high teens. Drafted players have until Aug. 1 to sign with the Major League organization that drafted them, but Johnson already has a good idea of who he will be retaining. “We did a lot of sweating over the past couple of weeks, but very happy that a lot of those guys chose to start their path to Major League Baseball at LSU,” Johnson said on WAFB Channel 9 sports director Jacques Doucet’s “Jacques Talk” on Monday. Doucet will be on [Tiger Rag Radio ](https://station.voscast.com/64cd62be67664)Tuesday night. > [LSU Pitchers Zac Cowan, Santiago Garcia, Gavin Guidry, Connor Benge, 5 Signees Taken Late In MLB Draft](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-pitchers-zac-cowan-santiago-garcia-gavin-guidry-connor-benge-5-signees-taken-late-in-mlb-draft/) The LSU signees drafted that Johnson will likely not keep are left-handed pitcher Logan Schmidt of Alisa Viejo, California (2nd round, 59 overall, $1.6 million slot value) by Cleveland, right-handed pitcher Jensen Hirschkorn of Kingsbury, California (3rd round, 84 overall, $973,700 slot value) by Atlanta and outfielder Wessley Roberson of Brunswick, Georgia (4th round, 115th overall, $677,500 slot value) by Miami. The only other signee drafted with a slot value was right-handed pitcher Dylan Blomker of Albuquerque, New Mexico (5th round, 159 overall, $441,300 slot value) by the Chicago Cubs. The other five of the drafted signees Johnson already feels he has or has a very good shot of keeping are: Left-handed pitcher Spencer Evans, 11th Round, Pick 318, Ocoee, Florida … Pittsburgh Pirates First baseman 1B Will Adams, 11th Round, Pick 336, Hoover, Alabama … Detroit Tigers Outfielder Anthony Murphy, 16th Round, Pick 466, Corona, California … Washington Nationals Outfielder Malachi Washington, 18th Round, Pick 528, Stone Mountain, Georgia. … Pittsburgh Pirates Outfielder Dominic Santarelli, 18th Round, Pick 550, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin … Seattle Mariners “Santarelli is my version of Ivan Drago (boxer from the Rocky IV movie),” Johnson said proudly and said he and Washington are LSU bound. Santarelli (6-foot-2, 230 pounds) is a left-handed hitting powerhouse who Perfect Game ranked as the No. 45 draft prospect, while Washington is its No. 28 prospect. “Both of them (Santarelli and Washington) could’ve been drafted higher,” Johnson said. “But they held themselves in high value and held this opportunity at LSU in high value, and the teams that drafted them didn’t meet it. And good for the Tigers that that’s the case. And they’re going to be here for three years.” Johnson also mentioned right-handed pitcher and Perfect Game No. 173 prospect Coleton Brady of North Collins, New York. Brady took his name out of the draft after not going in the first four rounds on Saturday. “He came down for summer school last week, then went home for the draft,” Johnson said. “That can go either way. But he made a decision Saturday night that he wanted to come back and be a part of this. That will be an excellent thing for LSU, and it’ll be a great thing for Coleton.” Johnson saved some sweat just before the draft when Perfect Game No. 50 prospect Lucas Nawrocki, a left-handed pitcher and lefty hitter from Aledo, Texas, did not like the money amounts he was hearing from MLB teams and took his name out of the draft. Asked if Nawrocki will pitch and hit for the Tigers, Johnson said, “No doubt about it. He will be doing both at LSU. He has a chance to be a premier player for three years. We need the left-handed help on the mound, obviously, and he’s got all the great metrics.” So, too, does this [LSU class.](https://www.perfectgame.org/College/CollegeCommitments.aspx?college=1658&grad=2026) Among the other higher ranked LSU signees who were not drafted were right-handed pitcher and No. 83 Perfect Game prospect Cooper Sides of Orange, California, No. 162 prospect right-handed pitcher Kolby Stringer of Foxworth, Mississippi, and No. 97 prospect shortstop Parker Loew of Jacksonville, Florida. [Jacob Rudner of Baseball America listed LSU as the No. 2 roster winner after the draft](https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/college-baseball-winners-losers-from-the-2026-mlb-draft/) behind Tennessee on Monday. That tabulation took into account the potential signees lost from the draft and the eight LSU players who were taken in the draft – none of whom are expected back. Those were: Outfielder Derek Curiel, 1st Round, Pick 5 … Pittsburgh Pirates Outfielder Jake Brown, 2nd Round, Pick 65 … Seattle Mariners Right-handed pitcher Deven Sheerin, 4th Round, Pick 128 … Philadelphia Phillies Right-handed pitcher Grant Fontenot, 10th Round, Pick 299 … Kansas City Royals Left-handed pitcher Santiago Garcia, 12th Round, Pick 372 … Toronto Blue Jays Right-handed pitcher Connor Benge, 13th Round, Pick 385 … Miami Marlins Right-handed pitcher Gavin Guidry, 16th Round, Pick 480 … New York Mets Right-handed pitcher Zac Cowan, 19th Round, Pick 573 … Cleveland Guardians “Jay Johnson will enter next season with far more remaining talent than the number of drafted Tigers might suggest,” Rudner wroter. Rudner, by the way, will be discussing LSU’s roster on Tuesday night on [Tiger Rag Radio](https://station.voscast.com/64cd62be67664). Considering the portal players Johnson had last season that were disappointments, he sounded convinced the way to maintain a national championship program like LSU’s with two national titles since 2023 is mainly through the high school ranks. Johnson had said that last season as the Tigers began their slide to one of their worst campaigns in history at 30-28 and 9-21 in the SEC. > [LSU Baseball: “It Will Never Happen Again” … Jay Johnson After Tigers Fall To 6-10 In SEC](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-it-will-never-happen-again-jay-johnson-after-tigers-fall-to-6-10-in-sec/) “With the young players that we brought in, we’re really focused on a three-year commitment,” he said. “I don’t want to do the in-and-out and modern college athletics thing in the portal all the time. And so I feel good about how these players (the signees) feel good about how they feel about their opportunities here.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, mlb draft --- ### [Which Tigers Should Be At Media Days? Tiger Rag Endorses QB Sam Leavitt, OT Jordan Seaton, LB Whit Weeks](https://www.tigerrag.com/which-tigers-should-be-at-media-days-tiger-rag-endorses-qb-sam-leavitt-ot-jordan-seaton-lb-whit-weeks/) **Published:** July 13, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The Southeastern Conference office is expected to name the three players from all 16 member football programs that will be attending SEC Media Days next Monday through Thursday in Tampa. LSU coach Lane Kiffin and three Tigers will appear before throngs of media on Thursday morning at the Marriott Water Street downtown. Considering the mammoth story that his move from Ole Miss to LSU was after the 2025 regular season and all the controversy and drama between the two programs, Kiffin will likely draw the largest media contingent, which is why he is on the last day. Kiffin followed the hire up by signing the No. 1 Transfer Portal class in the country. > Chris Low on Low-Lying [@Lane\_Kiffin](https://x.com/Lane_Kiffin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) as told to Tiger Rag Radio: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 9, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2075252757787758650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Hopefully, the three LSU players Kiffin chooses to accompany him to Tampa will be among the elite headliners on his new roster. SEC associate commissioner Herb Vincent, who is a former LSU football sports information director and associate athletic director for communications, will join [Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night to discuss the SEC Media Days.](https://station.voscast.com/64cd62be67664) Tiger Rag suggests the following trio of LSU players for Media Days: > [THIS TIME IT’S DONE! No. 1 Portal QB Sam Leavitt Has Signed With Lane Kiffin And LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/this-time-its-done-no-1-portal-qb-sam-leavitt-has-signed-with-lane-kiffin-and-lsu/) **QUARTERBACK SAM LEAVITT** … The No. 1 overall player in the Transfer Portal last January when he signed with Kiffin out of Arizona State after quite the chase. Kiffin hosted him at LSU, then flew to Knoxville, Tennessee, to visit with him again at the McGhee Tyson Airport before Leavitt flew to Miami for another visit. It worked. Leavitt – more than any other player for the Tigers – is the key to Kiffin success in his first season with the Tigers. Leavitt will be a junior for the Tigers this season. > [At Last … Lane Kiffin Lands No. 1 Portal Offensive Tackle Jordan Seaton To Put A Bow On Top Class](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-lands-no-1-ot-jordan-seaton-of-colorado/) **LEFT TACKLE JORDAN SEATON …** The No. 4 overall player in the portal and No. 1 offensive tackle from Colorado. Seaton was another franchise player who played hard to get, eventually choosing the Tigers over Oregon, Miami and Mississippi State. What did Seaton think of playing for Colorado coach Deion Sanders, the former portal king? And how did the present portal king – Kiffin – convince Seaton to come to the bayou? Seaton will also be a junior for the Tigers this season. ![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/WhitWeeksLandryKiffin.jpg "WhitWeeksLandryKiffin | TigerRag.com")***LSU football coach Lane Kiffins daughter Landry with her boyfriend LSU linebacker Whit Weeks Twitter photo*****LINEBACKER WHIT WEEKS …** The returning senior linebacker for the Tigers who had a superstar season in 2024 before an injury limited him in 2025. Weeks has been dating Kiffin’s daughter Landry since last season and has gotten to know Lane more than the average player. And he has been a great interview for his entire career with the Tigers. How could you not have Weeks there? LSU fans, send your selections to @SportBeatTweet. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Jordan Seaton, lane kiffin, Sam Leavitt, sec media days, Whit Weeks --- ### [LSU Football: Consider The Tigers' Wide Receiver Room To Be Very Wide And Deep](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-consider-the-tigers-wide-receiver-room-to-be-very-wide-and-deep/) **Published:** July 13, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By KACE KIEISCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Lane Kiffin did not just reload the wide receiver room for his first season as LSU’s footbal coach, he went out and stacked up a completely new arsenal. Redshirt Freshman Phillip Wright III was the only returner from the 13 wide receivers on the 2025 roster. Kiffin welcomed nine transfers and three freshmen in a philosophy that seems to believe in quantity and quality. “Instead of being really top heavy with one and two and then not having depth, I think when we’ve been our best, it’s because we’ve had four to five to six receivers who can all play really well,” Kiffin said of his new receivers. “That’s what we’re striving for here. I think we have a chance to do that with the players that are out there, because then we’re the best for the long run of the season and potentially into the postseason.” That is not to say the group lacks top level talent — Jayce Brown was an all-conference selection in the Big 12 out of Kansas State and Eugene “Tre” Wilson was a freshman All-SEC player at Florida. But Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. will be counting on various players from non-traditional winning programs to translate to the SEC. And what Kiffin does have is variety: **EXPLOSIVE PLAYMAKERS** **Jayce Brown** Brown (5-foot-11, 175 pounds) has the most proven production in the receiver room. The senior from Kansas State was an All-Big 12 selection with 41 receptions for 712 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games last season. In two prior seasons with the Wildcats, Brown hauled in 47 passes for 873 yards and five TDs as a sophomore and recorded 27 catches for 437 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games as a true freshman, starting the final six games of the 2023 campaign. ![Jayce Brown, Kansas State junior receiver](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/Jayce-Brown-Kansas-State-Athletics-899x1024.jpeg "Jayce Brown Kansas State Athletics | TigerRag.com")***Kansas State junior transfer wide receiver Jayce Brown was one of LSUs major gets from the portal Kansas State photo***Brown was rated as the No. 10 WR in [On3.com](http://on3.com/)’s transfer rankings and the No. 38 overall player. His 17.37 yards per catch last season ranked 28th in the nation, and he’ll provide big play ability with the potential to be a true WR1 in Baton Rouge. Of his 115 career receptions at Kansas State, 34 went for 20-plus yards, and he made at least one catch in 30 of his 33 career games. Expect the offensive staff to do whatever they can to get Brown the ball in space. His elite acceleration creates separation on intermediate and deep routes and makes him an instant threat to turn screens and slants into chunk plays. **Jackson Harris** Harris (6-2, 202) provides a unique combination of size and deep-ball proficiency. Although rarely the fastest guy on the field, the redshirt junior ranked No. 8 in the country with 19.65 yards per reception at Hawaii last season. He received All-Mountain West first-team honors after catching 49 passes for 963 yards and 12 touchdowns in 11 games. A four-star recruit out of high school, Harris began his college career at Stanford in 2023 where he appeared in just three games and made three catches for 67 yards. He returned as a redshirt freshman in 2024 but failed to carve out a larger role in the offense after earning a starting nod week one. He finished the season again with just three catches, this time for only 19 yards and a TD. After his 2025 breakout season, Harris entered the transfer portal as [247Sports.com](http://247sports.com/)’s No. 110 overall player and No. 25 wideout. Harris took most of the first-team reps as the Tigers’ “Z” receiver over the spring. His 6-2 frame and ball skills make him a consistent possession receiver on the boundary, but it is his explosive play ability that has Kiffin and his staff really excited. Harris was a lethal threat down the field on a Hawaii team with a fraction of the talent on the LSU roster. He will have to make the jump against SEC competition, he had just two catches for 21 yards in his lone power four matchup with Arizona last season, but if Harris can replicate his efficiency, he’ll be an X-factor for the Tigers. **Tre’ Brown III** Brown (6-2, 190) arrives as a redshirt junior from Old Dominion. He was named to the All-Sun Belt third-team after catching 38 passes for 762 yards and 4 TDs for a monstrous 20.05 yards per catch — 7th in FBS. After redshirting as a freshman, Brown was a standout at Hutchinson Community College in Hutchinson, Kansas. He racked up 566 yards and 10 touchdowns on 30 catches in 2024, and helped the team to an NJCAA Division I national title. On3 listed Brown as the No. 22 receiver in the transfer portal and No. 97 overall as a four-star transfer prospect. He projects as another big deep-threat receiver on the outside of the LSU offense. **Tyree Holloway** Holloway (5-10, 174) is a Division II redshirt junior transfer addition from the University of West Florida. He caught 34 passes for 661 yards (19.44 YPC) and eight TDs and earned second-team All-Gulf South Conference honors in 2025. Holloway missed seven games with injury and redshirted as a sophomore at West Florida. He made 4 catches for 32 yards in three games. He played in 10 games for Chowan University in Murfreesboro, North Carolina as a freshman, catching 22 passes for 476 yards and a team-best 5 touchdowns. Holloway was 247Sports No. 200 receiver in the transfer portal. It will be an uphill battle for Holloway to see much of the field this season, but his blistering speed alone is enough to earn a glance on the back end of the rotation. “I got two years,” Holloway told Tiger Rag in January. “So, why not just try to better yourself, come in, and learn the system and just ball out?’ I’m trying to get into that rotation and earn my job on special teams – playing my role wherever I’m playing it.” The trio of Harris, Jayce Brown and Tre’ Brown should all see production in the 2026-27 season, likely led by Jayce Brown and Harris. They provide an explosiveness missing from an LSU offense that ranked No. 122 in the nation with 10.25 yards per completion a season ago. Look for them to stretch the field in a Kiffin-Weis passing attack that finished ninth in the country with 13.82 yards per completion last year. “Explosive plays are a very critical factor,” Kiffin said during spring practice. “And that’s not just what you draw up, you got to have the players. To have players that have made a number of explosive plays in the receiver room was important.” **SLOT SPECIALISTS** **Winston Watkins Jr.** Watkins (5-10, 182) followed his coaches to Baton Rouge from Ole Miss. The sophomore played in all 15 games for the Rebels last season and caught 26 passes for 373 yards and a touchdown. Watkins was a four-star prospect out of high school and ranked as the No. 15 wide receiver in the 2025 class by Rivals. He caught at least one pass in 11 games last season and ranked sixth in receiving yards on a team that saw five receivers go for over 300 yards. 247Sports ranked Watkins as the No. 39 wide receiver in the transfer portal, and he was the first former Rebel to commit to LSU. Watkins was a consistent standout as the primary slot receiver with the first-team offense during spring practice. He is a quick, shifty route runner that should only improve in year two under Kiffin and Weis. “That really helps,” Kiffin said of Watkins’ familiarity in the spring. “Now hopefully the other guys, they’ll progress a little bit slower and catch up to that because obviously Winnie has a head start, but it is really good.” **Eugene “Tre” Wilson III** Wilson (5-11, 190) has the highest ceiling of the group, but injuries plagued the former five-star’s three years at Florida. The redshirt junior played in eight games last year and totaled 239 yards and three touchdowns on 27 catches. A high ankle sprain suffered Nov. 1 against Georgia cut his season short. ![Lane Kiffin, LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/LSUFootball_SpringPractice041626_03_AChampagne.jpg "LSUFootball_SpringPractice041626_03_AChampagne | TigerRag.com")***Ex Florida receiver Eugene Tre Wilson talks to LSU coach Lane Kiffin during spring practice Tiger Rag photo*** He was listed as the nation’s No. 32 overall prospect and a top five wide receiver for the 2023 class by On3 out of high school. His healthiest and most productive season as a Gator came as a freshman when he tallied 61 receptions for 538 yards and a team-best 6 TDs. Since being named a freshman All-American and freshman All-SEC, Wilson has struggled to stay on the field long enough to replicate that success. A hip injury as a sophomore limited him to just four games. Wilson was ranked as the No. 15 wide receiver in the transfer portal and No. 59 prospect by On3. If Wilson can remain healthy and grow comfortable in the offense he has the potential to become a focal point in the pass game. As it stands, he will at least be featured in the regular rotation on Saturdays with the burst and agility to turn those opportunities into big plays. **Phillip Wright III** Wright (6-0, 171) is the lone returning receiver from last year’s roster. He played in just two games as a true freshman and caught one pass for two yards. The speedster was a four-star out of Destrehan High School and was listed as the No. 54 WR in the 2025 class by On3. Wright ran a 4.34 40-yard dash at the 2023 All-American Bowl Showcase and recorded a 10.46 100 meters and 21.41 200 meter dash. If he does play a role for the Tigers this season, it may be more as another lightning quick deep threat than a true slot receiver, but he challenged for slot reps during spring practice. He will provide solid depth in the crowded room and could be a name to keep an eye on if he stays at LSU. **PHYSICAL POSSESSION TARGETS** **Malik Elzy** Elzy (6-2, 214) played 23 games in three seasons at Illinois and brought in 16 targets for 213 yards and two TDs. He left the team after four games as a junior last year to redshirt and have two years of remaining eligibility. Elzy was a four-star prep recruit but never saw enough production in the Illini offense to stick around. In the portal, he was listed as the No. 149 receiver by 247Sports. Elzy is a physical pass catcher who could emerge as another depth option in the room. **Josh Jackson** Jackson (6-2, 199) is the smallest, quickest and best route runner of this group, but his usage at McNeese is not enough to classify him as a regular deep threat. The redshirt sophomore caught 20 passes for 258 yards in 12 games as a Cowboy last season after redshirting his freshman year at UAB. The St. Augustine High School product was a three-star recruit and is the son of former NFL and Saints wide receiver Willie Jackson Jr. He was 247Sports’ No. 251 WR in the portal. **Roman Mothershed** Mothershed (6-5, 208) is the largest target in the LSU receiver room. He arrives from Troy as a redshirt junior after catching 25 balls for 259 yards and a touchdown in 11 starts last year. Mothershed was listed as the No. 252 wideout in the transfer portal by 247Sports. His sheer size and basketball background make him a contested catch specialist, but outside of rare redzone or hail mary situations, don’t expect Mothershed to see much utilization. **INCOMING FRESHMEN** The WR room is rounded out by a trio of four-star freshmen. Because of the depth and experience at the position, they will have to fight for playing time. And it is unlikely if more than one of the three play much. But they are an indication of the type of talent Kiffin and Co. can attract to Baton Rouge. **Brayden Allen** (6-2, 197), Lafayette Christian in Lafayette … No. 81 WR not likely to play this season because of the numbers. **Corey Barber Jr.** (5-11, 188), Clay-Chalkville High in Pinson, Alabama … No. 9 WR in the nation who may play a lot. **Jabari Mack** (6-0, 195), Destrehan High in New Orleans area … No. 31 WR who likely will not play much with the numbers. Kiffin & Weis know how to adapt their scheme and play calling to the guys on the field. The last two seasons, their Ole Miss offense saw four receivers with 500 yards or more. The year before that just three guys went for 700-plus yards. LSU may lack the individual top-end talent Tiger fans are used to seeing, but the unit will be effective as a whole. Expect one or two guys to rise to the top, but plenty of opportunity for four-plus receivers. Jayce Brown, Harris, Watkins and Wilson should lead the charge at the beginning of the season, but do not count out Tre’ Brown, Wright and Elzy to compete for time or step up if someone else goes down. “I just want the best players,” Kiffin said in the spring. “If we happen to be starting 6-foot-3 receivers, then great. If they’re shorter, which may be the case this year, that’s fine. I just want the best players, and then we’ll coach.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Jayce Brown, lane kiffin, Tre Brown III, Tre Wilson, Winston Watkins --- ### [LSU Baseball: National Champion Ace Kade Anderson Does Well As Starter In All-Star Futures Game](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-national-champion-ace-kade-anderson-does-well-as-starter-in-all-star-futures-game/) **Published:** July 13, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Former LSU left-handed pitcher Kade Anderson is in the process of doing what the best Major League Baseball prospects tend to do – author a near seamless transition from college baseball through the minor leagues and into the Big Leagues. Anderson, the Madisonville native who led the Tigers to the 2025 national championship with a 12-1 record, 3.18 ERA and a nation-leading 180 strikeouts in 119 innings, is basically doing the same thing with the minor league Arkansas Travelers – the Double-A affiliate of the Seattle Mariners in Little Rock. He is 8-1 with a 1.36 ERA and 108 strikeouts in 72 and two-thirds innings this season through 14 starts. And on Sunday, Anderson averaged 94.3 mph on his fastball, topping out at 95.4 mph, in a 10-pitch, scoreless inning as the starter for the American League team in its 6-1 win over the National League in the All-Star Futures game in Philadelphia. Anderson allowed one hit, but got out of the inning on a pop-up, a ground out and a fly ball. > [LSU Ace Kade Anderson Taken As 3rd Pick Of MLB Draft By Seattle](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-ace-kade-anderson-taken-as-3rd-pick-of-mlb-draft-by-seattle/) Anderson, 22, is expected to pitch late this summer for Seattle, which took him with the third pick of the first round a few weeks after Anderson was the MVP of the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. “It was a really good experience to be playing with these guys around me,” Anderson said after the game. “I’m just trying to take it all in.” > Catchin' up with [@KadeAnderson32](https://x.com/KadeAnderson32?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) at the MLB Futures Game [\#ThePowerhouse](https://x.com/hashtag/ThePowerhouse?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) | [\#LSUMLB](https://x.com/hashtag/LSUMLB?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/jQKjtBZINZ](https://t.co/jQKjtBZINZ) > > — LSU Baseball (@LSUbaseball) [July 12, 2026](https://x.com/LSUbaseball/status/2076345721880543422?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Anderson, 22, also praised former LSU pitcher Paul Skenes, the first player taken in the 2023 MLB Draft via Pittsburgh after winning MVP at the College World Series a few weeks prior with the Tigers. Anderson met Skenes before Anderson was a freshman on the 2024 Tigers. > Suddenly, Paul Skenes is actually getting run support: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 13, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2076704662044954828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “I’ve gotten to learn from so many guys along the way,” said Anderson, who was “I got to be around Skenes a little bit, so that was a really cool experience.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** College World Series, Kade Anderson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Pitchers Zac Cowan, Santiago Garcia, Gavin Guidry, Connor Benge, 5 Signees Taken Late In MLB Draft](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-pitchers-zac-cowan-santiago-garcia-gavin-guidry-connor-benge-5-signees-taken-late-in-mlb-draft/) **Published:** July 12, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson saw five members of his 2027 high school signing class taken after the 10th round in the 20-round Major League Baseball Draft that ended on Sunday after only three Tiger signees going in the first four rounds on Saturday. And that means Johnson has an excellent chance of keeping most of his 22-member class. Six signees were taken Sunday – right-handed pitcher Dylan Blomker of La Cueva High in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in the fifth round as the No. 159 overall pick to the Chicago Cubs, left-hander Spencer Evans of TNXL Academy in Ocoee, Florida, in the 11th round with the 318th pick by Pittsburgh, first baseman Will Adams of Hoover High in Hoover, Alabama, in the 11th round with the 336th pick by Detroit, outfielder Anthony Murphy of Corona High in Corona, California, in the 16th round as the 466th pick by the Washington Nationals, outfielder Malachi Washington of Parkview High in Stone Mountain, Georgia, in the 18th round as the 528th pick to Pittsburgh and outfielder Dominic Santarelli of St. Joseph Academy in the 18th round as the 550th selection to Seattle. Only Blomker has a slot value to contend with at $441,300. Players taken after the 10th round have zero slot values. Three LSU signees were selected on Saturday – left-handed pitcher Logan Schmidt of Ganesha High in Alisa Viejo, California, in the second round at No. 59 by Cleveland with a $1.6 million selection slot value, right-handed pitcher Jensen Hirschkorn of Kingsburg High in Kingsburg, California, in the third round at pick No. 84 to Atlanta with a $973,700 slot value and outfielder Wesley Roberson of Glynn Academy in Brunswick, Georgia, by Miami in the fourth round as the 115th pick with a $677,500 slot value. > With the 573rd pick in the 2026 MLB Draft, we have selected RHP Zac Cowan from Louisiana State University.[\#GuardsBall](https://x.com/hashtag/GuardsBall?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/NxNV2OLsRW](https://t.co/NxNV2OLsRW) > > — GuardsInsider (@GuardsInsider) [July 12, 2026](https://x.com/GuardsInsider/status/2076435161697095748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Two LSU players from the 2026 team drafted Sunday were among the Tigers’ best pitchers in recent seasons in senior right-hander Zac Cowan, who was key in the Tigers’ 2025 national championship team, and redshirt junior right-hander Gavin Guidry, who was the LSU’s top reliever in 2023 and ’24. Cowan went in the 19th round Sunday as the 573rd pick to Cleveland, and Guidry went in the 16th round as the No. 480th selection to the New York Mets. Other LSU pitchers who got drafted Sunday were junior transfer left-hander Santiago Garcia, who went in the 12th round as the 372nd selecton to Toronto, and senior right-hander Connor Benge as the 385th pick of the draft in the 13th round to the Miami Marlins. In the 2025 season, Cowan was 3-3 with a 5.32 ERA and six saves, including five in SEC play. He struck out 60 in 52 innings through 22 appearances. He was 3-3 with a 5.32 ERA in 2026 with one save and 54 strikeouts in 44 innings. Guidry was 5-3 with a 6.79 ERA and one save with 59 strikeouts in 43 and two-thirds innings. Guidry was 3-0 with a 3.77 ERA and three saves as a freshman in 2022 and 2-0 with a 2.59 ERA and three saves in the Tigers’ 2023 national title season. He missed all of 2024 with an injury. Garcia was 1-1 with a 5.96 ERA in 2026 with 35 strikeouts in 22 and two-thirds innings in 2026, while Benge was 2-0 with a 9.00 ERA in only seven innings through 16 appearances with 13 strikeouts. **LSU PLAYERS DRAFTED – 8** OF Derek Curiel, 1st Round, Pick 5 … Pittsburgh Pirates OF Jake Brown, 2nd Round, Pick 65 … Seattle Mariners RHP Deven Sheerin, 4th Round, Pick 128 … Philadelphia Phillies RHP Grant Fontenot, 10th Round, Pick 299 … Kansas City Royals LHP Santiago Garcia, 12th Round, Pick 372 … Toronto Blue Jays RHP Connor Benge, 13th Round, Pick 385 … Miami Marlins RHP Gavin Guidry, 16th Round, Pick 480 … New York Mets RHP Zac Cowan, 19th Round, Pick 573 … Cleveland Guardians **LSU SIGNEES DRAFTED – 9** LHP Logan Schmidt, 2nd Round, Pick 59 … Cleveland Guardians RHP Jensen Hirschkorn, 3rd Round, Pick 84 … Atlanta Braves OF Wessley Roberson, 4th Round, Pick 115 … Miami Marlins RHP Dylan Blomker, 5th Round, Pick 159 … Chicago Cubs LHP Spencer Evans, 11th Round, Pick 318 … Pittsburgh Pirates 1B Will Adams, 11th Round, Pick 336 … Detroit Tigers OF Anthony Murphy, 16th Round, Pick 466 … Washington Nationals OF Malachi Washington, 18th Round, Pick 528 … Pittsburgh Pirates OF Dominic Santarelli, 18th Round, Pick 550 … Seattle Mariners **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Connor Benge, Gavin Guidry, jay johnson, Major League Baseball Draft, Santiago Garcia, Zac Cowan --- ### [LSU Pitcher Grant Fontenot Picked By K.C. In 10th Round, Signee Pitcher Dylan Blomker Goes To Cubs In 5th](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-pitcher-grant-fontenot-picked-by-k-c-in-10th-round-signee-pitcher-dylan-blomker-goes-to-cubs-in-5th/) **Published:** July 12, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU fifth-year senior right-handed pitcher Grant Fontenot was selected in the 10th round by the Kansas City Royals on Sunday afternoon with the 299th overall selection of the Major League Baseball Draft. A Lafayette native who went to Lafayette High, Fontenot was 0-2 with a 4.18 ERA and three saves for the Tigers in 2026 through 21 appearances and 32 and a third innings. He started four games and finished the season with 42 strikeouts and 16 walks. Fontenot has a draft slot value of $195,600. Fontenot transferred to LSU after the 2024 season at Texas. He was 0-1 with a 7.20 ERA in ’25 in six games and five innings. > Jay Johnson appears to have an excellent shot at keeping most of his high school signing class after Day 1 of MLB Draft: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 12, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2076111375907070107?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Fontenot is the fourth LSU player from the 2026 team to be selected after three on Saturday – center fielder Derek Curiel in the first round as the fifth pick to Pittsburgh, right fielder Jake Brown in the second round as the 65th selection to Seattle and pitcher Deven Sheerin in the fourth round as pick No. 128 to Philadelphia. > With their 5th-round pick (No. 159 overall), the [@Cubs](https://x.com/Cubs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) select La Cueva HS (NM) RHP Dylan Blomker. > > Watch live: [pic.twitter.com/1QpwhI75Rl](https://t.co/1QpwhI75Rl) > > — MLB Draft (@MLBDraft) [July 12, 2026](https://x.com/MLBDraft/status/2076335961256935773?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The Tigers fourth signee from their high school signing class from 2027 was also drafted Sunday. That was right-handed pitcher Dylan Blomker (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) in the fifth round as the No. 159 overall pick to the Chicago Cubs. Blomker went to La Cueva High in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He was the No. 89 draft prospect by Perfect Game and has a draft slot value of $441,300. The three previous members of coach Jay Johnson’s signing class drafted Saturday were left-handed pitcher Logan Schmidt in the second round at No. 59 by Cleveland, right-handed pitcher Jensen Hirschkorn in the third round at pick No. 84 to Atlanta and outfielder Wesley Roberson by Miami in the fourth round with the 115th pick. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Chicago Cubs, Dylan Blomker, Grant Fontenot, jay johnson, Kansas City Royals, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, mlb draft --- ### [LSU Pitcher Deven Sheerin Taken In 4th Round By Phillies, Pitcher Signee Jensen Hirschkorn Goes In 3rd To Atlanta](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-pitcher-deven-sheerin-taken-in-4th-round-by-phillies-pitcher-signee-jensen-hirschkorn-goes-in-3rd-to-atlanta/) **Published:** July 11, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU sophomore right-hander Deven Sheerin went to the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday afternoon in the fourth round of the Major League Baseball Draft as the No. 128 overall selection. In the third round, LSU signee Jensen Hirschkorn, a right-handed pitcher from Kingsbury High in Kinsbury, California, who was Perfect Game’s No. 27 draft prospect, went to Atlanta as the No. 84 overall selection. Hirschkorn (6-foot-7, 205 pounds) has a draft slot value of $973,700, so LSU may have a chance at keeping him. Also in the fourth round, LSU signee Wessley Roberson, a left-handed hitting outfielder from Glynn Academy in Brunswick, Georgia, was picked 115th overall by the Miami Marlins. Roberson (6-0, 175) has a slot value of $677,500. > The fifth through the 20th and final round of the draft will begin at 10:30 a.m. Sunday on MLB.com. > > > “He did everything he needed to do at LSU to be a top five overall selection.” > > -Jay Johnson on Derek Curiel to Pirates. > > > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 11, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2076018203973632093?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > Sheerin, who is from Reading, Pennsylvania, was the third member of LSU’s 2026 team picked on Saturday after sophomore center fielder Derek Curiel went as the fifth pick of the draft to Pittsburgh and junior right fielder Jake Brown was taken in the second round as the 65th pick overall by Seattle. > > Curiel is expected to make $8.3 million based on his selection position, while Brown is slotted at $1.38 million. Sheerin (6-foot-5, 255) is expected to make $597,400. > > “Deven has all the potential in the world, and competitiveness to go with it,” LSU coach Jay Johnson said in an LSU release. “He looks like an MLB reliever standing on the mound right now. As he develops his game mentally and physically, I believe you will see him on an MLB mound. Deven has come a long way as a player and person in his time at LSU.” > > Sheerin went 3-2 last season with a 4.78 ERA with five saves in 20 appearances. He struck out 58 in 37 and two-thirds innings with 18 walks. He got his last save in the Tigers’ last win of the season over Oklahoma in the SEC Tournament on May 19 as he struck out six with zero walks in three and a third innings of one-hit pitching. > > > [LSU Baseball: It’s Draft Day, And Jay Johnson Has Been Poring Over The Numbers, Potential Gains And Losses](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-its-draft-day-and-jay-johnson-has-been-poring-over-the-numbers-potential-gains-and-losses/) Johnson stands in excellent position to possibly keep most of his 22-man signing class with only three members of it drafted in the first four rounds on Saturday – Hirschkorn in the third round, Roberson in the fourth round and left-handed pitcher Logan Schmidt in the second round at No. 59 overall by Cleveland with a slot value of $1.6 million. The only sure loss at this point would likely be Schmidt. Outfielder Dominic Santarelli of St. Joseph High in Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin, was projected as the No. 45 draft prospect by Perfect Game, but he was not selected on Saturday. > Officially have withdrawn my name from the 2026 Draft. Let’s work [pic.twitter.com/Zs0H0HjDV7](https://t.co/Zs0H0HjDV7) > > — Coleton Brady (@ColetonBrady14) [July 12, 2026](https://x.com/ColetonBrady14/status/2076113212571824463?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Another LSU signee not selected on Saturday – No. 178 MLB.com draft prospect and right-handed pitcher Coleton Brady – said on Twitter Saturday night that he is taking his name out of the remaining 16 rounds of the draft and going to LSU. Brady (6-5, 215) is the No. 313 prospect by Perfect Game. He is from TNXL Academy in North Collins, New Jersey. “If we get out of there with only six drafted, I would say that’s probably a win,” Johnson said before the draft. “A big win.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Deven Sheerin, jay johnson, Jensen Hirschkorn, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, mlb draft --- ### [LSU's Jake Brown And Signee Pitcher Logan Schmidt Taken In 2nd Round Of MLB Draft](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-jake-brown-and-signee-pitcher-logan-schmidt-taken-in-2nd-round-of-mlb-draft/) **Published:** July 11, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU junior outfielder Jake Brown, a hero of the Tigers’ run to the national championship in the 2025 season, was drafted late in the second round by the Seattle Mariners with the 65th overall pick of the Major League Baseball Draft on Saturday. > [LSU Baseball: Jake Brown Expected To Be Taken As High as 2nd Round In MLB Draft On Saturday](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-jake-brown-expected-to-be-taken-as-high-as-2nd-round-in-mlb-draft-on-saturday/) In addition, LSU signee Logan Schmidt, a left-handed pitcher from Ganesha High in Aliso Viejo, California, near Los Angeles, was also taken in the second round with the 59th overall selection by the Cleveland Guardians. Earlier Saturday, LSU sophomore center fielder Derek Curiel went as the fifth pick of the first round to the Pittsburgh Pirates. > Surprise! LSU CF Derek Curiel goes higher than expected in 1st round at 5 to Pittsburgh. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 11, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2076005279167078867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Brown, who went to Sulphur High in Sulphur near Lake Charles, finished second in home runs with 16 and in RBIs with 49 in the 2026 season despite missing the last 17 games of the season with a broken hamate bone in his wrist. He led the team in homers and RBIs and was hitting .309 at the time of his injury. And the Tigers lost 10 of those, including nine of 12 SEC games. > [Jay Johnson Calls Jake Brown “A Guy You Wish You Could Coach Forever”](https://www.tigerrag.com/jay-johnson-calls-jake-brown-a-guy-you-wish-you-could-coach-forever/) In 2025, Brown hit .320 with eight home runs and 48 RBIs. He batted a team-high .385 (5-for-13) in the College World Series with four RBIs and two runs scored. He delivered two-run single for a 2-1 lead in the sixth in the win over Arkansas on June 18 that sent the Tigers to the national title series. He went 3-for-5 with two RBIs a win over UCLA in Omaha on June 16. He hit .324 (11-for-34) in LSU’s 11 NCAA Tournament games in ’25 with one double, one homer, nine RBIs and six runs scored. In the Super Regional win over West Virginia that sent LSU to the CWS, Brown went 2-for-4 with a two-run homer and four RBIs. > “It’s all I’ve been looking at for the past week – spreadsheets, whiteboards, notebooks.” > -LSU coach Jay Johnson as he tries to keep his No. 2 prep signing class intact. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 11, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2075976211608604897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Schmidt (6-foot-4, 215 pounds) has thrown 97 mph and averaged between 93 and 95 at Ganesha High. Where Schmidt was drafted in the second round gives him a slot value of approximately $1.6 million, so the odds are he will likely not go to LSU. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Cleveland Guardians, Jake Brown, Logan Schmidt, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, mlb draft, Seattle Mariners --- ### [LSU Baseball: Surprise! Derek Curiel Goes 5th In 1st Round To Pirates - Was Projected As 10th Or Later](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-surprise-derek-curiel-goes-5th-in-1st-round-to-pirates-was-projected-as-10th-or-later/) **Published:** July 11, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The Pittsburgh Pirates jumped on LSU sophomore center fielder Derek Curiel with the fifth pick of the first round of the Major League Baseball Draft on Saturday afternoon, even though Curiel had been projected to go closer to the 10th to 15th rounds. “First semi surprise of this draft,” a Major League Baseball Network commentator said just as Curiel was picked. Curiel is draft-eligible because his birthday of May 24, 2005, fell before the August 1 cut-off date, meaning he could enter the draft as a sophomore. And Curiel needed only two seasons to prove to the Pirates that he was top five pick ready, leding the Tigers in hitting both seasons at .345 in 2025 and .353 in 2026. > [LSU Baseball: Derek Curiel, Jake Brown And Deven Sheerin Among Top 145 Prospects For MLB Draft This Weekend](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-derek-curiel-jake-brown-and-deven-sheerin-among-top-145-prospects-for-mlb-draft-this-weekend/) A native of the Los Angeles area who went to Orange Lutheran High, Curiel led the Tigers to the 2025 national championship as a freshman, hitting 20 doubles with seven home runs, two triples and 55 RBIs in 68 starts through 68 games. In 58 starts in 58 games in 2026, Curiel hit 18 doubles with six home runs, two triples and 46 RBIs. He also stole 13 bases in 15 attempts last season. In two seasons, Curiel made two errors in 229 chances in the outfield. He played left field as a freshman. “Great pick by the Pirates,” LSU coach Jay Johnson told Tiger Rag Saturday. “He did everything he needed to do at LSU to be a top five overall selection.” > “It’s all I’ve been looking at for the past week – spreadsheets, whiteboards, notebooks.” > -LSU coach Jay Johnson as he tries to keep his No. 2 prep signing class intact. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 11, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2075976211608604897?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Johnson, who was Arizona’s head coach from 2016-21, has followed Curiel’s career since before Curiel was in high school and has long recruited California, which is Johnson’s native state. “I am very proud of Derek,” Johnson said. Curiel is the fourth top five pick of the first round from LSU in the MLB Draft since 2023 with Johnson coaching. Pitcher Paul Skenes was the first pick of the 2023 MLB Draft by Pittsburgh, and center fielder Dylan Crews went as the second pick of the first round to Washington. Last year, left-handed pitcher Kade Anderson went as the third pick to Seattle. [Skenes and Crews were the first No. 1 and 2 picks from the same school in the same draft in MLB Draft history.](https://www.outkick.com/sports/lsu-is-1st-to-produce-top-2-in-mlb-draft-with-paul-skenes-to-pittsburgh-dylan-crews-to-washington) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Derek Curiel, jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, mlb draft, Pittsburgh Pirates --- ### [LSU Baseball: It's Draft Day, And Jay Johnson Has Been Poring Over The Numbers, Potential Gains And Losses](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-its-draft-day-and-jay-johnson-has-been-poring-over-the-numbers-potential-gains-and-losses/) **Published:** July 11, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor As today’s high noon Major League Baseball Draft approached over the last few days, LSU coach Jay Johnson’s head was spinning numbers regarding his 22-man high school signing class for 2027. Which of those will be drafted low enough to not get a high enough monetary offer for Johnson to have a chance to keep? Or of the ones drafted high, which ones will he have a chance to keep, in case the MLB team’s offer doesn’t blow the player away? “Ooh, I should be able to answer that better,” Johnson told Tiger Rag when asked how many members of his class he thinks he will keep out of pro baseball via Saturday’s MLB Draft (12 p.m., NBC, Peacock, MLB Network) that continues Sunday and the subsequent negotiations. > [LSU Baseball: Derek Curiel, Jake Brown And Deven Sheerin Among Top 145 Prospects For MLB Draft This Weekend](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-derek-curiel-jake-brown-and-deven-sheerin-among-top-145-prospects-for-mlb-draft-this-weekend/) The first 10 selections of the draft will be on NBC and Peacock today. Picks 11 through 40 will be televised by MLB Network and streamed on MLB.com, which will continue to stream picks 41 through 135 to complete the fourth round on Saturday. The fifth through the 20th and final round will be streamed on MLB.com beginning at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. “It’s all I’ve been looking at for the past week – spreadsheets, whiteboards, notebooks,” said Johnson, who will be monitoring virtually all picks Saturday and Sunday. **LSU HIGH RANKED SIGNEE PITCHER LUCAS NAWROCKI TAKES NAME OUT OF DRAFT** Johnson as of Friday will not be sweating over one major signee in his 2027 high school class. That is No. 50 draft prospect Lucas Nawrocki (5-10, 197 pounds), a left-handed pitcher from Aledo High in Aledo, Texas, who took his name out of the draft on Friday and is coming to LSU. Nawrocki could have an immediate impact as a starter or reliever for LSU next season, which has holes in its returning pitching staff. He also doesn’t have to worry about left-handed hitting outfielder signee Nathaneal Davis, the No. 34 MLB Draft prospect by Perfect Game from Bishop Moore High in Orlando, Florida. He also recently took his name out of the draft and is LSU bound. Davis will contend with William Patrick, a freshman last season, for center field in 2027. “Yeah, we’ve got two burners there for sure,” Johnson said. “William is one of the fastest players I’ve ever coached, and Nathaneal is a great runner, great speed, great athlete.” Portal addition Jason Wachs of Tulane could also play center field, which is where he is playing this summer in the Cape Cod League. He played right field primarily for the Green Wave. Johnson has had to replace his entire outfield of 2026 – left fielder Chris Stanfield, center fielder Derek Curiel and right fielder Jake Brown, who all were key in the Tigers’ 2025 national championship. His portal class of 2027 was heavy on highly ranked outfielders: **LSU’s No. 10 PORTAL CLASS FOR 2027 (with ESPN portal overall rankings and grade classifications for next season)** -No. 5 Junior Bino Watters, left fielder, Notre Dame -No. 8 Sophomore Landon Hood, right-handed pitcher, Gonzaga -No. 10 Junior Dawson Park, shortstop/third base, Texas State -No. 15 Sophomore Angel Laya, right fielder, Oregon -Senior Cade Kurland, second baseman, Florida -Junior Jason Wachs, right fielder/center fielder, Tulane -Sophomore Diego Velazquez, right-handed pitcher, USC -Junior Kaden Smith, right-handed pitcher, South Florida > “I definitely wouldn’t have minded coming back to LSU, but it feels like a better path to enter the draft.” > -Jake Brown to [@jeffpalermoLRN](https://x.com/jeffpalermoLRN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) on turning pro. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 10, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2075668993818440185?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Johnson also knows he will keep left-handed pitcher signee Braxton Beaty (6-0, 178), the No. 122 prospect by Perfect Game from Angleton High in Angleton, Texas, who took his name out of the draft in June. [LSU’s 2027 SIGNING CLASS](https://www.perfectgame.org/College/CollegeCommitments.aspx?college=1658&grad=2026) Of LSU’s 22-member signing class of 2027 that Perfect Game ranks No. 2 in the nation behind Vanderbilt, 11 are in Perfect Game’s top 100 of draft prospects. If Johnson can keep a handful or half of the following 11, he would be in excellent shape entering 2027 with the No. 10-ranked portal class by D1 Baseball with eight additions. **11 LSU SIGNEES IN PERFECT GAME TOP 100 ENTERING MLB DRAFT THIS WEEKEND** – No. 12 Logan Schmidt (6-4, 215), left-handed pitcher, Ganesha High, Aliso Viejo, California. – No. 27 Jensen Hirschkorn (6-7, 205), right-handed pitcher, Kingsburg High, Kingsburg, California. – No. 28 Malachi Washington (6-1, 195), outfielder, bats right, Parkview High, Stone Mountain, Georgia. – No. 34 Nathaneal Davis (6-0, 180), outfielder, bats left, Bishop Moore High, Orlando, Florida.\* – No. 39 Anthony Murphy (6-0, 190), outfielder, bats right, Corona High, Corona California. – No. 45 Dominic Santarelli (6-2, 230), outfielder, bats left, St. Joseph High, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. – No. 50 Lucas Nawrocki (5-11, 197), left-handed pitcher, Aledo High, Aledo, Texas.\* – No. 82 Will Adams (6-2, 210), first base, bats left, Hoover High, Hoover, Alabama. – No. 83 Cooper Sides (6-6, 225), right-handed pitcher, Orange Lutheran High, Orange, California. – No. 89 Dylan Blomker (6-4, 212), right-handed pitcher, La Cueva High, Albuquerque, New Mexico. – No. 97 Parker Loew (6-0, 180), shortstop, bats right, Trinidad Christian High, Jacksonville, Florida. ***\*have taken name out of draft*** Other ranked draft prospects by Perfect Game in LSU’s 2027 class that Johnson hopes to keep are No. 162 Kolby Stringer (6-3, 225), a right-handed pitcher from West Marion High in Foxworth, Mississippi; No. 173 Coleton Brady (6-5, 215), a right-handed pitcher from TNXL Academy in North Collins, New Jersey; No. 313 Bradyn Cupit (6-1, 205), a left-handed pitcher from West Monroe High in West Monroe and No. 385 Braydon Wisener (6-2, 195), a right-handed pitcher from Hargrave High in Huffman, Texas. “I think 13 of them could get drafted,” Johnson said before Nawrocki took his name out. “Now, I don’t think that all 13 will be drafted in a spot where they will want to sign. But it could be anywhere from like six to 13 of them that we could lose. If we get out of there with only six drafted, I would say that’s probably a win – a big win.” Of the 13 draft prospects listed above (excluding the two who have already taken their name out of the draft\*), eight are pitchers. That may increase Johnson’s take-home odds. “Sometimes you have a better chance with the pitchers than you do the position players, because those premium hitters – they stand out like a sore thumb,” Johnson said. “And the MLB teams really want to pay them. But sometimes, they’re leery about paying high school right-handed pitchers. And we have a good crop of those guys. So, hopefully, we can get ’em through the draft and get some depth and really good balance on the team and the pitching staff.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, mlb draft --- ### [Skip Bertman Coach Of The Year Award Goes To UCLA's John Savage After Spectacular Regular Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertman-coach-of-the-year-award-goes-to-uclas-john-savage-after-spectacular-regular-season/) **Published:** July 10, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** UCLA baseball coach John Savage, whose team spent the regular season ranked No. 1 wire to wire and equaled the program record for overall wins at 52, has been named the 13th annual Skip Bertman Coach of the Year. The Bruins, who finished 52-8 and won the Big Ten at 28-2 before losing in the NCAA Regional round, swept the Big Ten Conference regular season and tournament titles and were the No. 1 seed in the NCAA tournament. Their 48 regular-season wins were most in program history and they finished 52-8. “Having Skip Bertman’s name on the trophy says everything,” Savage said. “He’s the legend of legends in this game. As a young coach out West, I always admired and looked up to Skip.” ![Outdoor billboard on a tall pole featuring two baseball coaches and the words'COACH OF THE YEAR' with winner details and sponsor names nearby.] ,](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_3745-1024x796.jpeg "IMG_3745 | TigerRag.com")***Billboard in Los Angeles honoring the latest Skip Bertman Coach of the Year winner UCLA coach John Savage Photo courtesy of Lori Bertman College Baseball Hall of Fame trustee***Bertman won five national championships from 1991-2000 as LSU’s coach and took the Tigers to Omaha, Nebraska, for the College World Series 11 times from 1986-2000 after taking over before the 1984 season. Bertman’s daughter Lori is the chairperson of the selection committee and Bertman’s grandson, Ezra Pate, is on the selection committee along with several former LSU baseball players and College Baseball Foundation board members. > [A Summer Like No Other: Ezra Pate’s Unique Season With His Poppa](https://www.tigerrag.com/a-summer-like-no-other-ezra-pates-unique-summer-with-his-poppa/) UCLA posted a 51-6 record heading into the Los Angeles Regional, but went 1-2 at UCLA’s Jackie Robinson Stadium, losing to St. Mary’s 6-5. Savage directed UCLA to a 48-18 record in the 2025 season with a shared Big Ten title at 22-8 and reached the College World Series. After winning its opener over Murray State, the Bruins lost to eventual national champion LSU, 9-5, and Arkansas, 7-3. “They’ve won 100 games in the last two years,” Savage said. “No one in the country’s done that. Do the math. That’s a tough clubhouse to leave. Those guys have been such wonderful Bruins, teammates, and guys to coach.” What sets the Bertman coaching award apart from the others is the fact that it can go to coaches from all levels of college baseball. **WINNERS OF THE SKIP BERTMAN COACH OF THE YEAR AWARD** 2026 – John Savage, UCLA. 2025 – Brad Neffendorf, LSU-Shreveport, NAIA. 2024 – Jeff Willis, LSU-Eunice, Division II. 2023 – Kevin Brooks, Angelo State, Division II. 2022 – Brian Hamm, Eastern Connecticut State, Division III. 2021 – Jeremy Sheetinger, Georgia Gwinnett College, NAIA. 2019 – Erik Bakich, Michigan. 2018 – Jeff Willis, LSU-Eunice. 2017 – Kevin O’Sullivan, Florida. 2016 – Tim Scannell, Trinity, Division III. 2015 – Paul Mainieri, LSU. 2014 – Tim Tadlock, Texas Tech. 2013 – Mike Dickson, Gloucester Community College, Division III. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** John Savage, Lori Bertman, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, skip bertman, UCLA Baseball --- ### [The LSU Brand Continues To Dominate As 4 Tigers Selected To Be A Part Of Nike Campaign](https://www.tigerrag.com/the-lsu-brand-continues-to-dominate-as-4-tigers-selected-to-be-a-part-of-nike-campaign/) **Published:** July 10, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU football players Whit Weeks and Trey’Dez Green, softball player Kylee Edwards and basketball player ZaKiyah Johnson will be featured in Nike’s national “Back to School” NIL campaign, it was announced on Friday. Last December, Nike and LSU announced an extension to their five-decade long partnership through 2036. The iconic sports brand also used Baton Rouge as the launch for its Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program. “You grow up wearing Nike,” Johnson said in a release. “It’s one of the biggest brands in the world. Being able to represent that for myself, my team and school, and to be the first to do it – hard work pays off. This is what I came to LSU for, to create a brand for myself.” > NEW: Power 4 sponsorship revenue topped $1 billion for the first time in 25-26, per [@SponsorUnited](https://x.com/sponsorunited?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). > > Texas, OSU, LSU and Georgia each cleared $30M, rivaling mid-tier pro teams. > > Financial brands led all categories at $100M+, outspending auto, insurance, healthcare and alcohol. > > — Brandon Marcello (@bmarcello) [July 9, 2026](https://x.com/bmarcello/status/2075203321699389451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Content and social media assets for the newest Nike campaign involving Green, Weeks, Johnson and Edwards were shot in multiple locations across campus at LSU, spotlighting four of the best in their respective sports. Weeks will be a senior linebacker for the Tigers in the 2026 season after an injury-plagued season in 2025. He is expected to return to his sophomore form in 2024 when he was one of the best at his position in the nation. > [LSU Football: Whit Weeks Wants To “Bring Back That Nasty Defense Mentality Down To The Bayou”](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-whit-weeks-wants-to-bring-back-that-nasty-defense-mentality-down-to-the-bayou/) Green is expected to be one of the top tight ends in the nation this season. “I wake up every day and say, ‘I’m a Nike athlete.’ It’s crazy,” Green said. > LSU’s Trey’Dez to see a lot of green this season with Kiffin&Weis. [@kacehk](https://x.com/kacehk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 10, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2075648779009577369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “I get the chance to do stuff that me and my friends always talked about and dreamed about,” Green said. “It’s a blessing. I came from Jackson, Louisiana. I get chills every time I think about it.” Edwards started all 59 games at shortstop in her first season with the Tigers in 2026 and was named the the All-SEC first team after batting .341 with 61 hits, 43 runs scored, 40 RBIs, eight doubles, five triples and 10 home runs. Johnson started 23 of 34 games as a freshman for coach Kim Mulkey, averaging 9.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game. LSU’s full, expanded list of athletes participating in the Nike Blue Ribbon Elite program for 2026-27 are expected to be announced soon. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Kylee Edwards, Nike, Trey'Dez Green, Whit Weeks, ZaKiyah Johnson --- ### [LSU Baseball: Jake Brown Expected To Be Taken As High as 2nd Round In MLB Draft On Saturday](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-jake-brown-expected-to-be-taken-as-high-as-2nd-round-in-mlb-draft-on-saturday/) **Published:** July 10, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By JEFF PALERMO, Louisiana Radio Network News & Sports Director Jake Brown bled purple and gold for three seasons at LSU, but this weekend the former Tiger is ready to take the next step toward the dream he’s had since childhood. The Sulphur native is expected to hear his name called in the second round of the Major League Baseball Draft Saturday afternoon (12 p.m., NBC, Peacock, MLB Network, MLB.com stream) as he begins the journey toward becoming a big leaguer. “Definitely super excited,” Brown told the Louisiana Radio Network this week. “This is something I’ve dreamed about my whole life. I’m excited to see what the next chapter offers for me and begin a new journey in my life.” The first 10 selections of the first round will be televised by NBC and Peacock. Selections 11-40 will be televised by MLB Network and streamed on MLB.com. Selections 41-135 will be streamed on MLB.com, completing the fourth round. Rounds five through 20 will be televised on Sunday (10:30 a.m., MLB.com). > [LSU Baseball: Derek Curiel, Jake Brown And Deven Sheerin Among Top 145 Prospects For MLB Draft This Weekend](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-derek-curiel-jake-brown-and-deven-sheerin-among-top-145-prospects-for-mlb-draft-this-weekend/) Baseball has always been part of Brown’s life. Born on Jan. 12, 2005, in Sulphur, he comes from an athletic family. His father played baseball at McNeese State, while his mother played softball for McNeese before earning her law degree at LSU. Brown developed into one of Louisiana’s premier high school prospects at Sulphur High. Perfect Game ranked him as the state’s No. 1 player in the Class of 2023. As a senior in 2023, Brown hit .336 with seven home runs, 26 RBIs and 20 stolen bases. He also starred on the mound as a left-handed pitcher, striking out 118 while allowing just 39 hits in 73 and two-thirds innings. His talent caught the attention of the Texas Rangers, who selected him in the 16th round of the 2023 MLB Draft. Instead of turning pro, Brown chose to fulfill a lifelong dream by playing for LSU. Brown never pitched in Baton Rouge, but he made an immediate impact as a freshman in 2024. He appeared in 56 games with 21 starts, batting .264 with four home runs and 13 RBIs. His role expanded significantly during LSU’s 2025 national championship season. Brown embraced sharing time in right field with Josh Pearson, putting the team’s success ahead of individual statistics. He rewarded the Tigers with a .320 batting average, eight home runs and 48 RBIs while leading the team with 11 stolen bases. Brown’s defensive growth was just as impressive. After a costly outfield misplay during the 2024 NCAA Regional in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, he used the experience as motivation to improve. The following season, he committed just one error. > [Jay Johnson Calls Jake Brown “A Guy You Wish You Could Coach Forever”](https://www.tigerrag.com/jay-johnson-calls-jake-brown-a-guy-you-wish-you-could-coach-forever/) His junior campaign ended abruptly last April 19 when he suffered a broken hamate bone in his wrist. Despite missing the final stretch of the season, Brown finished with a .309 average, 16 home runs and 49 RBIs, establishing himself as one of LSU’s most productive hitters. The recovery required patience, but Brown says he’s fully healthy again. “It was a pretty slow process getting all the way back, trying to get strength back, trying to get comfortable swinging again to where it’s completely pain-free,” Brown said. “I’m there now, and I’ve been full steam ahead for the last three weeks, so I’m feeling great.” Although Brown had the option of returning to LSU for his senior season, he believes now is the right time to pursue his professional career. “My ultimate goal is to be a Major League player,” Brown said. “I had a great time at LSU. I definitely wouldn’t have minded coming back to LSU, but it feels like a more realistic and better path for me to enter the draft.” Brown is projected to be selected in the second round, where he could command a seven-figure signing bonus—far exceeding what he could have earned through an NIL deal by returning to LSU. For Brown, the decision ultimately came down to chasing the dream he’s been working toward his entire life. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Jake Brown, jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, mlb draft --- ### [LSU Football May Have World Class TE Attack Via Trey'Dez Green And Kiffin&Weis Expertise](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-may-have-world-class-te-attack-via-treydez-green-and-kiffinweis-expertise/) **Published:** July 10, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By KACE KIEISCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter For Lane Kiffin’s offense to succeed in year one of the new LSU head coach, he’ll need consistent contribution from his tight end room. Lucky for him, that may just be the best position group on the Tigers’ roster. The Walter Camp Football Foundation seems to agree, naming junior tight end Trey’Dez Green a preseason first-team All-American, the only Tiger to receive the honor. Green, whom Kiffin inherited from previous coach Brian Kelly, is also one of the top rated Tigers in the EA Sports College Football 2027 video game for the 2026-27 season that came out on Thursday. > [LSU’s Trey’Dez Green Tied For No. 1 TE, And Lane Kiffin Offense No. 6 For EA Sports College Football 2026-27](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-treydez-green-tied-for-no-1-te-and-lane-kiffin-offense-no-6-for-ea-sports-college-football-2026-27/) Green will draw most of the headlines, and rightfully so, but behind the 6-foot-7 athletic freak, Kiffin and his offensive staff have quietly built a versatile supporting cast. Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. have proven themselves at getting the most out of the tight end position previously at Ole Miss. Four different tight ends caught passes for their Rebels’ offense last season, led by Dea’Quan Wright with 39 receptions for 635 yards and five touchdowns. Wright tallied four catches for 66 yards against the Tigers last season, including a critical 20-yard catch on fourth down to seal Ole Miss’ 24-19 victory. Weis and Kiffin will ask a lot of their tight ends. They are agile extra linemen in the run-pass option attack, decoys in timely play action and crucial targets in the middle of the field and red zone. **Trey’Dez Green** Green (6-7, 237 pounds) has been a problem for defenses since he stepped on campus in 2024 as a freshman out of Zachary High School near Baton Rouge. The junior’s 11 touchdown receptions in two seasons are already a program record for an LSU tight end, and he also holds the single season record with seven in 11 games last year. Green was third on the team with 33 receptions for 433 yards last season. Only eight of those catches did not result in six points or a first down. > [LSU Offense’s Solitary Weapon – Tight End Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-offenses-solitary-weapon-tight-end-treydez-green/) He was a four-star high school prospect and [On3.com](http://on3.com/)’s No. 1 recruit in Louisiana and No. 35 recruit overall. Green had 53 receptions for 960 yards and 12 touchdowns his senior season at Zachary and put up 97 yards and a score on eight catches in the Louisiana Division I Non-Select state title game. Green was a two-sport athlete with numerous Division I offers in football and basketball. He appeared in six games for the LSU men’s basketball team as a freshman in 2024-25, but has since refrained from any post-ups outside of the end zone. He played in all 13 games as a freshman tight end, but was limited to usage almost exclusively in the red zone. He was elite in that role, however, taking four of his 13 catches for touchdowns. He totaled 101 yards. Last season, his role in the offense expanded considerably. His goal line dominance continued, but he displayed his versatility and athleticism by lining up frequently as an outside and slot receiver. A total of 176 yards came after catches. Green was a second-team All-SEC selection, and even still, it felt like his true potential remained untapped. “His skill set is ultra-elite, but so is his mindset and that’s really unique to have because they usually don’t coincide.” Kiffin said of Green during spring practice. “He doesn’t have another speed. He doesn’t have another thought besides, ‘This is how you do things.’” If there’s one area where Green’s game leaves something to be desired it’s as a blocker. That is where the rest of the cast can shine. **Malachi Thomas** Pittsburgh transfer Malachi Thomas (6-3, 242) is a seasoned pass catcher who struggled to break through in two seasons with the Panthers, but showed potential. He has appeared in all 26 games in his college career, but hauled in just 13 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns last year. He recorded just two receptions for 22 yards and a score as a freshman in 2024. Thomas challenged projected starter Jake Overman for starting reps in the summer leading up to the 2025 season. But he did not win that battle, and it was senior Marshall transfer Justin Holmes who took over the primary role when Overman was sidelined after a week one injury. When asked what Thomas needed to do to see more action, Panthers head coach Pat Narduzzi responded, “He needs to practice more.” The Thomasville, Georgia, native was a three-star prep tight end and was a late addition to Pittsburgh’s 2024 class. Pitt was his only Division I offer after after catching 30 passes for 542 yards for a 15-0 Thomas County Central team. [247Sports.com](http://247sports.com/) ranked Thomas as the No. 74 tight end in the country and No. 148 prospect in Georgia. “We think we found a diamond in the rough in Malachi,” Narduzzi said at his 2024 newcomers press conference. “Everybody down there loves him, from the cafeteria ladies on. We really did a deep dive on him as a person, and every lady in that building was like, ‘My favorite guy.’ They won a ton of games down there and a state 6A championship as well, but just an unbelievable kid.” Thomas was listed as the No. 33 tight end in the portal by 247Sports and the No. 473 overall prospect. He was expected to start for the Panthers in 2026, but he committed to Kiffin’s portal class in January after a visit to Baton Rouge. > [Transfer Tight End Malachi Thomas’ Visit To LSU Canceled All Others](https://www.tigerrag.com/transfer-tight-end-malachi-thomas-visit-to-lsu-canceled-all-others/) “I like how they get the ball in space with the tight ends,” he told Tiger Rag. “I feel like I make my magic there – break two or three tackles, and I’m gone. So, I was like, ‘Okay, cool. That’s where I thrive.’ I can win one-on-one, contested catches, too, so I’m like, ‘I’m going to love this.’” Thomas has a sturdy frame with good speed for his size. He will be a good supplement to Green with similar playmaking ability in the open field. Expect to see him regularly in multi-tight end sets and as a reliever for Green. **Zach Grace** Zach Grace (6-2, 236) is the blocking specialist of the group. The redshirt junior split 101 snaps in the last two seasons at Oregon almost evenly between fullback and tight end. He has yet to record any receiving stats. Grace was a three-star out of Kearney High School in Kearney, Missouri, when he committed to the Ducks’ 2023 class. He was named to the Missouri Football Coaches Association Class 4 All-State first-team as a senior after totaling 22 touchdowns. In the transfer portal, Grace was again listed as a three-star. He’ll play an essential role as a mobile run blocker and in pass protection in jumbo sets. Kiffin and Weis could draw out some unseen usage in the pass game, but Grace projects more as an extra man willing to do the dirty work. **JD LaFleur** Redshirt freshman JD LaFleur (6-6, 254) of Sulphur High in Sulphur is every bit the massive pass catcher Green is. As the son of former LSU tight end great David LaFleur, he has the pedigree to develop into something special. His father was a two-time All-SEC selection and a 1996 Walter Camp first team All-American. He played 33 games in four years at LSU (1993-1996) and totaled 71 receptions for 881 yards and five touchdowns. He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys with the No. 22 overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft. JD LaFleur was a top tight end in the class of 2025, despite being considered just a three-star prospect. He was ranked as high as No. 8 at his position by ESPN and No. 12 overall in Louisiana by Rivals. He did not see the field last year and is not expected to become a regular in this year’s offense either, but he has a potentially strong future and could be an above-average understudy if called upon. **JC Anderson** Anderson (6-6, 256) is a behemoth four-star true freshman from Mt. Zion High School in Illinois. He became the first commitment to Kiffin’s 2026 LSU class when he flipped from Ole Miss to follow the staff that recruited him. He was listed as the No. 11 tight end and No. 8 prospect in Illinois in composite rankings and was ranked as high as No. 3 at his position in ESPN’s evaluation. Anderson hauled in 46 passes for 578 yards and eight touchdowns as a senior and made 47 receptions for 535 yards with seven touchdowns his junior season. His career high school totals of 1,568 yards and 138 catches are a program record. The tight end group looks extremely strong on paper. There is a noticeable drop-off in proven production behind Green, but if he can stay healthy, nobody will be concerned about his backup anyway. Thomas and Grace will be necessary changes of pace and protection support, but Green has the frame, contested-catch ability, and explosiveness out in space to be a top receiver in this offense and the best tight end in college football. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Charlie Weis Jr, lane kiffin, lsu football, Malachi Thomas, Trey'Dez Green --- ### [LSU Baseball: Derek Curiel, Jake Brown And Deven Sheerin Among Top 145 Prospects For MLB Draft This Weekend](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-derek-curiel-jake-brown-and-deven-sheerin-among-top-145-prospects-for-mlb-draft-this-weekend/) **Published:** July 10, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU center fielder Derek Curiel, right fielder Jake Brown and pitcher Deven Sheerin are among the top 145 prospects listed my MLB.com for the Major League Baseball Draft that begins Saturday in Philadelphia. Rounds 1-4 of the draft will begin at noon Saturday with the first 10 selections televised by NBC and Peacock, selections 11-40 televised by MLB Network and streamed on MLB.com, and selections 41-135 streamed on MLB.com. Rounds 5-20 will be held starting at 10:30 a.m. Sunday on MLB.com, which ranks Curiel as the No. 12 overall draft prospect for 2026. Brown is at No. 59 with Sheerin at No. 145. Other LSU draft prospects for the middle-to-later rounds are right-handed pitcher Zac Cowan, outfielder Chris Stanfield and pitchers Zac Cowan, Gavin Guidry, Grant Fontenot, Santiago Garcia, and Connor Benge. LSU has produced 36 drafted players during coach Jay Johnson’s time at LSU, which began in 2022. That includes five selections in the first round, 16 in the top five rounds and 24 in the top 10 rounds. > Will Paul Skenes become an actor before girlfriend Livvy Dunne makes it as an actress? > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 10, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2075599237975290212?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) When left-hander [Kade Anderson](https://lsusports.net/sports/bsb/roster/player/kade-anderson) was chosen as the No. 3 overall selection by the Seattle Mariners in the 2025 MLB Draft, he became the third LSU player in three seasons to be selected among the top three overall picks, and the fourth LSU player in four seasons to be selected among the top five. LSU pitcher [Paul Skenes](https://lsusports.net/sports/bsb/roster/player/paul-skenes) and center fielder [Dylan Crews](https://lsusports.net/sports/bsb/roster/player/dylan-crews) in 2023 became the first players from the same school to be selected first and second overall in the draft in history. Skenes was selected No. 1 by the Pittsburgh Pirates and Crews was selected No. 2 by the Washington Nationals. LSU third baseman [Jacob Berry](https://lsusports.net/sports/bsb/roster/player/jacob-berry) was the No. 5 overall pick in the 2022 Draft by the Miami Marlins. Curiel in 2026 will become LSU’s sixth first-round selection in five seasons, joining Berry, Skenes, Crews, Anderson and pitcher [Ty Floyd](https://lsusports.net/sports/bsb/roster/player/ty-floyd), who was chosen by the Cincinnati Reds in 2023. LSU has had 14 pitchers selected in the draft over the past two seasons, which is tied with Mississippi State for the most in the nation in that span. An SEC-record eight LSU pitchers were selected in the 2024 MLB Draft, marking the second straight season the Tigers tied the conference mark for drafted hurlers. LSU tied in 2023 the Southeastern Conference record for most drafted players in a single season when 13 Tigers were selected by MLB teams. Since the MLB Draft began in 1965, LSU players have been selected on 271 occasions, including 22 first-round picks. Since 1984, LSU players have been selected in the MLB Draft on 250 occasions – 129 pitchers and 121 position players – an average of nearly seven players per season. The Tigers have produced 21 first-round selections since 1989. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Derek Curiel, Deven Sheerin, Jake Brown, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, mlb draft --- ### [Paul Skenes Showing His Acting Chops In More Ways Than One, And Girlfriend Livvy Dunne Agrees](https://www.tigerrag.com/paul-skenes-showing-his-acting-chops-in-more-ways-than-one-and-girlfriend-livvy-dunne-agrees/) **Published:** July 10, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Former LSU pitcher [Paul Skenes may be having an up-and-down season](https://www.tigerrag.com/paul-skenes-is-in-biggest-slump-of-his-career-with-0-wins-over-last-9-starts-and-jacob-misiorowski-is-taking-over/) with the Pittsburgh Pirates this season as he is 7-8 on the year with a 3.58 ERA – high for him as he had 1.96 and 1.97 ERAs in 2024 and ’25. But he is displaying some of the dominance he showed as the National League Cy Young winner last year and the NL Rookie of the Year in 2024 and a two-time All-Star game starter in a possible second career behind the camera while not on the mound. [Skenes, 24 and boyfriend of social media star/former LSU gymnast and possible future actress Livvy Dunne](https://www.outkick.com/sports/lsu-love-its-true-olivia-dunne-and-paul-skenes-are-dating-mlb-no-1-pick-confirms), recently filmed a commercial for Sheetz convenience stores in Pennsylvania that Dunne apparently really liked. > Just give him the Oscar > > — Olivia Dunne (@livvydunne) [June 24, 2026](https://x.com/livvydunne/status/2069817404868153512?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Skenes, usually the strong and silent type, pitches the “Big Glizzy” hot dog in the commercial, which is hilarious. “Known for his stoic, understated demeanor, the Pirates ace is earning praise for an unexpected skill – acting,” a release about the commercial stated. “Skenes stars in [Sheetz’s](https://tracking.us.nylas.com/l/3d1e685839e2486b80901e658f30eb0f/0/1dfda21c8608eae8ad8f10b0fbd9f25885bf0b3ed8e37c20347a8796c550c07e?cache_buster=1782482384) newest campaign.” > “We fought until the end, because we knew he’d be special.” … Jay Johnson, who hosted Jacob Misiorowski at LSU 2 days before the 2022 MLB Draft. Imagine MIiorowski and Paul Skenes in LSU rotation in 2023. Could’ve won 65. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 8, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2074985231631647200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) After his most recent start for the Pirates on Tuesday, Skenes showed off his deadpan style again so well that most of the reporters interviewing him probably didn’t realize he was kidding when asked about Ryan O’Hearn’s night at the plate. O’Hearn hit three home runs (grand slam, two three-run bolts) in setting the Pittsburgh record for RBIs in a game with 10 in a 12-4 win over Atlanta. Skenes got the win that night, breaking a six-game losing streak by allowing two runs and one walk around eight hits in six innings with four strikeouts. “Uh, I mean I think it was kind of selfish to be honest,” Skenes said matter of factly of O’Hearn. “Everybody else was getting on, and home runs are rally killers. You get a three-run home run or a grand slam, and it’s just like, ‘What now?’ You know, there’s nobody on. Nobody can drive him in. Good for him, I guess.” He sounded like the Skenes in the Sheetz commercial. “But, uh, now it was pretty special to watch,” Skenes smiled as he went back to pitcher mode. And finally a few reporters got it. “That was probably the best performance I’ve seen since I’ve been in the Big Leagues,” he said, seriously. What’s next for Skenes, the thespian? Saturday Night Live? **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Livvy Dunne, Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates, Ryan O'Hearn --- ### [LSU Football: Get Ready For Tigers 1st Real Running Game Since 2019](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-get-ready-for-tigers-1st-real-running-game-since-2019/) **Published:** July 9, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By KACE KIEISCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter LSU football coach Lane Kiffin will hope to revive a once-feared rushing attack in Baton Rouge in 2026. The first-year Tigers coach inherits last season’s leading ball carriers in junior Caden Durham and sophomore Harlem Berry, and he welcomes transfers Dilin Jones, Rod Gainey Jr., Raycine Guillory Jr., and Stacy Gage. The LSU run game disappeared under former head coach Brian Kelly. The Tigers finished at the bottom of the Southeastern Conference in each of the last two seasons with 1,352 rush yards and 10 touchdowns last season and 1,513 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2024. LSU was second in the conference with 2,659 rushing yards and 34 scores in 2023, but 1,134 of those yards came from Heisman winning quarterback Jayden Daniels. He also accounted for 10 running touchdowns. To find a Tigers running back to eclipse 1,000 yards in a season, you need to go all the way back to the 2021 season when Tyrion Davis-Price just barely reached the mark with 1,003. The rushing attack wasn’t exactly feared, though, as LSU finished 6-6 that season and lost to Kansas State in the Texas Bowl, 42-20. The last time a running back-led rushing attack was significant at LSU was in the national championship season of 2019-20 when Clyde Edwards-Helaire gained 1,414 yards on 215 carries and scored 16 rushing touchdowns. He also caught 55 passes for 453 yards. Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. commanded an Ole Miss offense that never finished outside the top six of the SEC from 2020-25. They and new LSU running back coach Kevin Smith, also formerly of Ole Miss, have recruited and developed backs like 2022 SEC Freshman of the Year Quinshon Judkins and 2025 All-American Kewan Lacy. The trio has cultivated enough talent to likely find the same success at LSU. “If you can’t run the ball, you got problems, not just offensively, but as a team,” Kiffin said during spring practice. “It’s just a part of your personality, and we’ve always really stressed that. It sets up everything. Everybody knows that sets up throwing the ball and play action, but to me, it sets your team up.” > [LSU Leading Rusher Caden Durham Is Staying With The Tigers And Lane Kiffin](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-leading-rusher-caden-durham-is-staying-with-the-tigers-and-lane-kiffin/) **Caden Durham** Durham (5-foot-9, 200 pounds) led the Tigers with 111 carries for 505 yards and three touchdowns last season. He also caught 16 passes for 91 yards. Durham was poised to break out as one of the nation’s top rushers after earning All-SEC Freshman honors in 2024, but he was hindered by a nagging high ankle sprain suffered in week four against Southeastern Louisiana and a horrific offensive line. Coming out of Duncanville High School in Duncanville, Texas, Durham was listed as a four-star prospect and ranked as the nation’s No. 8 running back by [On3.com](http://on3.com/). He helped the Panthers win back-to-back Texas 6A Division I state titles and was named offensive MVP of both championship games. Durham appeared in 12 games and made six starts as a true freshman at LSU. After taking five carries for just four yards in the 2024 season opener against Nicholls, he burst his way into the running back rotation with 11 carries for 98 yards and two touchdowns against South Carolina. “Caden broke three or four tackles,” Kelly said after the game. “That’s why you’re on scholarship, quite frankly. You got to make some of these guys miss, and you got to run through some tackles. And he just did a really good job of showing himself today and setting a standard of what we need at that running back position.” Durham went on to be the lead back in the 2024 offense and totaled 753 yards and six TDs in 140 rushes while adding 28 receptions for 260 yards and two scores through the air. He led all freshmen in rushing yards and finished as No. 10 rusher in the SEC. Durham entered the transfer portal following the hiring of Kiffin and departure of former LSU running back coach and interim head coach Frank Wilson for Ole Miss. There were rumors of a potential running back swap between the two programs where Durham would follow Wilson to the Rebels and Lacy follow Smith to Baton Rouge, but that never materialized. > BREAKING: LSU running back Caden Durham is withdrawing his name from the transfer portal. > > "Unfinished business." [pic.twitter.com/lwGWR0ZkFV](https://t.co/lwGWR0ZkFV) > > — TigerDroppings (@TigerDroppings) [January 12, 2026](https://x.com/TigerDroppings/status/2010780289614897257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) After Lacy re-signed with Ole Miss, Durham withdrew his name from the portal and signed on to Kiffin’s new offense. Despite struggles in last year’s campaign and split carries thanks to an upstart true freshman, Durham still showed his explosive speed and ability to make defenders miss. He is a consistent every-down back that can contribute as a receiver or an effective protector in the passing game. > [LSU Running Back Harlem Berry Impressed Interim Coach Frank Wilson Back In 8th Grade](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-running-back-harlem-berry-impressed-interim-coach-frank-wilson-back-in-8th-grade/) **Harlem Berry** Berry (5-10, 187) enters his sophomore season with aspirations of challenging for the lead back spot. The electric playmaker, at times, was the only bright spot of the Tigers’ 2025 run game. Another breakout true freshman, Berry racked up 491 rush yards and two touchdowns on 102 opportunities and made eight catches for 32 yards. Berry was a consensus five-star and No. 1 prospect in the state at St. Martin’s Episcopal School in Metairie. On3 listed him as the top running back in the 2025 class after starting four years with the Saints. Berry ran for over 2,000 yards in all four of his high school seasons. As a senior, he ran for 2,178 yards and 41 TDs on over 12 yards per carry and caught 20 passes for 340 yards and 4 touchdowns. He was named Gatorade’s Louisiana Player of the Year in 2024 and was a three-time first-team 1A All-State selection (2021, 2022, 2023). Berry also ran high school track and won 2022 Louisiana 1A state titles in the 100-meter (10.98 seconds) and 200-meter (22.68 seconds) dashes. Kelly expected Berry to have an immediate impact. “He’s very smooth, elite speed, catches the ball well, but there is a transitiono college,” Kelly said during 2025 spring practice. “He’s getting used to it. It’s a process, but we like him. We think he’s going to have to play for us this year.” And play he did. Berry’s undeniable talent and blazing speed gave the Tigers coaching staff no other choice but to put him on the field as he grew more comfortable in the offense. Durham’s injury certainly helped his case for playing time, but Berry started the second half of the season and took 75 carries for 335 yards in those six games. He finished third among SEC freshmen in rush yards. Wilson said the true freshman developed as the season went on. “He’s evolved into being more than just a runner, a complete back that can play first, second, third down situations, even short yardage and goal line because he has a better understanding holistically of what we’re trying to accomplish,” said Wilson after a November practice. “I just think he’s a better overall player than he was when he arrived on campus.” Now, he’ll be able to put that improved understanding and skillset to work in a brand new offense. Berry said he could already notice a difference in the offense during spring camp. “I was watching how fast they were moving our defense,” Berry said. “Just seeing that, how tired they can get a defense, is something I was excited to see.” And there is not a tired defender in the SEC who can contain Harlem Berry. > [LSU Football Has An Every-Down Back In Wisconsin Transfer Dilin Jones](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-has-an-every-down-back-in-wisconsin-transfer-dilin-jones/) **Dilin Jones** Jones (5-11, 211) arrives at LSU as a redshirt sophomore from Wisconsin. His 2024 season was cut short by a season-ending turf-toe injury suffered against Ohio State on Oct. 18. Prior to the injury, Jones led the Badgers with 300 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 75 carries. Jones was a prep four-star at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Laurel, Maryland. ESPN ranked him as the No. 6 high school running back in the country, ahead of Durham. Jones rushed for over 2,100 yards and 32 TDs in final two seasons, and he was two-time Washington Catholic Athletic Conference Player of the Year. He red-shirted his first year with the Badgers, appearing in just three games and gaining 88 yards on 16 rushes. Jones won an off-season position battle to earn the starting tailback spot for Wisconsin last season. “He is definitely one of those guys that every single day is like game day. He practices that way,” Wisconsin head coach Luke Fickell said of Jones during preseason camp in 2025. “He has another little competitive edge, nature, that makes a lot of those guys around him better.” Jones has brought that to LSU. Jones was ranked as the No. 74 transfer running back by 247sports, but he has already begun to outperform that billing. Kiffin identified him as a player to watch this season on former LSU star Tyrann Mathieu’s “In the Bayou” podcast last month. “Really good feet and body control and a really smooth runner,” Kiffin said. “There’s a lot of names they already know about, but I think Dilin has got a real chance.” Jones took more and more reps with the first team as spring practice went on and is looking like he may turn the dynamic duo of Durham and Berry into a three-headed monster. He is certainly the biggest of the three, and at the very least will be an excellent compliment between the tackles for an LSU team that has lacked a traditional power back. **Rod Gainey Jr.** Gainey (5-9, 183) arrives at LSU as a redshirt sophomore from Charlotte. He led a forgotten 49ers run game with 74 rushes for 260 yards and one TD and caught 16 passes for 44 yards. Rated three-stars out of Tampa Bay Tech, Gainey rushed for 1,087 yards and 14 touchdowns as a senior and 1,518 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior. He was ranked No. 151 player in Florida and No. 85 running back in 2024. He entered the transfer portal as an unranked prospect and became the seventh commitment to Kiffin’s transfer class. **Raycine Guillory Jr.** Guillory (5-10, 179) is the biggest unknown of the running back room. The redshirt freshman does not turn 19 until November after reclassifying to enroll at Utah a year early. He saw just one carry for four yards in a week two matchup with Cal Poly last season. A three-star at Aledo High in Aledo, Texas, he received offers from several top programs, including Ole Miss by Kiffin. He ran for 1,236 yards and 17 touchdowns, averaging 8.47 yards per carry as a senior, and caught 10 passes for 175 yards and four scores. Guillory was the 75th-ranked running back in the transfer portal and was listed No. 812 player overall by 247Sports. **Stacy Gage** Gage (5-10, 206) is another back coming off a season that ended with an injury. The redshirt sophomore had 13 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown in seven games at Central Florida last year. He was sidelined after a lower-body injury against West Virginia that required meniscus surgery. Coming out of St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Gage was a consensus three-star prospect, but was ranked as high as the No. 21 back in the 2024 class by Rivals. He rushed for 390 yards and six touchdowns as a senior and helped the Raiders to a 14-1 record and a state title. He redshirted as a true freshman, seeing action in three games but recording no rushing statistics. He was unranked in the transfer portal and the last back to join LSU’s 2026 roster. The LSU running back room features three starting-level tailbacks and a diverse group of young talent. Durham and Berry are the obvious choice for a lethal one-two punch, and Jones will almost certainly be featured in the rotation. But Kiffin promises everyone will have a chance. “To go in and add people of different ages, different skill sets was really, really critical,” Kiffin said. “That’ll be a very open competition, like everything here. It doesn’t matter if you’ve been here before, how many stars that you were, where you’re from. That’s not how we evaluate. That’s not how we do depth charts.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Caden Durham, Dillin Jones, Harlem Berry, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [Will Wade Loses LSU Legacy Recruit Marcus Spears Jr. To Texas](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-loses-lsu-legacy-recruit-marcus-spears-jr-to-texas/) **Published:** July 9, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By KACE KIEISCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Will Wade and LSU basketball missed out on one of the nation’s top prospects on Thursday. Marcus Spears Jr., the No. 6 overall prospect in the country and No. 2 power forward by 247sports.com from Dynamic Prep in the Dallas area, is the son of former LSU defensive end great Marcus Spears. He committed to Texas after reclassifying to be a freshman in the 2026-27 season. Spears (6-foot-9, 210 pounds) is the No. 1 player in Texas and had scholarship offers from Wade in addition to national champion Michigan, North Carolina, Kentucky, Arizona and Villanova, among others. > Marcus Spears Jr., the #1 player in HS, commits to Texas and will reclassify to 2026 🚨😳[@mspears96](https://x.com/mspears96?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@Mspearsjr](https://x.com/Mspearsjr?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@slam\_university](https://x.com/slam_university?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/FfJQzERBFW](https://t.co/FfJQzERBFW) > > — SLAM HS Hoops (@SLAM\_HS) [July 9, 2026](https://x.com/SLAM_HS/status/2075295928513405374?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) His parents met at LSU in the early 2000s and soon got married. His mother is 6-2 former LSU center Aiysha Smith, a Detroit native who played for the Tigers from 2001-03 under coach Sue Gunter and was a first team All-SEC player before becoming the seventh pick of the first round of the 2003 WNBA Draft by the Washington Mystics. Spears’ dad played at Southern Lab in Baton Rouge before signing with LSU coach Nick Saban in 2001 as the No. 1 high school tight end in the nation and one of the most highly recruited prospects overall. He soon moved to defensive end, where the 6-4 star helped lead LSU to the national championship in the 2003 season. A first team All-SEC player in 2003 and ’04, he was a consensus All-American in 2004 and the 20th pick of the first round in 2005 by Dallas, where he played from 2005-12 before later becoming a college football analyst at ESPN and the SEC Network. > [LSU Basketball: Point Guard Elliot Cadeau Staying At Michigan](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-basketball-point-guard-elliot-cadeau-staying-at-michigan/) But the family connections to LSU were not enough. “Marcus Jr. grew up in Texas, and there’s nothing like playing for your home school and winning,” Spears told ESPN. “I experienced that growing up in Louisiana at LSU. This is his decision and his future.” > Wow, not even the “Meeting Of The 5 Families” in “The Godfather” had 40 money people in attendance. These at the Governor’s Mansion will: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 9, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2075317721202323734?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Spears Jr., 17, was the No. 1 player in ESPN’s 2027 class and was a top target for the Tigers. The five-star prospect helped the USA win gold at the FIBA U16 Men’s AmeriCup and averaged 20.9 points and 8.7 rebounds on the Nike circuit this spring. Spears was initially recruited by former LSU head coach Matt McMahon before Wade. Wade may have Ruston High four-star forward Ahmad Hudson for his 2027-28 team. Hudson committed to the LSU football team last spring as the No. 1 tight end in the country, but ESPN’s No. 26 basketbal prospect has said he will try to play baskeball as well. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** Aiysha Smith, lsu basketball, Marcus Spears, Marcus Spears Jr., will wade --- ### [JIM KLEINPETER: Gambling Is The Biggest Threat To College Sports](https://www.tigerrag.com/jim-kleinpeter-gambling-is-the-biggest-threat-to-college-sports/) **Published:** July 9, 2026 **Author:** Jim Kleinpeter **Content:** **The latest chapter** in the panic over the future of college sports in general – and football in this specific instance – was one of real concern. The NCAA was rendered powerless in the quarterback Brendan Sorsby-to-Texas-Tech case and college football got it right, even if it was by accident. LSU sports administration and the SEC should be taking notes because gambling is the biggest existential threat to sports at any level. I have written previously in this space that a lot of the “sky is falling” sentiment that is raised every time a player is awarded a seventh season of eligibility, or transfers into a big money NIL deal, or the playoffs are expanded, is misplaced. College sports are surviving and prospering. The product in the various arenas continues to get better and the method for determining a champion – in football at least – becomes more credible. What else do you want? The big changes have seemingly come crashing in all at the same time, but the adults in the room will ultimately sort it all out. They will come up first with an enforcement body they must all respect and then a set of rules that makes sense. Of course, that could mean the power football schools going their own way with a separate league or division. But gambling is different. It creates an entirely different set of off-the-field problems on multiple levels, including law enforcement and the integrity of the game. It would seem like a slam-dunk to keep a player who has admitted a gambling addiction that caused him to place 9,000 bets, 40 on his own Indiana team, on the sidelines. Yet, there are people out there trying to game the system right up to edges of ethical behavior. Cody Campbell is the billionaire Tech booster providing the bucks behind this effort, and Teach also made Stanford softball pitcher NiJaree Canady the first $1 million athlete in that sport. And then there’s his buddy, Texas attorney general Ken Paxton, who made a really dumb move. Let’s set the stage: The NCAA declared Sorsby ineligible. Texas judge Ken Curry granted Sorsby a temporary restraining order, answering his Hail Mary play. Sorsby’s argument was that his addiction was a mental health issue, and he would be adversely impacted. Without being allowed his day in court. The Big 12 responded with multiple emergency meetings of member schools, who were 11-1 against Texas Tech and Sorsby. Then Paxton stepped in and inadvertently settled the matter for both sides. Paxton’s threatening letter, warning the Big 12 of massive legal action if it tried to enforce its own rules by declaring Sorsby ineligible, opened the door for a plea to federal court. It started in the early hours of Monday, June 15 and by the end of the day, Sorsby was looking at the NFL’s upcoming supplemental draft and Tech was re-evaluating its quarterback situation. Without that letter, the Big 12 would have had to take on a case it probably wouldn’t have won while creating weekly negative headlines throughout the season. But then Paxton’s threat opened the door for a response in federal court where none previously existed. That sound you heard on the news was college football dodging a bullet and saving itself a lot of ugly pain for the upcoming season. Paxton didn’t help his U.S. Senate campaign while blowing up Sorsby’s chances of seeing the field. Sorsby may be done for good because the NFL sure doesn’t want fresh gambling issue in its backyard. I’m sure every team has been notified what the consequences might be if they want to take a chance on Sorsby. College football got the right result, and it came with a silver lining. The result of this ordeal perhaps will re-emphasize the importance of the schools that make up college sports sticking together with standards applicable to all. They also need to make sure they have some ironclad rules regarding gambling that every school will follow, and none will try to exploit. That’s what’s going on in college sports right now. The changing landscape requires some deep thought and careful planning, or even a school like LSU could find itself in an embarrassing position. Not that it hasn’t already. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News, Tiger Rag --- ### [Lane Kiffin Laying Low Is Odd, National Writer Chris Low Tells Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-laying-low-is-odd-national-writer-chris-low-tells-tiger-rag-radio/) **Published:** July 9, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor On3.com national college football writer Chris Low has known LSU coach Lane Kiffin since Kiffin’s first season in the Southeastern Conference as Tennessee’s head coach in 2009. And he’s never seen the 51-year-old Kiffin as he is now, Low said on Tiger Rag Radio on Tuesday night. Listen to Low’s whole appearance by clicking on the box below: “Lane’s been quiet,” Low said. “In all the years I’ve known Lane, this is probably the longest that he’s been this quiet. Just sort of laying low. Sort of odd really.” Kiffin used to tweet regularly. So much so, that Tiger Rag did regular updates of his tweets over a given week or so. But he stopped shortly [after an excellent feature on him in Vanity Fair last May 11 ](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-vanity-fair-writer-explains-what-led-to-kiffin-discussing-ole-miss-racial-image-issue/)in which he made some controversial comments about the racial image of Ole Miss – as told to him he said by grandparents of out of state prospects he was recruiting to Ole Miss. > [Lane Kiffin Tweets Stopped, But Others Have Been Tweeting About Him](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-tweets-stopped-but-others-have-been-tweeting-about-him/) Kiffin was Ole Miss’ head coach from 2000-25, bringing the program to heights not seen since Johnny Vaught was coaching in the 1960s, including the College Football Playoff last season. Low predicted Kiffin could guide the Rebels to the CFP before the 2025 season. > Lane Kiffin, never too far from drama, has worked hard to be the best version of himself, “as fulfilled” as he’s been in coaching and with “rhythm and peace” in his life. He leads ⁦[@OleMissFB](https://x.com/OleMissFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)⁩ into its most anticipated season in 50-plus years. > > — Chris Low (@Clowfb) [August 29, 2024](https://x.com/Clowfb/status/1829131229431484712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “Almost 20 years I’ve known him, and I never remember him being in the background like he has the last couple of months,” Low said. But Kiffin has been busy recruiting. His commitment grabs in June and early July catapulted his high school class of 2027 from No. 50 to No. 10 in 247sports.com’s rankings. > [LSU Football Recruiting: The Summer Of Lane Continues As Tigers Gain Commitment From Safety Jayden Anding](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-recruiting-the-summer-of-lane-continues-as-tigers-gain-commitment-from-safety-jayden-anding/) Kiffin may be speaking softly, or less, because he is carrying such a big stick, as in his roster. “Certainly, LSU has invested in him and his staff and this roster to win a national championship in year one,” Low said. “If you’re going to spend $45 to $50 million on the roster, and Lane makes $13 million, and he’s got an open checkbook to bring in coaches like Charlie Weis Jr. (offensive coordinator from Ole Miss) and stock that staff with really good coaches – if they’re not in the playoffs or swinging for it, then it’s going to be a disappointment. And Lane would be the first one to tell you that.” > [LSU Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. Has Been A Multi-Tasking Mad Man For Ole Miss](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-offensive-coordinator-charlie-weis-jr-has-been-a-multi-tasking-mad-man-for-ole-miss/) [Kiffin has said the Tigers can win a national championship](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-predicts-were-going-to-win-a-national-championship-at-lsu-but-he-doesnt-know-how-fast/), but he doesn’t know when. > Lane Kiffin’s QB Room is ready for this season and beyond. Great deep dive here by new Tiger Rag writer [@kacehk](https://x.com/kacehk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 9, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2075211858546491761?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “Where is Sam Leavitt (LSU quarterback) health-wise? There are questions with that,” Low said. “But it’s going to be a talented roster, and I have no doubt – zero doubt – that Lane will win big there at LSU. If it’s in this first year, I don’t know.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Chris Low, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football: Lane Kiffin's Quarterback Room Filled To The Brim With Talent Entering 2026 Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-lane-kiffins-quarterback-room-filled-to-the-brim-with-talent-entering-2026-season/) **Published:** July 9, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **By KACE KIEISCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter** Lane Kiffin welcomed a trio of new transfer quarterbacks to Baton Rouge this off-season. Redshirt junior Sam Leavitt leads the group as the No.1 ranked transfer prize in the Portal King’s class of 41 from the portal. Redshirt freshman USC transfer Husan Longstreet is a young, athletic talent with a high ceiling and an investment in the future. Redshirt sophomore Landen Clark of Elon rounds out the multi-faceted QB Room with dual-threat playmaking ability. **Sam Leavitt** Leavitt (6-foot-2, 215 pounds) is no stranger to a change in scenery. The four-star high school signee’s prep career was split between three schools. In 2020, after attending Westview High in Portland, Oregon, his freshman season, Leavitt’s family moved to Pleasant Grove, Utah, where he played 11 games as a sophomore. The 16-year-old journeyman returned to Westview in 2021 and made his final stop at West Linn High School, 40 miles away from Westview. The common theme throughout the tangled career path — progression. At each stop along the way, Leavitt’s experience, performance and win total improved. He won just six games and threw for 1,672 yards and 17 touchdowns as a sophomore. His junior campaign, his record rose to 9-2 with 2,033 passing yards and 26 touchdowns, but his Westview team was eliminated in the second round of the Class 6A Oregon state playoffs. > [LSU QB Sam Leavitt “Finally Cleared” From Foot Injury, Lane Kiffin Says On Tyrann Mathieu Podcast](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-qb-sam-leavitt-finally-cleared-from-foot-injury-lane-kiffin-says-on-tyrann-mathieu-podcast/) Leavitt led West Linn to a 12-1 record and Class 6A state championship his senior season. Passing for 3,184 yards and 36 touchdowns and racking up 693 yards and 8 TDs on the ground, Leavitt was named MaxPreps Oregon High School Player of the Year and Gatorade Oregon Football Player of the Year. “He has a super powerful arm and is extremely confident,” Leavitt’s West Linn coach Jon Eagle told Tiger Rag last spring. “What he’s really good at, too, is deciphering a lot of information in half a second, which is important for a quarterback looking at the field.” Leavitt committed to Michigan State as [On3.com](http://on3.com/)’s top Oregon prospect and No. 76 recruit nationwide for the 2023 season. His collegiate path has resembled his high school travels. After appearing in just four games and redshirtting as a freshman for the Spartans, Leavitt transferred for the 2024 season to an Arizona State program that started three quarterbacks in 2023. Again, a new team welcomed an improved Leavitt in 2024. The redshirt freshman led the Sun Devils to an 11-3 campaign, Big 12 title and the school’s first College Football Playoff appearance. In 13 starts, he completed 61.7 percent of his passes for 2,885 yards, 24 touchdowns and 6 interceptions and was named Big 12 Freshman of the Year and second-team All-Big 12. In the Big 12 championship, Leavitt completed 12 of 17 passes for 219 yards and three TDs and ran for another touchdown in a 45-19 win over Iowa State. “Sam’s good. Sam’s really good. I keep saying it,” Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham said late in the 2024 season. “Sam’s really good, and we should be really happy that we have Sam, and we have him for two to three more years. I mean, Sam’s going to play on Sundays. There’s zero doubt in my mind Sam’s an NFL player.” Leavitt dealt with a ligament injury in his right foot last season, which limited him to only seven starts. The Sun Devils went 5-2 in those games as Leavitt completed 145 of 239 passes for 1,628 yards, 10 TDs and 3 interceptions. The dual-threat added 306 yards and five TDs on the ground. He had “Lisfranc” surgery on bones in his right midfoot last November. The surgery, which was named after 1800s French surgeon Jacques Lisfranc de St. Martin, realigns displaced or torn meatatarsal bones in the center of the foot with stabilizing screws, plates or pins. Leavitt had those screws removed early last April and missed most of spring practice. When Leavitt signed with LSU last January after a long, travel heavy and involved recruiting effort by Kiffin, he was the No. 1 player and quarterback in the portal. > [Take It Or (Sam) Leavitt: LSU Has Bagged The No. 1 Player And QB In The Portal](https://www.tigerrag.com/take-it-or-sam-leavitt-lsu-has-bagged-the-no-1-player-and-qb-in-the-portal/) Now, he arrives at LSU, again poised to improve. He enters a Lane Kiffin-Charlie Weis Jr. offense that has produced a 3,000-yard passer in each of the last three seasons at Ole Miss. The duo developed USC transfer quarterback Jaxson Dart into a first round NFL Draft pick and transformed current Rebels signal caller Trinidad Chambliss from a Division II quarterback at Ferris State to one of the best in the game in 2025 and into a preseason contender for a Heisman Trophy in ’26. Leavitt was heavily limited throughout spring practice as he recovered from the “Lisfranc” surgery. He has now been fully cleared to prepare the Tigers for the 2026 campaign. “He’s doing well,” Kiffin said on former LSU great Tyrann Mathieu’s “In The Bayou” podcast. “He’s been out there and pretty much full strength now. Really good arm, really smart. I mean, he’s in there just grinding all the time on stuff. He’s an NFL-mindset quarterback from a preparation standpoint.” Leavitt will look to become the next great transfer quarterback under Kiffin and at LSU. The last two week one starting signal callers to arrive to Baton Rouge via the portal are, of course, Ohio State transfer Joe Burrow in 2018 via then-coach Ed Orgeron and another former Sun Devil, Jayden Daniels in 2022, via then-coach Brian Kelly. Burrow led the Tigers to the 2019 national championship at 15-0 with the best offense in school history and one of the best in NCAA history, and he won LSU’s first Heisman Trophy since Billy Cannon in 1959. Daniels became one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks in NCAA history in 2023 and also won the Heisman. While Leavitt does not need to replicate their historic Heisman-winning seasons to have success, he will have the opportunity to do something neither of them could– make that jump in year one as a Tiger. And if there’s anyone who can find success in his first year with a new program, it’s Sam Leavitt under Kiffin and Weis, who only had the summer to get Chambliss ready last season. **Husan Longstreet** Longstreet’s path to LSU was much less convoluted than Leavitt’s, but he brings similar potential. Longstreet (6-1, 195) was a five-star prospect coming out of Centennial High School in Corona, California, in 2025. He passed for over 8,500 yards in high school, including a sophomore season at Inglewood High in 2022, where he led the Sentinels to an undefeated 10-0 regular season and an appearance in the California Southern Section Division 2 championship. After leaving the school following his freshman year, Longstreet went to Centennial for his junior season. He completed 199 of 298 passes for 3,013 yards with 24 TDs and added 645 rushing yards and seven TDs on the ground. He was named a 2023 MaxPreps California All-State selection after leading the Huskies to a Southern Section Division 2 championship appearance. As a senior at Centennial in 2024, Longstreet completed 109 of 165 passes for 1,641 yards with 19 TDs and ran for 494 yards and six touchdowns in nine games. He missed the beginning of that season with a foot injury sustained over the summer, but still earned a MaxPreps All-State First-Team selection. Longstreet was ranked as the No.3 quarterback in the 2025 class by On3.com and No.4 by 247Sports and ESPN. On3 listed him as the No. 13 overall prospect in the class, and he was ranked No.28 by 247Sports and No. 47 by ESPN. After originally committing to Texas A&M following his junior season, Longstreet decommitted from the Aggies and decided to attend USC in November of his senior year. Longstreet appeared in just four games behind starting USC quarterback Jayden Maiava last season and redshirted as a Trojan. He threw just 15 passes, completing 13 of them for 103 yards and a touchdown and rushed 11 times for 176 yards and two touchdowns. All three of his scores came in garbage time of a 73-13 thrashing of Missouri State in week one. Longstreet completed all nine of his passes for 69 yards and a touchdown and added 55 rushing yards and two touchdowns on eight carries against the Bears. USC head coach Lincoln Riley reviewed the performance on “Trojans Live” that week. “He was obviously excited to play, and I thought he handled it well,” Riley said. “You see the arm talent. You see, obviously, the athleticism was on display a couple different times.” Longstreet decided to bring that athleticism elsewhere and entered the transfer portal as the No. 44 overall player and No. 7 quarterback. The four-star portal prospect committed to LSU as a backup with four seasons of eligibility remaining. He took advantage of Leavitt’s absence during spring practice and took reps with the first team offense. Longstreet and the offense struggled early in camp but improved as spring practices went on. “That’s been really good, because it was concerning,” Kiffin said during spring. “If we have had to play a game, we would’ve had to be a defensive team – protect the ball and try to win with defense. That progression’s been really good. Very pleased with the progression of the offense. It was very concerning early on offensively. It’s been pretty good. We’re moving in the right direction, but there’s still a ton of work to do.” **Landen Clark** Clark (6-foot, 195) brings athleticism and proven playmaking to Baton Rouge. Clark was a four-year varsity player at Radford High in Radford, Virginia. As a senior, he led the Bobcats to a 15-0 season and the program’s first state championship in 51 years. He completed 207 of 339 passes for 3,307 yards and 40 touchdowns with interceptions and racked up 1,083 yards and 23 touchdowns rushing on 120 carries, averaging nine yards per attempt. He totaled over 3,300 yards and 52 touchdowns during a 10-2 junior campaign and put up more than 800 yards and 12 scores in just three games as a sophomore. He was named first team all-state as both a quarterback and defensive back and was a second team all-state punter and the Virginia High School League Offensive Player of the Year. He was also a state champion in track and field and state runner-up in basketball as well. Despite his otherworldly numbers, Clark was a three-star prospect unranked out of high school and committed to Elon of the Coastal Athletic Association in the FCS. After redshirting his freshman season, Clark led the Phoenix to a 6-6 record as a starter last year. He went 155-for-277 passing and threw for 2,231 yards and 18 touchdowns. He was second on the team in rushing with 614 yards and 11 touchdowns on 189 carries and was named CAA co-offensive rookie of the year. Clark hit the portal ranked as the No. 75 quarterback and the No. 975 prospect overall by [247Sports.com](http://247sports.com/). He was the first quarterback to commit to Kiffin’s roster overhaul. He also received some first team action in the spring prior to Leavitt’s return to the field. Kiffin said he and Longstreet both showed improvement as they settled into the offense. Clark has three remaining seasons of eligibility. He has not experienced the same level of competition as the other two heralded prospects in the quarterback room, but he has all the tools to be at least an interesting backup and perhaps more if Kiffin and Weis can inspire similar development in him as they did in Chambliss. The Tigers’ quarterback room is built to win now and for years to come. Leavitt has not been the model of consistency. He was the quarterback at Arizona State during a 24-20 loss last season to a Mississippi State team that finished 5-8. He was 10-for-22 passing for 82 yards with two interceptions and a touchdown. But his ceiling is as high as any passer in the country. Longstreet’s and Clark’s potential remains to be seen as they adapt to the highest level of college football. But if QB guru Kiffin can keep them around beyond this year, he may already have his post-Leavitt starter in the building for 2027, should Leavitt enter the 2027 NFL Draft. “Three guys that I think are really talented, different styles of players,” Kiffin said. “It says a lot about them to come to the same place. Nowadays, a lot of guys don’t want to do that. Others want to go to where, ‘Okay, I’m guaranteed I’m going to start.’ So, I think it says a lot about their competitiveness.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Charlie Weis Jr., Husan Longstreet, Landen Clark, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Sam Leavitt --- ### [Paul Skenes Vs. Jacob Misiorowski Part II On National TV Sunday ... Could've Been 1, 2 In LSU Rotation In 2023](https://www.tigerrag.com/paul-skenes-vs-jacob-misiorowski-part-ii-on-national-tv-sunday-couldve-been-1-2-in-lsu-rotation-in-2023/) **Published:** July 8, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Call it an appetizer to the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. And it could end up being the *real* Midsummer Classic. Two of the hottest young pitchers in MLB will square off at 11:15 a.m. Sunday on Peacock and the NBC Sports Network with 2025 National League Cy Young winner and 2024 NL Rookie of the Year Paul Skenes (7-8, 3.58 ERA) of Pittsburgh facing Milwaukee second-year phenom and 105 mph flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski (10-4, 1.62 ERA) at PNC Park in Pittsburgh on the last day before the All-Star break. The two, 24-year-old right-handers each made the All-Star team last week for Tuesday night’s game (7 p.m., FOX), but with both scheduled to pitch on Sunday, they have since been replaced on the All-Star roster. Pittsburgh is above .500 and out of last place for a change at fourth in the NL Central at 47-45, while Milwaukee leads the NL Central at 58-33 after winning the Central last year before losing the NL Championship Series to the eventual World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers. > From The Vault: Why Paul Skenes should’ve been Born On The Fourth of July: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 3, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2073187434368503960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) This will be the second Skenes-Misiorowski duel. Misiorowski beat Skenes, 4-2, last season in Milwaukee in a five-inning shutout in which he allowed two hits and two walks with eight strikeouts. Skenes gave up four runs on four hits and two walks with four strikeouts in four innings. Skenes, the first player picked in the 2023 MLB Draft who is in his third MLB season, just beat Atlanta, 12-4, on Tuesday night in Pittsburgh to break a losing skid of six straight decisions and earned his first win since May 12. He allowed two runs on eight hits with one walk and four strikeouts. “It’s great. Great to help the team win and can’t wait to Sunday,” Skenes said after the game. “Throughout the past stretch, there have been a couple kind of clunky outings. Just got some runs put up earlier and made my life easier. Just kind of felt good coming out of the bullpen and kind of rode it for a while.” Skenes’ average fastball velocity was back up to 97 mph after dipping to 94 in his last outing – the worst of his career last week. > [Paul Skenes Is In Biggest Slump Of His Career With 0 Wins Over Last 9 Starts, And Jacob Misiorowski Is Taking Over](https://www.tigerrag.com/paul-skenes-is-in-biggest-slump-of-his-career-with-0-wins-over-last-9-starts-and-jacob-misiorowski-is-taking-over/) In a 10-6 loss at on July 1, Skenes allowed six hits and seven earned runs with a pair of home runs in four innings around two walks and a hit batsman with five strikeouts. His spin rate also climbed back to 2,150 revolutions per minute (RPM) from a dip to the 1900s earlier in the season after hanging around 2,300 in his first two seasons. He is sixth in MLB with 123 strikeouts in 103 innings with 23 walks. ![Two male baseball players posing side by side, left with a dark cap and mustache, right in a light blue cap and hoodie.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/SkenesMis.jpg "SkenesMis | TigerRag.com")***Paul Skenes and Jacob Misiorowski will pitch against one another for just the second time in history on Sunday in Pittsburgh MLB photo***Misiorowski, a second round pick in 2022 and in his second MLB season, has not been “clunky” much this season. He has struck out an MLB-high 167 batters in 111 innings with 27 walks and has been averaging 100 mph per pitch. He set the MLB record at 105 mph this season. At 6-foot-7 and 201 pounds, Misiorowski has hit 100 mph or higher an MLB record 626 times this season. Pitch speed tracking began in 2008. He struck out 11 and allowed three runs and no walks in seven innings for a three-hit, 4-3 victory at St. Louis on Tuesday with 57 pitches at 100 mph or higher. Skenes, who is 6-6 and 260 pounds, hit 100 mph or higher 228 times in his first two seasons, but has not touched 100 this season and is averaging 97. And to think, they could have been on the same LSU team in 2023. Misiorowski, who is from Blue Springs, Missouri, near Kansas City, committed to transfer to LSU after his 2022 season at Crowder Junior College in Neosho, Missouri, when he was 10-0 with a 2.72 ERA and 136 strikeouts in 76 innings. But after averaging 99.8 mph at an MLB Combine that summer, the Brewers took him in the second round of the draft and paid him $2.35 million. Skenes, a native of Lake Forest, California, went 13-2 with a 1.69 ERA and a nation-leading 209 strikeouts in 2023 after transferring from Air Force. “Fun to think about if they would have been here together,” LSU coach Jay Johnson told Tiger Rag on Wednesday. Particularly if projected 2023 LSU starter Grant Taylor had not injured his elbow just before the season opener and missed the entire season with Tommy John surgery. He was still drafted in the second round in 2023 by the Chicago White Sox and debuted last season. He is 4-2 with three saves and a 2.96 ERA this season. After Skenes in 2023, the rotation mainly had Ty Floyd (7-0, 4.35 ERA, one save) and Thatcher Hurd (8-3, 5.68 ERA, three saves). “If Paul and Jacob would have been here together, and Grant Taylor would have stayed healthy, we would have had the greatest college baseball rotation ever,” Johnson said. Skenes announced he would transfer to LSU from Air Force on July 28, 2022. On July 15, 2022, Johnson and his staff hosted Misiorowski at LSU – two days before the MLB Draft. “It was pretty consensus he was going to sign and go to pro ball,” Johnson said. “But we fought until the end, because we knew he would be special.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Jacob Misiorowski, jay johnson, lsu baseball, Milwaukee Brewers, Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates --- ### [LSU Is A Name, Image & Likeness Laboratory | Jim Engster](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-is-a-name-image-likeness-laboratory-jim-engster/) **Published:** July 8, 2026 **Author:** Jim Engster | President, Tiger Rag **Content:** **By JIM ENGSTER, President, Tiger Rag Magazine** LSU is frequently a pacesetter for the SEC and the nation. The Ole War Skule not surprisingly is positioned at the epicenter of the debate of the new and “improved” landscape for college sports factories. Imperial coaches on campus are ranked in the top one-tenth of one percent in salary for Louisiana workers, and LSU’s NIL budget hovers close to $50 million for football in 2026. Nostalgic yearning for the good ole days of players receiving books, board and tuition and payments from benevolent boosters under the table has spurred a state of dismay. Many fans are incensed with the average take home pay for a student-athlete running under the south goalposts this fall approaching one half million dollars. The figure is stunning, but it is under four percent of the amount LSU is rewarding Brian Kelly not to coach here for the next six years. The environment is so convoluted that Ed Orgeron was sent away with a $17 million gift not to patrol the sidelines for the Tigers in 2022. Now he is receiving $100,000 to return to the staff at Death Valley four years later. On the players’ side, former Tiger recruit T.J. Finley is the poster guy for unlimited transfers. The quarterback from Ponchatoula who started at LSU as a freshman for Coach O. migrated to Auburn in 2021 and 2022, to Texas State in 2023, to Western Kentucky in 2024, to Tulane and Georgia State in 2025 and then to Incarnate Word. It is reasonable to allow one transfer with no action and to require a year on the sidelines for subsequent transfers. But any adjustment to the portal should also apply to head coaches who leave a second school to pursue success at another university. Nick Saban would have been okay under this system because he left as head man at Toledo to become defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns. He then migrated to Michigan State, led the Spartans for five seasons before arriving at LSU. The next college move to Alabama from the Miami Dolphins after two seasons would also be permitted because there was no direct defection from LSU to Alabama. Lane Kiffin is a different story. He left Tennessee to go to USC where he was fired in a decision beyond his control. His one free move was taken when he departed Florida Atlantic for Ole Miss in 2020. Thus, Kiffin would need to sit out this season at LSU and become leader of the Tigers in 2027 under the same prospective rules for head coaches and their recruits. Is it fair for players to be held to one standard and coaches another? This observer has no quarrel with the market dictating salaries for those who participate in college sports. Yet it is a travesty to sanction unlimited movement of the game’s stars from one university to another. Any semblance of amateurism and allegiance to an alma mater is lost in the process. **LSU Brass Should Accent SEC Supremacy** LSU compensates its coaches in the four most expensive sports at a level equal to or greater than any competitor in the country. Lane Kiffin, Will Wade, Kim Mulkey and Jay Johnson are paid handsomely to win championships. Mulkey has the 2023 national crown on her mantel while Johnson has twice captured the College World Series title. There remains a void because the Tigers have not collected the SEC championship in any of the Big Four budget sports in seven years. Johnson and Mulkey are in pursuit of their first league championships. The last SEC title won by a coach in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball or baseball was in 2019. That was the year of the magical run for Ed Orgeron’s Bengals, who beat Alabama 46-41 for the right to play in the SEC Championship game, where LSU destroyed Georgia 37-10. The last time LSU won SEC honors in men’s basketball was also in 2019 when Wade’s scandal plagued operation performed brilliantly to win the first LSU men’s crown in a decade. The LSU women have not won the SEC title since Van Winston Chancellor posted a 14-0 league record in 2008. This was accomplished when the Lady Tigers beat No. 1 Tennessee 78-62 at Knoxville on Valentine’s Day of 2008 in one of the top two all-time victories for the program. This season marks 19 years since that epic achievement. LSU baseball has not won the SEC since Paul Mainieri collected his fourth regular season conference crown in 2017. He also won in 2009, 2012 and 2015. The league pinnacle is elusive. Sue Gunter was a fine coach who never reached it in 22 seasons at the PMAC where her name is etched into the court. Any assessment of coaching greatness at LSU should start with conference supremacy. The LSU brass has provided a splendid salute to the LSU football champions in the conference on the west side of Tiger Stadium. The teams from 1935, 1936, 1958, 1961, 1970, 1986, 1988, 2001, 2003, 2007, 2011 and 2019 are heralded in grand fashion. A similar presentation outside the PMAC should accompany the league basketball kings and queens for men and women. The LSU men won the SEC and national championships in 1935 under Harry Rabenhorst, who also directed his teams to conference glory in 1946, 1953 and 1954. Dale Brown was SEC champ in 1979, 1981, 1985 and 1991. John Brady won in 2000 and 2006, and Trent Johnson in 2009. LSU boasts 12 SEC titles in both football and men’s basketball. In addition to Chancellor’s triumph in 2008, Dana “Pokey” Chatman won the SEC in 2005 and 2006 to account for three SEC Women’s Basketball regular season titles. Skip Bertman won five CWS tournaments for national supremacy and added seven SEC titles in 1986, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1996 and 1997. Paul Mainieri accomplished the feat in to rule the league in 2009, 2012, 2015 and 2017. The Bengals also prevailed on the SEC diamond in 1939, 1943, 1946, 1961, 1975 and 2003 for a total of 17 league titles. A total of 10 LSU Coaches in the Big 4 sports have won multiple SEC championships: **LSU Coach/Multiple SEC Crowns** Skip Bertman 7 in Baseball Paul Mainieri 4 in Baseball Harry Rabenhorst 6 (4 in Men’s Basketball, 2 in Baseball) Dale Brown 4 in Men’s Basketball John Brady 2 in Men’s Basketball Pokey Chatman 2 in Women’s Basketball Bernie Moore 2 in Football Paul Dietzel 2 in Football Nick Saban 2 in Football Les Miles 2 in Football **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** kim mulkey, lane kiffin, Name, nick saban, NIL, T.J. Finley --- ### [LSU Fires Chief Financial Officer Tommy Smith To Save Finances, Axes 25 Employees In All](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-fires-chief-financial-officer-tommy-smith-to-save-finances-axes-25-employees-in-all/) **Published:** July 8, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **By PIPER HUTCHINSON, Louisiana Illuminator/Tiger Rag** LSU has fired chief financial officer Tommy Smith and Todd Manuel, who was its vice president in charge of handling sex-based discrimination complaints amid what campus leaders say are cost-reducing layoffs. A total of 25 employees were let go last week, and new LSU President Wade Rousse said the savings will be redirected to hire new faculty and fund research. Rousse became president just last November shortly before LSU hired Lane Kiffin from Ole Miss to be its football coach and began a spending spree regarding athletics – $90 million over seven years to Kiffin, a $54 million buyout to fired coach Brian Kelly, approximately $40 million for Kiffin’s new roster, an $8 million buyout to fired men’s basketball coach Matt McMahon and another $30 million over seven years to new basketball coach Will Wade. The layoffs will save LSU approximately $3.7 million, according to an analysis of state employee salaries, obtained in public records, and [LSU’s reported benefit rates](https://www.lsu.edu/osp/proposals/current_rates.php). “Louisiana deserves transformational change from LSU,” Rousse said in a statement. “I committed to streamlining operations and finding efficiencies so the university can focus on, and afford, the faculty needed to become a top 50 research institution.” > [\#LSU](https://x.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) has fired its CFO, the administrator in charge of handling Title IX complaints and its former DEI staff in what campus leaders say are cost-reducing layoffs. The layoffs will save LSU about $3.7m, which will go towards research. [\#lalege](https://x.com/hashtag/lalege?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#lagov](https://x.com/hashtag/lagov?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Piper Hutchinson (@ByPiperHutch) [July 8, 2026](https://x.com/ByPiperHutch/status/2074909255514062867?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Smith, who was paid $390,000 a year, had held the position for a year, and his duties will move for now to LSU System CFO Brandi Roberts, spokeswoman Meg Sunstrom said. Manuel, formerly the vice president of LSU’s Office of Engagement, Civil Rights and Title IX, received an annual salary of $329,824. Manuel was hired in 2022 by former LSU President William Tate, who resigned last year to accept the same job at Rutgers University in New Jersey. One of Tate’s big moves after accepting the LSU job in 2021 was merging LSU’s Title IX, civil rights and diversity, equity and inclusion efforts into one office. Tate picked Manuel for the job, although he had no previous experience in higher education or with Title IX. After Republican Gov. Jeff Landry was elected in 2023, Tate renamed the office to remove its reference to inclusion. Around the same time, the university deleted references to diversity and inclusion from official campus webpages. Former DEI staffers under Manuel were given titles that included the word “engagement.” Those staffers have now been terminated, and their workplace has been renamed again to the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, an [LSU webpage](https://www.lsu.edu/ocr-tix/tix/index.php) shows. Sunstrom said the duties of those employees were redundant and will now be handled solely by LSU’s Student Affairs office. The layoffs also included a major purge of the university’s marketing and communications department, with 16 writers, video producers and photographers terminated. The layoffs are part of ongoing efforts to restructure LSU, a process that began when its Board of Supervisors hired Rousse and Chancellor Jim Dalton, splitting what had previously been a single job into two. Under the new structure, all research-intensive campuses in the LSU System, which include its main campus, the LSU AgCenter, Pennington Biomedical Research Center and LSU’s medical schools in New Orleans and Shreveport. While Dalton oversees academics and research, Rousse manages the public-facing aspects of the university, including government relations and athletics. Unifying LSU’s research institutions under Dalton is being done to boost the university’s total research spending figures, one of several metrics LSU needs to improve to achieve its goal of becoming a top-50 research university. According to the National Science Foundation, LSU ranked 83rd in 2024, the most recent year for which data is available. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, Todd Manuel, Tommy Smith, Wade Rousse, will wade, William Tate --- ### [LSU Baseball Coach Jay Johnson Has What He Calls "Balanced-Attack Players" Via Portal On Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-coach-jay-johnson-has-what-he-calls-balanced-attack-players-via-portal-on-tiger-rag-radio/) **Published:** July 8, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson sounded very satisfied with his new crop of eight portal players for the 2027 season while on Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night. **LSU TRANSFER PORTAL PLAYERS (with 2027 class):** -Sophomore Landon Hood, right-handed pitcher, Gonzaga -Junior Dawson Park, shortstop/third base, Texas State -Junior Bino Watters, outfielder, Notre Dame -Senior Cade Kurland, second baseman, Florida -Junior Jason Wachs, outfielder, Tulane -Sophomore Diego Velazquez, right-handed pitcher, USC -Junior Kaden Smith, right-handed pitcher, South Florida -Sophomore Angel Laya, outfielder, Oregon “I’m excited about what we were able to do – getting some really talented players,” he said. “But they can contribute on both sides of the ball. They’re what I’d call balanced-attack players. Thought that was something we really needed to improve and elevate.” ***Listen to Johnson’s complete appearance on Tiger Rag Radio by clicking the red box below.*** Part of the reason LSU fell from national champions in 2025 to out of NCAA postseason in 2026 with a 30-28 record and 9-21 mark in the Southeastern Conference was disappointing seasons from most of the Tigers’ portal additions last season – several of whom were one-dimensional and from off the radar programs. > [LSU Baseball: Jay Johnson Opens Fourth Of July Weekend With A Bang – No. 15 Portal Player Angel Laya Of Oregon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-jay-johnson-opens-fourth-of-july-weekend-with-a-bang-no-15-portal-player-angel-loya-of-oregon/) This year, Johnson has four of the top 15 ranked overall portal players by ESPN in No. 5 left fielder Bino Watters of Notre Dame, No. 8 pitcher Landon Hood from Gonzaga, No. 10 shortstop/third baseman Dawson Park from Texas State and No. 15 right fielder Angel Laya of Oregon. > Bueno for LSU Baseball … > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 10, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2064723043138605190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Other transfers include No. 58-ranked right fielder Jason Wachs of Tulane, second baseman Cade Kurland of Florida, pitcher Diego Velazquez of USC and pitcher Kaden Smith of South Florida. “You look at those outfielders,” Johnson continued. “Angel Laya, Jason Wachs, Bino Watters – good defensive players, good athletes, have good speed. So that will hep on defense, and obviously they’re really hight end hitters. Cade from Florida has probably played more games at second base over the last four years than any player in the country. And he’s done it at the SEC level. So excited about Cade, and then Dawson Park is a really good shortstop.” Returning senior Steven Milam will remain at shortstop with Park likely moving to third base. “He is versatile and can play a lot of defensive positions,” Johnson said of Park. “So, I’m excited about the players we have added on the position side. Hopefully, they complement the returnees and this good class of freshmen that we hopefully get through the draft.” The Major League Baseball Draft is Saturday and Sunday. “On the pitching side, the development of the returners and their improveent is important,” Johnson said. “We like the three we added from the portal. We have a ton of talent from the high school ranks.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Angel Laya, Bino Watters, Jason Wachs, jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Transfer Portal --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio: How does LSU rebound after an all-time disappointing 2025-26?](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-how-does-lsu-rebound-after-an-all-time-disappointing-2025-26/) **Published:** July 8, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** We review the year of change in LSU sports and preview the all-in investment the Tigers brass made in the future. Jay Johnson gives insight into how he’s navigating that change and the upcoming MLB draft. **Categories:** LSU Baseball, Podcast, Radio **Tags:** jay johnson, lsu baseball, tiger rag radio, TigerRag.com Audibles podcast --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio: Rebuilding LSU Athletics](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-rebuilding-lsu-athletics/) **Published:** July 8, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** On3.com ([http://on3.com](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjhiQ2kzcVNkS3BENGM4M0QxOWhfWGZteVhUQXxBQ3Jtc0tudjd2MDF3Q1B0N1FyM1RhLXA1SDE3dlNuNkgteHVMV3lhTjRkRlF5Rm9FdG1URTFQZkxwQ1drcnhONm0tVkY1UFFEZ1NVVjRnb0J3WmU4eFJMcTdGNmh5d1BFYUptUlhMU2ljN0ZKa3lZRW5jb0dYdw&q=http%3A%2F%2Fon3.com%2F&v=gUI64HfgHEM)) ’s Glen West and Chris Low preview the first year under football coach Lane Kiffin and basketball coach Will Wade and how they’re building their rosters. We discuss realistic expectations for the Tigers and how LSU compares to national powerhouses. **Categories:** Lane Kiffin, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball, More LSU Sports, Podcast, Radio **Tags:** Chris Low, Glen West, tiger rag radio, TigerRag.com Audibles podcast --- ### [LSU And NIL: Note To Agents - If You Help with NIL Deals For Athletes, You Must Register With The State](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-and-nil-note-to-agents-if-you-help-with-nil-deals-for-athletes-you-must-register-with-the-state/) **Published:** July 8, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By PIPER HUTCHINSON, Louisiana Illuminator/Tiger Rag Anyone who helps student-athletes negotiate name, image and likeness deals in Louisiana now has to register with the state. The requirement took effect last month after Gov. Jeff Landry signed [Act 895.](https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?i=250948) The new law, authored by Sen. Patrick Connick, R-Marrero, expands Louisiana’s existing sports agent registry to include anyone who represents student-athletes in NIL sponsorship deals. It also requires those agents to pass a background check and complete a training program before they can register with the state attorney general’s office. > Anyone who helps student-athletes negotiate name, image and likeness deals in Louisiana now has to register with the state. The state’s first legal framework for high school NIL will go into effect Aug. 1 [\#lalege](https://x.com/hashtag/lalege?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#lagov](https://x.com/hashtag/lagov?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Piper Hutchinson (@ByPiperHutch) [July 7, 2026](https://x.com/ByPiperHutch/status/2074609797874291107?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The attorney general was also given the power to pursue civil penalties against agents who harm student-athletes. The law includes criminal consequences for agents who fail to comply with its requirements, including fines up to $10,000 and as much as five years in prison. “Louisiana’s student-athletes deserve advocates who operate with integrity, transparency, and their best interests at heart. \[Act 895\] gives my office the tools to ensure that those who seek to profit from our athletes are held to rigorous standards of conduct,” Attorney General Liz Murrill said in a news release. The measure was recommended by a legislative study committee formed last year that offered suggestions to protect student-athletes in the new college sports landscape. > My investigation into the [\#LSU](https://x.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) swimming and diving team, reported with records I received after a months-long legal negotiation, won second place in breaking news from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. You can read it here: [\#lalege](https://x.com/hashtag/lalege?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#lagov](https://x.com/hashtag/lagov?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Piper Hutchinson (@ByPiperHutch) [June 29, 2026](https://x.com/ByPiperHutch/status/2071690478790095085?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) In 2021, the NCAA gave its approval for amateur student-athletes to monetize and market their personal brand with sponsorship deals. Since then, high school athletes have also started to reach NIL deals. The study committee also recommended the legislature create a law to regulate NIL at the high school level. [Act 810](https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?i=250339) by Rep. Rashid Young, D-Homer, takes effect Aug. 1. It prohibits K-12 schools from preventing athletes from earning income from their NIL, but it also sets up some guardrails. Parents have to give consent for their minor children to sign NIL sponsorships, and athletes cannot strike deals with certain industries, such as adult entertainment, gambling and alcoholic beverage companies. Similar prohibitions already exist for college athletes in Louisiana. Young’s legislation also allows schools to prohibit students from engaging in NIL-related work during school hours and school-related events. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Louisiana Illuminator, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Name, NIL, Tiger Stadium --- ### [Angel Reese Not Voted In As WNBA All-Star Starter, But Named To Bench By League Coaches](https://www.tigerrag.com/angel-reese-not-voted-in-as-wnba-all-star-starter-but-named-to-bench-by-league-coaches/) **Published:** July 8, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** Former LSU women’s basketball star forward Angel Reese of the Atlanta Dream has been named to the WNBA All-Star team as a reserve, the WNBA has announced. Reese was selected as one of 12 reserves by the league’s head coaches for All-Star game set for Saturday, July 25, at the United Center in Chicago (7:30 p.m., ABC). Reese, the seventh pick of the WNBA first round in 2024 by Chicago, leads the WNBA in rebounding in her first season with Atlanta with 11.8 a game. The 6-4 forward is averaging career highs in scoring with 14.9 points a game and steals with a 1.6 average. Earlier this season, Reese became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 1,000 career rebounds, accomplishing the feat in 79 games, surpassing Tina Charles’ mark of 89 games. > [LSU’s Angel Reese Reaches 1,000 Rebounds In Record Time, And Wins 2nd Straight Over Caitlin Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-angel-reese-reaches-1000-rebounds-in-record-time-and-wins-2nd-straight-over-caitlin-clark/) Starters for the All-Star game were previously named after a vote by fans players and a media panel. [Those are Indiana point guard Caitlin Clark](https://www.outkick.com/sports/caitlin-clark-mirrors-pistol-pete-maravich-in-more-ways-than-one), who was the first pick of the 2024 WNBA Draft, as well as Aliyah Boston and Kelsey Mitchell of Indiana, Paige Bueckers and Jessica Shepard of Dallas, Natasha Howard and Olivia Miles of Minnesota, Breanna Stewart of New York, Gabby Williams of Golden State and A’ja Wilson of Las Vegas. The other reserves are Allisha Gray and Rhyne Howard of Atlanta, Nneka Ogwumik and Kelsey Plum of Los Angeles, Kiki Iriafen of Washington, Jonquel Jones of New York, Marina Mabrey of Dallas, Dominique Malonga of Seattle, Courtney Williams of Minnesota and Jackie Young of Las Vegas. Reese, who played at LSU from 2022 to 2024 after transferring from Maryland, helped lead the Tigers to the 2023 national championship with a win over Clark and Iowa and an Elite Eight in 2024 with a loss to Clark and Iowa. > [Sylvia Fowles’ Candidacy For Louisiana Sports Hall Of Fame Needs No Deliberation – It’s A SLAM DUNK](https://www.tigerrag.com/sylvia-fowles-candidacy-for-louisiana-sports-hall-of-fame-needs-no-deliberation-itins-a-slam-dunk/) **LSU IN THE WNBA ALL-STAR GAME** Marie Ferdinand-Harris, 2002, 2003, 2005; Seimone Augustus, 2006, 2007, 2011, 2013-15, 2017-18; Sylvia Fowles, 2009-11, 2013, 2017, 2019, 2021; Angel Reese, 2024-26. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Women's Basketball **Tags:** Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream, Caitlin Clark, LSU Tigers, WNBA, WNBA All-Star Team --- ### [LSU Baseball: Jay Johnson Opens Fourth Of July Weekend With A Bang - No. 15 Portal Player Angel Laya Of Oregon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-jay-johnson-opens-fourth-of-july-weekend-with-a-bang-no-15-portal-player-angel-loya-of-oregon/) **Published:** July 3, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Apparently, LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson still has some portal money to spend. Johnson opened the Fourth of July weekend with a bang on Friday with a commitment from one of the top players remaining in the transfer portal – ESPN’s No. 15 ranked overall transfer Angel Laya, a freshman All-American outfielder from the Oregon Ducks. Laya (6-foot-3, 206 pounds) hit .296 with 14 home runs and 47 RBIs for the Oregon Ducks in the 2026 season. He added 10 doubles and stole five bases in seven attempts. He also made no errors in the outfield, usually playing right field. > PORTAL COMMIT: [@LSUBaseball](https://x.com/LSUbaseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) lands the top portal player on the market in former Oregon outfielder Angel Laya, he announced. Laya was also heavily considering Texas and Arkansas. He finished 2026 with a .296 average, 14 homers and 47 RBIs. > > D1 PROFILE: … [pic.twitter.com/1kTHDyE42e](https://t.co/1kTHDyE42e) > > — Kendall Rogers (@KendallRogers) [July 3, 2026](https://x.com/KendallRogers/status/2073186051741319526?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Laya was the No. 12 freshman in the nation last year by Perfect Game and No. 6 outfielder when he signed with Oregon out of Eastlake High in San Diego, where Johnson was an assistant coach at the University of San Diego from 2006-13 before becoming a coach at Nevada and Arizona before LSU in 2022. [FROM THE VAULT: Why Paul Skenes Should’ve Been Born On The Fourth Of July](https://www.outkick.com/sports/former-air-force-cadet-budding-mlb-ace-paul-skenes-shouldve-been-born-4th-july) Laya is the fourth top 15 portal player added by Johnson, according to the ESPN rankings. Johnson previously got the No. 5 player in outfielder Bino Watters of Notre Dame, the No. 8 prospect in pitcher Landon Hood of Gonzaga and the No. 10 portal player in infielder Dawson Park of Texas State. Johnson has eight portal additions in all. **LSU TRANSFER PORTAL PLAYERS (with 2027 class):** -Sophomore Landon Hood, right-handed pitcher, Gonzaga -Junior Dawson Park, shortstop, Texas State -Junior Bino Watters, outfielder, Notre Dame -Senior Cade Kurland, second baseman, Florida -Junior Jason Wachs, outfielder, Tulane -Sophomore Diego Velazquez, right-handed pitcher, USC -Junior Kaden Smith, right-handed pitcher, South Florida -Sophomore Angel Laya, outfielder, Oregon **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Angel Laya, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Oregon Ducks, Transfer Portal --- ### [LSU Football Recruiting: The Summer Of Lane Continues As Tigers Gain Commitment From Safety Jayden Anding](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-recruiting-the-summer-of-lane-continues-as-tigers-gain-commitment-from-safety-jayden-anding/) **Published:** July 7, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By KACE KIEISCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Lane Kiffin received his 16th commitment to LSU’s 2027 high school recruiting class on Tuesday afternoon. Four-star safety Jayden Anding of Ruston High in Ruston gave his verbal pledge to LSU on the Rivals YouTube channel live show. Anding (5-foot-10, 165 pounds) chose to follow his brother – sophomore cornerback Aiden Anding – to Baton Rouge. > BREAKING: 2027 4-Star Safety Jayden Anding, 5-10 170 lbs, from Ruston, Louisiana has committed to LSU. > > Anding commits to LSU over Ole Miss. [pic.twitter.com/Dxl5DI7G3B](https://t.co/Dxl5DI7G3B) > > — AYS Sports (@AYSSPORTS) [July 7, 2026](https://x.com/AYSSPORTS/status/2074548544808116430?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Anding chose LSU over Ole Miss, where Kiffin was head coach from 2020 through the 2025 regular season before leaving to be the Tigers’ new coach. The 247sports.com and On3.com websites rank Anding as the No. 312 and No. 330 overall prospect in the nation, respectively. Both sites list him as the No. 9 recruit in Louisiana and the top safety in the state. 247sports.com has Anding as the No. 26 safety in the nation, while On3.com has him at No. 29. Kiffin’s class was ranked No. 11 by both 247sports.hcom and On3.com before Anding’s commitment, which brought the class up to No. 10 in both. [LSU CLASS OF 2027 – Ranked No. 10 By 247Sports.com With 16 Commitments](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2027-football/commits/) Of Kiffin’s now 16 commitments, 12 have come since June 7. Anding was scheduled to announce his commitment last Wednesday during Rivals’ Summer Signing Day, but he postponed the decision on that day. Anding said he chose the Tigers because he wants to be the next great LSU defensive back. “They’ve been putting plenty of guys in the league, just looking back at who’s been there, all the safeties and DBs and corners,” he said on the Rivals’ live stream. “That’s a lot of kids’ dream – to play at LSU. I never really had a dream to play college football at all, but now I’m here.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Aidan Anding, Jayden Anding, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Baseball Coach Jay Johnson Will Be On Tiger Rag Radio Tonight Discussing Portal, Recruiting And MLB Draft](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-coach-jay-johnson-will-be-on-tiger-rag-radio-tonight-discussing-portal-recruiting-and-mlb-draft/) **Published:** July 7, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson appears to have his Transfer Portal class for the 2027 season either done or close to it with eight additions. > [LSU Baseball: Jay Johnson Opens Fourth Of July Weekend With A Bang – No. 15 Portal Player Angel Loya Of Oregon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-jay-johnson-opens-fourth-of-july-weekend-with-a-bang-no-15-portal-player-angel-loya-of-oregon/) And his high school signing class is ranked No. 2 by Perfect Game, but he braces for the Major League Baseball Draft this Saturday and Sunday as he could lose some of the top ones. [LSU RECRUITING CLASS FOR 2027](https://www.perfectgame.org/College/CollegeCommitments.aspx?college=1658&grad=2026) He will talk about all that and more on Tiger Rag Radio tonight, beginning at 6:30 p.m. on statewide radio. [HOW TO LISTEN TO TIGER RAG RADIO ONLINE HERE](https://station.voscast.com/64cd62be67664) Due to technical difficulties, the show can only be hear live via radio stations at 106.7 FM The Ticket in New Orleans and at WSLA in Slidell. You can also listen to it about an hour after the show at 9 p.m. wherever you hear your favorite podcasts. The show starts at 6 p.m. and will go to 8 p.m. Hosts Jeff Palermo of the Louisiana Radio Network and Todd Horne and Glenn Guilbeau of Tiger Rag will also welcome Glen West of On3.com to talk recruiting at 7 p.m. And On3.com national college football writer Chris Low will discuss the upcoming LSU season and Lane Kiffin’s first season with the Tigers. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, mlb draft --- ### [LSU Basketball: Date Set For Will Wade's Bold Scheduling Of National Power Houston](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-basketball-date-set-for-will-wades-bold-scheduling-of-national-power-houston/) **Published:** July 7, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** A date for LSU’s non-conference matchup with men’s basketball powerhouse Houston has been set. The Tigers will travel to Houston to face the Cougars on Sunday, Dec. 13, in Houston’s Toyota Center, the downtown home of the Houston Rockets. LSU is coming off back-to-back losing seasons of 14-18 (3-15 Southeastern Conference) and 15-17 (3-15 SEC) and have failed to reach the NCAA tournament since 2022. Houston coach Kelvin Sampson’s Cougars have reached at least the Sweet 16 of the last seven NCAA Tournaments and recorded 30 wins or more in the last five seasons. Houston reached the national championship game in the 2024-25 season before losing to Florida. Sampson, 70, took Houston to the Final Four in the 2020-21 season and to the Elite Eight in 2021-22. LSU is 9-11 all-time against the Cougars. The last meeting between the two programs was on Dec.12, 2019, which the Tigers lost 82-76 under coach Will Wade during his first term with the Tigers from 2017-22. He is back at LSU, which fired him for NCAA violations before he spent two seasons at McNeese State (2023-24 and 2024-25) and one at at North Carolina State last season. Wade will face a former Tiger from former coach Matt McMahon’s 2025-26 team in talented point guard Dedan Thomas Jr., who transferred to Houston after this past season. Thomas (6-foot-1, 178) led the Tigers with 6.5 assists and 15.3 points a game before a foot injury in the SEC opener at Texas A&M eventually ended his season weeks later. He will be the only player from the LSU 2025-26 roster on the court in Houston. Houston will be a massive test for Wade’s patchwork roster of incoming transfers and overseas professionals, most of whom have not been able to get eligible and sign with the Tigers yet. > [High Five! Will Wade Now Officially Has Enough Guys To Play A Game | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/high-five-will-wade-now-officially-has-enough-guys-to-play-a-game-glenn-guilbeau/) Unlike McMahon, Wade is curating a difficult non-conference schedule that could better prepare his squad for SEC play and score points with the NCAA Tournament selection committee. LSU will play at NCAA Tournament power Gonzaga in Spokane, Washington, on Nov. 14. Gonzaga has been listed in the Associated Press preseason top 25 every year since 2009. The Tigers will also compete in the Palm Springs Classic. Nov. 21-26 against Arizona State, USC and SMU. The Tigers round out the non-conference schedule with home games against UNO (Nov. 3), Texas Southern (Nov. 6), Louisiana Tech (Nov. 9), Louisiana-Monroe (Nov. 17), Queens University (Nov. 20), Hofstra (Dec. 5), High Point (Dec. 18), Louisiana-Lafayette (Dec. 22) and Washington State (Dec. 28). **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** Houston Cougars, Kelvin Sampson, lsu basketball, will wade --- ### [LSU's Trey'Dez Green Tied For No. 1 TE, And Lane Kiffin Offense No. 6 For EA Sports College Football 2026-27](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-treydez-green-tied-for-no-1-te-and-lane-kiffin-offense-no-6-for-ea-sports-college-football-2026-27/) **Published:** July 7, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU tight end Trey’Dez Green is tied for the top rating at his position for the EA SPORTS College Football 2026-27 video game. Green, who will be a junior in the 2026-27 season for the Tigers out of Zachary High near Baton Rouge, has a 92 overall rating that shares the highest grade among tight ends with Texas Tech’s Terrance Carter Jr. And Green (6-foot-7, 237 pounds) is the second-highest rated player on the LSU roster, trailing offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, who has a 93. Seaton, who will be a junior in 2026-27 as well, transferred to the Tigers as the No. 1 offensive tackle in the portal from Colorado after last season. Next for the Tigers is transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt of Arizona State and senior linebacker Whit Weeks with 90 rankings. Leavitt will be a junior this season, while Weeks will be a senior. > Trey’Dez Green and Terrance Carter Jr. stand atop the [\#CFB27](https://x.com/hashtag/CFB27?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) TE list. > > Full Ratings Hub > 🔗: [pic.twitter.com/y2EwRJ0u3E](https://t.co/y2EwRJ0u3E) > > — College Football 27 (@EASPORTSCollege) [June 24, 2026](https://x.com/EASPORTSCollege/status/2069809753232916899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Green led LSU with seven touchdown receptions last season while catching 33 passes in all for 433 yards. His elite height and athletic ability can make him a matchup nightmare for opposing linebackers and safeties. And he has all the tools to have a special season in the Tigers’ offense under new head coach Lane Kiffin and new offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., who led Ole Miss to the College Football Playoff last season. > [LSU Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. Has Been A Multi-Tasking Mad Man For Ole Miss](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-offensive-coordinator-charlie-weis-jr-has-been-a-multi-tasking-mad-man-for-ole-miss/) Tight end Dae’Quan Wright caught 39 passes for 635 yards and five touchdowns for the Rebels last season. In 2024, Ole Miss tight ends Caden Prieskorn and Wright totaled 795 receiving yards and seven touchdowns as Kiffin and Weis know how to utilize tight ends. Green could be the most talented tight end Kiffin has ever coached. The Tigers, like EA Sports, are expecting big things from Green. And EA is expecting a lot from the Kiffiin-Weis offense, which it has ranked No. 6 entering the season. **EA’S TOP 10 TIGHT END RANKINGS FOR 2026-27** 1. Trey’Dez Green, LSU – 92 2. Terrance Carter Jr., Texas Tech – 92 3. Jamari Johnson, Oregon – 90 4. Dorian Thomas, Cal – 89 5. DJ Vonnahme, Iowa – 88 6. Peter Clark, Temple – 88 7. Benjamin Brahmer, Penn State – 88 8. Dylan Wade, UCF – 88 9. Luke Hasz, Ole Miss – 87 10. Garrett Oakley, Kansas State – 87 **EA’S TOP 10 OFFENSE POWER RANKINGS FOR 2026-27** 1. Ohio State Buckeyes – 92 2. Oregon Ducks – 91 3. Indiana Hoosiers – 90 4. Texas Longhorns – 90 5. Miami Hurricanes – 90 6. LSU Tigers – 89 7. Notre Dame Fighting Irish – 88 8. Ole Miss Rebels – 88 9. Missouri Tigers – 88 10. Oklahoma Sooners – 87 **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Charile Weis Jr., EA SPORTS, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers', Trey'Dez Green --- ### [LSU Women's Track Adds Sprinter Ty'yanah Adams Via The Portal From Florida A&M](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-track-adds-sprinter-tyyanah-adams-via-the-portal-from-florida-am/) **Published:** July 7, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The LSU women’s track and field program has signed sprinter/hurdler Ty’yanah Adams, head coach Dennis Shaver announced. Adams will arrive in Baton Rouge as a junior after a season with Florida A&M in Tallahassee and a season at Barton Community College in Great Bend, Kansas. She had a 100-meter personal best time of 13.07 seconds at the Southwestern Athletic Conference Outdoor Championships this past season that won her a silver medal at the meet. She also won a bronze in the 60-meter hurdles at the SWAC Indoor Championships with a time of 8.32 seconds after clocking an 8.26 in the preliminaries. While at Barton, Adams was named a National Junior College All-American after finishing fifth in the 60-meter hurdles with an 8.52-second time at the NJCAA Indoor Championships. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Track & Field **Tags:** dennis shaver, Florida A&M, LSU women's track, Ty'yanah Adams --- ### [LSU Men's Track & Field Signs Javelin Thrower Kyle Iorg From Montana State](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-mens-track-field-signs-javelin-thrower-kyle-iorg-from-montana-state/) **Published:** July 7, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The LSU men’s track and field program signed javelin thrower Kyle Iorg from Montana State, head track coach Dennis Shaver has announced. Iorg, who went to Bothell High in Bothell, Washington, will compete with the Tigers as a junior after two seasons at Montana State. He finished fourth last season at the Big Sky Outdoor Championships with a throw of 65.27 meters and finished third in the 2025 season with an effort of 63.82 meters. Iorg qualified for the NCAA West first round in both of his seasons at Montana State, finishing 15th in 2026. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Track & Field **Tags:** dennis shaver, Kyle Iorg, LSU Men's Track & Field, LSU Tigers' --- ### [Former LSU Pitcher Jacob Latz Of Texas Rangers Makes Major League Baseball All-Star Game](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-pitcher-jacob-latz-of-texas-rangers-makes-major-league-baseball-all-star-game/) **Published:** July 6, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** Texas Rangers left-handed pitcher Jacob Latz, who pitched for LSU in the 2016 season, has been selected to the American League roster for the 2026 Major League Baseball All-Star Game that will be played on July 14 (7 p.m., FOX) in Philadelphia. A fifth round pick in 2017 by the Rangers, Latz, 30, is an All-Star for the first time and in his first Major League season in which he has spent no time in the minors. He is 1-1 this season with 18 saves, a 1.71 ERA and a 0.62 WHIP (walks plus hits per innings pitched). Opponents are hitting only .120 against him, and he has 43 strikeouts in 33 games. He was voted American League reliever of the month for June when he recorded an MLB-best 11 saves with a 1.13 ERA and 0.63 WHIP figure over 12 appearances. The 11 saves tied a Rangers’ record for saves in a month. A native of Lemont, Illinois, Latz received a medical redshirt in 2015 at LSU after injuring his left elbow. In 2016, he made only seven appearances with three starts as he was troubled by an undisclosed illness. He finished the season at 0-1 with a 7.56 ERA in eight and a third innings with 11 strikeouts and four walks. He transferred to Kent State for the 2017 season, but sat out due transfer rules at the time that required players sitting out a season after a transfer. After spending 2017 through most of 2021 in the minor leagues primarily as a reliever with the Rangers organization, he made his MLB debut in 2021 and pitched in just the one game all that season for Texas. He was back in the minors in 2022 at triple-A Rolling Rock, except for three games with the Rangers. He spent time with double-A Frisco and Rolling Rock in 2024 before lasting 46 games with the Rangers and going 2-3 witha 3.71 ERA over 43 and two-thirds innings with 40 strikeouts. In 2025, he pitched in the minors for the final time at Rolling Rock before going 2-0 with a 2.84 ERA and a save over 85 and two-thirds innings with Texas over 33 games and had 76 strikeouts. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Jacob Latz, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Basketball: Four Former Tigers To Enter NBA Summer League Play](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-basketball-four-former-tigers-to-enter-nba-summer-league-play/) **Published:** July 6, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By KACE KIEISCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Four former Tigers are slated to suit up in the NBA Summer League, which tips off in Las Vegas Thursday. Recent graduates Max Mackinnon and Marquel Sutton get their first shots at making an NBA roster after going unpicked in June’s draft, while Summer League veterans Cam Carter and Will Baker make their second and third appearances, respectively. Here’s a look at the path of each former Tiger: **Max Mackinnon- Charlotte Hornets** The 6-foot-6 guard signed a non-guaranteed, one-year Exhibit 10 deal with the Hornets in June as an undrafted free agent. The former Australian pro made collegiate stops at Portland and Elon before landing at LSU for his senior season last year. > [LSU Ends 5-Game Losing Streak With Thrilling, Double OT Win At Ole Miss Behind Max Mackinnon’s 34 Points](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-ends-5-game-losing-streak-with-thrilling-double-ot-win-at-ole-miss-behind-max-mackinnons-33-points/) Mackinnon averaged a career-high 15.7 points in 31 games for the Tigers, shooting 37.6% from three-point range. He added 2.6 assists and 2.5 rebounds a game and took over starting shooting guard duties after the injury to point guard Dedan Thomas Jr. He joins a Charlotte Summer League roster headlined by 14th-overall pick Hannes Steinbach and 18th-overall pick Christian Anderson. **Marquel Sutton- Sacramento Kings** Sutton has already made his debut with the Kings in the Summer League California Classic. After making just one of two shots and grabbing five boards in his first appearance, he scored 16 points with eight rebounds and a steal on a 62.5 FG%. The 6-8, 225-pound forward averaged 13.1 points and 7.3 rebounds in his one season at LSU after three seasons with Omaha. **Will Baker- Orlando Magic** The seven-footer has spent two seasons with two different NBA G League teams since going undrafted in 2024. Last year, Baker played 36 games with the Osceola Magic, averaging 10.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 0.7 blocks a game. Orlando will be his third Summer League team after stints with the Pistons and Pelicans. A highly touted freshman at Texas, Baker transferred to LSU from Nevada and averaged 11 points and 4.8 rebounds in 33 games as a Tiger in the 2023-24 season. > [How Does Cam Carter Encore After Two 4-Point Plays And Two 3-Point Plays In Oklahoma Rally?](https://www.tigerrag.com/how-does-cam-carter-encore-after-two-4-point-plays-and-two-3-point-plays-in-oklahoma-rally/) **Cam Carter- Miami Heat** The 6-3 guard has already begun a second Summer League campaign after playing for the Spurs last summer. He has played just six minutes in the Heat’s two games in the California Classic. Carter spent the past season with the Sioux Falls Skyforce where he put up 7.5 points a game while shooting 41.4% from three-point land. Carter arrived in Baton Rouge for just his senior season after beginning his collegiate career at Mississippi State before transferring to Kansas State. He averaged 16.4 points, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 assists a game for LSU in the 2024-25 season before going undrafted in last year’s NBA Draft. **Categories:** Featured **Tags:** Cam Carter, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, Marquel Sutton, Max MacKinnon --- ### [Jayden Anding Sets Tuesday At 12:30 P.M. For His Commitment To Either LSU Or Ole Miss](https://www.tigerrag.com/jayden-anding-sets-tuesday-at-1230-p-m-for-his-commitment-to-either-lsu-or-ole-miss/) **Published:** July 6, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By KACE KIESCHNICK, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter Four-star LSU target Jayden Anding, a safety from Ruston High School, is set to announce his commitment live on Rivals’ YouTube channel at 12:30 p.m. Tuesday. The younger brother of sophomore LSU cornerback Aidan Anding, Jayden was scheduled to make his announcement last Wednesday on Rivals’ YouTube week as part of Rivals’ Summer Signing Day, but he pushed back the date shortly before his scheduled time. Anding (5-foot-10, 165) is expected to decide between LSU or Ole Miss. 247Sports.com ranks Anding as the No. 9 prospect in Louisiana and No. 21 safety in the nation. In his junior season with the Bearcats, he racked up 55 tackles, four interceptions and three pass breakups. He visited LSU on June 19 after visiting the Rebels on June 5. > [LSU Recruiting Flip! No. 5 Safety Karnell James Commits To LSU After Decommitting From Texas](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-recruiting-flip-no-5-safety-karnell-james-commits-to-lsu-after-decommitting-from-texas/) LSU football coach Lane Kiffin’s 2027 recruiting class features two defensive backs so far in four-star safety Karnell “Greedy” James and three-star cornerback Markez Davis. James, who is 247Sports’ No. 24 safety and No. 282 overall recruit, flipped his commitment from Texas to LSU last week. Davis gave his verbal pledge to the Tigers on June 8. On3.com ranks Davis of Northwest High in Opelousas as the No. 19 prospect in the state and No. 75 cornerback nationwide, while 247Sports lists him as a four-star wide receiver. Both are expected to play cornerback at LSU, so Anding would be the first true safety in the class. [LSU’s 2027 RECRUITING CLASS (15 commitments)](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2027-football/commits/) After James’ flip, the Tigers’ 2027 class is 11th in Rivals and 247Sports. Kiffin’s first recruiting campaign features 15 commits, including 11 five-star or four-star recruits. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Aidan Anding, Jayden Anding, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Football Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette Goes Into His 27th Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-sports-information-director-michael-bonnette-goes-into-his-27th-season/) **Published:** July 6, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU associate athletic director for communications Michael Bonnette will enter his 27th season on September 5 as the Tigers’ football sports information director. Bonnette, a native of Lake Charles and an LSU graduate, joined Talk Louisiana on WRKF (89.3) Monday morning with guest host Jim Nickel, a lobbyist in Baton Rouge who filled in for vacationing host Jim Engster. Nickel is very familiar with LSU football as well as he is a former spotter for the LSU Radio Network football broadcasts. [LISTEN TO MICHAEL BONNETTE’S APPEARANCE HERE](https://www.wrkf.org/show/talk-louisiana) Nickel asked Bonnette about the Tigers’ 2026 schedule, which opens with Clemson on Sept. 5 in Tiger Stadium (6:30 p.m., ABC) and features three home games against teams that finished the 2025-26 season in the Associated Press rankings – No. 8 Texas A&M (11-2) on Sept. 26, No. 9 Alabama (11-4) on Nov. 7 and No. 12 Texas (10-3) on Nov. 14. It will be the first Texas-LSU game in Tiger Stadium since the unranked Tigers upset the No. 11 Longhorns, 20-7, on Sept. 19, 1953. “Oh, without a doubt, it’s one of the best schedules LSU has ever had,” Bonnette said. “Especially the home games – Clemson, Alabama, Texas, Texas A&M. It’s as good a home schedule as you’ll find.” As for the road games, LSU will be at Ole Miss, which finished No. 3 in the final A.P. rankings last season at 13-2, on Sept. 19 (6:30 p.m., ABC) and on Nov. 21 at Tennessee, which received votes for the final poll at 8-5. LSU’s other home games in 2026 are Louisiana Tech on Sept. 12, McNeese State on Oct. 3 and Mississippi State on Oct. 17. The other road games are at Kentucky on Oct. 10, at Auburn on Oct. 24 and at Arkansas on Nov. 28. LSU will play five road games in the Southeastern Conference for the first time as the SEC moved to a nine-game schedule for this season. Bonnette will breaking in his fifth head football coach since becoming LSU’s football sports information director in 2000 when Nick Saban took over as coach after being hired away from Michigan State. Bonnette then worked with Les Miles from 2005 through four games of the 2016 season, Ed Orgeron for the rest of 2016 through 2021, Brian Kelly from 2022-25 and now Lane Kiffin, formerly the head coach at Ole Miss. “All very different,” Bonnette said. Bonnette also worked with three interim coaches – Orgeron before he was promoted after the 2016 regular season, Brad Davis during the bowl game after the 2021 regular season and Frank Wilson last season following Kelly’s firing on the day after the Oct. 25 loss to Texas A&M. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Michael Bonnette --- ### [LSU Baseball: Paul Skenes 1 Of 15 MLB All-Stars In History, But He Was "Surprised" At This Selection](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-paul-skenes-1-of-14-mlb-all-stars-in-history-but-he-was-surprised-at-this-selection/) **Published:** July 6, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** Former LSU baseball All-American and national champion pitcher Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates has been named to the National League roster for the Major League Baseball All-Star game on Tuesday, July 14, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia (7 p.m., FOX). Skenes, an MLB All-Star for the third straight season, has been the starting pitcher for the National League in each of the past two Midsummer Classics after being drafted in the first round of the 2023 MLB Draft shortly after winning MVP of the College World Series that summer for the victorious Tigers. Fifteen former LSU players, beginning with second baseman Connie Ryan in 1944, have been chosen for the All-Star Game on 29 occasions. LSU has had a former player selected for the All-Star Game 13 times since 2015. > “I’m just as much an Air Force guy as I am an LSU guy. I’m very fond of my time at LSU. But Air Force, it’s the greatest school on earth.” … Paul Skenes. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 4, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2073445540369428991?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Skenes, the 2024 NL Rookie of the Year and 2025 NL Cy Young Award winner, has struggled this season compared to his first two seasons as he is 6-8 on the season with a 3.62 ERA and has lost his last six consecutive decisions. He is still striking out batters at a high percentage, though, with 119 in 97 innings amid just 22 walks. He has a 2.35 career ERA in three seasons with 505 strikeouts in 417.2 innings. “To be honest, probably a little bit surprised,” Skenes said of his selection, considering his season. “I think I’ve thrown the ball well, but I don’t think all the numbers necessarily match up. That’s probably how a lot of fans feel, too. I was shocked that I was the only one (from the Pirates). Not too happy about that. Our offense is just a buzzsaw.” Pittsburgh second baseman Brandon Lowe is fifth in MLB in RBIs with 63 and 10th with 21 home runs, while third baseman Nick Gonzales is seventh in batting average at .312. And outfielder Bryan Reynolds is 18th in RBIs with 56. > I really like these answers from Paul Skenes on the All-Star Game. He’s less excited for himself. And more disappointed in the guys who got snubbed. That’s a team player mentality right there. [pic.twitter.com/Y1pO8EigUf](https://t.co/Y1pO8EigUf) > > — Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) [July 5, 2026](https://x.com/ThePoniExpress/status/2073620999002608091?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski, who had committed to LSU coach Jay Johnson for the 2023 season but later entered the MLB Draft and went in the second round to Milwaukee, has also been invited to the All-Star game. Misiorowski is 9-4 on the season with a 1.47 ERA and 156 strikeouts in 104 innings and has thrown the fastest pitch in MLB history this season at 105.5 miles per hour. > [Paul Skenes Is In Biggest Slump Of His Career With 0 Wins Over Last 9 Starts, And Jacob Misiorowski Is Taking Over](https://www.tigerrag.com/paul-skenes-is-in-biggest-slump-of-his-career-with-0-wins-over-last-9-starts-and-jacob-misiorowski-is-taking-over/) Skenes, a right-hander from Lake Forest, California, won the Dick Howser Trophy as a Tiger in 2023 as the best player in NCAA Division I. > LSU Legend Skip Bertman and family unharmed by storms in Baton Rouge, but home and vehicle damaged by oak tree. Former players rush to his aid. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 6, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2073928178838409680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Also the 2023 D1 Baseball National Player of the Year and the Southeastern Conference Pitcher of the Year, Skenes compiled a 13-2 record and a 1.69 ERA in 122.2 innings with 20 walks and an SEC-record 209 strikeouts. He finished No. 1 in the nation in strikeouts, strikeouts per nine innings (15.33) and WHIP (walks plus hits per nine innings pitched at 0.75. > [Former LSU Pitcher Jacob Latz Of Texas Rangers Makes Major League Baseball All-Star Game](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-pitcher-jacob-latz-of-texas-rangers-makes-major-league-baseball-all-star-game/) Skenes finished No. 2 in the nation in ERA (1.69), No. 3 in strikeout-to-walk ratio (10.45), and No. 5 in hits allowed per nine innings (5.28) in 2023. He was 1-0 in two starts in Omaha, Nebraska, that season at the World Series with a 1.15 ERA in 15.2 innings, allowing two runs on seven hits with two walks and 21 strikeouts. **LSU BASEBALL IN THE MLB ALL-STAR GAME, 1944-2026 (15)** • Connie Ryan, 2B, Boston Braves (NL) – 1944 • Alvin Dark, SS, New York Giants (NL) – 1951, 1952, 1954 • Joe Bill Adcock, 1B, Milwaukee Braves (NL) – 1960 • Albert Belle, OF, Cleveland Indians (AL) – 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996; Chicago White Sox (AL) – 1997 • Paul Byrd, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies (NL) – 1999 • Brian Wilson, RHP, San Francisco Giants (NL) – 2008, 2010, 2011 • Brad Hawpe, OF, Colorado Rockies (NL) – 2009 • Aaron Hill, 2B, Toronto Blue Jays (AL) – 2009 • DJ LeMahieu, 2B, Colorado Rockies (NL)- 2015, 2017; New York Yankees (AL) – 2019 • Will Harris, RHP, Houston Astros (AL) – 2016 • Aaron Nola, RHP, Philadelphia Phillies (NL) – 2018 • Alex Bregman, 3B, Houston Astros (AL) – 2018, 2019; Boston Red Sox (AL) – 2025 • Kevin Gausman, RHP, San Francisco Giants (NL) – 2021; Toronto Blue Jays (AL) – 2023 • Paul Skenes, RHP, Pittsburgh Pirates (NL) – 2024, 2025, 2026 • Jacob Latz, Texas Rangers (AL) – 2026 **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, MLB All-Star Game, Paul Skenes, skip bertman --- ### [LSU Final Four Hero Garrett Temple Retiring From NBA After 17 Seasons For Coaching Job With Dallas Mavericks](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-final-four-hero-garrett-temple-retiring-from-nba-after-17-seasons-for-coaching-job-with-dallas-mavericks/) **Published:** July 6, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** Guard Garrett Temple, a hero of LSU’s last Final Four team in the 2005-06 season, has retired from the NBA after 17 seasons that saw him play for 12 teams. Temple, 40, will be an assistant coach for the NBA Dallas Mavericks under newly named head coach Dusty May. ![LSU basketball player wearing number 14 dribbles with the ball during a game, gym crowd in the background.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/GarrettTemple_LSUAthletics.jpg "GarrettTemple_LSUAthletics | TigerRag.com")***LSUs Garrett Temple held No 1 seed Duke superstar guard JJ Redick to 3 of 18 shooting in a 62 54 victory in the NCAA Tournament in 2006 to get the Tigers within one win of the Final Four LSU photo***As a redshirt freshman from University High in Baton Rouge, Temple started 35 games in the 2005-06 season under coach John Brady and averaged 5.1 points and 2.8 assists. He held the nation’s leading scorer and national player of the year in guard J.J. Redick at 27 points a game to 11 points on 3-of-18 shooting as the Tigers upset top-seeded Duke, 62-54, in Atlanta to reach the NCAA Regional championship game. LSU beat Texas in that game and advanced to the Final Four. Temple averaged 8.6 points and 4.3 assists in the 2006-07 season. In the 2008-09 season, Temple was part of the Tigers’ second Southeastern Conference title since 2006 as he averaged 7.1 points and 3.8 assists a game under coach Trent Johnson. Undrafted in 2009, Temple eventually caught on with the Houston Rockets, Sacramento Kings and San Antonio Spurs in the 2009-10 season. He then played for Milwaukee and Charlotte in 2011, Washington from 2012-16, Sacramento again from 2016-18, Memphis and the Los Angeles Clippers in the 2018-19 season, Brooklyn in 2019-20, Chicago in 2020-21, the New Orleans Pelicans from 2021-23 and finally Toronto from 2023-26. Temple will be reunited with former Pelicans’ coach Willie Green, who will also be an assistant at Dallas. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** Collis temple, Collis Temple III, garrett temple, john brady, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, NBA --- ### [LSU Baseball Loses Commitment CJ Weinstein In Flip To UCLA](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-loses-commitment-cj-weinstein-in-flip-to-ucla/) **Published:** July 5, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson has lost shortstop/second baseman commitment CJ Weinstein to UCLA, dropping his class of 2027 to 22 players. > Excited to be a Bruin!🐻 [\#committed](https://x.com/hashtag/committed?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/hk78FAnv8B](https://t.co/hk78FAnv8B) > > — CJ Weinstein (@weinstein\_cj) [July 5, 2026](https://x.com/weinstein_cj/status/2073843437724745931?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Weinstein is the No. 149 prospect for the Major League Baseball Draft that is on July 11 and 12. He is from Orange Lutheran High in the Los Angeles area and is the second commitment to leave Johnson’s class of 24 for the 2027 season. > [LSU Baseball: Left-handed Pitcher Colton Christman Decommits, Reopens Recruitment Amid Crowded Roster](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-left-handed-pitcher-colton-christman-decommits-reopens-recruitment-amid-crowded-roster/) Previously left-handed pitcher Colton Christman of Arbor View High in Las Vegas decommitted from the Tigers last month. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** CJ Weinstein, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers --- ### [Skip Bertman's Home, Vehicle Damaged By Large Oak Tree From Storm](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertmans-home-vehicle-damaged-by-large-oak-tree-from-storm/) **Published:** July 5, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The home and vehicle of legendary former LSU baseball coach and athletic director Skip Bertman were seriously damaged Sunday afternoon by major thunderstorms with lightning and wind gusts up to 40 mph that went through Baton Rouge. Lightning struck a large oak tree by the back door of the Bertman house and driveway near the kitchen and garage and knocked it down. The tree landed on the garage, caving the roof in, and likely totalled Bertman’s vehicle. The kitchen and the rest of the home were not damaged. > Skip Bertman’s house was damaged by a fallen tree as a result of the bad storm this evening. > > Nobody was hurt but the family is asking for assistance and tarps to cover the damage for the time being.[\#LSU](https://x.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/wqosq693M1](https://t.co/wqosq693M1) > > — John Eads WAFB-TV (@JohnEadsWAFB) [July 5, 2026](https://x.com/JohnEadsWAFB/status/2073893832131846354?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Bertman has lived in the large, two-story home in the Riverbend neighborhood near LSU since he left the Miami associate head coach job to become LSU’s head baseball coach in 1983. The streets around Bertman’s home were lined with fallen trees and debris. “It was very loud and scary,” Bertman, 88, told Tiger Rag Sunday night. “The tree went down at about 3:30 p.m. But we’re doing all right.” Bertman’s daughters Jodi and Lori stay with him at the home. [Bertman’s wife Sandy of 63 years died at age 87 on March 13, 2025.](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertmans-wife-sandy-passes-away/) Other family members were also at the home for Fourth of July weekend. No one in the home was harmed. “The tree hit the car and the garage, and they’re both in bad shape,” Bertman said. > [Jay Johnson Had A Premonition That LSU Would Win When Someone Skipped Into Locker Room](https://www.tigerrag.com/jay-johnson-had-a-premonition-that-lsu-would-win-when-someone-skipped-into-locker-room/) Neighbors, friends and former players, several of whom live in the same neighborhood, quickly came to Bertman’s aid as they often visit him anyway. First on the scene was Jeramie Moore, a first baseman with the Tigers from 1994-96 who lives in the neighborhood. Patrick Coogan, the ace of the Tigers’ 1997 national championship team who lives a few blocks away, was also there very quickly. “He’s doing okay,” Coogan said of Bertman. “He was sitting in his recliner watching golf on television.” Friends and neighbors were sawing off limbs from the garage and car and moving debris. “The living area of the house wasn’t affected,” Coogan said. “A bunch of people got over there pretty quickly.” [There was a home invasion at the same house in 2014](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/baseball/2014/02/16/lsu-baseball-skip-bertman-home-invasion-ncaa/5542645/). The same garage area and other parts of the home were damaged by fire in February of 2004 when Bertman was in his third year as LSU’s athletic director. The fire destroyed some of Bertman’s memorabilia. He had won five national championships as LSU’s baseball coach between 1991-2000 before retiring from coaching after the 2001 season and taking over as athletic director. Bertman’s first season as LSU coach was 1984, and he had the Tigers in the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1986. In all, he reached Omaha 11 times through 2000. Bertman had the sections of the home damaged rebuilt after the fire and plans on doing that again. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, Jeramie Moore, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Patrick Coogan, skip bertman --- ### [TODD HORNE: Two Economic Development Districts, One Question — What Happens Before the Public Sees the Deal?](https://www.tigerrag.com/todd-horne-lsu-edd-bfedd-public-finance-tax-districts/) **Published:** July 5, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** **By TODD HORNE, EXECUTIVE EDITOR** There is a moment in every public‐ finance story when the words themselves betray a shift in power. At first, the jargon is reassuring—economic development, public‐private partnership, infrastructure, catalytic investment, sports tourism, campus transformation—phrases carefully chosen to promise progress without winners and losers, growth without cost, frictionless motion. But then the ordinances appear: the tax notices, the cooperative‐endeavor agreements, the board resolutions, the district maps, the landowner objections, the public‐ records responses. And with those documents, the story changes. Suddenly the question is no longer whether Baton Rouge wants a new arena near LSU or a sports‐tourism complex on Burbank Drive—most citizens can see the appeal of both. LSU needs a modern arena. Baton Rouge could benefit from improved sports venues. “Economic development,” after all, is not a dirty phrase. The true question is what happens before the public ever sees the deal. Today, Baton Rouge has two LSU‐adjacent taxing districts moving through the same fog. One revolves around the site of a proposed arena—the LSU Economic Development District and its Athletic Subdistrict. The other encompasses land eyed for sports tourism—the Bayou Fountain Economic Development District. Different boards, different boundaries, different legal postures—yet they rhyme with each other in their embrace of opacity. In both cases, public‐finance machinery set in motion before any final, signed agreement could illuminate where the money would go, who would control it, what safeguards would exist, or what would happen if the promised projects failed. That is no minor procedural quibble. It is the story itself. At a recent Baton Rouge Press Club appearance, LSU President Wade Rousse confirmed that taxes tied to the LSU Economic Development District were already flowing into an account he said “has not yet been spent.” Then he smiled thinly, and uttered the hinge upon which the whole enterprise turns: “Nothing has been spent yet. Where it’s going to be spent kind of depends on if we end up getting an arena or not.” There it was—not a denial, not a firm commitment, but an admission that the public rationale and the legal flexibility might not be the same thing. If the arena is the ostensible reason for the tax, yet the money can be diverted if no arena ever rises, then citizens have a right to know: Who decides? Under what authority? Under what contract? With what limits? What refund mechanism? What vote? The tax exists before the project is final; the money is collected before the public sees the signed deal. In that gap—between collection and commitment—real power takes shape. The Bayou Fountain district now presents the same problem in a new guise. On July 1, the City‐Parish Revenue Division issued new tax‐reporting instructions for businesses inside the Bayou Fountain Economic Development District. Yet the Cooperative‐Endeavor Agreement governing BFEDD revenues remains deferred until August 26. Again, the machinery moved first; the agreement was promised later—or rather, remains unmade. And this time, the raw element is not just money but land. Steve Legendre, speaking for the Duplantier family, says they own roughly 57 percent of the land within BFEDD. He asserts that less than 2 percent of the district can be built upon without encroaching on Duplantier property—and that the family never gave meaningful consent to be included. They insist their land is not for sale to Elite Training Academy, 820 Development Group, or any affiliated interests. If parcel maps and records confirm these claims, they do more than complicate BFEDD—they threaten its premise. The LSU Economic Development District asks whether a tax without a vote can begin collecting before the public ever sees the final deal. BFEDD asks whether a tax district can be drawn around land its owners say cannot be used. Together, they pose this singular governing question: Can public‐finance power move faster than public consent? That question lies beneath every ordinance, every tax notice, every reassuring phrase. Defenders will claim all is legal: statutes authorize economic‐development districts; boards can be appointed; taxes can be noticed; accounts can be opened; agreements can be drafted; revenues can be seized; lawyers can recite the steps. But legality is not legitimacy. Legitimacy demands clarity before power is exercised. In the LSU arena district, citizens were told for months that a grand arena awaited. Yet Rousse’s admission revealed that spending depends on whether the arena materializes, and the public rationale and legal leeway diverge. In BFEDD, the public was promised sports tourism infrastructure—but if the land at its core is unavailable, the rationale and reality no longer align. In one case the uncertainty is over the final use of collected funds; in the other, over the land needed to justify the district. In both, uncertainty follows a tax mechanism that has already begun its work—and that sequence is backwards. The signed agreement is where the public must see the real deal—not the brochure, not the talking points, not the soft promise of “economic development,” but the contract that shows who receives the money, who controls it, which costs are eligible, whether private entities may be reimbursed, whether consultants and legal fees may be covered, whether land acquisition is funded, what happens if the project changes or dies, what recourse exists if the district map centers on land that cannot be used. Those questions should be answered before a single dollar is collected, not afterwards. Baton Rouge has seen enough public projects to know that dangers lurk not in the headline, but in the sequence: first the district, then the account, the tax notice, the deferred agreement, the records delay, the after‐the‐fact explanation that “nothing improper has happened because nothing has been spent yet.” But “nothing has been spent yet” is not the same as “nothing has been decided.” A tax account can build momentum; a district boundary can create leverage; a public‐project list can signal intent; a deferred agreement can buy time; a steady stream of revenue can turn a proposal into inevitability before the public ever sees its terms. That is how power often works—not in a single, dramatic vote, but with a map, a notice, a board, a fund, a delay, a phrase that sounds harmless until you reread it: “Where it’s going to be spent kind of depends on if we end up getting an arena or not.” That line alone encapsulates the LSU district’s flaw. And BFEDD already has its counterpart: where will development occur if the land at its center is not for sale? The Metro Council must not treat these controversies in isolation. They are warnings. If Baton Rouge will rely on economic‐development districts as a primary public‐finance tool, then the public deserves rules that precede collections, not explanations that follow them: no tax without a signed governing agreement; no district without a clear map and landowner disclosure; no public money without a public‐purpose test; no private reimbursement without public terms; no project rhetoric without project documents; no “trust us” in place of records. It is not a question of whether LSU deserves an arena—it does. Nor of whether Baton Rouge should pursue sports tourism—it should, if the numbers and land align. The issue is whether government can activate the machinery of taxation before the public can see the deal that gives that machinery any meaning. That is the line both districts have already crossed: one is collecting for a project that may never be built; the other is reporting taxes for a district whose central landowners say the land is unavailable. One asks: What if the arena is not built? The other: What if the land is not sold? Together they ask the question Baton Rouge should have asked before either tax notice went out: What exactly are we paying for? Until the signed agreements answer that, everything else is fog. --- # EXPLAINER: What Are Louisiana Economic Development Districts? ***Legislative History, Statutory Architecture, TIF Mechanics, Governance, and Public-Finance Implications*** Section 1# Introduction: What Is an Economic Development District? Few mechanisms in Louisiana’s public-law architecture attract as little public attention — and underwrite as many major development projects — as the Economic Development District. For the attorneys who draft the enabling legislation, the bond underwriters who structure the financing, and the parish officials who sign the intergovernmental agreements, these entities are familiar instruments of practical governance. For nearly everyone else, they remain invisible: creatures of statute that quietly redirect millions of dollars in tax revenue without ever appearing on a ballot or in a municipal budget headline. An Economic Development District, or EDD, is a political subdivision and special taxing district of the State of Louisiana. As such, it is a creature of state law — not a department of a city hall, not a branch of parish government, not a private corporation, but a distinct governmental entity with its own legal personality, its own board of commissioners, its own bonding authority, and its own defined geographic boundaries. Like a school board or a levee district, it exercises governmental powers delegated to it by the legislature; unlike a school board, it serves no general-purpose governmental function. Its mission is precisely and exclusively economic: to enable cooperative economic development by capturing the incremental tax revenues generated by new growth within a defined geographic area and deploying those revenues to finance the infrastructure, redevelopment, and public facilities that make the growth possible. The mechanism through which an EDD accomplishes that mission is called Tax Increment Financing, universally abbreviated as TIF. When new economic activity — a hotel, a retail center, a conference complex — generates higher sales or property tax revenues than existed before development, the EDD captures the difference between the pre-development baseline and the post-development collection. That captured increment is pledged to bondholders who have financed the public infrastructure enabling the development. The taxes are not raised; existing taxpayers pay exactly what they paid before. The increment is simply rerouted — away from the general coffers of schools, parishes, and municipalities, and into the district’s debt-service account — for the life of the bonds. Louisiana’s EDD framework is one of the most flexible and legislatively active special-district regimes in the American South. Since the foundational statute was enacted in 2002, the Louisiana Legislature has created more than forty individual district statutes, each tailored — sometimes with extraordinary specificity — to particular localities, particular development types, and particular financing structures. The result is a statutory mosaic of considerable complexity, spanning nearly fifty sections of Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes and affecting fiscal arrangements in parishes from Orleans to Ouachita. This document is designed to serve two audiences simultaneously. For the attorney or policy professional, it provides a systematic map of the statutory architecture, the key definitional provisions, the financing mechanics, and the procedural requirements that govern EDD creation and operation. For the engaged general reader — the *Tiger Rag* audience — it translates that architecture into plain, precise English, explaining not just what these entities are but why they matter, what they can and cannot do, and what their proliferation means for Louisiana’s fiscal future. The sections that follow address, in order: legislative history; statutory architecture; TIF mechanics in plain English; the governance sequence from idea to operating district; public-finance implications; notable district examples; a statutory cross-reference table; and a concluding synthesis. Section 2# Legislative History ## Origins: The 2002 Prototype The story of Louisiana’s Economic Development Districts begins, with notable specificity, in a single building in downtown New Orleans. The foundational statute, Louisiana Revised Statutes Section 33:9038 (hereinafter § 9038), was first enacted during the First Extraordinary Session of the Louisiana Legislature in 2002, as Acts 2002, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 147, effective April 23, 2002.1 Sponsored by Senators Boissiere and Bajoie, the act created the World Trade Center Taxing District in Orleans Parish — the prototype EDD — using hotel-occupancy-tax increment financing to fund the renovation and redevelopment of the iconic World Trade Center building at the foot of Canal Street. The district was authorized to levy a hotel-occupancy tax within its boundaries, with the increment above the pre-existing baseline dedicated to the district’s purposes. Critically, the act provided that if the district elected to levy the authorized tax, that levy would be “in lieu of” any other hotel-occupancy tax within the district — a structural choice that foreshadowed the legislative technique of using EDD law to consolidate and redirect existing tax streams rather than simply impose new ones. In the same 2002 extraordinary session, the legislature enacted the general Tax Increment Financing framework for local governmental subdivisions, codified in Louisiana Revised Statutes Sections 33:9038.31 through 33:9038.40 (hereinafter the “Part II framework” or §§ 9038.31 et seq.).2 This framework established the blueprint — the definitions, the financing mechanics, the bond authority, the cooperative endeavor requirements — that all subsequent EDDs, whether individually named in statute or created by local ordinance under general authority, would follow. The legislative note to Acts 2002, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 147, § 3 expressly provides that Part II constitutes an alternative to other provisions of Chapter 27 of Title 33 and does not conflict with, repeal, or supersede those other provisions. That interpretive anchor has proven critical in subsequent litigation and legislative drafting: it means that EDDs created under Part II coexist with, rather than displace, other economic development financing mechanisms available under Louisiana law. ## Legislative Expansion: 2003–2024 From 2002 through 2024, the legislature enacted more than forty individual district statutes under Chapter 27 of Title 33, creating a dense thicket of bespoke EDDs across the state. The Lake Forest Plaza District, created in 2003 by Senate Bill 808, was among the earliest post-prototype additions — a sales-tax TIF for retail-center redevelopment in New Orleans East that set the template for subsequent commercial EDDs and demonstrated the mechanism’s utility beyond the hospitality sector.3 Key amendment years punctuate the statutory timeline, each wave adding new types of eligible issuers, new tax sources, or expanded parish and municipality eligibility. Acts 2004, No. 897 extended the framework’s reach; Acts 2005, No. 386 (effective July 1, 2005) introduced significant modifications to the financing structure; Acts 2006, No. 850 expanded eligible tax sources; Acts 2011, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 20 addressed governance and bonding during Louisiana’s post-Katrina reconstruction period; Acts 2015, Nos. 458 and 464 refined cooperative endeavor requirements and issuer definitions; Acts 2016, No. 514 added new eligibility criteria; and Acts 2024, No. 289 represented the most recent major structural amendment, adding § 9038.78 to authorize municipal-population-bracket EDDs and updating the issuer definition to encompass Tax Increment Development Corporations as activated financing vehicles.4 The most recent addition to the individual-district roster — Acts 2024, No. 569 — illustrates the legislative trajectory with particular clarity. That act authorized municipalities falling within a population range of 1,525 to 1,600 persons to create a taxing district specifically for the conversion of blighted property to a conference-style hotel. The targeting is so precise — and the population bracket so narrow — that there can be little doubt the legislature had a specific Louisiana municipality in mind. The legislation simply declines to name it. ## The Population-Bracket Technique That last observation points to one of the most distinctive and recurring features of Louisiana’s EDD legislative drafting: the use of population-bracket formulas in individual-district statutes to identify eligible localities by census-population ranges rather than by name. A statute might authorize creation of an EDD in “a parish with a population of more than 23,000 and fewer than 28,000 persons, as determined by the most recent federal decennial census,” or in “a municipality with a population of between 1,525 and 1,600 persons.” The practical effect is to target a specific parish or city with mathematical precision while maintaining the nominal form of general legislation applicable to any qualifying locality — a technique that provides political cover and sometimes simplifies the legislative classification analysis, but that also reduces transparency about exactly which communities are being affected and why. This drafting pattern is a consistent feature of the EDD corpus from at least 2004 through the present session. Section 3# Statutory Architecture ## The Parent Framework: Title 33, Chapter 27 The legal home of Louisiana’s EDD law is Title 33 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes, Chapter 27, titled “Cooperative Economic Development,” spanning §§ 9038 et seq. The chapter divides structurally into two operative parts, plus a proliferating series of individual district sections, and the relationship between those parts is essential to understanding how any particular EDD derives its authority. ## Part I: Individual District Statutes (§§ 9038.1–9038.30) Part I of Chapter 27 encompasses the individual-district statutes — each a self-contained enabling act creating a named or population-described district with its own governance structure, geographic boundaries, tax authority, and financing powers. These statutes do not follow a uniform template; they are negotiated products of the legislative process, and their idiosyncrasies reflect the particular circumstances of each project. Some name specific parcels of property. Some specify that a certain number of board members must be appointed by the parish president, others by the mayor, others by the local chamber of commerce. Some authorize hotel-occupancy taxes; others authorize only sales-tax TIF; still others authorize both. The diversity within Part I is a feature, not a bug: it reflects the legislature’s preference for bespoke solutions to local economic development challenges rather than one-size-fits-all statutory templates. ## Part II: The General TIF and Financing Framework (§§ 9038.31–9038.40) Part II of Chapter 27 provides the general framework applicable to any district or local governmental subdivision seeking to use TIF financing. Its provisions constitute both the definitional backbone of all EDD law and the operative financing machinery for districts created by local ordinance under the general authority Part II confers. The key sections are as follows. Section 9038.31 supplies the definitional foundation. Among its most consequential definitions: “economic development district” means a district established pursuant to this chapter; “issuer” is defined with deliberate breadth to encompass not only the local governmental subdivision and the EDD itself, but also industrial development boards, public trusts, and — since Acts 2024, No. 289 — specially activated Tax Increment Development Corporations, giving project sponsors a menu of governmental vehicles through which to access TIF financing.5 The term “baseline collection rate” — the frozen pre-development tax figure against which the increment is measured — is also defined here, and its certification procedure is prescribed in detail. The “official journal of the district” is defined as the official journal of the local governmental subdivision that creates the district, a reminder that EDD notice requirements flow through existing local-government publication channels. Section 9038.32 governs the creation of economic development districts by local governing authority via ordinance, establishing the boundary-definition process and the general procedural requirements for district establishment. Section 9038.33 addresses ad valorem tax increment financing — the property-tax variant of TIF — establishing the mechanism by which the increase in assessed-value-based property tax revenues above the frozen pre-district baseline is captured by the district. Section 9038.34 governs sales tax increment financing and bonding, the most widely used mechanism in practice; it establishes the baseline, the increment calculation, the intergovernmental agreement requirements, and the conditions under which state sales tax increments may be dedicated. Section 9038.35 confers cooperative endeavor authority — the power to enter into intergovernmental and public-private agreements that are the practical linchpin of TIF financing. Section 9038.38 is the bond authority provision, authorizing issuance of revenue bonds payable from pledged tax increments and establishing the State Bond Commission approval requirement. Section 9038.39 addresses hotel-occupancy-tax authority for eligible districts, completing the trilogy of tax sources — property, sales, and hotel occupancy — available to EDDs under the general framework. **The Expansive “Issuer” Definition: Why It Matters** The definition of “issuer” in § 9038.31 is one of the most strategically significant provisions in the entire EDD framework. By encompassing local governmental subdivisions, EDD boards, industrial development boards, public trusts, and Tax Increment Development Corporations within a single defined category, the statute gives project sponsors and their counsel the flexibility to select the governmental vehicle best suited to the project’s legal and financial structure. An industrial development board may offer more favorable federal tax-law treatment for bond proceeds; a public trust may provide greater operational flexibility; a Tax Increment Development Corporation may offer a cleaner governance structure for a complex multi-phase project. The issuer definition, in effect, is a toolkit from which practitioners choose the right instrument for each deal.Section 4# What Is Tax Increment Financing? A Plain-English Explanation Tax Increment Financing is, at its core, a public-finance tool with a simple and elegant premise: let the new economic growth pay for the infrastructure that enabled it. The mechanism redirects the *incremental* increase in tax revenues generated by new development within a district — above a frozen “baseline” — to pay for the very improvements that made that development possible. Understanding this premise is the key to evaluating every claim made about EDDs, whether by proponents celebrating new jobs and renovated buildings or by critics lamenting reduced school revenues. The baseline concept is central. When an EDD is created, the local government certifies the amount of tax revenue currently being collected from the district’s geographic area. That certified figure — the “baseline collection rate” — is frozen. It continues to flow, as it always has, to the school board, the parish, the municipality, and every other entity that has historically received it. Nothing changes for existing tax recipients with respect to their current revenue. What changes is the destination of future revenue growth. If new development causes sales or property tax collections within the district to rise above the baseline, that incremental increase — the “increment” — is captured by the district rather than flowing to the general funds of those same entities. A critical point that is often misunderstood in public debate: TIF does not raise taxes. The sales tax rate remains exactly what it was. The property tax millage does not change. Existing taxpayers and businesses in the district pay the same rates they paid before. The increment is not a new tax; it is new revenue generated by new economic activity, rerouted for a defined period to pay for the public improvements that made the new activity possible. *“TIF does not raise taxes — it redirects growth revenue, not existing revenue, for the life of the bonds.”* **TIF Mechanics: Step-by-Step** **Step 1 — District Creation.** The local governing authority — a parish council, city council, or police jury — adopts an ordinance establishing the EDD, defining its geographic boundaries, and constituting (or providing for the appointment of) its board of commissioners. Alternatively, the Louisiana Legislature creates the district directly by statute, a common approach for high-profile or politically complex projects. **Step 2 — Baseline Certification.** The chief financial officer, tax assessor, or equivalent official certifies the baseline collection rate of the designated taxes within the district as of the date of creation. This figure is published in the official journal of the local governmental subdivision. Under § 9038.34, if the baseline is not challenged within thirty days of publication, it becomes conclusively valid — a finality rule designed to give bond investors certainty about the increment calculation. **Step 3 — New Economic Activity.** The district designates an “economic development project” — the infrastructure, facility, or improvement to be financed. Developers, attracted in part by the prospect of publicly financed infrastructure, proceed with construction of the hotel, retail center, conference facility, or other qualifying development within the district’s boundaries. **Step 4 — Increment Calculation.** As new economic activity generates sales and property tax revenues above the certified baseline, the tax collector calculates the monthly increment — the amount by which actual collections exceed the baseline rate — and transfers that increment to the district’s dedicated sinking fund. The remainder, equal to the baseline amount, continues to flow to its historical recipients. **Step 5 — Bond Issuance.** The district, acting as or through an “issuer” as defined in § 9038.31, sells revenue bonds to investors in the capital markets. The bond proceeds fund the infrastructure or improvement project — the parking garage, the streetscape, the utility relocation, the conference center. State Bond Commission approval is required before issuance. Maturities must be structured so that total principal and interest in any calendar year does not exceed 85 percent of the projected pledged increment in the first full year after project completion, or 80 percent of the average annual increment, whichever is greater — a statutory debt-coverage requirement protecting bondholders against optimistic revenue projections. **Step 6 — Debt Service and Reserve Funds.** As incremental revenues accumulate in the sinking fund, the trustee bank — which must be a bank or trust company located in Louisiana, operating under a written trust agreement — makes scheduled principal and interest payments to bondholders. A debt service reserve fund equal to three years’ average debt service is required to be maintained, providing a cushion against revenue shortfalls in any given year. **Step 7 — Intergovernmental Agreements (Sales Tax TIF).** For sales-tax TIF under § 9038.34, every “affected tax recipient entity” — the school board, parish, municipality, and any other governmental body that would otherwise receive the incremental sales tax — must enter into an intergovernmental agreement authorizing the dedication of its share of the increment to the district. These agreements are non-optional from a structural standpoint: without them, sales-tax TIF cannot proceed. State sales tax increments may also be dedicated, but only with Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget approval, and the state portion may not exceed the aggregate local portion dedicated.6 **Step 8 — District Dissolution.** Most district statutes specify a fixed term or provide for automatic dissolution upon full repayment of all outstanding bonds, notes, and other indebtedness. At dissolution, tax revenues revert fully to their prior recipient entities. Any surplus remaining in the debt service reserve fund is transferred to the local governmental subdivision and deposited into a special trust fund to be used to promote further economic development — a recycling mechanism that returns TIF residuals to the broader community.Section 5# Governance Sequence: From Idea to Operating District Understanding TIF mechanics is necessary but not sufficient for understanding how EDDs actually function. Equally important is the governance sequence — the multi-step institutional process through which a development concept becomes an authorized, funded, operating district. That sequence is more complex than a simple transaction between a developer and a government; it involves at least four separate governmental actors, each with an independent approval role, before a dollar of bond proceeds can flow to a project. **Step 1 — Legislative Authorization or Local Ordinance Authority** The process begins with legal authorization. For most high-profile or legislatively targeted districts, the Louisiana Legislature itself creates the district by statute — designating its name, boundaries, governance structure, and financing authority in a dedicated enabling act. For districts created under the general authority of Part II, the local governing authority acts first, relying on the legislature’s prior delegation of ordinance-based creation power under § 9038.32. The choice between these tracks has practical consequences: a legislatively created district enjoys the imprimatur of a specific statutory mandate and may receive more favorable treatment in subsequent legal proceedings, while an ordinance-created district must fit within the general parameters of § 9038.32 and may face greater scrutiny of its boundary and revenue determinations. **Step 2 — Ordinance of Creation** Whether or not the legislature has acted, the local governing authority — parish council, city council, or police jury — must adopt a formal ordinance establishing the district, defining its geographic boundaries with precision, specifying the taxes to be captured, and providing the mechanism for appointing the board of commissioners. This ordinance is a public act, subject to the Open Meetings Law, and must be published in the official journal. It is the local government’s affirmative, on-the-record commitment to the TIF structure. **Step 3 — Board of Commissioners Constituted** The board of commissioners is the EDD’s governing body — its legislature, executive, and administrative center combined. Composition varies considerably by district statute, but typically includes local elected officials (the parish president, mayor, or their designees), appointed representatives of the business community, and in some statutes, ex-officio members such as port directors or school board representatives. Board members serve without salary or per diem; reimbursement for reasonable, actual, and necessary expenses is the extent of permissible compensation. The board elects from its own membership a president and a secretary, whose duties are specified in the bylaws the board adopts. All board meetings are public meetings subject to Louisiana’s Open Meetings Law — a statutory mandate with enforcement teeth that ensures, at minimum, formal transparency in the district’s deliberative process. Minute books, archives, and financial accounts are public records. **Step 4 — Baseline Certification** The board, working with the relevant taxing authorities, arranges for certification of the baseline collection rate. The chief financial officer, tax assessor, or equivalent certifies the pre-district tax collections within the designated area. This figure is published in the official journal. The thirty-day challenge window runs from publication; if no challenge is filed, the baseline is conclusively established. For bond investors and underwriters, this finality is operationally essential: it fixes the denominator against which every future increment will be calculated and provides the foundation for the financial projections on which bond pricing depends. **Step 5 — Designation of Tax Area and Economic Development Project** The board formally designates the geographic “tax area” within the district — the specific territory from which incremental revenues will be collected — and identifies the “economic development project” the TIF will finance. This project designation is more than administrative housekeeping: it is the statutory predicate for all subsequent financing activity, and its adequacy may be challenged in bond-validation proceedings. The project description must be sufficiently specific to establish the nexus between the public infrastructure being financed and the economic development activity generating the increment. **Step 6 — Cooperative Endeavor Agreements** Cooperative Endeavor Agreements, or CEAs, are the practical linchpin of TIF financing and the governance step most likely to generate negotiation, delay, or outright failure. Under § 9038.35, the district must negotiate and execute written CEAs with every “affected tax recipient entity” — every school board, parish, municipality, or other governmental body that would otherwise receive the incremental tax revenue. These entities must affirmatively consent, in writing, to the dedication of their incremental revenue share to the district’s sinking fund. They cannot be compelled to consent; their agreement must be voluntary. CEAs may include private parties — developers, hotel operators, retailers — and may contain any terms to which all parties agree, including revenue-sharing arrangements, development milestones, clawback provisions, and termination triggers. The flexibility of the CEA structure is one of the EDD framework’s genuine strengths; it allows parties to allocate risk and reward in ways that no legislative template could anticipate. **Step 7 — State Bond Commission Approval** Before any bonds may be issued, the district must submit its bond proposal to the Louisiana State Bond Commission for review and approval. This is both a constitutional requirement — applicable to all Louisiana political subdivision bonds — and a statutory one under the EDD framework. The Bond Commission reviews the proposed bond structure, the projected increment revenues, the debt coverage ratios, and the adequacy of the sinking fund and reserve fund arrangements. Approval by the Bond Commission constitutes the state’s imprimatur on the transaction and is a prerequisite that cannot be waived or circumvented by any local arrangement. **Step 8 — Bond Issuance and Project Execution** Upon Bond Commission approval, the district (or its designated issuer) issues revenue bonds into the capital markets. Bond proceeds flow to the project account and are disbursed as construction or development progresses according to the financing plan. The bonds are non-recourse obligations — payable solely from pledged tax increments, not from the general taxing power of any governmental entity. This structure is the defining risk feature from the investor’s perspective and is addressed in detail in Section 6. **Step 9 — Tax Increment Collection and Debt Service** As new economic activity within the district generates tax collections above the certified baseline, the tax collector calculates the monthly increment and transfers it to the district’s sinking fund, held by the trustee bank under the written trust agreement. The trustee makes scheduled principal and interest payments to bondholders on each payment date. The reserve fund stands available to cover any shortfall. Louisiana Economic Development (LED) monitors dedicated state-tax-increment projects and reports to the appropriate legislative committees as required by law. **Step 10 — District Dissolution and Revenue Reversion** The district’s life is tethered to its bonds. Most statutes provide for dissolution one year after all bonds, notes, and other evidences of indebtedness have been paid in full as to both principal and interest, with a minimum existence of not less than three years in any event. At dissolution, the full stream of sales and property tax revenues within the former district reverts to its historical recipient entities — the school boards, parishes, and municipalities — without any reduction or offset. The TIF structure is temporary by design; the district exists to accomplish a specific financing purpose and then ceases to exist. Any remaining balance in the debt service reserve fund is transferred to the local governmental subdivision for deposit in a special trust fund dedicated to further economic development opportunities — ensuring that the financial infrastructure built up over the district’s life continues to serve its community’s development agenda. Section 6# Public-Finance Implications ## Credit and Investor Perspective From the capital markets’ standpoint, EDD revenue bonds occupy a distinctive risk category. They are non-recourse obligations — payable solely from the pledged tax increments, not from the general taxing power, faith, or credit of any state or local government. If the development project underperforms, if the hotel fills fewer rooms than projected, if the retail center fails to attract anticipated tenants, the incremental sales and property tax revenues may fall short of projections, and bondholders bear the economic consequence. No parish, no municipality, no state agency stands behind these bonds as guarantor. This structural reality is reflected in bond ratings, which typically treat EDD revenue bonds as project-finance instruments subject to development-risk haircuts rather than as general-obligation credits backed by governmental taxing authority. The statutory safeguards — the 85/80 percent debt coverage requirement, the three-year average debt service reserve, the trustee bank requirement, the Bond Commission review — are designed precisely to mitigate this risk by ensuring that bond structures are not built on optimistic revenue projections unsupported by conservative financial modeling. Whether those safeguards are adequate in every case is a judgment the capital markets make individually for each transaction. ## Fiscal Impact on Affected Tax Recipient Entities The fiscal impact of an EDD on school boards, parishes, and municipalities that sign Cooperative Endeavor Agreements deserves careful analysis that public discourse often shortchanges. By executing a CEA, an affected tax recipient entity agrees to forgo, for the life of the bonds — potentially twenty to thirty years — the incremental revenue growth from within the district’s boundaries. The entity continues to receive its baseline revenue, but it surrenders its share of all future growth above that baseline. For a school board facing escalating operational costs and state-funding volatility, the long-term revenue implications of that commitment can be significant. The statute attempts to address this risk with a safeguard: § 9038.34 requires the local governmental subdivision to determine that “baseline revenue collection is sufficient to satisfy existing dedications” before dedicating incremental revenues. This is a meaningful but not necessarily sufficient protection; it ensures that current obligations can be met from current revenues but does not guarantee that forgone future growth will not constrain the entity’s fiscal capacity over the bond term. School boards and other recipient entities negotiating CEAs would be well-advised to model long-term revenue trajectories under multiple development scenarios before agreeing to participate. ## Property Tax Exemption Under the general EDD framework, all property of the district — whether immovable, movable, corporeal, or incorporeal — and the income, earnings, and operations of the district are exempt from all taxation, fees, and assessments, however denominated. This exemption is a significant economic incentive for project development within the district’s boundaries, reducing carrying costs and improving project economics. The exemption is not permanent: it terminates upon the disposition of property by the district to any purchaser or transferee that is not a public body. The exemption, in other words, is an attribute of the district’s governmental status, not a permanent characteristic of the property itself. ## State Fiscal Exposure and Legislative Oversight When state sales tax increments are dedicated to an EDD — a step that significantly enhances district financing capacity — the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget must approve the dedication, and the state’s contribution is capped at the aggregate local portion dedicated. Louisiana Economic Development must submit the proposed project for legislative committee approval before the state increment may flow to the district. These requirements constitute meaningful oversight checks, ensuring that the state’s fiscal participation in EDD financing is subject to legislative scrutiny and not solely an executive or administrative determination. ## Transparency and Accountability The Open Meetings Law applies to all board sessions; minute books, archives, and financial accounts are public records subject to inspection. Bond-validation proceedings — specialized judicial processes under Louisiana law designed to adjudicate challenges to the validity of governmental bonds on an accelerated timetable — provide a structured mechanism for legal challenges to EDD bond issuances and CEA arrangements. The judicial validation procedure is designed for speed and finality: once a bond issue is judicially validated, its validity cannot be challenged in subsequent proceedings by parties who had notice of the validation action. ## Policy Critiques and Defenses The policy debate over TIF districts is, at this point, well-developed in the academic and practitioner literature, and Louisiana’s experience fits the national pattern. Critics raise several legitimate concerns. First, TIF districts can effectively “starve” school boards and other tax recipients of revenue growth for decades, particularly in rapidly developing areas where the increment would otherwise be substantial. Second, the population-bracket drafting technique insulates individual-district legislation from the political scrutiny that accompanies openly targeted local bills, reducing legislative accountability. Third, the proliferation of bespoke districts — more than forty in Louisiana in twenty-two years — fragments fiscal accountability across hundreds of special-purpose entities, each with its own board, its own accounts, and its own reporting obligations, making systemic oversight difficult for any single governmental actor. Proponents offer equally developed responses. TIF finances infrastructure that would not otherwise be built with available public resources, generating net new economic activity rather than merely redistributing existing activity. Because the mechanism is self-financing — the increment pays the bonds — it imposes no new tax burden on existing residents or businesses. The governance layering built into the Louisiana framework — legislative authorization, local ordinance, intergovernmental agreements, Bond Commission approval — distributes decision-making authority among multiple governmental actors, reducing the risk of any single entity making a unilateral fiscal commitment with long-term consequences. And the post-dissolution recycling mechanism — surplus reserve funds flowing to a community economic development trust — ensures that TIF residuals remain in public hands. Both sets of arguments are made in good faith, and the empirical literature does not decisively resolve the debate. What the Louisiana experience does suggest is that the framework’s flexibility — its greatest strength as a deal-making tool — is also its greatest fiscal-accountability vulnerability, and that the adequacy of oversight mechanisms depends heavily on the diligence and sophistication of the specific school boards, parish councils, and legislative committees engaged in any given transaction. Section 7# Notable District Examples ## World Trade Center Taxing District (2002, Orleans Parish) The original prototype remains instructive precisely because of its structural simplicity. Created by Acts 2002, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 147, the World Trade Center Taxing District was authorized to levy a hotel-occupancy tax within its boundaries at a rate not less than the combined rate of all other hotel-occupancy taxes levied by governmental entities in Orleans Parish. The district’s stated purpose was to fund the renovation, restoration, and development of the World Trade Center and to implement the lease between the World Trade Center and WTC Development, Ltd. The hotel-occupancy-tax TIF mechanism — capturing the increment generated by revived hotel activity — was chosen because the building’s primary economic output would be hospitality-sector revenue, making HOT increment the most proximate and reliable revenue stream for debt service. The structural choice proved prescient; it established the logic that subsequent EDD legislation would apply to sales-tax and property-tax increments generated by other development types. ## Lake Forest Plaza District (2003, New Orleans) The Lake Forest Plaza District, created in 2003 by Senate Bill 808, extended the EDD model to the retail sector. Targeting a struggling shopping center in New Orleans East — a demographically underserved and economically distressed corridor — the district deployed sales-tax TIF to finance the redevelopment of retail infrastructure in an area where private capital alone had proven insufficient to catalyze renewal. The Lake Forest Plaza District set the template for subsequent commercial EDDs: identify an area with suppressed economic activity, certify a low baseline, project significant incremental sales-tax revenue from new retail tenants, and use bond proceeds to finance the infrastructure improvements — parking, utilities, streetscaping — that make new retail economically viable. Whether the approach succeeded in its social as well as financial objectives is a more complex question, but the district’s structural mechanics became the model for a generation of Louisiana retail EDDs. ## The Population-Bracket Technique in Practice As noted in Section 2, one of the most pervasive and policy-significant features of Louisiana’s EDD legislative corpus is the systematic use of population-bracket definitions to nominally generalize what are in practice targeted local bills. A review of Chapter 27 reveals dozens of statutes authorizing EDDs in “a parish with a population of between X and Y persons” or “a municipality with a population of between A and B persons, as determined by the most recent federal decennial census.” The brackets are calibrated with sufficient precision that they effectively identify a single qualifying locality — sometimes only one parish in the state falls within the specified range — while maintaining the legislative form of general legislation. This technique has practical consequences: it can complicate constitutional challenges under the Louisiana Constitution’s special legislation restrictions, reduce floor debate about the specific community affected, and make it more difficult for citizens or advocacy groups to track which localities are benefiting from EDD legislation in any given session. It is a well-established feature of the legislative landscape that practitioners, citizens, and journalists covering Louisiana economic development should be equipped to recognize and analyze. ## Conference-Hotel Redevelopment Districts (Acts 2024, No. 569) Among the most recent additions to the Chapter 27 corpus — Acts 2024, No. 569 — the conference-hotel redevelopment district statute is a revealing illustration of the EDD framework’s contemporary trajectory. The act authorizes municipalities falling within a population range of 1,525 to 1,600 persons to create a taxing district specifically for the conversion of blighted property to a conference-style hotel. The statute’s precision — a population window of exactly 75 persons — leaves no ambiguity about legislative targeting, even as it maintains the form of general applicability. The use of EDD law for this purpose — essentially a blight-remediation and hospitality-sector development tool for a small Louisiana municipality — demonstrates the legislature’s willingness to deploy the EDD framework for increasingly granular catalytic development projects, well beyond the large urban commercial redevelopments that characterized the 2002–2010 generation of EDDs. Section 8# Key Statutory Cross-References The following table provides a quick-reference guide to the principal statutory provisions governing Louisiana Economic Development Districts. Practitioners and researchers should consult the current text of each provision, as amendments through Acts 2024 may affect specific provisions not reflected in earlier compilations. **Statute****Subject****Key Function**La. R.S. 33:9038Original EDD / World Trade Center DistrictPrototype hotel-occupancy-tax TIF; created the World Trade Center Taxing District in Orleans Parish (Acts 2002, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 147)La. R.S. 33:9038.31Definitions (Part II)Core definitional framework: “economic development district,” “issuer,” “local governmental subdivision,” “baseline collection rate,” “official journal of the district”La. R.S. 33:9038.32District CreationOrdinance-based creation process for local governing authorities; boundary establishment; general procedural requirementsLa. R.S. 33:9038.33Ad Valorem TIFProperty-tax increment financing; captures increase in assessed-value-based property tax revenues above frozen pre-district baselineLa. R.S. 33:9038.34Sales Tax TIFSales-tax increment financing and bonding; most widely used mechanism; baseline certification, increment calculation, intergovernmental agreement requirements; state increment dedication subject to JLCB approvalLa. R.S. 33:9038.35Cooperative EndeavorsIntergovernmental and public-private agreement authority; requires written CEAs with all affected tax recipient entities as prerequisite to TIF financingLa. R.S. 33:9038.38Bond AuthorityRevenue bond issuance authority; maturities, coverage requirements, sinking fund, debt service reserve fund; State Bond Commission approval requiredLa. R.S. 33:9038.39Hotel Occupancy TaxHotel-occupancy-tax increment financing authority for eligible districts; levy by ordinance without election; in lieu of other HOT within districtLa. R.S. 33:9038.77Parish Special DistrictsPopulation-based parish EDD creation authority (enacted 2019); authorizes parishes meeting specified census-population criteria to create TIF districts in economically distressed areasLa. R.S. 33:9038.78Municipal Special DistrictsPopulation-based municipal EDD creation authority (Acts 2024, No. 289); expanded issuer definition including Tax Increment Development Corporations; most recent major addition to the general frameworkSection 9# Conclusion: Why This Matters for Louisiana Louisiana’s Economic Development Districts represent, collectively, the state’s primary instrument for what might be called below-the-line public finance: the mobilization of public-finance authority to fund infrastructure investment without raising taxes, appropriating general-fund dollars, or seeking voter approval for additional debt. In a state where the general-fund budget is perennially constrained, where infrastructure needs are substantial and persistent, and where the competition for industrial and hospitality investment is intense — from competing Southern states offering their own incentive arsenals — the EDD/TIF mechanism provides a flexible, self-financing alternative that the legislature has demonstrated considerable enthusiasm for deploying. The governance architecture described in this document is not accidental. The multi-gatekeeper sequence — state legislative authorization or local ordinance, intergovernmental agreements with all affected taxing entities, State Bond Commission approval, and ultimately the discipline of the capital markets — distributes authority and accountability among multiple governmental actors in a way that no single-stage approval process could achieve. A developer cannot simply petition a single official for TIF financing; the transaction requires the affirmative consent of school boards, parish councils, the Bond Commission, and ultimately the investors who price the bonds. Each of those actors brings an independent perspective and an independent set of interests to the negotiation, and the resulting structure — when it works — reflects a genuine multi-party agreement rather than a unilateral governmental decision. That said, the framework’s weaknesses are real and deserve sustained attention. The proliferation of bespoke districts — more than forty in twenty-two years — creates genuine challenges for systemic oversight. The population-bracket drafting technique reduces legislative transparency. The long-term fiscal implications for school boards and other tax recipients of multi-decade CEAs require more rigorous public modeling than they typically receive. And the sheer complexity of the statutory architecture — spanning fifty sections of Title 33, accumulated through two decades of legislative accretion — makes meaningful citizen oversight difficult without professional guidance. As Louisiana continues to compete aggressively for major industrial, hospitality, and commercial investment in 2026 and beyond — and as the state’s fiscal situation continues to place pressure on general-fund appropriations for infrastructure — the EDD/TIF mechanism will remain central to the economic development deal-making apparatus. The major industrial projects announced in recent years, the hospitality investments being pursued along the Gulf Coast and in the state’s major cities, the retail and mixed-use redevelopments in communities across the state: a significant portion of the public-finance infrastructure supporting those deals runs through the Chapter 27 framework described in this document. For the *Tiger Rag* reader — the Louisiana citizen, business leader, municipal official, school board member, or engaged observer trying to understand where public money is going and how development deals actually get done in the Pelican State — the central lesson of this explainer is straightforward: follow the increment. When a new hotel opens, when a retail center is announced, when a conference facility breaks ground, ask whether an EDD has been created to capture the tax growth those projects generate. Ask which school boards and parishes have signed Cooperative Endeavor Agreements, and what they agreed to give up in return. Ask whether the Bond Commission approved the financing, and on what terms. Ask how long the district will exist and what will happen to tax revenues when the bonds are paid off. These are not obscure technical questions reserved for bond attorneys and public-finance specialists. They are the essential questions of democratic accountability in a state that has built a substantial portion of its economic development apparatus on a mechanism most of its citizens have never heard of. **STATUTORY REFERENCES & NOTES** **1** Acts 2002, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 147, eff. April 23, 2002 (S.B. 105, Senators Boissiere and Bajoie). Codified at La. R.S. 33:9038. The act created the World Trade Center Taxing District in Orleans Parish as the state’s prototype EDD, employing hotel-occupancy-tax increment financing for renovation of the World Trade Center building. **2** La. R.S. 33:9038.31 et seq. (Part II, Chapter 27, Title 33). The general TIF and financing framework was also enacted during the First Extraordinary Session of 2002, establishing the definitional and financing architecture applicable to all subsequent EDDs. Acts 2002, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 147, §3 expressly provides that Part II constitutes an alternative to, and does not repeal or supersede, other provisions of Chapter 27. **3** Lake Forest Plaza Economic Development District, created by Acts 2003 (S.B. 808). Among the earliest post-prototype individual district statutes; established sales-tax TIF as the dominant mechanism for commercial-sector EDDs. **4** Key amendment acts include: Acts 2004, No. 897; Acts 2005, No. 386 (eff. July 1, 2005); Acts 2006, No. 850; Acts 2011, 1st Ex. Sess., No. 20; Acts 2015, Nos. 458 & 464; Acts 2016, No. 514; and Acts 2024, Nos. 289 & 569. Each wave modified eligibility criteria, issuer definitions, tax-source authority, or governance requirements. **5** La. R.S. 33:9038.31 (definition of “issuer,” as amended by Acts 2024, No. 289). The expanded definition encompasses local governmental subdivisions, EDD boards, industrial development boards, public trusts created pursuant to Title 33, and Tax Increment Development Corporations. **6** La. R.S. 33:9038.34(B) and (C). The requirement of Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget approval for state sales-tax-increment dedication, and the cap of the state portion at the aggregate local portion, are the primary legislative oversight mechanisms for state fiscal participation in EDD financing. **7** La. R.S. 33:9038.38 (bond authority; coverage requirements; sinking fund; reserve fund). The 85/80 percent debt coverage requirement and the three-year average debt service reserve mandate are the primary statutory risk-management tools for EDD revenue bonds. **8** Acts 2024, No. 569 (conference-hotel redevelopment district, municipalities 1,525–1,600 persons). Acts 2024, No. 289 (§ 9038.78, municipal special districts; expanded issuer definition). Both acts represent the most recent layer of the legislative accretion that has defined Chapter 27’s growth since 2002. ***This document was prepared by Todd Horne for his TigerRag.com Column as a reference resource on Louisiana economic development law. It is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Readers with specific legal questions regarding Economic Development Districts, Tax Increment Financing, or cooperative endeavor agreements should consult qualified Louisiana counsel. Statutory text should be verified against the current official Louisiana Revised Statutes as published by the Louisiana State Legislature.*** **Categories:** Extra, Featured, LSU athletics, Tiger Rag **Tags:** 820 Development Group, Baton Rouge Press Club, Bayou Fountain EDD, BFEDD, CEA, Cooperative Endeavor Agreement, Duplantier Family, Economic Development District, Elite Training Academy, Louisiana tax district, LSU Arena, LSU Economic Development District, LSU EDD, Metro Council, public finance, public records, taxing district, Tiger Rag, Todd Horne, Wade Rousse --- ### [Paul Skenes Is In Biggest Slump Of His Career With 0 Wins Over Last 9 Starts, And Jacob Misiorowski Is Taking Over](https://www.tigerrag.com/paul-skenes-is-in-biggest-slump-of-his-career-with-0-wins-over-last-9-starts-and-jacob-misiorowski-is-taking-over/) **Published:** July 4, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Paul Skenes has hit the skids. As unbelievable as it sounds, it is true. The former LSU All-American national champion, College World Series MVP and first pick of the Major League Baseball Draft in 2023 got off to one of the greatest starts of any pitcher in MLB history in 2024 and ’25. He won the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young, respectively, while starting the All-Star game twice while hitting 100 mph and striking out batters like it was nothing. > From The Vault: Why Paul Skenes should’ve been Born On The Fourth of July: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 3, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2073187434368503960?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Skenes, 24, got off to a 6-2 start this season and had an ERA of 1.98 after a win over Colorado on May 12 in which he threw eight innings of two-hit, shutout ball with 10 strikeouts and zero walks. He even had an impressive streak of games and batters without a walk. > [Paul Skenes Zeroing In On No-Hitter And Not Far From Walk-less, Consecutive Inning Record](https://www.tigerrag.com/paul-skenes-zeroing-in-on-no-hitter-and-not-far-from-walk-less-consecutive-inning-record/) But that’s when the trouble started for the Lake Forest, California, native who transferred to LSU after the 2022 season from Air Force. That was on May 17 against Philadelphia. > [Paul Skenes’ No-Walk Streak Ends, And He Loses, But Still Strikes Out 7](https://www.tigerrag.com/paul-skenes-no-walk-streak-ends-and-he-loses-but-still-strikes-out-7/) He has not won a game since May 12 through nine starts, including an 0-6 mark in decisions. He has a 5.36 ERA over that span with 28 earned runs allowed over 47 innings. Skenes has not pitched more than six innings since May 12 and could go only four innings in his last two starts. After a 10-6 loss to Philadelphia on Wednesday, Skenes dropped to 6-8 on the season with a 3.62 ERA. That start against the Phillies was the worst of his three-year MLB career as he allowed six hits and seven earned runs with a pair of home runs in four innings around two walks and a hit batsman with five strikeouts. > Paul Skenes on his selection to the 2026 All-Star Game: > > "I was shocked that I was the only \[Pirate\]… we have the 3rd most runs in baseball. Our offense is just a buzzsaw…" ⬇️ [pic.twitter.com/VrWAyosQUM](https://t.co/VrWAyosQUM) > > — SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh) [July 5, 2026](https://x.com/SNPittsburgh/status/2073557774571626924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [He still was selected on Saturday to the All-Star Game](https://www.mlb.com/news/paul-skenes-named-to-third-consecutive-all-star-game) (July 14 in Philadelphia) for the third consecutive season, though, and will be the only Pirate. > From The Fourth Of July Vault: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 4, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2073442049563501031?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) That after going 11-3 with a 1.96 ERA in 2024 for the punchless Pirates (76-86 for last in the NL East) with 170 strikeouts in 133 innings and 10-10 with an MLB-best 1.97 ERA in 2025 for the punchless Pirates (71-91 for last in the NL East) with 216 strikeouts in 187 and two-thirds innings. The worst part of Skene’s sudden sinking to earth is that his velocity is dipping from an average of 98.2 last season to 94 on Wednesday. “Yeah, I don’t know,” Skenes deadpanned after the game. “Um, it happens.” But it hasn’t happened to Skenes. So, it could be an injury or a tweak that is being kept quiet. Because he has altered his mechanics. > Paul Skenes, 100mph Fastball (2025/Light Hat) vs. 94mph Fastball (2026/Black Hat), mechanics. [pic.twitter.com/OxxkOJk3zl](https://t.co/OxxkOJk3zl) > > — Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) [July 2, 2026](https://x.com/PitchingNinja/status/2072668186927854025?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “I’m not sure,” Skenes said when asked what has to happen for him to return to form. “But we’ll turn ’em over. We’ll figure out what it is, and just keep attacking it. I just didn’t execute very well. That’s pretty much what it goes down to.” Asked what led to his trouble against Philadelphia, he said, “Yeah, just fell behind in some counts. I left some balls over the plate. I’ve got to execute a few pitches a little better, and I think it’s probably a different story.” It’s a story he is not used to, though. “Just breaking balls that cut too much of the plate,” he said of the two homers allowed to the Phillies. “It’s Paul. He’s the best pitcher,” said third baseman Nick Gonzales, whose error scored two runs for the Phillies when he fielded an easy grounder, but his throw home hit Alec Bohm. “Cy Young last year, and we’re confident that whatever ups or downs he has (or the Pirates have), he’s going to pursue through it and he’s going to be Paul Skenes.” Pittsburgh manager Don Kelly is confident that Skenes and pitching coach Bill Murphy will figure it out. “He’s always looking at what he’s doing, trying to adjust it and tweak it,” Kelly said. ![Two baseball pitchers in action: left in a white Brewers uniform throwing, right in a black Pirates uniform delivering a pitch at the mound.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/JacobMisiorowskiPaulSkenes_MLBcom.jpg "JacobMisiorowskiPaulSkenes_MLBcom | TigerRag.com")***Milwaukee flamethrower Jacob Misiorowski and Pittsburgh ace Paul Skenes almost were in the same LSU rotation in 2023 Major League Baseball photos***Meanwhile, a near LSU teammate of Skenes in 2023 is the latest phenom pitcher in MLB. Second-year Milwaukee Brewer Jacob Misiorowski is 9-4 on the season with a 1.47 ERA this season with 156 strikeouts in 104 innings through 17 starts. Skenes has 119 strikeouts in 97 innings through 18 starts. Misiorowski also recently threw the fastest pitch ever recorded in MLB history (with tracking starting only in 2008) at 105.5 miles per hour. Misiorowski and Skenes could have been in the same LSU rotation in 2023. Misiorowski, of Blue Springs, Missouri, committed to transfer to LSU after his 2022 season at Crowder Junior College in Neosho, Missouri. But after averaging 99.8 mph at a MLB Combine that summer, the Brewers took him in the second round and paid him $2.35 million. Misiorowski has hit 100 mph or higher an MLB record 569 times this season and is averaging 100.3 a pitch. Skenes hit 100 mph or higher 228 times in his first two seasons, but has not touched 100 this season and is averaging 97 now. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Cy Young Award, Jacob Misiorowski, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Milwaukee Brewers, Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates --- ### [LSU Football: How The New 5-For-5 NCAA Eligibility Rule Impacts Lane Kiffin's Present And Future Rosters](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-how-the-new-5-for-5-ncaa-eligibility-rule-impacts-lane-kiffins-present-and-future-rosters/) **Published:** July 3, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The NCAA just last month passed a new rule that may make as much sense as any rule it has passed since the graduate transfer rule back in 2006 that allowed players to transfer without sitting out after they graduated from their previous school. Unfortunately, the spirit of that rule was soiled tremendously with the new NCAA Transfer Portal in 2021 that allowed immediate transfers before students accomplished anything at a previous school. On June 25, the NCAA passed new 5-for-5 eligibility rules for Division I athletes that will allow five seasons of competition over five years, beginning when athletes enroll full time in college or the first academic year after they turn 19 – whichever happens first. Previously, athletes had five years to compete four and could start their collegiate clock without age rules. > [New, Clear NCAA Eligibility Rules Could “Absolutely Eliminate” Glut Of Lawsuits NCAA Tends To Lose](https://www.tigerrag.com/new-clear-ncaa-eligibility-rules-could-absolutely-eliminate-glut-of-lawsuits-ncaa-tends-to-lose/) The days of getting extra years – called redshirts – for lack of play or for injuries (fake or otherwise) appear to be over with the new rules. Waivers or redshirts will be only for religious missions, maternity leave or active-duty military service. No longer will extensions be considered for athletes simply looking for another year. > Five years ago at this time, some editors didn’t even know what NIL stood for, but “NILSU” had early lead to say the least. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 3, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2073029801347035215?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The rule change will be effective for all prospects initially enrolling full time in college in fall 2027 or later. The NCAA also gave some key wiggle room. For students enrolling full time in college for the first time in fall 2026 and current student-athletes with eligibility remaining after the 2025-26 academic year, Division I schools will apply the previous rules (allowing four seasons of competition within five years) or the age-based model, whichever results in the most favorable outcome for each individual. Details of the new 5-for-5 rules, according to the NCAA, follow: **Student-athletes****Which eligibility rules apply**Student-athletes who used their final season of competition (under previous rules) during 2025-26.No additional eligibility.Current student-athletes with eligibility remaining (under previous rules) after the 2025-26 academic year.Either the previous rules OR the new age-based model, whichever is most beneficial to the student-athlete.Prospects who initially enroll full time at any college or university during 2026-27.Either the previous rules OR the new age-based model, whichever is most beneficial to the student-athlete. Prospects who initially enroll full time at any college or university in fall 2027 or later.The age-based model only.**EXCEPTIONS** The NCAA defined the exceptions that could delay or pause an individual’s period of eligibility under the age-based rules, which include pregnancy, active-duty military service and official religious missions. These exceptions will only be available if the student-athlete does not participate in organized competition for the duration of the exception. For consistency throughout Division I, the NCAA Eligibility Center will administer the use of the exceptions. Under the new age-based eligibility model, waivers will not be available — including clock extensions and waivers previously granted for hardships, seasons of competition and delayed enrollment. For current student-athletes with eligibility remaining under the previous rules, schools must submit any season-of-competition or eligibility clock extension waiver requests based on circumstances that occurred during or before the 2025-26 academic year — and all supporting documentation — to the national office no later than July 31, 2026. After that date, waivers of the previous rules will no longer be available. The new rules make sense, but they likely may like have an overly dramatic impact on rosters as some have said. “I don’t know how much it will change things because we have been under this five-year rule for the most part ever since COVID,” Yahoo Sports national columnist Dan Wolken told Tiger Rag Radio this week. Here his complete appearance below: COVID allowed extra years for athletes impacted by COVID, which struck in 2020 and canceled or severely altered seasons across the board in college athletics. “This will make it a little bit more formal and a little bit more manageable,” Wolken said. “COVID got crazy with just how long some of the athletes were in school. But there seems to be consensus around this rule as it seems to be the right way to go. And it takes the pressure off whether you’re going to red-shirt guys from a developmental standpoint. It’s probably better for student-athletes. This is the concept everyone has coalesced around. And so many athletes have played five years anyway since the pandemic that it’s almost standard practice at this point.” **HOW NEW RULE IMPACTS LSU** Four LSU football players with the 2026 season previously as their last picked up another season of eligibility via the new rule. Those are fourth-year seniors as of this upcoming season – linebacker Whit Weeks, transfer safety Ty Benefield of Boise State, transfer defensive lineman Princewill Umanmielen of Ole Miss and transfer wide receiver Jayce Brown from Kansas State. > [LSU Football: Whit Weeks Wants To “Bring Back That Nasty Defense Mentality Down To The Bayou”](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-whit-weeks-wants-to-bring-back-that-nasty-defense-mentality-down-to-the-bayou/) Since the rule announcement, Weeks has spoken about 2026 being his last season. Players like Weeks who are expected to go in the first three rounds of the 2027 NFL Draft, which probably includes the above other three, will most likely not return to LSU. As far as LSU coach Lane Kiffin is concerned for his 2027 portal class, the new rules could mean more efforts to sign older players via the portal, such as players entering their senior season. They could be enticed to stay for another year if they are a later round projected draft pick, meaning they could make more money by staying in college. Among the LSU players also getting another year of eligibility by the new rule with classifications going into the 2026 season are sophomore transfer wide receiver Winnie Watkins of Ole Miss, sophomore running back Harlem Berry, sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett, sophomore transfer safety Faheem Delane of Ohio State, junior transfer offensive tackle Jordan Seaton of Colorado, junior transfer tight end Malachi Thomas of Pittsburgh junior tight end Trey’Dez Green, junior running back Caden Durham, junior transfer defensive end Jordan Ross of Tennessee, junior transfer defensive tackle Malik Blocton of Auburn, junior defensive tackle Dominick McKinley, junior linebacker Davhon Keys, junior cornerback PJ Woodland and junior safety Dashawn Spears. Here is a position-by-position breakdown of LSU’s players with years remaining because of the new rule, according to Tigerbait.com publisher Mike Scarborough: **QUARTERBACK** 1 year remaining: Kaden Martin 2 years remaining: Sam Leavitt 3 years remaining: Landen Clark 4 years remaining: Husan Longstreet **WIDE RECEIVER** 2 years remaining: Jayce Brown, Tre Brown, Jackson Harris, Tyree Holloway, Malik Elzy, Eugene Wilson 3 years remaining: Josh Jackson, Roman Mothershed 4 years remaining: Winnie Watkins, Phillip Wright 5 years remaining: Brayden Allen, Corey Barber, Jabari Mack **TIGHT END** 2 years remaining: Zach Grace 3 years remaining: Trey’Dez Green, Malachi Thomas 4 years remaining: JD LaFleur 5 years remaining: JC Anderson **RUNNING BACK** 3 years remaining: Caden Durham, Stacy Gage, Rod Gainey, Dilin Jones 4 years remaining: Harlem Berry, Raycine Guillory **OFFENSIVE LINE** 1 year remaining: Aliou Bah, Bo Bordelon, Braelin Moore 2 years remaining: Ja’Quan Sprinkle, Sean Thompkins 3 years remaining: Weston Davis, Adrian Lamb, William Satterwhite, Jordan Seaton 4 years remaining: Brett Bordelon, Devin Harper, Ja’Mard Jones, Darrin Strey, Solomon Thomas 5 years remaining: Brysten Martinez, Ryan Miret **DEFENSIVE LINE** 1 year remaining: Shone Washington 2 years remaining: Dylan Carpenter, Stephiylan Green, Princewill Umanmielen 3 years remaining: Malik Blocton, Jaylen Brown, Kolaj Cobbins, Dominick McKinley, Gabe Reliford, Jordan Ross, Achilles Woods 4 years remaining: Brandon Brown, Damien Shanklin 5 years remaining: Richard Anderson, Lamar Brown, Deuce Geralds, Trenton Henderson **LINEBACKER** 1 year remaining: TJ Dottery 2 years remaining: Whit Weeks 3 years remaining: Davhon Keys, Tylen Singleton 4 years remaining: Jaiden Braker, Theo Grace, CJ Jimcoily, Keylan Moses, Charles Ross, Zach Weeks **DEFENSIVE BACK** 2 years remaining: Ty Benefield, Tamarcus Cooley. Ja’Keem Jackson, Treylan James 3 years remaining: Mason Dossett, Dashawn Spears, Michael Turner, PJ Woodland 4 years remaining: Aidan Anding, Faheem Delane, DJ Pickett, Jhase Thomas, Lavonte Williams 5 years remaining: Dez Ellis, Havon Finney, Aiden Hall, Emari Peterson, Isaiah Washington, Jackson Williams **SPECIALIST** 3 years remaining: Grant Chadwick 4 years remaining: Hayden Craig, Silas Hall, Mack Mulhern, Scott Starzyk **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, NCAA, Transfer Portal --- ### [LSU Freshman Golfer Ryleigh Knaub Reaches Semifinals Of North-South Women's Amateur](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-freshman-golfer-ryleigh-knaub-reaches-semifinals-of-north-south-womens-amateur/) **Published:** July 4, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU freshman Ryleigh Knaub has scored three match play victories and will play on Saturday in the final day of the North-South Women’s Amateur at Pinehurst Resort in Pinehurst, North Carolina. Knaub advanced to the round of 32 after two rounds of stroke play earlier in the week and won her round of 32 match on Thursday. Then on Friday, Knaub defeated No. 8 ranked player and Wake Forest signee Vidhi Lakhawala and High Point freshman Makayla Grubb. Knaub, who is from Debary, Florida, near Daytona Beach and will be a sophomore next season at LSU, will face No. 1 qualifier and former North-South champion Emilia Doran on Saturday. The winner will face the winner between Mary Miller and Jie-En Lin for the championship later Saturday. LSU signee Raegan Denton also qualified for match play earlier in the week. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Women's Golf **Tags:** lsu, LSU Tigers', lsu women's golf, Ryleigh Knaub --- ### [LSU Softball Great Sahvanna Jaquish Named To U.S. International Cup Team](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-great-sahvanna-jaquish-named-to-u-s-international-cup-team/) **Published:** July 3, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** **OKLAHOMA CITY** – LSU softball legend Sahvanna Jaquish has been named to the 18-player 2026 U.S. Women’s Elite Team roster that will compete in the USA Softball International Cup on July 30 through August 3 in Oklahoma City. Jaquish, a native of Highland, California, was LSU’s first four-time All-American in softball from 2014-17 and was an All-Southeastern Conference player as well. A versatile star, Jaquish played catcher, third base, shortstop and first base in her career. She set the school record for RBIs in a season with 76 twice and with career RBIs with 268 and hit 56 home runs in four seasons. Formerly known as the World Cup of Softball, the USA Softball International Cup returns to Oklahoma City for the first time in six years. Since the event’s inception in 2005, Team USA has compiled an 83-7 record and claimed 11 tournament titles. > [LSU Softball Wins Recruiting Doubleheader By Signing Portal Pair Of Twins – Mackenzie And Madison Pickens](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-wins-recruiting-doubleheader-by-signing-portal-pair-of-twins-mackenzie-and-madison-pickens/) Jaquish brings an extensive international résumé to the U.S. Elite Team as a five-time gold medalist. Most recently, she helped Team USA capture gold at the 2025 World Games, batting .286 with one home run, three RBIs and two runs scored. She also competed for USA Red at the 2018 USA Softball International Cup in Irvine, California, where she hit .333 with four RBI while helping the squad win the tournament. The 2026 U.S. Women’s Elite Team roster features five current student-athletes and 13 former student-athletes. Four members of last year’s World Games gold medal team return, including Jaquish, while eight roster members represent SEC programs—the most of any collegiate conference. The U.S. Elite Team will compete with six other national teams at the USA Softball International Cup – Japan, Canada, China, Australia, Chinese Taipei and American Samoa. Pool play will be held July 30-Aug. 1 to determine group standings before the tournament shifts to a double-elimination format on Aug. 2-3. The U.S. Elite Team opens against Chinese Taipei at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 30, followed by a 4 p.m. matchup with Japan on Friday and American Samoa on Saturday. The 2026 U.S. Women’s Elite Team was selected by the USA Softball Women’s National Team Selection Committee (WNTSC) through evaluations of athletes’ performances at the collegiate level, USA Softball National Team events, trials and training camps. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Softball **Tags:** lsu softball, LSU Tigers, Sahvanna Jaquish, USA Softball International --- ### [LSU's Name, Image & Likeness: Has It Been 5 Years? Tigers Started And Remain At Forefront Of The New Wave](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-name-image-likeness-has-it-been-5-years-tigers-started-and-remain-at-forefront-of-the-new-wave/) **Published:** July 3, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** *(Analysis written by LSUsports.net)* Five years. Half a decade. Can you believe it? From a macro-level, it feels like yesterday. Launching in Times Square with LSU gymast and social media superstar Olivia Dunne announcing to the world that *NILSU* was the real deal. On July 1, 2021, after years of debate and legal battles, the NCAA’s Name, Image & Likeness rule officially launched with college athletes nationwide signing various endorsement deals just as the clock struck midnight. But no carriages turned into pumpkins. [FROM THE VAULT: USA TODAY Feature on Olivia Dunne from July 8, 2021](https://currently.att.yahoo.com/att/olivia-dunne-lsu-gymnast-social-174220383.html) ![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/Olivia-Dunne-photo-from-Livvys-Twitter.jpeg "Olivia Dunne photo from Livvys Twitter | TigerRag.com")***LSU gymnast Olivia Dunne became a social media influencer star and model Livvy Dunne photo*** Dunne, who remains one of the most followed athletes on social media with 7.9 million followers on TikTok and 207,000 on Twitter, was front and center on a billboard sponsored by LSU in Times Square that July 1 five years ago Wednesday in New York City. The video via TikTok she posted of herself? It garnered 19.4 million views. Within days, a myriad of sponsorship deals flowed toward the 18-year-old from Hillsdale, New Jersey. And the NIL era was off. From a micro-level, it was 1,827 days as of July 3. From every event to every content shoot, from sweats to suits to the money game, from revenue share to *NILSU Max*, the game has changed, and so has LSU. Rules have changed. Laws have changed. Staffs have changed. It’s the only constant in a space that only knows one speed. But the more things change, the more they stay the same. LSU has remained at the forefront of it all, proving to the world what LSU already knew – nobody does NIL like LSU. > [Livvy Dunne Hits Sports Illustrated And Tonight Show; Can A Paul Skenes SI Cover Be Far Behind?](https://www.tigerrag.com/livvy-dunne-hits-sports-illustrated-and-tonight-show-can-a-paul-skenes-si-cover-be-far-behind/) The discussions started before July 1, 2021. What others saw in Times Square was a culmination of work, planning, strategizing and months-long preparation, all so LSU could have the infrastructure in place to thrive in the NIL space from the jump. Because if the last five years are any indication – from Nike deals, to Woodside patches, to social media trends and hype video scripts – LSU doesn’t react. It just does it. It started with LSU athletics compliance coordinator Taylor Jacobs, who became associate athletic director of NIL and strategic initiatives and just last month chief strategy officer for football. Jacobs spearheaded LSU’s NIL efforts for five years. “Taylor Jacobs built something really special here,” LSU associate athletic director for NIL Keava Soil-Cormier said. “We invested in NIL early, and we invested in it right. When others were waiting around and being skeptical, we leaned into it. LSU has always been a different kind of brand, and our fans and community are a huge part of that. It’s not something you can duplicate…and NILSU helps to amplify that.” > Excited about this new adventure! [\#geauxtigers](https://x.com/hashtag/geauxtigers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Taylor Jacobs (@TaylorJacobsLSU) [June 22, 2026](https://x.com/TaylorJacobsLSU/status/2069171295242076545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Jacobs sat down with LSU’s senior staff, where they decided the investment into the new era of collegiate athletics could not be postponed or pushed aside. It needed to be prioritized. While others were cautious, LSU went on the offensive, looking to dive head first into what looked like a looming and somewhat inevitable reality. “Our willingness to invest in it and our commitment we’ve had to it from Day 1 – even before July 1 of 2021,” Jacobs said. “We’ve been committed to providing opportunity for our student-athletes, education, and making sure this is a space where we’re providing the same level of resources as we are in any other area. I think that has truly set us apart.” Since then, *NILSU* has prided itself on being more than deals and financial gains. From professional events such as Sweats to Suits, an annual fashion show, to Build Your Board, a networking event with local and national businesses, to Financial Literacy seminars and media training, student-athletes have received valuable, hands-on educational experiences preparing them for the real world. **BRANDING** In March of 2025, The Brand launched on the third floor of Tiger Stadium – unifying multiple units of the department to create the ultimate hub for student-athlete and team brand elevation and innovation. Since then, student-athletes and athletic personnel have had access to LSU’s unrivaled brand-building resources: from communications and social media, to photo and design, to video and podcasts, to NIL and marketing. Each aspect of *The Brand* allows Tiger student-athletes to innovate, elevate, and dominate, not just in competition, but by growing their personal and team brands to unprecedented heights. Student-athlete branding opportunities have also extended beyond the walls of The Brand, from being subjects in an Amazon documentary to starring in a national Powerade commercial, to taking over the Met Gala and appearing on Good Morning America. ![Jayden Daniels, Olivia Dunne, Angel Reese](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/DunneDanielsReese_678x381.jpg "Jayden Daniels, Olivia Dunne, Angel Reese | TigerRag.com")***From left LSU national champion gymnast Olivia Dunne Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Jayden Daniels and national champion basketball player Angel Reese were profiled in The Money Game on Amazon in September of 2024 LSU photos***“It’s cool seeing athletes genuinely want to be here, coming to us to talk brand deals, social media, how to grow,” Soil-Cormier said. “That organic buy in is everything. And then you see our former athletes at the Met Gala, landing major deals, on TV shows, showing up across every sport in huge moments. Seeing that never gets old.” “Your NIL is your personal brand,” Jacobs added. “This is your story to tell. You are the author of your own story. Develop your brand. Understand it. Learn how to sell it. And then we have storytelling into all of these partnerships and experiences that you have as a student athlete.” **NILLSU MAX LAUNCHED** In February of 2025, LSU Athletics and Playfly Sports announced the launch of *NILSU MAX*, an independent entity dedicated to identifying and securing NIL opportunities for LSU athletes. This represented another significant step forward in the commitment to supporting every Tiger by unlocking opportunities that empower student-athletes to thrive both on and off the field. > [LSU Athletics Subject Of “Tigerland,” A Book In The Works By Jeff Duncan, Who Discusses On Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-athletics-subject-of-tigerland-a-book-in-the-works-by-jeff-duncan-who-discusses-on-tiger-rag-radio/) Through this launch, *NILSU* remained focused on education, branding and recruiting initiatives, as well as resource strategy and helping student-athletes effectively fulfill deals, while *NILSU MAX* dedicated itself to sourcing deals and assisting businesses looking to activate in the NIL space. For LSU, being at the forefront means staying there. Just this year, *NILSU and NILSU Max* have played a key role in LSU Athletics delivering two historic, first-of-its-kind partnerships, creating shock waves across the athletics community. In December of 2025, Nike chose LSU to launch its Blue Ribbon Elite NIL program, signing 10 Tiger athletes to spearhead the campaign. In February of 2026, LSU announced a first-of-its-kind jersey patch partnership with Woodside Energy, marking another significant milestone in the new collegiate model. > [Welcome To The Ricky Bobby-ing Of College Football – “Love That Money!” | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/welcome-to-the-ricky-bobby-ing-of-college-football-love-that-money-glenn-guilbeau/) So as five years closes, a new half decade begins, where change is promised, uncertainty is guaranteed, but where *NILSU* is positioned to thrive. “I think we’re best positioned, because we’re constantly seeking. That’s something that I’ve always been very proud of. We’re never being reactive. We’ve always been very proactive. And we continue to be that way,” Jacobs said. “The infrastructure built is just starting to show what it can do,” Soil-Cormier said. “We’re at a point where our athletes aren’t just participating in NIL, they’re leading it. NILSU helped build the blueprint, and this feels like only the beginning.” *(Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau contributed to this story.)* **Categories:** Featured, LSU athletics, More LSU Sports **Tags:** lsu, lsu athletics, LSU Tigers, Name, Name Image & Likeness, NIL, olivia dunne --- ### [The Land That Stops the District: BFEDD Faces a Land-Use Crisis | Todd Horne](https://www.tigerrag.com/bfedd-duplantier-land-use-crisis/) **Published:** July 3, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** Every development district needs a center of gravity. For the Bayou Fountain Economic Development District, that gravity isn’t LSU or any of the sports-tourism advocates pushing the project. **It’s the Duplantier family’s land.** And if that land remains off-limits, BFEDD isn’t an economic engine. **It’s a hollow map.** According to Steve Legendre, who speaks for the Duplantiers, the family owns roughly 57 percent of the district. Even more striking: Legendre says less than 2 percent of BFEDD can be built upon without touching Duplantier property. One number speaks to ownership. The other speaks to viability. If both are correct, BFEDD isn’t merely facing political pushback or procedural snags. It’s confronting an existential land-use crisis. The Duplantiers say they never gave meaningful consent to include their property, and they have made clear they will not sell to any of the proponents — Elite Training Academy, 820 Development Group or related parties. That refusal doesn’t just complicate a negotiation. It calls into question the very premise of the district. What exactly is BFEDD developing if the crucial acreage at its core isn’t for sale? Yet the district’s tax machinery is already humming. On July 1, the City-Parish Revenue Division notified businesses of new BFEDD reporting requirements. Meanwhile, the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement that governs how those revenues will be used remains deferred until Aug. 26. City-Parish officials have identified nearly 800 responsive emails related to Tiger Rag’s public-records request, but those records have not yet been produced. This fractured timeline amounts to a governance failure. You can defend each step — creating the district, publishing tax notices, deferring the finance agreement — in isolation. But taken together, they erode public confidence. First you draw the boundary around majority landowners who say they never consented. Then you delay the agreement that would explain how money is spent. Then you send out tax notices and wait for the public to trust the process. That’s a heavy lift. BFEDD isn’t a tidy parcel on the outskirts of the parish that can be shuffled aside. It sits in the Burbank-Lee-Highland corridor, one of Baton Rouge’s most important development frontiers and within LSU’s sprawling economic orbit. The operators behind Elite Training Academy and 820 Development Group are LSU-adjacent. Yet the district is framed as an independent venture, leaving LSU’s name to hover in the background without formal accountability. Louisiana’s constitution bars taking property merely for economic development. Officials insist no expropriation suit is planned — and they’re right to say so. But public-finance districts wield influence long before anyone files in court. A tax district can reshape the bargaining environment, apply pressure and signal public priorities. It can chill negotiations without a single legal condemnation. So dismissing the Duplantier family’s concerns as paranoia misses the point. The land is the truth beneath all the rhetorical flourishes about sidewalks, lighting and youth sports. If Duplantier property is unavailable, BFEDD may lose access, infrastructure feasibility, developable acreage and its basic economic rationale. **Everything else is paperwork.** Proponents of the district should meet the objection head-on. Show a viable plan that excludes Duplantier land. Present an alternate site. Detail the infrastructure strategy and the truly developable acreage. Explain why the boundary should remain fixed if the owners never consent and will not sell. If such a plan exists, publish it. If it doesn’t, say so. Because the question before Metro Council members in August is no longer just whether to approve a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement. It’s whether BFEDD can exist as promised at all. If 57 percent of the district is held by one family — and less than 2 percent of the land is developable without them — then BFEDD isn’t merely delayed. **It’s structurally blocked.** And that is a crisis of land use, not a PR problem. Until City-Parish officials and BFEDD advocates prove otherwise, that remains the reality beneath every tax notice and every draft agreement. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, LSU athletics **Tags:** 820 Development Group, Baton Rouge Metro Council, Baton Rouge tax district, Bayou Fountain Economic Development District, BFEDD, Burbank Drive, CEA, Cooperative Endeavor Agreement, Duplantier Family, Economic Development District, Elite Training Academy, land use, Lee Drive, LSU development, public finance, Steve Legendre --- ### [LSU Recruiting Flip! No. 5 Safety Karnell James Commits To LSU After Decommitting From Texas](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-recruiting-flip-no-5-safety-karnell-james-commits-to-lsu-after-decommitting-from-texas/) **Published:** July 2, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor After an 0-for-Wednesday, LSU football coach Lane Kiffin got his recruiting mojo back on Thursday by flipping four-star Texas commitment Karnell “Greedy” James, the No. 5 safety in the country by 247sports.com, which has him as the No. 87 overall prospect and No. 11 player in Texas. James (6-foot-0, 175), who is from Manvel High in Manvel, Texas, had been committed to Texas since Dec. 3. His commitment bumped LSU’s class from No. 18 in the 247sports.com rankings to No. 11 with 15 commitments. LSU is No. 13 in the On3.com rankings. On3.com has James as the No. 320 overall prospect, No. 28 safety and No. 47 player in Texas. The composite rankings by 247sports has James at No. 282 overall, No. 24 safety and No. 43 in Texas. [LSU FOOTBALL COMMITMENTS FOR 2027 – 15](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2027-football/commits/) Among the other programs recruiting James are Notre Dame, Georgia, Ohio State, Oregon, Florida, Arizona State, Baylor and California. > [LSU Football Recruiting: No. 3 Athlete Tae Walden Jr. Commits To Oregon Over Tigers](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-recruiting-no-3-athlete-tae-walden-jr-commits-to-oregon-over-tigers/) On Wednesday, LSU was in the running for three commitments, but lost two to other schools, while No. 26 safety Jayden Anding of Ruston High postponed his commitment decision between LSU and Ole Miss from Wednesday to a later date. The commitment targets LSU did not receive Wednesday were No. 3 athlete Tae Walden of Collierville, who committed to Oregon, and No. 21 cornerback Brandon Sherrard of Pearland, Texas, who committed to Texas. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Karnell James, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Recruiting, LSU Tigers, Texas Longhorns --- ### [LSU Baseball: Tigers To Play 4 Games In Las Vegas In 2027 Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-tigers-to-play-4-games-in-las-vegas-in-2027-season/) **Published:** July 2, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LAS VEGAS – LSU will play three games in the three-day Las Vegas College Baseball Classic on the weekend of March 5-7 next season against Arizona State, Iowa and Oregon State at Las Vegas Ballpark, which is the home of the Athletics’ Triple-A affiliate. It will be a round-robin tournament with two games per day. The full schedule with pairings and game times will be announced soon. The Tigers will remain in Vegas after the fourth annual tournament and play UNLV on Monday, March 8, at Earl E. Wilson Stadium on the UNLV campus. Fans can sign up for pre-sale tickets for the tournament at www.peak.events. Details regarding travel packages and broadcasts will be announced at a later date. LSU has played in three previous Peak Events tournaments, winning the Round Rock (Texas) Classic in 2023, the Frisco (Texas) classic in 2025 and the Jax Classic in Jacksonville, Florida, this past season. The Tigers last played in Las Vegas in March of 1991, winning two of three games over UNLV. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Softball Wins Recruiting Doubleheader By Signing Portal Pair Of Twins - Mackenzie And Madison Pickens](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-wins-recruiting-doubleheader-by-signing-portal-pair-of-twins-mackenzie-and-madison-pickens/) **Published:** July 2, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** Twin sisters Mackenzie Pickens of Ole Miss and Madison Pickens of Louisville are set to join one another and the LSU softball 2027 roster, head coach Beth Torina has announced. They are from Flowery Branch, Georgia, and went to Buford High. Both will be juniors at LSU. Torina now has three players from the portal after previously signing Notre Dame outfielder Michey Winchell, who will be a senior in 2027. > [LSU Softball Lands 1st Portal Player Of 2026 In Notre Dame Outfielder Mickey Winchell](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-lands-1st-portal-player-of-2026-in-notre-dame-outfielder-mickey-winchell/) Mac. Pickens, a second baseman, hit .271 for the Rebels as a sophomore with a .271 batting average and a team-high 52 runs scored with 43 RBIs. She also led Ole Miss with 18 hit by pitches and was second 26 walks for a .411 on-base percentage. Defensively, she turned 14 double plays and had 10 errors for a .953 fielding percentage. Over her two seasons at Ole Miss, Mac. Pickens hit .299 with 90 runs and 80 RBIs. Mad. Pickens, an outfielder, indeed went mad at the plate in 2026 at Louisville as the sophomore left-hander hit a school season record .457 and .494 in Atlantic Coast Conference play. She had 74 RBIs and 11 home runs on the season. She was a first team All-Atlantic Coast Conference and second team All-American. During her two seasons at Louisville, Mad. Pickens started all 109 games she played, primarily in the outfield, but she did catch on occasion. She has a career .373 average with 124 hits, 26 doubles, seven triples and 14 home runs. She has scored 87 runs and driven in 99 RBIs [](https://ads.wmt.digital/delivery/cl.php?bannerid=20535&zoneid=39&sig=b19c3dfec08ef634212e2a711b52b03df6e154e8f735322724703ba75980ce3c&oadest=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.marriott.com%2FBTRMC) **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Softball **Tags:** beth torina, lsu, lsu softball, LSU Tigers, Mackenzie Pickens, Madison Pickens --- ### [Lane Kiffin And Ole Miss Would Have Lost To Miami In CFP Semi, Too - Yahoo's Dan Wolken On Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-and-ole-miss-wouldve-beat-miami-in-cfp-semi-yahoos-dan-wolken-says-on-tiger-rag-radio/) **Published:** July 1, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Radio What if? What if Lane Kiffin had remained as Ole Miss’ head football coach last season? Or what if he had taken the LSU job, but had been allowed to coach his Rebels of six seasons in the College Football Playoffs, which he guided Ole Miss to for the first time? And how would Kiffin have done in the CFP? Would he have defeated Miami in the semifinals? Instead, Ole Miss lost 31-27 to Miami under Rebels’ defensive coordinator Pete Golding, who got the head coaching job with no head coaching experience when Kiffin left for LSU after a 13-2 and 7-1 (SEC) regular season. Golding led Ole Miss to playoff wins over Tulane, 41-10, and Georgia, 39-34, before the Miami loss. “I see no reason to believe that that (Ole Miss’ win over Georgia) would’ve changed with Lane,” Yahoo Sports columnist Dan Wolken said on Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night. **Listen to Wolken’s entire radio appearance by clicking on the box below:** “I think Ole Miss would’ve beat Georgia with or without Lane,” Wolken said. “They had the lead when they played them in the regular season with Lane and probably should’ve closed it.” ![Black-and-white headshot of a smiling man wearing a dark blazer, facing the camera.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/DanWolken_YahooSports.jpg "DanWolken_YahooSports | TigerRag.com")***Yahoo Sports college football columnist Dan Wolken was on Tiger Rag Radio on Tuesday Yahoo Sports photo***Georgia came back from a 35-26 deficit in the fourth quarter to beat Ole 43-35 on Oct. 18 in Athens as Golding’s defense allowed 510 total yards, including 221 on the ground, while Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr.’s offense was held to 351 yards and 88 yards on the ground. Kiffin’s and Weis’ offense was also shut out in the fourth quarter. “And I see no reason to believe that if they would’ve played Miami under Lane, they would’ve won if Lane was there,” Wolken said. “I think they still would’ve lost. But we’ll never know.” Wolken was critical of Kiffin leaving Ole Miss for LSU before the playoffs last season. > A rational administration at LSU or UF would realize if Lane Kiffin is the kind of person who’s willing to walk away from a playoff team to take another job, he’s probably not the person you want to lead your program. > > But none of this is rational. > > — Dan Wolken (@DanWolken) [November 18, 2025](https://x.com/DanWolken/status/1990583798971707851?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) But Wolken also can’t wait to see what Kiffin does this season with the Tigers. “Who isn’t intrigued by what’s going to happen with Lane at LSU, especialy this season with all the money they’ve put into this roster?” Wolken said of the estimated $35-to-$45 million price tag on the Tigers’ roster, including the 41-man portal addition. “And they’re not shy about talking about it and promoting it,” he said. “The hype train is going to be what it is. And certainly Lane is taking a different approach. I’ve not seen him on social media lately. Seems to be in a the bunker a little bit.” Kiffin stopped tweeting shortly after he made some controversial comments about Ole Miss’ racial history in a Vanity Fair article last May. > [Lane Kiffin: Vanity Fair Writer Explains What Led To Kiffin Discussing Ole Miss Racial Image Issue](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-vanity-fair-writer-explains-what-led-to-kiffin-discussing-ole-miss-racial-image-issue/) “And he’s maybe trying to tamp down some of the expectations,” Wolken said. “But when you hire Lane with all the hullabaloo that went around that situation and all the money they’re putting in, I don’t think that’s really going to be a successful endeavor. It’s going to be really interesting to see how they look. Lane’s going to win. We know that. He’s a good coach. But he’s never won anything of significance in terms of championships. And that’s now the expectation. He’s a guy who has a very interesting approach publicly to the way he curates his image. And if that (a championship) doesn’t happen right away, it’s going to be interesting to see how he responds.” It should be noted that when Nick Saban came to LSU before the 2000 season, he had only won one, not so significant championship – a shared Mid-American Conference title with Central Michigan as Toledo’s head coach in 1990. And he was about the same age when he took over at LSU in 1999 – 48 – as Kiffin was when he arrived at LSU last December, which was 50. Saban won an SEC title in his second season at LSU in 2001 and the SEC championship and national championship at LSU in the 2003 season before winning nine SEC titles and six national championships at Alabama. Kiffin didn’t win any championships as the Oakland Raiders coach in the NFL in 2007 and ’08, as the Tennessee Vols’ coach in 2009, as USC’s coach from 2010-13 or as Ole Miss’ coach from 2020-25. But as USC’s coach in 2011, Kiffin did win the Pacific-12 South division, but was ineligible to play in the Pac-12 championship game against Oregon because of inherited NCAA probation. Without the sanctions, Kiffin’s USC team would have played for the league title against Oregon, which USC beat 38-35 in the regular season. And while at Florida Atlantic, Kiffin’s 2017 and ’19 teams each won Conference-USA championships. And at Ole Miss last season, his Rebels did tie three other other teams at 7-1 for the regular season lead, but did not play in the SEC Championship Game because of tiebreakers. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Dan Wolken, lane kiffin, lsu football, Ole Miss Rebels, tiger rag radio --- ### [LSU Football Recruiting: Will Lane Kiffin Still Be Coaching The Tigers In 2030 For Potential DL Broderick Sanders III?](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-recruiting-will-lane-kiffin-still-be-coaching-the-tigers-in-2030-for-potential-dl-broderick-sanders-iii/) **Published:** July 2, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor If Lane Kiffin is still the coach by the time John Curtis Christian School defensive lineman Broderick Sanders III lines up for LSU, should he decide to go there, Kiffin will be in his fifth season with the Tigers and 56 years old. It will be the 2030 season, and how many national championships will Kiffin have won by then? One, two, three? And how long will the Tigers have him before he becomes the Dallas Cowboys coach, if he isn’t already that by 2030. Or has he not won a title yet? Did he win one in 2026 or make the College Football Playoffs? > LSU comes up commitment empty today, but it is still likely to get safety Jayden Anding from Ruston and is in the mix for a pair of significant flips. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 1, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2072457529607553421?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Sanders (6-foot-4, 220 pounds) would be a true freshman in 2030 as he just finished the 8th grade last spring and was offered a scholarship by LSU at its Elite Camp on June 11. “My mentality was as soon as I stepped on the field, I was going to kill everybody and use every weapon and do the best I can,” Sanders said this week on FOX 8/WVUE TV to Garland Gillen. > Thanks for stopping by and interviewing me.🙏🏾💪🏾 > > — Broderick Sanders III (@Broderick\_S2030) [July 1, 2026](https://x.com/Broderick_S2030/status/2072147627177570446?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “And I got the offer,” said Sanders, who played three games as an 8th grader last fall on the Curtis varsity team. He has also been offered by Ole Miss and Texas A&M. > [LSU Football: Coach O Is Coming Back To LSU As Special Assistant To Defense And Recruiting](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-coach-o-is-coming-back-to-lsu-as-special-assistant-to-defense-and-recruiting/) LSU special assistant for defense and recruiting Ed Orgeron worked Sanders out at the camp. “We did the exploding of the hips on the ground,” Sanders said. “And then we did the dipping – a lot of defensive end drills. He was showing me the whole process.” Sanders plans on not letting the early attention from major programs go to his head. “I’m going to stay humble,” he said. “I’m a very humble person. I know all this could end in a snap. I just keep my head down and keep working.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Broderick Sanders, John Curtis Christian School, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Recruiting, LSU Tigers --- ### [City-Parish Tells Businesses To Begin Reporting Bayou Fountain EDD Taxes While Finance Agreement Remains Deferred](https://www.tigerrag.com/city-parish-tells-businesses-to-begin-reporting-bayou-fountain-edd-taxes-while-finance-agreement-remains-deferred/) **Published:** July 2, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** **By TODD HORNE, EXECUTIVE EDITOR** The City-Parish Revenue Division has notified businesses inside the Bayou Fountain Economic Development District that new sales-tax reporting requirements took effect July 1, even though the Metro Council has deferred until Aug. 26 the Cooperative Endeavor Agreement that would govern how district revenue is remitted, rebated and used. A notice sent by the City of Baton Rouge-Parish of East Baton Rouge Department of Finance-Revenue Division informs businesses that the East Baton Rouge Parish sales and use tax report now includes two new reporting columns for BFEDD collections. Column S applies to the portion of BFEDD inside Baton Rouge city limits, under domicile code 2717. Column T applies to the portion of BFEDD in unincorporated East Baton Rouge Parish, under domicile code 2718. The columns do not stack on top of each other. A business reports sales in the applicable column based on where it is located — either the city portion of BFEDD or the unincorporated parish portion. The notice states that each column carries a total local sales and use tax rate of 7.5%. “All sales made within the Bayou Fountain EDD should be reported in these columns as applicable,” the notice says. The City-Parish notice confirms that tax reporting machinery for BFEDD is now active, despite unresolved questions about the district’s proposed public-finance structure, the status of the deferred CEA and objections from the Duplantier family, which says it owns a majority of the land inside the district. The Metro Council created BFEDD on April 22. The district was designed to support economic development near Burbank Drive, Lee Drive and the LSU area, including sports-tourism projects connected to Elite Training Academy. The BFEDD board later moved to levy additional district taxes. Public notices previously stated the district intended to levy a 2% sales and use tax and a 2% hotel occupancy tax inside its boundaries. The Metro Council was scheduled to vote June 24 on a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement between the City-Parish and BFEDD. That agreement would establish how certain tax revenues, rebates and pledged increments would be handled between the City-Parish and the district. Instead, the Council deferred the item until Aug. 26. The deferral followed objections from members of the Duplantier family, who have said they own approximately 57% of the land inside BFEDD and were not meaningfully notified before the district was created. The family has also said its property is not for sale to Elite. Steve Legendre, speaking for the Duplantier family, said the family believes less than 2% of the land inside the district can be developed without affecting Duplantier-owned property. He said the family has no intention of selling its land to Elite. That claim, if confirmed by maps and parcel records, would raise a central question about BFEDD’s viability: whether the district can accomplish its proposed development goals without the land its primary landowners say is unavailable. The tax notice sent to businesses does not resolve where collected BFEDD revenue will be held while the CEA remains deferred. It also does not state whether any tax proceeds can be remitted to BFEDD, spent, pledged, rebated or reimbursed before the CEA is approved. Those questions are now central to the public debate surrounding BFEDD. The City-Parish has confirmed separately that an email search related to Tiger Rag’s public-records request on BFEDD returned nearly 800 responsive emails. Those records have not yet been produced. The City-Parish has said production is expected July 9. Tiger Rag has requested records related to BFEDD’s formation, communications involving City-Parish officials, the district’s boundaries, the Duplantier property, Elite Training Academy, Greg Stringfellow, Carlos Spaht, 820 Development Group, Elite Landowning Company and the proposed CEA. Greg Stringfellow is the head of Elite Training Academy and president of 820 Development Group, LLC, which the Duplantier family identified in its May 26 objection letter as one of the entities involved in BFEDD. Stringfellow has also publicly spoken as a representative of the district. Tiger Rag has requested clarification on Stringfellow’s formal role with BFEDD, the identities of BFEDD board members, who appointed them and whether any BFEDD tax proceeds could directly or indirectly benefit Elite, 820 Development Group or related entities. The public question is no longer only whether the Metro Council will approve the CEA in August. The tax reporting requirements are now active. The CEA remains deferred. The public records remain pending. And the landowners at the center of the district say they never consented to inclusion and will not sell the land that district backers have described as central to future sports-tourism development. Tiger Rag is requesting clarification from City-Parish officials on where BFEDD tax collections will be deposited while the CEA remains deferred, whether any funds can be remitted or spent before the CEA is approved, and what happens to collections if the Council later amends the district boundary or rejects the agreement. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, LSU athletics, Tiger Rag **Tags:** Baton Rouge Metro Council, Bayou Fountain Economic Development District, Extra --- ### [Lane Kiffin Did Not Come To LSU All For The Money, Says Athletic Director Verge Ausberry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-did-not-come-to-lsu-all-for-the-money-says-athletic-director-verge-ausberry/) **Published:** July 2, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU made the most expensive hire of a football coach after last season with Lane Kiffin, formerly Ole Miss’ head coach, at $91 million over seven years and $13 million a year. But LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry, who made the hire, said LSU’s contract is no more than what Florida or Florida State would have paid Kiffin had he taken one of those jobs, or if he would have remained at Ole Miss. “We didn’t pay any more money that anybody else would have,” Ausberry said on Tyrann Mathieu’s “In The Bayou” podcast last week. “Lane contract was the same as Florida and Florida State or if he was staying at Ole Miss.” After missing on Kiffin, Florida hired Tulane coach Jon Sumrall for less at $44.7 million over six years and $7.45 million a year. Florida State decided to keep its coach – Mike Norvell, who is making $10 million a year through 2031. > It’s over. Lane Kiffin is LSU’s next football coach. Press conference introducing him set for Monday at LSU. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [November 30, 2025](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/1995189623631618525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “Money wasn’t it,” Ausberry said. “We had to sell ourselves on, ‘Why come to LSU?’ It wasn’t all about the money.” One of the best parts of Ausberry’s interview with Mathieu, a superstar defensive back for the Tigers in their 13-0 Southeastern Conference championship season in 2011, was his description of his first meeting with Mathieu back in 2010 when he was an incoming freshman. Mathieu won the Chuck Bednarik Award in 2011 that goes to the nation’s best defensive player, but Ausberry was not impressed with the 5-foot-9, 165-pound Mathieu as a true freshman in 2010 out of St. Augustine High in New Orleans. Then-assistant coach and recruiting ace Frank Wilson introduced Mathieu as “one of the best players in our recruiting class” to Ausberry. “And I’m looking around, and I’m looking and I’m saying to myself, ‘What position? Manager? Trainer? Football?’ My face kind of changed,” Ausberry said. “I said, ‘Nice to meet you son.'” Then he grabbed Wilson and said they needed to take a walk. “You know Frank, that little boy’s going to get us fired,” Ausberry told Wilson. “We laugh about that.” Mathieu proved Ausberry and many wrong, including Alabama coach Nick Saban, who was not interested in him out of high school. “You became a player that can say, ‘I’m going to take control of this game,’ and did it,” Ausberry told Mathieu, who played 12 seasons in the NFL, won a Super Bowl with Kansas City and was a three-time first team All-Pro. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, tyrann mathieu, verge ausberry --- ### [LSU Baseball Portal: Jay Johnson Adds A Pitcher From South Florida - Right-Hander Kaden Smith](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-portal-jay-johnson-adds-a-pitcher-from-south-florida-right-hander-kaden-smith/) **Published:** July 1, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson has added a third pitcher from the portal and seventh transfer overall in sophomore right-hander Kaden Smith of South Florida. Smith (6-foot-2, 190 pounds) was 4-3 with a 4.24 ERA in the 2026 season for South Florida, which was 32-21 overall and finished ninth of 10 teams in the Amateur Athletic Conference at 11-16. He struck out 52 in 46 and two-thirds innings through 16 appearances and eight starts. He led the team in home runs allowed with eight and was fifth in innings pitched. Smith also led the team with 17 hit batsmen and four balks. A native of Ocala, Florida, Smith was the No. 11 right-hander in his state and No. 56 prospect overall in Florida when he signed with TCU out of Forest High for the 2025 season. In just 12 innings in 14 relief appearances, he was 1-0 with a 5.25 ERA with 12 strikeouts, six walks, three home runs and three hit batsmen. **LSU TRANSFER PORTAL ADDITIONS 2026** *(with grade classification for 2027)* -Sophomore Landon Hood, right-handed pitcher, Gonzaga -Junior Dawson Park, shortstop, Texas State -Junior Bino Watters, outfielder, Notre Dame -Senior Cade Kurland, second baseman, Florida -Junior Jason Wachs, outfielder, Tulane -Sophomore Diego Velazquez, right-handed pitcher, USC -Junior Kaden Smith, right-handed pitcher, South Florida **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, Kaden Smith, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, South Florida --- ### [LSU Dynamic Duo Kade Anderson, Anthony Eyanson Named To Major League Baseball Futures Team](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-dynamic-duo-kade-anderson-anthony-eyanson-named-to-major-league-baseball-futures-team/) **Published:** July 1, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** Former LSU pitchers Kade Anderson and Anthony Eyanson, who combined to lead the Tigers to the 2025 College World Series title, have been named to the 2026 Major League Baseball All-Star Futures roster. The MLB All-Star Futures Game will be held at 11 a.m. on Sunday, July 12, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, and the event will be televised on NBC. Anderson, a member of the Seattle Mariners organization, and Eyanson, a member of the Boston Red Sox organization, will participate in the Futures Game with the American League squad. The All-Star Futures Game features the brightest stars of tomorrow in an annual seven-inning matchup of the game’s top prospects that are nearing the Majors. Many of today’s All-Stars made their first appearances on a Major League stage at the All-Star Futures Game. Anderson, a left-hander rated by MLB Pipeline as the Mariners’ No. 1 prospect and MLB’s No. 5 overall prospect, has been outstanding for the Double-A Arkansas Travelers in Little Rock his first professional season. He’s made 13 starts, posting an 8-0 record with a 1.22 ERA in 66.2 innings. He has walked only 10 with 99 strikeouts, a 0.71 WHIP, 13.4 strikeouts per nine innings and a 9.90 strikeout-to-walk ratio, while limiting opponents to a .162 batting average. Eyanson, a right-hander rated by MLB Pipeline as the Red Sox’s No. 5 prospect and MLB’s No. 55 overall prospect, began the 2026 season with the High-A Greenville Drive and amassed a 0.44 ERA in five starts with 34 strikeouts across 20.1 innings pitched. He was promoted to the Double-A Portland Sea Dogs and continued to be strong on the mound, recording a 1.48 ERA in seven starts with 30 strikeouts. Anderson, a native of Madisonville, who pitched at LSU in 2024 and 2025, was the No. 3 overall selection by Seattle in the 2025 MLB Draft. A 2025 first team All-American and first team All-SEC performer, Anderson was voted the MVP of the 2025 College World Series after leading LSU to its eighth national title and second in three years. He was also named the 2025 Baseball America College Pitcher of the Year after finishing 12-1 on the season with a 3.18 ERA and 180 strikeouts in 119.0 innings. He completed the year No. 1 in the nation in total strikeouts and No. 7 in strikeouts per nine innings (13.61). He was 2-0 in the 2025 CWS with victories over Arkansas and Coastal Carolina, posting a 0.56 ERA while allowing just one run on six hits in 16.0 innings with 17 strikeouts. He fired only the second complete-game shutout in LSU’s College World Series history when he defeated Coastal Carolina with a brilliant three-hitter in Game 1 of the CWS Finals. Eyanson, who is from Lakewood, California, and transferred from UC-San Diego for 2025 at LSU, was Boston’s third round selection in the draft last summer. He posted a 12-2 record and a 3.00 ERA in 20 appearances (18 starts) for the Tigers in 2025, logging 108 innings with 36 walks, 152 strikeouts and a .218 opponent batting average. A first team All-American and second team All-SEC performer, Eyanson completed the season No. 3 in the nation in strikeouts with 152. He was the winning pitcher in the deciding Game 2 of the CWS Finals versus Coastal Carolina, firing 6.1 innings. He limited the Chanticleers to three runs on seven hits with one walk and nine strikeouts. Eyanson finished tied with Anderson at No. 1 in the SEC in wins (12), and he was No. 2 in the league in innings pitched (108), No. 3 in strikeouts (152), No. 4 in ERA (3.00), and No. 10 in opponent batting average (.218). **LSU Participants in the MLB All-Star Futures Game** • Kurt Ainsworth, RHP (2000) • Aaron Hill, INF (2004, MVP) • Anthony Ranaudo, RHP (2013) • Aaron Nola, RHP (2015) • Alex Bregman, INF (2016) • Dylan Crews, OF (2024) • Tre’ Morgan, INF (2024, participated in Skills Showcase) • Gage Jump, LHP (2025) • Tommy White, INF (2025) • Kade Anderson, LHP (2026) • Anthony Eyanson, RHP (2026) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Anthony Eyanson, College World Series, Kade Anderson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, MLB Futures --- ### [LSU Football Recruiting: No. 3 Athlete Tae Walden Jr. Commits To Oregon Over Tigers](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-recruiting-no-3-athlete-tae-walden-jr-commits-to-oregon-over-tigers/) **Published:** July 1, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The LSU football team lost its second target on Wednesday when No. 3 athlete Tae Walden Jr. of Collierville, Tennessee, committed to Oregon. Walden (6-foot-2, 165 pounds) is the No. 70 prospect in the country and No. 4 player in Tennessee, according to 247sports.com. He visited LSU on June 5, but was at Oregon on June 19. Earlier Wednesday, No. 21 cornerback Brandon Sherrard (6-1, 180) of Pearland, Texas, committed to Texas over LSU. LSU still expects to get a commitment from No. 26 safety Jayden Anding (5-10, 165) of Ruston High in Ruston, but Anding postponed his scheduled commitment announcement that was set for 12:30 Wednesday. Ole Miss is also recruiting Anding, whose older brother Aidan is a sophomore cornerback at LSU. [NUMBER 18-RANKED LSU’s CLASS OF 2027 COMMITMENTS (14)](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2027-football/commits/) The Tigers remain in the hunt to flip 247sports.com’s No. 1 prospect in the nation in defensive lineman Jalen Brewster (6-3, 302) of Cedar Hill High in Cedar Hill, Texas, near Dallas. Brewster is committed to Texas Tech, but he has visited LSU, Miami, Indiana and Florida. LSU also hopes to flip No. 5 safety Karnell “Greedy” James of Manvell High in Manvell, Texas. He is the No. 87 prospect in the country and No. 11 player in Texas by 247sports.com. Manvell is committed to Texas, but has visited LSU. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Oregon Ducks, Tae Walden Jr. --- ### [LSU Football Recruiting: Tigers Lose No. 21 CB Commitment Target Brandon Sherrard To Texas](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-recruiting-tigers-lose-no-21-cb-commitment-target-brandon-sherrard-to-texas/) **Published:** July 1, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor One down, but two more chances to go. LSU target Brandon Sherrard, the No. 21 cornerback in the nation by Rivals.com, committed to Texas on Wednesday morning on [live television via Rivals’ You Tube.](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/live-rivals-summer-signing-day-150328765.html) Sherrard (6-foot-1, 180 pounds) visited LSU on June 12 after visiting Texas on June 5. He is the No. 158 overall prospect by Rivals.com and the No. 157 player in the nation by 247sports.com, which has him as the No. 18 cornerback in the country and No. 22 player in Texas. > 🚨BREAKING🚨 4-star CB Brandon Sherrard has committed to Texas🤘 > > Presented by [@AutoTrader\_com](https://x.com/AutoTrader_com?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > Read: [pic.twitter.com/x6c4A7lJxn](https://t.co/x6c4A7lJxn) > > — Rivals (@Rivals) [July 1, 2026](https://x.com/Rivals/status/2072353934534905957?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) LSU coach Lane Kiffin has two more chances for commitments on Wednesday, though. Jayden Anding, the No. 26 safety in the country and No. 11 player in Louisiana from Ruston High by 247sports.com, is scheduled to announce his commitment to LSU or Ole Miss at 12:30 p.m. Wednesday on the Rivals You Tube channel. > If Lane Kiffin’s July becomes anything like his June, today could be a purple letter day. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [July 1, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2072325437041074279?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Anding (5-10, 165) is the younger brother of LSU sophomore cornerback Aidan Anding and visited LSU on June 19 after a visit to Ole Miss on June 5. He is the No. 312 overall prospect by 247sports.com and the No. 29 safety by Rivals.com. Another LSU target expected to commit on Wednesday is No. 6 athlete Tae Walden Jr. (6-2, 165) of Collierville High in Collierville, Tennessee. Walden is the No. 70 prospect in America by 247sports.com and Rivals.com, which has him at No. 3 in the athlete category. Walden visited LSU on June 5. He is also considering Auburn, Georgia, Ole Miss and Oregon and is scheduled to commit at 2:30 p.m. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Brandon Sherrard, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Steve Sarkisian, Texas Longhorns --- ### [LSU Football Recruiting: Lane Kiffin In The Running For 3 Prospects Who Will Announce Commitments Today](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-recruiting-lane-kiffin-in-the-running-for-3-prospects-who-will-announce-commitments-today/) **Published:** July 1, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU football coach Lane Kiffin could top off a spectacular month of June in recruiting with an equally hot commitment day on the first day of July today. The Tigers’ class of 2027, which is ranked No. 18 by 247sports.com, could gain as many as three commitments today from four-star prospects on a live television broadcast of commitments via Rivals’ You Tube channel today beginning at 11 a.m. > Rivals Summer Signing Day🗓️ > > Several top uncommitted recruits will announce their decisions live on the Rivals YouTube channel on July 1. > > Details: [pic.twitter.com/gtNQWOn4yG](https://t.co/gtNQWOn4yG) > > — Rivals (@Rivals) [June 29, 2026](https://x.com/Rivals/status/2071632342762877385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Expected to announce his commitment to LSU, Oklahoma or Texas today at 11:20 a.m. is Rivals’ No. 21 cornerback Brandon Sherrard (6-foot-1, 180), who is the No. 158 national prospect from Shadow Creek High in Pearland, Texas. He is ranked No. 157 overall by 247sports.com’s composite rankings and as the No. 18 cornerback and No. 22 player in Texas. Sherrard visited LSU on June 12 after visiting Texas on June 5. > [Lane Kiffin “Sees Things Other Coaches Can’t,” Says His QB At Ole Miss – Trinidad Chambliss](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-sees-things-other-coaches-cant-says-his-qb-at-ole-miss-trinidad-chambliss/) At 12:30 p.m. today, Rivals’ No. 29 safety and No. 329 prospect Jayden Anding (5-10, 165) of Ruston High in Ruston is scheduled to announce his commitment to LSU or Ole Miss. Anding is the younger brother of LSU sophomore cornerback Aidan Anding. Jayden visited LSU on June 19 after visiting the Rebels on June 5. He is ranked No. 312 by 247sports.com, which has him as the No. 26 safety and No. 11 player in the state. > [LSU Football: Easton Royal Has NOT Decommitted From Texas, Contrary To Report, And LSU Very Much In Hunt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-easton-royal-has-not-decommitted-from-texas-contrary-to-report-but-lsu-very-much-in-hunt/) Rivals’ No. 3 athlete Tae Walden Jr. of Collierville High in Collierville, Tennessee, is scheduled to commit at 2:30 p.m. today to one of five schools – LSU, Auburn, Georgia, Ole Miss or Oregon. Walden (6-2, 165) is ranked as the No. 70 prospect overall by Rivals and by 247sports.com, which has him as the No. 6 athlete and No. 4 player in Tennessee. Walden visited LSU on June 5, Georgia on June 12, Ole Miss on June 16, Oregon on June 19 and Auburn on May 29. [LANE KIFFIN’S CLASS OF 2027 SO FAR](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2027-football/commits/) Of Kiffin’s 14 commitments for his 2027 class, he got 10 since June 7, soaring from a No. 50 ranking to No. 18. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Brandon Sherrard, Jayden Anding, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Tae Walden Jr. --- ### [Will Arch Manning Break 3-3 Tie Between Mannings And LSU On Nov. 14 In Tiger Stadium In Texas' Favor](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-arch-manning-break-the-3-3-tie-between-the-mannings-and-lsu-on-nov-14-in-tiger-stadium/) **Published:** June 30, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The Manning family quarterbacks have staged some of the most exciting games ever in Tiger Stadium, where the family is 2-2 against LSU and 3-3 overall, counting two games in Mississippi. “Archie Manning 27, LSU 24,” was a headline in the Baton Rouge Advocate on Nov. 3, 1968, after Manning passed for 344 yards and two touchdowns, rushed for another and led his team on a 75-yard game-winning drive in the final minutes to upset the No. 14 and 5-1 Tigers. Manning and his Rebels trailed No. 8 and 6-0 LSU, 23-12, in the third quarter in Jackson, Mississippi, on Nov. 8, 1969, on ABC in the afternoon before Manning brought Ole Miss back again for a 26-23 win. He finished with three rushing touchdowns and a TD pass. It was LSU’s only loss of the season and cost it a bid to a major bowl, and the Tigers decided to stay home at 9-1 rather than go to a minor bowl. No. 8 LSU gained revenge on Dec. 5, 1970, on ABC at night in Tiger Stadium with a 61-17 victory over the No. 16 Rebels to win coach Charles McClendon’s only Southeastern Conference championship, finishing 9-3 and 5-0. But Manning played with a cast on his broken, left, non-throwing arm and was not effective, particularly running the ball. > [Lane Kiffin “Sees Things Other Coaches Can’t,” Says His QB At Ole Miss – Trinidad Chambliss](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-sees-things-other-coaches-cant-says-his-qb-at-ole-miss-trinidad-chambliss/) Archie’s youngest son Eli Manning led the Rebels to a 35-24 victory at LSU on Oct. 27, 2001, on ESPN2 at night in much the same fashion his grandfather did in 1968 and ’69. Manning brought his team back from a 24-21 deficit in the fourth quarter with two touchdown passes for the win and finished 28 of 44 for 249 yards and three touchdowns. In a scheduling quirk, No. 21 LSU hosted Ole Miss again in 2002 and won 14-13 on ESPN2 at night to even the Manning series in Tiger Stadium at 2-2. Manning threw for only 218 yards and a touchdown with two interceptions on 19-of-38 passing. The No. 3 Tigers (9-1) evened the Manning series at 3-3 overall in 2003 against the No. 15 Rebels (8-2) with a 17-14 win that clinched the SEC title for LSU, which went on to win the national championship under four-year head coach Nick Saban. It was the Tigers’ first national crown since the 1958 season. > [SEC This Week: So Far, Arch Manning Is The Biggest Texas Dud Since “The Last Picture Show” Sequel](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-this-week-so-far-arch-manning-is-the-biggest-texas-dud-since-the-last-picture-show-sequel/) Now, it’s up to Archie’s grandson and Texas quarterback Arch Manning to give his family name the lead over LSU. Texas will play at LSU on Nov. 14 with kickoff time to be announced. “It’s going to be really cool,” Arch Manning said at his grandfather’s Manning Passing Academy on Friday. “Obviously, I grew up going to games there every year. It’s a great crowd, and we’re excited for the challenge.” Manning is the son of Archie’s oldest son Cooper Manning, who signed as a wide receiver at Ole Miss in 1992 from Newman High in New Orleans. But he was found to have spinal stenosis before his freshman season with the Rebels and never played football again. Arch will be a redshirt junior in the 2026 season and the Longhorns’ starter for the second straight season. After a rough start to the 2025 season, Manning rebounded to finish 41st in the nation and seventh in the Southeastern Conference in passing efficiency with a 144.9 rating. He completed 248 of 404 passes for 3,163 yards and 26 touchdowns with seven interceptions in 13 games for the Longhorns, who did not make the playoffs after two straight appearances, finishing 10-3, 6-2 in the SEC. Manning’s 26 TDs ranked 16th in the nation, and his 3,163 passing yards ranked 25th. “I’m just trying to get better one day at a time, and keep improving on last year,” Manning said. “And help my team win anyway I can. Just continue to be myself, not try to be anyone else. Play within myself, trust my teammates, trust the coaching and try to get better each week.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** arch manning, Archie Manning, Eli Manning, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Tiger Stadium --- ### [Former LSU Running Back Richard Murphy Charged With Vehicular Homicide And DUI For Crash That Killed 2](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-running-back-richard-murphy-charged-with-vehicular-homicide-and-dui-for-crash-that-killed-2/) **Published:** July 1, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** Former LSU running back Richard Murphy, who played on the 2007 national championship team and received the coveted No. 18 jersey in 2010 for his perseverance in coming back from an injury, was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison on Tuesday on two felony counts of vehicular homicide and a felony count of driving while intoxicated, according to Baton Rouge Police. Vehicular homicide in Louisiana carries a prison sentence of five to 30 years, if convicted. Murphy, 39, of Rayville, was driving at 58 mph and twice the posted speed limit on Main Street in Baton Rouge on the afternoon of June 14 when he hit the passenge side of another vehicle near Interstate-110, killing Robert Tarver, 95, and Tarver’s daughter-in-law Carla Tarver, 70, according to police. [LSU EX-RUNNING BACK RICHARD MURPHY INVOLVED IN CRASH](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-nfl-running-back-richard-murphy-involved-in-crash-that-killed-2-people-in-baton-rouge/) Police video shows Murphy running a red light just before impact at the intersection of Main and 9th Street and a previous red light. “It’s very senseless to get behind the wheel of a vehicle and operate it when you’re intoxicated with Uber and Lyft rides (available),” Baton Rouge Police Corporal Saundra Watts told WAFB Channel 9 in Baton Rouge. > Former NFL and LSU running back Richard Murphy is charged with vehicular homicide and reckless driving after a crash that killed 94-year-old Robert Tarver and 69-year-old Carla Tarver. [pic.twitter.com/CiAhdHuhCF](https://t.co/CiAhdHuhCF) > > — WAFB (@WAFB) [June 30, 2026](https://x.com/WAFB/status/2072006820441301257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Murphy was also charged with reckless operation of a vehicle, disobeying traffic signals and operating a vehicle with a suspended license and without insurance. Murphy signed with LSU in 2006 out of Rayville High School as one of the state’s top prospects before being red-shirted. In 2007, he rushed 35 times for 230 yards in 14 games with two touchdowns and caught eight passes for 74 yards as LSU won the national championship. Murphy caught 10 passes for 92 yards in 2008 and rushed 44 times for 186 yards in 13 games. Going into his fifth-year senior season year in 2010, he was given the prestigious “No. 18” jersey, an honor given each year since 2004 to an LSU player who best exemplifies character and leadership. Murphy got the award because of the hard work and commitment he displayed in coming back from a knee injury suffered in 2009 when he missed all but two games. Murphy started for the first time in his career in 2010, playing 11 games with two starts and gaining 85 yards on 25 carries with 10 catches for 44 yards. He played in the NFL in 2011 as an undrafted free agent and in 2012 for the Jacksonville Jaguars. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Baton Rouge Police, lsu football, Richard Murphy --- ### [LSU Baseball Summer Leagues: William Patrick And Jack Ruckert Off To Hot Start For Prune Packers](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-summer-leagues-william-patrick-and-jack-ruckert-off-to-hot-start-for-prune-packers/) **Published:** June 30, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU freshman outfielder William Patrick is off to the kind of start LSU coach Jay Johnson wants to see for a player expected to contend for a starting job in center field in the 2027 season as a sophomore. Patrick, who hit .220 in 33 games as a backup last season (9-for-41) for the Tigers, is hitting .333 so far through seven games for the Healdsburg Prune Packers in the Pacific Empire League in California. He has eight hits in 24 at-bats with a double and seven RBIs. With draft-eligible sophomore center fielder Derek Curiel expected to go in the first round of the Major League Baseball Draft on July 11, Patrick will be given a shot in center field. Johnson has signed two other impressive outfielders from the portal in Notre Dame left fielder Bino Watters, who is the No. 1 player in the portal, and Tulane right fielder Jason Wachs. Patrick was the No. 20 outfielder in the nation last year and No. 2 player in Louisiana by Perfect Game when he signed with LSU out of St. Frederick High in Monroe. Also playing well for Healdsburg, which is in the San Francisco area, is freshman second baseman Jack Ruckert, who was the No. 1 player in the state last year from Catholic High in Baton Rouge and No. 14 player in the country by Perfect Game. Ruckert is hitting .298 in 14 games (14-for-47) with four doubles and a home run for the Prune Packers. Meanwhile, Watters is hitting .243 with a double and a home run for the Chatham Anglers in Massachusetts in the Cape Cod League. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Bino Watters, Cape Cod League, Jack Ruckert, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, William Patrick --- ### [Lane Kiffin "Sees Things Other Coaches Can't," Says His QB At Ole Miss - Trinidad Chambliss](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-sees-things-other-coaches-cant-says-his-qb-at-ole-miss-trinidad-chambliss/) **Published:** June 30, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Once Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss got through all the questions about his former coach Lane Kiffin’s controversial comments in the Vanity Fair article last spring, he starting talking football and the savant nature of Kiffin at the Manning Passing Academy last week in Thibodaux. > [Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss Disagrees With Vanity Fair Comments By Lane Kiffin About Being Black In Oxford](https://www.tigerrag.com/ole-miss-qb-trinidad-chambliss-disagrees-with-vanity-fair-comments-by-lane-kiffin-about-being-black-in-oxford/) Kiffin coached Chambliss only in the 2025 season – Kiffin’s last as Ole Miss’ coach before coming to LSU. But he made a lasting impression on Chambliss, who transferred from Division II Ferris State and led the Rebels to the College Football Playoff semifinals in 2025. Chambliss finished No. 3 in the nation in passing yards last season with 3,937 along with 22 touchdowns and rushed for 527 yards on 133 carries and eight touchdowns as Ole Miss had one of its greatest seasons in school history at 13-2 (7-1 Southeastern Conference). “He knows his X’s and O’s,” Chambliss said during interviews last Friday in Thibodaux. “Kiffin has been in the coaching game for a while. He sees things other coaches really can’t see, which I give him props for.” Chambliss can remember talking to Kiffin on the sidelines at practice right after a play, and it was like they were not talking about the same play. “I’d be like, ‘Dang, how did you see that?'” Chambliss said. “Or he’d say, ‘That’s a really good concept. Let’s draw it on the board.’ He’s really keen on that. He’s really good at coaching football.” Kiffin and Chambliss will reunite on the same field at least on Sept. 19 when the Tigers play at Ole Miss in Oxford (6:30 p.m., ABC). “You try to make it seem as regular as you can,” Chambliss said. “But seeing people talk about it on social media, and people stopping me in public and saying, ‘You looking forward to the LSU game?’ It’s the hot topic right now. It’s hard to make it something kind of regular. Yeah, it’s going to be a really fun time in Oxford. That’s obviously one of our rivals to begin with. Just trying to go 1-0 in that game.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Manning Passing Academy, Trinidad Chambliss --- ### [LSU Football: Whit Weeks Wants To "Bring Back That Nasty Defense Mentality Down To The Bayou"](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-whit-weeks-wants-to-bring-back-that-nasty-defense-mentality-down-to-the-bayou/) **Published:** June 30, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU linebacker Whit Weeks played in only eight games last season because of an ankle injury and watched the Tigers drop from No. 3 in the country to 7-6 and 3-5 in the Southeastern Conference. This will be his senior and final season at LSU, and he wants to leave on a much higher note than five losses in the last seven games, which was the case last year. “I want to bring back that nasty defense mentality down to the bayou,” Weeks said on the “In The Bayou With Tyrann Mathieu” podcast last week. “Teams used to fear to play LSU defenses. That’s what I want to bring back to this place like when I used to watch you play.” > Whit Weeks reflects on what it’s meant to share the field at LSU with both his older and younger brothers 🫶 > > "It’s special to see how our roles \[have changed\], because last year it was me and Zach looking up to West. Now West has moved on… and now it’s Zach looking up to me,… [pic.twitter.com/KRgPWChmSP](https://t.co/KRgPWChmSP) > > — In The Bayou With Tyrann Mathieu (@InTheBayouPod) [June 30, 2026](https://x.com/InTheBayouPod/status/2071760441530081415?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Mathieu played defensive back on one of the greatest LSU defenses in history in 2011 when the Tigers went 13-0, won the Southeastern Conference at 8-0 and reached the national championship game before losing to Alabama in the Sugar Bowl. “This is my last year,” Weeks said. “I’ve only got a couple more opportunities in my life to play in that stadium, so I’m going to cherish it.” Now healthy, Weeks hopes to return to his 2024 form when he was a first team All-SEC linebacker as he finished second in the league and ninth nationally in tackles with 125, including 10 for losses along with 3.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and an nterception. > [LSU Football Will Not Make The College Football Playoff, According To 3 Of 5 National Preseason Rankings](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-will-not-make-the-college-football-playoff-according-to-3-of-5-national-preseason-rankings/) LSU, which is ranked as high as No. 8 in the preseason polls, opens the 2026 season on Sept. 5 against Clemson (6:30 p.m., ABC) in Tiger Stadium. Before LSU’s defense can be nasty it has to be more consistent and communicate better. “You turn on the tape last year, and any big play we busted, you can point to a miscommunication,” Weeks said. “We were not on the same page. One person thinks you’re in one thing, and somebody else another, and you’re screwed. It’s about being consistent in your work right now.” It will be year three under defensive coordinator Blake Baker, who has steadily improved the defense, and year one under head coach Lane Kiffin, formerly of Ole Miss. “The biggest thing is that he is focused on every little detail,” Weeks said of Kiffin. “He doesn’t cut any corners at all as far as what he expects, not only from his players, but from his coaches as well. That’s what really has been standing out to me – the work he expects out of his coaches and out of his entire staff.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, tyrann mathieu, Whit Weeks --- ### [LSU Football: TE Trey'Dez Green, LT Jordan Seaton Named Walter Camp Preseason All-Americans](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-te-treydez-green-lt-jordan-seaton-named-walter-camp-preseason-all-americans/) **Published:** June 30, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU junior tight end Trey’Dez Green and incoming junior transfer left tackle Jordan Seaton have been named to the prestigious Walter Camp preseason All-America team. The Walter Camp All-American team, which is announced after the season, began in 1889. > [LSU Offense’s Solitary Weapon – Tight End Trey’Dez Green](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-offenses-solitary-weapon-tight-end-treydez-green/) Green, who went to Zachary High near Baton Rouge, is a tall target at 6-foot-7 and 237 pounds. He caught 33 passes for 433 yards and seven touchdowns in 11 games and six starts last season for the Tigers. He enters his third season as one of the top tight ends in the Southeastern Conference and the nation. Green caught 13 passes for 101 yards and four touchdowns as a freshman in 2024 when he played in 13 games and started two. > [At Last … Lane Kiffin Lands No. 1 Portal Offensive Tackle Jordan Seaton To Put A Bow On Top Class](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-lands-no-1-ot-jordan-seaton-of-colorado/) Seaton (6-5, 307 pounds) signed with new LSU coach Lane Kiffin last January as the No. 1 left tackle in the NCAA Transfer Portal out of Colorado. He started 22 of 22 games he played in as a freshman and sophomore at Colorado. In 2025 through nine starts, he allowed only one sack and five pressures in 561 snaps before an injury ended his season. In 2024, Seaton started all 13 of his games. Through 612 pass blocking snaps, he gave up three sacks. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Jordan Seaton, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers', Trey'Dez Green --- ### [Wait, Angel Reese Wants No Extracurriculars Before Final Moments Elapse? Really? Now, That's Rich | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/wait-angel-reese-wants-no-extracurriculars-before-final-moments-elapse-really-now-thats-rich-glenn-guilbeau/) **Published:** June 29, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Just when I thought Angel Reese was getting away from her drama queen id a little bit, and “Sasha Fierce” Angel returns with a vengeance. [Reese handled becoming the fastest WNBA player in history to 1,000 rebounds](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-angel-reese-reaches-1000-rebounds-in-record-time-and-wins-2nd-straight-over-caitlin-clark/) with professionalism and minimal, “look-at-me” drama just last week. And then the Queen of Self-Absorption couldn’t box out herself on Saturday night. With 1:20 remaining in her Atlanta Dream’s game at the Seattle Storm in Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Reese’s Dream team trailed 103-89. Both teams were basically going through the motions in this early season match when Reese’s former teammate at LSU – guard Flau’jae Johnson – attempted to shake with Reese while both were jogging to the other end of the court without the ball and within easy eye view of the other. But Reese ignored her. > Flau'jae Johnson tried to give her former LSU teammate Angel Reese a handshake with more than a minute left in the game. > > Friday's matchup was their first meeting as opponents in the WNBA. [pic.twitter.com/68ZosBObKl](https://t.co/68ZosBObKl) > > — ESPN (@espn) [June 28, 2026](https://x.com/espn/status/2071070570683224146?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Now, most opposing players in that situation would have done what Reese did. It was a sloppy thing for Johnson to do. Innocent, yes. She wasn’t rubbing in the sure victory at all. But still silly and unprofessional. Just wait for the game to end to exchange various pleasantries, already. But considering Reese’s infamous flashing of her ring finger menacingly right in the face of a defeated Caitlin Clark with several seconds remaining in the 2023 NCAA women’s national championship game won by LSU, 102-85, over Iowa, who does Reese think she is? ![Two female basketball players face each other on the court, one in a white Iowa jersey and the other in a purple LSU jersey, ready for play.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/Caitlin-1024x683.webp "Caitlin | TigerRag.com")***LSU forward Angel Reeses infamous showboat to Caitlin Clark with seconds still to play in the Tigers national championship win over Caitlin Clark and Iowa in 2023 Tiger Rag file photo***At least Flau’jae didn’t mean anything by it in a meaningless game between a 4-15 last place Seattle team versus a 11-7 first place Atlanta team. Reese wanted to make a point with Clark, whom she was obviously jealous of as Clark had replaced Reese as the absolute singular star of women’s basketball as that spectacular 2022-23 season rolled to its conclusion. [Reese wasn’t content enough with the national championship that night ](https://www.outkick.com/analysis/lsus-kim-mulkey-delivers-national-title-she-promised-early-but-angel-reese-out-of-line-with-caitlin-clark-glenn-guilbeau)or to celebrate with her teammates, which one sees every time a championship game ends. Watch the end of any one of those, and players gravitate to their teammates – not the opponent. > Flaujae Johnson had more points and rebounds than Angel Reese at 6ft and Angel don’t wanna shake hands now lmaooo [pic.twitter.com/jdYhpb8JHc](https://t.co/jdYhpb8JHc) > > — John (@iam\_johnw) [June 28, 2026](https://x.com/iam_johnw/status/2071070284744991223?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Perhaps Reese was upset that her team was going to lose. That would be understandable, if true. But Reese too often has had an Angel Agenda. Or maybe Flau’jae, the eighth pick of the 2026 WNBA Draft, is a budding star in the WNBA and taking Reese’s shine off. In Seattle’s 105-90 win, Johnson outplayed Reese with 24 points on 9-of-12 shooting, including 2 of 3 from three-point range, along with 11 rebounds, four assists and two steals against four turnovers. Reese had nine rebounds and scored 17 points, but on only 4-of-10 shooting with four turnovers, zero assists, and two steals. [MEAN GIRLS REBOOT IN THE WNBA WITH ANGEL REESE VS. CAITLIN CLARK](https://www.outkick.com/sports/caitlin-clark-angel-reese-rematch-today-another-mean-girls-remake) Clark has outplayed Reese repeatedly in head-to-head matchups going back to their college days, including Iowa’s win over LSU in the Elite Eight in 2024 before Clark was the No. 1 pick of the ’24 draft to Reese’s No. 7. That should explain most of Reese’s junior high “Mean Girls” approach to Clark in the WNBA. Flau’jae just shook her head after the Reese snub. But she should hold her head high. If Reese doesn’t like you, it may mean you’re better than her or about to be. Sad thing is, Angel is a great player, though not as multi-faceted as guards like Clark and Flau’jae. But there is still plenty of time, Angel, to grow up. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Women's Basketball **Tags:** Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream, Caitlin Clark, Flau'jae Johnson, lsu, LSU Tigers', Seattle Storm, WNBA --- ### [Louisiana Sports Hall Of Fame Inductees Built Careers On Solid Foundations](https://www.tigerrag.com/louisiana-sports-hall-of-fame-inductees-built-careers-on-solid-foundations/) **Published:** June 28, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By JASON PUGH, Written for the Louisiana Sports Writers Association NATCHITOCHES – “When you build a house, you don’t build it from the roof down. You build it from the foundation up.” With that little bit of “ol’ country boy common sense,” Dewain Strother, one of the nation’s leaders in all-time high school girls basketball coaching victories, summed up what he and the rest of Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Class of 2026 espoused throughout Saturday night’s induction ceremonies inside the Natchitoches Events Center. Strother was one of eight competitive-ballot inductees who were joined by a pair of Distinguished Service Awards in Journalism recipients, the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award honoree and just the third Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Ambassador Award electee in history who added their sterling resumes to the state’s shrine for its top athletes and sports journalists. Strother’s remark regarding foundations was tied to the beginning of the Florien High School girls basketball team, which began play in the 1983-84 season with little fanfare and a grand total of four wins. ![Collage of 12 headshots for the 2026 Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Induction Class, with the banner'2026 Induction Class' at the top.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/InductionGraphic2.jpg "InductionGraphic2 | TigerRag.com")The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame inducted 12 athletes and coaches in Natchitoches Saturday night Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame photo“That was about the time Title IX was hot for women’s sports,” Strother said. “They gave me the opportunity to start it. I knew I took on a big job, but I used some ol’ country boy common sense. There was a group in the eighth grade I was looking at, and I knew they could be a good team. We used some of the high schoolers to mold them. We won only four games that first year, and I thought, ‘I’m gonna get fired.’ The next year we were district champs.” The step-by-step building process Stother instituted reached its zenith with a 48-0 state championship season in 1990-91 – the first of Strother’s six state championships at Florien, a Class B program that he built into a juggernaut. One year after that title, Florien started five players who would eventually play Division I basketball. While Strother built a program that he led to 1,235 victories – the second most nationally among girls high school basketball coaches – former LSU men’s basketball coach John Brady had to rebuild a once-proud Tiger program while following legendary coach Dale Brown. > [Someone Up There Must Like John Brady, Because He Was La. Sports Hall Of Fame Bound Long Before He Knew It](https://www.tigerrag.com/someone-up-there-must-like-john-brady-because-he-was-la-sports-hall-of-fame-bound-long-before-he-knew-it/) Brady came to Baton Rouge from Samford University, a mid-major program in Birmingham, Alabama, but the roots of his landing in Baton Rouge began decades earlier in Starkville, Mississippi, where Brady was a graduate assistant at Mississippi State. “You go through life and you don’t know who you’ll meet and where they’ll show up later,” Brady said. “I went to Mississippi State as a GA and the other graduate assistant was Joe Dean Jr. We became great friends, and I’d go to Joe’s house and spend the weekend with the Dean family. (Joe Dean Sr.) was the guy who helped get guys jobs, made calls for them. I had to be successful for the opportunity for Joe (Sr.) to hire me. The relationship I made with Joe Dean Jr. led me to knowing his father. Twenty years later, I’m the head coach at LSU. It’s funny how life works and the twists and turns along the way.” Following a Louisiana legend like Brown was not an easy transition, but Brady did it his way, relying on his basketball mantra to mold an LSU team on probation into an SEC championship team. “John had a saying, ‘Responsibility plus accountability equals success,’” said Brady assistant Kermit Davis, who eventually became a head coach at Middle Tennessee and Ole Miss. That equation – and the signing of Fair Park High School standout Stromile Swift – ignited a turnaround on the court and helped Brady truly start building a program that dealt with the loss of six scholarships across a three-year period. And “Brady Ball” began rolling with T-shirts and the like as displayed in the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame now. > Brady Ball bounces into La. Sports Hall of Fame. That’s John Brady on the right. [pic.twitter.com/5nzsk7iVBq](https://t.co/5nzsk7iVBq) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 27, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2070993951180362068?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Despite the sanctions, the foundation was in place for the building that would crest with a magical 2005-06 season where a group of six players from within a 50-mile radius helped Brady take the Tigers to the Final Four – a joyride that included an upset of top-ranked Duke and came just months after Hurricane Katrina ransacked the Louisiana Gulf Coast. “That team, the top six players were from within 50 miles of Baton Rouge,” said Brady, who led the Tigers to a pair of SEC championships and three NCAA Tournament berths. “They had grown up playing with each other or against each other, and they had a really special bond. Every one of them was touched by the tragedy of Katrina, and I think that brought them even closer together.” > [Sylvia Fowles’ Candidacy For Louisiana Sports Hall Of Fame Needs No Deliberation – It’s A SLAM DUNK](https://www.tigerrag.com/sylvia-fowles-candidacy-for-louisiana-sports-hall-of-fame-needs-no-deliberation-itins-a-slam-dunk/) A similarly close bond between siblings helped deliver a signature moment for the LSU women’s basketball team when it landed Sylvia Fowles, a 6-foot-6 standout from Miami. Brought to LSU by coach Sue Gunter, who promised Fowles nothing more than the opportunity to complete for playing time, Fowles teamed with fellow Louisiana Sports Hall of Famer Seimone Augustus to usher in the golden era of Tigers women’s basketball – one that included four straight Final Four appearances. “In my home visit, (Gunter) told me she wasn’t starting me as a freshman, that I had to earn it,” said Fowles via a Zoom call from Chicago where her Portland Fire were preparing for a WNBA game against the Chicago Sky. “That motivated me to be around her. I was signed, sealed and delivered after hearing her say you had to work for everything you want.” Fowles, who is now an assistant coach with the Fire, averaged a double-double at LSU before a prolific WNBA career with the Chicago Sky and Minnesota Lynx where she averaged 15.7 points and 9.8 rebounds per game in her career. Four Olympic gold medals, two WNBA titles and a spot of the WNBA’s 25th Anniversary Team highlighted Fowles’ career. Fowles did her share of scoring, but not quite to the point a young Kathy Holloway did at now-defunct Poland High School. Holloway, the Dave Dixon Louisiana Sports Leadership Award winner, established a long-standing Class C state tournament record by scoring 86 points across two games while at Poland. A lifelong love of basketball led Holloway to continue laying the foundation for that feeling of generations of basketball players in central Louisiana, first as a head coach at Tioga High School then as the first female president of the Louisiana High School Coaches Association, achieved in 1986, and as the president of the National High School Athletic Coaches Association in 1992. “Title IX was passed in 1972,” said Julie Wilkerson, one of four high school All-Americans Holloway coached at Tioga who went on to play at Louisiana Tech and was at the ceremony Saturday. “That energized someone like Mrs. Holloway.” Following her gilded administrative career, the NSCA in 2021 created the Kathy Holloway Women of Inspiration Award that honors a female “that has promoted female athletics by either coaching, serving, supporting or leading high school female athletic programs that focus on changing lives and inspiring women to strive for greatness.” As a quarterback at then-Jesuit High School in 1976, John James Marshall became a state champion, throwing the game-winning screen pass in the title game. That trophy may have portended athletic greatness, but Marshall’s trophy case now overflows with innumerable awards from the Louisiana Sports Writers Association, an organization Marshall served as president of before his 30th birthday. His writing prowess is just one of the tools in a multi-faceted toolbox that helped lead Marshall to the Distinguished Service Award (DSA) in Sports Journalism. > The LSU G.O.A.T. of Sports Writing – [@gilebreton](https://x.com/gilebreton?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) stops at [@LaSportsHall](https://x.com/LaSportsHall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) in Natchitoches. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 26, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2070574146224873745?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Gil LeBreton, former famed columnist at the Fort Worth-Star Telegram, started his career after using the G.I. bill to pay his way through LSU after serving in the Vietnam War. He launched a 54-year career at the New Orleans Times-Picayune and Baton Rouge Advocate before the Star-Telegram. He became the only winner of Sports Writer of the Year in Texas and Louisiana. His career included covering 27 Super Bowls and 16 Olympic Games. In much the same way, LeBreton’s writing was appointment reading, former New Orleans Saints wide receiver Joe Horn’s showmanship was part of the reason even casual fans were watching the team at the turn of the century. In six seasons with the Saints, Horn was a four-time Pro Bowler whose celebrations helped cement the wide receiver from Itawamba Community College in franchise lore. Horn, who was unable to make Saturday’s ceremony, hauled in 94 passes for 1,340 yards and eight touchdowns in 2000 as the Saints clinched their first NFC West championship. Across a five-year span from 2000-04, Horn averaged 87 catches, 1,259 yards and nine touchdowns across 79 games. > [LSU Football Star Todd McClure Got To Louisiana Sports Hall Of Fame With Adaptability](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-star-todd-mcclure-got-to-louisiana-sports-hall-of-fame-with-adaptability/) Across from Horn during those NFC West – and eventually NFC South – battles was another member of the Class of 2026, Atlanta center Todd McClure, a first team All-American at LSU in 1998 who started since his freshman season in 1995. A three-sport star at Central High School, McClure with tailback Kevin Faulk and coach Gerry DiNardo led the rebirth of an LSU program that had six straight losing seasons from 1989-94. “It helped to have Alan Faneca (an All-American guard who became Pro Football Hall of Famer with Pittsburgh) next to me teaching me the ropes,” McClure said. “Coach DiNardo told me in ’95 I had a chance to make the NFL. For a freshman, for him to put those thoughts in my mind, meant a lot.” McClure and many offensive linemen during his career had plenty of respect for Monroe native Pat Williams. After playing at Texas A&M and going undrafted, Williams grinded his way into the NFL and established a lengthy, often-dominant career at nose tackle with the Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings, earning three Pro Bowl berths and a remarkable 37 game balls. > [LSU Hero Warren Morris Still Can’t Believe How That 1996 Walk-Off Homer Has Carried … To La. Sports Hall Of Fame](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-hero-warren-morris-still-cant-believe-how-that-1996-walk-off-home-run-keeps-carrying/) While Williams’ work went on in the trenches, one swing propelled Warren Morris into college baseball immortality. Morris, an Alexandria native who played at Bolton High School before heading to LSU, delivered perhaps the most iconic moment in College World Series history when he launched a first-pitch curveball from Miami closer Robbie Morrison over the right-field wall at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska, for the first CWS-clinching, walk-off home run in history on June 8, 1996. “Coach Skip Bertman used to tell us you can’t be afraid to fail,” Morris said. “All I can do is the best I can do. I’m going to be aggressive. That’s why I hit the first pitch.” Morris was honored with the Ambassador Award, joining national sports broadcaster Tim Brando and legendary Grambling baseball coach Wilbert Ellis in past years as the only winners of that award. “Warren embodies everything you want a citizen to be as far as work ethic, integrity and compassion,” LSU baseball sports information director Bill Franques said. To cap the whirlwind following his home run, Morris – along with LSU coach Skip Bertman – was part of the 1996 U.S. Olympic baseball team, which won a bronze medal in the Atlanta Games. “Just incredible,” Morris said of the Olympic experience. “It doesn’t get talked about enough. I still get goosebumps thinking about it, walking out on the field in Atlanta with 50,000 people chanting, ‘U-S-A.’ I’m as proud of representing my country as anything I ever did in athletics.” Former Louisiana-Lafayette catcher Jonathan Lucroy understood what Morris meant. A Florida native whose No. 21 jersey was retired this past spring at UL Lafayette, Lucroy was part of the gold-medal-winning Team USA squad in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. Last and and most was former Northwestern State men’s basketball coach Mike McConathy, the state’s all-time record holder in college basketball victories. “Mike McConathy stood up at his first press conference and talked about bringing Northwestern State basketball back to where it was when his dad and uncles played here,” longtime NSU sports information director and Hall of Fame chairman Doug Ireland said. “I thought, ‘This guy’s from Mars. You can’t do that here.’” But he did. Two years after arriving in Natchitoches following a 16-year, 352-victory career at Bossier Parish Community College, McConathy’s 2000-01 Demon team was in the NCAA Tournament – a first for the program. Then, never did that light shine as bright on Northwestern as it did on March 17, 2006, when McConathy’s second NCAA Tournament entry stunned third-seeded Iowa on Jermaine Wallace’s last-second corner 3-pointer. That shot that still graces most March Madness intros during NCAA Tournament season. Before McConathy was done, he won 682 career games – the most in Louisiana college basketball history, and the most on Mars. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball, Women's Basketball **Tags:** john brady, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, sylvia fowles --- ### [LSU Football Will Not Make The College Football Playoff, According To 3 Of 5 National Preseason Rankings](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-will-not-make-the-college-football-playoff-according-to-3-of-5-national-preseason-rankings/) **Published:** June 29, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor They are college football preseason polls, and they can be considered to be just that – starting points. But in most cases, voters in preseason polls tend to fill out their ballots by how they feel the season will end. And if that is the case in the 2026 season, three of the five most prestigious preseason college football polls do not have LSU and new coach Lane Kiffin reaching the 12-team College Football Playoff. Of the five polls reviewed by Tiger Rag – ESPN, The Athletic/New York Times, CBS, Sports Illustrated and The Sporting News, LSU made the top 12 in just two – Sports Illustrated at No. 8 and ESPN at No. 10. The Sporting News has the Tigers at No. 14, while The Athletic/New York Times and CBS has them at No. 13. > [Lane Kiffin Predicts, “We’re Going To Win A National Championship,” At LSU, But He Doesn’t Know How Fast](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-predicts-were-going-to-win-a-national-championship-at-lsu-but-he-doesnt-know-how-fast/) The Tigers were a very average 7-6 overall last season and 3-5 in the Southeastern Conference as coach Brian Kelly was fired after a 5-3 and 2-3 start in his fourth season with zero playoffs. > LSU’s Shakespearean, Bloody October dominated La. Sports Writers Association contest winners – [@whalexander\_](https://x.com/whalexander_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) . Other winners – [@ByPiperHutch](https://x.com/ByPiperHutch?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@MattMoscona](https://x.com/MattMoscona?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and [@RPIII\_Sports](https://x.com/RPIII_Sports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 29, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2071682168955289687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) New coach Lane Kiffin was the blockbuster hire of the off-season as he worked wonders at Ole Miss, taking the Rebels to four seasons of 10 wins or more out of six, climaxing with the program’s first College Football Playoff berth last season following an 11-1, 7-1 SEC regular season. It was Ole Miss’ best run since the 1950s and ’60s under coach Johnny Vaught. But Kiffin went 5-5 in his first season in 2020 before the 10-3 breakthrough in 2021. It took time. And the LSU Kiffin took over last December is not much better than the Ole Miss program he inherited. But Kiffin did sign perhaps the best Transfer Portal class in history last January and one of the largest with 41 players – basically two classes. Kiffin signed 11 players ranked in the top 12 at their position, including No. 1 quarterback Sam Leavitt of Arizona State, No. 1 offensive tackle Jordan Seaton of Colorado, No. 1 edge Princewill Umanmielen of Ole Miss, No. 2 safety Ty Benefield of Boise State, No. 3 guard Devin Harper of Ole Miss, No. 6 edge Jordan Ross of Tennessee, No. 8 linebacker TJ Dottery of Ole Miss and No. 10 safety Faheem Delane of Ohio State. > [Lane Kiffin’s 1st LSU Portal Class: From A Whisper To Shouts From Mountain Tops | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-class-from-a-whisper-to-shouts-from-mountain-tops-glenn-guilbeau/) And Kiffin finished off Kelly’s recruiting class of 2025-26 with a No. 13 ranking. Still, Kiffin signed the No. 1 portal class in 2024 with 27, and he stumbled to a 10-3 and 5-3 mark that season and failed to reach the playoffs with ridiculous losses to bad teams Kentucky and Florida. It takes time. Kiffin has said that. Yet so many LSU fans in addition to media covering LSU are assuming the very best – as in LSU’s first College Football Playoff since 2019 and perhaps its first national title since then.” “I think that is what a lot of people assume,” Kiffin said last spring. “But there’s a lot that goes into building a team. A lot goes into making the right team. And once they’re there, there are also breaks, injuries, breaks in games. Within that roster is, how do they play together? How well does the quarterback play, especially? You’ve got to do a lot of work within that – get the right guys and get them to mesh together.” LSU also plays its most SEC road games in history with five in the new nine-game league schedule in 2026, including at Ole Miss (No. 8 by The Sporting News) on Sept. 19 and at Tennessee (No. 17 by CBS) on Nov. 21. Texas, which is No. 4 in The Athletic and TSN, will be at LSU on Nov. 14. The Sporting News appears cautiously optimistic about LSU with its No. 14 ranking: ***“LSU enters Year 1 with Lane Kiffin, and half of the projected starters are from the transfer portal. Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt and Colorado tackle Jordan Seaton are the high-profile newcomers on offense along with Kansas State’s Jayce Brown (712 yards, 5 TDs) and Hawaii’s Jackson Harris (963 yards, 12 TDs) at receiver. Running backs Caden Durham and Harlem Berry return. The defense should be solid with linebacker Whit Weeks and Boise State transfer safety Ty Benefield. It won’t take long to find out how this will work. LSU opens with Clemson (Sept. 5) before Kiffin’s highly anticipated return to Ole Miss (Sept. 19).”*** On the other end of the spectrum is Sports Illustrated’s No. 8 projection: ***“This is largely a bet on Sam Leavitt returning healthy at quarterback, and Lane Kiffin doing Lane Kiffin things as expected. The early returns are that the offensive line looks much better than the porous unit the Tigers had last season, and there are skill guys for days between what was already on the roster and what came in from the portal. Putting up points is key, but don’t sleep on the team having a freaky fast and physical defense to really delight the fan base.”*** **LSU PRESEASON RANKINGS** **SPORTS ILLUSTRATED –** 8. LSU. **ESPN –** 10. LSU **THE ATHLETIC/NEW YORK TIMES –** 13. LSU **ESPN –** 14. LSU **THE SPORTING NEWS –** 14. LSU **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Johnny Vaught, lane kiffin, lsu, ole miss, Tennessee, Texas --- ### [Lane Kiffin's 1st LSU Portal Class: From A Whisper To Shouts From Mountain Tops | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-class-from-a-whisper-to-shouts-from-mountain-tops-glenn-guilbeau/) **Published:** January 26, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor And I thought Ole Miss fans had gone off the deep end. On Monday, Jan. 5, I published a story for Tiger Rag on LSU football coach Lane Kiffin’s first three days of the transfer portal under the headline, “So, What Happened To ‘Portal King’ Lane Kiffin? LSU Opens Transfer Window With A Whimper.” The opening paragraph said, “Kiffin has not exactly opened the NCAA Transfer Portal window with a splash. In fact, the splash of other programs getting major quarterback commitments is dousing Kiffin and his staff. Entering day four of the portal window that lasts through Jan. 16, LSU has all of one commitment. And that is the No. 40 receiver in the country in Jackson Harris of Hawaii.” > Now, this is [\#JustDifferent](https://twitter.com/hashtag/JustDifferent?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), as Lane Kiffin likes to say about LSU: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [January 25, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2015491055613862389?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) And, hey, Harris isn’t even from the mainland. A still-reliable LSU football recruiting source had told me on Jan. 1 that he expected Kiffin to gain five portal commitments on the first day of the window on Jan. 2. So there were expectations going into day one. But key words … “window that lasts through Jan. 16.” I can’t repeat most responses I received because of language. Many said I should wait before writing above. But had Kiffin grabbed five portal players on day one, we would’ve written that! And as Kiffin gradually built the No. 1 portal class in the country, we wrote about that a lot. And here is that All-Star class as part of an overall roster with an estimated cost of approximately $40 million, according to Tiger Rag sources. ![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/TransferPortal_WebGraphic_012626_v3-279x1024.jpg "TransferPortal_WebGraphic_012626_v3 | TigerRag.com")***LSU coach Lane Kiffins 2026 Transfer Portal class with position rankings by 247Sportscom and class designations for the 26 season Tiger Rag graphic by Jake McMains***“Why didn’t you give it time?,” tweeted @tygerfuel, representing what many tweeted. “Piece was only about start of the portal, not whole portal, much like a piece on an opening game – not a whole season,” I responded. “Didn’t think of it this way, to be honest,” tweeted back @tygerfuel. Thank you for some rare understanding by @tygerfuel. > Jordan Seaton is worth it. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [January 23, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2014552016547107045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) But regardless, the bottom line is that Kiffin came through like the Portal King he is, and with loads of lagniappe. In the end, Kiffin signed a whopping 41 players and capped it off with one of the very best portal prospects and one of the most needed positions in No. 1 offensive tackle Jordan Seaton, who was the No. 4 prospect in the portal from Colorado. Seaton could perfectly complement No. 1 overall portal player and No. 1 quarterback signee Sam Leavitt of Arizona State. > Lane Train leaves Tennessee – and Smokey the mascot hound – in his smoke again by inking No. 1 portal QB Sam Leavitt 16 years ago to the day he left Rocky Top for USC after 1 season. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [January 13, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2010893385750757493?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) In all, Kiffin landed nine of the top 10-ranked portal prospects, according to 247Sports.com, and 16 of the top 28 as you can see in the above graphic. And there are eight positions amid those 16 signees. Kiffin operated as an NFL player personnel directdor, which is how former LSU coach Nick Saban once said he saw himself early in his tenure at LSU. That’s how you build a roster. And this class is not just built for the short term. In addition to the star-studded, veteran talent like juniors Seaton and Leavitt, No. 1 senior edge Princewill Umanmielen of Ole Miss, No. 2 senior safety Ty Benefield of Boise State, No. 3 senior guard Devin Harper of Ole Miss, and No. 8 senior linebacker TJ Dottery of Ole Miss, there is a lot of youth in this class. Of the 41 players, 21 will be redshirt sophomores, sophomores and redshirt freshmen as their LSU careers begin in 2026. That’s equivalent to a high school recruiting class right there, but with better experience than high school. LSU’s 2026 high school signing class (which includes junior college transfers), by the way, is ranked No. 11 by 247sports.com with 17 players. National signing day for that class is Wednesday, Feb. 4. So, while Kiffin is looking excellent for 2026, his future talent is also promising for 2027 and beyond at the moment, should he be able to keep players as well as he attracts them. > [Lane “Portal King” Kiffin Strikes Again: LSU Lands Third Transfer QB From Husan Longstreet Of USC](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-portal-king-kiffin-strikes-again-lsu-lands-third-transfer-qb-from-husan-longstreet-of-usc/) For example, should Leavitt leave for the NFL Draft after one season with the Tigers, Kiffin has No. 7 portal quarterback and redshirt freshman Husan Longstreet of USC ready to step in. There are some projects in this portal class for sure with many players not very highly ranked, some not ranked and some from lower level programs But remember what a most reliable source told Tiger Rag about Kiffin shortly before he became LSU’s coach: “Since Nick (Saban) retired, there has been no one who can inventory talent and use it appropriately better than Lane.” > [Lane Kiffin Is The Best LSU Football Coach Hire Ever … At The Time Of The Hire | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-is-the-best-lsu-football-coach-hire-ever-at-the-time-of-the-hire-glenn-guilbeau/) In the end, this may be the best portal class in the history of the portal, which only began in 2021-22. LSU’s class features 41 signees. Only No. 6-ranked Oklahoma State with 54 and No. 23 Colorado with 42 have more. The only other program in the top 10 in the 30s is No. 5 Penn State with 36 signees. More than any other class, Kiffin’s 2026 portal class has strength in quality and numbers. The No. 1 portal classes up to this point have not fared well, however. LSU coach Brian Kelly had the No. 1 class in 2025 with 18 and got fired before the Tigers finished 7-6. Kiffin had the No. 1 class in 2024 at Ole Miss with 26, but the Rebels did not make the College Football Playoff with a 10-3 finish. Colorado had the No. 1 class in 2023 with 52 and only finished 4-8, but that was a remarkable turnaround for first-year coach Deion Sanders from 1-11 the previous season. USC had the No. 1 class in 2022 with 20 and finished 11-3, but did not make the playoffs. So, please remember the following line as much as many of you remembered the “LSU Opens Transfer Window With A Whimper” headline, which was accurate. Lane Kiffin will be the first coach to win a Transfer Portal national championship to make the playoffs the next season. **LSU TRANSFER PORTAL SIGNEES (41)** *– No. 1 By 247Sports.com* *– No. 2 by On3.com\** ***Position Ranking … Name … Previous School … Size … 2026 Class*** No. 1 Quarterback Sam Leavitt of Arizona State, 6-2, 205, Redshirt Junior No. 1 Edge Princewill Umanmielen of Ole Miss, 6-5, 245, Senior No. 1 Offensive Tackle Jordan Seaton of Colorado, 6-5, 330, Junior No. 2 Safety Ty Benefield of Boise State, 6-2, 205, Senior No. 3 Guard/Center Devin Harper of Ole Miss, 6-4, 315, Sophomore No. 6 Edge Jordan Ross of Tennessee, 6-5, 246, Junior No. 7 Quarterback Husan Longstreet of USC, 6-0, 200, Redshirt Freshman No. 8 Linebacker TJ Dottery of Ole Miss, 6-2, 230, Fifth-Year Senior No. 10 Safety Faheem Delane of Ohio State, 6-1, 210, Sophomore No. 12 Defensive Lineman Stephiylan Green of Clemson, 6-4, 290, Redshirt Junior No. 12 Wide Receiver Eugene “Tre” Wilson III of Florida, 5-10, 194, Redshirt Junior No. 18 Defensive Lineman Malik Blocton of Auburn, 6-3, 291, Junior No. 21 Guard/Center William Satterwhite of Tennessee, 6-3, 305, Redshirt Sophomore No. 23 Offensive Tackle Sean Thompkins, Baylor, 6-5, 300, Redshirt Sophomore No. 26 Wide Receiver Jayce Brown of Kansas State, 6-0, 179, Senior No. 28 Wide Receiver Winston Watkins of Ole Miss, 5-11, 185, Sophomore No. 31 Wide Receiver Tre Brown III of Old Dominion, 6-2, 180, Redshirt Junior No. 37 Offensive Tackle Darrin Strey of Kentucky, 6-7, 322, Redshirt Freshman No. 40 Wide Receiver Jackson Harris of Hawaii, 6-3, 205, Redshirt Junior No. 48 Tight End Malachi Thomas of Pittsburgh, 6-4, 240, Junior No. 58 Guard/Center Ja’Quan Sprinkle of North Carolina Central, 6-3, 295, Redshirt Junior No. 61 Quarterback Landen Clark of Elon, 6-0, 186, Redshirt Sophomore No. 72 Guard/Center Aliou Bah of Maryland, 6-6, 327, Fifth-Year Senior No. 73 Running Back Dilin Jones of Wisconsin, 6-0, 208, Redshirt Sophomore No. 89 Edge Jaylen Brown of South Carolina, 6-5, 265, Redshirt Sophomore No. 93 Tight End Zach Grace of Oregon, 6-3, 238, Redshirt Junior No. 95 Running Back Raycine Guillory of Utah, 5-9, 190, Redshirt Freshman No. 114 Running Back Rod Gainey Jr. of Charlotte, 6-0, 175, Redshirt Sophomore No. 121 Running Back Stacy Gage of Central Florida, 5-11, 210, Redshirt Sophomore No. 128 Offensive Tackle Ja’Mard Jones of Nicholls State, 6-4, 295, Sophomore No. 141 Wide Receiver Malik Elzy of Illinois, 6-2, 225, Redshirt Junior No. 156 Safety Mason Dossett of Baylor, 6-1, 194, Redshirt Sophomore No. 158 Defensive Lineman Achilles Woods of South Alabama, 6-3, 289, Redshirt Sophomore No. 174 Wide Receiver Tyree Holloway of West Florida, 6-0, 180, Redshirt Junior No. 187 Safety Treylan James of Southern, 6-3, 190, Redshirt Junior No. 225 Wide Receiver Josh Jackson of McNeese, 6-2, 205, Redshirt Sophomore No. 226 Wide Receiver Roman Mothershed of Troy, 6-4, 208, Redshirt Junior Unranked Linebacker Theo Grace of North Dakota, 6-1, 230, Redshirt Freshman Unranked Punter Hayden Craig of Florida, 6-1, 208, Redshirt Freshman Unranked Long Snapper Mack Mulhern of Florida, 6-0, 225, Redshirt Freshman Unranked Kicker Scott Starzyk of Arkansas, 5-10, 172, Sophomore *\*On3.com’s rankings reflect the complete roster, taking into account the players that a school loses to the portal as well.* **Categories:** LSU Football News **Tags:** Jordan Seaton, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Sam Leavitt --- ### [Tiger Rag Wins Breaking News 1st And 2nd Place In Louisiana Sports Writers Association Contest](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-wins-breaking-news-1st-and-2nd-place-in-louisiana-sports-writers-association-contest/) **Published:** June 29, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU’s Shakespearean shakeup in the athletic department over a bloody final days of October last year dominated the winning entries in the Louisiana Sports Writers Association (LSWA) writing contest results announced Sunday in Natchitoches to conclude [the gala Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame/LSWA convention weekend.](https://www.tigerrag.com/louisiana-sports-hall-of-fame-inductees-built-careers-on-solid-foundations/) Tiger Rag editor Glenn Guilbeau won a first place in the Class I Breaking News division with his account of LSU athletic director Scott Woodward’s firing of LSU football coach Brian Kelly on Sunday, Oct. 26, four days before Woodward himself was fired. The winning entry appears below: > [LSU Fires Brian Kelly! Replaced By Frank Wilson As Interim Coach, $54 Million Buyout Being “Negotiated”](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-fires-brian-kelly-replaced-by-frank-wilson-as-interim-coach-53-million-buyout-being-negotiated/) “While LSU’s decision to fire Brian Kelly was one of the biggest sports stories in Louisiana in 2025, this article takes advantage of deep institutional knowledge and sourcing—anonymous or otherwise—to paint as comprehensive a picture as possible,” LSU senior associate communications director and LSWA officer Kent Lowe said, reading the comments from a panel of out of state judges. “It includes tidbits about what Kelly’s exit will entail, the university’s athletic director’s hiring record and whether he will play a role in finding Kelly’s replacement,” the judge wrote. “This is a very well-reported and well-written piece that takes well-trodden territory to a new place.” Tiger Rag president Jim Engster and executive editor Todd Horne delivered key source information to Guilbeau for the story. The story also identified Lane Kiffin as the lead candidate to replace Kelly, which is what happened. And the story stressed via sources that Kelly was going to get his $54 million buyout, which he eventually did while many other media reports for weeks had Kelly not receiving the buyout. Piper Hutchinson of the Louisiana Illuminator and Tiger Rag finished second in Breaking News with her story on how LSU swimming and diving head coach Rick Bishop and assistant Leah Stancil allegedly bullied athletes and “made life hell,” according to athletes’ exit interviews received by Hutchinson via public record requests. Stancil was later not retained by LSU. Bishop remains. That story appears below: > [LSU Athletics Exit Interviews – Part II](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-athletics-exit-interviews-part-ii/) On3.com writer Wilson Alexander, formerly of the Baton Rouge Advocate, finished third in Breaking News for his story on LSU’s interest in hiring Kiffin that was published on Nov. 17. Kelly’s firing was again the topic for the first place winner in Class I College Features by Alexander, who took a deep dive into what led to Kelly’s ouster in the Baton Rouge Advocate on Nov. 2. > Brian Kelly had never been fired as a head coach. What went wrong for him at LSU? > > Spoke to 15 people involved in the team about what it was like the past four years. > > Inside his LSU tenure: [pic.twitter.com/OOl4Bg8uTs](https://t.co/OOl4Bg8uTs) > > — Wilson Alexander (@whalexander\_) [November 2, 2025](https://x.com/whalexander_/status/1984998963687125368?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “I love the honest, comprehensive breakdown of how it went down and how it all went wrong with this situation, backed by some powerful quotes that say plenty,” the category judge wrote. “The writer did well to put together everything needed to explain and support the disappointment and weird nature of the Kelly tenure at LSU. There is a lot of detailed storytelling that makes the reader be a part of the experience and the eventual outcome. I appreciate the major execution on such a big college story.” Alexander also won Beat Writer of the Year. The Only-In-Louisiana behavior of Governor Jeff Landry around, in and behind the firings of Kelly and Woodward won Shreveport-Bossier Journal columnist and former Tiger Rag editor Ron Higgins a first place in Class I college columns. [Under the headline, “Landry’s Involvement Perpetuates ‘Waterboy’ Perception,”](https://shreveportbossierjournal.com/2025/10/30/landrys-involvement-perpetuates-waterboy-perception-cripples-search-for-new-lsu-coach/) Higgins went after Landry on Oct. 30. “An excellent example of speaking truth to power,” the judge wrote. “Columns like this were an important reminder to audiences during the coach/athletic director drama at LSU that nothing is as inconvenient to politicians and other leaders as facts. Well reported, well written.” Tiger Rag’s Guilbeau finished second for his Halloween column on why LSU Board of Supervisor leaders Scott Ballard and John Carmouche should have worn clown and cheerleader costumes to a press conference announcing new LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry, who seemed understandably uncomfortable between them. > [LSU Fans, Rejoice That Verge Ausberry Is Hiring The Coach, Not The Board Of Stupevisors | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-fans-rejoice-that-verge-ausberry-is-hiring-the-coach-not-the-board-of-stupevisors-glenn-guilbeau/) [And Scooter Hobbs of the Lake Charles American Press took honorable mention in the category](https://americanpress.com/2025/11/05/scooter-hobbs-column-political-football-will-never-replace-the-original/) for a column about how “nobody likes a good political football circus more than LSU” on Nov. 5. In Broadcast Awards, Matt Moscona of 104.5 FM in Baton Rouge took two first places – Best Radio Show Host, along with his producers Matt Musso and Paul O’Neil, and Best Interview. **“**Radio is all about generating urgency with the audience, and this show does that regardless of the topic,” the judge said. Moscona’s winning interview was of the late LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy’s father Kenny and Kyren’s attorney Matthew Ory. “Really well done interview where the host got out of the way and let the guest’s words and emotions tell the story,” the judge said. “Not an easy interview and the host did exactly what was needed.” Harrison Valentine of the LSU Sports Information Department won three first places in the basketball, football and gymnastics release categories. His basketball winner was on the introductory press conference of LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade. “It’s absolute talent when a writer writes a lede that perfectly sets the table for the reader,” the contest judge wrote. “This category winner nailed it. He wrote, ‘An introductory press conference for a guy that needs no introduction.” LSU Sports Information Department veterans Michael Bonnette (football), Kent Lowe (men’s basketball) and Bill Franques (baseball) won first place for Best Podcast. “I chose the winner because the conversations were entertaining and seemed natural,” the judge said. “I thought the conversation with Jacob Hester (former LSU running back and Baton Rouge 104.5 FM radio show host) was extremely entertaining and insightful. I also enjoyed the Christmas discussion, because it did bring back a lot of memories from my own childhood. We also had a fake tree.” Among the other top winners was Columnist of the Year Raymond Partsch of ESPN/Southwest Louisiana and Sports Writer of the year Roy Lang of the Shreveport/Bossier City Advocate. And Louisiana Radio Network news and sports director Jeff Palermo and Wayde Kieser received an Honorable Mention in the Best Live TV Event for their play-by-play coverage of the Shaw-St. Charles football game. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** brian kelly, Glenn Guilbeau, lane kiffin, LSU Tigers, Piper Hutchinson, Scott Woodward, Tiger Rag --- ### [LSU Baseball Commitment Nathaneal Davis To Skip Draft And Become A Tiger](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-commitment-nathaneal-davis-to-skip-draft-and-become-a-tiger/) **Published:** June 29, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Why jump into the NCAA Transfer Portal for a player, when you can tap a pitcher already committed to your team? LSU outfielder commitment Nathaneal Davis, the No. 113 prospect for the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft (July 11-12), has taken his name out of the draft and will play for the Tigers. > Nate Davis has withdrawn from the MLB Draft and will head to Baton Rouge instead. > > Projected by [@OverSlot\_](https://x.com/OverSlot_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) as the No. 133 overall pick (4th round), Davis joins Derek Curiel and Omar Serna as top position player prospects who pulled out of the draft to attend LSU. [pic.twitter.com/RRyFO9qMea](https://t.co/RRyFO9qMea) > > — Inside LSU Baseball (@Insidelsubsbl) [June 29, 2026](https://x.com/Insidelsubsbl/status/2071603019888648496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Davis (6-foot-0, 180) is a left-handed hitter from Bishop Moore High in Orlando, Florida, who was projected as fourth round pick. He is one of 23 high school players committed in LSU coach Jay Johnson’s class of 2027. > [LSU Baseball: Tigers Just Got A Left-Handed Pitcher – Commitment Braxton Beaty, Who Is Skipping 2026 MLB Draft](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-tigers-just-got-a-left-handed-pitcher-signee-braxton-beaty-who-is-skipping-2026-mlb-draft/) He is the second LSU commitment to decide to take his name out of the draft. Left-handed pitcher Braxton Beaty of Angleton High in Angleton, Texas, took his name out earlier this month. Beaty was the No. 222 draft prospect by Perfect Game. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Nathaneal Davis --- ### [LSU Baseball: Tigers Just Got A Left-Handed Pitcher - Commitment Braxton Beaty, Who Is Skipping 2026 MLB Draft](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-tigers-just-got-a-left-handed-pitcher-signee-braxton-beaty-who-is-skipping-2026-mlb-draft/) **Published:** June 19, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** That’s one thing less to worry about for LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson and pitching coach Nate Yeskie. Braxton Beaty, a left-handed pitcher from Angleton High in Angleton, Texas, near Houston who committed to LSU last November, is taking his name out of the Major League Baseball Draft this July and will be on the Tigers’ 2027 roster. > Earlier this afternoon, LHP Braxton Beaty announced that he would be withdrawing his name from the MLB Draft and instead attend [\#LSU](https://x.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). > > “There was no amount of money that could pull me away from that (LSU),” he told [@Geaux247](https://x.com/Geaux247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > More on his decision: (FREE) [pic.twitter.com/HGUJdGkagZ](https://t.co/HGUJdGkagZ) > > — Andre Champagne (@andrechampagnee) [June 18, 2026](https://x.com/andrechampagnee/status/2067758393570234559?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Beaty (6-0, 178 pounds) is the No. 222 MLB Draft prospect by Perfect Game. He committed to LSU last October. He is also listed as a first baseman and an outfielder. “Potential very high draft pick,” Perfect Game’s draft projection said of Beaty. “Compact delivery that he repeats well and has good deception. Not afraid to throw inside and can get in on the hands of hitters of either handedness. Lived in the low-90s with good angle and worked quickly. Filled up the strike zone. Got whiffs on the changeup that he killed spin on as well as a sweeper with good raw spin. Landed the slider and also got whiffs with it. Advanced three-pitch mix with the ability to miss bats with the secondary pitches. Excellent student.” > [LSU Baseball Adds USC Pitcher Diego Velazquez Via Portal – Was 5-1 With 34 Strikeouts in 31 Innings In 2026](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-adds-usc-pitcher-diego-velasquez-via-portal-was-5-1-with-34-strikeouts-in-31-innings-in-2026/) Johnson and Yeskie have two pitchers so far in their Transfer Portal class for 2027. **LSU BASEBALL TRANSFER PORTAL ADDITIONS** ***(with class for next season)*** -Sophomore Landon Hood, right-handed pitcher, Gonzaga -Junior Dawson Park, shortstop, Texas State -Junior Bino Watters, outfielder, Notre Dame -Senior Cade Kurland, second baseman, Florida -Junior Jason Wachs, outfielder, Tulane -Sophomore Diego Velazquez, right-handed pitcher, USC **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Braxton Beaty, jay johnson, lsu baseball, mlb draft, Nate Yeskie --- ### [LSU Fires Brian Kelly! Replaced By Frank Wilson As Interim Coach, $54 Million Buyout Being "Negotiated"](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-fires-brian-kelly-replaced-by-frank-wilson-as-interim-coach-53-million-buyout-being-negotiated/) **Published:** October 26, 2025 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** That was quick. Just like that, Brian Kelly will be taking his money and running. Less than 24 hours after LSU football coach Brian Kelly suffered his lowest moment in four seasons as the Tigers’ coach in[ a 49-25 loss to No. 3 Texas A&M in Tiger Stadium Saturday night](https://www.tigerrag.com/callin-baton-rouge-nobodys-home-lsu-embarrassed-by-texas-am-49-25/), he was fired on Sunday. And contrary to some national and local reports and those by LSU, Kelly’s $54 million buyout with LSU is not up for negotiation from Kelly’s end, according to a highly connected LSU source. “Brian Kelly accepted his fate, but he is insisting on his full buyout,” the source told Tiger Rag Sunday night. Kelly’s contract clearly states he is entitled to a buyout of $54 million if fired without cause in 2025. That buyout will easily be the largest ever to be paid to a coach in LSU history. “I’m curious how LSU could ‘negotiate’ a $54 million buyout they agreed to pay Brian Kelly if they fired him without cause,” said long accomplished collegiate sports advocate attorney Tom Mars on his @TomMarsLaw twitter on Sunday. “That would be like trying to ‘negotiate’ with Chase Bank to let you pay off your car loan for less than what you owed.” > I’m curious how LSU could “negotiate” a $53 million buyout they agreed to pay Brian Kelly if they fired him without cause. That would be like trying to “negotiate” with Chase bank to let you pay off your car loan for less than what you owed. > > — Tom Mars (@TomMarsLaw) [October 27, 2025](https://twitter.com/TomMarsLaw/status/1982604598004367844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Nevertheless, the release Sunday by LSU announcing Kelly’s firing tried to hint that he may not receive the buyout by being fired with cause. “Terms of the separation are still being negotiated,” the LSU release stated. > Should Scott Woodward really be allowed to hire LSU’s next football coach, considering his track record in that sport? Column: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [October 18, 2025](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/1979670605554471059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Of course, LSU has reasons to hope the buyout is “still being negotiated.” About $54 million of them, thanks to athletic director Scott Woodward, who hired Kelly. “When Coach Kelly arrived at LSU four years ago, we had high hopes that he would lead us to multiple SEC and national championships during his time in Baton Rouge,” Woodward said in the release. It was Woodward who hired Kelly away from Notre Dame after the 2021 season for $100 million over 10 years. Kelly made it through three seasons and eight games at 34-14 overall and 19-10 in the Southeastern Conference with one West title in his first season in 2022 and no appearances in the College Football Playoff. When he was Texas A&M’s athletic director, Woodward hired Jimbo Fisher away from Florida State for $75 million over 10 years before the 2018 season. Woodward became LSU’s athletic director in 2019 and left Texas A&M with the Fisher bill, which was increased by A&M after Woodward left by a renegotiation following Fisher’s 9-1 season in 2020. Fisher was fired late in the 2023 season and remains out of coaching, but Texas A&M is still paying him the $75 million buyout – more than half of which is from Woodward’s original contract with him. “Ultimately, the success at the level that LSU demands simply did not materialize, and I made the decision to make a change after last night’s game,” Woodward said. “I am grateful for the ongoing consultations and support of the LSU Board of Supervisors and interim president Matt Lee in this decision.” > LSU picked a fine time to raise season ticket prices – the day before the low ebb of Brian Kelly era. And Governor Jeff Landry wants an audible. Or, maybe, LSU is building a war chest for a new coach? Column: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [October 26, 2025](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/1982461342134006059?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Woodward’s swift move gets LSU into the new coach chase in a timely fashion. Florida has been busy for weeks trying to lure Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin to Gainesville after he has the Rebels (7-1, 4-1 SEC) at No. 7 in the nation and likely bound for the College Football Playoff. Kiffin, 50, is the hottest college coach in the country, or close to it, because of his dramatic turnaround of Ole Miss, which had been only up here and there and mostly average or down for decades before him. “We will immediately begin a national search for a new head football coach,” Woodward said. “And I am confident in our ability to bring to Baton Rouge an outstanding leader, teacher and coach, who fits our culture and community and who embraces the excellence we demand.” Woodward has hired very successful coaches at LSU such as Kim Mulkey in women’s basketball and Jay Johnson in baseball. Mulkey won three national championships at Baylor and one at LSU in the 2022-23 season. Johnson has won two at LSU – in 2023 and in 2025. But Woodward has not hired a coach in football whose “success level materialized” very well under Woodward since he was Washington’s athletic director and hired Chris Petersen before the 2014 season. “As a proud alum (of LSU), and as the current caretaker of our athletics programs, I will not compromise in our pursuit of excellence, and we will not lower our standards,” Woodward said. > “He was trying his hardest to the end, and we were trying.” > -Current LSU football player, who asked not to be identified, on last meeting with fired coach Brian Kelly. [@andrechampagnee](https://twitter.com/andrechampagnee?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [October 27, 2025](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/1982655385510310140?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The new coach will be LSU’s third just since the 2021 season, which was coach Ed Orgeron’s last. Woodward renegotiated Orgeron’s contract after he won the national championship in the 2019 season, and Orgeron’s buyout of payments of $18 million by LSU won’t be completed until December. The new contract significantly overpaid Orgeron as Orgeron was at the place he always wanted to be. “I continue to believe that LSU is the best football program in America, and that our head coach position is among the best considering our investment, our ability to attract and retain talent, our unbelievable fans, and our institutional and statewide commitment to – and love for – LSU Football,” Woodward said. Kelly remains the winningest active coach in college football at 297-109-2 at five schools. “We wish coach Kelly and his family the very best in their future endeavors,” Woodward said, then continued as if Kelly’s buyout was still to be determined. “We will continue to negotiate his separation, and will work toward a path that is better for both parties.” The word early Sunday was that Kelly, who turned 64 on Saturday, would fire embattled offensive coordinator Joe Sloan and perhaps make other moves, and he would survive for the rest of the season and perhaps make it to next season. According to multiple reports, though, a meeting between Kelly, athletic director Scott Woodward and deputy athletic director Verge Ausberry on Sunday did not go well for Kelly. By firing Kelly now, LSU also somewhat skirts any issue the new, incoming, unnamed school president may have with the $54 million Kelly bill. ![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/FrankWilson_LSUAthletics.jpg "FrankWilson_LSUAthletics | TigerRag.com")*LSU associate head coach Frank Wilson has been promoted to interim coach LSU photo*Associate head coach Frank Wilson will replace Kelly on an interim basis. Wilson has had that title and running backs coach since 2022. He was LSU’s running backs coach and recruiting coordinator from 2010-15 previously before becoming head coach at Texas-San Antonio (2016-19) and McNeese State (2020-21). A players’ meeting was called for 8 p.m. Sunday. Kelly spoke briefly to the team and said, “Love you. Finish the season.” LSU (5-3, 2-3 SEC) is open this week before playing at No. 4 Alabama (7-1, 4-0 SEC) on Nov. 8. And just like that, Kelly was out of the parking lot and gone. **Categories:** LSU Football News **Tags:** brian kelly, frank wilson, Joe Sloan, lsu, LSU Tigers, Scott Woodward --- ### [LSU Football: Easton Royal Has NOT Decommitted From Texas, Contrary To Report, And LSU Very Much In Hunt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-easton-royal-has-not-decommitted-from-texas-contrary-to-report-but-lsu-very-much-in-hunt/) **Published:** June 29, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Some say it is inevitable that the No. 1 high school football player in Louisiana – Brother Martin High wide receiver Easton Royal of New Orleans – will decommit from the Texas Longhorns. But it has not happened yet. There was an erroneous report – perhaps wishful “reporting” – on Saturday that Royal (5-foot-11, 214 pounds) had decommitted from Texas, where he has been committed since Nov. 29, 2025. But as of Monday morning, Royal remains committed to the Longhorns, according to 247sports.com and On3.com. He is the No. 6 player in the country, No. 1 wide receiver nationally and No. 1 player in Louisiana by 247sports.com’s composite rankings. On3.com also has Royal as No. 6 overall and No. 1 at his position and in Louisiana. Royal just visited Texas over the weekend of June 19 after visiting LSU on May 28 and Florida on June 11. > [Lane Kiffin Predicts, “We’re Going To Win A National Championship,” At LSU, But He Doesn’t Know How Fast](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-predicts-were-going-to-win-a-national-championship-at-lsu-but-he-doesnt-know-how-fast/) Texas has won two conference championships in the last three seasons under rising coach Steve Sarkisian – the Big 12 in 2023 at 12-2 and 8-1 with a College Football Playoff appearance and the Southeastern Conference in 2024 at 13-3 and 7-1 with a semifinal finish in the CFP. Sarkisian’s class of 2027 is ranked No. 5 by 247sports.com with 20 commitments, including two wide receivers in addition to Royal. Royal’s chances of ending up as a commitment to LSU or Florida are each listed as “warm” by 247sports.com and “cool” for Ohio State and Tennessee. [LSU coach Lane Kiffin’s class of 2027 is ranked 18th nationally](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2027-football/commits/) by 247sports.com with 14 commitments, including No. 46 wide receiver Ah’Mari Stevens (5-11, 160) of Chaminade-Madonna High in Hollywood, Florida, and No. 75 wide receiver Gary Burney Jr. (6-2, 185) of Parkway High in Bossier City. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Easton Royal, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Steve Sarkisian, Texas Longhorns --- ### [It's Warren Morris Day In Natchitoches For The La. Sports Hall Of Fame, And Others Will Step To The Plate, Too](https://www.tigerrag.com/its-warren-morris-day-in-natchitoches-for-the-la-sports-hall-of-fame-and-others-will-step-to-the-plate-too/) **Published:** June 27, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor NATCHITOCHES – A visitor to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame here last week noticed a Pittsburgh Pirates jersey with the number 30. “Hey, they have Paul Skenes’ jersey in here,” Hall of Fame chairman Doug Ireland overheard in reference to the Pirates’ ace and former No. 1 pick of the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft from LSU. He led the Tigers to the ’23 national title and was the National Rookie of the Year in 2024 and the NL Cy Young winner last year. “And then they saw the name on the back – Morris,” Ireland said during the Hall of Fame introductory press conference on Thursday with other members of the 12-person class to be enshrined tonight (7 p.m., LBP) at the Natchitoches Event Center. ![Two men at a ceremony wearing matching team shirts; one helps the other put on a blue plaid jacket, backdrop branded with sports logos.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/MorrisJacket-1024x681.jpg "MorrisJacket | TigerRag.com")***Former LSU second baseman Warren Morris Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame jacket is put on him by Hall president and CEO Ronnie Rantz a former LSU pitcher Thursday during a press conference in Natchitoches La Sports Hall of Fame photo***That would be Warren Morris – a previous No. 30 with the Pirates from 1999-2001 who was a National League Rookie of the Year contender as he hit .288 with 15 home runs and 73 RBIs ’99. Morris also hit the most famous home run in college baseball history for LSU – a two-run shot to right field to give the Tigers a 9-8 win over Miami for the national championship at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska, 30 years ago last June 8. The Skenes story did not surprise Morris, whose last Major League season was in 2003 before retiring in 2006. “I mean, face it, look at me, I’m every guy, you know,” Morris said at the podium. “Skip Bertman (LSU’s baseball coach from 1984-2001) used to say I could be on a subway somewhere in a big city, and if great NFL players were there, you would know it. If an NBA player was there, you’re going to know it. But I could be the guy that you work next to in a cubicle, right?” > [LSU Hero Warren Morris Still Can’t Believe How That 1996 Walk-Off Homer Has Carried … To La. Sports Hall Of Fame](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-hero-warren-morris-still-cant-believe-how-that-1996-walk-off-home-run-keeps-carrying/) Morris, 52, doesn’t work in a cubicle. He has a vice-president office at Red River Bank in Alexandria, his hometown. “It’s neat that God put this story together,” Morris said. “And I got to be able to live through it. And then just to be able to tell this story and to be honored here with the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, it’s just been a dream come true.” Morris will be inducted as a recipient of the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award. And he has often been the center of attention wherever he goes since the home run. “Just blown away is a good word to say,” he said. “Just an honor. Never something that you just think is going to happen. I’ve been through the Hall of Fame several times – just an hour down the road. And it’s cool to see just how many great athletes are from, per capita, a pretty small state. But we produce great athletes, and I think it’s part of that passion of the people here. For someone who did have an opportunity to live in different areas around the country, and those are all great places, but there’s nowhere like home to be recognized as an ambassador for the state. And hopefully for people to remember me as someone who did something well and somebody you could root for.” > [Someone Up There Must Like John Brady, Because He Was La. Sports Hall Of Fame Bound Long Before He Knew It](https://www.tigerrag.com/someone-up-there-must-like-john-brady-because-he-was-la-sports-hall-of-fame-bound-long-before-he-knew-it/) Among the other inductees are former LSU men’s basketball coach John Brady, former LSU and Atlanta Falcons center Todd McClure, former LSU women’s basketball center Sylvia Fowles, former Saints and Falcons wide receiver Joe Horn and former Northwestern State men’s basketball coach Mike McConathy. > [Sylvia Fowles’ Candidacy For Louisiana Sports Hall Of Fame Needs No Deliberation – It’s A SLAM DUNK](https://www.tigerrag.com/sylvia-fowles-candidacy-for-louisiana-sports-hall-of-fame-needs-no-deliberation-itins-a-slam-dunk/) Maybe not everyone remembers Morris’ number with the Pirates (30) or his number at LSU (4), but they remember the home run 30 years ago this summer. “People ask me all the time, like, ‘Man, you’ve seen that video so many times, do you ever get get tired of watching it?’ And my answer is, ‘Heck no, I love it. It ends well,'” Morris said. “Dreams do come true,” Ireland said. “Congratulations on what you’ve done, and who you are, and how you represent our state of Louisiana. Perfect recipient of the Master Award. Congratulations!” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Gil LeBreton, john brady, sylvia fowles, Todd McClure, Warren Morris --- ### [LSU Baseball: Freshman Pitcher Marcos Paz, One Of Coach Jay Johnson's Favorites, Enters Portal](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-freshman-pitcher-marcos-paz-one-of-coach-jay-johnsons-favorites-enters-portal/) **Published:** June 26, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Freshman right-handed pitcher Marcos Paz, whom LSU coach Jay Johnson saw as a possible weekend starter next season, has entered the NCAA Transfer Portal just days before the June 30 deadline. Paz struggled last season to a 1-4 record and 9.20 ERA in 17 appearances and six starts in 29 and a third innings with 40 strikeouts and 27 walks. He also had five wild pitches and four hit batsmen. But Johnson often spoke of his potential for next season late last season and recently on Tiger Rag Radio. “He’s got everything you need to be great,” Johnson said of Paz (6-foot-2, 228 pounds) on April 20. “And, again, like, he hadn’t pitched in 18 months prior to this season starting (after Tommy John elbow surgery). It was very minimal work for him in the fall. I think he’s going to be the best pitcher in the program. I really believe that. And I think he’s moving in that direction.” > PORTAL NEWS: [@LSUBaseball](https://x.com/LSUbaseball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) RHP Marcos Paz has entered the Transfer Portal. Was regarded as one of the premier freshmen entering the fall/spring. Massive arm, but did struggle in 29.1 innings for [\#LSU](https://x.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) in '26. Big upside. > > D1 PROFILE: [pic.twitter.com/uPECTYJKtC](https://t.co/uPECTYJKtC) > > — Kendall Rogers (@KendallRogers) [June 26, 2026](https://x.com/KendallRogers/status/2070645693576806772?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Since the end of the season, Johnson has signed two freshman pitchers out of the portal – right-hander Landon Hood of Gonzaga and right-hander Diego Velazquez of USC. Johnson said on Tiger Rag Radio that Hood could be a weekend starter in the 2027 season. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Marcos Paz --- ### [Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss Disagrees With Vanity Fair Comments By Lane Kiffin About Being Black In Oxford](https://www.tigerrag.com/ole-miss-qb-trinidad-chambliss-disagrees-with-vanity-fair-comments-by-lane-kiffin-about-being-black-in-oxford/) **Published:** June 26, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor When Division II Ferris State quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and his family from Grand Rapids, Michigan, went down south in early 2025 to Ole Miss on a recruiting visit with then-Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, the Oxford they saw did not have the reputation that Kiffin later described second hand in a controversial Vanity Fair feature last spring. “Me, personally, I don’t agree,” Chambliss told reporters Friday at the Manning Passing Academy on the Nicholls State campus in Thibodaux. “I don’t think that what he said was truthful. The Oxford community is nothing but love, and they care about their people no matter what they look like – brown, black, purple, yellow, you know what I mean?” Chambliss comments came at one of the most famous and star-studded youth football camps in the country, which was started in 1996 and still run by Archie Manning, an Ole Miss superstar quarterback from 1968-70 who also played with the New Orleans Saints. [Manning is not a fan of the way Kiffin left Ole Miss for LSU after the 2025 regular season and called him “a narcissistic jerk” ](https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/archie-manning-words-lane-kiffin-003625620.html)at the time last December. Manning also did not appreciate Kiffin’s comments about his former school and Oxford. “I’m very proud of my school,” Manning said after the Vanity Fair article came out. “My school had to make changes years ago and did. I know so many people who send their kids to Ole Miss that have a great experience. It’s my school and always will be.” Ole Miss Rebels fans, many of whom are known for waving Confederate flags (particularly older fans), waved flags of the Caribbean Republic of Trinidad that has a history of African descent last season for Chambliss, who is named after boxer Felix Trinidad of Puerto Rico. > [Lane Kiffin: Vanity Fair Writer Explains What Led To Kiffin Discussing Ole Miss Racial Image Issue](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-vanity-fair-writer-explains-what-led-to-kiffin-discussing-ole-miss-racial-image-issue/) Chambliss signed with Ole Miss and Kiffin last year, and the rest is history. Kiffin and offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. got Chambliss ready to play in their offense, even though Chambliss missed spring practice and did not get to campus until the summer. Chambliss finished No. 3 in the nation in passing yards last season with 3,937 with 22 touchdowns and rushed for 527 yards on 133 carries and eight touchdowns in leading the Rebels to the College Football Playoff semifinals and a 13-2 (7-1 SEC) finish. What Kiffin said in the Vanity Fair article was a recollection of what black players from other states (not necessarily Chambliss) told him in recruiting. “Hey, coach, we really like you. But my grandparents aren’t letting me move to Oxford, Mississippi,” Kiffin said recruits told him. “That doesn’t come up when you say Baton Rouge, Louisiana.” At least, not that Kiffin has heard yet. > [Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss Expects To Hear From NCAA In Time To Transfer, Possibly To LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/ole-miss-qb-trinidad-chambliss-expects-to-hear-from-ncaa-in-time-to-transfer-possibly-to-lsu/) “He said what he said,” Chambliss said. “But the people in Mississippi and Oxford showed me nothing but love. One thing that I took away from my visit and the reason why I did commit to Ole Miss is I asked my family what they genuinely thought about the visit, what they thought about the people, if they trusted what they were actually saying, if they’re gonna be true to their word. They said, ‘I feel like this is the right place.’ And my mom’s super religious, too, and she just had a good feeling. We prayed on it, and that was the main thing.” And Chambliss never entered the transfer portal. Four Ole Miss players from the 2025 team did and joined Kiffin, Weis and several other Ole Miss coaches on the LSU staff. Those were No. 1 edge rusher/No. 6 overall portal player Princewill Umanimielen, No. 6 interior offensive lineman Deven Harper, No 13 linebacker TJ Dottery and No. 39 wide receiver Winston Watkins. “I felt like Oxford is home, and it’s a great place,” Chambliss said. But Chambliss remains on great terms with Kiffin and Weis. > [LSU Offensive Coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. Has Been A Multi-Tasking Mad Man For Ole Miss](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-offensive-coordinator-charlie-weis-jr-has-been-a-multi-tasking-mad-man-for-ole-miss/) “There’s no bad blood between me and Kiff,” Chambliss said. “Super grateful for him giving me the opportunity at Ole Miss to play under his system. Me and Kiff, we’re still cool. Super grateful for coach Weis and for the staff that was at Ole Miss that’s now at LSU. They gave me an opportunity. They gave me a shot. Super excited to go against them.” LSU plays at Ole Miss on Sept. 19. Chambliss completed 23 of 39 passes for 314 yards and a touchdown with an interception and rushed 14 times for 71 yards in a 24-19 win over LSU in Oxford last season. “They obviously will run our offense that we did at Ole Miss, and they got a great defensive coordinator (Blake Baker) there as well,” Chambliss said. “So I’m just super pumped up and excited to play them again. And I’ll give coach Weis a big hug when I see him. On my visit, he was one of the reasons why I committed to Ole Miss. Just have to give him so much thanks and just super grateful for him for sticking with me through the ups and downs this last year.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Charlie Weis Jr., lane kiffin, lsu football, Ole Miss Rebels, Trinidad Chambliss, Vanity Fair --- ### [LSU Sports Had The Year From Hell In 2025-26, But The Plan Was For A Cleansing Burn | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-sports-had-the-year-from-hell-in-2025-26-but-the-plan-was-for-a-cleansing-burn-glenn-guilbeau/) **Published:** June 26, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor When the 2025-26 sports calendar year began last August, there were legitimate hopes of LSU’s first appearance in the College Football Playoff since 2019 and maybe more. Coach Brian Kelly faced a do-or-die year in his fourth season, because he had not scratched the playoffs despite a $100 million, 10-year contract that demanded such. The collective NIL powers that be had spent $20 million for the roster, truly entering the portal game for the first time. And the result was the No. 1 transfer class in the country. Kelly also returned senior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who likely could have been a second or third round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, if not higher. He had finished fifth nationally in passing with 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns for 10th in 2024. And defensive coordinator Blake Baker entered his second season after marked improvement in ’24 with some impressive talent. > Todd McClure, who enters [@LaSportsHall](https://x.com/LaSportsHall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) on Saturday, tells Tiger Rag Radio he can’t wait to watch LSU offense under [@Lane\_Kiffin](https://x.com/Lane_Kiffin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) this season. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 25, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2070179502227911072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) But it was all over before it started, because unknown to most of the public and the media, Nussmeier tore an oblique muscle in his abdomen in August, which rendered him a shell of who he was in ’24 for all of 2025. No, it wasn’t in his head as some at and close to LSU have tried to spin. It was in his back and stomach. It was learned only last April that a cyst developed on Nussmeier’s spine last August that caused the persistent oblique pain in his midsection that damaged his arm strength and accuracy. He changed his mechanics to try to ease the pain and messed his skills up more. And from Nussmeier’s core injury, everything eventually fell apart to the core of the LSU program. Kelly was fired the day after he was eliminated from the playoffs again with his third loss in the previous four SEC games – 49-25 to Texas A&M at home – to fall to 5-3 overall, 2-3 in the SEC. And Hell was only beginning. Athletic director Scott Woodward was fired four days after firing Kelly as LSU went all Shakespearean. Verge Ausberry rightfully was promoted from deputy to replace him. > [Scott Woodward Out As LSU Athletic Director The Same Way He Came In Via A Coup D’e’tat](https://www.tigerrag.com/scott-woodward-out-as-lsu-athletic-director-the-same-way-he-came-in-via-a-coup-detat/) But new President Wade Rousse, formerly of McNeese State who took over just a few days after the football bloodlettings, eventually brought in his deputy. That is former McNeese AD Heath Schroyer, an ex-college basketball coach, who is LSU’s new deputy athletic director, or co-AD, depending on whom you believe, just in case things don’t work out with Ausberry. Ausberry showed his talent by hiring Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin at $90 million in late November over seven seasons before LSU finally quit dreaming and realized it had to pay all of Kelly’s $54 million buyout. That will be minus whatever he gets from his new CBS gig as an analyst for Mountain West Conference games. > Go West and head for the Mountains. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 24, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2069910119274398118?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Meanwhile, Hell continued in the arena and on the field with men’s basketball and baseball. Yes, LSU’s Big 3 – Football, Men’s Basketball and Baseball – proceeded to harken back to the simpler time of 1965-66 when NIL meant nil, as in nothing. And “the portal” was more associated with the NASA space program. Bear Bryant only had two national championships at Alabama by 1965. Nick Saban was only 13 as a freshman at Monongah High in West Virginia. And Skip Bertman, 27, was Miami Beach High School’s baseball coach. But LSU didn’t go Back To The Future. It went Back To The Worst. In the 1965-66 sports year at LSU, the Big 3 went 9-29 in the SEC for a .236 winning percentage – 3-3 in football under coach Charles McClendon, 2-14 in men’s basketball under Frank Truitt and 4-12 in baseball under Jim Smith. The 2025-26 LSU Trilogy was almost as bad as that, but clearly worse than every other year since then. And there were some bad years from 1966-67 through 2024-25, which included six straight losing seasons in football from 1989-94 and six straight in men’s basketball from 1993-94 through 1998-99. But never were all of the Big 3 as bad as they were in 2025-26 since 1965-66. The Tigers went 15-41 combined in football, men’s basketball and baseball in the SEC last season for a .268 winning percentage in 2025-26. -Football went 3-5 in the SEC, and Kelly was fired after the 2-3 league start. -Men’s basketball went 3-15 in the SEC, and Matt McMahon was fired after the season. -And, yes, Hell even found LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson, who somehow fell to 9-21 in the SEC for the fewest LSU wins in the league ever in a season. > [Jay Johnson Goes Through A Senior Day “Like No Other” On Final Day Of Regular Season For LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/jay-johnson-goes-through-a-senior-day-like-no-other-on-final-day-of-regular-season-for-lsu/) More hellish is this, though. LSU’s Big 3 teams were 1-30 against the SEC teams that finished with winning SEC records last year. The football team was 0-5, while baseball was an uncanny 0-15. Only McMahon mustered a win over an SEC winning team in the league – 78-70 at Missouri for a 1-10 finish. As basketball ended, Louisiana governor Jeff Landry, newly appointed Board chairman Lee Mallett and other LSU power brokers quickly did what they wanted to do last year – hire former LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade. After a sleazy exit from North Carolina State after one season, LSU signed Wade for $30 million over seven years and will pay off McMahon’s $8 million buyout. Kiffin and Wade can literally go nowhere but up in between trips to the bank. And considering how Johnson’s new roster is looking for 2027, he will likely make damn sure he never sees how the other half lives again. Thank goodness for coach Kim Mulkey, who is the only one of the Big 4 to have a season not to be ashamed of as her Tigers reached the women’s basketball Sweet 16 and finished 29-6 and 12-4, including 6-6 against ranked teams. LSU’s Big 3? They were 4-25 against ranked teams for 13 percent. The football team was 1-5, the men’s basketball team 0-4 and baseball was a whopping 3-16. But this year from Hell could be a cleansing burn. Costly, yes, but no one cares about that anymore. It wasn’t planned, but what LSU did was a strategic, controlled burn of its football and men’s basketball programs as one sees professionals do in the forest to clear underbrush and improve ecosystem health. Football and men’s basketball each had deep underbrush issues and badly needed rejuvenation of their entire ecosystem. Enter Kiffin, who has systematically instilled life into LSU quicker than any football coach in LSU history via what will likely end up as the greatest portal class ever signed with a whopping 41 players, including five who were in the top three at their position in the portal and 11 in the top 12. He doubled Kelly’s No. 1 class of a year ago as he basically signed two portal classes – one for now and one for later with 21 underclassmen. So this is a short term and a long term fix at the same time. > [Lane Kiffin’s 1st LSU Portal Class: From A Whisper To Shouts From Mountain Tops | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-class-from-a-whisper-to-shouts-from-mountain-tops-glenn-guilbeau/) Even if Kiffin doesn’t make the playoffs this season, he will still be on his way. The team will be significantly improved over last season on several levels. But with that schedule that features five road SEC games, it could be an excellent, improving team and still finish 9-3, which could keep it out of the playoffs. Considering Kiffin has the No. 17 high school recruiting class in the nation now and rising for 2027, and he finished off the No. 13 class last year, this program is all about 2027, ’28 and beyond. Just look at this season as the fun turnaround year, regardless of how it may end. As far as Wade, he just needs to get his new Euro Tigers through customs and eligible. Then he can try to succeed in the international language – by winning – after recruiting more in the future within these borders and via high schools and by attracting higher ranked portal transfers. Johnson’s recent portal adds and his No. 2-ranked high school recruiting class – pre-draft – appear ready to put him back on his alternate years of Omaha trips. And he’ll keep control burning Alex Box down until he cleanses 2026 out of his and everyone else’s system. Onward to 2026-27, the Rebirth and the hopes of avoiding another program mortgage. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** brian kelly, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Matt McMahon, will wade --- ### [LSU Graduate Gil LeBreton Became A Superstar Sports Writer On His Way To La. Sports Hall Of Fame](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-graduate-gil-lebreton-became-a-superstar-sportswriter-on-his-way-to-la-sports-hall-of-fame/) **Published:** June 26, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By JOHN HENRY, Written For the Louisiana Sports Writers Association *(Fifth in a series on inductees into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches on Saturday.)* As a 2026 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism and his induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches, Gil LeBreton takes his place in the state’s sports lore — not as an athlete or coach, and certainly not for a double life led as “the human Ouija board.” **To attend this year’s Hall of Fame weekend in Natchitoches, visit LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238- 4255.** As the fearless forecaster of all things sports each Jan. 1, this “Nostradamus with the nostra-mostest” often made Mario Mendoza look like a contact hitter. But each year, without fail, the polished crystal ball was brought back out and eventually even “retro- fitted for the digital transition.” > [LSU Hero Warren Morris Still Can’t Believe How That 1996 Walk-Off Homer Has Carried … To La. Sports Hall Of Fame](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-hero-warren-morris-still-cant-believe-how-that-1996-walk-off-home-run-keeps-carrying/) Jerry Jones hosting the Mary Kay convention at AT&T Stadium — including offering discounted Party Zone tickets to attendees — was a miss in 2010. Gil did, however, accurately predict the Texas Rangers would win the AL West that season, as well as TCU’s Horned Frogs making a trip to the Granddaddy of Them All — the Rose Bowl — where they would face, ahem, Ohio State. “If you’re scoring along at home, this is the 29th annual edition of the predictions column,” he wrote in 2011, patting himself on the back for a few hits the year before. “Sooner or later, in other words, I was bound to get something right.” No, Gil LeBreton will live in Louisiana sports posterity because of a masterful ability to marry exceptional prose with a deep understanding of sport and the human condition, and a storyteller’s gift for connecting with readers, making them laugh, think, remember and care. As part of a 12-member Class of 2026, the New Orleans native and LSU graduate is going into the state’s sports Hall to conclude three days of festivities on Saturday (7 p.m., LPB). Over the course of a 50-year, award-winning sportswriting career, Gil has borne witness to some of the most significant moments in sports history in arena and stadium press boxes around the world. > [Someone Up There Must Like John Brady, Because He Was La. Sports Hall Of Fame Bound Long Before He Knew It](https://www.tigerrag.com/someone-up-there-must-like-john-brady-because-he-was-la-sports-hall-of-fame-bound-long-before-he-knew-it/) “Gil writes with insight and humor, shoving flowery prose aside for columns that followed a natural rhythm, direct and unpretentious, human and authentic,” says T.R. Sullivan, a former colleague and longtime beat writer of Major League Baseball’s Texas Rangers. “He used his needling wit and superb analytical mind to take on serious subjects in an entertaining and informative style.” Gil was one of the most versatile sportswriters of his era, and, more than all that, he was a respected colleague and remains a steadfast friend and mentor to so many. A New Orleans native, product of Jesuit High School, and LSU Journalism graduate, Gil built one of the most accomplished careers in American sportswriting, covering everything from neighborhood heroes to the biggest stages in the world. LeBreton was perhaps the best of dozens of graduates of the Paul Manasseh School of Sports Writing at LSU. Manasseh was LSU’s legendary sports information director from 1971-83. ![Man in a red checkered shirt in a stadium press box, overlooking a football game on the field outside the foreground.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/GilLeBreton_LWSA.jpg "GilLeBreton_LWSA | TigerRag.com")***Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame inductee Gil LeBreton at one of the many national sports events he covered over the decades LSWA photo***As LeBreton’s career blossomed from his LSU days, he chronicled legends ranging from Muhammad Ali and Tom Landry to Nolan Ryan, Jack Nicklaus, and John Wooden. Gil earned a reputation for marrying elegant prose with sharp reporting, using sports as a lens to explore character, ambition, triumph and disappointment. His work from multiple Olympic Games garnered state and national honors, and he remains the only journalist to be named Sportswriter of the Year in both Louisiana and Texas. A Vietnam veteran, Gil returned home to earn his degree before embarking on a career that took him across the globe and into the press boxes of nearly every major sporting event imaginable. In 2024, he was inducted into the LSU Manship School Hall of Fame, and in 2026 he received the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame’s Distinguished Service Award in Sports Journalism. > [Former LSU Basketball Assistant Coach Ron Abernathy, Under Dale Brown During Glory Years, Dies At Age 75](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-basketball-assistant-coach-ron-abernathy-under-dale-brown-during-glory-years-dies-at-age-75/) One memorable piece by LeBreton for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram detailed a contract dispute between the Cowboys and star running back Tony Dorsett. “All along he said it was no big deal,” Gil wrote. “From curtain up to final bow, Tony Dorsett claimed he couldn’t comprehend the tremors he stirred during his week long drama of dueling agents. It went like this: *Cowboy Bankroll Held Hostage Day Five.* *Legend retires. Star demands money. Star threatens walkout. Star wants trade. Agent No. 1 puts pistol, later found unloaded, to team’s head and demands untold riches, plus a jet out of town.* “And yet the man said it was no big deal,” LeBreton wrote. “This was something that could have been resolved without it being, like I said, ‘a public issue,’” said Dorsett. “Unfortunately, it just happened to turn out that way,” LeBreton wrote. “Perhaps next time he would prefer to negotiate in the confessional, or maybe just a Candygram or two. Whatever, this week’s siege on the Cowboys’ tranquil nerves reeked of bad timing and bad advice, not all of it on Dorsett’s side of the negotiating table. It is becoming more and more difficult to hold even the slightest sympathy with grown men who wail all the way to the bank. How can a man reared on Hamburger Helper and a 12-year-old Zenith even remotely empathize with a guy who has a five-figure house note and wears a full-carat diamond in his left ear? “Yet, there is the feeling that Dorsett is right, that he certainly deserved to be making as much as the Cadillacs of his profession, especially considering his post-Staubach importance to the Cowboys. Renegotiation, after all, is no greater sin than marching into the boss’s office to ask for a raise. If rejected, at least we always have the freedom to tie down the chickens and move the farm to Waco.” ![Banner advertising Induction Celebration in Natchitoches with dates June 25–27 and ticket site LaSportsHall.com; image shows a modern, angular building façade.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/InductionGraphic.jpg "InductionGraphic | TigerRag.com")***The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame inductees for 2026 La Sports Hall of Fame photo***Gil reported from 26 Super Bowls, 13 World Series, 16 NCAA Final Fours, the World Cup, the Masters, the Tour de France, Wimbledon, and countless other major events. He is the only sportswriter who ever left the New Orleans Times-Picayune for the Baton Rouge Morning Advocate. He went on to the Kansas City Star, Baltimore News American and, most notably, the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, where his columns – and, yes, his annual fearless prognosticating — became required reading for generations of sports fans in perhaps the most competive sports page market in the country back in the day. His first Olympics was the 1976 Montreal Games. Gil’s reporting from the Olympic Games won numerous state and national awards. His stories for the Picayune on Louisiana Olympic hopefuls, including the married Armstrongs – the “world’s fastest family” — were honored as the LSWA’s top series. He had a front row seat to the Game’s biggest stories. “Comaneci mania! It reached out and touched this Olympic city during the past week as it has not been moved since Maurice Richard was in training skates,” he wrote. He reported on the U.S. Olympic Basketball team’s redemption and recouping of its rightful place at the top of the mountain of basketball in the world. The Americans dropped Tito’s Yugoslavia under coach Dean Smith for gold. The Olympic experiences proved transformational, igniting a lifelong passion for Olympic storytelling. Gil would go on to cover 15 more Olympic Games, chronicling some of the most memorable moments, athletes, and issues of the modern era. Gil’s column from the opening day of the 1996 Atlanta Olympics was less about the Games themselves than about an unwelcome guest in attendance: former President Jimmy Carter. Writing with bite, Gil argued that Carter had no business basking in the glow of the Centennial Olympics because of his decision to lead the U.S. boycott of the 1980 Moscow Games in response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan. To make his case, Gil focused on Patty Dowdell, captain of the 1980 U.S. women’s Olympic volleyball team, recounting how Dowdell – in 1996 the head coach of Texas Woman’s University’s volleyball team in Denton — and her teammates learned on their way to a match that their Olympic dreams had been erased by a political decision beyond their control. > [LSU Center Great Todd McClure Talks Return Of Run Under Lane Kiffin On Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-center-great-todd-mcclure-talks-return-of-run-under-lane-kiffin-on-tiger-rag-radio/) The boycott accomplished little against the Soviet Union while inflicting enormous damage on American athletes and nearly crippling the Olympic movement itself. He noted that only the commercial success of the 1984 Los Angeles Games rescued the Olympics from the damage caused by the reciprocal boycotts of 1980 and 1984. “How dare you show your face tonight, Jimmy Carter,” LeBreton wrote. “Huey P. would have been proud.” Gil’s reach would touch on just about every topic in his more than 40 years at the Star-Telegram, including Fort Worth’s greatest era of boxing. Likewise, during his four decades in DFW, Gil was also on-site for the most significant pro sports events. LeBreton chronicled the Cowboys’ dynasty years, including victories in Super Bowls XXVII, XXVIII and XXX. He also led readers through championship seasons of the Dallas Stars and Dallas Mavericks. Gil witnessed some of the defining moments in Rangers history, from the franchise’s first World Series berth in 2010 to the devastating Game 6 collapse in St. Louis the following year, one of baseball’s most painful near- misses. His were the words many Cowboys fans needed in February 1989, in the painful days following Tom Landry’s firing and Tex Schramm’s impending departure. To much of North Texas, Landry and Schramm were more than a coach and general manager; they were enduring fixtures in the lives of generations of fans. “The sun did come up at Valley Ranch yesterday. But there was still an ugly stench in the air,” he wrote. “It was the morning after the Cowboys’ rendition of The Saturday Night Massacre. No bullet holes. No body outlines chalked on the carpet. But if you looked hard enough, there in his office was Tom Landry, the fresh knife still stuck in his back. And there down the hallway was Tex Schramm, still trying to mend the pieces of his broken heart.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Dallas Cowboys, Gil LeBreton, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, lsu football, paul manasseh, The Olympics --- ### [Former LSU Basketball Assistant Coach Ron Abernathy, Under Dale Brown During Glory Years, Dies At Age 75](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-basketball-assistant-coach-ron-abernathy-under-dale-brown-during-glory-years-dies-at-age-75/) **Published:** June 24, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Ron Abernathy, the man behind the man of LSU basketball’s storied history of the 1970s and ’80s under coach Dale Brown who signed Shaquille O’Neal and recruited key members of the Tigers’ 1981 Final Four team hailed as greatest in school history, has died. Abernathy died at age 75 on Tuesday in Jackson, Tennessee, of cancer. He is survived by his wife Sharon, son Ron Jr. and daughter Charity. A native of Louisville who was born on Dec. 13, 1950, Abernathy played basketball at and graduated from Morehead State University in Morehead, Kentucky. When Brown hired Abernathy in 1976 from Shawnee High in Louisville, Abernathy became the first African-American assistant coach in LSU athletics history. Brown faced much hatred from racists toward his hiring of Abernathy and because Brown started so many black players. But as time went on, Brown and Abernathy joked about racial stereotypes. Often when LSU star white player Ricky Blanton made a big play, Abernathy would look at Brown, and one or the other would say – “Not bad for a white guy.” [1986 VAULT: “NOT BAD FOR A WHITE GUY,” RON ABERNATHY AFTER RICKY BLANTON PUT LSU IN FINAL FOUR](https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/sports/college/lsu/2016/03/25/lsus-final-four-path-little-bit-everything/82281296/) And they didn’t forget their routine when Blanton hit the winning basket for a 59-57 victory over No. 1 seed Kentucky in the NCAA Regional final at the Omni in Atlanta in 1986 off a pass from fellow white player Don Redden to put LSU in the Final Four after three straight losses to the Wildcats that season. > LSU Basketball mourns the loss of longtime LSU Assistant/Associate coach Ron Abernathy, who passed away earlier this week at the age of 75. > > Abernathy along with Coach Dale Brown, helped LSU to multiple NCAA Tournament berths, including NCAA Final Fours in 1981 and 1986. [pic.twitter.com/3bvxHzjQcN](https://t.co/3bvxHzjQcN) > > — LSU Basketball (@LSUBasketball) [June 25, 2026](https://x.com/LSUBasketball/status/2070151477222326764?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Abernathy was one of Brown’s top assistant coaches from 1976-89 – an era that featured the Tigers’ rise to national prominence after mostly poor seasons from 1954-55 through 1968-69 before Pistol Pete Maravich’s senior season when LSU (22-10, 13-5 SEC runner-up) reached the then-prestigious NIT in Madison Square Garden in 1970. [DALE BROWN ON RON ABERNATHY: “He was a spark of positivity.”](https://lsusports.net/news/2026/06/25/longtime-member-of-dale-browns-lsu-coaching-staff-ron-abernathy-passes-away/) “Ron Abernathy couldn’t have been a nicer guy,” Brown told Tiger Rag from his home in Baton Rouge on Wednesday night. “Just a perpetual smile on his face. He was such a great recruiter for us. He dressed so well. He made me feel like a hobo. The kids loved him and loved playing for him.” With Brown, who turns 91 on Halloween, taking over before the 1972-73 season and later with Abernathy, LSU in 1979 reached its first NCAA Tournament and won its first SEC title since 1954. An Elite Eight followed in 1980 with the Tigers’ last SEC Tournament title before the school’s first Final Four since 1953 in 1981 when LSU finished 31-5 overall and 17-1 for another SEC regular season crown. No season has been better since, and 1980-81 is regarded by many as LSU’s greatest season ever, though the 1952-53 Tigers with All-American center Bob Pettit finished 22-3 after winning the SEC at 13-0. The Tigers won the SEC regular season title again in 1985 with Abernathy and Brown and returned to the Final Four in 1986 and to the Elite Eight in 1987. They went to seven straight NCAA Tournaments with players recruited by Abernathy from 1984-90. Brown went three more times for a school record 10 NCAA Tournaments after Abernathy with players he recruited. > [There Was No Final Four Team Quite Like The 1986 Tigers Of Coach Dale Brown](https://www.tigerrag.com/there-was-no-final-four-team-quite-like-the-1986-tigers-of-coach-dale-brown/) Abernathy coached one of LSU’s greatest players in history in forward Rudy Macklin at Shawnee High in Louisville, where Abernathy was 97-11 from 1972-76. Brown recruited Macklin away from Louisville coach Denny Crum and brought Abernathy with him to LSU. Macklin starred for the Tigers from 1976-81, leading the Tigers to the SEC championships with Brown and Abernathy in 1979 and ’81 and that Final Four. Macklin was a rare three-time first team All-SEC player, the SEC Player of the Year in 1981 and an All-American in 1981. “I’ll never forget, Ron had just started at Shawnee High as a physical science teacher and coach of the freshman basketball team, and I was in 8th grade,” Macklin said Wednesday night. “I said, ‘Oh, you’re new.'” > This is a tremendous loss for the LSU family. Coach Abernathy was LSU basketball’s first Black assistant coach. He and Coach Dale Brown endured KKK death threats while breaking barriers and helping guide the Tigers to the Final Four in 1981 and 1986. GOD BLESS THIS TRAILBLAZER. [pic.twitter.com/erfT4q7hGi](https://t.co/erfT4q7hGi) > > — Fred From Plano (@FredFromPlano) [June 25, 2026](https://x.com/FredFromPlano/status/2070277445458997753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) But Abernathy already knew Macklin. “I’m going to be the freshman basketball coach, and you’re going to be my starting center,” Abernathy told him. Two years later, Abernathy replaced legendary James “Honey Bee” Gordon as head basketball coach. “The first thing out of his mouth was, ‘Nothing’s changed. Go to class. Be at practice on time. And we’re going to run laps,'” Macklin remembers Abernathy saying. “He worked us to death. We ran like crazy.” > [Someone Up There Must Like John Brady, Because He Was La. Sports Hall Of Fame Bound Long Before He Knew It](https://www.tigerrag.com/someone-up-there-must-like-john-brady-because-he-was-la-sports-hall-of-fame-bound-long-before-he-knew-it/) When Brown recruited Macklin away from Louisville, Tennessee, UCLA, Maryland and Marquette, he got the commitment from him before he got Abernathy. “Ron was up for an assistant coaching job at Tennessee-Chattanooga,” Macklin said. “When I decided to go to LSU, I called Ron and said, “What if go to LSU and you come as the GA (graduate assistant)? He said, ‘I like it.'” Abernathy soon got his master’s degree at LSU and became a full-time assistant. “He was a great high school coach,” Brown said. “And I was impressed with him – wanted him to work for me. He was only 25 at the time.” Once at LSU, Abernathy recruited forward DeWayne Scales (1977-80 at LSU) from Dallas, sixth man sensation guard Willie Sims (1977-81) from Long Island, New York, point guard Ethan Martin (1977-81) from McKinley High in Baton Rouge, guard Johnny Jones (1980-84) from DeRidder, and forward Leonard Mitchell (1980-84) from St. Martinville. Abernathy slept in his car outside Mitchell’s home several times, guarding him from other national recruiters. From 1978-79 through 1980-81 with the above players as well as guard Jordy Hultberg (1976-80) from De La Salle in New Orleans, Howard Carter (1979-83) from Redemptorist in Baton Rouge and center Greg Cook (1976-81) from Newark, New Jersey, LSU had its greatest three-year run in history. That was 23-6 and 14-4 (Sweet 16, SEC regular season champions) in 1979, 26-6 and 14-4 (Elite Eight, SEC regular season runner-up, SEC Tournament champions) in 1980 and 31-5, 17-1 (Final Four, SEC regular season champions) in 1981. Abernathy was still coaching just last spring at Humboldt High in Humboldt, Tennessee, near Jackson and reached the Class IA state championship game, finishing 23-7. After the season he retired following 12 seasons at the school, including a state final and 30-4 -0 finish in 2019 when Abernathy was named coach of the year. He returned to Baton Rouge for the 40-year anniversary of the Tigers’ 1986 Final Four team at Drago’s restaurant and reunited with Brown and many of the players from that team there and at an LSU game the next day. “I loved my time at LSU,” Abernathy said at the reunion. “We had it going for a lot of years – a lot of great teams with coach Brown.” > Humboldt city schools mourns the loss of legendary coach Ronald “Ron” Abernathy > > — WBBJ7News (@WBBJ7News) [June 25, 2026](https://x.com/WBBJ7News/status/2070114805831053482?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) After the 1988-89 season, Abernathy left to become head coach at Tennessee State, but not before he helped Brown sign 7-foot-1 center Shaquille O’Neal out of Cole High in San Antonio for the 1989-90 season. O’Neal led LSU to another SEC regular season title in 1991 and three NCAA Tournaments. He dominated the SEC and the nation – Associated Press player of the year in 1991, consensus first team All-American in 1991 and ’92 and two-time SEC player and male athlete of the year in 1991 and ’92. Following two disappointing seasons at Tennessee State in 1989-90 (7-20) and 1990-91 (5-23), Abernathy returned to Baton Rouge and worked for Louisiana governor Edwin Edwards briefly. He bounced around a bit from there, serving as a social worker at Pasco Middle School in Dade City, Florida, and coaching again at River Ridge High in New Port Ritchey, Florida, among other jobs. In 2006, Abernathy became athletic director and basketball coach at Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee. In 2012, he taught kindergarten in Jackson at St. Mary’s Catholic School, where he was also athletic director and coached boys and girls middle school basketball. In 2014, Abernathy landed his last job at Humboldt High. “I just love coaching basketball,” Abernathy said at the reunion. “He did love to coach. He didn’t want to stop coaching,” Macklin said. “But man, we didn’t like it when coach Brown would be off recruiting or speaking, and he left Ron in charge. He worked our butts off. Guys hated it when coach Abernathy would take over practice.” After one particularly exhausting Abernathy practice, Macklin’s teammates flocked to him. “You played for that guy in high school? He’s killing us,” one player said. “They could not believe how tough he was on us,” Macklin said. “He was real particular about details. I can still hear him, ‘Do it again! Run that play again!’ He wouldn’t stop. He made us better players. But I remember one time, coach Brown came back to see us after practice, and we were all just exhausted. And Daddy Dale didn’t leave Ron alone with us again for a long time. He was something else. He just loved coaching.” Abernathy is the sixth assistant coach of Dale Brown at LSU to pass away – Jack Schalow (1972-74 at LSU) in 2006, Rick Huckabay (1980-83 at LSU) in 2006, Art Tolis (1974-80 at LSU) in 2010, Bob Boyd (1996-97 at LSU) in 2015, Tex Winter (1983-84 at LSU) in 2018 and Ron Abernathy (1976-89 at LSU) on June 23, 2026. “I’m just really sad,” Brown said. “I’ve lost so many coaches. It’s just the brevity of life.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** dale brown, Final Four, lsu, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, Ron Abernathy --- ### [LSU Basketball: Point Guard Elliot Cadeau Staying At Michigan](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-basketball-point-guard-elliot-cadeau-staying-at-michigan/) **Published:** June 26, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Well, it was fun while it lasted. Over the last few days, LSU men’s basketball fans fantasized over coach Will Wade signing Final Four MVP point guard Elliot Cadeau of national champion Michigan via the transfer portal as Wolverines coach Dusty May suddenly left the team to coach the NBA Dallas Mavericks on Monday. That coaching change gave an out-of-window portal opportunity for Michigan players since the regular portal window closed in April. News spread of a booster donation dinner at The Supper Club in Baton Rouge this week raising $2.5 million for Wade to complete his undermanned 2026-27 roster. But, alas, Michigan assistant coach Mike Boynton Jr. was quickly promoted to interim head coach on Tuesday, and on Thursday Cadeau said he will be staying at Michigan for his senior season. “I bleed blue,” Cadeau said on social media Thursday night with the hashtag, “HAILTHEVICTORS,” quoting the Michigan fight song. > BREAKING: Michigan’s Elliot Cadeau will RETURN for his junior season per his Instagram > > “I bleed blue. [\#HAILTOTHEVICTORS](https://x.com/hashtag/HAILTOTHEVICTORS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)” [pic.twitter.com/eWnPnOZsJd](https://t.co/eWnPnOZsJd) > > — uofmcoverage (@uofmcoverage) [June 26, 2026](https://x.com/uofmcoverage/status/2070322579487752226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Cadeau (6-foot-1, 180), a native of Brooklyn, New York, who grew up in West Orange, New Jersey, averaged 10.5 points and 5.9 assists for Michigan (37-3, 19-1 Big Ten champions) in the 2025-26 season as a junior last season after transferring from North Carolina following two seasons. (The above tweet incorrectly says Cadeau will be a junior next season.) He averaged 12.3 points, 7.5 assists and 3.6 rebounds in the NCAA Tournament and shot 40 percent from three-point range (10-of-25). He was listed as No. 60 overall portal prospect and No. 14 point guard, but was clearly the best player out there in the special window. > “Guys hated it when coach Abernathy would take over practice.” … former LSU great Rudy Macklin. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 25, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2069975372842582431?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Coming out of Link Academy in Branson, Missouri, in 2023, Cadeau was a five-star prospect ranked as the No. 12 player in the country and No. 2 point guard when he signed with North Carolina. > [High Five! Will Wade Now Officially Has Enough Guys To Play A Game | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/high-five-will-wade-now-officially-has-enough-guys-to-play-a-game-glenn-guilbeau/) LSU has only five signed players at the moment for Wade’s first season in 2026-27 after returning to LSU, where he coached from 2017-22 before being fired for voluminous NCAA violations, then coaching at McNeese State for two seasons and North Carolina State last season. > [Will Wade’s Hand-Picked Assistant AD Downplays Eligibility Issues on Basketball Roster – Imagine That](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wades-hand-picked-assistant-ad-downplays-eligibility-issues-on-basketball-roster-imagine-that/) Wade is expected to bring in several more players from overseas by August. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** Elliot Cadeau, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, NCAA transfer portal, will wade --- ### [LSU Men's Basketball SEC Opponents Named For 2026-27 Season By League Office](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-mens-basketball-sec-opponents-named-for-2026-27-season-by-league-office/) **Published:** June 25, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The LSU men’s basketball team will play Southeastern Conference foes Arkansas, Texas A&M, Auburn, Florida, Ole Miss, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Vanderbilt at home in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in the 2026-27 season, the SEC office announced on Thursday. Will Wade will open his second term as LSU’s coach this season after previously coaching the Tigers from 2017-22. SEC play begins on Jan. 2, 2027, but the dates for the league games will not be announced until a later date. > [Done! Will Wade Exiting NC State To Return To LSU As Basketball Coach, Replacing Matt McMahon](https://www.tigerrag.com/done-will-wade-exiting-nc-state-to-return-to-lsu-as-basketball-coach-replacing-matt-mcmahon/) The conference schedule will feature home-away series for each team with three rotating opponents. For LSU, the three this season will be Arkansas and Texas A&M, which are permanent opponents, and Auburn. LSU’s road games will be at Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Missouri and Oklahoma. The regular season will conclude with the SEC Tournament at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee, March 10-14. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** lsu, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, SEC basketball, will wade --- ### [Former LSU Star Naz Reid Traded From Minnesota To Charlotte](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-star-naz-reid-traded-from-minnesota-to-charlotte/) **Published:** June 25, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The Charlotte Hornets traded star point guard LaMelo Ball and guard Josh Green to the Minnesota Timberwolves for veteran power forward and former LSU Tiger Naz Reid, in additon to a 2033 unprotected first-round draft pick, first-round pick swaps in 2028, ’29 and ’30 and three future second-round picks (2029, ’32 and ’33) on Thursday. Ball was the No. 3 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. The trade cannot be approved by the NBA until July 6. Reid, 26, has spent all seven of his NBA seasons with the Timberwolves after one season with LSU in 2018-19. He averaged 13.6 points and 7.2 rebounds a game in leading the Tigers under coach Will Wade to their first Southeastern Conference regular season title at 16-2 since the 2008-09 season. An undrafted free agent in 2019, the 6-foot-11 Reid has steadily become a top offensive player with a good outside shot while a presence inside at Minnesota. He has also become a fan favorite. Despite a shoulder injury last season, Reid averaged 13.6 points and 6.2 rebounds last season at Minnesota. He has averaged double figure points the last four seasons and 6.0 rebounds or more the last two seasons. A native of Asbury Park, New Jersey, Reid was named the top professional player from a state school last month at the annual Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches (LABC) banquet at the Baton Rouge Marriott. Reid has won that award three times in the last four years. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** Charlotte Hornets, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, Minnesota Timberwolves, naz reid, will wade --- ### [LSU Center Great Todd McClure Talks Return Of Run Under Lane Kiffin On Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-center-great-todd-mcclure-talks-return-of-run-under-lane-kiffin-on-tiger-rag-radio/) **Published:** June 25, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor When Todd McClure played center at LSU from 1995-98, the Tigers were one of the best running teams in the Southeastern Conference with running backs Kevin Faulk, Cecil Collins and Rondell Mealey, particularly in McClure’s first three seasons. McClure, who was an All-American in 1998 and a first team All-SEC player in 1997 and ’98, is hoping the Tigers return to being a better running team under new coach Lane Kiffin, who emphasized the run throughout his six seasons at Ole Miss from 2020-25. Because LSU suffered mightily with the running attack in the last two seasons of LSU coach Brian Kelly in 2024 and ’25. And even before that, most of LSU’s significant rushing came from quarterback Jayden Daniels. “They weren’t great,” McClure said on Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night when asked about the Tigers’ 2025 offensive line, which has been virtually completely rebuilt via the NCAA Transfer Portal by Kiffin. LSU does return senior starting center Braelin Moore and fifth-year senior Bo Bordelon, who has not played a lot but may start at left guard. The new line will feature the No. 1 offensive tackle in the portal in Jordan Seaton of Colorado on the left side. Listen to McClure’s entire segment on Tiger Rag Radio by clicking the red box below: “When you give up that much pressure and you can’t run the ball, something’s off,” said McClure, who played 14 seasons in the NFL as the Atlanta Falcons center. The Baton Rouge native who went to Central High will be inducted into the Lousiana Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday night in Natchitoches (7 p.m., LBP). **To attend, visit LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238-4255.** > [LSU Football Star Todd McClure Got To Louisiana Sports Hall Of Fame With Adaptability](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-star-todd-mcclure-got-to-louisiana-sports-hall-of-fame-with-adaptability/) “It was frustrating to watch,” McClure said of LSU’s running attack. “I think it was a lot of things. I think it was talent, you know, what they had there. Part of it was a system. Everything just seemed awful last year about that LSU team with Nussmeier being hurt, and we just couldn’t get any type of rhythm.” LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier played with an oblique injury in his core all season and as a result did not pass very accurately or with much authority throughout the season. The Tigers finished 7-6 overall and 3-5 in the SEC. Kelly was fired after a 5-3 and 2-3 start. > Ron Abernathy, the man behind the man of LSU Basketball’s glory years of Dale Brown, has died at age 75. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 24, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2069927030611669391?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “That was a a frustrating season, but I’m definitely looking forward to the Tigers taking the field this year,” McClure said. “I went to one practice and was impressed with the speed in which they practice on offense, defense, all around. I know they have three offensive line coaches.” Those are offensive line coach Eric Wolford, who coached at Alabama under Nick Saban, run game specialist James Cregg, who was LSU’s offensive line coach in 2019 when the Tigers won the national title with an excellent run game, and co-offensive coordinator Joe Cox, who works with tight ends and the run game. “When you have three guys that are paid a pretty good salary to coach one position, I think there’s a pretty good emphasis put on the run there,” McClure said. “And you see some of the talent they have, and bringing the center (Braelin Moore) back. I’m looking forward to big things from that program. And Bo Bordelon – he’s a guy that’s put in the work. He’s an old school guy, been around the program. He hasn’t gotten the opportunity, and he stayed around. I think it’ll be a big year for him.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Todd McClure --- ### [LSU Baseball: Left-handed Pitcher Colton Christman Decommits, Reopens Recruitment Amid Crowded Roster](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-left-handed-pitcher-colton-christman-decommits-reopens-recruitment-amid-crowded-roster/) **Published:** June 25, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson had 12 committed incoming pitchers from his, 24-man No. 2-ranked high school signing class going into the 2027 season, though he could lose a few of those to the Major League Baseball Draft on July 11 and 12. And two pitchers coming in from the NCAA Transfer Portal. So, the decommitment of left-hander Colton Christman of Arbor View High in Las Vegas on Wednesday should not be significant. > 5A baseball playoff roundup: Colton Christman throws a no-hitter for Arbor View and Bishop Gorman edged Desert Oasis. > > LSU commit throws no-hitter for Arbor View; Gorman advances in 5A playoffs via [@reviewjournal](https://x.com/reviewjournal?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@nevadapreps](https://x.com/nevadapreps?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#nvpreps](https://x.com/hashtag/nvpreps?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Alex Wright (@AlexWright1028) [May 2, 2026](https://x.com/AlexWright1028/status/2050705149174358144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) So, Johnson is down to 13 possible incoming pitchers with 11 from his signing class and two from the portal. > LSU signee Colton Christman has decommitted from LSU [pic.twitter.com/8BnBNauhX9](https://t.co/8BnBNauhX9) > > — AYS Sports (@AYSSPORTS) [June 24, 2026](https://x.com/AYSSPORTS/status/2069867837267509383?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Of those commitments, five are left-handed pitchers. And one of those, Braxton Beaty of Angleton High in Angleton, Texas, has already taken his name out of the draft. > [LSU Baseball: Tigers Just Got A Left-Handed Pitcher – Signee Braxton Beaty, Who Is Skipping 2026 MLB Draft](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-tigers-just-got-a-left-handed-pitcher-signee-braxton-beaty-who-is-skipping-2026-mlb-draft/) The other four lefties are Logan Schmidt of Ganesha High in Aliso Viego, California, Spencer Evans of TNXL Academy in Ocoee, Florida, Lucas Nawrocki of Aledo High in Aledo, Texas, and Bradyn Cupit of West Monroe High in West Monroe. The committed right-handed pitchers are Coleton Brady of TNXL Academy via North Collins, New York, Kolby Stringer of West Marion High in Foxworth, Mississippi, Jensen Hirschkorn of Kingsburg High in Kingsburg, California, Cooper Sides of Orange Lutheran High in Orange, California, Dylan Blomker of La Cueva High in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and Braydon Wisener of Hargrove High in Huffman, Texas. > Breaking .,, Add USC freshman right-hander Diego Velasquez to LSU portal commitment list. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 17, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2067067613474140622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Johnson’s portal pitchers are right-hander Landon Hood, a freshman from Gonzaga expected to contend for the starting rotation in 2027, and freshman Diego Velazquez of USC. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Colton Christman, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers --- ### [Brian Kelly Lands CBS Announcing Job Doing Mountain West Conference Football Games](https://www.tigerrag.com/brian-kelly-lands-cbs-announcing-job-doing-mountain-west-conference-football-games/) **Published:** June 24, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The Mountain West Conference may be losing Fresno State, Boise State, Colorado State, San Diego State and Utah State to the Pacific-12 Conference this football season. But it is gaining former Southeastern Conference and LSU football coach Brian Kelly. Kelly, who was fired by LSU after falling out of the College Football Playoffs hunt last season for the fourth time in his four seasons as coach, will be a game analyst this season at Mountain West Conference games for CBS. The seven remaining Mountain West teams are Air Force, Hawaii, Nevada, New Mexico, UNLV, Wyoming and San Jose State, and the league has added Northern Illinois, North Dakota State and Texas-El Paso. > Look who won his first big game since beating Nick Saban and Alabama in 2022! Brian Kelly gets last laugh as LSU surrenders and plans to pay him full $54 million buyout: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [November 27, 2025](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/1993861495231533324?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Kelly, 64, did some announcing for CBS during the NFL Draft last spring. He was the winningest active coach in college football last season at 297-109 before LSU fired him after a 5-3 start, 2-3 in the SEC. Former LSU athletic director Scott Woodward hired Kelly from Notre Dame after the 2021 football season at approximately $100 million over 10 years. Four days after firing Kelly, LSU fired Woodward. LSU is paying Kelly a $54 million buyout for its without cause firing of him in monthly installments that will be decreased by what Kelly makes from CBS. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** brian kelly, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Mountain West Conference --- ### [Former LSU, NFL Running Back Richard Murphy Involved In Crash That Killed 2 People In Baton Rouge](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-nfl-running-back-richard-murphy-involved-in-crash-that-killed-2-people-in-baton-rouge/) **Published:** June 24, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** Former LSU and NFL running back Richard Murphy of Rayville in north Louisiana was involved in a two-vehicle crash in downtown Baton Rouge on the afternoon of June 14 that killed two people, according to WAFB-TV Channel 9. Murphy, 39, was driving a Ford F-250 truck in erratic fashion at high speeds and ran a red light before hitting a F-150 truck carrying passengers Robert Tarver, 94, and his daughter-in-law Carla Tarver, 69, who were each pronounced dead at the scene, according to Baton Rouge Police. Carla Tarver’s husband Bobby Tarver was driving the F-150 truck and remains hospitalized. The crash happened on Main Street near the Interstate 110 overpass. Murphy was taken to a hospital with serious injuries, but his condition is not known. He was not charged for the accident, but the authorities are awaiting the resulst of toxicology tests to determine if Murphy was driving while intoxicated. Murphy has been cited and charged for driving offenses, according to Channel 9, but no driving under the influence (DUI) charges. In 2025, Murphy was cited for speeding. In 2021, he was charged with driving with a suspended license. One of the state’s top prospects out of Rayville High in 2006, Murphy played at LSU from 2006-10 as a specialty back and reserve before playing two seasons sparingly for the Jacksonville Jaguars as an undrafted free agent in 2011 and ’12. His best season with the Tigers was in 2007 as a redshirt freshman when he rushed 35 times for 230 yards in 14 games with two touchdowns and caught eight passes for 74 yards as LSU won the national championship under coach Les Miles. Murphy caught 10 passes for 92 yards in 2008 and rushed 44 times for 186 yards in 13 games. Going into his fifth-year senior season year at LSU in 2010 he was awarded the prestigious Tigers’ “No. 18” jersey, an honor given each year to a player who best exemplifies character and leadership. Murphy got the award because of the hard work and perseverance he displayed in coming back from a knee injury suffered in 2009 when he missed all but two games. Murphy started for the first time in his career in 2010 as he played 11 games with two starts, gaining 85 yards on 25 carries with 10 catches for 44 yards. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Richard Murphy --- ### [The Super League Already Exists: Why the SEC Championship Game Is Living on Borrowed Time | TODD HORNE](https://www.tigerrag.com/super-league-sec-championship-game-cfp-expansion-analysis/) **Published:** June 24, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** By TODD HORNE, EXECUTIVE EDITOR ### The Super League Already Exists Everyone keeps asking when the Super League is coming. Wrong question. The Super League is already here. It simply doesn’t have a logo. For years, college athletics has treated the Super League like some future event. People imagine a dramatic breakaway. A commissioner standing behind a podium. New bylaws. New branding. A slick television rollout announcing that college football has finally entered a new era. They’re waiting for a ceremony. They’re missing the economics. The breakaway didn’t happen in one afternoon. It happened over twenty years. Quietly. One television contract at a time. One conference expansion at a time. One playoff negotiation at a time. The Super League isn’t something the SEC and Big Ten are trying to build. It’s something they’ve already become. The only thing left is for the governance structure to catch up. Look at the numbers. The Big Ten generated roughly **$1.47 billion** in conference revenue during its last fiscal year. The SEC distributed more than **$1.03 billion** to its member institutions, with each full-share school averaging **$72.4 million**. Meanwhile, the ACC generated approximately $826 million. The Big 12 produced roughly $611 million. Those aren’t four peer conferences. Those are two conferences operating on one economic level and everyone else trying to survive beneath them. That’s no longer a competitive imbalance. It’s an economic class system. For years, fans measured conferences by championships. Today they’re measured by cash flow. Because championships follow money. Money doesn’t follow championships. That distinction matters. The Big Ten’s television agreement exceeds **$7 billion** over seven years. The College Football Playoff’s new television contract is worth approximately **$1.3 billion every year**. College football has become what every mature entertainment business eventually becomes. A television business. Not an athletic association. Not an educational enterprise. Not even primarily a sports league. It is a premium content business. And premium content follows only one thing. Audience. No conference consistently produces larger audiences than the SEC and Big Ten. That’s why every major conversation in college athletics eventually circles back to them. Playoff expansion? SEC and Big Ten. Revenue sharing? SEC and Big Ten. Scheduling? SEC and Big Ten. Transfer reform? SEC and Big Ten. Congressional hearings? SEC and Big Ten. Even the Protect College Sports Act illustrates the point. Many observers have framed the legislation as an attempt to rescue college athletics from chaos. That’s only partially true. What Congress is really attempting to do is establish rules around an industry whose center of gravity has already shifted. Notice who continues pushing back against portions of the legislation. Not the Mountain West. Not Conference USA. Not the Sun Belt. The loudest resistance comes from the SEC and Big Ten. Why? Because they’re no longer trying to become powerful. They’re protecting leverage they already possess. That is an entirely different negotiation. It reminds me of watching the cable television business evolve during my years in publishing. The biggest companies didn’t ask permission to become dominant. They became dominant. Regulators arrived later. College football is following the same path. The market consolidated first. The rules are trying to catch up second. That’s why I believe the phrase “Super League” has become almost misleading. It implies a future event. The future event already happened. The SEC and Big Ten don’t need to announce a Super League. They simply continue exercising the influence they already own. That’s the real story. And once you accept that reality, something else begins making perfect sense. The SEC Championship Game. For decades it represented the pinnacle of conference football. It transformed Atlanta into the capital of the sport every December. It generated enormous television audiences. It reportedly produces roughly **$80 million** annually. It helped build modern SEC football. Ironically… That success may ultimately be what dooms it. Because businesses don’t evaluate tradition. Businesses evaluate inventory. And inventory is exactly what the SEC Championship Game has become. Not a football game. A television asset. The question isn’t whether the game remains valuable. Of course it does. The question is whether it remains the **highest-value use of that weekend**. That’s a very different conversation. One that my Tiger Rag Radio co-host Jeff Palermo forced me to think through this week. When I suggested the SEC Championship Game could someday disappear, Jeff immediately challenged the idea. Not emotionally. Logically. Jeff has spent decades covering LSU and Louisiana sports as News and Sports Director for the Louisiana Radio Network. His objection wasn’t that fans would revolt. His objection was far more practical. Where does the money go? Television windows aren’t unlimited. The NFL owns Sundays. It increasingly owns Saturdays. Thursday belongs largely to professional football. Friday has value, but only so much. You can’t simply erase Atlanta and expect eighty million dollars to magically reappear somewhere else. Jeff was exactly right. The calendar matters. The economics matter. Which is precisely why the answer isn’t eliminating inventory. It’s exchanging inventory. And once you understand that distinction… The entire future of college football suddenly comes into focus. ## PART II ## Why the SEC Championship Game Is Living on Borrowed Time Jeff Palermo’s objection deserved an answer. Not because he disagreed with me. Because he identified the single biggest obstacle standing between today’s college football and tomorrow’s. Money is never the problem. Logistics are. The SEC Championship Game isn’t simply another football game. It is one of the most valuable annual television properties in college sports. You don’t eliminate an asset like that because someone dreams up a new playoff format. You eliminate it only when something produces an even greater return. That’s how every successful business operates. It doesn’t abandon profitable assets. It reallocates capital into more profitable ones. College football has reached that moment. The SEC Championship Game reportedly generates somewhere around $80 million annually through media rights, sponsorships, ticket sales and related revenue. That’s an extraordinary property. But television executives don’t evaluate properties by what they earned yesterday. They evaluate what they can earn tomorrow. That distinction is where this conversation changes. For decades the SEC Championship Game occupied one of the most valuable weekends on the sports calendar. There was nothing competing with it. It determined the conference champion. It often determined the national championship favorite. It delivered enormous ratings. Atlanta became college football’s capital every December. Everything about the model worked. Then the College Football Playoff arrived. At first, it wasn’t a threat. The playoff was simply another event added to the calendar. Now it has become the calendar. That is an enormous difference. Television executives no longer ask whether conference championship games produce ratings. Of course they do. They ask a different question. Could this same weekend produce even more value? That’s the question businesses ask every day. Every cable network eventually replaced lower-rated programming with higher-rated programming. Every streaming service constantly reallocates money toward content that produces more subscribers. Every professional sports league evaluates inventory based upon future growth rather than historical sentiment. College football is no different. In fact, it has become remarkably sophisticated. The SEC and Big Ten no longer think primarily like athletic conferences. They think like media companies. Their inventory happens to be football. Imagine you’re sitting inside ESPN’s programming offices. You have one December weekend available. Option one: Georgia versus LSU in Atlanta. One outstanding football game. Option two: Georgia hosting Penn State. Texas hosting Clemson. Ohio State hosting Tennessee. LSU hosting Oregon. Four national playoff games. Four campus environments. Four elite television windows. Four opportunities to sell advertising. Four opportunities to increase subscriptions. Four opportunities to dominate an entire weekend of sports conversation. Which inventory produces greater value? The answer isn’t even close. Now expand that thought another step. The atmosphere matters. People underestimate atmosphere. Television doesn’t. A neutral-site conference championship is a wonderful event. An on-campus playoff game is something entirely different. Imagine Death Valley in early December. One hundred thousand people standing before kickoff. Every hotel in Baton Rouge filled. Every restaurant overflowing. Every television camera capturing one of college football’s most iconic environments with a national championship hanging in the balance. Now imagine Athens. Columbus. Austin. Happy Valley. Knoxville. Ann Arbor. Those aren’t simply football games. They’re cinematic events. Television executives crave authenticity. Nothing in sports looks more authentic than a college campus hosting a playoff game. The pageantry belongs to the university. The crowd belongs to the university. The traditions belong to the university. The television pictures belong to everyone. That’s why first-round campus games would almost certainly outperform most neutral-site championship games. The SEC wouldn’t lose inventory. It would multiply it. And that’s before considering the economics behind the playoff itself. Some critics argue the SEC would never surrender a proprietary championship game because playoff revenue belongs to everyone. I don’t believe that’s how the negotiations end. The SEC and Big Ten aren’t negotiating from weakness. They’re negotiating from leverage. Without their brands there is no billion-dollar playoff. Without LSU. Without Texas. Without Alabama. Without Georgia. Without Ohio State. Without Michigan. Without Penn State. Without Oregon. The television value changes dramatically. The conferences supplying the overwhelming majority of the audience will inevitably argue they deserve the overwhelming share of the financial return. That isn’t greed. It’s how every premium-content industry functions. Movie studios negotiate differently than independent filmmakers. The NFL negotiates differently than spring football leagues. The SEC and Big Ten understand exactly where they sit in the marketplace. The playoff revenue model will eventually reflect that reality. Then comes the calendar. Jeff Palermo was exactly right to raise the scheduling issue. You can’t simply add games forever. Eventually something has to move. I believe the solution is surprisingly elegant. Move the season forward one week. Week Zero already exists. Finish the regular season Thanksgiving weekend. Preserve Army-Navy exactly where it belongs. Transform conference championship weekend into opening-round playoff weekend. Friday night. Saturday noon. Saturday afternoon. Saturday night. No Sunday. No unnecessary NFL conflict. Quarterfinals follow one week later. Semifinals occupy Christmas week. The national championship remains in early January. Nothing becomes more crowded. The inventory simply becomes more valuable. Notice what disappears. Not football. Not television. Not revenue. Only redundancy. Conference championship games once determined who advanced toward a national title. A sixteen-team playoff accomplishes that directly. Two postseason systems eventually become one. That isn’t radical. It’s efficient. College football has always evolved toward greater efficiency. The Bowl Alliance became the Bowl Championship Series. The Bowl Championship Series became the College Football Playoff. The playoff expanded. Revenue sharing followed. NIL followed. Federal legislation followed. Every major structural change arrived because the economics demanded it. This one will too. The SEC Championship Game isn’t vulnerable because it failed. It’s vulnerable because it succeeded beyond anyone’s imagination. It proved that premium postseason inventory creates enormous value. Now the playoff can create even more. That’s how disruption usually works. The old system doesn’t disappear because it stopped working. It disappears because it inspired something better. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Big Ten Media Rights, CFP, CFP Expansion, Jeff Palermo, SEC Media Rights, Super League, tiger rag radio --- ### [New, Clear NCAA Eligibility Rules Could "Absolutely Eliminate" Glut Of Lawsuits NCAA Tends To Lose](https://www.tigerrag.com/new-clear-ncaa-eligibility-rules-could-absolutely-eliminate-glut-of-lawsuits-ncaa-tends-to-lose/) **Published:** June 24, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** At last, the NCAA may have a better chance against the glut of lost lawsuits it has suffered regarding athletes’ eligibility in recent years that has crippled the organization. The NCAA approved new 5-in-5 eligibility rules for Division I athletes on Tuesday that will allow five seasons of competition over five years, beginning when athletes enroll full time in college or the first academic year after they turn 19 – whichever happens first. Previously, athletes had five years to compete four and could start their collegiate clock without age rules. The days of getting extra years – called redshirts – for lack of play or for injuries appear to be over with the new rules. Waivers or redshirts will be only for religious missions, maternity leave or active-duty military service. No longer will extensions be considered for athletes who are simply injured. > More information on the NCAA's age-based eligibility rule change and the implementation of it [pic.twitter.com/qICiHEPz0R](https://t.co/qICiHEPz0R) > > — Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) [June 23, 2026](https://x.com/RossDellenger/status/2069540107246309654?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The new rules are expected to become official when the NCAA adjourns its meetings today. And they are expected to take effect this fall in Division I, which includes more than 350 schools and approximately 200,000 athletes, mostly in football and basketball. The new eligibility model will affect all athletes who enroll next year for 2027-28. Currently enrolled athletes with eligibility after the 2025-26 academic year, and those who are incoming freshmen this fall, can apply the age-based model or continue under previous eligibility rules. For schools with current athletes who may be eligible for hardship waivers or extensions of eligibility under current rules, the D-I Cabinet indicated the deadline to submit requests to the NCAA is July 31. After that date, waivers would no longer be available. > [High Five! Will Wade Now Officially Has Enough Guys To Play A Game | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/high-five-will-wade-now-officially-has-enough-guys-to-play-a-game-glenn-guilbeau/) LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade, who has been recruiting overseas predominantly since becoming LSU’s coach for a second time last spring, can still get several of his overseas commitments who are well into their 20s eligible for this season. But the new rules would not allow for much of that after this year. The rash of fashionable lawsuits from athletes with their aggressive lawyers trying to extend their college careers with often questionable arguments via NIL and revenue sharing at schools could also be seriously limited once the rules go in. But anti-NCAA lawyers are expected to keep up their efforts. “While previous NCAA rules have served college sports well for a long time, we heard also loud and clear from NCAA members and student-athletes that eligibility rules should be easier to understand,” NCAA President Charlie Baker said in a statement. The NCAA believes the age-based model will make rules easier to administer and help make roster management more predictable for coaches. **ATTORNEY TOM MARS: “ONE OF THE MOST SENSIBLE THINGS NCAA HAS EVER DONE”** “I think this new rule is one of the most sensible things the NCAA has ever done, and it will absolutely eliminate the type of eligibility litigation that’s predominated lately,” prominent sports attorney Tom Mars told the Associated Press. Mars has frequently represented college football coaches and athletes and has appeared on Tiger Rag Radio. “Let me put it in bottom-line language,” Mars said. “There’s no way somebody could file an eligibility case based on a medical waiver now with the new rule. Can’t be done. You can file it, I guess, but it will be immediately dismissed.” Legal strategists will keep strategizing, though. “I wouldn’t say that the rule change itself will slow lawsuits down,” Sam Ehrlich, a legal professor at Boise State told the A.P. as athletes could still petition courts for extended eligibility via antitrust arguments. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Charlie Baker, LSU Tigers, NCAA, Tom Mars, will wade --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio: CWS wrap-up and Todd McClure heads to the LA Sports HoF](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-cws-wrap-up-and-todd-mcclure-heads-to-the-la-sports-hof/) **Published:** June 23, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** We hear from former LSU star Todd McClure ahead of his induction to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, and Parkway High coach Coy Brotherton gives the inside scoop on LSU commit Gary Burney Jr. D1Baseball’s Mark Ethridge breaks down Oklahoma’s astonishing postseason run. Are the Sooners the gold standard in the SEC? ***Here is the complete transcript of the show from YouTube. Tiger Rag apologizes for any AI generated mistakes:*** 0:00 Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. Tiger Rag Radio is on the air. Let’s crank this thing up. 0:06 6 seconds We’re statewide breaking down the latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is up. Hear from the coaches. Our time is now with LSU basketball. 0:14 14 seconds The players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 0:17 17 seconds One way or another, we’re going to make history. 0:19 19 seconds And those who cover the Fighting Tigers of LSU and the SEC. 0:23 23 seconds LSU is the best job in it’s 2 hours of non-stop LSU talk. 0:28 28 seconds I came here to win. We’re going to win immediately. 0:30 30 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is brought to you by Cumins. Cumins creates power solutions that the world depends on. Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro’s 0:39 39 seconds Electrical Services, Sunshine Quality Solutions, Super Chevy Dealers, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 0:49 49 seconds Get ready to talk Tigers with producer Case Kishnik and our host Todd Horn, Jeff Polalmo, and Glenn Gilbo. players 0:59 59 seconds that are better people than they are players. 1:01 1 minute, 1 second This is Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealers Studio. 1:08 1 minute, 8 seconds Welcome to hour number two here of Tiger Rag Radio. Jeff Palmo along with Todd Horn and Gwen Gilbo, Case Kishnik, our producer. And coming up a little bit 1:17 1 minute, 17 seconds later on, we’ll talk some baseball. I’ve not really gotten into much baseball talk. Oklahoma winning a national championship for the third time in 1:23 1 minute, 23 seconds program history. Mark Ethridge of D1 Baseball was in Omaha. Watched it all. 1:28 1 minute, 28 seconds We’ll get his thoughts and reactions to it. But this Saturday will be a special night for Todd Mccclure and several 1:34 1 minute, 34 seconds other former LSU Tigers. Sylvia Fowls, John Brady, Warren Morris is going in as well into the Louisiana Sports Hall of 1:43 1 minute, 43 seconds Fame. It’s a 12person class. You can catch the ceremony Saturday night at 700 p.m. on Louisiana Public Broadcasting. 1:51 1 minute, 51 seconds And Todd Mccor has been nice enough and gracious enough to uh chat with us a few days before being inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and he 2:00 2 minutes joins us now. Todd, how you doing tonight and congratulations? 2:04 2 minutes, 4 seconds I’m doing well and thank you guys for having me on. 2:08 2 minutes, 8 seconds Well, it’s it’s a pleasure to have you on. Uh just your thoughts. What’s going through your mind a couple days here 2:15 2 minutes, 15 seconds before you head up to Nacadesh and uh begin taking part in all the festivities? 2:21 2 minutes, 21 seconds Yeah, it’s a pretty neat deal all around. You know, you grow up in this state and uh you know, you you want to achieve good things and you see the 2:28 2 minutes, 28 seconds people that have gone into Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame ahead of me and it’s just you know, truly humbled uh you know, appreciate all my coaches and 2:37 2 minutes, 37 seconds everybody that had an impact, family along the way and it’s uh I’m truly honored and looking forward to the festivities this weekend. 2:45 2 minutes, 45 seconds Hey Todd, this is Glenn. Thanks for joining us. Um, take us through how you found out uh that you were in going to 2:52 2 minutes, 52 seconds be inducted. I I think weren’t you on live radio in Baton Rouge when that happened? T take us through that. 2:58 2 minutes, 58 seconds Yeah. Yeah. So, I was uh you know, I’ve done some stuff with Matt Mone over the years and uh he just he called me up 3:06 3 minutes, 6 seconds wanted me to come in studio with Kevin Faulk and talk a little bit about LSU, you know, what was going on. And so, I was up for it. You know, I was there. 3:14 3 minutes, 14 seconds And then when I saw Ronnie Rance walk in with his big green suit on, I knew something was up then, you know. Uh so 3:22 3 minutes, 22 seconds it it was pretty neat. Uh they had my my parents outside and my grandmother, my son, and uh one one of my kids. So it 3:30 3 minutes, 30 seconds was pretty special moment, you know, definitely emotional. when you think about all the things and all the games that we’ve played over the years and uh 3:38 3 minutes, 38 seconds to be able to go back go in you know the Louisiana State Hall of Fame is uh it’s truly an honor. 3:45 3 minutes, 45 seconds Yeah. And I thought it was impactful too that that Kevin Faulk was there too because you two guys both signed in that 3:53 3 minutes, 53 seconds class of 95 and and became starters immediately. Um and and uh LSU was 4:01 4 minutes, 1 second coming off six straight losing seasons when you signed in ’95. Uh what uh how did how you know and you were both local 4:08 4 minutes, 8 seconds kids obviously you and Kevin, but how did you get past that when you were uh being recruited? 4:17 4 minutes, 17 seconds You know, for for me personally, I was a kid that grew up watching LSU, you know, just die hard, love the program, everything about them, you know, no 4:24 4 minutes, 24 seconds matter what sport they were playing. and uh always said if LSU offered you know that’s where I wanted to go didn’t want to go anywhere else and uh I wasn’t very 4:33 4 minutes, 33 seconds highly recruited uh by national programs you know all the instate schools uh had offered scholarships and then LSU 4:42 4 minutes, 42 seconds offered and I think the turning point for that program I tell people all the time is when uh Kevin Faulk you know decided he was coming to LSU because he 4:50 4 minutes, 50 seconds was a national recruit that you know the eyes around the country were watching and and for him to commit to LSU. I think that started turning the page to 4:59 4 minutes, 59 seconds uh this program turning the corner and then, you know, after coach Nardo, coach Sabin came in and kind of took it to new heights. But I I tell people all the 5:07 5 minutes, 7 seconds time, I think Kevin Faulk put the national eye back on LSU football and got it to where it is today. 5:13 5 minutes, 13 seconds Todd, this is Todd. Um, did how, speaking of, you know, bringing back the magic and being there with Kevin Faulk 5:21 5 minutes, 21 seconds when that happened and then Sabin coming in. When you look at the game today, how different of a game is it than when you played? 5:30 5 minutes, 30 seconds Oh, it’s completely different. I tell people all the time, I probably, you look now, I probably wouldn’t get recruited or I know I wouldn’t get recruited or even offered by LSU now. 5:38 5 minutes, 38 seconds Uh, athletes are bigger and stronger, but uh, so much of the game has changed. 5:44 5 minutes, 44 seconds not only at the uh college level, but you look at youth sports and the high school level, it’s you know, things change pro level. Um, but you know, I 5:53 5 minutes, 53 seconds wouldn’t change it. Go back. We we had some long days, two of days, and now they, you know, kind of taken that out of a you know, a lot of levels of of 6:02 6 minutes, 2 seconds program of of football and uh it’s just different. You know, you got to adapt with the times. Um, not a big fan of, 6:09 6 minutes, 9 seconds you know, what’s going on with college college sports right now with the transfer portal and and all that stuff. 6:15 6 minutes, 15 seconds I’m I’m for athletes getting paid, making their money, but not being able to to leave every year. I think that’s busting up uh some camaraderie, some 6:23 6 minutes, 23 seconds development, and uh I think that’s something that’ll show in the long run. 6:28 6 minutes, 28 seconds When you look at a at at a Lane Keifin offense from from your NFL and college 6:35 6 minutes, 35 seconds experience as an offensive lineman, what makes a Lane Keifin offense difficult on a defense? 6:43 6 minutes, 43 seconds I think the biggest thing you watch over the years is the tempo. You know, the speed at which they come after you. And then uh you know, you watch them at Old 6:52 6 minutes, 52 seconds Miss, they’re they’re really good at what they do. you know, his teams at at Old Miss were not necessarily the most 6:59 6 minutes, 59 seconds talented guys. Of course, Chamblas came in and had an unbelievable season. Uh, but I think when you pair coach Keifin’s offense, his approach, you know, the way 7:08 7 minutes, 8 seconds they practice, the way they put their system in with the al the athletes that LSU is going to put on the field next year, u I think it could be exciting and 7:16 7 minutes, 16 seconds I think it’s all going to come back to the the guy under center. you know, how healthy is he and how good of a year he he has, you know, uh is going to 7:24 7 minutes, 24 seconds determine where what we’re doing in December and in January as a program. 7:28 7 minutes, 28 seconds Well, Todd, you you’re going to enjoy this season cuz Lane does run the ball. 7:32 7 minutes, 32 seconds Some people don’t don’t get that. They think he’s just a pass guy, but they they do run the ball extremely well, so that’s going to be fun for you. But I 7:40 7 minutes, 40 seconds wanted to ask you, what was it like being at the same NFL team for your whole whole career in Atlanta? Y’all had some great seasons there. and and what 7:48 7 minutes, 48 seconds was the Saints rivalry like from your perspective and you were from close to New Orleans obviously. 7:56 7 minutes, 56 seconds Yeah. You know, your first question there uh for me being in one city for my entire career, being able to raise my 8:03 8 minutes, 3 seconds family uh there in one city was truly a blessing. You don’t you don’t see that much. You didn’t see it much then uh when I played, but you definitely don’t 8:11 8 minutes, 11 seconds see it now. When you see one guy that’s able to stay in in one city the whole time, you look at a guy like Cam Jordan, you know, uh with the Saints, he’s been 8:20 8 minutes, 20 seconds there. He’s a staple there. And u you know, as much as I hate the Saints, I was happy for him, you know, getting signed back. The 8:27 8 minutes, 27 seconds the team showing some respect to a guy that’s done a lot for for that franchise. And uh but I mean, it’s it’s all in water. It’s, you know, it’s 8:36 8 minutes, 36 seconds Saints and Falcons. It’s it it’s why fans watch the game. you know, it’s a heated rivalry that uh it’ll always be 8:44 8 minutes, 44 seconds that way and you can’t love one team and kind of love the other one. It’s it’s love hate, you know, and uh those games 8:51 8 minutes, 51 seconds over my career and even now, no matter how good either team was in a given season, that game was going to be a you know, a field goal, uh a touchdown, it 9:00 9 minutes was going to come down to the last possession it seemed like every year. 9:05 9 minutes, 5 seconds Todd, what Matt Ryan uh took over the Falcons in the offseason and I understand he brought you in. What What are you going to be doing there or what are you doing there? 9:15 9 minutes, 15 seconds Uh nothing official yet. Um there there’s nothing uh that has been written in stone uh with me going to the 9:22 9 minutes, 22 seconds Falcons. So hopefully it’s something that’ll work out, but uh uh nothing nothing’s permanent right now. And you still hate the Saints, man? 9:32 9 minutes, 32 seconds Oh yeah, absolutely. 9:34 9 minutes, 34 seconds Well, Joe Joe Horn’s going to be a nacodist with you now, so I hope there’s no issue. No. Well, I actually played with Joe. 9:41 9 minutes, 41 seconds Uh, that’s right. Saints that uh I played with Joe. Two guys that that I hated playing against, Martin Anderson 9:48 9 minutes, 48 seconds and and uh Joe Horn were both guys that I I got to be teammates with uh in Atlanta. So, uh me and Joe won’t get in 9:57 9 minutes, 57 seconds a fight. We might have a a pretty good hug up on stage because we played together for a couple years. 10:02 10 minutes, 2 seconds So Todd, I wanna I want to go back to LSU real quick and and ask you a question about this team. Um, when you 10:09 10 minutes, 9 seconds look at last year’s offensive line, I mean, historically that had to be one of the worst offensive lines in LSU history, or at least that was my opinion. Was that your opinion? 10:20 10 minutes, 20 seconds Uh, they weren’t great. You know, when whenever you give up that much pressure and you can’t run the ball, something’s off. And um, you know, it was 10:28 10 minutes, 28 seconds frustrating to watch. I think it was a lot of things. I think it was talent, you know, what they had there. Part of it was a system. Everything just seemed 10:37 10 minutes, 37 seconds awful last year about that LSU team with with with Nusmeire being hurt and we just couldn’t get any type of rhythm and 10:45 10 minutes, 45 seconds uh you know, that was a a frustrating season, but you know, I’m definitely looking forward to the Tigers taking the field versus Clemson this year. Well, 10:53 10 minutes, 53 seconds have you been out to the to the practices at all and seen anything that Kein’s doing differently with the offensive line in particular? 11:01 11 minutes, 1 second Uh, I’ve been out to one practice, been been a little bit busy. You know, I was just impressed with the speed in which they practice, you know, offense, 11:08 11 minutes, 8 seconds defense, all around. Uh, so it was, you know, I hadn’t seen I know they have three offensive line coaches. And when 11:15 11 minutes, 15 seconds you when you got three guys that are paid pretty good salary to to coach one position, I think there’s a pretty good emphasis put on there. And I think, you 11:24 11 minutes, 24 seconds know, you see some of the talent they got being able to bring the starting center back. Uh looking forward to big things from that program, you know, uh 11:33 11 minutes, 33 seconds borderline battling for that spot at guard. You know, he’s a guy that’s put in the work. Uh he’s an old school guy, been around the program, hadn’t gotten 11:41 11 minutes, 41 seconds the opportunity and stayed around. Uh, I think it’ll be a big year for him. Also, Todd, you were part of some some great 11:48 11 minutes, 48 seconds victories uh at LSU. Uh, the the the win over Florida in in 1997, your your junior season, number one. What are what 11:57 11 minutes, 57 seconds are two or three of of your favorite moments as as a player with the Tigers? 12:03 12 minutes, 3 seconds Uh, definitely that Florida 97 win going uh in Tiger Stadium, getting that win, beating them when they were number one. 12:10 12 minutes, 10 seconds Uh, that was one of my top memories. And then of course getting my my first snap uh was an SEC game at Old Miss. 12:18 12 minutes, 18 seconds Oh, Alabama. Alabama, right? Sorry. 12:20 12 minutes, 20 seconds At Alabama. Yeah. No, all good. At Alabama. Uh and you know, those are two things that really stick out in my mind. 12:28 12 minutes, 28 seconds And of course, getting to the Independence Bowl, uh you know, the first time you you go on, like you said, six losing seasons and then to go play in a bowl game, that was pretty big for 12:36 12 minutes, 36 seconds for that program and and for me being a freshman. 12:40 12 minutes, 40 seconds Yeah. I was I did a quick story on you today and I realized something I didn’t know at the time, but your first start against Old Miss the week after that 12:49 12 minutes, 49 seconds Alabama game, y’all rushed for more rushing yards in that game than you had in eight years. 12:57 12 minutes, 57 seconds Just dominated. And Faulk had 153 yards and then you started the next three games. So that that must have been something, too. 13:06 13 minutes, 6 seconds No, it was I mean we had we had so many good backs when I was at LSU. 13:11 13 minutes, 11 seconds Uh yeah, Cleveland and Mey and then Cecil Collins and then you had Herb Tyler who was basically a running back also. We 13:18 13 minutes, 18 seconds ran that option and then uh in the passing game when he didn’t have anything he could tuck it and run it too. So um and we had really good groups 13:26 13 minutes, 26 seconds up front on our offensive line and good fullbacks you know with Tommy Banks and Robert Tyler. Um, you know, of course I played next to Hall of Famer Alan Fan 13:35 13 minutes, 35 seconds and then, uh, you know, really good group. So, you know, I thought we would accomplish more, but we just couldn’t put it all together offensively and 13:43 13 minutes, 43 seconds defensively during that career to or during my four-year span to to make a big push. 13:49 13 minutes, 49 seconds Todd, thanks a lot for spending some time with us tonight. Congratulations. 13:52 13 minutes, 52 seconds Uh, he’s already been inducted into the Atlanta Falcons Ring of Honor. Now he’ll be going into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday night in Nacadesha. 14:01 14 minutes, 1 second Enjoy the weekend, Todd. And thanks a lot for your time. 14:05 14 minutes, 5 seconds Thank you guys for having me. I enjoyed it. 14:07 14 minutes, 7 seconds All right, Todd McCor, LSU. Great. We’ll take a break. More coming up from the Super Chevy dealer studio. Chevy trucks have you covered when the road takes you 14:16 14 minutes, 16 seconds from smooth sailing to Chevy Colorado will eat up some of the toughest terrains with five available drive modes. And Silverado and Silverado HD 14:24 14 minutes, 24 seconds have the muscle to take you out for some serious with multiple engine options and impressive towing. While Silverado EV is the perfect combo of performance and 14:32 14 minutes, 32 seconds capability, making it a snap to hitch up this electric truck and hit the road. 14:37 14 minutes, 37 seconds Wherever the road leads, Chevy trucks are right there with you. See your Super Chevy dealers today. 14:45 14 minutes, 45 seconds Back to Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealers Studio. Back here on Tiger 14:52 14 minutes, 52 seconds Rag Radio, Jeff Polalmo with you. We talked some recruiting earlier in the show with Preston Guy from Tiger Bay. 14:58 14 minutes, 58 seconds Gave us a great update on where things stand between LSU and Eastn Royal, the one of the top wide receivers in the 15:06 15 minutes, 6 seconds country. Currently committed to Texas playing at Brother Martin. The 2027 recruiting class already features four 15:14 15 minutes, 14 seconds wide receivers and the latest one is uh Gary Bernie Jr. from Parkway High School 15:21 15 minutes, 21 seconds up in Bojer City. And we had a chance to speak with Parkway football coach Ky Brotherton. And here’s his thoughts on 15:30 15 minutes, 30 seconds Gary Bernie Jr. who’s really come along and has put up some big numbers already heading into his senior season. Uh Gary Bernie Jr., here’s a kid that was 15:39 15 minutes, 39 seconds committed to Houston, committed to LSU uh over the weekend, and he’s someone his recruiting stock has really risen, right? tell me a little bit about him and and his development. 15:50 15 minutes, 50 seconds Yeah, so Gary uh you know, he’s a kid that he’s been starting for since he was a sophomore. Uh about midway through his sophomore year, he uh kind of took over 15:58 15 minutes, 58 seconds that starting job and uh had a really good um a really good junior year last year, over 1300 yards and, you know, 15 16:05 16 minutes, 5 seconds or 16 touchdowns. But, uh, I guess he picked up his first two offers last summer, uh, that football camps at 16:12 16 minutes, 12 seconds Arkansas State and Gramlin and, uh, just had a good junior year and, uh, just really committed to the weight room this off season and, uh, on the track got a 16:22 16 minutes, 22 seconds lot faster and his stock has just risen all through spring and, uh, through some summer camps and, uh, you know, with his 16:29 16 minutes, 29 seconds size at at 63 and a half, 190 pounds, it’s he he fills out that frame a lot at 16:36 16 minutes, 36 seconds this time. So, uh, kind of a lot of people kind of finding out about him and, uh, you know, like you said, he was, uh, committed to Houston. I think 16:44 16 minutes, 44 seconds he did an official visit there, uh, 1 of June and, uh, finally got to get to LSU’s campus this last weekend. And, uh, 16:52 16 minutes, 52 seconds you know, every every Louisiana kid’s dream, you know, get to play for LSU. 16:56 16 minutes, 56 seconds And, uh, you know, that’s the opportunity that he’s gotten and kind of hard to turn that down. 17:02 17 minutes, 2 seconds That and this is what he was waiting for, right? that uh LSU would show a lot of interest in him. When did they really start uh showing that interest? 17:12 17 minutes, 12 seconds Um you know, Coach Keippy came when he got the job uh he kind of came on campus and in February and and kind of started 17:19 17 minutes, 19 seconds that conversation and talk uh with us, you know, about Gary and who Gary was. 17:24 17 minutes, 24 seconds But uh you know, they probably they probably picked up a lot of interest uh you know, in May. uh coach McDonald came 17:32 17 minutes, 32 seconds on campus and uh got to watch us practice and got to see Gary do a lot of the drills and uh so they’ve kind of been recruiting him and and you know 17:41 17 minutes, 41 seconds they the offer came in early June and uh but even then you know Gary was he was committed to Houston he loved the staff 17:48 17 minutes, 48 seconds there uh liked what Houston is has work you know and coach Fitz is there with you know Louisiana ties at two lane and 17:56 17 minutes, 56 seconds um you know Houston kind of felt like home and and kind of felt like that and you know even standing up to this visit at LSU this weekend. uh you know really 18:05 18 minutes, 5 seconds wasn’t sure what uh what direction he would go uh you know with what LSU was offering and what they would show him 18:12 18 minutes, 12 seconds and uh you know just I think just the facilities and and coach O being there and coach McDonald relationship that 18:19 18 minutes, 19 seconds he’s has with Gary uh you know kind of just kind of won him over and won his mom over and uh you know so I don’t know 18:27 18 minutes, 27 seconds if it’s necessary you know what he was waiting on but um you know the weekend was definitely good for Gary and he got 18:34 18 minutes, 34 seconds to see some things and you know they kind of kind of opened his eyes up some things maybe he hadn’t thought about uh they were able to close the deal and get him. 18:44 18 minutes, 44 seconds He uh really started to come on for you in his sophomore season. Right. 18:48 18 minutes, 48 seconds He did. So, uh, he was he was not a starter until, uh, probably about week four of his sophomore year. And, uh, you 18:55 18 minutes, 55 seconds know, you can just kind of see the potential that he had and, uh, you know, what what he was going to be one day. 19:02 19 minutes, 2 seconds And, um, kind of that sophomore year, it kind of started to click. And, you know, as the year went on that year, he he he got better and better each week. And, 19:11 19 minutes, 11 seconds uh, you know, and those really those those six or seven games he got to start as a sophomore really paid off his junior year. uh you know he was a kind 19:19 19 minutes, 19 seconds of going into his junior year he was a veteran you know he wasn’t a first year starter he had experience he had been in big moments and uh you know that that 19:28 19 minutes, 28 seconds sophomore year was very pivotal um and very very good for him you know to get that playing experience at a young age 19:35 19 minutes, 35 seconds good stuff here coach man just a good kid checks all the boxes height size uh but classroom and all his 19:43 19 minutes, 43 seconds teachers say same thing about him he’s got good grades good ACT score and the teacher love him. So, he’s kind of a high school coach’s dream. 19:52 19 minutes, 52 seconds Good stuff there from Coy Brotherton, who is the head football coach at Parkway, Gary Bernie Jr., the latest LSU commitment. But more are on the way, 20:01 20 minutes, 1 second that’s for sure. Coming up in the next segment, we are going to talk with Mark Ethridge from D1 Baseball. Of course, the uh 2026 college baseball season came 20:10 20 minutes, 10 seconds to a close on Monday night with Oklahoma winning its third national championship in program history as they defeated 20:19 20 minutes, 19 seconds North Carolina. There was a report that LSU and Alabama were tampering with 20:27 20 minutes, 27 seconds North Carolina baseball freshman pitcher Kaden Glober. But, uh, check out tiger.com. Glen Gilbo’s got a story up there right now uh regarding this. 20:39 20 minutes, 39 seconds Apparently, it was a reporter who writes for college baseball central.net. Is that right or no? 20:45 20 minutes, 45 seconds college baseball central.net. Yes, that’s correct. Okay. 20:48 20 minutes, 48 seconds I was able to get him on the phone and he he said that the story is not true. He’s got some inside information there. 20:55 20 minutes, 55 seconds And Jay Johnson also uh confirmed to me that it’s inaccurate. 21:00 21 minutes Yeah. But, uh, he had a sensational season. 12 and0 for the Tar Heels, 2.05 RA, 114 strikeouts, 21:08 21 minutes, 8 seconds 92 innings. Also had five saves. That’s crazy. 21:11 21 minutes, 11 seconds And only three wild pitches. Very important stat for LSU baseball. But yeah, that that would be a guy almost worth tampering with, I would say. Uh, yeah. 21:22 21 minutes, 22 seconds I mean, and but but he’s not even in the portal. Uh, but he does have time to to get in the portal. But but I you know I don’t know what why he would do that. I 21:31 21 minutes, 31 seconds mean he’s he’s going to be a major pitcher for North Carolina next year and I’m sure they can find some money if they really want him. 21:37 21 minutes, 37 seconds He’ll have until July 1st to enter the NCAA transfer portal, but again not anticipating that he will. All right, we’ll talk more college baseball when we come back. 21:46 21 minutes, 46 seconds I’m Richard Fnoo, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. While I’m a fourth generation rice and soybean grower, you don’t have to be a farmer to be a Louisiana Farm Bureau member. 21:55 21 minutes, 55 seconds Membership has its benefits. From discounts on car seats, hotel rooms, and rental cars to access to insurance you can count on to be there when you need, 22:04 22 minutes, 4 seconds plus a whole lot more. We’re 145,000 members strong, and we want you to join the Louisiana Farm Bureau family. 22:10 22 minutes, 10 seconds Visit lafarmbureau.org. The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. 22:18 22 minutes, 18 seconds And we’re back with Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. Hey, we’re back here on Tiger Rag Radio. Jeff 22:27 22 minutes, 27 seconds Polalmo along with Todd Horn and Glenn Gilbo. Case Kishnik, our producer. Let’s get to our next guest, Mark Ethridge 22:34 22 minutes, 34 seconds from D1 Baseball.com. Oklahoma National Champions despite a losing record in SEC play, but 22:43 22 minutes, 43 seconds hey, it’s happened before. Miss did it in 2022. Uh they were 14 and 16 as well in league play and then got hot and then 22:51 22 minutes, 51 seconds ended up winning it all. And same thing happens here for Oklahoma. Mark, thanks a lot for joining us tonight. Uh just 23:01 23 minutes, 1 second your reaction here to the Sooners winning the championships. Something that no one could have predicted. And I 23:08 23 minutes, 8 seconds believe if I if I read this right that even in the preeason, D1 baseball had Oklahoma finishing 14th in the SEC. 23:18 23 minutes, 18 seconds Yeah, we sure did. 23:21 23 minutes, 21 seconds What were you thinking, man? 23:24 23 minutes, 24 seconds I know, right? They they had LSU 11th, so we were we we were 23:31 23 minutes, 31 seconds way off. Um but yeah, that’s true. You were close on that prediction. Yeah. 23:36 23 minutes, 36 seconds Yeah. How about that? I mean, just just being being frank, I mean, heading into 23:43 23 minutes, 43 seconds into regional play, uh, of the 12 SEC teams that made regionals, I would have given them the 23:52 23 minutes, 52 seconds 12th best chance to to win it all. They were just they were showing nothing. They lost four series in a row. It was a really 24:00 24 minutes listless showing in Hoover. Yep. 24:03 24 minutes, 3 seconds And then they and then they drew Georgia Tech, right? who’s one of the best teams in the country certainly were playing out of their mind just stormed through the 24:12 24 minutes, 12 seconds ACC double champions and I mean I gave them no chance in Atlanta I thought they were more likely to go 0 and2 than to 24:21 24 minutes, 21 seconds win the thing. So uh but they shocked they were down 8-2 against in an elimination game against Georgia Tech. 24:28 24 minutes, 28 seconds stormed back and beat them 15 to8 and then walked them off in the finale and they just I mean that galvanized them, 24:35 24 minutes, 35 seconds right? They just believed. They made changes in the rotation, inserting some freshman in there and and and it really 24:42 24 minutes, 42 seconds took off. Moved some some guys around, put them in different roles, and you know, it’s one of those things. It’s not 24:50 24 minutes, 50 seconds not the best team, it’s the team playing the best. And at the end of the year, that was Oklahoma. That’s really amazing 24:57 24 minutes, 57 seconds because they they I mean they did they beat LSU two out of three in Baton Rouge, but they got beat 25:04 25 minutes, 4 seconds seven-2 in the opener and then they won four to three and four-2 and and they just they didn’t look I mean LSU looked 25:13 25 minutes, 13 seconds terrible but but they didn’t look too good either. You know, look even in the SEC tournament as that was a good way to describe it, Mark. It was a listless performance. 25:22 25 minutes, 22 seconds That’s how old Miss was in their SEC tournament in 22. 25:26 25 minutes, 26 seconds Yeah. Yeah. They they went 0 and one as well. And uh you know the other part of this is you know Cameron Johnson, the 25:34 25 minutes, 34 seconds former LSU player was their Friday night starter for much of the year and then really kind of lost it at the at the end. He did not record an out. He he 25:43 25 minutes, 43 seconds started one game and it it it went terrible. 25:46 25 minutes, 46 seconds And and they got nothing out of what had been their certainly their most talented pitcher, not their not their best. And 25:53 25 minutes, 53 seconds that was just part of that change. And that was a gutsy move, right, to just go all in with your freshman right there at the in the postseason. It would have 26:02 26 minutes, 2 seconds been real easy to just continue what you were doing. But, uh, that wasn’t working. And and certainly you got to give Skip Johnson and his coaching staff 26:10 26 minutes, 10 seconds credit for having the having the guts to make that make that move and just hey, we’re going to live or die with freshman on the mound. And that’s what they did. 26:18 26 minutes, 18 seconds And boy, I mean, Cord Ragger, Ra, excuse me, Cord Ragger was incredible down the stretch. I mean, that game he threw 26:26 26 minutes, 26 seconds against Alabama and to open the College World Series, he was dominant. Again, just a freshman. How good is is that cat 26:33 26 minutes, 33 seconds going to be in, you know, by the time he’s a junior. I mean, just a It was It’s one of the most impressive 26:42 26 minutes, 42 seconds uh just turnarounds considering where they were. I mean, every we all remember how Old Miss did it, but that was a team 26:49 26 minutes, 49 seconds that was preseason top 10, you know, some and and they they had a load of big leaguers on that team and got off to a 26:57 26 minutes, 57 seconds terrible start and then kind of figured it out, right? That was not what Oklahoma did. They were up and down and kind of mediocre through much of the 27:05 27 minutes, 5 seconds year and boy, when it clicked, uh, that, you know, it’s it’s just a historic run. 27:10 27 minutes, 10 seconds So Mark, what does it say Oklahoma’s run? Whether it’s Skip Johnson deserves all the credit or the players deserve the credit or it’s a combination. 27:21 27 minutes, 21 seconds What does it say about the game itself right now and how it’s changed? And what does it say about the SEC if anything? 27:28 27 minutes, 28 seconds Well, it’s certainly volatile. I mean, from a roster standpoint, it’s so hard to construct your your your team from year to year because, you know, it’s 27:36 27 minutes, 36 seconds it’s unlimited free agency, right? So, so it’s really hard to establish culture. It’s it’s challenging to to 27:44 27 minutes, 44 seconds invest in young players and develop them because if if you if it doesn’t go well and you have to bench them, they just 27:51 27 minutes, 51 seconds leave, right? And so that’s that’s what was so impressive about this is they leaned into those freshmen and it paid 27:59 27 minutes, 59 seconds off, right? because it could have very easily gone the other way and then you maybe you harmed their their growth and they’re they’re upset and they leave and 28:07 28 minutes, 7 seconds you lost these talented players. So all of that is it’s a roll of the dice at times, but but there’s also some I 28:15 28 minutes, 15 seconds believe a method to the madness from a from a psychological standpoint. I mean, if you guys know know Skip Skip Johnson, 28:23 28 minutes, 23 seconds I mean, he is he is the same every day regardless of situation. Whether he just won the title or whether he was in a 28:31 28 minutes, 31 seconds losing streak, you can’t tell the difference, right? And I believe that calm demeanor really paid off for this 28:38 28 minutes, 38 seconds specific team because, you know, they they were certainly up and down and it gave them more consistency. For the second part, Yeah. 28:45 28 minutes, 45 seconds Go ahead. I’m sorry. Go ahead. Go ahead. 28:47 28 minutes, 47 seconds I was just going to say from the second part of it from an SEC standpoint, I mean, it’s it’s not like football where you got three programs doing all the 28:56 28 minutes, 56 seconds winning. I mean, this is different teams. It’s seven in a row and what, eight out of nine and seven 29:04 29 minutes, 4 seconds different or excuse me, six different teams. LSU is the only one to get two of the College World Series titles. So, it’s is it shows the depth, but I 29:14 29 minutes, 14 seconds believe the the Oklahoma title also shows that you don’t have to have the largest NIL budget. You don’t have to to 29:22 29 minutes, 22 seconds commit to having the Galdi facility because they’re doing it without those things, right? And it goes to show you what one uh catching lightning in a bottle is is is impossible to predict. 29:34 29 minutes, 34 seconds but also, you know, the missurri of the world and and and Alabama made the College World Series and all of these 29:41 29 minutes, 41 seconds teams that that don’t have as much from a uh baseball resources standpoint that that if you get the right coach and and 29:50 29 minutes, 50 seconds the right situation that you can still compete well and K sorry Clint Kentucky was like uh close to making the 29:58 29 minutes, 58 seconds the field and and that was against West Virginia who picked up two wins in it and has has a climbing program. So, 30:05 30 minutes, 5 seconds Kentucky could have done well had they gotten to the to the field. 30:09 30 minutes, 9 seconds And I’m sure Troy doesn’t have Troy probably doesn’t have a huge NIL budget, I would think. 30:16 30 minutes, 16 seconds No, they do not. Um I I was at the Troy Super Regional and let me tell you guys, I’ve been doing this a long time and 30:23 30 minutes, 23 seconds that was pro well that was the most unique environment I’ve ever been I’ve ever seen a game in. It’s a 2,000 seat 30:31 30 minutes, 31 seconds stadium and they had 7,000 in that in that place. Most could not did not have a view of the field. Yeah. 30:39 30 minutes, 39 seconds Uh they were watching, you know, watching on TVs. Uh they had the big screens out there on the lawn where the kids are out running around and jumping 30:47 30 minutes, 47 seconds on, you know, playing all the games. And of course, you had the the beer gardens out there. And they opened up the football stadium that is right next to 30:55 30 minutes, 55 seconds the to to the baseball field and showed the game on the jumbotron. you had people watching it out there and then uh 31:02 31 minutes, 2 seconds there were a couple of areas where in the stadium you could look over the side and see the baseball field, right? And you it was just people everywhere, they 31:10 31 minutes, 10 seconds just wanted to be a part of it because unlike, you know, I was at I was at Mississippi State the week prior, they’re going to host every year or every other year, right? So, while it’s 31:19 31 minutes, 19 seconds special and it’s a tremendous atmosphere, there’s not that one of a kind. I cannot miss this atmosphere. And that’s what that’s what Troy had and that’s what made it so special. 31:29 31 minutes, 29 seconds And Troy won a bunch of division two national championships back in the back in the 80s. Chase Riddle. Yeah, I 31:36 31 minutes, 36 seconds covered a couple of those in in Montgomery. But um I wanted to ask you, what did you think of the North Carolina reliever there, Kaden Glowbar, and is he going to enter the uh transfer portal? 31:48 31 minutes, 48 seconds Somebody wants to know here. Just Just kidding. 31:50 31 minutes, 50 seconds Yeah. Yeah, he could name his price right now. I mean that that kid is is incredible. And what was it 29 games 31:58 31 minutes, 58 seconds he’d appeared in in North Carolina, won them all. Yeah. Wow. 32:02 32 minutes, 2 seconds Until the final, right? Until 30. He was 29 and0. 32:07 32 minutes, 7 seconds Yeah. Just incredible. And and ju and you know, he’s a guy who skipped his senior year of high school. I mean, just how are you that good at that age? And 32:16 32 minutes, 16 seconds and it’s not overwhelming stuff. It’s good stuff. Don’t don’t get me wrong. 32:20 32 minutes, 20 seconds But it’s not one of these guys that’s that’s pumping 98 with with a nasty slider. It’s it’s good stuff, but it it 32:27 32 minutes, 27 seconds he’s just he’s got impeccable command and he really understands how to pitch. 32:32 32 minutes, 32 seconds And to be that age and to be able to produce like that, it’s amazing. And he he’ll move into the Friday night starter 32:39 32 minutes, 39 seconds role for North Carolina next year. Uh and and win a whole lot of games for them. 32:44 32 minutes, 44 seconds So, real quick, he’s probably not going to enter the portal. They’re going to be able to pay him, aren’t they? Yeah. North Carolina’s got money, right? 32:51 32 minutes, 51 seconds They they’ll be able to pay. Um and and and I do think that it’s all part of this uh now with revshare. It’s the the 33:01 33 minutes, 1 second balance has changed a little bit where it’s you can’t just go out and poach people the way you could three or four years ago. Everybody’s got retention 33:08 33 minutes, 8 seconds money. You might not have, you know, the the top end guys to to get the high school players out of the draft. Hey Mark, real quick, what when you look at 33:17 33 minutes, 17 seconds what LSU, what Jay Johnson has done so far in this portal, do you think he’s done the right stuff to correct the deficiencies that were built into the 2026 team? 33:27 33 minutes, 27 seconds Well, I I think his his best uh move is is getting another year with Monster, right? I mean, get getting him to 33:35 33 minutes, 35 seconds solidify things and kind of continue his culture. A guy who’s who’s won plenty of games there. Yeah, I I like the Gonzaga 33:43 33 minutes, 43 seconds uh Landon Hood. Uh I think he’s got a chance to be the Friday guy. I mean, he’s he’s that kind of arm. Uh Velasquez 33:51 33 minutes, 51 seconds from USC is another one who’s going to have some role. Uh you know, it’s a a talented kid. Pitched a lot as a 33:58 33 minutes, 58 seconds freshman. And Bino Waters is obviously the the highlight for me anyway. Um, yeah, he’s one of the most highly sought-after outfielders in the in the 34:07 34 minutes, 7 seconds portal, Notre Dame guy, and he’ll come in and hit in the middle of that lineup. 34:11 34 minutes, 11 seconds And I did think it’s interesting getting Kade Curlin, who’s really a four-year starter with, you know, with injuries, uh, coming over from from from the Gator 34:20 34 minutes, 20 seconds into LSU. And to be in the middle of that infield, guys, seen a lot of pitching and been on a lot of winning teams and certainly understands and and can help with the winning culture. 34:30 34 minutes, 30 seconds Mark, thanks a lot for your time, man. and I really appreciate it. You got it. Take care. Mark Ethridge from d1 baseball.com. 34:37 34 minutes, 37 seconds We’ll take a break. More of Tiger Radio when we come back. 34:40 34 minutes, 40 seconds The East Bat Rouge Parish Libraryies dedicated millillage continuation is on the June 27th ballot. This is not a new tax. It’s a continuation of the 34:48 34 minutes, 48 seconds library’s existing dedicated funding source at a lower rate, 9.5 mills, which is 14.4% less than the rate approved by voters in 34:57 34 minutes, 57 seconds 1995, 2005, and 2015. Without it, future library services could be reduced, including hours, collections, and programs. Early voting begins June 12th. 35:07 35 minutes, 7 seconds Learn more at ebrpl.com/millage. 35:12 35 minutes, 12 seconds We now return to Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealers Studio. 35:19 35 minutes, 19 seconds Back here on Tiger Rag Radio, Jeff War along with the executive editor of Tiger Rag magazine, Todd Horn, Gwen Gilbo, and Case Kishnik. So, the uh 2025 35:28 35 minutes, 28 seconds 26 athletic season is done now that Oklahoma’s won a national championship. 35:34 35 minutes, 34 seconds And for this year anyways, I think you could say that Oklahoma had the best athletic season than any other team in the SEC. 35:43 35 minutes, 43 seconds They had Okay, here we go. All right. 35:46 35 minutes, 46 seconds Football College football playoff appearance. 35:49 35 minutes, 49 seconds If if you make the CFP in college football, that’s a great season. I don’t care how you slice it, dice it, it’s great season. 35:57 35 minutes, 57 seconds Okay, women’s basketball sweet 16. 36:00 36 minutes Okay, men’s basketball and a they were in the top 20 all season long. They’re right there with LSU women’s basketball. Um men’s basketball 7 and 11. 36:10 36 minutes, 10 seconds They weren’t right there with women’s basketball. 36:12 36 minutes, 12 seconds Yeah, they were. They were right They were right there. 36:16 36 minutes, 16 seconds And they’re also not a big How far did the women’s basketball team go? 36:20 36 minutes, 20 seconds 16\. They’re right there with one LSU women’s basketball the ranking all year. They weren’t near. 36:25 36 minutes, 25 seconds Were they top 10? That’s what Todd’s saying. LSU is like number seven most of the year. 36:30 36 minutes, 30 seconds But but it doesn’t matter if you finish in the sweet 16. 36:33 36 minutes, 33 seconds Yeah. LSU men’s basketball seven and 11 in conference play. Not horrendous. Not Matt Matt McMahon era ter territory and one of the lower NIL teams. 36:43 36 minutes, 43 seconds Yep. Uh Oklahoma gymnastics national championship softball. Ah tough break there. They lost in the super regionals 36:51 36 minutes, 51 seconds to Mississippi State, but let’s let’s face it, they’re a perennial powerhouse. How was their bowling team? 36:55 36 minutes, 55 seconds I don’t know. I’m talking about the big I’m talking about the big six, Kent Low. 37:00 37 minutes Um, the big six, Oklahoma, that is awesome. 37:06 37 minutes, 6 seconds Had the best athletic season than any other school in the SEC. 37:09 37 minutes, 9 seconds And they’re not really seen as like a a power in the in the league, you know? 37:14 37 minutes, 14 seconds They’re not seen as one of the sexy NIL spending teams. So that that’s that’s quite a year for the Sooners. 37:21 37 minutes, 21 seconds It’s what LSU aspires to be, Todd. It is what they did this year. I think Georgia is better than Oklahoma. 37:28 37 minutes, 28 seconds Men’s basketball is horrendous. Yeah. Well, that’s the only one. 37:31 37 minutes, 31 seconds If you talk about bang for your buck, women’s basketball is horrendous. Men’s basketball is okay. Let me change that a little bit. Softball, h okay, gymnastics is right there with them. 37:42 37 minutes, 42 seconds Uh it’s gotten better. They had some really down years. They’re they’re finally on their way back up. National Championship, but they’re right there. They’re right. They’re getting there. 37:50 37 minutes, 50 seconds They’re getting They’re getting back to where they were. Baseball’s better. 37:53 37 minutes, 53 seconds Yeah, baseball’s better. 37:55 37 minutes, 55 seconds Um, I set you up for that one. Go ahead. What? Baseball’s baseball’s bet. 37:59 37 minutes, 59 seconds Oklahoma. Well, Georgia, I mean, LSU football is better than Oklahoma. Is that what you’re saying? 38:04 38 minutes, 4 seconds No, I’m saying Georgia was better than Oklahoma in baseball. Yeah. 38:09 38 minutes, 9 seconds Two straight uh super regional series appearances for Georgia. And I know they went to the College World Series this year, but Georgia was the biggest disappointment of the College World Series. 38:20 38 minutes, 20 seconds Yes, I would I would agree with that because they were they were supposed to win it. I mean, they were the favorite. 38:24 38 minutes, 24 seconds And didn’t Oklahoma beat them a couple times? 38:27 38 minutes, 27 seconds Yeah. So, uh LSU’s got to catch Oklahoma, Todd. 38:32 38 minutes, 32 seconds Yeah, that’s what it’s about. The thing about chasing Alabama and Miss Alabama, Miss, Texas, Oklahoma is the 38:40 38 minutes, 40 seconds bare standard right now in the SEC when it comes to the big six. I don’t know about track and field and all these other sports. And to be honest with you, 38:49 38 minutes, 49 seconds Tennessee and Texas, well, Arkansas controls track and field. 38:52 38 minutes, 52 seconds Tennessee, that’s great. Tennessee and Texas, they should have an advantage in a sense because they don’t have gymnastics. Yeah. 39:00 39 minutes That means more NIL money to go around. 39:02 39 minutes, 2 seconds You know, it’s amazing. Oklahoma is the only SEC school that I have never been to for a game. So, we’re going to have to change that, Tom. 39:12 39 minutes, 12 seconds Be there for LSU Oklahoma Gymnastics meet. 39:15 39 minutes, 15 seconds When do they go back there? Because I They played this past year. 39:18 39 minutes, 18 seconds Yeah. They don’t they don’t play for two more years. 39:20 39 minutes, 20 seconds Yeah. All right. All right. Let’s take a break. When we come back, more of Tiger Rag Radio. We wrap things up from the Super Chevy dealer studio right after 39:27 39 minutes, 27 seconds this. Now more Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 39:34 39 minutes, 34 seconds All right, wrapping up the show here on Tiger Rag Radio. Some great guests. 39:38 39 minutes, 38 seconds Preston Guy from Tiger Bay, Todd McCor, LSU, former LSU all he would if American 39:45 39 minutes, 45 seconds center all-American center all-American center in 98 when they were a bad team. 39:50 39 minutes, 50 seconds That’s crazy that they played alongside Allan Fanica for three years. Yeah, that’s amazing. That’s that’s pretty good tandem there. And the Falcons had 39:58 39 minutes, 58 seconds two centers in the 80s and 90s for like almost 30 years. Jeff Van note played for like 18 straight years. And then Todd Mccclure 13. Unbelievable. 40:07 40 minutes, 7 seconds Mark Eth from D1 Baseball. We also talked to Parkway Football coach uh Ky Brotherton. You guys got World Cup fever. Are you feeling it? 40:15 40 minutes, 15 seconds Well, you know, since case wrote that article for tiger.com. Cool article, man. 40:20 40 minutes, 20 seconds I started watching the World Cup for the first time ever. So, uh, Case, tell us about this, uh, article that you wrote 40:28 40 minutes, 28 seconds regarding, uh, if LSU’s best athletes actually played soccer in the World Cup. 40:34 40 minutes, 34 seconds Yeah, it’s an argument that I, uh, I feel like I hear a lot, you know, as World Cup Olympics roll around that um, the US has kind of been left behind on 40:41 40 minutes, 41 seconds the global stage as far as the men’s soccer goes. And a lot of people say that’s because LeBron’s playing basketball, right? If we put LeBron at striker, it might be a different story. 40:49 40 minutes, 49 seconds Yeah. you know, LSU, we’ve got one of the top um athletic development programs in the world right here in Baton Rouge. 40:57 40 minutes, 57 seconds And so, kind of just a little thought experiment of what if you plugged some of these players into a soccer roster, where would they fit? And what kind of team could you make? 41:07 41 minutes, 7 seconds Shaquille O’Neal, a goalkeeper, nobody would score. 41:10 41 minutes, 10 seconds Is he agile enough? Is he I mean, he would just have to lay down. Well, when you combine his height with his reach and his leaping ability, I think it takes more than just height. 41:20 41 minutes, 20 seconds And I’m not I’m can’t believe I’m having this argument. 41:23 41 minutes, 23 seconds You don’t think Shaq has any hand eye coordination? Yeah. What’s wrong with you? And where did you have Pete Maravic? 41:29 41 minutes, 29 seconds Case Pete Maravic? He’s in this the center mid because he’s your playmaker, right? 41:32 41 minutes, 32 seconds You know, the guy, he’s in an attacking position, but you got to utilize that vision. 41:36 41 minutes, 36 seconds All right. So, where your your speed, where do you put your speed players? 41:40 41 minutes, 40 seconds Your speed goes out on the wing because they got to open up the space for the rest of your uh your attack. So, we got Shicari Richardson out on the left wing and Billy Cannon out on the right 41:48 41 minutes, 48 seconds because he’s got to got some of that uh that sturdiness, that physicality, too, to to make his way through the box. 41:53 41 minutes, 53 seconds I would put Xavier Carter in there somewhere. 41:57 41 minutes, 57 seconds Billy call fair catch at the two yard line. Billy Cannon ran a 92. 42:02 42 minutes, 2 seconds I wouldn’t say bump Billy Cannon. I didn’t say bump Billy Cannon. 42:04 42 minutes, 4 seconds Well, Shakari was faster than Billy Cannon. 42:06 42 minutes, 6 seconds Okay. Well, well, I would get Xavier in there as a third alternate. 42:11 42 minutes, 11 seconds There’s a lot of guys that get left on the bench. There’s no there’s no Odell, no Justin Jefferson, no Jamar Chase on the team. Joe Burrow, where’s Joe Burrow? 42:18 42 minutes, 18 seconds Joe Burrow got got left off for Jaden Daniels cuz Jaden Daniels has some speed that might show off on the soccer field more than Joe Burrow does. So Jaden Daniels is on the team. 42:26 42 minutes, 26 seconds Yes, he is. He’s in the midfield with Pete Maravic. That’s a dynamic duo, isn’t it? 42:31 42 minutes, 31 seconds Awesome, dude. That was a great That was a great creative piece of work. It really was. It’s still there. It’s still there. 42:37 42 minutes, 37 seconds Yeah. They could go to tiger.com and and maybe disagree like I am about Shaq being the goalender. I don’t know. 42:43 42 minutes, 43 seconds I was I was just happy that as I was starting to read it that that he decided not to use LSU soccer players on I 42:52 42 minutes, 52 seconds didn’t know any of them. So that was a great strategy to go to players that everybody knew. 42:57 42 minutes, 57 seconds Good stuff, Case. Good stuff. All right, that does it for this week’s edition. 43:01 43 minutes, 1 second And again, if you missed any of it, you can catch it wherever you get your podcast or up on YouTube. For case, Todd, Glenn, I’m Jeff. We’ll talk to you 43:09 43 minutes, 9 seconds again next week here on Tiger Radio from the Super Chevy dealer studio. 43:13 43 minutes, 13 seconds Tiger is everywhere. Online at tiger.com. 43:17 43 minutes, 17 seconds Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/tigerragmagazine or follow us on Twitter at tiger\_rag. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News, Podcast, Radio **Tags:** Mark Etheridge, Tiger Rag Audibles podcast, tiger rag radio, Tiger Rag Radio Podcast, Todd McClure --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio: Momentum building for an Easton Royal LSU flip](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-momentum-building-for-an-easton-royal-lsu-flip/) **Published:** June 23, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** We break down the NCAA’s 5-for-5 eligibility system and how it could impact the Tigers. Tigerbait. ([http://tigerbait.com](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3ZmRklZcjMtLWFmdG51WUJFZ0hQVVg1dnBDZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuRnUzdXhfS1FuRlo3VnZzZDEyTzVpaXZTVkRJckQ5TUczV0F4UGt6NG41ckVmQ1pEaE1aZElwRGQ4RlYxaHdkTlFBandIX0ctU0RVTW83eC1SU0gzZ05UNFpWRE5tX19zWVhfc1p2aC00VkhFWlNYMA&q=http%3A%2F%2Ftigerbait.com%2F&v=9EDHJpWF0FM)) com ([http://tigerbait.com](https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbTNLakEzYThabGx0WTFXcHRKdHVhMzByaUpuUXxBQ3Jtc0tsWDhReHJmWHBHc1dtZ3lrZ1l1RDhiMjJmOTFSUE5sb25LMVdRdDFVUlNadGNWVFY3UzFxOGJjOVBNejZMazNzNDM0VVQwUENOVTh6SURVN0NZd1FxSzlxY01jRWk5UGpkX3pES3JvZklWRnBhcjYySQ&q=http%3A%2F%2Ftigerbait.com%2F&v=9EDHJpWF0FM)) ’s Preston Guy gives the latest on LSU’s pursuit of Texas commit Easton Royal. Tempers flare as we debate what’s next for college athletics with the impending Protect College Sports Act. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News, Podcast, Radio **Tags:** Easton Royal, Tiger Rag Audibles podcast, tiger rag radio --- ### [LSU, Alabama Not Tampering With North Carolina Reliever Caden Glauber, According To A Report About A Report](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-alabama-not-tampering-with-north-carolina-reliever-caden-glauber-according-to-a-report-about-a-report/) **Published:** June 23, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor A reporter who writes for CollegeBaseballCentral.net refuted rumors that LSU and Alabama were “tampering” with North Carolina freshman sensation reliever Caden Glauber. “Per multiple sources, LSU and Alabama have been tampering with UNC baseball freshman phenom Caden Glauber,” a tweet said on Sunday after Glauber threw five innings of one-hit ball with eight strikeouts and two walks for a 6-2 win over Oklahoma. That evened the College World Series, best-of-three national championship series at one game apiece. Glauber improved to 12-0 with the win and finished the season with a 2.05 ERA and five saves with 114 strikeouts in 92 innings through 30 appearances and three starts. He threw only three wild pitches all season. In the first 29 games Glauber pitched in this season through Sunday’s CWS game, the Tar Heels were 29-0. Glauber, who is from Catawba Ridge High and Fort Mill, South Carolina, pitched to two batters in relief in the championship game on Monday, allowing a hit and a walk as Oklahoma won the national title with a 9-3 win – the first North Carolina loss in which Glauber pitched. > This is not true. Don’t give this guy the impressions [pic.twitter.com/f8P2Pt0gqB](https://t.co/f8P2Pt0gqB) > > — Jake McKeever (@CBCJakeMck) [June 21, 2026](https://x.com/CBCJakeMck/status/2068828182292124041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “The tampering talk rumor stems from a fan account run by UNC guys and really doesn’t have any truth to it,” reporter Jake McKeever of CollegeBaseballCentral.net told Tiger Rag on Tuesday. “It’s not accurate,” LSU coach Jay Johnson told Tiger Rag Tuesday night. Glauber has until July 1 to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal if he does want to transfer to another program. But he is not expected to enter the portal, which illustrates the most ridiculous part of the rumor. North Carolina is not some struggling NIL-collective program and likely plans to pay Glauber what it will need to in order to keep him. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Alabama baseball, Caden Glauber, jay johnson, lsu baseball, North Carolina baseball, North Carolina Tar Heels --- ### [LSU Women's Basketball Tip-Offs Announced For Villanova And North Carolina State In Fort Myers, Florida](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-basketball-tip-offs-announced-for-villanova-and-north-carolina-state-in-fort-myers-florida/) **Published:** June 23, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The complete schedule for the LSU women’s basketball team’s 2026 Women’s Fort Myers Tip-Off has been confirmed, featuring the Tigers playing Villanova and North Carolina State during Thanksgiving week on ION, a pay TV network. LSU meets Villanova on the Friday after Thanksgiving on Nov. 27 at 3:30 p.m. central time and will play North Carolina State on Saturday, Nov. 28, at 3:30 p.m. – both at Suncoast Credit Union Arena. The event will showcase eight premier women’s college basketball programs, including Kansas State, Indiana, TCU, Mississippi State and Georgia Tech in addition to LSU, Villanova and NC State. Travel packages are available now for fans planning to attend with tickets, hotel accommodations and parking. Go to [www.womensfortmyerstipoff.com/travel](http://www.womensfortmyerstipoff.com/travel). The Tigers are coming off a 29-6 season in 2025-26 with a 12-4 mark in the Southeastern Conference and back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances after winning the 2023 national title and reaching the Elite Eight in 2024. North Carolina State reached the 2024 Final Four. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Women's Basketball **Tags:** kim mulkey, lsu, lsu women's basketball --- ### [LSU Hero Warren Morris Still Can't Believe How That 1996 Walk-Off Homer Has Carried ... To La. Sports Hall Of Fame](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-hero-warren-morris-still-cant-believe-how-that-1996-walk-off-home-run-keeps-carrying/) **Published:** June 23, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By JOHN MARCASE Written for the Louisiana Sports Writers Association *(Third in a series on inductees into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches on Saturday.)* Thirty years after hitting the biggest home run in college baseball history, Warren Morris is still amazed at the impact. “I had no clue that it was gonna be something where strangers would come up to me all the time and tell me, I remember where I was, I was doing this, or, you know, I was at this wedding,” said Morris. “It’s kind of like a moment in time; people remember where they were.” The moment: Championship game of the 1996 College World Series. LSU trailed Miami, 8-7, with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning and the tying run on second base. Morris, batting last in the LSU lineup due to a hand injury and subsequent surgery, had not hit a home run that season. Until then. Morris attacked the first pitch from Miami closer Robbie Morrison. The line drive just sailed over the right field wall. Morris’ life changed with that one swing. But, as anyone who has known Warren Morris before he stepped into the left-handed batter’s box at Rosenblatt Stadium for the final time on June 8, 1996, will attest, that one swing did not change him. Listen to Warren Morris’ recent appearance on Tiger Rag Radio here by clicking the red box below: “Warren Morris was a great kid before he hit that home run,” said Steve Boniol, Morris’ first baseball coach, “and Warren Morris would’ve been the same had he struck out. He has not changed.” That is one of the reasons Morris is being recognized as the third recipient of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame’s Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award, established in 2020. The award honors long-term exemplary contributions to the perception of Louisiana by an individual who has ties to the state’s sports landscape. He won’t bat flip, but he will be roundly cheered on Saturday when he is part of a 12-member Class of 2026 inducted in the Hall. The ceremony at the Natchitoches Events Center culminates three festive days with seven events. **To go to the induction weekend ceremonies, visit LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238-4255.** Morris’ former offseason workout partner called to congratulate him upon hearing the news. “I told him that in a way, that’s even better than what I got, because they put me in on what I did on the field,” said Russ Springer, who was inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2018 after 18 years in the Majors following a stellar career at LSU. “But they thought he was a good enough person, and all the things he did outside of the field that you deserve this award,” Springer told Morris. “When he said it, I was like, ‘Well, that’s pretty cool coming from him, and it is a cool way to look at it,” Morris said. 2020. How Morris ended up as a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame would be a storybook tale, only if he hadn’t already been subject of an SEC Network documentary, “The Walk Off” as part of the SEC Storied series. He also wrote the foreword to “Everything Matters in Baseball: The Skip Bertman Story.” [BUY THE SKIP BERTMAN BOOK HERE](https://www.skipbertman.net/) To adequately comprehend how Morris got to this point in his life would need a series, not just a one-off, one-hour production. “If you would have told the 9-, 10-year-old me, go ahead and just dream big,” said Morris, “I would have sold myself way short. All of this is just way beyond anything that I thought I was even capable of doing.” The 9-year-old Morris would’ve told you he was gonna be a basketball player. After all, that was his favorite sport, and his dad, Bill, was the high school coach at Bolton High School in Alexandria. That was when fate intervened for the first time. Steve Boniol’s son, Scott, and Warren were best friends. Scott’s Dixie Youth Baseball team, coached by Steve, needed an extra player. Steve had to talk Bill and Barbara Morris into letting Warren play baseball. Steve and Scott Boniol took Warren to his first practice, but first, they had to stop at Steve’s store, Cenla Sports, to get Warren a glove. “The first practice, I threw batting practice and he would miss every time,” said Boniol. “I told my assistant, Billy Moore, to teach Warren how to bunt. Warren had a work ethic, and he wasn’t going to settle for not being able to hit. By the end of the season, Warren led the team in hits.” > It’s another Warren Morris 30th anniversary Walk-Off Weekend at La. Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 23, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2069524697801187599?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The valedictorian of his graduating class, and an All-State infielder, Morris wound up accepting a walk-on invitation to join the LSU baseball program, and then promptly redshirted his freshman year as three-time All-American and all-time LSU great Todd Walker was firmly entrenched at second base. Yet, that year he sat out proved pivotal thanks to longtime Skip Bertman assistant Smoke Laval. “I don’t think it’s by accident that was the only year that Smoke Laval was there,” said Morris. “Smoke would notice little things, and I don’t know if he sensed that I wasn’t so sure of myself, but I guarantee you that at least once a week, he would just come by and talk to me. And, he would always tell me, because Todd Walker was playing ahead of me, that one day, ‘That’s gonna be you. You’re gonna play here. You’re good enough.’ I started believing it. You never know how someone in your life makes a big difference.” The following season, Morris started 63 of 66 games as an outfielder in 1994. Then, he succeeded Walker as the starting second baseman in 1995 and earned second-team All- American honors. Heading into his fourth year of college and third as an every-day player, Morris was a preseason All-American and likely member of the 1996 U.S. Olympic team. Then, fate intervened again. His right hand felt uncomfortable during the fall of 1995, and it never improved as the 1996 season began. Eventually it was discovered Morris had fractured the hamate bone and would need surgery. It forced him to miss 39 games, and it caused many frustrating moments. Yet, it may have been the best thing that ever happened to him. “I mean, obviously, at the time, I wasn’t enjoying it, but looking back, it kind of goes back to God’s got a plan,” said Morris. “You don’t understand it, but it turned out better in two ways.” > [Warren Morris 30 Years Later – 3:29 P.M. Today Marks The Moment “The World Changed” On June 8, 1996](https://www.tigerrag.com/warren-morris-30-years-later-329-p-m-today-marks-the-moment-the-world-changed-on-june-8-1996/) The first was Morris surrendered to God’s will. If he could return to baseball he would. If his career was finished, he was content to graduate and move on with his life’s calling. “I still go back to being alone in my apartment, closed the door, just got on my knees, and I prayed,” he said. “I said, ‘God, I can’t do it anymore. I don’t know what you want me to be. I’m not worrying about it anymore because I don’t have any answers. But if you want me to keep playing, then I’ll do that and give you all the glory, but I’m not worrying about it anymore.’” The second part paid dividends on the field. The injury and post-surgery recovery changed Morris’ swing. He went from a player who threw right-handed and was a contact left-handed hitter, to a hitter who could really start driving the ball when he made contact. “When everybody else was practicing, I would go in the cage with my one good hand, which is my non-dominant hand, and I hit so many balls, like I’d never focused on just my left hand,” he said. “Whenever I had the surgery, I came back and I’m really driving the ball with my top hand and I’m hitting it better than I ever did before.” Morris returned to the LSU starting lineup on May 16, hitting ninth. > [Thirty Years Later, I Still See Warren Morris’ Baseball Flying Past Me](https://www.tigerrag.com/warren-morris-lsu-1996-college-world-series-home-run-column/) Had he never been injured, he would not have been in position to hit his walk-off homer in Omaha. As it turned out, LSU won all 22 games he started that season. Had he never been injured, Morris likely would not have been the best player on the 1996 U.S. Olympic baseball team that won bronze. He led the team in average (.409) to go with five homers, 11 RBI and 10 runs scored in nine games. Had he never been injured, Morris admits, he may never have made the major leagues, finishing third in NL Rookie of the Year voting in 1999 when he hit 15 home runs. “The Olympics were right after the injury and I led the Olympics in slugging percentage, which is crazy, but I think that never happens if I don’t have the injury,” he said. “I mean, that’s crazy to say, but I don’t know if I have a major league career if I don’t have that injury, because I don’t think I was good enough in power and the things they want you to do when hitting.” Morris retired from baseball in 2006. He and his wife, Julie, settled in Alexandria to raise their three daughters. Morris eventually took a job working for Red River Bank. He took another job in an unofficial capacity – perhaps the best ambassador LSU baseball or college baseball could have. Each June, there are calls from across the country wanting to relive 1996. He has been invited to speak to numerous civic organizations, businesses, churches and to countless sports teams, motivating players that if it could happen to Morris, it could happen to one of them. A true genuine role model. “The only thing Warren ever did wrong was return a videotape to Blockbuster without rewinding it,” joked Bertman. “This happened not once, but twice when Warren was at LSU. A clergyman told me thanks for sending Warren by our church. And I didn’t send him. He went on his own both times. He’s a humble kid, a wonderful kid.” And he did something unforgettable. “He provided the greatest moment in the history of the College World Series 30 years ago, and he since has embodied the values of a devoted husband, father and community leader,” added Bill Franques, LSU’s baseball communications director since 1989. “LSU is very grateful for the lifetime impact Warren Morris has made upon our state,” Franques said. The only irony about Morris’ journey since June 8, 1996, is his three daughters were never into sports. They know he played baseball at LSU, but as far as his impact on this state’s sporting history? Even as LSU students, it took a sorority sister’s family for them to finally comprehend. “As luck would have it, one of the girls they’re kind of partnered with in their sorority, her parents are huge LSU sports fans,” Morris said. “After talking with this girl for about two months, something came up about me, and she was blown away. She was like, that’s your dad? We have a poster of him in our house!” Now, Morris is taking it to another level as a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame as the Louisiana Sports Ambassador. From a teenager who had doubts he could play at LSU. And to someone who wondered if anyone would talk about his title-winning homer. Thirty years later, Louisiana is still celebrating it, and Morris. Chances are, Louisiana will still be talking about Warren Morris 30 years from now. One thing is for certain, though, he will still be the same Morris everyone in Alexandria knew long before he stepped foot on campus at LSU. 1989. “He is Warren Morris,” Boniol said. “He has never changed. I give credit to his mom and dad. He is top notch and there are not too many like him walking around.” With a walk-off for the ages in his back pocket. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, lsu baseball, skip bertman, Warren Morris --- ### [LSU Great Todd McClure Will Talk La. Sports Hall Of Fame Induction This Weekend On Tiger Rag Radio Tonight](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-great-todd-mcclure-will-talk-la-sports-hall-of-fame-induction-this-weekend-on-tiger-rag-radio-tonight/) **Published:** June 23, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** One of the reasons LSU Football reversed the curse of its worst era in history – six straight losing seasons from 1989-94 – was a ferocious center from Central High named Todd McClure, who will be on Tiger Rag Radio tonight statewide at 6:30 p.m. McClure will be discussing his induction into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame on Saturday night in Natchitoches. Tiger Rag Radio opens at 6 p.m. and runs through 8 p.m. [HOW TO LISTEN TO TIGER RAG RADIO ONLINE HERE](https://station.voscast.com/64cd62be67664) McClure became a starter in his true freshman season of 1995 when starting center Marcus Carmouche went down with an injury against Alabama. In McClure’s first start against Ole Miss, he helped the Tigers’ vaunted running game with fellow true freshman Kevin Faulk amass 326 yards rushing – the most by the Tigers in eight seasons – in a 38-9 win at Tiger Stadium as Faulk gained 159 yards on 23 carries with a 24-yard touchdown. He started LSU’s final two games of the ’95 season as the Tigers won 28-0 over Arkansas and 45-26 over Michigan State and a coach named Nick Saban in the Independence Bowl as LSU finished 7-4-1 and 4-3-1 in the SEC in coach Gerry DiNardo’s first season. It was the Tigers’ first winning season since winning the SEC title in 1988. And McClure went on to start 36 games in his career through 1998 with LSU going 10-2 and 6-2 in 1996 and 9-3 and 6-2 in 1997 before a drop to 4-7 and 2-6 in 1998. McClure was named a first team All-American in 1998 and first team All-SEC in 1997 and ’98. > [LSU Football Star Todd McClure Got To Louisiana Sports Hall Of Fame With Adaptability](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-star-todd-mcclure-got-to-louisiana-sports-hall-of-fame-with-adaptability/) McClure will be talking his LSU days and 13-year “Ring of Honor” career with the Atlanta Falcons with hosts Jeff Palermo of the Louisiana Radio Network, Tiger Rag executive editor Todd Horne and Tiger Rag editor Glenn Guilbeau. **To attend the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame weekend in Natchitoches, visit LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238-4255.** Other inductees on Saturday will be former LSU men’s basketball coach John “Final Four” Brady, former LSU women’s basketball superstar Sylvia Fowles and former LSU baseball hero Warren “Home Run” Morris. Tigerbait.com’s Preston Guy will be talking LSU football recruiting at 7 p.m. on Tiger Rag Radio, and Mark Etheridge of D1 Baseball will be discussion the College World Series won by Oklahoma over North Carolina on Monday night. Tiger Rag Radio is available on the following radio stations. **TIGER RAG RADIO AFFILIATES:** WBRP Talk 107.3 FM in Baton Rouge … Live KKND 106.7 FM The Ticket In New Orleans … Live KLWB 103.7 FM The Game in Lafayette … Live KFNV 107.1 FM in Ferriday … Tape delay at 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday KLCJ 104.1 FM in Lake Charles … Live WAKH 105.7 FM in McComb, Mississippi … Live. KASO 1240 AM in Minden … Live KRLQ 94.1 FM in Ruston … Tape delay at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday WSLA 1560 AM in Slidell … Live. WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans … Tape delay at 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Saturday KBZE 105.9 FM in Morgan City … 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Natchitoches, Todd McClure --- ### [Lane Kiffin Tweets Again ... Sort Of ... With A Ghost Of A Repost](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-tweets-again-sort-of-with-a-ghost-of-a-repost/) **Published:** June 22, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU football coach Lane Kiffin has not sent out an original tweet since May 11. But he did repost a tweet that may be a signal of quiet preparation from Kiffin and his program going into the 2026 season. > 5/11/26 [pic.twitter.com/dPABjcSAxg](https://t.co/dPABjcSAxg) > > — Lane Kiffin (@Lane\_Kiffin) [June 18, 2026](https://x.com/Lane_Kiffin/status/2067649656448803242?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The tweet with a picture of Michael Jordan says, “They have no idea who you are becoming. Time to go ghost.” > [Lane Kiffin Tweets Stopped, But Others Have Been Tweeting About Him](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-tweets-stopped-but-others-have-been-tweeting-about-him/) Kiffin has gone “ghost” since he tweeted about the Vanity Fair article on him that went viral because of some comments he made about Ole Miss, his previous employer. > [LSU Football: Weekend At Baton Rouge For Burney Was All It Took For A Flip](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-weekend-at-baton-rouge-for-burney-was-all-it-took-for-a-flip/) Through much of June, Kiffin has been busy recruiting and has worked his Class of 2027 to No. 17 in the nation with 14 commitments after a slow start. [LSU’s CLASS OF 2027 COMMITMENTS](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2027-football/commits/) Recruiting has gone ghost at the moment as well as a dead period began Monday that lasts through July 31. So, this could be the calm before the storm. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Michael Jordan --- ### [LSU's Angel Reese Reaches 1,000 Rebounds In Record Time, And Wins 2nd Straight Over Caitlin Clark](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-angel-reese-reaches-1000-rebounds-in-record-time-and-wins-2nd-straight-over-caitlin-clark/) **Published:** June 22, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** Former LSU superstar forward Angel Reese continues to dominate the WNBA in her third season. On Saturday, she became the fastest player in WNBA history to reach 1,000 career rebounds, and she helped her new Atlanta Dream team beat her nemesis Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever, 113-96, in the process in Atlanta. Reese achieved the milestone in 79 career games, 10 games faster than Tina Charles, the previous record holder who got to 1,000 in 2012. Reese got her 1,000th with 4:29 remaining in the third quarter. She finished the game with 18 points and eight rebounds. “I think people don’t realize rebounding is harder than you think,” Reese said after the game. “Defensive rebounds are a little bit easier than going in and crashing every single time to give a second chance opportunity on the offensive end.” Reese leads the WNBA with 11.9 rebounds a game this season. She averaged 13.1 rebounds a game in her rookie season in 2024 after becoming the seventh pick of the first round by the Chicago Sky. Reese averaged 12.6 rebounds in 2025 for the Sky. At LSU, she averaged 15.4 rebounds in the 2022-23 season when she led the Tigers to their first basketball national championship and 13.4 in her senior season in 2023-24. Chicago, which finished in last place in Reese’s first two seasons with the team, traded Reese to Atlanta in April for two first round draft choices. > [Angel Reese May Now Have A Better Chance Vs. Caitlin Clark After Being Traded To Atlanta](https://www.tigerrag.com/angel-reese-may-now-have-a-better-chance-vs-caitlin-clark-after-being-traded-to-atlanta/) Reese’s rebounding has helped power the Dream to an 11-4 start for first place in the WNBA Eastern Conference. “You can look statistically, it gives us more points,” Reese said. “It gives us more opportunities. Just being able to go out and do what I do every single night just shows my consistency.” Reese and the Dream beat Clark and Indiana in back-to-back games last week. Atlanta won 108-101 at Indianapolis last Thursday. Indiana is is third in the Eastern Conference at 9-7. Clark, the first pick of the 2024 WNBA Draft, still leads Reese, 6-4, in head-to-head games going back to Indiana’s loss to LSU in the 2022-23 national championship game and Indiana’s win over LSU in the Elite Eight the following season. In WNBA games, Clark leads 5-3. Indiana beat Atlanta, 83-71, on June 4 in Indianapolis in the first meeting this season. Clark is third in the NBA in scoring with 21.1 points a game, while Reese is averaging 15.3 for 22nd in the league. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Women's Basketball **Tags:** Angel Reese, Atlanta Dream, Caitlin Clark, LSU Tigers, WNBA --- ### [World Cup And LSU: What If The Greatest Tiger Athletes From All Sports Except Soccer Played World Cup Soccer?](https://www.tigerrag.com/world-cup-and-lsu-what-if-the-greatest-tiger-athletes-from-all-sports-except-soccer-played-world-cup-soccer/) **Published:** June 22, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By KASE KIEISCHNICK, Tiger Rag Writer *(Editor’s Note: Kase Kieischnick will begin writing for Tiger Rag full time on July 1. He is a recent graduate of Louisiana Tech and a Baton Rouge native who is also working for the Louisiana Radio Network and producing the Tiger Rag Radio show every Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. Contact him at kace@louisianaradionetwork.com. In his first assignment for Tiger Rag, he decided to ask, “What if LSU had to find its best starting XI for the World Cup from all its athletes from all time, excluding soccer players?”)* The U.S. Men’s National Team finished third in the first ever FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) World Cup in 1930. But since that first appearance, the Stars and Stripes have failed to advance past the quarterfinals, missing half of the 22 following tournaments altogether, though they are expected to reach the quarters this summer. American athletes are among the world’s best in most sports. While the national women’s soccer team has earned four World Cup titles and five Olympic golds, the men have struggled to contend on the global stage. Many fans come to the same conclusion: America’s best athletes play sports other than soccer. But what if they didn’t? What if the greatest athletes to come through one of the most prolific brands in college athletics took their talents to soccer? For the purposes of this exercise, LSU soccer athletes will not be considered. Players were chosen based on their body-type, athleticism, mentality and success while at LSU in other sports and how those attributes translate to the pitch. The formation chosen was a base 4-3-3, a simple, attack-focused scheme to maximize the Tigers’ trademark athleticism. **Goalkeeper: Center Shaquille O’Neal** The 7-foot-1, 294-pound O’Neal boasts a 7-foot-7 wingspan that would take up over a third of the goal. Combine that with the explosiveness of a 36-inch vertical, and opponents would stand about as good a chance against him as a P-MAC backboard. He averaged 4.6 blocks a game at LSU, was a two-time SEC Player of the Year and the 1990-1991 Player of the Year. **Center Backs: Center Sylvia Fowles and Defensive Tackle Glenn Dorsey** > [Sylvia Fowles’ Candidacy For Louisiana Sports Hall Of Fame Needs No Deliberation – It’s A SLAM DUNK](https://www.tigerrag.com/sylvia-fowles-candidacy-for-louisiana-sports-hall-of-fame-needs-no-deliberation-itins-a-slam-dunk/) Two of the most decorated defenders in LSU history, Fowles and Dorsey offer a combination of height and physicality. The 6-6, 217-pound Fowles was the SEC Player of the Year and SEC and National Defensive Player of the Year her senior season in 2007-08. Dorsey was a 6-2, 230-pound game wrecker named the 2007 SEC and national Defensive Player of the Year. Fowles’ height and defensive versatility will deny any potential aerial threats, while Dorsey’s imposing physicality would deter any would-be attackers from challenging the heart of the defense. **Full Backs: Cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Tyrann Mathieu** The edges of the back line require elite speed, agility and defensive coverage. Peterson and Mathieu have the coverage instincts, play making ability and recovery speed to fill the role perfectly. A three-year starter and 2010 Bednarik and Thorpe Award winner, Peterson would blanket attackers with experience and pedigree. Mathieu’s ball-hawking instincts and electric playmaking ability would turn defense to offense. **Center Defensive Midfielder: Shortstop Steven Milam** > [LSU Baseball: Steven Milam Remaining A Tiger For The 2027 Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-steven-milam-considering-remaining-a-tiger-for-the-2027-season/) The center defensive midfielder is the engine of the team, a savvy defender and decisive playmaker. There will certainly be questions regarding Milam’s 5-8 frame. That was the same critique Milam silenced when he became the best defensive shortstop in college baseball and led the Tigers to their eighth College World Series title in 2025. In 189 games, Milam has recorded just 14 errors in 674 total chances. The ball does not get past him. **Center Midfielders: Point Guard Pete Maravich and Quarterback Jayden Daniels** The midfield requires elite spatial awareness, anticipation and decision making. Who better than to command the attack than college basketball’s all-time leading scorer and a Heisman Trophy quarterback? [PETE MARAVICH’S SCORING RECORD SURVIVES ANTOINE DAVIS BY 4 POINTS](https://www.outkick.com/sports/pete-maravichs-son-rips-potential-shot-at-breaking-pops-record-in-pay-for-play-cbi-dick-vitale-not-wild-about-idea-either) Maravich, who would have turned 79 on this Monday, June 22, was the greatest scorer in college basketball history and one of the greatest scorers and most creative playmakers in the history of the game. He averaged over 44 points and five assists a game at LSU with an astonishing handle and mystical vision. > [‘Life-changing experience’: LSU’s Jayden Daniels experiences whirlwind since winning Heisman Trophy](https://www.tigerrag.com/life-changing-experience-lsus-jayden-daniels-experiences-whirlwind-since-winning-heisman-trophy/) Daniels offers pinpoint passing accuracy and explosive quickness needed on the pitch. The 6-4 signal caller threw just seven interceptions and completed over 70% of his passes at LSU and was clocked running 21.8 mph in a game. **Wingers: Sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson and Running Back Billy Cannon** Speed is the name of the game on the outside of the attack. Richardson’s 10.75-second 100 meter time is an NCAA record, and that instant acceleration and straight line speed will help open up space for the offense. > [Billy Cannon Documentary To Tell Whole Story Of A Fallen Hero Redeemed … His Daughter Tells Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/billy-cannon-documentary-to-tell-whole-story-of-a-fallen-hero-redeemed-his-daughter-tells-tiger-rag-radio/) Cannon reportedly clocked a 9.4 to 9.5 second 100-yard dash, and with his 6-1, 200-pound frame, he can navigate traffic and muscle through defenders like he did on his iconic, 89-yard punt return on Oct. 31, 1959 – The Halloween Run – to beat Ole Miss. **Striker: Guard Seimone Augustus** Augustus was a pure scorer, exactly what the Tigers need leading the front line. The shifty guard could slice her way to the rim or create space in the mid-range. She averaged 19 points per game on 54.4 percent shooting and led LSU to three consecutive Final Fours (2004-06) as a two-time National Player of the Year (2005-06). These all-time Tigers are led by the winningest coach in LSU history, Skip Bertman, whose impact on the game is still felt 26 years after he coached his last College World Series game. > Great column here by [@tomshatelOWH](https://x.com/tomshatelOWH?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) on Skip Bertman’s touch still all Over Omaha 26 years after he last coached a College World Series game, which he won for the 2000 NC. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 22, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2068905482572484967?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Bertman coached 41 players from LSU to the Big Leagues and won five national championships from 1991-2000, so he should have no issue managing this star-studded lineup. More importantly, he transformed the LSU baseball program into a national powerhouse from very little and laid the foundation for the sustained success still enjoyed today. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Soccer **Tags:** billy cannon, pete maravich, seimone augustus, shaquille o'neal, skip bertman, World Cup Soccer --- ### [LSU's Sam Burns Missed Chance For Perfect Father's Day Gift By Less Than An Inch At U.S. Open](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-sam-burns-missed-perfect-fathers-day-gift-by-less-than-inch-at-u-s-open/) **Published:** June 22, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor It could have been the ultimate Father’s Day gift for Todd Burns from his son Sam. Sam Burns, the first team All-American LSU golfer as a sophomore from Shreveport in 2017, charged back against a faltering Wyndham Clark on Sunday after entering the U.S. Open final round at even par and seven strokes behind Clark. Burns, 29, birdied three of his first eight holes to pass 2026 PGA Tour money leader and close friend Scottie Scheffler for second place. Clark, meanwhile, was authoring potentially the largest collapse in U.S. Open history as he bogeyed three of his first seven holes and began to resemble Greg Norman’s fall at the 1996 Masters when he blew a six-shot lead on the final day to lose to Nick Faldo. Burns fired a 3-under par 67 Sunday to finish 3 under for the tournament at 277 as Clark won it with a 3-over 73 Sunday but 4-under overall score of 276 to become the first U.S. Open winner to lead after each of the four rounds since Martin Kaymer in 2014. > Heartbreak for Sam Burns. > > With a final-round 67 at the U.S. Open, Sam Burns was one centimeter shy of forcing a playoff. His Dad was on-site this Father's Day and will always be proud of him. [pic.twitter.com/wXV102Ol48](https://t.co/wXV102Ol48) > > — PGA TOUR (@PGATOUR) [June 22, 2026](https://x.com/PGATOUR/status/2068867813125640385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Had Burns made a 16-foot birdie putt on the 18th with Clark playing behind him on the course, Burns conceivably could have tied him for the lead at the end and forced a playoff. But he missed the putt by that much – a half inch or maybe less. A Burns’ win would have marked the biggest U.S. Open comeback since Arnold Palmer came from seven strokes behind wire-to-wire leader Mike Souchak to win in 1960 at Cherry Hills in Colorado with Jack Nicklaus finishing second by two strokes. “I really thought I made that putt,” Burns told reporters after tossing his putter and hitting his knees and palms at the Shinnecock Hills course in Southampton, New York. “It just didn’t go in. It’s unfortunate I just came up one short.” What a Father’s Day gift it could have been for his dad, who was at the tournament. “He just said he was really proud,” said Burns, who lives in Choudrant near Ruston. “I think we both knew how special it could have been for Father’s Day. But I know he’s proud.” > [Former LSU All-American Sam Burns’ 7th Place Finish At Masters Was A Career Performance](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-all-american-sam-burns-7th-place-finish-at-masters-was-a-career-performance/) It was Burns’ best finish in a major in his career after his second seventh place at a major this year at the Masters, which he led after the first round. Burns also sits at No. 10 on the PGA Tour money earnings list this season at nearly $6 million – $5,962,539. “It’s a crazy life we live sometimes,” Burns said. “As a competitor, you want to go out there and compete as hard as you can and try to win. But at the end of the day, when you’re off the golf course, it’s really not that important and family is a lot more important than golf.” Burns’ wife Caroline is expected to have their second child soon. His near major win comes a year after shooting a 78 on the final day of the U.S. Open at Oakmont near Pittsburgh when he led after two rounds, but finished seventh. He got a questionable, no-drop ruling last year following a rain delay when a shot fell onto a wet part of the fairway. “Last year at Oakmont, I felt more like I lost the golf tournament,” Burns said. “I certainly don’t feel that way today. I gave it my best. I did everything I could to have a chance to win.” Except for that agonizing missed putt. “I’ll see that putt tonight,” he said. And likely for many more nights. But Burns showed what he can do despite the odds on Sunday, which could lead to that first major win. “I felt like I was chasing all day,” he said. “To start the day seven shots back, I knew it was going to take something really special. I couldn’t have asked for a better start.” **Categories:** Featured, Men's Golf, More LSU Sports **Tags:** lsu golf, Sam Burns, The Masters Tournament, U.S. Open --- ### [LSU Football: Weekend At Baton Rouge For Burney Was All It Took For A Flip](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-weekend-at-baton-rouge-for-burney-was-all-it-took-for-a-flip/) **Published:** June 21, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** There was the “Weekend At Bernie’s” movie from the summer of 1989. And there was Gary Burney Jr.’s Weekend at LSU from the summer of 2026. Burney, a wide receiver from Parkway High in Bossier City who has been a commitment to Houston since May 30, spent this past weekend at LSU on a visit with coach Lane Kiffin. > 🚨BREAKING🚨 WR Gary Burney Jr. has flipped his commitment from Houston to LSU, [@samspiegs](https://x.com/samspiegs?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) reports🐯 > > Read: [pic.twitter.com/oLSexzlpkK](https://t.co/oLSexzlpkK) > > — Rivals (@Rivals) [June 21, 2026](https://x.com/Rivals/status/2068800040886219073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) And by Sunday, Burney (6-foot-2, 185 pounds) had flipped his commitment to the Tigers. > [Lane Kiffin Hosting Several Prospects This Weekend Before Dead Period From Monday Through July 31](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-hosting-several-prospects-this-weekend-before-dead-period-from-monday-through-july-31/) A three-star prospect, Burney is the No. 75 receiver in the nation and No. 21 player in Louisiana by 247sports.com, which has a composite ranking on him of the 868th overall prospect in the country, No. 104 receiver and No. 22 Louisiana player. Burney visited Houston on May 28 before a visit to Tulane on June 4 and Cincinati on June 12. He also has offers from Louisiana Tech, Lamar and Texas-San Antonio. He visited LSU with several other prospects over the weekend before there is a dead period on recruiting until July 31. LSU has 14 commitments in all for Kiffin’s 2027 class, including six since last Monday, and sports247.com ranks the class No. 20 in the nation. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Gary Burney Jr., lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, recruiting --- ### [LSU Softball: Upon Further Review, Kylee Edwards Is Exiting The Portal To Stay At LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-upon-further-review-kylee-edwards-is-exiting-the-portal-to-stay-at-lsu/) **Published:** June 21, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** Make that two players now that LSU softball coach Beth Torina has extracted from the transfer portal. She got her first one of the off-season last week in [Notre Dame outfielder Mickey Winchell,](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-lands-1st-portal-player-of-2026-in-notre-dame-outfielder-mickey-winchell/) who will be a senior after hitting .335 last season. And over the weekend, she got back LSU starting junior shortstop Kylee Edwards, according to a report by Jacques Doucet of WAFB Channel 9 in Baton Rouge. Edwards had just entered the portal last week. She was one of the Tigers’ best players in a 40-19 (13-11 SEC), Super Regional season in 2026 as she hit .341 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs. > Can confirm from source that Kylee Edwards has withdrawn her name from the transfer portal and is returning to [@LSUsoftball](https://x.com/LSUsoftball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). [\#LSU](https://x.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) [June 20, 2026](https://x.com/JacquesDoucet/status/2068459075268948378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Edwards scored 43 runs last season with seven stolen bases in eight attempts. A slick fielder, she had a .963 fielding percentage with seven errors amid 103 assists and 79 putouts. Torina has seen eight players enter the portal and stay in it or find other schools since reaching the Super Regional before getting swept at No. 1 Alabama. Those are sophomore starting first baseman Tori Edwards, sophomore ace pitcher Jayden Heavener, who transferred to Texas Tech last week, sophomore catcher Jada Phillips, freshman infielder Gradie Appling, sophomore outfielder Destiny Harris, junior outfielder Jaydn Laneaux, freshman pitcher Lauren Soeken and junior utility player Maddox McKee, who transferred to Texas A&M. Torina does have seven high school players from a top five recruiting class joining the program for the 2027 season. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Softball **Tags:** beth torina, Kylee Edwards, lsu, lsu softball, LSU Tigers, NCAA transfer portal --- ### [Jay Johnson Doesn't Foresee Players Association Allowing MLB's Proposed Ban On Drafting High School Players](https://www.tigerrag.com/jay-johnson-doesnt-foresee-players-association-allowing-mlbs-proposed-ban-on-drafting-high-school-players/) **Published:** June 20, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Like many, LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson does not think some of Major League Baseball’s new and radical proposals will come to fruition. MLB owners on Thursday released a plan that would stop high school players from being selected in the annual MLB amateur draft, which began in 1965, and not allow players to be drafted until they were at least age 20 by Sept. 1 of his signing year and two years removed from their high school graduation class. This would also stop junior college players from being drafted until they complete two seasons. > MLB proposes sweeping draft changes, including ban on high school picks, angering scouts, agents and even club officials > > — Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) [June 19, 2026](https://x.com/BNightengale/status/2067953305264050657?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Among the proposals by MLB as it seeks a new collective bargaining agreement with the Players Association is cutting the MLB Draft from 20 rounds to 12 starting in 2027 and starting a separate 12-round draft just for international players. MLB also wants to cut the money being spent on signing bonuses with a stricter pay-by-pick slotting system. “Interesting concept, but I don’t see it (ban on drafting high school players) getting through the players association,” Johnson, winner of two national championships since 2023, told Tiger Rag on Saturday. “I believe they will shorten the draft, but I believe high school players will remain a part of it.” MLB agent Scott Boras told the Associated Press he does not like eliminating high school players from the draft. “The game’s greatest stars are precocious talents. We always want to have a great window for them,” Boras said. “When you bar a labor force from opportunity in America, it is not an American concept.” > [LSU Baseball: Tigers Just Got A Left-Handed Pitcher – Signee Braxton Beaty, Who Is Skipping 2026 MLB Draft](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-tigers-just-got-a-left-handed-pitcher-signee-braxton-beaty-who-is-skipping-2026-mlb-draft/) MLB, meanwhile, has noticed college players are just much better prepared for MLB than high school players, which used to not be the case. But college baseball has improved so drastically in recent decades, and of late with pay for college players arriving in 2022 via Name, Image & Likeness collectives. “NIL opportunities, revenue sharing and significant investments in facilities and player development have made college baseball an increasingly important pathway that is producing Major League-ready talent at an accelerated rate,” MLB said in a statement. “By creating a draft system centered around college-aged players and making most college players eligible one year earlier, more players will benefit from both a college education and an elite development environment while reaching professional baseball — and ultimately the major leagues — more quickly.” As of now, most college players cannot enter the MLB Draft until after their junior season, unless they turn 21 before Aug. 1, which is the case with draft-eligible LSU sophomore center fielder Derek Curiel, who is expected to go early in the first round on July 11. Under the new proposal, college coaches would have players for a maximum of two years instead of three. The players’ association says MLB’s new plan would cut compensation to players by $1 billion over five years, including $400 million from this year to 2027. “MLB made another set of proposals that are flat-out bad for baseball, ones that would cripple the next generation of players and damage the future of our game,” the players’ union said in a statement. Johnson does like the hard slotting idea by MLB, though the players association that won’t happen unless there are concessions by owners. “A hard slotting system would be good,” Johnson said. “That would make a it a true draft. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens.” MLB’s five-year collective bargaining agreement expires Dec. 1, and management is expected to immediately impose a lockout as it did in December of 2021 before an agreement happened 99 days later, preserving the 162-game schedule. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Major League Baseball Draft --- ### [One Of LSU's Greatest Coaches Of All Time Who Got Away - Pat Henry - Shouldn't Have | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/one-of-lsus-greatest-coaches-of-all-time-who-got-away-pat-henry-shouldnt-have-glenn-guilbeau/) **Published:** June 19, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU Tiger Rag Editor Not long after Nick Saban was introduced as LSU’s football coach on Nov. 30, 1999, he walked into LSU men’s and women’s track coach Pat Henry’s office to introduce himself. Saban was impressed with Henry, because he was a national championship coach, which was an understatement even then. And Saban was recruiting a senior from Opelousas High named Devery Henderson, who was one of the top running backs in the nation, but ridiculously had not been recruited much by previous LSU football coach Gerry DiNardo. Henderson was also a track star, and DiNardo only wanted him to play football. So Henderson was headed to track power Arkansas and not track power LSU. Saban was open minded and fine with two-sport athletes, and with Henry’s help, he was able to convince Henderson to sign with LSU in the class of 2000. Saban, 48 at the time, had no national championships yet and only two seasons of more than eight wins in six years as a head coach at Toledo (9-2 in 1990) and Michigan State (9-2 in 1999). Henry, also 48 at the time and three months older than Saban, already had a 19-0 lead on Saban in national championships – 21-0 if you count his national junior college titles at Blinn College in Texas in 1986 and ’87. Henry had already won seven NCAA women’s indoor national championships at LSU from 1989-97, 10 consecutive women’s outdoor titles from 1988-97 and two NCAA men’s outdoor titles in 1989 and ’90. It is some 27 years later, and while Saban won seven national championships from 2003-20 with the first one at LSU and the next six at Alabama for the most in college football history, he never even fingernail-scratched Henry before Saban retired after the 2023 season at age 72. ![Coach in a white jacket and straw hat talks to a male athlete in a maroon and white track uniform on a blurred outdoor track field.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/PatHenry_TexasAM.jpg "PatHenry_TexasAM | TigerRag.com")***Texas AM track coach Pat Henry won his 10th national title with the Aggies in 2025 in mens outdoor AM photo***Henry won his 37th and final NCAA track national championship in men’s outdoor in June of 2025, which was his 10th overall for Texas A&M. [He just announced his retirement after this past season last Tuesday after 54 seasons as a coach at age 74.](https://texags.com/s/73442/legendary-track-coach-pat-henry-announces-retirement) He won 27 national championships at LSU from 1988-2004 – 2 in men’s indoor (2001, 2004), 3 in men’s outdoor (1989, 1990, 2002), 10 in women’s indoor (1989, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 2002, 2003, 2004), and 12 in women’s outdoor (1988-97, 2000, 2003). Henderson, by the way, was on the men’s 2001 men’s indoor national championship team. That season, he ran the then second-fastest 60-meter time in LSU history at 6.72 seconds and ran on the Tigers’ NCAA-qualifying 4×100 relay team. Then in 2003, he caught 53 passes for 861 yards and 11 touchdowns in helping lead LSU to its first national championship in football since 1958 under Saban, who expertly moved Henderson from running back to receiver before the 2002 season as he did with under-utilized running back Josh Reed in 2000. Henderson became an All-SEC player and a second round pick of the Saints, while Reed was a second round pick of Buffalo. Each had sigfinicant NFL careers as did defensive end and first round pick Marcus Spears, whom Saban moved from tight end at LSU in 2001. After the 2004 season, A&M came calling for Henry and LSU and athletic director Skip Bertman decided not to match the significant salary increase the Aggies offered. Henry also wanted major facilities upgrades that LSU did not agree to do. Just six months later, Bertman, who had won five national championships himself as LSU baseball coach, decided not to get into a bidding war to keep Saban at LSU as well. He had a much better chance of keeping Henry. If Bertman had matched what Miami Dolphins’ owner Wayne Huizenga paid Saban, which was $4.5 million a year, or offered more, Saban, who made $2.3 million in his last salary at LSU in 2004, wouldn’t have stayed anyway. At the time, the Fairmont, West Virginia, native thought his life dream was to be an NFL head coach. When he realized that wasn’t it, he was Alabama’s coach by 2007. And the rest is history. Henry, a native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, got a significant upgrade in salary and facilities at A&M. “Texas A&M has an excellent tradition in track and field, and I look forward to the challenge ahead,” Henry said as he took over at Texas A&M in 2004. “I like (athletic director) Bill Byrne’s vision. He is dedicated to being the very best, and I look forward to working with him. I appreciate the many outstanding track athletes at LSU, my coaches and the administration. But the timing is right for a new challenge.” Bertman promoted assistant coach Dennis Shaver, who won the 2008 women’s outdoor national title and the men’s outdoor 2021 national championship, and remains coach. But, like Saban, he won’t be able to dent Henry. Few have. Henry retired after 54 years of coaching with the most NCAA championships by a track coach in history with 37. In all NCAA sports, he trails only Jim Steen’s 50 national titles in Division III swimming and diving at Kenyon College in Gambling, Ohio, from 1976-2012, and the late Arkansas track and cross country coach John McDonnell, who won 40 NCAA titles with 29 in track and 11 in cross country from 1972-2008. [PAT HENRY RETIREMENT VIDEO ](https://12thman.com/news/2026/6/17/pat-henry-announces-retirement) “It’s very difficult to talk about 54 years of coaching, but I can talk about the best 22 years,” Henry said in announcing his retirement this week. “I have been truly blessed to be the coach here at Texas A&M. Our ten national championships and 19 final four finishes are a big part of my 22 years, but being a part of Texas A&M has made it the best years of my career. This is a special place with many wonderful people. Our athletes are provided with the best facilities, academic and medical support. The success of our program is about our ability as a staff to recruit great talent. But great talent is never happy unless they get better. The ability to help an athlete get better is about having a great staff, a staff dedicated to being the best. I have had great assistants who work hard and smart. We have been cohesive in our message.” Henry’s last salary at Texas A&M was approximately $331,000. A couple or three LSU football analysts make that much around getting coffee. And considering the ridiculous amounts of money in the several millions being paid to unproven 18-year-olds out of high school now via Name, Image & Likeness-related collectives and other sources, or in other words laundering, Henry was on a major discount. Looking back to 2004, Bertman should’ve gotten more money for Henry and facilities and kept his starter in the game. But in the end, for a brief shining period from late 1999 and into the summer of 2004, LSU had, arguably, the three greatest NCAA coaches of all time in their respective sports at the same time who would go on to produce 49 NCAA national championships – Henry with 37 (27 at LSU from 1988-2004), Saban with 7 (1 at LSU in 2003 season) and Bertman with 5 (all at LSU from 1991-2000). And you can add four more for Bertman, who as athletic director, hired four coaches who went on to win national championships at LSU – Henry’s replacement Dennis Shaver in track in women’s outdoor (2008) and men’s outdoor (2021), Saban’s replacement Les Miles in football (2007 season), Paul Mainieri in baseball (2009) and Chuck Winstead in golf (2015). **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Track & Field **Tags:** dennis shaver, LSU track & field, nick saban, pat henry, skip bertman --- ### [Lane Kiffin Hosting Several Prospects This Weekend Before Dead Period From Monday Through July 31](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-hosting-several-prospects-this-weekend-before-dead-period-from-monday-through-july-31/) **Published:** June 19, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** After an impressive high school recruiting week, LSU football coach Lane Kiffin is hoping to build on that with several prospects on campus this weekend before the summer dead period of June 22-July 31. > [Lane Kiffin Leads Jay Johnson In Recruiting Commitment World Cup So Far This Week, 5-2](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-leads-jay-johnson-in-recruiting-commitment-world-cup-so-far-this-week-5-2/) Jayden Anding, the No. 27 safety in the country by 247sports.com composite rankings, is visiting after dropping in on Ole Miss two weeks ago. Anding (5-foot-10, 165) is the younger brother of [LSU freshman safety Aidan Anding](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-cornerback-aidan-anding-tore-achilles-on-2nd-interception-saturday/), who was a backup last season and doing well in spring drills before an injury. A four-star prospect, Jayden Anding he is the No. 318 overall player by 247sports.com’s composite and the No. 11 player in Louisiana. Also visiting are a pair of three-star players who have committed to other schools – No. 105 linebacker Davon Smith (5-10, 220) of Spring Westfield High in Houston and No. 104 wide receiver Gary Burney Jr. (6-2, 185) of Parkway High in Bossier City. Smith, who is the No. 150 player in Texas, has committed to Arizona, while Burney – the No. 22 player in Louisiana – has committed to Houston. Kiffin is also hosting three previous LSU commitments in five-star and [No. 1-ranked tight end Ahmad Hudson](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-no-1-te-commit-ahmad-hudson-tells-tiger-rag-count-me-in-as-will-wade-commit-too/) of Ruston High in Ruston, No. 8 quarterback Petyon Houston of Evangal High in Shreveport and No. 9 athlete Braylon Calais of Cecilia High and Carencro. [LSU’s CLASS OF 2027 COMMITMENTS (13)](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2027-football/commits/) LSU’s 13-member class of 2027 commitments is ranked 19th by 247sports.com after it was ranked No. 50 last weekend with eight commitments. Meanwhile, LSU five-star target Easton Royal, the No. 2 wide receiver in the nation from Brother Martin High in New Orleans, will be visiting Texas this weekend. He committed there on Nov. 29. He visited LSU on May 28 and Florida on June 11. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Easton Royal, Jayden Anding, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Softball Lands 1st Portal Player Of 2026 In Notre Dame Outfielder Mickey Winchell](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-lands-1st-portal-player-of-2026-in-notre-dame-outfielder-mickey-winchell/) **Published:** June 19, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU softball coach Beth Torina has entered the import part of the 2026 NCAA Transfer Portal after seeing nine players enter the portal on the export side. Notre Dame outfielder Mickey Winchell has said on social media that she is coming to LSU for her senior season. > Former Notre Dame outfielder Mickey Winchell is headed to Baton Rouge. [@Mickey\_Winchell](https://x.com/Mickey_Winchell?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) | [@LSUsoftball](https://x.com/LSUsoftball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/WVJxxSNoKW](https://t.co/WVJxxSNoKW) > > — Softball America (@SoftbalAmerica) [June 18, 2026](https://x.com/SoftbalAmerica/status/2067729102505705565?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Winchell, who is from Livermore, California, near San Francisco, batted .335 in 2026 for Notre Dame and led the Irish with 14 stolen bases and 59 hits. She also had a .418 on-base average. > [LSU Softball Continues To Export, But Not Import Via The Transfer Portal](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-continues-to-export-but-not-import-via-the-transfer-portal/) LSU players who have entered the portal in recent weeks were starting junior shortstop Kylee Edwards, sophomore starting first baseman Tori Edwards, sophomore ace pitcher Jayden Heavener, who transferred to Texas Tech on Monday, sophomore catcher Jada Phillips, freshman infielder Gradie Appling, sophomore outfielder Destiny Harris, junior outfielder Jaydn Laneaux, freshman pitcher Lauren Soeken and junior utility player Maddox McKee, who committed to Texas A&M. Torina does have seven high school players from a top five recruiting class joining the program for the 2027 season after the Tigers reached the Super Regional last season. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Softball **Tags:** beth torina, lsu softball, Mickey Winchell, Notre Dame --- ### [LSU Baseball: Pitching Great Lloyd Peever To Enter College Baseball Hall Of Fame](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-pitching-great-lloyd-peever-to-enter-college-baseball-hall-of-fame/) **Published:** June 19, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** Former LSU pitcher Lloyd Peever, the 1992 National Player of the Year, will be inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame, the College Baseball Foundation announced on Thursday. Peever will become the fifth former LSU player or coach to be inducted into this Hall of Fame, [joining head coach Skip Bertman](https://www.skipbertman.net/) (2006), pitcher Ben McDonald (2008), second baseman Todd Walker (2009) and first baseman Eddy Furniss (2010). The induction class will be honored at the Night of Champions on February 11, 2027, in Overland Park, Kansas, the home of the College Baseball Hall of Fame. Peever, a native of Stonewall, Oklahoma, authored one of the most remarkable pitching careers in collegiate baseball history. He first established himself as an elite talent at Seminole State College in Oklahoma, going 25–2 over two seasons. He led Seminole State to two appearances in the National Junior College World Series and earned NJCAA All-America honors in 1991. By the end of his three-year career at Seminole State and LSU, Peever had amassed a 39–2 overall record. After transferring to LSU for the 1992 season, Peever delivered one of the greatest single seasons in program and college baseball history at 14-0 record with a 1.98 earned run average, becoming one of only two starting pitchers in LSU history to complete an undefeated season. His unmatched control was evident from the outset as he opened the year with 39 consecutive innings without a walk. Over 104.2 innings, he allowed just 67 hits and 20 walks while striking out 116 and going the distance three times with one shutout. “Lloyd had the greatest single year of any LSU pitcher ever,” Bertman said when Peever was inducted into the LSU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2011. “Going 14-0 just isn’t enough to describe how dominant he was.” Peever also took a 93 mph line drive to the head against Ole Miss in his 10th start of the season in 1992 and missed only two starts after that. “It’s funny because getting hit was one of the most memorable moments of that season for me,” Peever said in 2011. “The work I put in to get back was tough but fulfilling and coming back and continuing success was great.” Bertman said he had never seen a player hit in the head like that. “It’s the only thing that kept Lloyd from winning even more games that season,” Bertman said. “Skip embedded in my mind how much greater your chance of getting the batter out becomes by just throwing the ball over the plate,” Peever said. “I found myself taking a little off pitches to make sure it was a strike a lot. And it paid off that season. It was an amazing streak.” He was named the 1992 Collegiate Baseball National Player of the Year, becoming only the second player in LSU history to earn the honor. He was a consensus first team All-American while also earning first team All-SEC honors, selection to the SEC All-Tournament Team, and two National Player of the Week awards. And he was a finalist for the Golden Spikes Award that goes to the best college player in the country. Peever was selected in the fourth round of the 1992 Major League Baseball Draft by the Colorado Rockies. **THE 2026 COLLEGE BASEBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS** **Players** • \*Earl Bass, Pitcher, University of South Carolina, 1972-75 • Barry Bonds, Outfielder, Arizona State University, 1983-85 • Jeff Brantley, Pitcher, Mississippi State University, 1982-85 • Dave Clark, Outfielder, Jackson State University, 1981-83 • \*Bruce Gardner, Pitcher, University of Southern California, 1958-60 • Marquis Grissom, Outfielder/Pitcher, Florida A&M University, 1987-88 • Bobby Jones, Pitcher, Fresno State, 1989-91 • \*Bobby Layne, Pitcher, University of Texas, 1944, 1946-48 • Scott Livingstone, Third Baseman, Texas A&M University, 1985-88 • \*David McCarty, First Baseman, Stanford University, 1989-91 **• Lloyd Peever, Pitcher, Seminole State College, 1990-91 / LSU, 1992** • Buster Posey, Shortstop/Catcher, Florida State University, 2006-08 • Mike Smith, Infielder, Indiana University, 1989-92 • Dave Stegman, Outfielder, University of Arizona, 1973-76 • Huston Street, Pitcher, University of Texas, 2002-04 • \*Brent Strom, Pitcher, University of Southern California, 1968-70 **Coaches** • Danny Hall, Head Coach, Kent State University, 1988-93 / Georgia Tech, 1994-2025 • \*Hal Smeltzly, Head Coach, Florida Southern University, 1958-76 **Administrators / Contributors / Umpires** • Jim Darby, Contributor, University of California, Berkeley, 1977-current • Gus Rodriguez, Umpire, Dominican University New York, 1982-2016 • Tony Walsh, Umpire, Austin Peay State University, 1979-2022 \*To be inducted posthumously. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** College Baseball Hall of Fame, Lloyd Peever, lsu baseball, skip bertman --- ### [Protect College Sports Act Clears Commerce Committee To Chagrin Of SEC, Big Ten - On To U.S. Senate](https://www.tigerrag.com/protect-college-sports-act-clears-commerce-committee-to-chagrin-of-sec-big-ten-on-to-u-s-senate/) **Published:** June 18, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The college sports world’s ticket to dramatic change – the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act bill – passed the Senate Commerce Committee on Thursday morning and is expected to become the first bill related to college sports ever brought to the Senate or House floor. The bill won by a touchdown and a field goal vote – 19-9. Senator Maria Cantwell (Democrat-Washington) and Senator Ted Cruz (Republican-Texas) co-authored the bill last month. And former LSU and Alabama coach Nick Saban, now an ESPN analyst, gave a lengthy, informative and persuasive backing of it before Congress on June 3. > Mr. Saban Goes To Washington … and Takes Over. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 4, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2062334762090455464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey and Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti, meanwhile, do not like how the bill pools the wealth of media rights of which the SEC and Big Ten get the lions’ share. But so far, they’re losing in getting the bill changed. A minimum threshold of 75% of the 138 FBS schools must be reached to pool rights. Even if the Big Ten and SEC did not sign off and the rest of the FBS did, it would be over 75%. “What we did today was say we’re not going to let the most powerful, richest conferences (the SEC and Big Ten) dictate to the rest of America what’s going to happen to 500,000 athletes,” Cantwell said Thursday. The SEC and Big Ten released a joint statement on Thursday after the bill passed this stage that was not a pleased one. “We continue to believe revisions are needed to secure our support for the bill,” the statement said. “We are encouraged that several Commerce Committee members share our concerns and support these recommendations. We will continue working with stakeholders to ensure the bill delivers meaningful protections for student-athletes and lasting stability for college sports.” > SEC and Big Ten leaders lacked the talent, smarts and wherewithal to handle their own business and turned to Congress, thus decreasing their power. They invited the fox into their hen house. And the fox is in charge. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 19, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2067998560369430561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Among other things, the bill would also introduce a one-time transfer rule and five-year eligibility clock for athletes. Coaches would be prevented from leaving at mid-season, and it would ban professional players from playing college sports, including international professional athletes. The bill, if passed into legislation, would also grant antitrust protections around transfers, eligibility and the compensation cap, while also giving the NCAA’s new College Sports Commission strength to enforce its rules without legal challenge. The NCAA has been losing court battle after court battle for years now, rendering it weak. In a change Thursday, the anti-super league part of the bill now applies to leagues earning $700 million in revenue, down from the $1 billion mark. This would now apply to ACC, Big 12, Big Ten and SEC if voted into law. The language stops conference membership if the bill becomes law. **WHAT’S NEXT FOR BILL?** Clearing the Senate Commerce Committee was just the first step of a arduous process as time is running out quickly with not many legislative days to go before the November elections when lawmakers attentions will turn to that. The bill needs more than 60 votes in the Republican-controlled chamber by 53 to 47. The bill still needs to clear the House as well. But getting through the commerce committee was nevertheless progress. “We are proving that we are resilient in keeping this moving,” Cantwell said. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** College Football, greg sankey, NCAA, nick saban, Southeastern Conference office --- ### [High Five! Will Wade Now Officially Has Enough Guys To Play A Game | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/high-five-will-wade-now-officially-has-enough-guys-to-play-a-game-glenn-guilbeau/) **Published:** June 18, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor I remember when I was playing youth basketball at Airline Park Playground (later named after LSU great Mike Miley) in Metairie, and one day the other team had only four dudes show up. So, the coach put them in a diamond defense – one at the point, one under the goal and two at the wings with instructions to collapse on those penetrating the lane. They collapsed, all right, and we won by about as much as coach Will Wade’s McNeese State team beat Mississippi University for Women in 2023, which was 92-23. Yes, Mississippi University for Women – a coed school in Columbus – has a men’s team with males on it that Wade was somehow able to locate and schedule. And if Wade doesn’t start signing some more players soon, Mississippi University for Women may try to schedule his new LSU men’s basketball team for revenge this season. > [Will Wade Still Trying To Stay Ahead Of The NCAA Sheriffs As Eligibility Issues Circle His Overseas Roster Efforts](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-still-trying-to-stay-ahead-of-the-ncaa-sheriffs-as-eligibility-issues-circle-his-overseas-roster-efforts/) Wade, who has been on the job since March 26, just added his fifth official roster member on Thursday, June 18. He is 6-foot-8 forward Jordan Bender of Northside Christian School in St. Petersburg, Florida. Bender played for former NBA first round pick Marreese Speights at Northside, but Wade somehow found a guy who is not listed on any significant recruiting websites, which is hard to do. So hats off to Wade for that. Did LSU just make men’s basketball a club sport to save money to pay off Brian Kelly’s and Matt McMahon’s buyouts and for new deals for Lane Kiffin and Wade? Are open tryouts next? LSU’s current roster is a joke. > This is what LSU’s men’s basketball roster looked like before adding a player today who appears on no reputable recruiting sites. [pic.twitter.com/VcSAoM81OB](https://t.co/VcSAoM81OB) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 18, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2067699241175445845?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) What happened to all that brash, braggadocious, [classic Wade talk from his introductory press conference last March 30?](https://www.asapsports.com/show_conference.php?id=217435) “We’re going to find 15 players who are willing to lay it on the line for us every night,” Wade said. Will that include recruiting via Artemis III spaceflights, by chance? You’ve been all over Europe. And you got five! “We’re going to build a winning program, and we’re going to build this thing quick,” Wade said on March 30. “This is not something that’s going to take long. We’re going to get in that portal when it opens next Monday (April 6), and we’re going to put together a winner because everybody in here deserves a winner.” Or at least enough guys to play five on five? As the weeks and then months went by, players Wade considered went elsewhere: **WILL WADE TARGETS MISSED VIA THE PORTAL** -No. 2-ranked Kansas State point guard PJ Haggerty, who went to Texas A&M. -No. 6 Seton Hall center Najai Hines, who went to Connecticut. -No. 5 Georgia combination guard Jeremiah Wilkinson, who went to Arkansas. -No. 4 Georgetown small forward KJ Lewis, who went to USC. -No. 5 North Carolina State guard Matt Able, who went to North Carolina. -No. 15 Florida Atlantic guard Deven Vanterpool, who went to Providence. Then Wade suddenly adjusted his “15 players” comment. “We’re really going to pay seven or eight guys at LSU this year,” he said as things stretched into May. “And we’ll fill out the back half of the roster with some guys who could help us in a pinch.” How convenient. Bender may be one of the guys he was talking about as far “filling out” his roster. But he may want to get some tires on the car before he gets the spares. Wade’s not saying what’s really going on. Portal players he first wanted at LSU didn’t want to transfer to him in droves. Perhaps because his shady reputation keeps following him. He signed the No. 14 portal class last year at North Carolina State with a healthy class of eight. He didn’t have to scour Europe for players then. Perhaps the slimey *way* he left North Carolina State is haunting him? > [NC State Investigating Will Wade And LSU For Wade’s Strange And Alleged Covert Exit To LSU After A Year](https://www.tigerrag.com/nc-state-investigating-will-wade-and-lsu-for-wades-strange-and-alleged-covert-exit-to-lsu-after-a-year/) [](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-still-trying-to-stay-ahead-of-the-ncaa-sheriffs-as-eligibility-issues-circle-his-overseas-roster-efforts/#)[](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-still-trying-to-stay-ahead-of-the-ncaa-sheriffs-as-eligibility-issues-circle-his-overseas-roster-efforts/#)[](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-still-trying-to-stay-ahead-of-the-ncaa-sheriffs-as-eligibility-issues-circle-his-overseas-roster-efforts/#)[](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-still-trying-to-stay-ahead-of-the-ncaa-sheriffs-as-eligibility-issues-circle-his-overseas-roster-efforts/#)[](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-still-trying-to-stay-ahead-of-the-ncaa-sheriffs-as-eligibility-issues-circle-his-overseas-roster-efforts/#)[](mailto:?subject=Will%20Wade%20Still%20Trying%20To%20Stay%20Ahead%20Of%20The%20NCAA%20Sheriffs%20As%20Eligibility%20Issues%20Circle%20His%20Overseas%20Roster%20Efforts&body=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tigerrag.com%2Fwill-wade-still-trying-to-stay-ahead-of-the-ncaa-sheriffs-as-eligibility-issues-circle-his-overseas-roster-efforts%2F)[](javascript:window.print())Coming off a 14-18 season with a 3-15 mark in the Southeastern Conference, former LSU coach Matt McMahon had 15 players on his roster at this time last year, including eight from the portal. His portal class was ranked No. 16 in the nation by 247sports.com with three ranked in the top 17 in the nation – No. 6 point guard Dedan Thomas Jr. of UNLV, No. 14 power forward Marquel Sutton of Omaha and No. 17 center Mike Nwoko of Mississippi State. Sure, McMahon finished 15-17 and 3-15, but he was 12-1 before Thomas got hurt. And excellent point guards like Thomas are like quarterbacks – if you have one, you have a chance even if you don’t have a lot else. Wade’s portal class of four is currently ranked No. 40 in the nation by 247sports.com with one player in the top 22 – No. 9 small forward Mouhamed Dioubate of Kentucky. Guard Austin Nunez of Texas-San Antonio is not even ranked. Abdi Bashir Jr. of Kansas State is the No. 23 shooting guard, and Divine Ugochukwu of Michigan State is the No. 45 point guard But, hey, at least Wade doesn’t have to play a diamond defense. With Bender, he now has five players on his roster officially. He can play a real game now. His team might look like it’s on a bender, but that’s a start. And there is also No. 1 ranked tight end Ahmad Hudson, a 6-foot-6 football commitment who is also a very highly regarded forward prospect who has said multiple times he wants to play basketball for Wade at LSU as well. Better be nice to Lane, Wade. Now, Wade could end up with as many as 12 players with some help from another Geneva Convention as he is awaiting eligibility clearance before the NCAA changes the rules on five overseas players who have apparently committed to LSU: **LSU POSSIBLE NEW PLAYERS FROM OVERSEAS WITH ELIGIBILITY QUESTIONS** -Brice Dessert, Center, 6-11, 247, Fr., Andalou Efes pro team in Istanbul, Turkey, Pontoise, France, native, Age 23. -Yam Madar, Guard, 6-3, 181, Fr., Hapoel pro team in Tel Aviv, Israel, Beit Dugan, Israel, native Age 25. -Saliou Niang, Forward, 6-6, 190, Fr., Virtus pro team in Bologna, Italy, Dakar, Senegal, W.Africa native, Age 22. … 58th pick in 2025 NBA Draft by Cleveland. -Michael Ruzic, Center, 7-0, 160, Fr., Joventut club pro team in Catalonia, Spain, Besancon, France, native, Age 19. -Marcio Santos, Center, 6-8, 250, Fr. Maccabi pro team in Tel Aviv, Israel, Native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Age 23. > [Will Wade Signs Former NBA Player RJ Luis, But There May Be Legal Baggage](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-signs-former-nba-player-rj-luis-but-there-may-be-legal-baggage/) And there is also “signee” RJ Luis, a 6-7 guard/forward who was the Big East Player of the Year at St. John’s in the 2024-25 season. But he just happened to sign with Utah in the NBA as an undrafted free agent and got traded to Boston in 2025. He never played in an NBA regular season game, but there are still major eligibility issues as he signed professional contracts. LSU is lawyering up – not a good sign in roster building. Kiffin signed 41 out of the portal without any legal proceedings or having to go overseas, unless you count Hawaii. Perhaps Wade can call Alabama coach Nate Oats for advice on how he handled Charles Bediako’s eligibility case that he lost. > [Will Wade’s Hand-Picked Assistant AD Downplays Eligibility Issues on Basketball Roster – Imagine That](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wades-hand-picked-assistant-ad-downplays-eligibility-issues-on-basketball-roster-imagine-that/) Even if Wade gets most of his overseas targets, none of them appear to be world beaters like Luis, I don’t care what part of the world or league in which they played. Some may be pretty good. There is some size. Some may be average. But this is not looking like a team that will do more than hover just under .500 in the SEC next season, which would be an improvement over last year – but a major disappointment as far as Wade’s bombastic claims a few months ago. And he never seems to run out of those. “There’s a lot of different things going on,” Wade said in May of the delays on his overseas players getting cleared to LSU’s roster. Delays that have continued through mid-June. Funny, McMahon signed Ron Zipper of Hapoel Be’er Sheva in the Israel Premier League last year – IN MAY. “By the day school starts, we’ll have a real good team, and that’s all that matters,” Wade said in May. If Wade could find players the way he locates BS, LSU would be a contender next season. “By the end of August, we’ll have a great team,” he said in May. We’ll hold you to that. Wonder if Wade was thinking in May that his “great team” would include a high school player as his fifth roster member who is not ranked anywhere? **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** Jordan Bender, lsu, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, will wade --- ### [LSU Baseball: One Person Close To The Program Saw The 2026 Disaster Coming ... And Tells Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-one-person-close-to-the-program-saw-the-2026-disaster-coming-and-tells-tiger-rag-radio/) **Published:** June 18, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** Former LSU baseball pitcher Ronnie Rantz, a college baseball analyst for various networks across the Southeast, saw the Tigers’ season from hell coming early in the 2026 season. Maybe not the worst Southeastern Conference season in history at 9-21, but he saw signs in the Tigers’ SEC opening loss at Vanderbilt, 13-12 on March 13. And LSU ended up not making the NCAA postseason for the first time since 2011 and finishing 30-28 overall. The morning after the Vanderbilt loss on his weekly radio show, Sports Shorts, on 104.5 FM in Baton Rouge (Saturdays 10 a.m. to Noon), Rantz predicted a bad season and that LSU would not win more than 14 league games. “Well, I hated to be right,” Rantz said on Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night. “The pitching really struggled. You can say that William Schmidt had a nice year, but I don’t think William Schmidt (5-4, 4.22 ERA) had the year he thought he would have. I think going into the season, William’s expectations were he thought he’d better. He had an okay, solid year, I think for a third starter, but not a Friday or Saturday night guy. And then everybody else was had a down year. Every single other pitcher had a down year – a year worse than they thought they would have, including Casan Evans.” ***To listen to Ronnie’s entire segment on Tiger Rag Radio, including all the information on the upcoming Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches on June 25-27, hit the arrow below. Rantz is the executive director of the Hall:*** Evans, a sophomore coming off a great freshman season, fell to 2-4 and a 5.93 ERA in 2026. “Casan Evans had a couple of extremely great outings, but then he had a bunch that weren’t,” Rantz said. “He surely didn’t have a Friday ace type of year. Then you had a bunch of offensive guys that did not have good seasons. Every single one of your transfer portal guys on offense had a bad year. Every single one of them – not one good one. So, in this day and age, where you’re paying guys money in the transfer portal to plug and play, for them to come in and be starters and play right away, and they don’t do well, you’re not going to overcome that.” But Rantz still made that call very early in the season. “Well, because the the signs were there from a standpoint of they were walking too many guys, hitting too many guys, the catching was really bad at the beginning of the season,” Rantz said. “Now, the catching improved tremendously the second half of the year, and they started swinging the bat better. But the pitching never really got better as the season went on – too many walks, too many hit batters. And then defensively they were not good. “If you remember, especially the first half of the year, they were one of the worst defensive teams in the SEC. So that combination really hurt. It was happening early on, and that was all you needed to know that the team was not headed in the right direction. I wish it hadn’t happened, but it did.” > [LSU Baseball Adds USC Pitcher Diego Velazquez Via Portal – Was 5-1 With 34 Strikeouts in 31 Innings In 2026](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-adds-usc-pitcher-diego-velasquez-via-portal-was-5-1-with-34-strikeouts-in-31-innings-in-2026/) Rantz likes the new group of portal players that coach Jay Johnson is gathering, though. “Well, I think the new crop’s more battle tested, and they’re also from bigger programs as well,” he said. “Last year’s group came from a lot of mid-major teams.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Ronnie Rantz --- ### [LSU Baseball: Derek Curiel 1 Of Only 3 Named To ABCA Gold Glove Team](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-derek-curiel-1-of-only-3-named-to-abca-gold-glove-team/) **Published:** June 18, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU sophomore center fielder Derek Curiel has been named one of three outfielders on the 2026 American Baseball Coaches Association Gold Glove team for NCAA Division I and is one of only six Tigers in history to receive a Gold Glove award. The previous LSU players to receive such an honor were center fielder Dylan Crews in 2023 for the national champion Tigers, Zach Watson in 2018 and 2019, shortstop Alex Bregman and center fielder Andrew Stevenson in 2015 and catcher Micah Gibbs on LSU’s 2009 national title team. Curiel, who is expected to go in the first round of the Major League Baseball Draft on July 11, is joined in the Gold Glove outfield by Ty Head of North Carolina State and Hutson Miles of Lipscomb. Curiel recorded a .985 fielding percentage in 2026 and was voted to the Southeastern Conference All-Defensive team. A third team All-America and second team All-SEC selection this season, Curiel hit a team-high .353 (82-for-232) with 18 doubles, two triples, six homers, 46 RBIs, 64 runs and 13 stolen bases. He is No. 4 in the league in batting average, No. 5 in hits, No. 9 in doubles, No. 10 in triples and No. 10 in runs scored. Curiel completed the season with a 10-game hitting streak, batting .447 (17-for-38) with seven doubles, three RBIs, 13 runs, nine walks and a .542 on-base percentage. The 2025 National Freshman of the Year helped lead LSU to the College World Series title last season with a team-high .345 batting average, 20 doubles, seven home runs, 55 RBIs and 67 runs scored. Curiel has a .349 (171-for-490) career batting average in two seasons with the Tigers and has started all 126 games he has played, collecting 38 doubles, four triples, 13 home runs, 101 RBIs, 131 runs, 16 steals and a .452 on-base percentage. The Gold Glove winners have been selected since 2007 in the collegiate and high school ranks. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Derek Curiel, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Baseball: Transfer Outfielder Jason Wachs Is The Real Deal, Tulane Writer Promises on Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-transfer-outfielder-jason-wachs-is-the-real-deal-tulane-writer-promises-on-tiger-rag-radio/) **Published:** June 18, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU’s latest offensive addition via the NCAA Transfer Portal is Tulane sophomore right fielder Jason Wachs, who did it all for the Green Wave last season. Wachs, a native of Pembroke Pines, Florida, near Miami, led Tulane in six offensive categories – .327 batting average, 54 RBIs, 9 home runs, 21 doubles, 48 runs and 66 hits. And he hit .335 with 14 doubles, two home runs and 25 RBIs as a freshman in 2025 out of West Broward High. Wachs chose LSU over Tennessee, Florida, Miami and Florida State. > Jason Wachs announced today on Instagram he is transferring to LSU after two outstanding years with the Green Wave. This season, he led [\#Tulane](https://x.com/hashtag/Tulane?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) in batting average (.327), doubles (21), home runs (9) and OPS (1.027) and showed a very strong arm in right field. > > — Guerry Smith (@Guersmith) [June 14, 2026](https://x.com/Guersmith/status/2066250437221556535?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “Yeah, the way he started off two years ago, you could tell how good he was right off the bat,” NOLA.com/Baton Rouge Advocate writer Guerry Smith said on Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night. Smith covers Tulane on a regular basis. ***Listen to the entire interview with Guerry by hitting the arrow below:*** “His first two games of his college career as a freshman, he got two hits in each game,” Smith said. “And he really never let up. He was always just a really consistent singles hitter in his freshman year. He did not hit his first home run as a freshman until he hit two in the in the American Conference Tournament at the end of last year. Then he picked up where he left off this year – very, very good contact hitter.” > [LSU Baseball Plucks Tulane’s Best Player In Outfielder Jason Wachs Via Transfer Portal](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-plucks-tulanes-best-player-in-outfielder-jason-wachs-via-transfer-portal/) As a sophomore last season, Wachs began to show his power late in the year. “He hit seven of his nine home runs the last month of the season,” Smith said. “He has a line-drive approach. Jason was one of the only bright notes down the stretch for Tulane (25-31, 10-17 American South Conference). He had three hits at Alex Box late in the season, including a home run and a double.” Wachs is also fast and plays strong defense with a good arm. He committed only three errors in the 2026 season. “He can do it all now,” Smith said. “Once he added that power this season, he became a complete hitter. And that’s what LSU is getting. He’s a complete player” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Jason Wachs, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Tulane baseball --- ### [LSU Softball Ace Jayden Heavener Chooses Controversy-Laden Texas Tech - 8 Tigers Planning To Transfer](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-ace-jayden-heavener-chooses-controversy-laden-texas-tech-8-tigers-planning-to-transfer/) **Published:** June 15, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor You might say, former LSU softball pitcher Jayden Heavener is headed to where the action is. Heavener, a lefty sophomore from Pace, Florida, who led the Tigers in 2026 with a 13-9 record and 2.81 ERA, has committed to Texas Tech after entering the NCAA Transfer Portal early this month. > [LSU Softball Loses A Top Pitcher For The 2nd Straight Year To The Portal As Jayden Heavener Plans To Transfer](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-loses-a-top-pitcher-for-the-2nd-straight-year-to-the-portal-as-jayden-heavener-plans-to-transfer/) Texas Tech is known for throwing a lot of money around as it is believed to have one of the largest Name, Image & Likeness-related roster budgets at an estimated $55 million a year behind billionaire oil tycoon and former Tech offensive lineman Cody Campbell. He has been on Tech’s Board of Regents since 2021 when NIL started and Board chairman since 2025. > Column: On the college sports fault line, Sorsby and Senate dramas may collide. From the Big 12 boardroom to Capitol Hill, this could be a significant week for the course of the industry. > > — Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) [June 14, 2026](https://x.com/ByPatForde/status/2066299526063816859?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Former Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby, who has been in the news lately as a serial gambler, transferred to Texas Tech for his senior season last January for a prize sum between $5 and $6 million after visiting LSU. But on April 27, Sorsby checked himself into a rehabilitation center for a significant sports gambling addiction and later admitted to placing bets in the amount of $90,000 or more over four years, which are cardinal NCAA rules violations. > [Lane Kiffin Expected To Host No. 2 Portal QB Brendan Sorsby Of Cincinnati](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-expected-to-host-no-2-portal-qb-brendan-sorsby-of-cincinnati/) The NCAA made Sorsby ineligible, but a local judge granted Sorsby an injunction against the NCAA on June 8 that prevents the NCAA from punishing Sorsby for enforcing its anti-gambling rules against him. Sorsby was only suspended by Texas Tech for its first two games of the 2026 season. [But Sorsby this week decided to enter the NFL supplemental draft](https://apnews.com/article/sorsby-texas-tech-gambling-f8e823a3b4f322f079445d6f541d17b6) this summer and end his college career. Heavener led LSU last season in wins, ERA, saves (2), innings pitched (139 and a third) and strikeouts (128) as she led the Tigers to a turnaround season at 40-19 overall, 13-11 in the SEC and to an NCAA Super Regional at No. 1 Alabama. She is one of eight LSU players to enter the portal, including one of the Tigers’ best position players in first basmean Tori Edwards, who hit .284 last season with 12 home runs, 45 RBIs and nine stolen bases. Outfielder Destiny Harris, who hit .295 with two homers and 11 RBIs in 43 games and 17 starts, is also in the portal. The other players entering the portal did not log significant playing time in 2026 – outfielder Jaydyn Laneaux, catcher Jada Phillips, infielder Gradie Appling, pitcher Lauren Soeken and utility player Maddox McKee, who has transferred to Texas A&M, another program with deep NIL-related pockets. LSU softball coach Beth Torina has signed a seven-member recruiting class for 2027 that is considered a top five class. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Softball **Tags:** beth torina, Brendan Sorsby, Jayden Heavener, lsu softball, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Softball Continues To Export, But Not Import Via The Transfer Portal](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-continues-to-export-but-not-import-via-the-transfer-portal/) **Published:** June 18, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU softball coach Beth Torina enjoyed an excellent season in 2026 along with gathering a top five incoming recruiting class of seven and several returning key players for 2027. Check that last part. Nine players have entered the NCAA Transfer Portal, and Torina has brought in zero. The Tigers’ third top player has just entered the portal in starting junior shortstop Kylee Edwards, who hit .341 with 10 home runs and 40 RBIs for the Tigers (40-19, 13-11 Southeastern Conference) last season. LSU reached the Super Regional round for the second time in three years before elimination at No. 1 Alabama. It was the Tigers’ first SEC finish over .500 since 2023. > After a lot of thought and consideration I have decided to enter the transfer portal for my last year. This was not an easy decision, I’m super thankful for my time at LSU, but I feel like this is the best decision for myself and my family! Thank you guys for the out wavering… [pic.twitter.com/i04op58u9R](https://t.co/i04op58u9R) > > — Kylee Edwards (@kyleeedwards67) [June 17, 2026](https://x.com/kyleeedwards67/status/2067254671098462358?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Edwards was just featured on LSU’s website on Tuesday for being named the 2026 Newcomer of the Year by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association after transferring from Mississippi State following the 2025 season. [KYLEE EDWARDS NAMED NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR](https://lsusports.net/news/2026/06/16/edwards-lassiter-win-louisiana-major-awards-three-tigers-earn-lswa-all-louisiana-honors/) She was also named to the All-Louisiana first team by the LSWA. Sophomore first baseman Tori Edwards previously entered the portal after leading LSU with 12 home runs and hitting .284 with 45 RBIs and nine stolen bases. > LSU softball ace is headed to where the action is, so to speak – Texas Tech. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 15, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2066518492812124573?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Sophomore Jayden Heavener, who was easily LSU’s top and most-used pitcher with a 13-9 record and 2.81 ERA and 128 strikeouts in 139 and a third innings, transferred to Texas Tech on Monday. Other previous LSU players to enter the portal were sophomore catcher Jada Phillips, freshman infielder Gradie Appling, sophomore outfielder Destiny Harris, junior outfielder Jaydn Laneaux, freshman pitcher Lauren Soeken and junior utility player Maddox McKee, who committed to Texas A&M. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Softball **Tags:** beth torina, Kylee Edwards, lsu softball, LSU Tigers --- ### [William Most Explains LSU EDD Lawsuit, Arena Tax Fight on Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-edd-lawsuit-william-most-arena-taxes-voter-approval/) **Published:** June 18, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **Tiger Rag News Services** The lawsuit challenging the Louisiana State University Economic Development District is not simply about whether LSU should build a new arena. Attorney William Most says it is about something older, simpler and more fundamental: whether government can create a tax structure that raises public money without meaningful voter approval. Most, who represents plaintiff Darrell Glasper Sr. in the lawsuit against the LSU EDD and LSU EDD Athletic Subdistrict, joined Tiger Rag Radio this week to explain the case, the tax structure, and why the dispute could matter well beyond LSU’s proposed arena project. “This is a lawsuit that’s about a principle that’s as old as the United States, which is no taxation without representation,” Most said. The lawsuit challenges whether the LSU-linked tax districts were legally created and whether taxes tied to the districts can be collected and used without the voter approval normally required for tax increases. The case also raises questions about the proposed LSU arena, the role of tax revenue in supporting the project, and whether the public was fully informed about how the money would be used. Tiger Rag has previously reported that Glasper’s lawsuit alleges the LSU EDD was designed to include taxable businesses while excluding voters. The lawsuit claims that structure allowed new taxes to be imposed without an election because businesses are not voters and the district allegedly had no qualified electors residing inside it. The LSU EDD board approved a 1% sales tax and 1% hotel occupancy tax beginning Oct. 1, 2025. The LSU EDD Athletic Subdistrict later announced its own intended 1% sales tax and 1% hotel occupancy tax. The phrase “both cents” has become central to the controversy because it refers to the two 1% tax layers — one from the LSU EDD and one from the Athletic Subdistrict. Most told Tiger Rag Radio the issue is not whether LSU fans want a modern arena. The question is whether the financing structure was created and implemented lawfully. Tiger Rag executive editor Todd Horne framed the issue during the interview as a distinction between the arena itself and the tax mechanism behind it. **LSU needs a new arena. The public question is whether an Economic Development District tax structure funds it without enough voter consent, transparency or accountability.** Most said Louisiana law includes important protections for taxpayers. “These are important protections that Louisiana law has put in place,” Most said. “Not to say you can’t raise taxes. But if you do, you have to get the necessary input from the voters. You can’t secretly finalize it to a project without their knowledge.” The lawsuit alleges that private communications showed the tax revenue was intended to support the proposed arena project while the public was told there was no determined use for the money. Most said the case has now moved into discovery after LSU and the state Attorney General’s office responded. “The case is moving,” Most said. “Discovery has gone out. The case is moving forward.” One of the most important unresolved questions is what happens to tax money already collected if Glasper prevails. Horne asked Most whether the money would be returned to people or businesses that paid the taxes if the lawsuit succeeds. “That’s a great question,” Most said. “I’m hopeful that they would do the right thing and return it to the people they collected the taxes from, but I’m not sure if that’s necessarily the remedy. We’d have to see how it goes if we get that far.” The lawsuit has cited a projected figure of roughly $161 million in sales and hotel tax collections over 30 years. Horne also asked Most about LSU President William Tate’s public statement at the Baton Rouge Press Club that collections could potentially exceed $1 billion over the life of the tax structure. Most said long-term projections are uncertain, but the legal principle remains the same. “Whether it’s going to be $161 million or a billion, all I know is it’s a lot of money,” Most said. “And when you’re raising anything in that order of magnitude, you better make sure that you’re doing it in a constitutional and legal way.” The interview also touched on the Bayou Fountain Economic Development District, a separate Metro Council-created district near the LSU arena footprint. Horne asked whether Most was familiar with the BFEDD and whether it could be connected to broader concerns about the use of economic development districts in Baton Rouge. Most said he had heard of the Bayou Fountain district but had not yet analyzed its legality. “I do know that there’s, I think, dozens of economic development districts in the Baton Rouge area,” Most said. “And so this is not a one-off issue. This is a potentially recurring problem.” The LSU EDD lawsuit has become one of the most important public-finance stories surrounding LSU athletics because it sits at the intersection of sports, taxes, economic development, public records, local government and private development. The cleanest framing is not that the lawsuit seeks to stop LSU’s arena. **The stronger and more accurate framing is that the lawsuit challenges the tax districts and alleges arena-related tax support was hidden from the public.** Most said he expects the courts to address important questions about voter approval, public money and the legal limits of economic development districts. “These are important issues,” Most said. The full William Most interview is available in today’s Tiger Rag Radio audio segment embedded above. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, LSU athletics, LSU Basketball **Tags:** Darrell Glasper, Economic Development District, LSU Arena, LSU EDD, tiger rag radio, Wade Rousse, William Most --- ### [Lane Kiffin Predicts, "We're Going To Win A National Championship," At LSU, But He Doesn't Know How Fast](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-predicts-were-going-to-win-a-national-championship-at-lsu-but-he-doesnt-know-how-fast/) **Published:** June 18, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor New LSU football coach Lane Kiffin continued to try to stop the hungry and often unrealistic Tigers’ fan base from automatically assuming a national championship in only his first season in 2026. But a national title is coming. “I don’t know how fast it’s going to happen,” Kiffin said on former LSU great Tyrann Mathieu’s “In The Bayou” podcast this week. “But we’re going to win a national championship. And we’re going to have the teams and the rosters back to the way that they were playing when they were great. I don’t know how fast. It might not be today, but it’s going to happen.” The last time it happened was seven years ago this season in 2019-20 when Kiffin was finishing his last season as Florida Atlantic’s head coach before getting the Ole Miss job. LSU won the national championship with its best season in history at 15-0 under coach Ed Orgeron and quarterback Joe Burrow. > “He’s pretty much full strength now.” > -Lane Kiffin on LSU Franchise QB Sam Leavitt’s recovery from foot injury on Honey Badger’s podcast. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 17, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2067293237136560537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Kiffin has what appears to be a national championship roster – on paper – going into the 2026 season, which starts on Sept. 5 in Tiger Stadium against Clemson (6:30 p.m., ABC). He only signed the No. 1 Transfer Portal class in the country with enough players for two classes at 41, and most of that class is returning for 2027 with still others beyound that. “I feel it in recruiting, too, when these kids come in now,” he said. > [Lane Kiffin Leads Jay Johnson In Recruiting Commitment World Cup So Far This Week, 5-2](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-leads-jay-johnson-in-recruiting-commitment-world-cup-so-far-this-week-5-2/) Just this week, Kiffin has gained commitments from five prospects to climb from a No. 50 ranking by 247sports.com to No. 19 with 13 commitments. Included in those five are No. 4 edge rusher Chris Whitehead of Chesterfield, Virginia, No. 5 offensive tackle Terrance Smith of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, and No. 7 running back David Segarra of Duncan, South Carolina. “Now that we’ve got our staff fully here, and we know how to sell LSU, too,” Kiffin said. “Because now we’re meeting up with people and know the restaurants and the areas and the people – it’s number one. It’s like Nick Saban said. It’s the best job in America.” Saban, who won LSU’s first national championship in football since 1958 in the 2003 season, had Kiffin as his offensive coordinator at Alabama from 2014-16. The Tide reached two national championship games with Kiffin and won the 2015 title. Saban, who retired after the 2023 season with six Alabama national championships and a record seven overall, advised Kiffin to take the LSU job last season because of its potential. The Tigers have won three national championships this century under three coaches and played in four national title games. > Lane Kiffin makes a National Championship promise for LSU 👀🏆 > > “I don’t know how fast it’s going to happen, but we’re going to win a national championship. We’re going to have the teams and the rosters back to the way they were playing when they were great.” [pic.twitter.com/z1zlZj0j55](https://t.co/z1zlZj0j55) > > — In The Bayou With Tyrann Mathieu (@InTheBayouPod) [June 17, 2026](https://x.com/InTheBayouPod/status/2067300019972300926?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Mathieu was a consensus All-American defensive back on the 2011 LSU team that was one of the Tigers’ best in history on defense. The No. 1 Tigers beat No. 2 Alabama. 9-6, in overtime in Tuscaloosa that season and finished as 13-0 Southeastern Conference champions before losing to the Tide, 21-0, in the national championship game in the Sugar Bowl. Mathieu finished fifth for the Heisman Trophy that season and won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the nation’s best defensive back before a 12-year, three-time first team All-Pro NFL career with a Super Bowl title. “I’m excited for the season,” Mathieu told Kiffin. “I can’t wait, man. I cannot wait. I’m sort of hesitant, though, to put the highest expectations on you.” Kiffin inherits a team that finished 7-6 last season and 3-5 in the SEC – the Tigers’ second below .500 finish in the league since 2021. “I know everyone here is about wins and losses, but my expectations are that we play really smart, physical football,” Kiffin said. “And we’re really good in situations, but the style comes back. Like, I want people to fear LSU the way that I had to fear LSU when I was at Alabama. When we were going to play LSU, you knew it was on, especially when we were on offense against their defense. It was on. And you better hope that game is not at LSU, and please don’t be at night. Because we were like, ‘Are we even going to score at all?’ Because the guys are going to be on elite speed and mindset and physical. I want to bring that back.” Kiffin was 3-0 against Alabama when he was the Tide’s offensive coordinator – 20-13 in overtime at Tiger Stadium in 2014, 30-16 at Alabama in 2015 and 10-0 at LSU in 2016 when the score was 0-0 until the fourth quarter. Saban was 6-2 against LSU at Tiger Stadium. LSU returns third-year defensive coordinator Blake Baker, who has gradually improved the Tigers since inheriting one of the worst defenses in the country from the 2023 season. “I want to feel that dominating LSU defense that people are scared to play,” Kiffin said. “You might do OK, but you’re going to be sore on Sunday.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, National Championship, nick saban --- ### [LSU QB Sam Leavitt "Finally Cleared" From Foot Injury, Lane Kiffin Says On Tyrann Mathieu Podcast](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-qb-sam-leavitt-finally-cleared-from-foot-injury-lane-kiffin-says-on-tyrann-mathieu-podcast/) **Published:** June 17, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor All systems are go for LSU projected starting quarterback Sam Leavitt, the No. 1 signal caller and No. 1 player in the 2026 Transfer Portal, LSU coach Lane Kiffin said Tuesday on former LSU great Tyrann Mathieu’s podcast. > We took a trip to LSU for a very special In The Bayou… > > Lane Kiffin joins us tomorrow 👀🚨 [pic.twitter.com/ROLvBaL6j5](https://t.co/ROLvBaL6j5) > > — In The Bayou With Tyrann Mathieu (@InTheBayouPod) [June 16, 2026](https://x.com/InTheBayouPod/status/2066950637729038667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “Now, he’s just got to put everything together in year one,” Kiffin said on the “In The Bayou” podcast. “A little bit late, because now he’s just finally cleared.” Leavitt, who will be a junior this season after transferring from Arizona State, had “Lisfranc” surgery on bones in his right midfoot last November that cut short his 2025 season. The surgery, which was named after 1800s French surgeon Jacques Lisfranc de St. Martin, realigns displaced or torn meatatarsal bones in the center of the foot with stabilizing screws, plates or pins. Leavitt had those screws removed early last April and missed most of spring practice. “He’s doing well,” Kiffin told Mathieu. “He’s been out there and pretty much full strength now. Really good arm, really smart. I mean, he’s in there just grinding all the time on stuff. He’s an NFL-mindset quarterback from a preparation standpoint.” > “He has a super powerful arm and is extremely confident. And he can run. What he’s really good at, too, is deciphering a lot of information in half a second.” LSU QB Sam Leavitt’s coach at West Linn High in Oregon – Jon Eagle. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [January 13, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2010909160905355759?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Kiffin signed Leavitt last January after a very competitive recruiting process for a reported $5 million. But Kiffin’s original offer to Leavitt may have been less than that as Leavitt did not commit to LSU during his visit to campus. He only committed after Kiffin flew to Knoxville to talk to Leavitt while he was at the airport there for a visit to Tennessee before another one to Miami. > [Lane Kiffin Is Not A Yes Man When It Comes To “No” In Recruiting | Glenn Guilbeau Column](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-is-not-a-yes-man-when-it-comes-to-no-in-recruiting-glenn-guilbeau-column/) Kiffin had also recruited Cincinnati quarterback Brendan Sorsby early in the portal recruiting process last January, but reportedly topped his salary offer to Sorsby at $3.5 million. And Sorsby signed with Texas Tech for $5 million after visiting LSU. Whew! > Column: In a master class of policing its own neighborhood, the Big 12 did what a Lubbock court would not and the NCAA could not. It forcefully persuaded Brendan Sorsby to abandon playing college football. > > — Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) [June 16, 2026](https://x.com/ByPatForde/status/2066721571633340844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) A gambling controversy ensued while Sorsby was at Texas Tech, and he is now refreshingly out of college football for breaking NCAA gambling rules and is headed for the NFL supplemental draft this summer. There have been erroneous reports of late that LSU offered Sorsby $5 million back in January. LSU reportedly never “bet” beyond $3.5 million for Sorsby as it eventually did for Leavitt. Leavitt completed 145 of 239 passes for 1,628 yards and 10 touchdowns with three interceptions in seven games for Arizona State last season in addition to rushing 73 times for 306 yarsds and five touchdowns before the foot injury ended his season. In 2024, he directed the Sun Devils to an 11-3 season and to the College Football Playoff by completing 216 of 350 passes for 2,885 yards and 24 touchdowns with six interceptions and rushed 110 times for 443 yards and five touchdowns. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Brendan Sorsby, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Sam Leavitt --- ### [LSU Football Recruiting: Lane Kiffin Gains Brotherly Commitments](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-recruiting-lane-kiffin-gains-brotherly-commitments/) **Published:** June 17, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** On the same day, LSU football coach gained a commitment from No. 4 edge rusher Chris Whitehead of Chesterfield, Virginia, for his class of 2027, he added one from Whitehead’s younger brother Isaiah Whitehead for his class of 2028. > [Lane Kiffin Leads Jay Johnson In Recruiting Commitment World Cup So Far This Week, 5-2](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-leads-jay-johnson-in-recruiting-commitment-world-cup-so-far-this-week-5-2/) Isaiah Whitehead, the No 35 offensive tackle in the nation and No. 9 prospect in Virginia for 2028 by 247sports.com, committed to the Tigers on Wednesday afternoon. Whitehead (6-foot-4, 325 pounds) is the 247sports.com composite No. 405 player in the country. He committed to LSU among scholarship offers from Virginia, Missouri, California, Temple, Florida State, Georgia and Maryland. The younger Whitehead is Kiffin’s first commitment for 2028. Whitehead is also the Tigers’ 10th commitment so far in the month of June. The elder Whitehead is a composite five-star prospect by 247sports.com as the No. 31 player in the nation and No. 1 player in Virginia. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Chris Whitehead, Isaiah Whitehead, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Baseball Adds USC Pitcher Diego Velazquez Via Portal - Was 5-1 With 34 Strikeouts in 31 Innings In 2026](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-adds-usc-pitcher-diego-velasquez-via-portal-was-5-1-with-34-strikeouts-in-31-innings-in-2026/) **Published:** June 16, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson gained a commitment from a second pitcher via the NCAA Transfer Portal on Tuesday night, a Tiger Rag source said. Diego Velazquez, a freshman right-hander from USC, committed on Tuesday night in coach Jay Johnson’s office. Velazquez (6-foot-1, 203 pounds) struck out 34 last season in 31 and two-thirds innings. He also walked only nine with one wild pitch – two problem areas on the Tigers’ 2026 staff. He was 5-1 with a 4.26 ERA in 15 appearances, including five starts. > [Tiger Rag Radio: Jay Johnson Breaks Down New Additions with More on the Way](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-jay-johnson-breaks-down-new-additions-with-more-on-the-way/) Velazquez went to Crespi Carmelite High in Reseda, California, in the Los Angeles area. Johnson, a native of Oroville, California, an hour north of Sacramento, has frequently tapped into the West Coast for players since coming to LSU before the 2022 season. He previously was an assistant coach at the University of San Diego before head coaching jobs at Nevada and Arizona prior to LSU. Right-handed pitcher Anthony Eyanson signed with LSU before the 2025 season via the portal from the University of California at San Diego. He is from Lakewood – a suburb of Los Angeles. Eyanson went 12-2 with a 3.00 ERA and 152 strikeouts in 108 innings in ’25 as the Tigers won the national championship – Johnson’s second in three seasons. Eyanson was 6-2 with a 3.07 ERA as a sophomore at UC-San Diego before coming to LSU. He was the 87th pick of the Major League Baseball Draft last summer in the third round as a junior by Boston. Velazquez is the sixth portal addition for LSU and joins freshman right-handed pitcher portal signee Landon Hood of Gonzaga, another West Coast school in Spokane, Washington. > Help is on the way at last for LSU pitching: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 5, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2062884708929650999?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “I thought Landon was the best pitcher in the transfer portal and why we pursued him hard and fast and excited to get him,” Johnson said on Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night. Velazquez signed with USC as a two-way player and saw action at shortstop. A left-handed hitter, he played in 11 games as a position player with five starts, batting .167 (3-for-18). **LSU BASEBALL TRANSFER PORTAL ADDITIONS** ***(with class for next season)*** -Sophomore Landon Hood, right-handed pitcher, Gonzaga -Junior Dawson Park, shortstop, Texas State -Junior Bino Watters, outfielder, Notre Dame -Senior Cade Kurland, second baseman, Florida -Junior Jason Wachs, outfielder, Tulane -Sophomore Diego Velazquez, right-handed pitcher, USC **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Diego Velasquez, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, USC Trojans --- ### [Jay Johnson Answers, "What Makes This Year's Portal Class Different Than Last Season's That Disappointed?" ... On Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/jay-johnson-answers-what-makes-this-years-portal-class-different-than-last-seasons-that-disappointed-on-tiger-rag-radio/) **Published:** June 17, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson did a phone interview live on Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night from his office in Alex Box Stadium while two pitchers he and his staff were recruiting out of the NCAA Transfer Portal were in a neighboring room watching Georgia eliminate Texas from the College World Series. One of those pitchers – freshman right-handed pitcher Diego Velazquez of USC – committed to Johnson later Tuesday night, and Tiger Rag was the first to report it. > Breaking .,, Add USC freshman right-hander Diego Velasquez to LSU portal commitment list. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 17, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2067067613474140622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Johnson was asked on the show about his then-five-man portal class of right-handed pitcher Landon Hood of Gonzaga, infielder Dawson Park of Texas State, outfielder Bino Watters of Notre Dame, second baseman Cade Kurland of Florida and outfielder Jason Wachs of Tulane. “So far, you’ve been able to bring in five players through the transfer portal,” the question began. “You know, last year you felt really good about the players you brought in through the transfer portal, and they didn’t pan out. What is it about this group, and specifically the position players, that you’ve been able to bring in that makes you feel like, ‘Okay, I really like what I’ve got here?’ And what did you do a little bit differently maybe this year when you were assessing it other than not having to worry about obviously preparing for a game in the College World Series or the NCAA tournament?” ***(Listen to Johnson’s answer and his entire appearance by hitting the white arrow in the red box below.)*** Johnson responded with a laugh, “Wow, that’s a lot of questions right there,” and continued. “I think we’ve done pretty good at this,” he said. “I think for four years, we were awesome. Last year maybe struggled a little bit more. It’s definitely a little bit easier when you’re not playing for a national championship for a number of reasons. I will say what these last two weeks probably taught me more than anything is how much more of an advantage you have if you’re not playing right now. I mean, we really haven’t had that experience very much the last three years or four years. And, so we’ve been able to attack it with a good plan. We’ve been able to spend more time. And that’s important to the players you’re recruiting – that you can give them the right kind of attention and, we’ve done a good job so far.” Johnson then answered the question about the position players added specifically. “It’s guys who can impact on both sides of the ball,” he said as the portal players in the 2026 season tended to be one-dimensional, which was offense. And they didn’t hit well while struggling on defense and in some cases did not have much speed. “This group has speed, power, solid hitting skills and play good defense,” Johnson continued. “They’re just a little bit more complete players that we were going after this time. And I think we’ve been been able to do a good job with that. And, you know, they fit well with the guys we have returning, because we’re excited about some of the things some of the position players did at the end of the season.” > [LSU Baseball Adds A 2nd Player From Portal In Shortstop Dawson Park, Who Left Team After Fight With A Teammate](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-adds-a-2nd-player-from-portal-in-shortstop-dawson-park-who-left-team-after-fight-with-a-teammate/) Johnson was asked about Dawson Park, the shortstop from Texas State who left the team late last season after a shoving match with a teammate just as a game ended. “There was an incident there. And and the reputation that’s built on it is, ‘Hey, the kid plays with an edge.’ Is that safe to say? Does he have an edge to him?” Johnson said, “Well, if he does, we need more of an edge. And I just would say that, you know, with all this time that we’ve had, we look into everything and address things head on. And I’m very comfortable with who Dawson is as a person and excited to have him here.” Johnson also said Park will be worked at second base, which he played as a freshman at Texas State, and at third base as Steven Milam will be returning to shortstop as a senior. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, NCAA transfer portal --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio: Jay Johnson Breaks Down New Additions with More on the Way](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-jay-johnson-breaks-down-new-additions-with-more-on-the-way/) **Published:** June 16, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** Jay Johnson discusses the latest transfer portal additions and gives a sneak peak at what he has brewing in Baton Rouge. We talk what went wrong for LSU baseball this season with former Tiger and analyst Ronnie Rantz and get the inside scoop on Tulane transfer Jason Wachs from Nola.com’s Guerry Smith. Less than an hour after Johnson said live on the radio show that he just got a commitment from a pitcher, but it hadn’t gone public yet, Tiger Rag reported that Johnson had indeed gained a commitment from USC freshman right-hander Diego Velazquez. He was 5-1 with a 4.26 ERA in the 2026 season. > Breaking .,, Add USC freshman right-hander Diego Velasquez to LSU portal commitment list. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 17, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2067067613474140622?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Velazquez (6-foot-1, 203 pounds) struck out 34 with only nine walks and one wild pitch in 31 and two-thirds innings through 15 appearances, including five starts. ***Here is the complete transcript of the show from YouTube. Tiger Rag apologizes for any AI generated mistakes:*** 0:00 Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. Tiger Rag Radio is on the air. Let’s crank this thing up. 0:06 6 seconds We’re statewide breaking \[music\] down the latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is us. Hear from the coaches. Our time is now with LSU basketball. 0:14 14 seconds The players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 0:17 17 seconds One way or another, we’re going to make history. 0:19 19 seconds And those who cover the \[music\] Fighting Tigers of LSU and the SEC. LSU is the best job in college. It’s 2 hours of non-stop LSU talk. 0:28 28 seconds I came here to win. We’re going to win immediately. 0:30 30 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is brought to you by \[music\] Cumins. Cumins creates power solutions that the world depends on. 0:36 36 seconds Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro’s Electrical Services, Sunshine Quality Solutions, Super Chevy Dealers, and 0:44 44 seconds Louisiana Farm Bureau \[music\] Federation. 0:49 49 seconds Get ready to talk Tigers with producer \[music\] Case Kishnik and our hosts Todd Horn, Jeff Polmo, and Glenn Gilbo. 0:58 58 seconds players that are better people than they are players. 1:01 1 minute, 1 second This is Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 1:07 1 minute, 7 seconds Welcome back to Tiger Rag Radio from the Super Chevy Dealer Studios, Jeff Palmo, along with the editor for Tiger Rag magazine, Gwen Gilbo, and joining us 1:15 1 minute, 15 seconds now, college baseball analyst, former LSU Tiger and current owner of the Baton Rouge Ruguru and Lake Charles Gumbbo 1:24 1 minute, 24 seconds Gator joining us here on Tiger Rag Radio. Ronnie, thanks a lot for spending some time with us. We should also mention that you are also heavily 1:32 1 minute, 32 seconds involved in with the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and we’re going to uh get into that here in just a few minutes as far as the induction ceremonies which 1:41 1 minute, 41 seconds will be taking place not this weekend but the following weekend in Nacades. 1:45 1 minute, 45 seconds And Ronnie, first of all, wanted to ask you some LSU baseball questions. And I was listening to you on your um show uh 1:54 1 minute, 54 seconds Sports uh Sports Shorts Radio. It was the night after LSU lost the SEC opener to Vanderbilt. And you said it then, 2:02 2 minutes, 2 seconds Ronnie, that this team is not going to be winning many games because they couldn’t, if we remember, that was a a bad loss. Gavin Gry gave up a home run 2:10 2 minutes, 10 seconds late. Um, I think it was a walk-off homer if I remember right. Um, and you said it right there that this is not 2:18 2 minutes, 18 seconds shaping up to be a really good team. H, how did it fall so fast here for Jay Johnson and company? Well, I you know, I’ve one I hated to be right. Um and I 2:27 2 minutes, 27 seconds actually won a little friendly wager with our guy Casey McKenzie, the GM of the of the uh of the Ruger. We had an 2:34 2 minutes, 34 seconds over under 14 wins in the SEC and I took the under and you won that by a landslide. 2:40 2 minutes, 40 seconds Yeah, I think I collected in early on that one. Um but that, you know, I just think it was a combination, right? name 2:48 2 minutes, 48 seconds one pitcher who had a a good year from like like at the end of the year had a good year and I think you’re probably going to say Shearan um out of the 2:56 2 minutes, 56 seconds bullpen um he was probably their best reliever for 80% of the season. Now he struggled at the end because they 3:04 3 minutes, 4 seconds overextended him. He’s a guy should be a one inning guy two innings max and they kept trying to stretch him and so his numbers got inflated at the end. I think 3:11 3 minutes, 11 seconds you can say that William Schmidt had a nice year, but I don’t think William Schmidt had the year he thought he would have. No, I think going into the season, William 3:19 3 minutes, 19 seconds Schmidt’s expectations from a standpoint of erra and strikeout to walk ratio and all those to batting average against and all those things, I think he thought he 3:27 3 minutes, 27 seconds would be better. Um, he had an okay, he had a good solid year. I think for a third starter, William Schmidt, you’d have been really happy with his year, 3:35 3 minutes, 35 seconds but you tried to he needed to be a Saturday guy. Um, and then everybody else was had a down year. Every single other pitcher had a down year. Had a had 3:43 3 minutes, 43 seconds a a year worse than than they ever thought they would have. In including the same can be said for your what’s that? 3:50 3 minutes, 50 seconds Including Kase Evans. He was before he got hurt, he was not having a good year. 3:55 3 minutes, 55 seconds Yeah. I mean, Kase Evans had a couple of extremely great outings, but then he had a bunch of that weren’t. Um, and and so, 4:04 4 minutes, 4 seconds you know, and case Evans surely didn’t have a a Friday ace type of year, you know, in the in the SEC. Um, and so you 4:12 4 minutes, 12 seconds had a bunch of guys that had bad years and then you had a bunch of offensive guys, you know, every single one of your transfer portal guys, you know, were 4:19 4 minutes, 19 seconds were had a bad year. Every single one of them, not one good one. So, um, in this day and age where you’re paying guys money in the transfer portal to plug and 4:28 4 minutes, 28 seconds play and for them to come in and be starters and play right away, uh, if they all if you went 0 for four basically that’s and it’s you’re not going to overcome that. 4:39 4 minutes, 39 seconds You’re talking to Ronnie Rants here on Tiger Rag Radio and Yeah. And I think I think the Portal players were disappointing, but but really people 4:48 4 minutes, 48 seconds forget how how bad the pitching was in including returning pitchers. You know, really the best pitcher on the weekend, 4:55 4 minutes, 55 seconds I think, was was Cooper Moore, the transfer, and he got hurt early in the season uh in the Oklahoma series, and 5:03 5 minutes, 3 seconds Oklahoma barely wins the last two games of that series. They’re in Omaha. Now, Ronnie, how did you how did you make 5:10 5 minutes, 10 seconds that deduction so early? uh because you know a lot of what happened had not happened yet. How how were you able to do that? 5:17 5 minutes, 17 seconds Well, because the the signs were there from a standpoint of they were walking too many guys, hitting too many guys, the catching was really bad at the 5:25 5 minutes, 25 seconds beginning of the season. Now, the catching it improved tremendously the second half of the year and I think as you know uh as Cerna and Aaron Bey got 5:33 5 minutes, 33 seconds more and more experience and started swinging the bat better that helped them defensively. Um but the first half of the year they were not very good defensively which led to a lot of wild 5:42 5 minutes, 42 seconds pitches. Um and then you know you just had too many walks, too many hit batters and then defensively they were not good. 5:49 5 minutes, 49 seconds If you remember especially the first half of the year they were one of the worst defensive teams in the SEC. So that combination of of you the you know 5:58 5 minutes, 58 seconds fielding 960 965 was between 960 965 is where they were all year and then you 6:05 6 minutes, 5 seconds throw in uh you know walking and hitting batters um and it just that that right 6:12 6 minutes, 12 seconds there was all you needed to know um that this was not headed in the right direction. 6:17 6 minutes, 17 seconds And you know Ronnie when when that portal class was signed they were highly ranked. No, nobody was thinking, “Oh 6:24 6 minutes, 24 seconds gosh, Jay’s got a bad uh portal class.” I mean, Zack York, Trent Carowway, Seth Daughter, those guys came highly 6:32 6 minutes, 32 seconds recommended. Uh, kind of like the class right now. Uh, you know, beat Veno Waters, Kate Kurlin from Florida, Jason 6:40 6 minutes, 40 seconds Walks from Two Lane, Dawson Park from Texas State on, you know, the the portal’s just kind of fool’s gold sometimes. What What do you think of the 6:48 6 minutes, 48 seconds new crop coming in? Well, I think the new crop’s more battle tested and they’re also from probably a little bigger programs as well. You know, last 6:56 6 minutes, 56 seconds year’s team came from a lot of mid- major type stuff. I mean, Carowway obviously had Oregon State on the chest, but remember Oregon State’s not Big 12 per se and he didn’t have a good year. 7:05 7 minutes, 5 seconds He had a great postseason and that’s what put him on the map. Um, you know, Grand Canyon and and uh High Point and 7:12 7 minutes, 12 seconds teams like that. Now we’re talking about guys being Florida, a guy with lots of hundreds of at bats at Florida. A guy who for two years was the best player on 7:20 7 minutes, 20 seconds two lanes team and had a 70s something game on base streak. I mean these are proven commodities at at big big time 7:28 7 minutes, 28 seconds programs. So I I the Texas State Shore stop was their best player until he had a little off the- field altercation uh 7:36 7 minutes, 36 seconds fight or something with a teammate is what I’m hearing. But it was on it was on the field, but it was a it was right after the game 7:42 7 minutes, 42 seconds with with a teammate. Yeah. But but he he had a good career at Texas State two years. 7:47 7 minutes, 47 seconds Yeah. I mean, he was he was their guy, right? You know, I mean, that was a big loss for them going into the, you know, the second part of the year um at the end of the year. But so, you 7:56 7 minutes, 56 seconds know, I just feel like uh I feel like they’ve got more they’ve got guys with more experience from from from bigger programs that are a little more battle 8:04 8 minutes, 4 seconds tested. I think you you know what you’re going to get a little bit more. And keep in mind, you know, they don’t have to be 8:11 8 minutes, 11 seconds the man over here. They can just be one of the guys, right? Um when you you know, you don’t they’re not asking these guys to necessarily just carry teams on 8:18 8 minutes, 18 seconds the back. They just do your job. You know, come in here and do your job. And uh so I I definitely think um and look, Jay Johnson’s a great coach. I mean, 8:26 8 minutes, 26 seconds he’s he’s he’s going to learn from his mistakes. You know, he’s going to make adjustments. you know, he’s not going to do the same things over and over, expect 8:33 8 minutes, 33 seconds different results. So, I I I have no question that Jay will get it figured out, and it seems like he has already done that so far. 8:40 8 minutes, 40 seconds Yeah. And the funny thing though about the portal, Ronnie, is you know, you mentioned the smaller schools those guys came from, but yet the year before 8:47 8 minutes, 47 seconds Daniel Dickinson was from Utah and, you know, Paul Skins was was from Air Force. 8:53 8 minutes, 53 seconds I mean, there have been guys from those lower level schools that that do well. 8:58 8 minutes, 58 seconds What I’m thinking is unlike in high school recruiting, when you’re in that portal, you really got to be sharp at 9:06 9 minutes, 6 seconds your talent at your talent acquisition from a coach’s perspective. Huh. 9:11 9 minutes, 11 seconds Yeah. Oh, no. There’s no question. And and look, the other thing too is that with the transfer portal and with the NIL, you know, that the the talent is 9:18 9 minutes, 18 seconds spread out a little more. Um, you know, you look at Omaha, right? No one back from a year ago, only North Carolina been there twice in the last three 9:25 9 minutes, 25 seconds years. There’s more diversity. there’s more parody in college baseball and because of that um you know guys are are 9:34 9 minutes, 34 seconds are wanting to go where one they get paid and two they get the opportunity to play and they’re not as worried about what your locker room looks like or how 9:42 9 minutes, 42 seconds many fans come to your games that’s not the selling point that it was five six years ago where LSU had the advantage now the first question is how much you 9:49 9 minutes, 49 seconds going to pay me and am I am I starting am I going to get the chance to pitch so many innings or am I going to get a chance to how many at bats and those are the guarantees fees that the players 9:57 9 minutes, 57 seconds want. And so they would rather go someplace else where they get the money and and and so because of that, you’ve got to do your due diligence. You’ve got 10:06 10 minutes, 6 seconds to recruit. You got to evaluate. You’ve got to be able to say, “Okay, what does a player at Utah Valley State, you know, 10:13 10 minutes, 13 seconds how is that going to translate, you know, you have to dig in on them. You can’t just look at the numbers.” Ronnie, coming up, it is the uh Hall of Fame, 10:22 10 minutes, 22 seconds Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. Inaccitus June 25th to the 27th. Certainly a LSU flavor to it as it 10:30 10 minutes, 30 seconds normally does. Former LSU coach John Brady, former LSU women’s basketball superstar, Sylvia Fowls, and then um 10:38 10 minutes, 38 seconds also Todd McClure, the former LSU All-American and longtime Atlanta Falcons center. Uh just uh quickly if you could kind of give us your thoughts 10:46 10 minutes, 46 seconds on inducting these three uh former Tigers into the hall. 10:51 10 minutes, 51 seconds Yeah, I mean obviously uh you know Warren Morris in particular is is somebody near and dear to my heart from an played with him. A guy I knew going 10:59 10 minutes, 59 seconds back to when I was 13 or 14 years old. I first met Warren back in Alexandria and and so have a long relationship with him. What a class act and a great guy he 11:07 11 minutes, 7 seconds is. And of course, you know, people remember him for the home run 30 years ago against uh Miami to win the national championship, but he was much more than 11:15 11 minutes, 15 seconds just that moment, right? I mean, uh he had a great career, was a major leager, was an Olympian, was a great player at LSU and a great teammate. So happy for 11:24 11 minutes, 24 seconds him to get the ambassador award to be going into the Hall of Fame. And you know, Todd Mccclure, obviously friends with the with Todd and and and close to 11:31 11 minutes, 31 seconds the Mccclure family over the years with Trey and Tana and Leo, their dad, and all that. just a great family um from an 11:38 11 minutes, 38 seconds athletic standpoint. Uh just a you know hardworking uh do it the right way type of family. And so for Todd you know he 11:46 11 minutes, 46 seconds played he brought hell was a part of bringing back the Magic under Jerry Dinardo and then went on to have a great career unfortunately with the Atlanta Falcons not \[laughter\] the New Orleans 11:54 11 minutes, 54 seconds Saints or had to of course be the team that you know as a Saints fan growing up the team you hate the most is the Falcons. But he had a great career with 12:03 12 minutes, 3 seconds Atlanta. And oh, by the way, working with the Falcons now, Matt Ryan just hired him. Uh, he just moved to Atlanta and is has a has a job with the Falcons, 12:13 12 minutes, 13 seconds uh, a big-time job with the Falcons right now. 12:15 12 minutes, 15 seconds Ronnie, how if people want to go to to Nacadish for that weekend, uh, at as it’s getting close, how can they how can they go now? How can they register? 12:24 12 minutes, 24 seconds Yeah, it’s not this weekend coming up, it’s the next the final weekend. So, we’ve got a great events going on. 12:29 12 minutes, 29 seconds lasportsall.com is the website. you can buy tickets to it. Some of the events are free, some are you have to pay for the VIP seating, but um it’s awesome. 12:36 12 minutes, 36 seconds You know, the 26th is probably my favorite day. It’s the Friday before the induction because we have our celebrity bowling event in Alexandria at Four 12:44 12 minutes, 44 seconds Seasons Bowling Center. This year’s theme is 70s theme. It’s a lot of fun. 12:48 12 minutes, 48 seconds Uh you dress 70s, we’ll have 70s music, we have catered food, all you can drink. 12:53 12 minutes, 53 seconds It’s really a lot of fun. Fun for the whole family. You can buy tickets even if you don’t want to bowl. They have cheaper tickets to just go to the event, eat lunch and stuff. Um that’s on the 13:01 13 minutes, 1 second 26th in Alexandria. And then on the 26th at night in Nacades, we have our rock and riverfest uh music, live music from 6:00 to 10:30 on the riverfront stage. 13:12 13 minutes, 12 seconds Uh right across from the riverfront stage is mama’s papas in the blues room. 13:15 13 minutes, 15 seconds We block off the street. You know, we uh we take over those restaurants and we have uh we have a VIP ticket where it’s all you can eat and drink in there and 13:23 13 minutes, 23 seconds it’s just a great environment. We’ll do fireworks at 9:15. and we’ll introduce all the Hall of Famers on stage. And so I definitely recommend folks, you know, join us on the 26th, bring the family. 13:34 13 minutes, 34 seconds And then on the 27th, we’ve got a junior training camp that’s absolutely free for kids 7 to 17 years of age. You can go online at lapportall.com to register for 13:43 13 minutes, 43 seconds that. You get a t-shirt, you get a Canes lunch, and then we got the Tim Brando lunchon, which starts at 12:30. Uh Timmy B hosts a great lunchon uh that’s a 13:52 13 minutes, 52 seconds laid-back, a lot of fun over over at the Riverside Reserve. And then of course the induction that night is live on LPB at 7 o’clock across the state of 14:01 14 minutes, 1 second Louisiana. So chuck full of events the the 25th, 26th and 27th in Alexandria and we hope folks will join us. 14:08 14 minutes, 8 seconds Ronnie, thanks a lot for your time, man. 14:10 14 minutes, 10 seconds We appreciate it, fellas. Thank you’all very much. 14:12 14 minutes, 12 seconds All right, that’s Ronnie Rants. We’ll take a break. More of Tiger Rag Radio when we come back from the Super Chevy dealer studios. Chevy trucks have you covered when the road takes you from 14:20 14 minutes, 20 seconds smooth sailing to Chevy Colorado will eat up some of the toughest terrains with five available drive modes. And Silverado and Silverado HD have the 14:29 14 minutes, 29 seconds muscle to take you out for some serious with multiple engine options and impressive towing. While Silverado EV is the perfect \[music\] combo of performance 14:36 14 minutes, 36 seconds and capability, making it a snap to hitch up this electric truck and hit the road. Wherever the road leads, Chevy trucks are right there with you. See your Super Chevy dealers today. 14:49 14 minutes, 49 seconds And we’re back with Tiger Rag Radio live from Super \[music\] Chevy Dealer Studio. 14:56 14 minutes, 56 seconds Back here on Tiger Rag Radio, Jeff Polmo inside the Super Chevy Dealer Studio along with Todd Horn and Gwen Gilbo of Tiger Rag. Joining us now it is Gary 15:04 15 minutes, 4 seconds Smith who uh works for Nola.com. Covers the two-lane green wave and LSU’s latest portal edition. when it comes to 15:13 15 minutes, 13 seconds baseball is a former Greeny and Jason Wax who had two standout seasons at two lane and Gary’s here to tell us a little bit about that. Gary, how are you doing tonight? Thanks a lot for joining us. 15:24 15 minutes, 24 seconds Doing great. Thanks for having me on the show. I I go a long way back with with Tiger Egg. I’m I’m a University of Florida grad. I worked at Gator Bait 15:30 15 minutes, 30 seconds magazine from 1991 to 2007 and we got we we got the issues of all of the the uh the magazines across the country. So, I 15:38 15 minutes, 38 seconds actually I I I started reading Tiger Egg all the way back in 1991. All right. Long time reader was there. 15:46 15 minutes, 46 seconds \[laughter\] 15:47 15 minutes, 47 seconds That’s awesome. Yeah, that’s good. That is good stuff. 15:50 15 minutes, 50 seconds Uh well, let’s talk about this Florida native that LSU has gotten. And then Jason Wax, this kid arrived on the two-lane campus two years ago and he hit 15:58 15 minutes, 58 seconds right away and really had a good season his sophomore campaign and hit with a little bit more power. H how did you see him develop over two years there at two 16:06 16 minutes, 6 seconds lane? Yeah, he he started off, you could tell how good he was right off the bat. 16:10 16 minutes, 10 seconds His his first um two games of his college career as a freshman. He got two hits in each game and he really never never let he was he started off he was 16:18 16 minutes, 18 seconds just a really consistent singles hitter um in in most of his freshman year. He did not hit his first home run um as a 16:25 16 minutes, 25 seconds freshman until he hit two in the in the American Conference tournament at the end of last year. Um he picked up where he left off this year. Very very good 16:33 16 minutes, 33 seconds contact hitter. um walked the same number of times as he struck out for the year, 38 times. Um and uh and he finally 16:41 16 minutes, 41 seconds started developing the power later on this year. In fact, he he he had two home runs this year um going into April and he hit seven the the rest of the way 16:49 16 minutes, 49 seconds to add to his line drive approach he had before. Um Tiger fans got to see it a little bit in an absolutely miserable end to two lanes baseball season. Um 16:58 16 minutes, 58 seconds Jason Wax was one of the only bright notes down the stretch. He had three hits at at at um at Alex Box late in the season, including a home run and a 17:06 17 minutes, 6 seconds double. Um he as a hitter, he can do it all now. Once he added that power, he he he became a he became a complete hitter and and and that’s what LSU is getting. 17:16 17 minutes, 16 seconds I mean, he was by far and away two lane’s best player this season. 17:19 17 minutes, 19 seconds Hey, Gary, this is Todd. Um was was wax uh did it surprise you that he he eventually settled on LSU? I know he was a highly highly soughta portal. 17:30 17 minutes, 30 seconds It it No. In fact, we were jo \[laughter\] in fact I was sitting next to two baseball sib when when he hit the home 17:37 17 minutes, 37 seconds run against LSU and I was like that might not be the only one he hits for this team \[laughter\] in this stadium down I had no in I had no inside 17:45 17 minutes, 45 seconds knowledge at the time but I knew he was a good enough player. He’s he’s a guy that could go play for LSU. Um, I’m not saying he’ll be an absolute star for 17:53 17 minutes, 53 seconds LSU, but he’s definitely \[clears throat\] a guy who who I could tell would fit in with LSU. And and with the way with the 18:00 18 minutes NIL picture, with how much more he could get paid, I it didn’t it it seemed like that might might be in end up being his destination as long as LSU was interested. 18:09 18 minutes, 9 seconds But he did choose LSU over like Tennessee and Florida, Florida State. Yeah. 18:15 18 minutes, 15 seconds So, yeah, I mean, he he had a he had his picker programs there. There’s no doubt about that. But um you know, last time I checked, LSU’s won two national championships in the last four year in 18:24 18 minutes, 24 seconds the last five years, four years, whatever it is. And uh FSU is still searching for that first national championship. He likes it in Louisiana. 18:31 18 minutes, 31 seconds He’s a he’s he’s a Florida native. Um yeah, I I knew he’d be going to a top program somewhere after the year if that 18:39 18 minutes, 39 seconds was the direction he wanted to go and I I figured it kind of was. Did did he change the pronunciation of his name to match being a good masterful batter or 18:48 18 minutes, 48 seconds is that actually unless he did it in high school that’s how he arrived at Toolane. He was Jason Wax the first day I I I I I interviewed 18:57 18 minutes, 57 seconds him. So I I I so unless that was a move before he arrived. 19:01 19 minutes, 1 second Not a situ situation. No. 19:06 19 minutes, 6 seconds What was the uh what was the twolane sid’s uh reaction to your little comment? Oh, he agreed. I mean, we weren’t first of all, we weren’t being 19:14 19 minutes, 14 seconds serious like in ter but it was just the the way two-lane season was going and just the reality of the situation what two lane can afford to to pay baseball 19:23 19 minutes, 23 seconds players. Um that that that was my my my thought on that. Um can he u can he also play center field? 19:30 19 minutes, 30 seconds You think he I don’t know. He he what he I think he’s a really good right fielder because he his best asset in the field is he has 19:38 19 minutes, 38 seconds an outstanding arm. He only had two assists because teams didn’t run on him. They had the scouting report on him. 19:44 19 minutes, 44 seconds He’s an average defender other than that. He made a few errors late in the year. Even got benched during a g sort of for for for his fielding. Um which 19:53 19 minutes, 53 seconds there was a lot of uncharacteristic things going on with the two baseball team late late in this season. Um so I’m not he could play center field for sure, 20:01 20 minutes, 1 second but I think he’s actually a he he’s got decent speed, but nothing special. I think I think his best position is right field and where he’s the most suited. 20:09 20 minutes, 9 seconds Personalitywise, what’s he like in the few times he had a chance to interview him? 20:13 20 minutes, 13 seconds Yeah. Yeah. I mean, he’s he’s just he’s fairly quiet. Doesn’t stay doesn’t I when I’m when when I wrote a feature on him um during the season, I I I made 20:22 20 minutes, 22 seconds mention of it. He’s not he lets other people promote him. Um he he doesn’t say a whole lot, but just just comes across 20:30 20 minutes, 30 seconds as a normal guy. Um he he’s a team first player. He’s not a selfish guy. Um just doesn’t doesn’t didn’t say a whole lot when he was at two lane. 20:39 20 minutes, 39 seconds Well, if he hits a bunch of doubles, a few home runs, it doesn’t strike out much, he will fit in well at LSU. And he’s got to love baseball, too. You got to be on that same level with Jay 20:47 20 minutes, 47 seconds Johnson in order to succeed. So, we’ll see what happens. 20:51 20 minutes, 51 seconds Yeah. And there’s no doubt he he’s a he’s a baseball lifer. I mean, he’s a guy he that he loves the game and he I do I think he’ll be he he’s sort of what 20:58 20 minutes, 58 seconds LSU was missing in a lot of ways this year. Now whether you obviously against SEC pitching it’s going to be a little bit of a different story but he has all the ingredients to be successful there. 21:08 21 minutes, 8 seconds Great scouting report Gary thanks a lot for uh coming on the show and thanks for reading Tiger Rag all these decades. 21:15 21 minutes, 15 seconds \[laughter\] 21:15 21 minutes, 15 seconds Thanks for having me on. 21:17 21 minutes, 17 seconds All right Gary Smith withnola.com good stuff there on Jason Wax the newest player. Now we’re going to hear from the horse’s mouth if you would. Uh Jay 21:24 21 minutes, 24 seconds Johnson. He’ll join us when we come back. This is Tiger Rag Radio from the Super Chevy dealers studio. 21:30 21 minutes, 30 seconds I’m Richard Fontner, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau \[music\] Federation. While I’m a fourth generation rice and soybean grower, you don’t have to be a farmer to be a 21:38 21 minutes, 38 seconds Louisiana Farm Bureau member. Membership has its benefits, from discounts on car seats, hotel rooms, and rental cars to access to insurance you can count on to 21:47 21 minutes, 47 seconds be there when you need, plus a whole lot more. We’re 145,000 members strong, \[music\] and we want you to join the Louisiana Farm Bureau family. 21:54 21 minutes, 54 seconds Visit lafarmbureau.org. 21:56 21 minutes, 56 seconds The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. 22:02 22 minutes, 2 seconds We now return to Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy \[music\] Dealers Studio. 22:08 22 minutes, 8 seconds Yeah, we’re back here on Tiger Rag Radio. Jeff Polarmo along with Todd Horn, Gwen Gilbo. Let’s let’s quickly get to our next guest. That is LSU 22:17 22 minutes, 17 seconds baseball coach Jay Johnson. Coach Johnson, how you doing tonight? Doing great. How are you guys? 22:22 22 minutes, 22 seconds We’re doing well. So, if the phone rings on the other end and you quickly disconnect with us, we understand why. We we know how how this works. 22:29 22 minutes, 29 seconds \[laughter\] 22:30 22 minutes, 30 seconds Yeah, I think we’re I think we’re okay for a few minutes. 22:33 22 minutes, 33 seconds Okay. Good. Good. Good. Uh all right. Uh so far, you’ve been able to bring in five players through the transfer portal. You know, last year you felt 22:41 22 minutes, 41 seconds really good about the players you brought in through the transfer portal. 22:44 22 minutes, 44 seconds What is it about this group and specifically to position players that you’ve been able to bring in that makes you feel like, okay, I I really like 22:53 22 minutes, 53 seconds what I got here. What What did you do a little bit differently maybe this year when you were assessing it other than not having to worry about obviously 23:02 23 minutes, 2 seconds preparing for a game in the College World Series or the NCAA tournament? 23:06 23 minutes, 6 seconds Wow, it’s a lot of questions right there. Um, \[laughter\] yeah. No, I I think we’ve done pretty good at this. Um I think for four years 23:14 23 minutes, 14 seconds we were awesome. Last year maybe struggled a little bit more. Um you said it it’s definitely a little bit easier 23:22 23 minutes, 22 seconds um when you’re not playing for a national championship for a number of reasons. I will say um you know something like this last two weeks 23:30 23 minutes, 30 seconds probably taught me more than anything is how much more of a advantage you have if you’re not playing right now. I mean, we 23:38 23 minutes, 38 seconds really haven’t had that experience very much the last three years or four years. 23:43 23 minutes, 43 seconds And so, um, we’ve been able to attack it, you know, with a good plan. We’ve been able to spend more time. And that 23:50 23 minutes, 50 seconds that’s important to the players you’re recruiting is that you can give them the right kind of attention and, uh, done a good job so far. And I think if you’re 23:59 23 minutes, 59 seconds asking me specifically on the position players, it’s just guys that can impact on both sides of the ball. they have, you know, speed, power, solid hitting 24:08 24 minutes, 8 seconds skills, and uh play good defense. And so, it’s just a little bit more of a a complete player that we were going 24:15 24 minutes, 15 seconds after. And I think we’ve been been able to do a good job with that. And, you know, they fit well with the guys we have returning because we’re excited 24:23 24 minutes, 23 seconds about some of the things some of the position players did at the end of the season. 24:27 24 minutes, 27 seconds Hey Jay, this is Todd. Um, first question for you and then I got a quick second followup. But the first question is, are you watching Georgia, Texas right now? Is your TV on or not? 24:37 24 minutes, 37 seconds Well, I actually stepped out. We actually have another recruit here and, uh, we did have it on the TV \[snorts\] and so, um, yeah, just kind of kind of 24:45 24 minutes, 45 seconds watching that deal and, um, yeah, it’s, uh, you see how this postseason goes. It just there’s college baseball and 24:53 24 minutes, 53 seconds there’s college baseball in the SEC and and right now those are two completely different things. 24:57 24 minutes, 57 seconds Yeah. Yeah. So, you know, one, this is kind of a bigger picture question and I wanted to ask it because I want you to 25:04 25 minutes, 4 seconds explain to the listeners and the fans what it what it means. But I I understand that you want LSU to be the 25:12 25 minutes, 12 seconds the program or the school that really prepares players, whether they’re 25:19 25 minutes, 19 seconds high school recruits or portal recruits, what have you, for the major leagues. What does that mean? 25:27 25 minutes, 27 seconds Well, I think you know big picture uh goal, mission, personal like 25:35 25 minutes, 35 seconds accomplishment and coming here. Like if you said you hit the jackpot, it’d be like, you know, when I walk out the door 25:42 25 minutes, 42 seconds someday that somebody would talk about LSU baseball during this time like they did when Coach Bertman was winning the national championships or what Alabama 25:51 25 minutes, 51 seconds football did for 17 years. That was kind of like my own personal deal. And it it the championships are easy to like see. 26:00 26 minutes Uh they’re much harder to get maybe than it appears in baseball. It’s a different game than football, but you know, we’re off to a good start with that with 26:08 26 minutes, 8 seconds having a couple. And then the only way you get there is to have major league players. And if you look back at Coach 26:15 26 minutes, 15 seconds Burman’s national championship teams, uh the 2009 National Championship team, there ended up being a lot of major league players on those teams. So the 26:24 26 minutes, 24 seconds recipe is very simple. To do that, you have to develop major league players and you have to recruit major league caliber 26:31 26 minutes, 31 seconds talent players. And so that’s that’s where that kind of intertwines is to be that type of program. You know, you’re 26:39 26 minutes, 39 seconds developing players for their dream, which is to be major league players. 26:43 26 minutes, 43 seconds Hey Jay, uh Dawson Park, the shortstop you signed from Texas State. Can he play he he played second base his his freshman year. Can he also play third? 26:54 26 minutes, 54 seconds And can Cade Kurlin play third if you needed him to? 26:58 26 minutes, 58 seconds Yeah, he is a terrific explosive athlete, Dawson. And, you know, he played short this year. Um, he can play 27:06 27 minutes, 6 seconds second, as you said, as he did as a freshman. He can play third. Uh, really unbelievable throwing arm and a really good athlete. So, I’m confident he’ll be 27:15 27 minutes, 15 seconds able to move around. you know, with Kade, um, I think he has like 189 starts or something like that at second base. 27:22 27 minutes, 22 seconds And so, the plan will be to to work him there primarily, but he’s also a good athlete, so might provide some 27:30 27 minutes, 30 seconds versatility that maybe we’re not aware of or he hasn’t been able to show yet. 27:34 27 minutes, 34 seconds But, um, yeah, I’m excited about those guys. I think, you know, they have a lot of parallels to, you know, some players 27:42 27 minutes, 42 seconds we had playing those positions a couple years ago and 25 and uh, you know, really, really good ads for our team. 27:49 27 minutes, 49 seconds And Jay, are you looking to sign maybe three or four more from the portal and a couple of pitchers or what can you tell us? Give us a hint about 27:58 27 minutes, 58 seconds Yeah. Yeah. Well, we got another one. We got a pitcher today. Not public yet. It will be soon. And we have another one here now. So, um, and they’re they fit 28:07 28 minutes, 7 seconds very well, you know, like, uh, the one that we got today is pitched in a number of roles and could kind of possibly feel 28:15 28 minutes, 15 seconds like that Kase Evans, Zack Cowan deal in 25 and and then emerge into a starter the following year. So, we’re very 28:24 28 minutes, 24 seconds excited about that. And same with what we got with Landon Hood, who I thought was the best pitcher in the transfer portal and uh, why we pursued him hard 28:32 28 minutes, 32 seconds and fast and excited to get him. I think those guys will complement um those guys will complement the returners that we 28:40 28 minutes, 40 seconds have, but you know, it’s it’s real important to develop the guys that you have. And I I definitely believe we have 28:46 28 minutes, 46 seconds in-house guys that can and will perform at a a high level next year when you talk about Kase and William and Marcos 28:55 28 minutes, 55 seconds Paws and the group of lefties getting Cooper Moore back. So, I like where we’re headed with that. So, you know, 29:02 29 minutes, 2 seconds maybe another arm or two and, you know, if uh Ken Griffy Jr. goes in the portal, you know, we’ll probably go after him. 29:08 29 minutes, 8 seconds \[laughter\] But we feel good feel good about the position player group right now. 29:12 29 minutes, 12 seconds Coach, you uh kind of took a a unexpected gut punch earlier this week whenever uh Steven Milm decided against 29:20 29 minutes, 20 seconds all odds to come back to LSU. I know that ruined all your \[laughter\] your portal plans, everything you were trying to do to build your infield out, but So, 29:29 29 minutes, 29 seconds how are you going to accommodate his return? 29:33 29 minutes, 33 seconds Yeah, I just needed somebody that I could like look in the eye at my height, you know? We \[laughter\] made sure uh n very happy. You’re talking about a 29:41 29 minutes, 41 seconds player that I’ve known since he was in seventh grade and you know, so it’s a great relationship. you’re talking about a national championship winning 29:49 29 minutes, 49 seconds shortstop and you just guys don’t make that decision very often to stay for that fourth year and I think what I’m proud of him the most is like he knows 29:58 29 minutes, 58 seconds what he has to do to become a major league player and he just decided like you know I’m just I’m not ready to move on from this and uh you don’t get that 30:08 30 minutes, 8 seconds very much nowadays it doesn’t happen in baseball a lot so thankful that that’s what he decided to do that’s what he wanted to do comes from a great family 30:16 30 minutes, 16 seconds and the big that was talk about a big lift for your team that was unexpected. 30:21 30 minutes, 21 seconds It’s you know those the ones that that sometimes make the difference for you and put you over the top. So very happy to have Stephen back next year. 30:29 30 minutes, 29 seconds Bino Waters, what do you like about his game, Jay? 30:33 30 minutes, 33 seconds He’s got power, but he doesn’t have to sell out to get to it. His performance against high highest level pitching uh 30:41 30 minutes, 41 seconds is really good and he’s a good athlete as well. So I think there’s a lots of part lot of parts of his game where he 30:48 30 minutes, 48 seconds can contribute to us winning. He’s very smart, intelligent player obviously coming from Notre Dame and uh I think he 30:54 30 minutes, 54 seconds will take well to uh our development and the best is yet to come. He can be a really high impact player. 31:01 31 minutes, 1 second Is is there anything in particular that has surprised you or caught your eye about this year’s College World Series in particular that’s different? 31:11 31 minutes, 11 seconds Yeah, I think uh you know, hats off to Troy for making the College World Series. I think they lost today, but you 31:19 31 minutes, 19 seconds know, being a mid- major coach for 10 years before I got to go to a place like Arizona, you know, and getting into a lot of regionals, but not really being 31:27 31 minutes, 27 seconds able to get over the hump, like I have a great appreciation for what that is. Um, we played West Virginia in the Super last year, so a lot of respect for them 31:35 31 minutes, 35 seconds and happy they finally broke through there. Um, you know, I mean, the two of the better teams in the country, you 31:43 31 minutes, 43 seconds know, playing tonight, North Carolina, a lot of respect for Coach Forbes. It’s just just complete teams and uh and then sometimes you have the team that gets 31:51 31 minutes, 51 seconds hot and that’s Oklahoma. You know, who we played in Hoover and uh they’re playing great baseball right now. So, just, you know, teams, it’s not always 31:58 31 minutes, 58 seconds the team with the best players, it’s the team that plays the best and, you know, I think we’re kind of seeing that and how this postseason is shaking out. the clarify on Landon Hood. Is is the idea 32:07 32 minutes, 7 seconds to see if he could be a weekend starter for you or is he more of a Well, he can. No, he can he can do both. 32:13 32 minutes, 13 seconds He did both this year at Gonzaga and um he’s he’s he’s a good one. And for me, 32:20 32 minutes, 20 seconds like this is about winning. And you know, if you followed the back half of the season, you know, we did the job offensively and lost a lot of leads. And 32:29 32 minutes, 29 seconds that was, you know, when we were down, Cooper Moore and Kase, which stretched out what people needed to do. So, I’m 32:37 32 minutes, 37 seconds always like, when the one in front of you, so one of the best guys is going to pitch out of the pen, and it could be him. And he’s had some successful 32:45 32 minutes, 45 seconds experience doing that, but we haven’t for two years, too. So, something to keep in mind that, you know, but for a 32:52 32 minutes, 52 seconds coach Johnson team, we’re going to get back to one of the better guys going out of the pen. And with Park, he didn’t finish the season with Texas State. 33:00 33 minutes There was an incident there. And and the reputation that’s built on it is, hey, the kid plays with an edge. Is that is that safe to say? Does he got a an edge to him? 33:10 33 minutes, 10 seconds Well, if he does, we need more of an edge. And uh I just would say that, you know, with all this time that we’ve had, 33:19 33 minutes, 19 seconds we look into everything and address things headon. And I’m very comfortable with with who Dawson is as a person. and excited to have him here. 33:28 33 minutes, 28 seconds Jay, do you when you look at at the freshman and and the way they were able to finish the year for you this year, especially Cerna and and Mason Brawn, 33:37 33 minutes, 37 seconds are you have to be excited about them making a, you know, progression into next year? What are you looking for out of those two particular next year? 33:48 33 minutes, 48 seconds Yeah, they’re they’re very mature players. Uh they got a great head on their shoulders. Uh have good communication with them. I think it’s 33:56 33 minutes, 56 seconds just taken that next step and I thought they took kind of another step as we got into league play. I think they both finished in the top 10 in the SEC in 34:04 34 minutes, 4 seconds league games and OPS or right around there. Um so I like where they’re headed as players. I think just becoming more complete in every facet of their game 34:13 34 minutes, 13 seconds and really fortunate and happy to have them here. 34:16 34 minutes, 16 seconds And William Patrick, has he got a good shot at starting at center? 34:20 34 minutes, 20 seconds Absolutely. If you could run like that, you would have a good \[laughter\] shot at starting in the outfield. So, right. All right, coach. We’ll let you 34:28 34 minutes, 28 seconds get back there and run back into the clubhouse and uh get the get the deal done with these couple guys that are still uh lingering out there for you. 34:35 34 minutes, 35 seconds But thanks a lot for your time tonight. All right, guys. Have a good night. 34:38 34 minutes, 38 seconds All right, that is LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson. Let’s take a break and when we come back, we’ll talk a little bit about what Jay had to say here on Tiger Rag Radio. 34:46 34 minutes, 46 seconds The East Baton Rouge Parish Libraryies dedicated millillage continuation is on the June 27th \[music\] ballot. This is not a new tax. It’s a continuation of 34:54 34 minutes, 54 seconds the library’s existing dedicated funding source at a lower rate, 9.5 mills, which is 14.4% \[music\] less than the rate approved by voters in 35:03 35 minutes, 3 seconds 1995, 2005, and 2015. Without it, future library services could be reduced, including hours, \[music\] collections, 35:10 35 minutes, 10 seconds and programs. Early voting begins June 12th. Learn more at ebrpl.com/millage. 35:18 35 minutes, 18 seconds Now, more Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. \[music\] All right, back here on uh Tiger Rag 35:27 35 minutes, 27 seconds Radio along with Todd Horn and Glenn Gilbo. Um, what did you guys think of what Jay had to say? 35:35 35 minutes, 35 seconds I can’t believe that we were able to talk to Jay Johnson for what, almost 15 minutes with him announcing to us that 35:43 35 minutes, 43 seconds he had just signed a picture. It hadn’t been announced yet. that will be coming shortly. And that he has another pitcher 35:50 35 minutes, 50 seconds there with him right now and yet he still was able to talk to us. 35:54 35 minutes, 54 seconds Yeah, that’s pretty cool. That’s That’s why he’s one of the best in the business. That’s for sure. Yeah. Um Yeah, that was pretty awesome. He and we 36:01 36 minutes, 1 second must have asked him seven \[laughter\] questions. Um I hope they didn’t lose the kid on account of us live radio. The 36:09 36 minutes, 9 seconds only thing he didn’t do was give us a commitment on live radio. 36:12 36 minutes, 12 seconds Yeah. I think the other thing is that was cool is he admitted to watching the College World Series. 36:18 36 minutes, 18 seconds Well, the the uh he might have just been being entertaining. Maybe the kid wanted to watch it. 36:24 36 minutes, 24 seconds It’s Texas and Georgia right now. And if if if you’re involved in the SEC, you’re watching that game. Yeah. 36:31 36 minutes, 31 seconds You know, you got to see what how that transpire. I I don’t think he’s watched a lot of it. I don’t think he was watching Bases Loaded, you know, during 36:38 36 minutes, 38 seconds the NCAA regionals and all that. I wonder if he sings country roads when the West \[laughter\] Virginia wins. 36:46 36 minutes, 46 seconds Yeah, he did say, “Call me back. Let’s ask him.” I thought it was significant that he said, you know, there not only did he 36:53 36 minutes, 53 seconds have uh extra time from not being in Omaha, but also for not even making the postseason. Yeah, cuz you know, in in in his first year, 37:00 37 minutes he was in Hattisburg for the for the regional and then uh 23 uh Chapel Hill, 24 Chapel Hill. 37:07 37 minutes, 7 seconds 24 Chapel Hill. Uh and he said, “Yeah, you got more time to visit, you know, and and that’s one of the the key 37:14 37 minutes, 14 seconds differences about the portal and regular high school recruiting. You don’t have nearly as much time. So, you really got to have your talent evaluation on.” And 37:22 37 minutes, 22 seconds um you know also a complete picture of the player and obviously he he spent a little extra time sound like with Dawson 37:30 37 minutes, 30 seconds Park who got into a little argument or shoving match with a teammate right after a game and that teammate had said 37:37 37 minutes, 37 seconds something to him. So you know the kid could be a a model citizen just had that one situation but he’s a heck of a player. 37:45 37 minutes, 45 seconds I love the way Jay answered that question. He if he has an edge we need an edge. They sure \[laughter\] do. They sure do. 37:52 37 minutes, 52 seconds You can’t can’t have a bunch of nice guys all the time. That was that was the Astros problem in the 90s. Had \[laughter\] all these nice guys. You need you need some edge in there here and there. 38:00 38 minutes Yeah. No. All right. Well, we’ll see how it works out. But good stuff from Jay Johnson. If you just missed it, if you’re tuning in, don’t worry. Uh you can catch Tiger E Radio anywhere where 38:09 38 minutes, 9 seconds you get your favorite podcast. And also the show is uploaded to YouTube here. Uh it’ll happen in about 30 minutes or so. 38:16 38 minutes, 16 seconds So, let’s take our final break of the show. Come back, wrap things up here on Tiger Rag Radio from the Super Chevy dealers studio. 38:24 38 minutes, 24 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is back live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. \[music\] All right, back here on Tiger Rag Radio. 38:31 38 minutes, 31 seconds As we wrap up the show, got to thank all our guests. William Mo, attorney, Ronnie Rants, college baseball analyst, former pitcher for the Tigers. Gary Smith, 38:39 38 minutes, 39 seconds allaround good guy who covers two lane for nola.com. and Jay Johnson uh was gracious with his time with us tonight 38:47 38 minutes, 47 seconds despite having a couple of recruits and looking forward to hearing who the new pitcher is that they’ve signed. Uh it has not been publicly announced. And the 38:55 38 minutes, 55 seconds thing I forgot to ask him is why he’s not using the Tiger emojis, but maybe we’ll get back to that uh later on in 39:02 39 minutes, 2 seconds the summer. Uh no LSU baseball here in the College World Series. Case Kishnik, you’re a a lifong Baton Rouge native, right? You grew up here. Yes, sir. 39:13 39 minutes, 13 seconds Okay. What’s it like in your mind not having LSU baseball in the College World Series? 39:17 39 minutes, 17 seconds It’s a little dull. I mean, \[laughter\] if if we’re being honest, you know, it’s uh something that there’s nothing really else going on in the summer. Uh you’re 39:25 39 minutes, 25 seconds not into Major League Baseball. I know this year we got the World Cup going, but um it’s not much to do here in Baton Rouge, it feels like. You know, I uh I just 39:33 39 minutes, 33 seconds graduated from Louisiana Tech and I was looking forward to coming back home for Super Regional. You know, I was penciling it in at the start of this year that I’m sure we’d be hosting and 39:42 39 minutes, 42 seconds we ended up not, of course. But the thing that was interesting to me, I know he mentioned What do you mean we \[laughter\] uh you’re a journalist now? 39:50 39 minutes, 50 seconds Okay. Okay. 39:52 39 minutes, 52 seconds Um that he mentioned that it was a an advantage for them not being in Omaha this year, in the postseason at all, that you can do a little bit more leg 40:00 40 minutes work with the recruits. Yeah. But to me, it feels like that LSU brand of being in the postseason every year, being in Omaha, does a lot of that work for them. 40:08 40 minutes, 8 seconds You know, recruits want to go to LSU because they’re in Omaha. So, I wonder how that was different for him this year, if it was at all. Um, but that’s the thing that comes to mind for me is 40:17 40 minutes, 17 seconds just they’re still getting these top recruits uh despite the fact that they maybe didn’t have the outcome that they wanted to preseason. 40:24 40 minutes, 24 seconds Well, there spots as far as these position players. I mean, you can plug them all in. Waters, Kurland, Park, Wax. 40:31 40 minutes, 31 seconds I mean, all of them have a spot on this team. And I think that makes it, you know, even last year it was just like, well, you didn’t you didn’t quite know. 40:41 40 minutes, 41 seconds I mean, Tanner Reeves was supposed to be maybe the starting third baseman or something like that. I mean, there were guys that were coming back that you thought were going to take some of these spots. Um, it all kind of shook out. 40:53 40 minutes, 53 seconds Remember, they had like three second baseman they were trying to figure out who was going to play early on. So, but this year they you look at it and as Jay 41:01 41 minutes, 1 second confirmed with us, William Patrick’s going to be your guy in center and you’re going to be rotating Cerna and Aaron Bey between catcher and DH. You 41:10 41 minutes, 10 seconds basically you could play a game tomorrow if you wanted to at this group. 41:15 41 minutes, 15 seconds Yeah. And I like u I really like Park and and what you what you said, you know, he he possibly could be an outfielder. Yeah. Uh because it’s it is 41:24 41 minutes, 24 seconds easier I think to go from playing infield to outfield than the other way around. I mean Craig Bizio went played outfield after catching and 41:31 41 minutes, 31 seconds playing second base. Not to keep talking about the Astros. \[laughter\] It’s either the Astros or Nick saving with you Glenn. One of the two. 41:38 41 minutes, 38 seconds Well, at least I’m not talking about emojis. \[laughter\] Speaking of not having a lot to do during the summer, I don’t think you explained that. Jay 41:45 41 minutes, 45 seconds Johnson used to put an emoji on his tweet when he got a recruit. Is that what it was? Yeah. And he hasn’t he hasn’t done that. So may maybe he’ll put the emoji up tonight. 41:54 41 minutes, 54 seconds Maybe it was bad luck last year. That’s what he said. I got to try something different. 41:57 41 minutes, 57 seconds Yeah, exactly. Yeah, those emojis didn’t couldn’t hit. 42:00 42 minutes Wouldn’t it suck being us if Nick Sabin bought into the Astros ownership? 42:05 42 minutes, 5 seconds \[laughter\] 42:08 42 minutes, 8 seconds Look, you want me to talk about Springsteen, I’ll do that. \[laughter\] No, it was that was that was a great interview with Jay, man. Um, he was he 42:17 42 minutes, 17 seconds was really uh informative and he he answered the questions. I like I like the answer about Dawson and and and the 42:24 42 minutes, 24 seconds edge and um you know and and he uh he sounded like he he he made a little comment um that that these guys can do a lot of things. Yeah. 42:33 42 minutes, 33 seconds Cuz that that was the problem with some of the portal guys last year. 42:35 42 minutes, 35 seconds I think he mentioned it specifically for Bo Waters. He doesn’t have to hit home runs. Right. Right. Exactly. 42:41 42 minutes, 41 seconds And that’s what they were they were counting on that with obviously um York and it it didn’t work out. He said he has power without selling out. 42:51 42 minutes, 51 seconds Yeah. And I think the other important thing he said about Waters is that Waters did it against good pitching. 42:57 42 minutes, 57 seconds Yeah. All right. All right. We got to go. That’s it for Tiger Rag Radio for Todd, Gwen, Case, Jeff. Uh we’ll see you next week. 43:06 43 minutes, 6 seconds Tiger Rag is everywhere. Online at tiger.com. 43:10 43 minutes, 10 seconds Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/tiger magazine or follow us on Twitter at tiger\_rag **Categories:** Baseball Recruiting, Featured, LSU Baseball, Podcast, Radio, Recruiting **Tags:** jay johnson, lsu baseball, SEC Baseball news, tiger rag radio, Tiger Rag Radio Podcast, Transfer Portal --- ### [Lane Kiffin Leads Jay Johnson In Recruiting Commitment World Cup So Far This Week, 5-2](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-leads-jay-johnson-in-recruiting-commitment-world-cup-so-far-this-week-5-2/) **Published:** June 17, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The lazy days of summer have not trickled down to the football and baseball offices at LSU this week. LSU football coach Lane Kiffin and baseball coach Jay Johnson are staging their own Commitment World Cup. Since Monday, Kiffin has gathered five high school commitments for his Class of 2027, while Johnson has nabbed two since Sunday from the NCAA Transfer Portal with more possibly to come today or later this week. The latest is a double pledge by Kiffin on Wednesday – No. 4 edge rusher Chris Whitehead of Lloyd C. Bird High in Chesterfield, Virginia, and No. 12 running back Trey Martin of Franklin Parish High in Winnsboro. > “He’s pretty much full strength now.” > -Lane Kiffin on LSU Franchise QB Sam Leavitt’s recovery from foot injury on Honey Badger’s podcast. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 17, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2067293237136560537?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Whitehead (6-foot-4, 230 pounds) is a composite five-star prospect by 247sports.com as the No. 31 prospect in the country and No. 1 player in Virginia. He committed to LSU over Georgia, where he visited over the weekend of June 5, South Carolina, where he visited last weekend, and Virginia Tech, where he visited in late May. Whitehead has a scheudled visit to Ohio State this weekend. Whitehead joins another five-star edge rusher in KJ Green of Stone Mountain, Georgia, as an LSU commitment. Green (6-4, 230) committed on June 7 as the No. 2 edge rusher in the country. Martin (5-10, 202) committed to LSU over Alabama, where he visited on the weekend of June 5, Ole Miss, where he visited on June 12, and Houston, where he visited on May 28. He is the No. 182 overall prospect by 247sports.com’s composite rankings and the No. 6 player in Louisiana. [LSU FOOTBALL CLASS OF 13 COMMITMENTS](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2027-football/commits/) Kiffin now has 13 commitments, and his class has jumped to No. 19 by 247sports.com after being in the 50s just last Sunday. His commitment frenzy started on Monday when No. 5 offensive tackle Terrance Smith of Lansdale Catholic High in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, and No. 48 offensive tackle Amaziah Siale of Misson Viejo High in Misson Viejo, California, each pledged. Then on Tuesday, No. 7 running back David Segarra of Byrnes High in Duncan, South Carolina, committed. Meanwhile, Johnson secured USC freshman pitcher Diego Velazquez via the portal on Tuesday night after getting Tulane sophomore outfielder Jason Wachs on Sunday. > [LSU Baseball Adds USC Pitcher Diego Velazquez Via Portal – Was 5-1 With 34 Strikeouts in 31 Innings In 2026](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-adds-usc-pitcher-diego-velasquez-via-portal-was-5-1-with-34-strikeouts-in-31-innings-in-2026/) “Well, we got another one. We got a pitcher today,” Johnson said on Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night when asked if he would be adding any pitchers from the portal. “Not public yet. It will be soon.” It was later learned that Johnson was talking about Velazquez, who later committed to him. “And we have another one here now,” Johnson said of another pitcher prospect visiting that has not yet committed. “And they fit very well. Like the one that we got today (Velazquez) pitched in a number of roles and could possibly be like Casan Evans (a freshman in 2025 who relieved and started) or Zac Cowan (a reliever and starter) and relieve and then emerge into a starter the following year. So, we’re very excited about that.” Johnson has six portal commitments and/or signees in all at the moment. **LSU BASEBALL TRANSFER PORTAL ADDITIONS** ***(with class for next season)*** -Sophomore Landon Hood, right-handed pitcher, Gonzaga -Junior Dawson Park, shortstop, Texas State -Junior Bino Watters, outfielder, Notre Dame -Senior Cade Kurland, second baseman, Florida -Junior Jason Wachs, outfielder, Tulane -Sophomore Diego Velazquez, right-handed pitcher, USC **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball, LSU Football News **Tags:** Chris Whitehead, Diego Velazquez, jay johnson, lane kiffin, Trey Martin --- ### [Sylvia Fowles' Candidacy For Louisiana Sports Hall Of Fame Needs No Deliberation - It's A SLAM DUNK](https://www.tigerrag.com/sylvia-fowles-candidacy-for-louisiana-sports-hall-of-fame-needs-no-deliberation-itins-a-slam-dunk/) **Published:** June 17, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** *(2nd in series on inductees into Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame – Natchitoches, June 25-27.)* **By KENT LOWE** *Written for the Louisiana Sports Writers Association* All I guess that the Louisiana Sports Writers Association can say is, “We’re sorry.” Almost always, we have been proud to start the run of major Hall of Fame inductions in Natchitoches for stars of their games. But this time, the Women’s Basketball Hall of Fame and the Naismith Hall of Fame beat us to the punch last year. Our rules for induction after retirement got a bit in the way, so we had to wait the necessary period of time before we could make the move. But Sylvia Fowles was on the Hall’s radar from the moment she announced her retirement, and last August it was a lightning-quick decision that she would be the next women’s basketball standout to join our Hall. Fowles is part of a 12-member Class of 2026 going into the LSHOF to culminate three days of festivities Thursday, June 25-Saturday, June 27, with seven events (six in Natchitoches, bowling in Alexandria). For participation information, visit LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238-4255. > LSHOF 2026 CLASS FEATURE: No deliberations needed: A slam dunk for [@SylviaFowles](https://x.com/SylviaFowles?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) to join her latest Hall of Fame > > — Louisiana Sports HOF (@LaSportsHall) [June 16, 2026](https://x.com/LaSportsHall/status/2066966232448868812?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Hall of Famers come in all shapes and sizes. When it comes to basketball Hall of Fame types, LSU’s longtime associate basketball coach Bob Starkey knows one when he sees one. “Well, I think when you talk about being a Hall of Famer, you’re talking about a complete body of work long term,” he said. “And when you look at what Sylvia’s done first on the collegiate level here at LSU, then you take it to the WNBA. You take it to her overseas basketball career and then her Olympic career. “She’s been absolutely one of the best of the best at every single level for an extended period of time. To me, that’s what a Hall of Famer is. It’s not about having a good year or a good run. It’s about your entire career being elite.” Hard to argue with that. **4 FINAL FOURS, BUT DON’T FORGET THE DUNK!** At LSU, she’s remembered for a lot of numbers like four straight NCAA Final Four appearances, averaging a double double, winning and winning big, a three-time All-American and more. But what everyone at LSU will remind you about is “the dunk.” The night she became, at that time in 2007, just the sixth women’s player in college basketball to dunk the basketball in a game. It was a simple play, so it seemed. And with due respect to my friends in Lafayette where the Ragin’ Cajun player may still have nightmares, Fowles came out to steal the ball near midcourt, gathered it up, dribbled down the court and right hand dunked it to the delight and maybe some amazement of the Maravich Center crowd. “We had been begging her. I know I had been begging her (to dunk in a game),” said Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame teammate Seimone Augustus, who is now an LSU assistant coach. “Coach Starkey is the post coach so we were seeing it every day in practice she would have like a little dunk. It wasn’t too crazy, but it was a dunk. We were like why don’t you do it a game? She’s just like, if you know her demeanor, it’s like ‘do I need to?’ And we were like, ‘Yes, you need to.’ “It just so happened that I was in town from overseas, on our Christmas break or whenever it was, like during a break and (Sylvia) got a breakaway. She got a steal at half court and it was just her and the basket. We were like, she’s going to do it. I saw her start to gather her steps and I’m like she’s got to do it and she did it. That was like the most amazing thing ever because there’s very few women in the college game that have done it. I mean, you are talking Lisa Leslie, Candace Parker, Sylvia Fowles, Brittney Griner. There’s a handful of women that have ever done that. She’s one of those women.” Patrick Wright, the radio voice of LSU women’s basketball for over 35 years, remembers it well. “We all knew she was capable of dunking,” he said. “It happened because of a smart defensive play by Sylvia. Not many girls Syl’s size were remotely coordinated to dribble the ball 70 feet, but she had the grace of the point guard she just stole the ball from. As she got to the free throw line, the thought everyone in the arena had was the same – she might dunk this. She threw it down with one hand. It was a legitimate dunk that any men’s player would be proud of. “I will always remember the reaction of her teammates and the crowd, and everyone knew they just witnessed something historic.” But it was more than dunking. It was scoring, rebounding, blocked shots and being a good teammate that LSU folks remember. **BOB STARKEY: SYLVIA FOWLES SET LSU APART** “The thing about Sylvia and again, this is what makes her not just a Hall of Fame player, but a Hall of Fame person is she is, legitimately, seriously happy for other people’s success,” Starkey said. “So when she came here, we went to four straight Final Fours, and then, three out of four years, we won the SEC championship. “It’s never been done before or after at this school. And those where when those three out of four SEC championships, that’s the days of Pat Summitt (Tennessee) and Andy Landers (Georgia) and Joe Ciampi (Auburn) and Gary Blair (Texas A&M) and all these Hall of Fame coaches. So it was a remarkable, remarkable period. But it meant a lot to her because, she was able to help her teammates garner some success.” Unfortunately, with the passage of time those NCAA Final Four appearances in the mid-2000s have drifted a slight bit to the back of LSU fans’ minds because of LSU’s most recent success in women’s basketball. But those banners hang high in the Maravich Center and they are just as important as any others that hang there. More important, in the rafters with the greatest LSU players like Abdul-Rauf, Macklin, Maravich, Pettit, O’Neal and Augustus, flies the banner for Fowles. All of those as of tonight are well- deserved Louisiana Sports Hall of Famers. The numbers back up all of those being in this Hall and others. But what struck Starkey most was a personality that made her a player he wanted to bring to LSU. “There’s no question that having a good, athletic, fast, quick post player is enticing,” he said. “But it wasn’t until Sylvia came to our elite camp, and we got to sit down to have a conversation that she became somebody that I just had to recruit, and that was because of her mindset. Her personality. She was obviously gifted physically, but it was the other things that I got to learn about during that week, that made me know that she had a chance to be just not really good, but to be absolutely one of the game’s best. It was her ability to be a great teammate, to be unselfish. I was able to gauge her desire, her commitment to wanting to be at a different level … I just knew I really, really want to coach her.” But there was some learning that had to be done. **SYLVIA COULD BE A LITTLE TOO NICE AND UNSELFISH** “A funny story is very early on,” Starkey remembered. “I think it was an exhibition game. There was a battle for a rebound. She went up and grabbed it and, knocked the other team’s rebounder down. Instead of running the floor, she leaned over and helped her up. It speaks to the type of character she has. “But it’s not really what I want from a post player when we’re between the lines. So we had to make her a little bit tougher. We had to make her, to be honest with you, a little bit more selfish. She was such an unselfish kid. You throw the ball in the post and she’s looking to pass it out. We want her to score down there.” And then the most important praise this veteran could assess. “She was a great teammate. Unless you’ve coached on this level, you don’t realize when your best players are your best people, that’s when you have a chance as a team,” he said. She would continue to prove that in the WNBA and in the Olympics and for overseas professional teams. She won four Olympic gold medals, two WNBA titles, honors galore professionally in the league and beyond. She even teamed with her two-year college teammate Augustus in the W for the Minnesota Lynx after Fowles looked to move after several years with the Chicago Sky. “We never really thought we would play together,” Augustus said. “An opportunity came in 2015. It was between two teams that she was deciding between. Obviously, we had won a number of championships so we looked a little bit more appealing to her. I just remember our coach telling us, ‘Sylvia might want to come here and would I give her a phone call and see where she is in the process?’ “I picked up the phone and the phone call was like, literally, five seconds. I was just ‘we would love to have you here.’ She was like ‘on my way.’ Click. And within a matter of a few hours, maybe a few days, she was in Minnesota, and the rest is history.” The team won championships in 2015 and 2017, and Fowles was Finals MVP both times. Now, not long after retirement, comes coaching for this dominant star post player. A new role began this season in Portland. Great player. Great person. Great Hall of Famer. “I know it has been said before, but since we are honoring her again, she is just the nicest person possible off the court,” said Lindsay Whalen, teammate of Fowles on two WNBA title teams who won two Olympic Gold Medals with Fowles. “Anytime we had somebody who had like a baby shower or something, she would come with a wagon filled with clothes and diapers and all the things that would be needed for that expecting family. Just a great human being first.” The LSWA is happy it didn’t have to wait any longer to make this official. Welcome to our Hall, Syl! **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Women's Basketball **Tags:** Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, LSU Tigers', lsu women's basketball, sylvia fowles --- ### [LSU Baseball: Derek Curiel Named All-America By American Baseball Coaches Association](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-derek-curiel-named-all-america-by-american-baseball-coaches-association/) **Published:** June 16, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU center fielder Derek Curiel has been named a third team All-American by the American Baseball Coaches Association. Curiel, a sophomore from West Covina, California, hit a team-high .353 (82-for-232) in the 2026 season with 18 doubles, two triples, six homers, 46 RBIs, 64 runs and 13 stolen bases. A second team All-Southeastern Conference selection, he is No. 4 in the league in batting average, No. 8 in doubles and No. 10 in runs scored. > Booked – Jay Johnson will be on statewide Tiger Rag Radio tonight talking portal: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 16, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2066942400166002877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) He completed the season with a 10-game hitting streak, batting .447 (17-for-38) during the streak with seven doubles, three RBIs, 13 runs, nine walks and a .542 on-base percentage. > [Derek Curiel Drops Bombshell On 104.5 Radio – He Is Considering A Return To LSU And Skipping MLB Draft](https://www.tigerrag.com/derek-curiel-drops-bombshell-on-104-5-radio-he-is-considering-a-return-to-lsu-and-skipping-mlb-draft/) Curiel is a draft-eligible sophomore because he turned 21 in May and is expected to be picked early in the first round on July 11 and is not expected to return to LSU for his junior season. But he has said there is a possibility that could happen. He was named National Freshman of the Year in 2025 after helping lead LSU to the College World Series title with a team-high batting average of .345 and a team-leading 20 doubles. He added seven home runs and 55 RBIs. Curiel has a .349 (171-for-490) career batting average in two seasons with the Tigers. He has started all 126 games in which he has played at LSU, collecting 38 doubles, four triples, 13 home runs, 101 RBIs, 131 runs, 16 steals and a .452 on-base percentage. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame, Derek Curiel, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, mlb draft --- ### [Bayou Fountain EDD Deal Faces June 24 Test After Majority Landowner Says It Never Consented](https://www.tigerrag.com/bayou-fountain-edd-june-24-duplantier-elite-training-academy/) **Published:** June 16, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** **By TODD HORNE, EXECUTIVE EDITOR** The East Baton Rouge Metro Council faces a June 24 decision on whether to sign or again defer a Cooperative Endeavor Agreement that would create a 25-year public-finance structure for the Bayou Fountain Economic Development District, a sports-tourism district near LSU whose proposed project list expressly includes improvements tied to Elite Training Academy. But before the Council acts, it must confront a land-control problem: the Duplantier family says it owns approximately 175 acres inside BFEDD — roughly 57% of the district’s total land mass — and never consented to having its property included. That makes the June 24 meeting more than a routine local-government vote. It is now a test of whether Metro Council members are willing to move forward with a public taxing and development agreement after the district’s majority landowner says it was not meaningfully notified, never agreed to participate and wants its land removed immediately. The proposed CEA would allow the City-Parish and BFEDD to collect and use new district taxes and sales-tax growth generated inside the district to support economic development projects over a term running through Dec. 31, 2051. Under the agreement, future City-Parish sales-tax growth above a certified baseline would be pledged back to the district on a sliding scale: 100% for 2026, 75% from 2027 through 2031, 50% from 2032 through 2041, and 25% from 2041 through 2051. The agreement also establishes a dedicated fund, allows district tax revenue to be used for project costs, includes a construction rebate mechanism and contemplates projects involving sports facilities, parking, utilities, roadways, private-property improvements, tourism marketing, signage, lighting, beautification, drainage and redevelopment. **That is real public-finance machinery.** The question now is whether the Council should activate it before the land-control dispute is resolved. The Metro Council approved creation of the Bayou Fountain EDD on April 22 by a unanimous 12-0 vote. The ordinance created the district, defined its boundaries, designated its governing authority and acknowledged the district’s authority to levy new sales and use taxes and hotel occupancy taxes within its boundaries. Public notices later said the BFEDD Board of Commissioners intended to meet May 21 at 5414 Burbank Drive — the address of Elite Training Academy — to take action on levying a 2% sales and use tax beginning July 1. The district’s public purpose is sports tourism. Its financial structure is built around using taxes generated inside the district to support development inside the district. But the documents reviewed by Tiger Rag show BFEDD is not merely a generic sports-tourism district near Elite. **It is an Elite-centered public-finance proposal.** The CEA’s project list specifically identifies expansions at “premier existing facilities such as the Elite Training Academy campus” among the district’s highest-priority Tier I projects. Those projects include design, construction, expansion and improvement of major sports, recreation and tourism facilities, including indoor and outdoor athletic facilities, championship courts, tournament fields, spectator seating and supporting infrastructure. The proposed CEA also includes a sports feasibility study prepared by Synergy Sports Global for Elite Training Academy. The study says Synergy was engaged in September 2025 by Greg Stringfellow, managing partner of Elite Training Academy, to prepare a feasibility study, market summary, programming recommendation and economic-impact analysis for a new multi-sport complex in Baton Rouge. The study identified one Baton Rouge site for the proposed complex: an adjacent lot to Elite Training Academy. **It also identified a major problem.** Under site considerations, the study listed “land acquisition costs” as a con. Elsewhere, it said the land would need to be acquired and recommended that the ownership group secure the proposed land under a letter of intent, pending project approval and funding, to show elected officials and City-Parish staff their commitment to the project. **That recommendation now sits at the center of the dispute.** The feasibility study supporting the CEA acknowledged that land needed to be acquired. The Duplantier family now says it owns the majority of the land inside the district and never consented to having its property included. In a May 26 letter hand-delivered to Mayor-President Sid Edwards and members of the Metro Council, Rebel Caplinger, Lisa Duplantier and Kristin Beal wrote that they represent 14 Duplantier family members who own approximately 175 acres within the BFEDD boundaries. The family described the land as six-generation family property with active producing oil and gas wells, surface value and mineral value. The letter said the property is not blighted land by any measure. The family said it was never notified by the district’s organizer, by District 12 Councilwoman Jennifer Racca, whose district encompasses the property, or by the City-Parish “in any meaningful way.” “For the majority landowners of a newly formed district — we own approximately 57% of the total acreage within the BFEDD — this is a deeply troubling failure of the process,” the letter states. The letter identifies Stringfellow, owner of 820 Development Group LLC and president of Elite Training Academy, as the person who initiated BFEDD. It also identifies W. Carlos Spaht, owner of Elite Landowning Company LLC, as a party the family says stands to benefit directly from BFEDD and any development of the family’s land. The family further alleged that its property was publicly depicted and promoted as part of BFEDD-related development plans without its knowledge, consent or any agreement in place. The family’s position is now explicit. It says it has no interest in doing business with Stringfellow or Elite Training Academy. “Any assumption that this Economic Development District or the pressure it creates will bring us to the table is mistaken,” the family wrote. **That statement changes the June 24 vote.** If the Duplantier family’s numbers are correct, the Council must decide whether to move forward with a CEA for a district whose majority landowner says the district was formed around land the project proponents do not control. The family asked the Metro Council to defer or table the CEA vote pending a full and independent review of the district’s formation, boundaries and intended purpose. It also asked that its 175-acre tract be removed from BFEDD immediately and entirely. The family also asked the Council to ensure that no blight designation, expropriation proceeding or other adverse action is initiated against its property. **That request is significant. It shows the family does not view BFEDD as a harmless planning boundary. It views the district as potential leverage over its property rights and future negotiating position.** The CEA’s own language reinforces why the family is concerned. The agreement’s project list includes more than sports fields and courts. Tier II projects include the purchase, design, renovation and construction of land, parking lots, buildings and other private properties within the district to spur redevelopment, beautification and reinvestment, with priority given to properties along Burbank Drive and Nicholson Drive. The CEA also contemplates matching grants to private entities for business, commercial or building facade improvements, signage, lighting and exterior beautification. In other words, the CEA would not merely support public infrastructure in the abstract. It would create a long-term mechanism through which district revenue could help fund improvements connected to private properties and private entities inside BFEDD. The agreement is candid about that public-private structure. It states that economic development is a legitimate concern of the City-Parish because it serves the public interest, but is “not purely and solely a public purpose,” because successful economic development serves private business and industry as much as the public interest. That may be legally acceptable. But it makes public scrutiny essential. The CEA also shows that the district already contains meaningful taxable activity. The annual sales-tax baseline inside BFEDD is certified at $3,012,786.60, with a monthly baseline of $251,065.55. That means BFEDD is not simply a future development concept on empty land. Existing taxable business activity already sits inside its boundaries. The agreement also says the City-Parish will establish an initial list of all businesses located in the district, to be verified by BFEDD. The district would then be responsible for informing the tax collector of any businesses that should be added to or removed from the tax base before the monthly tax increment is calculated. That gives the district a role in verifying the business base that feeds its own financing structure. The boundary work also deserves attention. The legal description attached to the CEA says the boundary description was based on compiled records obtained from the East Baton Rouge Tax Assessor map and available online records from the East Baton Rouge Clerk of Court. It also states that the description was not prepared with the benefit of an on-the-ground survey and should not be construed as one. For a district carrying taxing authority and built around land whose majority owner says it did not consent, that caveat is not minor. The district’s board structure is another unanswered issue. The CEA says BFEDD would be governed by a board of commissioners with no fewer than three and no more than seven members. Two commissioners would be appointed by the Metro Council member representing District 12. The remaining members would be selected according to the board’s bylaws. The public should know who those board members are, who selects them, whether they have ties to Elite, Stringfellow, Spaht, landowners or other private beneficiaries, and whether the majority landowner has any representation in the district’s governance. **Those answers matter before the CEA is signed, not after.** There is also an LSU-interest angle, though it must be handled carefully. Elite Training Academy is not an anonymous private developer. Ochsner Health’s announcement of the Elite Training Complex identified former LSU football stars Joe Burrow, Tyrann Mathieu, Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Jamal Adams as part of Elite’s ownership team. The same announcement also identified prominent Louisiana business figures as part of the ownership team, including Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves and former LSU offensive lineman and Bollinger Shipyards chairman Ben “Bo” Bordelon, along with Stringfellow, Carlos Spaht and others. There is no public document reviewed by Tiger Rag showing Burrow, Mathieu, Edwards-Helaire, Adams, Graves or Bordelon had any role in forming BFEDD, drawing its boundaries, negotiating the CEA or addressing the Duplantier land issue. That distinction is important. Their public connection to Elite, however, makes the district more newsworthy for an LSU audience and underscores the need to clearly explain how Elite, BFEDD and the proposed public-finance structure are connected. BFEDD also sits in the broader Burbank/Nicholson corridor near LSU, where the university’s planned new arena and related development are expected to reshape traffic, land use, sports tourism, hospitality and private investment. BFEDD is not the LSU Economic Development District, and available records reviewed by Tiger Rag do not establish that BFEDD is part of LSU’s arena financing plan. But geographically and economically, BFEDD appears positioned to benefit from the same south-LSU growth corridor. That context makes the Council’s June 24 decision more important. Signing the CEA would move BFEDD from a district created on paper into a public-finance vehicle with a 25-year term, new district taxes, pledged sales-tax increments, construction rebates and a project list that expressly includes Elite Training Academy’s campus. Deferring the CEA would give the Council time to answer basic questions about land ownership, notice, consent, board control, private beneficiaries, business taxation and whether the district can function if the Duplantier property is removed. Those questions are straightforward: **Who drew the BFEDD boundaries?** **Who verified land ownership?** **Did the Metro Council know the Duplantier family claimed to own 57% of the district before voting unanimously to create it?** **Did BFEDD organizers have a purchase agreement, option agreement, lease, letter of intent or development agreement covering the Duplantier land?** **If not, why was the district created around land the project proponents did not control?** **Can BFEDD remain viable without the Duplantier acreage?** **Who sits on the BFEDD board?** **Who selected the members not appointed by the District 12 council member?** **What existing businesses are inside the district’s tax base?** **Which private entities could receive district-funded improvements, reimbursements or grants?** **And why did the CEA move forward when the study attached to it recommended securing the proposed land under a letter of intent before presenting the project as viable to elected officials and City-Parish staff?** Economic development districts can be legitimate tools. They can support infrastructure, visitors, jobs and private investment. But when public taxing power is created around private land without the consent of the people who say they own most of it, the public deserves answers before the financing agreement is signed. The June 24 choice before the Metro Council is therefore simple. It can sign the CEA and move forward with a district whose majority landowner says it was never asked to participate. Or it can defer the agreement until the public knows who owns the land, who controls the district, who benefits from the taxes and whether the project is viable without the Duplantier property. That is the issue before the Metro Council now. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, LSU athletics, LSU Basketball, LSU Football News **Tags:** Bayou Fountain Economic Development District, Ben Bordelon, BFEDD, clyde edwards-helaire, Duplantier Family, East Baton Rouge Parish Metro Council, Elite Training Academy, greg stringfellow, Todd Graves, tyrann mathieu --- ### [Lane Kiffin Beats Indiana, Stanford, South Carolina For Commitment From No. 7 RB David Segarra Of S.C.](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-beats-indiana-stanford-south-carolina-for-commitment-from-no-7-rb-david-segarra-of-s-c/) **Published:** June 16, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Apparently, LSU football coach Lane Kiffin doesn’t just know the portal. The first-year Tigers’ coach just picked up his third high school commitment in two days for his Class of 2027 as No. 7-ranked running back David Segarra of Byrnes High in Duncan, South Carolina, chose the Tigers over South Carolina, national champion Indiana and Stanford and announced that on Monday morning. > His film is purely insane. The vision and being so hard to tackle is amazing. Segarra is a flat out dude. > > — AYS Sports (@AYSSPORTS) [June 16, 2026](https://x.com/AYSSPORTS/status/2066902892192158184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Segarra (5-foot-10, 205 pounds), a four-star prospect, visited LSU over the weekend of June 5. The No. 120 overall prospect in the nation by 247sports.com’s composite and No. 2 player in South Carolina also had scholarship offers from Alabama, Clemson, Florida, Floridad State, Georgia, Miami, Tennessee, Texas and Texas A&M. Segarra is the Tigers’ second running back commitment for this class. Brennen Lacy (5-11, 190), a three-star player from Frisco High in Frisco, Texas, committed to LSU early this month 6 as the No. 41 running back in the nation. > [LSU Football Recruiting: Tigers Move Up To No. 36 In 247Sports Ranking From 50 With 2 Commits](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-recruiting-tigers-move-up-to-no-36-in-247sports-ranking-from-50-with-2-commits/) LSU has 11 commitments so far in a class that moved up seven spots to No. 30 in the nation by 247sports.com on the strength of Segarra’s commitment. **[LSU’s CLASS OF 2027](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2027-football/commits/)** On Monday, Kiffin landed two offensive linemen commitments – No. 5 offensive tackle Terrance Smith of Lansdale, Pennsylvania, and No. 48 offensive tackle Amaziah Siale of Mission Viejo, California. That brought his class from No. 50 to No. 37. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** David Segarra, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, recruiting --- ### [LSU Football Star Todd McClure Got To Louisiana Sports Hall Of Fame With Adaptability](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-star-todd-mcclure-got-to-louisiana-sports-hall-of-fame-with-adaptability/) **Published:** June 16, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** *(First in a series on Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame inductees – Natchitoches, June 25-27.)* **By ROBIN FAMBROUGH, Written For the Louisiana Sports Writers Association** Todd McClure vividly remembers the day he got put in his place by one of his high school coaches. “I thought, ‘Why is he doing this?’ ” McClure recalled. “I wasn’t just mad … I was really angry. I was a tight end and a defensive lineman. “Those guys get their names called out on the loudspeaker. The only time you hear an offensive lineman’s name is when they commit a penalty.” Central High offensive line coach Randy Blanchard did it anyway. Blanchard had McClure play center for the first time – presumably for one day. The sophomore did what he was told. And it changed everything, clearing a path for McClure to become an All-America football player at LSU, a 14-year mainstay in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons and now a member of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. On Saturday, June 27 in Natchitoches, McClure will be part of a 12-person class enshrined. **To attend, visit LaSportsHall.com or call 318-238-4255.** All-Pro honors somehow eluded McClure, a fact one of his former head coaches with the Falcons, Mike Smith, calls a misnomer. ![Todd McClure](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/Todd-McClure-scaled.jpg "| TigerRag.com")***Former LSU center Todd McClure played 13 seasons in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons Atlanta Falcons photo*** “In my opinion, Todd was an All-Pro … without question,” Smith said. “People believe wide receivers and running backs are the most important players around a quarterback. But really, it’s the center and not just because of snap exchanges. “The blocking calls and pretty much everything goes through the center. Todd was a master of that and also the best teammate I ever coached. As a blocker, he was a technician who knew all the angles and leverage.” The 2026 LSHOF induction is hardly McClure’s first honor. He was inducted into the Falcons’ prestigious Ring of Honor in 2022. At LSU, he was a two-time All-SEC selection and earned first-team All-America honors from the American Football Coaches Association in 1998. > Booked – Jay Johnson will be on statewide Tiger Rag Radio tonight talking portal: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 16, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2066942400166002877?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Awards are merely window dressing for McClure, who built a career on an old school, multi- sport upbringing. McClure was a leader and a “glue guy” for each team he played for. That “glue guy” moniker offered multiple meanings for critics of undersized linemen. At 6-2, 290 pounds, did not fit the prototype of an NFL lineman. But McClure stuck to his craft relentlessly as he fine-tuned skills in order to adapt and excel. How good was he? Remember that youthful observation about offensive linemen and penalties? Consider this – McClure was called for just 22 penalties in 198 regular-season games during his NFL career. That’s an average of 1.7 penalties per year. McClure didn’t have a single penalty called on him in the 2011 season. > [LSU’s John Brady, Todd McClure, Sylvia Fowles Lead Louisiana Sports Hall Of Fame 2026 Class](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-john-brady-todd-mcclure-sylvia-fowles-lead-louisiana-sports-hall-of-fame-2026-class/) And it started at practice with an order from Blanchard, best known as the Central baseball coach who won four straight Class 4A state titles with McClure as his All-State catcher. “There wasn’t a whole lot else Todd could do at tight end that day,” Blanchard recalled. “So, I told him to move over to center. He did not like it one bit and I knew it. But I said, ‘You never know when you might have to play there.’ Of course, he did. What a career. “Now I will tell you this, if Todd would have gone with baseball instead, I think he could have made to the Major Leagues as a catcher. I really do. He was that good.” However, then-LSU football coach Gerry DiNardo was enamored with McClure after watching him play basketball for Central. After that, he still played tight end, but also took enough snaps at center so the film could be dubbed to VHS tapes that were sent to college football coaches. **GERRY DINARDO LOVED TODD MCCLURE** “DiNardo loved him and told him to keep playing basketball because it would help his footwork so much,” former Central basketball coach Gary Duhe said. “Todd was just an all-around athlete. I give his dad a lot of credit because he had him play point guard in Biddy Basketball even though he was a bigger kid. “Most people probably remember him as a 6-foot-2 guy guarding 6-9 Lester Earl (Glen Oaks star) in the (Class 4A) championship game for Central. He did that probably as well as anybody. But he also brought the ball upcourt against the press because he was our best ballhandler.” Each all-around multi-sport skill certainly helped shape McClure’s destiny. Equally important was his upbringing and a lineage ingrained into the sports history of Central, a small town in a mostly rural area just outside Baton Rouge. By the time he was in college, McClure’s words to teammates resonated like those of a coach for good reason. His grandfather Archie and father, Leo McClure, were coaches at Central. During Leo McClure’s stint as an assistant coach and later head men’s basketball coach at Southeastern Louisiana University, McClure, his older brother Trey and younger brother Tanna had unfettered access. The McClures were ball boys and sat in the SLU locker room every day, including game days. “That’s where I saw how things were supposed to be done,” McClure said. “I saw what leadership looked like from players and coaches every day when my dad coached at Southeastern. “We saw things up close. That’s where I saw what being a good teammate looked like. For us, that was the only way for things to be done. That was the expectation and it shaped who I am, no question.” **THE MCCLURE WAY** The McClure way also meant being a multi-sport athlete. All three were three-sport athletes at Central. Trey McClure played for two Skip Bertman-coached national championship baseball teams and is fourth on LSU’s career home runs list while Todd, who is 14 months younger, made a name for himself in football. Tanna McClure later played baseball at SLU. Their mother, Brenda, was a two-sport standout at Central. Sundays were often spent helping maternal grandfather Jewel Wilson mend fences and tend to animals on a family farm. Those experiences led McClure to build his own ranch/farm in Zachary after his NFL retirement. “I give so much credit to both sides of my family,” McClure explained. “There were lessons learned. I’m fortunate to have my grandmother (Carmel McClure) watch not only me and my brothers play, but also our children. It’s a blessing.” Building a post-NFL life based on his family roots and competitive values made sense for McClure because he did it before – first during a transformative period for LSU football and again in the NFL. Being called a great teammate or a leader is often dismissed as an antiquated atta-boy cliché by many people in today’s society. McClure provides an example of why that should not happen, a point his former LSU teammates eagerly explain. “We played against each other in middle school and I always followed his career,” former LSU linebacker Markeith Spears said. “Todd was one of the first guys to commit to LSU early in our senior year. And I figured if it was good enough for him, it was good enough for me. “But I did not know Todd as a person until we got to LSU. I was so nervous before my first start our freshman year. Todd calmed me down. He walked me through it, telling me, ‘You know what to do … just play hard like you always do.’ That’s compassion and leadership.” **ALAN FANECA LOVED PLAYING NEXT TO TODD MCCLURE** Former LSU star lineman Alan Faneca, a Pro Football and LSHOF member, adds, “Todd was absolutely the best guy to play next to (for three years) … somebody you love to go to battle with each day. He was always absorbing information. You just wanted to play with him.” Former LSU quarterback Herb Tyler notes, “The amount of trust we all had in Todd was based on seeing the amount of work he put in. All of us gained trust from the upper classmen in part because of him. He was the anchor of the line and the guy who made it all go.” McClure was drafted in the seventh round of the 1999 NFL Draft by the Falcons. He tore his ACL during a training camp. A tough break like that has ended many careers. But not McClure’s. “I remember a trainer telling me it was a torn ACL and then he left me in this area by myself,” McClure said. “I wasn’t sure what would happen next … was it (football) over for me?” McClure learned there were two options. If the team offered an injury settlement, he would be released. If the Falcons placed him on injured reserve, McClure would get his chance. “Pretty soon I found out I made an impression on people,” McClure said. “They had talked about me and what I had done in meetings for the offense and defense. So, they put me on IR. I got to work rehabbing, watching film … everything I could do.” McClure honed his skills for reading sideline signals and the body language of defenders, looking for a “tell” that would give away game plans or tendencies. **STARTED 159 OF 160 GAMES IN ATLANTA** The following season, McClure became a fixture for the Falcons, starting 159 of 160 games through the bulk of his career. Again, he built bonds and trust with teammates and coaches. The fact that one of McClure’s first offensive line coaches in Atlanta was north Louisiana native Al Miller did not hurt, either. Miller nicknamed McClure Mud Duck. The nickname stuck and so did McClure. Michael Vick and Matt Ryan were among McClure’s Atlanta quarterbacks. He blocked for LSHOF running back and former Catholic High-Baton Rouge star Warrick Dunn. “Todd and I were teammates for eight years,” former Falcons lineman Tyson Clabo said. “I still consider him to be my brother, even though we haven’t played together in quite a while. That’s how special the bond is. “As a player, he was something else. I would be standing in the huddle trying to catch my breath after a play and Todd would get in my face to tell me something he saw from the sideline or about the defensive alignment.” Clabo laughed as he explained that the Falcons drafted other centers over the years, figuring they could replace McClure. Some potential replacements were cut. Others got moved to new positions. “Management talked about wanting to be bigger and faster on the offensive line over the years when I was the coach,” Smith said. “It was a different story in our building. We knew Todd was always the guy … our guy.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Atlanta Falcons, Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, lsu football, LSU Tigers, LSWA, Natchitoches, Todd McClure --- ### [LSU Baseball Coach Jay Johnson Will Be On Tiger Rag Radio Tonight](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-coach-jay-johnson-will-be-on-tiger-rag-radio-tonight/) **Published:** June 16, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor More than two weeks remain of the college baseball NCAA Transfer Portal window, but LSU coach Jay Johnson will take time out from his busy schedule to be a guest on Tiger Rag Radio on Tuesday – 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. live at various stations across the state (see station list at bottom). Johnson will be on at 7:30 p.m. with host Jeff Palermo of the Louisiana Radio Network and Todd Horne and Glenn Guilbeau of Tiger Rag Magazine and tigerrag.com in additon to producer Kace Kieschnick. > On Paper, LSU Baseball is starting to look improved for 2027. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 15, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2066664642286321744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Winner of two national championships over the last four seasons in 2023 and 2025, Johnson has been putting together an impressive portal class of five players so far – pitcher Landon Hood of Gonzaga, infielder Dawson Park of Texas State, outfielder Bino Watters of Notre Dame, second baseman Cade Kurland of Florida and outfielder Jason Wachs of Tulane. > [LSU Baseball Portal: Tigers Land No. 1 Transfer In Nation – Outfielder Bino Watters Of Notre Dame](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-portal-tigers-land-no-1-transfer-in-nation-outfielder-bino-watters-of-notre-dame/) Watters has been ranked as the No. 1 overall player in the portal. > You know what can be better than a transfer portal addition? A Steven Milam non-subtraction. “His both sides of ball impact is hard to find.” … Jay Johnson. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 13, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2065805592736760156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Johnson has also retained junior star shortstop Steven “Monster” Milam, who has decided to stay at LSU for his senior season in 2027. > LSU lands a next door neighbor making noise via portal. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 14, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2066188432053817766?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The portal window last through July 1. Also joining Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night will be Baton Rouge Advocate/NOLA.com writer Guerry Smith, who covered Jason Wachs on the Tulane baseball team. > [LSU’s John Brady, Todd McClure, Sylvia Fowles Lead Louisiana Sports Hall Of Fame 2026 Class](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-john-brady-todd-mcclure-sylvia-fowles-lead-louisiana-sports-hall-of-fame-2026-class/) Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame executive director Ronnie Rantz will join Tiger Rag Radio at 7 p.m. to discuss the Hall of Fame weekend in Natchitoches on June 25-27. Former LSU Final Four coach John Brady will be inducted along with former womens’ baskeball superstar Sylvia Fowles, former LSU and Atlanta Falcons center Todd McClure and former LSU and Pittsburgh Pirates second baseman Warren Morris. > [Warren Morris And The 1996 National Champion Tigers Honored Saturday At Doubleheader](https://www.tigerrag.com/warren-morris-and-the-1996-national-champion-tigers-to-be-honored-saturday-at-doubleheader/) Morris hit the walk-off home run for the ages 30 years ago last June 8 to give the Tigers the 1996 national championship in Omaha, Nebraska. [HOW TO LISTEN TO TIGER RAG RADIO ONLINE HERE](https://station.voscast.com/64cd62be67664) **OR LISTEN TO TIGER RADIO ON THESE STATIONS:** WBRP Talk 107.3 FM in Baton Rouge … Live KKND 106.7 FM The Ticket In New Orleans … Live KLWB 103.7 FM The Game in Lafayette … Live KFNV 107.1 FM in Ferriday … Tape delay at 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday KLCJ 104.1 FM in Lake Charles … Live WAKH 105.7 FM in McComb, Mississippi … Live. KASO 1240 AM in Minden … Live KRLQ 94.1 FM in Ruston … Tape delay at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday WSLA 1560 AM in Slidell … Live. WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans … Tape delay at 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Saturday KBZE 105.9 FM in Morgan City … 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, NCAA transfer portal --- ### [LSU Football Recruiting: Tigers Move Up To No. 36 In 247Sports Ranking From 50 With 2 Commits](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-recruiting-tigers-move-up-to-no-36-in-247sports-ranking-from-50-with-2-commits/) **Published:** June 15, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor In one day, LSU’s 2027 football recruiting class jumped from No. 50 in the 247sports.com rankings to No. 36 with the addition of two commitments on Monday. > BREAKING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Offensive Tackle, Terrance Smith has committed to [\#LSU](https://x.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)! > > The Landsdale, PA native is the #5 OT in the 2027 class. > > Smith gives the Tigers their second OL commitment of the day after flipping Amaziah Siale from [\#California](https://x.com/hashtag/California?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), earlier today. [pic.twitter.com/AQNGF39RNo](https://t.co/AQNGF39RNo) > > — CJ (TigerBait.com) (@CJFWrites) [June 15, 2026](https://x.com/CJFWrites/status/2066641287311134988?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) LSU coach Lane Kiffin gained a commitment from the No. 5-ranked offensive tackle in the country in Terrance Smith (6-foot-7, 290 pounds) of Lansdale Catholic High in Lansdale, Pennsylvania, on Monday afternoon. Smith is the No. 39 overall prospect by 247sports.com and and No. 4 player in his state. Smith chose LSU over Tennessee, Auburn, Penn State and Rutgers. He visited LSU last April. > [LSU Football Lands 1st O-Line Commitment For 2027 Class In 330-Pound Tackle Who Flipped From California](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-lands-1st-o-line-commitment-for-2027-class-in-330-pound-tackle-who-flipped-from-california/) Earlier Monday, Kiffin got a commitment from No. 48-ranked offensive tackle Amaziah Siale of Mission Viejo, California. Siale (6-6, 330) had previously committed to California two weeks ago, but visited LSU over this past weekend and changed his mind. That moved LSU’s class from No. 50 to No. 49 before Smith’s commitment jumped the Tigers up another 13 spots. Smith is LSU’s second commitment in this class from Pennsylvania. Cade Cooper, the No. 86 wide receiver in the nation and a three-star prospect, committed to LSU on June 8 from Malvern Prep in Malvern, Pennsylvania. [LSU’s CLASS OF 2027 SO FAR](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2027-football/commits/) LSU has 10 commitments for its Class of 2027. And there could be more soon. David Segarra, the No. 7 running back in the nation and No. 3 player in South Carolina from Byrnes High in Duncan, is expected to announce his commitment on Tuesday. Segarra (5-10, 205) is considering LSU, Indiana, Stanford and South Carolina. He is the No. 134 overall prospect by 247sports.com. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** David Segarra, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Terrance Smith --- ### [LSU Football Coach Lane Kiffin Completes Front Office Staff](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-coach-lane-kiffin-completes-front-office-staff/) **Published:** June 15, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU football coach Lane Kiffin and his general manager Billy Glasscock announced the final staff members for their front office on Monday. The front office includes assistant general managers Adam Clark and JR Belton and chief strategy officer Taylor Jacobs. “We were very intentional when we put together our front office staff,” Glasscock said. “We wanted to hire the best people with varying backgrounds who will be able to serve our student-athletes and help us compete for championships in this ever-changing landscape of college athletics. This group is innovative and understands the demands of helping run the best brand in college athletics. We have assembled a great staff, and they have already made an impact on our program.” Jacobs previously served as associate athletic director of Name, Image & Likeness for LSU since its inception in 2021. A former collegiate athlete, Jacobs has spent 15 years on the administrative side of college sports. He will be responsible for helping develop an overall vision for the program as it relates to the brand, establishing new revenue opportunities, managing third-party NIL for football players, as well as managing the revenue share cap for the program. Jacobs will be the first female to serve in this capacity nationally. Meanwhile, LSU has elevated assistant athletic director Keava Soil-Cormier to associate athletic director of NIL, which oversees all NIL initiatives for the program’s other teams. Clark joined the football staff from North Carolina State and serves as assistant general manager with his focus on internal operations. Belton was promoted to assistant general manager for football after serving as director of football operations in 2025. “As coach Kiffin says, LSU is ‘just different,’” Glasscock said. “Building a front office staff the way we have will allow us to continue to lead in this space and continue to set LSU apart.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Billy Glasscock, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Baseball Position Lineup Taking Shape For 2027 With Key Portal Additions And Steven Milam Returning](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-position-lineup-taking-shape-for-2027-with-key-portal-additions-and-steven-milam-returning/) **Published:** June 15, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson still needs to sign at least two candidates for the weekend starting pitching rotation, but his position lineup looks close to complete or done as the second half of the Transfer Portal window opened on Monday. The portal opened on June 1 and closes on July 1 as far as players being able to enter the portal. Players in the portal by July 1 can still be picked up by other teams. Let’s take a position-by-position look at what LSU is not returning from a disappointing 30-28 season in 2026 and 9-21 mark in the Southeastern Conference, which was the most SEC losses in a season in program history. And we’ll look at what is returning and the new additions. *(Grade classifications are from the 2026 season.)* … **FIRST BASE** **NOT RETURNING:** Sr. Zach Yorke, .226, 6 HRs, 19 RBIs, 5 errors. **RETURNING:** Soph. Mason Braun, .314, 3 HRs, 21 RBIs, 0 errors; Jr. Edward Yamin IV, . 220, 2 HRs, 7 RBIs, 0 errors. … **SECOND BASE** **NOT RETURNING:** Sr. Seth Dardar, .260, 5 HRs, 29 RBIs, 5 errors; Jr. Trent Caraway, TRANSFER PORTAL, .243, 2 HRs, 16 RBIs, 2 errors; Sr. Brayden Simpson, .265, 1 HR, 9 RBIs, 0 errors. **RETURNING:** Fr. Jack Ruckert, .232, 0 HRs, 9 RBIs, 5 errors. **NEW PORTAL PLAYER:** Jr. Cade Kurland, Florida, .279, 9 HRs, 33 RBIs, 1 error. > You know what can be better than a transfer portal addition? A Steven Milam non-subtraction. “His both sides of ball impact is hard to find.” … Jay Johnson. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 13, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2065805592736760156?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) … **SHORTSTOP** **RETURNING:** Jr. Steven Milam, .296, 11 HRs, 49 RBIs, 4 errors. … **THIRD BASE** **NOT RETURNING:** Jr. Trent Caraway, TRANSFER PORTAL, .243, 2 HRs, 16 RBIs, 2 errors; Sr. Seth Dardar, .260, 5 HRs, 29 RBIs, 5 errors; Sr. Tanner Reaves, .209, 0 HRs, 6 RBIs, 4 errors; Fr. Ethan Clauss, TRANSFER PORTAL, .250, 0 HRs, 1 RBI, 2 errors. **RETURNING:** Soph. John Pearson, .254, 8 HRs, 24 RBIs, 8 errors. **NEW PORTAL PLAYER:** Soph. Dawson Park, Texas State, .301, 13 HRs, 52 RBIs, 10 errors. **NOTE:** Park played second base as a freshman and shortstop as a sophomore at Texas State last season. He is projected to play third base with shortstop Steven Milam returning to LSU as a senior and Florida second baseman Cade Kurland transferring to LSU for his senior season. … **CATCHER** **RETURNING:** Soph. Cade Arrambide, .317, 18 HRs, 51 RBIs, 5 errors; Fr. Omar Serna Jr., .308, 9 HRs, 37 RBIs, 5 errors; Jr. Edward Yamin IV, .220, 2 HRs, 7 RBIs, 0 errors. … **DESIGNATED HITTER** **NOT RETURNING:** Sr. Zach Yorke, .226, 6 HRs, 19 RBIs; Sr. Seth Dardar, .260, 5 HRs, 29 RBIs. **RETURNING:** Fr. Mason Braun, .314, 3 HRs, 21 RBIs; Fr. Omar Serna Jr., .308, 9 HRs, 37 RBIs; Soph. Cade Arrambide, .317, 18 HRs, 51 RBIs; Soph. John Pearson, .254, 8 HRs, 24 RBIs; Jr. Edward Yamin IV, .220, 2 HRs, 7 RBIs. > [LSU Baseball Plucks Tulane’s Best Player In Outfielder Jason Wachs Via Transfer Portal](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-plucks-tulanes-best-player-in-outfielder-jason-wachs-via-transfer-portal/) … **LEFT FIELD** **NOT RETURNING:** Sr. Chris Stanfield, .228, 3 HRs, 12 RBIs; Jr. Daniel Harden, TRANSFER PORTAL, .105, 1 HR, 2 RBIs, 0 errors. **NEW PORTAL PLAYER:** Soph. Bino Watters, Notre Dame, .362, 10 HRs, 51 RBIs. **NOTE:** No. 1 portal prospect in the country. **… CENTER FIELD** **NOT RETURNING:\*** Soph. Derek Curiel, MLB DRAFT, .353, 6 HRs, 46 RBIs. **NOTE:** Curiel is a draft-eligible sophomore by age and expected to be a high first round pick in the Major League Baseball Draft on July 11, but he has said he is considering a return to LSU. **RETURNING:** Fr. William Patrick, .220, 0 HRs, 6 RBIs, 1 error. … **RIGHT FIELD** **NOT RETURNING:** Jr. Jake Brown, MLB DRAFT, .309, 16 HRs, 49 RBIs. **NEW PORTAL PLAYER:** Soph. Jason Wachs, Tulane, .327, 9 HRs, 54 RBIs. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Bino Watters, Cade Kurland, Dawson Park, Jason Wachs, jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Steven Milam --- ### [LSU Football Lands 1st O-Line Commitment For 2027 Class In 330-Pound Tackle Who Flipped From California](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-lands-1st-o-line-commitment-for-2027-class-in-330-pound-tackle-who-flipped-from-california/) **Published:** June 15, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU is going to need a bigger boat for its future offensive lines. The Tigers now have nine offensive linemen additions since January via the NCAA Transfer Portal and the Class of 2027 high school signing class. And seven of those are over 300 pounds, including Amaziah Siale (6-foot-6, 330 pounds) of Mission Viejo High in Mission Viejo, California, near Anaheim. Siale committed on Monday to LSU after a visit to Baton Rouge over the weekend. He also decommitted from California on Monday after committing there just two weeks ago. > [Lane Kiffin Hosting Top Recruits – No. 9 Safety Davion Jones And No. 1 RB In Louisiana Trey Martin](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-hosting-top-recruits-no-9-safety-davion-jones-and-no-1-rb-in-louisiana-trey-martin/) He is new coach Lane Kiffin’s first offensive line commitment toward his first full recruiting class of 2027. Kiffin worked on the Tigers’ class of 2026 only in December and January and briefly in February. Kiffin signed eight offensive linemen in his No. 1-ranked portal class last January with six of those weighing 300 or more. All eight of those also have eligibility in 2026 and beyond. Siale could play for LSU in 2027 if he signs with the Tigers in December in the early period or in February in the second stage. A three-star prospect, Siale is the No. 515 prep prospect in the nation, according to 247sports.com, and the No. 48 offensive tackle in the country and No. 39 player in California. He has been offered scholarships by Texas, Alabama, Oklahoma, SMU and Utah in addition to LSU and Cal. He just canceled a visit to Texas. [Kiffin’s Class of 2027 now has nine commitments](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2027-football/commits/) and is ranked No. 49 in the nation by 247sports.com. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Amaziah Siale, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Pitcher Mavrick Rizy Commits To Rival Ole Miss Out Of Portal](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-pitcher-mavrick-rizy-commits-to-rival-ole-miss-out-of-portal/) **Published:** June 15, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU sophomore relief pitcher Mavrick Rizy has committed to Southeastern Conference and border rival Ole Miss after entering the NCAA Transfer Portal on the day it opened on June 1. > Mavrick Rizy has committed to Ole Miss! The former LSU right-handed pitcher stands at an astounding six-foot-nine. Another pickup for the Rebels in the portal. Hotty Toddy! [pic.twitter.com/WZiY1zWbA8](https://t.co/WZiY1zWbA8) > > — The Rebel Walk (@TheRebelWalk) [June 15, 2026](https://x.com/TheRebelWalk/status/2066348502884483144?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Rizy (6-foot-9, 251 pounds) did not develop well in his second season with the Tigers in 2026 after showing some promise as a freshman in 2025 from Fiskdale, Massachusetts. Rizy (0.0, 4.22 ERA) was among the LSU leaders in wildness, which was a major issue this past season. He threw eight wild pitches and hit seven batters on the season. In 20 appearances through 21 and a third innings, he struck out 28 with 19 walks. Word leaked out nearly a week the portal even opened that Rizy would enter it. > [LSU Baseball: Mavrick Rizy To Enter Portal As Tigers Return Many Arms](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-mavrick-rizy-enters-portal-ahead-of-its-opening-on-monday-as-tigers-return-many-arms/) In 2025, Rizy was 0-0 with a 4.74 ERA with just two wild pitches and four hit batsmen over 24 and two-thirds innings in 24 appearances. He struck out 29 with 19 walks. Ole Miss (41-23, 15-15 SEC) was just eliminated after two games in the College World Series on Sunday. The Rebels are known for quality pitching under coach Mike Bianco, a former LSU catcher. The Rebels finished fourth in the SEC in 2026 in earned run average at 4.49 to LSU’s 15th at 5.72 – one of the Tigers worst ERAs in history. Ole Miss walked 222 batters on the season to 289 by LSU last season. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Mavrick Rizy --- ### [LSU Women's Track: Shawnti Jackson Paces The Tigers To 10th Place Finish in NCAA Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-track-shawnti-jackson-paces-the-tigers-to-10th-place-finish-in-ncaa-championships/) **Published:** June 14, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The LSU women’s track and field team finished 10th in the NCAA Championships Saturday night at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, with 24 points. [**Final Results**](https://flashresults.ncaa.com/Outdoor/2026/index.htm) The women’s 4×100-meter relay team of Athaleyha Hinckson, Tima Godbless, Aniyah Bigam, and Shawnti Jackson finished in second for the silver with an LSU record time of of 41.74 seconds for No. 3 in NCAA history and first sub-42-second relay in program history. The previous LSU record of 42.05 seconds stood for eight years. LSU’s Shawnti Jackson won her second medal of the weekend in the 100 meters as she finished third with a time of 11.01 seconds – two days after her personal best time of 10.88 seconds in the preliminaries. Godbless finished seventh with a time of 11.13 seconds. Both Tigers combined for nine points in the 100 meters. Jackson then finished second in the 200 meters with a 22.12 time for her third medal of the week – a silver. The 22.12 time pushed her to No. 3 in LSU history, No. 11 in the NCAA books and No. 10 in the world for 2026. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Track & Field **Tags:** lsu, LSU Tigers, LSU track & field, Shawnti Jackson --- ### [LSU Baseball Plucks Tulane's Best Player In Outfielder Jason Wachs Via Transfer Portal](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-plucks-tulanes-best-player-in-outfielder-jason-wachs-via-transfer-portal/) **Published:** June 14, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson may have completed his outfield for the 2027 season with the transfer portal addition of Tulane right fielder Jason Wachs, who committed to the Tigers on Sunday. > Breaking: Tulane OF Jason Wachs has committed to LSU. The sophomore had an incredible year at the plate hitting .327 while also walking 38 times to post a .453 OBP. He also showed off the power hitting 9 HR and 21 doubles to lead the team. [pic.twitter.com/6GHkCTXVfD](https://t.co/6GHkCTXVfD) > > — aroundthehorn (@\_aroundthehorn\_) [June 14, 2026](https://x.com/_aroundthehorn_/status/2066170299167461439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Wachs (6-foot-2, 190) led a struggling Green Wave team (25-31, 10-17 American South Conference last place) in six offensive categories last season – .327 batting average, 54 RBIs, 9 home runs, 21 doubles, 48 runs and 66 hits – as a sophomore. He hit .335 with 14 doubles, two home runs and 25 RBIs as a freshman in 2025 out of West Broward High and Pembroke Pines, Florida. He chose LSU over Tennessee, Florida, Miami and Florida State. > [LSU Baseball Just Got A Whole Lot Better By Staying The Same At One Critical Position](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-just-got-a-whole-lot-better-by-staying-the-same-at-one-critical-position/) Wachs could join the starting outfield in 2027 with transfer left fielder Bino Watters – the No. 1 prospect in the portal from Notre Dame – and returning prospect William Patrick, who could move into center field for the Tigers, [should draft-eligible sophomore Derek Curiel not return to LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/derek-curiel-drops-bombshell-on-104-5-radio-he-is-considering-a-return-to-lsu-and-skipping-mlb-draft/). Patrick hit .220 last season in 33 games and 12 starts as a highly recruited freshman from Monroe. LSU could lose its its whole starting outfield from last season – Curiel, who is expected to go in the first round of the Major League Baseball Draft on July 11, junior right fielder Jake Brown, who could also go in the early rounds, and senior left fielder Chris Stanfield. Wachs is Johnson’s fifth portal commitment for next season. **LSU BASEBALL TRANSFER PORTAL ADDITIONS** ***(with class for next season)*** -Sophomore Landon Hood, right-handed pitcher, Gonzaga -Junior Dawson Park, shortstop, Texas State -Junior Bino Watters, outfielder, Notre Dame -Senior Cade Kurland, second baseman, Florida -Junior Jason Wachs, outfielder, Tulane **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Jason Wachs, jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Tulane baseball --- ### [LSU Baseball Just Got A Whole Lot Better By Staying The Same At One Critical Position](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-just-got-a-whole-lot-better-by-staying-the-same-at-one-critical-position/) **Published:** June 13, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Maybe on this Saturday a year from now, Steven Milam will be between second and third base at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska, at the College World Series – waiting to not make an error again at shortstop for the LSU baseball team and then delivering another key hit. Milam, whom LSU coach Jay Johnson expected to earn close to $2 million as a third round choice in the Major League Baseball Draft this July and to be playing at a minor league ballpark somewhere next June, instead will remain a Tiger for his senior season in 2027. He made the surprise announcement Friday. > It’s official. Jay Johnson confirms that shortstop Steven Milam will be staying at LSU for his senior season in 2027. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 12, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2065500986748084598?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) And LSU just got better. Milam is a three-year starter – 2024 at second base and 2025 and ’26 at shortstop – and has made just 14 errors in his college career with a .305 career batting average. He hit .296 with 11 home runs, 15 doubles and 49 RBIs in 2026 in 58 starts. A fielder with excellent range, he made only four errors in 214 chances last season at shortstop for a .981 fielding average. “Best defensive shortstop you can have,” Johnson told Tiger Rag on Saturday morning. “Steven helps us in our effort to get back to championship-level run prevention.” > Catching up with [@SportBeatTweet](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) ahead of the Warren Morris book signing in Alexandria on Saturday at Spirits [@KALBSports](https://x.com/KALBSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/yslD4IDgvU](https://t.co/yslD4IDgvU) > > — Harrison Vapnek (@harrisonvapnek) [June 13, 2026](https://x.com/harrisonvapnek/status/2065628427252629744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) LSU’s 2026 season was literally a comedy of errors around the field, other than shortstop. The Tigers committed 66 errors, which was well off the LSU record of 125 in 1993 – interestingly, a national championship season. But it was 22 more than in 2025. And the Tigers’ .967 fielding percentage was 14th in the 16-team SEC in 2026. With Milam back, LSU will have quite a double-play tandem with incoming fifth-year senior transfer second baseman Cade Kurland of Florida. > [LSU Adds Veteran Second Baseman Cade Kurland From Florida Via Transfer Portal](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-adds-veteran-second-baseman-cade-kurland-from-florida-via-transfer-portal/) Kurland fielded at an amazing .994 percentage last season with one error in 162 chances while hitting .279 with nine home runs, seven doubles and 33 RBIs. [Johnson also signed sophomore shortstop Dawson Park of Texas State.](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-adds-a-2nd-player-from-portal-in-shortstop-dawson-park-who-left-team-after-fight-with-a-teammate/) He hit. .301 last season with 13 home runs, 10 doubles, nine stolen bases and 52 RBIs while committing 10 errors with a .957 fielding percentage. Park will likely play third base. Milam has also been a consistent offensive threat. He hit .326 as a freshman in 2024 with einght home runs, 12 doubles and 40 RBIs in 60 starts at second base with five errors. In the national championship season in 2025, he hit .295 with 11 home runs, 14 doubles and 57 RBIs in 68 games with five errors. “It’s hard to return a player who has had as many successful high leverage at-bats as Steven,” Johnson said. “He will be positioned to have his best season here offensively in 2027. His both sides of ball impact is hard to find. Thankful to be able to coach him again next year.” Milam released a video on social media Friday in which he explained why he is coming back – other than likely a hefty and deserved raise in his Name, Image & Likeness salary. “When I thought about the next chapter, one thing became clear,” he said. “I want another shot – another shot at leaving my mark and to go out my way and hold that trophy in Omaha.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** College World Series, jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Steven Milam --- ### [LSU's Jaiden Reid Wins 200 Meters National Championship By Destroying NCAA Record](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-jaiden-reid-wins-200-meters-national-championship-by-destroying-ncaa-record/) **Published:** June 13, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU sprinter Jaiden Reid, a junior from the Cayman Islands, obliterated the NCAA record for the 200 meters with a 19.63-second time in the finals to win the gold at the NCAA Division I Outdoor Track and Field Championships at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, on Friday. Reid, 21, broke the previous record of Florida State’s Walter Dix, who ran a 19.69 in 2007. Reid’s time is also the No. 1 mark in the world in 2026. Reid also finished second in the 100 meters with a 9.82 time. And he ran a leg on LSU’s 4×100 relay team, which finished second with a season-best time of 38.06 in the final, with Jeremiah Walker, Shakeem McKay and Joshua Caleb. > The LSU men close their outdoor season with a Fourth Place finish at the NCAA Championships.[\#GeauxTigers](https://x.com/hashtag/GeauxTigers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/8w6myDwvEi](https://t.co/8w6myDwvEi) > > — LSU Track & Field (@LSUTrackField) [June 13, 2026](https://x.com/LSUTrackField/status/2065630878697734415?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) In all, Reid led the Tigers with 20 points of LSU’s total of 42 for fourth place overall, which was a major jump from last season’s No. 28 finish with 11.3 points. Reid took 10 points for the 100 meters, eight for the 200 meters and two for the 4×100. In other action, LSU’s Matthew Sophia ended his collegiate career with an eighth-place finish in the 110-meter hurdles with a 13.50 time. In the 400 meters, Amal Glasgow finished eighth with a 45.14 time. Chad Hendricks finished 24th in the discus with an effort of 181 feet and nine inches. The Tigers had a second place in the 4×400 relay with a 2:57.96 time behind Glasgow, McKay, Grant Buckmiller and Malachi Austin. Arkansas won the national title with with 56 points as Georgia and Tennessee finished second and third with 49 and 42 points, respectively. LSU’s women’s team competes in the NCAA Championship finals on Saturday (7 p.m., ESPN2). **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Track & Field **Tags:** dennis shaver, Jaiden Reid, LSU Tigers, LSU track & field, NCAA Championships --- ### [Lane Kiffin Hosting Top Recruits - No. 9 Safety Davion Jones And No. 1 RB In Louisiana Trey Martin](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-hosting-top-recruits-no-9-safety-davion-jones-and-no-1-rb-in-louisiana-trey-martin/) **Published:** June 12, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Maybe,[ LSU football coach Lane Kiffin quit tweeting ](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-tweets-stopped-but-others-have-been-tweeting-about-him/)last month, so he could focus on recruiting. Kiffin is hosting another group of impressive players this weekend after a five star weekend last month. > [LSU Football Recruiting: Ed Orgeron Makes Quick Splash As He Hosts Bevy Of Elite Players Over The Weekend](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-recruiting-ed-orgeron-makes-quick-splash-as-he-hosts-bevy-of-elite-players-over-the-weekend/) Checking into Baton Rouge on Friday was safety Davion Jones (5-foo6-11, 165 pounds) of Hough High in Cornelius, North Carolina. He is a four-star prospect who has a 247sports.com composite ranking of No. 140 overall in the country, No. 9 at safety and as the No. 6 player in North Carolina. Auburn, Georgia and South Carolina are competing with LSU for Jones. Also arriving in town on Friday was four-star prospect Trey Martin (5-10, 202), the No. 12 running back in the nation, No. 182 overall prospect and No. 6 player in Louisiana by 247sports.com. Martin is the No. 1 running back in Louisiana from Franklin Parish High in Winnsboro. Ole Miss, Alabama, Florida and Arkansas are recruiting Martin as well. Kiffin is looking to the Midwest for an offensive lineman in Kal-El Johnson of Moeller High in Cincinnati. Another four star, Johnson (6-7, 281) is the No. 278 prospect in the country, No. 25 offensive tackle and No. 10 player in Ohio. [LSU 2027 RECRUITING CLASS SO FAR](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2027-football/commits/) LSU could be moving up the charts soon with a commitment or two out of the above trio. The Tigers are currently No. 50 in the nation for the Class of 2027 with eight commitments. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Davion Jones, Kal-El Johnson, lane kiffin, lsu, LSU Tigers, Trey Martin --- ### [ESPN's Todd Walker Sees Something Very Familiar About Ole Miss At The College World Series](https://www.tigerrag.com/espns-todd-walker-sees-something-very-familiar-about-ole-miss-at-the-college-world-series/) **Published:** June 12, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Former College World Series MVP Todd Walker sees 2022 happening all over again so far for the Ole Miss Rebels, who play on opening night of the College World Series Friday at 6 p.m. on ESPN against No. 5 seed North Carolina (50-12-1) at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska. The Rebels (41-21) are closing strong as they did in 2022 when they were the last entry into the NCAA postseason at 32-22 overall and 14-16 in the Southeastern Conference following an opening loss in the SEC Tournament. This season Ole Miss finished the regular season at 36-21 and 15-15 and lost the opener of the SEC Tournament. In 2022, the Rebels swept through the NCAA Regional and Super Regionals at 5-0 to reach Omaha. In 2026, the Rebels swept through the NCAA Regional and Super Regionals at 5-0 to reach Omaha. ***Listen to Todd Walker on Tiger Rag Radio by clicking the white arrow in the red box below.*** “It’s starting to mirror 2022,” Walker said on Tiger Rag Radio. “They were the ninth team in the SEC in 2022. They were the ninth team in 2026. They lost the first game in the SEC Tournament. They swept through the Regional and the Super in 2022, and that’s what they did again. So, there’s a lot of similarities. They’re getting hot. Ole Miss is playing well. They’re going to be a team to look out for.” > It’s good to be back [@CWSOmaha](https://x.com/CWSOmaha?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)! [pic.twitter.com/dmvdtY7yxA](https://t.co/dmvdtY7yxA) > > — Eddy Furniss MD (@EddyFurniss) [June 11, 2026](https://x.com/EddyFurniss/status/2065202937203245497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Ole Miss is powered by senior first baseman Will Furniss, the son of former LSU great Eddy Furniss. The younger Furniss is hitting .311 on the season with eight home runs, 12 doubles and 56 RBIs for Rebels’ coach Mike Bianco, who won three national championships for LSU as an assistant coach in 1993, ’96 and ’97 under Skip Bertman. The elder Furniss played at LSU from 1995-98 and won two national titles while leaving as the program’s all-time career home run leader with 80. > [LSU Baseball Isn’t Omaha Bound, But Plenty With LSU Connections Will Be At College World Series](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-isnt-omaha-bound-but-plenty-with-lsu-connections-will-be-at-college-world-series/) “The crazy thing is how hard it is to get to Omaha,” Walker said. “Skip made it look easy with 11 trips (from 1986-2000) and five national championships in 10 years (1991, ’93, ’96, ’97, 2000). Mike has done a great job, and he is in Omaha for just the third time as a head coach (2014, ’22 and ’26). Teams can just get hot, and Skip’s teams always did.” The World Series opened at 1 p.m. Friday on ESPN with Troy playing No. 16 seed West Virgina. The games continue Saturday on ESPN with No. 7 Alabama versus Oklahoma meeting at 2 p.m. and No. 3 Georgia against No. 6 Texas at 7 p.m. “Georgia obviously looks like a powerhouse,” Walker said. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** College World Series, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, todd walker --- ### [LSU Baseball: Steven Milam Remaining A Tiger For The 2027 Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-steven-milam-considering-remaining-a-tiger-for-the-2027-season/) **Published:** June 12, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU draft-eligible sophomore Derek Curiel has toyed with the idea of staying at LSU for his junior season in 2027. But he is considered a first round pick in the Major League Baseball Draft on July 11, so that would be a reach for him to stay. Meanwhile, LSU junior shortstop Steven Milam was thought to be a lock to be playing pro baseball next spring as the 2026 season ended, but he is a projected third round pick in the MLB Draft. That’s not as large a reach to stay. And LSU coach Jay Johnson confirmed to Tiger Rag on Friday afternoon that Milam is indeed staying with LSU for his senior season in 2027. > [Derek Curiel Drops Bombshell On 104.5 Radio – He Is Considering A Return To LSU And Skipping MLB Draft](https://www.tigerrag.com/derek-curiel-drops-bombshell-on-104-5-radio-he-is-considering-a-return-to-lsu-and-skipping-mlb-draft/) There was an unconfirmed on the record report Friday that Milam will be back by AYS Sports. > Sources: LSU SS Steven Milam is withdrawing his name from the 2026 MLB Draft. > > Sources indicate that Milam has advised the Commissioners office of the withdrawal. Commissioners office has notified all 30 teams of the withdrawal and Milam is ineligible for the 2026 draft. [pic.twitter.com/kxNqLT0Gvj](https://t.co/kxNqLT0Gvj) > > — AYS Sports (@AYSSPORTS) [June 12, 2026](https://x.com/AYSSPORTS/status/2065475157594935549?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Johnson just confirmed it. Milam will be an excellent stayover for the Tigers as he will return to start for the fourth consecutive season, and he is an excellent fielder. Milam committed all of four errors last season for a .981 fielding percentage on a defensive-troubled team while hitting .296 with 11 home runs and 49 RBIs. In the 2025 national championship season, Milam hit .295 with 11 home runs and 57 RBIs. As the starting second baseman in 2024 as a freshman from Centennial High in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Milam was second on the team in hitting at .326 with eight home runs and 40 RBIs. Unlike prior to the NFL and NBA drafts, college players do not have a deadline to officially declare for the MLB Draft or out of it. They can decide if they will go pro or not after they are already drafted. Milam could still be drafted by an MLB team, knowing he said he is coming back to LSU. It will just not be in as high a round. But a team could still take a chance and try to convince him to go pro. And Milam could still change his mind – multiple times – before enrolling in classes this August. But Johnson feels pretty good that he will still have Milam. > [LSU Adds Veteran Second Baseman Cade Kurland From Florida Via Transfer Portal](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-adds-veteran-second-baseman-cade-kurland-from-florida-via-transfer-portal/) Just in case Milam did go pro – or still does – Johnson has already gained commitments from two middle infielders via the NCAA Transfer Portal – Florida second baseman Cade Kurland, who will be a senior next season, and Texas State shortstop Dawson Park, who will be a junior next season and has also played second base. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Derek Curiel, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Major League Baseball Draft, Steven Milam --- ### [LSU Sprinter Shawnti Jackson Reaches 3 Finals At NCAA Outdoor Track Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-sprinter-shawnti-jackson-reaches-3-finals-at-ncaa-outdoor-track-championships/) **Published:** June 12, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU sophomore Shawnti Jackson pulled off the trifecta at the NCAA Outdoor Track Championships on Thursday night at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon. Jackson, a transfer from Arkansas who hails from Wake Forest, North Carolina, turned in the fourth best time in LSU history in the women’s 100 meters with a 10.88 time for second best at the meet to qualify for the finals on Saturday. Only Georgia’s Adaejah did better with a 10.63 time to break the NCAA record held by LSU’s Sha’Carri Richardson since 2019 with a 10.75. Jackson also qualified for the finals in the 200 meters with a 22.45 time for sixth place. And she was part of LSU’s third place 4×100 meter relay team that qualified with a 42.38 time with Athaleyha Hinckson, Tima Godbless and Aniyah Bigam. Godbless also reached the 100 meter final with an 11.08 time for 10th place. The men’s championships continue Friday at 7 p.m. on ESPN2. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Track & Field **Tags:** Adeyah Brewster, LSU Tigers, LSU track & field, Shawnti Jackson, Tima Godbless --- ### [LSU Basketball Adds 4th Signee From Previous Commitments In Michigan State Guard Divine Ugochukwu](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-basketball-adds-4th-signee-from-previous-commitments-in-michigan-state-guard-divine-ugochukwu/) **Published:** June 12, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU basketball coach Will Wade added his fourth signee from previous NCAA Transfer Portal commitments on Thursday night in Michigan State guard Divine Ugochukwu. Ugochukwu as well as previous commitments Austin Nunez, Mouhamed Dioubate and Abdi Bashir Jr. have all arrived on campus and signed. > [Will Wade Signs LSU Commitments Abdi Bashir Jr. Of Kansas State And Mouhamed Dioubate Of Kentucky](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-signs-lsu-commitments-mouhamed-dioubate-of-kentucky-and-abdi-bashir-jr-of-kansas-state/) Ugochukwu (6-foot-3, 195 pounds) averaged 5.1 points in 16.1 minutes per game in the 2025-26 season for Michigan State, including a season-high 23 points against Penn State. The Spartans (27-8, 15-5 Big Ten) were 11-1 in games when he was in the starting lineup before a foot injury on Feb. 4 that required surgery and ended his season. Before the injury, Ugochukwu hit 44 percent from three-point range. [DIVINE UGOCHUKWU COMMITS TO LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-gains-commitment-from-unranked-michigan-state-g-divine-ugochukwu-after-injury/) When he committed to LSU in early May, Ugochukwu was not ranked nationally as a portal player. But he is now the No. 231 player in the portal and No. 45 point guard. Ugochukwu will be a junior this season for the Tigers. > [Will Wade Adds Unranked Transfer Guard Austin Nunez As 3rd Commitment Signee Of The Day](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-adds-unranked-transfer-guard-austin-nunez-as-3rd-commitment-signee-of-the-day/) “Divine Ugochukwu is someone we are very excited about who has great experience at both guard spots,” Wade said. “His ability to run the offense and shoot well over 40 percent from distance will be an asset to the program moving forward.” At Miami as a freshman in 2024-25, Ugochukwu started 16 games and averaged 5.3 points, 1.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. He handed out at least five assists on three occasions. While averaging 20.2 minutes per game, he became the first Miami freshman to post double figure rebounds in a game in five seasons with 10 against Duke. In two college seasons, he played 50 games with 28 starts, averaging 5.2 points and 2.0 assists. Ugochukwu was a three-star prospect out of Clements High in Sugar Land, Texas. He averaged 17.1 points, 5.7 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.8 steals over four years. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** Divine Ugochukwu, lsu, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, will wade --- ### [LSU Adds Veteran Second Baseman Cade Kurland From Florida Via Transfer Portal](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-adds-veteran-second-baseman-cade-kurland-from-florida-via-transfer-portal/) **Published:** June 11, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU coach Jay Johnson dipped into the best conference in college baseball on Thursday for a veteran, slick fielding middle infielder in fourth-year junior Cade Kurland of Florida. Curland hit .279 last season for Florida (41-21, 18-12 SEC) with nine home runs, seven doubles and 33 RBIs through 48 starts. Usually a second baseman, Curland fielded at .994 in 2026 with one error over 108 assists and 54 put-outs, including 19 double plays. > 🐯[\#GEAUXTIGERS](https://x.com/hashtag/GEAUXTIGERS?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#ThePowerHouse](https://x.com/hashtag/ThePowerHouse?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/oOnrhGqYBu](https://t.co/oOnrhGqYBu) > > — Cade Fox Kurland (@CadeFox4) [June 12, 2026](https://x.com/CadeFox4/status/2065230132902547736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) He played in just 14 games in 2025 because of a shoulder injury that required surgery, but he still hit .316. In 2024, Curland hit .245 with 14 home runs and 44 RBIs in 62 games despite dealing with a hand injury. > [LSU Baseball Portal: Tigers Land No. 1 Transfer In Nation – Outfielder Bino Watters Of Notre Dame](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-portal-tigers-land-no-1-transfer-in-nation-outfielder-bino-watters-of-notre-dame/) As a freshman out of Berkeley Prep in Tampa, Florida, in 2023, Curland had his best season. He hit .297 with 17 home runs, which was the second most by a Gators freshman in history. A freshman All-American, he also had 50 RBIS, 17 doubles and 75 runs scored in 68 games. In the Gators’ national championship best-of-three series loss to LSU in 2023, Kurland was 5-for-11 at the plate with seven runs scored and a home run. Kurland would be a fifth-year senior for the Tigers in 2027, but he still could be taken in the Major League Baseball Draft on July 11-13. Johnson now has four commitments to his 2027 portal class, including a previous middle infielder in Texas State second baseman and shortstop Dawson Park, who will be a junior next season. LSU’s other commitments are Notre Dame outfielder Bino Watters, who is the No. 1 prospect in the portal and will be a junior next season, and Gonzaga right-handed pitcher Landon Hood, who will be a sophomore in 2027. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Cade Kurland, Florida Gators, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, NCAA transfer portal --- ### [Billy Cannon Documentary To Tell Whole Story Of A Fallen Hero Redeemed ... His Daughter Tells Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/billy-cannon-documentary-to-tell-whole-story-of-a-fallen-hero-redeemed-his-daughter-tells-tiger-rag-radio/) **Published:** June 11, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor There was a movie filmed at LSU in 1987 about a superstar running back in the 1950s named Gavin Grey. It was called, “Everybody’s All-American” and was based on a 1981 novel of the same name by fabulous sportswriter Frank Deford of Sports Illustrated fame. Actor Dennis Quaid of Houston with Cajun family ties played Grey. With his haircut and features, he looked a hell of a lot like an LSU superstar running back of 1957-59 named Billy Cannon. It was Cannon who led the Tigers to the 1958 national championship and won the 1959 Heisman Trophy on the strength of a Hollywood-like, 89-yard punt return in the fog and darkness of Halloween Night in Tiger Stadium to lead No. 1 LSU over No. 3 Ole Miss, 7-3. After the run, LSU play-by-play announcer J.C. Politz beamed, “Billy Cannon – great All-American,” as if on cue. **BUNNIE CANNON DISCUSSES DOCUMENTARY ON HER LATE FATHER ON TIGER RAG RADIO BELOW:** When “Everybody’s All-American” came out in 1988, so many people thought that Quaid in all his purple and gold was portraying Cannon in an aptly named movie. But the book was actually set at the University of North Carolina, which refused to let director Taylor Hackford film the movie there because it feared the film would defame Tar Heel superstar running back Charlie “Choo Choo” Justice of 1946-49. Still, Quaid seemed to have Cannon’s no BS demeanor, fun loving personality, gregariousness and esprit de corps. And in the end, despite everything that happened to him, Grey remained the real thing, much like Cannon. But the Cannon family, for the most part, did not particularly like the movie. Cannon himself said he didn’t much care for it. Cannon also turned down numerous book and movie offers over the years about his movie-like life. Until, while running the dental and medical facilities at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola, Cannon befriended minister and former journalist Charles N. deGravelles, who Cannon fully cooperated with in the writing of “Billy Cannon: A Long, Long Run” in 2015. Bunnie Cannon – Cannon’s daughter and an assistant dean at LSU for Outreach and Strategic Inititatives – liked the book, but she said it didn’t go deep enough. Since her father died on May 20, 2018, at age 80, she has wanted to get this done, and it’s close. > [Billy Cannon Documentary By LPB Expected To Be Released Week Of Sept. 19 LSU-Ole Miss Game](https://www.tigerrag.com/billy-cannon-documentary-by-lpb-expected-to-be-released-week-of-sept-19-lsu-ole-miss-game/) But a documentary set to premier on Louisiana Public Broadcasting the week of the LSU at Ole Miss football game on Sept. 19 is expected to go all the way, much like Cannon did on Oct. 31, 1959. Former Lieutenant Governor, State Senator and Secretary of State Jay Dardenne, who did the very successful “Why Louisiana Ain’t Mississippi” documentary in 2022 on LPB, and Emmy award winning writer Linda Midgett are the producers. And the Cannons – Billy’s widow Dorothy “Dot” Cannon and all the children – Terri, Gina, Dara, Bunnie and Billy Cannon Jr. – are all behind it. ![An older man in a white shirt and striped tie stands beside a smiling woman, with his arm around her shoulder.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/BunnieCannonBillyCannon1.jpg "BunnieCannonBillyCannon1 | TigerRag.com")***Billy Cannon with his daughter Bunnie late in his life Bunnie Cannon photo***“This is going to be the only family-sanctioned documentary on my dad,” Bunnie Cannon told Tiger Rag Radio on Tuesday night. “And I’ve been wanting to do this for a long time, because there are a lot of people who don’t really understand what made my dad tick and what he went through in certain periods of time.” After playing professional football in the AFL from 1960-70 and graduating from dental school early in his career, Cannon became an orthodonist in Baton Rouge. But in 1983, he was arrested for his involvement in a counterfeiting ring with five others and did two years in a federal penitentiary in Texarkana, Texas, before his release in 1986. “Everybody knows about the football greatness and the first Heisman Trophy winner at LSU and all that,” Bunnie Cannon said. “But what they have failed to recognize is what happened after football. To me, what’s most important is who he truly was and what happened when he became the medical director at Angola. He was able to turn people’s lives around and do some really good things that needed to be done there. I’m looking forward to telling the story.” The book, “Billy Cannon: A Long, Long Run,” didn’t sugarcoat things, and Cannon sounds like she didn’t want that either. “What can happen when you’re a celebrity athlete and people give you everything? There was nothing in life that he wanted that he couldn’t get,” Cannon said. “But he still made a poor choice that had some major consequences for a lot of people.” Dot Cannon is a major part of the story. She and Billy were high school sweethearts in Baton Rouge and married in 1956 while freshmen at LSU. “She didn’t always agree with him and was as mad at him as a hornet a lot, but she stood by him,” Cannon said. “She’s a tremendous example for all of us. This is her story, too.” And it’s Bunnie’s story. “As a young kid, he was a lot of fun,” she said. “Always laughing. There was always laughter, always music, always joking. He was the life of the party. But in the 1980s, things go serious. This tells the whole story. It’ll show you where he came from and what happened to him as a child and how that impacted his life.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** billy cannon, Bunnie Cannon, Jay Dardenne, Louisiana Public Broadcasting, LPB --- ### [LSU Football Scheduled For Early Day Vs. Mississippi State In Tiger Stadium And Noon At Auburn](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-scheduled-for-early-day-vs-mississippi-state-in-tiger-stadium-and-noon-at-auburn/) **Published:** June 11, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor New LSU football coach Lane Kiffin and his Tigers will open the 2026 season in prime time on Sept. 5 in Tiger Stadium against Clemson (7:30 p.m., ABC) and play at Kiffin’s old school, Ole Miss, at night again on Sept. 19 (7:30 p.m., ABC). But there will be some day duty early on for LSU, which historically sees the night time as the right time for football. The Tigers have the “early” designation, which is a kickoff between 11 a.m. and noon on the SEC Network, for their Oct. 17 game in Tiger Stadium against Mississippi State, the Southeastern Conference announced on Wednesday to complete its schedule times and options for the season. And LSU plays at Auburn on Oct. 24 for the first time since 2022 with a noon start on ABC or ESPN. [ROAD TRIPPIN’ WITH TIGER RAG MAGAZINE FEATURE HERE](https://reader.emagazines.com/issue/tiger-rag/june-2026/2026-lsu-football-travel-guide?ipt=ad1b2c23-d922-46e4-ac8c-7ed8e52942f3#p26) LSU’s Nov. 7 home game against Alabama, which has been at night most of the time in recent decades in Tiger Stadium, has a “Flex” designation, which means it could start between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m. or between 5 and 7 p.m. Texas’ first visit to Tiger Stadium since a 20-7 loss on Sept. 19, 1953, will be on Nov. 14 with a Flex kickoff time. LSU’s first game at Tennessee since 2017 will be on Nov. 21 with another Flex kickoff. The Tigers’ regular season finale at Arkansas on Nov. 28 will be an early game between 11 a.m. and noon. LSU’s home game against Texas A&M on Sept. 26 is another Flex kickoff. The SEC gave LSU a home night game on Oct. 10 against Kentucky. The kickoff will be between 5 and 7 p.m. LSU has an open date on Halloween. Other LSU kickoffs are: Sept. 12 … Louisiana Tech … 7:30 p.m., SEC Network Oct. 3 … McNeese State … 7:45 p.m., SEC Network **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Alabama Crimson Tide, Auburn Tigers, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Mississippi State Bulldogs, Tiger Stadium --- ### [LSU Track: Jaiden Reid And Host Of Other Tigers Reach Finals At NCAA Outdoor Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-track-jaiden-reid-and-host-of-other-tigers-reach-finals-at-ncaa-outdoor-championships/) **Published:** June 11, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU junior sprinter Jaiden Reid ran a personal best 9.95-second time in the 100 meters on Wednesday night to qualify for the finals Friday in the NCAA Outdoor Track Championships in Eugene, Oregon. Reid’s time was the second best of the night and third best in LSU history. Reid also advanced to the finals in the 200 meters with the fastest time of the night at 20.05 seconds. In LSU’s 4×100 relay, Reid, Jeremiah Walker, Shakeem McKay, and Joshua Caleb finished second with a fourth best time of 38.40 on the night to reach the finals. **[Final Results](https://flashresults.ncaa.com/Outdoor/2026/index.htm)** The first scoring of the night came from LSU’s Jack Larriviere in the javelin throw with a 76.00-meter heaves (249-4) on his third attempt. He then threw better at 77.91 meters (255-7) to close and finish in third place. Matthew Sophia also qualified for the finals in the 110 hurdles with a 13.40 time. Amal Glasgow’s 45.31 time in the 400 meters got him in the finals.e two fastest for LSU but nearly missed out on the time spots. In the 4×400 relay, Glasgow, McKay, Grant Buckmiller, and Malachi Austin clocked a 3:00.54 to reach the national championship final on Friday. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Track & Field **Tags:** Jack Larriviere, Jaiden Reid, lsu, LSU Tigers, LSU track & field, NCAA Outdoor Track Championships --- ### [Will Wade Adds Unranked Transfer Guard Austin Nunez As 3rd Commitment Signee Of The Day](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-adds-unranked-transfer-guard-austin-nunez-as-3rd-commitment-signee-of-the-day/) **Published:** June 11, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade has added his third signee of the day from a previous commitment on Thursday afternoon. Guard Austin Nunez (6-foot-2, 185 pounds), who will be a senior for the Tigers, averaged a career-best 9.8 points last season for Texas-San Antonio with 2.8 assists a game. He is not ranked in the 247sports.com Transfer Portal rankings, but he was the No. 71 prospect in the country in 2022 and No. 14 point guard from Wagner High in San Antonio. > [Will Wade Signs LSU Commitments Abdi Bashir Jr. Of Kansas State And Mouhamed Dioubate Of Kentucky](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-signs-lsu-commitments-mouhamed-dioubate-of-kentucky-and-abdi-bashir-jr-of-kansas-state/) Nunez began his college career at Arizona State in the 2022-23 season, averaging 4.5 points a game. He transferred to Ole Miss for the 2023-24 campaign, but was a deep reserve and transferred back to Arizona State for the 2024-25 season. He only played in four games, though, because of injury and transferred to UTSA for last season. “We are happy to have Austin Nunez signed and here on campus in Baton Rouge,” Wade said Thursday. “He has great experience running a team on both ends of the floor at a high level. He brings valuable situational awareness to our program.” > [Will Wade Gets Commitment From Austin Nunez, Who Is An Unranked Guard, But He’s A Body](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-gets-commitment-from-austin-nunez-who-is-an-unranked-guard-but-hes-a-body/) Nunez scored in double figures in 11 games last season for the Roadrunners, who finished the season at 5-25 overall and 1-17 in the American Athletic Conference. He made 54-of-61 free throws on the season for 88.5 percent and had five games of four or more assists. As a freshman at Arizona State, he averaged 4.5 points, 1.1 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game. In all he has played in 84 college games with 23 starts. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** Austin Nunez, lsu, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, NCAA transfer portal, will wade --- ### [Will Wade Signs LSU Commitments Abdi Bashir Jr. Of Kansas State And Mouhamed Dioubate Of Kentucky](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-signs-lsu-commitments-mouhamed-dioubate-of-kentucky-and-abdi-bashir-jr-of-kansas-state/) **Published:** June 11, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade announced two signings from previous commitments for his 2026-27 basketball team on Thursday. Those are former Kentucky forward Mouhamed (Mo) Dioubate and former Kansas State guard Abdi Bashir Jr. Dioubate (6-foot-7, 220 pounds) is a native of Queens, New York, and played at Kentucky after two seasons at Alabama (2022-24). He will be a senior at LSU. Bashir (6-7, 175), a native of Omaha, Nebraska, played two seasons at Monmouth before his junior season last year at Kansas State and will also be a senior. Dioubate played in 31 games for Kentucky with 10 starts last season. He averaged 8.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists and 1.0 blocks per game with 11 double figure scoring efforts and two double doubles. He had 17 points, a team-high tying eight rebounds and three blocks in Kentucky’s NCAA Tournament win over Santa Clara. On3.com ranked Dioubate as the No. 54 player in the Transfer Portal and No. 6 small forward, and he was at No. 62 by 247sports. > Oh, What a Tangled Web of Whatever Will Wade still Weaves from McNeese State to NC State and to LSU. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 10, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2064548920559120513?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “We are excited to have Mo Dioubate officially join the LSU basketball program,” Wade said Thursday. “He is a physical competitor who has an ability to make good decisions at the right time on the floor. Mo has played and guarded all five positions in his SEC career and will be a valuable part of our team moving forward.” Dioubate had 14 points and three rebounds against Florida in the 2026 SEC Tournament and had his SEC season-high 19 points with seven rebounds at Texas A&M. In a win over Indiana, he had 14 points, 12 rebounds and five steals. In his sophomore year at Alabama in 2024-25, Dioubate played in all 37 games as the Tide reached the Elite Eight. He averaged 7.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game with six double doubles, including four against SEC opponents. He led the team in rebounds 10 times including his career high 16 boards against Houston. Dioubate ranked second on the team with 70 offensive rebounds, had 12 games scoring in double figures and shot 46.2 percent from three-point range. As a freshman he appeared in 33 games at Alabama, averaging 2.9 points and 2.4 rebounds. The four-star prospect was rated as the No. 18 prep power forward in the country and the No. 74 overall player in the country by Rivals. His Putnam Science Academy team won the national prep championship in 2022. > [Will Wade Still Trying To Stay Ahead Of The NCAA Sheriffs As Eligibility Issues Circle His Overseas Roster Efforts](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-still-trying-to-stay-ahead-of-the-ncaa-sheriffs-as-eligibility-issues-circle-his-overseas-roster-efforts/) Bashir averaged 13.3 points on 42.1 percent shooting, including 44.4 percent (67-of-151) from three-point range last season. He also averaged 2.2 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 24.7 minutes per game. “Abdi will be a good addition to our program because of his elite shooting ability,” Wade said. “Over his three-year career, he stands just short of 40 percent. He will be an important part of our perimeter.” In two years at Monmouth, Bashir helped his team to 31 wins. He was one of the top scorers in the country at Monmouth in 2024-25 with 20.1 points per game, which was 16th nationally. He had five 30-point games which tied for the most in program history. Bashir led the nation in three-point field goals a game (3.85), while also finishing second in total three-point field goals (127) and three-point field goals attempts (332). He connected on 38.3 percent from beyond the arc, breaking both the school and conference single-season record for three pointers. As a freshman at Monmouth (2023-24), he averaged 6.3 points per game and 1.3 assists. He played in all 33 games, averaging 13.4 minutes per game. For his three years in college, he posted 39.9 percent from three-point range (245-of-614) and 83.8 percent (109-of-130) from the free throw line. He has scored 1,110 career points with double figures in 50 of 84 career games, including 16 games of 20 points or more and five 30-point games. Bashir scored a career high of 38 at Rutgers on 11-of-23 shooting, including 10-of-17 from three-point range. He had five or more three-pointers in seven games last season at Kansas State. [](https://ads.wmt.digital/delivery/cl.php?bannerid=19548&zoneid=39&sig=eac63531a0aa2b44eee0081a7468ec0f6ad55ab1f2321e11ebd1d9c04a1a9bbe&oadest=https%3A%2F%2Fmandafinemeats.com%2F) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** Abdi Bashar Jr., lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, Mouhamed Dioubate, will wade --- ### [Brian Kelly Gets A Job, But It Doesn't Pay, So LSU Will Continue To Fork Over Most Of $54 Million Buyout](https://www.tigerrag.com/brian-kelly-gets-a-job-but-it-doesnt-pay-so-lsu-will-continue-to-fork-over-most-of-54-million-buyout/) **Published:** June 11, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor “Blame It On Memphis,” says a song by country, blues band The Fullertons with the line, “If wishes were water, I’d be drier than the mouth of hell. Well, you can blame it on Memphis, don’t you blame it on me.” Well, LSU fans can blame Memphis, too, because the University of Memphis Tigers football program just hired former LSU Tigers football coach Brian Kelly as a consultant, and they will not even pay him. That means, LSU will continue to pay Kelly virtually all of his $54 million buyout he received by contract by LSU last year after being fired without cause in the fourth year of a 10-year contract at approximately $100 million a year. > [LSU Gives Up Fight Vs. Brian Kelly And Now Plans To Pay Him Full $54 Million Buyout After All](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-gives-up-fight-vs-brian-kelly-and-now-plans-to-pay-him-full-54-million-buyout-after-all/) Kelly’s contract, which was given to him by then LSU athletic director Scott Woodward when he hired him away from Notre Dame in 2021, states that the salary of a job he gets in coaching or media will decrease that sum from what LSU pays him. In this case, there is no sum subtracted from LSU’s bill. Kelly was recently hired as a commentator at CBS Sports, but his stipend there is not expected to significantly impact LSU’s monthly payments to him. Those are between $750,000 and $800,000 a month through 2031, so Kelly’s pockets are anything but “drier than the mouth of hell.” > Welcome to Louisiana Shakespearean University … LSU athletic director Scott Woodward gets the dagger 4 days after knifing football coach Brian Kelly. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [October 31, 2025](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/1984070659442667968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The huge contract had much to do with Woodward being fired four days after he fired Kelly last October. And it didn’t help Woodward’s job security that he also hired the previous biggest bust in college football coaching – Jimbo Fisher, who is also no longer coaching and has been a consultant at Memphis recently as well. As Texas A&M’s athletic director in 2017, Woodward hired Fisher away from Florida State to be the Aggies’ coach at $75 million over 10 years. When Fisher was fired late in the 2023 season, he started receiving an historic $77 million buyout that continues to pay him. Woodward had been LSU’s athletic director since 2019 when Fisher was fired, but more than half of the buyout Fisher walked away with at that time was directly attributable to Woodward’s original contract with him. > [Brian Kelly’s TV Job Puts LSU Buyout, Offset Language and Lane Kiffin Era in Sharper Focus](https://www.tigerrag.com/brian-kelly-lsu-buyout-tv-job-offset-lane-kiffin-era/) Most coaching contract buyouts have similar language, which does not demand the coach get another job. Rather, he or she need only actively seek employment. Kelly has done that since getting fired on Oct. 25 after falling out of the College Football Playoff race for the fourth time in his four years at LSU. So, Kelly gets to get back into coaching in a small way and gets to keep putting it to the place that fired him. “I’m in a very good position,” Kelly, 64, said in a recent interview with USA Today. “I don’t have to coach again, unless it’s the right coaching position. But I want to coach.” Or, at least, consult. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** brian kelly, Charles Huff, Charlie Strong, Jimbo Fisher, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Memphis Tigers --- ### [LSU Track And Field Men's And Women's Teams Open At NCAA Outdoor Championships Tonight In Eugene, Oregon](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-track-and-field-mens-and-womens-teams-open-at-ncaa-outdoor-championships-tonight-in-eugene-oregon/) **Published:** June 10, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The No. 6 LSU men’s track team and No. 13 women open competition in the NCAA Outdoor Championships Wednesday at Hayward Field in Eugene, Oregon, in a four-day meet that will be televised by the ESPN networks. **[Live Results](https://flashresults.ncaa.com/Outdoor/2026/index.htm) | [Meet Schedule](https://ncaaorg.s3.amazonaws.com/championships/sports/crosstrack/d1/outdoortf/2025-26D1XTO_OregonFinalSiteSchedule.pdf)** LSU will have 23 entries in all with 12 for the women and 11 for the men. Shawnti Jackson, a sophomore from Wake Forest, North Carolina, will lead the women in the 100 and 200 meters and the 4×100 relay. Junior Jaiden Reed of the Cayman Islands will be running in the same three events. Live coverage of the meet will be on ESPN on Wednesday and Thursday beginning at 7 p.m. On Friday, coverage will be on ESPN2 beginning at 4 p.m. ESPNU will carry on Saturday beginning at 1:30 p.m. Individual events will have individual streams sthroughout the week on ESPN+. LSU’s 4×100 men’s relay team opens the action at 7 p.m. Wednesday. The women’s 4×100 relay team will compete at 7 p.m. Thursday. **Wednesday** 7:05 p.m. – Men’s 4x100m Relay Semifinal (Jeremiah Walker, Jaiden Reid, Shakeem McKay, Joshua Caleb) 8:08 p.m. – Men’s 110-Meter Relays Semifinal 8:15 p.m. – Men’s Javelin Throw Final 8:25 p.m. – Men’s 100 Meter Semifinal 8:40 p.m. – Men’s Long Jump Final 8:41 p.m. – Men’s 400 Meter Semifinal 9:29 p.m. – Men’s 200 Meter Semifinal 10:36 p.m. – Men’s 4x400m Relay Semifinal (Malachi Austin, Grant Buckmiller, Shakeem McKay, Amal Glasgow) **Thursday** 7:05 p.m. – Women’s 4x100m Relay Semifinal (Athaleyha Hinckson, Tima Godbless, Aniyah Bigam, Shawnti Jackson) 8:08 p.m. – Women’s 100-Meter Hurdle Semifinal 8:15 p.m. – Women’s Javelin Throw Final 8:25 p.m. – Women’s 100 Meter Semifinal 8:41 p.m. – Women’s 400 Meter Semifinal 9:29 p.m. – Women’s 200 Meter Semifinal 9:56 p.m. – Women’s 10,000 Meter Final 10:36 p.m. – Women’s 4x400m Relay Semifinal **Friday** 4:15 p.m. – Men’s Discus Throw Final (Hendricks) 7:02 p.m. – Men’s 4x100m Relay Final (TBD) 7:42 p.m. – Men’s 110-Meter Relays Final (TBD) 7:52 p.m. – Men’s 100 Meter Final (TBD) 8:27 p.m. – Men’s 400 Meter Final (TBD) 8:37 p.m. – Men’s 200 Meter Final (TBD) 9:21 p.m. – Men’s 4x400m Relay Final (TBD) **Saturday** 1:30 p.m. – Women’s Discus Throw Final (Hyman) 7:02 p.m. – Women’s 4x100m Relay Final (TBD) 7:42 p.m. – Women’s 100-Meter Hurdle Final (TBD) 7:52 p.m. – Women’s 100 Meter Final (TBD) 8:27 p.m. – Women’s 400 Meter Final (TBD) 8:37 p.m. – Women’s 200 Meter Final (TBD) 8:55 p.m. – Women’s 5000 Meter Final (Chepkemoi) 9:21 p.m. – Women’s 4x400m Relay Final (TBD) **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Track & Field, Uncategorized **Tags:** Jaiden Reed, LSU Tigers, LSU track & field, NCAA Outdoor Track Championships, Shawnti Jackson --- ### [Eddy Furniss, Who Hit SEC Record 80 Homers, Describes Warren Morris Walk-Off From Dugout On Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/eddy-furniss-who-hit-sec-record-80-homers-describes-warren-morris-walk-off-from-dugout-on-tiger-rag-radio/) **Published:** June 10, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILLBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Former LSU first baseman Eddy Furniss knows a thing or 80 about hitting home runs. He still holds the Southeastern Conference career record for home runs with 80 set from 1995-98 and is fourth all time. He set the school record for home runs in a season at the time in 1996 as a sophomore with 26, which was 25 more than what Warren Morris hit that season. But Morris’ lone home run of 1996 hit 30 years ago Monday afternoon at Johnny Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska, at the College World Series championship game remains one of the most famous home runs in all of baseball history and stands alone in college baseball history. The no-count, two-run home run to right field with two outs by the left-handed hitting Morris with Brad Wilson on third base gave the Tigers a 9-8 victory over Miami and LSU’s third national championship in six seasons. Furniss, who was a guest on Tiger Rag Radio on Tuesday night, described his vantage point on the show below. ***Hit the white arrow in the red box to listen.*** Furniss was in the dugout in the bottom of the ninth at Rosenblatt that day, having gone 2-for-4 with an RBI single, when Morris stepped up to the plate. > [LSU Baseball 1996 Reunion: Without Brad Wilson, There Is No Warren “Walk-Off” Morris](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-1996-reunion-without-brad-wilson-there-is-no-warren-walk-off-morris/) “I was on the top step – middle of the dugout,” Furniss said. “Brad Wilson – great story. He was 1-for-12 in the series, and he pulls his hands through and hits one right down the third base line.” Wilson was actually 1-for-16 at the time after entering the game 1-for-12. And he doubled to go 2-for-17. “I’m glad we didn’t have instant replay back then,” Furniss laughed. “He slid across the base and almost came off, but was called safe. And then Warren on the very next pitch – I was standing there hands on my knees.” Listen to Voice of LSU Jim Hawthorne set up and call Morris’ monumental home run in real time from June 8, 1996, on the LSU Radio Network ***by clicking the white arrow in the red button below.*** “And when he hit the ball, I thought we had tied it,” Furniss said. “And then I saw a circle of hands go up over the wall. And I just couldn’t believe it.” Furniss started to sprint toward home plate to greet Morris. > Warren Morris Home Run Week continues Saturday. He’ll sign our Skip Bertman book at Spirits in Alexandria. Books signed by Skip will be for sale. [@SIDDougIreland](https://x.com/SIDDougIreland?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 10, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2064758893599707319?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “I saw it go out, but going from the dugout to the plate, I kept looking up at the scoreboard to see if it was real,” Furniss said. “I just couldn’t believe it. It was unbelievable. And of course, pandemonium ensued. It was just the coolest thing ever.” Furniss will be back in Omaha at Charles Schwab Field on Friday when his son Will Furniss, who is a senior first baseman for Ole Miss, and the Rebels (41-21) take on No. 5 seed North Carolina (50-12-1) at 6 p.m. on ESPN in the World Series. The younger Furniss plays for Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco, who was an assistant coach at LSU under coach Skip Bertman from 1993-97 for three national titles and coached Furniss and Morris. Bianco played catcher at LSU under Bertman in 1988 and ’89 and reached Omaha in his senior season. > [LSU Baseball Isn’t Omaha Bound, But Plenty With LSU Connections Will Be At College World Series](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-isnt-omaha-bound-but-plenty-with-lsu-connections-will-be-at-college-world-series/) “It’s great to be going back,” Furniss said of getting to watch his son play in the College World Series for the first time. Furniss returned in 1997 to win another national title with LSU and went to Omaha again in 1998 as a senior. “Will grew up an LSU fan,” Furniss said. “Purple and Gold all the way. He’s heard all the stories.” Will Furniss committed to Bianco and Ole Miss in 2022 before Jay Johnson became LSU’s coach and stayed with the Rebels for four seasons – 2023 through 2026. > Bueno for LSU Baseball … > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 10, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2064723043138605190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Furniss bats left-handed like his dad and hit a two-run home run on Saturday in the Super Regional to put Ole Miss up 4-2 in the top of the eighth inning at Auburn. The Rebels went on to win 5-3 after a 6-4 win on Friday to advance. He has eight home runs and 56 RBIs on the season while hitting .311 in 62 starts with 12 doubles. Furniss hit .305 with 12 home runs and 47 RBIs in 2025 in 58 games and 51 starts. “It’s been great for him,” his dad said. “For him to get that go-ahead home run was special. He’s done well. He’s been clutch all year. He’s been clutch his whole life. It’s a mindset kind of thing when you’re in those situations. You really have to have a belief that you’re going to get it done. I was able to do it, and he’s been able to do it. But it was really cool to see it from the outside.” And see Warren Morris’ home run from the inside. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** College World Series, Eddy Furniss, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, mike bianco, tiger rag radio, Warren Morris, Will Furniss --- ### [LSU's Gavin Guidry Pitching For Chatham Anglers Of The Cape Cod League - Other Tigers In Summer Ball](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-gavin-guidry-pitching-for-chatham-anglers-of-the-cape-cod-league-other-tigers-in-summer-ball/) **Published:** June 10, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU redshirt junior pitcher Gavin Guidry is considering a return to the Tigers for the 2027 season. Or he could enter the 2026 Major League Baseball Draft, which will be from July 11-12. In the meantime, Guidry will be pitching for the Chatham Anglers in Chatham, Massachusetts, in the prestigious Cape Cod League. The season starts Saturday. Guidry was 5-3 with a 6.39 ERA for LSU in the 2026 season with a save. He struck out 59 and walked 20 in 43 and two-thirds innings. > Bueno for LSU Baseball … > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 10, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2064723043138605190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Other LSU players in summer college leagues are as follows. **Healdsburg (California) Prune Packers (Pacific Empire League)** Freshman William Patrick, Outfielder Freshman Jack Ruckert, Infielder **Yarmouth-Dennis (Massachusetts) Red Sox (Cape Cod League)** Sophomore Ethan Plog, left-handed pitcher **Falmouth (Massachusetts) Commodores (Cape Cod League)** Freshman Reagan Ricken, right-handed pitcher **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Gavin Guidry, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Baseball Portal: Tigers Land No. 1 Transfer In Nation - Outfielder Bino Watters Of Notre Dame](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-portal-tigers-land-no-1-transfer-in-nation-outfielder-bino-watters-of-notre-dame/) **Published:** June 10, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The LSU baseball program had been a little quiet through the first nine days of the NCAA Transfer Portal window that opened a week ago Monday. Then Bam! LSU coach Jay Johnson caught a commitment from the No. 1-ranked portal player in the country by On3.com and other sites on Wednesday in Notre Dame sophomore outfielder Bino Watters (6-foot-2, 215 pounds) of Rochester Adams High in Rochester Hills, Michigan. > There will be an LSU history in Omaha, even though the 2026 Tigers will not be there: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 9, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2064469331396731107?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Watters, who has primarily played left field, hit .362 in the 2026 season for the Fighting Irish (31-22, 13-17 Atlantic Coast Conference) with10 home runs and 51 RBIs through 53 starts. A first team All-ACC choice, Watters is projected to be a top 25 pick of the first round in the 2027 Major League Baseball Draft as a junior. > [Derek Curiel Drops Bombshell On 104.5 Radio – He Is Considering A Return To LSU And Skipping MLB Draft](https://www.tigerrag.com/derek-curiel-drops-bombshell-on-104-5-radio-he-is-considering-a-return-to-lsu-and-skipping-mlb-draft/) LSU expects to lose all three starting outfielders from the 2026 season – junior Jake Brown in right, draft-eligible sophomore Derek Curiel in center and senior Chris Stanfield in left. > [LSU Baseball Adds A 2nd Player From Portal In Shortstop Dawson Park, Who Left Team After Fight With A Teammate](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-adds-a-2nd-player-from-portal-in-shortstop-dawson-park-who-left-team-after-fight-with-a-teammate/) Watters is Johnson’s third commitment out of the portal for the 2027 season. Previous commitments were freshman right-handed pitcher Landon Hood from Gonzaga and sophomore shortstop Dawson Park of Texas State. The portal window runs through July 1. After that date, players can no longer enter the portal. But the ones already in can choose schools after that date. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Bino Watters, jay johnson, lsu baseball, Notre Dame, Transfer Portal --- ### [LSU Baseball Loses One Of Top Transfer Portal Pitchers To Tennessee](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-loses-one-of-top-transfer-portal-pitchers-to-tennessee/) **Published:** June 10, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor One of the LSU baseball program’s top first targets as the NCAA Transfer Portal window opened last week – Northwestern State left-handed pitcher Brody Trosclair – has committed to Tennessee. > [LSU Baseball Portal: Tigers Hosted Southland Conference Freshman Of The Year Left-Hander Brody Trosclair](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-portal-tigers-to-host-southland-conference-freshman-of-the-year-in-left-hander-brody-trosclair/) Trosclair (5-foot-11, 186 pounds) visited LSU last Tuesday – one day after the portal window opened on June 1. He also visited Arkansas, then Tennessee over this past weekend. A freshman from Thibodaux High, he was 5-1 with a 1.89 ERA and a save. Trosclair struck out 55 with 11 walks in 38 innings before his season was cut short in early April because of an elbow injury that required surgery. He had a procedure that placed an internal brace on his elbow and is expected to be ready for next season. After Trosclair left LSU for other visits, the Tigers did gain a commitment from another pitcher – freshman right-hander Landon Hood (6-3, 200) of Gonzaga – last week. Hood was 3-1 with a 2.48 ERA and five saves for the Bulldogs last season. Hood is from Canyon View High and Goodyear, Arizona. > [LSU Baseball: Tigers Land 1st Signee From 2026 Portal In Pitcher Landon Hood](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-tigers-land-1st-commitment-from-2026-portal-in-pitcher-landon-hood/) LSU has only one other commitment so far with the portal lasting through July 1. That is [sophomore shortstop Dawson Park](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-adds-a-2nd-player-from-portal-in-shortstop-dawson-park-who-left-team-after-fight-with-a-teammate/) (5-11, 167), who hit .301 with 13 home runs, 10 doubles and 52 RBIs in 2026 for Texas State before leaving the team late in the season after a fight with a teammate. Park is from Magnolia West High in Magnolia, Texas. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Brody Trosclair, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Nate Yeskie --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio: LSU Legends reminisce on the 30th Anniversary of Warren Morris’ CWS walk-off and More](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-lsu-legends-reminisce-on-the-30th-anniversary-of-warren-morris-cws-walk-off-and-more/) **Published:** June 9, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** We catch up with the two best left-handed swings in LSU baseball history — Eddy Furniss and Todd Walker. They preview a College World Series featuring five SEC teams. On3’s Wilson Alexander gives some insight into the fiery reactions to Brendan Sorsby’s controversial injunction against the NCAA. Daughter of LSU legend Billy Cannon, Bunnie Cannon, previews an upcoming LPB documentary on her father set to release the week the Tigers travel to Oxford. ***Here is the complete transcript of the show from YouTube. Tiger Rag apologizes for any AI generated mistakes:*** 0:00 Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. Tiger Rag Radio is on the air. Let’s crank this thing up. 0:06 6 seconds We’re statewide breaking down the latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is up. Hear from the coaches. Our time is now with LSU basketball. 0:14 14 seconds The players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 0:17 17 seconds One way or another, we’re going to make history. 0:19 19 seconds And those who cover the Fighting Tigers of LSU and the SEC. LSU is the best job in court. It’s 2 hours of non-stop LSU talk. 0:28 28 seconds I came here to win. We’re going to win immediately. 0:30 30 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is brought to you by Cumins. Cumins creates power solutions that the world depends on. Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro’s 0:38 38 seconds Electrical Services, Sunshine Quality Solutions, Super Chevy Dealers, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 0:49 49 seconds Get ready to talk Tigers with producer Case Kishnik and our hosts Todd Horn, Jeff Polmo, and Glenn Gilbo. players 0:58 58 seconds that are better people than they are players. 1:01 1 minute, 1 second This is Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 1:16 1 minute, 16 seconds Now the Tigers got a leadoff double by Wilson, but BS and Laneir have not been able to get the run in. 1:26 1 minute, 26 seconds And it’s up to Morris who has doubled, singled, got on in on a fieldielder’s choice, scored three runs, and struck out. 1:35 1 minute, 35 seconds Now it’ll take a base hit, an error, a wild pitch or something. The stretch by Mars on the pitch. Swung on and hit the right field. That’s way back there. Way 1:43 1 minute, 43 seconds back there. Home run. Tigers win. 1:49 1 minute, 49 seconds It’s a two-run home run. And the Tigers in the National I don’t believe it. 1:56 1 minute, 56 seconds his first home model of the year. Holy 2:02 2 minutes, 2 seconds \[ \_\_ \] 2:09 2 minutes, 9 seconds And welcome into Tiger A radio. I am Patrick Wright sitting in for your normal host Jeff Polalmo. Normal cast of characters are here. Executive editor of 2:17 2 minutes, 17 seconds Tiger A magazine, Todd Horn, and editor Glenn Gilbo. The clip you heard needs no introduction. If you’re listening to this show and you like the Tigers, you 2:25 2 minutes, 25 seconds know what that was. It was it’s the 30-year anniversary la in the last couple of days, 30 years ago when uh 2:31 2 minutes, 31 seconds Warren Morris hit that home run against Miami. 2:36 2 minutes, 36 seconds The lasting images of course seeing Alex Corora face down in the dirt. That’s that’s always a good one. Glenn and uh Todd, we’re going to spin kind of make it a theme. We got a busy show tonight. 2:45 2 minutes, 45 seconds Eddie Furnus is going to join us at a little after 6:15. We’ll have Wilson Alexander from On Three, Ronnie Rant scheduled to join us along with Todd 2:53 2 minutes, 53 seconds Walker in the next hour. And then Bunny Cannon, the daughter of the late Billy Cannon. Uh there’s going to be a documentary coming out about uh Billy 3:02 3 minutes, 2 seconds Cannon. Appropriately enough, LPB is going to release it the week of the Old Miss game. So jam-packed show and uh but since we got no LSU baseball to talk 3:11 3 minutes, 11 seconds about, we can reminisce a little bit, Glenn. Yeah, you know, that’s the first time I’ve heard that entire call from the beginning, right after the uh second 3:18 3 minutes, 18 seconds out before Warren. That’s that’s fascinating. But, uh, the anniversary was yesterday at 3:29 p.m. June 8th, 3:27 3 minutes, 27 seconds 1996\. And uh Warren is going to be signing copies of the Skip Bman book I did and he wrote a forward for uh 3:35 3 minutes, 35 seconds Saturday afternoon at Spirits in Alexandria, which is right near Warren’s house from noon to 2:00 p.m. So for those of you listeners out near the 3:44 3 minutes, 44 seconds Alexandria area, come on by Saturday and and meet Warren. I I call him the modernday Jimmy Stewart. He’s like the nicest guy in the world. But it it it 3:53 3 minutes, 53 seconds should be a lot of fun. And and uh I was not at that game. I was I was at I was a Mobile sports writer at the time. I was 4:00 4 minutes uh uh covering uh Alabama and they had been eliminated. So I was at home watching on TV in Mobile. But Todd Horn, you were in the outfield. 4:09 4 minutes, 9 seconds I I was I actually wrote a column about this last month when we had Warren on the show and uh right after that I wrote a column. I had I had moved to Los 4:18 4 minutes, 18 seconds Angeles. I was working in Los Angeles uh in publishing and uh a friend of mine called me up, Rob Mushmack, 4:25 4 minutes, 25 seconds and he said, “I think the Tigers are going to win it. You need to get here.” So, I hopped on a plane and got there and two days later, I’m sitting in the 4:33 4 minutes, 33 seconds uh in the stadium along the right field line and boom, he cracks it and it ran right in front of my face. I could actually hear the seams sizzling as they went by. 4:42 4 minutes, 42 seconds And that’s that’s the son of the great son of the great photographer who was probably shooting the game, I would bet. 4:47 4 minutes, 47 seconds I don’t I don’t think John was there that night. But he’s a great photographer now. 4:52 4 minutes, 52 seconds Yeah. But he is a great photographer and Rob’s a great photographer in and of himself. So, but it was a um it was 4:59 4 minutes, 59 seconds fascinating. It was amazing. And you knew, at least I did, and I’m sure most people did, that that was historic. And 5:07 5 minutes, 7 seconds that’s the most historic play in college baseball history. and and Skip would argue that it’s one of the most in in baseball history, including Major League 5:15 5 minutes, 15 seconds Baseball history, because I don’t think there has been a two out walk-off home run to win a World Series ever in the 5:25 5 minutes, 25 seconds bottom of the ninth. You know, there’s been one out ones and no out ones and so forth. I think that’s the only two out one in college and and Major League Baseball. 5:33 5 minutes, 33 seconds So, I’m sorry, Pat. Oh, go ahead. But what did uh Skip did Skip ever, when you were writing the book, Everything Matters in Baseball, that you’re signing with Warren next week? 5:41 5 minutes, 41 seconds Did uh did Skip ever tell you about leaving Warren at the game? You know, the bus left. Oh, yeah. Well, that was Yeah. Yeah. 5:49 5 minutes, 49 seconds That that’s in the book. that’s in the book because Warren’s dad, he’s since passed away not that long ago, but his 5:56 5 minutes, 56 seconds dad had to drive him back to the hotel and and Warren walked back with his dad in his full uniform in that neighborhood 6:05 6 minutes, 5 seconds by Rosenlat like little league walking with your dad back to the car and his dad had parked, you know, behind somebody’s house, you know, where they 6:13 6 minutes, 13 seconds were selling uh parking spots. So yeah, Warren got back to the hotel and everybody had left the hotel and gone to Barretts or wherever they went at the 6:21 6 minutes, 21 seconds time and he watched ESPN by himself in his hotel room. He told me and that was the first time he he he saw the home 6:28 6 minutes, 28 seconds run. And and also in the book he says that when he hit it, he thought it was a fat strike, but when he saw the replay, 6:36 6 minutes, 36 seconds it was the first time he realized it was a really good curve pitch by uh curve ball by Cora by I mean uh 6:44 6 minutes, 44 seconds Cora was a shortstop. The pitcher was uh Robbie Martin, right? And and and Warren explains that by because Skip was so 6:52 6 minutes, 52 seconds good at making players envision things that Warren envisioned that it was a fat \[ \_\_ \] and and uh he he so he praised uh 7:02 7 minutes, 2 seconds Skip for that. But yeah, it it’s a it’s a fascinating story. Patrick, tell us tell us your uh Warren Morris memory. 7:08 7 minutes, 8 seconds Well, the a couple things that stand out is I was I was calling games on the network with Jim Hawthorne, but I had mostly home games and occasional road 7:16 7 minutes, 16 seconds games where we could drive. So, I was actually uh in an apartment with a couple of my buddies and three of our 7:24 7 minutes, 24 seconds female friends who were, you know, they were Tiger fans, but whatever. So, when he hits it, the three fellas, we’re just running around like crazy and the girls are kind of looking at us a little bit 7:32 7 minutes, 32 seconds strange. My uh one friend, a little bit of a taller guy, he almost got his head caught in the ceiling fan. That happened a lot to people. 7:39 7 minutes, 39 seconds Yes. Got his almost because he was I’m 5’7. That wasn’t a problem for me. My friend’s about 6’1. But then we went outside. We were running, yelling, 7:46 7 minutes, 46 seconds screaming. saw some other people. Um, what I want to go back to the since, you know, radio is my my thing. I want to go back and you you said you heard 7:54 7 minutes, 54 seconds Hawthorne’s call of that for the first time and you kind of chuckled at the same thing that I I did is when Hawthorne is setting it up, you know, 8:01 8 minutes, 1 second there’s now two outs and Morris is it’s going to take a base hit or an error or 8:08 8 minutes, 8 seconds something. And it’s just funny the or something. I could list about a million or somethings before I came to Morris 8:16 8 minutes, 16 seconds hitting. Like I would have told you the pitcher was gonna throw a wild pitch to the moon before I would have thought the or something was going to be a Morris home run. 8:24 8 minutes, 24 seconds Especially if it was this year it would have been a wild pitch, right? Yeah, for sure. And you know what’s amazing? He also brought up a 8:31 8 minutes, 31 seconds great stat that people forget. Warren had a double, a single, and three runs scored before the home run. Plus, he threw a guy out at the plate early in 8:40 8 minutes, 40 seconds the game and before the game he again, he says in the book, which by the way will be for sale at Spirits on Saturday 8:48 8 minutes, 48 seconds and that Skip autograph books will be for sale. Skip won’t be there, but he’s finally signed some pre-autographs. But but Warren says that that Saturday when 8:56 8 minutes, 56 seconds he took BP, it was the first time that his wrist felt good cuz he was bunting and taking half swings for most of the 9:03 9 minutes, 3 seconds postseason. Well, you remember another thing. Uh, so you remember the regional had to beat Georgia Tech. Scored that 18 run 9:11 9 minutes, 11 seconds inning that he made all three outs. He made two of the outs. Two of the outs. So he made up for it a little bit late. 9:17 9 minutes, 17 seconds Did but he made two of the three outs in that 18 run inning uh that LSU used to uh to to tear apart Georgia Tech in the 9:25 9 minutes, 25 seconds regional. So um but he Orin’s just the nicest guy. I mean he there’s I don’t think there’s a a mean bone in his body. 9:33 9 minutes, 33 seconds Um, I was able cuz since I wasn’t there and then of course things get kind of crazy, I was able to get his get him to 9:42 9 minutes, 42 seconds autograph a ball for me. I knew through the grapevine that he was going to make an appearance at Channel 9 here in Baton Rouge. And u I forget who was working 9:51 9 minutes, 51 seconds there at the time, but they tipped me off said, “Look, if you want to get more into sign, bring it. He’s going to be here at like 9:30 filming something.” And that’s how kind of covert it had to 9:59 9 minutes, 59 seconds be cuz if everybody knew where he was going to be, you know, the the throng would have come. So, um, I haven’t haven’t seen him since, 10:07 10 minutes, 7 seconds but when I see him, everything that you see him on television talking about the moment, and he’s he looks I mean he’s he had a little little bit of success in the majors, but he looks like a banker. 10:17 10 minutes, 17 seconds Is that what he he’s a banker. 10:18 10 minutes, 18 seconds He is a banker. He’s he’s a banker at vice president at Rapids Bank in Alexandria. And was that was his dad that too or No, no, no. He he he kind of fell into it. 10:29 10 minutes, 29 seconds He’s a like a zoologology graduate from from LSU. Super smart guy. 10:33 10 minutes, 33 seconds Yeah, he is. What am I doing in banking, but he’s been there since he retired from baseball in 03. But interesting thing about Warren, 10:41 10 minutes, 41 seconds you know, one thing I didn’t like about the walk-off documentary is that that it made it sound like Warren was just some average player who anybody can hit a 10:49 10 minutes, 49 seconds home run was kind of what they were saying. And he was the ninth batter that day. but he hit uh eight home runs the year before and and after that he hit 10:58 10 minutes, 58 seconds about five or six home runs for the Olympic team. He he had a great uh Olympic season, you know, in the trials and then in Atlanta when they when they 11:07 11 minutes, 7 seconds won the bronze and uh he was he was a great player and and he was a fifth round pick, but he he played for five years in Major League Baseball. And he 11:15 11 minutes, 15 seconds had planned to come back for a senior season before that home run, but he figured I can’t do better than that. Now we’re in the super Chevy Super Chevy 11:24 11 minutes, 24 seconds dealers studio. Patrick Wright filling in for Jeff Polalmo, Todd Horn, Glenn Gilbo, all the guests we have. We’re going to kind of get there kind of make 11:32 11 minutes, 32 seconds that the theme of the night when they come on. We’re going to ask them, you know, our LSU guys, where were you? Some of them we can figure out. Todd Walker, we kind of traced. He was in the minors 11:40 11 minutes, 40 seconds at the time. So, I’m kind of curious to see if he was able to spoiler spoiler. Don’t don’t spoil. 11:44 11 minutes, 44 seconds And Warren was his backup in 94 cuz Warren red shirted in ’94. 11:49 11 minutes, 49 seconds So, we’ll see. Get get some get some good answers on that. 93. Sorry. 11:53 11 minutes, 53 seconds All right, we’ll take a break. When we come back, we’re set to uh give our first guest. It’ll be Eddie Furnus. He’s got a lot to talk about right now. So, uh stay tuned. Tiger Radio. 12:05 12 minutes, 5 seconds Chevy trucks have you covered when the road takes you from smooth sailing to Chevy Colorado will eat up some of the toughest terrains with five available 12:12 12 minutes, 12 seconds drive modes. And Silverado and Silverado HD have the muscle to take you out for some serious with multiple engine options and impressive towing. While 12:20 12 minutes, 20 seconds Silverado EV is the perfect combo of performance and capability, making it a snap to hitch up this electric truck and hit the road. Wherever the road leads, Chevy trucks are right there with you. 12:31 12 minutes, 31 seconds See your Super Chevy dealers today. 12:35 12 minutes, 35 seconds Live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio, we’re back to Tiger Rag Radio and welcome back. Patrick Wright sitting 12:44 12 minutes, 44 seconds in for your regular host, Jeff Polalmo, along with Todd Horn and Glenn Gilboa. 12:47 12 minutes, 47 seconds We’ll go to our first guest, uh, one of the very best to ever do it at LSU, was there for four years, put up some numbers that still nobody’s been able to 12:56 12 minutes, 56 seconds touch, the one and only Dr. Eddie Furnus. Eddie, how how are you doing? 13:02 13 minutes, 2 seconds Hey guys, doing well. Thanks for having me now. Glad glad to have you. You know, we’re going to we’re going to talk about uh you know what your rooting interest 13:10 13 minutes, 10 seconds is going to be here in a little bit in the World Series, but our theme for the night since it’s the 30-year anniversary of Warren Morren’s walk-off, we’re asking all of our guests where they 13:18 13 minutes, 18 seconds were. Now, we know where you were at the moment at that moment. So, uh but just shed a little light on on how uh you were somewhere in the dugout and how how things looked down there. 13:29 13 minutes, 29 seconds Oh, yeah. I was on the top step, middle of the dugout. Um, you know, Brad Wilson, great story, who, you know, I 13:36 13 minutes, 36 seconds think he was maybe 1 for 12 in the tournament. He’s just having a bad tournament. Uh, hits, you know, gets pulls his hands through, hits one right 13:44 13 minutes, 44 seconds down the third baseline, rounds first, gets to second base. Um, I’m glad we didn’t have replay back then. Um, you 13:51 13 minutes, 51 seconds know, cuz cuz he slid in, slid across the base, almost came off and, uh, you know, but but was called safe. And then 13:58 13 minutes, 58 seconds Warren uh the very first pitch, you know, I was standing there, hands on my knees and when he hit the ball, I 14:05 14 minutes, 5 seconds thought we had tied it. And then I saw a circle of hands go up over the wall and 14:12 14 minutes, 12 seconds I and I just couldn’t believe it. I saw it go out and I from going from the dugout to the home plate, I kept looking 14:21 14 minutes, 21 seconds up at the scoreboard to see if it was real. I I just couldn’t believe it. It was unbelievable. And of course, 14:28 14 minutes, 28 seconds pandemonium ensued. It was just the the coolest thing ever. 14:31 14 minutes, 31 seconds Did Did you ask Skip uh after after the game where Warren was when he went on the bus with you guys? 14:39 14 minutes, 39 seconds No, I did not. I think we’re just all in shock and didn’t even notice. 14:44 14 minutes, 44 seconds Yeah, he was he was signing autographs and everything. That’s that’s awesome, Eddie. and uh and you know you and you 14:51 14 minutes, 51 seconds came back the next year and won won another national championship and and damn near won one in in in 98. Boy, that it’s uh that was some awesome times for you. 15:03 15 minutes, 3 seconds Really really unbelievable. Yeah. And you know, the the funny thing is, and I and you know, I I I tweet about this, you know, with with this year’s team is 15:11 15 minutes, 11 seconds just how hard it is to to go back to back. Uh anyway, and how, you know, I think it was I can’t remember. I think 15:18 15 minutes, 18 seconds it was Long Beach State um you know, that that almost beat us. I mean, we were down to our last few outs and I hit a one, you know, a solo home run in the 15:27 15 minutes, 27 seconds in the eighth to uh to tie the game. And I think we went we went multiple extra innings with no score. um and that you 15:34 15 minutes, 34 seconds know in 97 that was that’s arguably the best team I ever played for and we almost didn’t go to Omaha that year. Um, 15:42 15 minutes, 42 seconds and then, you know, in 98, uh, to be honest, we ran into an umpire with a very wide strike zone against a firstround draft pick who could put the 15:50 15 minutes, 50 seconds ball where he wanted to. And, um, you know, I have pictures of the ball in the other batters box being called a strike. 15:58 15 minutes, 58 seconds And so, and then of course the the the wind shifted from blowing out to blowing in and you know, we don’t go three feet 16:06 16 minutes, 6 seconds on that one, right? So, it takes so much luck and so much good fortune and so many things to go right to win one 16:14 16 minutes, 14 seconds national championship much le much much less two in a row, much less eight, you know. Um, it’s just it’s amazing the kind of good fortune we’ve had. 16:23 16 minutes, 23 seconds Well, your son Will Furnus just hit a big two-run go-ahad home run on Saturday to put the Rebels up four to2 on Auburn 16:31 16 minutes, 31 seconds and then they won it five to two to get to Omaha. How’s your uh how’s your son going into Omaha? When are you when are you going to get there? And uh how much does he know about the history? 16:42 16 minutes, 42 seconds He he is he well I tell you he knows well he’s heard the story from me. You know of course he grew up being an LSU 16:49 16 minutes, 49 seconds fan. We all did. You know we were purple and gold all the way and and and so you know he’s heard all the stories and it’s been great. And you know for him to to 16:58 16 minutes, 58 seconds hit that go ahead home run. He’s been you know he’s been he’s done well. He’s been clutch you know all year. he’s been clutch his whole life. Um, you know, and 17:06 17 minutes, 6 seconds of course, you know, it’s a mindset kind of thing. Um, when you’re in those situations, you want to you really have to have a have a belief that you’re 17:14 17 minutes, 14 seconds going to get it done. Um, I was able to do it and and he’s been able to do it and and but it was really cool to see it from the outside. Um, and of course, I 17:22 17 minutes, 22 seconds could probably name four plays in that game where the ball is an inch, you know, any other way and we don’t win that game. We don’t win that series. And 17:31 17 minutes, 31 seconds I think I can do the same thing for for our games at LSU. So, um, but but to to to have that kind of fortune has been really fun to watch. 17:39 17 minutes, 39 seconds Yeah, you have have him playing for a guy that you played for and coach Biano and uh you know, they he’s he’s been there long enough uh to where if you’re 17:48 17 minutes, 48 seconds at a place long enough, you’re going to hit some highs and lows and they they were getting after him pretty good. How gratifying is it for you to see him to get back to to Omaha? I know he won one 17:56 17 minutes, 56 seconds a few years ago, but now that that expectation is there, but uh good good to see him get back with this team. it I 18:05 18 minutes, 5 seconds it is it you know because I think in 22 he was really you know coach be was really on the hot seat there and and I I 18:13 18 minutes, 13 seconds really felt I was of course I was worried because Will was committed there um and he really enjoyed miss and he and he loved it and um I was worried that 18:21 18 minutes, 21 seconds we’re going to be caught in a situation where before uh before my son even goes on campus we lose a head coach and I’m 18:29 18 minutes, 29 seconds serious this it was it was tough um and they had just a terrible able year. Um, and then they went on a when they went 18:37 18 minutes, 37 seconds on a heater and won the national championship and and everything, you know, seemed great. And of course, after that national championship, as we’ve 18:46 18 minutes, 46 seconds seen with so many teams, we have a just a just an unbel history. Uh, at least with with coach 18:53 18 minutes, 53 seconds Bienko there, um, the next year and it’s and a tough year the year after 23 then 24. and Will was a part of those teams 19:01 19 minutes, 1 second and just the the just the low of the lows for uh in Bienko’s history and Will was a part of that but Will decided to 19:08 19 minutes, 8 seconds stay and the next year I mean except for a team that was a Cinderella in Murray State that probably would have gone to 19:16 19 minutes, 16 seconds the World Series last year but really ran into a team that could not lose in Murray State, right? Um and then this 19:23 19 minutes, 23 seconds year not the best of seasons, five 500 in SEC, which is not bad, honestly. Um but then started hitting the ball well. 19:32 19 minutes, 32 seconds Lost a lot of 5050 games and and needed one more win to host and didn’t. But I told, you know, fans around me and 19:39 19 minutes, 39 seconds things like that, look, it works out like it’s supposed to. you know, we hosted a regional last year um at Miss and then we had three we got we drew 19:48 19 minutes, 48 seconds three conference champions in that regional. Georgia Tech, it was Western Kentucky and Murray State were all 19:56 19 minutes, 56 seconds conference champions and it was a very very hard regional. This year we go on the road Nebraska um you know Nebraska 20:03 20 minutes, 3 seconds and then it was Arizona State another hard regional and they had to go on a road to Auburn. But it worked out. They started getting those hits. they started 20:11 20 minutes, 11 seconds getting those 50/50 games and winning them and that made a difference in in a team that that goes home versus a team that goes to Omaha is that one swing, one pitch, one play game. 20:22 20 minutes, 22 seconds Eddie, really quick, uh we’ve only got about a minute left, but um what do you think about their chances right now? 20:28 20 minutes, 28 seconds How’s the draw look, the bracket? What do you like about them right now? 20:33 20 minutes, 33 seconds I I like, you know, I like it that the SEC is on the other side of the bracket as far as for Old Miss and Coach Banko. 20:38 20 minutes, 38 seconds um you know the the the ACC teams uh weren’t as strong in the regionals um and so and there’s one ACC team in the 20:46 20 minutes, 46 seconds tournament uh North Carolina. However, that team is very very good. So I think um you know of course the the team that wins that first game ends up you know 20:54 20 minutes, 54 seconds winning uh most of the time the World Series they have to win that first one and so that’s going to be a big game Friday night for for coach Bienko and Old Miss. 21:02 21 minutes, 2 seconds Eddie, good luck to uh to to Will uh chip off the old block. He stays at one school for four years just like dad and that doesn’t happen much these days. So, 21:11 21 minutes, 11 seconds uh, thanks for coming back, sharing some of your memories. Good luck. Uh, not not many folks around here say go rebels, but we’re we’re going to we’re going to be thinking about you this weekend. 21:19 21 minutes, 19 seconds Potty, right? Go Rebels. I appreciate that. Thanks a lot, y’all. 21:24 21 minutes, 24 seconds All right, Eddie. Eddie Furnus, one of the LSU greats joining us. Uh, little good to reminisce, talk about his kid who’s doing it and and good to see you. 21:32 21 minutes, 32 seconds We’re going to take a break here on Tiger Rag Radio. We’ll come back and Wilson Alexander from on three will join us after this break. 21:40 21 minutes, 40 seconds I’m Richard Futno, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. While I’m a fourth generation rice and soybean grower, you don’t have to be a farmer to be a Louisiana Farm Bureau member. 21:49 21 minutes, 49 seconds Membership has its benefits. From discounts on car seats, hotel rooms, and rental cars to access to insurance you can count on to be there when you need, 21:58 21 minutes, 58 seconds plus a whole lot more. We’re 145,000 members strong and we want you to join the Louisiana Farm Bureau family. Visit lafarmbureau.org. 22:06 22 minutes, 6 seconds The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. 22:11 22 minutes, 11 seconds Now back to Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 22:18 22 minutes, 18 seconds And welcome back. Uh Patrick Wright filling in for Jeff Polalmo who is taking the evening off. Got 22:25 22 minutes, 25 seconds Todd Horn and Glenn Gilbo as always. And now we will go to our next guest. We will visit with Wilson Alexander, a name a lot of uh folks around here familiar 22:33 22 minutes, 33 seconds with. Was a writer for the advocate for a few years. Now is with on three. And uh Wilson, things are for for June. 22:41 22 minutes, 41 seconds Things are a little busy right now, aren’t they? 22:44 22 minutes, 44 seconds They are. Things never seem to excuse me. Things never seem to slow down in college sports, do they? 22:50 22 minutes, 50 seconds No. And uh I mean the the the hot button topic obviously right now is is the situation with Brendan Sorsby at Texas 22:57 22 minutes, 57 seconds Tech. Uh the obviously the the news that comes out today is lots of people are talking boycots and and uh and 23:05 23 minutes, 5 seconds blacklisting Texas Tech. How realistic is it that any of those threats can come to pass in your opinion? 23:14 23 minutes, 14 seconds I think there’s um I think there’s some realism to that there. I mean, a a school take Georgia or Nebraska can 23:23 23 minutes, 23 seconds certainly just say to themselves like we’re not going to tech schedule Texas Tech in the regular season. It’s not like uh I know at least in the case of 23:31 23 minutes, 31 seconds Georgia, they didn’t have Texas Tech on the schedule anyhow. So maybe that feels a little bit empty, but you you know I can’t think of a lot of examples of a 23:39 23 minutes, 39 seconds school coming out and saying that they were going to do that and send those sort of internal memos to their coaches and staff before in NCAA history. What’s really going to be fascinating though is 23:47 23 minutes, 47 seconds the the Big 12 to actually take some kind of action against Texas Tech. I mean, that’s, you know, a school a one-off here or there isn’t going to 23:56 23 minutes, 56 seconds really make much of a difference. What would make a difference is if an entire league um or even outside of the Big 12, like an entire league decided not to 24:04 24 minutes, 4 seconds schedule Texas Tech or if the Big 12 actually took some kind of action against Texas Tech, assuming that they intend to play Brennan Sorsby. 24:12 24 minutes, 12 seconds So, Wilson, this is tight. the just to update people who may not know all the details, Sorsby was a transfer 24:20 24 minutes, 20 seconds quarterback from Cincinnati. Uh he was actually LSU’s first uh first choice in the portal. Uh they offered him a three 24:28 24 minutes, 28 seconds point reported $3.5 million uh to come to LSU dual threat uh but 24:36 24 minutes, 36 seconds ended up losing him to Texas Tech uh for a reported $5 million. And now he’s got 24:44 24 minutes, 44 seconds what $90,000 worth of gambling uh expenses and bet on his own team when he 24:50 24 minutes, 50 seconds was at Indiana. Um and should have been evicted from the NCAA for life. You mean Cincinnati? 24:59 24 minutes, 59 seconds No, Indiana. 25:01 25 minutes, 1 second He He was in Indiana before Cincinnati. That’s right. I’m sorry. 25:04 25 minutes, 4 seconds Right. So the gambling debts that I saw were from Indiana. 25:08 25 minutes, 8 seconds Right. Wow. That’s amazing. So, but um he could have also had some from Cincinnati. But I guess the point is 25:15 25 minutes, 15 seconds Wilson, my question is did uh LSU Lane Keven dodge a bullet there? 25:21 25 minutes, 21 seconds Uh it seems that they did. You know, I was talking to somebody in athletics department last night and they expressed that kind of sentiment that you know, hey, things might have worked out okay 25:29 25 minutes, 29 seconds for LSU here that they were not wrapped up in the middle of this. I I don’t know that Brennan Sorsby was obviously he was the first quarterback who came in on a 25:37 25 minutes, 37 seconds visit to LSU and so certainly he was near the top of their list but you know they he wasn’t like the um there was other quarterbacks who obviously LSU was 25:46 25 minutes, 46 seconds targeting and they end up with Sam Lev and therely seems like LSU kind of dodged a bullet in a way. There was always a sense in the industry that 25:54 25 minutes, 54 seconds Bernon Sorsby was most likely headed to Texas Tech anyhow. So, I don’t know that LSU was like um really like, you know, 26:03 26 minutes, 3 seconds out in front enabled in terms of being able to get him. Um but there’s some thankfulness among at least some people in the athletic department that they didn’t uh end up signing him and having 26:12 26 minutes, 12 seconds to deal with this situation because as you’re saying, he placed admitted that he placed 40 bets on Indiana football while he was a true freshman there in 26:20 26 minutes, 20 seconds 2022\. and he has continued to bet while not on his own team, he’s continued to bet um all the way up and through his 26:28 26 minutes, 28 seconds Cincinnati career and even uh at the first few months that he was at Texas Tech. And um some of that is not necessarily against NCAA rules, but a 26:36 26 minutes, 36 seconds lot of it is and even some of it is against um laws like I mean there are laws in place that say uh that you you 26:43 26 minutes, 43 seconds know can’t bet in Texas and he was doing that and so you know he’s uh facing a lot of issues here but apparently is still going to be able to play college football somehow after all of that. 26:54 26 minutes, 54 seconds Well, it just really points to the the fact that the NCAA is powerless now with all all these states. you just find the right judge, you can get whatever you want done. 27:04 27 minutes, 4 seconds It does feel that way. I mean, we, you know, Trinidad Shamblas uh case just a couple months ago, finding a friendly judge and be able to play again seems to 27:12 27 minutes, 12 seconds be the recipe for success. And but that was a little bit of a different scenario. I mean, you know, there was some gray area in terms of, you know, getting a medical red shirt and that 27:20 27 minutes, 20 seconds kind of thing. This one is the rule that a lot of people in college sports and I mean across just American sports in general, this is sort of the one rule 27:28 27 minutes, 28 seconds that seemed like it would be pretty universally agreed upon and also the one rule that could be very easily enforced. 27:34 27 minutes, 34 seconds And now you wonder what can be enforced if you can’t enforce this. So, the NCAA is going to now attempt to file an 27:42 27 minutes, 42 seconds appeal on this, obviously, and I um I know you you don’t you’re not a legal person, and there’s going to be a lot of 27:49 27 minutes, 49 seconds things that are going to go on, but if if you had to say right now, do you think Sorsby plays this year or not? 27:58 27 minutes, 58 seconds Uh based on what we have available to us at this current moment, yes, it would appear that he is going to play. Um we’ll see if that changes. Uh, it’s hard 28:06 28 minutes, 6 seconds to I mean, you know, if the season were tomorrow, he would be playing, but we’ll see if that changes. 28:11 28 minutes, 11 seconds So, I guess the question is there is there any path? I mean, can can the NCAA somehow get this expedited? Because the things that I’ve been seeing were that, 28:18 28 minutes, 18 seconds yeah, we might can get the appeal, but it might not be till November when it doesn’t matter anymore. Do they have any ability to somehow get this thing fasttracked? 28:28 28 minutes, 28 seconds So the appeal that they filed is called an they requested an accelerated appeal for that very reason because the court 28:35 28 minutes, 35 seconds date that the trial date uh in this case was set for February 8th of 2027 which is two weeks after the national 28:42 28 minutes, 42 seconds championship game and at that point is uh irrelevant. So they have to try to accelerate this to get it done before 28:49 28 minutes, 49 seconds the season. I the NCAA that’s their only path here. I mean, um, that that’s where, you know, the Big 12 and Texas 28:56 28 minutes, 56 seconds Tech and, uh, really comes into play is if that appeal process doesn’t, uh, happen on a timeline that actually lines 29:04 29 minutes, 4 seconds up with the season, then the only way that he does not play is if the Big 12 or Texas Tech specifically, which is unlikely that Texas Tech would, um, because they’ve supported him throughout 29:12 29 minutes, 12 seconds this, but if the Big 12 takes some kind of action against the Red Raiders. 29:16 29 minutes, 16 seconds All right, so you got a uh, new uh, new avocation at on three. talk about some of the other things that have been on your radar since since you’ve gone there. 29:24 29 minutes, 24 seconds Well, um let’s see. Some of the things that have been on my radar, um got to talk with Lincoln Riley at USC uh back 29:31 29 minutes, 31 seconds in April and you know, he is spewing a a lot of confidence in what USC can accomplish this year, saying that their 29:39 29 minutes, 39 seconds championship window has opened, that it somehow was not open before, but that it is now. and that uh with Jada Mava back 29:46 29 minutes, 46 seconds at quarterback and uh some upgrades on the either side of the line of scrimmage in particular, you know, that’s always where Lincoln Riley teams have been a 29:54 29 minutes, 54 seconds little bit lacking, especially on the defensive line, but um they seem to have built a solid defensive front over there and now it’s going to be really interesting with Gary Patterson running 30:03 30 minutes, 3 seconds things on the defense, coming back out of retirement. Uh are they able to have the kind of unit that can complement what they usually do on offense? Um can 30:10 30 minutes, 10 seconds they really be a contender in the Big 10? because if not this was year five for R Lincoln Riley and there is uh kind of a ticking clock there for him. 30:23 30 minutes, 23 seconds They do not win. So that was the another one that’s on the radar and um haven’t you chat about anything else though? 30:28 30 minutes, 28 seconds No that’s So you always had a great relationship with Brian Kelly. Have you talked to him lately? 30:36 30 minutes, 36 seconds No, I haven’t heard from Brian um anytime soon. I uh you know his uh he 30:42 30 minutes, 42 seconds hurt his labum remember in the when getting like hit on the sideline against Florida. So hope his labroom’s doing better. He seems like he’s a decent fit for TV. 30:52 30 minutes, 52 seconds Yeah. And I heard today that he’s taking uh some type of volunteer job at Memphis. Uh I don’t I don’t know if that’s true or not. That was just 31:00 31 minutes Twitter gossip, but um that’s what I heard. 31:03 31 minutes, 3 seconds Yeah. Yeah. Twitter gossip is Twitter gossip though. There’s uh hopefully if he takes it, he’ll get paid a little bit for it. Just to kind of use the word here. 31:10 31 minutes, 10 seconds Yeah. Every little dollar counts, right? Yeah. 31:12 31 minutes, 12 seconds Well, whatever he makes from CBS would also be offsetting a little bit, I think, of what LSU does because it was like the his contract stated that like 31:21 31 minutes, 21 seconds it was a job in coaching, administration, or even like media, I think, would offset it in some respect. 31:27 31 minutes, 27 seconds But I don’t know what he’s getting paid by CVS or if it’s really significant enough to put a dent in what else he’s has to owe him. Real quick, Wilson, will 31:34 31 minutes, 34 seconds you be where will you be on September 19th? 31:38 31 minutes, 38 seconds Oh man, I hope I’m in Oxford because we haven’t figured that out yet over at on three because I mean I think everybody and their brother wants to be at that game and I’m sure everyone on our staff 31:47 31 minutes, 47 seconds wants to be at that game. I hope that I am sitting in B Hemingway Stadium and watching that spectacle. 31:53 31 minutes, 53 seconds Well, spectacle it will be. Wilson, appreciate you joining us and and good luck in your new endeavor. 32:00 32 minutes Thanks for having me, y’all. Have a great rest of your night. All right, we’ll take a break here. When we come back, uh going to try to hook up with Ronnie Rants, maybe talk a little bit of 32:07 32 minutes, 7 seconds uh Louisiana Hall of Fame coming up. Uh that’s during the summer and there’s some pretty big inductees. So, we’ll try to get Ronnie. We’ll come back more of 32:15 32 minutes, 15 seconds Tiger A radio from the Super Chevy dealer studio after this. The East Bat Rouge Parish Libraryies dedicated millillage continuation is on the June 32:24 32 minutes, 24 seconds 27th ballot. This is not a new tax. It’s a continuation of the library’s existing dedicated funding source at a lower 32:30 32 minutes, 30 seconds rate, 9.5 mills, which is 14.4% less than the rate approved by voters in 32:36 32 minutes, 36 seconds 1995, 2005, and 2015. Without it, future library services could be reduced, including hours, collections, and programs. Early voting begins June 12th. 32:46 32 minutes, 46 seconds Learn more at ebrpl.com/millage. 32:52 32 minutes, 52 seconds How you doing? This is Tiger Rag. Tiger Rag Radio. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, you are tuned in. 32:58 32 minutes, 58 seconds Talk LSU sports interviews, opinions, and new calls around the Tiger Nation. 33:03 33 minutes, 3 seconds Batt Road was a life for me, home of LSU Tigers. Now, more Tiger Rag Radio. 33:07 33 minutes, 7 seconds We love to score and get highlights in the championship and play to win. 33:10 33 minutes, 10 seconds Tiger Rag Radio and we are back. Tiger Rag Radio. 33:15 33 minutes, 15 seconds Patrick Bright sitting in for Jeff Polalmo here on this uh Tuesday coming to you from the Super Chevy dealer studio along with Glenn Gilbo and Todd 33:24 33 minutes, 24 seconds Horn. trying to get trying to get a hold of Ronnie Rants. Uh he’s Ronnie’s either at a rugaroo or a gumbo Gator Texas 33:32 33 minutes, 32 seconds Collegiate League game right now because he owns he’s kind of the Jerry Jones of the Texas Collegiate League own he’s the big owner and he uh of course Jerry 33:41 33 minutes, 41 seconds Jones doesn’t own two NFL teams but uh well I just texted him hope hopefully we can get him. He is uh he is very busy 33:48 33 minutes, 48 seconds with with the Rugaroo and getting ready for the uh Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame which is coming up in just um two weeks. 33:56 33 minutes, 56 seconds June 27th is this is the ceremony. Of course, uh John Brady uh is going to be honored. Sylvia Files, uh actually 34:05 34 minutes, 5 seconds Warren Morris is is going to be the getting the sports ambassador award. 34:11 34 minutes, 11 seconds Eddie Furnus went into that Hall of Fame back in 2012, college hall of fame in 2010. Uh Joe Horn is going to be there, 34:19 34 minutes, 19 seconds former Saints wide receiver Trey Mccclure, great uh Saints center and um and Atlanta Falcons center. So uh should be uh should be a great weekend. 34:28 34 minutes, 28 seconds Todd Mccclure. Trey Mccclure was the baseball player. 34:30 34 minutes, 30 seconds Sorry. Todd Mccclure. Yes. Trey Mccclure played baseball a little bit after Todd. Yeah. 34:36 34 minutes, 36 seconds And I remember Trey Mccclure was part of a triple play in a regional. Wow. 34:40 34 minutes, 40 seconds That uh that wasn’t the runner at first was safe by about a step and a half. But uh but you when you said Trey and you 34:48 34 minutes, 48 seconds said started talking F, wait a minute, he he played baseball at LSU. So but there were so many of the Mccclure boys that they can be a little hard to uh to 34:55 34 minutes, 55 seconds keep up with. Um hey, you’re talking about Warren, so he’s going to be be a part of of the Hall of Fame. I he’s I assume he is in that Hall of Fame. 35:03 35 minutes, 3 seconds No, he’s not. He’s not in the uh Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. He is not. He’s he’s being honored honored as a sports ambassador because he’s kind of 35:12 35 minutes, 12 seconds he’s been kind of a spokesman for college baseball for years. In addition to the home run, he’s done a lot of uh benefits and speaking engagements u for 35:21 35 minutes, 21 seconds that. Um but uh you know he was hurt that whole one season uh in in his in his junior season, so he probably 35:30 35 minutes, 30 seconds doesn’t have the overall stats uh to to get in into the Hall of Fame. Now Todd Walker, who is going to be our guest at the top of hour number two, I assume he is in that. 35:39 35 minutes, 39 seconds Yes, he is. He went in not that long ago. I remember I was there for that. 35:43 35 minutes, 43 seconds And it’s interesting. Todd was u a u sophomore. Let’s see. Yeah, he was a freshman in in uh let’s see, Todd was a 35:53 35 minutes, 53 seconds freshman in ’92. He was on the 93 national championship team, the MVP, and he was again on the the uh the 94 team 36:01 36 minutes, 1 second that that went to uh Omaha as well. Uh I’m trying to think now. Was his last year 9? No, I think his last year was 94 36:10 36 minutes, 10 seconds cuz he only went he only played three, I think. 36:12 36 minutes, 12 seconds His last year he was not on that 95 team. He his last year was 94. And Warren was a red shirt freshman in in 94 36:21 36 minutes, 21 seconds uh for the Tigers. So he kind of learned under Todd. You know, one thing, um, we we all kind of associate Todd with being from the Boer City area. Do you know where he was born? 36:31 36 minutes, 31 seconds I do not. 36:32 36 minutes, 32 seconds And I I just learned this because I was looking up somewhere. He was born in Bakersfield, California. Is that right? Wow. 36:37 36 minutes, 37 seconds I had no idea. I just because we we assume again he played high school ball up there. And you when you think Todd Walker, you think, “Hey, Boer City, Airline High.” He went to Airline High. 36:45 36 minutes, 45 seconds No, he was born in Bakersville, California. I was looking up some baseball reference stuff and that had his birthplace. I I kind of did a double take on that. So, don’t know how he got 36:54 36 minutes, 54 seconds from there to Shreveport. We’re glad he did. So, it’s amazing how many people from uh LSU athletics overall, particularly baseball, have gone into broadcasting. 37:03 37 minutes, 3 seconds You know, Todd Walker does a great job. 37:05 37 minutes, 5 seconds SEC Network, ESPN, Ronnie Rants formed the Jumbo Sports Network that did the uh the baseball games and the postseason games for years before the SEC Network. 37:15 37 minutes, 15 seconds Of course, Ben McDonald is on the SEC Network. He’s ESPN, Omaha, and he’s the Baltimore Orioles uh analyst. So, you got those guys all over the place. 37:25 37 minutes, 25 seconds All right, we’ll take a break here. 37:27 37 minutes, 27 seconds We’ll come back. We got one more segment before the top hour. See if we can get Ronnie on the horn. If not, we’ll wrap up hour number one. Hour number two, we got Todd Walker and Bunny Cannon, the 37:35 37 minutes, 35 seconds daughter of Billy Cannon, to talk about upcoming documentary about about Billy. 37:39 37 minutes, 39 seconds So stay with us. More to come on Tiger Radio. Let’s go. Back to Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 37:51 37 minutes, 51 seconds Approaching the end of hour number one, we’re going to talk with Todd Walker at the top of hour number two. Of course, former Tiger great, but also as we 38:00 38 minutes mentioned, a superb commentator. He was at the Miss uh Miss Auburn regional, super regional over the weekend. We’ll 38:07 38 minutes, 7 seconds get his thoughts on that and then we’ll look ahead to Omaha. One thing I want to let’s double back at what Eddie Furnus mentioned um when he said he talked about Old Miss. He said he was kind of 38:16 38 minutes, 16 seconds glad that the Rebels were on the other side because you got all those four SEC teams on one side of the bracket. Let’s talk about that a little bit. I thought that was kind of a an interesting thing 38:24 38 minutes, 24 seconds that um and I can’t say I don’t disagree because you know what the SEC is like. You got four on one side of the bracket. 38:32 38 minutes, 32 seconds You’re over on this side with West Virginia, Troy, and North Carolina. I think the Old Miss North Carolina game, that first game is going to be the 38:39 38 minutes, 39 seconds pivotal one in that uh on that side of the bracket. But thought that was interesting when he said that kind of kind of happy we’re not in the middle of that SEC blood bath on the other side of the bracket. 38:49 38 minutes, 49 seconds I mean, North Carolina’s a good team, but but I I think you get a lot of mental fatigue from playing those SEC 38:56 38 minutes, 56 seconds teams again. It almost feels like a a break in a way to play a different team, even even though that team is really good and they don’t know you as well. I 39:04 39 minutes, 4 seconds think it’s more fun when you play a new team. I mean, cuz look, Old Miss played them all regular season, then they go to the SEC tournament, and then bam, they 39:12 39 minutes, 12 seconds got Auburn in the and they got to go to Auburn in the uh in the super regional. 39:17 39 minutes, 17 seconds So, yeah, I I think I think they’re happy about that. And uh yeah, that’ll be cool to to hear what Todd thinks about u Will Furnus. Real quick, Todd 39:26 39 minutes, 26 seconds Todd actually was a freshman in ’92. He played 92 through 94 at LSU. uh 93 94 39:33 39 minutes, 33 seconds back-to-back World Series. They went 0 and2 in ’94. That was the only time Skip um ever did that, but Warren Morris was 39:40 39 minutes, 40 seconds uh was red shirting in uh in 94. Um but uh or a freshman in ’94, sorry. Um and 39:49 39 minutes, 49 seconds uh Todd has has really been a great announcer really from from the get-go. 39:54 39 minutes, 54 seconds you know, he coached briefly in in Shriport and got out of that because of the politics of of high school coaching, 40:02 40 minutes, 2 seconds which happens, but he’s really blossomed as an announcer. 40:05 40 minutes, 5 seconds Yeah. And uh Yeah. And some of these guys, you know, like Ben especially, and they’re both so good at it. I don’t I don’t think that was ever on their radar 40:14 40 minutes, 14 seconds when they were players, especially because Ben had a pretty pretty long and and Todd, too. Todd bounced around a little bit, but they both had, you know, a decade worth of pro ball. So, I don’t 40:23 40 minutes, 23 seconds know if that necessarily was something they had thought about going in. I’ve never really asked um either of them. Maybe. 40:28 40 minutes, 28 seconds No, I don’t think so. I I think they just kind of got into it. And now they were both particularly Todd was really good at interviews and and you know, Ben 40:37 40 minutes, 37 seconds was kind of uh uh you know, he was even as a freshman, he was talked to quite a bit. Not so much uh you know, his his 40:45 40 minutes, 45 seconds his freshman year, but sophomore and junior year, he really got big and he was interviewed a lot. So, I think that was that was part of it that that helped 40:53 40 minutes, 53 seconds each of them that they were interviewed so much. 40:55 40 minutes, 55 seconds Yeah. And Ben is especially and and Todd is too, but Ben is so cerebral about the game. Uh, and he he communicates it in a 41:03 41 minutes, 3 seconds way um on on our level, you know, you I feel like uh when when you watch him, you you’re going to learn a little something. 41:10 41 minutes, 10 seconds Oh, no question. and and and you know, a lot of the guys who do the major league games like Ben and then some of the national ESPN major league guys, you can 41:20 41 minutes, 20 seconds tell they really don’t like coming back to Omaha cuz they got to kind of switch everything. But Ben really loves doing the college game and and it doesn’t have 41:28 41 minutes, 28 seconds to be LSU. He you can tell he really enjoys doing all the LSU games. And my my favorite Ben story is one time he 41:36 41 minutes, 36 seconds went back with the SEC Network. The first time he ever went back to College Station where they beat the number one Aggies, he had to do their games and 41:43 41 minutes, 43 seconds they had guys in the stands that still remembered him winning that game like it was like 15 16 years before or 20 years before. 41:50 41 minutes, 50 seconds They were they remember Ben. I wonder if they remember Pat Garity. 41:54 41 minutes, 54 seconds Probably. So probably so at least the left-handed dude who came off the bench and hit the one off the fence to to give us that win. So Mike Biano was on that team too. 42:02 42 minutes, 2 seconds Yeah. some of the the reading up on on that was some of Skip Bman’s best work. No question. 42:09 42 minutes, 9 seconds You know, the the the thing when he told them said, “Okay, guys, after we win the first game, you’re going to look them right in the eye when we switch 42:16 42 minutes, 16 seconds dugouts.” And something that small, you’re like, “Yeah, that that that was a big deal. That was a big deal.” Yeah. And I think back then, couple of 42:25 42 minutes, 25 seconds times those regionals really kind of fatigued LSU. I think that was a lot to overcome and then try to win in Omaha, 42:31 42 minutes, 31 seconds too. It was and that I mean that those uh the days of the six team regional that was some long days of hot baseball 42:40 42 minutes, 40 seconds at Alec Box day and then you throw in your afternoon showers and you finish on Monday or Tuesday. You were a part a lot of those and we spent a lot of time at 42:48 42 minutes, 48 seconds that ballpark. Uh and a lot of pitchers a lot of pitchers had to be used in a short period of time and teams who were the fifth and six seeds tended to run out of pitchers 42:57 42 minutes, 57 seconds pretty quickly. We’re near the top uh we’re near the end of hour number one, top of hour number two. We’ll take a break for the news and for an ID. We’ll 43:04 43 minutes, 4 seconds come back. Todd Walker joins us to talk about supers and Omaha. Stay with us. 43:09 43 minutes, 9 seconds Hour number one down here on Tiger Rag Radio. Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. Tiger Rag Radio is on the air. 43:17 43 minutes, 17 seconds Let’s crank this thing up. 43:18 43 minutes, 18 seconds We’re statewide breaking down the latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is up. Hear from the coaches. 43:24 43 minutes, 24 seconds Our time is now with LSU basketball. the players. We’re having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 43:29 43 minutes, 29 seconds One way or another, we’re going to make history. 43:31 43 minutes, 31 seconds And those who cover the Fighting Tigers of LSU and the SEC. LSU is the best job in college. It’s 2 hours of non-stop LSU talk. 43:40 43 minutes, 40 seconds I came here to win. We’re going to win immediately. 43:42 43 minutes, 42 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is brought to you by Cumins. Cumins creates power solutions that the world depends on. Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro’s 43:51 43 minutes, 51 seconds Electrical Services, Sunshine Quality Solutions, Super Chevy Dealers, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 44:01 44 minutes, 1 second Get ready to talk Tigers with producer Case Kishnik and our hosts Todd Horn, Jeff Polalmo, and Glenn Gilbo. 44:10 44 minutes, 10 seconds Players are better people than they are players. This is Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 44:19 44 minutes, 19 seconds Hour number two of Tiger Rag Radio. 44:22 44 minutes, 22 seconds Patrick Wright sitting in for Jeff Polalmo. Glenn Gilbo and Todd Horn are indeed here. And well, we had it is our 44:29 44 minutes, 29 seconds privilege tonight. We’ve got we will get to talk to the two best left-handed swings that LSU baseball has ever seen. 44:35 44 minutes, 35 seconds We had Eddie Furnus in hour number one and another one. Todd Walker is going to join us here in hour number two. Todd, welcome in. 44:44 44 minutes, 44 seconds Hey guys, what’s happening? 44:46 44 minutes, 46 seconds Well, let so the theme of our show tonight has been we’ve been talking to our guest. It is the 30-year anniversary of the Warren Morris walk-off home run. 44:54 44 minutes, 54 seconds Another lefty. 44:54 44 minutes, 54 seconds Another lefty. Yeah. Uh, now we we kind We knew where Eddie was. We knew where Eddie Furnus was. We’ve got You were playing for Salt Lake. Where were you when Warren hit the home run? 45:05 45 minutes, 5 seconds Yeah, I was in the clubhouse. was with Salt Lake Buzz in Triple A and uh it was so out that way it was I don’t know what 45:13 45 minutes, 13 seconds time that uh Warren hit it but it if I remember correctly it was before our game out there so we were probably a few 45:19 45 minutes, 19 seconds hours behind Omaha time so we were on West Coast time uh and uh so probably 45:26 45 minutes, 26 seconds 5:00ish maybe I don’t know six o’clock I was in the clubhouse right before the game or during the game maybe I don’t I don’t remember exactly so 45:34 45 minutes, 34 seconds Ty what what were your thoughts when it happened. 45:38 45 minutes, 38 seconds Well, it was unbelievable. I mean, we all know the story. I mean, for him to to come up in that situation, what’s the stat? It’s the only walk-off by a guy 45:46 45 minutes, 46 seconds that didn’t hit a home run uh for a championship ever, right? 45:50 45 minutes, 50 seconds Um, you know, hadn’t hit a home run all year and he’s bunting the whole way through. And then, you know, to come up with that shot, I mean, just just I 45:58 45 minutes, 58 seconds mean, it’s it’s story book. We all know that. 46:01 46 minutes, 1 second Warren, he was a I’m sorry, Todd. Warren was a red shirt freshman in 93 when you 46:08 46 minutes, 8 seconds were the MVP of the World Series and and won the National Championship. Um what what do you remember about Warren that that first season as as he started to get into LSU? 46:17 46 minutes, 17 seconds Well, we called him Mercury Morris because he could run, you know, and just u you know, little guy that could hit it around the ballpark. He wasn’t going to surprise you with 20 home runs. He just 46:26 46 minutes, 26 seconds he could hit, play some defense, you know, had a decent arm and uh just the nicest kid you’ll ever meet, you know. 46:31 46 minutes, 31 seconds So, uh, you know, kind of quiet his freshman year, but, uh, um, couldn’t happen to a better guy. 46:38 46 minutes, 38 seconds You know, Will, while I was kind of researching where I thought yours, I didn’t think you’d been called up to the Twins yet, so you were in Salt Lake. You put up some numbers there. What was it 46:46 46 minutes, 46 seconds like hitting in Salt Lake? I bet that was fun. 46:49 46 minutes, 49 seconds Yeah, I ball carried. Uh which ended up what’s funny is like when I thought I had a pretty good year uh the the the big league teams you know blamed it or 46:58 46 minutes, 58 seconds you know uh said that it was because I was in light air you know and the and it played out that way. I think I hit 28 home runs that year and the most I ever 47:06 47 minutes, 6 seconds hit in the big leagues was 17. So it did carry out west and uh you know that was part of it but what I thought was a great year ended up uh you know hurting 47:14 47 minutes, 14 seconds me. So, uh, you know, I probably would have been better off hitting in a tough ballpark like, you know, New Orleans was always tough at sea level and that type of stuff. So, 47:22 47 minutes, 22 seconds all right. Well, let’s talk let’s talk super regional and uh and World Series coming up. You were at Auburn over the weekend and boy, Miss, they don’t score 47:31 47 minutes, 31 seconds a lot of runs, but they get the right hit at the right time and their pitching has uh has really come around. Uh, thoughts of what you saw Miss and Auburn 47:40 47 minutes, 40 seconds over the weekend? Yeah, I thought Auburn would be able to Well, I certainly thought they’d win a game, but I thought Auburn might take that one. Miss is just 47:48 47 minutes, 48 seconds playing well at the right time. You know, it’s kind of ironic. Uh it’s starting to mirror 2022. Now, they were the last four in in 22, and this year 47:57 47 minutes, 57 seconds they thought they might host, but they were the ninth best team in the SEC in 22. They’re the ninth best team this 48:05 48 minutes, 5 seconds year. They lost the first game they played in the tournament la that year, first game in the tournament this year to Missouri. They swept through the reads on the super and that’s what 48:13 48 minutes, 13 seconds they’ve done again this year. They got a Tim Elco lookalike and Judar this year. 48:17 48 minutes, 17 seconds Both 65 250 big bashers. So there’s a lot of similar similarities with Mike Bienko’s club this year when they won the national championship in 2022. 48:29 48 minutes, 29 seconds Yeah, there I mean they’re doing a lot of you know it’s what Skip has always told us. Good pitching, good defense, timely hitting. They don’t have to get all the hits, you just got to get the 48:37 48 minutes, 37 seconds right hits and that’s really what they’re doing right now. 48:41 48 minutes, 41 seconds Yeah, they’ve got a lot of power. They can swing and miss. I think they’re number one offensively in strikeouts in the SEC. 670 48:48 48 minutes, 48 seconds something like that. But they also on the mound lead the nation in strikeouts per nine, like 13 something or 11, 48:55 48 minutes, 55 seconds whatever it is. So they any game Old Miss is going to play in, there’s going to be a lot of strikeouts both ways. But they’ve got three guys on that roster 49:03 49 minutes, 3 seconds that that you know account for 50% of their run percentage and the rest of guys are just role players and get involved. So, um, but overall, I mean, 49:11 49 minutes, 11 seconds Miss is playing well at this time of year. You know, they beat Auburn at their in their own backyard. So, um, you know, they’re going to be a team to look 49:19 49 minutes, 19 seconds out for. We got a tough match up with North Carolina on, uh, Friday, though. 49:24 49 minutes, 24 seconds Talking to Todd Walker here on Tiger Rag Radio. Todd, you Mike Biano was an assistant coach at at LSU when you were 49:31 49 minutes, 31 seconds there. What what is it about Mike you think that’s been he’s been able to keep these teams into it and finish so strong so late both in 2022 and now? 49:43 49 minutes, 43 seconds Yeah. I mean, you know, the the crazy thing is how hard it is to get to Omaha and he’s even made the comment, you know, Skip Bman made it look so easy. 49:49 49 minutes, 49 seconds You know, Skip won, you know, five national championships in a 10-year period. Um Mike Binko’s only been to Omaha three times now, including this 49:57 49 minutes, 57 seconds year in his 26 years as a head coach at Old Miss. They can’t they went in 2014. 50:02 50 minutes, 2 seconds Uh they won it in 2022 and now they’re back again this year. So, uh I don’t know that any uh manager would tell you or coach would tell you that they did 50:10 50 minutes, 10 seconds anything magical here at the end of the year. Teams just some get hot, you know, and some some don’t. And that’s just the kind of the way it works. And you know, 50:18 50 minutes, 18 seconds you’re seeing that with this Troy team, too. I mean, the offense for Troy has been ridiculously good. When during the course of the year, they averaged a 50:25 50 minutes, 25 seconds little less than seven runs a game. and now they’re averaging over 10 runs a game or or right up under 10 runs a game. Uh and that’s not against mid- 50:33 50 minutes, 33 seconds major competition either. That’s Florida twice in the regional. That’s Miami. Um so you know these teams that get hot at the right time. That’s that’s why you see him in Omaha. 50:42 50 minutes, 42 seconds Todd, speaking of being hot, Georgia’s been one of the best teams in baseball all year, all season. and and they 50:49 50 minutes, 49 seconds certainly did a wonderful job during the regional and super regional in Athens, but it’s a different ballgame now that they’re moving to Charles Schwab. 50:58 50 minutes, 58 seconds Do you think they can fight their way out of bracket two with all those SEC teams and get to the championship game? 51:05 51 minutes, 5 seconds Yeah, and see this is the toughest part about our job now is we’re asked to predict this stuff. There’s just no predicting it, you know. But Georgia obviously looks like a powerhouse. 51:13 51 minutes, 13 seconds There’s only been what, three teams, I think, that have swept through the regular season, won it all. Uh, won the tournament and won the national 51:21 51 minutes, 21 seconds championship. That was 24 Tennessee. LSU did it, I think, in ’09. Uh, and, uh, and LSU did it earlier, I think, 51:30 51 minutes, 30 seconds somebody. But, uh, but it’s very hard to do. Georgia has now won the regular season and the tournament. Now, all that’s left is to win the national 51:37 51 minutes, 37 seconds championship. They led the nation in home runs last year and didn’t get out of the regional. So, it’s going to have to be more than offense. They are going 51:44 51 minutes, 44 seconds to break LSU’s record of 188 home runs uh set in 1997. They’ve got 174 right now. Wow. 51:51 51 minutes, 51 seconds Uh uh and so well, I say they are. I mean, they’ve got a win in Omaha up, you know, but uh but that’s a that’s a 30 51:59 51 minutes, 59 seconds some odd record, you know, year old record. So, uh pretty impressive what that offense has done. Daniel Jackson probably gonna win the SEC triple crown. 52:06 52 minutes, 6 seconds That’s only been done two other times in the history of this of baseball. So, in the conference, so, uh, Trey Phelps, it’s just ridiculous. But the difference 52:15 52 minutes, 15 seconds with Georgia this year is their pitching has been so good, you know, with the starters. Um, but they rely pretty heavily on a couple guys out of their bullpen. Matt Scott, the transfer from 52:24 52 minutes, 24 seconds Stanford, and Justin Bird. Both went back-to-back relief appearances in the super against Mississippi State. So, you know, they this time of year, every team 52:32 52 minutes, 32 seconds relies on about maybe five or six pitchers. So, that’s about all that Georgia has, but they’re pretty good. Do do you think that they’re going to be 52:40 52 minutes, 40 seconds able to to continue the home run hitting in Charles Schwab? 52:44 52 minutes, 44 seconds Yeah, it it flies. I mean, we saw you remember when LSU played the uh the national championship was that uh 23 against uh who did they play that year? 52:53 52 minutes, 53 seconds I mean, remember they scored Florida? 52:55 52 minutes, 55 seconds Yeah. Remember? So, one game was 25-2 and then the next game was 19-3 or whatever. So, it flies especially during the day. It’s not like it used to be 10 53:03 53 minutes, 3 seconds years ago. Um so, the answer is yes. I think if you give Georgia four four games there, I mean, they should be able 53:11 53 minutes, 11 seconds they got to get uh 14 home runs uh with that with that group. I mean, it’s just one through nine. I mean, it just 53:18 53 minutes, 18 seconds they’re just powerful. So, yeah, I don’t I think I think that uh they’ll be able to do it. Did Did West Virginia have a pretty much of 53:25 53 minutes, 25 seconds a cakewalk against Cal Pali? Are they legitimate? 53:30 53 minutes, 30 seconds No, they’re So, Texas and West Virginia are the two most balanced teams in this tournament. I think West Virginia does everything well and so does Texas. 53:37 53 minutes, 37 seconds There’s only three teams in this College World Series out of the eight that run. 53:41 53 minutes, 41 seconds West Virginia’s one of them. Oklahoma’s one and Texas. So, they all have all got over a 100 stolen bases sealing about 53:48 53 minutes, 48 seconds 85%. Um, and so that’s a threat that the other five teams don’t have. The other interesting stat is in this century 53:56 53 minutes, 56 seconds there hasn’t been a staff erra higher than four and a half that has won the national championship except for Fresno State in 2008. uh they were like a 4.6. 54:05 54 minutes, 5 seconds It’s pretty pretty pretty a random stat because you don’t use all your pitchers. 54:09 54 minutes, 9 seconds But if you go look at staff eras that eliminates Oklahoma and uh Troy right away, right? Because their their RAS are 54:17 54 minutes, 17 seconds in the fives. Uh but then you start looking at even like uh Texas I think has a 3 or sorry, Georgia has a 3.9. Um 54:25 54 minutes, 25 seconds that’s high. If Georgia wins the national championship, it would be the highest ERA this century to do it. Um but with that offense, maybe that’s 54:32 54 minutes, 32 seconds possible. But no, I think West Virginia, they steal a lot of bases. They they hit well. They’re not overly powerful. Uh uh 54:39 54 minutes, 39 seconds I think they’ve only hit like 55, 60 home runs, something like that. But they can get by a thousand cuts, you know. 54:44 54 minutes, 44 seconds They can knock you a bunch of singles still. And and pitching staff’s good. 54:49 54 minutes, 49 seconds That Yale kid is like out of two. They got another kid that uh is utter three sub three RA on the starting rotation. 54:56 54 minutes, 56 seconds So I think Texas and West Virginia are the most balanced. You know, we talking about Oklahoma. 55:02 55 minutes, 2 seconds the 11th best team in the SEC knocks off about the best the ACC had to offer. I mean that uh the the anti-se folks don’t 55:11 55 minutes, 11 seconds like that a lot. I mean that that’s pretty solid what they were able to do. 55:15 55 minutes, 15 seconds Yeah, pretty incredible. They but you know they had some dramatics, right? Uh uh Taki hit that that walk-off home run that that that sunk Georgia Tech and you 55:23 55 minutes, 23 seconds know uh Oklahoma’s another another running team, you know, kind of knocking around. They’re not overly uh talented 55:30 55 minutes, 30 seconds offensively. Uh but the uh the Dayton Taki kid has had a big regionals and supras and so has uh uh Dayton uh Le 55:39 55 minutes, 39 seconds Chance. Uh those two guys have been powerful. There’s a few guys in that lineup. You got to dance around. But I think if you do that, you’ll be fine. 55:46 55 minutes, 46 seconds Again, Oklahoma doesn’t pitch it great. 55:48 55 minutes, 48 seconds They have Cam Cameron Johnson, you know, that was at LSU. Um but he got in the super and went walk, hit by pitch, home 55:56 55 minutes, 56 seconds run. uh wild pitch and he got taken out after three hitters. So really all they’ve got is uh they’ve got uh the 56:03 56 minutes, 3 seconds Rager kid is really good and they made Xander Mccurious a starter when his brother LJ Mccurious had been starting all year and they flipped roles. Now 56:11 56 minutes, 11 seconds they’re using LJ out of the bullpen. Um but uh uh I don’t know that they got enough pitching to to get very far, but 56:18 56 minutes, 18 seconds you know they’ve gotten this far so who knows. 56:21 56 minutes, 21 seconds Todd, I’m sorry. Um, so you’re not going to predict the national champion. I get that and I don’t blame you. But who’s going to win the jello shot contest? 56:32 56 minutes, 32 seconds Boy, there there’s nobody more sad than that place, Rockos, right now. You know that LSU is not there. Um, you know, shoot, I don’t know. That’s going to be 56:40 56 minutes, 40 seconds that’s probably going to be a ghost town over that way now. But, uh, I think I saw something where Omaha’s economy takes a huge hit by LSU not being in it 56:49 56 minutes, 49 seconds just for these two weeks, you know. So, uh, so we got not only fans in Baton Rouge, but we got fans in Omaha every year trying to get us there, but, uh, didn’t work out. 56:58 56 minutes, 58 seconds Last thought, Todd, before we let you go, the, uh, you know, we talked about, so you got a one bracket with all SEC teams and then you got one side where you got Old Miss, they get to play some 57:06 57 minutes, 6 seconds different teams. You know, when you played in the World Series, you got to face some other teams. How much did that kind of add to the experience a little bit as opposed to playing these same 57:14 57 minutes, 14 seconds teams out of the SEC like you were battling with all season long? Wasn’t it kind of fun to play the the Long Beaches and the Witchah and teams like that? 57:23 57 minutes, 23 seconds Yeah, 100%. I mean, that’s a great question and you know, but the SEC is so much more dominant now than it was when I played. So, that’s the reason. And not 57:30 57 minutes, 30 seconds only that, you know, we had seven teams in the supers. You know, we could have had but you know, they don’t want nine eight, you know, they want all eight slots to be taken by SEC schools. So, 57:39 57 minutes, 39 seconds they pitted Mississippi State against Georgia and they pit miss against Auburn in the supers, you know. So, we got five in. But you’re exactly right. I mean, 57:48 57 minutes, 48 seconds and even if you’re trying to balance it out that way, you would have put two in one side and three in the other, but instead they got all four on one. So, 57:55 57 minutes, 55 seconds we’re guaranteed a SEC team in the final for what is that 10 years in a row, something like that. Um, so it’s just been a dominant conference and we all 58:03 58 minutes, 3 seconds know that. But ultimately, I don’t care who I play. If we win the national championship, you know, we can play the same guys. It doesn’t matter to me. So, I think they would tell you the same 58:11 58 minutes, 11 seconds thing. They’re just trying to get out there and get after it. Dear, I thought you’re going to be up in in in Omaha. 58:17 58 minutes, 17 seconds Yeah, I’m leaving tomorrow and then we’ve got a presser show on Thursday. 58:20 58 minutes, 20 seconds All the teams are uh you know, practicing and doing all that. So, uh you know, I’ll be taking taking some notes there. And then Friday, I’m going to be on a I think we’re doing the show 58:29 58 minutes, 29 seconds ESPN’s doing a pregame show now. I think they started that last year. So, we’ll go an hour before the day and I’ll be on that with Mike Rooney and uh and uh 58:38 58 minutes, 38 seconds Alyssa Lang. So, us three will be doing that studio show. So, it ought to be a lot of fun. I used to have just the night show on SEC Network and now we’ve kind of switched to that. 58:46 58 minutes, 46 seconds Yeah. We were just real quick too before we let you go. We were kind of talking amongst ourselves and we were talking about you and Ben who are are really our our stars who are in the broadcast 58:54 58 minutes, 54 seconds field. Did you ever have envisions of getting into this after your playing days are over? 59:00 59 minutes No. No. And that’s what’s crazy is like you never would think that this would be your job after I’ve been doing it 10 years now. Um, and and really more than 59:08 59 minutes, 8 seconds playing where I didn’t I didn’t I don’t know that I learned a ton playing because you let a lot of stuff go in one way ear and out the other, but I coached 59:15 59 minutes, 15 seconds high school baseball for three years and once you have to have to have something said to you and then you’ve got to tell it to somebody else, you learn so much. 59:24 59 minutes, 24 seconds And I learned more in those three years of high school coach than I ever did playing. And uh I think that’s what kind of set me up for like really being able 59:31 59 minutes, 31 seconds to kind of eye what’s going on on the field, you know, because other than that experience, I don’t know that I would have had had the knowledge or 59:38 59 minutes, 38 seconds information. Uh Skip Bartman was great, but you know, I’m 18 years old, man. I wasn’t listening to much. I didn’t listen to my parents, so I wasn’t going to listen to my coaches either. 59:47 59 minutes, 47 seconds So, uh so, uh but that experience helped me the most, I think, just coaching. 59:51 59 minutes, 51 seconds All right, Todd. Safe travels up to Omaha. We look forward to your coverage up there this weekend and thanks for the time tonight. We appreciate it. Okay guys, take care. Thank you. 1:00:00 1 hour All right, another Tiger Great with us, Todd Walker. We’ll take a break on here on Tiger Rag Radio. Come back and uh 1:00:08 1 hour, 8 seconds talk about some of the things we’ve heard tonight and a little bit later, Bunny Cannon will join us, Billy Cannon’s daughter to talk about the new documentary coming out about her dad 1:00:16 1 hour, 16 seconds during Miss Football Week. Funny how they time things like that. We’ll be back after this on Tiger Egg Radio. 1:00:22 1 hour, 22 seconds Chevy trucks have you covered when the road takes you from smooth sailing to Chevy Colorado will eat up some of the toughest terrains with five available 1:00:30 1 hour, 30 seconds drive modes. And Silverado and Silverado HD have the muscle to take you out for some serious with multiple engine options and impressive towing. While 1:00:38 1 hour, 38 seconds Silverado EV is the perfect combo of performance and capability, making it a snap to hitch up this electric truck and hit the road. Wherever the road leads, Chevy trucks are right there with you. 1:00:49 1 hour, 49 seconds See your Super Chevy dealers today. 1:00:53 1 hour, 53 seconds And we’re back with Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 1:01:01 1 hour, 1 minute, 1 second Back on Tiger Rag Radio. We’ll have as we mentioned Bunny Cannon will come up uh after the next break after the bottom of the hour. A little bit of breaking 1:01:09 1 hour, 1 minute, 9 seconds news. Um dealing with head basketball coach Will Wade. NC State is not uh not letting that thing go away, are they? 1:01:17 1 hour, 1 minute, 17 seconds No, they’re not. Um, apparently, uh, NC State has opened an investigation into LSU’s, 1:01:26 1 hour, 1 minute, 26 seconds uh, unfair alleged unfair trade practices, um, saying that even though they agreed 1:01:34 1 hour, 1 minute, 34 seconds to a $4 million buyout for Wade to come to LSU, uh, they did not release, uh, 1:01:42 1 hour, 1 minute, 42 seconds LSU from any obligations and there was no mutual release is what they’re saying now. So 1:01:50 1 hour, 1 minute, 50 seconds it it says um what North Carolina State is saying is that LSU violated the Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices 1:01:58 1 hour, 1 minute, 58 seconds Act, a North Carolina law that allows for damages and the recovery of uh attorneys fees. And it also says NCA 1:02:06 1 hour, 2 minutes, 6 seconds state said it has reason to believe LSU may have worked to help Wade avoid a larger buyout fee. Yeah, you know, 1:02:14 1 hour, 2 minutes, 14 seconds that’s pretty common for when when schools are hiring a coach. So, I I don’t know how much uh they can get from 1:02:21 1 hour, 2 minutes, 21 seconds this. Uh it it it doesn’t sound like a major thing because I mean, they did get in in fact, if you remember, you know, 1:02:30 1 hour, 2 minutes, 30 seconds Wade left North Carolina State after a certain deadline that that allowed for his uh buyout to decrease from 5 million 1:02:37 1 hour, 2 minutes, 37 seconds to 3 million, but LSU still paid him 4 million. No, no, but the the the thing is that is that the timing and circumstances of coach Wade’s departure 1:02:46 1 hour, 2 minutes, 46 seconds from Raleigh, this is a quote, and his resignation along with the LSU term sheet and the eventual buyout payment of 1:02:53 1 hour, 2 minutes, 53 seconds $4 million to NC State raised questions about LSU’s potential liability. So, 1:03:00 1 hour, 3 minutes even NC State is questioning the attorney general, did we agree to this or did we not? And they’re saying we did 1:03:08 1 hour, 3 minutes, 8 seconds not agree to it. even though we took the $4 million. 1:03:12 1 hour, 3 minutes, 12 seconds Okay. And and part of it is also because it it seems kind of fishy and I’ve always thought it seemed kind of fishy 1:03:18 1 hour, 3 minutes, 18 seconds that that LSU people like uh um Lee Mallet and other people like, you know, the head of the board of supervisors. It 1:03:26 1 hour, 3 minutes, 26 seconds seemed like they knew all along that he was not going to be there for more than a season. So, if NC State could prove that, I mean, that might help their case, too. 1:03:34 1 hour, 3 minutes, 34 seconds Well, you better be careful. You may get called as a witness. So, Well, that’s so I we’ll see what what 1:03:42 1 hour, 3 minutes, 42 seconds the endg game what they’re looking to accomplish. Are they just looking for money or I think I think they’re looking for just money is what it looks like on on on 1:03:50 1 hour, 3 minutes, 50 seconds first glance. I mean, I don’t think I don’t think they want Wade to come back and coach their team. I don’t think that’s going to happen. 1:03:56 1 hour, 3 minutes, 56 seconds Maybe they want a bunch of foreign players on their roster. 1:03:59 1 hour, 3 minutes, 59 seconds Yeah, he doesn’t have a bunch. He’s got some and he may not keep them all, but um he’s still got some work to do on the roster. 1:04:08 1 hour, 4 minutes, 8 seconds Super Chevy Dealer Studio. We’ll take a break here in just a moment. So, we’ll come back and uh talk with Bunny Cannon about her father’s new documentary 1:04:16 1 hour, 4 minutes, 16 seconds that’s coming out the week of the Old Miss game via LPB. We get some insight on some of the new things that we’re going to see come out of that and and uh 1:04:24 1 hour, 4 minutes, 24 seconds and and what all went into putting that together. So, stay with us. That’ll be after our bottom of the hour break. Come back. We’ll have her for a couple segments here. Tiger radio. 1:04:34 1 hour, 4 minutes, 34 seconds I’m Richard Fontno, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. My brother and I grow rice, soybeans, and raised crawfish on our farm in Evangeline Parish. For a fourth 1:04:42 1 hour, 4 minutes, 42 seconds generation farmer like myself, Louisiana Farm Bureau is as much a part of my life as checking traps or harvesting rice. 1:04:48 1 hour, 4 minutes, 48 seconds Our organization is more than 145,000 members strong, and we’ve been around for more than 100 years. The Louisiana Farm Bureau spans generations and we want you to join our family. 1:04:58 1 hour, 4 minutes, 58 seconds Visit lafarmbureau.org. or the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. 1:05:05 1 hour, 5 minutes, 5 seconds We now return to Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealers Studio. 1:05:13 1 hour, 5 minutes, 13 seconds And we’re coming down the stretch of Tiger Rag Radio. Patrick Wright filling in for Jeff Polalmo, Todd Horn, Glenn Gilbo across the table from me doing 1:05:21 1 hour, 5 minutes, 21 seconds their thing. Glenn doing some hard research as we speak. Uh, 1:05:28 1 hour, 5 minutes, 28 seconds always always always we are uh our pleasure to be joined by Bunny Cannon who is the daughter of the late Billy Cannon. Of course, everybody knows uh 1:05:37 1 hour, 5 minutes, 37 seconds the legend of Billy. Um, but a new documentary is coming out produced by LPB that’ll be available for consumption 1:05:45 1 hour, 5 minutes, 45 seconds the week of the Miss football game. So, Bonnie, I’m glad glad you could join us here tonight and tell us about all that. 1:05:52 1 hour, 5 minutes, 52 seconds Thank you. I really appreciate it. Um, this is something that I’ve wanted to do for a really long time and LPV has 1:05:59 1 hour, 5 minutes, 59 seconds graciously uh accepted the challenge and um, you know, we all need public television and uh, every time I try to 1:06:07 1 hour, 6 minutes, 7 seconds do something that my father uh, doesn’t want or didn’t like, it never works out. 1:06:12 1 hour, 6 minutes, 12 seconds But every time I do something that’s going to help Louisiana or the people of the state, it always works out. And I just felt that it was the perfect the 1:06:20 1 hour, 6 minutes, 20 seconds perfect place to do it because they tell Louisiana stories and I think it’s important to keep our culture and our people in the forefront um and to let 1:06:28 1 hour, 6 minutes, 28 seconds everybody know what’s going on. But uh I’ve been wanting to do something like this for a long time because there’s a lot of people who don’t really understand what made my dad tick and 1:06:37 1 hour, 6 minutes, 37 seconds what he went through um in certain periods of time. Everybody knows the football greatness and and all the stuff 1:06:45 1 hour, 6 minutes, 45 seconds that went on, you know, in the 1950s and the first Heisman Trophy winner and all of that, but what they don’t understand and what they fail to recognize is what 1:06:53 1 hour, 6 minutes, 53 seconds happened after the football. uh you know what he did, where he went, um who he was friends with and then you know it 1:07:01 1 hour, 7 minutes, 1 second always comes up the counterfeiting and and everything in the 80s and and to me what’s most important is who he truly was and what happened um when he became 1:07:11 1 hour, 7 minutes, 11 seconds a dentist and the um medical director at Angola and uh he was able to turn some lives around and do a lot of really good 1:07:18 1 hour, 7 minutes, 18 seconds things that needed to be done there and I I’m looking forward to telling the story. Um, 1:07:27 1 hour, 7 minutes, 27 seconds not so much that that I’m telling it, but I just want his story told and I want people to understand it. 1:07:34 1 hour, 7 minutes, 34 seconds Bunny, uh, is is this story, the documentary, um, you you mentioned that the the book wasn’t didn’t go in depth 1:07:43 1 hour, 7 minutes, 43 seconds enough and this is going to go much more in depth. So, I guess I have two questions. Number one, how long is it 1:07:49 1 hour, 7 minutes, 49 seconds going to be? And number two, is this about your dad’s greatness or is it more about the forgiveness? 1:07:59 1 hour, 7 minutes, 59 seconds Um, I think it’s going to it’s going to be both. You have to see you have to see the football part and you have to see the greatness in order to see everything 1:08:08 1 hour, 8 minutes, 8 seconds that that happened that was not wonderful and not great. Um, to see how he came out of it. Um, but you’re going to see the whole thing. I think it’s 1:08:17 1 hour, 8 minutes, 17 seconds going to be two hours. I’m I’m not quite sure. They’re in the process of putting all the finishing touches on it right now. Um, Linda \[ \_\_ \] and Jay Darden um 1:08:26 1 hour, 8 minutes, 26 seconds are are the producers for it and so they’re putting it all together. I don’t know how long the length is going to be exactly. I’m I’m thinking it’s going to 1:08:33 1 hour, 8 minutes, 33 seconds be about two hours, but it’ll show you where he came from and what happened as a child and how that impacted his life, 1:08:40 1 hour, 8 minutes, 40 seconds how he became such a great athlete. Um, it’ll touch on, you know, what people don’t realize is that if you look at, you know, football today is fantastic. 1:08:50 1 hour, 8 minutes, 50 seconds It’s outrageous with numbers and NIL and money and and and fame and everything, but without Billy Cannon, you may not 1:08:58 1 hour, 8 minutes, 58 seconds have had all that. I mean, somebody would have done it, I’m sure, but, you know, you look at the NIL, and he had NIL contracts back then before it was 1:09:06 1 hour, 9 minutes, 6 seconds illegal. Um, you know, he was with the AFL, the NFL. he was the highest paid athlete in the world in 1960 and he 1:09:14 1 hour, 9 minutes, 14 seconds broke the $100,000 barrier. Um that’s pretty significant. Um and then at the same time he went on to become a dentist 1:09:23 1 hour, 9 minutes, 23 seconds and orthodontist and then some things took a turn and and I think it shows his humanity but it also shows that you know 1:09:32 1 hour, 9 minutes, 32 seconds you really have to be true to yourself and you have to know your family keep your family and friends close um because 1:09:40 1 hour, 9 minutes, 40 seconds it’s always not always going to be great. It’s he’s not, you know, everybody is not going to be fantastic all the time and bad things are going to 1:09:48 1 hour, 9 minutes, 48 seconds happen and it’s really who you are and what you’re made of that’s going to get you through it. And I think that’s the that’s the lesson and and what I really 1:09:55 1 hour, 9 minutes, 55 seconds want people to to see is what truly happened to him. And the tr this is going to be the only family sanctioned 1:10:02 1 hour, 10 minutes, 2 seconds um documentary um on my dad. It’s the only one that the entire family is behind and we’ve all been interviewed 1:10:09 1 hour, 10 minutes, 9 seconds and um you know I I just think it’s important to tell who he was and what happened and what can happen when you’re 1:10:19 1 hour, 10 minutes, 19 seconds when you’re a celebrated athlete where people give you everything right? 1:10:23 1 hour, 10 minutes, 23 seconds You know, there was nothing in life that he wanted that he couldn’t get. Um but he still made a poor choice that had 1:10:31 1 hour, 10 minutes, 31 seconds some big consequences for a lot of people. So, um, that’s that’s really the story and and I think it’s going to be two hours, but I’m not really sure at this point. 1:10:39 1 hour, 10 minutes, 39 seconds Well, Bunny, you you mentioned your family was involved in it just as you are, obviously. Um, but your mother, it 1:10:46 1 hour, 10 minutes, 46 seconds had to be somewhat difficult for her, I would think. 1:10:50 1 hour, 10 minutes, 50 seconds Yes. Yeah. She But you know what? She’s she is just as um she’s a she’s an 1:10:57 1 hour, 10 minutes, 57 seconds amazing woman and and my dad would not have become who he was without her. They got married when they were 18 years old. 1:11:05 1 hour, 11 minutes, 5 seconds And the whole time he was in college, she was at home taking care of everything. Uh when he won the Heisman, he had three three daughters. I mean, so 1:11:14 1 hour, 11 minutes, 14 seconds they were they were a married family doing everything. And when all that happened in the 80s, there was no question. She she stood by him every 1:11:21 1 hour, 11 minutes, 21 seconds step of the way. She didn’t always agree with him. And she was madder than a hornet at some point, but um but that’s what you do with people that you love. 1:11:30 1 hour, 11 minutes, 30 seconds You stand by them. So she’s she’s a a tremendous example for all of us and it’s her story too, you know. This is her story, too. 1:11:38 1 hour, 11 minutes, 38 seconds Talking to Bunny Cannon here on Tiger Radio. Bunny, thanks for being with us. 1:11:42 1 hour, 11 minutes, 42 seconds Now, you were you were 13 when when your father uh went to prison for two years. 1:11:49 1 hour, 11 minutes, 49 seconds H how was how was Billy as a dad to you as a little girl and then when he got back out as as you grew grew up into 1:11:57 1 hour, 11 minutes, 57 seconds high school and college? just, you know, maybe that people don’t know about him. 1:12:01 1 hour, 12 minutes, 1 second So, when I was little, you know, I did not have a clue about who he was. I mean, we I knew he we had trophies in 1:12:09 1 hour, 12 minutes, 9 seconds the in the foyer. Um, and I knew that people were coming over to the house, and I I knew he was kind of a big deal, but I really had no clue. Even when he 1:12:18 1 hour, 12 minutes, 18 seconds went to prison, I I I didn’t get the full breath and depth of who he was until I started school at LSU in 1987. 1:12:27 1 hour, 12 minutes, 27 seconds Um he had he got out of prison in in 80 right before I think it was in ‘ 86 87 right 1:12:34 1 hour, 12 minutes, 34 seconds he was home yeah he was home when I when I graduated from high school and then you know as a as a young kid he 1:12:41 1 hour, 12 minutes, 41 seconds was a lot of fun um always laughing there was always laughter always music always joking um life of the party um 1:12:51 1 hour, 12 minutes, 51 seconds and then things kind of got a little serious in the 80s and it you know he wasn’t here for a lot in the beginning. 1:12:59 1 hour, 12 minutes, 59 seconds Um then when he went to prison, he was obviously absent, but we saw him a lot. 1:13:03 1 hour, 13 minutes, 3 seconds Um when he came back, you know, I’m I’m uh been by myself for a few years with my mom and I think I know it all as an 1:13:11 1 hour, 13 minutes, 11 seconds 18-year-old, right? As as we all do, and we buted heads a lot, but I look back and I’m just like him. And so I kind of 1:13:20 1 hour, 13 minutes, 20 seconds I kind of get it now. I’m s I’m it’s really sad that it’s taken me this long to figure it out, but um he was a great 1:13:27 1 hour, 13 minutes, 27 seconds person and anybody that truly knew him um knew his generous spirit. He gave 1:13:34 1 hour, 13 minutes, 34 seconds away everything that he had um to people. He did free dentistry all over town in uh you know in Donaldsonville. 1:13:44 1 hour, 13 minutes, 44 seconds And um I don’t want people to see this or to hear this and think that oh well this is just his daughter. What what else is she going to say? No, there were 1:13:52 1 hour, 13 minutes, 52 seconds some bad parts. There were some bad things, too. But I think this documentary is they have interviewed so many people. And um there’s no holes 1:14:02 1 hour, 14 minutes, 2 seconds bar. They can talk about anything they want. And um it’s really going to be interesting and I really hope people watch it with an open mind. 1:14:10 1 hour, 14 minutes, 10 seconds We’re going to see it. It’s going to be and we’ll talk about the significance. 1:14:13 1 hour, 14 minutes, 13 seconds This is going to be available the the week of the Miss football game. We’ll take a break here. We’ll come back. 1:14:19 1 hour, 14 minutes, 19 seconds Bunny’s going to rejoin us after the break. We’ll talk more about the upcoming documentary and some of the production and and how it it came to pass. So stay with us. Tiger Eag Radio. 1:14:28 1 hour, 14 minutes, 28 seconds We’re back with more after this. 1:14:31 1 hour, 14 minutes, 31 seconds The East Baton Rouge Parish Libraryies dedicated millillage continuation is on the June 27th ballot. This is not a new tax. It’s a continuation of the 1:14:38 1 hour, 14 minutes, 38 seconds library’s existing dedicated funding source at a lower rate, 9.5 mills, which is 14.4% 4% less than the rate approved by voters in 1995, 2005, and 2015. 1:14:50 1 hour, 14 minutes, 50 seconds Without it, future library services could be reduced, including hours, collections, and programs. Early voting begins June 12th. Learn more at ebrpl.com/millage. 1:15:02 1 hour, 15 minutes, 2 seconds Now, more Tiger Rag Radio live from Superv Dealer Studio. 1:15:10 1 hour, 15 minutes, 10 seconds And we’re back on Tiger Rag Radio. 1:15:12 1 hour, 15 minutes, 12 seconds Patrick Wright sitting in for Jeff Polalmo. We’re back with Bunny Cannon who uh talk about the documentary about about her father. Uh real quick, Bunny, 1:15:20 1 hour, 15 minutes, 20 seconds we’re going to switch gears a little bit. We we’ve had some we had Eddie Furnus on, we had Todd Walker on, the three of us uh were talking about u 1:15:29 1 hour, 15 minutes, 29 seconds where we were when Warren Morris hit the home run 30 years ago because it’s the anniversary now. You’re a huge what people may not know, you’re you worked in the LSU sports information office. 1:15:38 1 hour, 15 minutes, 38 seconds You are a huge diehard Tiger fan. where what is your story of where you were when Warren Morris hit the home run? 1:15:45 1 hour, 15 minutes, 45 seconds I was with my friend Missy Setters uh who married Ross Setters. Remember Missy? Yep. 1:15:51 1 hour, 15 minutes, 51 seconds And we were all um at a bar somewhere watching the game and I will never forget that as long as I live. That was 1:16:00 1 hour, 16 minutes unbelievable. And what’s amazing is when we were going through this documentary and we were I was looking at photographs and we were pulling everything out so 1:16:07 1 hour, 16 minutes, 7 seconds that I could give them to make this this documentary. I pulled out the photograph of Warren Mars and my dad on the field in Tiger Stadium. And I’m gonna blow 1:16:16 1 hour, 16 minutes, 16 seconds that up and give that to him because he said that was one of the only times that they met. Wow. 1:16:21 1 hour, 16 minutes, 21 seconds And my dad loved him. He, you know, he he met him once, but but that play, oh my gosh, it was incredible. 1:16:30 1 hour, 16 minutes, 30 seconds Now, incredible. 1:16:31 1 hour, 16 minutes, 31 seconds Bunny, I think there’s a little bit more to that story. didn’t, and I think I read this somewhere recently, that you said that your dad told Warren that that 1:16:40 1 hour, 16 minutes, 40 seconds was actually the biggest play in LSU sports history, exceeding his uh punt return against Miss on Halloween night. 1:16:50 1 hour, 16 minutes, 50 seconds I think that’s what what my dad told Warren. Wow. Yeah, I think that’s what he told him. 1:16:55 1 hour, 16 minutes, 55 seconds He didn’t tell me that, but I think that’s what he told him. That’s what Warren I think told me. 1:16:59 1 hour, 16 minutes, 59 seconds Wow. That is a How long after the home run did your dad meet him at Tiger Stadium? You remember about when that was? 1:17:06 1 hour, 17 minutes, 6 seconds Oh gosh, that was It was either the 10-year reunion, maybe 10 year reunion of it, right? I think I remember that. Yeah, that was cool. 1:17:14 1 hour, 17 minutes, 14 seconds Yeah, he came back cuz he was a little older. He looked he didn’t look like a kid, you know, he was a little bit older and of course my dad was a lot older, 1:17:21 1 hour, 17 minutes, 21 seconds but um No, I just that that is just incredible. Well, well, and you know it that that sounds very like your dad for 1:17:30 1 hour, 17 minutes, 30 seconds him to say that because he was always uh very humble, I thought, and and and self-deprecating and extremely funny every time I got to talk to him. 1:17:41 1 hour, 17 minutes, 41 seconds He had a wicked sense of humor. Um always humble and kind. Um he was a rascal. He, you know, he could come up 1:17:48 1 hour, 17 minutes, 48 seconds with the funniest oneliners and he could zing you before you even knew you were he got you. And it’s like you you you 20 minutes later I would get it, you know, 1:17:57 1 hour, 17 minutes, 57 seconds and it’s like, whoa. Yeah. Now, this is really smart. 1:18:01 1 hour, 18 minutes, 1 second Speaking of of wicked and zany, and we know how it’s just talk about the timing of this, you know, so we we know for all 1:18:09 1 hour, 18 minutes, 9 seconds of the reasons why LSU Miss is going to be such a big deal this year. And we know how your dad is tied to LSU versus 1:18:16 1 hour, 18 minutes, 16 seconds Old Miss. Is it just some sort of cosmic happening that this documentary is going to come out that week? you know, it’s 1:18:24 1 hour, 18 minutes, 24 seconds got to be because honestly, um, we wanted it to come out during football season. Um, but there we did not plan I 1:18:31 1 hour, 18 minutes, 31 seconds don’t I don’t think they planned it to come out during Old Miss. I mean, I think maybe, you know, they looked at the different weeks, but I honestly they 1:18:40 1 hour, 18 minutes, 40 seconds started this um, we put the my dad’s memorabilia in the city, the Capitol Park Museum thanks to Billy Nungesser. 1:18:46 1 hour, 18 minutes, 46 seconds He um, let that happen so that people could see it because there’s so much of it. And um we were talking about it that 1:18:53 1 hour, 18 minutes, 53 seconds night. Uh Jay Darden and Linda from LPB came and they saw it all. And I think that night is when they decided that 1:19:00 1 hour, 19 minutes they really wanted to um well they saw all the memorabilia, but they through the through the um the way that it was 1:19:08 1 hour, 19 minutes, 8 seconds done. You could see his life from the very beginning all the way through till his death. And they did such a great job 1:19:15 1 hour, 19 minutes, 15 seconds of that. I think that exhibition was what led to the documentary. So they’ve been working on it since what was it 1:19:22 1 hour, 19 minutes, 22 seconds December of 23 or 24? 24 because it was in the museum for a full year. Um and so 1:19:29 1 hour, 19 minutes, 29 seconds it you know who would have thought we’d have Lane Keifin and you know all this would be going on with Old Miss and uh 1:19:36 1 hour, 19 minutes, 36 seconds you know but I’m telling you I have tried there are four things I want to do um with my dad’s memory and I’m not 1:19:43 1 hour, 19 minutes, 43 seconds going to rest until they’re done. One was to get the memorabilia out so people could see it. the documentary. We’re working on a major motion picture which I’ve been working on for eight years. 1:19:52 1 hour, 19 minutes, 52 seconds Um, and then a national award in his name. And every time I try to get something off the ground, if it’s done the way I want it done, it never works. 1:20:03 1 hour, 20 minutes, 3 seconds But if it’s done in what I I believe is his time and and it it always comes to fruition. There is no one that could have done this documentary but LPB. 1:20:13 1 hour, 20 minutes, 13 seconds Bunny, who uh crazy who do you have in mind for uh the actor to play Billy or have you got that far yet? 1:20:22 1 hour, 20 minutes, 22 seconds Well, we haven’t gotten that far yet, but we do have a production company that’s interested now, which is great because we’re not doing any fundraising 1:20:30 1 hour, 20 minutes, 30 seconds until we have the production company and everything in place. Um we’ve got some money, but um we are looking at maybe an 1:20:37 1 hour, 20 minutes, 37 seconds 8 to10 million film. um because there is a sweet spot of making films where you make money and we don’t want anybody to give any money unless they get money 1:20:46 1 hour, 20 minutes, 46 seconds back and so um you know we’re very cautious about that. Um I hear it takes sometimes 10 or 15 years to make a film 1:20:54 1 hour, 20 minutes, 54 seconds and I’m finding out why. Um you have to have everything line up and they say once the stars line up that it happens 1:21:00 1 hour, 21 minutes so quick. Um but really who I want is the guy that played Jamie and Outlander. 1:21:07 1 hour, 21 minutes, 7 seconds I know that’s crazy. It’s farfetched. 1:21:09 1 hour, 21 minutes, 9 seconds Just got a Scottish Scottish accent, but he just reminds me of him. Um, he does. 1:21:16 1 hour, 21 minutes, 16 seconds Bunny, getting getting back to the documentary for a minute. I mean, obviously it was a difficult uh 1:21:24 1 hour, 21 minutes, 24 seconds project uh emotionally for you. What was the most emotionally difficult part of it? 1:21:31 1 hour, 21 minutes, 31 seconds The hardest part was we I tried so hard to get him to do this when he was alive and he wouldn’t do it. but he didn’t want the attention. Um, and I really 1:21:41 1 hour, 21 minutes, 41 seconds don’t think he was so humble. I don’t think that um, you know, I read in social media a lot, people don’t they don’t know him and they call him a 1:21:48 1 hour, 21 minutes, 48 seconds common criminal and they call him all kinds of things and that’s that’s part of my motivation to do this. He was so humble. He didn’t want the attention for 1:21:56 1 hour, 21 minutes, 56 seconds me or I mean for him if if it were um to help LSU or to help somebody else then that was fine. and he would go do an 1:22:05 1 hour, 22 minutes, 5 seconds interview or whatever if if it would help somebody, but he it wasn’t about him. And so the hardest part is reliving 1:22:13 1 hour, 22 minutes, 13 seconds all of this and not being able to share it with him because it would have been so much fun to do all of this with him here. 1:22:20 1 hour, 22 minutes, 20 seconds Well, Bunny, we are looking forward to it. It’s going to be a big week anyway and I think this is going to just going to add to it for Tiger fans of that 1:22:27 1 hour, 22 minutes, 27 seconds week. And I know I know you don’t have the exact details, but as it gets closer, I’m sure you’re going to put it out like what night they’re going to show at what time and whatnot. So, we’ll 1:22:35 1 hour, 22 minutes, 35 seconds certainly certainly look forward to that. I know it’s going to be an anxious couple months coming up for you as we get close to that deadline. 1:22:43 1 hour, 22 minutes, 43 seconds It is it’s it’s bittersweet. Um, but I really think that there is a story in there and people need to know. And I haven’t even touched on the Angola part 1:22:51 1 hour, 22 minutes, 51 seconds much, but there is a special person called Roosevelt Hall who my dad worked with a lot. Well, Bunny, thank you for 1:22:58 1 hour, 22 minutes, 58 seconds joining us and uh well, good luck on on this and we can’t wait to see it. 1:23:03 1 hour, 23 minutes, 3 seconds Thank you so much and thank you’all for all you do for LSU. 1:23:06 1 hour, 23 minutes, 6 seconds Take a break, come back, wrap it up on Tiger Radio after this. 1:23:12 1 hour, 23 minutes, 12 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is back live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 1:23:18 1 hour, 23 minutes, 18 seconds Just a couple minutes left. A reminder as always, you can if you want to go back and listen to parts of the show, if you thought Glenn and Todd were just so 1:23:26 1 hour, 23 minutes, 26 seconds good tonight, you got to go back and hear them again uh about 30 minutes after the conclusion of the show. 1:23:31 1 hour, 23 minutes, 31 seconds Anywhere you get your podcast, Apple, Spotify, uh you can find the whole show on demand. So, uh um I think this was 1:23:39 1 hour, 23 minutes, 39 seconds one of the best shows we had because we weren’t talking. This was one of the best guest shows we’ve ever had. I mean, uh, just just some great guests. 1:23:48 1 hour, 23 minutes, 48 seconds Starting with, uh, Eddie Furnus. 1:23:50 1 hour, 23 minutes, 50 seconds Yeah, I’d particularly like to thank Ronnie Rants for and and Ronnie Rants was brief. Uh, but no, Ronnie actually missed it. He was in the middle of a Rugeroo game. And then 1:23:59 1 hour, 23 minutes, 59 seconds Bunny Cannon was uh was awesome. And um, who else did we have? Todd Walker. Todd Walker and Eddie Furn. Very good. 1:24:06 1 hour, 24 minutes, 6 seconds We had the two best left-handed baseball swings LSU has and will ever see within an hour of each other on here. That’s pretty y’all did a pretty good job of getting this together tonight. 1:24:16 1 hour, 24 minutes, 16 seconds And people might be wondering why we didn’t actually have Warren Morris. 1:24:19 1 hour, 24 minutes, 19 seconds Well, we just had Warren a few weeks ago and and I try not to bother Warren too much around the anniversary because he gets a lot of requests. Yeah. But he was great. 1:24:26 1 hour, 24 minutes, 26 seconds I’ll tell you. And I went I went from not being aware of this Billy Cannon documentary to now being super like I can’t wait to see it now. 1:24:35 1 hour, 24 minutes, 35 seconds Yeah. There’s there’s so much there. 1:24:37 1 hour, 24 minutes, 37 seconds Bunny didn’t get to talk about Angola, but we what he did in Angola was amazing. He turned around. He got there as a dentist. He turned He completely 1:24:45 1 hour, 24 minutes, 45 seconds turned around their medical program there. Became friends with prisoners. 1:24:49 1 hour, 24 minutes, 49 seconds Helped the prisoner get out. The Roosevelt person Bunny talked about. And it really was something for him to end his his uh you 1:24:58 1 hour, 24 minutes, 58 seconds know his last jobs there was really given back and and the thing about that period was he was the only dentist in Angola. I mean, and that was something. But the 1:25:06 1 hour, 25 minutes, 6 seconds fact that the book is the documentary is based off the book, The Long Long Run, that was an amazing read in and of 1:25:14 1 hour, 25 minutes, 14 seconds itself, and the fact that that’s going to go deeper and and tell more of the story, that’s I can’t wait to see it. 1:25:20 1 hour, 25 minutes, 20 seconds Well, something definitely to to look forward to what’s going to be a busy miss football week. Want to thank uh Todd and and Glenn for having me in to 1:25:28 1 hour, 25 minutes, 28 seconds fill in for Jeff Polmo, for Chase running things in the production room. 1:25:32 1 hour, 25 minutes, 32 seconds Patrick Wright saying thank you. Good night, Tiger Rag from Tiger Egg Radio. 1:25:38 1 hour, 25 minutes, 38 seconds Tiger Rag is everywhere. Online at tiger.com. 1:25:42 1 hour, 25 minutes, 42 seconds Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/tiger magazine or follow us on Twitter at tiger\_rag **Categories:** Featured, LSU athletics, LSU Baseball, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball, Podcast, Radio **Tags:** Tiger Rag Audibles podcast, Tiger Rag Radio Podcast --- ### [NC State Investigating Will Wade And LSU For Wade's Strange And Alleged Covert Exit To LSU After A Year](https://www.tigerrag.com/nc-state-investigating-will-wade-and-lsu-for-wades-strange-and-alleged-covert-exit-to-lsu-after-a-year/) **Published:** June 9, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The transition for former North Carolina State men’s basketball coach Will Wade to LSU after one season in Raleigh, North Carolina, doesn’t appear to be going as smoothly as so many of his adoring and often blind LSU fans have hoped, or as Wade promised when he was hired by the Tigers last March. Because the baggage keeps collecting. To begin, Wade’s new roster at LSU has not exactly been anything to write home about. [It is currently No. 113 in the nation](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2026-basketball/commits/) by 247sports.com as several of his first targets in the portal went to other schools, including those at his last school. And he has had to resort to more overseas recruiting more than originally planned, and some of that group does not appear to be can’t miss. “We’re going to find 15 players who are willing to lay it on the line for us every night,” Wade said at his introductory press conference inside a rocking Pete Maravich Assembly Center on March 30. “LSU and Louisiana deserves a winner, and that’s what we’re going to deliver, and we’re going to deliver that in short order.” > [Will Wade Still Trying To Stay Ahead Of The NCAA Sheriffs As Eligibility Issues Circle His Overseas Roster Efforts](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-still-trying-to-stay-ahead-of-the-ncaa-sheriffs-as-eligibility-issues-circle-his-overseas-roster-efforts/) But in early May after struggling to fill out his roster via the NCAA Transfer Portal, he said, “We’re really only going to pay seven or eight guys at LSU this year. We’ll fill out the back half of the roster with some guys who could help us in a pinch.” At the moment, Wade’s roster has grown to a possible 11 players, but five of those have various potential eligibility issues because of new NCAA rules concerning transfers who have signed with pro teams overseas. And a sixth addition – star signee RJ Luis, formerly of St. John’s – signed with two NBA teams. Some of the 11 do not even make 247sports.com’s list. And on Tuesday, news broke from NBC affiliate WRAL-TV in Raleigh that North Carolina State is investigating whether LSU officials improperly persuaded Wade to break his contract with NC State to go to LSU after one season in Raleigh, according to letters between the schools’ lawyers obtained by WRAL News. Major college coaches leaving for new jobs after one season is extremely rare in recent decades. LSU officials were trying to hire Wade to LSU from McNeese State before he went to NC State last year and may have kept the hunt going after he went to NC State, according to Tiger Rag sources. NC State is now refusing to release LSU from potential legal action tied to Wade’s acrimonious departure, according to WRAL, while the schools investigates if LSU violated the Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act. That is a North Carolina law that would allow for damages and the recovery of attorneys’ fees to be paid to NC State by LSU. “The timing and circumstances of coach Wade’s departure from Raleigh and his resignation, along with the LSU term sheet, and the eventual payment of $4 million to NC State (in a buyout) raise questions about LSU’s potential liability in this matter,” NC State general counsel Allison B. Newhart wrote to LSU General Counsel Carlton Jones. Jones had no comment on Tuesday night to Tiger Rag, nor did LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry, who was involved with the hiring of Wade along with Mallett. > [Done! Will Wade Exiting NC State To Return To LSU As Basketball Coach, Replacing Matt McMahon](https://www.tigerrag.com/done-will-wade-exiting-nc-state-to-return-to-lsu-as-basketball-coach-replacing-matt-mcmahon/) Wade resigned from NC State on March 25, which was the day before his hiring at LSU was announced. Wade agreed to pay NC State a $4 million buyout, which LSU wired on May 8. Days later, Jones contacted NC State about a settlement agreement between the two schools. > [Will Wade’s Return To LSU Gaining Steam After Original Tiger Rag Report; D.J. Thomas Jr. To Enter Portal](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wades-return-to-lsu-gaining-steam-after-original-tiger-rag-report-d-j-thomas-jr-to-enter-portal/) On May 19, Jones sent a “mutual release and settlement agreement” to NC State’s general counsel, according to WRAL. It said that NC State would release LSU from any potential claims or actions arising from prior contact with Wade, his contract with NC State, the termination of his contract with NC State, the payment of the buyout, or any other matter. “NC State has not agreed — and does not agree now — to release LSU from any liability,” a statement by NC State said on June 4, WRAL said. Instead, the statement said, “NC State is investigating whether LSU improperly induced Wade to breach his employment agreement, induced him to terminate his employment agreement, and interfered with the timing of termination of the employment agreement to result in lower liquidation damages — all to NC State’s detriment.” Newhart wrote that “based on Wade’s actions prior to his departure and other information regarding LSU’s pursuit of Wade, NC State has reason to suspect LSU may have influenced efforts to avoid or delay notice to NC State of LSU’s recruitment of Wade and perhaps even the timing of his employment with LSU in order to avoid larger buyout fees,” Newhart wrote on June 4. > [Will Wade Eliminated From NCAA Tournament, Now He Can Decide … LSU Or NC State?](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-eliminated-from-ncaa-tournament-now-he-can-decide-lsu-or-nc-state/) WRAL’s story says that, “Even before the season started, there were reports that LSU wanted to hire Wade — and that speculation only grew as the season progressed. Wade publicly professed his commitment to NC State and he did so privately, as well, according to Wolfpack athletics director Boo Corrigan.” After NC State was eliminated from the ACC Tournament, Wade said, “I’m excited to be at NC State. I was hired at NC State to do a job. We’re going to win and we’re going to win big at NC State.” > [LSU Sweetening Pot For Will Wade? McNeese AD Who Hired Wade Is Up For LSU Associate AD Job](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-sweetening-pot-for-will-wade-mcneese-ad-who-hired-wade-is-up-for-lsu-associate-ad-job/) Soon after Wade lost to Texas in an NCAA Tournament play-in game, he was gone after informing NC State via email and skipping a schedule meeting. “There was no reason for me not to believe the words that I was hearing coming back to me from coach Wade,” NC State athletic director Boo Corrigan said after Wade’s resignation. “I was surpised and shocked,” Corrigan said later. When asked how he thought NC State fans felt after Wade left, Corrigan said, “I would commiserate with them in terms of feeling lied to.” Wade was asked about his departure from NC State at his March 30 press conference at LSU. “I think some of the things have been mischaracterized on how I left,” he said. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** LSU Tigers', North Carolina State men's basketball, verge ausberry, will wade --- ### [LSU Baseball Isn't Omaha Bound, But Plenty With LSU Connections Will Be At College World Series](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-isnt-omaha-bound-but-plenty-with-lsu-connections-will-be-at-college-world-series/) **Published:** June 9, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Dr. Eddy Furniss, a family practice physician in Nacogdoches, Texas, was trying to schedule his patient appointments so he can get to Omaha, Nebraska, this weekend and beyond for the College World Series. His son Will Furniss is the first baseman for the Ole Miss Rebels (41-21), who play No. 5 seed North Carolina (50-12-1) at 6 p.m. Friday on ESPN at Charles Schwab Field. ![Ole Miss softball player in red uniform #36 on the mound celebrating with glove, cheering loudly.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/WillFurniss_OleMissAthletics.jpg "WillFurniss_OleMissAthletics | TigerRag.com")***Ole Miss first baseman Will Furniss is the son of former LSU first baseman Eddy Furniss Hes hitting 311 with 8 homers and 56 RBIs this season Ole Miss photo***The elder Furniss played in three College World Series for LSU at first base and won national championships in 1996 and ’97 under coach Skip Bertman. He was also Dick Howser national Most Outstanding Player of the season in 1998 when he hit 28 home runs. Former LSU catcher Mike Bianco, who was on Bertman’s 1989 College World Series that beat No. 1 Texas A&M in back-to-back games in College Station to win the NCAA Regional and reach Omaha, will also be at the College World Series. He has to be. He is Ole Miss’ head coach and will try to win his second national championship since winning the Rebels’ first in 2022. “We knew we were good enough,” Bianco said after Ole Miss swept two games in the NCAA Super Regional over the weekend at Auburn. “They handled the crowd and the pressure. We do hard well.” > Where were you 30 years ago this afternoon at 3:29 p.m.? > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 8, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2064015685101990084?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Bianco will be on his eighth trip to Omaha – three as Ole Miss’ head coach, four as Bertman’s assistant coach in 1993, ’94, ’96 and ’97 with three national titles and the one trip as a player. Bianco has coached both Furniss players for a combined seven seasons. The younger Furniss, who bats left-handed like this dad, hit a two-run home run on Saturday in the Super Regional to put Ole Miss up 4-2 in the top of the eighth inning at Auburn, and the Rebels went on to win 5-3 after a 6-4 win on Friday. It was Furniss’ eighth home run of the season and 55th and 56 RBIs. He is hitting .311 in 62 starts 12 doubles. Furniss hit .305 with 12 home runs and 47 RBIs in 2025 in 58 games and 51 starts. “It’s the work. It’s the swings and swings that no one is around for, but they have to happen,” Furniss said after the game. “It’s always a work in progress, and I have taken so many swings off my dad from the left side over the years. It was there. I just had to find it. I was just trying to get a base hit to score him, but it went out.” The elder Furniss remains the Southeastern Conference’s all-time career home run leader with 80 from 1995-98 as well as RBI leader with 308, doubles leader with 87 and career total bases record holder with 689. A College Baseball Hall of Fame inductee in 2010, Furniss entered the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in 2012. > [Billy Cannon Documentary By LPB Expected To Be Released Week Of Sept. 19 LSU-Ole Miss Game](https://www.tigerrag.com/billy-cannon-documentary-by-lpb-expected-to-be-released-week-of-sept-19-lsu-ole-miss-game/) Will Furniss had already committed to Bianco and Ole Miss from Nacogdoches High before Jay Johnson took over as LSU’s coach in 2022. He hit .298 with three home runs and 15 RBIs as a freshman in 2023 in 48 games with 38 starts, including 32 at designated hitter. He hit . 236 with nine homers and 35 RBIs in 51 games ands 43 starts in 2024. Four former LSU players who entered the portal and transferred from the Tigers will be in action at the College World Series, which begins at 1 p.m. Friday on ESPN when No. 16 seed West Virginia (45-15) plays Troy (38-30) in its first CWS. On Saturday, No. 7 seed Alabama (42-19) and two former LSU players will play Oklahoma (38-22) at 2 p.m. on ESPN. Those are senior starting catcher Brady Neal and senior starting second baseman Brennan Holt – both left-handed hitters. Neal, who is from Tallahassee, Florida, transferred to the Crimson Tide after the 2024 season at LSU and leads Alabama in hitting at .330 in 58 games and 55 starts. He has 10 home runs, 15 doubles and 50 RBIs. Neal hit .219 in 2025 with six doubles, three home runs and 19 RBIs in 28 games and 21 starts. At LSU in 2024, he hit .276 with nine home runs, eight doubles and 31 RBIs in 44 games and 33 starts. He played in just 26 games with 26 starts in 2023 with the Tigers after suffering a back injury and finished hitting .209 with three homers and nine RBIs. Holt, who is from Parkview Baptist in Baton Rouge, played only briefly at LSU in the 2022 season because of an injury. He transferred to Oklahoma State for 2023, where he hit .173. At South Alabama, though, he came into his own, hitting .266 with 15 doubles and 20 stolen bases in 56 starts in 2024. In 2025, he hit .303 for South Alabama in 45 games and 43 starts with six home runs and 14 doubles. He is Alabama’s starting second baseman this season with 60 starts and is hitting .240 with two homers, 23 RBIs and 15 stolen bases. Former LSU outfielder Ashton Larson is playing for No. 6 Texas (45-13), which will play No. 3 Georgia (42-19) at 7 p.m. Saturday on ESPN. Larson transferred to the Longhorns after the 2025 season at LSU when he hit .256 in 34 games and five starts with two homers and 12 RBIs. Larson is hitting .280 this season in 53 games and 43 starts with seven doubles, a home run and a 16 RBIs. And left-handed pitcher Cameron Johnson Jr., who transferred from LSU after the 2024 season, is 6-1 with a 4.36 ERA this season with 15 starts for Oklahoma. He has struck out 72 with 43 walks. In 2025, he went 2-0 with a 5.57 ERA with 24 strikeouts and 25 walks. At LSU in 2024, he had 13 relief appearances and struggled to a 0-0 record with a 12.00 ERA in nine innings with 13 strikeouts and 16 walks. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** College World Series, Eddy Furniss, jay johnson, mike bianco, Ole Miss Rebels, Will Furniss --- ### [Billy Cannon Documentary By LPB Expected To Be Released Week Of Sept. 19 LSU-Ole Miss Game](https://www.tigerrag.com/billy-cannon-documentary-by-lpb-expected-to-be-released-week-of-sept-19-lsu-ole-miss-game/) **Published:** June 9, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Just in time for the biggest LSU football game since the Tigers beat No. 6 Alabama and coach Nick Saban, 32-31, in overtime on Nov. 5, 2022, a documentary on Tigers’ icon Billy Cannon is expected to air on Louisiana Public Broadcasting (LPB) the week leading up to LSU at Ole Miss this Sept. 19. Cannon was LSU’s first Heisman Trophy winner in 1959 after an historic 89-yard punt return in the fourth quarter – aka the Halloween Run – on Oct. 31 of that season that gave the No. 1 Tigers a 7-3 win over No. 3 Ole Miss and a 7-0 start. He also led the Tigers to their first first national championship in football in the 1958 season with an 11-0 season, including a 7-0 win over Clemson in the Sugar Bowl in which he threw the winning, 9-yard touchdown pass. New LSU coach Lane Kiffin, who left Ole Miss after the 2025 regular season, returns to Ole Miss on Sept. 19 to play the Rebels, who reached the College Football Playoff for the first time in program history last season before losing in the semifinals. The game will be nationally televised on ABC at 6:30 p.m. > [LSU legend Billy Cannon passes away at age 80](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-legend-billy-cannon-passes-away-at-age-80/) Cannon, a native of Philadelphia, Mississippi, who moved to Baton Rouge and went to Istrouma High, passed away at age 80 on May 20, 2018, in St. Francisville. “People have no idea what he did for people,” his daughter Bunnie Cannon told Tiger Rag on Monday. “The documentary touches on parts of his life that a lot of people do not know about.” Cannon, an assistant dean at LSU for Outreach and Strategic Inititatives, will appear on Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night (6 to 8 p.m. statewide) at 7:30 p.m. to discuss the documentary on her father. Former LSU baseball and ESPN/SEC Network college baseball commentator Todd Walker will also be on the show to discuss the NCAA Super Regionals and upcoming College World Series. Former Baton Rouge Advocate sports writer Wilson Alexander, who is now a national writer at On3.com will join the show at 6:30 p.m. And former LSU pitcher Ronnie Rantz, who is president of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches, will be on at 6:45 p.m. [LOUISIANA SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTION WEEKEND JUNE 25-27](https://lasportshall.com/2025/09/10/louisiana-sports-hall-of-fame-announces-2026-induction-class/) The Sports Hall of Fame’s induction weekend will be on June 25-27 in Natchitoches. [LSU Final Four coach John Brady](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-basketball-former-coach-john-brady-goes-into-2nd-of-his-hall-of-fame-trifecta-tonight/) will be inducted along with LSU women’s basketball and WNBA star Sylvia Fowles, Northwestern State basketball coach Mike McConathy, LSU and Atlanta Falcons center Todd McClure, New Orleans Saints wide receiver Joe Horn, Minnesota Vikings defensive tackle Pat Williams and five-time state champion Florien High girls coach Dewain Strother. > It was 30 years June 8 that Warren Morris hit THE Walk-Off. He'll be signing my Skip Bertman book (He wrote the foreword.) on Saturday, June 13, in his hometown. [pic.twitter.com/V3vBcolQtY](https://t.co/V3vBcolQtY) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 5, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2063041786713448511?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Former LSU baseball player Warren Morris will also be honored with the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award. **[HOW TO LISTEN TO TIGER RAG RADIO](https://station.voscast.com/64cd62be67664)** [The show is available online here](https://station.voscast.com/64cd62be67664) at https://station.voscast.com/64cd62be67664. Or listen on one of the following radio stations: WBRP Talk 107.3 FM in Baton Rouge … Live KKND 106.7 FM The Ticket In New Orleans … Live KLWB 103.7 FM The Game in Lafayette … Live KFNV 107.1 FM in Ferriday … Tape delay at 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday KLCJ 104.1 FM in Lake Charles … Live WAKH 105.7 FM in McComb, Mississippi … Live. KASO 1240 AM in Minden … Live KRLQ 94.1 FM in Ruston … Tape delay at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday WSLA 1560 AM in Slidell … Live. WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans … Tape delay at 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Saturday KBZE 105.9 FM in Morgan City … 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday Cannon’s spectacular LSU football glory days and pro football career with the two-time AFL champion Houston Oilers (1960 and ’61) and the 1967 AFL champion Oakland Raiders, who reached Super Bowl II, is well documented. Cannon, who graduated from LSU in 1959, finished graduate school at Tennessee to be an orthodontist while playing for the Oilers and began a successful dental career in Baton Rouge after his football career ended with the Kansas City Chiefs in 1970. He also had several business and investment interests, including in real estate, and later said he got over-extended. In 1983, he was arrested by federal agents in Baton Rouge for his involvement with five others in a counterfeiting scheme in which $6 million fake United States $100 bills were priented. Charged with the five others, he served two and a half years of a five-year sentence at a Federal Correctional prison in Texarkana, Arkansas. After being released in 1986, he returned to his dental practice, but it suffered for years. He later was hired as a dentist at the Louisiana State Penitentiary in Angola and later took over the dental program that was in dire straits when he took over. He stayed involved with the dental prison office until his death and was praised for help rehabilitate many prisoners and became friends with them. “Over about a 10-year period after he was released, he had it pretty rough,” Bunnie Cannon said. “While he was in prison, people he was involved with stole money from him. [BOOK ABOUT BILLY CANNON: “A Long, Long Run” Doesn’t Pull Any Punches](https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/sports/college/lsu/2015/10/30/billy-cannons-book-tackles-halloween-run/74902248/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=true&gca-epti=z11xx68e009300v11xx68d--xx--b--xx--&gca-ft=207&gca-ds=sophi) [Cannon’s life was detailed in a book by Charles N. deGravelles](https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/26134832-billy-cannon), a former journalist and minister at Angola who befriended Cannon, in 2015 that was titled “Billy Cannon, A Long, Long Run.” “That book was not deep enough,” Bunnie Cannon said. “The documentary will dive deep. It goes through a lot that happened in the 1980s and ’90s and why the counterfeiting happened. This is an opportunity to set everything straight.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** billy cannon, Bunnie Cannon, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels --- ### [TODD HORNE: The SUPER LEAGUE Is Already Working — AND IT DOESN'T EVEN EXIST YET](https://www.tigerrag.com/college-football-super-league-lsu-sec-big-ten-leverage/) **Published:** June 9, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** By TODD HORNE, EXECUTIVE EDITOR For decades, talk of a college football super league lived in the same fringe as UFO sightings and half-baked realignment graphics – an online debating point for fanatics, a quiet modeling exercise for lawyers, a notepad curiosity for TV executives and a public embarrassment for administrators. It sounded too professional, too commercial, too honest – an admission that college football was already a professional entertainment business, even though its entire structure depended on pretending otherwise. **That pretense is crumbling.** This spring, the super league moved from fantasy into the realm of pure leverage. That does not mean a breakaway circuit is imminent, or that the SEC and Big Ten will walk out of the NCAA next week – or next year. But it does mean the sport’s most powerful figures no longer blush at the idea. And that alone changes everything. A super league does not have to exist to matter. It only needs to be believable. Today, for the first time, it is. That is the real story – not whether Greg Sankey and Tony Petitti will march into a press room and declare, ‘Welcome to the NFL,’ or whether the NCAA dissolves overnight, or whether a neat 32-team bracket replaces the bowl season. The real story is that the threat itself is already working. Congress knows it. The NCAA knows it. Television partners know it. Athletic directors know it. And down in Baton Rouge, LSU knows it better than anyone. LSU is not hoping for an invitation. It is one of the reasons the invitation is so valuable. While many schools scramble to protect their seat at the table, LSU is helping inflate the table’s worth. Because a super league would not be a revolt against today’s system. It would be the logical endpoint of the system already built. Follow the television dollars and you can see the roadmap: NIL, revenue sharing, the House settlement, transfer rules, roster limits, the Protect College Sports Act – all of it flows downstream from media rights. The SEC and Big Ten did not become the gravitational centers of college football on tradition alone. They became the centers because they control the sport’s most valuable inventory – and every realignment cycle, every new media deal and every playoff expansion has only widened the gap. The sport keeps pretending it is preserving the old college model even as it rewards the forces destroying it. That is not hypocrisy. That is economics. And at the heart of those economics sits LSU. Saturday nights in Tiger Stadium are not local programming. They are national must-see television. They are not a quaint Southern rite the cameras happen to capture. They are assets networks are buying. The SEC may hold the pen, but LSU supplies the ink. When broadcasters lay out billions, they are not paying for NCAA committees or legislative talking points. They are paying for LSU-Alabama, LSU-Texas, LSU-Georgia, LSU-Ole Miss, LSU-Florida and LSU-Texas A&M – the rivalries, the pageantry, the noise, the tension, the history, the national appointment viewing. That is why LSU is a lock in any credible super league model. The real question is how much clout LSU wields once the room’s doors close. This would not be a meritocracy of final polls or decade-long win percentages or hot coaches at the moment of launch. It would be built on value – brand power, television reliability, national reach, institutional stability, recruiting footprint, donor strength, stadium atmosphere, history and the ability to deliver a compelling November Saturday night. By that measure, LSU is not fighting for a super-league invitation. It is premium inventory that makes the whole model work. A realistic super league would probably field 28 to 36 teams, mostly from the SEC and Big Ten, with a handful of national brands outside those leagues – Notre Dame, Clemson, Florida State, Miami, North Carolina, Oregon, Washington and the like – not because anyone needs to reward tradition, but because tradition still draws viewers. Governance would look unmistakably professional: a board of presidents and chancellors, a powerful commissioner, centralized scheduling, officiating, enforcement, postseason control, media-rights negotiations, eligibility rules, roster limits, transfer protocols, revenue-sharing formulas, a discipline system – and likely collective licensing for name, image and likeness. Sooner or later, it would have to deal directly with athletes in ways college sports has worked for decades to avoid. That is where the fantasy becomes a legal powder keg. The moment the SEC and Big Ten formally detach the highest level of college football from the campus mission, they strip away much of the political cover that still shields the sport. Amateurism has been weakened. The educational frame still matters. A breakaway league would strip much of that away, looking like the NFL without a players’ union. Which is exactly why the super league is more useful as a threat than as a final product. The threat creates leverage. The detonation creates exposure – especially for LSU. As a public university, LSU would gain wealth but also scrutiny. State politics, public-records laws, legislative oversight, Title IX mandates and athlete-employment issues would intensify, not vanish. LSU does not need an actual super league. LSU needs everyone to believe one is possible. That belief forces Congress, the NCAA and television partners to take the SEC seriously – or risk losing their grip. The Protect College Sports Act is Washington’s answer and, in some respects, Washington’s containment effort: a bid to write the governance rules before the SEC and Big Ten write them for themselves. The underlying fight is over who writes the script for the next era: Congress, the NCAA, the conferences, the courts, the athletes or some new body yet to be invented. LSU’s strategic lane is clear: federal stability if it brings enforceable rules and tames legal chaos; SEC power if it keeps Washington’s heavy hand at bay and protects the media value LSU helped create; national NIL, transfer, revenue-sharing and athlete-representation standards; credible breakaway leverage without isolation; athlete compensation without legal chaos; public accountability without competitive suicide. That narrow road – federal stability without federal control, SEC leverage without SEC isolation – is the lane LSU occupies. Not as a spectator, but as a power source. The schools outside the SEC and Big Ten understand this, and that is why the super league terrifies them. Consolidation mathematically favors the top media brands. Money follows audiences. Players follow money. The postseason follows players. Once that cycle begins, the old structure is finished. The super league does not have to launch to shape the sport. It already is. Every congressional antitrust debate now happens under the shadow of conference autonomy. Every NCAA governance conversation takes place under the shadow of irrelevance. Every media-rights negotiation unfolds under the specter of consolidation. Every athletic department budget meeting is refracted through the lens of revenue sharing and roster economics. Every major LSU decision now happens inside that reality. This moment is not just about whether athletes get paid. That fight is largely settled. It is not just about NIL regulation or the House settlement. They are already on the books. It is about who controls the system through which all that money, authority and opportunity flow. Governance is power, and the super league has forced everyone to see where the power really sits: with the audiences, the media inventory, the brands that make people watch, the conferences that control those brands and schools like LSU that supply the crucial asset. The real question is not whether a super league is coming. It is whether those trying to prevent it can build something stable, enforceable and profitable enough that the SEC and Big Ten decide not to use the option they so clearly possess. That is the negotiation. That is the leverage. That is the future. LSU is not waiting to see if it gets invited. It is one of the reasons any invitation has value. The super league may never officially arrive, but its threat has – and in college sports, sometimes the threat is more powerful than the thing itself. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** college football super league, greg sankey, lsu football, Media rights, Protect College Sports Act, sec football --- ### [Oh! Mondo Duplantis' 40-0 Pole Vaulting Win Streak Stopped In Sweden - Ex-LSU Star's Last Loss Was In 2023](https://www.tigerrag.com/oh-mondo-duplantis-40-0-pole-vaulting-win-streak-stopped-in-sweden-ex-lsu-stars-last-loss-was-in-2023/) **Published:** June 8, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** Former LSU pole vaulting superstar Armand “Mondo” Duplantis of Lafayette experienced something different on Sunday. He lost. Duplantis, representing Sweden as he has dual citizenship there and in the United States, lost for the first time since July of 2023 in Monaco when he fell to Kurtis Marschall of Australia at a Diamond League meet in Stockholm, Sweden, on Sunday. He had won 40 straight times. Duplantis, who was the NCAA indoor pole vault champion and the first first collegian to clear 6.00 meters while at LSU in 2019, cleared 5.80 meters on Sunday. But he failed twice at 6.00 meters and once at 6.05 in his first outdoor event of the year. Marschall won with a vault of 5.90. “I felt a bit unfocused today,” Duplantis told reporters. “I really did not want to lose here in front of my family and fans. I have not lost in three years. But hats off to Kurtis today. He beat me fair and square. I have no excuses.” Duplantis, 26, just set a world record last March 12 with a leap of 20 feet and 8.5 inches in his own Mondo Classic in Uppsala, Sweden. He has broken the pole vaulting world record 15 times since February of 2020 – more than any pole vaulter in history. “I did not mean to spoil the show,” Marschall said. “But I am so delighted with the win.” **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Track & Field **Tags:** LSU Tigers, LSU track & field, mondo duplantis --- ### [Warren Morris 30 Years Later - 3:29 P.M. Today Marks The Moment "The World Changed" On June 8, 1996](https://www.tigerrag.com/warren-morris-30-years-later-329-p-m-today-marks-the-moment-the-world-changed-on-june-8-1996/) **Published:** June 8, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** At exactly 3:29 p.m. today, it happened 30 years ago on June 8, 1996, at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska. Warren Morris hit the ultimate walk-off home run – the most famous home run in college baseball history and one of the most famous in baseball history. With Brad Wilson on third base after doubling to lead off the bottom of the ninth for LSU, the left-handed Morris came up as the Tigers’ ninth batter and sent Miami reliever Robbie Morrison’s first pitch over the right field fence for a two-run home run and 9-8 win over the Hurricanes for the national championship. [WARREN MORRIS TALKS ABOUT HOME RUN ON TIGER RAG RADIO](https://www.tigerrag.com/warren-morris-and-the-1996-national-champion-tigers-to-be-honored-saturday-at-doubleheader/) Just six weeks prior, Morris had surgery on his right wrist for a broken hamate bone and had to resort to bunting and half swings. It was his first home run of the season. “The pitch almost looked like it came at me in slow motion,” Morris says in the book, ***Everything Matters in BasebalI: The Skip Bertman Story.*** “When the ball came off my bat, my first thought was, ‘Double.’ So, I was running hard down the line, hoping to get to second. As I’m running, I can see the ball making its way toward the right field corner. As the ball disappears, my immediate thought is, ‘I just hit a home run – my first of the season.'” But the finality of it still had not hit Morris, a junior from Bolton High in Alexandria. “It’s not until I touch first base, turn toward second and see the Miami infielders lying face down that I realize, ‘That’s not just a home run. We just won the championship,'” Morris said. [HOW TO BUY SKIP BERTMAN’S BOOK](https://www.skipbertman.net/category/all-products) Morris, now 52, has been vice-president of the Red River Bank in Alexandria since his Major League Baseball playing career ended after five seasons (1999-2003). He will be celebrating LSU’s national championship and his home run on Saturday at Spirits restaurant in Alexandria (1200 Texas Avenue), where he will be signing copies of Skip Bertman’s book with author Glenn Guilbeau of Tiger Rag from noon until 2 p.m.. > It was 30 years June 8 that Warren Morris hit THE Walk-Off. He'll be signing my Skip Bertman book (He wrote the foreword.) on Saturday, June 13, in his hometown. [pic.twitter.com/V3vBcolQtY](https://t.co/V3vBcolQtY) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 5, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2063041786713448511?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Morris wrote the foreword for [the book.](https://www.outkick.com/analysis/lsu-legend-skip-bertman-bio-details-his-brilliance-and-impact) “My single focus was just to stay aggressive,” Morris wrote. “Coach Bertman always taught us that most mistakes are made when you become passive. It’s better to take a calculated (not careless) risk by being aggressive. I can remember thinking, ‘Even if I strike out, I’m going down swinging.’ Before I knew it, I was back at home plate on the bottom of a pile of all my teammates. What a moment – a dream come true!” Just a day before that national championship game, though, Morris didn’t know if he had a home run swing in him as he struggled to recover from the hamate bone surgery. But that Saturday – under a beautiful blue sky without a cloud amid crisp temperatures in the low 70s – Morris felt different. Or, his wrist felt different. “After batting practice on the day of the championship game, I stopped coach Bertman and said my hand felt as close to 100 percent as it had since the injury (on March 6 against Loyola),” Morris said. “For the first time, I could drive the ball and not just slap at it.” Bertman smiled. By 3:30 p.m., something monumental had happened in LSU’s and college baseball’s history that has never been duplicated. “The world changed,” Bertman said. “I can’t get tired of it,” Morris said of the many anniversaries since – 10, 20, 25 and now 30 years. “It always ends well,” he said. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Miami Hurricanes, skip bertman, Warren Morris --- ### [LSU Women's Basketball: Mikaylah Williams And MiLaysia Fulwiley Win Gold For USA In 3-On-3 World Cup](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-basketball-mikaylah-williams-and-milaysia-fulwiley-win-gold-for-usa-in-3-on-3-world-cup/) **Published:** June 8, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU guard Mikaylah Williams hit game-winning shots in the final against Australia and in the semifinal against Azerbaijan to capture the gold medal for the USA in the women’s 3-on-3 FIBA (International Basketball Federation) World Cup in Warsaw, Poland, on Sunday. LSU guard Milaysia Fulwiley scored a team-high nine points in the 21-20 final win after the 19-18 overtime victory in the semifinal. Williams won the tournament MVP award after scroing 46 points across seven games. “I’m just blessed,” Williams said after the game to reporters. “I’m blessed to be on this stage, to play with some amazing teammates, to play for some amazing coaches and to rep USA.” FIBA’s 3-on-3 rules end games when a team gets to 21 points or when the 10-minute clock expires. Shots inside the arc are worth one point with shots outside the arc counting two. If teams are tied after 10 minutes, they play a sudden-death overtime period in which the first team to score two points wins. Williams and Fulwiley will both be seniors on LSU’s 2026-27 team. Team USA entered Warsaw’s World Cup on a strong run after winning back-to-back women’s series events for the first time in team history. The Americans swept through pool play by beating Hungary, Australia, Mongolia and Spain, with Williams leading the scoring in the Australia and Spain games. LSU center Kate Koval, who will be a junior next season, played in the 3-on-3 tournament for Ukraine, reached the quarterfinals before falling to Australia. She scored 12 points with 23 rebounds and six blocks in five games. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Women's Basketball **Tags:** LSU Tigers', lsu women's basketball, Mikaylah Williams, Milaysia Fulwiley --- ### [LSU Football Grabs 2 More Commitments In 3-Star Prospects WR Cade Cooper And CB Markez Davis](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-grabs-2-more-commitments-in-3-star-prospects-wr-cade-cooper-and-cb-markez-davis/) **Published:** June 8, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU football coach Lane Kiffin added his seventh and eighth commitments for his Class of 2027 signing class on Monday and has doubled that class since Saturday when he had all of four. > LSU traditional signing class for 2027 gradually coming together. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 8, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2063990137986453988?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Cade Cooper (6-foot-3, 192 pounds), a three-star prospect, committed to LSU on Monday as the No. 297 overall prospect in the country, No. 37 wide receiver by 247sports.com and the No. 10 player in Pennsylvania out of Malvern Prep in Malvern. He visited LSU over the weekend after visiting Ole Miss the previous weekend. Among the other programs interested in Cooper are Notre Dame, where he is scheduled to visit on June 24, Penn State, Virginia Tech, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Auburn and Wake Forest. Kiffin also gained a commitment on Monday from three-star Markez Davis, who is the No. 744 overall prospect by 247sports.com, the No. 59 player in the athlete category and No. 21 player in Louisiana out of Northwest High in Opelousas. Other schools interested in Davis are Mississippi State, Texas Tech, Iowa state, Houston and Texas State. He visited LSU on the weekend of May 29. [LSU’s class of eight commitments has upped its ranking nine spots from No. 51 earlier Monday to No. 42 by 247sports.com.](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2027-football/commits/) The Tigers have a pair of five-star prospects, three four-star players and three of the three-star prospects. For those of you scoring at home, [On3.com has LSU’s class at No. 22](https://www.on3.com/college/lsu-tigers/football/2027/industry-comparison-commits/) with one five-star prospect, five four stars and two three-star prospects. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, recruiting --- ### [LSU Football Adds 3-Star Running Back As Class Rises To 6 Commitments For No. 51 Ranking](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-adds-3-star-running-back-as-class-rises-to-6-commitments-for-no-51-ranking/) **Published:** June 8, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU football coach Lane Kiffin’s Class of 2027 recruiting class got it its second commitment of the weekend on Sunday with the addition of three-star running back Brennen Lacey of Frisco High in Frisco, Texas. Lacey (5-foot-11, 190 pounds) is the No. 31 back in the nation, according to 247sports.com, and the No. 61 player in Texas. The composite rankings have Lacey as the No. 612 prospect in the country, No. 42 running back and No. 87 player in his state. > [Lane Kiffin Recovers From Lost Flip By Gaining Commit From No. 2 Edge KJ Green Over Texas, Others](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-recovers-from-lost-flip-by-gaining-commit-from-no-2-edge-kj-green-over-texas-others/) Earlier Sunday, Kiffin gained a commitment from No. 2 edge rusher KJ Green (6-4, 230) of Stone Mountain, Georgia. LSU has six commitments now [toward the 2027 class, which 247sports.com has ranked No. 51 in the nation.](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2027-football/commits/) The first signing period for that class will be from Dec. 3-5 with the second signing window beginning on Feb. 4. Lacy is scheduled to visit Miami this weekend. He is also being recruited by Arkansas, Baylor, Florida, UCLA, Louisville, Memphis and Texas-El Paso. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Brennen Lacy, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, recruiting --- ### [Lane Kiffin Recovers From Lost Flip By Gaining Commit From No. 2 Edge KJ Green Over Texas, Others](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-recovers-from-lost-flip-by-gaining-commit-from-no-2-edge-kj-green-over-texas-others/) **Published:** June 7, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU football coach Lane Kiffin has flipped elite edges for his first full high school recruiting class with the Tigers in 2026-27. KJ Green (6-foot-4, 230 pounds), who is the No. 2 edge rusher in the nation and No. 8 overall prospect in the land by 247sports.com, committed to Kiffin on Sunday after canceling a visit scheduled for Friday to Texas and visiting LSU instead. He is from Stone Mountain, Georgia, and the No. 2 player in his state out of Stephenson High. Green is only the No. 10 edge rusher, No. 74 overall prospect and No. 6 player in Georgia, according to 247sports.com’s composite listing. > 🚨BREAKING🚨 4-star EDGE K.J. Green has committed to LSU, [@Hayesfawcett3](https://x.com/Hayesfawcett3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) reports🐯 > > Read: [pic.twitter.com/wHGIBm5itH](https://t.co/wHGIBm5itH) > > — Rivals (@Rivals) [June 7, 2026](https://x.com/Rivals/status/2063680458479571302?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Green is also being recruited hard by Georgia, Oregon and Alabama, among others. He visited Georgia on May 15 and Oregon on May 29. He visited Tennessee and Florida State last October. Just last week, LSU lost a commitment from Jaiden Bryant (6-3, 245), the No. 2 edger rusher in the nation, No. 20 overall prospect and No. 1 player in South Carolina from Irmo High in Columbia, according to 247sports.com’s composite ranking. > [LSU Football Loses 5-Star Edge Rusher Jaiden Bryant Commitment To Miami For Now](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-loses-5-star-edge-rusher-jaiden-bryant-commitment-to-miami-for-now/) Bryant decommitted from LSU and committed to Miami on June 3 and is listed as 247sports’ 19 overall prospect and No. 4 edge. Whatever way you look at the various ranking numbers, both edges project to be pretty good. [And LSU’s class of five commitments](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2027-football/commits/) just moved from from No. 62 to No. 58. Before it lost Bryant, LSU’s class was ranked No. 51 before Bryant flipped. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Jaiden Bryant, KJ Green, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, recruiting --- ### [Skip Bertman National Coach Of The Year To Be Announced Saturday At The College World Series](https://www.tigerrag.com/skip-bertman-national-coach-of-the-year-to-be-announced-saturday-at-the-college-world-series/) **Published:** June 7, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The Skip Bertman National Coach of the Year Award, presented by the College Baseball Foundation and sponsored by Marucci Sports, is regarded as one of the premier coaching awards in college baseball. It was created in 2013 to honor the finest in college baseball coaching regardless of classification. It is not just for those who win games, but for those who build programs, shape players, and set a standard for the sport. > [Make A Wish, Skip Bertman, And Blow Out All The Championships | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/make-a-wish-skip-bertman-and-blow-out-all-the-championships-glenn-guilbeau/) [Named for LSU legend Skip Bertman](https://lsusports.net/news/2022/08/12/everything-matters-in-baseball-the-skip-bertman-story-now-on-sale/), the first coach inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame in 2006, the award recognizes a leader whose influence extends well beyond the diamond. [BUY SKIP BERTMAN’S BOOK HERE](https://www.skipbertman.net/) Bertman built LSU baseball up tremendously, beginning in the 1984 season, after it had fallen on hard times for several years. He directed the Tigers to their first trip to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, in just his third season in 1986. Ten more trips to Omaha would follow before he retired after the 2001 season and took over as LSU’s athletic director. > It was 30 years June 8 that Warren Morris hit THE Walk-Off. He'll be signing my Skip Bertman book (He wrote the foreword.) on Saturday, June 13, in his hometown. [pic.twitter.com/V3vBcolQtY](https://t.co/V3vBcolQtY) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 5, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2063041786713448511?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Bertman won five national championships from 1991-2000. He was inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2003. Bertman was also recognized by Baseball America as the second greatest college baseball coach of the 20th century, behind only USC’s Rod Dedeaux, who won 11 national titles from 1948-74. The 2026 Skip Bertman National Coach of the Year Award will be presented on the second day of the 2026 College World Series on Saturday, June 13, at Charles Schwab Field in Omaha, Nebraska. Could one of Bertman’s most successful pupils, Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco, win the award? > Former LSU catcher and assistant coach Mike Bianco and Ole Miss 3 outs away from Omaha and a shot at 2nd national championship since 2022. Up 5-2 over Auburn going into top 9th. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 6, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2063408140436038082?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Bianco, who was Bertman’s catcher at LSU in 1988 and ’89 and an assistant coach for three national titles in 1993, ’96 and ’97, saw his Ole Miss team picked to finish 10th in the SEC by the SEC coaches before the season. And he and the Rebels finished ninth in the league at 15-15, but Ole Miss advanced to the CWS on Saturday with 5-3 win over Auburn after a 6-4 win on Friday. It will be Bianco’s first trip back to Omaha after winning the 2022 national title. A committee of respected baseball experts, coaches, former players, and Bertman family members works with the College Baseball Foundation to evaluate candidates and select the recipient. Previous winners of the Skip Bertman National Coach of the Year Award: 2025 – Brad Neffendorf, LSU-Shreveport, NAIA. 2024 – Jeff Willis, LSU-Eunice, Division II. 2023 – Kevin Brooks, Angelo State, Division II. 2022 – Brian Hamm, Eastern Connecticut State, Division III. 2021 – Jeremy Sheetinger, Georgia Gwinnett College, NAIA. 2019 – Erik Bakich, Michigan. 2018 – Jeff Willis, LSU-Eunice. 2017 – Kevin O’Sullivan, Florida. 2016 – Tim Scannell, Trinity, Division III. 2015 – Paul Mainieri, LSU. 2014 – Tim Tadlock, Texas Tech. 2013 – Mike Dickson, Gloucester Community College, Division III. For more information about the Skip Bertman National Coach of the Year Award, visit [www.cbhalloffame.org](http://www.cbhalloffame.org/). **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** College Baseball Hall of Fame, College World Series, lsu baseball, skip bertman, Skip Bertman National Coach of the Year Award, Warren Morris --- ### [TODD HORNE: The Most Important College Sports Story Isn't The Super League. It's The Fight Over Who Controls The Money.](https://www.tigerrag.com/todd-horne-college-sports-super-league-media-rights-sec-big-ten/) **Published:** June 6, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** By TODD HORNE, EXECUTIVE EDITOR For years, whenever somebody mentioned a college sports super league, the reaction was predictable. That will never happen. The NCAA would never allow it. The conferences would never agree to it. The schools would never risk it. Congress would never support it. Maybe. But something changed this week. U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz revealed he has discussed the legality of forming a college sports super league with the commissioners of the SEC and Big Ten. That does not mean a super league is imminent. It does not mean plans are sitting in a drawer somewhere waiting to be unveiled. It does not mean LSU is about to leave the SEC or college sports is about to split apart next season. But it does reveal something important. The people with the power to create such a structure are no longer treating the idea as unthinkable. And that matters. Because the biggest story in college athletics today is not NIL. It is not the transfer portal. It is not revenue sharing. It is not even the Protect College Sports Act currently moving through the United States Senate. The biggest story is the fight over who will control the money that drives all of those things. And that money comes from media rights. Everything else is downstream. The transfer portal exists because athletes understand their market value. Revenue sharing exists because the courts recognized athletes are helping generate enormous revenue. NIL exploded because college sports became a commercial marketplace. The House settlement happened because the old model could no longer survive legal scrutiny. At the center of all of it sits one thing. Television money. Media rights are the reason the SEC distributed more than $70 million per school last year. Media rights are the reason Texas and Oklahoma left the Big 12. Media rights are the reason USC, UCLA, Oregon and Washington abandoned the Pac-12. Media rights are the reason conferences expand, realign and consolidate. Media rights are the reason LSU football is worth dramatically more than most athletic departments in America. Follow the money and eventually every major college sports story leads back to television. That is why the media-rights provisions inside the Protect College Sports Act may ultimately become the most important part of the legislation. Most coverage has focused on NIL regulation, athlete protections, transfer rules and revenue sharing. Those issues matter. But they are secondary to the larger battle underneath. Who controls the future revenue? Who controls the playoff? Who controls scheduling? Who controls governance? Who controls college sports itself? Those questions are all tied to media rights. The SEC and Big Ten currently hold the strongest position in college athletics because they control the most valuable television inventory. LSU. Alabama. Georgia. Texas. Oklahoma. Ohio State. Michigan. Penn State. Oregon. Southern Cal. Tennessee. Florida. The ratings generated by those programs drive television contracts worth billions of dollars. The concern inside the SEC and Big Ten is straightforward. Any federal framework that creates mechanisms for broader media-rights coordination, collective negotiation or restrictions on conference autonomy could reduce the leverage those conferences currently enjoy. In plain English, the SEC and Big Ten have spent decades building the strongest television properties in college sports. They are not interested in sharing control of those properties. Schools outside those conferences view the issue differently. The ACC, Big 12 and others understand exactly where the current trajectory leads. Every new television deal widens the gap. Every round of conference realignment concentrates more power. Every increase in media revenue strengthens the richest brands. Eventually, the question becomes whether college athletics remains a broad national enterprise or evolves into something dominated by two conferences. That is why the recent pushback from the SEC and Big Ten toward portions of the Protect College Sports Act should not be ignored. Contrary to popular belief, the SEC and Big Ten are not fighting to preserve the old system. The old system is already gone. Athletes are being paid. Revenue sharing is beginning. Congress is considering national legislation. The NCAA’s authority has been repeatedly weakened. Nobody is going backward. The fight now is over who writes the rules going forward. That is where Cruz’s comments become interesting. Not because they prove a super league is coming. They don’t. But because they reveal where the conversation has moved. A few years ago, discussions centered on whether athletes should be compensated. Today, senators are discussing what the structure of college sports itself may eventually look like. That is a different conversation entirely. Maybe nothing comes of it. Maybe the SEC and Big Ten remain separate power conferences for decades. Maybe Congress creates enough stability to prevent further consolidation. Maybe the current structure survives longer than many expect. All of those outcomes remain possible. But smart observers should pay attention to one simple fact. The most powerful people in college athletics are asking different questions than they were asking five years ago. And when powerful institutions begin asking different questions, it is usually because they can see a different future. LSU fans should not fear that future. If there is one thing LSU does not need to worry about, it is receiving an invitation. Whether the future is two dominant conferences, a new governance structure, a national premier division or something entirely different, LSU’s place among the elite is secure. The real question is not whether LSU will have a seat at the table. The real question is who will be sitting across from them. Because the fight unfolding today is not really about NIL, revenue sharing or transfers. It is about power. It is about money. And it is about who controls the next era of college athletics. That story may ultimately prove far bigger than any super league. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News, More LSU Sports **Tags:** Big Ten football, greg sankey, lsu football, Protect College Sports Act, sec football, Super League, Ted Cruz --- ### [Will Wade's Hand-Picked Assistant AD Downplays Eligibility Issues on Basketball Roster - Imagine That](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wades-hand-picked-assistant-ad-downplays-eligibility-issues-on-basketball-roster-imagine-that/) **Published:** June 5, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU senior deputy athletic director Heath Schroyer shed some old light on basketball coach Will Wade’s overseas-dominated roster that has several eligibility questions going into next season during a radio show appearance on Thursday. Schroyer appeared on Matt Moscona’s “After Further Review” on 104.5 FM in Baton Rouge. Problem was he thought he was shedding *new* light by explaining how overseas players are widespread in college basketball. He accurately mentioned that Illinois and Arizona, which each made the Final Four this past season, had several former overseas pro players on their rosters. He also said there were 106 players in college basketball across the country last season age 24 or older and 257 age 24 or older. Schroyer was a head men’s college basketball coach at Portland State, Wyoming, Tennessee-Martin and McNeese State from 2001-21 before becoming McNeese State’s athletic director. But what he was talking about was not news. College basketball has been highly populated with overseas players for decades, including former pro players from overseas. Heck, former LSU coach Matt McMahon had a former professional player from the Hapoel Be’er Sheva, Israel, team in the Israel Premier League last season in freshman guard [Ron Zipper](https://www.tigerrag.com/new-lsu-guard-ron-zipper-was-in-a-safe-room-praying-near-gaza-strip-during-israel-iran-war-last-june/), who turned 23 last January. > [Will Wade Still Trying To Stay Ahead Of The NCAA Sheriffs As Eligibility Issues Circle His Overseas Roster Efforts](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-still-trying-to-stay-ahead-of-the-ncaa-sheriffs-as-eligibility-issues-circle-his-overseas-roster-efforts/) But what Schroyer did not discuss was the fact that new NCAA guidelines announced as of last month are saying that players who have “entered an agreement with, competed on or received compensation from a team that participates in a league with minimum compensation that exceeds actual and necessary expenses” would not have college eligibility. He also didn’t discuss the new maximum age rules also in the works. Maybe he and Wade are just banking on the NCAA not enforcing any new rules or getting sued and losing if they do, which is not a bad strategy because of the sorry state of college athletics at the moment. > Mr. Saban Goes To Washington … and Takes Over. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 4, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2062334762090455464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) On Wade’s 11-man roster at the moment, five are overseas professional players with four of those ages 22 through 25. -Signee Brice Dessert … 6-11 center, Andalou Efes pro team in Istanbul, Turkey, who is from Pontoise, France, and is 23. -Commitment Yam Madar … 6-3 guard, Hapoel pro team in Tel Aviv, Israel, who is from Beit Dugan, Israel, and is 25. -Commitment Saliou Niang … 6-6 forward, Virtus pro team in Bologna, Italy, who is from Dakar, Senegal, West Africa, and is 22. -Commitment Marcio Santos … 6-8 center, Maccabi pro team in Tel Aviv, Israel, who is from Sao Paulo, Brazil, and is 23. -Commitment Michael Ruzic, 7-0 center, Jonventut club pro team in Catalonia, Spain, who is from Besancon, France, and is 19. Wade also has guard/forward signee RJ Luis (6-7, 215), a former St. John’s star player who signed in 2025 as an NBA free agent with Utah and later with Boston after a trade. Luis never played in any regular season NBA games, which is LSU’s argument for his eligibility. But he did sign, which may be all that matters. LSU hired Schroyer as deputy athletic director from the AD job at McNeese State last March just before LSU hired Wade from North Carolina State. The timing of those two hires was not a coincidence. > [LSU Sweetening Pot For Will Wade? McNeese AD Who Hired Wade Is Up For LSU Associate AD Job](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-sweetening-pot-for-will-wade-mcneese-ad-who-hired-wade-is-up-for-lsu-associate-ad-job/) Schroyer was part of the package Wade wanted from LSU before he accepted the LSU job, according to multiple Tiger Rag sources. Schroyer was athletic director at McNeese State from 2021-26 and hired Wade to McNeese State in 2023. That was a year after LSU fired Wade from his first term as LSU’s coach from 2017-22 because of a slew of major recruiting violations. > [Will Wade Has 11 Players For LSU’s 2026-27 Basketball Roster, Or Will He?](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-has-11-players-for-lsus-2026-27-basketball-roster-or-will-he/) “I feel very confident about it, and I know coach does,” Schroyer said on 104.5 FM when asked about questions around Wade’s roster. “Obviously, it’s LSU and it’s Will Wade, but here’s the interesting thing. Last year, there were 106 players in college basketball that were 25 years or older, 106. Two hundred fifty-seven were 24 or older. If you look at what Illinois did last year, I think they had six guys that played overseas at a high level, you know, European basketball over there. Went to the Final Four. Arizona, as well, had a few.” Schroyer seems to think recent local and national criticism of Wade’s roster is more about Wade’s questionable reputation from his numerous, proven NCAA violations at LSU and his one-year stay at North Carolina State. The criticism is actually mostly about his current roster. “You’re going to take the heat,” Schroyer said. “You’re going to take the arrows, because you’re LSU and you’re Will. So, I think there’s a narrative out there that probably needs to get told.” A new narrative will be told if the NCAA enforces its new guidelines that will hit LSU and other schools recruiting overseas pro players and players who have signed with NBA teams whether they played or not. “Here’s the other thing people need to understand, too,” Schroyer said. “When Will and the staff and LSU were over recruiting young men, they weren’t recruiting against themselves, right? There were there were other schools out there that were recruiting the same kids.” The problem is more than half of Wade’s roster at the moment has eligibility questions, not just a player here and there, which is the case with most other rosters entering the 2026-27 season at the moment. Just in case the NCAA does start ruling former overseas pro players ineligible around the country and puts an age limit on players before the 2026-27 season, Wade would be wise to sign some more American made amateur players fast. **LSU NEW PLAYERS FROM COLLEGE TEAMS WHO HAVE NOT PLAYED ON OR SIGNED WITH PRO TEAMS** -Abdir Bashir Jr. Guard, 6-7, 175, Sr., Kansas State Transfer, Burnsville, Minnesota, native, Age 21. -Mouhamaed Dioubate, Forward, 6-7, 220, Sr., Kentucky Transfer, Queens, New York, native, Age 22. -Ahmad Hudson, Forward, 6-6, 239, Fr., Ruston High, Ruston native, Age 17. -Austin Nunez, Guard, 6-2, 185, Sr., Texas-San Antonio Transfer, San Antonio, native, Age 23. -Divine Ugochukwu, Guard, 6-3, 195, Jr., Michigan State transfer, Sugar Land, Texas, native, Age 20. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** Heath Schroyer, lsu basketball, NCAA, will wade --- ### [Kim Mulkey Says Her Team Lacks Toughness After Dropping to 0-2 in SEC Play, 12th In Poll](https://www.tigerrag.com/kim-mulkey-says-her-team-lacks-toughness-after-dropping-to-0-2-in-sec-play/) **Published:** January 5, 2026 **Author:** Andre Champagne **Content:** **By ANDRE CHAMPAGNE, Tiger Rag Staff Reporter** The LSU women’s basketball team (14-2, 0-2 Southeastern Conference) has fallen from No. 5 to No. 12 in the Associated Press poll after losing its second straight on Sunday, 65-61, at No. 12 Vanderbilt, dropping coach Kim Mulkey to 0-2 in the league for the first time. Vanderbilt (15-0, 2-0 SEC) rose to No. 7 in the A.P poll. LSU’s loss also marked the first time LSU dropped its first two conference games since the 2010-11 season. After being out-rebounded 45-29 in losing to No. 11 Kentucky on Thursday, the Tigers dominated on the glass, outrebounding the Commodores, 48-28. But it didn’t matter. LSU turned the ball over a season-high 22 times, which hurt its chances of closing out the game well in the fourth quarter. “Discipline, fatigue, focus, 22 turnovers,” Mulkey said. “I’m telling you, the majority of them were done from upper classmen, who just for whatever reason, turned it over. We were up, you know, five, six, whatever it was, and it’s a possession game when you get to conference. We’re not talented enough to beat people like we have been, so possessions matter.” The poor play could also be directly related to the fact that Mulkey does not like scheduling difficult non-conference games because the SEC is so difficult with a multitude of ranked teams. But better non-conference play could get LSU to play better once conference play begins – common sense says. But either way, it’s safe to say Mulkey was not impressed with her team’s effort. “It’s an old term, but listen guys, we’re not tough enough,” she said. “We’re not tough enough. And toughness is you either have it or you don’t. And that’s all players in that locker room tonight. You’re not tough enough to make a play when we need it. You’re not tough enough to get that rebound when we need it, because it’s not just one or two. It’s the whole locker room at different times.” Mulkey believes the lack of toughness can only be fixed by each player. “It’s just who you are. It’s your demeanor,” she said. “You got to want it more than the opposing player, the opposing team. And maybe a mindset can change a little bit if you’re in a program and you have hard practices, which we thought we did. But maybe it’s you’ve got to have them a little bit longer to get them in that mindset.” LSU gave up multiple key offensive rebounds in the final minutes of the game, which gave the Commodores several extra possessions. “If you’re a baller, you’ve got to have it internally that, ‘I’m going to do my job, and if I do my job, my teammate will do her job,'” Mulkey said. “And that snowballs, and we’re just not there yet.” The good news? It’s still early. The bad news? Many highly ranked teams will be waiting. LSU plays at Georgia (15-1, 1-1 SEC) on Thursday (5:30 p.m., SEC Network+), then host No. 2 Texas (17-0, 2-0 SEC) on Sunday (2 p.m., ESPN). **Categories:** LSU Basketball, Women's Basketball **Tags:** kim mulkey, sec, women's basketball --- ### [Kim Mulkey And LSU To Play At North Carolina In SEC/ACC Challenge On Dec. 2](https://www.tigerrag.com/kim-mulkey-and-lsu-to-play-at-north-carolina-in-sec-acc-challenge-on-dec-2/) **Published:** June 5, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** Who says LSU women’s basketball coach Kim Mulkey avoids scheduling quality non-conference games, particularly on the road? Well, Kim Mulkey does. [WHY KIM MULKEY BELIEVES IN LIGHTER NON-CONFERENCE SCHEDULES](https://www.nola.com/sports/lsu/womens_basketball/kim-mulkey-lsu-womens-basketball-nonconference-schedule/article_b7291a62-9921-4a7e-9ee0-7e0b38e478f6.html) But she will be playing a team that is usually ranked in the top 25 out of conference in the 2026-27 season when the Tigers play at North Carolina in Chapel Hill in the Southeastern Conference/Atlantic Coast Conference Challenge on Dec. 2. Network and tip times for that Wednesday game will be announced at a later date. It will be a clash of two teams who have seen recent success both in the regular season and postseason tournaments. Both teams are coming off Sweet 16 appearances last season. > [Kim Mulkey Says Her Team Lacks Toughness After Dropping to 0-2 in SEC Play, 12th In Poll](https://www.tigerrag.com/kim-mulkey-says-her-team-lacks-toughness-after-dropping-to-0-2-in-sec-play/) North Carolina, which won the 1994 national championship on a buzzer beater of Louisiana Tech and Tech assistant coach Kim Mulkey, finished 28-8 and 14-4 in the ACC last season with a No. 13 ranking. LSU ended the season at 29-6 with a No. 8 ranking. Playing at Carmichael Arena will mark LSU’s second straight road game of the SEC/ACC Challenge, now in its fourth season. The Tigers are 3-0 in the challenge with wins over Virginia Tech in 2023 and Stanford in 2024, both in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. LSU also secured a double-digit comeback victory against Duke in 2025 at Cameron Indoor Stadium. The Tigers hold a 3-0 advantage over North Carolina in the all-time series. LSU and North Carolina’s most recent matchup came during the 2016 regular season at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center in a neutral site contest. LSU won, 70-43. The Tigers also won when the two teams matched up in the 2008 Elite Eight with LSU winning, 56-50, to reach the Final Four. LSU faced UNC for the first time in the Crawfish Classic hosted in Baton Rouge to open the 1986-87 season, winning 79-63. Mulkey’s Tigers will face another North Carolina institution in NC State on November 27 or 28 at the Fort Myers Tipoff event in Florida. ![](https://ads.wmt.digital/delivery/lg.php?bannerid=0&campaignid=0&zoneid=39&loc=https%3A%2F%2Flsusports.net%2Fnews%2F2026%2F06%2F05%2Fwomens-basketball-to-play-at-north-carolina-in-sec-acc-challenge%2F&referer=https%3A%2F%2Flsusports.net%2Fsports%2Fwbball%2F&cb=ee064f47c0)## [](https://lsusports.net/news/2026/05/07/three-tigers-set-for-wnba-season-start-on-may-8/) **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Women's Basketball **Tags:** kim mulkey, lsu, LSU Tigers', lsu women's basketball, North Carolina --- ### [LSU Baseball Adds A 2nd Player From Portal In Shortstop Dawson Park, Who Left Team After Fight With A Teammate](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-adds-a-2nd-player-from-portal-in-shortstop-dawson-park-who-left-team-after-fight-with-a-teammate/) **Published:** June 5, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson has added his second commitment from the 2026 NCAA Transfer Portal for the 2027 season in Texas State sophomore shortstop Dawson Park of Texas State. > 🐅Callin’ Baton Rouge🐅 [pic.twitter.com/XangzwaDE0](https://t.co/XangzwaDE0) > > — dawson (@dawsonpark06) [June 5, 2026](https://x.com/dawsonpark06/status/2062900223148425379?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Park committed to Johnson on Friday morning and is expected to sign very soon. On Thursday night, Gonzaga freshman pitcher Landon Hood committed to LSU and then signed with the Tigers on Friday. > [LSU Baseball: Tigers Land 1st Signee From 2026 Portal In Pitcher Landon Hood](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-tigers-land-1st-commitment-from-2026-portal-in-pitcher-landon-hood/) Park hit .301 with 13 home runs, 10 doubles and 52 RBIs with nine stolen bases in 11 attempts for Texas State (37-26, 16-14 Sun Belt Conference) in the 2026 season. But he didn’t finish the season. Park got into an argument and a shoving match with a teammate immediately following a 7-4 home loss to South Alabama on May 3 that completed a three-game sweep. Park had made the last out of the game and finished 0-for-4. Assistant coaches had to separate Park from his teammate and escort him from the field. > Sophomore shortstop Dawson Park is no longer listed on the Texas State roster. > > This follows an on-field incident last Sunday where Park got into a heated argument with teammates that need to be separated before being escorted off by assistant coaches. > > — Colton McWilliams (@ColtonBMc) [May 9, 2026](https://x.com/ColtonBMc/status/2053160276610990561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) He never played again for the Bobcats, who went on to the NCAA Regional in College Station and finished 1-2 last weekend. Park reportedly spoke to Texas State head coach Steven Trout and assistants after the incident. And he discussed plans at the time to enter the portal, which he did this week. Park led Texas State in home runs and RBIs at the time he left the team, but the Bobcats went 9-3 without him and reached the semifinals of the Sun Belt Tournament before the NCAA postseason. He made 10 errors in the 2026 season for a .957 fielding percentage. As a freshman at Texas State in 2025 from Magnolia West High in Magnolia, Texas, he hit .219 with two home runs and committed 12 errors for a .932 fielding percentage in 50 games with 44 starts at second base. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Dawson Park, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Steven Trout, Texas State --- ### [Will Wade To Host Wake Forest In SEC/ACC Challenge At Pete Maravich Assembly Center](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-to-host-wake-forest-in-sec-acc-challenge-at-pete-maravich-assembly-center/) **Published:** June 5, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU will play Wake Forest on Dec. 1 in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center in the Southeastern Conference/Atlantic Coast Conference Basketball Challenge in one of 16 matchups involving the two conferences in the 2026-27 non-conference season. LSU coach Will Wade was 2-0 against Wake Forest last season when he was North Carolina State’s coach for one season after leaving McNeese State. The Wolfpack won 70-57 at home in Raleigh, North Carolina, and won at Winston-Salem, 96-78, on its way to a 20-14 season (10-8 ACC) and NCAA Tournament play-in. Wake Forest finished 18-17 and 7-11 in the ACC. LSU won its SEC/ACC Challenge game last season, 78-69, at Boston College on Dec. 3 before finishing 15-17 (3-15 SEC) under coach Matt McMahon. > [Will Wade Adds Gonzaga To Schedule And Palm Springs Tournament With SMU, USC And Arizona State](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-adds-gonzaga-to-schedule-and-palm-springs-tournament-with-smu-usc-and-arizona-state/) LSU leads the series with Wake Forest, 4-2, and has won three straight. When Wade was LSU’s coach the first time for 2017-22, his Tigers defeated the Demon Deacons, 75-61, in the finals of the Emerald Coast Classic in Niceville, Florida, in the 2021-22 season. One year later, McMahon’s first LSU team rallied from a 20-point deficit for a 72-70 win in the Holiday Hoopsgiving tournament in Atlanta as Justice Hill hit the winning layup with two seconds left. The Tigers also beat Wake Forest, 86-80, in overtime of the Charleston Classic in Charleston, South Carolina, in 2023. LSU is 2-1 in the SEC/ACC Challenge with wins in 2024 and 2025. Wake Forest is 1-2 in its three SEC/ACC Challenge contests. Tip time and television network will be announced at a later date. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** ACC, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, sec, Southeastern Conference basketball, Wake Forest, will wade --- ### [LSU Baseball: Tigers Land 1st Signee From 2026 Portal In Pitcher Landon Hood](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-tigers-land-1st-commitment-from-2026-portal-in-pitcher-landon-hood/) **Published:** June 5, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The LSU baseball team has perhaps strengthened its weakest link in the 2026 baseball season – pitching. LSU coach Jay Johnson has received a commitment and signee out of the NCAA Transfer Portal from Gonzaga freshman right-handed relief pitcher Landon Hood (6-foot-3, 200 pounds), who was 3-1 with a 2.48 ERA and five saves for the Bulldogs last season. > [LSU’s 2025-26 YEAR FROM HELL Worst Since 1965-66, But There’ll Be No Reunions | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-2025-26-year-from-hell-is-worst-since-1965-66-but-therell-be-no-reunions-glenn-guilbeau/) Hood, a native of Goodyear, Arizona, who went to Canyon View High School, was the West Coast Conference freshman of the year last season as he struck out 78 and walked 21 in 16 appearances with four starts. Gonzaga finished 35-19 and won the WCC with a 22-5 mark but did not receive a bid to an NCAA Regional. The Zags finished at No. 57 by the Ratings Percentage Index (RPI) after going two and out in the WCC Tournament. Hood was the first player in Tiger Rag’s listing of five LSU portal targets to watch on Thursday. > [LSU Baseball Portal: 5 Tiger Targets To Keep An Eye On In Opening Week Of Transfer Window](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-portal-5-tiger-targets-to-keep-an-eye-on-in-opening-week-of-transfer-window/) Johnson and LSU pitching coach Nate Yeskie’s pitching staff had problems throughout the season. The Tigers’ 2026 staff finished with the most walks in the Southeastern Conference at 289 – just four from breaking the school record of 292 set in 1988 in the only season in which coach Skip Bertman did not reach the NCAA postseason. And LSU finished with the worst ERA in the league last season at 5.72, which was not far from the school record worst of 6.08 in 1981. > [LSU Baseball Portal: Tigers Hosted Southland Conference Freshman Of The Year Left-Hander Brody Trosclair](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-portal-tigers-to-host-southland-conference-freshman-of-the-year-in-left-hander-brody-trosclair/) The Tigers (30-28, 9-21 SEC) lost more SEC games in 2026 in the history of the program, which began play as a charter SEC member in 1933. And the defending national champion Tigers did not reach NCAA postseason play this past season for the first time since 2011. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, Landon Hood, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Nate Yeskie, NCAA transfer portal --- ### [Will Wade Adds Gonzaga To Schedule And Palm Springs Tournament With SMU, USC And Arizona State](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-adds-gonzaga-to-schedule-and-palm-springs-tournament-with-smu-usc-and-arizona-state/) **Published:** June 4, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The college basketball world will get a glimpse of how good new coach Will Wade’s first basketball team of his second term at LSU is early in the 2026-27 season. The Tigers, coming off back-to-back losing seasons of 14-18 (3-15 Southeastern Conference) and 15-17 (3-15 SEC), will play major NCAA Tournament power Gonzaga on Saturday, Nov. 14 in Spokane, Washington, at 12,500-seat Veterans Memorial Arena. Gonzaga normally plays its home games on campus in Spokane at 6,000-seat McCarthey Athletics Center. Gonzaga has reached 26 straight NCAA Tournaments under coach Mark Few, who began coaching the Zags in the 1999-2000 season. They have won 30 games or more nine times, including last season when the Bulldogs finished 31-4 after a second round loss in the NCAA Tournament. Gonzaga reached the national championship game both times it reached the Final Four under Few, losing in 2021 and ’17. It reached the Elite Eight three other times in 2015, ’19 and ’23. Wade, who has struggled to fill out his roster for the upcoming season, will have to contend with 7-foot center Massamba Diop, a transfer from Arizona State who averaged 13.6 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 blocked shots a game last season. > [Will Wade Still Trying To Stay Ahead Of The NCAA Sheriffs As Eligibility Issues Circle His Overseas Roster Efforts](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-still-trying-to-stay-ahead-of-the-ncaa-sheriffs-as-eligibility-issues-circle-his-overseas-roster-efforts/) Wade, who previously coached LSU from 2017-22, will also have his Tigers playing in the Palm Springs Classic in Palm Springs, California, from Nov. 21-26 with Arizona State, USC and SMU. Pairings have not been announced. > [Will Wade Has 11 Players For LSU’s 2026-27 Basketball Roster, Or Will He?](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-has-11-players-for-lsus-2026-27-basketball-roster-or-will-he/) A game between LSU and Houston at the Toyota Center in Houston is also in the works. The Cougars of coach Kelvin Sampson are another major NCAA Tournament power as they have gone to eight straight NCAA Tournaments with Final Fours in 2021 and ’25 and have won 30 games or more in the last five seasons. Houston lost the national championship game to Florida in 2025 by a 65-63 score. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, will wade --- ### [LSU Baseball Portal: 5 Tiger Targets To Keep An Eye On In Opening Week Of Transfer Window](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-portal-5-tiger-targets-to-keep-an-eye-on-in-opening-week-of-transfer-window/) **Published:** June 4, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Here are five of the major NCAA Transfer Portal targets LSU coach Jay Johnson and his staff are considering after the transfer opened on Monday and goes through July 1. All have entered the portal. **LANDON HOOD, Right-handed pitcher, Gonzaga, Freshman, (6-foot-3, 200 pounds) Goodyear, Arizona –** Hood was the West Coast Conference freshman of the year in 2026 after compiling a 3-1 record and a 2.48 ERA with five saves. He pitched in 16 games with four starts, striking out 78 in 54 and a third innings with 21 walks. Hood has a “no contact” request on his portal entry, which usually means he already has a landing spot. Hood is one of at least two pitchers Johnson and pitching coach Nate Yeskie are looking at. They just hosted Northwestern State freshman reliever Brody Trosclair on Tuesday. > [LSU Baseball Portal: Tigers Hosted Southland Conference Freshman Of The Year Left-Hander Brody Trosclair](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-portal-tigers-to-host-southland-conference-freshman-of-the-year-in-left-hander-brody-trosclair/) **JAMIE LASKOFSKI, Shortstop, William & Mary, Sophomore (6-0, 200), Burke, Virginia –** A lefty, Laskofski hit .355 with 13 home runs and 45 RBIs last season and was named the Coastal Athletic Association player of the year. He also stole 36 bases. The Tigers need a shortstop with Steven Milam likely to enter the Major League Baseball Draft, but Laskofski has to improve there. He committed 13 errors in 2026 for a .939 fielding percentage in 53 games. **TY KAUNSAS, Shortstop, Maryland, Freshman (5-11, 180), Jefferson, Maryland –** A solid fielding shortstop with eight errors in 58 games for a .966 fielding percentage, but he only hit .286 with five home runs and 39 RBIs. **BINO WATTERS, Outfielder, Notre Dame, Sophomore (6-2, 215), Rochester Hills, Michigan –** A first team All-Atlantic Coast Conference player, Watters hit .362 with 10 home runs and 51 RBIs last season. **TREY HAWSEY, First Baseman, Louisiana Tech, Sophomore (6-2, 240), West Monroe –** A big power hitter, Hawsey hit 15 home runs with 47 RBIs with a good average at .335. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Jamie Laskofski, jay johnson, Landon Hood, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, NCAA transfer portal --- ### [Paul Skenes Finally Gets Some Runs, But Poor Relief Pitching, Too, As Houston Rallies To Beat Pirates, 11-9](https://www.tigerrag.com/paul-skenes-finally-gets-some-runs-but-poor-relief-pitching-too-as-houston-rallies-to-beat-pirates-11-9/) **Published:** June 4, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor For the first time over former LSU pitcher Paul Skenes’ last four starts for Pittsburgh, the Pirates actually scored for him on Wednesday night at Houston. Pittsburgh led the Astros, 4-3, at Daikin Park when Skenes left in the fifth inning, having allowed three runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts and a walk in four and two thirds innings. > [Paul Skenes’ No-Walk Streak Ends, And He Loses, But Still Strikes Out 7](https://www.tigerrag.com/paul-skenes-no-walk-streak-ends-and-he-loses-but-still-strikes-out-7/) Skenes stood to get his first victory after three straight losses in which Pittsburgh scored nothing for him – 7-2 to the Chicago Cubs on May 28 when Skenes allowed one run on four hits in five and a third innings with 10 strikeouts, 5-2 at Toronto on May 23 when Skenes gave up four runs on nine hits in five innings, and 6-0 to Philadelphia on May 17 when Skenes allowed five runs on six hits in five innings. Instead, three Pirates’ relievers allowed eight runs on seven hits in the seventh and eighth innings for an 11-9 loss to Houston. And Skenes got a no-decision as his record remained 6-5 on the season with a 3.09 ERA and 82 strikeouts with only 13 walks. Over Skenes’ five starts in May, Pittsburgh scored eight runs. “It stings a little bit,” Skenes told reporters after the game Wednesday night. “Putting up nine runs, you should win that game every time. It doesn’t feel good for me. It doesn’t feel good for the other pitchers who threw tonight. It’s a little unfortunate, but it’s why they give us 162 games.” And Skenes knows the feeling. He has gotten little run support throughout his career with Pittsburgh, where he debuted in the 2024 season after Pittsburgh took him with the first pick of the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft after Skenes was the MVP of the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska, earlier that summer for national champion LSU. > My advice to LSU baseball fans … watch Paul Skenes pitch for Pittsburgh every chance you get. He’ll no-hit someone soon, and he has walked zero in a month. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 13, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2054642650653864088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [Skenes won the National League Cy Young award last season](https://www.tigerrag.com/cy-skenes-former-lsu-great-paul-skenes-wins-national-league-top-pitcher-award/) with a 10-10 record and a 1.97 ERA amid little offense support as the Pirates finished last in the National League Central at 71-91 after also finishing in the cellar in 2024 at 76-86. Pittsburgh at the moment actually stands in third place in the Central at 33-29 going into Thursday night’s game at Houston (7 p.m., Fox Sports 1). **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates --- ### [Nick Saban Dominates Hearing On "Protect College Sports Act," As If He's Still Stalking The Sidelines](https://www.tigerrag.com/nick-saban-dominates-hearing-on-protect-college-sports-act-as-if-hes-still-stalking-the-sidelines/) **Published:** June 3, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Mr. Saban goes to Washington. And Capitol Hill just got Saban-ized. Former seven-time national champion Alabama and LSU football coach Nick Saban took over Washington D.C., Congress, the U.S. Senate and The Beltway Wednesday as if it was a fall Saturday afternoon at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, or a Saturday night in Tiger Stadium. But this time, the opponent was the out of control state of college athletics, particularly football, because of the manic growth and COVID-like spread of Name, Image & Likeness-related pay for play and the no-sit-out-a-year NCAA Transfer Portal. That all started small in the summer of 2021 when Saban was still coaching Alabama and has grown in some ways like The Blob – a horror thriller from 1958 – oozing Saban into retirement after the 2023 season. The state of college athletics left to sprawl also threatens to end or severely damage the non-revenue sports, which are basically all of them other than football and men’s basketball, because athletic departments and their various collectives are devoting so much cash flow to football and men’s basketball. Saban, 74 and still rockin’, was the first witness to testify concerning a new bipartisan bill called the “Protect College Sports Act,” just introduced last week by Senators Ted Cruz (Republican, Texas) and Maria Cantwell (Democrat-Washington). It is designed to regulate soaring payments to athletes and limit the ridiculous, unlimited automatic transfers, among other things. > [“Lane Kiffin Rule” Won’t Work In College Football As Congress Doesn’t Seem To Grasp The Game | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-rule-wont-work-in-college-football-as-congress-doesnt-seem-to-grasp-the-game-glenn-guilbeau/) Cruz called it “the last, best hope we have to save college sports.” But it is already facing criticism, particularly from the very sources that asked Congress in the first place to help solve the problems they largely let happen and haven’t been able to fix – Southeastern Conference and Big Ten commissioners Greg Sankey and Rick Petitti. Their most powerful leagues could lose millions of their millions with the changes the bill provides, particularly concerning their treasure trove media rights. The NFL pools those. That’s what this bill wants to do, but Sankey and Petitti are naturally against that. > Careful what you wish for, Greg Sankey, particularly from Congress. [@btoppmeyer](https://x.com/btoppmeyer?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 3, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2062266756714906057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Cantwell aimed at both Sankey and Petitti. “They fear a more level playing field and the idea that somebody’s going to come in and rearrange the deck chairs of those conferences, steal the eyeball schools, and then basically leave everybody with everything else,” she said. “We’re going to get the votes,” Cruz said. “If we do nothing, there is no alternative. College sports is facing a crisis.” So, this is a job for … Super Saban. “Thank you Chairman Cruz, I could use a little of that Cuban coffee,” Saban began in his testimony to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation and proceeded to be the ultimate eye opener. “I didn’t sleep much last night because of this testimony. Ranking Member (Maria) Cantwell, and members of the Committee, thank you for the opportunity to testify.” And he was off. [NICK SABAN HINTED AT RETIREMENT MONTHS BEFORE HE DID – OUTKICK FLASHBACK](https://www.outkick.com/sports/nick-saban-may-be-in-his-last-season-now-friend-tells-outkick-and-tide-looked-rode-hard-and-put-away-wet-saturday) “I really want everybody to know I’m not here to represent a conference or a team, but to preserve college athletics as a whole,” said Saban, who played defensive back at Kent State from 1970-72 and was an assistant coach or head coach from 1973-2023. “I think we all have to ask ourselves a question. What is our guiding principles for the future of college athletics, including Olympic, women and non-revenue sports. “I have spent my adult life in college athletics. I believe in it. I have seen players come into a program who need structure, need discipline, need coaching, need academic support, need accountability, and I have seen them leave with a degree, a career, a family, and a better chance to be successful in life. I think the current system of what we have in college athletics right now makes it more and more difficult to do these things. We moved away from development to focusing on money and not life skills.” Saban also made himself rich as a coach, yes, largely because of what athletes did for him. His last salary as Alabama’s coach in 2023 was $11.4 million. But that was their choice. It wasn’t “off their backs,” as some idiots have been tweeting. And even before NIL, athletes were well compensated by a scholarship – whether that was important to them or not – and other benefits that grew as the years progressed. Believe me, they weren’t hurting. It is conveniently forgotten that poor athletes can and have received thousands of dollars a year through the Pell Grant for decades, and there have always been other student assistant programs. They also got to be coached by Saban, who became a multi-millionaire multiple times over is because of his American work ethic, and because he was the best for decades. And Saban didn’t make a million-dollar salary until he was in his late 40s in 1999 when LSU hired him. And Saban is not against continuing to see athletes compensated, but just with guardrails and a cap. “First of all, I think student-athletes should profit from Name, Image, and Likeness, as long as those things are authentic endorsements,” he said. “They create branding for themselves. They sign with the company. They do promotions. I think these things are all healthy for their education, as well as their quality of life. But I think Name, Image, and Likeness has become pay-for-play.” He explained how NIL and collectives, which tend to be a fancy name for what is similar to money laundering, grew out of control. “My first year with NIL (2021), we had collective at Alabama of $2.7 million,” Saban said. “Next year, $7 million. Next year, $10 million. I retired. Next year, $17 million. Next year, $24 million. Now you have schools that have close to $40 million rosters. So, if we continue to do that, we’re going to lose Olympic sports. We’re going to lose non-revenue sports. We’re going to lose scholarships, and basically, what’s going to happen is, you’re going to have football and basketball succeed, and we’ll have club sports for everything else with no scholarships.” Saban did drive a Honda S2000 while he was LSU’s coach, and he has owned several Mercedes-Benz dealerships for years. So, naturally, he used an excellent sports car example on Wednesday. “To put this in perspective, if you had the biggest, baddest Ferrari that you could ever have, and it was going 150 mph toward the Grand Canyon, somebody needs to tap the brakes,” he said. “And that’s what I think we all need to do here. I’m going to veer (another driving visual) a little bit from my testimony and just give you some examples of things that I think people may not know that are happening in college football that are huge problems.” And no one would no better than Saban, who has more than maintained his rock star coach status as a game analyst for ESPN since his retirement from coaching. “I think Name, Image and Likeness has turned into pay-for-play,” he said. “I said, five or six years ago, when a school I’m not going to mention who didn’t do anything wrong, had what is called a collective. A collective is an organization that raises money, basically from alumni, to be able to pay players and disguise it (laundering) as marketing opportunities. When a school did that, the first school that did it, I said, is this what we want college football to become? And I got really criticized by them. But it has become that. It’s become pay-for-play.” [THE NICK SABAN-JIMBO FISHER FEUD](https://www.outkick.com/ncaaf/nick-saban-owes-jimbo-fisher-the-apology-not-the-other-way-around) Saban was talking about his controversial comments in 2022 about then-Texas A&M and coach Jimbo Fisher, who was his offensive coordinator at LSU from 2000-04 with the 2003 national title. Saban accused the Aggies of buying every player for its No. 1-ranked 2022 signing class. “And we’ve also extended the opportunities to funnel money from operations, which come to the universities as marketing opportunities form a university standpoint, to funnel that opportunity out of operations into paying players,” Saban continued. “So if you take that $20 million or whatever it is, you can fund five or six Olympic and women’s sports. These are things I think need to be addressed. And I think this bill takes the big step forward of doing that. “The bill also creates a competitive balance. The NFL, the NBA, Major League Baseball – they all have some kind of rules that govern how they compete. It creates parity. It creates something that gives you the opportunity to have a framework to build a fair play system in, which I think is very important. I think this bill does that.” Saban said the bill is desperately needed now. “Right now, in college football, we have no rules,” he said. “We have state laws, different in every state. We have litigation. And the NCAA cannot enforce its own rules, because every time they try and enforce their own rules, there’s a lawsuit.” > [Ole Miss QB Trinidad Chambliss Expects To Hear From NCAA In Time To Transfer, Possibly To LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/ole-miss-qb-trinidad-chambliss-expects-to-hear-from-ncaa-in-time-to-transfer-possibly-to-lsu/) Saban brought up the legal fight Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss won over the NCAA. And he would revisit Ole Miss again, LSU fans. “So, I mean, an example would be Ole Miss’ quarterback,” he said. “They (the NCAA) said he can’t play next year (in 2026). But he’s playing because of litigation. This is just the way it is.” Saban returned to the Ferrari going into the Grand Canyon abyss. “It’s become an arm race,” he said. “Who spends the most has got the best chance to win. But I think it’s a race to the bottom, because if you don’t spend to win, you lose your fan base and you don’t have any revenue. So how do you manage the other sports?” Saban tackled the transfer craze, which appears to be on its own Cuban coffee. “Unlimited transfers create free agency,” he said. “Free agency with a collective? Now you’re talking about a bidding war for players. And then you’ve got agents out there that are not certified that are enhancing players or encouraging players to get in the portal. ‘I can get you more money.’ So, now we have this unbelievable number of players that get in a portal every year, and we have nothing to control agents. We have nothing to control tampering.” [Saban brought up Ole Miss coach Pete Golding plucking away Clemson linebacker Luke Ferrelli last January](https://apnews.com/article/clemson-swinney-tampering-mississippi-golding-ferrelli-bbf354cba428229b337035b4fb8fc133) shortly after he signed and arrived at Clemson. Clemson coach Dabo Swinney accused Golding and Rebel coaches of tampering. “You know, Clemson had a player that was on campus for a whole week,” Saban said. “And they come and got him off the campus and took him some place else. So these kinds of things going on in college football are absolutely not what anybody of any of us signed up for relative to the educational institutions that we’ve all tried to represent.” Saban touched on what constant transferring can do to a transcript. “So, what’s the cause and effect of transferring? I think every time you transfer, you have less and less of an opportunity to graduate,” he said. “This hits home with me because I actually coached 50 years ago when people didn’t graduate, and we saw 30-for-30s on what happened to their life.” And he said so much more. [COMPLETE NICK SABAN TRANSCRIPT](https://www.montgomeryadvertiser.com/story/sports/college/football/2026/06/03/nick-saban-senate-hearing-transcript-protect-college-sports-act/90312059007/) Click just above for the complete transcript of everything Saban said on Wednesday to the Senate Commerce Committee. As Lake Charles American Press sports editor Scooter Hobbs said, “What you and I have known all along. Saban is always the smartest guy in the room – any room.” That includes while addressing Congress. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Alabama Crimson Tide, Congress, LSU Tigers, nick saban, Ole Miss Rebels, Pete Golding, Protect College Sports Act, U.S. Senate --- ### [LSU Softball Loses A Top Pitcher For The 2nd Straight Year To The Portal As Jayden Heavener Plans To Transfer](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-loses-a-top-pitcher-for-the-2nd-straight-year-to-the-portal-as-jayden-heavener-plans-to-transfer/) **Published:** June 4, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** Two of LSU’s top players on a team that reached the NCAA Super Regional round have decided to look elsewhere with two seasons of eligibility remaining. LSU sophomore left-handed ace pitcher Jayden Heavener of Pace, Florida, and sophomore starting first baseman Tori Edwards of Flower Mound, Texas, have entered the NCAA Transfer Portal along with three other players. Heavener (13-9, 2.81 ERA) led the Tigers in wins and with 128 strikeouts, which was 65 more than senior Peytn Monticelli, who was second in strikeouts. Heavener also led the team in innings pitched with 139 and a third – 38 more than the second most used pitcher, who was junior Cece Cullura with 101 and a third. > This hasn’t been an easy decision, I am extremely grateful for all the opportunities and friendships I made along the way. Thank you for everyone who supported me through my journey here at LSU. Can’t wait to see what the future holds for me.[\#transferportal](https://x.com/hashtag/transferportal?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/m3XIqYWRzG](https://t.co/m3XIqYWRzG) > > — Jayden Heavener (@JaydenHeavener) [June 1, 2026](https://x.com/JaydenHeavener/status/2061495833778966666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Last year, LSU coach Beth Torina lost top pitcher Sydney Berzon (18-1, 2.46 ERA, 2 saves), who transferred to Oklahoma for her senior season in 2026. Berzon struck out 104 in 2025 for the Tigers with 44 walks in 139 and a third innings. She was 6-2 with a 2.63 ERA in 61 and a third innings for the Sooners in 2026. She struck out 36 with 16 walks as Oklahoma also reached a Super Regional. Also entering the portal from LSU were three sophomores – backup outfielder Destiny Harris (.295, 13-of-44, 2 HRs, 11 RBIs, 43 games, 17 starts) of Norfolk, Virginia, junior backup infielder Maddox McKee (.229, 8-of-35, 9 RBIs, 33 games, 8 starts) of Montgomery, Texas, and sophomore reserve catcher Jada Phillips of Bradenton, Florida (.333, 4-of-12, 1 HR, 4 RBIs, 11 games, 3 starts). Torina has signed a seven-player recruiting class for the 2027 season that has been ranked in the top three in the nation. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Softball **Tags:** beth torina, Destiny Harris, Jada Phillips, Jayden Heavener, Maddox McKee, NCAA transfer portal, Tori Edwards --- ### [LSU Football Loses 5-Star Edge Rusher Jaiden Bryant Commitment To Miami For Now](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-loses-5-star-edge-rusher-jaiden-bryant-commitment-to-miami-for-now/) **Published:** June 4, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor While LSU football coach Lane Kiffin and his staff have been busy recruiting elite players who are committed to other schools, they lost a big one committed to the Tigers. > [LSU Football Recruiting: Ed Orgeron Makes Quick Splash As He Hosts Bevy Of Elite Players Over The Weekend](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-recruiting-ed-orgeron-makes-quick-splash-as-he-hosts-bevy-of-elite-players-over-the-weekend/) Jaiden Bryant (6-foot-3, 245 pounds), who is the No. 2 edge rusher in the country and No. 20 overall prospect by 247sports.com from Irmo High in Columbia, South Carolina, decommitted from the Tigers on Wednesday and committed to Miami. Bryant had been committed to LSU since January 3. He visited Miami this past weekend. Bryant still has a scheduled visit to LSU on June 19 after visiting Texas A&M this weekend and South Carolina on June 12. The loss of Bryant dropped LSU’s 2027 class to four commitments and from No. 51 in the 247sports.com rankings early this week to No. 62. > [LSU No. 1 TE Commit Ahmad Hudson Tells Tiger Rag, “Count Me In” As Will Wade Commit, Too](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-no-1-te-commit-ahmad-hudson-tells-tiger-rag-count-me-in-as-will-wade-commit-too/) The commitments are No. 1 tight end Ahmad Hudson of Ruston High in Ruston, No. 9 quarterback Peyton Houston of Evangel Christian in Shreveport, No. 10 athlete Braylon Calais of Cecilia High in Breaux Bridge and No. 38 wide receiver Ah’Mari Stevens of Chaminade-Madonna High in Hollywood, Florida. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, recruiting --- ### [LSU Football Recruiting: Ed Orgeron Makes Quick Splash As He Hosts Bevy Of Elite Players Over The Weekend](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-recruiting-ed-orgeron-makes-quick-splash-as-he-hosts-bevy-of-elite-players-over-the-weekend/) **Published:** June 1, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor What could end up being LSU head coach Lane Kiffin’s best coaching hire may also be his most fiscally responsible. Former national champion LSU head coach Ed Orgeron from just six years ago is making just $100,000 a year as of last week to be Kiffin’s special assistant for recruiting and defense. > Ed Orgeron will make $100,000 at LSU in his new assistant coach job. He made about $8.9 million more than that in his last 2 years as LSU’s head coach. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 21, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2057528130466709588?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) And Orgeron may have earned that complete salary over this past weekend alone as he hosted four of the top high school players in the country at LSU and introduced them to the LSU way like no one else could. Kiffin may be the Portal King, but he just hired the Tiger Culture King. [COACH O GOT LET GO By LSU IN 2021](https://www.outkick.com/ncaaf/gone-o-lsu-football-coach-was-fired-before-he-took-the-field-and-beat-florida-saturday) First things first … how to enter Tiger Stadium as a player. “We walk out of here,” Orgeron said in a video just posted by five-star prospect/defensive lineman Jalen Brewster – the No. 1 composite overall player for the Class of 2027 by 247sports.com from Cedar Hill High in Cedar Hill, Texas. “We hit that,” Orgeron said of the “Win” crossbar posted above the exit door onto the Tiger Stadium field from the locker room area. “Everybody got it? We open it up. And there’s 102,000 screamin’ LSU fans waiting on you. And guess where Mom and Daddy are sitting? Right on the 50-yard line waiting to watch you make that big play. Everybody got that?” Brewster also posted a video of him doing drills with Orgeron. > Ed Orgeron spending time with Texas Tech Five-Star Plus+ DL commit Jalen Brewster on his LSU official visit👀 > > (via [@j8ylen\_](https://x.com/j8ylen_?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)) [pic.twitter.com/Kykawq3Mr6](https://t.co/Kykawq3Mr6) > > — Rivals (@Rivals) [May 30, 2026](https://x.com/Rivals/status/2060709239002132881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) There’s likely not another assistant on Kiffin’s staff, including quite a few making between $1 million and $3 million a year, who have quite the recruiting prowess of Orgeron, who only signed the greatest quarterback in LSU history and one of the best ever in the college game in Joe Burrow before the 2018 season. Brewster (6-foot-3, 302 pounds) is a Texas Tech commitment at the moment, but such details like that have never stopped Orgeron. Indiana, Miami and Alabama are among the other programs after Brewster. Also hosted by Orgeron Recruiting Inc. over the weekend were two other 247sports.com composite five-star prospects – No. 8 overall player and No. 2 wide receiver Easton Royal (5-11, 200), who is the No. 1 player in Louisiana from Brother Martin High in New Orleans, and No. 2 athlete Xavier Sabb (6-1, 180), who is the No. 31 prospect in the country and No. 2 in New Jersey from Glassboro High in Glassboro. Four-star prospect Abraham Sesay (6-5, 215), the No. 6 edge in the nation and No. 27 player in the nation from Downington East High in Exton, Pennsylvania, was also at LSU. And there were two three-star plaeyers as well – No. 30 safety Adryan Cole (6-2, 190) of Douglas County High in Atlanta and No. 28 athlete Markez Davis (6-3, 178) of Northwest High in Opelousas. Orgeron has a lot of work to do with Kiffin. [LSU RECRUITING CLASS CHECKS IN AT NUMBER 51](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2027-football/commits/) LSU class of 2027 currently has only five commitments and is ranked No. 51 in the nation by 247sports.com. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Abraham Sesay, Easton Royal, ed orgeron, Jalen Brewster, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, recruiting, Xavier Sabb --- ### [LSU Baseball Portal: Tigers Hosted Southland Conference Freshman Of The Year Left-Hander Brody Trosclair](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-portal-tigers-to-host-southland-conference-freshman-of-the-year-in-left-hander-brody-trosclair/) **Published:** June 3, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson and pitching coach Nate Yeskie should have invited LSU football recruiting specialist Ed Orgeron over to Alex Box Stadium on Tuesday. Johnson and Yeskie hosted Northwestern State freshman left-handed pitcher Brody Trosclair (5-1, 1.89 ERA, 1 save) on Tuesday for a recruiting visit, Trosclair’s father Shane Trosclair confirmed to Tiger Rag. Trosclair entered the NCAA Transfer Portal after the window opened on Monday. Orgeron, who was LSU’s head coach for its 15-0 national championship season in 2019-20, is a former Northwestern State defensive lineman from 1980-83 and has always been a star recruiter. LSU head coach Lane Kiffin just hired him last week as a special recruiting and defensive assistant. > [LSU Football Recruiting: Ed Orgeron Makes Quick Splash As He Hosts Bevy Of Elite Players Over The Weekend](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-recruiting-ed-orgeron-makes-quick-splash-as-he-hosts-bevy-of-elite-players-over-the-weekend/) Orgeron is also from Larose, which is about 30 minutes from Thibodaux, where Trosclair is from. Trosclair played at Thibodaux High for his father. Johnson and Yeskie need better pitching badly as the Tigers’ 2026 staff finished with the most walks in the Southeastern Conference at 289 – just four from breaking the school record of 292 set in 1988 in the only season in which coach Skip Bertman did not reach the NCAA postseason. And LSU finished with the worst ERA in the league last season at 5.72, which was not far from the school record worst of 6.08 in 1981. > [The LSU Baseball Season That Came From Outer Space, And How Jay Johnson Plans To Not Trip That Way Again](https://www.tigerrag.com/the-lsu-baseball-season-that-came-from-outer-space-and-how-jay-johnson-plans-to-not-trip-that-way-again/) The Tigers also set the school record for wild pitches last season with 90 – 21 more than the previous LSU record of 69 set in 1999 and tied in 2018. LSU led the SEC in wild pitches in 2026 with 90 – 26 more than second place Kentucky’s 64. And the Tigers finished second in the league in hitting batters with 79. > [LSU Baseball: DJ Primeaux Becomes 3rd Tigers’ Pitcher To Enter Portal](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-dj-primeaux-becomes-3rd-tigers-pitcher-to-enter-portal/) Trosclair struck out 55 in 38 innings through 10 appearances with 11 walks, four wild pitches and eight hit batsman last season and was named the Southland Conference Freshman of the Year and a first team All-SLC player. He started four games and became the Demons’ Friday night starter before injuring his elbow in early April. He is in high demand in the portal window that lasts through July 1. Trosclair did have surgery later that month in which an internal brace was put in his arm. The procedure is similar to Tommy John surgery that repairs torn ligaments in the elbow and was named after the former Los Angeles Dodger and New York Yankees pitcher, who pitched for six Major League Baseball teams in all from 1963-89. John had the surgery in 1974, and it dramatically turned his career around. But the internal-brace procedure is not as intrusive as the Tommy John surgery, which reconstructs the ulnar collateral ligament and has a year-to-18-month recovery period. The expected recovery time from the internal-brace surgery for a pitcher is nine to 12 months, so Trosclair could be ready for the 2027 season. The internal-brace surgery is minimally invasive as it reinforces the damaged ligament with extremely strong synthetic tape, instead of a complete reconstruction. The tape works with natural tissue, speeding up the recovery. Some non-pitchers have returned from the procedure in just four to six months. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Brody Trosclair, ed orgeron, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Nate Yeskie, Northwestern State Demons --- ### [Greg Sankey Is Now The Hen Clucking At The Congressional Foxes He Invited In ... USA Today Columnist On Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/greg-sankey-is-now-the-hen-clucking-at-the-congressional-foxes-he-invited-in-usa-today-columnist-on-tiger-rag-radio/) **Published:** June 3, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor No sooner did the United States Congress begin making progress to help fix college athletics with the bipartisan Protect College Sports Act than Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey and Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti began flashing thumbs down. Never mind that it was Sankey and Petitti – in particular Sankey – who have long wanted Congress to solve the issues in college athletics that they and other commissioners helped create, but have been unable to repair. On Tuesday, the SEC and Big Ten offices released a joint statement of their issues with the Protect College Sports Act bill sponsored by Senators Ted Cruz (Republican from Texas) and Maria Cantwell (Democrat from Washington). > Joint statement on the Protect College Sports Act: [pic.twitter.com/0sRlWCSvGY](https://t.co/0sRlWCSvGY) > > — Southeastern Conference (@SEC) [June 2, 2026](https://x.com/SEC/status/2061930866507383180?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “While we appreciate the leadership of Senators Cruz and Cantwell, we do not support the Protect College Sports Act as drafted. The bill leaves critical issues unresolved,” Sankey and Petitti said in their statement. “It does not meaningfully preempt the patchwork of state laws or provide the protections needed to make and enforce consistent rules, both essential to long-term stability in college athletics,” the statement continued. “It also shifts ongoing rule-making to Congress, limiting the ability to adapt quickly as the landscape evolves. Rather than reducing litigation, the bill likely expands it without offering clear alternatives for dispute resolution. Finally, the bill alters the House settlement revenue sharing framework in a way that may result in fewer student-athletes receiving direct revenue share payments.” Sankey and Petitti also do not like pooling media and television rights, naturally, because those two leagues make the lion’s share of money from televised football and men’s basketball games. “My thoughts are careful what you wish for,” USA Today college sports columnist Blake Toppmeyer said on Tiger Rag Radio on Tuesday night. Click the red arrow above and listen to Toppmeyer’s complete segment on the show. “Greg Sankey was at the vanguard begging the federal government for help,” Toppmeyer said. “He once said that, ‘Only congress could fix what ails college sports.’ Well, here’s your fix, Greg Sankey. How do you like it? He doesn’t like it very much.” At the SEC Media Days football press conferences on July 17, 2023, in Nashville, Sankey said exactly what Toppmeyer said he did. “The reality is, only Congress can fully address the challenges facing college athletics,” Sankey said. “The NCAA cannot fix all of these issues. The courts cannot resolve all of these issues. The states cannot resolve all of these issues, nor can the conferences. Whether congressional action is achievable is a matter of debate. But educational opportunity, supporting equitable opportunities for men and for women, ensuring the United States’ continued success in the Olympic Games, providing medical care, nutritional support, academic support, mental wellness counseling, these are nonpartisan issues that deserve a nonpartisan solution.” > Greg Sankey’s SEC … it Just Means More To Win Metrics Than Trophies. Column: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 29, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2060458409099436321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Petitti also spoke of needing Congress’ help recently. “Like everything else when something doesn’t work, you have to pivot and try to do something else,” he said. “We’ll see the Senate piece of it, and then kind of go from there.” Parts of the bill can be changed via Senate Commerce Committee suggestions and approvals before the votes and before it becomes law – if it gets that far. “This is what you risk when you spend five years begging the federal government for help, as Greg Sankey did,” Toppmeyer said. “Well, you might just get the federal government’s help, but you might not like the form in which that help comes. And that’s not the situation that Greg Sankey and the SEC find themselves in.” The joint statement came on the eve of a hearing on the fast-racked bill that was happening Wednesday in front of the Senate Commerce Committee after it was first introduced only a week ago. Former Alabama football coach Nick Saban, Notre Dame athletic director Pete Bevacqua and Pacific-12 commissioner Teresa Gould were speaking Wednesday. The bill was in many ways “built to pass,” Tiger Rag executive editor Todd Horne said to Toppmeyer on Tiger Rag Radio, partly by being bipartisan, and it has made fast progress. “We’ll see,” Toppmeyer said. “I do expect it’s going to receive pushback in the Senate from the Democratic side. Already seen a little bit of that. I’m still in the camp of, ‘I’ll believe it when I see it.’ But this is farther down the road than anything we’ve had for the last five years. So, it’s got a shot.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Blake Toppmeyer, greg sankey, sec, Southeastern Conference office, USA Today Sports --- ### [Lane Kiffin went quiet, Glenn believed Verge, and “Glenn Gullible” was born](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-twitter-glenn-gullible-tiger-rag-radio-jeff-palermo/) **Published:** June 3, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES Two minutes before Tiger Rag Radio went live Tuesday night, the show had already started. Not officially. Not on the stream. Not yet from the Super Chevy Dealers Studio. But the argument was already underway. Todd Horne and Glenn Guilbeau were talking about Lane Kiffin, Twitter, Vanity Fair, Ole Miss, LSU damage control and whether anybody around the LSU football program had quietly told the Tigers’ new coach to put the phone down for a while. Guilbeau had the clean version. Kiffin stopped tweeting because Kiffin decided to stop tweeting. LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry had just told WAFB’s Jacques Doucet he did not tell Kiffin to stay off social media. Case closed, or at least close enough for Guilbeau. Horne heard that and nearly reached for a whistle. Because Horne was not buying it. Not after the Vanity Fair comments. Not after the Ole Miss blowback. Not after LSU’s new football coach — one of the most online, most quotable, most combustible social-media personalities in college football — suddenly went quiet. Maybe nobody at LSU called it a gag order. Maybe nobody put it in an email. Maybe Ausberry was being technically accurate. But Horne’s position was simple: after the Vanity Fair mess, somebody around Kiffin almost certainly made it clear that the circus had gone far enough. It could have come from LSU. It could have come from representatives. It could have come from people close to him. But Horne did not believe Kiffin simply woke up one morning and decided, on his own, to stop doing something that had become such a large part of his public identity, recruiting style and daily rhythm. Guilbeau pointed back to Verge. Horne looked at him and said, essentially: And you believe that? Then he gave him the nickname. “If you believe Verge, I’m going to start calling you Glenn Gullible.” Seconds later, the red light came on. Jeff Palermo opened the show. The theme music faded. Tiger Rag Radio was live. And Horne did not leave the joke in the hallway. “That’s Glenn Gullible,” Horne said. Guilbeau fired back immediately. “There’s nothing to get to. That’s fake news, by Todd. Wrong.” Palermo laughed. The show lurched forward. And before LSU recruiting, before Jay Johnson’s transfer-portal rebuild, before Congress and the Protect College Sports Act, Tiger Rag Radio had already revealed something true about itself. The argument did not begin on the air. It merely followed the hosts there. “That’s pretty much how it happens,” Palermo said later. “We’re getting ready for the show, the open is playing, and all of a sudden Glenn and Todd get into a back-and-forth. There’s name-calling, and then we’ve got to turn the mics on and act civil. Then it bleeds over into the show.” Palermo laughed when asked about the nickname itself. “It’s creative,” Palermo said. “You only have to transfer just a few letters to go from Guilbeau to Gullible, so it actually kind of fits.” Then Palermo added the larger point. “There are a lot of times I’m like, ‘God, are you really believing that?’” Palermo said. “And I’m naive, too. I’m not throwing Glenn completely under the bus. But in this case, I find it hard to believe that Lane just decided to do this on his own.” That was the real disagreement underneath “Glenn Gullible.” Did Verge literally order Kiffin off Twitter? Ausberry says no. Did Kiffin simply decide to step away from Twitter because he felt like it? Guilbeau was open to that explanation. Did somebody around Kiffin, formally or informally, tell him the Vanity Fair/Ole Miss noise had gone far enough? Horne’s answer was yes. Palermo’s answer was not far behind. “I don’t think this was something Lane wanted to do,” Palermo said. “This has been such a big part of his life and the way he talks to recruits.” That is why the exchange worked. It was funny, but it was not fake. Tiger Rag Radio did not manufacture the nickname in a production meeting. It did not workshop the bit. Nobody handed Horne a line. Nobody told Guilbeau to push back. The show simply opened a door and let a real argument walk through it. “It was a great interaction between Glenn and Todd,” Palermo said, “because Glenn fired back, as he typically can, because he’s quick on his feet.” That is part of the show’s current chemistry. Palermo is the point guard. He gets the ball across half court. He knows where the breaks are. He knows when the guest is waiting. He knows when the show needs to move. Guilbeau is the old warhorse. He has covered everything. He remembers everything. He can pull an LSU recruiting anecdote, coaching comparison or ancient SEC grievance out of thin air and drop it on the table like evidence in a trial. Horne is the institutional skeptic. He is the one asking what the official statement leaves out. He hears the denial and starts looking for the incentive behind it. He sees LSU language and tries to translate it into plain English. So when Ausberry says he did not tell Kiffin to stop tweeting, Guilbeau hears a quote. Horne hears a loophole. Palermo hears two co-hosts already bickering before the show begins and knows he may have to keep the whole thing from jumping the tracks. That is not a problem. It is increasingly the point. “Glenn and Todd are, in a sense, like a married working couple,” Palermo said. “They bicker over stuff, and they like to throw it back at each other when they can. Those are probably the best moments of the show.” Palermo said the disagreements are not just tolerated. They are necessary. “I think it’s healthy,” Palermo said. “I don’t think you want somebody that’s always saying, ‘I agree with that.’ You need different opinions and different viewpoints, coming at it from different directions.” That push and pull has become part of Tiger Rag’s larger identity. The website has become faster and sharper. The magazine has become more polished and more ambitious. The radio show, meanwhile, has become the live voice of the operation — less scripted, more argumentative and increasingly comfortable turning LSU’s official version of events into the beginning of the conversation, not the end of it. “That’s why Tiger Rag’s flourishing with Glenn and Todd at the controls,” Palermo said. Tuesday’s show gave several examples. The “Glenn Gullible” exchange opened the night with Kiffin, Twitter and LSU messaging. Then the show moved to LSU’s major recruiting weekend, with elite 2027 prospects on campus and Ed Orgeron back in his element, firing up recruits and families as if he had stepped straight out of an old LSU hype video. Andre Champagne of 247 Sports later joined the show and said the thing recruits are noticing around LSU right now is culture — more excitement, more connection and a different feel around Kiffin’s staff. Then Hunt Palmer joined to discuss LSU baseball’s transfer-portal rebuild after one of the program’s worst seasons in recent memory. Horne asked whether Jay Johnson was shopping for arms, bats, defense, maturity or toughness. Palmer’s answer, essentially, was all of it. Then came the larger college-sports question. Before Blake Toppmeyer of USA Today came on to discuss the Protect College Sports Act, Palermo read the SEC and Big Ten’s official statement opposing the bill as drafted. The statement was polished conference language. It talked about national frameworks, transfer portals, eligibility standards, enforcement, litigation and athlete protections. Then Horne translated it. His version was blunt: the SEC and Big Ten want federal help, but they do not want federal control. They want protection from lawsuits and state-law chaos, but not if Congress starts limiting their autonomy, media power or future options. They want order, but they want to be the ones ordering it. Palermo, after the show, agreed with Horne’s broader assessment. “I think it’s accurate,” Palermo said. “You beg for five, six years, ‘We need the federal government to get involved in this. The only one that can fix it is Congress.’ And then you don’t like what the suggestions are.” To Palermo, the issue is not merely one bill or one conference statement. It is the larger problem swallowing college athletics: everyone is protecting turf. “The problem is everybody is trying to protect their own turf,” Palermo said. “The Big Ten and the SEC don’t want somebody to tell them how to do their own business.” Palermo said college sports may need some kind of national football commissioner or centralized authority to stop the sport from drifting further into chaos. He mentioned that Tim Brando has made a similar argument, and said Jeff Duncan recently made a comparable point on Tiger Rag Radio. “You need someone to say, ‘This is what we’re going to do,’” Palermo said. But getting there is the problem. The SEC and Big Ten are powerful. Greg Sankey and Tony Petitti are not likely to surrender control easily. The schools are making more money than ever. Athletes are making more money than ever. Congress is trying to intervene. Conferences want protection. Coaches want players. Players want leverage. Fans want something they can still recognize. Palermo said he is not convinced the SEC and Big Ten break away within two years, as Horne predicted on air. He thinks it may be more plausible closer to 2031 or 2032. He also wonders how such a split would work for sports beyond football. Football may be able to operate like a separate industry. But what about baseball? Softball? Women’s basketball? Golf? Track? Gymnastics? The non-revenue sports that still define the college athletic model? That is where Palermo’s thinking went deeper than the original “Glenn Gullible” joke. The nickname started with Kiffin’s Twitter silence. The conversation ended with a much larger fear. “I’m starting to really worry about what college athletics will look like in five years,” Palermo said. “Will it even be recognizable?” That is the question beneath almost everything Tiger Rag Radio discussed Tuesday night. Kiffin’s Twitter silence is part of it. Recruiting is part of it. NIL is part of it. Revenue sharing is part of it. Congress is part of it. The SEC and Big Ten are part of it. LSU baseball’s roster rebuild is part of it. The whole system is moving. Nobody is entirely in control. Palermo called it a runaway train. And somewhere inside that runaway train, two minutes before air, Todd Horne and Glenn Guilbeau were arguing over whether Lane Kiffin really decided to stop tweeting on his own. That is Tiger Rag Radio at its best. It starts with a joke. It ends up somewhere bigger. The microphones came on. The argument was already there. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU athletics **Tags:** Big 10, College Football, Glenn Guilbeau, Glenn Gullible, Jacques Doucet, Jeff Palermo, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Recruiting, LSU sports radio, Protect College Sports Act, sec, Super Chevy Dealers Studio, tiger rag radio, TigerRag.com, Todd Horne, verge ausberry --- ### [LSU Football Stars Alan Faneca, Patrick Peterson Are Up For College Football Hall Of Fame 2027 Class](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-stars-patrick-peterson-alan-faneca-are-up-for-college-football-hall-of-fame-2027-class/) **Published:** June 3, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The illustrious history of the LSU Football program could soon feature two more players for a total of 13 in the College Football Hall of Fame in its 2027 class in Atlanta. Former LSU guard Alan Faneca, who played from 1995-97, and cornerback Patrick Peterson, who played from 2008-10, are each on the ballot for the next class, it has been announced by the National Football Foundation. The new inductees will be announced early next year after voting for induction by National Football Foundation members with their enshrinement set for December of 2027. > [LSU great Faneca becomes sixth former Tiger inducted into NFL’s Pro Football Hall of Fame](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-great-faneca-becomes-sixth-former-tiger-to-be-inducted-into-nfls-pro-football-hall-of-fame/) Faneca, a native of New Orleans, is already in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, where he was enshrined in 2021 after playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1998-2007 and then the New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals. Peterson, a native of Pompano Beach, Florida, played for the Cardinials from 2011-20 and then Minnesota and Pittsburgh. The 11 former LSU players currently in the College Football Hall of Fame with their years of enshrinment are running Kevin Faulk (2022), defensive tackle Glenn Dorsey (2020), quarterback Bert Jones (2016), running back Charles Alexander (2012), running back Jerry Stovall (2010), running back Billy Cannon (2008), defensive back Tommy Casanova (1995), end/quarterback Doc Fenton (1971), running back Abe Mickal (1967), end Ken Kavanaugh (1963) and end Gus Tinsley (1956). Here are the six former LSU coaches in the College Football Hall of Fame with their year of enshrinement – Nick Saban (2025), Charles McClendon (1986), Bernie Moore and Biff Jones (1954) and Michael Donahue and Dana Bible (1951). Among the other players up for induction are Saints head coach Kellen Moore, who played quarterback at Boise State and was a first team All-American in 2010. > Few were more innovative and independent thinking than Jimmy Buffett and Mike Leach, a pair of pirates we lost within 8 months in 2022-23. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 30, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2060722568596746374?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The late Mike Leach, who was known for winning at historically struggling programs like Mississippi State, Washington State and Texas Tech, has been nominated for induction along with former Pittsburgh, Texas A&M and Mississippi State coach Jackie Sherrill. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** alan faneca, college football hall of fame, lsu football, patrick peterson --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio Podcast June 2: An inside look at LSU's pursuit of Easton Royal](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-podcast-june-2-an-inside-look-at-lsus-pursuit-of-easton-royal/) **Published:** June 2, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** We recap LSU’s big recruiting weekend and how strong of an impression did LSU make on 5-star wide receiver Easton Royal. It was a quiet weekend at Alex Box Stadium, but Jay Johnson and his coaching staff are busy digging through the transfer portal as they look to build the next Tigers championship team. The SEC and Big 10 ask for Congress’ help in fixing sports, but they do not like their suggestions. ***Here is the complete transcript of the show from YouTube. Tiger Rag apologizes for any AI generated mistakes:*** Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. Tiger Rag Radio is on the air. Let’s crank this thing up. 0:06 6 seconds We’re statewide breaking down the latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is up. Hear from the coaches. Our time is now with LSU basketball. 0:14 14 seconds The players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 0:17 17 seconds One way or another, we’re going to make history. 0:19 19 seconds And those who cover \[music\] the Fighting Tigers of LSU and the SEC. LSU is the best job in court. 0:25 25 seconds It’s 2 hours of non-stop \[music\] LSU talk. 0:28 28 seconds I came here to win. We’re going to win immediately. 0:30 30 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is brought to you by Cumins. Cumins \[music\] creates power solutions that the world depends on. 0:36 36 seconds Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro’s Electrical Services, Sunshine Quality Solutions, Super Chevy Dealers, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 0:45 45 seconds \[music\] 0:49 49 seconds Get ready to talk Tigers \[music\] with producer Case Kishnik and our host Todd Horn, Jeff \[music\] Polmo, and Glenn Gilbo. 0:58 58 seconds players that are better people than they are players. 1:01 1 minute, 1 second This is Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealers Studio. 1:08 1 minute, 8 seconds And good evening everyone. Welcome to another edition of Tiger Rag Radio, Jeff Palmo, along with the executive editor for Tiger Rag Magazine, Todd Horn, and 1:16 1 minute, 16 seconds the editor, Glenn Gilbo, and Case Keatsnik, our producer here tonight. That That’s Glenn Gullible. 1:23 1 minute, 23 seconds Glenn Gullible. Well, we we’ll get into that here in a second. But, uh, hey, there’s nothing to get to. That’s fake news by \[laughter\] Todd. Wrong. 1:33 1 minute, 33 seconds Boy, we’re already off to a a splendid start here as Todd and Glenn are at each other’s uh throws. But, uh, glad you 1:40 1 minute, 40 seconds could be a part of the show here tonight. Got a lot to get to over the next couple of hours. Got a good lineup of guests. We’ll talk some football 1:47 1 minute, 47 seconds recruiting with Andre Champine, our good old friend, who’s now at 247. big recruiting weekend this past weekend. 1:55 1 minute, 55 seconds We’ll talk some college baseball, some transfer portal stuff with Hunt Palmer of ESPN 1045 and 1049. Blake Top Meer will join us in hour number two as well. 2:07 2 minutes, 7 seconds We he is with the USA Today Network. 2:09 2 minutes, 9 seconds We’ll talk about the Senate bipartisan legislation that is designed to fix college sports. A big 2:16 2 minutes, 16 seconds talking about dull. \[laughter\] A big that’s going to work. 2:20 2 minutes, 20 seconds Yeah. A big Senate hearing will take place tomorrow, in fact. And then Garrett Ren, who is the uh head women’s golf coach for LSU, will join us in our 2:29 2 minutes, 29 seconds number two, former men’s assistant as the men are still competing out there, right? 2:33 2 minutes, 33 seconds No, they they they finished yesterday, but both teams made it to the NCA championships and LSU finished in the finished 12th. The men did. 2:41 2 minutes, 41 seconds All right. Okay. So, uh not a bad finish considering how many teams that are out there. So, we’ll get Garrett’s perspective on that. But uh this past 2:49 2 minutes, 49 seconds weekend it was strange. No LSU baseball to watch. Uh no rain delays to sit 2:56 2 minutes, 56 seconds through. No, uh sunshine delays as we’ve had with previous NCAA baseball regionals at the box with Jay Johnson at 3:05 3 minutes, 5 seconds the helm. Uh so you didn’t have that distraction. So if you were an LSU fan and if you were looking for something uh 3:13 3 minutes, 13 seconds to foul when it comes to purple and gold, it was certainly the the big recruiting weekend. And and that’s why we’ll have Andre come on a little bit later on in the hour to wrap it up. But 3:22 3 minutes, 22 seconds you had several five-star prospects on campus, including Eastn Royal, the number one wide receiver in the nation 3:29 3 minutes, 29 seconds from Brother Martin. And he had Ed Orron doing defensive line drills with one of 3:35 3 minutes, 35 seconds the top players in the 2027 class. So that got everybody fired up. And then you also had the viral video of Ed 3:43 3 minutes, 43 seconds Orzron uh getting the recruits and their their parents, their families fired up and giving them an idea of what it’s 3:50 3 minutes, 50 seconds like to run through the tunnel and then through the uh goalpost there at Tiger Stadium in front of 102,000 fans. So 3:58 3 minutes, 58 seconds that got everybody fired up and Ed Orron might have made his u $100,000 that he’s getting paid. He might have uh he might have earned that check this past weekend. 4:08 4 minutes, 8 seconds I I think he did. I think that uh he’s the biggest deal and steal that’s happened. Uh I guess but I don’t know. 4:15 4 minutes, 15 seconds Are they making up for that 17 million? 4:18 4 minutes, 18 seconds \[laughter\] 4:18 4 minutes, 18 seconds Yeah, he can’t really feel like he’s underpaid cuz he got a lot of money without doing anything. \[laughter\] 4:25 4 minutes, 25 seconds But it but it is funny. I mean that’s compared to the salaries. I mean, they have two one, two, $3 million coaches on 4:33 4 minutes, 33 seconds salary, you know, and uh and Ed’s making 100,000, but uh he did make uh6 million uh sign a bonus, but he had he had to pay half of that to his ex-wife. 4:44 4 minutes, 44 seconds Remember that? 4:44 4 minutes, 44 seconds I thought he got away with not having Supreme Court ruled that he had to give him back or had to give her half. So, Right. Right. 4:51 4 minutes, 51 seconds That’s That’s why you should never get married. \[laughter\] All right. Well, there’s another show uh topic or another \[laughter\] that that gets into all those kind of 4:59 4 minutes, 59 seconds we got Dr. L out here, but um it was a big weekend. I I don’t 5:06 5 minutes, 6 seconds know how you guys I I mean I I follow recruiting. Uh I’m not a recruiting junkie, but do you feel like in today’s 5:15 5 minutes, 15 seconds day and age of uh college athletics and we all know recruiting is the the the is 5:23 5 minutes, 23 seconds certainly uh the centerpiece of anything that comes when with a program. Uh it is the the heart and soul of it. But in 5:32 5 minutes, 32 seconds today’s day where players it’s so transactional as Lane Keifin would like to say 5:38 5 minutes, 38 seconds um how important is it? I mean obviously you get them on campus that’s great. If you can get them to sign that’s great 5:47 5 minutes, 47 seconds but the majority of these guys are not going to be at that particular school 5:54 5 minutes, 54 seconds for more than a year. But I think you still want to get the best of the best that you can possibly get out of the 6:01 6 minutes, 1 second high school ranks when they’re coming in. And then you can decide who you want to invest in and who you want to keep, who you develop, 6:08 6 minutes, 8 seconds who develops at the right pace. I think LSU is one of the few places still in 6:18 6 minutes, 18 seconds college football that has tradition and reputation of developing NFL stars or NFL talent, I should say. 6:27 6 minutes, 27 seconds And I think they should use that to their advantage. And I honestly believe that’s why Lane Kein one of the main reasons why he’s here right now. 6:34 6 minutes, 34 seconds Well, I I think you know the the best recruits that you get and I mean if if LSU gets Jaylen Brewster, the number one 6:41 6 minutes, 41 seconds defensive lineman in the country and and uh Eastn uh Royal Eastn Royal, the number two wide receiver, I mean those guys aren’t going to transfer cuz those 6:50 6 minutes, 50 seconds after they get to LSU cuz they’ll be playing a lot. Most of the guys who transfer are ones who uh aren’t playing. 6:56 6 minutes, 56 seconds But I I think it’s great because uh one of the best parts of the LSU job for a football coach is still the recruiting 7:05 7 minutes, 5 seconds geography. And I think Lane, that’s one of the reasons he took the job. And after he had that first portal class of 7:13 7 minutes, 13 seconds 42 players, that’s really a two-year class. That’s his base. I think you’re going to see him recruit more and more 7:20 7 minutes, 20 seconds \[clears throat\] high school players. and he’s going to have less and less portal guys where he’s just, you know, picking and choosing the very best ones. And 7:29 7 minutes, 29 seconds that’s a better way to build a program because you’re going to have the guys on the team longer, which is kind of what Indiana did. Uh, and so I I think that 7:37 7 minutes, 37 seconds bodess extremely well because what is that? That’s LSU taking advantage of its strengths, which is its recruiting base. 7:44 7 minutes, 44 seconds and he has done more in 6 months to entrench himself and his staff in 7:53 7 minutes, 53 seconds Louisiana and Louisiana high schools than Brian Kelly did in four years. 7:57 7 minutes, 57 seconds Yeah. Yeah. I mean, they’re all over the place recruiting. Now, it is interest. 8:01 8 minutes, 1 second It kind of shocked me a little bit because in the story I did about coach George Ron that’s on the website now in his weekend, LSU is currently ranked 8:08 8 minutes, 8 seconds 52nd in the country. It’s 2027 class, but they only got five commitments. 8:13 8 minutes, 13 seconds Okay. I mean that that can change overnight, but but I mean they they got a long way to go for that that class, but they are also coming off the the number one 8:21 8 minutes, 21 seconds portal class. And I think that what is there that football class from 26 from high school, I think it’s about 15 or 16. Yeah. I mean, that’s that’s a that’s 8:29 8 minutes, 29 seconds a pretty good base. I mean, they’re they’re set for two years even without this class. 8:34 8 minutes, 34 seconds But the 2026 class was ranked that. But it was actually if you did it on a ratio of players, it was actually number one. 8:45 8 minutes, 45 seconds What? What? What do you mean? They had fewer players. 8:48 8 minutes, 48 seconds Oh, the quality of those players whenever you rate it that way was actually number one. 8:54 8 minutes, 54 seconds Yeah. Well, that’s a good point because, you know, a lot of times when you sign 28 or 30 players, usually only half of them coming out of high school are good. 9:04 9 minutes, 4 seconds But, uh, if he if he can get that kind of a return, you know, if he has like 15 good players in that class, well, then that’s that’s quite a class added to the 42 he’s already got in the portal. 9:15 9 minutes, 15 seconds Well, Ed Orron, I certainly made his case to to bring these kids in. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of dent they have. It seems like there’s 9:23 9 minutes, 23 seconds momentum building with Eastn Royal. It it seems like it. Uh there was also the report of uh LSU’s apparently putting together the largest uh NIL package. 9:35 9 minutes, 35 seconds How how do you know? I don’t know. 9:37 9 minutes, 37 seconds I I I would love to know how people know that. \[laughter\] Well, and you know what what’s amazing, too, is I mean there’s 12 receivers in 9:45 9 minutes, 45 seconds in Lane sport. So, and and a couple more in the in the last high school class. 9:50 9 minutes, 50 seconds So, that might be something that Eastston’s looking at, too. 9:53 9 minutes, 53 seconds Yeah. But you’re right on Jaylen Brewster. Uh you get guys like that. I mean, if he ends up signing at LSU, 10:01 10 minutes, 1 second um, and you have that viral video of him doing the defensive line drills with coach Ed Orzron, I mean, that’s just, 10:10 10 minutes, 10 seconds uh, that that’s just adding that that’s just that’s impressive. 10:13 10 minutes, 13 seconds So, you know, we know that that that coach is one of the best recruiters in the country. Yeah. 10:20 10 minutes, 20 seconds Yeah. Glenn Gullible keeps telling me that he’s the best def one of the best defensive line coaches in the country. I’m I’m not sure about that. 10:29 10 minutes, 29 seconds Uh I I think once again you are tied wrong. \[laughter\] I haven’t I haven’t said that about him as being a defensive line coach, but but he’s he’s a he 10:38 10 minutes, 38 seconds always has been a very good defensive line coach. And and Jaylen Brewster, not only is he the number one defensive lineman in the country, according to 247 10:46 10 minutes, 46 seconds Sports out of Cedar Hill, Texas, he’s the number one player in the class of 2027, period. Plus, uh we we mentioned 10:55 10 minutes, 55 seconds Eastern Royal. And then uh Xavier \[clears throat\] Sab is a highly ranked in in the athlete category. And then 11:01 11 minutes, 1 second then uh Cece Alvador Cece uh I’m sorry, I’m getting his first name wrong. He’s the number six edge in the 11:10 11 minutes, 10 seconds country. So that’s quite a group to have on on one weekend. 11:13 11 minutes, 13 seconds Hey, can any of these guys play baseball? Can they pitch? I don’t \[laughter\] know. Abraham Cece. I’m sorry. Abraham Cece. 11:20 11 minutes, 20 seconds Yeah, the pitchers are coming, man. 11:22 11 minutes, 22 seconds They’re going to be signing some pitchers. I don’t think there’s any question. 11:26 11 minutes, 26 seconds Well, the baseball transfer portal opened up on Monday and uh you’re getting rid of um the attrition has 11:33 11 minutes, 33 seconds started, which you would have expected and we we heard it last week when we had the uh when we were on that that was I think the first day was announced that 11:40 11 minutes, 40 seconds Maverick Rizzie was going to get in the transfer portal. Interesting in that um you know a couple guys there in Jaden New uh you know 11:48 11 minutes, 48 seconds and DJ Primo DJ Primo both of those guys leave LSU with two national championship rings. 11:55 11 minutes, 55 seconds And uh and interesting also that Primo and Rzzy and N um even though Rzy’s erra 12:04 12 minutes, 4 seconds is a little bit lower in 2026 than it was in 2025, the walks and the hit batsman and all that stuff. Wild pitches. 12:12 12 minutes, 12 seconds Wild pitches. I I he had like eight guys than Maverick Rizzie and the wild pitches are way up there as well. But in 12:19 12 minutes, 19 seconds the case of N and Primo, \[snorts\] uh those guys were, you know, they were not your your your first line. 12:26 12 minutes, 26 seconds They were not your high leverage relievers, but they were guys that uh did pitch in 25 12:34 12 minutes, 34 seconds in 2025. And they pitched several innings and they were part of the team. 12:37 12 minutes, 37 seconds They were part of uh of the equation, if you would, as far as how Jay and Nate Yesi would would deploy those two guys. 12:46 12 minutes, 46 seconds And yet they regressed or they didn’t had what DJ barely pitched pitched at all. 12:52 12 minutes, 52 seconds Primo only had one appearance in the in SEC play. 12:56 12 minutes, 56 seconds Yeah, I was about to say I I hardly remember him pitching at all this year. And N didn’t pitch much at all either. 13:01 13 minutes, 1 second No, they just they kind of made room for the for the freshman. Yeah. 13:05 13 minutes, 5 seconds And and put them aside. Uh but uh yeah, it’s uh it’s amazing they what what LSU 13:12 13 minutes, 12 seconds really needs to do. Jay Johnson and and Nate Yesi, they got to decide who’s good and who’s not, you know, and who they’re going to 13:21 13 minutes, 21 seconds try to keep because I think they made some mistakes with position players last year, letting some guys go that maybe should have been kept and keeping some guys that maybe 13:29 13 minutes, 29 seconds should have been let go and then we we saw the mistakes in the portal. So, they got to be really exacting with who they decide is going to be on that roster. 13:38 13 minutes, 38 seconds Uh, I would love for LSU to have Mikey Ryan right now. Yeah, I watched him play this weekend. So, yeah. Yeah. No, he was a guy that they 13:47 13 minutes, 47 seconds uh they certainly missed. No doubt about it. Um not to say that they they they ended up pretty good with Kate Arendi and Omar Cerna, but Brady Neil behind 13:56 13 minutes, 56 seconds the plate for Alabama. That’s you know, he’s he’s been pretty good. He’s been a big force for them and they’re in the super regionals this weekend as well. 14:03 14 minutes, 3 seconds We’ll talk a little bit more about NCAA baseball football recruiting. Uh great interview that our friend Jacques Duceay did with Verge Osbury. We’ll get into 14:12 14 minutes, 12 seconds that as well. So, a lot to get to here on Tiger Rag Radio. If you’ve missed any of the past episodes or if you can’t listen to the entire show tonight, you 14:20 14 minutes, 20 seconds can get us anywhere you get your podcast and the show will be uploaded to YouTube once we’re done. We’re here till 8:00. 14:26 14 minutes, 26 seconds More of Tiger Rag Radio when we come back. Chevy trucks have you covered when the road takes you from smooth sailing to Chevy Colorado will eat up some of 14:35 14 minutes, 35 seconds the toughest terrains with five available drive modes. And Silverado and Silverado HD have the muscle to take you out for some serious with multiple engine options and impressive towing. 14:45 14 minutes, 45 seconds While Silverado EV is the perfect combo of performance and \[music\] capability, making it a snap to hitch up this electric truck and hit the road wherever 14:53 14 minutes, 53 seconds the road leads. Chevy trucks are right there with you. See your Super Chevy dealers today. 15:00 15 minutes Now back to Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. Back here on Tiger Rag Radio, we’re going to have 15:08 15 minutes, 8 seconds Andre Champine of 247 Sports, former Tiger Rag and Louisiana Radio Network personnel member, reporter, and producer 15:17 15 minutes, 17 seconds of Tiger Rag Radio. Uh we’ll get to him here. Uh the other thing that had LSU BA baseball fans attention this past weekend, even though LSU was not in the 15:26 15 minutes, 26 seconds tournament, was just the craziness that we saw in the NCAA baseball tournament. 15:31 15 minutes, 31 seconds And you started to get that feeling, you know, when Milwaukee beats Auburn on Friday, UCLA loses, and you’re saying, “This this is could be a very 15:40 15 minutes, 40 seconds interesting tournament.” And it always is. It’s always a great weekend. I I I’ve said it where I’ve said it on previous shows. I think I say this all 15:48 15 minutes, 48 seconds the time. I I think for me, I’m a Plus, I’m a bigger baseball than basketball fan. I think the NCAA baseball tournament is much more interesting, 15:57 15 minutes, 57 seconds much more dram. You had walk-off home runs. Uh, you had singing at the end of the West Virginia regional championship. 16:05 16 minutes, 5 seconds My favorite part. \[laughter\] I mean, you just had you just had so much uh St. John’s 16:13 16 minutes, 13 seconds coming out of nowhere. Little Rock, St. Mary’s. St. Mary’s, right? St. John’s, too. 16:18 16 minutes, 18 seconds St. John’s, too. They beat Florida State. Uh, and Cal Pali’s in a super regional. 16:22 16 minutes, 22 seconds Just that’s amazing. 16:23 16 minutes, 23 seconds I think it’s a little bit too much as far as the upsets. I I think when we get to Omaha, we’re going to be looking around and saying, 16:31 16 minutes, 31 seconds “What is that? Kansas. What? What’s What is all you know?” I mean, like when Stony Brook made it. 16:36 16 minutes, 36 seconds Yeah. But you’re going to have multiple Stony Brooks. Troy crushed Florida, man. In the final. 16:42 16 minutes, 42 seconds Yeah. Troy and they were one of the last teams in what a 33 and 29 record, right? 16:47 16 minutes, 47 seconds What do you make out of all this craziness? Parody, man. Parody. NIL. 16:53 16 minutes, 53 seconds Yeah. Yeah. And I think I think the portal too, you know, the players just keep keep moving and that that balances 17:00 17 minutes things. That that’s why the SEC has not won football championships the last three years, I think, is the is the main 17:07 17 minutes, 7 seconds thing. But, you know, it is it is amazing and and it’s it’s great that those games are good. I don’t know how many LSU fans are are watching it, but 17:15 17 minutes, 15 seconds to me, whenever LSU doesn’t have a home regional or or at least, you know, when they were in North Carolina, you could watch it on TV, but when they’re not in 17:24 17 minutes, 24 seconds the postseason, it reminds me of uh 2005 when the football season didn’t start on time because of Katrina. I mean, it’s 17:32 17 minutes, 32 seconds like Baton Rouge was just empty, you know? \[laughter\] It’s like it was just like what’s going on, you know, because you’re so used to that baseball 17:40 17 minutes, 40 seconds tournament. Little Rock made the super regional. 17:43 17 minutes, 43 seconds That’s right. That’s right. It really has been an amazing tournament. 17:46 17 minutes, 46 seconds And you know, you go back to country roads. West Virginia is building a program. 17:52 17 minutes, 52 seconds Yeah, they are. They can keep their coach. 17:55 17 minutes, 55 seconds Yeah. That dude, what’s this? Steve Sabin. 17:57 17 minutes, 57 seconds Yeah. Yeah. And then and so yeah, the two teams, uh, you know, LSU, obviously Little Rock was the only team to beat LSU in the NCAA baseball tournament last 18:05 18 minutes, 5 seconds year. West Virginia, of course, was in the super regionals. Um, Georgia able to get to the super regionals. I I think they’re now the best team left. 18:15 18 minutes, 15 seconds Yeah, that means they’ll lose. 18:16 18 minutes, 16 seconds Yeah, we’ll see. Yeah, Milwaukee was in there. Nor Eastern, two teams LSU played. 18:20 18 minutes, 20 seconds Yeah. Um, the Milwaukee thing was just crazy because LSU just absolutely beat the drum out of them in those first three games of the season when we all 18:29 18 minutes, 29 seconds thought LSU was going to go back and potentially repeat again. Uh, but they play in a in a league with just five 18:35 18 minutes, 35 seconds teams in it and they they got hot and and that that’s the other part with baseball. It is it’s the randomness. 18:43 18 minutes, 43 seconds It’s all it takes is one of your starting pitchers not to have their day. 18:48 18 minutes, 48 seconds Uh, an air here, a base hit there, a three-run home run here, and the momentum shifts. And it’s it’s something 18:56 18 minutes, 56 seconds that you just it’s it’s hard to, you know, in football you could just overpower an inferior team. basketball, you know, it it basketball there is a 19:05 19 minutes, 5 seconds little bit of randomness in it, but not as much as there is in baseball. I mean, if you if you come out in basketball and hit a bunch of three-pointers, you can 19:12 19 minutes, 12 seconds beat a team that’s better than you, but doesn’t always work. 19:15 19 minutes, 15 seconds The thing that stood out to me watching the games this this past weekend was they didn’t throw many wild pitches 19:24 19 minutes, 24 seconds \[laughter\] and they played defense and didn’t make any errors. Well, and and I think, you know, there were some 19:32 19 minutes, 32 seconds there were certainly some highscoring games out there. There’s no doubt about it. There were some games where they got out of hand and you just kind of let 19:39 19 minutes, 39 seconds your, you know, your sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, 10th pitcher go out there and just try to get you through it to save pitchers for the rest of the regional. But, you know, a team like 19:48 19 minutes, 48 seconds UCLA to to be as dominant as they were, they had won 29 straight at one point, right? and to just fall flat on you and 19:55 19 minutes, 55 seconds not even to to lose even before he gets to the regional finals. 19:59 19 minutes, 59 seconds Yeah. And and then the team that beats them doesn’t even win the the regional. Yeah. St. Mary’s. 20:06 20 minutes, 6 seconds Right. Right. Cal Pal is the one that that’s going to be in there. So, I don’t know. Um I I know there’s parody. I I’ve 20:13 20 minutes, 13 seconds also said this about where there is a bigger divide it seems obviously with football between your 20:21 20 minutes, 21 seconds your your power conferences in the mid majors basketball the last couple of years of the NCAA tournament very few 20:28 20 minutes, 28 seconds Cinderellas but if there is a sport if you’re an athletic director if there’s a sport where you want to get some eyeballs on you and want to get some 20:36 20 minutes, 36 seconds attention for your school baseball is the you know look at all the attention Little Rock Troy St. John’s, you know, St. John’s gets 20:44 20 minutes, 44 seconds attention in basketball, but you know, Calpali, how much attention they’re going to be getting now. 20:49 20 minutes, 49 seconds Calpali’s, that’s got to be their first super regional ever. I’ve never heard of them being in a super regional. And and the other and talking about getting 20:56 20 minutes, 56 seconds attention for your for your school because there’s no other sports going on right now collegiically. That’s the cool thing about baseball, man. The SEC dominates men’s golf. 21:07 21 minutes, 7 seconds \[laughter\] 21:09 21 minutes, 9 seconds No, seriously. Well, well, that’s about to end. \[laughter\] They’re in their last couple of days of of that is what I meant. But yeah, I the 21:17 21 minutes, 17 seconds uh I was really entertained by the uh the LSU at the men’s golf. I mean, they they shot 18 under uh as a team on on Monday and and picked up 20some strokes. 21:29 21 minutes, 29 seconds Uh but um and um you know, the women women did well, too. That’s uh that’s a cool program that LSU’s building up, both of those. 21:37 21 minutes, 37 seconds All right. Well, we’ll talk a little more golf in hour number two. We’ll get back to football recruiting when we come back. Andre Shan Pine with 247 Sports will join us, so stay tuned for that. 21:46 21 minutes, 46 seconds This is Tiger Rag Radio from the Super Chevy dealer studio. I’m Richard Fnoo, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. While I’m a fourth 21:54 21 minutes, 54 seconds generation rice and soybean grower, you don’t have to be a farmer to \[music\] be a Louisiana Farm Bureau member. 21:59 21 minutes, 59 seconds Membership has its benefits, from discounts on car seats, hotel rooms, and rental cars to access to insurance you can count on to be there when you need, 22:08 22 minutes, 8 seconds plus a whole lot more. We’re 145,000 members strong and we want you to join the Louisiana Farm Bureau family. 22:14 22 minutes, 14 seconds Visit lafarmbureau.org. The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. How you doing? This is Snow Dog. 22:22 22 minutes, 22 seconds Tiger Rag. Tiger Rag Radio. 22:25 22 minutes, 25 seconds Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, you are tuned in. 22:28 22 minutes, 28 seconds Talk LSU sports interviews, opinions, and your calls around the Tiger Nation. 22:32 22 minutes, 32 seconds Batt Road was a life for me. Home of LSU Tigers. 22:35 22 minutes, 35 seconds Now, more Tiger Rag Radio. We love to score and get highlights in the championship and play the win. Tiger Radio. 22:41 22 minutes, 41 seconds Yeah, we’re back here on Tiger Rag Radio from the Super Chevy dealers studios, Jeff Polarmo, Todd Horn, Glenn Gilbo, our former 22:48 22 minutes, 48 seconds coworker, Andre Shani. Joining us now from 247 Sports recovering or covering recruiting for um 22:56 22 minutes, 56 seconds maybe he is recovering from you recovering. \[laughter\] You can say recovering after this weekend, Luke. So, were you just 23:04 23 minutes, 4 seconds What’s up, gentlemen? Were you just hanging around Tiger Stadium watching all these five-star prospects walk around campus? I was not. I was working the phones. 23:12 23 minutes, 12 seconds Honestly, I know LSU doesn’t uh a lot of programs. You guys would be surprised like they the Florida and Florida states actually allow guys to like hang out on 23:22 23 minutes, 22 seconds campus like um on that last day and and interview the guys, but that is not the case at LSU. Wow. 23:29 23 minutes, 29 seconds So, uh but no. Yeah, it was a very busy weekend. Um, very fun weekend though. 23:34 23 minutes, 34 seconds All right, so give us an idea. How much headway did they make here on some of these guys? 23:40 23 minutes, 40 seconds Ethan Royal was the biggest one in my opinion. I mean, uh, obviously he cancels, uh, his visits to, uh, Tennessee and Miss, which is pretty big. 23:48 23 minutes, 48 seconds Um, but I kind of got that sense when I talked to him earlier this summer. Um, it sounded like it was a three-man race between Florida, LSU, and Texas, and it 23:57 23 minutes, 57 seconds still is. Um, so I mean I guess you know the we’re we’re learning something but not much as well. But um I mean he he he 24:06 24 minutes, 6 seconds loved every second of it. You could tell uh he was there with his mom and his other family members and they looked like they enjoyed it um just as much as 24:13 24 minutes, 13 seconds him. And but like he talked about how he he you know a few weeks ago he he talked about how he loved the way Lane Keifin’s 24:21 24 minutes, 21 seconds offense was structured and how he would fit in it. And then he also talked about how he literally idolized Odell Beckham growing up and how he watched the Tigers 24:29 24 minutes, 29 seconds on Saturday. So like look, he’s interested in playing for LSU. But look, I think also Texas holds a really really special place in his heart. Why? I have 24:38 24 minutes, 38 seconds no clue. But I mean, you could think it’s money, but he was very transparent with me that money is not going to be a 24:45 24 minutes, 45 seconds factor in his decision. Um, but I I think it’s going to either come down to to Texas, him staying with Texas or an LSU flip uh when when things are done. 24:54 24 minutes, 54 seconds Andre, uh, is it true that Eastern Royal cancelled his visit to Old Miss because his grandparents said that they didn’t want him to go there? \[laughter\] 25:02 25 minutes, 2 seconds I can’t say I I wouldn’t I wouldn’t think it’s that. Um, but that’s a good question. Seriously, did did you ask Eastston or or what do you think 25:10 25 minutes, 10 seconds Eastston’s thoughts are on the, you know, dozen wide receivers Lane brought in from the from from the portal this 25:19 25 minutes, 19 seconds this past year? Does the number of receivers does that impact his decision at all, you think? 25:24 25 minutes, 24 seconds I I don’t think so because he knows how talented he is down down the line. I mean, this we’re talking about a generational talent. Um, this guy has, 25:32 25 minutes, 32 seconds you know, like the Jamar Chase, Justin Jefferson pedigree written all over him because look, I mean, look at his track numbers. 10, like he ran a 1021 seconds 25:41 25 minutes, 41 seconds in the 100 meters, like a 2047 in the 200, guys. That’s that’s track athlete speed. And the guy is built like a wide receiver, like a true wide receiver. 25:51 25 minutes, 51 seconds He’s almost six foot. He’s 200 lb. And he’s just a physical guy, but he’s also just one that you’re not going to be able to catch at the end of the day. 25:59 25 minutes, 59 seconds Well, go ahead. compare him to one of the one of the LSU greats. 26:04 26 minutes, 4 seconds Um, I’m not sure honestly. I I would probably say Jamar Chase just in terms of the route running and and the kind of 26:12 26 minutes, 12 seconds balance that he has. He’s, you know, for his size, he’s he’s still really physical. I would say I would say that uh because he’s not as tall as as one 26:20 26 minutes, 20 seconds would be, but man, in that Lane Kein offense, that is like the typical uh you know, wide receiver that he goes after. 26:27 26 minutes, 27 seconds How are his hands? Can he I mean, is he I mean, can he catch Did you watch the uh Did you watch the Under Armour American? 26:34 26 minutes, 34 seconds I did not. Missed \[laughter\] it. Missed it, big guy. I’m sure you did. I did. Yeah, he had a one-handed catch. 26:41 26 minutes, 41 seconds It was It was insane in the end zone uh for for one of the touchdowns. It was wild. 26:46 26 minutes, 46 seconds Hey, Luke, \[clears throat\] didn’t didn’t LSU tell him that, you know, he wherever he decides to go, he’s going to be a superstar, but if he comes to LSU, he’ll be a legend. 26:57 26 minutes, 57 seconds Uh, I I something along those lines for sure. Uh, I mean, sources have told us that like, look, they’re they’re full in. Like, they’re full in on this guy. I 27:05 27 minutes, 5 seconds don’t think money is going to really be an issue here. They’re willing to probably pay him whatever he needs at the end of the day, but he really does 27:12 27 minutes, 12 seconds have a relationship with Sarkeesian and that Texas staff over there in Austin. 27:17 27 minutes, 17 seconds So, um, you know, it’s going to be telling what happens these next couple of weeks. And I wouldn’t even rule out Florida, man, with the way they’re recruiting. Uh, and you know, he raved about their staff earlier this summer. 27:28 27 minutes, 28 seconds So, um, I I will like like he told me, he said, don’t count anything out. So, I that’s what I’m doing. I’m I’m not going to get ahead of myself here and say 27:36 27 minutes, 36 seconds that, you know, a lot of lot like like a lot of these LSU people that, you know, it’s inevitable for a flip because it’s not. 27:44 27 minutes, 44 seconds Well, hey, when when recruits are talking about LSU now, uh, what what what is the main selling 27:51 27 minutes, 51 seconds point? Is it Kevin’s offense? LSU’s NFL history. Is it the SEC, Baton Rouge, or is it like you were talking about money? 27:59 27 minutes, 59 seconds Man, I think it’s culture. Everybody that I’ve talked to has raved about the environment around Kein um and that new 28:07 28 minutes, 7 seconds staff, right? Like they said, there’s just a lot more excitement there and there’s a lot more people connecting with you, if that makes sense. Like the staff is full in on these people. 28:17 28 minutes, 17 seconds They’re giving them the time of day, if that makes sense. you know, we we kind of talked about how how, you know, Brian Kelly had, you know, had to schedule appointments. That’s not what it’s like. 28:27 28 minutes, 27 seconds And here’s one thing, you know, like Lane Keifin is not like the most outspoken person. We’re we are all witnesses to that. we kind of know how 28:35 28 minutes, 35 seconds he is. But with the recruits, you know, he’s able to talk ball and stuff and bringing Ed Oron in is is kind of what might save him in terms of becoming the 28:43 28 minutes, 43 seconds next step of recruiting because I mean the guys that I’ve talked to already are like Ed Oron is a legend and and like it 28:51 28 minutes, 51 seconds it was they were all starruck, you know, meeting him this weekend. 28:54 28 minutes, 54 seconds Hey, Andre Jaylen Brewster, the commitment to Texas Tech, number one defensive lineman in the country, number one overall prospect in the country. 29:03 29 minutes, 3 seconds What do you think LSU’s chances are of uh flipping him? Flipping him? 29:07 29 minutes, 7 seconds Yeah, with with Ed back in the mix of things, I mean, they really hit it off with Brewster and his family uh this weekend. That was a guy that no one 29:15 29 minutes, 15 seconds really on the national level even knew that LSU was kind of still in it, but behind the scenes, you know, Kevin Peoples and Ed O were working their 29:23 29 minutes, 23 seconds magic and and they they blew them away this weekend. Um, now the thing about I just said Royals recruitment is not going to be strictly about money at the 29:31 29 minutes, 31 seconds end of the day. And you know, but you know, I I would probably Glenn, I would say Brewster’s recruitment will. Um, you 29:39 29 minutes, 39 seconds know, this is a guy that’s committed to Texas Tech and they’re not really turning heads in terms of their recruit recruiting class. Obviously, we know the 29:46 29 minutes, 46 seconds kind of NIL money they have to work with. So, I I I would believe that’s probably why he’s still committed there. 29:53 29 minutes, 53 seconds Um because if not, I mean LSU and Florida would be right in the mix for him and he’s heading to Gainesville, you know, this weekend where he really 30:00 30 minutes really loves their defensive line coach and John Summer down there. So that’s going to be one that, you know, I I think LSU definitely, you know, made up 30:09 30 minutes, 9 seconds some ground, you know, this this weekend, but it’s going to come down to look, LSU has some work to do still. And 30:17 30 minutes, 17 seconds if another thing is if general manager Billy Glastock is willing to open up the checkbook for a guy like that. 30:23 30 minutes, 23 seconds Well, hey, uh, doesn’t Texas Tech have extra money now since they don’t have to pay that quarterback? \[laughter\] Yeah. Um, maybe. Or maybe he already 30:32 30 minutes, 32 seconds used it on. \[laughter\] Oh, wow. 30:36 30 minutes, 36 seconds You think he You think you think you think he gambled it away already, huh? 30:40 30 minutes, 40 seconds He might have. Who knows, \[laughter\] guys? 30:43 30 minutes, 43 seconds We’re You know what? You tell you you want to That was LSU’s first choice. Yes, it was. Recruiter did. 30:49 30 minutes, 49 seconds They really dodged the bullet. And then look at Chaz Coleman. He’s no longer with Tennessee. 30:53 30 minutes, 53 seconds That’s right. Right. Tennessee removed him from the team and that was their only top five ranked position player in their portal class. 31:02 31 minutes, 2 seconds They’re they’re going to be in trouble down there in Knoxville this year. I can I’ve been saying it for two years. 31:07 31 minutes, 7 seconds Brian Kelly’s record is better than Josh Hypel’s record. Hey, let’s get back to real real talk right now. Um, \[laughter\] that was real talk. 31:18 31 minutes, 18 seconds Yeah, I know. Gullible. I know. But, um, odd wrong. \[laughter\] Um, we miss you. We miss you, Andre. 31:27 31 minutes, 27 seconds So, Luke, yes, I know. I’m loving this, Luke. I have a I have another question. More. 31:31 31 minutes, 31 seconds Okay. So, what what do you think? Do you think that um question? 31:38 31 minutes, 38 seconds Yeah, kind of. Is is Lane is Lane improving LSU’s national reach and scope in terms of 31:46 31 minutes, 46 seconds say is Lane in trouble? \[laughter\] I I would say so. Now, here’s the thing. 31:51 31 minutes, 51 seconds LSU’s like recruitment nowadays is, you know, with the transfer port and everything, they’re not going to be as 31:59 31 minutes, 59 seconds heavy. I think what you’re going to see from LSU’s classes moving forward, though, they’re going to be topheavy. 32:04 32 minutes, 4 seconds So, what that means is they’re going to be willing to spend on the guys that they know will produce probably right away. And the, you know, the the lower 32:13 32 minutes, 13 seconds half is where you’ll see a lot of those three star guys where that makes sense to be diamond, right? And and it does. 32:20 32 minutes, 20 seconds Um, and it’s going to be smaller classes. I I think I said they might sign up to 25 guys or something like that. It’s not looking like it now. 32:27 32 minutes, 27 seconds They’re losing a lot of guys right now um that they really aren’t necessarily prioritizing, if that makes sense. So, a 32:34 32 minutes, 34 seconds lot of three star guys um that were in the mix, but I mean what what they’re going to do is just make up for it in 32:41 32 minutes, 41 seconds the transfer portal at this rate. So, so Lane Keifin at LSU creates a different kind of recruiting problem for 32:48 32 minutes, 48 seconds the rest of the SEC, right? 32:51 32 minutes, 51 seconds Yes. I would think I would think he is definitely going after the the major players um and and leaving kind of the 32:59 32 minutes, 59 seconds not, you know, scrappy seconds, but the guys that aren’t going to contribute right away to them. You know, he’s I I 33:06 33 minutes, 6 seconds don’t think Lane is willing to go after kids that he doesn’t really think can develop for one, but also contribute right away. 33:14 33 minutes, 14 seconds So, let me ask you one last question, Luke. If Eastston Royal ends up deciding to go to finally to Texas or to Florida, 33:23 33 minutes, 23 seconds does Lane Kein hop on a plane and meet him at the airport when he lands in Austin or Gainesville and give it one more shot? 33:28 33 minutes, 28 seconds Oh, yeah. They’re not they’re they’re not giving up on this kid. I can tell you, especially with him right in their backyard, they’re not giving up. Um but 33:35 33 minutes, 35 seconds but if he was to just say, “Hey, Texas, that allows you to do a lot more. 33:39 33 minutes, 39 seconds They’re going after a bunch of fivestar edge rushers and trench guys that um they really need, honestly. like looking at it, they don’t have that much depth 33:47 33 minutes, 47 seconds on the defensive uh tackle position right now. They don’t have that much depth on the offensive line um in terms of kind of youngsters, right? So, uh it 33:56 33 minutes, 56 seconds it opens up, you know, a few opportunities if that doesn’t happen. 33:59 33 minutes, 59 seconds But, man, if you miss on Easter and Roy, you you’re definitely you’re you’re going to be pissed about that for not only this year, but for many years to come. 34:08 34 minutes, 8 seconds But wasn’t Jamar Chase going to go to Florida originally? Auburn? Yeah, I think Auburn. 34:13 34 minutes, 13 seconds He was going to Auburn. No, no, he was he was committed to Florida. He was initially Kansas, then went to Florida, and then decommitted from Florida. 34:20 34 minutes, 20 seconds I think you need to check that big guy. 34:21 34 minutes, 21 seconds I’m pretty No, he was committed to Auburn. That kid that that kid went to my high school, man. Tamar Chase was committed to Auburn before he he went to 34:29 34 minutes, 29 seconds LSU. All right, we’ll we’ll we’ll check on that. But I do want to give you credit. You Anybody want to bet Sorsborg? You want to bet on this? 34:36 34 minutes, 36 seconds You were one of the last I’m ready to bet right now. 34:38 34 minutes, 38 seconds \[laughter\] 34:39 34 minutes, 39 seconds Andre Andre Laneby style Lane Keifin has not tweeted since May 11th and one of his last tweets was a rec. 34:48 34 minutes, 48 seconds Yeah. Yeah. Andre Andre broke the internet. But Jamar Chase went to Auburn. 34:54 34 minutes, 54 seconds Committed to Auburn. \[laughter\] All right, Andre. You know we’re late for a break, so we got to let you go. Good job, man. I do. I do. 35:01 35 minutes, 1 second Appreciate that. Thank you. 35:03 35 minutes, 3 seconds All right. Andre Champine, good catching up with him. Good recruiting breakdown. 35:07 35 minutes, 7 seconds And I I love the fact that he’s it’s still going to be a battle uh between LSU and Texas for Eastern Royals. 35:14 35 minutes, 14 seconds Certainly, they made some ground up, but it’s uh it’s there’s still more work to be done. Let’s take another break. More of Tiger Rag Radio from the Super Chevy Dealer Studio when we come back. 35:26 35 minutes, 26 seconds Back to Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. That was good stuff from Andre Champine. 35:34 35 minutes, 34 seconds We’ll have uh if you missed that interview, you can uh check it out anywhere you get your podcast or if you go to YouTube after the show is over 35:42 35 minutes, 42 seconds with about 30 minutes from uh the show ending. We’ll have the uh whole show that you can listen to there. Um excuse me, Jeff. Uh Stan corrected. 35:52 35 minutes, 52 seconds Andre was correct. Jamar \[laughter\] Chase did commit to Florida then decommitted. I don’t know where I got Auburn from. Sorry about that. 35:58 35 minutes, 58 seconds You got Andre and Sorsby won his bet. 36:03 36 minutes, 3 seconds So, \[laughter\] all right. Um, good stuff uh from Jacqu 36:10 36 minutes, 10 seconds Dusay on his uh YouTube podcast. Uh, sat down and talked with Verge Osbury, LSU’s athletic director for about 30 plus 36:18 36 minutes, 18 seconds minutes. A lot of things he could take away from it. Um, still believes Jay Johnson is the best coach in America. 36:25 36 minutes, 25 seconds Believes he’ll get that turned around. 36:27 36 minutes, 27 seconds Strong support for Beth Torina. Um, and there’s really no reason to make a a change there unless you thought you you 36:35 36 minutes, 35 seconds can bring in, you know, what do you think about her losing Jaden Heer again? That’s two years in a row. 36:40 36 minutes, 40 seconds That’s rough. But what Verge said and and I don’t think Jacques asked him about her because I I don’t think he 36:48 36 minutes, 48 seconds knew. Uh, but Verge said, “Hey, she’s bringing in number one recruiting class in the country.” She is. She told us that a couple weeks ago when she was on the show. That was 36:57 36 minutes, 57 seconds um and he he just talked about you got can’t beat the 16 seed, right? If you’re the 16 seed, you got to go on the road, 37:04 37 minutes, 4 seconds play the top seed at their home park. Uh not not very easy. But yeah, that was, you know, that would be to me like if 37:12 37 minutes, 12 seconds Kase Evans or William Schmidt got into the transfer portal. 37:14 37 minutes, 14 seconds That’s that’s tough because I just said a minute ago, most of the time when you lose players in the portal, it’s because they’re not playing. They feel like they ought to play more, have a bigger role. 37:23 37 minutes, 23 seconds She had a great role. She was the ace. 37:25 37 minutes, 25 seconds She was involved. Remember when they had that big announcement with Nike being involved? She was part of that, 37:32 37 minutes, 32 seconds right? And that’s two years in a row that she lost her top pitcher. Yeah. To the transfer portal. 37:38 37 minutes, 38 seconds So, I’m not uh I’m not but really very if you listen to the interview, uh he was to me he got more excited about 37:47 37 minutes, 47 seconds talking about Beth Torino than a lot of the other topics. Not to say they I mean he was really decisive in his support for Beth Tiny. 37:55 37 minutes, 55 seconds Yeah, that’s cuz he was under a lot of pressure to fire when he first took over. Oh man, I thought it was about the pool. 38:01 38 minutes, 1 second I thought like maybe he like spends time at a pool. \[laughter\] She’s got a great swimming pool. I don’t know. I don’t know about that. 38:08 38 minutes, 8 seconds Uh he denied uh let’s get back to maybe the reality. \[laughter\] Reality is a good word. He denied that 38:16 38 minutes, 16 seconds reality she has a great pool. there’s uh been any anybody or at least from him. 38:22 38 minutes, 22 seconds He did not tell Lane to cut out on Twitter, right? And if you remember when Lane 38:30 38 minutes, 30 seconds Kein was introduced on December 1st, one of the things he said that he liked about Verge was that he leaves him alone. 38:37 38 minutes, 37 seconds Yes. And Verge didn’t even say that in the interview. 38:40 38 minutes, 40 seconds And that and Verge isn’t going to tell I mean Verge might tell Lane some stuff, but he’s not going to talk to him about freaking social media. I don’t think 38:46 38 minutes, 46 seconds Burge cares about that. I think I think that was probably Lane’s call. Um, who knows? 38:52 38 minutes, 52 seconds Well, he I know Andre the Andre story was the last thing he retweeted, but the the story right underneath it is the Vanity Fair article. 39:01 39 minutes, 1 second Yeah, I I I honestly think Lane I I know Lane, you know, he says things to get a 39:08 39 minutes, 8 seconds reaction. I don’t I think he didn’t expect as strong of a reaction on the Old Miss stuff. 39:14 39 minutes, 14 seconds Maybe so. Maybe so. He although he did sense it though because after he said it, he came back and told Chris Smith, “Hey, I hope you didn’t misunderstand 39:22 39 minutes, 22 seconds the next day.” Right? Is that what he said in our interview with him? 39:26 39 minutes, 26 seconds Yeah. Yeah. And he he probably knew it was coming. But I think, you know, it was time that he that he take a break from it. Maybe maybe there was other 39:34 39 minutes, 34 seconds things involved and his and his daughter did say uh Lane giving tweets too much. 39:38 39 minutes, 38 seconds That’s his Twitter cover. But uh you know, plus maybe he just was and the he when he first started not tweeting, he 39:46 39 minutes, 46 seconds went on vacation. Yeah. Okay. So that might have been it. And then maybe he said, “You know what? 39:50 39 minutes, 50 seconds I’m not going to do it for a while.” And then the uh I think the other thing that Verge said that was pretty interesting when uh Jacques was asking him about the construction of the LSU 39:59 39 minutes, 59 seconds basketball roster. He’s all for it. He said, “Push the limits. We’re we’re here to win.” Well, well, the question was, 40:06 40 minutes, 6 seconds are you concerned that, you know, he might not get some of those players, you know, with that new NCA rule that we 40:14 40 minutes, 14 seconds wrote about in Tiger Egg last week a couple of times, but uh and the you know, in the RJ Louie thing, that was just kind of a shot in 40:21 40 minutes, 21 seconds the dark and and I I I think Wade was right to that for that to try to you poor choice of words, gamble, take a gamble and and \[laughter\] take him. But 40:30 40 minutes, 30 seconds but he could well lose a couple of the the other guys from this. But but Verge is like you know go ahead and try to get the best players you can and we’ll figure that 40:39 40 minutes, 39 seconds out later. And that that’s a you know that’s a good approach cuz you know he said every Verge said everything’s within the rules now. Well there’s not really a lot of rules, right? You know 40:47 40 minutes, 47 seconds and the one rule they do have you know you can’t take an NBA player. He already broke that but but he \[laughter\] just but he’s honest about it. So, but I mean 40:55 40 minutes, 55 seconds he he’s uh I don’t think the roster, you know, Will Wade’s fans are never going to admit it, but I don’t think it’s going quite as well as he thought it would. 41:04 41 minutes, 4 seconds I think he’ll still have a pretty good team and it’s it’s still early, you know, for him to get some new players in, but I think he’s beaten having to 41:12 41 minutes, 12 seconds beat the Bushes more than he probably thought he would. 41:14 41 minutes, 14 seconds Yeah. All right, let’s take our final break of hour number one. More of Tiger Rag Radio from the Super Chevy dealer studio. 41:21 41 minutes, 21 seconds The East \[music\] Bat Rouge Parish Libraryies dedicated millillage continuation is on the June 27th ballot. 41:26 41 minutes, 26 seconds This is \[music\] not a new tax. It’s a continuation of the library’s existing dedicated funding source at a lower rate, 9.5 mills, which is 14.4% \[music\] 41:35 41 minutes, 35 seconds less than the rate approved by voters in 1995, 2005, and 2015. Without it, future library services could be reduced, 41:43 41 minutes, 43 seconds \[music\] including hours, collections, and programs. Early voting begins June 12th. Learn more at ebrpl.com/millage. 41:49 41 minutes, 49 seconds \[music\] 41:53 41 minutes, 53 seconds And we’re back with Tiger Radio live from \[music\] Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 42:00 42 minutes All right, just a couple more minutes left to go in this hour as we wrap up Tiger Rag Radio and look forward to hour 42:08 42 minutes, 8 seconds number two. Loaded with guests in hour number two. Hunt Palmer from ESPN 1045 and 1049 will join us. We’ll talk some uh LSU baseball and some NCAA tournament 42:17 42 minutes, 17 seconds baseball with him. Blake Topmire, looking forward to this interview uh with USA Today Network to talk about the Senate legislation that was approved. Um 42:26 42 minutes, 26 seconds and I don’t I don’t really have time to get to it here. We we’ll get to it in a couple segments, but the SEC and the Big 42:33 42 minutes, 33 seconds 10 have issued a joint statement regarding that legislation. And guess what? They don’t really like it. 42:40 42 minutes, 40 seconds Yeah, but Lee Mallet has approved it. 42:43 42 minutes, 43 seconds But didn’t I see that he wanted his name taken off of it? 42:46 42 minutes, 46 seconds Yeah, because he thought it was a score ad, \[laughter\] which was already not passed, which has been put in the trash can. 42:53 42 minutes, 53 seconds Basically, that’s our LSU board of supervisors 42:56 42 minutes, 56 seconds \[laughter\] 42:58 42 minutes, 58 seconds always on the cusp of information. 43:01 43 minutes, 1 second So, uh, but we’ll we’ll get into that a little bit more, but it it just amazes me. And I understand no legislation is 43:08 43 minutes, 8 seconds perfect. Uh it’s it’s hard to pass good legislation. 43:14 43 minutes, 14 seconds The best bills are the ones that a lot of people don’t like uh for various reasons. So, but but the SEC and the Big 10 and they 43:22 43 minutes, 22 seconds invited Congress in, right? 43:25 43 minutes, 25 seconds And that’s what Blake’s going to talk about. They’re the Fox. You invited them in. The Fox has taken over regardless of whether you like it or not. 43:32 43 minutes, 32 seconds And there’s only two areas that the SEC and the Big 10 don’t like about it. It’s the media rights conglomeration and it’s the um the uh 43:41 43 minutes, 41 seconds well it said it’s going to still not give them enough enforcement too and we we’ll get they’re making up crap. 43:47 43 minutes, 47 seconds All right, we’ll we’ll take a break. Uh when we come back, Hut Palmer from ESPN 1045 joins us. Y’all ready? Y’all ready? 43:55 43 minutes, 55 seconds Let’s go. Come on. Tiger Rag Radio is on the air. Let’s crank this thing up. 44:00 44 minutes We’re statewide breaking \[music\] down the latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is us. from the coaches. Our time is now with LSU basketball. 44:09 44 minutes, 9 seconds The players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 44:12 44 minutes, 12 seconds One way or another, we’re going to make history. 44:13 44 minutes, 13 seconds And those who cover the Fighting Tigers \[music\] of LSU and the SEC. 44:17 44 minutes, 17 seconds LSU is the best job in it’s 2 hours of non-stop LSU talk. 44:22 44 minutes, 22 seconds I came here to win. We’re going to win a medium. 44:24 44 minutes, 24 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is brought to you by \[music\] Cumins. Cumins creates power solutions that the world depends on. 44:30 44 minutes, 30 seconds Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro Electrical \[music\] Services, Sunshine Quality Solutions, Super Chevy Dealers, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 44:43 44 minutes, 43 seconds Get ready to talk Tigers with producer \[music\] Case Kishnik and our hosts Todd Horn, Jeff Polmo, and Glenn Gildo. 44:51 44 minutes, 51 seconds \[music\] 44:52 44 minutes, 52 seconds Players are better people than they are players. This is Tiger \[music\] Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 45:01 45 minutes, 1 second Welcome to hour number two of the show. 45:02 45 minutes, 2 seconds Jeff along with Gwen Gilbo, Todd Horn, and Case Kishnik. By the way, the latest edition of Tiger Rag Magazine is 45:10 45 minutes, 10 seconds out for those listeners in the Baton Rouge area. There are a variety of places, multiple places that you can get it. Lane Keifin is on the cover and 45:19 45 minutes, 19 seconds again \[laughter\] he might set a record before it’s all said and done. Uh many times the coach 45:26 45 minutes, 26 seconds appears on a on a u on the front page of Tiger Rag but uh and it obviously a lot of stories to get to baseball 45:35 45 minutes, 35 seconds uh the magazine covers it all. So you want to certainly pick it up or you can go to to tiger.com and you can download the PDF of it. So, um, don’t forget to 45:45 45 minutes, 45 seconds do all of that and glad you could join us here on Tiger Rag Radio. And joining us now on the show, Hunt Palmer from 45:51 45 minutes, 51 seconds ESPN 1045 1049. How you doing today, Hunt? I’m doing quite well. How are you all? 45:58 45 minutes, 58 seconds We’re doing well. You can hear Hunt’s show 1 to3 and you can also read his stuff at louisianaapasports.net. I have the I have that right, correct? 46:07 46 minutes, 7 seconds Is that the right uh URL that I just gave on that? That is the right URL. 46:11 46 minutes, 11 seconds Louisianaports.net. Okay. What was your favorite part of the NCAA baseball tournament so far this past weekend? 46:19 46 minutes, 19 seconds I really honestly think it was just a new perspective. I generally am watching from the box or around LSU games or 46:28 46 minutes, 28 seconds worrying what that might impact LSU’s travel or opponent. And instead it was just more of like what cool baseball’s 46:35 46 minutes, 35 seconds on and there was a lot of cool baseball on. Um it started on Friday. Weird and wacky stuff happened all weekend. Seven 46:43 46 minutes, 43 seconds regional hosts lost. Four teams lost on Friday and came back and won regionals. 46:48 46 minutes, 48 seconds You’ve got a Little Rock Troy uh super regional coming up. You’ve got, you know, huge national seeds that have have have vowed out. It’s it’s been really 46:57 46 minutes, 57 seconds really fascinating. And usually I’m some combination of traveling and working or writing. And this time it was more just watching. And I I enjoyed it. I don’t 47:05 47 minutes, 5 seconds ever want to do it again, but it was great. \[laughter\] 47:08 47 minutes, 8 seconds \[clears throat\] 47:09 47 minutes, 9 seconds Well, hey Hunt. Um, let’s let’s start with the blunt question first. 47:14 47 minutes, 14 seconds \[clears throat\] 47:15 47 minutes, 15 seconds Jay Johnson, is he shopping the portal for arms, bats, defense, maturity, or toughness? Yes. 47:23 47 minutes, 23 seconds Okay. \[laughter\] Is there He’s shopping for all of that. They’ve got plenty of room to fill on that roster, plenty of holes to fill, and he 47:32 47 minutes, 32 seconds will he will take a new approach this year, I think. 47:34 47 minutes, 34 seconds So, this really isn’t a normal roster refresh. It’s more of a fullscale rebuild. 47:41 47 minutes, 41 seconds Yeah. And I think there are some different ideas behind it. I mean, he was transparent in those postgame interviews um right in the middle of the 47:49 47 minutes, 49 seconds season and said they chased home runs to try to replace Brian Jones and made mistakes. And what he means by that is 47:56 47 minutes, 56 seconds that they got some players with power profiles into the program that could not hit SEC pitching for power. And then at 48:03 48 minutes, 3 seconds that point, they could not help because they weren’t hitting the ball the other way hard. They weren’t drawing walts. 48:08 48 minutes, 8 seconds They could not play defense. They didn’t have any versatility. They didn’t run well. They were here to hit some home runs. And like those four transfers they brought in hit 60 home runs last year 48:17 48 minutes, 17 seconds between them. I think they finished with 14 at LSU and all lost their jobs except Dardar. So they’re going to use the the 48:26 48 minutes, 26 seconds players that are in-house Karen Bey, Mason Brawn, Omar Cerna, even William Patrick to an extent. Those are going to 48:34 48 minutes, 34 seconds be the power bats in the lineup that have grown up in the program like Jake Brown did and developed into a power bat like Jared Jones did and developed into 48:42 48 minutes, 42 seconds a huge power bat. And then they’re going to go get guys into the portal. It’s my understanding that more often than not have high averages, have low strikeout 48:49 48 minutes, 49 seconds rates, can play corner infield and corner outfielder, can play both middle infield positions and and be a little bit more athletic, a little bit more 48:56 48 minutes, 56 seconds defensive, he’s not going to chase power in the portal. Now, that’s not to say if someone falls in their lap that they absolutely love, I mean, you’re not turn 49:04 49 minutes, 4 seconds down Tommy White in the transfer portal, but you’re also not going to get guys with a profile that you had last year that just did not work. So you today on your show, you talked a little bit about 49:13 49 minutes, 13 seconds what you were just talking about the type of hitter that Jay will probably go after being more of a a contact hitter, a leverage hitter than a power hitter. 49:23 49 minutes, 23 seconds And that’s because a power hitter has a certain type of liability that the other type of hitter doesn’t. You want to go into that a little bit? 49:30 49 minutes, 30 seconds Yeah, I think it’s it’s a it’s a it’s a deal where you take individual player, but if you’ve got a the example that I 49:39 49 minutes, 39 seconds gave is the the shortstop third baseman from Texas Tech who is 6’5 and he hit 49:46 49 minutes, 46 seconds 350 as a freshman in the Big 12 and he hit five home runs. Well, okay, you can 49:52 49 minutes, 52 seconds project a 6’5 player to put on 15 pounds in college without much of a problem. 49:59 49 minutes, 59 seconds And you can also project a guy that can bat to ball it to 350 as a freshman in the Big 12 is going to get more comfortable in the box against velocity 50:07 50 minutes, 7 seconds as time goes on and can play out in front of home plate a little bit more, which is where you catch the ball out front and drive it out of the ballpark with some power to the pool side. And so 50:16 50 minutes, 16 seconds that’s the type of body type and profile that you’re looking for out of guys that they’ll they’ll they’ll grab. They’re they’re not going to necessarily be in 50:24 50 minutes, 24 seconds the mold of getting a a junior who’s not going to get drafted to play his senior year at LSU to come in and hit 20 home 50:31 50 minutes, 31 seconds runs. That’s just not what they’re going to try to do. They’re going to get some younger players. Another guy that comes to mind is is is Tyonus who played shorts stop for for Maryland this year. 50:40 50 minutes, 40 seconds He started every game for them. Um he didn’t hit 350, he hit closer to 300, but he played good defense. He was a 50:47 50 minutes, 47 seconds freshman last year. he handled um Big 10 pitching and is a guy that has a projectable frame and has two years left 50:54 50 minutes, 54 seconds to play college baseball. That’s the kind of guy that they’re they’re going after, not somebody who is going to have to come into the SEC, then figure out how to hit 98 mph fast balls every 51:03 51 minutes, 3 seconds single week and then try to to contribute 20 home runs. That’s just a lot to ask somebody who’s that far along in his baseball journey. 51:10 51 minutes, 10 seconds Talking to Hunt Palmer from 104.5 FM in Baton Rouge here on Tiger Egg Radio. 51:15 51 minutes, 15 seconds Hunt, are there some pitchers names out there that you’ve heard that uh Jay is targeting in through the portal? 51:23 51 minutes, 23 seconds There are. I mean, I Trosclair is the obvious one. Uh Trosclair was a freshman at um Northwestern State this past year. 51:31 51 minutes, 31 seconds He was the Southland freshman of the year. He was brilliant. His RA was under two high strikeout totals. He’s really got a good breaking ball and field to pitch. He’s undersized. He’s 5’10. 51:41 51 minutes, 41 seconds That’s how you end up in the Southland. 51:43 51 minutes, 43 seconds He’s from South Louisiana in the Homa Tibido area. The problem with Brody Trosclair, and it’s a significant problem, he had elbow surgery in the 51:50 51 minutes, 50 seconds middle of this season. I do not believe it was Tommy John’s surgery, but I do believe it’s prohibitive for him being ready to go in the fall and early 51:59 51 minutes, 59 seconds spring. So, as far as like impact arms, I don’t have that pinned down just yet. 52:04 52 minutes, 4 seconds Keep in mind, the portal opened yesterday. Yesterday was a day for social media contact, for text messaging, for phone calls, for Zooms. 52:13 52 minutes, 13 seconds Then if you find somebody that’s got interest, you book flights, and that’s when Tuesday, Wednesday, especially Thursday, Friday, Saturday, LSU should 52:20 52 minutes, 20 seconds see significant guys actually showing up on campus now that most seasons are done and the portal is open. So um that that 52:27 52 minutes, 27 seconds concrete information will be out as the week progresses. right now. I think Tros because of his proximity to LSU, if he didn’t have to get on a plane, he could be here today. 52:37 52 minutes, 37 seconds Well, because the way the NCAA tournament is has with all the chaos that’s occurred here, Hunt, the there’s 52:45 52 minutes, 45 seconds there’s a lot of good players that were on some really good teams that now could decide to get into the transfer portal. 52:51 52 minutes, 51 seconds So, maybe this makes it a little bit easier for Jay. Do you see him potentially because a lot of these position players or several of the 53:00 53 minutes position players or at least a couple of them and I guess I’m thinking of Braden Simpson and of course uh Zack York. 53:07 53 minutes, 7 seconds Does does Jay look more towards the power four schools instead of hoping to get a mid- major guy? Obviously it 53:16 53 minutes, 16 seconds worked with Daniel Dickinson, but was there a lesson learned there? 53:20 53 minutes, 20 seconds It worked with Dickinson. It worked with Luis Hernandez. to certainly work with Anthony Iansson. They had a lot of success with small schools entering the 2025 season and it did not work as well 53:29 53 minutes, 29 seconds this past year. I think it’s a deal where you’ve got to trust your instincts and keep in mind that Simpson hit 22 home runs. York was the all-time leading 53:37 53 minutes, 37 seconds Grand Canyon home run hitter. They were not known as defensive players. They were bats and they came in and couldn’t hit and then you got nothing to add. So 53:45 53 minutes, 45 seconds when he does dip into the smaller schools, I think you’ll see a guy that hits 350 360 at that level. I think you’ll see a guy that steals 25 35 bases 53:54 53 minutes, 54 seconds at that level. Maybe I think you’ll see a guy that plays center field or shortstop really well at that level. You just won’t see the power profile be the 54:02 54 minutes, 2 seconds predominant feature. You’ll see a more rounded baseball player for the transfer portal guys. 54:09 54 minutes, 9 seconds I was just going to ask you um and I I may be getting off of the transfer portal for a little bit, but uh is there 54:15 54 minutes, 15 seconds anyone hunt on this current roster that you build around? I know you mentioned Cerna and you mentioned Aaron 54:23 54 minutes, 23 seconds Bey earlier, but is there anybody else aside from those two guys that you would actually build around right now? 54:31 54 minutes, 31 seconds I think Mason Braun for sure. I think Mason Brun’s going to be a star. I think he’s exactly the guy you want to get into your program. and he’s obsessed 54:37 54 minutes, 37 seconds with baseball and he’s missing missing a major league baseball tool. The reason he is at LSU and not in a minor league 54:45 54 minutes, 45 seconds system is because he’s 5’11 instead of 6’4. He’s a great bat-to ball hitter. 54:52 54 minutes, 52 seconds He’s a hustler. Um he does provide a little bit of positional versatility. 54:55 54 minutes, 55 seconds He’s not a great outfielder. He can go play left field like like Rafe Rimes played left field like you know Gavin Dugos played left field. He can go do that. Um I think he’s going to be a 55:04 55 minutes, 4 seconds great hitter for LSU. I think those are the three impact bats for next year. It’s beyond. 55:10 55 minutes, 10 seconds We’ll see what Jack Rucker develops into. We’ll see what William Patrick develops into. And those guys are certainly in the program as well. But um the rest of the lineup’s going to have 55:18 55 minutes, 18 seconds to be rounded out. But then, you know, you got the pitching staff as well. And as it stands right now, I expect William Schmidt, Case Evans, and Cooper Moore to be back. And those three guys along with Marcos Paw started a lot of SEC games. 55:29 55 minutes, 29 seconds They did not do a great job, but they’re certainly part of the puzzle here. And that’s what makes it intriguing with the transfer portal. You think about it like 55:36 55 minutes, 36 seconds a Major League Baseball uh well more so like an NFL salary cap where you’re going to all lot each amount of money to 55:43 55 minutes, 43 seconds each position. Like you kind of got four guys with starters pedigrees. 55:50 55 minutes, 50 seconds How much more do you want to invest in starting pitching? My answer would be heavily. I want to go get I think there’s nothing more important than a one-two punch in college baseball like 55:58 55 minutes, 58 seconds Anderson and Iansson or Holman a jump or skins and void at the end. Um that’s that’s a huge deal and Old Miss is riding that right now and I think they got a really good chance to make a push 56:07 56 minutes, 7 seconds at this thing um because they’ve got such a good starting rotation and I don’t think LSU’s got that for next year right now. So I think that when you talk about build around like Kase Evans, 56:15 56 minutes, 15 seconds William Schmidt and Cooper Moore would be names you would toss in there, but I’d certainly like to add to that as well. 56:20 56 minutes, 20 seconds Is is John Pearson your third baseman next year? 56:23 56 minutes, 23 seconds He would not be for me. Um, John Pearson on a championship level team to me is a 56:31 56 minutes, 31 seconds a spot third baseman, is a right-handed designated hitter, is a pinch hitter off the bench. Um, that’s what John Pearson 56:39 56 minutes, 39 seconds is to me on a championship team, especially considering the fact that we don’t know what four the other positions are going to be. Now, if they fill those 56:46 56 minutes, 46 seconds with superstars and if you could tell me that Curiel Brown, Curial and Brown were coming back, which they’re not, and Milm was coming back, then all of a sudden I would be a little bit more open to it. 56:56 56 minutes, 56 seconds But right now, I would not lean that direction. 56:59 56 minutes, 59 seconds All right, Hunt, thanks a lot for your time, man. Good stuff as always. We appreciate it. Who do you like uh to win it all at this point? Or is it too hard to tell? Troy. He’s going for Troy. 57:08 57 minutes, 8 seconds George is hard to pick against at this point, but I would really watch out for Miss. They’ve got three legitimate starting pitchers and uh and they can hit the ball out of the ballpark. So I 57:16 57 minutes, 16 seconds would I would watch out for Miss I thought you were going to say Troy, man. Come on. 57:20 57 minutes, 20 seconds I was not going to say Troy. \[laughter\] Calpali St. John. 57:25 57 minutes, 25 seconds Not Calpali either. \[laughter\] Little Rock. Little Rock. All right. Hey Hunt, thanks man. We appreciate it. All right. Y’all be well. 57:33 57 minutes, 33 seconds All right. That’s Hunt Palmer from ESPN 1045 and 1049 in Baton Rouge. And also you can catch his stuff over at louisianaapasports.net. 57:40 57 minutes, 40 seconds We’ll take a break. When we come back, get back into we’ll talk a little bit more about the legislation filed in the 57:47 57 minutes, 47 seconds Senate that is trying to fix college sports. Already pushed back from the SEC in the Big 10. Big hearing tomorrow. 57:56 57 minutes, 56 seconds We’ll get into that here over the next 20 minutes or so. So stay tuned for that here on Tiger Rag Radio from the Super Chevy dealer studio. 58:05 58 minutes, 5 seconds Chevy trucks have you covered when the road takes you from smooth sailing to Chevy Colorado will eat up some of the toughest terrains with five available 58:12 58 minutes, 12 seconds drive modes. And Silverado and Silverado HD have the muscle to take you out for some serious with multiple engine options and impressive towing. While 58:21 58 minutes, 21 seconds Silverado EV is the perfect combo of performance and capability, making it a snap to hitch up this electric truck and hit the road. Wherever the road leads, Chevy trucks are right there with you. 58:32 58 minutes, 32 seconds See your Super Chevy dealers today. 58:35 58 minutes, 35 seconds We now return to Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy dealers studio. \[music\] Well, legislation was filed last week by 58:45 58 minutes, 45 seconds Senator Ted Cruz and Maria Canwell and it’s going to get its first hearing in the US Senate. Blake Topmire from USA 58:53 58 minutes, 53 seconds Today Network, he’ll join us in the next segment. Uh there were some LS LSU fans get defensive whenever they feel like 59:00 59 minutes they’re being called out upon or and some didn’t necessarily like the the so-called Lane Kein role. Um I I I don’t know if you need to legislate that. 59:11 59 minutes, 11 seconds Obviously, if you change the football calendar, it would be different. But if you’re going to ask Congress to come fix 59:19 59 minutes, 19 seconds college sports, that was a huge, and I agree with what Verge Osbury told Jacqu Duce. If it wasn’t LSU that was going to 59:26 59 minutes, 26 seconds hire Lane Ke and somebody was, and again, the calendar opened up the door for LSU to go after him. And and there were two other schools that did the same thing. 59:35 59 minutes, 35 seconds Yeah. And LS and Lane was willing to leave. So you you needed some parties to you needed some individuals, you needed some entities to all go along with it 59:44 59 minutes, 44 seconds and it and that’s what happened. But um you know some people get upset that it’s this is kind of picking on Lane and and 59:53 59 minutes, 53 seconds LSU. But you also have to look at it is we’ve ne in the history of sports, we have never seen what we saw last 1:00:01 1 hour, 1 second November where a team is set to go in the postseason and their head coach, granted he wanted to stay, but still he 1:00:10 1 hour, 10 seconds he still in the end voluntarily left. He could have stayed at Old Miss. He still voluntarily left Old Miss and came to 1:00:17 1 hour, 17 seconds LSU. And again, if you’re going to ask Congress to come in and fix what’s wrong with college sports, that’s something that shouldn’t happen on any level of 1:00:25 1 hour, 25 seconds sports. I understand why it did. I’m not criticizing anyone. I it it occurred, but it shouldn’t have occurred. 1:00:33 1 hour, 33 seconds Yeah. So, I I listen to both sides. I understand both sides, and I just say change the calendar. Yeah. 1:00:40 1 hour, 40 seconds Just change the calendar. 1:00:42 1 hour, 42 seconds Right. But it doesn’t seem like Greg Seni is willing to change the calendar. 1:00:47 1 hour, 47 seconds it it doesn’t seem like there’s a lot and I’m not and and I’m not one that’s uh a big about moving this season up 1:00:54 1 hour, 54 seconds before the week of Labor Day. I love the fact that it start I I love the fact that week one is Labor Day weekend. 1:01:01 1 hour, 1 minute, 1 second You have to get rid of a regular season game and I don’t see them doing that. 1:01:05 1 hour, 1 minute, 5 seconds Yeah, that’s just it. They they there there’s there’s ideas out there that could fix things, but they don’t want to do it because they’re going to lose 1:01:12 1 hour, 1 minute, 12 seconds money. Yeah. and and you know that’s that’s just a ridiculous stand because they’ll make the money back eventually 1:01:20 1 hour, 1 minute, 20 seconds in other ways. If they get rid of the SEC championship game, they’ll make the money back in other ways because they’ll have more teams in the playoffs. They’ll 1:01:28 1 hour, 1 minute, 28 seconds probably have more teams win the championship game if they get rid of that. And you know, I mean, how many boats how many yachts can you sail 1:01:36 1 hour, 1 minute, 36 seconds behind? like like Michael Douglas said, like uh Charlie Sheen said in Wall Street about Michael Douglas, but uh you 1:01:44 1 hour, 1 minute, 44 seconds know, they they they make a lot of money. They need to do what makes sense schedule-wise. 1:01:50 1 hour, 1 minute, 50 seconds Well, and uh we’ll get into a little bit more about this with uh Blake Tott, but I mentioned this a little bit earlier on tonight, the uh with the hearing taking 1:01:58 1 hour, 1 minute, 58 seconds place tomorrow. The um the Big 10 in the SEC, which um a lot of people feel like they don’t see eye to eye on a lot of 1:02:07 1 hour, 2 minutes, 7 seconds things. Actually put out a uh a joint statement today and uh this is how it reads. The big top, the Big 10 Conference and the SEC support a 1:02:15 1 hour, 2 minutes, 15 seconds sustainable national framework for college sports, one with an effective transfer portal, clear eligibility standards, and protections of benefits 1:02:24 1 hour, 2 minutes, 24 seconds for student athletes. We appreciate the leadership of Senators Cruz and Canwell in pursuing the shared goals. We do not 1:02:31 1 hour, 2 minutes, 31 seconds support the Protect College Sports Act as drafted. The bill leaves critical issues unresolved. It does not meaning meaningfully 1:02:40 1 hour, 2 minutes, 40 seconds preempt the patchwork of state laws or provide the protections needed to make and enforce consistent rules both essential to long-term stability in 1:02:47 1 hour, 2 minutes, 47 seconds college athletics. It also shifts ongoing rulemaking to Congress, limiting, which is I thought that’s what you wanted to do, but anyways, limiting 1:02:55 1 hour, 2 minutes, 55 seconds the ability to \[laughter\] that’s what they have to do. 1:02:58 1 hour, 2 minutes, 58 seconds Limiting the ability to adapt quickly as the landscape evolves. Rather than reducing litigation, the bill likely expands it without offering clear alternatives for dispute resolution. 1:03:09 1 hour, 3 minutes, 9 seconds Finally, the bill alters the House settlement revenue sharing framework in a way that may result in fewer student athletes receiving direct revenue share 1:03:16 1 hour, 3 minutes, 16 seconds payments. committed to working with the senators and other members of Congress to improve this legislation so that it can provide lasting stability for college athletics. 1:03:24 1 hour, 3 minutes, 24 seconds All right. So, I’m just going to give you one interpretation of that. Okay. We wanted to have full control like the NCAA used to. 1:03:33 1 hour, 3 minutes, 33 seconds Yeah. 1:03:34 1 hour, 3 minutes, 34 seconds But we really didn’t want full control like the NCAA used to have because we want to go start our own league. Yeah. 1:03:42 1 hour, 3 minutes, 42 seconds That’s what they’re really saying. Yeah. And that’s what it really comes down to. 1:03:47 1 hour, 3 minutes, 47 seconds And we don’t want to have to share who how we’re distributing the revenue to the sports because we don’t believe in title 19. That’s a bunch of gobble guil. 1:03:56 1 hour, 3 minutes, 56 seconds Yeah. You know, and we don’t want to have to deal with all that. We want to go do our own thing. And why do you want our money? Why do you want our media money? We’re the ones making all the 1:04:03 1 hour, 4 minutes, 3 seconds money in the media. Why do you want that? Why do you want to share in that? 1:04:07 1 hour, 4 minutes, 7 seconds You know, why why would we want to share that with you? No, we’re not going to do that. How would an SEC and I would 1:04:14 1 hour, 4 minutes, 14 seconds imagine if there was a separation, how would that look, Todd? 1:04:19 1 hour, 4 minutes, 19 seconds It would look like uh 18 teams from the Big 10 and 16 teams from the SEC and 1:04:26 1 hour, 4 minutes, 26 seconds that would be that would be the the NBA GLeague. 1:04:30 1 hour, 4 minutes, 30 seconds So on a Tuesday night at Alec Bach Stadium, is is um is Ruckers in for a midweek game? Yep. 1:04:39 1 hour, 4 minutes, 39 seconds There you go. It’s not going to happen. 1:04:42 1 hour, 4 minutes, 42 seconds \[laughter\] 1:04:43 1 hour, 4 minutes, 43 seconds I bet it happens in two years. Two year. You’re giving it two years? 1:04:48 1 hour, 4 minutes, 48 seconds No, I don’t think it’s going to happen in two years. 1:04:51 1 hour, 4 minutes, 51 seconds They got to They got to get some ACC teams with them, right? They’re going to want a few of the ACC, maybe even a few of the Big 12. 1:04:58 1 hour, 4 minutes, 58 seconds Yeah, they’re But you’re not going to There won’t be more than 40 40ome teams. I don’t see it happening in two years. Okay. 1:05:04 1 hour, 5 minutes, 4 seconds Why Why do you say We got 30 seconds here. Why do you say in two years? cuz Sorsby told me it was going to happen. 1:05:10 1 hour, 5 minutes, 10 seconds \[laughter\] 1:05:10 1 hour, 5 minutes, 10 seconds You’re gambling on this, huh? 1:05:12 1 hour, 5 minutes, 12 seconds What I want to know is how did the Big 10 get the first billing in that statement you read? How’d Sanki let that go \[laughter\] because Big 10’s won the last three national championship? 1:05:22 1 hour, 5 minutes, 22 seconds But the SEC was better by Greg Sanki \[laughter\] metrics. We’re still waiting on that. 1:05:26 1 hour, 5 minutes, 26 seconds They should have applied golf to it because the SEC finished with six of the top seven. 1:05:31 1 hour, 5 minutes, 31 seconds Oh boy. Here we go. All right, let’s take a break. More of Tiger Rag Radio right after this. from the Super Chevy dealer studio. 1:05:36 1 hour, 5 minutes, 36 seconds I’m Richard Fontner, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. While I’m a fourth generation \[music\] rice and soybean grower, you don’t have to be a 1:05:43 1 hour, 5 minutes, 43 seconds farmer to be a Louisiana Farm Bureau member. Membership has its benefits from discounts on car seats, hotel rooms, and rental \[music\] cars to access to 1:05:52 1 hour, 5 minutes, 52 seconds insurance you can count on to be there when you need, plus a whole lot more. 1:05:55 1 hour, 5 minutes, 55 seconds We’re 145,000 members strong, \[music\] and we want you to join the Louisiana Farm Bureau family. 1:06:01 1 hour, 6 minutes, 1 second Visit lafarmbureau.org, or the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. 1:06:08 1 hour, 6 minutes, 8 seconds Now, more Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 1:06:14 1 hour, 6 minutes, 14 seconds All right, welcome back to Tiger Rag Radio. Jeff Polmo, Todd Horn, Gwen Gilbo. Glad you could join us. And again, if you missed any of the show, you can uh get us anywhere you get your 1:06:22 1 hour, 6 minutes, 22 seconds podcast. Uh you can relisten to the show, listen to previous shows. Also, we’re up on YouTube about 30 minutes after the show is over. Joining us now 1:06:31 1 hour, 6 minutes, 31 seconds from the USA Today network, Blake Topmire. We were just talking about it, the Senate legislation that is uh attempting to try to fix college 1:06:40 1 hour, 6 minutes, 40 seconds athletics. It’s already receiving push back from the SEC and the Big 10. Big hearing Wednesday as they continue they begin marking up the bill, taking 1:06:48 1 hour, 6 minutes, 48 seconds testimony on the legislation. Blake joins us now to talk about that and more. Thanks a lot, Blake, for your time tonight. How you doing? 1:06:56 1 hour, 6 minutes, 56 seconds I’m doing well. Good to talk to you guys. 1:06:57 1 hour, 6 minutes, 57 seconds I’m doing well. What did you I’m sure you caught the statement that was issued by the SEC in the Big 10 tonight. Your thoughts on that? 1:07:04 1 hour, 7 minutes, 4 seconds My thoughts are careful what you wish for. Greg Frankie was at the vanguard uh begging the federal government for help. 1:07:12 1 hour, 7 minutes, 12 seconds He once said that quote only Congress could fix what ails college sports. 1:07:19 1 hour, 7 minutes, 19 seconds Well, here’s your fix, Greg Stany. How do you like it? He doesn’t like it very much. And this is this is what you risk 1:07:26 1 hour, 7 minutes, 26 seconds when you spend five years um begging the federal government for help as Greg Sanki did. Well, you spend five years 1:07:34 1 hour, 7 minutes, 34 seconds doing that, you just might get the federal government’s help, but you might not like the form in which that help comes. And that’s now the situation that 1:07:42 1 hour, 7 minutes, 42 seconds that Greg Shanki and the SEC find themselves in. Hey Blake, this is Todd. 1:07:46 1 hour, 7 minutes, 46 seconds And I think what you just said is really important, especially when you consider that the bill itself appears built to 1:07:53 1 hour, 7 minutes, 53 seconds pass in the Senate with the Republican chair, the Democrat ranking members, bipartisan co-sponsors. 1:08:00 1 hour, 8 minutes Uh, is that the most important thing about this bill is that it it’s constructed around the vote first, vote count first? 1:08:08 1 hour, 8 minutes, 8 seconds We’ll see. We’ll see if it gets to 60. I mean, I do expect and I’m I’m no political expert, but uh I do expect 1:08:14 1 hour, 8 minutes, 14 seconds it’s going to receive some push back in the Senate, particularly from the Democratic side of the aisle. You’ve already um you’ve already seen a little 1:08:23 1 hour, 8 minutes, 23 seconds bit of that. Um they need, if my math’s correct, they need need seven Democrats to vote for this to get to 60 in the 1:08:32 1 hour, 8 minutes, 32 seconds Senate. And you’ve you’ve probably got two, you would think when you think that Maria Canwell, the Democrat from U 1:08:40 1 hour, 8 minutes, 40 seconds Washington, co-wrote this bill and um another Democrat co-sponsored it. So if you got two there, you need five more 1:08:47 1 hour, 8 minutes, 47 seconds Democratic votes. Can can they get that to get to seven? Uh assuming all the the Republicans vote for it, maybe. You know, I I guess I’m still in the camp of 1:08:56 1 hour, 8 minutes, 56 seconds believe it when I see it, but I I do think this is this is further down the road than anything we’ve heard about for 1:09:03 1 hour, 9 minutes, 3 seconds the last 5 years. So, um it’s got a shot. I I will agree with you there. 1:09:10 1 hour, 9 minutes, 10 seconds The Have you paid any attention to what’s going on in Louisiana with the privacy laws, uh the HB 608? I’m just 1:09:19 1 hour, 9 minutes, 19 seconds curious if you’re familiar with some of the things LSU is trying to shield that the way this law is currently or this bill is currently written would actually 1:09:28 1 hour, 9 minutes, 28 seconds open some of that back up that they’re trying to shield especially when it comes to revenue share. 1:09:33 1 hour, 9 minutes, 33 seconds Uh I’m not familiar with those cases in particular. No. But I mean I think um across the country ba basically what you’re describing I would I would think 1:09:42 1 hour, 9 minutes, 42 seconds that across the country there’s going to be a number of situations like this because in the last 5 years um all these issues have been sort of tackled and 1:09:50 1 hour, 9 minutes, 50 seconds governed at the state level and then now here comes the uh the federal government to supersede that. So, uh, I’m not familiar with the details of what you’re 1:09:59 1 hour, 9 minutes, 59 seconds describing, but again, um, when you’ve had a patchwork of, you know, state laws and state initiatives 1:10:06 1 hour, 10 minutes, 6 seconds helping govern this space in so much as it has been governed for 5 years, uh, I would think a lot of, um, a lot of, uh, 1:10:14 1 hour, 10 minutes, 14 seconds that legislation is is going to be trumped if if this would u, this federal bill would become law. Hey Blake, where 1:10:21 1 hour, 10 minutes, 21 seconds do you think Greg Sanki and Tony Patiti are on the media rights? Greg pushed 1:10:28 1 hour, 10 minutes, 28 seconds back on the media rights from with the bill. Uh do you think he you know are he and Tony in any kind of agreement on the 1:10:36 1 hour, 10 minutes, 36 seconds media rights or or do you see them agreeing on many things? 1:10:42 1 hour, 10 minutes, 42 seconds I I think they’re in agreement that they don’t want to pull their media rights. Okay. 1:10:46 1 hour, 10 minutes, 46 seconds Uh pooling Yeah. pulling media rights is good when you’re not the two richest conferences in the sport, right? I mean, if you’re Cody Campbell University, 1:10:55 1 hour, 10 minutes, 55 seconds which is what uh used to be known as Texas Tech, um you know, if you’re Cody Campbell University, I I think you know 1:11:02 1 hour, 11 minutes, 2 seconds this the idea of pooling media rights is very favorable to you, right? or or if you’re any school in the Big 12 or if 1:11:08 1 hour, 11 minutes, 8 seconds you’re any school in uh the ACC, I I think the idea of pooling media um revenue, media rights is is favorable to 1:11:17 1 hour, 11 minutes, 17 seconds you because you’re playing catch-up with the SEC and uh the the Big 10. And so, if you can kind of get in on that action, pull the money, uh that’s that’s 1:11:26 1 hour, 11 minutes, 26 seconds great. I I think um the SEC and and the Big 10 are are fairly naturally aligned 1:11:32 1 hour, 11 minutes, 32 seconds on that one particular issue of being um skeptical to uh borderline resistant to the idea of of pooling media rights. 1:11:43 1 hour, 11 minutes, 43 seconds But, you know, that’s one of I think multiple ways in which this bill has Cody Campbell’s uh fingerprints on it. 1:11:50 1 hour, 11 minutes, 50 seconds Now, the senator who wrote this would tell you that they wrote it and not Cody Campbell, which may well be true. Um, but it it does read as if it it does 1:11:59 1 hour, 11 minutes, 59 seconds have uh some some notable influence from Cody Campbell. 1:12:03 1 hour, 12 minutes, 3 seconds It if it were to make it through e in this form or in a form close to it, let’s say that it has the media rights 1:12:11 1 hour, 12 minutes, 11 seconds intact and it it passes, does the SEC and the Big 10 break away sooner rather than later? 1:12:22 1 hour, 12 minutes, 22 seconds Um, well, I mean, this bill would attempt to prevent them from breaking away, right? So, you’re saying would would they break away before it becomes 1:12:30 1 hour, 12 minutes, 30 seconds law, right? Um, or or would they just ignore the law? I who knows, you know? I mean, 1:12:37 1 hour, 12 minutes, 37 seconds truly, who who knows? Like, like last week, we we went to SEC spring meetings with the Georgia president u University of Georgia President Jerry Morhead 1:12:46 1 hour, 12 minutes, 46 seconds acting like, you know, the SEC could break off and do its own thing. won’t. 1:12:50 1 hour, 12 minutes, 50 seconds That from many other constituents there seemed highly implausible, highly unrealistic. So, I’m sure if you 1:12:59 1 hour, 12 minutes, 59 seconds gathered 20 different stakeholders in a room, you’d probably get about 14 1:13:06 1 hour, 13 minutes, 6 seconds different answers at a minimum. So, is anything possible? Sure. Um, do I think an SEC Big 10 breakaway is 1:13:15 1 hour, 13 minutes, 15 seconds imminent? I’m skeptical of that. But, you know, if if they get answers from the federal government that they don’t like, then then potentially that that 1:13:24 1 hour, 13 minutes, 24 seconds nudges them forward. But again, I would go back to to me all of this is high comedy when it was the FCC fearless 1:13:32 1 hour, 13 minutes, 32 seconds leader, Greg Sanki, repeatedly going to Capitol Hill and telling them, “You guys are the only ones the only ones that 1:13:40 1 hour, 13 minutes, 40 seconds \[snorts\] can that can solve these problems.” And now here is proposed legislation. And Greg Sandy says, “No, 1:13:47 1 hour, 13 minutes, 47 seconds no, no, no, no. I don’t like this 1:13:49 1 hour, 13 minutes, 49 seconds \[laughter\] 1:13:50 1 hour, 13 minutes, 50 seconds high comedy.” But we speaking about high comedy, tomorrow is really just big theater, this hearing, isn’t it? Or is it valid 1:13:58 1 hour, 13 minutes, 58 seconds in any way whatsoever? Is it meaningful in any way whatsoever? 1:14:02 1 hour, 14 minutes, 2 seconds Well, for the bill to advance forward, you have to have meetings such as this. 1:14:06 1 hour, 14 minutes, 6 seconds This is, you know, I think what the political class would call the markup phase of the bill. So, um, another way 1:14:14 1 hour, 14 minutes, 14 seconds of putting that in layman’s terms might be like the airing of grievances phase of the bill where, um, you know, you you 1:14:21 1 hour, 14 minutes, 21 seconds get your objections in, see what revisions need to be made, if if you’re going to push forward with this, push toward a vote, uh, you mark it up, you 1:14:30 1 hour, 14 minutes, 30 seconds revise, and um, and then you put that revision forward to a vote. So, uh, yeah, it is theater certainly. Um I I 1:14:38 1 hour, 14 minutes, 38 seconds would say in so much so as the bill is relevant, the the theater surrounding it is relevant because um you know if there 1:14:47 1 hour, 14 minutes, 47 seconds are senators who are hung up over certain portions of the bill and you need those senators to get to 60, then 1:14:55 1 hour, 14 minutes, 55 seconds this would sort of be the phase where you kind of haggle over that and and see what uh what you can mark up and revise 1:15:02 1 hour, 15 minutes, 2 seconds to to get the necessary votes uh to get to 60 again. and and you guys have raised this point. This this thing can’t 1:15:10 1 hour, 15 minutes, 10 seconds advance out of the Senate without having some level of of bipartisan support. You 1:15:17 1 hour, 15 minutes, 17 seconds know, I mean, Chris Murphy is one Democratic senator who’s been very outspoken um on the issues of college 1:15:24 1 hour, 15 minutes, 24 seconds athletics and and I know he has um raised some skepticism \[clears throat\] that this bill does enough um for the 1:15:32 1 hour, 15 minutes, 32 seconds rights of athletes. Well, I mean, this bill could get to 60 uh without the likes of of Chris Murphy. Um but as I 1:15:40 1 hour, 15 minutes, 40 seconds said, it does need some level of of uh Democrat support other than just um the two Democrats who who’s named on it. So, 1:15:47 1 hour, 15 minutes, 47 seconds you know, this would to me be sort of the compromise date. 1:15:50 1 hour, 15 minutes, 50 seconds What What does Chris Murphy want that the Democrats aren’t getting now? I mean, they they’re getting health insurance. They’re getting a number of other protections athletes are that they weren’t getting before. 1:16:01 1 hour, 16 minutes, 1 second of what would those protections be other than health insurance, right? 1:16:05 1 hour, 16 minutes, 5 seconds I mean, this this this bill caps um student athlete compensation. It it 1:16:11 1 hour, 16 minutes, 11 seconds enforces a a cap. It also puts a cap um on their representation ability to earn money. Um, I don’t think 1:16:20 1 hour, 16 minutes, 20 seconds anybody’s capping Jimmy Sexton’s ability to earn money. But if you’re the quarterback for LSU, this bill, this 1:16:27 1 hour, 16 minutes, 27 seconds bill, uh, if passed into law, would cap your representation’s ability to earn money at 5%. 1:16:34 1 hour, 16 minutes, 34 seconds Um, you know, some people in the athlete community, uh, think that it’s unfair to have caps um on athletes earnings or on 1:16:43 1 hour, 16 minutes, 43 seconds their representation, their legal representation’s earnings. um you wouldn’t see such cap for coaches, athletic directors, conference 1:16:50 1 hour, 16 minutes, 50 seconds commissioners um or their legal representation. So um yeah, I I think it it depends how you’re viewing this, but 1:16:58 1 hour, 16 minutes, 58 seconds overall I would say that this is a bill written much more favorably toward the 1:17:06 1 hour, 17 minutes, 6 seconds institutions than it is toward the athletes. 1:17:10 1 hour, 17 minutes, 10 seconds Blake, thanks a lot for your time. We’ll see what happens here. um as uh Congress really uh starts to try to do what they 1:17:18 1 hour, 17 minutes, 18 seconds can to fix college athletics even though SEC and the Big 10 are not so excited about it anymore. We appreciate your time man. \[laughter\] Okay, thanks guys. Good talking to you. 1:17:27 1 hour, 17 minutes, 27 seconds Thanks Blake. Blake Topmire from USA Today. When we come back, Garrett Renan, the head women’s golf coach for LSU. 1:17:34 1 hour, 17 minutes, 34 seconds We’ll talk with him when we come back here on Tiger Brag Radio from the Super Chevy dealer studio. 1:17:40 1 hour, 17 minutes, 40 seconds The East Baton Rouge Parish Libraryies dedicated millillage continuation is on the June 27th ballot. This is \[music\] not a new tax. It’s a continuation of 1:17:47 1 hour, 17 minutes, 47 seconds the library’s existing dedicated funding source at a lower rate, 9.5 \[music\] mills, which is 14.4% less than the rate approved by voters in 1:17:56 1 hour, 17 minutes, 56 seconds 1995, \[music\] 2005, and 2015. Without it, future library services could be reduced, \[music\] including hours, collections, 1:18:03 1 hour, 18 minutes, 3 seconds and programs. Early voting begins June 12th. Learn more at ebrpl.com/millage. 1:18:12 1 hour, 18 minutes, 12 seconds Tiger Ragg Radio is back live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 1:18:21 1 hour, 18 minutes, 21 seconds Continue on here with Tiger Rag Radio as we have our next guest on the show. That is Garrett Renan from the LSU women’s 1:18:29 1 hour, 18 minutes, 29 seconds golf program, the head coach as he joins us. Uh, the men and the women had some strong showings out in California at the 1:18:36 1 hour, 18 minutes, 36 seconds NCAA championships. Coach Ren, how you doing tonight? Thanks for joining us here on Tiger Rag Radio. You got Jeff Porl and Glenn Gilbo. How you doing? 1:18:44 1 hour, 18 minutes, 44 seconds I’m doing great, guys. Thanks for having me on. 1:18:47 1 hour, 18 minutes, 47 seconds Hey, Garrett, your uh your women’s team did very well in the NCAA championships. 1:18:54 1 hour, 18 minutes, 54 seconds Missed the top 15 cut by one stroke. 1:18:57 1 hour, 18 minutes, 57 seconds Taylor Riley had a spectacular uh senior season and playing in front of her home crowd there, that must have been some 1:19:05 1 hour, 19 minutes, 5 seconds pressure. But just just your thoughts now uh looking back on the finish and just your season. 1:19:12 1 hour, 19 minutes, 12 seconds Yeah, we we had a very young team, but um you know, we we had a good season and and um I’m very proud of the fact that 1:19:20 1 hour, 19 minutes, 20 seconds we were one of two SEC teams to have made the national championship the last six years. And um and Taylor Riley was a 1:19:27 1 hour, 19 minutes, 27 seconds big part of that. And uh most people may not know, but her her dad is Chris Riley who played on tour and was Tiger Woods’s 1:19:35 1 hour, 19 minutes, 35 seconds partner in a Ryder Cup. Not not too many people can say their daddy was a partner and got asked to be partners by Tiger 1:19:42 1 hour, 19 minutes, 42 seconds Woods in the RDER Cup. And so being from San Diego, it was important for us to to get back there to her and kind of end 1:19:49 1 hour, 19 minutes, 49 seconds her college career there. But um they they they did a good run there. And um it was a it was with a younger team. It was it was a good run for us for sure. 1:19:59 1 hour, 19 minutes, 59 seconds And and Garrett uh to our listeners, he was also an assistant coach with the the men’s golf team and as a former player 1:20:06 1 hour, 20 minutes, 6 seconds for the men’s golf team. So I’m sure you were watching the men uh or or paying attention to them as well. What did you 1:20:14 1 hour, 20 minutes, 14 seconds think of that? Uh on Sunday they moved up 15 places 1:20:20 1 hour, 20 minutes, 20 seconds and shot 18 under and and coach Amos had had even said that they were he was packed and ready to go before. Yeah. 1:20:30 1 hour, 20 minutes, 30 seconds Uh how surprising was that for for you? 1:20:33 1 hour, 20 minutes, 33 seconds It it was pretty incredible. And I text I text Jake Amos the uh the morning before and I said, you know, crazier things have happened. basically fight 1:20:42 1 hour, 20 minutes, 42 seconds like hell and and no telling what could happen because you know in golf there’s no defense and you need a little bit of help. But they had the horsepower to get 1:20:51 1 hour, 20 minutes, 51 seconds after it and and you know, you get a a three or four under, a three or four under, and a three or four under and all of a sudden it it looks different and 1:20:58 1 hour, 20 minutes, 58 seconds they got off to a good start and um they kind of kept it going and you know I was I I was texting Kent Low who’s RSI and 1:21:06 1 hour, 21 minutes, 6 seconds he was out there for the the men as well and I I was like like what does this compare to with the with with certain 1:21:13 1 hour, 21 minutes, 13 seconds sports in the last with LSU sports in the last 20 20 years? I mean, I was kind of calling it the the California comeback, uh, things like that. I mean, 1:21:21 1 hour, 21 minutes, 21 seconds it’s up there with the Bluegrass Miracle and the Rally Pawsome and all those those great comebacks with LSU sports and, um, unfortunately, there’s not a 1:21:29 1 hour, 21 minutes, 29 seconds lot of video or or things to kind of really understand, but it was a a heck of a run and, um, I was very, very proud 1:21:36 1 hour, 21 minutes, 36 seconds of the way they did it and, um, and give himself a shot for sure. 1:21:40 1 hour, 21 minutes, 40 seconds And has Kent Low made it back to uh, Louisiana yet? He was out there for three weeks, I think. But 1:21:47 1 hour, 21 minutes, 47 seconds it it felt like it felt like a while. Um Ken is great on the road with us. We our I know the ladies team, they love him on 1:21:54 1 hour, 21 minutes, 54 seconds the road. He’s uh he’s a calm calming effect and he is just full of history and everything. And uh and he’s our 1:22:02 1 hour, 22 minutes, 2 seconds little good luck charm. But I think they think they made it back yesterday. And uh the funny thing is I think they booked flights to come back and then 1:22:10 1 hour, 22 minutes, 10 seconds they started playing so well and had to cancel their flights and and stay an extra day which is which is always a good thing. But um he’s you know Kent 1:22:19 1 hour, 22 minutes, 19 seconds Kent is synonymous with uh LSU golf and and LSU men’s basketball for sure. Yeah, he really knows the game too. 1:22:27 1 hour, 22 minutes, 27 seconds Well, well, the consistency that that the women’s program has had, what what do you do to, you know, how much has 1:22:34 1 hour, 22 minutes, 34 seconds that helped recruiting and how can y’all uh take the next step and and get deeper into the NCA championships? 1:22:42 1 hour, 22 minutes, 42 seconds Yeah, I tell people, and this kind of surprises a few people, I don’t want a good team. I want a good program. And to have a good program, you need to be consistent. You need to be around it. 1:22:52 1 hour, 22 minutes, 52 seconds Um, we’ve we’ve made it to the national championship the last six years. I think there’s only like four or five other schools in the country that can say 1:22:58 1 hour, 22 minutes, 58 seconds that. Um so I’m proud of that. We we’ve made the top 15 cut five the last 16 1:23:05 1 hour, 23 minutes, 5 seconds years. We’ve made match play. Um you know you you need to be playing well. 1:23:10 1 hour, 23 minutes, 10 seconds You need you need to make um you need to have some things go your way and and and we’ve done a lot of good things. 1:23:16 1 hour, 23 minutes, 16 seconds Unfortunately we just don’t have that big trophy at the end and and we’re going to continue to fight for that. But um I’ve been proud of the consistency 1:23:24 1 hour, 23 minutes, 24 seconds and you’re right in recruiting and everything. It it helps big to um to be able to consistently produce top players 1:23:31 1 hour, 23 minutes, 31 seconds that put you around it. And you know, I remember when I was a young assistant and coach and and I was fortunate enough to be able to talk to Skip Bertman and 1:23:38 1 hour, 23 minutes, 38 seconds he said, “Look, when you’re you got to be around it. You got to be around it and then you’ll you’ll eventually get it and stuff.” So, um, we we’ve been around 1:23:46 1 hour, 23 minutes, 46 seconds it a little bit and, um, I’m still I’m getting a little impatient, but, um, I’m still I’m still really proud of the team we have and and we’ve got the last few 1:23:54 1 hour, 23 minutes, 54 seconds years and being able to do it with with multiple of players that have come through over the years and everything and then have gone on to a have a 1:24:02 1 hour, 24 minutes, 2 seconds successful LPJ tour career. So, it’s um, it’s been a nice run here and and we’re not looking back. We want to keep it going for sure. Yeah, that’s an 1:24:10 1 hour, 24 minutes, 10 seconds excellent point Skip made because he went four times to Omaha before he won it all in his uh in his fifth try. But 1:24:17 1 hour, 24 minutes, 17 seconds uh we’ll look into next year. You said you had a young team. Who who do you think is the the next Taylor Riley for you or who are some of the top players going into next season for you? 1:24:28 1 hour, 24 minutes, 28 seconds Yeah, we uh returning players, we have Rosio Tahedo, which um she’ll she’ll be a junior. She was the SEC freshman of 1:24:36 1 hour, 24 minutes, 36 seconds the year last year and an all-American honorable mention um last year for us. 1:24:41 1 hour, 24 minutes, 41 seconds She’ll be a junior. And then Francesca Fiorini um was from Italy. She was a um 1:24:48 1 hour, 24 minutes, 48 seconds a transfer for us, a first year at LSU here as a sophomore. She came from uh UCLA. And then incoming freshman, we 1:24:55 1 hour, 24 minutes, 55 seconds have Reagan Denton, who um if some people were watching the Augusta National Women’s Amateur, she just finished fourth in that. Um she’s she’s 1:25:04 1 hour, 25 minutes, 4 seconds top 50 in the world in the world amateur golf rankings. Um you know a big tall blonde from uh Australia that has a I 1:25:13 1 hour, 25 minutes, 13 seconds like to say she has a little little bit of spit with her and um a fiery competitor and um I like that and um so 1:25:21 1 hour, 25 minutes, 21 seconds those those are some of the the top players that that we have coming in next year and um we look to uh keep it going for sure. 1:25:29 1 hour, 25 minutes, 29 seconds Talking to Garrett Renan, LSU women’s golf coach. When does your NCA transfer portal window begin or has it begun? 1:25:37 1 hour, 25 minutes, 37 seconds Yeah. So, they they just they just changed the rules this year for us and it was the the first year where it opened up two days after the national 1:25:45 1 hour, 25 minutes, 45 seconds championship. So, uh last Thursday was the day that it opened and it’s created a a frenzy and everything. You talk to 1:25:53 1 hour, 25 minutes, 53 seconds some people and it’s \[music\] um it’s a little wild, but um it it it’s real. 1:25:59 1 hour, 25 minutes, 59 seconds It’s here and it’s you got to adapt and and be able to adjust and um \[music\] and we’ve been trying to work on that for sure. 1:26:06 1 hour, 26 minutes, 6 seconds Coach Run and we got to run as we’re up against the clock. We appreciate your time tonight. Appreciate it. Thanks guys. 1:26:13 1 hour, 26 minutes, 13 seconds LSU women’s golf coach Garrett Renion. 1:26:15 1 hour, 26 minutes, 15 seconds We’ll wrap up the show when we come back here on Tiger Rag Radio. 1:26:19 1 hour, 26 minutes, 19 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is back on the air live from Super Chevy Dealer \[music\] Studio. 1:26:26 1 hour, 26 minutes, 26 seconds Well, another good show. We appreciate you joining us. Again, if you missed any of it, uh you can catch us wherever you get your podcast or uh wherever you can 1:26:35 1 hour, 26 minutes, 35 seconds go to YouTube as well as we’ll be uploading the show here in just a few minutes. We had Andre Shan Pine from Go247 on the airwaves with us. Hunt 1:26:44 1 hour, 26 minutes, 44 seconds Palmer from ESPN 1045 and 1049 and Baton Rouge Blake Top Meer from USA Today. 1:26:50 1 hour, 26 minutes, 50 seconds That was good stuff from him. And Garrett Renan, LSU women’s head golf coach. So for Case Kishnik, our producer did a great job tonight. You’ll be 1:26:57 1 hour, 26 minutes, 57 seconds hearing more from Case as the weeks and months go by. For Glen Gilbo, Todd Horn, I’m Jeff Polmo. Thanks for listening to Tiger Rag Radio. And for the latest in LSU sports, check out tiger.com. 1:27:11 1 hour, 27 minutes, 11 seconds Tiger is everywhere. Online at tiger.com. 1:27:15 1 hour, 27 minutes, 15 seconds Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/tiger magazine or follow us on Twitter at tiger\_ragg. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU athletics, LSU Baseball, LSU Football News, Men's Golf, Podcast, Radio, Women's Golf **Tags:** LSU Baseball News, LSU football news, Men's golf, Protect College Sports Act, tiger rag radio, Tiger Rag Radio Podcast, TigerRag.com's Audibles podcast, Women's Golf --- ### [LSU Football Recruiting: Tigers' Target Easton Royal Cancels Visits To Ole Miss And Tennessee](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-recruiting-tigers-target-easton-royal-cancels-visits-to-ole-miss-and-tennessee/) **Published:** June 2, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** Call it the O Effect. Just two days after a visit to LSU hosted by new special recruiting assistant Ed Orgeron, five-star wide receiver Easton Royal of Brother Martin has canceled visits to Ole Miss and Tennessee for this month and is keeping LSU and Florida on his list in additon to Texas, where he has been committed to since Nov. 29. Royal (5-foot-11, 200 pounds) is the No. 2 wide receiver in the nation by 247sports.com and its No. 8 overall prospect, and he is No. 1 in Louisiana out of Brother Martin High in New Orleans. > NEW: No. 1 wide receiver Easton Royal has canceled a pair of SEC official visits, he tells [@Rivals](https://x.com/Rivals?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > The race for the five-star WR just got even tighter at the top > > Intel: [pic.twitter.com/eNdOYA8RYd](https://t.co/eNdOYA8RYd) > > — Sam Spiegelman (@samspiegs) [June 2, 2026](https://x.com/samspiegs/status/2061647956546093425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Orgeron, LSU’s national championship, 15-0 head coach in the 2019 season, rejoined LSU as a special assistant to head coach Lane Kiffin last week for defense and recruiting. > [LSU Football Recruiting: Ed Orgeron Makes Quick Splash As He Hosts Bevy Of Elite Players Over The Weekend](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-recruiting-ed-orgeron-makes-quick-splash-as-he-hosts-bevy-of-elite-players-over-the-weekend/) Royal was scheduled to visit Tennessee this Friday and was expected to visit Ole Miss in the middle part of this month. He is scheduled to visit Florida on June 12. He joined two other five-star recruits at LSU with Coach O over the weekend – Jalen Brewster, the No. 1 composite overall player and defensive lineman for the Class of 2027 by 247sports.com from Cedar Hill High in Cedar Hill, Texas, and No. 2 athlete Xavier Sabb (6-1, 180), who is the No. 31 prospect in the country and No. 2 in New Jersey from Glassboro High in Glassboro. Four-star prospect Abraham Sesay (6-5, 215), the No. 6 edge in the nation and No. 27 player overall from Downington East High in Exton, Pennsylvania, was also at LSU over the weekend. And there were two three-star players as well – No. 30 safety Adryan Cole (6-2, 190) of Douglas County High in Atlanta and No. 28 athlete Markez Davis (6-3, 178) of Northwest High in Opelousas. Royal is scheduled to visit Florida on June 12. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Easton Royal, ed orgeron, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels, Pete Golding, recruiting, Tennessee Volunteers --- ### [Lane Kiffin DOES NOT Tweet For The Time Being After Vanity Fair Article Controversy](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-does-not-tweet-for-the-time-being-after-vanity-fair-article-controversy/) **Published:** June 2, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor If you have not noticed, LSU football coach Lane Kiffin has not tweeted or even reposted tweets since May 11. > [Lane Kiffin Graces Cover Of “Vanity Fair,” Which Takes Deep Dive On Rock Star LSU Football Coach](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-graces-cover-of-vanity-fair-which-takes-deep-dive-on-rock-star-lsu-football-coach/) That was the day the Vanity Fair cover story about Kiffin came out, and a storm of controversy followed concerning his comments about Ole Miss. Kiffin, who was Ole Miss’ head coach from 2020-25, spoke of recruits from out of state choosing not to come to Ole Miss because of the school’s issues with racism, particularly in the past. > Lane Kiffin is one of the most controversial and fiercely hated coaches in college football, following his shocking departure from Ole Miss for a $91 million contract at LSU. “No coach I talked to at any point ever said, ‘stay there.’” Kiffin says. “You got one life”… > > — VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) [May 11, 2026](https://x.com/VanityFair/status/2053810332661854336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The decision to stop or pause his tweeting temporarily was purely Kiffin’s, LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry said Monday on WAFB-TV Channel 9’s “Jacques Talk” with sports director Jacques Doucet. “I had nothing to do with that,” Ausberry said. “That’s all Lane. Lane’s Lane. One thing I do, I don’t try to change who my coaches are. They are who they are. Those personalities they have, that’s what makes those guys. I want them to have that. I don’t want them to say, ‘I’m going to change who I am.’ Be who you are. That’s what makes them so successful.” > “He volunteered to my surprise that anecdote.” … [@chrissmithnymag](https://x.com/chrissmithnymag?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) of Vanity Fair on his [@Lane\_Kiffin](https://x.com/Lane_Kiffin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) feature to Tiger Rag. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 13, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2054594185714413860?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Kiffin has been known for his constant tweeting for years. He has nearly 845,000 followers as of Tuesday without any activity by him for nearly a month. “Those tweets, that’s good, especially with recruiting the younger generation,” Ausberry said. “But that’s his call. We have nothing to do with that.” Lane Kiffin’s son, Knox Kiffin, who is a quarterback at University High, appeared on “Jacques Talk” on May 26 and said his dad chose to stop tweeting. “Right now, he’s not tweeting,” he said. “And he doesn’t really want to. And I respect that.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Jacques Doucet, Knox Kiffin, lane kiffin, lsu football, verge ausberry --- ### [LSU Baseball: DJ Primeaux Becomes 3rd Tigers' Pitcher To Enter Portal](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-dj-primeaux-becomes-3rd-tigers-pitcher-to-enter-portal/) **Published:** June 2, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The LSU baseball team is now minus three pitchers with eligibility remaining from the 2026 season. Redshirt junior left-hander DJ Primeaux of Central High in the Baton Rouge area is the latest to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal after the latest window opened on Monday and runs through July 1. Primeaux only pitched in four games this past season, going 0-0 with a 7.71 ERA over two and a third innings. He struck out four and walked four. In 2025, Primeaux had 22 appearances, striking out 13 with eight walks and going 0-0 with a 3.86 ERA in 14 innings. He joins reshirt junior right-hander Jaden Noot and sophomore right-hander Mavrick Rizy, who also entered the portal on Monday. > [LSU Baseball: Portal Window Opens Today, And So Does Jay Johnson’s Biggest Rebuilding Job Since He Took Over](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-portal-window-opens-today-and-so-does-jay-johnsons-biggest-rebuilding-job-since-he-took-over/) Noot, who is from Sierra Canyon High in Oak Park, California, was a key pitcher in 2025 as the Tigers won the national championship. He was 2-1 with a 4.13 ERA and one save in 32 and two-thirds innings over 20 appearances and five starts. He struck out 44 with 15 walks and pitched a scoreless inning of relief at the College World Series. But in 2026, Noot pitched only nine and a third innings in 10 appearances with two starts, going 0-0 with a 6.75 ERA and one save. The 6-foot-9 Rizy, who is from Fiskdale, Massachusetts, and went to Worcester Academy, was 0-0 with a 4.22 ERA in 20 appearances over 21 and a third innings in 2026. He struck out 28, but allowed 34 free bases via 19 walks, eight wild pitches and seven hit batsman. He was 0-0 with a 4.74 ERA in 2025 with in 24 appearances over 24 and two-thirds innings, but he had only two wild pitches, four hit batsman and 19 walks with 29 strikeouts. LSU has had five players overall enter the portal. Also putting their name in on Monday were junior third baseman Trent Caraway and junior outfielder Daniel Patrick. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** DJ Primeaux, Jaden Noot, jay johnson, Mavrick Rizy, Nate Yeskie --- ### [The Protect College Sports Act: What It Really Does — And Why LSU Fans Should Pay Attention](https://www.tigerrag.com/the-protect-college-sports-act-what-it-really-does-and-why-lsu-fans-should-pay-attention/) **Published:** June 2, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** *By Todd Horne, Executive Editor* The Protect College Sports Act of 2026 is being described nationally as an NIL bill, or a transfer‑portal bill, or a response to the House settlement, or a legal shield for the NCAA. That’s all true, but it’s incomplete. This bill is bigger than any one of those categories. It is the first serious congressional attempt to build a national rulebook for the revenue‑sharing era — a rulebook that would govern how athletes are paid, how NIL is disclosed, how transfers work, how agents operate, how conferences sell media rights, and how much authority the NCAA and conferences regain after years of losing ground in court. For LSU fans, this bill matters on two fronts. First, it would reshape the national marketplace LSU competes in. Second, it intersects directly with Louisiana’s own HB 608 — a bill awaiting Gov. Jeff Landry’s signature that would shield key revenue‑sharing information from public disclosure. The federal bill and the Louisiana bill are on a collision course, and LSU sits right in the middle. This deserves more than a headline. It deserves clarity. --- **Why Congress Is In This at All** College sports has outgrown the NCAA’s old amateurism model. NIL opened the door, but the real story is what came after: a system governed by state laws, court rulings, NCAA memos, conference rules, booster collectives, third‑party deals, and settlements. No one is in charge. Everyone is improvising. And every time the NCAA tries to impose a national rule, the next question is whether that rule violates antitrust law. Schools want rules, but they want flexibility. Athletes want compensation, but they want protections. Conferences want stability, but the richest conferences want to preserve their leverage. Lawmakers want to protect Olympic sports and women’s sports, but they disagree on how far Congress should go in regulating the marketplace. Into that vacuum comes the Protect College Sports Act. Its answer to the question “Who governs college sports now?” is blunt: Congress does. --- **What the Bill Actually Does** **1. It preserves NIL — but it regulates it in ways the current system doesn’t.** Athletes keep the right to earn NIL money. Schools and conferences cannot punish them for it. But the bill adds structure: - **Athletes must disclose NIL deals over $600 to their schools.** This is not public disclosure. The bill protects individual athlete privacy. - **A public, searchable NIL database would be created.** The data would be anonymized. The goal is to give athletes and families a real sense of market value without exposing individual deals. This is the bill’s NIL philosophy in one sentence: **preserve NIL, but make fake NIL harder to hide.** --- **2. It extends and federalizes the House revenue‑sharing settlement.** The House settlement opened the door for schools to share revenue directly with athletes under a capped system. The Protect College Sports Act would: - Extend the revenue‑share cap beyond the settlement - Allow annual inflation adjustments - Prohibit schemes designed to evade the cap This is not Congress rubber‑stamping the settlement. It is Congress **locking it in** as national law. The bill also targets the gray zone where NIL and revenue sharing intersect. It would allow athletes to earn money, but it would prevent schools, collectives or associated entities from using NIL as an unlimited payroll system. --- **3. It gives the NCAA targeted antitrust protection — the most important and controversial part of the bill.** Antitrust law is the reason the NCAA’s old model collapsed. Every time the NCAA tried to impose a national rule, the next lawsuit asked whether that rule illegally restrained the marketplace. Courts repeatedly said yes. The Protect College Sports Act would change that. It would give the NCAA, conferences and schools a **legal safe harbor** when enforcing rules created under the federal framework. Those rules include: - NIL - Revenue sharing - Transfers - Eligibility - Tampering - Agent regulation In plain English, Congress would be telling the courts: **if the NCAA is enforcing these federally authorized rules, they should not be treated as illegal under antitrust law.** This is the NCAA’s long‑sought shield. Without it, any national rule — revenue‑share caps, transfer limits, NIL restrictions — could be challenged in court. With it, the NCAA regains something it has been losing for years: enforceable authority. Critics argue the bill limits athlete earning power without giving athletes collective bargaining rights. Supporters argue that without antitrust protection, the entire system collapses back into litigation. That is the central bargain: **athletes get rights and protections; schools and conferences get a federally protected rulebook.** --- **4. It creates national rules for transfers, eligibility and agents.** The bill would standardize the transfer landscape: - One penalty‑free transfer - A second transfer may require sitting out - Exceptions for coaching changes, discontinued sports, graduate study and certain misconduct situations Eligibility would be standardized under a five‑year framework, with exceptions for military service, religious missions, pregnancy and other approved absences. Agents — currently one of the least regulated parts of the system — would face: - Mandatory registration - Required contract terms - A 5% fee cap - The possibility of decertification or fines This is Congress stepping into the part of the marketplace that has been operating in the shadows. --- **5. It adds athlete protections — a political necessity.** To make the bill viable for Democrats and athlete‑rights advocates, it includes significant protections: - Medical coverage during participation and **five years after** - Catastrophic injury coverage - Second‑opinion coverage - End‑of‑college physicals - A medical trust fund - Health and safety standards for concussions, heat illness, rhabdomyolysis, sickle cell trait, asthma, abuse, hazing and sexual misconduct - An **Office of the Student Athlete Ombudsman** - Athlete representation on governing boards This is the bill’s political construction: it does not ask Democrats to support a pure NCAA immunity bill. It pairs antitrust protection with athlete protections. --- **6. It restricts midseason coaching movement.** The so‑called “Lane Kiffin Rule” would prevent coaches from leaving during the competitive season and immediately taking over recruiting, NIL activity or game‑planning at another FBS program. The goal is stability. The concern is that the coaching carousel now disrupts teams, athletes and rosters before seasons are even finished. --- **Why the Bill Is Built to Pass** The sponsors — Cruz, Cantwell, Schmitt and Coons — represent a deliberate bipartisan coalition. This is not a messaging bill. It is built around Senate math. The policy mix is equally deliberate: - **Republicans and administrators** get antitrust protection, spending‑cap enforcement, transfer limits and national NIL rules. - **Democrats and athlete advocates** get NIL rights, medical protections, scholarship protections, transparency and representation. - **Schools outside the SEC and Big Ten** get a check on the growing power of the two richest conferences. The SEC and Big Ten do not control the U.S. Senate. A bill can anger them and still be viable if it gives enough other senators, leagues and advocacy groups a reason to support it. --- **Why the SEC and Big Ten Are Wary** The bill includes media‑rights language that could open a path for conferences and schools to pool certain media rights. Supporters argue this could create more revenue, support women’s and Olympic sports, and prevent a two‑conference superstructure dominated by the SEC and Big Ten. The SEC and Big Ten see it differently. They already control the most valuable media inventory in college sports. They have spent years building their own television leverage. They do not want a federal framework or pooled‑rights model interfering with their ability to negotiate directly with media partners. From their perspective: **why would the richest conferences hand control of their product to a broader national system?** This is the bill’s biggest political fight. --- **What This Means Nationally** Nationally, the bill attempts to trade: - Chaos for structure - Litigation risk for congressional protection - Unlimited NIL for regulated NIL - Unlimited transfers for standardized transfers - Conference autonomy for federal guardrails It is the first attempt to define what the revenue‑sharing era will look like. Whether the bargain is fair depends on where you sit. A star football player may see a cap on earning power. A women’s sport athlete may see a lifeline. A school president may see stability. An agent may see regulation. The SEC and Big Ten may see restraint. The ACC and Big 12 may see survival. The NCAA may see its last chance to regain authority. --- **What It Means for LSU** This is where the bill intersects directly with Louisiana. **1. The bill requires sport‑by‑sport reporting.** The bill requires Division I institutions to report anonymized NIL data and athletic‑department financial information **“disaggregated by intercollegiate sports program.”** Men’s and women’s teams are treated as distinct programs. This matters because Louisiana’s HB 608 — passed and awaiting Gov. Jeff Landry’s signature — creates a new public‑records shield for documents tied to revenue‑sharing programs. It is designed to keep key revenue‑sharing information confidential, including how much money is allocated to specific sports. LSU’s competitive interest in secrecy is obvious. But LSU is not a private franchise. It is a public university. When LSU begins direct revenue sharing, the public has a legitimate interest in understanding the structure of that system. The Protect College Sports Act would not automatically override every Louisiana law. But it would create a federal framework that **preempts conflicting state laws** in covered areas. HB 608 may become LSU’s state‑law shield. The Protect College Sports Act may become the federal law that tests how strong that shield really is. --- **2. Privacy is not secrecy.** This is the distinction LSU cannot blur. - **Athlete privacy is legitimate.** - **Institutional secrecy is not.** The public does not need to know what any individual quarterback or gymnast earns. But the public does have a legitimate interest in sport‑by‑sport allocation — especially at a public university. The bill protects individual athlete information while requiring broader institutional reporting. For LSU, that distinction is significant. --- **Why LSU Fans Should Care** LSU fans should care because this bill affects: - The competitive future of the SEC - The future of athlete compensation - How LSU allocates money by sport - What the public can see about LSU’s finances - The balance of power between the SEC, Big Ten and everyone else LSU wants to compete like a major SEC power. But LSU is also a public university operating inside a system that now includes direct athlete compensation. That tension is not going away. The Protect College Sports Act may not pass in its current form. It may be amended. The SEC and Big Ten may force changes. Athlete advocates may push back. Legal experts may object. Agents and collectives may resist. The politics may get ugly. But the bill is serious. It is bipartisan. It is built around Senate vote‑counting. It gives something to both parties, to schools, to athletes, to conferences outside the SEC and Big Ten. And it challenges the assumption that the richest conferences alone will shape the future. This bill is not merely asking how athletes should be paid. It is asking **who gets to control college sports in the revenue‑sharing era.** For LSU, the answer will matter on the field, in the athletic department, in the public‑records fight and across the future of the SEC. --- **Categories:** Featured, LSU athletics, Tiger Rag **Tags:** Explainer, Maria Cantwell, Protect College Sports Act, Ted Cruz --- ### [LSU Men's Golf Finishes 12th In NCAA Championships To Close Season](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-mens-golf-finishes-12th-in-ncaa-championships-to-close-season/) **Published:** June 2, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** Sophomore Arni Sveinsson of LSU posted a 4-under-par 68 to lead the Tigers in the final round in the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship at the OMNI La Costa Resort course Monday in Carlsbad, California. The Tigers, who advanced to this final round on the basis of a historic team round of 18-under par on Sunday, finished where they started Monday in 12th place at a 3-over par 1,155 after shooting a 1-over par 289 to close. > [LSU Men’s Golf Makes Amazing Charge To Stay Alive In NCAA Championships Behind Freshman Dan Hayes](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-mens-golf-makes-amazing-charge-to-stay-alive-in-ncaa-championships-behind-freshman-dan-hayes/) LSU needed to finish 2-under par overall to make the final eight teams for match play. UCLA, Tennessee, North Carolina and Stanford tied at that score with a playoff Monday night deciding the other two teams. Sveinsson, who battled through injury all spring, opened with birdies on the par 5 10th and par 4 11th hole before posting 12 consecutive pars. He then birdied the par 5 sixth, bogeyed the par 4 seventh and finished with back-to-back birdies on the par 3 eighth and the difficult par 4 ninth to finish at 4-under for the day and even par for the tournament (288). He played the last 36 holes in 7-under par after shooting rounds of 77-74-69-68. For LSU, the final round Monday meant the end of a great few days for this team, culminating a season in which LSU was ranked nationally in the top 10. “From where this program was two years ago, to where we are now, and the expectations, and being in the top 10 in the country, and expecting to win these kinds of things, I’m pretty proud of that,” LSU coach Jake Amos said. “We got better this season and the face that we’ve put ourselves in this position already is a positive thing. We’ve got four guys returning who now have seen the golf course. We’re all disappointed. We had it right there, and unfortunately it was our own fault. We didn’t make it. Nobody overtook us. We kind of shed some shots coming in.” From the start, it looked like LSU and the back nine had become close friends after Sunday’s round. Then Monday, the Tigers opened up with seven birdies in the first three holes, including four in the par 5 10th hole. There were a few bogeys but nothing really damaging as LSU for a bit moved up as far as eighth in the standings at one point, getting to 4-under par. But it was the par 5 18th and the first hole, a par 4, that kind of took the momentum away from the Tigers. “It’s straight up discipline,” Amos said. “The guys knew they needed to be right of the flag on 18, and we had three balls left, and that was pretty much three instant bogeys. Then I think what happened after that is we started feeling like we needed to press. We went after a pin we shouldn’t have gone after, and again just not sticking to our game plan. And all of a sudden, we’re behind the eight ball. Ultimately, if we had just made some nice tidy pars, we would have been right in it coming down the stretch.” LSU would count three double bogeys on the front side along with two bogeys at 18. LSU freshman Dan Hayes, who shot a school record 64 on Sunday, rallied from a 3-over start after five holes to finish with two birdies to get back to 1-over 73. He finished 72 holes at even par 288 (76-75-64-73). LSU also counted a 1-over 73 from Noah McWilliams. The junior had a hot start with four birdies in the first eight holes. The Tigers other counting score was a 3-over 75 by Jay Mendell, another Louisiana junior with McWilliams, who finished at 3-over 291 for 72 holes. Matty Dodd-Berry posted 5-over 77 to shoot 5-over 293 for 72 holes. Sveinsson and Hayes finished in a tie for 32nd from the original field of 156 players. Mendell finished tied for 46th. The Tigers finished second in the field on par 3 holes at a 3.02 average. LSU was tied for seventh in birdies with 68 and 10th in pars at 219. McWilliams was tied for first on par 3 holes at 2.75 (-4), and Hayes was tied for second on par 4 holes at a 3.85 average (-6). LSU leaves with the memory of its 18-under par round Sunday that lifted LSU from 27th place to 12th, where it finished on Monday. “It’s an absolutely historic round,” Amos said. “That will be remembered for a while, and they’ll probably be talking about it next year. I’m sure it will come up in speeches from teams in similar situations as us. I’m very, very proud. I know I’m just glad that we have that in us, and we felt we had it in us.” **NCAA DIVISION I MEN’S GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP** **Carlsbad, California – OMNI La Costa Resort and Spa North Course** **Final Stroke play Team Results (Par 288-1152)** **Top eight teams advance to match play** 1 Auburn – 284-272-286-284 – 1126 -26 2 Texas – 287-277-281-284 – 1129 -23 3 Vanderbilt – 287-277-291-285 – 1140 -12 T4 Florida – 291-290-284-276 – 1141 -11 6 Arizona – 287-285-284-293 – 1149 -3 T7 UCLA – 280-289-287-294 – 1150 -2 T7 Stanford – 291-286-289-284 – 1150 -2 (UCLA and Stanford win four-team playoff for final two spots) T7 North Carolina – 287-288-283-292 – 1150 -2 T7 Tennessee – 292-287-287-284 – 1150 -2 11 Virginia – 288-284-293-288 – 1153 +1 **12 LSU – 303-293-270-289 – 1155 +3** 13 Duke – 286-286-291-293 – 1156 +4 14 Oklahoma – 292-284-288-293 – 1157 +5 15 San Diego – 286-291-289-310 – 1176 +24 **Top 5 Individuals (Par 72-216)** 1 Preston Stout, Oklahoma State – 73-67-65-69 – 274 -14 2 William Jennings, Alabama – 66-70-70-69 – 275 -13 3 Josiah Gilbert, Auburn – 70-67-70-70 – 277 -11 T4 Will Hartman, Vanderbilt – 70-68-68-72 – 278 -10 T4 Filip Jakubcik, Arizona – 68-66-72-72 – 278 -10 **LSU Scores** T32 Arni Sveinsson – 77-74-69-68 – 288 E T32 Dan Hayes – 76-75-64-73 – 288 E T46 Jay Mendell – 75-73-68-75 – 291 +3 T58 Matty Dodd-Berry – 75-72-69-77 – 293 +5 T74 Noah McWilliams – 78-74-74-73 – 299 +11 **Categories:** Featured, Men's Golf, More LSU Sports **Tags:** Árni Sveinsson, Jake Amos, lsu men's golf, NCAA Championships --- ### [LSU Baseball: Portal Window Opens Today, And So Does Jay Johnson's Biggest Rebuilding Job Since He Took Over](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-portal-window-opens-today-and-so-does-jay-johnsons-biggest-rebuilding-job-since-he-took-over/) **Published:** June 1, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor When you consider that LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson won two national championships in three seasons from 2023-25, it is hard to believe that he is basically back where he was when his first LSU season ended on June 6, 2022, with an 8-7 NCAA Regional championship game loss at Southern Mississippi. The day before, he could’ve advanced, but lost 8-4 to the Golden Eagles. “It’s a simple game really,” Johnson said in a crickety press conference in a bunker underneath 4,300-seat Pete Taylor Park in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, after six of his relievers allowed four runs on seven hits in six innings. The day before, five LSU relievers allowed five runs on six hits in five and two-thirds innings. > [LSU Baseball: 4 Enter Portal On Day 1 – Trent Caraway, Jaden Noot, Daniel Harden, Mavrick Rizy – After Poor Seasons](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-4-enter-portal-on-day-1-trent-caraway-jaden-noot-daniel-harden-mavrick-rizy-after-poor-seasons/) “They’re infinitely better on the mound than us,” he said. “We have work to do. We’ve got to pitch better. End of story. This is deep pain. I didn’t want to let myself think what we’re not playing this weekend. I want to win the national championship. That’s why I came to LSU – to make a bunch of runs at winning the national title. We’ll get there.” And he did – the very next year in 2023 and again in 2025. And he thought he’d there in 2026 as he returned a decent nucleus of last year’s national champions. But after getting swept at home by Florida, 11-8, 11-1 and 15-11, on May 14-16 to end the regular season, he sounded like 2022 in Hattiesburg all over again. > [LSU Baseball: “Painful, Really Painful,” Jay Johnson On Season Ending And Silent Dugout](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-painful-really-painful-jay-johnson-on-season-ending-and-silent-dugout/) Only it was worse. LSU’s final Southeastern Conference record was 9-21, establishing a school record for losses in a league LSU has played in since 1933. The Tigers were also 29-27 for their worst overall record since coach Paul Mainieri went 29-26-1 in his first season in 2007. “We’ve just got to get better on the mound,” Johnson said, matching that Hattiesburg presser. “We’ve got a lot of work to do. It’s a turnover year for us.” LSU’s “postseason” 2026 ended on May 20 at 30-28 overall after splitting two games in the Southeastern Conference Tournament in Hoover, Alabama, as the Tigers failed to reach NCAA play for the first time since 2011. Johnson has been frantically manning the phones and recruiting ever since. And today is the first day of the NCAA Transfer Portal window, which will run through July 1. Johnson said in mid-April that he would building his future rosters more through traditional high school and junior college recruiting. “Yeah, I think it’s a deep-rooted thing,” he said. “We’re off, and it will never happen again. I made some mistakes in constructing the team,” Johnson said. “We should’ve looked to replacing them through guys already in the program with players who were athletic and could play defense and be more complete players. OK, we won’t make that mistake again. The power moving forward will come from players who start their careers here and develop it.” And he has repeated that since the season ended. But you can bet he will be tapping the portal for pitching. The Tigers set the school record for wild pitches with 86 in 2026 – 17 more than the previous record set in 1999 and tied in 2018. LSU pitchers finished the regular season with the most walks in the SEC at 281 – just 11 off the school record of 292 set in 1988. LSU pitchers had the worst ERA in the league at 5.69, which was not far from the school record worst of 6.08 in 1981. And what Johnson and pitching coach Nate Yeskie really need is weekend starting pitching. The development of much-ballyhooed pitcher William Schmidt from Catholic High has not happened. Johnson even said during the past season that the sophomore may need to develop more pitches. Schmidt finished his sophomore season a mediocre 5-4 with a 4.22 ERA and 85 strikeouts with 31 walks. But his control got worse from his freshman season as he threw 11 wild pitches with seven hit batsman. Casan Evans fell victim to the sophomore jinx after an All-American freshman season. He finished 2-4 with a 5.93 ERA. He struck out 89 with 31 walks, but had nine wild pitchers and six hit batsman. Evans did finish strong, though, after missing several starts with arm soreness. LSU’s best returning starting pitcher may be junior Cooper Moore (3-3, 3.38 ERA), who struck out 39 with only seven walks and four wild pitches and three hit batsman. He was lost for the year early in the SEC season with an injury. But Johnson and Yeskie will need to get at least two veteran starters from the portal for SEC weekends and a few middle and short relievers. The good news is Johnson will be looking for significant numbers that are found in boxscores from games played, not necessarily velo and “upside.” They also want pitchers who throw multiple pitches for strikes. That guards against the walk glut that killed his 2026 staff. It’s also simple math. And such common sense – aka Moneyball – will be a good start for LSU’s 2027 roster. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, SEC Baseball, Southeastern Conference --- ### [LSU Baseball: 4 Enter Portal On Day 1 - Trent Caraway, Jaden Noot, Daniel Harden, Mavrick Rizy - After Poor Seasons](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-4-enter-portal-on-day-1-trent-caraway-jaden-noot-daniel-harden-mavrick-rizy-after-poor-seasons/) **Published:** June 1, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor One of the most disappointing players from the NCAA Transfer Portal this season for LSU – junior third baseman Trent Caraway – returned to the portal on Monday, which is the first day of the transfer window that runs through July 1. Caraway hit .267 with 12 home runs and 47 RBIs in 64 games last season for Oregon State, which he helped lead to the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. Caraway signed with LSU coach Jay Johnson as the No. 13 hitter in the portal by D1 Baseball, the No. 30 transfer overall by Baseball America and the No. 54 overall junior by Perfect Game. > For Jay Johnson and LSU Baseball, it feels like 2022 in Hattiesburg all over again as portal opens: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [June 1, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2061526940276715912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) But Caraway hit just .243 with two homers and 16 RBIs in 30 games for the Tigers in 2026 and played in only one game out of LSU’s last 15 games. Also entering the portal on Monday were junior outfielder Daniel Harden, redshirt junior pitcher Jaden Noot and sophomore pitcher Mavrick Rizy. > [LSU Baseball: Mavrick Rizy To Enter Portal As Tigers Return Many Arms](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-mavrick-rizy-enters-portal-ahead-of-its-opening-on-monday-as-tigers-return-many-arms/) Harden, a transfer last year from McLennan Community College in Waco, Texas, hit .105 with one home run and two RBIs in 22 games and two starts. Harden went to Catholic High in Baton Rouge before two seasons at McLennan. Noot was 0-0 with a 6.75 ERA in nine and a third innings over 10 appearances last season with nine strikeouts and seven walks. Rizy, who announced last week that he would be entering the portal on Monday, was 0-0 with a 4.22 ERA and no saves out of the bullpen in 2026. He struggled with control as he walked nearly one batter per inning with 19 in 21 and a third innings and had eight wild pitches and seven hit batsman with 28 strikeouts. He had similar numbers in 2025 at 0-0 with a 4.74 ERA and no saves in 24 and two-thirds innings with 19 walks and 29 strikeouts. But he had only two wild pitches and four hit batsman. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Daniel Harden, Jaden Noot, jay johnson, Mavrick Rizy, NCAA transfer portal, Trent Caraway --- ### [LSU Baseball: Mavrick Rizy To Enter Portal As Tigers Return Many Arms](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-mavrick-rizy-enters-portal-ahead-of-its-opening-on-monday-as-tigers-return-many-arms/) **Published:** May 27, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The first of what could be a string of LSU baseball pitchers entering the NCAA Transfer Portal has decided he will looking elsewhere. Sophomore reliever Mavrick Rizy announced on Wednesday that he will be entering the portal when it opens on Monday after a disappointing 2026 season. LSU coach Jay Johnson and pitching coach Nate Yeskie had tall hopes for Rizy (6-foot-9, 251 pounds), who signed out of Worcester Academy in Fiskdale, Massachusetts, before the 2025 season as the No. 36 incoming freshman pitcher by Perfect Game and No. 1 player from his state. Rizy (0-0, 4.22 ERA, 0 saves) struggled with control this past season as he walked nearly one batter per appearance with 19 in 21 and a third innings and had eight wild pitches and seven hit batsman with 28 strikeouts. He had similar numbers in 2025 at 0-0 with a 4.74 ERA and no saves in 24 and two-thirds innings with 19 walks and 29 strikeouts. But he had only two wild pitches and four hit batsman. > [The LSU Baseball Season That Came From Outer Space, And How Jay Johnson Plans To Not Trip That Way Again](https://www.tigerrag.com/the-lsu-baseball-season-that-came-from-outer-space-and-how-jay-johnson-plans-to-not-trip-that-way-again/) At the moment, LSU has 10 returning pitchers (pre-portal) who were underclassmen in 2026 – freshmen Marcos Paz, Reagan Ricken, Zion Theophilus, Jonah Aase and sophomores Casan Evans, William Schmidt, Danny Lachenmayer, Ethan Plog, Cooper Williams and redshirt sophomore Deven Sheerin. Upperclassmen pitchers are juniors Cooper Moore and Santiago Garcia and redshirt juniors Gavin Guidry, Jaden Noot and DJ Primeaux. Those five could enter the Major League Baseball Draft, which will be July 11-13. Rizy, 21, can enter the MLB Draft as an older sophomore. Among the incoming LSU pitcher commitments are Logan Schmidt, Jensen Hirschkorn and Kolby Stringer along with signees Cooper Sides, Dylan Blomker and Lucas Nawrocki. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Mavrick Rizy, NCAA transfer portal --- ### [JIM ENGSTER: Playoffs or Bust for Lane Kiffin](https://www.tigerrag.com/jim-engster-playoffs-or-bust-for-lane-kiffin/) **Published:** June 1, 2026 **Author:** Jim Engster | President, Tiger Rag **Content:** There was a time in college football when one loss spelled doom for any power vying for a national championship. Most of the winners were undefeated for generations, and LSU remains the lone titlist to finish at the top with two defeats. The Tigers were 12-2 in 2007 in year three of the Les Miles experiment, dropping contests in triple overtime to Kentucky and Arkansas. The defiant squad captured the SEC crown and a series of last game defeats by other contenders sent the Tigers to the Superdome. There Miles and crew beat Ohio State 38-24 in a second title run in four years. LSU posted undefeated records in 1908, 1958 and 2019 and is regarded as the best in the land in those years. No. 1 status was achieved in 2003 and in 2007 with less than perfect seasons. Nick Saban withstood a 19-7 loss to Florida at home in 2003, but his team roared down the stretch for the first of his seven national titles. Only two of Saban’s teams finished unbeaten. Alabama went 14-0 in 2009 and 13-0 in the Covid season of 2020. In the playoff era, Indiana may reign as the last undefeated champ for a while. Just as the 32-0 Hoosiers of 1976 are the most recent perfect record team in NCAA basketball, the IU footballers of 2025 became the first major college juggernaut to go 16-0, eclipsing the 15-0 mark of the Burrow Bengals of 2019. More games and longer seasons produce ample opportunity for hiccups on the path to glory. Lane Kiffin lifts the curtain on his Louisiana opus with the most ambitious LSU football slate of opponents since the murderer’s row Charles McClendon faced in his final season of 1979. It is curious that McClendon’s hope of retaining his job spurred his unit to play magnificently in close defeats to No. 1 Alabama (3-0), No. 2 USC (17-12) and No. 6 Florida State (24-19). The losses to the Tide, Trojans and Seminoles were epic battles at Tiger Stadium in a span of six weeks. The three marquee foes completed the season with 34 wins, one loss and one tie. The affable Arkansan was just one score short against Alabama from winning the SEC and depriving Bear Bryant of his last title. It would have been difficult for Athletic Director Paul Dietzel to dump Mac with that scenario. LSU featured a veteran roster with John Ed Bradley, Steve Ensminger, David Woodley, Carlos Carson, Hokie Gajan, Tom Tully, Greg LaFleur, John Adams, Chris Williams, Willie Teal, Marcus Quinn, George Atiyeh, Benjy Thibodeaux and Lyman White coupled with freshman standouts Albert Richardson, Greg Bowser, Ramsey Dardar and Alan Risher. Talented indeed. But USC was waiting in game three with the most gifted roster in college history with four Pro Football Hall of Famers and two Heisman Trophy recipients in Charles White and Marcus Allen. Southern Cal was a professional operation and almost succumbed to a team that reflected the traditional college outfit of the latter part of the Twentieth Century. Mac was dispatched to retirement at 56 despite the heroic effort of 1979. Thirty-four-year-old Bo Rein left North Carolina State to replace McClendon and was dead six weeks later in a plane crash. His successor at Raleigh was Monte Kiffin, father of then five-year Lane Monte Kiffin. McClendon had tough luck with his best teams in his tenure. His 1969 Tigers lost only once, 26-23 at Jackson to Ole Miss and Archie Manning. The Rebels erased a late 23-12 lead by LSU and cost the Tigers a shot at playing for the national title against Texas in the Cotton Bowl. LSU won the SEC title in 1970, but the Tigers lost their national quest on opening night when Texas A&M scored with 13 seconds remaining on a 79-yard pass from Lex James to Hugh McElroy. It was the first touchdown in Aggie history by a black player. The 20-18 win came only eleven days after LSU quarterback Butch Duhe died of a brain hemorrhage. A year later, LSU was stunned at home in the 1971 opener, 31-21 by Colorado. The Tigers were loaded with Bert Jones, Tommy Casanova, Andy Hamilton and Art Cantrelle, but they never recovered from the shocker against the Buffaloes. . Governor John McKeithen was so incensed over LSU’s opening night woes that he punched out a window in a state car in frustration. The year’s opener is also fraught with danger at Death Valley. Kiffin’s initial assignment is against Clemson and two-time NCAA champion Dabo Swinney. The Tigers from South Carolina have fallen back to the pack in recent seasons and lost at home to LSU to start the 2025 season. Yet Clemson remains a legitimate opponent. Kiffin’s honeymoon will last exactly one week if Swinney scores an upset victory on Sept. 5. After the liftoff against Clemson, LSU has other home dates with Texas A&M, Alabama and Texas sprinkled with road tests at Ole Miss, Auburn and Tennessee. Those seven games will determine whether Kiffin is a hit or a work in progress in his debut campaign. He likely will need to win five of those clashes to make the playoffs. It is anticipated the Tigers to prevail often enough to make the round of 12 contestants for NCAA gold. Kiffin nonetheless encounters an array of minefields at the start of his odyssey in Baton Rouge. We will witness how the hot yoga coach handles the vast pressure coming with championship expectations. **Bill Cassidy is no Butch Cassidy** Great political campaigns are like well-orchestrated robberies with lots of strategy, precision, timing amid uncertainty. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, immortalized in the 1969 film starring Paul Newman and Robert Redford, performed the longest string of successful train and bank robberies in history. U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy was facing daunting odds in his quest for a third term after voting to convict President Trump on articles of impeachment. He lost his bid in humiliating fashion despite a massive war chest and an array of well compensated advisors telling him he could beat Juilia Letlow and John Fleming. Politicians like bank robbers often hear what they want, not what they need. The loss by Cassidy means that LSU will not be represented in the U.S. Senate for the first time in nearly 80 years. Cassidy, brother of former Tiger great Steve Cassidy, finished third in the May 16 Republican primary, sending the gastroenterologist back to Baton Rouge. Letlow went to South Florida and U.L. Monroe while Fleming is an Ole Miss man. The other Louisiana Senator is John Kennedy who attended Louisiana Tech, Vanderbilt and Virginia, not LSU. Previous LSU Senators include Russell Long (1948-87), Bennett Johnston (1972-97), John Breaux (1987-05) and Mary Landrieu (1997-15). Intro for Dale Brown Column The Pete Maravich Assembly Center has been the stage for some colorful basketball maestros, but none more charismatic and successful than Dale Brown, who coached at the arena from 1972-97. Brown won four SEC championships and directed his troops to a pair of Final Fours as the LSU basketball coach who won more games in the building than anyone else. Press Maravich and John Brady gave fans some memorable moments at the PMAC as did current coach Will Wade, the last LSU hoops boss to win the SEC title. Kim Mulkey also triggered some rekindled roundball passion with her national championship run of 2023 on the women’s court. When he returned to LSU, Wade received a contract that will pay him a record salary and abundance of other incentives. In the age of imperial coaching, people like Wade get base pay over the duration of their contract for $30 million plus a plethora of perks. Coach Brown provided Tiger Rag with his initial contract drafted by Athletic Director Carl Maddox. Brown’s base compensation was under $2,000 per month in 1972. Much has changed in 54 years as this document confirms. **Categories:** Extra, Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Charlie McClendon, David Woodley, Jim Engster, John Ed Bradley, lane kiffin, lsu football, steve ensminger --- ### [LSU Men's Golf Makes Amazing Charge To Stay Alive In NCAA Championships Behind Freshman Dan Hayes](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-mens-golf-makes-amazing-charge-to-stay-alive-in-ncaa-championships-behind-freshman-dan-hayes/) **Published:** June 1, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** *Written By Kent Lowe, LSU Sports Information* “Tigers never quit.” That was part of LSU men’s golf coach Jake Amos’ message to his team prior to what appeared to be the final round of the season when LSU teed off Sunday in the third round of the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship at the OMNI La Costa Resort & Spa course in Carlsbad, California. The Tigers were tied for 27th, 20-over par after two rounds, and 17 shots behind three-over cut-off point for 54 holes. What happened by the time early evening fell Sunday, west coast time, was one of the most improbable comebacks by an LSU team in several years. The Tigers posted the best round of the day by nine shots, posting an 18-under-par 270 to move up a whopping 15 places into a tie for 12th at 2-over 866 and earning a spot in the final round of the championships on Monday afternoon. The most stunned team had to be Pepperdine, which since early afternoon had stood in 15th place at 4-over par for 54 holes. The Waves would finish in 16th place as LSU tied with San Diego, Tennessee and Stanford for 12th. > [LSU Golf Improves At NCAA Championships Behind Senior Matty Dodd-Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-golf-improves-at-ncaa-championships-behind-senior-matty-dodd-berry/) The amazing total of 18-under topped the school record mark for an NCAA Championship of 11-under par 277 in 2017 in round two at Sugar Grove, Illinois, at the Rich Harvest Farms Golf Club. Leading the charge was Manchester, England, freshman Dan Hayes, who rallied after hitting in the water on his ninth hole of the day – the par-5 18th. Then he birdied five of his last six holes to shoot an 8-under round of 64. Hayes not only moved up 84 spots on the leaderboard to a tie for 32nd at 1-under 215, he posted the lowest NCAA Tournament round in school history, topping the mark of 65 (-7) by John Peterson in the 2011 NCAA Championships in Stillwater, Oklahoma. How wild and ridiculous was this comeback? “I might be at a loss for words,” Amos said. “We talked about just not quitting, and we kind of tried to play the golf course in different sections. Get off to hot start, survive 12 through 14, and we did that. It is just kind of the proudest I’ve ever been of any team. I booked our flights before the round. I’m just going to tell you. But our message, seriously, was let’s just see what we can do. No pressure just be super aggressive. I think we were tentative in round one, and we weren’t really clicking. Tigers don’t quit and we didn’t. We finally showed the firepower this team has.” The five LSU players in the play 5-count 4 format of college golf posted a combined 12-under par on holes 10-18 to start the day. This was the same nine holes that LSU started on in the first round on Friday, and the five players posted 12-over par. Hayes was 3-under par after eight holes, but his ninth hole, the par-5 18th was not looking good after a water ball. But a strong approach and short putt gave him a par and momentum heading to the front nine. It all clicked for Hayes as he posted birdies on the fourth, fifth, par-5 sixth and seventh, before a great approach on the difficult ninth gave him a score of 31 on the final nine (holes 1-9) and the school mark. “We’ve seen how good Dan has been all year, and he’s been literally just waiting for a round like that. I’m delighted he got it today,” Amos said. > [LSU Men’s Golf Struggles At NCAA Championships, But “We’ve Got Tons Of Firepower,” Says Coach Jake Amos](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-mens-golf-struggles-at-ncaa-championships-but-weve-got-tons-of-firepower-says-coach-jake-amos/) “Coming down 18 (his ninth hole of the day), I made par with a seven iron for my fourth shot,” Hayes said. “I think that was when I kind of knew, I could take it low. I’ve been playing fine all week. I just knew we needed to make birdies. We were terrible the first round. I think everyone will say it, and we just knew we had to go low, and I think today there was no holding back. Like we had nothing to lose, and we know how good we are. Every single one of us can shoot seven, eight under, so when it all clicks, it clicks.” Amos was amazed. “For him to finish it off in the biggest stage, a course record at La Costa, that’s going to be tough to beat,” Amos said. “Not only that, it was in the afternoon. I could see a course record in the morning, where it’s softer and no wind, but he played it in the teeth of the wind and that was awesome.” The seventh-ranked Tigers brought it from all corners as Jay Mendell posted a 4-under 68 to move up 41 places in the standings, and Matty Dodd-Berry and Arni Sveinsson both had 3-under par 69s. Dodd-Berry moved up 30 spots to finish 54 holes in a tie for 47th at even par. Sveinsson moved up 44 spots. LSU as a team had 28 birdies, led by the nine by Hayes. Mendell and Sveinsson each had six, Dodd-Berry had four and Noah McWilliams three. LSU has 53 birdies for the first three rounds, which is tied for fifth in the 30-team field. LSU is tied for fourth on par-3 scoring at 3.03 (+2), and Hayes is the tournament leader on the par 4s at 3.77 (-7). The Tigers are now only three shots out of eighth place, which will be the cut after Monday’s round at 1-under par by Duke. “I mean, we’ve got the game plan already,” Amos said. “Just do the same again. The biggest thing now is just making sure our energy is good. Probably go to In-and-Out Burger again, same meal we had yesterday, and just try and keep the same energy going.” No. 1 Auburn is the tournament leader at 22-under par, three shots up on Texas and 10 shots back to Vanderbilt at -9. LSU will start on hole 10 again on Monday at 12:41 central time. The final round will be televised over-the-air by The GOLF Channel beginning at 2:30 p.m. PT (4:30 p.m. Baton Rouge time). Live scoring is available at [Scoreboard.clippd.com](https://scoreboard.clippd.com/tournaments/243252/scoring/team). **Categories:** Featured, Men's Golf, More LSU Sports **Tags:** Dan Hayes, Jake Amos, lsu men's golf, LSU Tigers', NCAA Championships --- ### [Lane Kiffin Under No Pressure To Win In '26, But Shane Beamer, Josh Heupel And Pete Golding May Be | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-under-no-pressure-to-win-in-26-but-shane-beamer-josh-heupel-and-pete-golding-may-be-glenn-guilbeau/) **Published:** May 31, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU’s Lane Kiffin is at the head of the Class of 2026’s six new head coaches in the Southeastern Conference heading into the summer after a league record tying five firings during and after the 2025 season. Fired were Florida’s Billy Napier, LSU’s Brian Kelly, Arkansas’ Sam Pittman, Auburn’s Hugh Freeze and Kentucky’s Mark Stoops after five also in 2017. > [Lane Kiffin IS LSU’s NEXT FOOTBALL COACH As He Is Expected At LSU Press Conference Monday](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-is-lsus-next-football-coach-as-he-is-expected-at-lsu-press-conference-monday/) Tulane’s Jon Sumrall replaced Napier. Kiffin left Ole Miss to replace Kelly. Memphis’ Ryan Silverfield took over for Pittman. South Florida’s Alex Golesh replaced Freeze. Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein took over for Stoops. And Ole Miss defensive coordinator Pete Golding was promoted to replace Kiffin, who was not fired. > Greg Sankey’s SEC … it Just Means More To Win Metrics Than Trophies. Column: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 29, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2060458409099436321?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The first five above will be in their Honeymoon seasons, which means no pressure in year one to keep their job. That includes Kiffin. The word nationally and locally I keep hearing is that Kiffin is under tremendous pressure to win big in 2026 – as in reach the College Football Playoff – because of his contract ($91 million over seven years, third highest salary at $13 million a year) and his No. 1 by far Transfer Portal class (41 players). > Fans not being happy is not pressure. Fans are largely delusional, particularly LSU fans. Lane could have a very good season and miss playoffs. He has 5 road sec games. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 29, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2060406092606189876?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) And that is wrong. There are great expectations for Kiffin at LSU because of his contract, his wild success with the portal and the tremendous success he had at Ole Miss. But expectations are far different than pressure. Kelly was under pressure entering the 2025 season after LSU and its financial support went all in for his portal class entering that season that was also ranked No. 1. Kelly had to win more or be fired, which is what happened as soon as he fell out of the playoff race in his fourth season. That’s pressure. Kiffin will be in his first season. And he will still be honeymooning regardless of the high expectations and preseason ranking that will likely be top 10. What has happened in some circles is that LSU fans want Kiffin to win so badly that they sort of want him to be under to fulfill their desires. The other thing is Ole Miss fans and some media members who do not want him to succeed say he’s under pressure to put pressure on him, so he could fail and fulfill their desires. > [“Lane Kiffin Rule” Won’t Work In College Football As Congress Doesn’t Seem To Grasp The Game | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-rule-wont-work-in-college-football-as-congress-doesnt-seem-to-grasp-the-game-glenn-guilbeau/) In the end, Kiffin could lose five or six games and return for 2027. So, that’s not pressure. If there’s not a chance of being fired, there’s no real pressure. In truth, the Tigers will be vastly improved, even if it does lose three or four games, which is a possibility. This is the first season of the nine-game SEC schedule, and five of Kiffin’s are on the road, including at an excellent Ole Miss team because of the job he did there, as well as at Auburn and at Tennessee. The offense will be vastly improved. The offense will have a real running game. Quarterback Sam Leavitt is basically over his foot injury. Kiffin said at the SEC Spring Meetings last week that Leavitt was running very fast. He’ll be ready for August camp and be in the same class as Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow. The defense in the third year of coordinator Blake Baker will be closer to elite. The Tigers will likely win 10 games, but they could still not make the playoffs. The bottom line is they will be on the way up for the future, regardless of how 2026 ends. Remember, Kiffin’s 2026 portal class is really built for 2026 and ’27. Kiffin is a long term hire, not a quick fix. Kelly had a promising first season, you should note, and little after that. The eight returning SEC head coaches will enter 2026 on solid ground: – Georgia’s Kirby Smart is the longest tenured coach in the SEC heading into his 11th season. He’s looking for a third national title after back-to-back crowns in 2021 and ’22 for the last stand of SEC championships before the Big Ten Takeover of three straight and perhaps counting. Without the dinosaur SEC Championship Game, Smart could have won another national championship in the 2023 season. The Bulldogs went 12-0 and 8-0 in the SEC before a 27-24 loss to Alabama in the SEC title game that knocked them out of the CFP and put the Tide in. After a 63-3 win over No. 5 and 13-0 Florida State in the consolation Orange Bowl, the Bulldogs finished 13-1 – likely the best team in history not to reach the CFP. Thanks, SEC title game and commissioner Greg Sankey. – Texas’ Steve Sarkisian is going into his sixth year after three straight double-digit win seasons and two CFP appearances in three years. – Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea enters his sixth season after a startling 10-3 campaign and 6-2 SEC finish following a 7-6, 3-5 season in 2024. But can he keep it up at one of the most difficult place to win in the SEC. – Missouri’s steady Eli Drinkwitz, who might be LSU’s coach today had Kiffin gone elsewhere or stayed at Ole Miss, is going into his seventh season at a difficult place to win consistently. He is coming off three straight winning seasons (11-2, 10-3 and 8-5), which is more than any Mizzou coach since Gary Pinkel had seven in a row from 2005-11 before entering the SEC. – Oklahoma’s Brent Venables is coming off a breakthrough season at 10-3 and 6-2 with a playoff appearance. – Third-year Texas A&M coach Mike Elko rolled to an 11-2 and 7-1 season and a CFP appearance in his second year. – Mississippi State coach Jeff Lebby started slow, but that can work for an extended stay. After a 2-10 opening season, he was 5-8 last season. – Delusional Alabama fans and some LSU people may think otherwise, but Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer enters year three on very solid ground. First off, after interest from Michigan and Penn State, he just got a new contract extension by seven years and $87.5 million and is signed through Jan. 31, 2033. Interestingly, Alabama athletic director Greg Byrne, who winced at former LSU athletic director Scott Woodward’s ridiculous buyouts to Ed Orgeron ($17 million after his firing) and Brian Kelly ($54 million after his firing), has only a $10 million buyout for DeBoer. And that goes down by $2 million after 2026 and again after 2027. That’s how you do it. DeBoer has not been Saban-like yet, but he did advance in the CFP last season with a win over Oklahoma before former Saban assistant Curt Cignetti’s eventual national championship Indiana flexed that Big Ten muscle with a 38-3 humiliation. DeBoer still finished 11-4 and 7-1 after a 9-4, 5-3 opening season without a playoff appearance. Give him time. That leaves only three coaches who will be under real pressure. **SHANE BEAMER, SOUTH CAROLINA –** Beamer is entering his sixth season after two losing seasons out of his last three. He was 5-7 and 3-5 in 2023 before a 9-4 and 5-3 recovery. But he had his worst SEC season of his tenure last year at 1-7 with a 4-8 mark. His SEC overall record is 16-24 for 40 percent. Beamer has won more than eight games just in ’24. If he has a third losing season in four years, South Carolina may be looking for its third coach in just over a decade. **JOSH HEUPEL, TENNESSEE –** Most Tennessee fans think they have a great coach. In reality, he is just great compared to the cast of goofs Tennessee has had since Phillip Fulmer left after the 2008 season and after Kiffin’s one season in 2009 when he went 7-6 and 4-4 after inheriting a 5-7 and 3-5 outfit. Derek Dooley had three straight losing seasons and was 5-19 in the league after Kiffin. Butch Jones finished above .500 in the SEC once in five years. Jeremy Pruitt had one winning season while getting on NCAA probation in three years. So Heupel at 45-20 (69 percent) and 24-16 in the SEC (60 percent) in five seasons looks great, right? Well, Brian Kelly was better over four seasons and got fired – 34-14 (70 percent) and 19-10 (65 percent). Heupel did reach the CFP once in the 2024 season, but Big Ten muscle suffocated him, too, in a 42-17 laugher to eventual national champion Ohio State. Then he fell to 8-5 and 4-4 last season, and can’t attract quality quarterbacks lately, even though he is viewed as this great offensive coach. Kiffin got Leavitt after a late bid by Heupel. Tennessee’s 2026 portal class was ranked No. 26 by 247sports.com. The only one top five position player in the class was No. 3 edge rusher in Chaz Coleman, who was recently dismissed from the team. Heupel has had some great offenses, but he tends to have weak defenses. He is 0-for-5 against Georgia with four losses by an average of three touchdowns, and he’s 14-10 in the SEC since 2023. Rocky Top needs to wake up and realize it is mediocre, as LSU did last year. **PETE GOLDING, OLE MISS –** Why is Pete here? He is a first-year head coach with the Rebels, which usually means honeymoon. But Golding was a rushed hire due to Kiffin’s departure after the regular season with Ole Miss needing a head coach immediately because Kiffin left Ole Miss a fantastic playoff team at 11-1 and 7-1. Ole Miss quarterbacks coach Joe Judge may have been a better choice. He was previously the head coach of the New York Giants. Golding did a good job driving the Corvette Kiffin modeled, fueled, shined and perfected over six seasons. He went 2-0 in the playoffs with Kiffin’s team and Kiffin’s key assistants, particularly offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., who is at LSU. But Golding will be in his first full season as a head coach in 2026. He was an excellent defensive coordinator at Alabama for five seasons and at Ole Miss for three. But being a head coach is far different from being a DC and slipping onto the top of a well-oiled machine for a ride just in time for the playoffs. He is not under a make-good contract, no. It is a five-year deal, but his $6.8 million salary for his first season is No. 36 in the nation. And his buyout after one season would only be $5.1 million. There will be high expectations as Kiffin left him a very good nucleus from a team that reached the CFB semis, including quarterback Trinidad Chamliss and running back Kewan Lacy. Kiffin left a much better team than the one he inherited at LSU. He has improved it greatly through the portal, but No. 1 portal classes do not always transfer to the playoffs. Kiffin had the No. 1 portal class in 2024, but that team did not blossom until 2025 and reach the CFP. That could happen at LSU. In fact, Ole Miss should be favored when LSU visits on Sept. 19. [PETE GOLDING SAYS HE CAN EXPOSE TAMPERING SYSTEM](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/sec/2026/05/27/ole-miss-pete-golding-threatens-ncaa-expose-tampering-dabo-swinney/90281035007/) If Ole Miss doesn’t make the playoffs or doesn’t finish close, look for Golding to feel more heat than if Kiffin does same. If Golding falls on his face and loses five or six games, don’t be surprised if Ole Miss looks elsewhere. And Golding’s ridiculous, “I’ll expose the whole system” comments at the SEC Spring Meetings only illustrated some immaturity and that he might not be ready for the big job yet. He also seems to have a bit of an inferiority complex toward Kiffin as former LSU coach Les Miles had toward his predecessor – Nick Saban. After Miles ran out of Saban’s players after the 2007 season, he was 2-7 against Saban. and Golding will run out of Kiffin’s players much quicker than Miles lost Saban’s players, because of the swifter flipping rosters with the portal in today’s game. Golding may have more short-term pressure on him than any coach in the SEC. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News --- ### [TODD HORNE: LSU Needs a New Arena, But It Must Kill the Voter-Free Tax Scheme First](https://www.tigerrag.com/todd-horne-lsu-new-arena-economic-development-district-oak-view-group/) **Published:** June 1, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** By TODD HORNE, EXECUTIVE EDITOR Wade Rousse is not wrong about the arena. This is where the conversation should begin. As LSU’s president, Rousse has made a clear point: the Pete Maravich Assembly Center is outdated. It no longer serves as a fitting home for LSU’s athletic department or the campus community. Rousse has proposed a new arena, not just as a basketball venue but as: - An **economic catalyst** - A **campus-adjacent entertainment hub** - A **public-private partnership** that could elevate LSU and Baton Rouge **The Need for a Modern Arena** On substance, he’s right. LSU deserves a **modern arena**. Baton Rouge needs a **major-event venue** that can compete today. Events such as basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, concerts, and conventions will all benefit from a facility designed for current realities. This conversation should not be about opposing the arena. Instead, it should be a call to ensure that the arena is built while fixing the flaws in the current plan. **The arena itself is not the enemy.** The issues lie within the public-finance structure, the lack of transparency, and the voter-free taxing district. The unanswered questions about public money collection and spending are the real problems. With Oak View Group as the private partner, concerns about their integrity must also be addressed. **Cleaning Up the Current Plan** LSU does not need to abandon the arena project. It needs to **clean it up** before it’s built. **How the Current Plan Unravels** The arena is located in the LSU Economic Development District. This is a political subdivision created by the Legislature. It is governed by an appointed board and does not include residential properties. Excluding homes means excluding voters. As a result, a one-percent sales tax and a one-percent hotel occupancy tax have been collected since October 1, 2025, without public approval or accountability. LSU and the district still refuse to answer important questions: - How much money has been collected? - Where is the money held? - Who controls it? - What has been spent? - Has it been audited? **Transparency is crucial for public trust.** Without it, trust disappears. **Concerns About Oak View Group** Oak View Group is not just any builder. It is one of the most powerful arena and live-entertainment companies in America. While they may excel at building and managing venues, **competence does not equal public trust**. In July 2025, their co-founder Timothy Leiweke was indicted in a bid-rigging conspiracy. Although he was later pardoned, Oak View entered a non-prosecution agreement and paid a $15 million fine. This agreement revealed a secret ticketing deal worth $20 million, raising more questions about public trust. If LSU partners with Oak View, it must ask more than, “Can they build it?” It needs to consider if every aspect of development and operation deserves public confidence. **A Six-Point Prescription to Build the Arena** Here is a straightforward six-point plan to build the arena and eliminate the scheme: 1. **Identify the Money** - Disclose every dollar collected by the LSU Economic Development District since October 1, 2025. - Include which tax produced it, where it’s deposited, who controls the account, what expenses have been paid, and whether the funds have been audited. 2. **Restrict the Money** - Place all collected revenue in a transparent escrow or restricted account until the lawsuit is resolved. 3. **Reconstitute the Board** - Ensure the board includes business owners, representatives from adjacent neighborhoods, LSU appointees, city-parish delegates, and at least one independent public-finance professional. 4. **Commission an Independent Integrity Review of Oak View** - Hire outside counsel or a public-finance integrity firm to vet the process. Publish their findings openly. 5. **Put the Tax to a Vote or Scrap It** - If supporters believe in the arena’s importance, let voters decide. If they can’t gain support, pursue private funding instead. 6. **Create a Public-Arena Compact** - Before breaking ground, have all stakeholders sign a compact that answers key questions about revenue use, infrastructure, and public benefits. **Moving Forward** Rousse has a chance to make a significant impact. He can treat this as a communications issue or recognize it as a governance problem. LSU can either appear as an institution testing boundaries or as a leader in reform. This is not about arena supporters versus opponents. It’s about whether LSU can build something impressive without compromising public trust. Right now, LSU is asking the public to accept too much on faith. This is not a finance plan; it’s a demand for submission. **LSU must do better.** The arena should be built, but it must be done transparently and responsibly. With public trust, LSU can still have its arena and Baton Rouge its entertainment district. **Build the arena. Kill the scheme.** **Categories:** Featured, LSU athletics, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball, Tiger Rag, Women's Basketball **Tags:** LSU Arena, LSU EDD, New LSU Arena, Oak View Group, pete maravich assembly center, PMAC, Wade Rousse --- ### [LSU Women's Track Has 11 Qualifiers For NCAA Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-track-has-11-qualifiers-for-ncaa-championships/) **Published:** May 31, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The LSU women’s track team qualified in 11 events for the NCAA Championships in Eugene, Oregon, on June 10-13 on Saturday at the NCAA East First Round in the Kentucky Track & Field Complex in Lexington. Sophomore Princesse Hyman qualified in the discus with a mark of 57.30 meters (188-0) on her second attempt to finish fifth overall. The 4×100-meter relay of Athaleyha Hinckson, Tima Godbless, Aniyah Bigam, and Shawnti Jackson advanced with a time of 42.48 seconds. Adeyah Brewster claimed her first ticket to Eugene with a 12.92 time to finish seconds to finish third in the 110-meter hurdles. [**Final Results**](https://flashresults.ncaa.com/Outdoor/2026/FirstRounds/East/index.htm) Shawnti Jackson clocked a 10.90 time in the 100-meter dash to quality with a time that just off her all-time best and puts her at No. 4 in LSU history. It also ranks her No. 5 in the world and No. 2 in the United States. Qualifying with Jackson in the 100 meters was Tima Godbless with a time of 11.10 seconds for the third straight year. Freshman Skyler Franklin punched her ticket to Eugene with a third-place finish in the 400 meters with a personal-best time of 50.83 seconds. Closing the short sprints on the day, Shawnti Jackson qualified with a 22.84 time in the 200 meters. The final individual ticket punched to Oregon was none other than Edna Chepkemoi with a 15:53.25 time in the 5,000 meters for a No. 2 time in LSU history. The night closed with the 4×400-meter relay as LSU’s team of Kennedi Burks, Keliza Smith, Nasya Williams and Skyler Franklin qualified with a time of 3:27.50. **LSU Women’s Tickets Punched** Abigael Chemnagei – 10,000 Meter Edna Chepkemoi – 5000 Meter Skyler Franklin – 400 Meter Tima Godbless – 100 Meter Alexis Guillory – Javelin Throw Athaleyha Hinckson – 100 Meter Princesse Hyman – Discus Throw Shawnti Jackson – 100 Meter Shawnti Jackson – 200 Meter Women’s 4×100 (Hinckson, Godbless, Bigam, Jackson) Women’s 4×400 (Burks, Smith, Williams, Franklin) **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Track & Field **Tags:** lsu, LSU Tigers, LSU track & field, NCAA Championships --- ### [LSU Golf Improves At NCAA Championships Behind Senior Matty Dodd-Berry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-golf-improves-at-ncaa-championships-behind-senior-matty-dodd-berry/) **Published:** May 30, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** Senior Matty Dodd-Berry led the LSU golf team with an even par 72 Saturday as the No. 7-seed Tigers shaved 10 shots from their opening round on Friday in the NCAA Championships at the OMNI La Costa Spa and Resort course in Carlsbad, California. The Tigers fired a 5-over par round of 293 and are at 20-over par with a 596 through 36 holes. LSU is expected to be at least 10-15 shots off the score needed to make the top 15 cut after Sunday’s third round and are tied for 28th. The cutoff Saturday afternoon was 5-over par as the teams that played early on Friday were playing later Saturday with several teams beginning their day as LSU was finishing. “The guys, I thought played very hard today, really tried to get after it,” said LSU coach Jake Amos, who has the Tigers in the NCAA Championships in just his second year as coach. “When you struggle the day before, and you have a quick turnaround, it’s really tough mentally to start talking good about your game and feeling good about your game. And we had a little bit of a hangover, obviously, from Friday. It’s really small details, but I just told the guys they fought really hard. They didn’t have it. They are just not quite with it. But they were really professional and they did me proud today.” > [LSU Men’s Golf Struggles At NCAA Championships, But “We’ve Got Tons Of Firepower,” Says Coach Jake Amos](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-mens-golf-struggles-at-ncaa-championships-but-weve-got-tons-of-firepower-says-coach-jake-amos/) Dodd-Berry, who is from Wirral, England, is wrapping up his college career that started under Amos at East Tennessee State. He had three front-nine birdies in his even par round and posted a 2-under 34 on the first nine holes. “He played really nice,” Amos said. “He, like the rest of the guys, is just not getting a lot out of his game right now. He probably played a little bit better than even. For a senior, he’s got a lot of experience. He played really nice. I think he’ll have another good day on Sunday.” The layout for round two equaled 7,393 yards, some 130 yards less than Friday’s opening round over the par 72 layout. LSU also had a 1-over 73 from Jay Mendell with two birdies, including on the par 5 18th hole, while Arni Sveinsson and Noah McWilliams each shot 2-over 74. McWilliams had three birdies. Dan Hayes posted a 3-over 75. The Tigers will have a late afternoon tee time Sunday. “I was like, if you feel good, send it, and gave a great day, and see what we can shoot,” Amos said. “But don’t chase anything. Just be a real pro and see how many teams we can beat and see where it gets us. I don’t want them to try and shoot a crazy number and end up shooting a crazy high number. That doesn’t do anyone any good.” As of 4 p.m. Saturday central time, Auburn was through 36 holes at 20-under par 556 after a 16-under second round. Texas and Vanderbilt were finished 36 holes at 12-under 564, tied with UCLA at 12-under par. UCLA was the first-round leader at 8-under. Filip Jakubcik of Arizona is the individual leader after a second round 66 to stand at 10-under par 204 through 36 holes. Live scoring Sunday will be available at Scoreboard.clipped.com, and Babygrande will be streaming on GolfChannel.com at 2:30 p.m. central time. **LSU Scores** — Matty Dodd-Berry — 75-72 — 147 +3 — Jay Mendell — 75-73 — 148 +4 — Dan Hayes — 76-75 — 151 +7 — Arni Sveinsson — 77–74 — 151 +7 — Noah McWilliams — 78-74 — 152 +8 **Categories:** Featured, Men's Golf, More LSU Sports **Tags:** Jake Amos, Jay Mendell, lsu golf, LSU Tigers, Matty Dodd-Berry, NCAA Championships --- ### [LSU Track And Field Men Place 11 Into NCAA Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-track-and-field-men-place-11-into-ncaa-championships/) **Published:** May 30, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The track at the University of Kentucky may have never been hotter for the LSU men’s 400 meter sprinters on Friday night as three Tigers punched their tickets to the NCAA Outdoor Track Championships in Eugene, Oregon, on June 10-13. Junior Grant Buckmiller of Lake Stevens, Washington, got the qualifying started for LSU as he clocked the time of 44.87 seconds, which tied him for No. 7 in the LSU record book. Shortly after, freshman Malachi Austin of Georgetown, Guyana, blazed to the identical time of 44.87 seconds. Austin’s time makes him the Guyanese record holder and the No. 2 Under 20 sprinter in the world for 2026. Sophomore Amal Glasgow of Kingstown, St. Vincent, was the third-fastest Tiger to punch a ticket to Eugene, clocking a Vincentian-national record of 45.01 seconds. Senior Shakeem McKay of Laventille, Trinidad, just missed the cutoff with his new personal-best time of 45.24 seconds to finish 15th. [**Final Results**](https://flashresults.ncaa.com/Outdoor/2026/FirstRounds/East/index.htm) The day started in the men’s discus with sophomore Chad Hendricks of Mandeville, Jamaica, throwing the discus 58.30 meters (191-3) to qualify for the NCAA Championships and finish seventh overall in the east. The men’s 4×100-meter relay recorded the first-running advancement to Eugene for the men as they recorded a time of 38.86 seconds. The team consisted of Jeremiah Walker, Jaiden Reid, Shakeem McKay, and Joshua Caleb. At the SEC Championships they recorded a top-10 time in LSU history and are looking to get back into that form when they compete together in Eugene. Senior Matthew Sophia of Willemstand, Netherlands Antilles, cooked again during the 110-meter hurdles quarterfinals as he turned in a time of 13.32 seconds to qualify for Eugene and finish second. Reid, a junior from the Cayman Islands, came back shortly after the 4×100 to punch his second and third tickets of the weekend. The Caymanian got out fast ahead of the rest of the field before cooling off midway. Reid closed with a time of 10.05 seconds to finish second in his heat and seventh overall. To close the individual-qualifying for LSU, Reid clocked a new personal-best time of 20.01 seconds in the 200 meter. The blazing time becomes his new Caymanian national record and moves him to No. 5 in LSU history. The third ticket marks back-to-back seasons that the junior has racked up a trifecta at the NCAA East first round. The quartet Amal Glasgow, Shakeem McKay, Grant Buckmiller, and Malachi Austin closed the 4×400-meter relay. McKay and Buckmiller clocked staggering splits of 44.71 seconds and 44.36 seconds, respectively. LSU closed with a time of 3:00.39 to go under the previous facility record and punch the men’s final ticket to Eugene. **LSU Men’s Tickets Punched** Malachi Austin – 400 Meter Grant Buckmiller – 400 Meter Amal Glasgow – 400 Meter Chad Hendricks – Discus Throw Jack Larriviere – Javelin Throw Jaiden Reid – 100 Meter Jaiden Reid – 200 Meter Matthew Sophia – 110-Meter Hurdles Jordan Turner – Long Jump Men’s 4×100 (Walker, Reid, McKay, Caleb) Men’s 4×400 (Glasgow, McKay, Buckmiller, Austin) **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Track & Field **Tags:** lsu, LSU Tigers, LSU track & field, NCAA Championships --- ### [LSU Arena Tax Fight Escalates as University Confirms EDD Money Is Already Being Collected](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-arena-tax-lawsuit-edd-money-collected/) **Published:** May 30, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** **By TODD HORNE, EXECUTIVE EDITOR** The lawsuit over LSU’s proposed new arena is easy to misunderstand if you start with the arena itself. A $400–$500 million venue would reshape LSU basketball, gymnastics, the attraction of major concerts, and the business geography around Nicholson Drive and Tigerland. But attorney William Most says the lawsuit he filed is **not** about stopping the arena. “This lawsuit is not trying to stop the arena,” Most told the Baton Rouge Press Club. “It’s not saying the arena is bad.” Most is challenging something deeper: whether LSU‑linked entities used state‑created economic development districts to impose new sales and hotel taxes **without voter approval**. His framing is simple: **no taxation without representation**. The case centers on the LSU Economic Development District (EDD) and its Athletic Subdistrict, which the lawsuit alleges were structured to include businesses but exclude voters. If true, the districts could levy taxes without ever facing an election. And the fight is no longer theoretical. At his own Press Club appearance, LSU President Wade Rousse confirmed the taxes are already being collected. “There is an economic development district… Those taxes are being collected,” Rousse said. He added that LSU recently completed the accounting structure and that the money is sitting in an account. “There’s money in that account, whereas nothing has been spent yet.” Rousse also said he personally had to sign onto the account as EDD president and provide identification as fiduciary. What he did **not** say: - how much has been collected - whether both the EDD and Athletic Subdistrict taxes are active - where the account is held - whether the money is segregated - whether any revenue has been pledged or committed And he did not fully separate the money from the arena. “Where it’s going to be spent kind of depends on if we end up getting an arena or not,” Rousse said. That line is the hinge of the entire fight. The lawsuit alleges the LSU EDD could collect roughly $161 million over 30 years through a 1% sales tax and 1% hotel occupancy tax approved by the Metro Council. The Athletic Subdistrict later moved toward its own 1% layers. Private communications quoted in the lawsuit describe the arena project receiving “both cents” of new taxes. Most argues the public story and private documents do not match. “There’s this giant mismatch between what they were telling the public… and then in private, there was this secret plan to use it for the arena,” Most said. Rousse did not confirm that. But he did say something important: the arena will not be cost‑free. “The idea that it was going to not cost anything, I don’t think is true,” he said. He also said LSU is still seeking funding sources and does not want to pull money from academics. The lawsuit raises several legal questions: **District boundaries.** Most argues the map was drawn to include businesses but exclude voters. Act 203 of 2023 excluded residential properties as of a specific date — but people move, and residential use can change. That creates uncertainty for businesses trying to determine whether they are inside the district. **Board composition.** Act 203 requires two EDD board members to represent businesses within the district. The lawsuit alleges the board has only one. If true, the board’s tax actions could be challenged as unauthorized. **Gratuitous donation.** Louisiana’s constitution prohibits giving public funds to private entities without receiving equivalent value. If tax revenue flows to a private arena developer leasing land from the Athletic Subdistrict, the public‑purpose justification must be clear. The University of Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium entertainment district offers a contrast. Tennessee’s model uses university land and private development risk — not a voterless tax district. The LSU case matters because it sits at the intersection of athletics, real estate, tax policy, and public accountability. If the taxes are legal, LSU may have found a powerful development tool. If not, the financing structure behind one of LSU’s biggest projects could unravel. For now, one fact is clear: **the money is being collected**. What LSU ultimately plans to do with it remains unanswered. --- # **FAQ: LSU ARENA TAX FIGHT** ### **What is this lawsuit actually about?** Not the arena itself. Attorney William Most is challenging whether LSU‑linked districts can impose sales and hotel taxes **without voter approval** by drawing boundaries that include businesses but exclude residents. ### **Are the taxes already being collected?** **Yes.** LSU President Wade Rousse confirmed the LSU Economic Development District (EDD) is collecting tax revenue and holding it in an account. Nothing has been spent yet. ### **Is the money tied to the arena?** Rousse says the EDD is broader than the arena — but also said spending “depends on if we end up getting an arena or not.” That ambiguity is central to the lawsuit. ### **How much money has been collected?** Unknown. Rousse did not disclose the amount, whether both tax layers are active, or whether the money is segregated by district. ### **Why does the district map matter?** Act 203 excluded residential properties as of a specific date. But people move. Businesses change. A property’s tax status may depend on whether someone lived there in June 2023 — creating uncertainty for taxpayers and business owners. ### **Why does board composition matter?** The law requires **two** board members representing businesses inside the district. The lawsuit says LSU only has **one**. If true, the board’s tax actions could be invalid. ### **What is the “gratuitous donation” issue?** Louisiana’s constitution prohibits giving public funds to private entities without receiving equivalent value. If tax revenue supports a privately developed arena, LSU must show a clear public benefit. ### **How does Tennessee’s model compare?** Tennessee’s Neyland Stadium district uses university land and private development risk — **not** a voterless tax district. The comparison highlights LSU’s structural choice. ### **Why should the public care?** If this model works, other public bodies could raise taxes without elections. If it fails, LSU’s arena financing structure could unravel. ### **What’s the only undisputed fact so far?** **The money is being collected.** Where it ultimately goes remains unresolved. --- **Categories:** Featured, LSU athletics, LSU Basketball **Tags:** Arena Lawsuit, Darryl Glasper, LSU Arena, New LSU Arena, Tax District, Wade Rousse, William Most --- ### [LSU-Backed Bill To Keep Revenue Share Pay To Athletes Veiled In Secrecy Passes House, 92-1, And On To Governor](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-backed-bill-to-keep-revenue-share-pay-to-athletes-veiled-in-secrecy-passes-house-92-1-and-on-to-governor/) **Published:** May 29, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** A bill backed heavily by LSU’s athletic department to keep covert how much it pays its athletes via revenue sharing passed the state House of Representatives by a 92-1 vote on Friday as the Louisiana Legislative session is coming to a close. House Bill 608 now goes to the desk of Governor Jeff Landry, a known and active LSU sports fan who is expected to rubber stamp it. The Legislative Session is scheduled to end on Monday. > [LSU Athletic Director Scott Woodward Will NOT Hire Tigers’ Next Football Coach, Says Governor Jeff Landry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-athletic-director-scott-woodward-will-not-hire-tigers-next-football-coach-says-governor-jeff-landry/) LSU and other major universities nationwide have been sharing up to 22 percent of their average athletic revenue annually since the 2025-26 sports calendar year started, following the landmark Grant House (an Arizona State All-American swimmer) vs. NCAA antitrust, class action settlement. That ruling ended the NCAA’s practice of prohibiting schools from paying athletes directly. In 2025-26, that 22 percent worked out to approximately $20.5 million per school annually. Schools also can pay athletes via other athletic department revenues, including media rights, ticket sales and sponsorships. Louisiana legislators have been rapidly advancing HB 608 by Representative Tehmi Chassion (Democrat, Lafayette). It passed the Senate by a 22-13 vote on Tuesday before Friday’s House vote. The lone vote against the bill on Friday came from representative Lauri Schlegel of the 82nd district in the Metairie area. > PUBLIC RECORDS: With a 92-1 vote, House gives final passage to [\#LSU](https://x.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)-backed bill to create a new public records exemption to hide info about how college athletics programs spend public money on revenue sharing with athletes and with individual sports. HB608 to governor. [\#lalege](https://x.com/hashtag/lalege?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Melinda Deslatte (@MelindaDeslatte) [May 29, 2026](https://x.com/MelindaDeslatte/status/2060396500295802906?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The bill has received significant support from LSU’s athletic department as various leaders have been lobbying for votes for the bill. Executive deputy athletic director Julie Cromer and newly hired senior deputy athletic director Heath Schroyer have appeared at committee hearings to advocate for the proposal. Revenue sharing is separate from Name, Image and Likeness deals athletes enter into with private entities for a much larger pool of money for athletes. These NIL records are already exempt from public disclosure, and athletes tend to get most of their money via NIL. LSU officials do not want it known how much various athletes make, even though LSU is a state school and subject to state public records laws while receiving state funds. LSU officials have concerns about public knowledge of what players make because of possible additional fan pressure on or security issues with higly paid players. And others at LSU are concerned about players knowing what the highest paid players make when other players may make little or nothing. And if opponents and opponents’ boosters easily can glean what players from other schools make if the salaries are public, they will know how much more to offer that player to entice him or her to come to their school via the transfer portal. Of course, agents and other player representatives have been able to easily find such information quickly now anyway. LSU also wants secrecy in this situation for the same reason the state’s flagship institution usually does things. Because it can. Estimates as to what new LSU quarterback Sam Leavitt’s salary for 2026 at LSU have been at approximately $5 million with most of that from NIL-related funds and little or none of that sum from revenue share. Leavitt signed with LSU last January from Arizona State as the No. 1 overall player and No. 1 quarterback in the NCAA Transfer Portal. > [THIS TIME IT’S DONE! No. 1 Portal QB Sam Leavitt Has Signed With Lane Kiffin And LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/this-time-its-done-no-1-portal-qb-sam-leavitt-has-signed-with-lane-kiffin-and-lsu/) If passed by Landry, the legislation would create a new exemption in the state’s public records law to conceal how much public money universities pay directly to student athletes. Regardless of its source, all revenue that a state university receives is in truth public money. For each athletics department, it is a mix of self-generated revenue such as ticket sales, tax dollars and, for some, student fees. There are currently no exemptions in Louisiana law for sharing records with the public that detail how state money is spent. “These are now professional athletes getting paid more than many actual professional athletes,” Senator Greg Miller, a Republican from Norco said. “We have lost sight of our priorities. We have jumped the shark on this, and I think it’s time that we just say, ‘Enough is enough.’ University professors and the university presidents, we all know how much they get paid. But athletes who are getting paid millions of dollars, we’re not going to be able to see what they get paid because we’re trying to protect them. Who are we really trying to protect?” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Governor Jeff Landry, lsu, LSU Athletic Department, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Men's Golf Struggles At NCAA Championships, But "We've Got Tons Of Firepower," Says Coach Jake Amos](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-mens-golf-struggles-at-ncaa-championships-but-weve-got-tons-of-firepower-says-coach-jake-amos/) **Published:** May 30, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The old adage “golf is hard” proved to be very true Friday afternoon for the No. 7 LSU men’s golf team as it was unable to get anything going in the right direction in the first round of the NCAA Championships at the OMNI La Costa Resort course in Carlsbad, California. Scheduled for the favorable late-early wave of golfers after earning the seventh seed, the Tigers found themselves not only starting on the difficult back nine, but also playing the round in a gusty west wind. In the end, they faced some of the toughest holes statistically on the golf course and find themselves in a tie for 28th at 15-over par 303 going into Saturday. Nine teams finished the day under par with No. 30 UCLA, playing in the morning wave, leading the competition at 8-under par 280. No 1 Auburn at 4-under par 284 is second with No. 14 Pepperdine third at 285. The first cut line number after one round that LSU will begin the day shooting for is 4-over 292. “We had a really bad stretch for about six holes in our first nine holes,” LSU coach Jake Amos said. “Nothing good comes when you make doubles and triples. It’s not like us. We haven’t really done that all year. I just told the guys there are two positives. We did it on day one, and we did it in the afternoon. So, we’ve got to flip our mindset, be positive. We’ve got tons of firepower. We can have a bad round and then have a good round, so that’s the goal.” > [LSU Men’s Golf Team Begins Quest For Another National Title On Friday At NCAA Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-mens-golf-team-begins-quest-for-another-national-title-on-friday-at-ncaa-championships/) Three players lead the individual competition after one round at 6-under 66. The Tigers were 11-over par after nine holes and looking to get things going on the front nine to conclude their round. LSU came in at 4-over on the front nine holes. The Tigers had 3-over-par rounds of 75 from junior Jay Mendell and senior Matty Dodd-Berry. Freshman Dan Hayes came in at 4-over 76, and sophomore Arni Sveinsson finished at 5-over 77. Junior Noah McWilliams had a 6-over 78. Mendell had four birdies on the day, as did McWilliams, and Sveinsson posted 1-under on the final nine holes. LSU will have a chance to get back into competition for the top 15 first-cut after play on Sunday. The Tigers were scheduled to tee off at 9:25 a.m. central time Saturday on the first tee. There is expected to be very little wind for the first three hours of the Tigers’ round. LSU will again play with Ole Miss and South Carolina. Live scoring is available at Scoreboard.clippd.com. Live coverage on Babygrande through GolfChannel.com begins at 2:30 p.m. **NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship** **Carlsbad, California – OMNI La Costa Resort & Spa North Course** **Round 1 Team Results (Par 288)** **(NCAA/Scoreboard Rank in Parenthesis)** 1 UCLA (No. 30) – 280 -8 2 Auburn (No. 1) – 284 -4 3 Pepperdine (No. 14) – 285 -3 T4 Duke (No. 29) – 286 -2 T4 San Diego (No. 42) – 286 -2 T6 Texas (No. 3) – 287 -1 T6 Arizona (No. 12) – 287 -1 T6 North Carolina (No. 10) – 287 -1 T6 Vanderbilt (No. 11) – 287 -1 T10 Virginia (No. 4) – 288 E T10 Arkansas (No. 6) – 288 E T12 Stanford (No. 15) – 291 +3 T12 Florida (No. 2) – 291 +3 T12 Arizona State (No. 13) – 291 +3 T15 Tennessee (No. 16) – 292 +4 T15 Georgia (No. 23) – 292 +4 T15 Oklahoma (No. 18) – 292 +4 T18 Chattanooga – 294 +6 T18 Louisville (No. 13) – 294 +6 T20 Oklahoma State (No. 5) – 295 +7 T20 Arkansas State (No. 39) – 295 +7 T22 Purdue (No. 40) – 296 +8 T22 BYU (No. 22) – 296 +8 24 Southern California (No. 28) – 297 +9 25 Mississippi State (No. 37) – 298 +10 26 Texas A&M (No. 20) – 299 +11 27 Memphis – 301 +13 **T28 LSU (No. 7) – 303 +15** T28 Ole Miss (No. 9) – 303 +15 30\. Florida State (no. 26) – 307 +19 **Individual Top 10 (Par 72)** T1 Ian Maspat, San Diego (No. 66) – 66 -6 T1 Connor Williams, Arizona State (No. 54) – 66 -6 T1 William Jennings, Alabama (No. 6) – 66 -6 4 Baylor Larrabee, UCLA (No. 90) – 67 -5 T5 Luke Potter, Texas (No. 7) – 68 -4 T5 Ben James, Virginia (No. 2) – 68 -4 T5 Filip Jakubcik, Arizona (No. 17) – 68 -4 T5 Malan Potgieter, Louisiana (No. 33) – 68 -4 T9 Six tied at – 69 -3 **LSU Scores** T92 Matthew Dodd-Berry – 75 +3 T92 Jay Mendell – 75 +3 T101 Dan Hayes – 76 +4 T116 Arni Sveinsson – 77 +5 T130 Noah McWilliams – 78 +6 **Categories:** Featured, Men's Golf, More LSU Sports **Tags:** Jake Amos, lsu, lsu men's golf, LSU Tigers', NCAA Championships --- ### [SEC Spring Meetings: Greg Sankey Had A Rough Week, No Matter The Metric | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-spring-meetings-greg-sankey-had-a-rough-week-no-matter-the-metric-glenn-guilbeau/) **Published:** May 29, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Southeastern Conference commissioner Greg Sankey may need a vacation at a beach soon, but maybe not at Miramar Beach in the Destin, Florida area – site of the just-concluded SEC Spring Meetings. Sankey basically got sand kicked in his face throughout the four days of discussion of College Football Playoff expansion, the new nine-game SEC football schedule, the Protect College Sports Act and the Big Ten’s domination of his once king football league. There is dissension among his member football coaches as some are saying they were hoodwinked last year with the move to a nine-game league schedule with a promised increase to 16 teams in the College Football Playoff. There are nine league games this season, but still the 12-team playoff. > NEW: SEC coaches say they were "misled" about 9-game league schedule. They were told playoff would expand to 16 teams if they agreed. It didn’t 👀 > > "They felt misled," Florida's Jon Sumrall said. > > The latest from SEC spring meetings > > — Brett McMurphy (@Brett\_McMurphy) [May 27, 2026](https://x.com/Brett_McMurphy/status/2059625239739334670?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “They felt misled,” Florida coach John Sumrall said. Auburn coach Alex Golesh, meanwhile, criticized the all-talk, little-do element of the SEC Spring Meetings that has happened frequently with Sankey. > "I thought we were gonna solve all the problems on the first day here…I'm the last guest on your show today, and we haven't solved a thing! > > -Alex Golesh on SEC Spring Meetings in Destin [pic.twitter.com/YwEIJ5vvJC](https://t.co/YwEIJ5vvJC) > > — Paul Finebaum (@finebaum) [May 26, 2026](https://x.com/finebaum/status/2059406649333289378?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) And Georgia coach Kirby Smart and Tennessee coach Josh Heupel have come out in favor of a 24-team playoff, which is what the Big Ten wants, and Sankey vehemently doesn’t want. Say Big Ten around him, and he kind of bristles. Sankey also doesn’t like the part of the Protect College Sports Act bill from Senators Ted Cruz (Republican-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (Democrat-Washington) that calls for the Big Ten, SEC and other conferences to pool their television rights with third parties as in the vastly more successful and unified NFL. Sankey had a statement about that fired off on Thursday. > [SEC Spring Meetings Close With Statement From League Against Bipartisan Bill For Pooling Media Rights](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-spring-meetings-close-with-statement-from-league-against-bipartisan-bill-for-pooling-media-rights/) “The SEC must retain the ability to act in the best interests of its membership,” a statement from Sankey’s SEC office said. “As such, the SEC does not support assigning the media rights to a third party and remains firmly committed to independently conducting its own media negotiations.” Unfortunately, Sankey and the SEC office do not get a vote on that bill. Once you invite Congress (the fox) into the henhouse, as the SEC and other leagues did as they continue to fail to make their own decisions, the foxes can take over. “It’s pretty rich for these people who created the problem in the first place to say that all of a sudden they have the solution,” said Texas Tech board of regents head Cody Campbell, who helped author the bill to fix college sports’ mess. And that bill has an excellent chance of becoming law. But Sankey’s biggest loss of the week was to a sportswriter – one of the best and brightest on the scene of late in Blake Toppmeyer of USA Today. Toppmeyer asked Sankey a simple question this week. Why the Big Ten has surpassed the SEC in college football? But before he could finish, Sankey, who is usually overly courteous, interrupted. And that was a tell, showing he was shaken and likely still in denial about the Big Ten. Then he asked for the “metrics” behind his question. Toppmeyer then slam dunked him with ease, mentioning the three straight national football championships by Big Ten schools – Michigan in the 2023 season, Ohio State in 2024 and Indiana last season. And the Big Ten is 4-0 against the SEC in head-to-head playoff games the last three seasons. Any questions? > Greg Sankey has lost it in metrics overload. Great job, Blake. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 28, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2059789209158730226?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) And Sankey then sounded like he had truly been out in the sun too long. “If you look at the entirety of our league, we are by far the most competitive, the strongest league by far,” he said. Really? And Toppmeyer soon wrote where Sankey can put his blessed metrics. > The SEC's got 'metrics.' The Big Ten has trophies. > > If Greg Sankey can't see this is a problem for the SEC, then he's brainwashed himself. > > Column: > > — Blake Toppmeyer (@btoppmeyer) [May 28, 2026](https://x.com/btoppmeyer/status/2060058444854382912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Remember when the SEC used to bang that slogan, “The SEC just means more” over everybody’s head and constantly list or picture all their national championships everywhere the eye could see? The league did win 13 national championships from 2003 with LSU to 2021 and ’22 with Georgia. And it’s all anyone heard about. Now, Sankey’s talking about “metrics” and being “most competitive?” He didn’t talk about that while his league was winning national championships. Is he coaching a Little League team now? Is he going to start giving out participation trophies? What’s next? Arguing that the SEC has the most balance? They don’t give the trophies for that. They also don’t give trophies for toughest schedules. Criticize the Big Ten for having easier schedules all you want. I call that smart scheduling. When you have a playoff, particularly up to 12, 16 or 24, you don’t need to have a tough schedule. LSU doesn’t need to be playing Clemson any more. What other metrics will Sankey be studying? The SEC has the best uniforms? The prettiest cheerleaders. The best weather? The league has the best worst teams in the country? You know what the best metric is? A trophy. Or a ring. Or a banner. And Sankey just kept on trying to explain to Toppmeyer and anyone who would listen – or pretend to – just how good his league is. When you have to explain why you think you’re winning, it means you’re losing. And if Sankey doesn’t learn that and start thinking about the big picture of college football instead of sounding like some SEC sports information director, the Big Ten is going to continue to smoke the SEC on the field and off the field even more than now. The SEC – It Just Means More, Even When You Don’t Win. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Big Ten Conference, Blake Toppmeyer, greg sankey, SEC Spring Meetings, Southeastern Conference --- ### ["Lane Kiffin Rule" Won't Work In College Football As Congress Doesn't Seem To Grasp The Game | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-rule-wont-work-in-college-football-as-congress-doesnt-seem-to-grasp-the-game-glenn-guilbeau/) **Published:** May 28, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Trying to emulate the NFL is a good idea sponsored by Senator Ted Cruz, R-Texas, and Maria Cantwell, D-Washington, in a bipartisan bill called the Protect College Sports Act that is aimed to save college sports from itself. There are some good elements to the bill, such as limiting college athletes to one free transfer (without having to sit out a season), as many athletes are transferring three or four times, favoring gap-year wanderlust and cash over any development with the same coach or – heaven forbid – any semblance of an education. A ridiculous part of the bill tries to regulate coaching movement during the season. It is being called the “Lane Kiffin Rule,” because Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin left the Rebels after six seasons following the 2025 regular season and was introduced as LSU’s coach on Dec. 1 just before Ole Miss was to compete in the College Football Playoff. > [Almost Kiffin – “It’s All Happening” With Lane Train To LSU For $90 Million-Plus Contract Over 7 Years … Unless](https://www.tigerrag.com/almost-kiffin-its-all-happening-with-lane-train-to-lsu-for-90-million-plus-contract-over-7-years-unless/) Tulane coach Jon Sumrall became the Florida coach at about the same time as Kiffin went to LSU, but Tulane didn’t mind him remaining as its coach through the playoffs while he hired a staff and recruited a roster. James Madison coach Bob Chesney did the same thing after accepting the UCLA job. Kiffin wanted to coach Ole Miss through the playoffs while double dipping as LSU’s coach, but Ole Miss’ collective ego just couldn’t handle that as it lost its coach to its bitter rival. Sumrall’s and Chesney’s moves were more drastically upwardly mobile in level of play and conference, whereas Kiffin switched from one Southeastern Conference school to another one and to its border rival. > “I know you wanted that line.” > -Lane Kiffin to a question about Ole Miss at SEC Spring Meetings Tuesday. But he didn’t bite. … Maybe, he’s learning. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 27, 2026](https://x.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2059465498991923699?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Still, Kiffin’s type move has happened frequently throughout college football over the last several decades. Ole Miss coach Tommy Tuberville left for fellow SEC school Auburn after the 1998 regular season. Michigan State of the Big Ten lost its coach, Nick Saban, to LSU after the 1999 regular season. The difference in recent years is that a 12-team College Football Playoff just started in 2024 in mid-December. Before there was a month-long gap between the end of the college football regular season and the bowl season and the early years of two- and four-team college playoffs. > [LSU-Ole Miss Coach Swapping Has That Rivalry Passing LSU-Bama On Hate Meter | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-ole-miss-coach-swapping-has-that-rivalry-passing-lsu-bama-on-hate-meter-glenn-guilbeau/) Saban correctly blamed the college football postseason schedule for Kiffin’s untimely exit from Ole Miss more than Kiffin. It will keep happening in high level college football, so the name of the “Kiffin Rule” may be changing on an annual basis until it is enacted, which is not likely to happen. Congress has been talking about making changes in college football for several years. President Donald Trump even recently got into the act and held a major meeting with Saban and many other college football officials. As is often the case with meetings, though, they’re just that, and often nothing substantial ever happens. Too often, senators, presidents and the like do not always know what they’re talking about. “It’s not fair or right to poach a coach in the middle of the season, while the team is still competing,” Cruz said in a briefing with the Associated Press this week. “There’s a reason the NFL has a rule that you can’t do that. Obviously, NFL teams hire coaches away from each other, but they don’t do so in the middle of the season.” Ok, that would mean schools couldn’t fire coaches during the season. Let’s see how that enforcement works. And what Cruz seemed to forget about the NFL is that those coaches do not recruit year round, and they do not have new recruit signing days in December. The Dec. 3 signing date last year was the main reason LSU hurriedly hired Kiffin and introduced him on Dec. 1. Over the next few days, he was busy convincing committed high school prospects to stay at LSU. An NFL head coach doesn’t need to start working at his new head coaching job until February with free agency not until March and the NFL Draft not until April. Cruz is comparing apples and oranges. The “poaching” rule should not be called the “Kiffin Rule” anyway. It should be called the “Keith Carter” rule. He is the Ole Miss athletic director who just couldn’t handle his coach leaving for LSU as Ole Miss has long had an inferiority complex about LSU, much like LSU has toward Alabama. LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry was fine with Kiffin remaining Ole Miss’ coach through the playoffs. That would have clearly given the Rebels their best chance of winning their first real national championship in football in its history. But Carter and company succumbed to pride and paranoia instead. They feared that if Kiffin had been coaching Ole Miss and recruiting for LSU simultaneously through the playoffs, he would have poached all kinds of Ole Miss players. In the end, that happened anyway as four Rebels of their own free will transferred to LSU. Maybe, Kiffin could have gotten more had he coached Ole Miss to the national title, but that was a short term and petty concern by Ole Miss. The big picture was a national championship, and the Rebels may never have a better chance again. In the end, defensive coordinator Pete Golding moved up to head coach and did well in winning two games over Tulane and Georgia with Kiffin’s assistant coaches and players to reach the semifinals before losing to Miami. Coaches will never go for “Kiffin Rule” because they all want to better themselves and make more money at what they view as a better job as Kiffin did. With the “Kiffin Rule,” schools will be forced to hire lesser qualified coaches so they can have a coach locked in for the key months of December and January, which is when the critical NCAA Transfer Portal window falls. Nice try, Mr. Crews. It’s not going to happen and shouldn’t happen. People in all sorts of careers finish the job they’re leaving in good faith while preparing for the new job. It will have to be same way in college football. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Congress, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels --- ### [SEC Spring Meetings Close With Statement From League Against Bipartisan Bill For Pooling Media Rights](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-spring-meetings-close-with-statement-from-league-against-bipartisan-bill-for-pooling-media-rights/) **Published:** May 28, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The Southeastern Conference office concluded its four days of spring meetings on Thursday in Miramar Beach, Florida, with a firm no toward a specific part of the bipartisan bill from Congress called the Protect College Sports Act. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey and the presidents and chancellors of the 16-team league do not want to pool the league’s media rights with third parties and other conferences. > SEC Presidents and Chancellors statement on media rights proposals: [pic.twitter.com/eDAlWj2U1Y](https://t.co/eDAlWj2U1Y) > > — Southeastern Conference (@SEC) [May 28, 2026](https://x.com/SEC/status/2060052605380731217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “The SEC has been intentional through years of thoughtful planning and decision-making in strategically positioning itself for future media negotiations,” a joint statement from the conference office and the various league presidents and chancellors from the league began. “The conference must retain the ability to act in the best interests of its membership. As such, the SEC does not support assigning the media rights to a third party and remains firmly committed to independently conducting its own media negotiations.” Thank you, very much. > [“Lane Kiffin Rule” Won’t Work In College Football As Congress Doesn’t Seem To Grasp The Game | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-rule-wont-work-in-college-football-as-congress-doesnt-seem-to-grasp-the-game-glenn-guilbeau/) The bill by Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Maria Cantwell (D-Washington) includes a reworking of the Sports Broadcasting Act to allow various conferences to pool their TV rights. But the SEC just started two years ago a $3 billion media rights contract for 10 years with ESPN and Disney that has ABC and ESPN as exclusive broadcast networks for SEC football and men’s basketball. “We have folks working and analyzing things,” said Sankey, who said he finished reading the 111-page bill on Wednesday night. “Does the bill provide us with the necessary protections? We need to figure out what it means for college athletics broadly and what it means for the SEC in particular.” The SEC welcomes revisiting other media rights strategies. “The SEC recognizes and appreciates the many ongoing discussions regarding potential, system-wide improvements to ensure the future success of college athletics,” the joint statement said. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** greg sankey, lsu football, Protect College Sports Act, SEC Spring Meetings, Southeastern Conference --- ### [LSU's Alexis Guillory And Abigail Chemnagei Qualify For NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-alexis-guillory-and-abigail-chemnagei-qualify-for-ncaa-outdoor-track-field-championships/) **Published:** May 29, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU women’s track freshman Abigail Chemnagei of Kapenguria, Kenya, and junior Alexis Guillory of Alexandria, each punched their tickets to the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships in Eugene, Oregon, on June 10-13 on Thursday at the NCAA East first round in Lexington, Kentucky. Chemnagei turned in a time of 33:15.21 in the 10,000 meters to qualify. Guillory threw a mark of 51.28 meters in the javelin for her first trip to the NCAA Championships. The men’s and women’s competition continues at the University of Kentucky through Saturday. Tiger sprinters came out fast on Thursday starting with the women’s 100-meter sections. Shawnti Jackson flashed her speed with a wind-legal season best of 11.03 seconds to win her heat. Freshman Athaleyha Hinckson also advanced with a time of 11.18 seconds in her heat. And Tima Godbless had an 11.23 time to qualify for Saturday. [**Final Results**](https://flashresults.ncaa.com/Outdoor/2026/FirstRounds/East/index.htm) The Tigers had two freshmen show out during the women’s 400 meters. Skyler Franklin clocked the fastest of the two with 51.35 seconds, and Kennedi Burks clocked a personal-best 51.75 seconds. Meanwhile, Salieci Myles advanced in the 100-meter hurdles with a time of 13.04, and Adeyah Brewster advanced in that event with a 13:07 time. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Track & Field **Tags:** Abigail Chemnagei, Alexis Guillory, lsu, LSU Tigers, LSU track and field, NCAA Championships --- ### [LSU Men's Golf Team Begins Quest For Another National Title On Friday At NCAA Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-mens-golf-team-begins-quest-for-another-national-title-on-friday-at-ncaa-championships/) **Published:** May 29, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** A season of success has LSU at the pinnacle of men’s college golf as the No. 7 LSU men’s golf team begins play Friday in the NCAA Division I Men’s Golf Championship at the OMNI La Costa Resort course in Carlsbad, Califorina. The Tigers begin the opening 54 holes of the event in the preferred late-early tee times, starting at 2:45 p.m. central time off the 10th tee. LSU will play in the morning group on Saturday. “It’s actually one of the only advantages you get from having a good season,” said LSU second-year coach Jake Amos. “If you are ranked in the top 15, you get that. You can see how the course is playing in the morning. You can change, adjust for the afternoon, and then you really get to separate yourself to get the good tee time on Sunday.” While it is important, there is another message from Amos about the job ahead. “Our goal this year is from what I’m learned in the past,” he said. “It is not to get lost in the big picture of the 30 teams. It’s more just try and win each day. If you can be the best team every single day, that’s how you get through.” LSU had three team wins in the 2025-26 season with finishes no worse than fourth in 10-of-11 starts in the play five-count four format of college golf. The Tigers will go with juniors Jay Mendell (69.43) and Noah McWilliams (69.48), both from Louisiana (Mendell from Lafayette and McWilliams from Benton) along with freshman Dan Hayes of England (70.09), sophomore Arni Sveinsson of Iceland (70.15) and senior Matty Dodd-Berry (70.39) of England. Baton Rouge senior Luke Askew (73.46) is the alternate. Mendell and Haskew of LSU played in the 2024 championship, the first year it was played at La Costa, and Dodd-Berry was part of the 2024 team that Amos brought here while coach at East Tennessee State. “Arni has had a bit of injury, but he’s really starting to play well,” Amos said. “McWilliams has improved tremendously. Jay Mendell has had a phenomenal spring. One guy that really doesn’t get a lot of attention is our freshman, Dan Hayes. He’s incredibly consistent. He’s always there. He’s been our absolute rock. For a freshman, that’s unusual. Matty has been playing well. Individually, I genuinely mean this – one through five – anyone could win it. I think there were a lot of teams that didn’t want us to be here because we’re just starting to click. Arnie’s starting to play better. Matty’s playing better. Jay and Noah have been great, and Dan has been super consistent. So, I promise you, all of them are trying to win it, which is a good thing for the team. In the NCAA/Scoreboard rankings, all five LSU starters are ranked in the top 151 of Division I college golf. Mendell is at No. 47, McWilliams is ranked from 62, Sveinsson 73, Hayes 126 and Dodd-Berry 151. “The course really suits our games,” Amos said. “We’re good ball strikers. We’re very disciplined. I think you have to be aggressive off the team, but you also have to be very disciplined and focused into the greens. You need to miss in the right spots, and we work on that a lot, so I’m excited about that.” LSU will be making its 44th appearance in the NCAA Championships, having won national titles in 1940, 1942, 1947, 1955 and 2015. Three times, the individual national champion has come from LSU – Fred Haas Jr. in 1937, Earl Stewart in 1971 and John Peterson in 2011. The teams will play 18-hole rounds each day through Sunday when the first cut will take place to 15 teams. After a final round on Monday, the individual champion will be crowned. Then the top eight teams will begin match play on Tuesday with a national champion crowned on Wednesday. For the first two rounds, LSU will be paired with Ole Miss and North Carolina. Ole Miss is the No. 8 seed and North Carolina is seeded ninth. Live scoring for the event can be found at Scoreboard.clippd.com. Live streaming will be available through Babygrande on Golfchannel.com beginning around 12:30 p.m. PT through the conclusion of the first round. **NCAA CHAMPIONSHIPS** **Carlsbad, California – OMNI La Costa Resort & Spa North Course** **First Round Tee Times (central time)** **1st Tee** 8:52 a.m. – Georgia, Florida State, Southern California 9:47 a.m. – Mississippi State, Arkansas State, Purdue 10:42 a.m. – Individual Qualifier Pairing 2:12 p.m. – Virginia, Oklahoma State, Arkansas 3:07 p.m. – Vanderbilt, Arizona, Arizona State 4:02 p.m. – Individual Pairing **10th tee** 8:30 a.m. – Tennessee, Texas A&M, BYU 9:25 a.m. – Duke, UCLA, Louisville 10:20 a.m. – San Diego, Chattanooga, Memphis 1:50 p.m. – Auburn, Florida, Texas **2:45 p.m. – LSU,** Ole Miss, North Carolina 3:40 p.m. – Pepperdine, Stanford, Oklahoma **Categories:** Featured, Men's Golf, More LSU Sports **Tags:** Jake Amos, Jay Mendell, lsu, lsu men's golf, LSU Tigers', NCAA Championships --- ### [Will Wade Still Trying To Stay Ahead Of The NCAA Sheriffs As Eligibility Issues Circle His Overseas Roster Efforts](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-still-trying-to-stay-ahead-of-the-ncaa-sheriffs-as-eligibility-issues-circle-his-overseas-roster-efforts/) **Published:** May 28, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Do not call it the “Will Wade Rule.” Because the NCAA had been looking into guardrails for the recruitment of overseas professional players and former NBA roster members for some time before Wade left North Carolina State after one season to become LSU’s new men’s basketball coach last March – again. [The case of Alabama 6-foot-11 center Charles Bediako](https://www.espn.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/47881339/judge-denies-charles-bediako-motion-injunction-play-alabama-crimson-tide-men-basketball-season) also had much to do with the new NCAA eligibility guidelines just put in this month. Bediako played at Alabama from 2021-23, entered the NBA Draft in 2023, was not selected, and played in the NBA’s developmental league before rejoining the Alabama team last season. The NCAA ruled Bediako ineligible after five games last February, and his season was done after averaging 10 points, 4.6 points and blocking seven shots The NCAA is now saying that players who have “entered an agreement with, competed on or received compensation from a team that participates in a league with minimum compensation that exceeds actual and necessary expenses” would not have college eligibility. > [Will Wade Has 11 Players For LSU’s 2026-27 Basketball Roster, Or Will He?](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-has-11-players-for-lsus-2026-27-basketball-roster-or-will-he/) “The NCAA’s new eligibility requirement guidance that could significantly impact top international talent headed to college basketball was distributed by the NCAA earlier this month,” wrote Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Sweeney last week. The guidelines distributed by the NCAA on May 8 details new pre-enrollment eligibility requirements largely surrounding compensation and the involvement of players on professional teams. “How aggressively the requirements will be enforced is unclear,” Sweeney wrote. “But they lay the groundwork for the NCAA to push back significantly on professional players in Europe and other top international leagues enrolling in college.” After Wade missed on several transfer portal targets from the United States during the portal window from April 7-21, including some from North Carolina State, Wade looked overseas. He currently has four commitments from overseas pro players, one former overseas player as a signee (Brice Dessert of the Andalou Efes team in Istanbul, Turkey) and one former NBA roster member as a signee (RJ Luis of Utah and Boston in the NBA after St. John’s). That’s six players – more than half of the current roster of 11 he is trying to get into LSU – under the NCAA microscope. SEC commissioner Greg Sankey, by the way, came out against member school Alabama last February after the NCAA correctly ruled Bediako ineligible. Sankey signed an affidavit of agreement with the NCAA on its move against Bediako, once again blowing away the conspiracy theories many LSU and Auburn fans hold regarding the SEC office being 45 minutes from the Alabama campus. When asked about LSU signee RJ Luis, whose situation is similar to Bediako’s, this week at the SEC Spring Meetings in Miramar Beach, Florida, Sankey said his stance on Luis is the same as his stance on Bediako. “My position on these issues has not changed,” Sankey said. “I support the NCAA providing clarity and upholding the rules to which we have agreed.” Wade was asked about the new NCAA guidelines directly involving his 2026-27 class in the works while he was at the meetings on on Wednesday. “We feel very comfortable in our position,” Wade told the Baton Rouge Advocate, avoiding the specifics of the question. “We’ve got a job to do – a big task ahead of us. We’ve got to get it done.” But how with the new rules? “We’ll let that play out,” Wade said, which could’ve been code for he’ll see how the NCAA tries to enforce these new rules. Asked if he was still recruiting players, Wade said, “We may get another couple.” Or three or four? > [Will Wade Plans To Make History Again At LSU In His 2nd Chance – “One Way Or The Other”](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-plans-to-make-history-again-at-lsu-in-his-2nd-chance-one-way-or-the-other/) Wade is in his second term as LSU’s basketball coach. He was previously the coach from 2017-22 before being fired for several major NCAA recruiting violations directly involving him. He resurfaced as McNeese State’s head coach for the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, then went to North Carolina State for the 2025-26 season. [NCAA OUTLAW: WILL WADE’S LOUISIANA PURCHASES](https://www.outkick.com/ncaab/the-louisiana-purchases-lsus-years-of-alleged-cheating-in-basketball-football-lead-to-lack-of-institutional-control-dagger) Wade’s six possibly new players with eligibility issues with class designations for the 2026-27 season at LSU are the following: **LSU POSSIBLE NEW PLAYERS WITH ELIGIBILITY QUESTONS** -Signee Brice Dessert, Center, 6-11, 247, Fr., Andalou Efes pro team in Istanbul, Turkey, Pontoise, France, native, Age 23. -Signee RJ Luis, Guard/Forward, 6-7, 215, Sr., St. John’s Transfer, Miami native, Age 23. … Signed in 2025 as undrafted free agent by Utah before being traded to Boston. -Commitment Yam Madar, Guard, 6-3, 181, Fr., Hapoel pro team in Tel Aviv, Israel, Beit Dugan, Israel, native Age 25. -Commitment Saliou Niang, Forward, 6-6, 190, Fr., Virtus pro team in Bologna, Italy, Dakar, Senegal, W.Africa native, Age 22. … 58th pick in 2025 NBA Draft by Cleveland. -Commitment Michael Ruzic, Center, 7-0, 160, Fr., Joventut club pro team in Catalonia, Spain, Besancon, France, native, Age 19. -Commitment Marcio Santos, Center, 6-8, 250, Fr. Maccabi pro team in Tel Aviv, Israel, Native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Age 23. **LSU OTHER NEW PLAYERS VIA AMERICAN NCAA TRANSFER PORTAL AND WITHOUT NBA TIME** -Abdir Bashir Jr. Guard, 6-7, 175, Sr., Kansas State Transfer, Burnsville, Minnesota, native, Age 21. -Mouhamaed Dioubate, Forward, 6-7, 220, Sr., Kentucky Transfer, Queens, New York, native, Age 22. -Ahmad Hudson, Forward, 6-6, 239, Fr., Ruston High, Ruston native, Age 17. -Austin Nunez, Guard, 6-2, 185, Sr., Texas-San Antonio Transfer, San Antonio, native, Age 23. -Divine Ugochukwu, Guard, 6-3, 195, Jr., Michigan State transfer, Sugar Land, Texas, native, Age 20. **WILL WADE TARGETS MISSED VIA THE PORTAL** -No. 2-ranked Kansas State point guard PJ Haggerty, who went to Texas A&M. -No. 6 Seton Hall center Najai Hines, who went to Connecticut. -No. 5 Georgia combination guard Jeremiah Wilkinson, who went to Arkansas. -No. 4 Georgetown small forward KJ Lewis, who went to USC. -No. 5 North Carolina State guard Matt Able, who went to North Carolina. -No. 15 Florida Atlantic guard Deven Vanterpool, who went to Providence. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** lsu, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, NCAA, will wade --- ### [LSU Track Turns In Impressive Showing On 1st Day Of NCAA East First Round](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-track-turns-in-impressive-showing-on-1st-day-of-ncaa-east-first-round/) **Published:** May 28, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** LEXINGTON, Kentucky – The LSU track and field teams went into the second day of action at the NCAA East First Round on Thursday after an impressive showing on Wednesday in the first round at the University of Kentucky. Redshirt junior Jack Larriviere advanced to the NCAA Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon, next week in the javelin with a toss of 70.64 meters on his third and final attempt. This will mark his first trip to the NCAA final after not being able to throw since 2024. Jordan Turner also reached Eugene in the long jump with an effort of 7.91 meters on his second leap before skipping his third and final attempt. Turner finished third overall in the event to make his fifth NCAA Championships and first outdoor as a Tiger. Senior Matthew Sophia is on a two-meet streak of clocking personal-best times after going two seasons without one. On Wednesday he got out to a time of 13.28 seconds to win his heat and finish second in the first round to advance to Friday. Sophia moves up to No. 4 in LSU performance history with the time, just .01 behind his teammate Jahiem Stern, who sits at No. 3. **[Final Results](https://flashresults.ncaa.com/Outdoor/2026/FirstRounds/East/index.htm)** The most-dominant event group so far was the men’s 400-meter team. Four of the five Tigers advanced to the quarterfinals on Friday. Grant Buckmiller clocked the fastest time with his heat-winning mark of 45.03 seconds. The second-fastest advancer of the group, Malachi Austin, clocked a new South American and Guyanese U20 record of 45.28 seconds. Amal Glasgow had a 45.59 time to advance, while Shakeem McKay clocked a 45.36 to advance. Double-dipping in advancing was junior Jaiden Reid. He started the day by clocking a wind-legal season best of 10.04 seconds in the 100 meters. Later, he turned in a season best of 20.15 seconds to advance in the 200 meters. And Joshua Caleb advanced in the 100 meters with a time of 10.20, while Isaac Lewis advanced in the 400 hurdles at a 50.59 time. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Track & Field **Tags:** LSU Tigers, LSU track and field, NCAA East First Round --- ### [LSU Men's Golf Team Preparing To Open Play At The NCAA Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-mens-golf-team-preparing-to-open-play-at-the-ncaa-championships/) **Published:** May 28, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The No. 7-ranked LSU men’s golf team begins play Friday in the NCAA Championships in Carlsbad, California. “This is where we need to be like every sport LSU needs to be playing the national championship event,” LSU coach Jake Amos said. “It’s tough getting here. You always appreciate it. It’s always a privilege to be at a national championship. You never take it for granted. We are here. We are supposed to be here, and we’re supposed to win it.” LSU’s sluggish performance at the recent SEC Championships may be motivation. “It was a massive wake-up call,” Amos said. “I actually personally blame it on myself. Arnie (Sveinsson) was injured the week before, and we had a little bit too much focus on that. I think we tried to rush him back. I didn’t appreciate how deep we were as a squad. It was a bit of distraction, but it was a massive wake-up call for me and the guys. We’re too good to be sloppy. One of our goals this year was to be the best at everything that requires zero talent, and we didn’t do that that week. So it got us back to our fundamentals.” LSU has been elite the rest of the season with one tournament finish outside the top four and three wins. That one tournament was the SECs, finishing 12, which they followed up with a 30-under performance in the NCAA Regional. This team has all five players ranked in the top 151 in the nation in college golf. “I am excited because this is the goal at the end of the year,” Amos said. “The first thing I ask at every team meeting is who thinks we can win a national championship? And I’ve said it every single meeting I’ve ever had as a head coach, and the guys believe it. I believe it. I’m excited to see what they do.” **Categories:** Featured, Men's Golf, More LSU Sports **Tags:** Jake Amos, lsu men's golf, LSU Tigers', NCAA Championships --- ### [Derek Curiel Drops Bombshell On 104.5 Radio - He Is Considering A Return To LSU And Skipping MLB Draft](https://www.tigerrag.com/derek-curiel-drops-bombshell-on-104-5-radio-he-is-considering-a-return-to-lsu-and-skipping-mlb-draft/) **Published:** May 27, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU center fielder Derek Curiel delivered a mic drop moment on Matt Moscona’s daily sports talk show on ESPN 104.5 FM in Baton Rouge on Wednesday. Despite being a draft-eligible sophomore and the No. 15-ranked prospect for the July 11 Major League Baseball Draft, which would mean a bonus between $4.5 and $7.5 million based on first round slot values, Curiel has not ruled out returning to the Tigers in 2027. “I’m open to whatever,” Curiel, who turned 21 on Sunday, said on the show. “I definitely don’t have all my eggs in one basket yet. I’ve definitely talked to coach (Jay) Johnson. I obviously want to be a Tiger forever. I told him, if there’s a coach I could play forever, it would be him.” > [Jay Johnson Goes Through A Senior Day “Like No Other” On Final Day Of Regular Season For LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/jay-johnson-goes-through-a-senior-day-like-no-other-on-final-day-of-regular-season-for-lsu/) Johnson already said goodbye to Curiel as a Tiger after LSU’s last regular season game on May 16 at Alex Box Stadium. But he sounded ready to keep a spot for Curiel should he return next season. “Would be phenomenal if he comes back,” Johnson told Tiger Rag Wednesday night. “Would coach Derek forever if I could.” In order to be eligible for the 2026 MLB Draft, players have to turn 21 by August 1. Curiel made it by just over two months. “Definitely sucks. I’ll be the youngest guy in the draft this year, college wise,” he said. “I miss it by a month or two, whatever it is.” Had his birthday been on August 2, Curiel would not have a decision to make. He would have to stay for 2027 at LSU. Curiel could be just trying to earn more draft money as he does have leverage toward future MLB organizations because he can stay in college. That can drive his price up. “It’s definitely a tough decision to make,” he said. “I’m just going to be praying about it. But coming back to LSU to compete for another national championship means the world to me.” Curiel was a key component of the Tigers’ 2025 national championship as he led the team in batting average (.345), doubles (20), walks (53), on base average (.470) and had the fewest errors to putouts ratio with zero to 96. He hit .353 this season to lead the team again and had a team-high 18 doubles. “I’m excited for whatever lies ahead, and it’s all in God’s hands,” he said. “In my opinion. I’m open to whatever.” Curiel also revealed that he broke his ankle last November. “I can’t say how I did it,” he said. “It was not a good reason.” LSU redshirt junior pitcher Gavin Guidry was also on the radio show and said he is also considering staying for his senior season. Not a high round selection projection, Guidry is considering staying to try to be one of the rare Tiger players to be part of three national championships. He was LSU’s top reliever on the 2023 national championship team and was on the roster last season, though he did not play because of an injury. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Derek Curiel, jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Major League Baseball Draft --- ### [Southeastern Conference Announces More Early Season Football Games](https://www.tigerrag.com/southeastern-conference-announces-more-early-season-football-games/) **Published:** May 27, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The Southeastern Conference Network will kick off its 13th college football season in Columbia, Missouri, on Thursday, Sept. 3 as Missouri hosts Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 7 p.m. in one of 37 matchups featuring SEC teams across ESPN networks in the first three weeks of the season, including 10 televised on the SEC Network. As previously announced, No. 11 LSU (ESPN preseason rankings) will open its season on Sept. 5 in Tiger Stadium against Clemson on ABC at 6:30 p.m. and play at Ole Miss on Sept. 19 at 6:30 p.m. on ABC. Following the scheduling format that debuted two seasons ago, television windows will be announced for all remaining SEC-controlled games on Wednesday, June 10. The windows are called early with an 11 a.m. to noon start, afternoon with a 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. kickoff, or night with 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. starts. Select games will be tagged as Flex games with either an afternoon or night window start. “Inside The 2026 Football Schedule” will break down the full SEC schedule at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10. **KICKOFF WEEK** ESPN networks are home to 61 games during Week 1, beginning Thursday, Sept. 3 and running through Labor Day. SEC Network is set for a tripleheader on the first Saturday of play as Kent State faces South Carolina (11:45 a.m.), North Alabama heads to Arkansas (3:15 p.m.) and Florida Atlantic is at Florida (6:45 p.m.). Additionally, on the first weekend, ESPN networks highlight multiple SEC teams in action, starting with No. 16 Alabama hosting East Carolina at 11 a.m. on Sept. 5 on ABC. Following that matchup, the Aflack Kickoff Game returns with Auburn and first-year coach Alex Golesh taking on Baylor in Atlanta at 2:30 p.m. on ABC. Closing out the night on ABC is LSU coach Lane Kiffin’s first game with the Tigers against Clemson in prime time at 6:30 p.m. As part of an ESPN Saturday doubleheader on Sept. 5, the No. 5 Texas Longhorns face Texas State at 2:30, and No. 10 Texas A&M hosts Missouri State at 6 p.m. The weekend continues in Nashville on Sunday with the inaugural Liberty Mutual Music City Kickoff as No. 9 Ole Miss plays No. 21 Louisville in Nissan Stadium at 6:30 p.m. on ABC. **WEEKS 2 AND 3** Week 2 action is highlighted by the first conference bout of the season when No. 16 Alabama travels to Kentucky on Sept. 12 at 2:30 p.m. on ABC. Week 3 on Sept. 19 closes with one of the most anticipated games of the season as the No. 9 Ole Miss hosts its former coach, Lane Kiffin, and LSU at 6:30 p.m. on ABC. Schedules are subject to change. Please continue to check [@ESPNPR](https://twitter.com/ESPNPR) and [ESPN Press Room](https://espnpressroom.com/us/) for more information. The broadcast schedule for the 2026-27 College Football Playoff will be announced on Monday, June 1. ESPN’s bowl schedule will be revealed on June 3, and the times and windows for the rest of the SEC’s schedule will be unveiled on June 10. Additional scheduling details, including commentator assignments for Kickoff Week, will be announced later this summer. **ESPN Networks – 2026 Early Season SEC Football Schedule** **Date** **Time (ET)** **Game** **Where to Watch** **Thu, Sep 3** 8 p.m. Arkansas-Pine Bluff at Missouri SEC Network **Sat, Sep 5** Noon East Carolina at No. 16 Alabama ABC **Sat, Sep 5** 12:45 p.m. Kent State at South Carolina SEC Network **Sat, Sep 5** 1 p.m. Youngstown State at Kentucky SEC Network+ **Sat, Sep 5** 3 p.m. Tennessee State at No. 3 Georgia SEC Network+ **Sat, Sep 5** 3:30 p.m. Aflac Kickoff Game: Baylor vs. Auburn (Atlanta, Ga.) ABC **Sat, Sep 5** 3:30 p.m. Texas State at No. 5 Texas ESPN **Sat, Sep 5** 3:30 p.m. Furman at No. 25 Tennessee SEC Network+ **Sat, Sep 5** 4:15 p.m. North Alabama at Arkansas SEC Network **Sat, Sep 5** 7 p.m. Missouri State at No. 10 Texas A&M ESPN **Sat, Sep 5** 7 p.m. Austin Peay at Vanderbilt SEC Network+ **Sat, Sep 5** 7:30 p.m. Clemson at No. 11 LSU ABC **Sat, Sep 5** 7:30 p.m. UL Monroe at Mississippi State ESPNU **Sat, Sep 5** 7:45 p.m. Florida Atlantic at Florida SEC Network **Sat, Sep 5** TBD UTEP at No. 13 Oklahoma SEC Network+ **Sun, Sep 6** 7:30 p.m. Liberty Mutual Music City Kickoff: No. 21 Louisville vs. No. 9 Ole Miss (Nashville, Tenn.) ABC **Sat, Sep 12** Noon Arizona State at No. 10 Texas A&M ABC **Sat, Sep 12** 12:45 p.m. Western Kentucky at No. 3 Georgia SEC Network **Sat, Sep 12** 3:30 p.m. No. 16 Alabama at Kentucky ABC **Sat, Sep 12** 4:15 p.m. Delaware at Vanderbilt SEC Network **Sat, Sep 12** 5:30 p.m. Campbell at Florida SEC Network+ **Sat, Sep 12** 7 p.m. No. 25 Tennessee at Georgia Tech ESPN **Sat, Sep 12** 7 p.m. Towson at South Carolina SEC Network+ **Sat, Sep 12** 7:30 p.m. No. 1 Ohio State at No. 5 Texas ABC **Sat, Sep 12** 7:30 p.m. Louisiana Tech at No. 11 LSU SEC Network+ **Sat, Sep 12** 7:30 p.m. or 7:45 p.m. Southern Miss at Auburn ESPNU or SEC Network **Sat, Sep 12** 7:45 p.m. Charlotte at No. 9 Ole Miss ESPN2 or SEC Network **Sat, Sep 12** 10:15 p.m. Arkansas at No. 18 Utah ESPN **Sat, Sep 19** Noon No. 3 Georgia at Arkansas ABC **Sat, Sep 19** 12:45 p.m. NC State at Vanderbilt SEC Network **Sat, Sep 19** 12:45 p.m. Troy at Missouri SEC Network+ **Sat, Sep 19** 3:30 p.m. Florida State at No. 16 Alabama ABC **Sat, Sep 19** 3:30 p.m. Kentucky at No. 10 Texas A&M ESPN or ESPN2 **Sat, Sep 19** 4:15 p.m. Mississippi State at South Carolina SEC Network **Sat, Sep 19** 7 p.m. Florida at Auburn ESPN **Sat, Sep 19** 7:30 p.m. No. 11 LSU at No. 9 Ole Miss ABC **Sat, Sep 19** 7:30 p.m. New Mexico at No. 13 Oklahoma ESPN2 **Sat, Sep 19** 7:45 p.m. Kennesaw State at No. 25 Tennessee SEC Network **Sat, Sep 19** 8 p.m. UTSA at No. 5 Texas SEC Network+ **Fri, Nov 27** Noon Mississippi State at No. 9 Ole Miss ABC **Fri, Nov 27** 3:30 p.m. Florida at Florida State ABC **Fri, Nov 27** 7:30 p.m. No. 5 Texas at No. 10 Texas A&M ABC **Sat, Dec 5** 4 p.m. SEC Championship Game (Atlanta, Ga.) ABC *\*Rankings from ESPN’s Way-Too-Early Top 25* **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels, sec football --- ### [LSU Athletics Subject Of "Tigerland," A Book In The Works By Jeff Duncan, Who Discusses On Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-athletics-subject-of-tigerland-a-book-in-the-works-by-jeff-duncan-who-discusses-on-tiger-rag-radio/) **Published:** May 27, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU really is just different, as LSU football coach Lane Kiffin so eloquently said at his introductory press conference on Dec. 1 in Tiger Stadium, starting a hashtag for the ages – or at least for his first season. Well, the braintrust of the Harper Collins publishing giant based in London and New York City sure believes so. And it has just agreed to a book deal for “Tigerland” with NOLA.com/Baton Rouge Advocate columnist and author Jeff Duncan. He will tell the story of “the high-stakes pressure, colorful characters and wild politics in college sports as seen through the lens of LSU’s athletic program,” a release about the book said Wednesday. “This is hot news,” Duncan said on Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night. “I was just able to sign that contract last week.” Listen to the entire interview with Duncan by clicking the link below: Duncan previously published “From Bags To Riches” about Hurricane Katrina and the New Orleans Saints, “A Life Impossible” about former Saint Steve Gleason’s battle with ALS, and “Payton And Brees,” the story of how the offenses of Saints’ coach Sean Payton and quarterback Drew Brees dominated the NFL for more than a decade. He was also part of Pulitzer Prize winning teams at the former Times Picayune for its coverage of Katrina. “This is a dynamic time in college athletics, really an unprecedented transformative period,” Duncan told Tiger Rag Radio. “And LSU is probably at the epicenter of this transformation. What we’ve seen happen in the last six months at LSU – the turnover in the athletic department, the all-in approach that the University is taking – is fascinating. And it’s one of the more compelling stories that I’ve come across in my 30 years of covering sports in Louisiana.” And that includes Katrina in 2005 and the Saints winning Super Bowl XLIV in the 2009 season. “With the characters involved – Lane Kiffin, Will Wade now in the mix, Verge Ausberry taking over as athletic director – there are just so many fascinating threads in this story,” Duncan said. “What LSU is doing in many ways is at the forefront of this changing landscape of college athletics. And Harper Collins reached out to me and basically said, ‘Hey, we think there’s a great story in Louisiana and LSU.’ It’s going to be fascinating. I’m going to basically follow the athletic programs for the next year and write about this changing prism of the landscape of college athletics through LSU.” “Tigerland” is expected to be out before the 2027 football season. [JEFF DUNCAN COLUMN: College Athletics Should Emulate The NFL](https://www.nola.com/sports/saints/college-football-should-learn-a-thing-or-two-from-the-nfl-greg-sankey-sec-big-ten-pete-rozelle/article_2a7a6530-0c09-4c5a-9e99-e0bf29616456.html) Duncan also spoke on Tiger Rag Radio about how college football needs to govern itself more in unison as the NFL does and why he believes a 16-team College Football Playoff is the best bet. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Jeff Duncan, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, verge ausberry, will wade --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio Podcast May 26: SEC Spring Meetings Storylines; Kiffin Speaks And An LSU Men’s Golf Preview ](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-podcast-may-26-sec-spring-meeting-storylines-kiffin-speaks-and-a-lsu-mens/) **Published:** May 27, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** We go over the many headlines surrounding the SEC Spring Meetings. CBS Sports Brandon Marcello gives us an up to the minute update on what’s happening in Miramar Beach, Florida as SEC leaders come together. We also hear from columnist and author Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com and the Baton Rouge Advocate who is writing a book on the growing business of college athletics with a strong focus on LSU, which is at the epicenter of the new world of collegiate sports. Duncan also gives us his thoughts on how college football needs someone to steer the ship as the sport navigates the potential of a larger College Football Playoff. And we hear from LSU sports information director Kent Lowe, who is in California with the men and women’s golf teams. He updates us on when LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade may announce his new roster. ***Here is the complete transcript of the show from YouTube. Tiger Rag apologizes for any AI generated mistakes:*** 0:00 Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. Tiger Rag Radio is on the air. Let’s crank this thing up. 0:06 6 seconds We’re statewide breaking down the latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is up. Hear from the coaches. Our time is now with LSU basketball. 0:15 15 seconds The players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 0:18 18 seconds One way or another, we’re going to make history. 0:19 19 seconds And those who cover the Fighting Tigers of LSU and the SEC. LSU is the best job in football. It’s 2 hours of non-stop LSU talk. 0:28 28 seconds I came here to win. We’re going to win immediately. 0:30 30 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is brought to you by Cumins. Cumins creates power solutions that the world depends on. Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro’s 0:39 39 seconds Electrical Services, Sunshine Quality Solutions, Super Chevy Dealers, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 0:49 49 seconds Get ready to talk Tigers with producer Andre Champine and our host Todd Horn, Jeff Polmo, and Glenn Gilbo. great 0:59 59 seconds players that are better people than they are players. 1:01 1 minute, 1 second This is Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio 1:08 1 minute, 8 seconds and good evening everyone. Welcome to another edition of Tiger Rag Radio. 1:14 1 minute, 14 seconds Tonight we are at the Goodwood Public Library here that is part of the East Baton Rouge Library System and we’ll be 1:21 1 minute, 21 seconds hearing from some library folks a little bit later on in the hour. We’ll hear from three of them in fact to talk about some of the great things that are 1:29 1 minute, 29 seconds happening with the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System. But we also have a lot of LSU stuff to talk with talk 1:36 1 minute, 36 seconds with you about. This is Jeff Polmo along with the editor for Tiger Rag magazine, Glenn Gilbo, and Todd Horn, the executive editor, will be joining us 1:44 1 minute, 44 seconds here at the Goodwood Library in just a few moments. But certainly a lot going on now that everything is done on the field for LSU. Softball lost in the 1:53 1 minute, 53 seconds super regional to Alabama. just a a superior Crimson Tide team. LSU baseball, of course, as expected, did not get into the NCAA tournament. We 2:02 2 minutes, 2 seconds already have our first defection from the 2026 team. Maverick Rzzy has jumped into the Travis or Travis to into the 2:10 2 minutes, 10 seconds transfer portal. If uh as long as William Schmidt and Case Evans don’t get in, I I think anybody else that decides 2:16 2 minutes, 16 seconds to hop in there, then uh so be it. I think at this point, um I think they certainly need those two guys, uh to 2:24 2 minutes, 24 seconds return next season, but everybody else uh well maybe maybe some of the freshman, you would like those guys to come back as well. But uh Maverick Rzzy 2:33 2 minutes, 33 seconds did not improve this year, so he’s moving on. Uh Gage Jump making his major league debut tonight. But um former LSU 2:40 2 minutes, 40 seconds Tigers, he’ll be making his major league debut for the A’s tonight. But the uh the big story right now, Glenn, is what is happening in Dest Florida, the SEC 2:50 2 minutes, 50 seconds spring meetings, which kicked off this morning. We actually heard from Commissioner Greg Seni on Monday night a lot of talk about where the SEC stands 2:59 2 minutes, 59 seconds on the 2014 team college football playoff. Of course, the SEC at this moment continues to be the holdout as far as moving to a 2014 playoff in 2027. 3:12 3 minutes, 12 seconds And then just about an hour before we got on the air here, Lane Kitman spoke at the SEC spring meetings and there’s 3:20 3 minutes, 20 seconds talk about him potentially being reprimanded for some comments that he made to Vanity Fair regarding the 3:26 3 minutes, 26 seconds controversial comments that he had talking about Old Miss and its ties to the Confederacy saying that’s what 3:34 3 minutes, 34 seconds grandparents of recruits said and it’s not his words. Uh but we’ll see if uh he’ll be fined or any kind of reprimand 3:42 3 minutes, 42 seconds or anything will be announced. Uh but uh the main thing he kind of talked about today um is uh the return of Ed Orron to the LSU football program. 3:53 3 minutes, 53 seconds Right. Right. And uh he said that he and Ed talked a about that just just recently before they finally finalized it. and uh you know they were trying to 4:02 4 minutes, 2 seconds make sure that you know they knew what Ed wanted to do and and how he wanted to uh be a part of the program again. But 4:11 4 minutes, 11 seconds uh also uh this afternoon uh and and Destin uh Lane gave more good reports on 4:18 4 minutes, 18 seconds uh the Lisf Frank injur injury of Sam Lev. He said he’s been running 21 miles per hour, which you know I’m familiar with pitchers throwing 100 miles per 4:26 4 minutes, 26 seconds hour. I guess that’s fast if you can run 21 miles per hour because uh running the ball is a big part of Sam Levit’s game and LSU hasn’t had that since Jaden 4:35 4 minutes, 35 seconds Daniels. So that’s good news. And but I do remember Brian Kelly giving a similar figure when he was talking about Garrett Nusmeer. 4:41 4 minutes, 41 seconds Well, Garrett Nusmire might have run 50 miles an hour, but it didn’t matter because he he chose not to run uh most of the time. And and he was hurt, right? 4:50 4 minutes, 50 seconds despite what a lot of people are trying been trying to say that it was in his head, he was definitely hurt all year. 4:57 4 minutes, 57 seconds But, um, Lane has been saying quite a bit that he thinks Levit’s going to be at or near 100% when practice starts in 5:05 5 minutes, 5 seconds August. So, I think that’s just more good news there. Quick note on Maverick Rzzy. You know, the thing about the portal, a lot of times, you know, the 5:12 5 minutes, 12 seconds the coaches in the school doesn’t come out and say it, but sometimes they politely say, “Hey, look, it might be a good idea if you enter the portal.” And 5:20 5 minutes, 20 seconds I think that might be what is the case with with Maverick, you know, because if you got more players and more pitchers coming in and you’re trying to get 5:27 5 minutes, 27 seconds better, you’re not going to want everybody to come back uh that’s already on your team, you know. I think they do 5:34 5 minutes, 34 seconds want uh obviously like you said, William Schmidt and Case Evans and and probably several other pitchers and most of the uh the the freshman that they signed 5:42 5 minutes, 42 seconds last year. But uh when you have that type of season, um I can guarantee you that there’s probably some players that 5:50 5 minutes, 50 seconds might think they’re welcome back, but they might not be. 5:53 5 minutes, 53 seconds Yeah. I I can also just see it from Maverick’s point of view if it if this is the case. Hey, I I had a rough season this year. I was not connecting with 6:02 6 minutes, 2 seconds what Nate Yesi was trying to teach me. I might need to go somewhere else where where where you don’t have to go against SEC hitters. 6:09 6 minutes, 9 seconds Maybe so. Maybe so to help try to find your confidence. But and maybe the strike zone’s bigger. 6:15 6 minutes, 15 seconds Yeah. May maybe so. Uh because ABS is probably coming to the SEC after what I think was what did she say? I I think it 6:24 6 minutes, 24 seconds it went well in the SEC tournament. The AB ABS challenge system. 6:29 6 minutes, 29 seconds Yeah. Yeah. Yeah, it was it was funny how you when when I was listening to games and watching games and how the uh the voice over would kind of come in that there were and it it kind of went 6:38 6 minutes, 38 seconds smoothly and quickly for for the for the most part, but uh it’s just one more thing that delays the game. I I would not prefer not to have it myself. Well, 6:45 6 minutes, 45 seconds we’ll see when they may implement it for SEC regular season games, but your thoughts here on a lot of the discussion 6:53 6 minutes, 53 seconds regarding the 2014 playoff, whether to keep the SEC championship game, can the you know, there’s a lot of, you know, 7:01 7 minutes, 1 second we’re hearing from um, you know, Georgia’s uh, leaders about, hey, let’s create our own rules when it comes to NIL. What’s And then you even heard 7:10 7 minutes, 10 seconds Kirby Smart say today, uh, he he’s all for, you know, the SEC in the in the Big 10, you know, breaking away and doing 7:18 7 minutes, 18 seconds their own thing. I mean, you know, I think Greg Sanki, listening to what he had to say on Monday night, really tried 7:25 7 minutes, 25 seconds to tap the brakes on a lot of this stuff that we don’t need to be rushing into, don’t need to be rushing into a 2014 playoff and don’t need to make any, you 7:34 7 minutes, 34 seconds know, huge announcements, huge decisions here, especially over these three days in Destin, Florida. We’re going to have Brandon Marcelo on by the way in hour 7:44 7 minutes, 44 seconds number two from CBS Sports who is in Destin and we’ll looking forward to that interview coming up in the um 7:00 hour. 7:51 7 minutes, 51 seconds But it doesn’t seem like you know we had we had Matt Hayes on from the USA Today network last week and he talked about 7:59 7 minutes, 59 seconds how huge the spring meetings were going to be. I think it’s a lot more talk. I don’t know how much action it usually is. It usually is talk and Sanki tends not to like to take action. 8:10 8 minutes, 10 seconds and he tends to just like to talk and go on about parliamentary procedure. Um, and frankly, um, you know, I I think 8:18 8 minutes, 18 seconds sometimes when you listen to him talk, you wonder why they even having the, uh, meetings like when he was speaking last night. But, you know, whether he wants 8:27 8 minutes, 27 seconds to admit it or not, as Matt Hayes said, the the SEC coaches and athletic directors, they’re really split on what 8:34 8 minutes, 34 seconds what they want to do. You know, some of them want to stick with with 16, but but Kirby Smart, uh, you know, he he he said 8:42 8 minutes, 42 seconds he would like 24 in the playoffs. Sanki definitely does not want 24. Matt Hayes definitely does not want 24. Um, I I 8:51 8 minutes, 51 seconds think 16 would be good from from 12. Um, I I tend to agree. I I don’t I don’t think um, you know, there there’s 8:58 8 minutes, 58 seconds already some questionable teams getting in at 12, right? you know, so I definitely don’t think you should go uh 9:05 9 minutes, 5 seconds past 16, but you know, and and the the SEC championship game logically just doesn’t fit, but they’re not going to 9:13 9 minutes, 13 seconds get rid of it because it does make so much money, right? 9:16 9 minutes, 16 seconds You know, and and uh you you could recoup that money if you get more teams into the playoffs, but they don’t seem 9:24 9 minutes, 24 seconds to want to take that risk. Uh, but it it’s just to me it’s just very frustrating because as as Jeff Duncan, our first guest, wrote earlier this 9:33 9 minutes, 33 seconds week, you know, the the uh college football needs to be more like the NFL and the NFL there, like Verge Osbury has 9:41 9 minutes, 41 seconds said this a couple of times and he said it he said it last week when he met with a lot of media. The NFL is all together 9:49 9 minutes, 49 seconds Tuesday through s through Saturday with the exception of the Thursday night game which you ought to get rid of anyway. 9:56 9 minutes, 56 seconds you know, the only time they’re not together is when they’re playing, but but every time else they’re they’re all for one, you know, and and they’re they’re together. They have a great 10:04 10 minutes, 4 seconds schedule, you know, and they don’t have so many voices, you know, there just a couple of voices that make the decisions in the NFL, you know. So, the NFC South 10:13 10 minutes, 13 seconds and the NFC Central, they don’t have their own commissioners, right? You know, and they don’t play each other before the playoffs to see who wins that region like like the SEC does. And I 10:22 10 minutes, 22 seconds think that’s the biggest problem with college football. There’s just too many voices and too many people who want to do things their way and they can never get get together. 10:30 10 minutes, 30 seconds Well, the problem is is that there are too many separate TV contracts in the NFL. It’s and granted, you know, there’s 10:38 10 minutes, 38 seconds different TV deals with CBS, NBC, uh Amazon, Netflix, and all that. And but 10:46 10 minutes, 46 seconds the difference here is the SEC is looking out for the TV contract that it has with ESPN, right? The Big 10 is 10:53 10 minutes, 53 seconds looking out for the contract it has with Fox, knowing that if you had 24 teams in a college football playoff, some of 11:01 11 minutes, 1 second those games would would allow Fox to televise some of the playoff games, right? And so the Big 10 is making making this push because of that because 11:10 11 minutes, 10 seconds they’re looking out for their TV partner and and and that’s that’s a huge Yeah. And issue in this thing. 11:16 11 minutes, 16 seconds ESPN is also not for 24. They’re they’re pretty much for for 16, you know, and and Matt Hayes brought up a great point 11:24 11 minutes, 24 seconds on on Tiger Egg Radio last week, you know, no matter Yeah. The Big 10 won three national championships. They they have the bigger enrollments. They’re in 11:32 11 minutes, 32 seconds bigger cities. They they put out more money to their members every year, which the SEC has kind of been good at keeping that quiet. But still, the bottom line 11:41 11 minutes, 41 seconds is the SEC games, even if it’s Mississippi State and Kentucky or, you know, some second line game, they draw 11:50 11 minutes, 50 seconds extremely better than the Big 10. 11:53 11 minutes, 53 seconds And I’m glad that Greg Seni talked ye on Monday about expanding to 24 teams and what that might mean for rivalry games. 12:04 12 minutes, 4 seconds If in the case of Michigan, Ohio State or Alabama, Auburn, thinking that Auburn eventually will get good again that you 12:13 12 minutes, 13 seconds have and Alabama stays good. Uh that you’ll have teams actually resting players in a rivalry game because this 12:21 12 minutes, 21 seconds doesn’t the Iron Bowl doesn’t mean anything. It’s you got to get ready for your first round opponent that could potentially be the next week, especially 12:29 12 minutes, 29 seconds if you get rid of the conference championship game. 12:32 12 minutes, 32 seconds Yeah. Yeah. They the I think the perfect thing to to do would be 16 teams in the 12:38 12 minutes, 38 seconds playoff, no championship games, and make the regular season 11 period. You know, 12:46 12 minutes, 46 seconds they they always had the big rivalries when there was just 10 game schedules. 12:50 12 minutes, 50 seconds You know, just just go back to 11 and don’t have the uh easy games. Have a little time off before the playoffs start. Don’t have the championship game. 12:58 12 minutes, 58 seconds I don’t see them ever going back down to 11, but um I I agree with a lot of what you have to say. 13:07 13 minutes, 7 seconds Yeah, I wasn’t making a money money argument. I was just saying that that’s what makes the most common sense and and you know they would recoup 13:15 13 minutes, 15 seconds the money I I feel in with more playoff games and you’ll have more playoff games with with 16 and that’s that’s what the 13:22 13 minutes, 22 seconds Big 10 says. if you go to 24 playoffs game 24 playoff teams that’ll recoup what you lose from the championship game but maybe not. 13:29 13 minutes, 29 seconds All right. Uh so later on in this hour we we will hear from Jeff Duncan of nola.com and the advocate. Yeah, he had a great article looking at uh the future 13:39 13 minutes, 39 seconds of college football and the talk of expanded playoffs. We’re also going to hear from Kent Low, sports information director for LSU men’s basketball. Uh 13:48 13 minutes, 48 seconds Will Wade obviously has been in the news here uh as he has received a lot of commitments from some older players. Uh we’ll get Kent’s perspective on that. 13:57 13 minutes, 57 seconds And as I mentioned uh we’ll hear from Brandon Marcelo from CBS Sports as he’ll give us a report on what was an 14:05 14 minutes, 5 seconds interesting first day of the SEC spring meetings. We heard from a lot of big-time coaches including Lane Kein, Kirby Smart, Mike Elco, all of them 14:13 14 minutes, 13 seconds giving their thoughts on the future of college football and a potential 2014 playoff. So stay tuned. We have more 14:20 14 minutes, 20 seconds coming up from the Goodwood Public Library, part of the East Baton Rouge Library system. As joining us coming up after the break, we will talk to an 14:29 14 minutes, 29 seconds individual with someone with the library. So more coming up here on Tiger Egg Radio. Cumins is known for their commitment to quality, performance, and 14:37 14 minutes, 37 seconds products that are built to last. They make it their business to understand their customers priorities and partner in their success. Cummins has the 14:44 14 minutes, 44 seconds technical expertise and experience to deliver fast, highquality repairs using genuine parts. And by calling 1800 Cummins, you have access to one of the 14:53 14 minutes, 53 seconds largest and most capable sales, service, and support organizations in the industry 247. For more information on Cummins products, service or support, call 1800 Cummins. 15:04 15 minutes, 4 seconds I’m Richard Fontner, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. My brother and I grow rice, soybeans, and raised crawfish on our farm in Evangeline Parish. For a fourth 15:12 15 minutes, 12 seconds generation farmer like myself, Louisiana Farm Bureau is as much a part of my life as checking traps or harvesting rice. 15:19 15 minutes, 19 seconds Our organization is more than 145,000 members strong, and we’ve been around for more than 100 years. The Louisiana Farm Bureau spans generations and we want you to join our family. 15:28 15 minutes, 28 seconds Visit lafarmbureau.org. 15:30 15 minutes, 30 seconds The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. 15:34 15 minutes, 34 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is back on the air live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 15:41 15 minutes, 41 seconds Super Chevy Dealer Studios on the road tonight as we are at the main library of the East Baton Rouge Library System on 15:50 15 minutes, 50 seconds Goodwood Boulevard. And joining us now, he’s been on our show before here from the East Baton Rouge Parish Library 15:57 15 minutes, 57 seconds System. That’s Brandon Riley. Brandon, how you doing? Hey Jeff, how’s it going? I’m I’m great. Happy to be here. 16:03 16 minutes, 3 seconds It’s always good seeing you and good hearing your voice. Uh today you’re talking about the uh summer reading program. We are officially in summer. I 16:11 16 minutes, 11 seconds know the calendar still says spring, but let’s face it, school is out. We just got past Memorial Day weekend. Uh starting to get hot out there. tell us 16:19 16 minutes, 19 seconds what the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System has to offer when it comes to summer reading programs. 16:26 16 minutes, 26 seconds Well, every year we do a theme. This year’s theme is sort of related to nature. So, it’s plant a seed and read. 16:33 16 minutes, 33 seconds So, I’m in charge of the adult portion of this. And uh we’re kind of doing the same thing we did last year, which is you get a bingo card, you read three 16:41 16 minutes, 41 seconds books, uh you get incentives, you get a chance to to sign up for some drawings we have at the end of the summer. Um, you get a nice tote bag. Yeah. 16:50 16 minutes, 50 seconds And then we have various challenges uh like we’re continuing our lender challenge from last year, which is if you visit every all 15 locations in a 16:59 16 minutes, 59 seconds day or across the summer, you get a special certificate. And we’re uh we’re bringing in a new challenge this year called the Barrower Challenge. It’s 17:06 17 minutes, 6 seconds named after uh the first library card that we have on record for the system, a person whose last name was Barrow. This one you read 26 books by the end of the 17:15 17 minutes, 15 seconds year. you get uh you become a a barrower and so you can be you can both a linder and a barrower be 17:22 17 minutes, 22 seconds wow that’s great that’s terrible but it’s a lot of fun uh thousands of adults participate every year in our 17:30 17 minutes, 30 seconds summer reading uh adult summer reading challenge and we hope this year that we put up even bigger numbers tell us why so many adults get involved 17:37 17 minutes, 37 seconds in this what what kind of feedback do you hear from them well people in uh East Baton Rouge Parish they love to read um they love to 17:45 17 minutes, 45 seconds engage with the library. Uh because it’s not just reading, you can also participate by going to our events. Uh you can go online and use our electronic 17:53 17 minutes, 53 seconds databases and uh for whatever you need to. We count all those things. So uh people are very engaged with the library. Uh they like uh engaging with 18:02 18 minutes, 2 seconds the community and we’re going to have a lot of events uh that sort of bring people together to sort of um you know just experience the summer together as a community. 18:11 18 minutes, 11 seconds Yeah, no doubt about it. What are the type of books that most adults are reading? Or is that even a Is that an easy question to answer? 18:19 18 minutes, 19 seconds Well, I I I try not to look at what people are reading. I I believe in privacy, you know, that sort of thing. 18:25 18 minutes, 25 seconds But people love fiction in East Baton Rouge Parish. They also love history. Uh we’ve got a lot of people that check out a whole lot of history books, whole lot 18:33 18 minutes, 33 seconds of fiction. So, uh but all kinds of readers in East Baton Rouge, uh reading all kinds of different uh genres. Are 18:40 18 minutes, 40 seconds there any particular books this summer that seem to be more popular than others? I mean, I I would imagine you got multiple multiple copies of certain books. 18:49 18 minutes, 49 seconds Oh, you got the wrong guy up here for that question. I look at the programming stuff. Uh but in terms of what’s being 18:56 18 minutes, 56 seconds read, all the all the all the usual suspects, you know, James Pattersons and the But yeah, so I would have to look 19:05 19 minutes, 5 seconds into that. Come back. I’ll circle back as they say. Yes. Uh so tell us again how you can get involved uh if you if 19:13 19 minutes, 13 seconds you want to get involved and then get uh you know the the certain uh prizes or rewards uh that you may get for reading uh so many books. 19:22 19 minutes, 22 seconds Right. Right. So just uh signing up you get an incentive. It can be anything a pin, a a USB cord, something like that. 19:29 19 minutes, 29 seconds Uh you read three books. Um you finish it, you get the tote bag and you get the drawings for the end of the year um incentive drawings that we have. Um, to 19:38 19 minutes, 38 seconds sign up, you can either go to our website and go to Beanstack or just follow the the links for adult summer 19:45 19 minutes, 45 seconds reading, or you can go in person to a library, any of our 15 locations, talk to somebody at the circulation desk, and 19:52 19 minutes, 52 seconds they’ll set up your Beanstack account for you, and that’ll help you track your reading throughout the summer. And if, again, if you don’t want people to know what you’re reading, you can do it all 20:00 20 minutes on paper. We have a neat little bingo card with some nice graphics on it that we hand out to folks, and you can track your reading there. And all it takes is getting reading three books, right? 20:09 20 minutes, 9 seconds Just three books. And you get the tote bag. 20:11 20 minutes, 11 seconds And you get the tote bag. It’s very patriotic this year, too. Red, white, and blue. 20:15 20 minutes, 15 seconds Oh, that’s perfect. And I would imagine there’s some that surpass that that three number. 20:21 20 minutes, 21 seconds Oh, yes. Yes. Every year we have a couple people that make it into the hundreds across the summer. I guess all they’re doing is reading. 20:29 20 minutes, 29 seconds This weekend would have been a great weekend with all the rain, right? There wasn’t much to do outside. 20:35 20 minutes, 35 seconds So yeah. All right. Well, that’s that’s a terrific is this, you know, obviously there’s a lot of um programs that are 20:42 20 minutes, 42 seconds catered around kids or maybe kind of a specific uh interest levels, but this is just very general. I would imagine this 20:49 20 minutes, 49 seconds is one of the bigger programs that you have or has the most participation. 20:54 20 minutes, 54 seconds Absolutely. Yeah. Uh, like I said, every year, uh, at least 200 um, I’m sorry, 250,000. 21:00 21 minutes At least, uh, 2,00 2,500 people sign up and and complete the challenge, and way more sign up and never complete. So, yeah. All right. 21:09 21 minutes, 9 seconds A lot a lot of interest. 21:10 21 minutes, 10 seconds All right, Brandon, I appreciate it, man. Thanks a lot for stopping by. 21:13 21 minutes, 13 seconds Always good seeing you, as I mentioned earlier. And again, it’s the summer reading program. And give me that website address again. It’s ebrpl.com. 21:21 21 minutes, 21 seconds All right, that’s pretty easy to remember. All right. So, if you’re looking to get involved in summer reading, don’t necessarily want to, I don’t know, buy a few books, you can always come out here. 21:30 21 minutes, 30 seconds Yeah. Don’t buy books. Come check them out here. We’ll save you a lot of money that way. 21:35 21 minutes, 35 seconds Exactly. Exactly. And you can get a a free tote bag if uh you read three of them. Thanks a lot for your time tonight, Brandon. Absolutely. 21:41 21 minutes, 41 seconds All right. Brandon Riley with the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System. We’ll take a break. We’ll get back into the football talk. One of the more knowledgeable people when it comes to 21:50 21 minutes, 50 seconds Louisiana sports will join us when we come back. That’s Jeff Duncan had a terrific article a few days ago looking at looking at the uh college football 21:58 21 minutes, 58 seconds playoffs and how it compares to the NFL and so forth. So Jeff Duncan from nola.com and the advocate. He will be joining us here shortly on Tiger Rag 22:07 22 minutes, 7 seconds Radio from the Super Chevy dealer studio tonight broadcasting from the main library of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System on Goodwood Boulevard. 22:14 22 minutes, 14 seconds We’ll be back after this here on Tiger Rag. 22:16 22 minutes, 16 seconds I’m Richard Fno, president of the Louisiana Form Bureau Federation. For more than 100 years, Louisiana Farm Bureau has been the voice of Louisiana agriculture. Louisiana Farm Bureau 22:25 22 minutes, 25 seconds advocates on behalf of all the farmers and ranchers across our great state. 22:28 22 minutes, 28 seconds What that really means is we advocate for you to ensure we have the safest, most abundant, and affordable food supply in the world. Louisiana Farm 22:36 22 minutes, 36 seconds Bureau is 145,000 members strong, and we want you to join the Louisiana Farm Bureau family. 22:41 22 minutes, 41 seconds Visit lafarmbureau.org. The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. Chevy trucks have you covered when the road takes you from 22:49 22 minutes, 49 seconds smooth sailing to Chevy Colorado will eat up some of the toughest terrains with five available drive modes. And Silverado and Silverado HD have the 22:57 22 minutes, 57 seconds muscle to take you out for some serious with multiple engine options and impressive towing. While Silverado EV is the perfect combo of performance and 23:06 23 minutes, 6 seconds capability, making it a snap to hitch up this electric truck and hit the road. 23:10 23 minutes, 10 seconds Wherever the road leads, Chevy trucks are right there with you. See your Super Chevy dealers today. 23:17 23 minutes, 17 seconds Live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio, we’re back to Tiger Rag Radio. 23:26 23 minutes, 26 seconds Back here on Tiger Rag Radio, Jeff Polmo, along with the executive editor for Tiger Rag Magazine, Todd Horn, and the editor, Glenn Gilbo, Super Chevy 23:35 23 minutes, 35 seconds dealer studio on the road tonight as we are at the East Baton Rouge Parish Main Library on Goodwood Boulevard. Let’s bring in our first guest of the night 23:44 23 minutes, 44 seconds and that would be Jeff Duncan from nola.com and the advocate. Jeff, thanks a lot for joining us tonight. How you doing? 23:52 23 minutes, 52 seconds Doing great guys. Glad to be on. Thanks for having me. 23:55 23 minutes, 55 seconds Well, it’s great to have you on. and you had a very interesting article and obviously you do a lot of uh covering of uh the NFL and you’ve seen how that 24:04 24 minutes, 4 seconds league has grown here and you’ve also obviously covered college athletics and you got a book that’s looking at that as well. Maybe we’ll get into that topic as 24:12 24 minutes, 12 seconds well. But your thoughts on the talk of expanding the college football playoff to 24 teams and how dangerous that could be for the future of college football. 24:24 24 minutes, 24 seconds Well, I’ll be honest with you, Jeeoff. I’m kind of a proponent of expanding it. 24:29 24 minutes, 29 seconds I I’m not sure I’m ready to see it go to 24. I’d certainly be willing to listen to some of the arguments for it, but I 24:38 24 minutes, 38 seconds definitely think uh going to 16 teams is a perfect kind of compromise between uh 24:45 24 minutes, 45 seconds where they’re at now and where some of the other proposals have been. You know, I I started out in Louisiana, uh, up in 24:52 24 minutes, 52 seconds North Louisiana and Monroe covering, uh, you know, it was back then it was Northeast Louisiana, Gramling, uh, 25:00 25 minutes Louisiana Tech at one time had been onea, you know, they’ve had a 16 team playoff for decades and it’s worked just 25:07 25 minutes, 7 seconds fine. All the lower levels have always had 16 team playoffs. Uh, they’ve managed to do it. they have classes to 25:14 25 minutes, 14 seconds go to and you know things to negotiate the same way and I realize the bowl system makes it a little bit different 25:21 25 minutes, 21 seconds for uh you know the highest level of college sports but I think we’re able we’re able to see that we can merge 25:29 25 minutes, 29 seconds those two agendas incorporate the bowls the way the Sugar Bowl has been incorporated in the college football playoff and make it work and I really 25:37 25 minutes, 37 seconds think that’s going to end up being the solution long term look I think the driver of all this as we all know is money, right? and it’s going to provide 25:46 25 minutes, 46 seconds more revenue for these universities like LSU uh and and like the schools in the SEC that desperately going to need it if 25:53 25 minutes, 53 seconds we’re continuing to go on this uh just un you know it’s the Indie 500 uh with 26:00 26 minutes no guardrails and I don’t know where it’s going to stop but right now finding more revenues the only solution I hear 26:07 26 minutes, 7 seconds and I think expanding the playoff would would provide more revenue. 26:12 26 minutes, 12 seconds Hey, Jeff. This is uh this is Todd. I think what you just said about about this really being driven by money and 26:21 26 minutes, 21 seconds the fact that you’ve covered the NFL for so long and and paid so much attention to the NFL, 26:29 26 minutes, 29 seconds you know, when we start talking about money in college football or college sports, but college football specifically, I think most people start 26:37 26 minutes, 37 seconds thinking about NIL, you know, and and I don’t for for me just me looking at it right Now, it’s way more than the NIL. 26:46 26 minutes, 46 seconds It’s like what you just said. It’s like a capital era of college sports where they’re they’re just hungry for revenue. 26:53 26 minutes, 53 seconds And it’s it’s not just coming from TV now. It’s not just coming from ticket sales. It’s not just coming from sponsorship sales. It’s coming from 27:02 27 minutes, 2 seconds anywhere they can get it, including taxing districts and just a whole bevy of other areas. So, so do you think this 27:10 27 minutes, 10 seconds is really a capital era? It’s more like professional teams operating like 27:18 27 minutes, 18 seconds private franchises inside a public infrastructure. 27:22 27 minutes, 22 seconds Todd, I definitely think that’s where this is going. I think we’re already seeing in some uh universities a 27:30 27 minutes, 30 seconds branching off or restructuring of the athletic departments into basically professional sports models. Uh, you 27:38 27 minutes, 38 seconds know, I had an athletic director, actually the old athletic director of LSU, Scott Woodward, tell me he he could one day see a similar setup the way way 27:47 27 minutes, 47 seconds we see LSU, the hospital or Tain Hospital branded by the universities, but really totally separate entities 27:55 27 minutes, 55 seconds from those universities. He could see one day the athletic departments being set up in a similar way. And I think we’re already seeing that. If you look 28:02 28 minutes, 2 seconds down at South Florida right now, uh, their new AD, uh, used to be the head of the Tampa Sports Commission, really doesn’t have an academic background or 28:12 28 minutes, 12 seconds background in athletics at all at a university, but he knows how to run a sports business, and everyone in their front office now is being hired from 28:20 28 minutes, 20 seconds similar backgrounds. And South Florida is going to be run very similar, I think, to an NFL franchise. I think that the threading the needle to make that 28:29 28 minutes, 29 seconds work with the responsibilities that these universities have uh is is the you know that’s the magic formula. How do 28:37 28 minutes, 37 seconds you solve that riddle? I think everyone right now is trying to figure it out. 28:42 28 minutes, 42 seconds But I think a lot of this would be solved and I’ve read a lot recently in the news. You know, if everyone would 28:48 28 minutes, 48 seconds just kind of adhere to the rules, as you all know, when you get college athletic directors and coaches and everyone 28:56 28 minutes, 56 seconds involved, everybody’s looking for an edge and they find the edge wherever they can find it. That’s why I think my column trying to address, you know, the 29:04 29 minutes, 4 seconds NCAA was at one time in charge of college sports and it’s been taken off the rails and it’s unregulated right now. There’s no one to be the heavy. 29:13 29 minutes, 13 seconds There’s no Roger Goodell to hold everyone in line and everyone is just kind of running rampant like the Wild West. There’s no regulation involved. I 29:22 29 minutes, 22 seconds think the NCAA was trying to do it for decades and once they saw where this was going, I think they threw up their hands and said, “Hey, we’re being sued into 29:30 29 minutes, 30 seconds oblivion. You guys have at it and this is kind of where we’re at now. I’m not sure if we can solve it.” And I think that’s why everyone’s wanting Congress to get involved. 29:39 29 minutes, 39 seconds Yeah. Exactly. And that’s so so but but then the score act which was just shot down is really just a way to 29:49 29 minutes, 49 seconds establish control for the NCAA again and and almost I hate to say it this way but limit limit the compensation ability of 29:58 29 minutes, 58 seconds the of the players or am I wrong about that? No, I think I think there’s there’s a way to get to the I think the 30:05 30 minutes, 5 seconds intent of that is probably uh good, but it needs to be adjusted. You’re exactly right. I think the problem is and you 30:13 30 minutes, 13 seconds mentioned NIL, right? I think the general fan thinks NIL was going to solve the problem. And I think it was 30:20 30 minutes, 20 seconds meant, we all know what it was meant to do. It was meant to allow college athletes to earn earn compensation, be compensated for their name, image, and 30:28 30 minutes, 28 seconds likeness because they couldn’t have jobs according to the old NCAA rules. Wasn’t fair to be a college athlete, not be able to make a little money. That was 30:36 30 minutes, 36 seconds the intent of NIL. We all know that’s not what’s going on here. It’s all pay for play and and the the the revenue 30:44 30 minutes, 44 seconds share teams are using the NIL uh formula to get an edge. they’re able to pay more 30:53 30 minutes, 53 seconds above the cap, if you will, from the revenue share and that’s how they’re getting the edge on their competition and there’s no guard rails in place. 31:00 31 minutes That’s why we see, you know, the NFL there’s a salary cap, you know, that there’s something to keep everyone in line and that’s why that league has 31:08 31 minutes, 8 seconds become the Goliath. It has that it that the Dallas Cowboys have to operate under the same rules as the Green Bay Packers 31:17 31 minutes, 17 seconds and and the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants don’t have an edge over a small market New Orleans. And that’s why that league has become so popular 31:25 31 minutes, 25 seconds because everyone can compete. You don’t have uh the big brands dominating the small brands. And that’s what’s going on 31:32 31 minutes, 32 seconds in college sports right now. Everyone the bigger brands are saying, “Well, why do we want to share with the smaller brands? We what do we get out of it?” 31:40 31 minutes, 40 seconds Well, in the end, everyone will will be better if you come together as opposed to trying to branch off and self-govern. 31:47 31 minutes, 47 seconds That’s that’s fool’s gold. 31:49 31 minutes, 49 seconds Yeah. And and when you mentioned NIL especially, it it’s like NIL started out as a private to private name image and 31:58 31 minutes, 58 seconds likeness way for the players to monetize their name brand. But it wasn’t supposed to involve the universities at all or 32:04 32 minutes, 4 seconds the programs at all. Now it’s like the programs, like you say, it’s pay for play. They’re they’re in charge of it. 32:11 32 minutes, 11 seconds Our guest for another segment, it’s Jeff Duncan from nola.com and the advocate. 32:16 32 minutes, 16 seconds Hey Jeff, Glenn Gilbo here. Um, tell us about the new book you’ve uh just u been cleared to write for uh Harper Collins 32:25 32 minutes, 25 seconds about the new landscape in college athletics and based on LSU. 32:31 32 minutes, 31 seconds Yeah, Glenn, thanks. And this is kind of hot news. I was just uh able to sign that contract just last week. So, it really hasn’t been announced nationally 32:39 32 minutes, 39 seconds yet. I’m sure you’ll see some announcements coming forward, but uh Tiger Egg on it first, baby. We got it. 32:46 32 minutes, 46 seconds Breaking news. But, but look, I think I think you all all three of you all understand. I mean, this is a dynamic time in college athletics. Really 32:55 32 minutes, 55 seconds unprecedented, transformative period. And LSU is probably the epicenter of of this 33:03 33 minutes, 3 seconds transformation. What we’ve seen happen in the last 6 months at LSU, uh the turnover in the athletic department, uh 33:11 33 minutes, 11 seconds the all-in approach that the university is taking, I think is fascinating. Uh and I think it’s one of the more compelling stories that I’ve come across 33:20 33 minutes, 20 seconds in by now 20 uh really 30 years of covering sports in Louisiana. U with the characters involved. I think we all know Lane Keifin, now Will Wade’s in the mix. 33:32 33 minutes, 32 seconds Uh the fact that Burge Osberry has been promoted to the AD. There’s just so many fascinating uh threads in this story. 33:42 33 minutes, 42 seconds And I think what LSU is doing in many ways is at the forefront of this changing landscape of college athletics. 33:49 33 minutes, 49 seconds And Harper Collins, the the publisher, uh reached out to me and basically said, “Hey, you know, we think there’s a great 33:56 33 minutes, 56 seconds story in Louisiana and particularly at LSU and uh we think you’re the guy to tell it. I was very honored and very 34:04 34 minutes, 4 seconds excited about the opportunity to tell that story. I think it’s going to be a fascinating next year. I’m going to basically follow the athletic program 34:10 34 minutes, 10 seconds for the next uh athletic season and just write about it through the prism of this changing landscape of college athletics. 34:18 34 minutes, 18 seconds That that’s interesting. What Jeeoff, what do what do you think, and I agree with you, but what what do you think it is about LSU that makes it like the 34:26 34 minutes, 26 seconds epicenter or the the the microcosm of of this transitional transformational change? 34:34 34 minutes, 34 seconds Well, Todd, we we’ve just been talking about it, right? I mean, right, it’s about money, right? I mean, pretty clearly LSU is throwing a lot of money 34:42 34 minutes, 42 seconds at its athletic program. I think the impetus behind the changes at the football program and the basketball program were to increase revenue, right? 34:52 34 minutes, 52 seconds I think LSU is seen as a Fortune 500 company in this state. And I think the governor sees that. We all know Jeff 34:59 34 minutes, 59 seconds Landry, a big part of his agenda and his tenure so far has been bringing business to the state. I think he knows LSU 35:07 35 minutes, 7 seconds athletics is good for business in Louisiana and it needs to be successful and I think they understand that it is a 35:15 35 minutes, 15 seconds business now and and Verge Osbury will tell you it’s no longer the days of of you know and these were great ads in 35:22 35 minutes, 22 seconds their time but Joe Dean and Skip Bertman former coaches that moved into athletic director share that’s that’s an another 35:31 35 minutes, 31 seconds era a bygone era today it’s all about revenue generation and LSU is the most compelling storyline there. But I don’t 35:39 35 minutes, 39 seconds think they’re alone. My my alma moater, University of Louisville, has come out and said they’re losing money and they’re still pouring money into their 35:47 35 minutes, 47 seconds athletic department because they see this like a lot of schools as a game of musical chairs and they want to have a 35:55 35 minutes, 55 seconds seat at the table at the end. I think everybody does. And to do that, you’ve got to be successful. So you got to invest now and and let the chips fall 36:03 36 minutes, 3 seconds where they may. And obviously LSU is making a big bet a a you know what would we call a nine figure bet on their 36:12 36 minutes, 12 seconds athletic program right now. And I think the governor is involved in that bet as well. And it’s just going to be fascinating to see if the gamble pays 36:19 36 minutes, 19 seconds off. I think everyone in the nation is going to be following LSU athletics in these storylines. Well, how do how do they balance the fact that that they’re 36:27 36 minutes, 27 seconds a public university operating with public money and in some cases and more apparent cases moving 36:36 36 minutes, 36 seconds forward tax money, not just public money, but with being having to report that because 36:43 36 minutes, 43 seconds they’re they’re trying to get more shielding and more privacy around that that how are they going to do that? Well, I I think we’re seeing right now. 36:51 36 minutes, 51 seconds They’re going to basically strongarm the legislature into following what they want. I mean, they that’s what we’re seeing happening. I certainly do not 36:59 36 minutes, 59 seconds condone that. I think that anytime you’re involved with public money, taxpayer dollars, there needs to be transparency. If you read the the report 37:08 37 minutes, 8 seconds South Florida just put out, uh, and I encourage everyone to read that, their athletic director is saying the exact opposite. He realizes they’re going to 37:16 37 minutes, 16 seconds be asking for more and that they’re going to be uh out in the community doing more, expecting more donations. 37:23 37 minutes, 23 seconds And he said to do that, we need to be more transparent than ever. And I feel like LSU is doing the exact opposite. 37:30 37 minutes, 30 seconds And I certainly think that’s wrongheaded, especially for the taxpayers of our state. We all know the state struggles uh you know, 37:39 37 minutes, 39 seconds economically, financially. Uh, I think in when you’re asking this much for taxpayers, you need to be transparent. 37:46 37 minutes, 46 seconds Hopefully that doesn’t get pushed through, but doesn’t look good right now. 37:50 37 minutes, 50 seconds LSU and transparency have never really matched well. But it’s a good thing for LSU that there’s no other school in the 37:58 37 minutes, 58 seconds state that they really have to compete with when they go strong on the legislature. Like imagine these other states with three and four big time schools. 38:06 38 minutes, 6 seconds It’s the history at the capital though. 38:08 38 minutes, 8 seconds If someone from LSU shows up, uh, usually they get what they want, right? 38:12 38 minutes, 12 seconds I mean, these lawmakers, they all get tickets to football games when they grad when they when they go play in the SEC championship game, all the lawmakers get a ticket. 38:22 38 minutes, 22 seconds That’s because LSU in Louisiana is not just football. It’s a religion. It’s It is. 38:30 38 minutes, 30 seconds No, you’re right. 38:31 38 minutes, 31 seconds Is No, you’re right. And I tell you, we all saw we all saw right after the LSU women 38:39 38 minutes, 39 seconds won the national championship and Kim Moy went to the legislature and say, “Hey, we need a new arena.” Which I agree with her. I mean, yes, 38:46 38 minutes, 46 seconds LSU’s the PMAC, I loved it for years, but it’s outdated. But the legislators fell all over themselves, but still no arena for some reason. 38:57 38 minutes, 57 seconds There’s a lot of reasons, but there’s some plans, but you know, it always takes a long time. Hey Jeff, thanks a lot for your time. Meanwhile, the Oh, go ahead. Meanwhile, the library is leaking. 39:05 39 minutes, 5 seconds That’s all I got. 39:07 39 minutes, 7 seconds And there’s And even Wade Roose said the other day, we’re still looking for funding for this library even though they announced it like a year ago, I think it was. Hey, we’re building a new 39:15 39 minutes, 15 seconds library, but yet they don’t have the money for it yet. So, anyways, all about priorities, guys. Priorities. 39:22 39 minutes, 22 seconds Hey, Jeeoff, thanks a lot for uh making it a priority for you to be on our show tonight. We really appreciate it. Anytime, guys. Thanks for having me. 39:29 39 minutes, 29 seconds Look forward to talking to you more in the future. 39:31 39 minutes, 31 seconds Yeah, no doubt about it. interesting book that Jeff Duncan is putting together from nola.com and the advocate. 39:36 39 minutes, 36 seconds We’ll take a break. When we come back, we’re going to talk to Darcy from the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System. 39:41 39 minutes, 41 seconds So stay tuned for that here on Tiger Rag Radio. 39:45 39 minutes, 45 seconds Get growing and reading. It’s May, the perfect time to fall in love with books. 39:50 39 minutes, 50 seconds The East Baton Rouge Parish Library invites you to plant a seed and read from June 1st through August 18th. Visit 39:57 39 minutes, 57 seconds your nearby library for exciting events, fun reading incentives, and family-friendly programs designed to inspire readers of all ages. To learn 40:06 40 minutes, 6 seconds more about all the fun reading can bring, visit ebrpl.com. How you doing? This is Snoop Dog. 40:15 40 minutes, 15 seconds Tiger Rag. Tiger Rag Radio. 40:18 40 minutes, 18 seconds Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, you are tuned in. 40:21 40 minutes, 21 seconds Talk LSU sports interviews, opinions, and new calls around the Tiger Nation. 40:26 40 minutes, 26 seconds Bon Rose was a life for me home with LSU Tigers. 40:28 40 minutes, 28 seconds Now more Tiger Rag Radio to score and get highlights in the championship and play to win. Tiger Rag Radio. 40:35 40 minutes, 35 seconds Back here on Tiger Rag Radio. Jeff Polalmo along with Darcy Roar from the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System 40:42 40 minutes, 42 seconds as we are broadcasting from the Super Chevy dealers studios which are mobile tonight as we are at the Goodwood Library, the main library for the East 40:51 40 minutes, 51 seconds Baton Rouge Parish system. And Darcy has been with the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System for 12 years, right? Is that what you told me? 40:58 40 minutes, 58 seconds That’s correct. It’s been 12 years. 41:00 41 minutes Yeah. So, you’re a longtimer and you’ve been involved in teen summer or teen programs for about the last decade. And 41:08 41 minutes, 8 seconds of course, with summer rolling around, that means we have some teen summer reading programs. And tell us uh what what are you doing? What are you doing 41:16 41 minutes, 16 seconds this year for teens to uh make sure they uh keep their nose in a book this summer? 41:21 41 minutes, 21 seconds We’re doing tons. So, we’re just about to kick off the summer reading program. 41:26 41 minutes, 26 seconds Um, so this year, teens, if they read at least three books, they can get involved with our um basic summer incentives. But the real thing for teens is we like to 41:34 41 minutes, 34 seconds do these raffle tickets. So, for every three books that they read and log with us, uh, they can enter to win a one of our weekly raffle prizes and then we try 41:43 41 minutes, 43 seconds and match them with something extra cool that we have from our like closet of prizes that we always get together. 41:48 41 minutes, 48 seconds Oh, that’s cool. That is cool. So tell us how uh the teens can get involved and what it takes to potentially win some of these prizes. 41:56 41 minutes, 56 seconds Yeah, so they need to be uh registered for summer reading with us. So they can either do that at any of our locations. 42:01 42 minutes, 1 second They can come to the teen desk and get signed up or they can do it on their own if they want. They can go to ebrpl.beanstack.org uh and sign up online and then log their 42:10 42 minutes, 10 seconds own books entirely without even stepping in. At least not yet. They have do have to come see us for prizes. 42:15 42 minutes, 15 seconds Okay. All right. So, and so I was asking these kind of questions to Brandon, and he he wasn’t going to uh look behind the curtain, but give us an idea what teens 42:24 42 minutes, 24 seconds are reading. I asked him about what adults are reading nowadays, and he’s saying a lot of fiction and history, but for teens, what are they uh what are they uh really interested in right now? 42:33 42 minutes, 33 seconds They read all over the board, but they’re still really into the Percy Jackson series. Okay. 42:37 42 minutes, 37 seconds Still a huge popular thing. And they really like their spooky books. We get a lot of Five Nights at Freddy’s. 42:42 42 minutes, 42 seconds Yeah. um and a lot of the other kind of creepy horror books, right? How has or how have you seen or or how does the East Baton Rouge Parish 42:51 42 minutes, 51 seconds Library battle with obviously it’s just for a lot teens it’s just a lot more fun to have the iPad or I don’t even know if 42:58 42 minutes, 58 seconds teens are looking at iPads anymore their phone obviously or you know doing all that and instead of actually picking up a physical book and reading it 43:06 43 minutes, 6 seconds we just like to give them as many options as we can so we have a ton of graphic novels and we do see a lot of kids coming in and teens coming in just for those they want to read you know it 43:15 43 minutes, 15 seconds may be more similar to what they’re seeing on their iPad, but they still are interested in reading and excited about it. As long as they get to pick, that’s really what we see a lot of. 43:22 43 minutes, 22 seconds Yeah. Yeah. And and what’s the participation so far this year or what have you normally had? 43:27 43 minutes, 27 seconds We’ve had a lot of participation, so it’s been um pretty high. We we’re not quite started yet, so we don’t know how many we’ll have. 43:34 43 minutes, 34 seconds Um but we’ve had quite a few, you know, at least 500 participants that have gotten their prizes in the past years and then more that, you know, maybe haven’t gotten to come visit us yet. 43:42 43 minutes, 42 seconds Yeah. Okay. All right. And it’s what? 43:44 43 minutes, 44 seconds Just three books, right? just three books. And if they keep reading three books, then they can go on and on. And a man, we have a our top reader prize for the the teen who reads and logs the most 43:52 43 minutes, 52 seconds books um is a big gift certificate to Barnes & Noble, so they can keep getting books. But those the competition for that is steep. Those kids are intense every year. It’s great. 44:02 44 minutes, 2 seconds Yeah. Well, uh thank you very much, Darcy, for stopping by. We appreciate it. Again, if uh you know a teenager or you are a teenager listening and you 44:10 44 minutes, 10 seconds want to get involved in the teen summer pro reading program, how do you do that? 44:14 44 minutes, 14 seconds You can come visit us at any of our locations. We would love to see you and we’d love for you to come to our like event programs too. Um or you can always go to our website ebrpl.com. 44:23 44 minutes, 23 seconds Darcy, thanks for stopping by. Appreciate it. Thank you. It’s been great. 44:26 44 minutes, 26 seconds All right, let’s take our top of the hour break. More of Tiger Rag Radio after this from the Super Chevy dealer studio. Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. 44:32 44 minutes, 32 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is on the air. Let’s crank this thing up. 44:36 44 minutes, 36 seconds We’re statewide breaking down the latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is up. 44:41 44 minutes, 41 seconds Hear from the coaches. Our time is now with LSU basketball. 44:45 44 minutes, 45 seconds The players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 44:48 44 minutes, 48 seconds One way or another, we’re going to make history. 44:49 44 minutes, 49 seconds And those who cover the Fighting Tigers of LSU and the SEC. 44:54 44 minutes, 54 seconds LSU is the best job in it’s 2 hours of non-stop LSU talk. 44:58 44 minutes, 58 seconds I came here to win. We’re going to win a media. 45:00 45 minutes Tiger Rag Radio is brought to you by Cumins. Cumins creates power solutions that the world depends on. Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro’s 45:09 45 minutes, 9 seconds Electrical Services, Sunshine Quality Solutions, Super Chevy Dealers, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 45:19 45 minutes, 19 seconds Get ready to talk Tigers with producer Andre Shampine, and our hosts Todd Horn, Jeff Polmo, and Glenn Gilbo. 45:28 45 minutes, 28 seconds Two great players that are better people than they are players. This is Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 45:38 45 minutes, 38 seconds Robin Dao is our producer tonight. Jeff Polmo along with Todd Horn and Gwen Gilbo of Tiger Rag as we are broadcasting from the East Baton Rouge 45:47 45 minutes, 47 seconds Parish main library on Goodwood Boulevard. The Super Chevy dealer studio on the road tonight. Spoke with a couple 45:55 45 minutes, 55 seconds of folks from the library already and we still have one more guest to come in about 20 minutes. But, uh, let’s bring 46:02 46 minutes, 2 seconds in our next guest, and he is the sports information director for the LSU men’s basketball team, who will have to be 46:10 46 minutes, 10 seconds working on some really good pronunciation guides in the uh, in the game in the game notes coming up in the 46:17 46 minutes, 17 seconds 2026 27 season. Kent Low joining us here on Tiger Rag Radio. Kent, how you doing? 46:24 46 minutes, 24 seconds Don’t y’all have to keep your voices down if you’re in the library? That’s a good question, Ken. 46:30 46 minutes, 30 seconds We’re we’re we’re in a lobby where they let you talk freely. They’re right outside the the library. 46:36 46 minutes, 36 seconds We’re at free speech alley over here. Uh Ken, no, no one has come up and said, “Sh, that’s but that’s an excellent point, Kent. 46:44 46 minutes, 44 seconds I’m I’m just glad I got my time zones correct because I’m out in California at the NCA Golf Championships where it’s 46:52 46 minutes, 52 seconds just after five o’lock.” All right. 46:55 46 minutes, 55 seconds Yeah. I I I remember adjusting to that all the time myself. 46:59 46 minutes, 59 seconds Well Well, Kent, you’ve been in Carl’s bad for the uh the NCA championships for the for the women’s team and LSU’s women’s team did did very well and then 47:07 47 minutes, 7 seconds you’re staying over for the for the men’s team. So, you’re going to be there longer than Frank is in the typical Omaha summer, right? 47:14 47 minutes, 14 seconds I’ll be paying taxes here in California before this is over. Uh Well, you you’ll be broke. You’ll be broke. 47:22 47 minutes, 22 seconds Yeah. No kidding. No kidding. 47:25 47 minutes, 25 seconds You haven’t been asked to evacuate for any particular reason, have you? No. No. I was very calm here. 47:33 47 minutes, 33 seconds Okay. All right. Lot of good golf. That’s the main thing. Beautiful course. My goodness. Well, we we want to talk about the golf. 47:40 47 minutes, 40 seconds We want to talk about the women and we want to talk about the men’s upcoming chances. But Jeff was talking about the pronunciation of the soon maybe to be announced roster for men’s basketball. 47:53 47 minutes, 53 seconds I’m also concerned about their age. I mean, are you going to have to have some type of geriatric uh 48:01 48 minutes, 1 second they’re all Well, you you never know. I know I I think it’ll all shake itself out and 48:09 48 minutes, 9 seconds figure itself out in the next several weeks. But uh you know, we’ll we’ll we’ll go and learn and if we have to put 48:18 48 minutes, 18 seconds uh someone next to him like uh other sports do, we’ll put an interpreter up there. 48:24 48 minutes, 24 seconds There you go. Yeah. Well, well, Kent, when you’re when you’re dealing with transfer portal guys that come in from other colleges in the United States, 48:32 48 minutes, 32 seconds like what is the difference when and you know, uh, Coach McMahon had a uh, player from overseas last year, the guard, like 48:40 48 minutes, 40 seconds what what different uh, hoops do you have to go through or does do the coaches have to go through before they can, you know, get all their papers in 48:48 48 minutes, 48 seconds and everything? Is it is it a little more cumbersome is what I’m asking. 48:52 48 minutes, 52 seconds I’m sure it is, Glenn, but I can’t give you any specifics on that because I just 48:58 48 minutes, 58 seconds really don’t know that. Um, I’m sure there’s paperwork cuz I mean I’m sure any international student coming in, 49:07 49 minutes, 7 seconds even if it’s just a general student population, I’m sure there are more forms and papers and things that have to be filled out and uh things like that. 49:18 49 minutes, 18 seconds But honestly, I can’t really even tell you where that all begins. I assume it involves compliance. I assume it 49:26 49 minutes, 26 seconds involves admissions, probably the academic center. I’m not I just really don’t know. That’s a question I’ve never 49:34 49 minutes, 34 seconds really, you know, thought of or had to deal with to be honest with you. Well, Kim, when do you think I I know 49:41 49 minutes, 41 seconds officially LSU hasn’t announced any uh signes for the basketball program or any 49:49 49 minutes, 49 seconds commitments, but when do you think we’ll see a roster begin to materialize officially? I would 49:57 49 minutes, 57 seconds think uh it’s going to kind of be like baseball has done in past years where 50:04 50 minutes, 4 seconds maybe we’ll get everybody and then you know maybe we’ll have a press conference or something and will present the roster 50:12 50 minutes, 12 seconds you know to everyone. I don’t really have any specifics on that cuz obviously 50:18 50 minutes, 18 seconds I’m on one coast, Wills and Destin at SEC meetings and I’ve been out here uh 50:26 50 minutes, 26 seconds uh I have been out here a week and so I really haven’t had a chance to talk with him because in most of this month I’ve 50:33 50 minutes, 33 seconds been traveling with golf teams. So, I have to admit I have been a little away from the campus and the subject for for 50:42 50 minutes, 42 seconds most of this uh middle part of May and end of May. 50:46 50 minutes, 46 seconds Speaking of golf, uh the women’s team had a really strong showing. Uh didn’t didn’t make the the I guess the NCAA 50:55 50 minutes, 55 seconds finals round, but got pretty close. And then there was an exceptional effort by one particular golfer. 51:03 51 minutes, 3 seconds Yeah. Taylor Riley. Uh, LSU missed the 15 cut, which is the first cut after 54 51:10 51 minutes, 10 seconds holes by one shot. And you know, as I wrote, um, Garrett has said several 51:17 51 minutes, 17 seconds times leading into this tournament, it always comes down to one or two shots. 51:22 51 minutes, 22 seconds Last year, they were on the right side of the cut. This year, the left the wrong side of the cut. And you could 51:30 51 minutes, 30 seconds find anywhere in 54 holes where there’s another stroke that could have been made up. Taylor Riley, what happens is they 51:39 51 minutes, 39 seconds take nine players from the 15 teams that missed the cut and they play for the individual title as well on Monday. 51:48 51 minutes, 48 seconds Taylor was in a tie for the final spot and it turned into a fivehole playoff 51:54 51 minutes, 54 seconds that ended well after dark for the four first four holes Sunday night and then they came back on Monday morning and 52:02 52 minutes, 2 seconds Taylor parred the uh par4 17th to get her into the final round Monday afternoon. Finished two over finished 52:12 52 minutes, 12 seconds 30th in a field of 156. That’s pretty good. but it’s her final college tournament. Her mother played at LSU. 52:20 52 minutes, 20 seconds They’re from San Diego, so she had a lot of friends out watching. 52:25 52 minutes, 25 seconds Well, Kent, the the men’s uh start uh Friday. What What do you think of their chances going in? 52:31 52 minutes, 31 seconds Well, they’re the seventh seed. They’re in what I call the good wave. They’ll play with the top 15 seeds late Friday 52:40 52 minutes, 40 seconds afternoon central time, then play Saturday morning in the first two rounds. That’s uh really an advantage on 52:48 52 minutes, 48 seconds on this course. It’s really a shot makers course. Second shot’s important being on the right side of the green. I think they’ve got a really good chance. 53:00 53 minutes two Louisiana guys, Noah McWills from up in Northwest Louisiana, Jay Mandel from 53:06 53 minutes, 6 seconds Lafayette area who’s well known over there, uh, lead this team, and and three other really good players, including a 53:14 53 minutes, 14 seconds freshman who’s kind of overlooked, Dan Hayes, who’s really solid. I think they’ve got a great chance to possibly 53:22 53 minutes, 22 seconds go into match play in this thing, which is the uh cut to eight after Monday, next Monday’s play. I think they’ve got 53:31 53 minutes, 31 seconds a shot at it. This is a pretty solid team. They’ve had a really good consistent year. 53:37 53 minutes, 37 seconds And you mentioned the the women’s coach, Garrett Ren, and the men’s coach is uh is Jake Amos. I mean, both of those coaches 53:44 53 minutes, 44 seconds is is are really uh both of those teams have been improving in the in the last few years, and they’ve uh those both of those coaches are pretty uh they haven’t 53:53 53 minutes, 53 seconds been at LSU long, and they’ve both had a major impact. 53:56 53 minutes, 56 seconds Garrett is of course played at LSU, was an assistant on the men’s team that won the national championship in 2015. 54:06 54 minutes, 6 seconds He’s taken LSU the last six years, which is a school record, to this national 54:13 54 minutes, 13 seconds championship tournament. Jake Amos, who took East Tennessee four times to this 54:19 54 minutes, 19 seconds event, back with LSU this year. He’s excited. This team’s ready to go and and 54:26 54 minutes, 26 seconds I think uh if they get off to a good start on Friday, watch out. They could be a tough out here by the time it gets to next week. 54:37 54 minutes, 37 seconds Ken, for for listeners who may not know, because golf isn’t like football or baseball or basketball. Sure. 54:45 54 minutes, 45 seconds But it it has a gravity of its own, a strong following of its own. Can you sort of describe that what that’s like? 54:52 54 minutes, 52 seconds Yeah. I mean it and it’s been really cool especially Memorial Day out here to see the number of kids that parents 55:01 55 minutes, 1 second brought out here and watch the girls stop and sign autographs and all. Uh there’s a large following and they’ve 55:09 55 minutes, 9 seconds kind of this year asked people to follow the players in the fairway which gives 55:15 55 minutes, 15 seconds it a better look on TV and all but uh it’s a fun sport. It really is. And I’ve watched these girls and the guys for a 55:24 55 minutes, 24 seconds number of years and the golf is pretty amazing. I mean, it is really really high quality players from all over the 55:33 55 minutes, 33 seconds world playing college golf for for these colleges. 55:37 55 minutes, 37 seconds And LSU’s had its share of uh former players that have made it to the pros uh to the PGA and I guess the LPGA. 55:47 55 minutes, 47 seconds Sure. Yeah. Ingred Lind Ingred Lindblad of course is the most notable from two years ago who has already won. She won 55:56 55 minutes, 56 seconds every player of the year award in 24 uh from Sweden. She won on the LPGA as a 56:02 56 minutes, 2 seconds rookie. Maline Sagstrom who was back in the 215 era is was really great. Carla 56:09 56 minutes, 9 seconds Tahedo uh Rosio’s sister who plays on this year’s team is on the LPGA tour. of 56:16 56 minutes, 16 seconds course Sam Burns, David Toms on the men’s tour. So, yeah, there’s some LSU 56:23 56 minutes, 23 seconds flags out there on both of of the big tours. 56:27 56 minutes, 27 seconds Kent, uh, so when’s this all wrapping up? It seems like when you’re talking about it goes into match play, I mean, this is this is going on forever. 56:36 56 minutes, 36 seconds Well, the the women’s tournament ends tomorrow with the championship match. 56:42 56 minutes, 42 seconds Right now, they’re playing the semifinals. It looks like it’ll be number one Stanford and number two Southern Cow tomorrow in match play. And 56:50 56 minutes, 50 seconds then the amazing thing happens as they clear holes tomorrow. They will start expanding this course. The women play at 56:59 56 minutes, 59 seconds 63 something yards. They will make this course 7300 plus yards for the men. 57:07 57 minutes, 7 seconds There are a lot of spots that are closed off during the women’s tournament, which is where tea boxes will be. And so it becomes a behemoth for the men’s tournament which will start on Friday. 57:17 57 minutes, 17 seconds They’ll play 54 holes. There’ll be a cut to 15. They play a fourth round next 57:24 57 minutes, 24 seconds Monday and the top eight go to match play to decide the national champion. 57:30 57 minutes, 30 seconds All right, Kent. Well, hopefully have an ex your extended stay will get even more extended. We appreciate your time, man. 57:37 57 minutes, 37 seconds Oh, my pleasure, guys. Thanks. And don’t get too loud in the library there. We’ve been kicked out before. It’s okay. 57:44 57 minutes, 44 seconds Thanks a lot, Kent. Thank you guys. Thank you. 57:47 57 minutes, 47 seconds All right, that is uh Kent Low for LSU sports information director for men’s basketball and of course men’s and women’s golf. And it kind of sounds like 57:55 57 minutes, 55 seconds we’re not going to see official announcements as far as transfer portal guys. That sounded like August to me. I 58:03 58 minutes, 3 seconds I’ve heard through the grapevine and I’m not as close to it as Glenn is, but that we may not have an official roster until the first day of school. 58:13 58 minutes, 13 seconds Yeah. Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking. 58:14 58 minutes, 14 seconds Yeah. And that’s how it is with baseball often. And they’re probably not going to get Allen Graves, though. There he’s going to probably stay in the NBA. 58:22 58 minutes, 22 seconds Yeah. All right. Well, let’s uh take a break. More of Tiger Rag Radio from the Super Chevy dealer studio at the Goodwood Library for the East Baton Rouge Parish Library system. When we 58:31 58 minutes, 31 seconds come back, we’re going to talk with Tara who works for the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System. So stay tuned for that here on Tiger Rag Radio. 58:38 58 minutes, 38 seconds Chevy trucks have you covered when the road takes you from smooth sailing to Chevy Colorado will eat up some of the toughest terrains with five available 58:46 58 minutes, 46 seconds drive modes. And Silverado and Silverado HD have the muscle to take you out for some serious with multiple engine options and impressive towing. While 58:54 58 minutes, 54 seconds Silverado EV is the perfect combo of performance and capability, making it a snap to hitch up this electric truck and hit the road wherever 59:02 59 minutes, 2 seconds the road leads. Chevy trucks are right there with you. See your super Chevy dealers today. 59:08 59 minutes, 8 seconds I’m Richard Fontno, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. My brother and I grow rice, soybeans, and raised crawfish on our farm in Evangeline Parish. For a fourth 59:16 59 minutes, 16 seconds generation farmer like myself, Louisiana Farm Bureau is as much a part of my life as checking traps or harvesting rice. 59:23 59 minutes, 23 seconds Our organization is more than 145,000 members strong and we’ve been around for more than 100 years. The Louisiana Farm Bureau spans generations and we want you to join our family. 59:32 59 minutes, 32 seconds Visit lafarmbureau.org. The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. 59:41 59 minutes, 41 seconds Back to Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 59:47 59 minutes, 47 seconds All right, back here on Tiger Rag Radio, Jeff Polmo from the Goodwood Library, 59:55 59 minutes, 55 seconds the main library of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System. This is Tiger Rag Radio. We’ll get back into the uh SEC spring meetings talk. Brandon Marcelo 1:00:04 1 hour, 4 seconds from CBS Sports will join us coming up in about 10 minutes or so, so you want to stay tuned for that. Uh a new rule 1:00:10 1 hour, 10 seconds was actually just passed today and we’ll get Brandon’s take on that. uh as far as football scheduling, no more uh 1:00:19 1 hour, 19 seconds non-conference games that second to last week of the regular season. So, we’ll get Brandon’s take on that. Remember, that’s when everybody would play, you 1:00:26 1 hour, 26 seconds know, the Citadel and uh at whatever school they can find from the the Southern Conference or something like that. That’s all over with. It’ll be a a 1:00:35 1 hour, 35 seconds conference game that you play the second to last week. and also Lane Keifin spoke today. So, we’ll get Brandon’s take on what Lane had to say. But we’re also 1:00:43 1 hour, 43 seconds since we’re here at the library, we’re talking about the various summer reading programs that they have with the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System. And 1:00:52 1 hour, 52 seconds uh Tara Daring is with us. She’s been at the library now for 20 years and she handles the children’s summer reading 1:00:59 1 hour, 59 seconds programs. So, this is for kids 11 and under. So tell us uh how the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System gets kids involved in summer reading. 1:01:09 1 hour, 1 minute, 9 seconds So there’s various ways for them to participate. Uh the reading challenge itself uh can be done uh either online 1:01:16 1 hour, 1 minute, 16 seconds or on paper. Uh we have a lot of people that still like to continue on paper. Um they can go to ebrpl.beanstack.org 1:01:26 1 hour, 1 minute, 26 seconds or and sign up online or they can stop by any of their local locations and um and get signed up uh that way as well. 1:01:34 1 hour, 1 minute, 34 seconds So that’s the reading challenge itself, but we can also get them involved through attending programs. We have over 1:01:41 1 hour, 1 minute, 41 seconds 300 free programs over the course of the summer. 1:01:45 1 hour, 1 minute, 45 seconds That’s that is awesome. Well, for those that want to get involved in some of the reading challenges and then we’ll get into the different programs. 1:01:53 1 hour, 1 minute, 53 seconds What does that entail? What kind of challenge is it to to make sure that the your child or a child that you know is reading uh every week if not every day? 1:02:02 1 hour, 2 minutes, 2 seconds So um you know uh 20 years ago when I first started working at the library uh it was a very simple program. If you 1:02:10 1 hour, 2 minutes, 10 seconds were a non-reader you had to listen to 10 books and if you were a reader you had to read five books and it was very 1:02:17 1 hour, 2 minutes, 17 seconds simple but it was over as soon as you finished. And our goal now is to keep kids reading every single week, if not 1:02:25 1 hour, 2 minutes, 25 seconds every day, as you said, because that prevents what we call the summer slide. Yeah. 1:02:31 1 hour, 2 minutes, 31 seconds Statistics show that if they don’t continue reading throughout the summer, all of their skills that they’ve built up during the school year start to slide 1:02:39 1 hour, 2 minutes, 39 seconds down. Uh they they lose math comprehension, reading comprehension. 1:02:45 1 hour, 2 minutes, 45 seconds There’s a lot of things that are affected by not reading over the summer. 1:02:49 1 hour, 2 minutes, 49 seconds So we try to incentivize it and u make it a little bit more fun and exciting to actually participate in that reading program. 1:02:57 1 hour, 2 minutes, 57 seconds How do you incentivize the children? 1:02:58 1 hour, 2 minutes, 58 seconds What kind of what’s what’s in it for them other than obviously gaining the knowledge of reading and learning and all that stuff? They want some other little fun things to go along with it. 1:03:07 1 hour, 3 minutes, 7 seconds They like rewards and so we do reward them. The base program they have to earn 30 points uh they get one point per 1:03:15 1 hour, 3 minutes, 15 seconds title uh that they’ve logged. They get two points per 30 minutes that they’ve logged depending on how they would like 1:03:22 1 hour, 3 minutes, 22 seconds to log it. And once they reach 30 points, they’ve completed the the base program. But the incentive to continue 1:03:30 1 hour, 3 minutes, 30 seconds is they get up to six drawings to participate in our weekly drawings, but they have to continue reading each week 1:03:39 1 hour, 3 minutes, 39 seconds to go ahead and uh be eligible for those drawings. And so by continuing to read, they get more entries into uh that 1:03:49 1 hour, 3 minutes, 49 seconds weekly drawing. And that weekly drawing is sponsored by local vendors around town for free items, gift packages, gift 1:03:56 1 hour, 3 minutes, 56 seconds cards, different things like that. Um we also have an end of the summer reading drawing and that is for $50 gift cards 1:04:06 1 hour, 4 minutes, 6 seconds and so we we let them know that you know the more chances you have to win the better better chance you have. So, so 1:04:13 1 hour, 4 minutes, 13 seconds okay, got about a minute left. You say there’s also all kinds of different uh summer reading programs. So, I don’t know any way you can sum that up in about 60 seconds or so. 1:04:23 1 hour, 4 minutes, 23 seconds Absolutely. So, craft activities, performers, we have live animals, we have comedy, magic, um theater, ballet, 1:04:32 1 hour, 4 minutes, 32 seconds all sorts of different things that they can participate in. Well, I I might need to be a kid again. 1:04:37 1 hour, 4 minutes, 37 seconds That sounds like they need to come watch all the the wonderful shows and participate in the crafts and activities and that’s at all the different 1:04:45 1 hour, 4 minutes, 45 seconds locations throughout the East Baton Rouge Parish Library system. Absolutely. Yeah, that’s awesome. That’s awesome. 1:04:51 1 hour, 4 minutes, 51 seconds What What have you seen? Again, I I know we we’re a little short on time, but what have you what kind of involvement have you seen from kids over the last 20 years? Is it picking up? 1:05:01 1 hour, 5 minutes, 1 second Um, precoid it was really picking up very very a good bit. Um, and we are starting to pick up again these last few 1:05:10 1 hour, 5 minutes, 10 seconds years. Um, but we did see a fall off during CO as everyone did, but but it’s really starting to pick back up again. 1:05:16 1 hour, 5 minutes, 16 seconds We hope that with the digitization and the additional incentives that we can really uh can continue to increase our numbers. 1:05:24 1 hour, 5 minutes, 24 seconds Tara, keep up the good work here at the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System. Thank you very much for stopping by. Thank you for having me. 1:05:30 1 hour, 5 minutes, 30 seconds All right, Tara Daring from the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System. We’ll take a break. Uh when we come back, Brandon Marcelo from CBS Sports. He will 1:05:37 1 hour, 5 minutes, 37 seconds join us from Dest, Florida, the site of the SEC spring meeting. So stay tuned for that here on Tiger Rag Radio from the Super Chevy dealer studios 1:05:46 1 hour, 5 minutes, 46 seconds broadcasting today from the Goodwood Library, part of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System. 1:05:52 1 hour, 5 minutes, 52 seconds Chevy trucks have you covered when the road takes you from smooth sailing to Chevy Colorado will eat up some of the toughest terrains with five available 1:06:00 1 hour, 6 minutes drive modes. And Silverado and Silverado HD have the muscle to take you out for some serious with multiple engine options and impressive towing. While 1:06:08 1 hour, 6 minutes, 8 seconds Silverado EV is the perfect combo of performance and capability, making it a snap to hitch up this electric truck and hit the road. 1:06:16 1 hour, 6 minutes, 16 seconds Wherever the road leads, Chevy trucks are right there with you. See your Super Chevy dealers today. 1:06:23 1 hour, 6 minutes, 23 seconds And we’re back with Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 1:06:31 1 hour, 6 minutes, 31 seconds Hey, we’re back here from the East Baton Rouge Parish main library as uh we are done with the library guest. But once 1:06:39 1 hour, 6 minutes, 39 seconds again, want to thank Brandon, Darcy, and Tara for stopping by, telling us about all the great summer reading programs. 1:06:45 1 hour, 6 minutes, 45 seconds But uh if you want to read about what’s going on at the SEC spring meetings, check out Brandon Marcelo’s stuff over at cbsports.com 1:06:52 1 hour, 6 minutes, 52 seconds as he has been there since I would imagine Monday when Greg Seni spoke. 1:06:57 1 hour, 6 minutes, 57 seconds Brandon, thanks a lot for joining us here on Tiger Rag Radio. How you doing tonight? 1:07:02 1 hour, 7 minutes, 2 seconds Doing all right, Dad. Uh, it’s been a newsy couple of hours here and especially these last 15 minutes uh with the learning here that the the Cruise 1:07:11 1 hour, 7 minutes, 11 seconds Antwell bill on college sports is expected to to to fall and drop here the next few days. So, wow. Okay. All right. So, this would be 1:07:20 1 hour, 7 minutes, 20 seconds the bill that obviously would provide some NIL regulations and then obviously all kinds of other stuff to help uh reform college athletics, right? 1:07:30 1 hour, 7 minutes, 30 seconds Yeah. And you know, we’re speaking to Greg Seni just uh I guess about an hour or two ago now, and I was asking 1:07:37 1 hour, 7 minutes, 37 seconds questions about like do you have any confidence? Do you feel that you’ll have confidence that this bill is going to be 1:07:44 1 hour, 7 minutes, 44 seconds introduced before the summer recess in August? because a lot of people have said if there if something there’s not movement before August, this thing’s never going to get done because yeah, 1:07:52 1 hour, 7 minutes, 52 seconds the recess happens and then everybody’s in campaign mode for the midterms and but now that this news is dropped here, 1:07:59 1 hour, 7 minutes, 59 seconds um a little bit more confidence that maybe there could be some headway made in Congress because this is a bipartisan bill which is important as we know and 1:08:08 1 hour, 8 minutes, 8 seconds then also it’s being introduced in the Senate which is where this the House they expected to maybe have the votes for the previous bill, the score act but 1:08:16 1 hour, 8 minutes, 16 seconds they didn’t have the votes in the Senate. But doing a bipartisan bill coming out of the Senate gives this thing a little bit more hope than what we saw previously with the score act. 1:08:27 1 hour, 8 minutes, 27 seconds Now, just out of curiosity, who’s leading the bill, even though it’s bipartisan, is it Ted Cruz and someone from the Democratic side? 1:08:34 1 hour, 8 minutes, 34 seconds Maria Canwell. Okay. Yeah. From Washington. She’s a senator from Washington. 1:08:38 1 hour, 8 minutes, 38 seconds Yeah. Maria Canwell. She’s been big in um in some of the push also for uh pooling media rights, for example. uh 1:08:46 1 hour, 8 minutes, 46 seconds which by the way I’m expecting some form of that to be in this bill uh from my sourcing. So there’s going to be some interesting things that are going to be 1:08:54 1 hour, 8 minutes, 54 seconds in this bill that weren’t in the score act that might ruffle feathers uh one way or another. Of course this is a lot of compromise. They’ve been negotiating 1:09:01 1 hour, 9 minutes, 1 second on this Cruz and Canwell and the White House for several weeks. So, there’s going to be some things that collegiate leaders don’t like, but I think that a 1:09:09 1 hour, 9 minutes, 9 seconds lot of the things they really want, especially antitrust protection, is what is what’s really crucial here for them. 1:09:16 1 hour, 9 minutes, 16 seconds Do do you think the antitrust protection is actually good for the sport long term? 1:09:21 1 hour, 9 minutes, 21 seconds Um, it’s a great question. I think at the very least it actually gives rules some teeth and then maybe it helps level 1:09:29 1 hour, 9 minutes, 29 seconds the playing field, so to speak. You’re going to see some sort of salary cap in this bill, too. 1:09:35 1 hour, 9 minutes, 35 seconds uh for players when it comes to uh some NIL and rev sharing stuff. You’ve seen a lot of schools redirect their uh 1:09:44 1 hour, 9 minutes, 44 seconds multimedia rights money uh to players to try and help that uh kind of curve kind of go over that salary cap right with 1:09:52 1 hour, 9 minutes, 52 seconds rev sharing that’s at 22% of your budget. So there’s going to be some things there that if passed that when it becomes law, if it does become law and 1:10:00 1 hour, 10 minutes gets passed, that’s going to allow these universities and these conferences and the NCAA and the CSC to actually enforce 1:10:07 1 hour, 10 minutes, 7 seconds these rules that they have in place now that just have really had no teeth and why there have been so many lawsuits. 1:10:14 1 hour, 10 minutes, 14 seconds Talking with Brandon Marcel from CBSports.com. And then the other piece of news that I know that has dropped since we’ve been on the air, no more powderpuff game that second to 1:10:23 1 hour, 10 minutes, 23 seconds final week of the regular season. So no more non-conference games there where you’re playing the Citadel or Western 1:10:30 1 hour, 10 minutes, 30 seconds Carolina or Middle Tennessee, any of that. That’s all gone. It’ll be all conference games in the month of November. 1:10:37 1 hour, 10 minutes, 37 seconds Yeah, it’s good for the fans and a natural and organic uh um uh transformation here with the introduction of nine conference games 1:10:45 1 hour, 10 minutes, 45 seconds from eight and you know you guys know it and I’m look trying to find my stats I had picked up here but last year there 1:10:53 1 hour, 10 minutes, 53 seconds were six games on that weekend that involved FCS or group of six teams and there were only four conference games in 1:11:00 1 hour, 11 minutes the SEC and only one was against was a ranked on ranked matchup which was OU and Missouri. Meanwhile, the Big 10, you 1:11:08 1 hour, 11 minutes, 8 seconds know, you look at the SEC the last three years, I should say, they’ve played 17 combined non-conference games on that second to last weekend against FCS or 1:11:17 1 hour, 11 minutes, 17 seconds group of six teams. The Big 10 has played nothing but conference games on that second to last weekend. 23 conference games in that threeear span. 1:11:25 1 hour, 11 minutes, 25 seconds So, this helps with the television inventory. It helps with fan interest and, you know, helps spread out, you know, probably the schedule a little bit 1:11:32 1 hour, 11 minutes, 32 seconds more for these SEC teams. Brandon, you’ve had a great career to get you ready to cover the SEC. You covered uh 1:11:40 1 hour, 11 minutes, 40 seconds you were an Auburn beat man, a Old Miss beat person, Arkansas beat person. Um when you covered Old Miss at the Clarion 1:11:49 1 hour, 11 minutes, 49 seconds Ledger in Jackson, uh who was the coach for the Rebels at the time? 1:11:54 1 hour, 11 minutes, 54 seconds Oh, I I covered Mississippi State actually. Um Oh, okay. 1:11:59 1 hour, 11 minutes, 59 seconds Yeah, I was Dan Mullen at the time. At the time, Old Miss had um the tail end of Houston Nut and then of course the introduction of uh Hugh Fes and that 1:12:08 1 hour, 12 minutes, 8 seconds that that that craziness that was which one of which one of those were crazier, Houston Nut or Hugh Freeze? 1:12:16 1 hour, 12 minutes, 16 seconds I would say what? 1:12:18 1 hour, 12 minutes, 18 seconds It was a lot of fun. The Egg Bowl rivalry was a lot of fun when Fu got there and Dan was there because Mississippi State was starting to win at 1:12:26 1 hour, 12 minutes, 26 seconds that point winning nine games a year and miss was trying to get back on track and they hit it big obviously in recruiting getting guys like Robert Kandichi and 1:12:34 1 hour, 12 minutes, 34 seconds everybody was going what’s missing up there are they doing things legally and all that and Dan Mullen was very much a person who was uh not afraid to kind of 1:12:42 1 hour, 12 minutes, 42 seconds let his words fly on that and so it was a very fun rivalry to cover in those first couple of years when when uh he was out there. 1:12:50 1 hour, 12 minutes, 50 seconds Yeah. And Dan used to never uh call Old Miss Old Miss. He would always say the other school, Tiss Tissson, the school up north. 1:12:58 1 hour, 12 minutes, 58 seconds Right. Right. Lane’s tried that a few times by not mentioning Old Miss, he would just say the the previous school. 1:13:05 1 hour, 13 minutes, 5 seconds But uh well, from so a guy who’s been around the SEC, just what is your view of of Lane at Old Miss and his his 1:13:13 1 hour, 13 minutes, 13 seconds switch to LSU, you know, kind of outside looking in. What what what is your uh opinion on on Big Lane? 1:13:21 1 hour, 13 minutes, 21 seconds Well, I love him as a personality. You know, I’m sure he’ll tell you too. He probably just needs to keep his mouth shut on certain things sometimes and you 1:13:28 1 hour, 13 minutes, 28 seconds know, he likes to talk and sometimes he says things maybe doesn’t even quite mean or get, you know, misconstrued. Um, I will say this, I was scheduled to fly 1:13:37 1 hour, 13 minutes, 37 seconds into Baton Rouge and have a one-on-one with him uh the week that the Vanity Fair article came out and uh that was 1:13:44 1 hour, 13 minutes, 44 seconds cancelled uh by his party and uh I was told he had some event to go to, but um and I’m still working on getting that 1:13:52 1 hour, 13 minutes, 52 seconds one rescheduled. Uh I’m I know I’m putting like the pressure cooker on LSU, but I hope we can schedule something for that one-on-one. So, I’d love to chat 1:13:59 1 hour, 13 minutes, 59 seconds with them. But um you know he’s good for the sport because we all love personalities and there’s nothing worse in college football, college athletics 1:14:08 1 hour, 14 minutes, 8 seconds than a just mundane, boring coach. You guys know that. And uh so that I I love Lane Keith for that. 1:14:15 1 hour, 14 minutes, 15 seconds How was Lane uh press conference? Uh what what what are your takeaways from his press conference this evening? 1:14:22 1 hour, 14 minutes, 22 seconds Actually missed it. I was uh outside talking to some ads and uh some uh some other coaches, uh Brent Benal, so I I missed it. one of my B partners was was 1:14:31 1 hour, 14 minutes, 31 seconds in there and said, so I honestly have no idea what he actually said in there. He could have he could have said he’s going back to Old Miss and I wouldn’t even know. 1:14:38 1 hour, 14 minutes, 38 seconds We we’d have heard about that. But yeah, but seriously, Brandon, do you do you think that Lane Keifin is uh we always 1:14:47 1 hour, 14 minutes, 47 seconds compare him to Brian Kelly, of course, but I haven’t heard that one. 1:14:52 1 hour, 14 minutes, 52 seconds You shouldn’t say compare. I should polar opposites. Contrast. I would say contrast. Yeah. 1:14:57 1 hour, 14 minutes, 57 seconds There you word I should have used. But but do you think he is uniquely qualified for this era of college football especially? 1:15:05 1 hour, 15 minutes, 5 seconds Oh, certainly. I mean you I mean the moment he got to Old Miss and the transfer portal was around and then the 1:15:10 1 hour, 15 minutes, 10 seconds NIL era hit back in 2021 20 uh he was perfectly prepared for that and that’s why they did so well immediately when 1:15:19 1 hour, 15 minutes, 19 seconds that all came into be. you know, the the nickname of transfer portal king. It’s legit. And you look at the pieces he picked up at Old Miss and he’s just kind 1:15:28 1 hour, 15 minutes, 28 seconds of supercharged that at LSU. I mean, Sam Levit’s a quarterback that everybody wanted. Um, and listen, I 1:15:36 1 hour, 15 minutes, 36 seconds it’s going to be interesting just from the standpoint of LSU is obviously a different beast as far as fan expectations, the media coverage than 1:15:44 1 hour, 15 minutes, 44 seconds anywhere else he’s been other than being the OC at Alabama. and he was protected from that there because assistant coaches didn’t talk under Nick Savings 1:15:52 1 hour, 15 minutes, 52 seconds in the media. So, but he imagine that assistant coaches don’t talk under Lane Kein. Go ahead. 1:16:00 1 hour, 16 minutes So, he’s going to have to be measured probably if let’s say LSU losing a couple of games because there will be 1:16:08 1 hour, 16 minutes, 8 seconds questions of course and I don’t think he’s ever been put in that type of situation. 1:16:14 1 hour, 16 minutes, 14 seconds Yeah, the pressure cooker here, especially with how high the expectations will be. You know, they lose a couple games early on, it’s uh 1:16:22 1 hour, 16 minutes, 22 seconds you know, it’ll be interesting to see how he reacts. Brandon, but before we let you get out of here, uh you wrote the article on doing the survey as far 1:16:31 1 hour, 16 minutes, 31 seconds as the the future on the college football playoff as you’ve spent a couple days there and you’ve talked to more ads and you’ve talked to more 1:16:38 1 hour, 16 minutes, 38 seconds coaches. How big will that playoff system be in 2027 in your mind? 1:16:44 1 hour, 16 minutes, 44 seconds Well, I think there’s momentum for 24. I really do. Um, it’s just I the thing is is like the SEC kind of continues to 1:16:53 1 hour, 16 minutes, 53 seconds kick this fan down the road and by that I mean they just continue this process of let’s get more information. Let’s get more information. Yeah. 1:17:01 1 hour, 17 minutes, 1 second And no, your your decision- making is only as good as the information provided to you. And so like what kind of information are they actually getting? 1:17:08 1 hour, 17 minutes, 8 seconds Is it just strictly coming from a perspective of there should be no more than 16? Because you know ESPN has said 1:17:16 1 hour, 17 minutes, 16 seconds to these conferences, we want nothing larger than 16. A the AC commissioner Jim Phillips said that two weeks ago, which was he said the quiet part out 1:17:24 1 hour, 17 minutes, 24 seconds loud finally. And you know the Big 10, they’re they’re affiliated with Fox and obviously they want an expanded playoff because they want to get in on that uh 1:17:32 1 hour, 17 minutes, 32 seconds with some media rights. So, what what what information is the SEC athletic directors and coaches being provided? 1:17:40 1 hour, 17 minutes, 40 seconds And is kicking the can down the road and continuing this conversation beyond Destin setting something up where maybe these ads who have been maybe kelting a 1:17:49 1 hour, 17 minutes, 49 seconds little bit more toward 24, at least being interested in it, will that push them back toward the 16 model or just staying at 12? And if that’s the case, 1:17:58 1 hour, 17 minutes, 58 seconds the longer this goes, I feel like honestly I think I’m thinking the opposite of a lot of people. I think the longer this goes in the SEC, the more likely this thing just stays at 12. 1:18:07 1 hour, 18 minutes, 7 seconds Brandon, thanks a lot for your time. I know it’s been a busy day. You got a couple more busy days to go. Thanks a lot for spending a few minutes with us. Hey, no problem. See you guys. 1:18:15 1 hour, 18 minutes, 15 seconds All right, Brandon Marcelo of two CBS Sports College football writer. Let’s take a break. More coming up here from Tiger Rag Radio on the Super Chevy 1:18:24 1 hour, 18 minutes, 24 seconds dealers studio broadcasting from the Goodwood Library, part of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System on Tiger Rag Radio. 1:18:32 1 hour, 18 minutes, 32 seconds Get growing and reading. It’s May, the perfect time to fall in love with books. 1:18:38 1 hour, 18 minutes, 38 seconds The East Baton Rouge Parish Library invites you to plant a seed and read from June 1st through August 18th. Visit 1:18:45 1 hour, 18 minutes, 45 seconds your nearby library for exciting events, fun reading incentives, and familyfriendly programs designed to inspire readers of all ages. To learn 1:18:54 1 hour, 18 minutes, 54 seconds more about all the fun reading can bring, visit ebrpl.com. Go. 1:19:02 1 hour, 19 minutes, 2 seconds We now return to Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealers Studio. 1:19:10 1 hour, 19 minutes, 10 seconds All right, back here on Tiger Rag Radio as we continue on from the East Baton Rouge Parish Library, the Goodwood Library, Jeff Polmo, Todd Horn, Gwen 1:19:19 1 hour, 19 minutes, 19 seconds Gilbo with you here tonight. And uh guys, a lot of topics we want to hit on here before we get out. Uh we’ve been kind of bantering about them here. First 1:19:28 1 hour, 19 minutes, 28 seconds of all, your impressions of Ed Orron returning to the uh turning returning to the coaching staff. Could anything bad come out of this? 1:19:35 1 hour, 19 minutes, 35 seconds I I don’t I personally don’t think anything bad at all can come out of it. 1:19:40 1 hour, 19 minutes, 40 seconds I think it’s uh I think it’s a rare move. I mean, I was we were talking about earlier today. Can you imagine like if Brian Kelly had gone 1:19:49 1 hour, 19 minutes, 49 seconds 15 talking about Brian Kelly if Brian Kelly had gone 15 and move on. it’s time to move on at Notre Dame. And then all of a sudden, three years, four years, five, six years 1:19:57 1 hour, 19 minutes, 57 seconds later, he’s going back as a recruiting specialist. 1:20:01 1 hour, 20 minutes, 1 second I could see him going back to Grand Valley. 1:20:05 1 hour, 20 minutes, 5 seconds But but to answer your question, I think it’s a great move for LSU. I think it’s a great move for Lane Kein. I 1:20:13 1 hour, 20 minutes, 13 seconds think it’s a great move for Ed Oron. And I think it’s one that Louisiana loves. 1:20:18 1 hour, 20 minutes, 18 seconds Yeah. I think I think it’s an awesome move. and and uh you know it’s good good for Lane to have somebody who’s who’s coached at LSU and coached extremely 1:20:26 1 hour, 20 minutes, 26 seconds well at LSU and and was a great recruiter of high schools which that’s what Lane wants to do. I mean, I think 1:20:34 1 hour, 20 minutes, 34 seconds he had a great he basically signed two portal classes in his first class of of 41. And I think that sets them up for 1:20:44 1 hour, 20 minutes, 44 seconds two years. And I think you’re going to see him go more into high schools from from now on. really he’s still going to 1:20:52 1 hour, 20 minutes, 52 seconds pick some some big ones from the portal, but I I think with Ed and Cory Raymond, you know, they’re going to just control 1:20:59 1 hour, 20 minutes, 59 seconds the state and and and not let guys get away like uh Brian Kelly did. Sorry, bring him up again, Todd. So, yeah, that’s but uh you know, and so I think 1:21:09 1 hour, 21 minutes, 9 seconds that really bodess well for that because he’s going to travel. You know, that was one of the things written about that when it first happened. He’s he’s going to be on off-campus recruiting and he’s 1:21:18 1 hour, 21 minutes, 18 seconds also a heck of a defensive line coach and and defensive coach. So, that’s going to help uh Blake Baker as well. 1:21:24 1 hour, 21 minutes, 24 seconds I I I don’t see a a a downsides to it downside to it. The only downside to it is is, you know, he’s he only signed a 1:21:32 1 hour, 21 minutes, 32 seconds one-year contract. He may want to get a head coach somewhere a coaching job somewhere else. Well, I think the best thing about it, and I saw this on a 1:21:39 1 hour, 21 minutes, 39 seconds video the other podcast or earlier this week, is Lane said that he can talk to Mike. That’s right. 1:21:46 1 hour, 21 minutes, 46 seconds The Barto podcast. 1:21:48 1 hour, 21 minutes, 48 seconds Not a lot of coaches have talked to Mike. In fact, not a lot of people have talked to Mike really. 1:21:52 1 hour, 21 minutes, 52 seconds Should uh Lane be reprimanded for what he said to Vanity Fair and Old Miss’s I’m alone in this from what I can tell 1:22:00 1 hour, 22 minutes and I do lead a relatively secluded life, but I don’t think he said anything wrong at all. I think that what he said is true. 1:22:10 1 hour, 22 minutes, 10 seconds Yeah. 1:22:11 1 hour, 22 minutes, 11 seconds And I don’t see a problem with it. And I think everybody’s uh acting uh ridiculous. 1:22:17 1 hour, 22 minutes, 17 seconds I think the reason in my mind, I’m not saying that he should be, but the reason why he’s in trouble is because he said what he said about Old Miss, which Ed 1:22:26 1 hour, 22 minutes, 26 seconds Orron backed him up with in the interview with uh Mike Datillia, I believe, with WWL. But then when he turned around and said, “Meanwhile at 1:22:33 1 hour, 22 minutes, 33 seconds LSU, everything is great. we got all this diversity and this and that. That’s really not factually right. 1:22:39 1 hour, 22 minutes, 39 seconds When you go to the state capital right now and you can cut you can cut the racial tension with a knife over there. 1:22:44 1 hour, 22 minutes, 44 seconds Well, yeah. And if he if he left the LSU part out, I don’t know. I I I think that’s where I 1:22:52 1 hour, 22 minutes, 52 seconds think that’s where it really where Miss is saying, “Oh, you’re so you’re so much better than us.” Well, so so then basically you’re saying if they’re going 1:22:59 1 hour, 22 minutes, 59 seconds to sanction him or they’re going to reprimand him, it should be because he lied about LSU, not because he lied about Well, he he tried to use it as a recruiting advantage, too, right? 1:23:09 1 hour, 23 minutes, 9 seconds That’s basically what he was doing. 1:23:11 1 hour, 23 minutes, 11 seconds Yeah, I I think so. But I maybe, but I think the main thing is Lane needs to get Old Miss out of his mind. You know, 1:23:19 1 hour, 23 minutes, 19 seconds he he’s the one who left like Roanne Roan Davies said. He said, “Hey, leave the leave the girl alone. You left you left her. he needs to move on. He’s 1:23:28 1 hour, 23 minutes, 28 seconds still mad because he didn’t get the coach in the playoffs. And I think he had a very good argument for that because Miss was better had he stayed 1:23:37 1 hour, 23 minutes, 37 seconds and been the head coach. And as he said, Pete Golding was in the booth calling plays, which was he was best at. And I 1:23:44 1 hour, 23 minutes, 44 seconds think Old Miss hurt its chances of winning a national championship by not letting him coach. But I think um I think Lane is is wrong to continue to 1:23:53 1 hour, 23 minutes, 53 seconds talk about Old Miss, good or bad, uh particularly bad. And as I said last week, you know, Nick Sabin never ever 1:24:02 1 hour, 24 minutes, 2 seconds said anything bad about LSU when he was with the Dolphins or with Alabama. 1:24:07 1 hour, 24 minutes, 7 seconds And I I think that’s the way to go. You you stay above it. But Lane, he he he has flashes of immaturity. Well, he I think he learned his lesson because 1:24:16 1 hour, 24 minutes, 16 seconds today at the SEC spring meetings, he was asked about the game against Old Miss and he said, “I can’t even think about that right now.” We have Clemson first 1:24:23 1 hour, 24 minutes, 23 seconds and so he gave the proper based on what I can tell now. I haven’t seen the video. I’m just reading the quotes. So maybe something he did say something 1:24:31 1 hour, 24 minutes, 31 seconds beyond that, but that’s a start. That’s a start where you just say I’m not going to get into that right now. They’ll we’ll have a whole week on that come 1:24:39 1 hour, 24 minutes, 39 seconds midseptember. Let’s take our final break. When we come back, a little baseball talk here on Tiger Rag Radio from the Super Chevy dealer studio broadcasting today from the Goodwood 1:24:47 1 hour, 24 minutes, 47 seconds Library of the East Baton Rouge Parish Library System. 1:24:50 1 hour, 24 minutes, 50 seconds Some call it overplanning. At Booger Electrical Services, we call it foresight. Be prepared for the next power outage with a GenerRack home 1:24:58 1 hour, 24 minutes, 58 seconds standby generator. After sensing a power outage, a GenerRack home standby generator automatically restores your 1:25:05 1 hour, 25 minutes, 5 seconds home power. Generrack. It’s not just a generator, it’s a power move. Trust Budro’s electrical services for expert 1:25:13 1 hour, 25 minutes, 13 seconds installations, proactive maintenance for home and business. Budro’s electrical services.com for more information. 1:25:20 1 hour, 25 minutes, 20 seconds At Sunshine, your hometown John Deere dealer, we know you deserve value when you purchase equipment right now. Take advantage of the powerful 3025E tractor 1:25:28 1 hour, 25 minutes, 28 seconds for just $297 a month with 0% financing for 72 months. Tractor packages with a trailer also available. Whether you’re 1:25:36 1 hour, 25 minutes, 36 seconds tackling land, property, or projects, get your job done. Don’t wait. This offer ends June 30th, 2026. Some 1:25:42 1 hour, 25 minutes, 42 seconds restrictions apply. Visit sunquip.com or stop by a Sunshine location today. 1:25:48 1 hour, 25 minutes, 48 seconds Now, more Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 1:25:55 1 hour, 25 minutes, 55 seconds Only a couple more minutes left. Want to thank all our guests tonight. Jeff Duncan, Kent Low, Brandon Marcelo, who uh was kind enough to join us from the 1:26:02 1 hour, 26 minutes, 2 seconds SEC spring meetings where there’s a lot going on. Uh not a lot going on over at the at Alec Bach Stadium this week, unfortunately. Usually we’re getting 1:26:10 1 hour, 26 minutes, 10 seconds ready for a regional selection Monday has come and gone and the LC Tigers were not part of the team of 64 after uh 1:26:18 1 hour, 26 minutes, 18 seconds seeing that experience seeing all the 64 teams that got in. I guess just uh final thoughts wraps on the 2026 season that will that most LSU fans want to forget. 1:26:31 1 hour, 26 minutes, 31 seconds Yeah. You know what’s what’s amazing about what you just said? The last time they didn’t make it, 2011, they were on the bubble and they thought they were going. 1:26:39 1 hour, 26 minutes, 39 seconds They were 13 and 17, right? And in 2007 when they didn’t make it, they were also 13 and 17 and they were on the bubble. This year they they 1:26:47 1 hour, 26 minutes, 47 seconds they knew it was over before it even started. Yeah. You know, it’s it’s amazing how far down Yeah. they went. 1:26:54 1 hour, 26 minutes, 54 seconds And no Vandy in the tournament either, right? 1:26:56 1 hour, 26 minutes, 56 seconds Louisville, too. I think Louisville is another team that didn’t make it that’s been a a consistent team that goes every year. 1:27:03 1 hour, 27 minutes, 3 seconds They were um you know they were a bad team, bad pitching and but then they also really had key injuries because Cooper 1:27:11 1 hour, 27 minutes, 11 seconds Moore was kind of early in the season and they were already clearly a bad team when they were teetering when when the left fielder Jake Brown 1:27:19 1 hour, 27 minutes, 19 seconds when Jake Brown was lost uh I’m sorry, right fielder Jake Brown. 1:27:24 1 hour, 27 minutes, 24 seconds if if he if he would not have got hurt and if Cooper wouldn’t have got hurt, I think they would have probably got in. Could possibly. But but that’s that’s a couple of ifs. 1:27:32 1 hour, 27 minutes, 32 seconds Yeah. 1:27:32 1 hour, 27 minutes, 32 seconds But they uh you know, they got some key players they got to get in the portal we were just talking about. They got to get a starter uh a rotation starter probably 1:27:40 1 hour, 27 minutes, 40 seconds because the three coming back. There’s no Friday night guy out of Kase Evans and William Schmidt. Maybe maybe Cooper Moore. 1:27:47 1 hour, 27 minutes, 47 seconds I think they need two topline pitchers out of the transfer port. No question. 1:27:52 1 hour, 27 minutes, 52 seconds Yeah, for sure. and not from a mid major. Go out there and see if you can’t get somebody from whe whether it’s Mississippi State, whoever, you know, just uh someone significant like that. 1:28:03 1 hour, 28 minutes, 3 seconds All right, guys. That does it for the show. It was a good show. Thanks a lot for joining us here on Tiger Rag Radio. 1:28:08 1 hour, 28 minutes, 8 seconds Want to thank Robin Dow back in the studios. We’ll be back in the real Super Chevy dealer studios next week. For Glenn, Todd, I’m Jeff Polalmo. Thanks for listening to Tiger Radio. 1:28:17 1 hour, 28 minutes, 17 seconds Tiger is everywhere. Online at tiger.com. 1:28:21 1 hour, 28 minutes, 21 seconds Like us on Facebook at facebook.com/tigeragmagazine or follow us on Twitter at tiger rag. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU athletics, LSU Basketball, LSU Football News, Podcast, Radio **Tags:** Tiger Rag Radio Podcast, TigerRag.com Audibles podcast --- ### [Lane Kiffin Is Loved By National Writer Brandon Marcello Of CBSSports ... He Tells Why On Tiger Rag Radio Podcast](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-is-loved-by-national-writer-brandon-marcello-of-cbssports-he-tells-why-on-tiger-rag-radio-podcast/) **Published:** May 27, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Brandon Marcello, a college football writer at CBSSports, covered Mississippi State, Auburn and Arkansas before becoming one of the best national writers in the country. He has watched new LSU coach Lane Kiffin from afar when he was head coach at Tennessee, offensive coordinator at Alabama under Nick Saban and as a head coach at Ole Miss. [BRANDON MARCELLO: SALARY CAP, ANTITRUST PROTECTION FOR COLLEGE ATHLETICS IN THE WORKS](https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/college-sports-ted-cruz-maria-cantwell-bill-salary-cap-antitrust-protection-ncaa/) [As Kiffin navigated the storm of media after him on Tuesday at the Southeastern Conference Spring Meetings](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-faces-the-music-at-sec-spring-meetings-and-most-of-the-songs-were-about-ole-miss/) in Miramar Beach, Florida, Marcello took a timeout from his beach writing to talk about one of his favorite coaches on Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night. Listen to Marcello on Tiger Rag Radio on the link below: “Oh, I love him as a personality,” Marcello said of Kiffin. “I’m sure he’ll tell you, too, he probably just needs to keep his mouth shut on certain things sometimes. He likes to talk, but sometimes he says things that he doesn’t quite mean or they get misconstrued. But he’s good for the sport, because we all love personalities. There’s nothing worse than just a mundane, boring coach. So, I love Lane Kiffin for that.” > [Lane Kiffin Wises Up On Pardon My Take Podcast After Vanity Fair Mistake – From Now On, Just Emulate Nick Saban | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-wises-up-on-pardon-my-take-podcast-after-vanity-fair-mistake-from-now-on-just-emulate-nick-saban-glenn-guilbeau/) Marcello had an interview scheduled with Kiffin at about the time the Vanity Fair piece on Kiffin came out on May 11. “I was told he had an event to go to,” Marcello said. Marcello will be watching Kiffin and the Tigers this season with great interest because Kiffin has never been under the microscope quite like he will be at LSU. “LSU obviously is a different beast as far as fan expectation and the media coverage than anywhere else he’s been, other than the offensive coordinator at Alabama,” he said. “And he was protected from that there because assistant oaches didn’t talk to reporters at Alabama (the way they aren’t allowed to at LSU). If they lose a couple of games, there are going to be questions. And I don’t think he’s ever been in that type of situation.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Brandon Marcello, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, SEC Spring Meetings --- ### [LSU Track Teams Open NCAA East First Round Action Today In Lexington, Kentucky](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-track-teams-open-ncaa-east-first-round-action-today-in-lexington-kentucky/) **Published:** May 27, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The LSU track and field team is kicking off the initial qualifying rounds of the NCAA championship meets with the NCAA East First Round the University of Kentucky’s Track & Field Complex in Lexington. The four-day meet will be streamed live on ESPN+. **[Live Results](https://flashresults.ncaa.com/Outdoor/2026/FirstRounds/East/index.htm) | [Meet Information](https://www.rtspt.com/ncaa/d1outdoor26/)** LSU will have 36 athletes (17 men, 19 women) and 49 total entries competing. The meet opened at 8 a.m. Live coverage of the event begins at 5 p.m. on ESPN+, which will carry it Thursday through Saturday beginning at 4 p.m. To mirror the format of the national meet, the First Round will be contested over four days with alternating men’s and women’s programs. The NCAA West First Round will take place the same weekend at McDonnell Field in Fayetteville, Ark. The top 12 in each event advance to Eugene, Oregon, for the NCAA Outdoor Championships on June 10-13. Listed below are all 49 entries for LSU and more info for the upcoming meets. **Women’s Qualifiers | 27 entries** 100 (4)Aniyah Bigam, Tima Godbless, Athaleyha Hinckson, Shawnti Jackson200 (5)Aniyah Bigam, Athaleyha Hinckson, Shawnti Jackson, Keliza Smith, Nasya Williams400 (4)Kennedi Burks, Skyler Franklin, Rafiatu Nuhu, Nasya Williams5,000 (2)Edna Chepkemoi, Abigael Chemnagei10,000 (2)Edna Chepkemoi, Abigael Chemnagei100h (2)Adeyah Brewster, Salieci Myles4 x 100Hinckson, Godbless, Bigam, Jackson4 x 400Burks, Franklin, Nuhu, WilliamsHJ (1)Zoe PeacockDT (4)Leah Acosta, Princesse Hyman, Ambria Langley, Jillian ScullyJT (1)Alexis Guillory**Men’s Qualifiers | 22 entries** 100 (2)Joshua Caleb, Jaiden Reid200 (3)Joshua Caleb, Jaiden Reid, Jeremiah Walker400 (5)Malachi Austin, Grant Buckmiller, Amal Glasgow, Shakeem McKay, Jeremiah Walker110h (1)Matthew Sophia400h (1)Isaac Lewis4 x 100Walker, Reid, McKay, Caleb4 x 400Glasgow, McKay, Buckmiller, AustinHJ (2)Kuda Chadenga, Justine JimohLJ (1)Jordan TurnerDT (2)Chad Hendricks, Jevan PararaJT (3)Paul Catalanatto Jr., Jack Larriviere, Jackson RimesThe complete list of participants is available on the following [website](https://www.rtspt.com/ncaa/d1outdoor26/). For more information regarding the NCAA Division I Men’s and Women’s Outdoor Track and Field Championships, and to purchase tickets, log on to [NCAA.com/trackandfield.](https://www.ncaa.com/championships/trackfield-outdoor/d1) **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Track & Field **Tags:** LSU Tigers, LSU track and field, NCAA --- ### [Will Wade Loses Transfer Target Allen Graves To NBA Draft Withdrawal Deadline](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-loses-transfer-target-allen-graves-to-nba-draft-withdrawal-deadline/) **Published:** May 27, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor One of the highest ranked Transfer Portal players LSU basketball coach Will Wade has been in contention for has decided to keep his name in the NBA Draft just as the May 27 deadline today was arriving with the draft on June 23. Allen Graves (6-foot-9, 225 pounds), a redshirt freshman last season at Santa Clara who averaged 11.8 points and 6.5 rebounds and is from Ponchatoula, entered the portal on April 10 and had narrowed his college choices down to LSU and Duke. He also entered his name for the NBA Draft. Graves then kept seeing all the mock drafts that have him going in the first round. ESPN’s latest draft predictions of May 19 had Graves going as the No. 22 pick of the 30-pick first round to Philadelphia. And on Tuesday – a day before Wednesday’s 11:59 p.m. deadline – Graves announced his decision. “I will be going with staying in the draft,” Graves said on The Old Man And The Three podcast on Tuesday. “I have a great support system around me with my family, my wife, so just talking to them. My agents, they’ve been a big help. We’ve ultimately come to the decision to stay in the draft and super blessed to even have the option to be in this draft. It’s been an amazing journey.” > [Will Wade Has 11 Players For LSU’s 2026-27 Basketball Roster, Or Will He?](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-has-11-players-for-lsus-2026-27-basketball-roster-or-will-he/) Wade could have clearly used Graves, but he is nearing the completion of his roster for the 2026-27 season as he is at a possible 11 players – all new- at the moment, pending them getting eligible and/or signing for the season. Most of the 11 are commitments, not signees as of yet. Graves, the No. 4 player in the portal and No. 2 power forward, signed with Santa Clara near San Francisco out of Ponchatoula High as an unranked forward before red-shirting in the 2024-25 season. He averaged 22.6 minutes a game last season and four starts in 35 games. He was named the West Coast Conference freshman and sixth man of the year along with making the All-WCC first team. Wade had an in with Graves as his older brother Marshall Graves played for Wade the first time he was LSU’s coach from 2017-20. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** Allen Graves, lsu, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, NBA Draft, Santa Clara, will wade --- ### [Lane Kiffin Faces The Music At SEC Spring Meetings, And Most Of The Songs Were About Ole Miss](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-faces-the-music-at-sec-spring-meetings-and-most-of-the-songs-were-about-ole-miss/) **Published:** May 26, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor [Another reason why LSU football coach Lane Kiffin should not have brought up Ole Miss’ racial history](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-wises-up-on-pardon-my-take-podcast-after-vanity-fair-mistake-from-now-on-just-emulate-nick-saban-glenn-guilbeau/) as it pertains to recruiting in a recent Vanity Fair article played out Tuesday at the Southeastern Conference Spring Meetings. The former Ole Miss head coach the last six years was asked more about his old job than his new one during a press conference at the Hilton Sandestin Beach resort hotel. He was asked how his relationship with Ole Miss is going. “I know you wanted that line,” he said and didn’t answer the question. “I had a really good one, too.” But that one, he held back. So, maybe he’s learning. > [Lane Kiffin Graces Cover Of “Vanity Fair,” Which Takes Deep Dive On Rock Star LSU Football Coach](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-graces-cover-of-vanity-fair-which-takes-deep-dive-on-rock-star-lsu-football-coach/) Kiffin’s comment in the May 11 Vanity Fair article that blew sand in Ole Miss’ face came from an anecdote about recruiting at Ole Miss that he told writer Chris Smith. “When he was coaching there, Kiffin says, top recruits would tell him, ‘Hey, coach, we really like you. But my grandparents aren’t letting me move to Oxford, Mississippi,’” Smith wrote in the story. Then he quoted Kiffin now famously saying, “That doesn’t come up when you say Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Parents were sitting here this weekend saying the campus diversity feels so great. ‘It feels like there’s no segregation. And we want that for our kid because that’s the real world.’” Kiffin’s discussion of Ole Miss continued in this way Tuesday. “You can have had a wonderful experience,” he said. “And everything you said about those six years where you needed Oxford and Ole Miss more than they needed you, and that can totally be true. And then you can choose a new challenge and go to another place. And so both those things are true.” Kiffin was asked about why he chose LSU over Florida, which was also trying to hire him from Ole Miss. But he seemed to revert back to Ole Miss, which he can’t seem to stop talking about. “You’re not going to please everybody in these decisions, and that’s impossible, as it obviously has played out,” he said. “But at the end of the day, we went through all kinds of different things, a number of different options, and we made this decision for the next chapter. I never said the decision was just about winning national championships. There are a lot of things that went into it. And you take a different job. And sometimes, time is just right for a new challenge. And this is a really big challenge.” There was finally a question about LSU. “It’s been great,” he said. “It’s been a great six months. Signed a lot of really good players and have guys committed, and put together an awesome staff.” When asked about returning to Ole Miss on Sept. 19 as LSU’s coach for a prime time game on ABC at 6:30 p.m., Kiffin said, “I’m not even there yet. We’ve got so much work to do before that. We’ve got a huge opener with Clemson (Sept. 5, 6:30 p.m., ABC). I’ve been back to Tennessee before.” As Ole Miss’ coach on Oct. 17, 2021, Kiffin returned to Tennessee to play the Volunteers, whom he coached for one season in 2009 before taking what he thought was his dream job at USC, where he was an assistant coach under Pete Carroll. The Rebels won, 31-26, but Kiffin was hit by a golf ball as a sea of objects flew from the stands late in the game, including plastic and glass bottles. “So, I guess we’ve got some practice at it,” Kiffin said. And Kiffin did field a question about hiring former national champion LSU head coach Ed Orgeron last week as a special assistant for recruiting and defense. Of course, Orgeron used to be an Ole Miss head coach, too, and coached under Kiffin at Tennessee and at USC. “It’s a unique situation,” Kiffin said. “Having known him before and worked with him, and he moved back (to Baton Rouge). So, it just seemed like the perfect time to bring him back. I feel awesome about it. I feel the comfort of having him on the staff. Knowing that he’s on the staff, certain things are going to be taken care of.” > [Lane Kiffin May Face Reprimand For Racial, Ole Miss Comment; Steve Sarkisian Reweaves Basket Quote](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-may-face-reprimand-for-racial-ole-miss-comment-steve-sarkisian-reweaves-basket-quote/) Meanwhile, word around the beach is that the SEC office may reprimand Kiffin for his derogatory comments about Ole Miss. SEC has rules against coaches criticizing other SEC coaches, such as Bylaw 10.2.3 that ays SEC personnel should “avoid making any derogatory statements concerning another member institution’s athletics program, facilities, or educational opportunities.” And Bylaw 10.5.2 says “public criticism of other member institutions” is forbidden. “I had conversations with two of our three coaches’ groups here Tuesday,” SEC commissioner Greg Sankey said. “Those people in leadership positions need to function like leaders in their conduct and commentary.” So perhaps Kiffin was not functioning like a leader? Asked directly if Kiffin will be fined or reprimanded in some other way, Sankey said, “You’ll find out when everyone else finds out. I don’t make those announcements at podiums.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels --- ### [Bill That Keeps Secret The Money Paid To College Athletes Nears Final Hurdle](https://www.tigerrag.com/bill-that-keeps-secret-the-money-paid-to-college-athletes-nears-final-hurdle/) **Published:** May 26, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By PIPER HUTCHINSON, Tiger Rag and Louisiana Illuminator Louisiana legislators are rapidly advancing a bill that would hide from the public how much public money is being paid to college athletes. [House Bill 608](https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?i=250470) by Rep. Tehmi Chassion, D-Lafayette, passed the Senate Tuesday on a 22-13 vote. Because it was amended in the Senate, it has to go back to the House for another vote. The bill has received significant support from the LSU athletics department, with some of its leaders working to secure votes for the bill. Executive Deputy Athletics Director Julie Cromer and Senior Deputy AD Heath Schroyer have appeared at committee hearings to advocate for the proposal. The legislation would create a new exemption in the state’s public records law to conceal how much public money universities pay directly to student athletes. The payments are allowed under new “revenue-sharing” rules the NCAA implemented after it settled a lawsuit last year brought by student-athletes seeking compensation. Revenue sharing is separate from name, image and likeness deals athletes enter into with private entities. These NIL records are already exempt from public disclosure. Regardless of its source, all revenue a state university receives is public money. For each athletics department, it is a mix of self-generated revenue such as ticket sales, tax dollars and, for some, student fees. There are currently no exemptions in Louisiana law for sharing records with the public that detail how state money is spent. Ahead of Tuesday’s vote, several senators spoke against Chassion’s bill, highlighting the double standard being created, as how much universities pay students who aren’t athletes is public record. “These are now professional athletes getting paid more than many actual professional athletes,” Sen. Greg Miller, R-Norco, said. “We have lost sight of our priorities. We have jumped the shark on this, and I think it’s time that we just say, ‘Enough is enough.’” “University professors and the university presidents, we all know how much they get paid,” Miller added. “But athletes who are getting paid millions of dollars … we’re not going to be able to see what they get paid because we’re trying to protect them. Who are we really trying to protect?” Sen. Beth Mizell, R-Franklinton, also spoke against Chassion’s bill after her bill, [Senate Bill 135](https://legis.la.gov/legis/BillInfo.aspx?i=250056), died in committee last week after several university athletic departments signalled their opposition. Her legislation would have removed the existing $20 million cap on sports gambling tax revenue the state directs to an early childhood education fund and placed it on the [Supporting Programs, Opportunities, Resources and Teams (SPORT) Fund](https://lailluminator.com/2025/06/08/louisiana-hikes-sports-gambling-tax-to-subsidize-college-athletics/), which gives tax money from the same source to Division I college athletics programs. Under existing state law, both receive 25% of the revenue from onsite and mobile sports gambling, but only early childhood education has the $20 million cap. State college athletics programs are slated to receive approximately $24 million, which would exceed the $20 million cap Mizell wanted to place on their allotment. Mizell described college athletics as a “luxury” in comparison to early childhood education. > [Tiger Rag, Louisiana Illuminator, WAFB-TV Suing LSU For Public Records Of Pay To Tiger Athletes](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-louisiana-illuminator-wafb-tv-suing-lsu-for-public-records-of-pay-to-tiger-athletes/) Though Chassion’s bill is not currently in effect, every public university in Louisiana with a Division I athletics program has denied the Illuminator’s request for their revenue-sharing records, citing existing exemptions to public records disclosure in state law. The Illuminator*,* WAFB-TV and Tiger Rag are suing LSU over the denial of this request. The move to hide how public money is being spent on college athletes comes as higher education officials acknowledge the detrimental impact athletics spending has had on campus budgets and as lawmakers call for increased scrutiny of university finances. [Gov. Jeff Landry](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-athletic-director-scott-woodward-will-not-hire-tigers-next-football-coach-says-governor-jeff-landry/) and legislative leaders announced Tuesday they are setting up a task force to study how the state finances higher education. Chassion’s bill also adds to lawmakers’ efforts in recent years to expand exemptions to Louisiana’s public records law, which exists to provide transparency into policy and spending decisions in state government and all of its offshoots, including higher education. Several pieces of legislation have been filed this year to create or widen public records exemptions. While LSU [barely](https://lailluminator.com/2026/03/06/lsu-sports-is-barely-in-the-black-financially-with-uncertain-financial-times-ahead/) turns a profit on sports, the overwhelming majority of athletic departments in Louisiana are bleeding money. This includes the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, where its $10 million athletics deficit was a major contributing factor to the school’s nearly $50 million budget hole for 2025-26. The school has budgeted $726,000 for revenue sharing with its athletes this year. Chassion’s bill has gained approval as the Congressional Black Caucus and the NAACP have [called for Black athletes and fans to withhold](https://lailluminator.com/2026/05/19/repub/college-sports-boycott/) “athletic and financial support from public universities in states that have moved to limit, weaken, or erase Black voting representation” following the [U.S. Supreme Court’s ruling](https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/us-supreme-court-ruling-hammered-voting-rights-what-does-it-mean-and-what-happens-now) in Louisiana v. Callais. The decision invalidated a major tenet of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 that allowed minority voters to fight discriminatory election policy and practices. The Congressional Black Caucus’ opposition has nuked the chances of passing the federal SCORE Act in the current Congress. The legislation seeks to allow [student-athletes](https://www.newsfromthestates.com/article/employment-status-issue-us-senate-panel-tackles-knotty-college-sports-landscape) to receive compensation, but it would bar them from being recognized as employees and provide broad antitrust immunity to the NCAA and college sports conferences. It is widely supported by university administrators, including LSU President Wade Rousse. Chassion is a member of the Louisiana Legislative Black Caucus, which has vocally opposed the adoption of a new congressional map that removes one of Louisiana’s two majority-Black districts in the wake of the Callais ruling. Only two Black senators voted against Chassion’s bill: Democrats Sam Jenkins of Shreveport and Katrina Jackson-Andrews of Monroe. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Beth Mizell, House Bill 608, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Tiger Stadium --- ### [Former LSU Football Star Will Campbell Plans To Marry Garrett Nussmeier's Sister](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-football-star-will-campbell-plans-to-marry-garrett-nussmeiers-sister/) **Published:** May 26, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** Former LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell has announced his engagement to his girlfriend, Ashlynn Nussmeier, on social media. Campbell, who was the fourth pick of the NFL Draft out of LSU in 2025 by New England and Nussmeier have been a couple since September of 2024 when Campbell was a junior at LSU. Nussmeier, 21 and an LSU student, is the younger sister of former LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, a seventh round pick of Kansas City in the 2026 NFL Draft. Campbell, 22, and Nussmeier, 24, were teammates from 2022-24 with the Tigers. The Nussmeier’s dad, Doug Nussmeier, is a former NFL quarterback and is currently the offensive coordinator of the New Orleans Saints. “She’s amazing,” Campbell told US Weekly in 2024 of Ashlynn. “She has a football background, so she knows what it takes, the sacrifices that have to be made. If she wasn’t as good with that type of stuff, I’m sure it would be a lot more difficult. But she’s a rock star.” Campell started 13 games as a rookie for the Patriots, including all four playoff games and the Super Bowl loss to Seattle last season. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** garrett nussmeier, Kansas City Chiefs, lsu football, New England Patriots, Will Campbell --- ### [Lane Kiffin May Face Reprimand For Racial, Ole Miss Comment; Steve Sarkisian Reweaves Basket Quote](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-may-face-reprimand-for-racial-ole-miss-comment-steve-sarkisian-reweaves-basket-quote/) **Published:** May 26, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Just another day at the beach in the Southeastern Conference. LSU football coach Lane Kiffin may face a reprimand of some sort from the SEC office, namely commissioner Greg Sankey, for his recent racially related comments about his time at Ole Miss in a Vanity Fair magazine article, according to reports from the SEC Spring Meetings that began Tuesday in Destin, Florida. “Officials at Ole Miss and the SEC have spoken about a potential reprimand for Kiffin over comments he made, two people close to the situation tell USA TODAY Sports,” USA Today college football writer Matt Hayes writes. Hayes was on Tiger Rag Radio last week. > [SEC Could End 24-Team Playoff Talk This Week, Says USA Today’s Matt Hayes On Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-could-end-24-team-playoff-talk-this-week-says-usa-todays-matt-hayes-on-tiger-rag-radio/) Kiffin, who left the Ole Miss head coaching job after six seasons last November to become LSU’s coach, is scheduled to speak at the Spring Meetings at 5 p.m. Tuesday. The SEC office is looking at one anecdote in particular that Kiffin shared in the Vanity Fair article. “When he was coaching there (at Ole Miss), Kiffin says, top recruits would tell him, ‘Hey, coach, we really like you. But my grandparents aren’t letting me move to Oxford, Mississippi,’” Vanity Fair writer Chris Smith wrote in the feature. Then Kiffin is quoted as saying, “That doesn’t come up when you say Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Parents were sitting here this weekend saying the campus diversity feels so great. ‘It feels like there’s no segregation. And we want that for our kid because that’s the real world.’” > > [Lane Kiffin Wises Up On Pardon My Take Podcast After Vanity Fair Mistake – From Now On, Just Emulate Nick Saban | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-wises-up-on-pardon-my-take-podcast-after-vanity-fair-mistake-from-now-on-just-emulate-nick-saban-glenn-guilbeau/) SEC has rules against coaches criticizing other SEC coaches. Bylaw 10.2.3 says SEC personnel should “avoid making any derogatory statements concerning another member institution’s athletics program, facilities, or educational opportunities.” And Bylaw 10.5.2 forbids, “public criticism of other member institutions.” Kiffin tried to defend himself to Hayes in a USA Today story. “I said, ‘A parent said.’ That’s not me saying it as my opinion,” Kiffin said. But he did bring it up, regardless of who he is quoting. Meanwhile, Texas coach Steve Sarkisian took an opposite strategy than Kiffin. He admitted he was wrong to say recently that “All you have to do is take basket weaving, and you can get an Ole Miss degree.” Sarkisian told reporters in Destin that “that was a poor choice of words on my part.” The SEC has publicly reprimanded coaches previously without fining them. That happened in 2022 to then Alabama coach Nick Saban and then Texas A&M coach Jimbo Fisher, who criticized each other’s recruiting tactics at the time. Both Kiffin, 51, and Sarkisian, 52, rebuilt their careers after previous troubles as head coaches while coaching under Saban at Alabama before becoming head coaches again. So, if Sankey doesn’t make each go sit in the corner, maybe he can have Saban, 74, give the pair a stern lecture. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels, SEC Spring Meetings, Steve Sarkisian, Texas Longhorns --- ### [LSU Baseball: Former Assistant And Player Will Davis Named New Coach Of Houston Cougars](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-former-assistant-and-player-will-davis-named-new-coach-of-houston-cougars/) **Published:** May 26, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** Will Davis, a 10-year head coaching veteran at Lamar and former national champion assistant coach at LSU, has been hired as the Houston Cougars’ ninth baseball head coach in program history. Davis led Lamar (34-25, 19-11 Southland Conference) to the 2026 SLC Tournament championship in his 10th season and to an NCAA Regional Friday at Texas A&M at 3 p.m. Whether Davis continues to coach the team or not in the postseason was not known as of yet, according to a Lamar spokesman. Davis played at LSU from 2004-07 under coach Ray “Smoke” Laval for his first three seasons, then under coach Paul Mainieri. He then coached under Mainieri from 2008-15 before becoming Lamar’s coach. Houston athletic director Eddie Nunez, who worked in LSU’s athletic department from 2003-17 before becoming New Mexico State’s athletic director and then at Houston in 2024, hired Davis. “I applaud Eddie Nuñez on his hiring of Will Davis as the new coach at Houston,” Mainieri said in a Houston release on Tuesday. “This is a wonderful selection of a man whom I believe wholeheartedly will bring the Cougars back to a very competitive level in the Big 12 conference.” Will Davis’ late father, Randy Davis, was an assistant coach at LSU under legendary baseball coach Skip Bertman. “Following in his father’s footsteps, Will Davis was born to be a college baseball coach and has worked every day from the day I first met him to become the best possible baseball coach,” Mainieri said. “I always felt Will was wise beyond his years. He always had great instincts about the game and the players. He was a very loyal and outstanding assistant coach with me at LSU and was a big part of the success we enjoyed in Baton Rouge.” Mainieri and the Tigers with Davis on staff won the 2009 national championship. Davis has won 30 or more games at Lamar for five straight seasons. Lamar won the 2024 Southland regular season title after winning 44 games for the first time since 2004 and finished in the top three of the league in each of the last four seasons. In Lamar’s lone season in the WAC, Davis led the Cardinals to a second-place finish in the Southwest Division. During his time at Lamar, 38 Cardinals earned All-Conference honors, and won he 289 games, making Davis the winningest coach in Cardinals Baseball history. “We are incredibly excited to have Will and his family join Cougar Nation,” Nuñez said. “With his background and proven track record, I’m fully confident that he will help us return Houston to the NCAAs, compete for Big 12 Championships and put together an exceptional group of young men. The team couldn’t be in better hands, and we’re eager to see what they’re able to accomplish.” Davis, who played four seasons at LSU, helped the Tigers to the 2004 College World Series as a freshman. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Paul Mainieri, Randy Davis, Will Davis --- ### [Former LSU Pitcher Gage Jump Expected To Be Called Up By Oakland A's](https://www.tigerrag.com/former-lsu-pitcher-gage-jump-expected-to-be-called-up-by-oakland-as/) **Published:** May 26, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The Major League Baseball team formerly known as the Oakland Athletics are expected to call up former LSU pitcher Gage Jump to their team that currently plays its home games in Sacramento, California, with a planned move to Las Vegas in 2028. Jump, who played at LSU in the 2024 season and was 6-2 with a 3.47 ERA, was the 73rd selection in the 2024 MLB Draft by Oakland. The club began referring to itself only as the Athletics last year. Jump, 23, is considered one of the top left-handed pitching prospects in baseball. He has been clocked at 97 mph on his fastball with Triple-A Las Vegas and has 56 strikeouits in 38 innings. At LSU, Jump struck out 101 with 22 walks in the 2024 season in 83 innings and limited batters to a .218 average. A native of Aliso, California, which is an hour south of Los Angeles, Jump transferred to the Tigers after playing in 2022 and ’23 at UCLA. The A’s are 27-27 on the season and have one of the worst strikeout pitching staffs in baseball. > [Oakland A’s select LSU pitcher Gage Jump on day one of MLB draft](https://www.tigerrag.com/oakland-as-select-lsu-pitcher-gage-jump-on-day-one-of-mlb-draft/) Jump was ranked No. 42 in ESPN’s preseason rankings of MLB prospects. Down the stretch of the 2024 season at LSU, Jump was one of the Tigers’ best pitchers. He beat Missouri on April 19 and Auburn on April 26 with 20 strikeouts and one walk in 14 innings combined and allowed just one run and five hits in picking up the two victories. Jump was the losing pitcher in relief when the Tigers fell, 4-3, in 10 innings to host North Carolina in the NCAA Regional championship game. Had LSU won, it would have hosted the Super Regional the next week. Jump allowed three hits and one earned run with two walks and three strikeouts in two innings. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Gage Jump, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers', Oakland A's --- ### [LSU Golfer Taylor Riley Completes Career Tied For 30th Out Of 156 In NCAA Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-golfer-taylor-riley-completes-career-tied-for-30th-out-of-156-in-ncaa-championships/) **Published:** May 26, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** CARLSBAD, California – LSU senior graduate Taylor Riley completed her four-year LSU career here Monday in the final stroke play in 30th out of 156 players at the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championship at the OMNI La Costa Resort course on Monday. Riley made the cut for the final round as one of the nine players on teams that didn’t make the top 15 cut after 54 holes on Sunday. But she had to take a circuitous route to make it happen. First, there was a birdie 4 on the final hole of regulation on the par 5 18th hole. That put her in a tie for the ninth qualifying spot which resulted in a playoff late Sunday evening Pacific Time. The threesome played four holes, all with pars, when darkness shut down the playoff. The players returned Monday morning and Riley parred the par 4 17th hole to advance to Monday’s final round. In the final round Monday afternoon, Riley finished her official last hole of her college career (the ninth) just as she did the night before on the 18th hole, with a birdie that put her at 2-over par 74 for the day and 2-over par for 72 holes. She finished at T30 for the Championships in a field of 156 players that started play on Friday. > [LSU’s Taylor Riley Hits 10-Foot Putt To Win Playoff And Reach Individual Final At NCAA Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-taylor-riley-hits-10-foot-putt-to-win-playoff-and-reach-individual-final-at-ncaa-championships/) Her rounds were 72-75-69-74 for a total of 290, the 10th best 72 hole score by an LSU women’s golfer in program history. Riley became the 13th player in LSU women’s golf history to play in at least three NCAA Championships, and being from San Diego knows the ups and downs of this course she has been a part of helping LSU contest the Championships the last three years. “We talked about it in the practice round,” Riley said. “Every single shot, you just have to focus. There’s not one shot out here that I’m like ‘Oh this is easy. Like I could do this in my sleep.’ You definitely have to think every shot through, and try to not think about the bad places to miss, but only all the good places to hit the ball. You have to focus so hard and you just have to give it your best, every single shot. And, the greens are very, very tricky. It helps a little bit more that as the years go on, that they are getting a little bit softer, but still, just everything from tee to green makes it a championship course.” Farrah O’Keefe of Texas won the individual national championship at 12-under 204. The tournament continues on Tuesday and Wednesday as the top eight teams at the end of Monday’s play take part in match play to decide the national championship. The LSU men were scheduled to arrive here late on Monday and will begin play on Friday in the men’s NCAA Championship. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Women's Golf **Tags:** LSU Tigers', lsu women's golf, Taylor Riley --- ### [SEC Could End 24-Team Playoff Talk This Week, Says USA Today's Matt Hayes On Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/sec-could-end-24-team-playoff-talk-this-week-says-usa-todays-matt-hayes-on-tiger-rag-radio/) **Published:** May 25, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The way USA Today senior college football writer/columnist Matt Hayes sees it, the Southeastern Conference and commissioner Greg Sankey are the 300 Spartans and the Ancient Greek King of Sparta Leonidas, respectively. And the Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, Notre Dame, the American Football Coaches Association and many others are the Persians in the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. What they were fighting about in that famous battle of the Greco-Persian War is too complicated to get into. What Sankey and the SEC are fighting for is keeping the College Football Playoff at 12 teams or expanding to 16, while the Big Ten, Big 12, ACC, AFCA, Notre Dame and many others want to go to 24. A critical battle – though likely not to go down in history quite how the fighting at the historic mountain pass of Thermopylae in central Greece did – is possibly set for the SEC Against The World on Tuesday through Friday AD at the SEC Spring Meetings in Destin, Florida. There are some beach passes there and maybe a dune, but no mountains. The presidents, athletic directors and football coaches from all 16 SEC schools along with other coaches and personnel and league officials will be meeting throughout the week on the state of college football, which tends to be run by the SEC. Although, the Big Ten’s role is getting bigger lately as their football teams are better now and have taken the last three national championships. “It’s going to be as big as they’ve ever been, I think,” Hayes said of the 2026 SEC Spring Meetings on Tiger Rag Radio last week. Listen to Tiger Rag’s entire interview with Hayes by clicking the link immediately below. “I think you could make the argument that these are going to be the biggest meetings they’ve ever had here in Destin,” Hayes said. > [Enjoy The College Football Playoffs This Season And Forever More, But Never Forget Roy Kramer](https://www.tigerrag.com/enjoy-the-college-football-playoffs-this-season-and-forever-more-but-never-forget-roy-kramer/) And the SEC has had its sandy spring meetings just off the Gulf of Mexico in Destin since the 1980s with some biggies. [This is where then-SEC commissioner Roy Kramer casually announced in 1990 the bombshell](https://www.outkick.com/sports/former-sec-commissioner-roy-kramer-is-the-godfather-of-this-thing-of-ours-we-call-the-playoffs-new-documentary-airs-tonight) that the SEC would be adding two teams and starting an SEC Championship Game in the 1992 season. And college football has never been the same, as that SEC title game led the way to the actual college football playoffs with the Bowl Championship Series in 1998 and onward as other conferences soon copied the SEC playoff. And the playoffs grew and grew to the current 12 teams. The ball began rolling directly toward an historic nine-game SEC football schedule that starts this year at the meetings last year before final approval last August. Current SEC commissioner Greg Sankey downplayed any incoming drama for this year’s session during his opening remarks on Monday night, leading into the meetings starting on Tuesday. “I do not anticipate any decisions on the College Football Playoff,” he said. “Just to make that clear, so we can tamp that down.” Sankey also called many of the stories on the CFP entering the meetings as “over-hyped.” And he does have a point as many SEC Spring Meetings come and go with little significance. “There’s a lot going on,” Hayes insisted. “The 16 presidents and chancellors from the SEC have the ability to either take a stand or not on the playoffs.” Sankey does not like the idea of 24 teams in the College Football Playoff. [Neither does Hayes. Partly because he says most of the early games will be terrible](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2026/05/07/cfp-playoff-expansion-24-teams-will-kill-college-football-as-we-know-it/89969453007/), which is often already the case in the 12 team-playoff. “It’s like the SEC is saying, ‘We are the 300, and you are the Persian Empire coming at us. And we’re not moving. No, we’re not going to 24. We’re staying at 12 or we’re going to 16. That’s it. End of story,'” Hayes mused. “A lot of possibilities are on the table. The overarching question is, ‘Do they (the SEC) dig in and say, ‘No, it’s not happening.’ Because if they do, the other conferences will back down. I really believe that.” As far as the Battle of Thermopylae, Sankey should know that Commissioner Leonidas died in it, and the Persians won and went on to burn Athens – not the one in Georgia, but close enough. Sankey should feel relieved that in the end, the Greeks – in this case the SEC – because of the previous efforts of those 300 Spartans and Commissioner Leonidas – eventually won the war. And Thermopylae went down in history as a symbol of courage and defiance against overwhelming odds, which the Big Ten seems to have now over the SEC. We shall see. There will be other topics of great discussion in Destin this week, too, and they are likely to exclude the Greco-Persian War, unless Hayes himself takes the podium. And there have been many speakers not nearly as good. “There’s a lot going on, man,” Hayes said. “How are they going to enforce the NCAA rules? What rules are they going to have? Will the CSC (College Sports Commission formed in 2025 that is supposed to govern Name, Image & Likeness deals and revenue sharing) have any kind of factor at all in private NIL deals? They’re now running the sport, which we all knew would happen.” Stay tuned on the SEC Network. Or perhaps The History Channel. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** College Football Playoff, greg sankey, Matt Hayes, SEC Spring Meetings, Southeastern Conference, USA Today Sports --- ### [LSU's Taylor Riley Hits 10-Foot Putt To Win Playoff And Reach Individual Final At NCAA Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-taylor-riley-hits-10-foot-putt-to-win-playoff-and-reach-individual-final-at-ncaa-championships/) **Published:** May 25, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** CARLSBAD, California – LSU senior Taylor Riley made a 10-foot putt for par here early Monday morning to earn a spot in the final round later today at the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championship at the OMNI La Costa Resort course near San Diego – Riley’s hometown. Riley made the winning putt on the fifth hole of a 3-for-1 playoff to determine the ninth and final individual to advance from the 15 teams that did not make the top 15 cut after 54 holes of play. LSU missed that cut by one shot on Sunday, but Riley was in position to advance after a birdie on the final hole of regulation, the par 5 18th, which put her at 3-under 69 for the day and even par for the championship. > [LSU Women’s Golf Misses NCAA Championships Top 15 Cut By 1 Shot, But Taylor Riley Remains](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-golf-misses-ncaa-championships-top-15-cut-by-1-shot-but-taylor-riley-remains/) Riley, Wake Forest’s Macy Pate and Indiana’s Sheridan Clancy all tied for the ninth advancing spot at even par and began a playoff in the waning minutes of daylight Sunday night Pacific Time. The players recorded par putts on all four playoff holes – the par 3 16th over water, the par 4 17th, the par 5 18th and a second trip to the par 3 16th. Highlighting the play was a chip-in for par by Riley on the 17th hole Sunday night for par that kept her in the playoff. “So I probably hit three of the worst shots I’ve hit all week,” Riley said on Monday after the playoff concluded. “I just hit it in the junk and then chipped out and then hit another shot just short of the green. I actually had a similar chip, in the actual round Sunday, so I was joking with coach (Garrett Runion), ‘Oh, I just had this chip. I know exactly what to do. No big deal.’” It was a 20-yard chip. “I tried to give it my best chip,” Riley said. “So, I just tried to be aggressive through it. And at about 10 feet away, I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, it’s going in.’ Then I put my hand over my mouth, and I started laughing because I knew it was in. It was definitely fun to get everyone yelling and stuff and a good team bonding moment after we got knocked out as a team.” On Monday, the playoff returned to the 17th and for Pate and Clancy, it was their turn for adventure. Pate hit the top of the first fairway bunker and had a buried lie and could only advance the ball about 10 yards out of the bunker. She then hit her third about 25 feet from the hole. Clancy had an awkward stance on the right of another fairway bunker and was only able to advance it a little way down. She chipped back to fairway and was close to the pin, but putting for bogey. Riley split the fairway with her drive, but her approach ended up in the left bunker. She made a solid shot, leaving her about 10 feet for par. Pate missed her par putt, and Riley rolled hers in to keep the recent LSU graduate’s career alive for one more afternoon. “It’s so weird,” Riley said. “I thought it was ending Sunday. But here we go. One more round. It’s kind of fun.” Riley will start her final round in a tie for 28th after moving up 36 places with Sunday’s round of 69. She is certainly in position to possibly make the all-championship team, which goes to the top 15 players and ties. The final round starts at 2:46 p.m. Baton Rouge time. Coverage will start on Babygrande at Golfchannel.com before The Golf Channel goes with over-the-air coverage at 4:30 p.m. Here are the complete final standings for the playoff and through three rounds of the competition: **THIRD ROUND RESULTS** **NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championships** **Carlsbad, California – OMNI La Costa Resort & Spa** **Team Results Through 3 Rounds (Par 288-864)** *Top 15 teams advance to Monday’s final stroke play round* 1 Stanford (No. 1) – 282-282-279 – 843 -21 2 Southern California (No. 2) – 281-286-281 – 848 -16 3 Oklahoma State (No. 21) – 283-286-285 – 854 -10 4 Texas (No. 5) – 288-290-280 – 858 -6 T5 Iowa State (No. 17) – 284-292-285 – 861 -3 T5 Arkansas (No. 7) – 286-290-285 – 861 -3 T7 Florida (No. 3) – 297-285-284 – 866 +2 T7 Arizona State (No. 23) – 289-292-825 – 866 +2 T7 Duke (No. 10) – 291-286-289 – 866 +2 10 Eastern Michigan (No. 27) – 286-295-289 – 870 +6 T11 Pepperdine (No. 11) – 296-289-287 – 872 +8 T11 Missouri (No. 32) – 287-296-289 – 872 +8 T13 SMU (No. 16) – 288-289-297 – 874 +10 T13 North Carolina (No. 12) – 293-294-287 – 874 +10 15 Northwestern (No. 31) – 290-292-294 – 876 +12 — **T16 LSU (No. 34) – 288-301-288 – 877 +13** T16 Wake Forest (No. 8) – 300-287-290 – 877 +13 T18 Tennessee (No. 18) – 291-295-293 – 879 +15 T18 Virginia (No. 35) – 289-299-291 – 879 +15 20 Houston (No. 29) – 294-297-289 – 880 +16 21 Auburn (No. 6) – 302-286-293 – 881 +17 22 Texas A&M (No. 4) – 289-297-296 – 882 +18 T23 Kentucky (No. 33) – 298-299-288 – 885 +21 T23 Florida State (No. 22) – 292-294-299 – 885 +21 25 Baylor (No. 26) – 289-299-298 – 886 +22 26 Ole Miss (No. 20) – 301-294-292 – 887 +23 27 Ohio State (No. 25) – 297-295-301 – 893 +29 28 Michigan State (No. 38) – 298-297-300 – 895 +31 29 Texas Tech (No. 49) – 296-304-299 – 899 +35 30 Oregon State (No. 46) – 300-300-301 – 901 +37 #### **Individual Top 10 (Par-72)** T1 Farah O’Keefe, Texas (No. 1) – 69-69-68 – 206 -10 T1 Catherine Park, Southern Cal, (No. 10) – 70-71-65 – 206 -10 3 Mega Ortengren, Stanford (No. 12) – 70-68-69 – 207 -9 4 Megha Ganne, Stanford (No. 7) – 68-71-69 – 208 -8 T5 Kyra Van Kan, Tennessee (No. 47) – 69-71-69 – 209 -7 T5 Marta Silchenko, Oklahoma State (No. 21) – 70-70-69 – 209 -7 T5 Ellie Bushnell, Oklahoma State (No. 125) – 68-73-68 – 209 -7 T8 Kajsalotta Svarvar, Ole Miss (No. 44) – 69-69-72 – 210 -6 T8 Kirstin Angosta, TCU – 69-70-71 – 210 -6 T8 Thanana Kotchasanmanee, Princeton (No. 59) – 69-71-70 – 210 -6 T8 Siuue Wu, Florida (No. 32) – 76-64-70 – 210 -6 T8 Rianne Malixi, Duke (No. 8) – 73-69-68 – 210 -6 #### **3-for-1 Playoff for ninth and final advancing spot among players not on top-15 teams** **Hole****16 (Sun.)****17****18****16****17 (Mon.)****Taylor Riley, LSU**ParParParParParMacy Pate, Wake ForestParParParParBogeySheridan Clancy, IndianaParParParParX*Playoff suspended by darkness on Sunday after 4 holes; Resumed Monday at 8 a.m. PT; Riley advanced.* #### LSU Scores T28 Taylor Riley (No. 150) – 72-75-69 – 216 E T44 Elsa Svensson (No. 83) – 71-76-72 – 218 +2 T60 Francesca Fiorellini (No. 57) – 73-74-73 – 220 +4 T96 Ryleigh Knaub (No. 95) – 72-77-74 – 223 +7 151 Josefin Widal – 77-78-82 – 237 +21 [](https://ads.wmt.digital/delivery/cl.php?bannerid=7436&zoneid=39&OXLCA=1&sig=a83053c29619efcd853456f04a85dbdb3320232058d484828be2a0bbe0dbce3b&oadest=https%3A%2F%2Fcocacolaunited.com%2F) **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Women's Golf **Tags:** lsu, LSU Tigers', lsu women's golf, NCAA Championships, Taylor Riley --- ### [Make A Wish, Skip Bertman, And Blow Out All The Championships | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/make-a-wish-skip-bertman-and-blow-out-all-the-championships-glenn-guilbeau/) **Published:** May 25, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor **EDITOR’S NOTE:** *On this Memorial Day, when there is no LSU baseball on the schedule for the rest of the season for the first time since Memorial Day of 2011 and only the fourth time this century (2006, ’07, ’11 and ’26), let’s go back in time. To a time when LSU Baseball regularly played past Memorial Day. That was under coach Skip Bertman from 1984 through 2001. Over that span, the only time thoughts of postseason college baseball didn’t fill the minds of LSU fans like kids on Christmas on Memorial Day was in Bertman’s first two years in 1984 and ’85 and in 1988, 1992 and ’95. Those last three misses all came a season after College World Series appearances, much like this season that followed coach Jay Johnson’s second national championship in three years. The ’26 Tigers (30-28, 9-21 SEC) season ended with a 3-1 loss to Auburn in the SEC Tournament last week on May 20 – the earliest an LSU baseball season ended since 2007 when the Tigers (29-26-1, 12-17-1 SEC) finished on May 19 and did not make the SEC Tournament or NCAA Tournament.* *Bertman celebrated his 88th birthday on Saturday, May 23. Through his 18 seasons as LSU’s coach, he failed to make the NCAA postseason just twice – 1984 and ’88. Yes, the game has changed and is more difficult now with more SEC teams taking the sport seriously and winning in addition to NIL and the Transfer Portal making it more difficult to guard against roster turnover.* ![LSU Tigers baseball coach and player pose together on the field, with the player wearing a purple jersey that reads TIGERS and number 2](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/SkipBertman3_LSUAthletics.jpg "SkipBertman3_LSUAthletics | TigerRag.com")**Former LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman left with good friend current coach Jay Johnson LSU photo***But Bertman still stands virtually alone in the history of college baseball with what he did at LSU with five national championships, 11 trips to Omaha, Nebraska, for the College World Series and 16 NCAA postseason appearances.* *So, Happy Birthday, Skip, and thanks for the memories and all the Memorial Days with games yet to play*. *(Reprinted with permission from the Alexandria Daily Town Talk of Monday, May 24, 1993, editions by Glenn Guilbeau.)* BATON ROUGE – Happy Birthday Skip Bertman. Make a wish, and blow out all the trophies. Bertman turned 55 on Sunday and collected his 13th championship trophy in his 10th year on the job when his No. 4 LSU baseball team defeated Mississippi State, 7-3, for the school’s fourth consecutive overall Southeastern Conference championship. Before Sunday, three was the most by one school as LSU won three straight from 1943-46 with the 1944 season cancelled due to World War II. Alabama also won three in a row from 1934-36. [HOW TO BUY “EVERYTHING MATTERS IN BASEBALL: The Skip Bertman Story”](https://www.acadianhouse.com/biographies#!/Everything-Matters-in-Baseball-The-Skip-Bertman-Story/p/424989862) Let’s count those 13 championship candles (regular season and tournament, excluding division titles) by season: 1986 – SEC, SEC Tournament, NCAA South I Regional (3 candles). 1987 – NCAA South II Regional (4). 1989 – NCAA Central Regional (5). 1990 – SEC, SEC Tournament Co-Champions with Mississippi State, NCAA South I Regional (8). 1991 – SEC, NATIONAL CHAMPIONS (10). 1992 – SEC, SEC Tournament (12). 1993 – SEC (13). … And counting. Bertman particularly likes the four straight in the SEC, which had been dominated by Mississippi State and coach Ron Polk, his old friend from his Miami days, with five league titles from 1979-90. “The boys may not sense it, but to win four in a row in the strongest baseball conference in the United States meant a lot to us,” Bertman said after Sunday’s win at Alex Box Stadium. “It entailed eight straight weeks of baseball plus the tournament this year. And that made it a little tougher. I am really proud of the guys.” ![Baseball dugout scene: coach in a purple LSU jacket points toward the field as players watch.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/SkipBertman2_LSUAthletics.jpg "SkipBertman2_LSUAthletics | TigerRag.com")**LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman in the early years LSU photo**In a new format this year, the SEC West Tournament here and the SEC East Tournaments in Columbia, S.C., were counted toward the regular season title. LSU (47-15-1 overall) finished 18-8 in the SEC, edging Tennessee of the East at 20-10 by percentage points, .692 to .666, for the crown. “Anybody can win over a weekend or in a tournament,” Bertman said. “But eight straight weeks is really something. They’ve been playing well for three months. Four straight years is a model of consistency, shows a lot of discipline. And they deserve all the credit in the world.” Will Hunt, a former regular starting pitcher who threw three and a third innings of relief in two losers’ bracket wins Saturday, was given the start Sunday by Bertman just 45 minutes before game time over Matt Malejko. Hunt (9-1) responded with the longest outing of his career as the senior limited state to five hits and two runs in six and two-thirds innings for the win. “I kind of like it that way – not finding out until just before the game,” Hunt said. “If I think about it too much, I get nervous. It helps being a reliever, too.” If Hunt watched State beat Auburn, 13-10, earlier Sunday, he had more reason to be nervous. The Bulldogs registered 15 hits with five home runs, including a three-run shot by Rex Buckner, to win it in the 10th. “Will Hunt was masterful. He held them to two hits into the seventh, and Mississippi State is a fine hitting team,” said Bertman, who masterfully called the pitches as usual. “He had tremendous movement on his fastball early,” Polk said. “He’d go on the outside half with a fastball, then come back inside with a fastball when you were thinking, ‘This guy’s got to throw a curve,’” State’s Ricky Joe Redd said. His solo home run in the seventh cut LSU’s lead to 7-1. LSU struck State for 14 hits in all. Russ Johnson hit a solo home run in the first inning and a two-run homer in a three-run third inning as the Tigers took a 4-0 lead. That grew to 6-0 in the fourth on RBI singles by Jason Williams and Harry Berrios, who hit .526 for the weekend (10-for-19) with nine RBIs, three home runs, seven runs scored and two doubles in taking tournament MVP honors. “We came out today to win four straight SEC titles and make history,” Berrios said. A sacrifice fly by Jim Greely hit a sacrifice fly in the sixth for a 7-0 lead. Blake Anderson’s RBI double in the seventh cut LSU’s lead to 7-2 after Redd’s home run. Malejko finished State off, allowing just a solo home run to Drew Williams in the ninth for the 7-3 final. > [LSU’s 2025-26 YEAR FROM HELL Worst Since 1965-66, But There’ll Be No Reunions | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-2025-26-year-from-hell-is-worst-since-1965-66-but-therell-be-no-reunions-glenn-guilbeau/) Bertman had ace Mike Sirotka ready for relief just in case. “I was thinking Will would go four or five,” Bertman said. “But even when he’s tired, his stuff is good because his ball sinks and sails. Then Matt really came on.” And everyone lit the candles. “Happy Birthday, Skip,” Polk said with slight sarcasm as he boarded the team bus. The crown has been passed from one king to another as Polk, 49, continues to search for his first national championship. Bertman will go for No. 2 in the weeks ahead. “By the time I’m 55, I’ll probably be dead,” Polk said. A lot of other people may be, too, before someone replaces the Skipper of the SEC. **EDITOR’S UPDATE:** *Bertman would win his second national championship three weeks later, 8-0, over Wichita State on June 12, 1993, at the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska. Two more SEC championships in 1996 and ’97 would follow for Bertman along with an SEC Tournament title in 2000 and three more national championships in 1996, ’97 and 2000 and 11 trips to Omaha in all (1986, ’87, ’89, ’90, ’91, ’93, ’94, ’96, ’97, ’98, 2000) before he retired after the 2001 season.* *Bertman went on to become athletic director from 2001-08 and produced four more national championships for a total of nine at LSU – five national titles as coach and four from LSU coaches whom he hired. Those were Les Miles in football in the 2007 season (hired in 2005), Paul Mainieri in baseball in 2009 (hired in 2007), Dennis Shaver in women’s outdoor track in 2008 (hired in 2004), and Chuck Winstead in men’s golf in 2015 (hired in 2006).* *And Ron Polk is not dead. He is 82 and still coaching as an assistant with the Danville Dans summer league team in Danville, Illinois, and remains a special assistant to the athletic director at Mississippi State.* **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** College World Series, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, skip bertman --- ### [LSU Women's Golf Misses NCAA Championships Top 15 Cut By 1 Shot, But Taylor Riley Remains](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-golf-misses-ncaa-championships-top-15-cut-by-1-shot-but-taylor-riley-remains/) **Published:** May 25, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** It has been one of Garrett Runion’s themes since last week that at the end of events like the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championships, “it always comes down to one or two shots.” For LSU, it came down to just one shot to make the top 15 first cut of the championships on Sunday at the OMNI La Costa Resort course. And the Tigers were on the wrong side of that cut. For the second time this weekend, LSU posted an even par round of 288 to finish the 54 holes at 13-over par 877 Sunday, tied for 16th with Wake Forest and one shot behind defending champion Northwestern, which fired a 6-over 294 to hold on to the 15th spot at 12-over par 876. The news was better on the individual side. LSU senior Taylor Riley birdied the 18th hole in regulation to shoot 69 and finish 54 holes at even par 216 (72-75-69). That put her in a playoff for the last of nine individual spots for players not on the top 15 teams to play in Monday’s final round. She joined Sheridan Clancy of Indiana and Macy Pate of Wake Forest in a playoff that started on the 16th hole. > [LSU Women’s Golf In 23rd And In Danger Of Missing Cut At NCAA Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-golf-in-23rd-and-in-danger-of-missing-cut-at-ncaa-championships/) On the second playoff hole, the par 4 17th, Riley hit her drive left onto a dirt path and hit it 20 yards. Her third shot left her short of the green on the uphill ridge in front of the putting surface. Pate was in close for par after hitting out of the bunker, and Clancy had a long birdie putt. Riley lifted the ball onto the green, and it rolled into the cup for par, starting a celebration among the LSU fans for Riley, a San Diego native who showed her best scrambling. Pate made her putt and Clancy two-putted for par. On the par 4 18th, all three players had birdie putts as sunset came and went, but all three two putted. Going back to the par 3 16th in the darkness, all three found the green and two putted before the playoff was called for the evening after 8 p.m. California time. Play was scheduled to resume at 10 a.m. central time Monday with the winner advancing to play in the fourth round of the Championships to determine the individual winner. Riley is in a tie for 28th place, moving up 36 spots in the standings with her four-birdie 69 Sunday in front of family and friends. “There were a lot of different emotions,” Riley said after her birdie on 18 and before the playoff. “I had a lot of family and friends out watching, so I just tried to smile through every single shot and just give it my best. I hit a lot of the middles of greens out here. That’s kind of what you need to do to play good and then sneak in some birdies. I just tried to give it my best swing on every single shot. I had one little bogey that kind of makes me mad, but that’s all right. Really proud to finish it like that. I felt really good on my putting today, which was nice and easy.” As a team, the Tigers were looking for a chance to get back into the top 15 for the sixth straight year. But the final overall number did not go as high as expected, moving only from plus 10 to plus 12 on the board. LSU was as high as 17-over par (4 over on the round Sunday), but battled back in the end and had opportunities to tie it. Riley and LSU senior Elsa Svensson birdied the final hole to pull LSU back to even par for the day and +13 for the tournament. “I’m proud of the fight. That’s all you can ask for as a coach,” Runion said. “They gave it everything they had and gave us a chance. At the beginning of the week, we always talk about it – it always comes down to one, and most of the time we’re on the right side of that one. Unfortunately, this time we are not, but I’m proud they gave us a shot.” Runion looked back on LSU’s accomplishments of the season. > [LSU Women’s Golf Opens Play In NCAA Championships At Renown La Costa Course In Carlsbad, California](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-golf-opens-play-in-ncaa-championships-at-renown-la-costa-course-in-carlsbad-california/) “There were a lot of positives,” he said. “One is for getting here and that is always an accomplishment. Two was the first round (even par 288) and setting a school mark for a first round score in the NCAA Tournament. Unfortunately, the second day in tough conditions, we let too many get away from us. But in the third day, they gave us a chance.” > [LSU Women’s Golf In 4th After Opening Day Of NCAA Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-golf-in-4th-after-opening-day-of-ncaa-championships/) The Svensson birdie gave her a final round of even par 72, and she finished tied for 44th at 2-over par 218. LSU also counted a 1-over 73 from Francesca Fiorellini and a 2-over 74 from Riley Knaub. “We had two seniors that finished up with a birdie on the last hole, and the good news is we had two sophomore and a freshman see this place,” Runion said. “So for the future, getting more experience out here is certainly going to helpful. It stings right now. We have some sad ladies over there, but it was a good effort today.” The final round will be televised streaming by Babygrande on GolfChannel.com before Golf Channel over-the-air coverage begins at 4:30 p.m. central time. Live scoring will be available at Scoreboard.Clippd.com. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Women's Golf **Tags:** garrett runion, lsu, LSU Tigers', lsu women's golf, NCAA Championships, Taylor Riley --- ### [LSU Football Adds Tee Martin's Son, Kaden Martin, A QB From Middle Tennessee, To 2026 Tigers](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-adds-tee-martins-son-kaden-martin-a-qb-from-middle-tennessee-to-2026-tigers/) **Published:** May 23, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU football coach Lane Kiffin has added portal transfer No. 42 to his 2026 class. He is incoming senior quarterback Kaden Martin (5-foot-11, 231 pounds), an unranked backup from Middle Tennessee who is the son of LSU offensive analyst Tee Martin. Martin did not take any snaps at Middle Tennessee in 2024 or ’25. He originally signed to play baseball at Miami before the 2022 season out of Catholic High in Knoxville, Tennessee, where his father won a national championship with the Tennessee Volunteers as quarterback of the 1998 team. The younger Martin played only briefly at Miami in baseball before transferring to East Tennessee State, where he also played sparingly in baseball. > [Lane Kiffin’s 1st LSU Portal Class: From A Whisper To Shouts From Mountain Tops | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffins-1st-lsu-portal-class-from-a-whisper-to-shouts-from-mountain-tops-glenn-guilbeau/) Kiffin signed three quarterbacks in his portal class of 2026 that was ranked No. 1 in the nation by 247sports.com – Sam Leavitt of Arizona State, Husan Longstreet of USC and Landen Clark of Elon. Martin replaces redshirt freshman reserve quarterback Emile Picarella III, who red-shirted in 2025 after walking on from University High. Picarella had told LSU’s coaching staff after going through spring drills recently that he would be leaving the program. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Kaden Martin, lane kiffin, lsu football, Tee Martin --- ### [LSU Women's Golf In 23rd And In Danger Of Missing Cut At NCAA Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-golf-in-23rd-and-in-danger-of-missing-cut-at-ncaa-championships/) **Published:** May 24, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** CARLSBAD, California – The LSU women’s golf team finds itself on the wrong side of the cut line going into Sunday at the NCAA Championships after 36 holes Friday and Saturday at the OMNI La Costa Resort course. But, as the Tigers demonstrated in NCAA Regional play this season and last year at the NCAA’s third round, they seem to know what they need to do when they step on the course here. Coming off a 14-birdie even par round on Friday, LSU was unable to match that with as it had three early double bogeys and only eight birdies, which led to a second-round total of 13-over-par 301 to stand at 13-over 589 after 36 holes. > [LSU Women’s Golf In 4th After Opening Day Of NCAA Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-golf-in-4th-after-opening-day-of-ncaa-championships/) However, just when it looked like things could really be bad for LSU after the turn at 9-over par, the Tigers played the final nine in 4-over par. That leaves them very much in the mix to possibly make the 54-hole cut for the sixth year in a row. The first cut line, which occurs after 54 holes to the top 15 places, is at 10-over par 586. And Texas A&M, Tennessee and Florida State are at that number. LSU will enter the round three shots off the number, certainly in reach. After the teams at 10-over par, North Carolina and Wake Forest are tied for 18th at 11-over with Baylor, Auburn and Virginia next at 12-over. Houston is two shots back of LSU at 15-over par. Only three teams are under par through the first 36 with No. 1 Stanford at a 12-under 564, No. 2 Southern California at a 9-under 567 and Oklahoma State at a 7-under 569. It is another seven shots back to Iowa State and Arkansas at 576, at even par and tied for fourth. LSU is in 23rd place and opens play Sunday at 2:45 p.m. central time of the first tee. “Tough day for the Tigers, certainly not our best,” LSU coach Garrett Runion said. “We knew it would be a challenge, teeing off in the afternoon off the back nine, playing that hard stretch of holes early in the wind. We tried to right the ship on the front nine and played our back nine better. It still wasn’t our best, but you know anything can happen. We’re not out of it, and Sunday we’ve got to believe we can get it done.” > [LSU Women’s Golf Opens Play In NCAA Championships At Renown La Costa Course In Carlsbad, California](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-golf-opens-play-in-ncaa-championships-at-renown-la-costa-course-in-carlsbad-california/) A year ago, the Tigers were in a tie for 17th place, one shot off the number and posted a 2-over round of 290 to advance to the top 15, eventually finishing tenth. “It helps that we were in the same position last year, and we played from the afternoon and made our way into the top 15 cut,” Runion said. “I made the comment to the team that we didn’t play our best the first day at regionals, and we played great the next two days to make it here. So, the likelihood of us playing two rounds not at our best is low, and we’ve got one more day to keep our season alive.” Sophomore Francesca Fiorellini did a great job helping keep LSU in the picture after starting her round four-over through five holes. She played the next 13 holes in 2-under par to get back to 74 for the day, equaling LSU’s low round of the afternoon. On Friday, Fiorellini started bogey-bogey and played the next 16 holes at 1-under par to shoot 1-over 73. She is at 3-over 147 after 36 holes. The Tigers on the day counted a 3-over 75 from Elsa Svensson and Taylor Riley and a 77 from Ryleigh Knaub. Svensson, who posted a 1-under 71 on Friday, is the top Tiger in the individual standings after 36 at 2-over 146, T46. Live scoring for the championships is at Scoreboard.clippd.com and streaming through Babygrande at GolfChannel.com **NCAA DIVISION I WOMEN’S GOLF CHAMPIONSHIP** **Second Round Team Results (Par 288-576)** 1 Stanford (No. 1) – 282-282 – 564 -12 2 Southern California (No. 2) – 281-286 – 567 -9 3 Oklahoma State (No. 21) – 283-286 – 569 -7 T4 Iowa State (No. 17) – 284-292 – 576 E T4 Arkansas (No. 7) – 286-290 – 576 E T6 SMU (No. 16) – 288-289 – 577 +1 T6 Duke (No. 10) –291-286 – 577 +1 8 Texas (No. 5) – 288-290 – 578 +2 T9 Eastern Michigan (No. 27) – 286-295 – 581 +5 T9 Arizona State (No. 23) 289-292 – 581 +5 T11 Northwestern (No. 31) – 290-292 – 582 +6 11 Florida (No. 3) 297-285 – 582 +6 13 Missouri (No. 32) 287-296 – 583 +7 14 Pepperdine (No. 11) – 296-289 – 585 +9 T15 Tennessee (No. 18) – 291-295 – 586 +10 T15 Texas A&M (No. 4) – 289-297 – 586 +10 T15 Florida State (No. 22) – 292-294 – 586 +10 T18 North Carolina (No. 12) – 293-294 – 587 +11 T18 Wake Forest (No. 8) – 300-287 – 587 +11 T20 Virginia (No. 35) – 289-299 – 588 +12 T20 Baylor (No. 26) – 289-299 – 588 +12 T20 Auburn (No. 6) – 302-286 – 588 +12 **23 LSU (No. 34) – 288-301 – 589 +13** 24 Houston (No. 28) – 294-297 –591 +15 25 Ohio State (No. 25) – 297-295 – 592 +16 T26 Michigan State (No. 38) – 298-297 – 595 +19 T26 Ole Miss (No. 20) – 301-294 – 595 +19 28 Kentucky (No. 33) – 298-299 – 597 +21 T29 Texas Tech (No. 49) – 296-304 – 600 +24 T30 Oregon State (No. 46) – 300-300 – 600 +24 **Top 10 Individuals (Par 72-144)** T1 Farah O’Keefe, Texas – 69-69 – 138 -6 T1 Kajsalotta Svarvar, Ole Miss – 69-69 – 138 -6 T1 Meja Ortengren, Stanford – 70-68 – 138 -6 T4 Kristian Angosta, TCU – 69-70 – 139 -5 T4 Megha Ganne, Stanford — 68-71 – 139 -5 T4 Beth Coulter, Arizona State – 69-70 – 139 -5 T7 Thanana Kotchasanmanee, Princeton – 69-71 – 140 -4 T7 Kyra Van Kan, Tennessee – 69-71 – 140 -4 T7 Marta Silchenko, Oklahoma State – 70-70 – 140 -4 T7 Maria Jose Marin, Arkansas – 72-68 – 140 -4 T7 Siuue WU, Florida – 76-64 – 140 -4 **LSU Scores** T46 Elsa Svensson – 71-75 – 146 +2 T64 Taylor Riley – 72-75 – 147 +1 T64 Francesca Fiorellini – 73-74 – 147 +1 T94 Ryleigh Knaub – 72-77 – 149 +5 T143 Josefin Widal – 77-78 – 155 +11 **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Women's Golf **Tags:** Elsa Svensson, Francesca Fiorellini, garrett runion, lsu women's golf, NCAA Championships --- ### [LSU Softball Ends At Bama In Super Regional After 2-Hour, 30-Minute Weather Delay Doesn't Stem Tide](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-ends-at-bama-in-super-regional-after-2-hour-30-minute-weather-delay-doesnt-stem-tide/) **Published:** May 23, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Lightning and rain only delayed the inevitable for the LSU softball team Saturday afternoon and well into Saturday night as the No. 16 seed Tigers’ season ended with a 4-1 loss at No. 1 overall seed Alabama in an NCAA Super Regional at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa. Alabama (54-7) took a 4-1 lead in the fourth inning about an hour after the 2:05 p.m. start, and the Crimson Tide appeared very much in control. But lightning delayed the game the first time with LSU batting in the bottom of the fourth for one hour and 38 minutes. The game was re-started at approximately 5 p.m., but was delayed again just a few minutes later in the top of the fifth and not started again until 7:30 p.m. In all, the two delays totaled four hours and eight minutes, and the game didn’t end until approximately 8:30 p.m. But the weather didn’t stop the Tide, and the Tigers (40-19) never mounted another threat after either rain delay and went quietly. The Tide advances to its 16th Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City under coach Patrick Murphy, who has been its coach since 1999. Alabama won its 12th Super Regional out of 13 in Tuscaloosa with the only tournament loss to Hawaii in 2010. LSU coach Beth Torina and the Tigers lost their fifth straight Super Regional (2018, ’19, ’21, ’24 and ’25) since last reaching the World Series in 2017. The Tide won the opener of the best-of-three Super Regional on Friday night, 7-0. > [LSU Softball Loses Super Regional Opener At Alabama; Must Win 2 Straight To Advance To World Series](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-loses-super-regional-opener-at-alabama-must-win-2-straight-to-advance-to-world-series/) “I think this is a good reminder for our team that being in the top eight is a huge deal,” Torina said as top eight national seeds mean host sites for the Super Regional. “Getting in the top eight, playing at home is a huge deal. This stadium and all the things they have here are an advantage, of course. Everybody wants to play at home, so I think it’s a good reminder for our team to really fight through the regular season and play well early on, so that you have an opportunity to be in that top eight. I think things can go differently.” Still, Torina praised her team. “I am incredibly proud of this team,” she said. “I am glad I got this week with them.” Alabama took a 1-0 lead in the top of the third inning on Saturday without a hit off LSU starter Jayden Heavener. After two strikeouts, Heavener walked Kristen White, then threw three consecutive wild pitches to bring White all the way the bases around to score. > [Will Wade Has 11 Players For LSU’s 2026-27 Basketball Roster, Or Will He?](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-has-11-players-for-lsus-2026-27-basketball-roster-or-will-he/) The Tigers tied it 1-1 in the bottom of the third with the first run allowed by Alabama in five games of NCAA play this season. After two outs, Alix Franklin doubled off Alabama starter Vic Moten and scored on Tori Edwards’ single. LSU finished with seven hits to only six by Alabama. The Tide blew the game open in the fourth inning as Alexis Pupillo led off with a home run off Heavener. After two outs, Audrey Vandagriff singled and reached third on Ambrey Taylor’s double. Salen Hawkins then drove both in for the 4-1 lead with a single. Heavener (13-9) took the loss, allowing four runs on six hits with four walks and eight strikeouts in seven innings. LSU’s Jalia Lassiter, who had the Tigers’ only hit Friday, doubled with one out in the bottom of the seventh off Alabama reliever Jocelyn Briski. But she was left stranded as Briski earned her fourth save. Moten (20-4) got the win, holding LSU to the one run on five hits and one walk with seven strikeouts in four innings. “Another week would have been cool, but I’m glad for this one,” Torina said. “I thought we showed a ton of growth throughout the season, and I’m excited about what’s in front of them.” **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Softball **Tags:** Alabama Crimson Tide, lsu softball, LSU Tigers, NCAA Super Regional --- ### [Will Wade Has 11 Players For LSU's 2026-27 Basketball Roster, Or Will He?](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-has-11-players-for-lsus-2026-27-basketball-roster-or-will-he/) **Published:** May 23, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor It appears LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade may be close to finishing his roster for the 2026-27 season as he has a possible 11 on the team after a very busy week with six additions since only Monday. But that’s just it – “possible.” > [Will Wade – Recruiter Of The Freakin’ World – Adds Center From France Playing In Spain To LSU-International Tigers](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-recruiter-of-the-freakin-world-adds-center-from-france-playing-in-spain-to-lsu-international-tigers/) As of May 23, LSU has confirmed exactly zero of Wade’s commitments and/or signees. Schools usually do not confirm any new additions until they are signed. But LSU hasn’t even confirmed Wade’s reported signees, such as the widely reported signing on Friday of center Brice Dessert (6-foot-11, 247 pounds), a pro player on the Andalou Efes team in Istanbul, Turkey, who is from Pontoise, France. He committed last Tuesday. LSU has also not confirmed the widely reported signing of former St. John’s All-American guard/forward and Big East player of the year RJ Luis (6-7, 215). That is likely because LSU will have to finesse that signing legally as Luis signed with the Utah Jazz and then the Boston Celtics as an undrafted free agent following the 2025 NBA Draft. He never played in any real games, but he signed. In addition, Wade has not been in contact much at all with LSU athletic department officials concerning his new players. [In the meantime, 247sports.com includes only four committed roster players for Wade’s Tigers](https://247sports.com/college/lsu/season/2026-basketball/transferportal/?institutionkey=24102) and ranks that four-member portal class at No. 40 in the nation. That includes No. 62 overall portal prospect and No. 9 small forward Mouhamad Dioubate (6-7, 220) of Kentucky, No. 123 portal player and No. 23 shooting guard Abdi Bashir Jr. (6-7, 175) of Kansas State, No. 231 portal prospect and No. 45 point guard Divine Ugochukwu of Michigan State and unranked guard Austin Nunez of Texas-San Antonio. > [LSU No. 1 TE Commit Ahmad Hudson Tells Tiger Rag, “Count Me In” As Will Wade Commit, Too](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-no-1-te-commit-ahmad-hudson-tells-tiger-rag-count-me-in-as-will-wade-commit-too/) There is also new addition Ahmad Hudson (6-6, 239), a forward from Ruston High who committed to the LSU football team recently as the No. 1 tight end in the nation for the class of 2027. And he has told Tiger Rag and other outlets that he plans to also play for Wade. The rash of additions of overseas professional players is up to five, including four since Tuesday. And that has attracted much negative attention across the nation. Those are forward Saliou Niang (6-6, 190) of Virtus Bologna in Italy, point guard Yam Madar (6-3, 181) of Hapeol in Tel Aviv, Israel, and Dessert, who all committed on Tuesday, and center Michael Ruiz (7-0, 160), a club pro player for Joventut Badalona in Catalonia, Spain, who committed on Wednesday. The fifth overseas pro player is center Marcio Santos (6-8, 250), who plays for Maccabi Rapyd in Tel Aviv, Israel, and committed on May 6. Michael DeCourcy, an expert on college basketball for decades at The Sporting News, tweeted about Wade’s worldwide, wild recruiting on Thursday. “When an NCAA basketball coach gets desperate these days, the results can be revealing,” he said. “When that coach is Will Wade, it’s a remiinder of what we already knew.” [WILL WADE’S CIRCUS ACT OF OVERSEAS RECRUITING](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/ncaa-basketball/news/will-wade-latest-manuevers-lsu-show-circus-will-follow/0a72fca76edc5a4216eeb7b1) The headline of the accompanying story said, “Will Wade’s latest manuevers at LSU show the circus will follow wherever he coaches.” His first paragraph said, “Did anyone really expect Will Wade would not act like a clown when he agreed to return to the circus that is LSU athletics/” DeCourcy wrote that Wade plans to pay the previously mentioned Yam Madar $5 million, even though the 25-year-old is currently averaging 3.1 points a game for Hapoel in Israel. > [Will Wade Plans To Make History Again At LSU In His 2nd Chance – “One Way Or The Other”](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-plans-to-make-history-again-at-lsu-in-his-2nd-chance-one-way-or-the-other/) The “desperate” term may not be a reach. Among the targeted portal players Wade tried to get shortly after taking the LSU job last March who turned him down were the following: -No. 2-ranked Kansas State point guard PJ Haggerty, who went to Texas A&M. -No. 6 Seton Hall center Najai Hines, who went to Connecticut. -No. 5 Georgia combination guard Jeremiah Wilkinson, who went to Arkansas. -No. 4 Georgetown small forward KJ Lewis, who went to USC. -No. 5 North Carolina State guard Matt Able, who went to North Carolina. -No. 15 Florida Atlantic guard Deven Vanterpool, who went to Providence. Funny, remember all the heat football coach Nick Saban took when he left Michigan State for LSU and not one Michigan State assistant followed him? Well, one would think one or two of Wade’s players at North Carolina State would have followed him to LSU the way four followed Lane Kiffin to LSU from Ole Miss after last season. Of course, Wade was just at NC State for less than a year, whereas Kiffin was at Ole Miss for six. Maybe, Wade will get all his overseas pro players on campus. It’s not like very many have been adhering to NCAA rules since the portal and NIL began in 2021. Maybe, he’s just pushing the edge of the envelope more than anyone else. That’s what he has done for most of his career, particularly when he was at LSU the first time and NCAA rules were enforced. And LSU fired him for a litany of NCAA recruiting violations in 2022. Or perhaps the NCAA will block what Wade is trying to do overseas and what other coaches have done in bringing over pro players from there for years. [NEW NCAA RULES CONCERNING ACQUISITIONS OF PRO PLAYERS FROM OVERSEAS](https://www.si.com/college-basketball/new-ncaa-eligibility-requirements-could-impact-top-international-players) “New eligibility requirement guidance that could significantly impact top international talent headed to college basketball was distributed by the NCAA earlier this month,” wrote Sports Illustrated’s Kevin Sweeney on Thursday. “The guidance, distributed May 8 and obtained recently by *Sports Illustrated*, lays out updated preenrollment eligibility requirements largely surrounding compensation and professional team involvement,” Sweeney continued. “How aggressively the requirements will be enforced is unclear, but they lay the groundwork for the NCAA to push back significantly on professional players in Europe and other top international leagues enrolling in college.” At the moment, no one, including Wade himself, knows for sure who will be on LSU basketball’s roster for 2026-27. If approved, Wade could have a team with an average age older than some NBA teams. Here are the 11 possibilities: **LSU’s** *POTENTIAL* **2026-27 MEN’S BASKETBALL ROSTER** (11 with class designations for next season) Abdir Bashir Jr. Guard, 6-7, 175, Sr., Kansas State Transfer, Native of Burnsville, Minnesota, Age 21. Brice Dessert, Center, 6-11, 247, Fr., Andalou Efes pro team in Istanbul, Turkey, Native of Pontoise, France, Age 23. Mouhamaed Dioubate, Forward, 6-7, 220, Sr., Kentucky Transfer, Native of Queens, New York, Age 22. Ahmad Hudson, Forward, 6-6, 239, Fr., Ruston High, Native of Ruston, Age 17. RJ Luis, Guard/Forward, 6-7, 215, Sr., St. John’s Transfer, Native of Miami, Age 23. Yam Madar, Guard, 6-3, 181, Fr., Hapoel pro team in Tel Aviv, Israel, Native of Beit Dugan, Israel, Age 25. Saliou Niang, Forward, 6-6, 190, Fr., Virtus pro team in Bologna, Italy, Native of Dakar, Senegal, West Africa, Age 22. Austin Nunez, Guard, 6-2, 185, Sr., Texas-San Antonio Transfer, Native of San Antonio, Age 23. Michael Ruzic, Center, 7-0, 160, Fr., Joventut club pro team in Catalonia, Spain, Native of Besancon, France, Age 19. Marcio Santos, Center, 6-8, 250, Fr. Maccabi Rapyd pro team in Tel Aviv, Israel, Native of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Age 23. Divine Ugochukwu, Guard, 6-3, 195, Jr., Michigan State transfer, Native of Sugar Land, Texas, Age 20. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** lsu, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, NCAA transfer portal, will wade --- ### [LSU Women's Golf In 4th After Opening Day Of NCAA Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-golf-in-4th-after-opening-day-of-ncaa-championships/) **Published:** May 22, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The LSU women’s golf team posted its lowest first round score in an NCAA Championship event on Friday, and the Tigers stood in fourth place with an even par 288 on the OMNI La Costa Resort course in Carlsbad, California. The round topped by one shot the 1-over 289 the Tigers opened with in 2024 in the tournament’s first year at this venue. The even par round equals the second-best single round in school history in an NCAA Championship for LSU, equaling the third round in 2024 and the second round in 2023 at Scottsdale, Arizona. LSU had the fourth lowest score of the 15 teams seeded 16-30 that played in the morning on the par 72, 6,271-yard course. The top 15 seeds were playing Friday evening. “It was truly a team effort today, having everybody in it,” LSU coach Garrett Runion said. “Nobody was playing super great or anything. They were just playing solidly. It was a very solid round and very consistent, and it’s hard to beat consistency.” > [LSU Women’s Golf Opens Play In NCAA Championships At Renown La Costa Course In Carlsbad, California](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-golf-opens-play-in-ncaa-championships-at-renown-la-costa-course-in-carlsbad-california/) Elsa Svensson led the Tigers with a 1-under par 71, featuring a birdie on the par 5 18th. Svensson had four birdies on the round, three on the final nine holes. Taylor Riley, who is from San Diego (34 miles from Carlsbad) had two early birdies and finished at even par 72 with four birdies. Freshman Ryleigh Knaub also had four birdies for an even 72. Francesco Fiorellini posted a 1-over par 73, shooting 1-under par over the last 16 holes with 15 pars and a birdie. Josefin Widal finished at 5-over 75 with three birdies in her round. “I was proud of the fact that we only had one double bogey out here,” Runion said. “This place has some tough holes all over the place, and to go through with just one little mistake like that was big. I was proud of Taylor, coming home as a senior in her hometown and really started off well. Even after making the double (on 14), she finished very well. I’m also proud of Ryleigh in her first national championship. She started the first hole off with a birdie and then after a couple of bogeys, she rights the ship and had a great round. Our other senior, Elsa, birdied the last hole to shoot 1-under is big, because it’s going to come down to one or two shots. So, every shot counts. I’m very pleased with how they played today.” Three teams in the morning wave posted under par scores with Oklahoma State at 5-under 283, Eastern Michigan at 2-under 286 and Missouri at 1-under 287. Ellie Bushnell of Oklahoma State shot the low round of the morning at 4-under 68. The Tigers tee off in Saturday’s second round at 3:07 p.m. central time with Kentucky and Virginia. “The team is in a great spot,” Runion said. “The vibes are high. We’ve got a long break until Saturday afternoon, but we put ourselves in a good spot.” Live scoring will be available at Scoreboard.clippd.com and streaming on BabyGrande.com. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Women's Golf **Tags:** Elsa Svensson, Francesco Fiorellini, garrett runion, lsu women's golf, Ryleigh Knaub, Taylor Riley --- ### [LSU Softball Loses Super Regional Opener At Alabama; Must Win 2 Straight To Advance To World Series](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-loses-super-regional-opener-at-alabama-must-win-2-straight-to-advance-to-world-series/) **Published:** May 22, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU opened its NCAA Super Regional softball tournament at No. 1 seed Alabama on fire with a lead-off double by Jalia Lassiter Friday night in Tuscaloosa. And that’s about all the Tigers did in a 7-0 loss to the Crimson Tide on 10 hits in front of 3,000 mostly red-clad fans at Rhoads Stadium that basically swallowed any Purple & Gold. LSU (40-18) now faces elimination against Alabama (53-7) at 2 p.m. Saturday on ESPN. An LSU win will force a third game on Sunday at an undetermined time as the Tigers try to reach their first World Series since 2017. The Tigers didn’t look like themselves at all after coming in off a sweep of their NCAA Regional and after eight wins in nine games. They also wore strange, non-school colored turquoise tops, and LSU was shut out for the first time since a 1-0 loss at Missouri on April 4. > [Lane Kiffin Drops By LSU Softball Practice; Beth Torina Discusses Bama Coach Leaving Her The LSU Job On Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-drops-by-lsu-softball-practice-beth-torina-discusses-bama-coach-leaving-her-the-lsu-job-on-tiger-rag-radio/) “This team is tough,” LSU coach Beth Torina said leading up to the game of her Tigers, who started off 0-5 in the Southeastern Conference before finishing 13-11. “The things they went through made them tougher. They understand they can take a punch.” And they did that Friday. Lassiter struggled to find anything to say when she was to lead off the postgame press conference, so Torina gave her a break and took over. “Can’t think of any things we did well,” she said. “Didn’t think we executed. They executed everything they wanted. We let the moment get big for us, it felt. We let it get away from us early and just couldn’t get back in it. Tough to do against a pitcher like that.” After Lassiter’s hit, Alabama ace starter Jocelyn Briski, the SEC pitcher of the year who went to 23-3 with the win, proceeded to no-hit the Tigers the rest of the way with 11 strikeouts and zero walks for the complete game victory over seven innings. She threw 66 strikes out of 94 pitches and retired 21 straight to finish. > [LSU’s 2025-26 YEAR FROM HELL Worst Since 1965-66, But There’ll Be No Reunions | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-2025-26-year-from-hell-is-worst-since-1965-66-but-therell-be-no-reunions-glenn-guilbeau/) After the Lassiter double, Briski got Sierra Daniel to fly out to left before Kylee Edwards grounded out to third. Then she struck out Alix Franklin. “She’s one of the best in the nation,” Lassiter said later. “She’s always gotten better each year. At the end of the day, she gave us pitches to hit, and we just didn’t go for it. They’re a great team. We are, too. We didn’t show you what we have tonight, but we’ll come back tomorrow (Saturday) and will.” Alabama scored the only run it needed in the bottom of the first when Jena Young singled off LSU starter Paytn Monticelli, reached third on Alexis Pupillo’s double and scored on a passed ball by LSU catcher Maci Bergeron. Audrey Vandagriff’s RBI single made it 2-0 in the first. The Tide went up 3-0 in the third on a Pupillo home run to right field off Monticelli. Young’s three-run double that greeted LSU reliever Cece Cellura put Alabama up 6-0 in the fourth. A throwing error by Bergeron pushed across an unearned run in the fifth for the touchdown lead. Monticelli (9-4) took the loss after giving up six earned runs on seven hits and a walk with one strikeout in three and a third innings. Cellura gave up the unearned run and allowed three hits with a walk and two strikeouts in two and two-thirds innings of relief. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Softball --- ### [LSU Softball Opens Super Regional Play At No. 1 Seed Alabama Tonight](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-opens-super-regional-play-at-no-1-seed-alabama-tonight/) **Published:** May 22, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU is ready for a Super Regional showdown against No. 1 overall seed Alabama in a best-of-three series beginning Friday (6 p.m., ESPN2) at Rhoads Stadium in Tuscaloosa with a berth in the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City on the line. Game two will be at 2 p.m. Saturday on ESPN. Sunday’s game time is to be determined if a game three is necessary. The games will also be available on radio via the LSU Radio Network (107.3 FM) in Baton Rouge and streaming at LSUsports.net/live and on the LSU Sports Mobile App. > [Lane Kiffin Drops By LSU Softball Practice; Beth Torina Discusses Bama Coach Leaving Her The LSU Job On Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-drops-by-lsu-softball-practice-beth-torina-discusses-bama-coach-leaving-her-the-lsu-job-on-tiger-rag-radio/) LSU leads Alabama in the all-time series 49-44 and has won six of the last 10 meetings, including three of the last four matchups. The Tigers beat the Tide in a three-game series last season, 2-1. LSU also holds a 2-0 advantage over Alabama when they meet in the NCAA Tournament, both of which were in the World Series. In 2015, LSU defeated Alabama 5-3, then won 6-4 in 2016 in Oklahoma City. LSU, which is making its 11th NCAA Super Regional appearance and its ninth under coach Beth Torina, has won eight of its last nine games and 12 of its last 15 entering the weekend. The Tigers have bumped their batting average to .291 behind 431 hits, including 57 home runs. The Tigers have outscored their opponents 347-165 this season, highlighted by a 185-73 margin in the first three innings. The LSU pitching staff has a 2.65 ERA, 12 shutouts, and 279 strikeouts in 375.2 innings. In the NCAA Regional in Baton Rouge last weekend, the staff threw three complete games by three pitchers – Jayden Heavener, Paytn Monticelli and Cece Cellura. The pitching staff is backed by a strong defense that has a .976 fielding percentage, has turned 28 double plays, and has a single-season low of 37 errors. > [LSU Advances To Super At No. 1 Seed Alabama After Beating Virginia Tech And Dominating NCAA Regional](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-advances-to-super-at-no-1-seed-alabama-after-beating-virginia-tech-and-dominating-ncaa-regional/) Heavener leads the staff with a 13-8 record and has pitched 15 complete games with five shutouts, including a no-hitter, and two saves. In 132.1 innings, the left-hander has 120 strikeouts and four double-digit strikeout games this season. She is coming off her 10th career shutout in the 8-0 victory over Akron to open the Baton Rouge Regional. Monticelli (9-3) is on a six-game winning streak when she is the pitcher of record. During the six-game winning streak, she has a 0.50 ERA with 18 strikeouts and has allowed two earned runs in 28.0 innings. In 76.0 innings overall, the senior has a 2.39 ERA and 62 punchouts. Cellura is 9-5 in the circle with 48 strikeouts and has a 3.12 ERA over 98.2 innings. Cellura has allowed 17 walks all season, the fewest walks by an SEC pitcher with a minimum of 90.0 innings. She is coming off her first career complete game shutout (vs. Virginia Tech, May 16), which was the program’s 30th shutout in the NCAA Tournament. Jalia Lassiter, a four-time NFCA All-Region selection, has been dominant throughout the season on offense. She is the seventh LSU Tiger to have 60 hits and 60 runs in a single season, and the first to do so since 2019 (Aliyah Andrews). Lassiter is second on the team with a .348 average at the plate but paces the team with 63 hits and 61 runs. Kylee Edwards leads the Tigers with a .349 batting average on 60 hits, including 10 home runs, and has 43 runs and 40 RBIs this season. K. Edwards leads LSU with 18 multi-hit games, 13 multi-RBI games, and with a 17-game reach-base streak. On April 3, K. Edwards became the first LSU Tiger to hit for the cycle, and the fifth player from the SEC to achieve the rare statistic. Sierra Daniel rounds out the LSU’s .300 hitters with a .341 average on 59 hits. Daniel has scored 45 runs, has 31 RBIs, and has drawn 34 walks. Daniel also owns a .984 fielding percentage and has turned 15 double plays from second base. For the latest news and information on Tiger softball, visit www.lsusports.net/softball. Fans can follow the team on its social media channels, including [www.facebook.com/lsusoftball](http://www.facebook.com/lsusoftball) and @lsusoftball, as well as on Instagram and X. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Softball **Tags:** Alabama Crimson Tide, beth torina, College Women's World Series, lsu softball, NCAA Super Regional --- ### [Will Wade - Recruiter Of The Freakin' World - Adds Center From France Playing In Spain To LSU-International Tigers](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-recruiter-of-the-freakin-world-adds-center-from-france-playing-in-spain-to-lsu-international-tigers/) **Published:** May 20, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Spanning the globe … to bring you the constant variety … of overseas pro basketball players … back to school … for sport. Yes, World Travelin’ Man Will Wade, the men’s basketball coach at LSU-I – *Louisiana State University International* – is globetrotting for players. LSU already has Lane “Portal King” Kiffin for football. Now it has Will “World King” Wade. Wade, who started with zero players on his roster shortly after taking over the LSU job in March, now has 10, possibly. And five are pro players not from the United States. On Wednesday, Wade got his sixth player since Monday – 7-foot center Michael Ruzic, who was born in France to parents from Croatia and plays for Joventut Badalona, a pro club team in Catalonia, Spain. > Source: International prospect Michael Ruzic has committed to LSU. > > The 7-footer has been on NBA Draft boards for the past few seasons and should add both size and skill up front in Baton Rouge. > > — Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) [May 20, 2026](https://twitter.com/JonRothstein/status/2057213502662529386?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Ruzic’s father was a professional basketball player overseas and his mother was one of the greatest volleyball players from Croatia. Ruzic, who played as a youth in Croatia, committed to Wade. On Tuesday, Wade gained a commitment from 6-6 forward Saliou Niang, who plays for Virtus Bologna in Italy. He is from Dakar, Senegal in West Africa and moved to Italy as a 2-year-old. Also on Tuesday, 7-foot center Brice Dessert, who is from France and plays for Andalou Efes in Turkey, committed to the Tigers, as did 6-3 point guard Yam Madar, who plays for Hapoelin in Tel Aviv, Israel, and is from Beit Dagan, Israel. A previous commitment on May 6 and the fifth from overseas was 6-8 center Marcio Santos, a pro player for Maccabi in Tel Aviv, Israel, and he is from Brazil. > Will Wade’s Wild West International roster approaching double figures, but eligibility police in hot pursuit: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 20, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2056924686865321996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Also on a busy Tuesday of this week, Wade signed 6-7 guard/forward RJ Luis, an All-American and Big East Player of the Year in 2024-25 at St. John’s. Luis, who is from Miami and played in high school in Lanham, Maryland, is Wade’s best addition, if he can get him eligible. He averaged 18.2 points and 7.2 rebounds at St. John’s for coach Rick Pitino, but there could be legal issues. Luis signed an NBA contract with Utah Jazz after going undrafted in 2025 and was traded to the Boston Celtics, who sent him to their G League Maine Celtics team. But Luis never played in a professional game, which is central to LSU’s hopes of getting Luis on the floor. Wade will be trying to get Luis and his other overseas players eligible for the 2026-27 season. On Monday, Wade got his first of six players this week the more conventional way – via the transfer portal – when he gained a commitment from guard Austin Nunez of Texas-San Antonio. Nunez is from San Antonio, Texas. Other previous portal commitments were guard Abdi Bashir Jr. of Burnsville, Minnesota, via Kansas State, point guard Divine Ugochukwu of Sugarland, Texas, via Michigan State and forward Mouhamed Dioubate of Queens, New York, via the Kentucky Wildcats. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, Michael Ruzic, Transfer Portal, will wade --- ### [Will Wade Up To 9 Possible Players, Pending Eligibility, But Harsh Criticism Follows Him](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-up-to-9-possible-players-pending-eligibility-but-harsh-criticism-follows-him/) **Published:** May 19, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU basketball coach Will Wade is now up to nine roster players, according to various reports, if they all can get eligible from professional leagues overseas as well as NBA teams. [Forward Saliou Niang (6-foot-6, 190 pounds) of Virtus Bologna in Italy](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-close-to-adding-italian-player-after-returning-home-from-european-recruiting-trip/) committed on Tuesday. A former 58th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Cleveland Cavaliers, Niang, 22, played in three games for an NBA summer league team. He averaged 8.9 points and 5.1 rebounds this past season for Virtus Bologna and chose LSU over North Carolina. > NEWS: 23-year-old French native Brice Dessert has committed to LSU, a source confirmed to me. > > The 7-0 center played in Turkey this past season for Andalou Efes. He averaged 8.7 PPG on 80.6% shooting. [pic.twitter.com/DgBP0FLaf8](https://t.co/DgBP0FLaf8) > > — College Basketball Content (@CBBcontent) [May 19, 2026](https://twitter.com/CBBcontent/status/2056850302062498250?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Wade has reportedly also received a commitment from 23-year-old center Brice Dessert (7-0, 247 pounds), a pro player for Andalou Efes in Turkey. He averaged 8.7 points this past season. > Celtics 2020 second-round pick Yam Madar is committing to LSU for basketball > > Madar played 3 Summer League games for the C's in 2021, but has played in Europe for the past 6 years > > He turns 26 years old in December > > The NCAA eligibility rules are in shambles [pic.twitter.com/GM0Fddhqf4](https://t.co/GM0Fddhqf4) > > — SleeperCeltics (@SleeperCeltics) [May 18, 2026](https://twitter.com/SleeperCeltics/status/2056445645725049227?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) And Wade has received a commitment from Yam Madar (6-3, 181), a 25-year-old pro point guard for Hapoel in in Tel Aviv, Israel, according to another report. He averaged 11.1 points and 3.9 assists last season. > [Will Wade Signs Former NBA Player RJ Luis, But There May Be Legal Baggage](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-signs-former-nba-player-rj-luis-but-there-may-be-legal-baggage/) Also on Tuesday, Wade signed former All-American and Big East Player of the Year from the 2024-25 season in shooting guard/small forward RJ Luis (6-foot-7, 215 pounds) of St. John’s, according to CBS Sports. Luis averaged 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals as a starter in 32 of 35 games for St. John’s two seasons ago for coach Rick Pitino. Luis went to Mt. Zion Prep Academy in Lanham, Maryland, and played for Massachusetts in the 2022-23 season before transferring to Pitino and St. John’s. He went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft, but signed a contract with the Utah Jazz before being traded to the Boston Celtics. They sent him to their G League Maine Celtics team. Luis never played in a professional game, but there could be legal issues facing him and LSU before he can play at LSU because of his NBA contracts. > ICYMI: [@GoodmanHoops](https://twitter.com/GoodmanHoops?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)' message for Will Wade 👀 > > "I wish he didn't come back to college basketball. I honestly mean that. I like Will, I've known him since 2007. But man, you suck for college basketball right now. You're making it into a mockery. Look in the mirror and understand… [pic.twitter.com/5vrL46xcSS](https://t.co/5vrL46xcSS) > > — The Field of 68 (@TheFieldOf68) [May 19, 2026](https://twitter.com/TheFieldOf68/status/2056878220234883280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Wade will be trying to get him eligible for the 2026-27 season along with his other pro players on his roster. His recruiting style was rippling through the college basketball world on Tuesday via Twitter. > Source: Tom Izzo is the coach who was NOT happy with the addition of RJ Luis to the LSU tigers roster. > > Izzo also remarked Wade is “one of the most useless basketball minds” in the sport. > > — Jon Rothstein (@NotJ0NRoth) [May 19, 2026](https://twitter.com/NotJ0NRoth/status/2056788539992355181?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) And it was getting stronger as Pat Forde joined the fray. > Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly, Will's gotta scam. > > — Pat Forde (@ByPatForde) [May 19, 2026](https://twitter.com/ByPatForde/status/2056844909693338070?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Previous commitments and/or signees were Austin Nunez, a transfer guard from Texas-San Antonio, transfer guard Abdi Bashir Jr. from Kansas State, transfer point guard Divine Ugochukwu of Michigan State, Kentucky transfer forward Mouhamed Dioubate and center Marcio Santos, a European professional player in Tel Aviv, Israel. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** Brice Dessert, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, Saliou Niang, will wade, Yam Madar --- ### [LSU's 2025-26 YEAR FROM HELL Worst Since 1965-66, But There'll Be No Reunions | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-2025-26-year-from-hell-is-worst-since-1965-66-but-therell-be-no-reunions-glenn-guilbeau/) **Published:** May 22, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** GLENN GUILBEAU Tiger Rag Editor The years ending in 6 in LSU history tend to be cause for landmark reunions and much celebration. –[Warren Morris’ walk-off home run into immortality ](https://www.tigerrag.com/warren-morris-and-the-1996-national-champion-tigers-to-be-honored-saturday-at-doubleheader/)that gave the Tigers a 9-8 victory over Miami and the 1996 national championship at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Nebraska, has its 30-year reunion on June 8. -LSU men’s basketball went to its last Final Four 20 years ago last April. [And the coach, John Brady, goes into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame in Natchitoches on June 27](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-final-four-2006-the-saints-were-not-the-only-team-to-play-for-louisiana-post-katrina/) after making the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches (LABC) Hall earlier this month and LSU’s Athletic Hall of Fame last September for a triumvirate trifecta. –[One of LSU basketball coach Dale Brown’s greatest teams](https://www.shreveporttimes.com/story/sports/college/lsu/2016/03/25/lsus-final-four-path-little-bit-everything/82281296/) recently celebrated the 40-year anniversary of its 1986 Final Four. [-LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman’s first](https://www.outkick.com/analysis/lsu-legend-skip-bertman-bio-details-his-brilliance-and-impact) of 11 College World Series teams in 1986 turns 40 this June. But 666 together in Biblical terms is the Mark of the Beast. And as of yet, no reunions are scheduled for the Trilogy of Tragedy that has beset the three major LSU teams in the sports calendar of 2025-26. The hugely significant back-to-back hires of rock stars Lane Kiffin for LSU Football last November and Will Wade – albeit more of the Gangsta Rap variety – for LSU Men’s Basketball last March – has successfully buried a terrible sports calendar year. Those two hires have gotten LSU fans so excited about the future, that they have sort of forgotten the very recent past and the present. For this has been the absolute worst sports year at LSU for the Big Three sports of Football, Men’s Basketball and Baseball – the only ones that turn a profit – in Southeastern Conference play since the 1965-66 sports year. Left in the wake of this Dark Ages season were football coach Brian Kelly and men’s basketball coach Matt McMahon – fired back-to-back in October and March. > [LSU Baseball: “Painful, Really Painful,” Jay Johnson On Season Ending And Silent Dugout](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-painful-really-painful-jay-johnson-on-season-ending-and-silent-dugout/) Baseball coach Jay Johnson just finished as bad a year as both – if not worse – with more talent and recent winning tradition. But he will survive, obviously. He did win national championships in 2023 and last year and nearly reached the Super Regional round in his other two years on campus in 2022 and ’24. With a lot more time on his hands now to recruit for 2027, he should be able to reload to Omaha status or close to it by next season. But before the tortured and often hysterically blind LSU fan base can recite “Wait ‘Til Next Year” in fervent unison, let us review the devilish details of 2025-2**6**, first uncovered by TigerBait.com writer Preston Guy’s realization of a past that predates him and via his excellent research. LSU Football, Men’s Basketball and Baseball finished the 2025-26 season in SEC regular season play at 15-41 overall for a putrid .268 winning percentage. That’s 3-5 in football, 3-15 in men’s basketball and 9-21 in baseball. > [Lane Kiffin Wises Up On Pardon My Take Podcast After Vanity Fair Mistake – From Now On, Just Emulate Nick Saban | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-wises-up-on-pardon-my-take-podcast-after-vanity-fair-mistake-from-now-on-just-emulate-nick-saban-glenn-guilbeau/) The football season (7-6 overall) was not that surprising, considering Kelly never had one of the best quarterbacks in the country in 2024 – Garrett Nussmeier – near his best in 2025 because of a painful abdomen injury suffered in August. If Nussmeier is healthy last season with a defense that was very good, LSU may have made the College Football Playoff. And Kelly, who was fired the day after an Oct. 25, 49-25 loss to No. 3 Texas A&M that dropped him to 2-3 in the SEC, would still be the coach. The basketball season (15-17 overall) was no surprise as it had the same 3-15 SEC record under McMahon the previous season and 14-18 overall. But just before SEC play started, McMahon did lose transfer Dedan Thomas Jr. – LSU’s best point guard since Tremont Waters on the 2018-19 team that won the SEC under Wade and reached the NCAA Sweet 16 under an interim coach with Wade’s suspension on suspicion of recruiting violations later proven right. LSU also lost key, veteran power forward Jalen Reed for most of the season with an injury for the second straight time. If those two – now at elite powers Houston and 2026 national champ Michigan – stay healthy, McMahon likely reaches the NCAA Tournament and is still the coach. > [The LSU Baseball Season That Came From Outer Space, And How Jay Johnson Plans To Not Trip That Way Again](https://www.tigerrag.com/the-lsu-baseball-season-that-came-from-outer-space-and-how-jay-johnson-plans-to-not-trip-that-way-again/) The baseball team’s season from “Pluto,” as Johnson called it, was truly shocking after the Tigers returned a decent number of key players from the 2025 national title team. They also went into the season ranked No. 1 with top-ranked recruiting and portal classes and opened up at 8-0 and 11-1. As the collapse started and continued, it got Guy thinking. And LSU just kept losing for a 30-28 and 9-21 finish. The 21 regular season SEC losses are the most in the history of LSU, which began playing baseball in the SEC in 1933. That broke the record by three games of the 1978 Tigers, who were 12-34 overall and 6-18 in the SEC in the last season of coach Jim Smith. The last time LSU had a Trilogy of Terrible like this in the SEC – based on winning percentage – was in 1965-66 at 9-29 overall for a .236 winning percentage. LSU’s football team was not to blame, however, as coach Charles McClendon’s squad finished 8-3 overall. It went 3-3 in the SEC, yes, but one of those losses was to No. 5 Alabama, which went on to win the Associated Press national championship that season at 9-1-1 and 6-1-1. First-year LSU men’s basketball coach Frank Truitt went 6-20 and 2-14 in the SEC in 1965-66 after replacing Jay McCreary, who had gone 12-14 and 7-9. Truitt then left on his own and was replaced the next season by Press Maravich, who brought a son named Pete. The 1966 baseball in the first season of Jim Smith went 9-14 and 4-12 in the SEC. Based on the salaries of McClendon, Truitt and Smith in 1965-66 as compared to those of Kelly, McMahon and Johnson 60 years later regardless of any economy adjustments along with the new age cost of portal rosters, Kelly, McMahon and Johnson underachieved gigantically compared to the previous trio. No coaches in LSU history perhaps got paid more for losing than Kelly, McMahon and Johnson in 2025-26. But the most amazing statistic from LSU’s hellish 2025-26 season in football, men’s basketball and baseball is those Tigers’ record against SEC teams that finished over .500 in league play. Get ready. LSU was 1-30 for an .032 “winning” percentage against SEC teams who had winning records against other SEC teams in 2025-26. The baseball team led the way at 0-15. It reached nine SEC regular season wins only by getting three against South Carolina (22-35, 7-23 SEC for 15th place of 16 teams), two against Tennessee (38-20, 15-15 SEC), two against Kentucky (31-21, 13-17 SEC) and one each against Vanderbilt (33-25, 14-16 SEC) and Oklahoma (32-21, 14-16 SEC). Kelly was 2-3 against the SEC, and interim coach Frank Wilson was 1-2. The football team went 0-5 against SEC teams that finished over .500 as it lost to Ole Miss (13-2, 7-1), Texas A&M (11-2, 7-1), Alabama (11-4, 7-1), Oklahoma (10-3, 6-2) and Vanderbilt (10-3, 6-2). Its league wins were over the likes of Florida (4-8, 2-6), South Carolina (4-8, 1-7) and Arkansas (2-10, 0-8). The basketball team went 1-10 against SEC teams that finished over .500 against the league. Yes, the much-maligned McMahon was the only one of the three coaches to beat a team that finished over .500 in the SEC with his 78-70 victory on Jan. 17 in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center over Missouri, which finished 20-13 and 10-8. It’s been a very long year around LSU. Some may feel that it has felt like 60 years. So on this Memorial Day Weekend, bust out the champagne and bid adieu to this gone bust season. And here’s to a less Haunted History in 2026-27. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball, LSU Basketball, LSU Football News **Tags:** brian kelly, jay johnson, lsu baseball, lsu basketball, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Matt McMahon --- ### [LSU Women's Golf Opens Play In NCAA Championships At Renown La Costa Course In Carlsbad, California](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-golf-opens-play-in-ncaa-championships-at-renown-la-costa-course-in-carlsbad-california/) **Published:** May 22, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The LSU women’s golf team has returned to what has become the mecca of college golf as the Tigers will begin play in the NCAA Division I Women’s Golf Championship at the famed OMNI La Costa Resort and Spa North Course in Carlsbad, California, on Friday. LSU advanced to the Championships with a fourth place finish on May 13 at the NCAA Regional in Waco, Texas, at the Ridgewood Country Club. That tournament featured a school record round for post-season play of 8-under par 272 in the second round that pushed LSU over the top, virtually guaranteeing the team’s spot in national. The Tigers also extended their school record of Championship appearances to six, after breaking the school mark of four with their appearance last year. They are one of just eight schools with an active record of at least six straight NCAA championships appearances. LSU is joined on the list by USC, Stanford, Texas, Florida State, Wake Forest, Oklahoma State and Baylor. In six NCAA Championships, the Tigers have only played in two sites – the first three years at Grayhawk in Scottsdale, Arizona, and this will be the third straight year the tournament was held in Carlsbad. > [LSU Women’s Golf Makes NCAA Championships For School Record 6th Straight Year](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-golf-makes-ncaa-championships-for-school-record-6th-straight-year/) “It’s very special to make it here one time,” LSU eighth-year head coach Garrett Runion said. “To make it six years in a row is extremely special, and I’m proud of that. It’s very hard to do. Not a lot of teams have done it. All the credit goes to the players that have bought in, worked hard, and showed up when they needed to, in the most stressful tournament of the year (NCAA regionals). And I think that just helps them understand what we’ve done back home to prepare them, and handle that pressure.” OMNI La Costa, also set to host the 2027 and 2028 national championships in both men and women, was built in 1965 on what had been an equestrian ranch just north of San Diego. In 1969 it was selected as the home of the Tournament of Champions with several outstanding events. The North Course, formerly the Champions course, reopened in 2024 prior to the NCAA Championships, following a renovation by Gil Hanse and Jim Wagner, undertaken to ready the resort as it picked up the tournament thread once more with the NCAAs. For the women’s championship, the course will play to a maximum of 6,373 yards, par 72, with changeable yardages on 14 holes, including the drivable par 4 11th and a par 3 12th hole that can play as long as 188 yards and as short as 95. The famed 16th is now reconfigured to resemble the 12th at Augusta National. “It’s a sense of familiarity coming here. I felt like the first year after the remodel, the greens were really firm. The last two years they’ve softened up,” Runion said. “This year they are going to bump a few tees back, so it may play a bit longer. The rough is thicker, kind of patchy in spots, but all-in-all, it’s a good championship course and tests every part of your game.” In 2024, LSU tied Stanford for medalist honors after 72 holes finishing in fifth after losing, 3-2, in the first match play round. The format is the same this year as the field of 30 will be cut to 15 teams after 54 holes of play on Sunday. The final stroke play round is on Monday. The individual champion is crowned, and the top eight teams begin match play on Tuesday to determine the team champion on Wednesday. LSU is the 26th seed of the 30 teams, ranked 34th in the NCAA/Scoreboard rankings. The Tigers will use the same lineup that it used at the NCAA Women Regional with sophomore Francesca Fiorellini, graduate student Elsa Svensson, senior Taylor Riley and sophomore Josefin Widal and freshman Ryleigh Knaub. Sophomore Rocio Tejedo will be the alternate. Knaub leads the team in stroke average at 71.96 just ahead of Fiorellini’s 71.97 average. Riley is at 72.67, just ahead of Svensson’s 72.70. Widal is at 74.42 for the season. One thing in LSU’s favor as it goes into the 54-hole portion of the event to make the 15-team cut is that everyone has at least one NCAA round over the La Costa course other than Knaub. And Riley becomes the 13th LSU player to play in at least three national championship events. “It helped during the practice round, where we only had our freshman, Knaub,who hadn’t seen the course,” Runion said. “So we could really spend some quality time with her during the practice round and explain where they are going to put the pins and shots that she may see. The others know the deal and the shots, and they know what a good score is on some of these holes. There are some holes out here that are very tough and good par holes, and they know that those may be the ones you play a little more conservative on. And they know the holes that you can be a little more aggressive on and look to make birdie. I felt like our practice round went really well. They hit it very well.” The TIgers are making their 19th appearance in the event. LSU was in the inaugural event after the NCAA took over the women’s championships in 1982. LSU first cracked the top 10 in 1986 when LSU finished ninth at the Scarlet Course in Columbus, Ohio. LSU’s best finishes came in the 2011-12 tournaments at third place both years. In 2011 in Bryan, Texas, LSU finished eight shots behind UCLA at 1,181. In Franklin, Tennessee in 2012, LSU was third by just two shots at 1,173 behind Alabama (1,171) and USC (1,172). In 2011, freshman Austin Ernst shot middle and ending rounds of 6-under 66 to win the individual title with a four-day total of 281 (72-66-77-66). She had a hole-in-one at the par three second hole that year in Bryan, Texas. The secret to success? “Patience,” Runion said. “You’ve got to be smart, and you’ve got to be disciplined. I told the team after the practice round, we are going to hit over 1,100 golf shots this week. You’re not going to be perfect. You don’t need to be perfect. Minimize the damage, and when you have a position to be aggressive, take advantage of that.” LSU will play with Kentucky and Virginia for the first two days. The Tigers are scheduled to tee off at 9:47 a.m. central time today on hole No. 1. Live scoring will be available at Scoreboard.clippd.com, and there is pay-to-stream coverage on BabyGrande.com. Starting on Monday, coverage shifts to The Golf Channel. Updates during the round will be available on “X” at @LSUwomensgolf and @LSUKent. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Women's Golf **Tags:** Francesca Fiorellini, garrett runion, LSU Tigers', lsu women's golf, Taylor Riley --- ### [The LSU Baseball Season That Came From Outer Space, And How Jay Johnson Plans To Not Trip That Way Again](https://www.tigerrag.com/the-lsu-baseball-season-that-came-from-outer-space-and-how-jay-johnson-plans-to-not-trip-that-way-again/) **Published:** May 21, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU Tiger Rag Editor When you consider that LSU just won two national championships in the last three seasons, and the other two seasons of coach Jay Johnson’s first four at LSU were within striking distance of Omaha, you start to realize just how strange the 2026 season was that ended Wednesday at the Southeastern Conference Tournament with a 3-1 loss to Auburn. > [LSU Baseball: “Painful, Really Painful,” Jay Johnson On Season Ending And Silent Dugout](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-painful-really-painful-jay-johnson-on-season-ending-and-silent-dugout/) After going 40-22 and 17-13 in the Southeastern Conference in Johnson’s first season in 2022, LSU lost an NCAA Regional, 8-7, at Southern Mississippi to end its season. Had the Tigers won that one, they would have hosted Ole Miss in the Super Regional in Alex Box Stadium, where LSU rarely loses with Omaha on the line. In 2023, LSU won the national title at 54-17 and 19-10 in the SEC. In 2024, The Tigers dipped to 43-23 and 13-17, but they finished a win away from hosting a Super Regional in Alex Box. Because host North Carolina came back to win 4-3 in 10 innings to win that NCAA Regional. In 2025, LSU won the national championship at 53-15 and 19-11, entered 2026 as a preseason No. 1 and started off 8-0 and 11-1. Somehow, the Tigers finished their 2026 regular season at 29-26 overall and 9-21 in the SEC with the 21 league losses the most in school history. The 1978 team went 12-34 and 6-18. LSU last failed to win 30 in a season in coach Paul Mainieri’s first season in 2007 when he finished 29-26-1 and 12-17-1 two years before winning the national championship. LSU was swept in three consecutive three-game SEC series for the first time in school history this season. LSU was swept five times in the SEC in all for another school record. The Tigers set the school record for wild pitches with 90 – 21 more than the previous record of 69 set in 1999 and tied in 2018. > [LSU Baseball: What Other Dubious Records Can The Tigers Still Break This Season?](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-what-other-dubious-records-can-the-tigers-still-break-this-season/) LSU pitchers finished the regular season with the most walks in the SEC at 289 – just four from breaking the school record of 292 set in 1988 in the only season in which coach Skip Bertman did not reach the NCAA postseason. And LSU finished with the worst ERA in the league at 5.72, which was not far from the school record worst of 6.08 in 1981. The Tigers did not reach the NCAA postseason this year for the first time since 2011. “I’ve never been through anything like this,” Johnson said as the regular season final weekend approached. He went to Omaha twice while coaching Arizona and reached or contended for the NCAA Regional round the other years. “That was like no other Senior Day I’ve ever had,” he said after a 15-11 loss to Florida in the regular season finale for the Tigers’ sixth straight loss last Saturday. “Because we always had postseason implications factoring into every decision that you make, and today they were not.” No, this was the season from outer space at LSU. “This is like Pluto,” Johnson said, putting the 2026 season into perfect perspective. And Pluto hasn’t made the NCAA Regional of planets, so to speak, since 2005 because it lost its planet status in 2006. It is now referred to as a dwarf planet, perhaps because of a weak RPI. Well, LSU’s 2026 season certainly dwarfs in comparison to the program’s illustrious solar system of eight national championships since 1991 and 22 trips to Omaha since 1986. This season has really been a shock to Johnson’s system ever since a 7-2 loss at Lafayette on March 4 amid eight pitchers and three errors. He started questioning his scheduling after that one. > [Jay Johnson Anticipates Routine Of Less Games, Better Play As His Training Camp Ends](https://www.tigerrag.com/jay-johnson-anticipates-routine-of-less-games-better-play-as-his-training-camp-ends/) After a 10-4 loss to Texas A&M at home on April 17 following a sweep the previous weekend at the hands of Ole Miss, Johnson started reevaluating everything. “Yeah, I think it’s a deep-rooted thing,” he said. “We’re off, and it will never happen again.” Then he turned to his roster construction with 14 SEC games still to play. But he knew what he saw, and LSU won only three more league games – all against South Carolina, which finished 15th in the SEC at 7-23. He pointed directly at several disappointing players from the portal. “I made some mistakes in constructing the team in trying to replace guys who were irreplaceable,” Johnson said. “We should’ve looked to replacing them through guys already in the program with players who were athletic and could play defense and be more complete players. OK, we won’t make that mistake again. The power moving forward will come from players who start their careers here and develop it.” > [LSU Baseball: “It Will Never Happen Again” … Jay Johnson After Tigers Fall To 6-10 In SEC](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-it-will-never-happen-again-jay-johnson-after-tigers-fall-to-6-10-in-sec/) LSU began to hit better as the season ended because of freshmen playing more like Omar Serna Jr. (.306, 9 HRs, 37 RBIs) and Mason Braun (.305, 3 HRs, 19 RBIs). But the pitching just kept getting worse. “Maybe, the fact that we scored in two of the three games is a positive,” Johnson said after getting swept by Florida, 11-8, 11-1 and 15-11. “We just got to get better on the mound. I’ve always used, ‘If we get to seven on offense.’ That’s usually produced wins like 80-plus percent of the time. We’ve screwed that stat up completely this year.” LSU’s offense has scored seven or more runs a whopping 11 times this season and still lost by scores of 13-10, 13-12, 10-7, 8-7, 10-8, 9-8, 13-8, 11-8, 13-8, 11-8 and 15-11 with nine of those in SEC games. That’s poor pitching. “We’ve got a lot of work to do,” Johnson said. Johnson started talking about recruiting for next season with more than a month left in the season. “It’s a turnover year for us,” he said in late April. “We’re going to have six or seven drafted off this team. Maybe eight.” Johnson dispatched assistant coach Josh Simpson on an early recruiting trip in late April. “We needed to cover some ground,” Johnson said. High ground like on the mound as none of Johnson’s freshman pitchers did very well all season. Help is on the way among LSU’s 24 commitments for the class of 2026, such as highly ranked left-hander Logan Schmidt, and right-handers Jensen Hirschkorn and Kolby Stringer. Among the elite players already signed look for right-handers Cooper Sides and Dylan Blomker to possibly contribute significantly along with left-hander Lucas Nawrocki. Among the committed position players expected to make a mark is outfielder Malachi Washington. Among the top signees are outfielder Anthony Murphy and first baseman Dominic Santarelli. Johnson discussed his pitching after being eliminated from hosting a Super Regional at Alex Box in 2022 after losing the NCAA Regional at Southern Mississippi much like he did above after the loss to Florida on the last day of this season. “It’s a simple game really,” Johnson said in Hattiesburg on June 6, 2022, after that 8-7 loss to USM as six relievers allowed four runs on seven hits in six innings. “They’re infinitely better on the mound than us. We have work to do. We’ve got to pitch better. End of story.” He had as big a job ahead of him then after his first LSU season as he does now. He’s basically starting over. “This is deep pain,” he said four years ago. “Painful, really painful,” he said Wednesday night. “I didn’t want to let myself think that we’re not playing this weekend,” Johnson said of Super Regional weekend in 2022. “I want to win the national championship. That’s why I came to LSU – to make a bunch of runs at winning the national title. We’ll get there.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, SEC Tournament --- ### [Lane Kiffin Wises Up On Pardon My Take Podcast After Vanity Fair Mistake - From Now On, Just Emulate Nick Saban | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-wises-up-on-pardon-my-take-podcast-after-vanity-fair-mistake-from-now-on-just-emulate-nick-saban-glenn-guilbeau/) **Published:** May 21, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU football coach Lane Kiffin – at least publicly – finally appeared to be moving on from Ole Miss on a “Pardon My Take” Podcast on Wednesday. Ole Miss people may not move on from Kiffin for years, but they are the jilted ones – not Kiffin, which he often seemingly has failed to realize. But he did say on “Pardon My Take” that he should have exited Ole Miss a tad differently than he did when asked that question on the show. > [@barstoolsports](https://www.tiktok.com/@barstoolsports?refer=embed "@barstoolsports")Lane Kiffin explains his departure from Ole Miss in More Detail 👀 @pardonmytake [\#sec](https://www.tiktok.com/tag/sec?refer=embed "sec") [\#lsu](https://www.tiktok.com/tag/lsu?refer=embed "lsu") [\#olemiss](https://www.tiktok.com/tag/olemiss?refer=embed "olemiss") [\#collegefootball](https://www.tiktok.com/tag/collegefootball?refer=embed "collegefootball") > > [♬ original sound – Barstool Sports](https://www.tiktok.com/music/original-sound-7641974677451098893?refer=embed "♬ original sound - Barstool Sports") “Yeah, I think I would’ve come in and said, ‘I’m leaving. I’m very appreciative of everything,'” he said instead of trying to explain to and convince Ole Miss athletic director Keith Carter and others that he should be able to coach Ole Miss in the College Football Playoff. He did have a good argument since he got the Rebels there in one of their greatest seasons ever before taking the LSU job after the regular season. And he had served Ole Miss for six seasons and one of the best five-year runs in the history of the program. But no one wanted to listen. They couldn’t get past the fact that he was leaving Ole Miss for hated LSU. And please remember, two other coaches who got new jobs last season did exactly what Kiffin wanted to do. Jon Sumrall kept coaching Tulane in the playoffs after getting the Florida job before losing to Ole Miss and new coach Pete Golding in the first round. And Bob Chesney kept coaching James Madison in the playoffs after taking the UCLA job before also losing in the first round. Now, neither Sumrall nor Chesney left a school for that school’s blood and border rival in the same conference that it has an inferiority complex about like Kiffin did in going from Ole Miss to its, historically speaking Daddy, LSU. But it wasn’t like Kiffin was asking to do something completely crazy. “I spent a lot of time fighting to coach the team, trying to keep everything together,” Kiffin said regretfully. But in that, he showed how much he cared for his Ole Miss team and what it could have done for itself and for him, which was win a national championship. And don’t believe the Golding fantasy. Ole Miss’ best chance to win the national title last season was with Kiffin remaining as head coach while moonlighting as LSU’s coach. Golding did a great job getting the Rebels to the semifinals, but he was a rookie head coach given the keys to an 11-1 DeLorean. “Totally respect their decision and the athletic director for that not to happen,” Kiffin said. “I get it. But I was trying so hard to keep that together. Like, ‘Hey, let us all coach. Let’s see if we can go win the whole thing.'” Kiffin looks at it with more balance now, which represents growth and maturity – two things he has struggled with in the past, like many of us. “But all that stuff, that all speaks to the SEC,” he said of Ole Miss’ angry reaction to his departure. And that anger and bitterness and strange behavior would have happened regardless of how Kiffin exited. All fan bases think they own a coach and can’t seem to understand why anyone would want to leave their precious school. “Where else does that happen that the people that for six years loved you, wanted to build you a statue, chanted for you at the last game to stay, and then they hate you like that?” Kiffin said wisely. “And then after a 45-minute flight, the people here (at LSU) that were yelling at me and hated me and saying everything I did was horrible were saying, ‘We love you.’ That’s also the beauty of the SEC.” [USA TODAY: HATE RUNS DEEP BETWEEN LSU AND ALABAMA](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/sec/2012/10/29/lsu-alabama-rematch-sec-kevin-minter/1667737/) And what’s amazing is how people forget that nearly the exact same thing that happened to Ole Miss last year happened to LSU at the end of the 2004 season when Kiffin was a 29-year-old pass game coordinator at USC. During an LSU basketball game in December of 2004, Miami Dolphins beat writer Joe Schad called me and told me that he thought the Dolphins would soon be hiring then-LSU football coach Nick Saban, who won the national championship the previous season. LSU hadn’t won one of those since 1958 under Paul Dietzel, much like Ole Miss hadn’t won like it did under Kiffin since the early 1960s under Johnny Vaught. I asked two LSU athletic department members about Saban and the Dolphins at the basketball game, and each laughed it off. Because each went to LSU and had worked at LSU for most of their professional lives and couldn’t understand why anyone – including Saban from West Virginia with no ties to Louisiana before he arrived at LSU – would want to leave LSU. That’s how these people think. And Saban soon left after coaching his team through the bowl. LSU people act like they don’t remember this. And yes, Saban was not going to a blood rival, border school (but hold on). Still there was a lot of hate for Saban as the Dolphins story became real. How could he do this? How could he leave LSU? Why would he want to leave LSU? “He’s just chasing the money,” a former LSU sports information department assistant said. “He’s a snake in the grass,” an LSU fan said. [ALABAMA HAS BEEN TRICKING MORE THAN TREATING LSU UNDER NICK SATAN FOR SO LONG](https://www.outkick.com/sports/happy-halloween-birthday-nick-saban-are-you-going-to-make-a-curse-and-blow-out-lsus-candles-again) Funny these same LSU people thought nothing of Saban bolting from Michigan State after the 1999 season for their precious school. That was OK. Saban wasn’t a snake-in-the-grass job jumper chasing the money. He was an American, and that’s what we do. We take new, upwardly mobile jobs that pay more when we can. And he did make a lot more money going to the Dolphins as Kiffin did coming to LSU. But each thought they were going to better jobs. At the time, Saban’s goal had always been to be an NFL head coach, like his buddy Bill Belichick. Then he soon realized he liked coaching the college game better and was better at it. So he took the Alabama job after two seasons in Miami, and Baton Rouge burned just as hot as Oxford, believe me. In January of 2007, Saban did exactly what Kiffin did in November of 2025. He went to a blood rival that his old school has long had an inferiority complex about. Alabama has historically been LSU’s daddy as LSU has historically been Ole Miss’ daddy. Two years removed, yes, but you wouldn’t have known that talking to LSU fans when Saban left Miami for Alabama. Those two years were erased in an instant. “He’s going to leave Alabama after a few years, too,” a jilted Tiger Athletic Foundation member proclaimed. Saban stayed at Alabama for 17 years and retired following the 2023 season after winning six more national championships and going 13-5 against LSU, including a 21-0 win over the Tigers in New Orleans in the national championship game on Jan. 9, 2012. And he recruited Louisiana players to Tuscaloosa like no one before or since. And as soon as Saban took the Alabama job in January of 2007, Nov. 8, 2008, was circled with blood – Alabama at LSU – just like Sept. 19, 2026, has been circled with blood – LSU at Ole Miss. Saban was hung in effigy the night before that game. His wife Terry Saban worried about security. The entire city of Baton Rouge basically hyperventilated over the week before that game, then during and after a 27-21 Alabama win in overtime. Just like it’s going to be this year in Oxford. Only Ole Miss fans are already hyperventilating like it’s game week because of some ill-advised comments by Kiffin about Ole Miss in [a recent Vanity Fair article.](https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/lane-kiffin-explains-himself?srsltid=AfmBOopJdyzpYP2CHyyd4f1_g5Fj--iO489EnJ9yK7pNiwIwO5UIFXDb) > [Lane Kiffin Graces Cover Of “Vanity Fair,” Which Takes Deep Dive On Rock Star LSU Football Coach](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-graces-cover-of-vanity-fair-which-takes-deep-dive-on-rock-star-lsu-football-coach/) The difference is Nick Saban has NEVER said anything bad about LSU or Louisiana in any interview he has ever done since leaving LSU more than 21 years ago. He never mentioned the racism he faced from white people while LSU’s coach. He did refer jokingly to LSU fans as Coon Asses once, but he – like many people, including natives – considered a Coonass a synonym to a Cajun. And that was about it. Saban for the duration of his time at Alabama, including in the early years when he felt the hate, said nothing but how great a time he had at LSU. It was LSU that turned his career around. At Michigan State, he had one good year after four average ones. Just like how Ole Miss turned around Kiffin’s career and life. That’s all Kiffin needed to talk about concerning Ole Miss in the Vanity Fair interview. That’s what Saban would’ve done. > [Lane Kiffin: Vanity Fair Writer Explains What Led To Kiffin Discussing Ole Miss Racial Image Issue](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-vanity-fair-writer-explains-what-led-to-kiffin-discussing-ole-miss-racial-image-issue/) Kiffin didn’t need to discuss Ole Miss’ racial issues, which are not nearly as bad as they used to be, as Archie Manning said. Kiffin won at Ole Miss largely because of black players he recruited from out of state, like quarterback Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy. I doubt if many recruits nowadays listen to what their grandparents say about school choices anyway. Kiffin crossed the line and motivated Ole Miss, which will now be lying in wait even more than they already were. It doesn’t matter if what Kiffin said is true. Just because something is true doesn’t mean you bring it up. Kiffin probably brought it up because he’s still mad that people are mad at him for leaving Ole Miss or he was still mad that he didn’t get to coach the team through the playoffs. Get over it. And maybe he is beginning to do so. Saban had reasons to do the same to LSU after he left. One athletic department employee even accused his team of dirty play against LSU. But he never ripped LSU the way Kiffin rips Ole Miss here and there and calls it “his previous school.” Saban always said “LSU” proudly when referring to LSU while Alabama’s coach, even when some Alabama writers and other fans got tired of him talking about LSU. Saban just threw bouquets LSU’s way over and over and beat the Tigers over and over. He stayed above it, which is what Kiffin needs to do. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Alabama Crimson Tide, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Miami Dolphins, nick saban, Ole Miss Rebels --- ### [LSU Football: Coach O Is Coming Back To LSU As Special Assistant To Defense And Recruiting](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-coach-o-is-coming-back-to-lsu-as-special-assistant-to-defense-and-recruiting/) **Published:** May 20, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU head football coach Lane Kiffin is getting some of his old band back together. Kiffin, who brought several members from his more recent band to LSU from his Ole Miss head coaching job after last season, is now bringing back Ed Orgeron, who coached under him at USC from 2010-13 and at Tennessee in 2009 and with him at USC earlier in the 2000s. Orgeron, who was head coach of the greatest team in LSU history in 2019 as the Tigers won the national championship at 15-0, will be a special assistant at LSU for defense and recruiting – his two specialties throughout his career as a coach since the 1980s. Orgeron, 64, was LSU’s head coach from the 2016 season through 2021 and was Ole Miss’ head coach from 2005-07. Orgeron has signed a one-year contract for a salary of $100,000. His yearly salary was approximately $9 million during his last season as coach in 2021. He received a buyout of $17 million after being fired that season that he collected through installments until only last December. Orgeron will be able to coach LSU on the field in practice and at games and will also make recruiting trips. “I’m excited to bring Coach Orgeron back to LSU,” Kiffin said in an LSU release. “He brings us tremendous value with his ability to recruit elite players nationally, but especially the impact he can have for us recruiting the great state of Louisiana. Coach O understands my expectations and commitment to being a championship program. I look forward to seeing him with recruits and his intensity working with our defensive players.” Kiffin spoke fondly of Orgeron during his introductory press conference on Dec. 1 at LSU, and many thought at the time Kiffin would soon hire Orgeron. > [Lane Kiffin Knew LSU Was Right Choice When He Felt Himself Transforming Into … CAJUN MAN](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-knew-lsu-was-right-choice-when-he-felt-himself-transforming-into-cajun-man/) “Actually we were going by Tiger Stadium, and I called one person,” Kiffin said at the time. “I called Ed Orgeron, and I said, ‘Hey, man, this place just makes me want to talk like you right now.’ I did.” Kiffin then started talking in a Cajun accent like Orgeron, a native of Larose on Bayou Lafourche. “We were in the car Sunday, and the kids were in there, and the coaches and the kids are like, ‘What are you doing?’ And I said, I don’t know, I’m channeling Ed right now,” Kiffin said. “I’m feeling him. I rolled down the window, and I was, like, ‘Geaux Tiguhs’ to the fans. I called Ed and said, ‘I don’t know, man, I’m feeling you right now.’” Orgeron answered and made Kiffin feel even better about a decision that tore him up for weeks. “He’s like, ‘Coach, you’re at the best place in America,’” Kiffin said. “I feel that.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** ed orgeron, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels, USC --- ### [Lane Kiffin Drops By LSU Softball Practice; Beth Torina Discusses Bama Coach Leaving Her The LSU Job On Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-drops-by-lsu-softball-practice-beth-torina-discusses-bama-coach-leaving-her-the-lsu-job-on-tiger-rag-radio/) **Published:** May 21, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU football coach Lane Kiffin made a surprise appearance at the LSU softball team’s practice on Tuesday before the No. 16 Tigers (40-17) play at No. 1 overall seed Alabama (52-7) in an NCAA Super Regional beginning Friday (6 p.m., ESPN2). Game two will be at 2 p.m. Saturday on ESPN. A third game – if necessary – will be on Sunday at an unnamed time. The winner advances to the College World Series in Oklahoma City. “Speaking of Lane Kiffin, he was out here playing ball on the field today, playing a little slow pitch game,” LSU softball coach Beth Torina said on Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night. “And he wasn’t too bad. Surprise.” Listen to Torina’s appearance on Tiger Rag Radio via the link below: Torina had just been praising Alabama’s home game environments at 3,940-seat Rhoads Stadium when she commented on her own Tiger Park. “It’s the toughest one,” she said of Alabama’s park. “They bring in a lot of fans. But our place is loud, too. Our fans are a little bit different. We can hang with anybody.” When told she was using a version of Kiffin’s patented “It’s just different” phrase about LSU, she brought up his softball practice. > [LSU Advances To Super At No. 1 Seed Alabama After Beating Virginia Tech And Dominating NCAA Regional](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-advances-to-super-at-no-1-seed-alabama-after-beating-virginia-tech-and-dominating-ncaa-regional/) Torina was also asked about Alabama coach Patrick Murphy, whom she replaced as LSU’s head softball coach after the 2011 season. Murphy, who had been Alabama’s coach since 1999, had accepted the LSU job and came to campus for a press conference. But three days later, he changed his mind and returned to Alabama. Then LSU athletic director reached out to Torina, who was the Florida International head coach at the time, and hired her. “I don’t know if they made any calls other than to Patrick Murphy when it first happened,” Torina said when asked if she had been contacted before LSU named Murphy the coach. “It was like a one and done. When he decided not to take the job, I made sure to take him out to dinner in the summer and thank him for the opportunity, because it’s been life changing for me and my family, that’s for sure.” Murphy will be going for his 16th trip to the College World Series at the Super Regional. He won the national championship at Alabama in the 2012 season – one year after becoming LSU’s coach – and finished as runner-up in 2014. Torina has taken LSU to the World Series four times and is looking for her first return trip since 2017. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Softball **Tags:** Alabama Crimson Tide, beth torina, lane kiffin, lsu softball, Patrick Murphy --- ### [LSU Baseball: "Painful, Really Painful," Jay Johnson On Season Ending And Silent Dugout](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-painful-really-painful-jay-johnson-on-season-ending-and-silent-dugout/) **Published:** May 21, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The way LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson saw it, the Tigers would be practicing today, watching the other Southeastern Conference Tournament games tonight and getting ready to play Texas A&M in the quarterfinals. “I thought John Pearson was going to hit a homer, and then Zac Cowan was going to go and get three outs, and we’re playing Texas A&M on Friday,” Johnson said late Wednesday night. Pearson instead grounded out with the tying runs on base, and LSU lost 3-1 to No. 6 seed Auburn (37-18) to end their season. Auburn will play the Aggies Friday. The Tigers (30-28) needed to beat Auburn, then Texas A&M on Friday, then win a semifinal on Saturday and the championship game on Sunday to get an automatic NCAA Regional bid after setting the school record for SEC losses in a regular season with a 9-21 mark. “We had a plan going forward if we could get through this one,” said Johnson, whose No. 14 seeded team out of 16 beat No. 11 Oklahoma, 6-2, on Tuesday night. “I always felt this was going to be the tough game. They were just a little better.” Just about every SEC team LSU played this season was “just a little better.” Auburn scored three runs on seven hits with no errors. LSU scored one run on four hits with a costly throwing error in the fifth by second baseman Jack Ruckert that gave Auburn a 2-1 lead. The Tigers’ loss was their ninth decided by two runs or less out of 13. In the SEC regular season, LSU went 0-15 against teams that finished with league records above .500. Make that 0-16 with the loss to Auburn. > [LSU Baseball: Casan Evans Wakes Up Echoes Of 2025, But Doesn’t Last As Season Ends With Loss To Auburn](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-casan-evans-wakes-up-echoes-of-2025-but-doesnt-last-as-season-ends-with-loss-to-auburn/) “Against the best teams, we just couldn’t do it,” Johnson lamented. “There’s a lot to that. It’s my job to go to work on that, which I will. We lost a lot of close games this season – like a game like tonight. And winning those has been a hallmark of why we have two national championships in the last four years. I think we were a little short in a lot of areas overall. I mean a lot of areas.” When LSU won the national championship last season at 53-15 and 19-11 in the SEC, it was 15-7 in two-run games, including the last three in Omaha, Nebraska, at the College World Series – 6-5 over Arkansas and 1-0 and 5-3 over Coastal Carolina. “Painful, really painful, a lot of days painful this season,” Johnson said. “So it’s hard. It’s raw right now. Like, you can hear a pin drop in the dugout after the game. I feel bad because we didn’t get them to where this team could’ve been. And I don’t know if I’ve ever said that in my entire career.” LSU returned to Baton Rouge on Thursday morning by bus, and after player and staff meetings over the next few days, Johnson will begin working on 2027 as the portal opens on June 1. “I won’t be watching much of the NCAA Tournament, I can tell you that,” Johnson said. “I live for the College World Series and being in Omaha, so we have too much to do. But honestly, to be honest, it would be too hard to watch that.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, SEC Tournament --- ### [LSU Men's Golf Reaches NCAA Championships With 3rd Place Finish at NCAA Regional](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-mens-golf-reaches-ncaa-championships-with-3rd-place-finish-at-ncaa-regional/) **Published:** May 21, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** MARANA, Arizona – The No. 8 LSU men’s golf team played an incredible 12-under 276 round on Wednesday at an NCAA Regional to punch their ticket to the NCAA Championships in Carlsbad, California, beginning on May 29. The Tigers needed to finish in the top five to reach the NCAA field, and they closed the tournament in third with a 30-under performance over the three days on the par 72 Gallery Golf Club. Also qualifying from Marana were No. 18 Arizona, No. 5 Oklahoma State, No. 29 Duke, and No. 44 Arkansas State. “The guys played incredibly solid all week,” LSU coach Jake Amos said. “Coming out to the desert and playing at altitude was not ideal, but they just showed how experienced and well rounded they are as a team.” This week marked redemption for the Tigers after a disappointing finish last season in the NCAA Regional when they finished ninth. LSU’s men last traveled to the NCAA Championships in 2024 where they finished 18th overall. Two current Tigers from that team, Jay Mendell and Luke Haskew, played this week here. “We have won a lot this year, and we’ve had a chance to win a lot of events,” Amos said. “We have a top-10 squad that can compete to win a national title. That’s the goal, and that’s the expectation here at LSU.” Mendell and Noah McWilliams were on fire from start to finish in the desert. Both closed their three rounds at 11-under 205 on Wednesday to tie for sixth on the individual leaderboard. Mendell’s week went 69, 68, 68 as he finished as the second best player on par-four holes (3.73-stroke average) and tied for sixth with 16 total birdies. McWilliams finished tied for the most birdies in the regional with 18 total, leading to his 69, 69, 67 performance. Freshman Dan Hayes continued to show his steady hand of play as he finished in the top 20 in the tournament in a tie for 18th with a six-under tournament. He shot 70, 68, 72. After two bad rounds, Arni Sveinsson bounced back big on day three when the Tigers needed him most. Sveinsson was five over entering Wednesday and was unable to score in the top four prior, but the Icelander recorded a three-under 69 to give them the boost needed across the finish line. **THE TIGERS** T6. Jay Mendell, -11 (69, 68, 68) T6. Noah McWilliams, -11 (69, 69, 67) T18. Dan Hayes, -6 (70, 68, 72) T43. Arni Sveinsson, +2 (74, 75, 69) 73\. Matty Dodd-Berry, n/a (71, 74, –) 76\. Luke Haskew, n/a (–, –, 79) **TEAM LEADERBOARD** 1\. #18 Arizona, -49 (277, 264, 274) 2\. #5 Oklahoma State, -35 (277, 274, 278) 3\. #8 LSU, -30 (279, 279, 276) T4. Arkansas State, -24 (281, 274, 285) T4. Duke, -24 (282, 280, 278) *– – – NCAA Team-Qualifier Cutoff – – –* 6\. #20 Alabama, -23 (286, 278, 277) 7\. Clemson, -21 (292, 277, 274) 8\. West Virginia, -5 (294, 282, 283) 9\. St. Mary’s (CA), -3 (292, 290, 279) 10\. Tarleton State, +4 (291, 292, 285) 11\. San Diego State, +5 (299, 289, 281) 12\. Florida Gulf Coast, +11 (297, 289, 289) 13\. Iona, +18 (302, 283, 297) 14\. North Dakota State, +23 (303, 289, 295) **Categories:** Featured, Men's Golf, More LSU Sports **Tags:** Jake Amos, Jay Mendell, lsu men's golf, NCAA Regional, Noah McWilliams --- ### [LSU Baseball: Casan Evans Wakes Up Echoes Of 2025, But Doesn't Last As Season Ends With Loss To Auburn](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-casan-evans-wakes-up-echoes-of-2025-but-doesnt-last-as-season-ends-with-loss-to-auburn/) **Published:** May 20, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor For a little while there Wednesday night, LSU looked like its national championship team of a year ago. Then it didn’t and looked like 2026. LSU starting pitcher Casan Evans returned to his ’25 form briefly, but in the end, a key infield error hurt him, and he got little run support as the Tigers’ season ended with a 3-1 loss to Auburn at the Southeastern Conference Tournament in Hoover, Alabama. And the Tigers (30-28) saw their season end in May for the first time since 2011 – the last time they did not receive an NCAA Regional bid. LSU needed to win the single-elimination SEC Tournament to get the automatic NCAA bid. The 14 seed Tigers – 9-21 in the SEC regular season for their most league losses in history – beat No. 11 seed Oklahoma, 6-2, on Tuesday to break a six-game losing streak, but couldn’t keep the momentum going. > [LSU Pitcher Casan Evans To Start Vs. Auburn Tonight; William Schmidt Likely Out For Season, Omar Serna Jr. Out For Tonight](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-pitcher-casan-evans-to-start-vs-auburn-tonight-william-schmidt-likely-out-for-season-omar-serna-jr-out-for-tonight/) Overall, LSU lost 16 of its last 19 SEC games. No. 6 seed Auburn (37-18) advances to play No. 3 seed Texas A&M (39-13) at 7 p.m. Friday. Evans (2-4) struck out eight with just one walk and allowed just one earned run on four hits through four and two-thirds innings for the loss. He retired the side in order in the first with two strikeouts and in the third with two more strikeouts. LSU gave him a 1-0 lead in the top of the fourth as Derek Curiel doubled, reached third on a sacrifice bunt by Steven Milam and scored on John Pearson’s sacrifice fly. But Chase Fralick led off the Auburn fourth with a home run for a 1-1 tie. In the fifth, Brandon McCraine singled to lead off before Evans walked Mason McCraine. Evans then struck out Bristol Carter and Cade Belyeu. Auburn took a 2-1 lead with LSU second baseman Jack Ruckert threw by third base trying to get Brandon McCraine after fielding a grounder. LSU coach Jay Johnson then took out Evans despite a strong argument against that by Evans. Ethan Plog replaced him. Auburn went up 3-1 in the sixth on a home run by Eric Guevara off Zac Cowan. Auburn starter Jake Marciano (5-5) picked up the win, allowing just four hits and one earned run in six innings with four strikeouts and a walk. The Tigers go-ahead run came to the plate for LSU in the top of the ninth with two on, but LSU failed to produce … again. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball --- ### [Lane Kiffin Knew LSU Was Right Choice When He Felt Himself Transforming Into ... CAJUN MAN](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-knew-lsu-was-right-choice-when-he-felt-himself-transforming-into-cajun-man/) **Published:** December 1, 2025 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Hollywood South may make a movie about all this. Call it *“An American Cajun Werewolf In Baton Rouge: The Lane Kiffin Story,”* with new LSU football coach Lane Kiffin as himself in the starring role, naturally. Kiffin spent a gut wrenching weekend at Ole Miss over the weekend trying to finalize his decision to become LSU’s new football coach while attempting to convince Ole Miss to let him coach his No. 7 Rebels (11-1, 7-1 SEC) in the College Football Playoff to cap off perhaps their greatest season in history. He also considered staying at Ole Miss, which he built over the last six seasons into its best form of itself since Johnny Vaught was coaching in the 1950s and ’60s. In the end, that second part about being the head coach at two places at the same time, like something out of “Multiplicity” with Michael Keaton in 1996, didn’t work out. And as his departure to LSU grew imminent on Sunday, he said he found himself and his son Knox, 17, driving amid rabid fans in a potential road rage incident. That was before Ole Miss fans shot the bird and obscenities from beyond a fence at the Oxford, Mississippi, airport as he and his family and assistant coaches boarded the plane for Baton Rouge. > Frank Wilson will remain LSU’s interim coach through the Tigers’ bowl game, Lane Kiffin just said. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [December 1, 2025](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/1995618656534102058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “You’re driving with your son, and you’ve got to turn around,” Kiffin said at his introductory press conference inside Tiger Stadium on Monday afternoon. “These people are screaming at you, trying to run you off the road. I don’t know what they’re going to do. So that affects you. And that airport scene and all the things being said, I understand it. It’s the passion, but they’re saying that about you, and you thought you did a really good job for six years for them. That affects you.” > The Eagle has landed. Good luck to Ole Miss in playoffs without him – four double-digit win seasons in last 5 years at Ole Miss, which had 2 from 1972 through 2020. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [December 1, 2025](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/1995320852775055502?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Then the Kiffins touched down at Baton Rouge Metro Airport amid gray, foreboding skies, but the way Kiffin would explain it, he may as well have been entering a purple and gold brick road to Oz. “Even on the plane down here, I’m kind of, like, ‘Man, we made this decision, but I really,'” he said, illustrating that he was having second thoughts. Former LSU coach Nick Saban had second guessed himself after arriving in Baton Rouge on Nov. 30, 1999, and considered going back to Michigan State. Then-LSU sports information director Herb Vincent said he remembers Saban sitting in a chair in his office with his face in his hands. Saban gradually came around. But Kiffin instead had an epiphany. “When I got off that plane, and I saw the Board there (LSU Board of Supervisors members), and I saw the leadership,” Kiffin said. “And I felt the power of this place. Then we get in the car, and as we’re driving out, and there are the fans – just all of them out there at the airport, and their excitement and their passion.” ![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/KiffinBRArrival2.jpg "KiffinBRArrival2 | TigerRag.com")***LSU fans swarm the Kiffin Car at the Baton Rouge Airport on Sunday Tiger Rag photo by Jonathan Mailhes***The trip continued to the football operations building on Skip Bertman Drive and Kiffin spotted Tiger Stadium – the 102,321-seat behemoth the likes of which Kiffin has long envied as Ole Miss’ coach with its 64,038-capacity stadium. “As we’re going to the office, and you go by Tiger Stadium, and it’s lit up, and you are, like, ‘I absolutely made the right decision,'” Kiffin said. “And it all went away.” And the crowd of LSU campus and athletic department personnel, donors, fans, mayor Sid Edwards, East Baton Rouge Parish District Attorney Hillar Moore and other dignitaries applauded. “Then you walk in the facility, and myself and the coaches, our general manager, you walk in, and I’m looking around, and I’m, like, ‘It’s like we’re in the NFL,'” Kiffin continued. “Everything is so amazing in that facility, and it’s so powerful. And the national championships and the Heisman Trophies, and the way the whole building is done. You are reminded you are at the elite program in all of college football – the same that those two coaches just told me and reminded me.” Kiffin was referencing his two chief mentors – former two-time national champion coach Pete Carroll at USC and former seven-time national champion coach Nick Saban (1 at LSU, 6 at Alabama). With his father, NFL defensive coordinator legend Monte Kiffin, passing away last year, Kiffin has relied on Carroll and Saban. Each advised Kiffin to go to LSU. But something else happened while Kiffin rode by Tiger Stadium. He transformed into – not a werewolf – but into Cajun Man. “Actually we were going by Tiger Stadium, and I called one person,” Kiffin said. “I called Ed Orgeron, and I said, ‘Hey, man, this place just makes me want to talk like you right now.’ I did.” Orgeron, who was the coach of the greatest LSU football team in history in 2019 as the Tigers won the national championship at 15-0 with Heisman Trophy quarterback Joe Burrow, may be joining Kiffin’s staff soon. Orgeron and Kiffin were assistants together under Carroll, and Orgeron was an assistant to Kiffin when he was USC’s head coach from 2010-13 and when he was Tennessee’s head coach in 2009. Kiffin started talking in a Cajun accent like Orgeron, a native of Larose on Bayou Lafourche. “We were in the car Sunday, and the kids were in there, and the coaches and the kids are like, ‘What are you doing?’ And I said, I don’t know, I’m channeling Ed right now,” Kiffin said as laughter broke out. “I’m feeling him. I rolled down the window, and I was, like, ‘Geaux Tigers’ to the fans. I called Ed and said, ‘I don’t know, man, I’m feeling you right now.'” Orgeron answered and made Kiffin feel even better about a decision that tore him up for weeks. “He’s like, ‘Coach, you’re at the best place in America,'” Kiffin said. “I feel that.” Tiger Stadium had much to do with Kiffin’s decision as did the surrounding recruiting base – two clear advantages LSU has over Ole Miss, in addition to no other Power 5 program in the state, the Cajun heritage and blackened redfish and all dat. Kiffin even spoke to another Cajun – Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry of St. Martinville. “I had a unique, great call with Governor Landry, and I could feel his passion and energy in that call for the state of Louisiana and for LSU football,” Kiffin, a native of Lincoln, Nebraska, who moved countless times as the son of a coach. Kiffin praised “the people who reached out to me through the process,” including former players and “very powerful” LSU alumni. > “This place is different.” > -Lane Kiffin on LSU. [pic.twitter.com/Wpk1q7YSEc](https://t.co/Wpk1q7YSEc) > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [December 1, 2025](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/1995615467508007293?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “I’m very honored to be the head coach of LSU,” he said. “I can sum it up by saying this. This place is different. Having watched this place for a long time, having been on the other sidelines in this stadium, this place is different. And that’s why we’re here. We have a lot of work to do with that, but I’m very grateful for the opportunity to lead one of the elite programs in all of sports.” Kiffin kept repeating his “That’s why we’re here” phrase like a stumping politician, as he’s already blending in. “Someone very close to me reminded me this week in this decision that LSU is the best job in football,” Kiffin said, likely again referencing either Saban or Saban’s and Kiffin’s shared agent, Jimmy Sexton. Saban has often said that LSU’s recruiting base is better than that of Alabama, which has historically had to recruit much more out of state than LSU has had to in order to win big. “He said, ‘When you take the history, tradition, passion, and the great players in the state of Louisiana, no one can argue that,” Kiffin said. “And when you’re in Tiger Stadium on Saturday night, there is nothing like it.” Kiffin is at his fifth stop as a college head coach after Tennessee (2009), USC (2010-13), Florida Atlantic (2017-19) and Ole Miss (2020-25). Until this season’s run into the College Football Playoff at Ole Miss, he has never been close to a national championship as a head coach. “This place is built for championships with championship expectations,” Kiffin said. “We understand that, but as an elite competitor, that’s exactly what you want. And that’s why we’re here.” **Categories:** Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** ed orgeron, lane kiffin, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels, verge ausberry --- ### [LSU Pitcher Casan Evans To Start Vs. Auburn Tonight; William Schmidt Likely Out For Season, Omar Serna Jr. Out For Tonight](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-pitcher-casan-evans-to-start-vs-auburn-tonight-william-schmidt-likely-out-for-season-omar-serna-jr-out-for-tonight/) **Published:** May 20, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Just as LSU is getting a pitcher back, it has likely lost one. LSU sophomore right-hander Casan Evans (2-3, 6.27 ERA) will start Wednesday night’s late game against Auburn in the Southeastern Conference Tournament in Hoover, Alabama (approximately 8 p.m., SEC Network). A Friday night starter, he missed his last four starts with back stiffness and then recovery from that. Evans pitched for the first time since his back injury on Saturday in relief to get him primed for use in the SEC Tournament. He threw an inning and two thirds in the Tigers’ 11-1 loss to Florida and allowed three runs on two hits with two walks and two strikeouts. He threw 41 pitches with 25 strikes. > “It could happen.” > Right? … At The Movies: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 19, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2056706041287492055?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) One of the top freshman pitchers in the nation in 2025, Evans was 5-1 with a 2.05 ERA and seven saves. > [LSU Finally Looks Like A Tournament Team In SEC Tournament Win Over Oklahoma](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-finally-looks-like-a-tournament-team-in-sec-tournament-win-over-oklahoma/) Meanwhile, fellow weekend starter William Schmidt (5-4, 4.22 ERA) is not expected to pitch for the rest of the season because of a similar back issue. He he could come back, should LSU win its next four games in five days for the SEC Tournament title and automatic bid to an NCAA Regional. Schmidt was the scheduled starter for LSU’s SEC Tournament opener on Tuesday night against No. 11 seed Oklahoma, but he was scratched shortly before the game started at 8:56 p.m. “He was walking funny,” Johnson said after the Tigers (30-27, 9-21 SEC) beat Oklahoma, 6-2, to stay alive in the single-elimination tournament. “And it was just like, ‘We’re not doing this.’ I don’t anticipate him being available.” Freshman catcher Omar Serna Jr. has been ruled out for tonight’s game after his right hand was spiked while sliding into home plate for a 4-2 lead in the fifth inning Tuesday night. Serna had singled and scored on an error in the Tigers’ three-run inning. “It was ugly,” Johnson said of Serna’s injury. “It was really bloody. They had it wrapped up.” Serna left the game after going 1-for-2 with two runs scored. He is hitting .308 on the season with nine home runs and 37 RBIs. LSU snapped a six-game losing streak with the win on Tuesday. Auburn will be starting sophomore left-hander Jake Marciano (4-5, 2.74 ERA) against LSU. The transfer from Virginia Tech is considered Auburn’s ace. The LSU-Auburn winner will get Thursday off before playing No. 3 seed Texas A&M (39-13, 18-11) at 7 p.m. Friday. The top four seeds in the tournament receive byes through the first two rounds. That winner Friday night advances to a semifinal Saturday at 4 p.m. with the championship game at 1 p.m. Sunday. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Auburn Tigers, jay johnson, LSU Tigers, Omar Serna Jr., SEC Baseball Tournament, William Schmidt --- ### [LSU Basketball Coach Will Wade Hires Strength Coach](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-basketball-coach-will-wade-hires-strength-coach/) **Published:** May 20, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade has announced that Marcus Brock is the Tigers’ new strength and conditioning coach. He previously was strength and conditioning coach at Missouri State the last three seasons. ![A bald, bearded man in a black shirt stands in an arena concourse with empty maroon seats behind him, near a Missouri State bench area.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/MarcusBrock_MissouriState.jpg "MarcusBrock_MissouriState | TigerRag.com")***Marcus Brock is LSU mens basketball teams new strengthconditioning coach LSU photo***“His ability to design specialized programs for players that involve both the strength component and range of movement patterns will be beneficial to us,” Wade said. Before Missouri State, Brock was assistant strength and conditioning coach at Texas in the 2022-23 season and held the the same position at Baylor in 2022 and previously worked at Florida Atlantic. Brock played two seasons at Incarnate Word from 2013-15. A native of San Antonio, Texas, he attended earned a degree in kinesiology from Incarnate Word in 2016. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball **Tags:** LSU men's basketball, LSU Tigers', Marcus Brock, will wade --- ### [LSU Men's Golf In 4th Going Into Final Day Of NCAA Regional](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-mens-golf-in-4th-going-into-final-day-of-ncaa-regional/) **Published:** May 20, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** MARANA, Arizona – The No. 8 LSU Men’s Golf team is in fourth place going into the third and final day of an NCAA Regional after finishing day two on Tuesday with a nine-under 279 at the par-72, 7,317-yard Gallery Golf Club. Jay Mendell and Dan Hayes both shot a four-under 68 with Mendell dropping a spot into a tie for seventh at seven under. Hayes dropped to a ninth place tie at six under. Also tied for ninth is Noah McWilliams with his six-under through the first two rounds. He recorded a three-under 69, matching his performance from round one. McWilliams is tied for third with 12 birdies, and he had an eagle on the 11th hole. Closing out the scoring for LSU on Tuesday was Matty Dodd-Berry in the fourth spot. The senior sits in T34 after two rounds, going two-over 74 on Tuesday to move him to one stroke over on the week. **THE TIGERS** T7. Jay Mendell, -7 (69, 68) T9. Dan Hayes, -6 (70, 68) T9. Noah McWilliams, -6 (69, 69) T34. Matty Dodd-Berry, +1 (71, 74) T56. Arni Sveinsson, +5 (74, 75) **TEAM LEADERBOARD** 1\. #18 Arizona, -35 (277, 264) 2\. #5 Oklahoma State, -25 (277, 274) 3\. Arkansas State, -21 (281, 274) 4\. #8 LSU, -18 (279, 279) 5\. Duke, -14 (282, 280) 6\. #20 Alabama, -12 (286, 278) 7\. Clemson, -7 (292, 277) 8\. West Virginia, E (294, 282) 9\. St. Mary’s (CA), +6 (292, 290) 10\. Tarleton State, +7 (291, 292) 11\. Iona, +9 (302, 283) 12\. Florida Gulf Coast, +10 (297, 289) 13\. San Diego State, +12 (299, 289) 14\. North Dakota State, +16 (303, 289) **Categories:** Featured, Men's Golf, More LSU Sports **Tags:** Dan Hayes, Jay Mendell, lsu, lsu men's golf, LSU Tigers', NCAA Regional, Noah McWilliams --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio Podcast: Will Wade signing pro players has the college basketball world up in arms](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-podcast-will-wade-signing-pro-players-has-the-college-basketball-world-up-in-arms/) **Published:** May 19, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** On this edition of Tiger Rag Radio, we begin the show talking about Will Wade’s pursuit of professional players (because the rules allow it) and how others in college basketball believe he’s ruining the sport, even though other schools do it. We hear from LSU softball coach Beth Torina as the Tigers head to Tuscaloosa for a Super Regional series showdown against Alabama. USA Today college football writer Matt Hayes talks about the SEC Spring meetings as athletic directors and coaches will discuss college football playoff expansion and the future of the SEC Championship game. We also connect with Lonn Phillips Sullivan of LSUodyssey.com to talk about the differences between Lane Kiffin and Brian Kelly. Also Lonn gives a great breakdown on the offensive line and the wide receivers. Also joining us…Andre Champagne of 247sports gives us a recruiting update. We finish the show talking about the latest with the proposed on-campus arena. ***Here is the complete transcript of the show from YouTube. Tiger Rag apologizes for any AI generated mistakes:*** 0:00 Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. Tiger Rag Radio is on the air. Let’s crank this thing up. 0:06 6 seconds We’re statewide breaking down the latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is up. Hear from the coaches. Our time is now with LSU basketball. 0:15 15 seconds The players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 0:18 18 seconds One way or another, we’re going to make history. 0:19 19 seconds And those who cover the Fighting Tigers of LSU and the SEC. 0:23 23 seconds LSU is the best job in it’s 2 hours of non-stop LSU talk. 0:28 28 seconds I came here to win. We’re going to win immediately. 0:30 30 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is brought to you by Cumins. Cumins creates power solutions that the world depends on. Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro’s 0:39 39 seconds Electrical Services, Sunshine Quality Solutions, Super Chevy Dealers, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 0:49 49 seconds Get ready to talk Tigers with producer Andre Champine and our hosts Todd Horn, Jeff Polmo, and Glenn Gildo. Great 0:59 59 seconds players that are better people than they are players. 1:01 1 minute, 1 second This is Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio and good evening everyone. Welcome to 1:09 1 minute, 9 seconds another edition of Tiger Rag Radio. Jeff Polalmo, news and sports director of Louisiana Radio Network along with the executive editor for Tiger Rag Magazine, 1:17 1 minute, 17 seconds Todd Horn, and the editor Glenn Gilbo. A packed show for you here tonight. Coming up a little bit later, LSU softball 1:25 1 minute, 25 seconds coach Beth Torino will join us to talk about their super regional matchup against Alabama. Matt Hayes from the USA 1:32 1 minute, 32 seconds Today will join us. Big week next week, SEC spring meetings in Destin. Matt will help preview that and talk about the 1:40 1 minute, 40 seconds discussion over a 24 college football playoff. Lon Phillips Sullivan of LSU 1:47 1 minute, 47 seconds Odyssey also will join us to talk LSU football and other things. And then our good old friend Andre Champine from 247 1:55 1 minute, 55 seconds Sports will join us to talk football recruiting. And recruiting is where we’ll start the show off tonight. Guys, how you doing? 2:04 2 minutes, 4 seconds Good evening. How are you? 2:05 2 minutes, 5 seconds We’re doing well. Doing well. We’ll get into some baseball talk as well as it’s possible the season comes to an end tonight or tomorrow or 2:13 2 minutes, 13 seconds You sound hopeful that it comes to an end, Jeff. 2:16 2 minutes, 16 seconds It it needs to come to an end so he can recruit. 2:19 2 minutes, 19 seconds Yeah. Well, yeah, it certainly would help. Uh, let’s start off on our big topic tonight. Will Wade is in the news 2:27 2 minutes, 27 seconds and he’s apparently aggravating every coach in college basketball because that’s uh that’s what he likes to do. 2:32 2 minutes, 32 seconds That’s what he He’s like Tony Vatel. He’s a Tony Vatello of college basketball. 2:37 2 minutes, 37 seconds It’s like if there’s a rule, then he wants to stretch that rule. 2:41 2 minutes, 41 seconds Take the gray area. And it’s funny, LSU fans love him, but Tony Vatello is the same guy and they all hated him. It’s who you It’s who you’re coaching for. 2:50 2 minutes, 50 seconds Yeah, no doubt about it. But what we’re talking about, in case you’re not aware, uh LSU has apparently signed the Big East player of the year, and that sounds 2:58 2 minutes, 58 seconds like fantastic news. But RJ Louise, who um was an outstanding player for St. 3:05 3 minutes, 5 seconds John’s, an all-American there, um where he averaged 18 points and seven rebounds in 30 as a starter in 32 or 35 games for 3:14 3 minutes, 14 seconds St. John’s two seasons ago for coach Rick Patino. Uh the problem is is that um he was signed by the Utah Jazz, 3:23 3 minutes, 23 seconds traded to the Boston Celtics, was then sent to the Celtics GLeague team in Maine, but he never played in a 3:32 3 minutes, 32 seconds professional game, but yet he was signed by a professional or an NBA team uh because he went undrafted in the 2025 3:40 3 minutes, 40 seconds NBA draft. And he’s been paid. He’s been paid and of course that’s not a big deal anymore. 3:47 3 minutes, 47 seconds College coaches peanuts compared to what he’ll probably be making. 3:51 3 minutes, 51 seconds Just just a minor rule according to Will Wade. He will Wade doesn’t really pay attention to rules. He’ll get around it. 3:58 3 minutes, 58 seconds That’s just a little distraction. 4:01 4 minutes, 1 second But um this All right. Give me your guys take. I think I think they may not get him. 4:09 4 minutes, 9 seconds They have a chance to get him. And uh Will Wade feels like he’s worth taking a chance on. And I I think he is too. He’s 4:17 4 minutes, 17 seconds he’s a very talented player. He’d be one of the best players in the SEC. They’re going to try to get them. They might One 4:24 4 minutes, 24 seconds of the things that they’re going to uh push with a judge or with whoever they talk to to try to get a ruling is the 4:33 4 minutes, 33 seconds fact that he has not played. Whereas the Alabama player who lost his eligibility, he did play. Now, that might not mean anything because whether he played or not, he he did sign with the NBA team. 4:44 4 minutes, 44 seconds But that’s just one wrinkle that they’re trying. And they they uh they think they have a have a chance, but they’re not like thinking that they automatically got him. 4:52 4 minutes, 52 seconds Well, but they think they have a chance. 4:54 4 minutes, 54 seconds I think that they have a good chance because it’ll probably be in Louisiana over there in the 19th district judicial court and they’ll probably, you 5:02 5 minutes, 2 seconds know, they’ll probably get it just like Chamblas got it in Oxford or wherever outside of Oxford. LSU’s got a great law school and 5:10 5 minutes, 10 seconds Baton Rouge is crawling with lawyers and judges who graduated from LSU. I’ll never forget a friend of mine told me that there’s there’s more LSU law school 5:19 5 minutes, 19 seconds graduates in Baton Rouge than there are hookers in Vegas. 5:23 5 minutes, 23 seconds So, but no, realistically that, you know, you talk about the fact that we’re joking, but we’re also serious. When’s 5:30 5 minutes, 30 seconds the last time the NCAA won a case like this? Yeah. Yeah. And why why is the NCAA still around? 5:37 5 minutes, 37 seconds Well, they well they Alabama did lose its player eventually, right? But I mean, he only played a couple of weeks, so I guess you could say the NCAA won that one. 5:47 5 minutes, 47 seconds Well, yeah. And and and the fact of the matter is the the rule is is that if you sign, it’s not if you play. Yeah. Right. Right. 5:55 5 minutes, 55 seconds Right. Now, that kid from Alabama played 82 games or something like that. 5:59 5 minutes, 59 seconds Right. Right. That’s a little different, but it might not mean anything. 6:02 6 minutes, 2 seconds Right. Well, apparently nothing means anything That’s true. anymore, but it’s worth a try. I mean, if it’s the Wild West, you might as well take a try. 6:12 6 minutes, 12 seconds And that’s and that’s what it is. So Wade is being smart for for trying to get the kid, you know, because now 6:20 6 minutes, 20 seconds nowadays, you know, if you try to follow the rules, you know, you you lose, you know. So So 6:28 6 minutes, 28 seconds why why follow what? There’s a gentleman’s agreement among the other coaches not to go after this kid, and that’s why they’re mad at Wade. 6:34 6 minutes, 34 seconds Yeah. and and everybody else on his roster is from Israel or from somewhere in Europe. Uh that that’s on the roster 6:42 6 minutes, 42 seconds right now. And they’ve all played pro ball, but it doesn’t matter. You can play pro ball over there and come play college ball here, right? 6:50 6 minutes, 50 seconds Although there may be some challenges to a couple of those from what I understand. But you you can’t touch the NBA players. 6:57 6 minutes, 57 seconds Well, I think with Wade, and maybe he’s already done this, the first thing you do is recruit a judge. Then you recruit the player. 7:05 7 minutes, 5 seconds Does he have any any attorneys on his staff? I mean, that would be a good idea. I’m sure I’m sure there’s plenty of attorneys with 7:12 7 minutes, 12 seconds LSU degrees in Baton Rouge who are willing to help Will Wade. He’s he’s he’s a rock star in Baton Rouge. 7:18 7 minutes, 18 seconds So, Jeff Goodman’s been on a tirade today against uh Will Wade. He is the co-founder of the Field of 68. um he got 7:27 7 minutes, 27 seconds a quote from what he called a top 20 head coach which was later identified according to John Rothstein as Tom Isizo 7:36 7 minutes, 36 seconds of course the legendary coach at Michigan State and the quote that Jeff Goodman uses again Goodman doesn’t say who the coach is he says you’re being 7:45 7 minutes, 45 seconds there’s I have to take some words out of there because there’s some profanity in this you’re being an idiot for the sake of being an idiot what you’re doing is 7:53 7 minutes, 53 seconds screwing it up for everyone else. Um, and John Rothstein also then added to 8:01 8 minutes, 1 second those comments. And John Rothstein’s kind of in the but him and Will Wade are good friends. So, um, John’s getting this getting this stuff. 8:10 8 minutes, 10 seconds He broke the story about Wade. Yes. Coming to LSU. 8:13 8 minutes, 13 seconds And then, um, Rothstein also said that Iso remarked, “Wade is one of the most useless basketball minds in the sport.” 8:21 8 minutes, 21 seconds Wow. He We don’t know if said that, but that’s what he’s saying. Is said that’s what according to Rothstein. Wow. 8:28 8 minutes, 28 seconds ISO said Wade is one of the most useless basketball minds. Why? Why is he upset with him? 8:34 8 minutes, 34 seconds They’ve been upset with him ever since his days at VCU’s. Uh they they’ve never liked this guy. 8:41 8 minutes, 41 seconds I know. But I want to know why they’re lashing out at him right now specifically because he’s trying to stretch the rules 8:49 8 minutes, 49 seconds and that this because everybody on his roster is 24 25 years old right now. 8:55 8 minutes, 55 seconds No, no. I I think I was particularly mad about the uh Ru the Luis just that’s what he’s really mad about. Right, Jeff? 9:03 9 minutes, 3 seconds Yeah, I would. Yeah, this was in response. 9:05 9 minutes, 5 seconds I don’t think he has an issue with the other guys. the but I mean you’re seeing the the 24 year old Brazilian power forward and then you’re hearing about 9:14 9 minutes, 14 seconds the reports of this other guy from Israel who Well, that’s not new though. You you got you got 23 and 24 year old guys from uh 9:23 9 minutes, 23 seconds overseas playing on at at other colleges. 9:26 9 minutes, 26 seconds Well, let’s talk about the Israel kid, the uh Yam Madar, the 25-year-old Israeli point guard. I’ve seen I’ve seen 9:34 9 minutes, 34 seconds reports in the last 24 hours from reputable sources saying he’s signed and it’s $5 million 9:43 9 minutes, 43 seconds and um I can’t locate anyone at LSU who knows anything about it. 9:49 9 minutes, 49 seconds Um can I add something here because Jeff Goodman just tweeted this out about 10 minutes ago. I don’t mean to just completely ignore what you just said, Todd. 9:58 9 minutes, 58 seconds Sounds like it, but go ahead. 10:00 10 minutes Goodman is reporting that Will Wade has landed a six foot six foot6 wing player. 10:07 10 minutes, 7 seconds I believe his name is Salu Naen. We were expecting that one, right? 10:12 10 minutes, 12 seconds 20 22 years old, drafted by the Cavs in 2025. 10:17 10 minutes, 17 seconds Yeah, we’ve already written about him, right? 10:19 10 minutes, 19 seconds He’s he’s the kid from Italy, right? Right. He was uh he’s he’s being um you know, supposedly recruited and 10:27 10 minutes, 27 seconds trying and close to signing. So, but he’s he’s reporting that he’s signed. Uh, that is according to Jeff Goodman. Wow. Okay. 10:35 10 minutes, 35 seconds Yeah, that’s another good player. 10:37 10 minutes, 37 seconds I’d also like to point out that I don’t believe LSU has officially announced any of these signings but how much of their you have to make 10:44 10 minutes, 44 seconds sure that it sounds like you have to figure out if more than half of these guys are even eligible to play. Well, and and if they’re on social security yet. 10:53 10 minutes, 53 seconds Here’s another tweet from Jeff Goodman. 10:55 10 minutes, 55 seconds Will Wade is bad for college basketball right now. 10:59 10 minutes, 59 seconds And I don’t understand. I’m not saying I disagree. I I want them to quit throwing out these comments and talk about why they say that. And I know we can sit 11:08 11 minutes, 8 seconds there and assume and project and be pretty much dead on with what we think, but I would love for them to clarify what they’re talking about. 11:16 11 minutes, 16 seconds Yeah, there’s a there’s a lot of reasons potentially why Will Wayne’s back for college basketball. Todd, just looking for some specivity. 11:25 11 minutes, 25 seconds But it is amazing how much he gets. I mean it it’s and you know Illinois could go do this. A lot of other schools can 11:33 11 minutes, 33 seconds go do this. And it’s Will’s only got five players, man. He’s he’s he’s not being picky about the 11:40 11 minutes, 40 seconds rules or about what Tom is thinks the rule is. 11:44 11 minutes, 44 seconds Well, um this is I Here’s what I don’t I don’t understand how we’ve gotten to this point. I I really don’t because 11:53 11 minutes, 53 seconds it’s pro basketball and pro- football being played under the infrastructure of pro of public universities. That’s what it’s really all about. 12:01 12 minutes, 1 second The NCAA is governing or it it’s been established and I don’t think the rules have changed to be a amateur sport, right? it’s governing an amateur sport. 12:13 12 minutes, 13 seconds And when you when you sign with a professional team, and I understand the definition of amateur has changed uh because of NIL and how revenue sharing 12:22 12 minutes, 22 seconds and all that, but when you sign with a professional team to me, whether it’s in the United States, if it’s in Italy, Antarctica, 12:30 12 minutes, 30 seconds um Korea, agree, I agree. You should play it. 12:33 12 minutes, 33 seconds You’re done. To to me, I mean, that’s how But they fell out foreign players that were professional players to play college basketball. long time. I don’t 12:42 12 minutes, 42 seconds know exactly when it started, but it’s been for several years. And how did it happen? 12:45 12 minutes, 45 seconds I don’t know, but it’s a classic case of when you start bending the rule a little bit, it then it it it’s going to try to eat more ground up elsewhere. And that’s 12:54 12 minutes, 54 seconds exactly what’s going on. And and the fact of the matter is is that ever since the House um you know revenue share 13:03 13 minutes, 3 seconds legislation passed and was mandated down, it weakened the NCAA’s ability to govern and have rules because now you’re 13:12 13 minutes, 12 seconds uh you have 50 different states that are dictating the rules of the NCAA or the the teams competing and you’re affecting 13:21 13 minutes, 21 seconds the compensation of generational wealth to a did. 13:26 13 minutes, 26 seconds Well, they were getting weak long before that, too. I mean, the the portal in the uh NIL severely weakened them because they lost every lawsuit they ever had. I 13:34 13 minutes, 34 seconds mean, they they’ve lost more lawsuits than that burger guy against Perry Mason. Um so, you know, and this is this is what happens. The NCAA can’t do anything. 13:43 13 minutes, 43 seconds Hamilton Hamilton Burger because they they lose every lawsuit. I bl I blame the lawyers for all of this. Kill all the lawyers. 13:50 13 minutes, 50 seconds And my brother’s a lawyer, but he’s retired. 13:52 13 minutes, 52 seconds I think I I’m sorry, Jeeoff. I think it’s time for the NCAA to say bye-bye or at least the SEC in the Big 10 to say bye-bye. 14:00 14 minutes Well, it seems like there is go form their own super league. 14:04 14 minutes, 4 seconds And who’s going to run that league? Greg Sanki, Nick Sabin, whoever. Yeah, that that’s what people forget. Oh, let’s let’s form our own league. Well, who’s going to run it? 14:12 14 minutes, 12 seconds Well, I trust me, I think they’ve got plans with two commissioners that can’t agree on a lot of stuff, but it would be one commissioner because it would be a super league. And 14:21 14 minutes, 21 seconds so Sanki is gonna just retire and say I don’t want to be a part of this anymore. 14:24 14 minutes, 24 seconds I’m not dictating or predicting what that personel look like. 14:29 14 minutes, 29 seconds The problem is you got way too many people trying to run college athletics and you know they they can’t decide on a 14:37 14 minutes, 37 seconds schedule. I mean just just look at the NFL. Verge. H I probably shouldn’t say this, but well, Verge Osbury has spoken in the past about how the NFL 14:46 14 minutes, 46 seconds and and it’s a different comparison, but the the NFL is so unified. He told us, Todd, he says, 14:53 14 minutes, 53 seconds “From Tuesday through Saturday, the NFL is one one entity. On Sunday and Monday, 15:00 15 minutes they fight each other, but back on Tuesday, they’re all together.” And that’s exactly and and the NFC South doesn’t have its 15:07 15 minutes, 7 seconds own conference. And the NFC North doesn’t have its own conference with a commissioner. There’s one guy and he runs it all. And you know, that’s that’s just the way it is. And it’s organized. 15:18 15 minutes, 18 seconds They know how to make decisions. They know how to make schedules. They know how to market. And it’s hard for colleges to do that because there’s so 15:25 15 minutes, 25 seconds many teams. I understand that. But they’re just so unorganized and they all want to fight each other. You know, Seni just wants to fight all the other 15:33 15 minutes, 33 seconds commissioners whether he’s wrong or right. And I think he’s being outcommissioned, outcommissionered by Tony Patiti at the Big 10 and has been for years. 15:42 15 minutes, 42 seconds Well, that’s why I’m looking forward to hearing from Matt Hayes from the USA Today a little bit later on. We also have coach Beth Torina. We’ll talk about things that are actually happening on 15:50 15 minutes, 50 seconds the field or diamond. So stay tuned. A lot more to get to here on Tiger Rag Radio. 15:54 15 minutes, 54 seconds I’m Richard Fner, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. My brother and I grow rice, soybeans, and raised crawfish on our farm in Evangeline Parish. For a fourth 16:03 16 minutes, 3 seconds generation farmer like myself, Louisiana Farm Bureau is as much a part of my life as checking traps or harvesting rice. 16:09 16 minutes, 9 seconds Our organization is more than 145,000 members strong and we’ve been around for more than 100 years. The Louisiana Farm Bureau spans generations and we want you to join our family. 16:19 16 minutes, 19 seconds Visit lafarmbureau.org. The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. Some call it overplanning. At Booger Electrical 16:27 16 minutes, 27 seconds Services, we call it foresight. Be prepared for the next power outage with a GenerRack home standby generator. 16:34 16 minutes, 34 seconds After sensing a power outage, a GenerRack home standby generator automatically restores your home power. 16:41 16 minutes, 41 seconds Generrack. It’s not just a generator, it’s a power move. Trust Budro’s electrical services for expert installations, proactive maintenance for 16:50 16 minutes, 50 seconds home and business. Budrose electrical serviceservices.com for more information live from Super Chevy dealer studio. 16:58 16 minutes, 58 seconds We’re back to Tiger Rag Radio. 17:03 17 minutes, 3 seconds Jeff Polmo along with the executive editor for Tiger Rag magazine, Todd Horn, and the editor Glenn Gil. LSU baseball in action tonight. Might be the 17:10 17 minutes, 10 seconds last time we say that sentence until next February as the Tiger season could come to an end tonight as they take on 17:18 17 minutes, 18 seconds Oklahoma. uh so far today at the SEC tournament. How about Missouri pulling off the bit of an upset beating Old Miss 17:26 17 minutes, 26 seconds and then it was a win for Vandy over Kentucky. 17:30 17 minutes, 30 seconds So the two the two worst seated teams won. 17:34 17 minutes, 34 seconds No, Vandy was seated higher than Kentucky. 17:36 17 minutes, 36 seconds Oh, but but Kentucky led up until like the seventh. 17:40 17 minutes, 40 seconds Vanderbilt has a better seed than Kentucky. Vandy went 14 and 16 in the SEC. Kentucky went 13 and 17. 17:47 17 minutes, 47 seconds I was just going to say what you see a lot in that tournament is like the teams that are doing pretty well and think they have a bid, they kind of they kind of want to get out of there. They just 17:55 17 minutes, 55 seconds kind of want to have a practice, pitch a little bit and and get out of there. So you you might see some lesser teams win 18:02 18 minutes, 2 seconds and uh that’s why LSU is going to win five games over the next six days. 18:07 18 minutes, 7 seconds You know, it was interesting in that in that Kentucky game. Kentucky really had them throttled through, like I said, like six or seven innings and then I guess Vanderbilt erupted for like five 18:15 18 minutes, 15 seconds runs in one inning and and they were and they were fighting about how uh like the uh I think the Vanderbilt pitcher kind of tries to 18:24 18 minutes, 24 seconds quick pitch him sometimes and the Kentucky batters do all kind of like little cheers and stuff. It’s like junior high in Hoover. 18:34 18 minutes, 34 seconds Well, uh, this could regardless of whether it happens tonight or tomorrow, this looks like this is the end of what 18:41 18 minutes, 41 seconds has been a historically bad season. Um, when we join when we come together again next week, guys, we’ll be looking ahead 18:49 18 minutes, 49 seconds to the future, but any final thoughts that you want to provide on how bad this season has been? 18:56 18 minutes, 56 seconds Well, yeah, I mean, um, it’s been horrible. Um, I think that there’s been some good, you know, obviously Steven Milm’s been a bright spot. Um, I think 19:05 19 minutes, 5 seconds he’s probably finishing off a career that’ll be remembered as one of the best in LSU baseball history. 19:13 19 minutes, 13 seconds Great short stop. 19:14 19 minutes, 14 seconds Great short stop. Um, I think that, um, I think the biggest things that stand out to me when I think back on this 19:22 19 minutes, 22 seconds season are just how could every pitcher on your pitching staff suck and how could five wins is the is this is the team leader. Five wins. 19:32 19 minutes, 32 seconds Yeah. I mean, how could they all perform badly compared complete games to what was expected of them? And then how could you fail 19:41 19 minutes, 41 seconds flatly in the transfer portal at the same time that your pitching staff just flops? Yeah. 19:48 19 minutes, 48 seconds And and to me that’s just it. And then the injuries, but the injuries are secondary. 19:51 19 minutes, 51 seconds The injuries happened after they were already bad, too. 19:55 19 minutes, 55 seconds But I looked up a stat last night because Jay Johnson had an unbelievable quote over the weekend where he said, you know, I used to always believe that 20:03 20 minutes, 3 seconds if you score seven runs 80% of the time you’re going to win. and he said, “We screwed that statistic up.” And sure 20:09 20 minutes, 9 seconds enough, they they’ve had 11 games this year where they scored seven or more runs and and uh you know, lost. Wow. 20:17 20 minutes, 17 seconds And all and nine of those are in the SEC. So, they they actually started hitting later on in the season. They they they hit well enough to to be a decent team, 20:25 20 minutes, 25 seconds but the pitching never got better. Well, but but but but because of that because they are able to hit the ball right now, they literally could make a run. 20:38 20 minutes, 38 seconds And yeah, they could. I’m not saying they will. 20:42 20 minutes, 42 seconds I’m not saying they will, but they could make a run. 20:45 20 minutes, 45 seconds I really feel that this I I know there was a lot of talk about the transfer portal flops or Jay didn’t have enough 20:53 20 minutes, 53 seconds money. uh all this kind of stuff that Jay didn’t have enough money is is untrue. 20:58 20 minutes, 58 seconds I I I agree with that. I agree. And I think it started becoming too much of a lazy excuse to be honest with you by by some people in the media and even some 21:06 21 minutes, 6 seconds fans. Well, they’re losing because they don’t he doesn’t have enough money. 21:09 21 minutes, 9 seconds That’s true. But but I really feel uh to hit on your point, Jay, or Todd is that the pitching was just 21:18 21 minutes, 18 seconds awful this season. Not there. There’s not one guy that you can look on that stat sheet and say, you know what, that guy had a pretty good season. 21:26 21 minutes, 26 seconds And it has nothing to do with the portal. And a lot of it is just development. 21:29 21 minutes, 29 seconds They just completely struck out when it came to getting K Evans, William Schmidt, Cooper Williams, Maverick Rzzy, 21:37 21 minutes, 37 seconds Maverick Rzzy, all these guys to the next level. 21:39 21 minutes, 39 seconds And it has nothing to do with the portal. Exactly. Which which was another lazy uh excuse. 21:45 21 minutes, 45 seconds Oh, well, they won the championship, so then you’re bad the next year. No, the players that they were expecting to be good based on how good they were last 21:54 21 minutes, 54 seconds year were not good this year. Kase Evans before he got hurt, William Schmidt, Maverick Grizzy, Gavin Gdry, 22:00 22 minutes and you don’t have anybody on that staff right now that you can look at and say we can depend on them next year. 22:10 22 minutes, 10 seconds Right. Right. And and no freshman really came up as a pitcher. Usually there’s at least one or two that kind of rise to 22:18 22 minutes, 18 seconds the top. You had a little bit with Santiago Garcia and a little bit with Marcos Paws, but not really that much. 22:24 22 minutes, 24 seconds All right, let’s take a break. More of Tiger Radio after this. 22:28 22 minutes, 28 seconds Chevy trucks have you covered when the road takes you from smooth sailing to Chevy Colorado will eat up some of the toughest terrains with five available 22:35 22 minutes, 35 seconds drive modes. And Silverado and Silverado HD have the muscle to take you out for some serious with multiple engine options and impressive towing. While 22:43 22 minutes, 43 seconds Silverado EV is the perfect combo of performance and capability, making it a snap to hitch up this electric truck and hit the road. Wherever the road leads, Chevy trucks are right there with you. 22:54 22 minutes, 54 seconds See your Super Chevy dealers today. 22:58 22 minutes, 58 seconds Now back to Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. Jeff Polalmo 23:05 23 minutes, 5 seconds back inside the Super Chevy dealer studio along with the executive editor for Tiger Rag magazine Todd Horn and the editor Glenn Gilbo. We go to our first 23:14 23 minutes, 14 seconds guest of the night and that is LSU softball coach Beth Tina. The Tigers will be heading up to Tuscaloosa for Memorial Day weekend. I couldn’t think 23:22 23 minutes, 22 seconds of a better place to be for Memorial Day weekend, but especially if you’re an LSU softball fan, you’re pretty ecstatic of what’s how this team has been playing as 23:30 23 minutes, 30 seconds of late. And uh Coach Torina joins us now. Coach, thanks a lot for spending some time with us. How you doing? I’m doing great. Thanks for having me. 23:38 23 minutes, 38 seconds Good to talk to you. 23:39 23 minutes, 39 seconds Yeah, it’s great talking with you. Uh what was your favorite part of the weekend? Some clean softball this weekend and winning the Baton Rouge 23:46 23 minutes, 46 seconds regional. Really just three solid victories. 23:50 23 minutes, 50 seconds It really was. There was so many cool things. It’d be tough to pick just one. 23:53 23 minutes, 53 seconds Um I did head back out to third base for a minute and we scored four runs while I was over there. So, you know, I think I’m pretty lucky out there. Um, but no, 24:02 24 minutes, 2 seconds it was a great weekend. I mean, the offense was incredible, just scoring runs off a really tougher Virginia Tech pitching staff and then three complete games from three different starters. I 24:10 24 minutes, 10 seconds don’t know if I’ve ever heard of something like that in the postseason. 24:12 24 minutes, 12 seconds It was a really, really incredible weekend. 24:15 24 minutes, 15 seconds So, coach, heading into Alabama, obviously they’re the number one seed. You guys are very familiar with Alabama because they’re in 24:24 24 minutes, 24 seconds the SEC and you play against them all the time. 24:27 24 minutes, 27 seconds Is it an is it a jump up in competition this weekend or is it just a continuation of the the momentum you guys have established? 24:37 24 minutes, 37 seconds Well, they got the number one seed for a reason, right? I mean, they’ve had a great year. I mean, they have a really complete team this year. Their offense has been outstanding and then they have 24:46 24 minutes, 46 seconds the SEC pitcher of the year on the mound. So, I mean, they do a lot of things right, but um again, it’s a brand of softball that we understand, right? 24:53 24 minutes, 53 seconds It’s in the same league. We understand how people prepare. We understand how they compete. So, I don’t think our kids will be or our team will be out of sorts 25:01 25 minutes, 1 second at all. I think it’s some place where they can feel comfortable and, you know, they just have to go out and play their best game, but it’s something they’re capable of doing. 25:10 25 minutes, 10 seconds Beth, your schedule early in the season was was difficult. You played at number one Tennessee and some other ranked 25:17 25 minutes, 17 seconds teams. You were seven and four at one point and then finished really strong. 25:23 25 minutes, 23 seconds Did you like reap the benefits as the season went on from those highly ranked teams and opponents? 25:30 25 minutes, 30 seconds Yeah, without question. I mean, that’s kind of the the tale I think of this group is the adversity that they went through has made them really tough. And 25:38 25 minutes, 38 seconds I think they’re peaking at the right time, but they also can take a punch, you know, and it it when you’re playing against a team as talented as the ones that are still left playing this 25:46 25 minutes, 46 seconds weekend, um really anywhere in the country, you got to be willing to take a punch, right? It’s not going to go perfectly. you’re going to have to fight back when something doesn’t go your way. 25:54 25 minutes, 54 seconds And I think the early part of this season, the adversity they went through has made them battle tested, so they’re able to do that. 26:01 26 minutes, 1 second This team compared to the last couple of years of your team seems to have more just depth and breadth. Would you say 26:08 26 minutes, 8 seconds that’s true? And obviously, if it is true, you built it that way intentionally. 26:14 26 minutes, 14 seconds Yeah, I I do think we got a few things right with this group. I think, you know, when Bryce came and he worked with Zach, who does our data and and 26:22 26 minutes, 22 seconds information, they they kind of have established what types of players are successful in Tiger Park, we looked for a little bit different type of athlete and the portal um what we’ve recruited. 26:31 26 minutes, 31 seconds I mean, we’re sitting on the number one recruiting class in the country coming next year, too, which is made up of a lot of these players that we feel are going to have a lot of success in Tiger 26:39 26 minutes, 39 seconds Park. So, the roster was built a little differently um with a lot of intention and you know, I think it has paid off here at the end. I think we’re seeing 26:47 26 minutes, 47 seconds great offensive numbers. I mean, um took them a minute to get going, but take out the first couple weeks and this is as good as an offense as we’ve ever had 26:54 26 minutes, 54 seconds here. And then, um the pitching staff is doing exactly what, you know, we needed them to do. A last minute addition of Payton Monoselli has just proved to be a 27:02 27 minutes, 2 seconds huge lift for this team, too. So, um I think you know the roster built with a ton of intention has done what we wanted it to do. 27:10 27 minutes, 10 seconds Without giving away any trade secrets, what what would be the keys to coming out of Alabama victorious and headed to the uh to Oklahoma City again? 27:20 27 minutes, 20 seconds Well, I mean, we’ll have to make all the routine things routine, right? We’ll have to play out the solid brand of defense we’ve been playing. I think not 27:28 27 minutes, 28 seconds going to be able to give their offense extra outs. Um, I do like the fact that they have five left-handers in the lineup and, you know, we have some 27:35 27 minutes, 35 seconds pitchers that are successful against left-handers. So, I mean, I do like that for us. Um, but the real test, I think, is just to crack the code of their 27:43 27 minutes, 43 seconds pitching staff, especially Joselyn Briskkey, the pitcher of the year in the league. I mean, we just have to kind of crack the code and get on to her, make 27:50 27 minutes, 50 seconds her feel our presence, and um, you know, put some pressure on her. And I think that, you know, that that’s going to be what the how it really goes this weekend. 28:00 28 minutes Hey Beth, I wanted to ask you a history question a little bit. When when you were at Floren International and Patrick 28:07 28 minutes, 7 seconds Murphy got named the LSU coach, had LSU already talked to you or did they come to you after Murphy left following three days and just how did that all go down? 28:19 28 minutes, 19 seconds Yeah, I I don’t know if they made any other calls besides Patrick Murphy when it first happened. I think it was like a oneand done, but I don’t know if that’s 28:26 28 minutes, 26 seconds true, but I think it is. And then um when he decided not to take the job, I made sure to take him out to dinner in the summer and thank him for the 28:33 28 minutes, 33 seconds opportunity cuz uh it’s been life-changing for me and my family. That’s for sure. 28:38 28 minutes, 38 seconds Wow. That’s awesome. Awesome story. And this is the first SEC team you’re playing in a super. Correct. 28:44 28 minutes, 44 seconds I I think it is. I It’s It’s crazy to believe. I think we’ve been in eight or nine super regionals here in my time. 28:53 28 minutes, 53 seconds Um, and I do think this is the first SEC team, which is crazy to think with the strength of this league. And I mean, there’s nine SEC teams left playing this 29:00 29 minutes weekend. It’s it’s incredible to think about. Um, so it is strange that this is our first one, but it is. 29:07 29 minutes, 7 seconds And um, you did not play Alabama this year. You beat him two out of three last year. What is how does that place rank 29:16 29 minutes, 16 seconds as far as crowd noise and and difficult place to play? What’s it like going into that park? 29:23 29 minutes, 23 seconds Unfortunately, it’s the toughest one. 29:26 29 minutes, 26 seconds You know, I think that they do the best job. I mean, they have the best crowds. 29:29 29 minutes, 29 seconds We we haven’t played at Oklahoma in in their new stadium, so that may be comparable, but um it’s the toughest one. They have the largest crowds in the country. Um some of the loudest fans. 29:39 29 minutes, 39 seconds So, um you know, but we understand atmosphere. We play here at Tiger Park and it gets loud and you know, people get going and they may have more of them 29:47 29 minutes, 47 seconds over there, but they don’t they don’t have them the same way we do here at Tiger Park. Our fans are a little bit different, you know, so we can hang with anybody in that respect. 29:55 29 minutes, 55 seconds Little bit different. Talking like Lane Kein, Ben, coach. 30:00 30 minutes Speaking of Lane Kein, he was out here playing ball on the field today. Playing a little slow pitch game out here on the field today. So interaction with him. 30:08 30 minutes, 8 seconds Can he swing the bet? 30:10 30 minutes, 10 seconds He wasn’t too bad. Actually, I was surprised. 30:14 30 minutes, 14 seconds That’s great. Well, you know, it must be all that yoga that must keep him flexible and able to able to move and 30:20 30 minutes, 20 seconds twitch quickly. Um, when when you talked about constructing this team for Tiger Park this year very intentionally, how 30:29 30 minutes, 29 seconds is that how does this park in Alabama compare to Tiger Park? I mean, is the team compatible to that park? 30:36 30 minutes, 36 seconds I think so. I mean, I think as far as that goes, this is a tougher park to play in. Um, especially for for an offense. Our park just plays big. um you know, our winds blow certain directions. 30:47 30 minutes, 47 seconds So, I think um probably for an offense, it lends itself a little more to their park. Um and again, like our pitching 30:56 30 minutes, 56 seconds staff was created to have a lot of different looks. So, I think we fit in about anywhere. We got an up baller, a down baller, a left-hander, and a change up, you know, we we’ve kind of got all 31:05 31 minutes, 5 seconds the looks. So, I think our pitching staff can fit in really anywhere in the country. 31:08 31 minutes, 8 seconds Coach Tina, good luck. Congratulations on getting back to the Super Regionals. 31:12 31 minutes, 12 seconds We can’t wait to see you guys play this weekend and uh let let it’s always great when LSU beats Alabama. So, we we’re all rooting for you. 31:20 31 minutes, 20 seconds Thank you so much. We appreciate it. That is LSU softball coach Beth Torino. 31:24 31 minutes, 24 seconds We’ll take another break. When we come back, Matt Hayes from the USA Today Network will join us here on Tiger Rag Radio. 31:31 31 minutes, 31 seconds Get growing and reading. It’s May, the perfect time to fall in love with books. 31:37 31 minutes, 37 seconds The East Baton Rouge Parish Library invites you to plant a seed and read from June 1st through August 18th. Visit 31:44 31 minutes, 44 seconds your nearby library for exciting events, fun reading incentives, and familyfriendly programs designed to inspire readers of all ages to learn 31:53 31 minutes, 53 seconds more about all the fun reading can bring. Visit ebrpl.com. How you doing? This is Snow Golf. 32:02 32 minutes, 2 seconds Tiger Rag. Tiger Rag Radio. Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, you are tuned in. 32:07 32 minutes, 7 seconds Talk LSU sports interviews, opinions, and your calls around the Tiger Nation. 32:12 32 minutes, 12 seconds Batt Road was a life for me, home of LSU Titans. Now, more Tiger Rag Radio. 32:16 32 minutes, 16 seconds We love to score and get highlights and championships to play the win. Tiger Rag Radio. 32:21 32 minutes, 21 seconds Back here on Tiger Rag Radio, Jeff Polmo along with the editor for Tiger Rag magazine, Glenn Gilbo, as we are inside the Super Chevy dealer studio. Joining 32:30 32 minutes, 30 seconds us now, senior national college football writer for USA Today and also he hosts his own radio show in Jacksonville 10 on 32:37 32 minutes, 37 seconds 1010 XL. It is Matt Hayes. Matt, thanks a lot for spending some time with us tonight. How you doing? Hold on a second. I got to hit a button. Go ahead. Go ahead, Matt. I’m sorry. 32:46 32 minutes, 46 seconds Doing great, fellas. How are you? Hey, we’re doing well. We’re doing well. 32:49 32 minutes, 49 seconds How significant are these SEC spring meetings coming up next week? 32:53 32 minutes, 53 seconds As big as they’ve ever been, I think. I mean, I I think you can make a argument that they are the biggest that they’ve ever had there in Destin. It’s uh there’s a lot going on, man. A lot going 33:02 33 minutes, 2 seconds on. Um obviously within the structure of the SEC, within the structure of the NCAA, the playoff, um the the 33:11 33 minutes, 11 seconds enforcement, you know, how are they going to enforce rules? What rules are they going to have? Um will the CSC have 33:17 33 minutes, 17 seconds any kind of factor at all in private NAL deals, which are right now running the sport? um which we all knew, all of us 33:26 33 minutes, 26 seconds knew this, yet apparently they couldn’t figure it out when they did it. Um it so it’s just there’s a lot going on, man. A 33:33 33 minutes, 33 seconds lot going on. And the 16 presidents and chancellors of that league have the have the ability to either take 33:41 33 minutes, 41 seconds a stand and say, “Look, you know, I wrote this earlier. We are the 300 Persians and you or we are the 300, you’re the Persian Empire coming at us 33:48 33 minutes, 48 seconds and we’re not moving.” and and I I think they’ve got they’ve got a chance to just say, “No, we’re not going to 24 teams.” Okay, we’re either staying at 12 or 33:57 33 minutes, 57 seconds we’re going to 16. That’s it. End of story. And then it’s what what do those what do the other conferences want? Do they forge ahead without them? And if 34:06 34 minutes, 6 seconds they do, that would be a gigantic mistake because not notwithstanding the three straight national titles by the Big 10, that’s impressive, right? 34:14 34 minutes, 14 seconds There’s no doubt about that. But if you get down to brass tax and what it’s all about, the television ratings between 34:21 34 minutes, 21 seconds the SEC and everyone else, it is literally like a Grand Canyon size chasm between them. Now, the the Big 10 has 34:29 34 minutes, 29 seconds the ability to make that up, I think, with with with becoming a better conference and the fact that they’ve added Washington and Oregon and USC and 34:36 34 minutes, 36 seconds and and uh UCLA. So, if you get those major markets like to a point where those teams are starting to play better, then you got a chance. But right now, I 34:45 34 minutes, 45 seconds mean, right now, you get Miss and Kentucky or or Mississippi State and Kentucky and that’s a three maybe four million people watching that game. 34:53 34 minutes, 53 seconds That’s amazing, man. 34:55 34 minutes, 55 seconds You get Illinois against Ruckers and it’s 1.2. 34:58 34 minutes, 58 seconds Yeah. And the Big 10 schools are in much bigger, larger um population centers 35:06 35 minutes, 6 seconds than these little towns in the SEC, but obviously it’s uh it’s throughout the whole region that’s that’s watching it. 35:13 35 minutes, 13 seconds But that is an amazing stat. Now, now Matt, I’ve been to a lot of those SEC media spring meetings and and the talk 35:21 35 minutes, 21 seconds going in is like this is the biggest one ever like you said, but but sometimes, you know, the votes aren’t taken or they really don’t decide anything. They talk 35:29 35 minutes, 29 seconds about a lot, but I mean and and that and there is going to be huge conversations, but do you think anything’s going to be, you 35:36 35 minutes, 36 seconds know, voted on or done that’s really significant, or is it just going to kind of set up later things? You know, I I think it’s going to be more the latter 35:44 35 minutes, 44 seconds than the former, but but you know, like like you know, you’ve been through these things a lot, Glenn, and the reality is this. This conference has always been a 35:52 35 minutes, 52 seconds conference that when they agree on something, it’s unanimous. It’s 120 or it’s 140 or it’s now 160. And I don’t 36:00 36 minutes think you’re going to see them say, “Okay, we agreed on staking at 16 and it was a 10 to6 vote.” It’s going to be a 16 to0 vote or we agreed to do whatever. 36:09 36 minutes, 9 seconds It’s going to be that because they they have always, you know, whether it’s right or wrong or indifferent, they’ve always prided themselves on, look, we’re 36:16 36 minutes, 16 seconds doing everything together. We share all the money. It’s equally, we do everything equally. And they’ve you’ve never heard that dissension in the 36:24 36 minutes, 24 seconds within the troops. And now I think you’re starting to see a little dension within the troops. Like you see Josh Hypel talking about he wouldn’t mind a 24 team playoff. Even Kirby said he 36:33 36 minutes, 33 seconds wouldn’t mind it. Um, we’ll see what happens when they get there because Steve Sarkeesian, his preference is he said, “Hey, I’d go back to four. If it were up to me, I’d go back to four.” You 36:41 36 minutes, 41 seconds you know, you you know, the other conferences can have their mini playoffs to get your team to the to the final four, but let’s just stay at four. 36:50 36 minutes, 50 seconds He makes it he makes a very good argument about it, too. So, there’s a lot of a lot of possibilities on the table. I guess the overarching question 36:59 36 minutes, 59 seconds is do they dig in and say no, it’s not happening because I think if they do those other conferences will back down. 37:05 37 minutes, 5 seconds I really believe that because you you can’t go from January backing the SEC and it’s everybody against the Big 10 to 37:13 37 minutes, 13 seconds four months later all of a sudden now we’re all against the Big 10, now we’re all with the Big 10 and it’s against the SEC. I I to me it’s really bizarre 37:21 37 minutes, 21 seconds fellas because I don’t see how these other conferences can’t see what’s going on. It’s the same thing the Big 10 did with the Pack 12 in the ACC. When when 37:30 37 minutes, 30 seconds Texas and Oklahoma went to the SEC, the Big 10 panicked and they tried to get Notre Dame and USC and Notre Dame said no and USC obviously came. So since it was USC, they took the other LA team. 37:40 37 minutes, 40 seconds All right. And then the whole idea was before that was look, we’ve got to stop the SEC. They’re going to take control 37:48 37 minutes, 48 seconds of college sports. Remember this is before they added USC and they got the alliance. Remember that? The alliance between the ACC and the Pack 12. Less 37:55 37 minutes, 55 seconds than a year later, they stabbed the Pack 12 in the back, take the two LA schools, the most important television properties of that of that conference and left them 38:03 38 minutes, 3 seconds dead. Literally left them dead, and then they died like a year and a half later, that conference. So, they stabbed their partner in the back. What makes them 38:12 38 minutes, 12 seconds think that now the Big 10, four years later, isn’t going to do exactly the same thing? If they all agree and 38:19 38 minutes, 19 seconds somehow they forced the SEC into a 2014 deal, what makes them think that the the the Big 10, which went to an atlarge all 38:28 38 minutes, 28 seconds at large 2014 philosophy instead of the SEC and the Big 10 getting four or five automatic bids, what makes them think 38:35 38 minutes, 35 seconds that once everybody’s on board and it’s 24 that all of a sudden the Big 10 says, “Yeah, I think we’re going to go back to that automatic automatic bid thing.” 38:44 38 minutes, 44 seconds Like to me, I I would to me, look, they’ve showed you who they are. Why believe them now? 38:50 38 minutes, 50 seconds How much longer do you think we’ll see the SEC Championship game, Matt? 38:55 38 minutes, 55 seconds I mean, until they can be until it can be proven that they can earn more money in any other situation than they earn 39:03 39 minutes, 3 seconds now, I I don’t I think they’ll it’ll be on for as long as it has to be on. That that that game is not only a money maker. 39:09 39 minutes, 9 seconds 100 million future. Yeah. Yeah. In the future, it could be even more. In the future, that could be a standalone game. 39:16 39 minutes, 16 seconds You could literally sell that to like you could have your your whole deal with ESPN and you could one off that thing with Amazon and they God only knows what 39:24 39 minutes, 24 seconds they pay you for that, right? So you you could do that and as well as it’s it’s a game I think and this is as big I really 39:32 39 minutes, 32 seconds do is it’s a fabric of what that league is. That league began booming because of the conference championship game. Yeah. 39:38 39 minutes, 38 seconds I it’s not going to be just like a flipping okay, we’ll get rid of it. It’s just not going to be like that. 39:42 39 minutes, 42 seconds Yeah. But but you had like you said earlier, you know, you got these splits like Greg Burn was saying they should get rid of it, but it’s it’s not that 39:50 39 minutes, 50 seconds easy. I mean, how long is the contract with ESPN for that game? 39:55 39 minutes, 55 seconds Well, it’s through the end of the deal, so it’s going to be what 2033 is that. 40:00 40 minutes And it makes so much money. I mean, I I can’t see them getting rid of it either. 40:05 40 minutes, 5 seconds You know, maybe if they went to 24, you could recoup that money, but I don’t know. I mean it I don’t know how you do it because I I 40:13 40 minutes, 13 seconds mean who’s what I mean we’ve all seen the the breakdowns of what those games would have looked like the last two years. Who in their right might do you really think you’re going to sell to 40:21 40 minutes, 21 seconds Amazon and Netflix and and forget about the regular your regular partners? 40:26 40 minutes, 26 seconds You’re going to sell Syracuse? What was the one game Syracuse versus uh shoot what was it? Georgia Tech maybe. Yeah. 40:34 40 minutes, 34 seconds I don’t know. It was it Navy against Alabama. Like who do you really think you’re going to sell that game as a as a like a marquee game? Come on, man. 40:42 40 minutes, 42 seconds Matt, we got It’s not going to work like that. And and and that’s another thing, too. See, this is another thing that I think never gets never gets talked about. And Sarkc 40:50 40 minutes, 50 seconds was the guy who talked about it when I talked to him. And all anybody saw was the dopey, you know, Miss basket weaving. Nobody saw what he really the 40:59 40 minutes, 59 seconds point he really made was no one knows what goes on in that room, the the the the college football selection committee room. They don’t 41:07 41 minutes, 7 seconds know how it’s it happens. So, are you going to tell me once it gets to 24 that you’re not all of a sudden going to see 18, 17 or 18 Big 10 and SEC teams in that in that thing? Of course you are. 41:18 41 minutes, 18 seconds Of course you are. And I don’t think those other conferences think that. I think they think, “Oh, it’s all at large. It’ll be great. We’ll all have have teams in there and they’re all 41:26 41 minutes, 26 seconds going to end up getting hosed by it.” Matt, we got to go. We could talk for hours with you. You very very insightful 41:33 41 minutes, 33 seconds stuff. Uh we really appreciate it. Uh we’ll have to get you back on again. Uh, enjoy the time over in Destin and we’ll talk to you again soon. 41:41 41 minutes, 41 seconds Okay, fellas. Thanks, Matt. Thanks a lot. 41:43 41 minutes, 43 seconds All right, that is Matt Hayes with the USA Today Network. We’re late for a break, so let’s go ahead and take it here on Tiger Rag Radio. Let’s go. 41:51 41 minutes, 51 seconds Back to Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 41:56 41 minutes, 56 seconds Yeah, tremendous stuff there with Matt Hayes from uh USA Today as he was rolling, man. He was rolling. It uh just good stuff. 42:05 42 minutes, 5 seconds Um, you know, after listening to him, I’m I think I’m convinced more than ever that we will not see a 2014 playoff. And 42:13 42 minutes, 13 seconds one of the points that I heard ESPN doesn’t really want a 2014 playoff. 42:17 42 minutes, 17 seconds Oh, they don’t want a 2014 playoff. And I think what he said about don’t trust the Big 10. Don’t get in bed with the Big 10 because they’ll stab you in the 42:25 42 minutes, 25 seconds back like they did Pack 12. And uh I I think that’s I think I think that’s um he’s right. He’s right. How do you trust 42:32 42 minutes, 32 seconds them? Just because they’ve won these three national championships in football, they think they can dictate now what how college football is run. 42:39 42 minutes, 39 seconds It’s they still pale in comparison to what the SEC has won. I mean, it’s and seven in a row at one point. 42:46 42 minutes, 46 seconds Yeah. And it’s not I mean, the SEC will be back. 42:49 42 minutes, 49 seconds And and one of the points I’ve heard Matt make is that if you open it up to a 2014 playoff, you have this How many 42:56 42 minutes, 56 seconds guys are on this guys and gals on the selection committee? 10, 12, whatever it is. How are they going to watch all of these teams to determine the seating, 43:05 43 minutes, 5 seconds determine who should get in it? And I understand they have to do it for college basketball and there six, but there’s all there’s a lot of automatic qualifiers and I think it’s a it’s a 43:13 43 minutes, 13 seconds little bit easier and the games are spread out. 43:16 43 minutes, 16 seconds I think Matt’s point was was right on that there is no intention of doing that. It’s just to to pack it with more Big 10 and SEC teams if they were to do 43:25 43 minutes, 25 seconds that. But I think the big point and he didn’t necessarily address this or at least I didn’t hear him address it is 43:32 43 minutes, 32 seconds that Seni basically shot it down. Said that’s not happening. 43:35 43 minutes, 35 seconds Yeah, it it’s not happening. 43:37 43 minutes, 37 seconds All right, let’s take a uh break, top of the hour break and when we come back uh looking forward to hearing from Lon 43:44 43 minutes, 44 seconds Phillip Sullivan from LSU Odyssey. So stay tuned for that here on Tiger Rag Radio. Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. 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Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro’s 44:28 44 minutes, 28 seconds Electrical Services, Sunshine Quality Solutions, Super Chevy Dealers, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 44:39 44 minutes, 39 seconds Get ready to talk Tigers with producer Andre Champine and our host Todd Horn, Jeff Polalmo, and Glenn Gilbo. 44:48 44 minutes, 48 seconds Three great players that are better people than they are players. This is Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy 44:55 44 minutes, 55 seconds Dealer Studio and welcome to hour number two of Tiger Rag Radio. Glad you could be a part of the show here tonight. Jeff Polmo along 45:04 45 minutes, 4 seconds with Tiger Rag executive editor Todd Horn and the editor Glenn Gilbo. Um we’re going to have uh Lon Phillip 45:12 45 minutes, 12 seconds Sullivan from the LSU Odyssey on here in a second guys. Talk a little bit of uh LSU football. Um, hey Todd, Glenn, I I 45:22 45 minutes, 22 seconds need you guys to uh talk here. Um, what because I got to get I got to get L on. I got to get L on. 45:27 45 minutes, 27 seconds Well, let’s talk about Lane Kein and Brian Kelly and the contrast in the two before we get Lon’s opinion on that. 45:37 45 minutes, 37 seconds Why do you want to talk about Brian Kelly? 45:40 45 minutes, 40 seconds Because I think that where LSU football is right now is not just about football. 45:48 45 minutes, 48 seconds Even though we’re talking football, I think it’s about the types of coaches and the speed of the coaches and the way 45:57 45 minutes, 57 seconds they operate and the contrast between the two I think is relevant. It’s like LSU went from this traditional 46:06 46 minutes, 6 seconds winningest coach in college football, active coach in college football who was very processoriented, 46:14 46 minutes, 14 seconds very templated in the way he built or thought he was building a program and then LSU just said, “Hey, you know what? 46:22 46 minutes, 22 seconds This isn’t working.” And now they’ve got Lane Keifin who’s this innovative uh mind that, you know, takes advantage 46:31 46 minutes, 31 seconds of the portal, takes advantage of NIL, takes advantage of revenue share, takes advantage of building a roster, developing a team, uh, quick offense. 46:41 46 minutes, 41 seconds It’s just totally different. And I think it’s that’s a conscious decision that LSU made whether it was Verge 46:48 46 minutes, 48 seconds predominantly making that decision, which I believe it was, but I think it’s it it shows the state of of the mind, if you will, of LSU as an institution. 46:59 46 minutes, 59 seconds Well, he was the best coach out there and um Verge knew that immediately. I don’t think they looked at anybody else. 47:07 47 minutes, 7 seconds um if the if Lane had fallen through, they were probably going to hire Eli Drinkwitz, which um would have been a 47:16 47 minutes, 16 seconds probably a big drop, but but Verge told us he was very impressed with Eli. That that might have happened, but uh yeah, I 47:23 47 minutes, 23 seconds think um you know, I think Lane is is a terrific hire. Uh I think um it might 47:31 47 minutes, 31 seconds take him a little longer than people think. Like I don’t think he’s going to be great in September. I think he might be really good in November and December, 47:39 47 minutes, 39 seconds but it’s it’s going to be it’s going to be fun to watch. And and you know, the um 47:45 47 minutes, 45 seconds the Old Miss is better than LSU right now. I mean, I I think LSU is eventually going to be better than them. If LSU 47:53 47 minutes, 53 seconds played Old Miss later in the season, they’d probably beat them. But Old Miss is going to be probably the best team 47:59 47 minutes, 59 seconds they play next season. So LSU could lose that game and be better than Old Miss by the end of the season and it’s such an 48:07 48 minutes, 7 seconds early game that it’s it’s it’s not going to matter, but um it’s going to be such a big game. But either both teams either 48:16 48 minutes, 16 seconds team loses, they could still make the playoffs. But uh are we joined by Lon yet? 48:21 48 minutes, 21 seconds We’re good. Go ahead. Lon Phillips Sullivan from LSU Odyssey now joins us here on Tiger Rag Radio. Lon, thanks a lot for spending some time with us tonight. How you doing? 48:30 48 minutes, 30 seconds Doing good. How’s it going, guys? Thanks for having me. Hey, no problem. Thanks for joining us. 48:34 48 minutes, 34 seconds Lon, we were just talking about the contrast in coaching styles and philosophies between Brian Kelly, old 48:43 48 minutes, 43 seconds regime, Lane Kein, of course, new regime, and just the contrast between the two. Just totally. What What are your thoughts on that? 48:53 48 minutes, 53 seconds I mean, you couldn’t go from, I think, two more different wildly contrasting coaches, u coaching styles, coaching personalities. 49:04 49 minutes, 4 seconds Um, you know, and and Kein, for all of the the stuff maybe his detractors and haters want to say about him, the guy 49:13 49 minutes, 13 seconds was a part of, you know, a key part of recruiting and developing and play calling, you know, one of the greatest 49:20 49 minutes, 20 seconds uh college football dynasties we’ve ever seen at USC as a very young assistant. 49:26 49 minutes, 26 seconds this guy has championship pedigree even though it is as an assistant coach and so more achievements than Brian Kelly at 49:33 49 minutes, 33 seconds the highest level you know did it Alabama as well probably Alabama’s best offenses um under Kein as well so that’s even just before he’s a head coach but 49:42 49 minutes, 42 seconds then you see what he was able to do at Miss for a sustained amount of time really wish he had had a chance to to 49:48 49 minutes, 48 seconds coach in the playoff because then a lot of these debates would have been solved I think and a lot of these uh you know how how he would be able to handle a 49:57 49 minutes, 57 seconds team going into the playoff and and also a pre-LSU team just you know so people you know he he could only win with LSU 50:05 50 minutes, 5 seconds maybe that could be that’ll be a future narrative because of that uh being not being able to uh coach uh miss in the 50:12 50 minutes, 12 seconds playoff but two very wildly um contrasting coaches going from Kelly to Kevin I don’t think you can have two uh 50:19 50 minutes, 19 seconds more different coaching um uh moves from from Kelly to to Kein You know, and I think one of the major 50:28 50 minutes, 28 seconds accomplishments that Lane did at Old Miss line was, you know, and and I don’t think people realize this because LSU 50:36 50 minutes, 36 seconds and Florida because they had such a great recruiting base before NIL and the Portal and their stadium and their 50:43 50 minutes, 43 seconds success and tradition, they were slow to get into the portal. You know, LSU really didn’t get into the portal until significantly until after the 24 season. 50:54 50 minutes, 54 seconds But Lane and Old Miss, man, they had it together right off. And they I remember Matt Mone talking about that back in 51:01 51 minutes, 1 second like 21 and 22. They were way ahead of LSU at that time. And part of that was probably Old Miss, but I think part of 51:08 51 minutes, 8 seconds it was uh Lane and Chris Smith, the Vanity Fair writer. That’s one of the things he said. He said there’s no coach 51:16 51 minutes, 16 seconds in the country right now that’s better equipped for the way college football is right now than Lane with uh the the portal in 51:26 51 minutes, 26 seconds the NIL. So, you know, it’s it’s a it’s a slam dunk hire. And you got to remember he he he’s he’s signed really a 51:33 51 minutes, 33 seconds two-year portal class. Uh in fact, I was wondering if he signed any guys to two-year deals instead of one. I 51:41 51 minutes, 41 seconds understand they they all signed to one, but LSU is going to be really good for at least two the next two years with this group of players and then we’ll see what else he brings in. 51:51 51 minutes, 51 seconds That’s the thing people don’t realize about a lot of the the the um portal u portal targets that LSU went after and 51:59 51 minutes, 59 seconds then eventually signed brought into LSU for this class. A lot of these guys have multiple years of eligibility. So you’ll 52:06 52 minutes, 6 seconds be able to see u you know year to year uh this class grow hopefully with retention and it seemed like Keifin was able to retain players pretty well at all. 52:15 52 minutes, 15 seconds He did. That’s the other thing. He sure did. Kind of kind of like the Indiana coach. Absolutely. Signetti. 52:22 52 minutes, 22 seconds So Lon, do you do you believe that you there’s a there’s a sentiment that Lane has to win and win right now? Do you believe that? 52:33 52 minutes, 33 seconds There’s definitely that sentiment. I personally don’t don’t believe that. I I think when you’re going to see in the 52:41 52 minutes, 41 seconds grand scheme of things, a lot of the rosters around college football cost $40 million if not more. Um, but this is a 52:50 52 minutes, 50 seconds brand new thing for LSU, a new frontier by, you know, double. I mean, $18 million was what we spent on the on the 52:56 52 minutes, 56 seconds roster in 2025, and that was a ton. It felt like it felt like LSU had spent more than we have the entire portal 53:04 53 minutes, 4 seconds combined in one single spree and um it it didn’t quite work out. Too many uh big- time guys on the defensive side, 53:12 53 minutes, 12 seconds maybe not enough help on the offensive side or maybe the going after the wrong guys. Um Kein given $40 million, you get the number 53:21 53 minutes, 21 seconds one quarterback Sam Levit. You get the number one offensive lineman Jordan Seat. you you get the number one edge rusher in Prince Will, who Kein has 53:29 53 minutes, 29 seconds already coached for a full season at Old Miss. You you have all of these um you have all these pieces, but you got to 53:37 53 minutes, 37 seconds see this team gel like any other team just because you have a number one this, a number one that, a top five this, and even our backup is a top 10 quarterback 53:44 53 minutes, 44 seconds as well, a top 10 uh ranked Portal quarterback. So, Kein has done an incredible job of locking and loading this roster, but really it is like we’re 53:54 53 minutes, 54 seconds we’re like any other team. you you have to see this team gel. You have to see this team uh come together. And really for me, it’s all about two guys who are 54:02 54 minutes, 2 seconds who are injured right now who are who are out. I mean, they’re technically they’re they’re close to full health, but Sam and Tradez Green you’re talking about? 54:11 54 minutes, 11 seconds Well, well, actually Sam Levit and Whit weeks. Oh, right. Right. I’m sorry. Right. 54:15 54 minutes, 15 seconds No, no. One on offense and one one defensively. uh guys that you haven’t really seen the offense or the defense play around and and really they’re the 54:23 54 minutes, 23 seconds central focus of both sides of the ball on each side of those balls each side of the ball there. Um so 54:31 54 minutes, 31 seconds it it is kind of an unknown quantity of what LSU will be in year one under Kein but Sam Levit exciting dual threat 54:40 54 minutes, 40 seconds quarterback. If you can get this uptempo offensive setup going with Sam Levit he he’s fully healthy. you don’t see much 54:47 54 minutes, 47 seconds of a a speed taken away from uh from his uh rushing abilities, then uh I think I think LSU will have a strong chance. I 54:55 54 minutes, 55 seconds mean, you marry a keen offense, Weiss play calling, a dual threat quarterback who had just two fewer missed tackles 55:04 55 minutes, 4 seconds forced than Jaden Daniels did in his Heisman’s winning season. Uh with 38, Sam Love it. really able to to make guys miss, 55:12 55 minutes, 12 seconds not just uh, you know, be kind of elusive, but also make guys miss in the open field and show some real speed. 55:19 55 minutes, 19 seconds Will, you know, if we’re able to see that married with a Blake Baker defense, you know, I mean, where you’ve got 55:26 55 minutes, 26 seconds pieces all over the field as long as this team is healthy, um, both of those are such exciting potential. uh Glenn 55:35 55 minutes, 35 seconds and when you see both of these, you know, a Blake Baker defense, a Lane Keven offense, such unbelievable 55:42 55 minutes, 42 seconds potential for success there if if you stay healthy and you see every every, you know, at least most buttons uh 55:50 55 minutes, 50 seconds pushed correctly. The thing that that concerns me and I I I share your excitement and your enthusiasm. those pieces are obviously there and and you 56:00 56 minutes know Kein’s an offensive genius and play caller and I think you know with Weiss and and everything that’s going to work exactly the way you know conceptually 56:08 56 minutes, 8 seconds you you’ve outlined it but the big thing that sticks in my mind is yeah you did bring in Jordan Seed but your offensive line was the worst offensive line in the 56:17 56 minutes, 17 seconds history of mankind last year and your wide Curly Hullman offensive line was pretty bad in ‘ 89 buddy I bet you if you compared the two man I 56:26 56 minutes, 26 seconds I All right, whatever. They they were both horrible. Okay, but the point is is can can you raise the level of that 56:34 56 minutes, 34 seconds offensive line enough to get it to a wide receiver room, which I know you’ve been chronicling this past week, which is is built to succeed, and maybe you can go into that a little bit. 56:44 56 minutes, 44 seconds Oh, a fantastic question. I I just this offensive line I think the way Lane Keifin’s play calling and the way Lane 56:52 56 minutes, 52 seconds Keiffin’s system is set up I think it can also paper over the cracks of a weaker offensive line and 57:00 57 minutes and you can really gash and really wear down a defensive front even if you if if your offensive line isn’t really that 57:09 57 minutes, 9 seconds good and and maybe you have some holes some mismatch opportunities for for a defensive front to take advantage of I 57:16 57 minutes, 16 seconds with that, you know, uptempo, uh, no huddle, hurry up, you know, heavy metal type of offensive attack that, you know, 57:23 57 minutes, 23 seconds we’re seeing our offensive line kind of get weathered through storm and through, sorry, weathered through the storms through spring to kind of a get adjusted 57:31 57 minutes, 31 seconds to. You know, it’s not just play calling. It’s not just learning the the playbook and your teammates, but also just the conditioning of being able to 57:40 57 minutes, 40 seconds do this. Uh, Jordan Seaton, I was very comfortable with what I saw out there. I saw a lot of impressive battles between 57:47 57 minutes, 47 seconds him and Prince Will on the wing. Really love what I see from Jordan Season. 57:52 57 minutes, 52 seconds Absolute knockout there. No problem. But left guard, is that going to be Bo Bordalon? Is it going to be Devin 57:58 57 minutes, 58 seconds Harper? Is it going to be, you know, William Satwite? There’s a few there’s a few uh candidates for that role, but 58:06 58 minutes, 6 seconds none of them have much experience. And then right tackle Weston Davis. uh you’ve seen him have to get a lot of 58:14 58 minutes, 14 seconds help from from usually tight end Malachi Thomas being over there, a lot of 12 and 13 personnel um just to supplement 58:22 58 minutes, 22 seconds Weston Davis over there and a lot of you know combo blocking with the guards as well. I love what I’ve seen from right guard Alu Ba out of out of uh Maryland 58:30 58 minutes, 30 seconds who’s who transferred over here. I I really was worried about that spot. He alleviated all of my worries. I think he’s going to be solid for it for LSU 58:39 58 minutes, 39 seconds center Brilen Moore. fantastic. But once again, you’ve got to make sure all these guys stay healthy. Brillin Moore, he had 58:46 58 minutes, 46 seconds some injury troubles last year. Um, I think this offense is has every potential to be fantastic, but Eric 58:53 58 minutes, 53 seconds Walford was one of the most maligned offensive line coaches in the SEC. His own fans, 59:01 59 minutes, 1 second Kentucky fans, messaged me in mass and said, “Thank you for taking him from us.” You know, well, he was really good at Alabama, though. And he and I don’t care how 59:10 59 minutes, 10 seconds maligned he was at Kentucky, he was better than Brad Davis. I’ll give you that. 59:14 59 minutes, 14 seconds Let’s go ahead and take a break. Lon, if you can hang on uh through this commercial, we’d love to bring you on for another segment. Of course. Of course. Thank you guys. 59:22 59 minutes, 22 seconds All right. Lon Phillips Sullivan of LSU Odyssey. Let’s take a break. We’ll get into that. Talk more about the wide receivers. Variety of them. A lot of big time players. They can make some plays. 59:33 59 minutes, 33 seconds We’ll get Lon’s perspective on that and much more when we come back here on Tiger Rag Radio. Chevy trucks have you covered when the road takes you from 59:40 59 minutes, 40 seconds smooth sailing to Chevy Colorado will eat up some of the toughest terrains with five available drive modes. And Silverado and Silverado HD have the 59:48 59 minutes, 48 seconds muscle to take you out for some serious with multiple engine options and impressive towing. While Silverado EV is the perfect combo of performance and 59:56 59 minutes, 56 seconds capability, making it a snap to hitch up this electric truck and hit the road. 1:00:00 1 hour Wherever the road leads, Chevy trucks are right there with you. See your Super Chevy dealers today. 1:00:07 1 hour, 7 seconds I’m Richard Fontner, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. My brother and I grow rice, soybeans, and raised crawfish on our farm in Evangelin 1:00:15 1 hour, 15 seconds Parish. For a fourth generation farmer like myself, Louisiana Farm Bureau is as much a part of my life as checking traps or harvesting rice. Our organization is 1:00:23 1 hour, 23 seconds more than 145,000 members strong and we’ve been around for more than 100 years. The Louisiana Farm Bureau spans generations and we want you to join our family. 1:00:32 1 hour, 32 seconds Visit lafarmbureau.org. at the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. 1:00:38 1 hour, 38 seconds And we’re back with Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 1:00:45 1 hour, 45 seconds Back here on Tiger Rag Radio, Jeff Polalmo along with Glenn Gilbo, Todd Horn. We’re talking with Lon Phillips Sullivan. Earlier today, we talked with 1:00:53 1 hour, 53 seconds Beth Torino. We heard from Matt Hayes from USA Today. If you missed any of that, you can check out our podcast 1:01:01 1 hour, 1 minute, 1 second anywhere you get your podcast or you can also watch the show on YouTube. Uh it’ll be uploaded there about 30 minutes or so 1:01:09 1 hour, 1 minute, 9 seconds after the show. Look back at previous shows as well. As I mentioned, we’re talking with Jon Phillips Sullivan from LSU Odyssey. And Lon, wide receivers, uh 1:01:18 1 hour, 1 minute, 18 seconds there’s a bunch of them. Which uh four or five guys that you think will really stand out this season? 1:01:24 1 hour, 1 minute, 24 seconds Tool that entire receiving core top to bottom there, guys. I mean, just top to bottom. And really what’s exciting to me 1:01:32 1 hour, 1 minute, 32 seconds is the first guy that we actually got in the entire transfer portal, Jackson Harris out of Hawaii. He’s the leader in production coming into the receiving 1:01:40 1 hour, 1 minute, 40 seconds room. But he just shows me such all-around just pure receiving talent. Whether you 1:01:47 1 hour, 1 minute, 47 seconds need a big play on third down, he’s there for you. A big play downfield, he’s there for you. a big play over the middle. Uh, you know, he’s he’s really 1:01:55 1 hour, 1 minute, 55 seconds shown out in spring practices against tight coverage against guys like DJ Picket and PJ Woodland, which I was looking for like, okay, you were you 1:02:04 1 hour, 2 minutes, 4 seconds were solid at Hawaii, just under 1,000 yards. How good are you going to be against SEC coverage? He’s really, I 1:02:11 1 hour, 2 minutes, 11 seconds mean, against some lengthy uh some experienced guys like like Picket, like Woodland, he’s really stood stood on his 1:02:19 1 hour, 2 minutes, 19 seconds own two feet and and really showed out in spring. But, you know, there’s there’s some other guys that really have caught my eye. Jace Brown and Trey 1:02:28 1 hour, 2 minutes, 28 seconds Wilson. I think this team is going to need some burning speed. Winnie Watkins as well. These guys I want to see getting the football over the middle um 1:02:37 1 hour, 2 minutes, 37 seconds constantly throughout the game. You got to be throwing the football over the middle for these guys in space, in stride, and let them, you know, exercise 1:02:46 1 hour, 2 minutes, 46 seconds their their absolute um virtuosic yards after catch abilities. Um Trey Wilson, just to illustrate, in his in his 1:02:54 1 hour, 2 minutes, 54 seconds freshman year when he was at his best before injuries kind of robbed him the last few seasons, 480 yards after catch 1:03:02 1 hour, 3 minutes, 2 seconds from 544 total yards. a lot of short yardage stuff, but he’s just making people miss, making a lot of moves after 1:03:09 1 hour, 3 minutes, 9 seconds the catch and um really very exciting weapons with him. Jace Brown, former 1:03:16 1 hour, 3 minutes, 16 seconds Kansas State guy. Trey Brown out of Old Dominion as well, averaged 20.1 yards per catch in the Sunb Belt Conference. 1:03:25 1 hour, 3 minutes, 25 seconds You know, torched Old Old Old Dominion’s opponents, you know, at that level. But now coming into spring practices, I 1:03:32 1 hour, 3 minutes, 32 seconds really wasn’t. Um I I was expecting to be blown away by him. I was kind of expecting him to to take the bull by the horns and he really was quite lukewarm 1:03:41 1 hour, 3 minutes, 41 seconds in spring. I’m I’m really hoping for him to to break out coming here up coming up here in fall camp. But you know, if not, 1:03:48 1 hour, 3 minutes, 48 seconds there’s there’s other guys. Roman Mothership, motherhood, as I call him, the mothership. He is absolutely massive. 65208. 1:03:58 1 hour, 3 minutes, 58 seconds Um, you know, that’s the thing about this group. There is a complete length and and and strength and power dynamic upgrade here with this receiving core. 1:04:08 1 hour, 4 minutes, 8 seconds Um, way way, you know, updated and upgraded in that uh respect for this receiving room. Uh, you’ve got I don’t 1:04:17 1 hour, 4 minutes, 17 seconds think I think the shortest guy um you know those go those guys are usually the speedy Bernie guy burner 1:04:24 1 hour, 4 minutes, 24 seconds guys like uh Trey Wilson or Jace Brown and it doesn’t really matter if they’re they’re really short but other than those guys you just have length 1:04:31 1 hour, 4 minutes, 31 seconds everywhere you look. Um Corey Barber a young freshman he he’s he’s really looking like he’s going to be a star. 1:04:39 1 hour, 4 minutes, 39 seconds Jabari Mack, he made that generational ESPN one-handed catch, but then um he hasn’t really done anything after that. 1:04:48 1 hour, 4 minutes, 48 seconds He had a lot of drops. He had a lot of disappointing performances in spring, a lot of lack of daysical play. So like 1:04:55 1 hour, 4 minutes, 55 seconds freshman superstar, you know, maybe not quite just yet, but he’s shown a lot of incredible uh explosive promise. Jabari 1:05:04 1 hour, 5 minutes, 4 seconds Mack and definitely one to keep your eyes on still even though I I think some sometimes uh in spring he was actually 1:05:12 1 hour, 5 minutes, 12 seconds quite um quite disappointing even though he made that incredible uh face melting catch. But Winnie Watkins he had this he 1:05:21 1 hour, 5 minutes, 21 seconds had this scrimmage where he went for 164 yards, 10 catches, and it just it really said like that’s a dude who Kein’s going 1:05:28 1 hour, 5 minutes, 28 seconds to want to feed. But as we all know, it’s all about trade as Green. feed him, feed him, feed him, and and really 1:05:35 1 hour, 5 minutes, 35 seconds that’s that’s where the bulk of the passing game should be going to. 1:05:39 1 hour, 5 minutes, 39 seconds Lon, it should be interesting to see how it all sorts itself out. We’ll have to get you on a little bit later on in the offseason, talk some more as we preview 1:05:46 1 hour, 5 minutes, 46 seconds what will be a very interesting 2026 LSU football season. Thanks for your time, Lon. 1:05:52 1 hour, 5 minutes, 52 seconds Oh, you guys are the best. Thank you guys. Thanks you, Tiger Rag. Have a good night. Go, Tigers. 1:05:57 1 hour, 5 minutes, 57 seconds Lon Phillips Sullivan from LSU Odyssey will be back after this here on Tiger Rag Radio. Chevy trucks have you covered when the road takes you from smooth 1:06:04 1 hour, 6 minutes, 4 seconds sailing to Chevy Colorado will eat up some of the toughest terrains with five available drive modes. And Silverado and Silverado HD have the muscle to take you 1:06:13 1 hour, 6 minutes, 13 seconds out for some serious with multiple engine options and impressive towing. 1:06:17 1 hour, 6 minutes, 17 seconds While Silverado EV is the perfect combo of performance and capability, making it a snap to hitch up this electric truck and hit the road. Wherever the road 1:06:25 1 hour, 6 minutes, 25 seconds leads, Chevy trucks are right there with you. See your Super Chevy dealers today. Let’s go. 1:06:32 1 hour, 6 minutes, 32 seconds We now return to Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 1:06:38 1 hour, 6 minutes, 38 seconds Back here inside the Super Chevy Dealer Studio, Jeff Polmo, along with the executive editor for Tiger Rag magazine, Todd Horn, and the editor, Gwen Gilbo. 1:06:46 1 hour, 6 minutes, 46 seconds We bring in our uh our old friend Andre Champine joins us here on the show now, 1:06:53 1 hour, 6 minutes, 53 seconds of course, with 247, former Louisiana radio network and Tiger Rag reporter. Andre, how you doing today, my friend? 1:07:01 1 hour, 7 minutes, 1 second I’m doing well, guys. It’s nice to hear y’all voices again. It’s great to hear from you. 1:07:07 1 hour, 7 minutes, 7 seconds That’s good to hear from y’all, too. Um, h how are things how are things going? 1:07:11 1 hour, 7 minutes, 11 seconds Well, you haven’t turned in a story in I don’t know how long. What the hell’s going on? 1:07:20 1 hour, 7 minutes, 20 seconds Good point. Good point, Todd. Good point. 1:07:23 1 hour, 7 minutes, 23 seconds All right. All right. Let’s just jump right in, man. because you’re the you’re the recruiting guru now. 1:07:28 1 hour, 7 minutes, 28 seconds Yeah, you’re all over the state. What what have where where have you not been and um that’s a good question. I I’ve uh I’ve given my car a break for the week. 1:07:39 1 hour, 7 minutes, 39 seconds Um it’s uh you know, my Honda’s putting in some work. Uh we’ve been to Mississippi and we’ve been all around uh Louisiana so far. So, 1:07:47 1 hour, 7 minutes, 47 seconds all right. So, with your boots on the ground, uh, working the way they have and now you’re giving your car a break, I I don’t I don’t quite understand how 1:07:56 1 hour, 7 minutes, 56 seconds how you’re still boots on the ground if your car is getting a break. But what what’s going on? I mean, I understand 1:08:03 1 hour, 8 minutes, 3 seconds that LSU had a a top-notch cornerback that they were going after and now he’s sort of decided to go elsewhere or what’s happening there? 1:08:12 1 hour, 8 minutes, 12 seconds Yeah. So Josh Dobson cancelled his visit with LSU that he was, you know, supposed to take on June 12th, which was really 1:08:20 1 hour, 8 minutes, 20 seconds from the staff’s point, uh, that was going to be a pivotal weekend at his recruitment for LSU, but it looks like he’s going to Michigan now. And, uh, 1:08:28 1 hour, 8 minutes, 28 seconds that one, it did come as a surprise, but it’s one where Josh Dobson, his recruitment has been really, um, you know, prioritized with his with his 1:08:37 1 hour, 8 minutes, 37 seconds agent. It seems like they have a price for him. Um, it seems like LSU may not be willing to pay that price. Um, you 1:08:45 1 hour, 8 minutes, 45 seconds know, from the sources that I’ve heard from, but LSU still has some guys that they’re, you know, turning to right now. 1:08:52 1 hour, 8 minutes, 52 seconds Uh, you know, whether that’s Mai Williams, a Florida State commit right now who’s a safety. He’s a four-star 1:08:59 1 hour, 8 minutes, 59 seconds safety out of Rustin, Florida, but he’s getting recruited by Corey Raymond as as a cornerback. He’s a big guy. He’s 6’3. 1:09:08 1 hour, 9 minutes, 8 seconds So, um, you know, they have options, but Dobson is definitely going to be one that, uh, they’re going to wish they had, you know, a chance with, and it 1:09:17 1 hour, 9 minutes, 17 seconds might it might not be done with, you know. Um, Cory Raymond is a guy where, look, you saw what he did with, uh, you 1:09:25 1 hour, 9 minutes, 25 seconds know, going in house with Dobson earlier this this spring. So, I mean, you you really can never give up on a guy like 1:09:32 1 hour, 9 minutes, 32 seconds Corey Raymond and his stature who’s been able to get the best of the best. Andre, how many um I know it’s a long way off, 1:09:38 1 hour, 9 minutes, 38 seconds but uh how many players do you think are going to be in Kein’s class of uh 2027? 1:09:45 1 hour, 9 minutes, 45 seconds You know, the the early signing period plus uh next February, I would say somewhere around 25 to 30. 1:09:52 1 hour, 9 minutes, 52 seconds Now, that’s going to be a lot more uh than they did, you know, have this this last signing class, but that’s because 1:09:59 1 hour, 9 minutes, 59 seconds Kein really had to put it together within about five days or so. um it seems like so I I would say about 25 to 1:10:08 1 hour, 10 minutes, 8 seconds 30\. You know, there’s going to be a lot of late offers that that are being picked up right now. So, that number could rise, but when you look at, you 1:10:16 1 hour, 10 minutes, 16 seconds know, the quarterback depth right now on the roster, uh they’re going to definitely try and add a few more quarterbacks than they probably need uh 1:10:24 1 hour, 10 minutes, 24 seconds in terms of numbers, right? So, I think quarterbacks are going to be heavy. wide receivers. You know how Kein is, he brought in nine with the transfer 1:10:32 1 hour, 10 minutes, 32 seconds portal. So, he’s not going to be scared to bring in one too many uh from the high school ranks. Let me ask you this, Andre, real quick. 1:10:39 1 hour, 10 minutes, 39 seconds Sorry, Todd. Um, okay. He signed 41 players in the portal and a lot of that 1:10:47 1 hour, 10 minutes, 47 seconds first portal class is going to be at LSU for for two years. Do you do you think he’s got that base in? Do you think he’s 1:10:55 1 hour, 10 minutes, 55 seconds going to kind of become more of a high school recruiter than he ever was at Old Miss and and kind of start leaning that way? 1:11:03 1 hour, 11 minutes, 3 seconds Go ahead. 1:11:04 1 hour, 11 minutes, 4 seconds Yeah, I definitely I definitely do, Glenn, because um all the guys that I’ve talked to, you know, um have said that Kein has talked to them and said, “Hey, 1:11:12 1 hour, 11 minutes, 12 seconds like, you know, especially with the 27 guys, like you’re going to be our true first recruiting class that we really signed.” So, we’re making it an effort 1:11:21 1 hour, 11 minutes, 21 seconds to say like, “These are the guys we really want.” um these are the guys that fit our description and our system. Uh so it’s important for those guys to kind 1:11:29 1 hour, 11 minutes, 29 seconds of come into the system early, right, and learn those things as opposed to grabbing 40 new guys from the portal. 1:11:36 1 hour, 11 minutes, 36 seconds Now, the portal is still going to be heavy for LSU, especially when you look at maybe who’s seniors and juniors and draft eligible and all those kinds of things, but I don’t expect 40, right? 1:11:46 1 hour, 11 minutes, 46 seconds Like that’s that’s a complete rebuild. Maybe we’re looking at like 25 to 30. 1:11:51 1 hour, 11 minutes, 51 seconds Same same thing with the high school guys. We might have like an even split there. 1:11:56 1 hour, 11 minutes, 56 seconds Andre, what are what are the when you’re talking to these the these players like the Eastern Royals and and the the high 1:12:03 1 hour, 12 minutes, 3 seconds caliber targets that people want, not just LSU, what how do they characterize Kein as a recruiter, as a coach? 1:12:14 1 hour, 12 minutes, 14 seconds They they actually it’s pretty funny. 1:12:16 1 hour, 12 minutes, 16 seconds Like they they say he’s he’s just intense, right? like um he’s that like one recruit told me uh the other day he 1:12:24 1 hour, 12 minutes, 24 seconds just gives you that look and you kind of know like he’s really about this like he really lives breathes football like he doesn’t really care about anything 1:12:33 1 hour, 12 minutes, 33 seconds outside of it and that’s the kind of feel that they’ve they’ve gotten too like Eastston Royal uh really loves that coaching staff down uh in Baton Rouge 1:12:42 1 hour, 12 minutes, 42 seconds same thing with Albert Simeon he really loves coach uh Wolfford but Keifin is a guy who’s not going to give up uh in terms of recruiting recruitment. He just he’s a guy that doesn’t like to lose. 1:12:51 1 hour, 12 minutes, 51 seconds We’ve talked about it uh with Levit, right? Like earlier this year, he hopped on a plane because he heard that Tennessee might have gained some 1:12:58 1 hour, 12 minutes, 58 seconds traction after that visit. So, he he went to to see him in Knoxville and made sure that he could close the deal, and it obviously it worked. So, I mean, he 1:13:08 1 hour, 13 minutes, 8 seconds the guy’s not going to give up and and that’s going to be the same for a guy like Albert Sime and East and East and Royal who are really uh two program 1:13:16 1 hour, 13 minutes, 16 seconds changing type of uh players in this recruiting cycle. 1:13:19 1 hour, 13 minutes, 19 seconds So, we’re specifically with Royal right now, he he committed to Texas uh the day before Kein was hired at LSU, if that’s correct on the timeline there. 1:13:31 1 hour, 13 minutes, 31 seconds But but like you said, now he’s really attracted to the program. Could do we see some movement? Do you I mean I I know you can’t predict the future, but what are you seeing in your mind? 1:13:42 1 hour, 13 minutes, 42 seconds It feels inevitable. I mean, it really does with Royal now. I think he’s down to three options really. I know that he’s kind of come down to uh four to 1:13:50 1 hour, 13 minutes, 50 seconds five schools that he really thinks um have stood out to him. But after talking with him a couple weeks ago, it seems like it’s it’s going to either be stay 1:13:58 1 hour, 13 minutes, 58 seconds stay at uh Texas, um a flip to LSU, or maybe even a possible flip to Florida is what I’m hearing. Um as of late, uh 1:14:07 1 hour, 14 minutes, 7 seconds Florida, he he really raved about that coaching staff and what Summer’s been able to do since he got to Gainesville. 1:14:13 1 hour, 14 minutes, 13 seconds And um as far as LSU, I mean, he he said it himself, it’s home. It’s who he grew up watching really. Uh and so there’s 1:14:21 1 hour, 14 minutes, 21 seconds obviously an emotional tie to LSU. It’s just going to come down to um I guess you know, a few things as far as the staff goes and and kind of what his fit 1:14:30 1 hour, 14 minutes, 30 seconds is. Um you know, just especially he he you know, he’s watched the Old Miss offenses in the past and he told me he 1:14:39 1 hour, 14 minutes, 39 seconds really likes how they use the wide receivers. So, you know, Kein and that offense jump out to him. I think a big factor that we’re not really talking too 1:14:48 1 hour, 14 minutes, 48 seconds much about is NIL. like he completely told me, hey, NIL plays a factor for me, but it’s not, you know, the number one 1:14:55 1 hour, 14 minutes, 55 seconds thing. So, I think um you know, when a lot of people say, hey, this was just a money thing, it’s not going to be the end all beall for East Royal. It’s going 1:15:03 1 hour, 15 minutes, 3 seconds to be, you know, what what is going to be the team that develops me, you know, the best of their ability and that I can 1:15:10 1 hour, 15 minutes, 10 seconds win a national championship with at the end of the day. 1:15:13 1 hour, 15 minutes, 13 seconds Talking to Andre Shampagne from uh 247 Sports. Andre Ahmad Hudson, the number one tight end in the country, fivestar 1:15:21 1 hour, 15 minutes, 21 seconds from Rustin, he has said that he wants to play basketball too for coach Will Wade. What’s your feeling on or or what 1:15:29 1 hour, 15 minutes, 29 seconds are you hearing if anything? How how you think Lane is going to be about that? How is he with dual sport guys? 1:15:37 1 hour, 15 minutes, 37 seconds Yeah, that’s a good question because I talked to Ahmad last week and he told me like, you know, that that was a deal breaker for him. So, I think they’re 1:15:44 1 hour, 15 minutes, 44 seconds going to let him kind of try it out. I will say I think Ahmad Hudson’s a way basketball a way better basketball player than Trey Ez Green was. Um so I 1:15:53 1 hour, 15 minutes, 53 seconds think he could make it work. Now do I think he’ll you know play a lot of basketball? I don’t think so. But you 1:16:00 1 hour, 16 minutes know he firmly believes that he can do both and I think they’re going to give him a go at it because Will Wade obviously he does want him. Uh Ahmad 1:16:09 1 hour, 16 minutes, 9 seconds Hudson said that his dad has has known Will Wade for a while now. Uh, and the two have kind of, you know, actually became friends over the years of his 1:16:17 1 hour, 16 minutes, 17 seconds recruitment. So, and they need an American on the team. 1:16:21 1 hour, 16 minutes, 21 seconds Right. Right. I mean, but but his name doesn’t sound totally He doesn’t He doesn’t, but his he is an American and his dad’s an American. 1:16:30 1 hour, 16 minutes, 30 seconds He is. He is. Um, but yeah, that I see what you guys did there. Um, yeah, maybe he’ll start maybe he will start going 1:16:38 1 hour, 16 minutes, 38 seconds after more high school recruits. We’ll see. Um but uh but anyway, Ahmad, yeah, Ahmad really expressed that he wanted to 1:16:46 1 hour, 16 minutes, 46 seconds play both. Now, I I could see it working out in the way that hey, Ahmad joins the team a after the football season. Uh 1:16:53 1 hour, 16 minutes, 53 seconds which could be trouble really because it could be kind of a trade dead situation where he joins the team during SEC play down the stretch. Um but I I want I’m 1:17:02 1 hour, 17 minutes, 2 seconds I’m interested as well to see how they work out those kinks. Andre, do you do you believe getting back to football recruiting, do you believe that Given’s going to land in the top five with this 2027 class when it’s all said and done? 1:17:13 1 hour, 17 minutes, 13 seconds I’d definitely give them a top 10. Um, I think top 10 is inevitable. Obviously, uh, they have a lot of guys. Uh, right 1:17:21 1 hour, 17 minutes, 21 seconds now, obviously, it’s quiet, but after OB uh, season, uh, I I expect things to ramp up pretty quickly, especially with 1:17:29 1 hour, 17 minutes, 29 seconds some of those high talented guys. um you know, like the Eastn Royals and the Albert Simeons. Um but I mean, they’re going to they’re going to land, like I 1:17:37 1 hour, 17 minutes, 37 seconds said, a lot more guys. So, I I expect it to be a pretty pretty high class. I I won’t say top five yet. Um I I need to 1:17:46 1 hour, 17 minutes, 46 seconds see some things have some things work out. Uh especially since Dobson doesn’t, you know, probably end up with the Tigers, right? 1:17:55 1 hour, 17 minutes, 55 seconds But, um I I think top 10 for sure. one quarterback only or do you expect another one to be added? 1:18:01 1 hour, 18 minutes, 1 second Pton Peyton Houston is their guy. Um and and you know obviously there’s going to be there’s that you know that 1:18:10 1 hour, 18 minutes, 10 seconds conversation of why didn’t they go for Elijah Haven? Well, Lane Keifin and and um you know they they were the first 1:18:18 1 hour, 18 minutes, 18 seconds team to offer uh Peyton Houston SEC wise. So, uh, he holds that dearly and they’ve stuck with him and so I think he’s the quarterback of the future. 1:18:28 1 hour, 18 minutes, 28 seconds Andre, great hearing from you. Good work with 247. We appreciate it, man. We’ll get you back on later. Thanks, guys. 1:18:34 1 hour, 18 minutes, 34 seconds All right, Andre Champine, or as we affectionately called Luke here on Tiger Rag Radio. Let’s take a break, more of Tiger Rag Radio when we come back. 1:18:45 1 hour, 18 minutes, 45 seconds Get growing and reading. It’s May, the perfect time to fall in love with books. 1:18:51 1 hour, 18 minutes, 51 seconds The East Baton Rouge Parish Library invites you to plant a seed and read from June 1st through August 18th. Visit 1:18:58 1 hour, 18 minutes, 58 seconds your nearby library for exciting events, fun reading incentives, and familyfriendly programs designed to inspire readers of all ages. To learn 1:19:07 1 hour, 19 minutes, 7 seconds more about all the fun reading can bring, visit ebrpl.com. 1:19:15 1 hour, 19 minutes, 15 seconds Now more Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 1:19:21 1 hour, 19 minutes, 21 seconds Jeff Polarmo inside the Super Chevy dealer studio with LSU executive LSU 1:19:28 1 hour, 19 minutes, 28 seconds LSU Tiger Rag executive editor that is Todd Horn. We are going to hear in a second here from LSU system president 1:19:36 1 hour, 19 minutes, 36 seconds Wade Roose. Uh he was at the Bat Rouge Press Club, talked about a wide variety of things. I I don’t know if he really 1:19:44 1 hour, 19 minutes, 44 seconds broke any news. He was asked about the LSU Arena and there’s really not much going on with the arena. Here’s a a snippet of what he had to say when asked about it. 1:19:54 1 hour, 19 minutes, 54 seconds I wouldn’t characterize those as the arena taxes, but there is an economic development district that is that is a much broader economic develop district 1:20:03 1 hour, 20 minutes, 3 seconds and a and an athletic athletic district. 1:20:08 1 hour, 20 minutes, 8 seconds Those taxes are being um collected to be completely transparent. That was a good question for us about a month ago because we had no idea where it was at. 1:20:15 1 hour, 20 minutes, 15 seconds And Brandy, our CFO, started really working hard to try to figure out what’s going on and where it’s at. We have an account in place. We’re setting up all of the destructors. I had to actually 1:20:24 1 hour, 20 minutes, 24 seconds sign on as the EDDD president and give them my uh driver’s license and everything else as the fiduciary of that account. Uh so there is money in that 1:20:32 1 hour, 20 minutes, 32 seconds account. Where is it? Nothing has been spent yet. Where it’s going to be spent kind of depends on if we end up getting an arena or not. As you know, the EDDD 1:20:40 1 hour, 20 minutes, 40 seconds has has some earmarks in terms of uh structural issues that it needs to be uh spent on. You can imagine if you drive 1:20:48 1 hour, 20 minutes, 48 seconds our campus and see some of the potholes on our campus and and and and uh curve um concrete that is broken that we have 1:20:57 1 hour, 20 minutes, 57 seconds a lot of places to spend them, but we’re going to put a real strategy in in order to try to prioritize where that needs to be done and where it needs to be spent. 1:21:04 1 hour, 21 minutes, 4 seconds But the we finally do have it in place. 1:21:06 1 hour, 21 minutes, 6 seconds We have an account in place. This is like this is like breaking news. This is like this week. Uh it was all put in place. So, uh we do we do have it in place. Brandy Roberts, our CFO, Dr. 1:21:16 1 hour, 21 minutes, 16 seconds Roberts, is doing an amazing job. She’s got her hands around it. Uh and we’re going to put a priority list together in terms of how that money is going to be spent. 1:21:24 1 hour, 21 minutes, 24 seconds And that money he’s talking about is money being generated from a tax that was placed on businesses in that area through the LSU Economic Development 1:21:32 1 hour, 21 minutes, 32 seconds District. some of that funding or at least that tax that and you you know a heck of a lot more about this than I do, 1:21:39 1 hour, 21 minutes, 39 seconds Todd. But uh the reason why this uh economic development district was formed was to help generate funds for a new arena. But in that soundbite that you 1:21:48 1 hour, 21 minutes, 48 seconds heard from Wade Roose, he talked about there could be arena, there might not be arena. So it it doesn’t sound like the 1:21:56 1 hour, 21 minutes, 56 seconds ball’s really moving down the the field on this. 1:21:59 1 hour, 21 minutes, 59 seconds No. And and I think that it was a actually a very revealing press conference and and to President Roose’s 1:22:06 1 hour, 22 minutes, 6 seconds credit, he was very transparent. What we did not know before that meeting uh at the press club was has had the taxes 1:22:15 1 hour, 22 minutes, 15 seconds actually been collected and they they started being collected on October 1st of 2025 and where the money was. Well, now we 1:22:25 1 hour, 22 minutes, 25 seconds know that it’s in an account and that account that money which will amount to about $161 million projected over 30 1:22:32 1 hour, 22 minutes, 32 seconds years uh is pretty significant. And even though LSU and Roose yesterday said it 1:22:40 1 hour, 22 minutes, 40 seconds was not geared towards the arena, there is a lawsuit by Daryl Glasper Senior that was filed in December of 2025. And 1:22:50 1 hour, 22 minutes, 50 seconds the attorney for that case is William Moost. And he’s done discovery and found documentation in terms of emails and 1:22:58 1 hour, 22 minutes, 58 seconds memos uh saying that the money both cents meaning both 1% tax collections of 1:23:05 1 hour, 23 minutes, 5 seconds that money were to go to the arena. And one of the biggest things that that Bruce said yesterday in the press club 1:23:14 1 hour, 23 minutes, 14 seconds meeting was this arena is going to cost LSU money. It’s not going to be like it 1:23:23 1 hour, 23 minutes, 23 seconds was originally proposed where it wasn’t going to cost us anything. A private firm was going to come in. We were just going to lease the land. Now, he didn’t go into all that detail. 1:23:29 1 hour, 23 minutes, 29 seconds Yeah. He talked about how they’re going to need the state to help come up with part of the funding. 1:23:34 1 hour, 23 minutes, 34 seconds Yeah. Exactly. and and so it was a very revealing thing. It was actually refreshing to his again to his credit 1:23:42 1 hour, 23 minutes, 42 seconds for him to be open because one of the biggest concerns about this project is not that conceptually the arena is a bad 1:23:49 1 hour, 23 minutes, 49 seconds idea or having the arena uh and the whole economic development district with hotels and and restaurants 1:23:57 1 hour, 23 minutes, 57 seconds um in the area around that arena which is not just to be a home for basketball and gymnastics but also a home for 1:24:06 1 hour, 24 minutes, 6 seconds concerts and entertainment. ment uh and and an additional revenue stream in and of itself that way. But the whole point 1:24:15 1 hour, 24 minutes, 15 seconds was that if you’re going to do this, let us know what’s going on. Where they got into trouble with this economic 1:24:22 1 hour, 24 minutes, 22 seconds development district tax is no person that lives in the area was allowed to vote 1:24:30 1 hour, 24 minutes, 30 seconds on that tax and that remains the the basis of the lawsuit moving forward. 1:24:35 1 hour, 24 minutes, 35 seconds But the tax is only impacting businesses. 1:24:38 1 hour, 24 minutes, 38 seconds Yeah. Well, it’s only taxing businesses, but that’s, you know, there are people that live there. And so, as William Mo 1:24:44 1 hour, 24 minutes, 44 seconds says the attorney, you cannot tax, you cannot have tax without representation, 1:24:53 1 hour, 24 minutes, 53 seconds you know. So, it’s an old American issue, right? Let’s take another break and then we’ll wrap up the show. When we come back, this is Tiger Rag Radio. Chevy 1:25:01 1 hour, 25 minutes, 1 second trucks have you covered when the road takes you from smooth sailing to Chevy Colorado will eat up some of the toughest terrains with five available 1:25:08 1 hour, 25 minutes, 8 seconds drive modes. And Silverado and Silverado HD have the muscle to take you out for some serious with multiple engine options and impressive towing. While 1:25:16 1 hour, 25 minutes, 16 seconds Silverado EV is the perfect combo of performance and capability, making it a snap to hitch up this electric truck and hit the road. Wherever the road leads, Chevy trucks are right there with you. 1:25:27 1 hour, 25 minutes, 27 seconds See your Super Chevy dealers today. 1:25:32 1 hour, 25 minutes, 32 seconds Tiger Rag Radio is back live from Super Chevy dealers studio. Got to thank all our guests tonight. 1:25:39 1 hour, 25 minutes, 39 seconds Beth Torina, LSU softball coach, Matt Hayes of the USA Today, Lon Phillips Sullivan of LSU Odyssey, and Andre 1:25:46 1 hour, 25 minutes, 46 seconds Champine, formerly of Tiger Rag. Now, 247 Sports with a recruiting breakdown. 1:25:51 1 hour, 25 minutes, 51 seconds Uh LSU baseball set to still play Oklahoma tonight. God bless you for if you are planning to stay up till 1:25:58 1 hour, 25 minutes, 58 seconds midnight to watch this thing. If you It is going to be bizarre uh Todd, come Monday, uh when we’re not breaking down 1:26:06 1 hour, 26 minutes, 6 seconds brackets and looking at regional opponents and all that kind of stuff. Um for some that are that really love this 1:26:14 1 hour, 26 minutes, 14 seconds part of the year, it’s it’s it’s it’s also very sad and it’s amazing how far they it it’s not even close when it comes to them even being on the bubble. 1:26:24 1 hour, 26 minutes, 24 seconds If they did, I know we talked about it earlier in detail, but if they did make a run, would would you be just totally shocked? 1:26:32 1 hour, 26 minutes, 32 seconds I would not be surprised if they won tonight, and I I partly would not be surprised if they would if they won tomorrow because it’s LSU baseball and they find a little magic in this place. 1:26:43 1 hour, 26 minutes, 43 seconds Tomorrow, if they win tonight, tomorrow they’re supposed to be going 70 75 pitches against Auburn’s ace. Yeah, right. 1:26:52 1 hour, 26 minutes, 52 seconds which defies convention. 1:26:53 1 hour, 26 minutes, 53 seconds Yeah. You know, so you never know. You never know. But I’m not counting on it just because it’s just been that bad. But uh they maybe 1:27:02 1 hour, 27 minutes, 2 seconds they they find a little magic, get a win tonight, and then uh yeah, maybe it all ends tomorrow and then Jay Johnson and this coaching staff get 1:27:11 1 hour, 27 minutes, 11 seconds to work. But um the transfer portal isn’t quite open just yet, but uh they can be out there recruiting and all that kind of stuff and get the exit meetings 1:27:19 1 hour, 27 minutes, 19 seconds out of the way and evaluate everything that and that evaluation has been ongoing. But um your opinion biggest biggest thing they 1:27:27 1 hour, 27 minutes, 27 seconds need to do in the portal pitching comes down to pitching to me. 1:27:32 1 hour, 27 minutes, 32 seconds chance to they obviously have a good little group of position players here, but as you mentioned earlier in the show, who do who are you really counting 1:27:39 1 hour, 27 minutes, 39 seconds on next season to be good for you? Who’s your Friday night starter? I I don’t know if you got one. 1:27:45 1 hour, 27 minutes, 45 seconds When’s the last time LSU was looking forward to another season at any point and didn’t have an idea who their anchor pitchers were? 1:27:54 1 hour, 27 minutes, 54 seconds Yeah, I don’t know. I don’t know. Well, hey, that does it for another show. 1:27:58 1 hour, 27 minutes, 58 seconds Thanks again for everyone that was listening. For Glenn, Todd, I’m Jeff Polmo. Have a great night, everyone. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Baseball, LSU Basketball, LSU Football News, Men's Basketball, Podcast, Radio **Tags:** lane kiffin, Tiger Rag Audibles podcast, tiger rag radio, Tiger Rag Radio Podcast, will wade --- ### [LSU Finally Looks Like A Tournament Team In SEC Tournament Win Over Oklahoma](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-finally-looks-like-a-tournament-team-in-sec-tournament-win-over-oklahoma/) **Published:** May 20, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** By TODD HORNE, Executive Editor HOOVER, Ala. — LSU’s pitching plan changed roughly 20 minutes before first pitch Tuesday night when projected starter William Schmidt was scratched with back spasms. For most of this season, that kind of development might have felt like the beginning of another pitching unraveling. Instead, it became the setup for one of LSU’s best collective mound performances of the year. Behind strong relief outings from Gavin Guidry and Devin Sheerin — and a late two-run homer from Steven Milam — LSU defeated Oklahoma 6-2 in the opening round of the SEC Tournament at Hoover Metropolitan Stadium. The win kept LSU’s season alive and advanced the Tigers into a Wednesday matchup against Auburn. LSU’s only path to the NCAA Tournament is winning the SEC Tournament. For one night, the program’s most disappointing unit finally gave LSU exactly what it needed. Grant Fontenot made the emergency start after Schmidt was scratched and kept the game from slipping away early. Fontenot lasted 2.1 innings, allowing one run before handing the ball to Guidry with the score tied 1-1 and runners aboard. Guidry stabilized the middle innings. He worked 3.1 innings, allowed only one unearned run and struck out six. His biggest escape came after Oklahoma threatened to take control in the third. Easton LaChance launched a towering foul ball down the left-field line that nearly changed the game, then Guidry came back to strike him out. When Johnson removed Guidry in the sixth, his message was short and telling. “Great job.” Then Sheerin delivered the cleanest and most important relief appearance of the night. The freshman entered with the bases loaded and two outs in the sixth, LSU protecting a 4-2 lead. One pitch later, the inning was over on a fly ball. From there, Sheerin dominated. He threw three scoreless innings, allowing one hit with no walks and five strikeouts. Oklahoma never mounted a serious threat against him again. LSU’s pitchers combined for 14 strikeouts and held Oklahoma to six hits. After Fontenot exited, Guidry and Sheerin combined for 6.1 innings, one unearned run and 11 strikeouts. That was the story. Not simply because LSU won, but because it won with the one thing it has lacked most of the season: reliable, composed, layered pitching. Offensively, LSU created pressure all night but repeatedly left runs on the field. The Tigers stranded 15 runners, loaded the bases multiple times and still waited until the eighth inning to finally create breathing room. Derek Curiel continued his late-season surge with another strong night, ripping two doubles and driving in a run. His RBI double in the third scored Jake Serna Jr. from first and gave LSU a 1-0 lead. Serna later helped ignite LSU’s decisive fifth inning, but his night ended after his hand was spiked while sliding home safely. LSU trailed 2-1 before answering in the fifth. Curiel doubled again, Milam put pressure on Oklahoma with a ball that produced two runs on a throwing error, and LSU turned a one-run deficit into a 4-2 lead. The game itself was messy: ABS reversals, catcher’s interference, defensive miscues, a balk and repeated missed chances by both teams. Milam finally gave LSU separation in the eighth. After Cade Arrambide singled, Milam crushed a two-run homer to right field, stretching the lead to 6-2 and effectively ending Oklahoma’s best chance to hang around. Milam finished 1-for-4 with two RBIs, two walks, a stolen base and a homer. It was an imperfect but highly impactful night from LSU’s shortstop. Now LSU turns to Auburn, a team it did not face during the regular season. Casan Evans is expected to start for LSU, while Auburn is expected to counter with its ace. Serna’s status will be one of the biggest questions after the hand injury. But Tuesday night gave LSU something more important than one win. It gave the Tigers a pitching formula. Fontenot absorbed the emergency. Guidry bridged the middle. Sheerin closed the door. Evans remained untouched for Wednesday. For one night in Hoover, LSU looked less like a talented team fighting its own flaws and more like a dangerous tournament team with its season still alive. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Derek Curiel, Deven Sheerin, Gavin Guidry, jay johnson, lsu baseball, SEC Tournament --- ### [LSU Swimmer Grace Palmer Wins Gold And 2 Bronze At Belgian Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-swimmer-grace-palmer-wins-gold-and-2-bronze-at-belgian-championships/) **Published:** May 19, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** ANTWERP, Belgium – LSU swimmer Grace Palmer earned a gold medal and two bronze medals at the 2026 Open Belgian Swimming Championships last weekend. Palmer, a Liège, Belgium native and junior for LSU, won the gold in the 200 breast stroke on Sunday, finishing with a 2:27.77. She recorded a time of 2:31.20 in the prelims to send her to the final with the second fastest time. On Saturday, Palmer took third in the 100 breast with a personal best 1:10.10. She made her way to the finals by clocking a fourth place 1:11.31 in the prelims. Later that day, Palmer anchored the mixed 400-freestyle relay team. The squad won the bronze at 3:41.93. Palmer also competed in the 50 breast, placing fourth with a 32.75 and the 400-medley relay with a fifth at 4:20.74. In her sophomore season at LSU, Palmer qualified for the NCAA Championships in the 200 breast, finishing 22nd. She also placed fourth at the SEC Championships in the same event. She holds the school record in the 200 breast and ranks in the top 10 in program history in the 100 breast, 500 free, 1000 and 1650 free. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Swimming and Diving **Tags:** Grace Palmer, LSU swimming and diving, LSU Tigers --- ### [Will Wade Signs Former NBA Player RJ Luis, But There May Be Legal Baggage](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-signs-former-nba-player-rj-luis-but-there-may-be-legal-baggage/) **Published:** May 19, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU men’s basketball coach Will Wade has signed his first bona fide franchise player that could dramatically turn around the Tigers from Southeastern Conference doormat to contender overnight. Wade has signed former All-American and Big East Player of the Year from the 2024-25 season at St. John’s in shooting guard/small forward RJ Luis (6-foot-7, 215 pounds), according to CBS Sports reports on Tuesday. Luis averaged 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.4 steals as a starter in 32 of 35 games for St. John’s two seasons ago for coach Rick Pitino. Luis, who went to Mt. Zion Prep Academy in Lanham, Maryland, and played for Massachusetts in the 2022-23 season before transferring to Pitino and St. John’s, went undrafted in the 2025 NBA Draft. He then signed a contract with Utah Jazz before being traded to the Boston Celtics, who sent him to their G League Maine Celtics team. But Luis never played in a professional game. And Wade will be trying to get him eligible for the 2026-27 season. There could be legal issues involved with that, however. > [Will Wade Gets Commitment From Austin Nunez, Who Is An Unranked Guard, But He’s A Body](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-gets-commitment-from-austin-nunez-who-is-an-unranked-guard-but-hes-a-body/) In the 2023-24 season for Pitino, Luis was mainly a backup before starting 10 of 23 games as a sophomore and blossoming as a junior. Luis scored in double figures in 22 games in the 2024-25 season and scored 20 or more 14 times with 10 points-rebounds double-doubles. “If he can receive more eligibility, he will enter the 2026-27 season as one of the top players in the Southeastern Conference and is the type of wing Wade needs to lead LSU,” according to Yahoo Sports. Luis is the fifth player on Wade’s roster in his first season as LSU’s coach the second time around after coaching the Tigers from 2017-22. Luis joins previous commitments and or signees Austin Nunez, a transfer guard from Texas-San Antonio, transfer guard Abdi Bashir Jr. from Kansas State, transfer point guard Divine Ugochukwu of Michigan State, Kentucky transfer forward Mouhamed Dioubate and center Marcio Santos, a European professional player in Tel Aviv, Israel. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** lsu basketball, Rick Pitino, RJ Luis, St. John's, will wade --- ### [LSU Softball Coach Beth Torina Joins Tiger Rag Radio Tonight To Talk Super Regional At Bama](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-coach-beth-torina-joins-tiger-rag-radio-tonight-to-talk-super-regional-at-bama/) **Published:** May 19, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU softball coach Beth Torina will be Tiger Rag Radio’s special guest tonight at 6:30 to discuss her team’s Super Regional bout against No. 1 national seed Alabama that begins on Friday in Tuscaloosa. Tiger Rag Radio is broadcast live statewide every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Also joining the show with hosts Jeff Palermo of the Louisiana Radio Network and Tiger Rag executive editor Todd Horne will be college football columnist Matt Hayes of USA Today to discuss the possibility of a new College Football Playoff expansion to 24 teams and about LSU coach Lane Kiffin. Lonn Phillips Sullivan of LSUOdyssey.com will be on at 7 p.m., and former Tiger Rag writer Andre Champagne of 247sports.com will be on at 7:30 p.m. **[HOW TO LISTEN TO TIGER RAG RADIO](https://station.voscast.com/64cd62be67664)** [The show is also available online here](https://station.voscast.com/64cd62be67664) at https://station.voscast.com/64cd62be67664. Or listen wherever you get your podcasts or one of the following radio stations: WBRP Talk 107.3 FM in Baton Rouge … Live KKND 106.7 FM The Ticket In New Orleans … Live KLWB 103.7 FM The Game in Lafayette … Live KFNV 107.1 FM in Ferriday … Tape delay at 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Wednesday KLCJ 104.1 FM in Lake Charles … Live WAKH 105.7 FM in McComb, Mississippi … Live. KASO 1240 AM in Minden … Live KRLQ 94.1 FM in Ruston … Tape delay at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday WSLA 1560 AM in Slidell … Live. WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans … Tape delay at 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. on Saturday KBZE 105.9 FM in Morgan City … 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday Torina’s No. 16 seed Tigers (40-17) play Alabama (52-7) at 6 p.m. Friday on ESPN2 and 2 p.m. Saturday on ESPN in the best-of-three tournament with the College World Series in Oklahoma City on the line. A third game – if necessary – will be Sunday at a time to be announced. > [LSU Advances To Super At No. 1 Seed Alabama After Beating Virginia Tech And Dominating NCAA Regional](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-advances-to-super-at-no-1-seed-alabama-after-beating-virginia-tech-and-dominating-ncaa-regional/) LSU swept its NCAA Regional over the weekend with 8-0 wins over Akron and Virginia Tech and a 7-2 deciding victory over Virginia Tech on Sunday to advance. Torina, who became LSU’s coach before the 2012 season, won her ninth Regional title and will be shooting for her fifth College World Series appearance as LSU’s coach and first since 2017. “I don’t even know where to start on our team,” Torina said after the win Sunday. “I’m so proud of this entire group. I’m proud of their growth and the senior leadership. Every time our senior class decides that it’s time to go, those are the ones that go the best. This senior class has been incredible this weekend.” **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Softball **Tags:** Alabama Crimson Tide, beth torina, lsu, lsu softball, LSU Tigers, NCAA Super Regional --- ### [Will Wade Gets Commitment From Austin Nunez, Who Is An Unranked Guard, But He's A Body](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-gets-commitment-from-austin-nunez-who-is-an-unranked-guard-but-hes-a-body/) **Published:** May 18, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor At this point, the rankings are lagniappe. Because new LSU basketball coach Will Wade needs bodies. Wade gained a commitment for just his fifth player for his 2026-27 roster on Monday in Texas-San Antonio guard [Austin Nunez](https://247sports.com/player/austin-nunez-46098087/) (6-foot-2, 185 pounds). He is not ranked as a Transfer Portal prospect by 247sports.com, but he did average 9.8 points and 2.8 assists in 21 starts last season for the Roadrunners. The Roadrunners were roadkill most of the time, though, as they finished 5-25 overall and 1-17 in the American Athletic Conference. Nunez was a four-star prospect coming out of Wagner High in San Antonio Texas as the No. 71 player in the country, No. 14 point guard and No. 7 player in Texas when he signed with Arizona State. A reserve as a freshman in 2022-23, he averaged 4.5 points a game and started two games. After a transfer to Ole Miss for the 2023-24 season, little changed for Nunez, who averaged only 6.6 minutes a game. He switched back to Arizona State for 2024-25, but missed most of the season injured before a transfer to UTSA, where he played 28.5 minutes a game last season. But he shot poorly – 30 percent from the field at 70 of 230 and 25 percent from three-point range at 22 of 87. Nunez will be a fifth-year senior for the Tigers. > [Will Wade Adds 3-Point Ace Abdi Bashir Jr. Of Kansas State Via Transfer Portal](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-adds-3-point-ace-abdi-bashir-jr-of-kansas-state-via-transfer-portal/) Wade’s previous four commitments were No. 23 shooting guard and No. 123 overall portal prospect Abdi Bashir (6-7, 175) of Kansas State, No. 231 portal player and No. 45 point guard Divine Ugochukwa (6-3, 195) of Michigan State, No. 62 portal prospect and No. 9 small forward Mouhamad Dioubate (6-7, 220) of Kentucky and center Marcio Santos (6-8, 250) from a European professional team in Tel Aviv, Israel. In addition, Ahmad Hudson (6-6, 239), the No. 1 tight end in the nation from Ruston High who has committed to the LSU football team, said he plans to also play basketball at LSU. Hudson was ranked as the No. 20 prep basketball player in the country and No. 4 power forward by 247sports.com last year. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball **Tags:** Austin Nunez, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, Texas-San Antonio, will wade --- ### [LSU Baseball Needs "Angels In The Outfield," But Really On The Mound, To Win SEC Tournament](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-needs-angels-in-the-outfield-but-really-on-the-mound-to-win-sec-tournament/) **Published:** May 18, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor “It could happen,” little Roger Bomman keeps saying about his beloved but devilishly bad California Angels in the 1994 film “Angels In The Outfield.” Bad, that is, until some actual angels start making all the plays for the Angels, and they miraculously turn things upward and win the pennant. Life isn’t always like the movies, which the bedeviled LSU baseball team will likely find out in Hoover, Alabama, this week at the Southeastern Conference Tournament. > Jay Johnson endures an atypical last day of the regular season: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 17, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2055827605329166668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) LSU (29-27, 9-21 SEC) finished the regular season as the 14th seed in the 16-team SEC and plays No. 11 seed Oklahoma (32-20, 14-16 SEC) in a scheduled 8 p.m. game and fourth game of the day on Tuesday at the 16,000-seat Hoover Met. The winner plays No. 6 seed Auburn (36-18, 17-13) at 8 p.m. Wednesday. That winner gets Thursday off before playing No. 3 seed Texas A&M (39-13, 18-11) at 7 p.m. Friday. That winner advances to a semifinal Saturday at 4 p.m. The championship game is at 1 p.m. Saturday. In order to get an automatic bid to an NCAA Regional, LSU has to win the SEC Tournament. “We’re on life support and have to live up in Hoover to make it,” LSU coach Jay Johnson said after losing, 11-1, to Florida on Friday in seven innings via the 10-run, mercy rule. “We just have to play as well as we can and try to stay as long as we can.” The Tigers lost the next day, 15-11, for their fifth sweep in the last six SEC series. But Johnson is from Oroville, California, which is only two hours north of Oakland, where the baseball scenes in “Angels In The Outfield” were filmed in the A’s stadium. And he and pitching coach Nate Yeskie did save most of their higher level pitchers for Hoover. Sophomore right-hander William Schmidt (5-4, 4.22 ERA), a regular weekend starter, did not pitch over the weekend and will start Tuesday against Oklahoma junior left-hander Gavyn Jones (0-0, 6.20 ERA). Schmidt allowed one run on six hits and two walks with seven strikeouts in a no decision of LSU’s 4-3 loss to Oklahoma at Alex Box on Sunday, March 21. Jones relieved two thirds of an inning in that game and allowed a hit and a walk. LSU lost the second game of that series, 4-2, in starting pitcher Cooper Moore’s last game as he missed the rest of the season with an arm injury. > [LSU Explodes For 7-1 Win Over No. 7 Oklahoma Behind 15 Strikeouts By Casan Evans](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-explodes-for-7-1-win-over-no-7-oklahoma-behind-15-strikeouts-by-casan-evans/) LSU won the first game of that series, 7-1, behind starter Casan Evans, who pitched easily his best game of an off season that Friday night. He allowed zero earned runs over seven and two-thirds innings with 15 strikeouts. Evans (2-3, 6.27 ERA) could relieve Schmidt tonight or start on Wednesday, should LSU advance. He pitched briefly on Friday against Florida just to stay on schedule for this tournament. He threw an inning and two thirds, allowing three earned runs on two hits and two walks with two strikeouts. > LSU Baseball Record Watch as regular season closes … but not exactly of the platinum kind: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 12, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2054333432327536848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The Tigers’ pitching staff enters the tournament needing heavenly help as it has the worst ERA in the league at 5.69 ERA, which is not far from LSU’s record for worst ERA in a season at 6.08 set in 1981. LSU is also worst in the league in walks with 285 – 19 more than second worst Missouri. Missouri (23-30, 6-24) is the 16th seed and opens the SEC Tournament at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday against No. 9 seed Ole Miss (36-20, 15-15). Game two at 1 p.m. pits No. 13 seed Kentucky (31-20, 13-17) and No. 12 Vanderbilt (32-24, 14-16). The third game will be No. 15 South Carolina (22-34, 7-23) and No. 10 Tennessee (37-19, 15-15) at 4:30 p.m. “We’re not going to save any pitchers,” Johnson said, as if there are such souls worthy of that on this squad. LSU has exactly zero complete games this season with no pitcher collecting more than five wins or four saves. “Guys are going to have to be ready to pitch on back-to-back days, if we feel like they can help us win.” Or if LSU wins a game. The Tigers have lost six straight and 15 of their last 18 in the SEC. “We need to play well in the game,” he said. “We’ll put our best foot forward.” And hope and pray for about five miracles in six days. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Casan Evans, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Oklahoma Sooners, SEC Baseball, William Schmidt --- ### [LSU Men's Golf Is In 3rd At NCAA Regional After 69s By Jay Mendell And Noah McWilliams](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-mens-golf-is-in-3rd-at-ncaa-regional-after-69s-by-jay-mendell-and-noah-mcwilliams/) **Published:** May 18, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** MARANA, Arizona – The No. 8 LSU men’s golf team finished the first day of play at an NCAA Regional here with a nine-under 279 in round one for third place at the par-72, 7,317-yard Gallery Golf Club on Monday. The Tigers were led by a duo of juniors in Jay Mendell and Noah McWilliams as each fired a three-under 69. Mendell was the lone Tiger on the day to play a clean front nine and leads the tournament with a 3.60-stroke average on par fours. Heading into Tuesday the pair is tied for sixth. Freshman Dan Hayes shot a 70 as he hit four of his six birdies on the front nine. He is tied for 15th. Senior Matty Dodd-Berry shot a one-under 71 after getting his degree on Saturday. He is tied for 22nd. **LSU** T6. Jay Mendell, -3 (69) T6. Noah McWilliams, -3 (69) T15. Dan Hayes, -2 (70) T22. Matty Dodd-Berry, -1 (71) T37. Arni Sveinsson, +2 (74) **TEAM LEADERBOARD** 1\. #18 Arizona, -11 (277) 1\. #5 Oklahoma State, -11 (277) 3\. #8 LSU, -9 (279) 4\. Arkansas State, -7 (281) 5\. Duke, -6 (282) 6\. #20 Alabama, -2 (286) 7\. Tarleton State, +3 (291) 8\. St. Mary’s (CA), +4 (292) 8\. Clemson, +4 (292) 10\. West Virginia, +6 (294) 11\. Florida Gulf Coast, +9 (297) 12\. San Diego State, +11 (299) 13\. Iona, +14 (302) 14\. North Dakota State, +15 (303) **Categories:** Featured, Men's Golf, More LSU Sports **Tags:** Jay Mendell, lsu golf, LSU Tigers, NCAA Regional, Noah McWilliams --- ### [LSU Baseball: 4 Tigers Named All-SEC Players By League Coaches](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-4-tigers-named-all-sec-players-by-league-coaches/) **Published:** May 18, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** BIRMINGHAM, Alabama – Four LSU baseball players have received All-Southeastern Conference recognition in a vote of the league’s 16 head coaches, the conference office announced on Monday. LSU center fielder Derek Curiel and shortstop Steven Milam were each named second-team All-SEC, and they were voted to the SEC All-Defensive Team. Catcher Omar Serna Jr. and first baseman/outfielder Mason Braun received Freshman All-SEC honors. > [LSU Finally Ends One Of Its Worst Regular Seasons Ever With Loss To Florida And Another Sweep](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-finally-ends-one-of-its-worst-regular-seasons-ever-with-loss-to-florida-and-another-sweep/) The Tigers (29-27, 9-21 SEC) play in the SEC Tournament on Tuesday (approximately 8 p.m., SEC Network) as the No. 14 seed against No. 11 seed Oklahoma (32-20, 14-16) in Hoover, Alabama. Curiel, a sophomore from West Covina, California, is batting a team-high .345 this season with 15 doubles, two triples, six homers, 45 RBIs, 62 runs and 13 stolen bases. He is No. 3 in the SEC in hits with 77 and No. 7 in runs (62) and No. 9 in triples (2). Curiel leads LSU in multiple-hit games (22), and he is second on the club in multiple-RBI games (14). > “This is like Pluto.” > – LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson on a season as Lost In Space as Pluto, which hasn’t qualified as a planet since 2006. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 17, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2056038552534679593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Milam, a junior from Las Cruces, New Mexico, is hitting .300 with 15 doubles, one triple, 10 homers, 47 RBIs and 52 runs. He has a current reached-base safely streak of 33 games, and he is batting .417 (10-for-24) in his last seven games with four doubles, three homers, 14 RBIs, eight runs, seven walks and a .531 on-base percentage. Milam has committed just three errors all season in 207 chances, producing a .986 fielding percentage. He played the first 32 games of the season at shortstop without making an error. His first error of the season didn’t come until April 5 at Tennessee. Serna Jr., who is from Houston, is batting .306 with 10 doubles, nine homers, 37 RBIs and 35 runs. He is LSU’s third-leading hitter in SEC games at .320 (33-for-102) with eight doubles, seven homers, 21 RBIs and 19 runs. Braun, a native of South Bend, Indiana, is hitting .318 with five doubles, one triple, three homers, 21 RBIs and 29 runs. He is the Tigers’ leading hitter in SEC games at .355 with three doubles, one triple, two homers, 11 RBIs and 16 runs. **2026 SEC Baseball Awards** Player of the Year: Daniel Jackson, Georgia Pitcher of the Year: Aidan King, Florida Freshman of the Year: Anthony Pack Jr., Texas Newcomer of the Year: Aiden Robbins, Texas Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Gavin Grahovac, Texas A&M Coach of the Year: Wes Johnson, Georgia **All-SEC Team** *First Team* C: Daniel Jackson, Georgia 1B: Gavin Grahovac, Texas A&M 2B: Chris Hacopian, Texas A&M 2B: Chris Rembert, Auburn 3B: Tre Phelps, Georgia 3B: Ace Reese, Mississippi State SS: Tyler Bell, Kentucky OF: Caden Sorrell, Texas A&M OF: Aiden Robbins, Texas OF: Rylan Lujo, Georgia DH/Util: Noah Sullivan, Mississippi State SP: Dylan Volantis, Texas SP: Aidan King, Florida SP: Tomas Valincius, Mississippi State SP: Hunter Dietz, Arkansas RP: Sam Cozart, Texas RP: Walker Hooks, Ole Miss RP: Clayton Freshcorn, Texas A&M *Second Team* C: Carson Tinney, Texas 1B: Will Furniss, Ole Miss 1B: Ethin Bingaman, Auburn 2B: Mike Mancini, Vanderbilt 3B: Judd Utermark, Ole Miss SS: Kolby Branch, Georgia **SS: Steven Milam, LSU** OF: Anthony Pack Jr., Texas **OF: Derek Curiel, LSU** OF: Bryce Chance, Mississippi State DH/Util: Brady Neal, Alabama SP: Cade Townsend, Ole Miss SP: Tegan Kuhns, Tennessee SP: Jaxon Jelkin, Kentucky SP: Tyler Fay, Alabama RP: Jackson Sanders, Auburn RP: Ethan McElvain, Arkansas RP: Ben Davis, Mississippi State **Freshmen All-SEC** Anthony Pack Jr., Texas Sam Cozart, Texas Jorian Wilson, Texas A&M Ethin Bingaman, Auburn Cam Appenzeller, Tennessee **Omar Serna Jr., LSU** Jacob Parker, Mississippi State Trent Grindlinger, Tennessee Myles Upchurch, Alabama Nico Partida, Texas A&M **Mason Braun, LSU** Jack Bauer, Mississippi State **All-Defensive Team** C: Ryder Helfrick, Arkansas 1B: Gavin Grahovac, Texas A&M 2B: Mike Mancini, Vanderbilt 3B: Eric Guevara, Auburn\* 3B: Tre Phelps, Georgia\* **SS: Steven Milam, LSU** OF: Caden Sorrell, Texas A&M **OF: Derek Curiel, LSU** OF: Jason Walk, Oklahoma P: Hunter Elliott, Ole Miss **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Derek Curiel, lsu baseball, Mason Braun, Omar Serna Jr., SEC Baseball, Steven Milam --- ### [New LSU Basketball Arena's Future In Doubt, LSU President Says](https://www.tigerrag.com/new-lsu-basketball-arenas-future-in-doubt-lsu-president-says/) **Published:** May 18, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** By PIPER HUTCHINSON, Louisiana Illuminator *Special To The Tiger Rag* The LSU economic development district that is at the center of a lawsuit has begun receiving sales tax revenue, but it is unclear if that money will be used to fund a new LSU athletic arena as planned, LSU president Wade Rousse said Monday at the Baton Rouge Press Club. None of the funds have been spent as of yet, Rousse said. The tax is the [subject of a lawsuit](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-arena-tax-lawsuit-william-most-baton-rouge-press-club/) filed in state court in December that alleges the tax was illegally approved without voter approval. The suit, filed by attorney William Most on behalf of former East Baton Rouge councilman Darrel Glasper, alleges the districts were structured to raise sales and hotel occupancy taxes from businesses near LSU. But without allowing voters to approve or reject the taxes. The boundaries were drawn to include zero residents. Though much of the discussion around the district and the tax have been about a proposed arena to replace LSU’s aging basketball and other sports arena, the Pete Maravich Assembly Center that opened in 1972, Rousse said he wouldn’t characterize the tax as an arena-specific tax. Rousse said the funds may also be spent on other infrastructure projects, including fixing potholes on campus. “Where it’s going to be spent kind of depends on if we end up getting an arena or not,” Rousse said. “We’re going to start a real strategy in order to try to prioritize where that needs to be done and where it needs to be spent.” Rousse said LSU is looking for additional funding to build the new arena. He said he is not in favor of taking money away from the academic side of the university to fund the arena, including placing the building project above academic buildings on the university’s capital outlay priority list, which the Legislature uses to determine which building projects to fund. At the same time, Rousse said he believes state funds will be needed to support the project. Rousse said he was unsure what the source of those funds would be, but he floated the idea of funding from Louisiana Economic Development, a state agency dedicated to improving the state’s economy. LSU’s new library project is remaining in the university’s capital outlay priority list, however. The project is expected to receive tens of millions of dollars in the state construction budget. Rousse said the university is also courting private donors to fund its construction. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball **Tags:** lsu, pete maravich assembly center, Wade Rousse --- ### [Lane Kiffin Tweets Stopped, But Others Have Been Tweeting About Him](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-tweets-stopped-but-others-have-been-tweeting-about-him/) **Published:** May 18, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Breaking … LSU football coach Lane Kiffin has not tweeted since May 11, which was last Monday. And that is news. Kiffin tends to be the Twitter King and has more than 845,000 followers and more than 5,500 currently following. He did take a little time off last week, so that may explain it. The following was his last tweet about Vanity Fair writer Chris Smith and the feature he penned on Kiffin that was published last Monday. > Great spending time with you [@chrissmithnymag](https://twitter.com/chrissmithnymag?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Have a great week everyone!!! [@LSUfootball](https://twitter.com/LSUfootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@VanityFair](https://twitter.com/VanityFair?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#SpotTheBall](https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpotTheBall?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Lane Kiffin (@Lane\_Kiffin) [May 11, 2026](https://twitter.com/Lane_Kiffin/status/2053813169999511566?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) There have been no reposts either since May 11, such as this one concerning former Tiger Rag writer Andre Champagne, who is now at 247sports.com. > Peyton Houston was the first commit in [\#LSU](https://twitter.com/hashtag/LSU?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)’s 2027 class. > > Now, he’s working to keep Louisiana’s top talent home. > > “Being able to bring top guys to the LSU brand and get them to the school means a lot,” Houston told [@Geaux247](https://twitter.com/Geaux247?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > ➡️: (VIP) [pic.twitter.com/zsSRuS78Dy](https://t.co/zsSRuS78Dy) > > — Andre Champagne (@andrechampagnee) [May 11, 2026](https://twitter.com/andrechampagnee/status/2053830732225601967?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) But there has been much tweeting about Kiffin. Mike Bianchi, the great columnist for the Orlando Sentinel, wrote an interesting piece on Kiffin over the weekend, comparing him to new Florida coach Jon Sumrall, formerly of Tulane. Florida tried to hire Kiffin, but lost to LSU. Or did Florida lose? > The more Lane Kiffin talks, the better Jon Sumrall looks. Did the Gators dodge a bullet when Kiffin chose LSU? Here's my column: > > — Mike Bianchi (@BianchiWrites) [May 17, 2026](https://twitter.com/BianchiWrites/status/2055975039007117339?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) That column generated many tweets. > But [@BianchiWrites](https://twitter.com/BianchiWrites?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) doesn’t have to check the coach he covers on Twitter by the hour. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 17, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2056151284961448319?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) And so did a piece by Ole Miss beat writer Neal McCready, which drew a response from LSU receivers coach George MacDonald, who coached under Kiffin at Ole Miss. > This entire paragraph is false and libelous [@NealMcCready](https://twitter.com/NealMcCready?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@Lane\_Kiffin](https://twitter.com/Lane_Kiffin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/qzX7b37FiK](https://t.co/qzX7b37FiK) > > — Coach George MacDonald (@LSUCoachMac) [May 17, 2026](https://twitter.com/LSUCoachMac/status/2056052769040007251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The story by McCready was not libelous. It was McCready’s opinion. He has been an excellent journalist for decades and knows Ole Miss as well as anyone. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin Tweets, LSU Football News **Tags:** George MacDonald, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels --- ### [LSU Advances To Super At No. 1 Seed Alabama After Beating Virginia Tech And Dominating NCAA Regional](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-advances-to-super-at-no-1-seed-alabama-after-beating-virginia-tech-and-dominating-ncaa-regional/) **Published:** May 17, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor If LSU softball coach Beth Torina is to return to the College World Series in Oklahoma City for the first time since 2017, she will have to get past No. 1 overall seed Alabama in Tuscaloosa and beat LSU’s first choice for its coach after the 2011 season. And Torina’s No. 16 seeded Tigers looked capable all weekend as they blitzed the competition in an NCAA Regional at Tiger Park, advancing on Sunday afternoon with a 7-2 victory over 14th-ranked Virginia Tech after also beating the Hokies, 8-0, on Saturday [and Akron, 8-0, on Friday.](https://www.tigerrag.com/kylee-edwards-powers-lsu-softball-past-akron-in-ncaa-regional-opening-shutout/) LSU (40-17) advances to the Super Regional round for the second time in three years and will play Alabama (52-7) in the best-of-three series beginning Thursday or Friday at 3,940-seat Rhoads Stadium with the World Series on the line. Game days and times at Alabama will be announced later Sunday by the NCAA along with the rest of the details for the other Super Regional games. > [LSU Softball At No. 1 Seed Alabama Game Times Set For NCAA Super Regional](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-at-no-1-seed-alabama-game-times-set-for-ncaa-super-regional/) The Tuscaloosa News, ahead of the NCAA’s Sunday night listing, reported on Sunday afternoon that the LSU-Alabama Super Regional would open on Friday and run through Sunday. > [LSU Softball Is A Win Away From Super Regional Round After Beating Virginia Tech, 8-0](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-is-a-win-away-from-super-regional-round-after-beating-virginia-tech-8-0/) Torina and Alabama coach [Patrick Murphy](https://www.secsports.com/news/2024/03/sec-storied-releasing-first-softball-film-bama-sb) have never met in the postseason and have not played this season. LSU beat the Tide, 8-0 and 2-1, with an 8-5 loss in a three-game series on April 4-6 in Baton Rouge in the 2025 season. Murphy accepted the LSU job after the 2011 season when coach Yvette Girouard retired, but changed his mind three days later and returned to Alabama. He won his lone national championship in the 2012 season before a runner-up finish in 2014. Murphy, who took over at Alabama in 1999, has taken the Tide to the World Series 13 times from 2003-24. LSU then hired Torina, who had taken Florida International to the 2010 NCAA Regional. She led the Tigers to the World Series in her first season in 2012 and three more times in 2015, ’16 and ’17. “I don’t even know where to start on our team,” Torina said after the win Sunday. “I’m so proud of this entire group. I’m proud of their growth and the senior leadership. Every time our senior class decides that it’s time to go, those are the ones that go the best. This senior class has been incredible this weekend.” Senior Paytn Monticello, pitching her last game at Tiger Park, held Virginia Tech (48-12) to one earned run on five hits with two strikeouts and zero walks for a complete-game victory on Sunday to go to 9-3 on the season. Virginia Tech starter Bree Carrico (15-2) allowed eight hits and four earned runs with no strikeouts and a walk in taking the loss. Trailing 2-0 after two innings, LSU took a 4-2 lead in the third with a solo home run by senior Jalia Lassiter, a two-run single by senior Maci Bergeron and an RBI double by Ally Hutchins. Lassiter finished 2-for-5 with two RBIs. Bergeron was 2-for-4 with two RBIs and Alix Franklin went 3-for-4. The Tigers extended their lead to 6-2 in the fifth on an RBI single by Lassiter and an RBI fielder’s choice grounder by Sierra Daniel. LSU scored an unearned run in the sixth for the 7-2 lead. “There are so many cool stories in here – the day that Alix Franklin had, the weekend Maci Bergeron had,” Torina said. “Jalia always has a good weekend. Paytn Monticelli’s story – it makes me feel super emotional to think about what she just did out there and the journey that took her to LSU. Avery Hodge isn’t up here, but our senior class was incredible in making this happen.” And Torina went on. “It was a total team effort,” she said. “We executed the plan beautifully. We knew the plan was not going to be won in one moment, but by death by a thousand cuts. We did exactly that, pressure throughout the whole weekend. I couldn’t be prouder of this team, and I’m excited for what’s in front of us.” **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Softball **Tags:** beth torina, lsu softball, NCAA Regional, NCAA Super Regional, Virginia Tech Hokies --- ### [LSU Softball At No. 1 Seed Alabama Game Times Set For NCAA Super Regional](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-at-no-1-seed-alabama-game-times-set-for-ncaa-super-regional/) **Published:** May 18, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** No. 16 seed LSU (40-17) will open its NCAA Super Regional at No. 1 seed Alabama (52-7) at 6 p.m. Friday on ESPN2, the NCAA has announced. The Tigers and Crimson Tide will meet in game two of the best-of-three series at 2 p.m. Saturday on ESPN. A third game – if necessary – will be on Sunday at a time and network to be announced. [NCAA SUPER REGIONALS AT A GLANCE](https://www.yourvalley.net/stories/ncaa-division-i-softball-super-regionals-glance,691447) The winners of the eight Super Regionals advance to the Women’s College World Series in Oklahoma City, May 28 through June 4 or 5. > [LSU Advances To Super At No. 1 Seed Alabama After Beating Virginia Tech And Dominating NCAA Regional](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-advances-to-super-at-no-1-seed-alabama-after-beating-virginia-tech-and-dominating-ncaa-regional/) LSU defeated Virginia Tech, 7-2, on Sunday to win its NCAA Regional at Tiger Park with a three-game sweep of Akron and Virginia Tech twice. Alabama went 3-0 against South Carolina Upstate twice and Belmont. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Softball **Tags:** Alabama Crimson Tide, lsu softball, LSU Tigers, NCAA Super Regional --- ### [Paul Skenes' No-Walk Streak Ends, And He Loses, But Still Strikes Out 7](https://www.tigerrag.com/paul-skenes-no-walk-streak-ends-and-he-loses-but-still-strikes-out-7/) **Published:** May 18, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** Former LSU pitcher Paul Skenes reached some personal bests on Sunday during his start for the Pittsburgh Pirates against Philadelphia at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. But he also equaled a career worst in his 6-0 loss as he allowed five runs in five-plus innings, giving up six hits and striking out seven. Skenes, the National League Cy Young winner last season, ran his scoreless-innings streak to a career-high 20, but then he gave up two runs in the fifth. > [Paul Skenes Zeroing In On No-Hitter And Not Far From Walk-less, Consecutive Inning Record](https://www.tigerrag.com/paul-skenes-zeroing-in-on-no-hitter-and-not-far-from-walk-less-consecutive-inning-record/) He also walked a batter, ending his career-high streak of 39 consecutive innings without a walk. Adolis Garcia drew the walk to lead off the fifth. It was the longest non-walk streak by a Pirates pitcher since Bob Friend went 46 and a third in 1963. Skenes’ problems started with the García walk to start the fifth. He struck out Bryson Stott, but JT Realmuto singled to put runners on the corners. Justin Crawford then grounded out to shortstop, allowing García to score. Realmuto advanced to second on the play and scored on Trea Turner’s single. Bryce Harper led off the sixth with a home run. After Alec Bohm singled and Brandon Marsh doubled, manager Don Kelly pulled Skenes. Isaac Mattson allowed both inherited runners to score on a double by Stott that stretched the Phillies’ lead to 5-0. Skenes dropped to 6-3 after throwing 92 pitches amid temperatures in the low 80s. “Other than one pitch, I thought it was really good against them,” he said. “Sometimes you throw a pitch, and they take you yard. You can’t get too hung up on that. I just didn’t execute a few pitches, and they got to them. It’s challenging, but it’s the Big Leagues. Every lineup is good. Just got to execute a little more consistently.” The Pirates were shut out for a second straight game. Zack Wheeler and two relievers combined on a five-hitter in the finale after Cristopher Sánchez threw a six-hitter against Pittsburgh on Friday. “It was more attributed to the offense not being able to get anything going momentum-wise,” Kelly said. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates --- ### [LSU Men's Golf Opens Play In NCAA Regional Monday In Marana, Arizona](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-mens-golf-opens-play-in-ncaa-regional-monday-in-marana-arizona/) **Published:** May 18, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The No. 8 ranked LSU men’s golf team is set to tee off at the NCAA Regional in Marana, Arizona, on Monday in a 54-hole tournament through Wednesday with the top five finishers advancing to the NCAA Championships in Carslbad, California,, May 29-June 3. The 14-team tournament will be played at the par-72, 7,317-yard Gallery Golf Club course. **[Live Scoring ](https://scoreboard.clippd.com/tournaments/243255/scoring/team)| [Live Stream](https://scoreboard.clippd.com/tournaments/243255/scoring/stream)** The Tigers have made the NCAA Regional field every year since 2008. No. 8-ranked LSU is the No. 2 seed behind No. 5-ranked Oklahoma State as the No. 1 seed, followed by No. 18 Arizona, No. 20 Alabama, No. 29 Duke, No. 33 Clemson, No. 41 San Diego State, No. 44 Arkansas State, No. 55 West Virginia, No. 57 Florida Golf Coast, No. 67 Saint Mary’s, No. 111 Tarleton State, No. 177 North Dakota State and No. 216 Iona. Last season the Tigers finished ninth overall in the 13-team field at the NCAA Regional in Amherst, Virginia. As a freshman Arni Sveinsson finished tied for fourth with a four-under-par 206. The Tigers’ last trip to Carlsbad for the NCAA Championship was in 2024. During the 2025-26 season, LSU has been ranked as high as No. 2 in the nation. The Tigers have in the top five in nine tournaments this season, including three tournament wins. Their 2025-26 record is impressive sitting at 103-12-3 on the season. Entering this week’s tournament the Tigers have four men under the 70-stroke average mark in Jay Mendell (69.56), Noah McWilliams (69.60), and Árni Sveinsson (69.83). **LSU LINEUP** ***Noah McWilliams | Junior | Benton*** *This season: 69.60 stroke avg. in 30 rounds | Career: 71.68 stroke avg. in 66 rounds* McWilliams has recorded four top-10 individual finishes during the 2025-26 season so far, topped by a T2 finish at the Bryan Bros Collegiate with an 11-under 202. In regard to par, his best performance outside of the Bryan Bros Collegiate was a 12-under 204 at the Puerto Rico Classic to open the spring. He averaged 72.48 for 21 rounds with nine rounds of par or under this past season. The junior scored his first-collegiate win in the Bayou City Collegiate at 12-under par 204, against a field of 81 (67-66-71). ***Árni* *Sveinsson | Sophomore | Garðabær, Iceland*** *This season: 69.83 stroke avg. in 24 rounds | Career: 70.08 stroke avg. in 60 rounds* Sveinsson went into the spring season as a Haskins and Ben Hogan watch list member. He closed the fall season with a tournament win as an individual with a 13-under-203 performance at the Fallen Oak Collegiate Invitational. In five of his seven other tournament appearances during the 2025-26 season, Sveinsson finished in the top 15, including a second-place finish at the Jackson T. Stephens Cup. The Icelander earned two SEC Golfer of the Week honors during the fall. He finished 2024-25 second on the team in stroke average at 70.25 for 36 rounds, making him third best in school history behind Sam Burns (2016-17) and Algot Kleen (2024-25). ***Jay Mendell | Junior | Lafayette*** *This season: 69.56 stroke avg. in 27 rounds | Career: 71.17 stroke avg. in 102 rounds* Mendell is having his best season yet as he’s finished seven-under or better in five tournaments. His best performance of the year came during the fall at the Bryan Bros Collegiate where he went 11-under 217 to finish T2. This past year he was named All-Southeast Region by the Golf Coaches Association of America after a year in which her stroke average dropped from 72.36 in 2024 to 71.08 in 2025. In 36 rounds this past season, he averaged 71.08 strokes per round with 24 rounds under par. ***Dan Hayes | Freshman | Manchester, England*** *This season: 70.10 stroke avg. in 30 rounds | Career: 70.10 stroke avg. in 30 rounds* Hayes is six tournaments removed from his best performance of his young collegiate career as he went six-under 210 at the Puerto Rico Classic. He has five top-25 finishes through 10 tournaments played this 2025-26 season. His last time out the Englishman went three-under 207 at the SEC Championship to finish T31.The England native has earned three Freshman of the Week honors so far his inaugural season with the Tigers. He signed with LSU as the number one junior in Europe. Golf Channel tabbed him a preseason All-Freshmen entering the season. ***Matty Dodd-Berry | Senior | Wirral, England*** *This season: 70.24 stroke avg. in 29 rounds | Career: 70.98 stroke avg. in 53 rounds* Matty has had some great outings this season, going under three or better six times so far. The best performance of his season was at the Fallen Oak Collegiate where he went 11 under to finish fourth overall. He appeared in 24 rounds this past season, averaging 71.88 with nine rounds of par or under. He finished 13th at the SEC Championships at 5-under 205 (67-67-71). **ALTERNATE** ***Luke Haskew | Senior | Baton Rouge*** *This season: 73.00 stroke avg. in 12 rounds | Career: 73.12 stroke avg. in 82 rounds* The fourth year senior will be traveling with the team for the first time this season as he fills in the alternate role. This season Luke claimed a tournament win at the All-American Individual in Houston with a one-over 217. His best play came in 2023 where he recorded multiple nine-under 63 rounds. **Categories:** Featured, Men's Golf, More LSU Sports --- ### [LSU Men's Track Finishes With A Flourish At The SEC Outdoor Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-mens-track-finishes-with-a-flourish-at-the-sec-outdoor-championships/) **Published:** May 17, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The LSU men’s track and field team closed out the final day at the Southeastern Conference Outdoor Championships with a school record showing in the 4 by 400-meter relays on Saturday at Auburn. The Tigers finished eighth overall with 48 points, while the LSU women finished ninth with 38 points. [**Final Results**](https://live.xpresstiming.com/meets/72134) The 400-meter relay team of Amal Glasgow, Shakeem McKay, Grant Buckmiller and Malachi Austin finished with a sub-three-minute time for just the second time in program history with 2:58.47 for the win. The time moved LSU to No. 5 all-time in the college ranks in that event and No. 1 this season. LSU’s women’s 4 by 100-meter team of Athaleyha Hinckson, Tima Godbless, Aniyah Bigam, and Shawnti Jackson won with a time of 42.31 seconds that was No. 2 in the NCAA this season and No. 4 in LSU history. The men’s 4 by 100-meter team of Jeremiah Walker, Jaiden Reid, Shakeem McKay and Joshua Caleb finished second with a 38.35 time for No. 2 in the NCAA this season. Shawnti Jackson finished second in the women’s 200-meter final with a personal-best 22.33-second time. Princesse Hyman finished third in the women’s discus throw at 58.37 meters. Also scoring in women’s discus was Leah Acosta at 54.77 meters for eighth. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Track & Field **Tags:** Amal Glasgow, dennis shaver, Grant Buckmiller, LSU Men's Track & Field, Malachi Austin, Shakeem McKay --- ### [Jay Johnson Goes Through A Senior Day "Like No Other" On Final Day Of Regular Season For LSU](https://www.tigerrag.com/jay-johnson-goes-through-a-senior-day-like-no-other-on-final-day-of-regular-season-for-lsu/) **Published:** May 16, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson said goodbye to the good and bad part of the recent past on Saturday as the Tigers finally finished their regular season with a 15-11 loss to No. 19 Florida at Alex Box Stadium to complete another dark end of a three-game sweep. “That was like no other Senior Day I’ve ever had,” Johnson said after the sixth straight loss for the Tigers (29-27, 9-21 Southeastern Conference), who will not reach the NCAA postseason for the first time since 2011. That is unless they win the single-elimination SEC Tournament that begins Tuesday and runs through Sunday in Hoover, Alabama. > The regular season from Hell is done … > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 16, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2055789509623574961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “Because we always had postseason implications factoring into every decision that you make, and today they were not,” said Johnson, who won the national championship last year with many of the players returning on this formerly No. 1 ranked team this season. He also won it all in 2023 in his second year at LSU. “And it wasn’t going to change anything for the seeding or the game times or whatever in Hoover,” Johnson said. Johnson will not be in the postseason – barring a Hoover miracle with five wins in six days – for the first time since a 32-24 and 15-14 (Pac-12) season in 2019 as head coach at Arizona, which he took to the College World Series in 2016 and ’21. On Friday, Johnson compared the historically rare state LSU baseball is in now to outer space. “This is like Pluto,” he said. And Pluto, it should be noted, has not even been considered one of the planets since 2006. LSU set the school record for SEC losses this season with 19 on Thursday and added two more as the weekend progressed. The previous record of 18 was set in 1978 … when Pluto was still a planet. > [LSU Baseball Loses School Record 19th Southeastern Conference Game, 11-8 To Florida](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-loses-school-record-19th-southeastern-conference-game-11-8-to-florida/) The Tigers are the 14th seed in the 16-team SEC Tournament and will play No. 11 seed Oklahoma (32-20, 14-16 SEC) in the fourth game of the day Tuesday, scheduled for 8 p.m. “Today, it was like, ‘Hey, man, let’s give the guys their flowers,’” Johnson said Saturday. “And some of them deserve it with what they accomplished last year collectively.” So, Johnson used eight seniors, including three of eight pitchers. Junior Jake Brown, who was declared out for the season last month with a broken hamate bone in his wrist, even got a ceremonious, pinch-hitting announcement in the eighth inning with LSU down 9-4. > [LSU Baseball Loses Its Best Player For The Season – Jake Brown Has Wrist Injury](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-loses-its-best-player-for-the-season-jake-brown-has-wrist-injury/) But Brown was immediately pinch-hit for by Eddie Yamin IV. Brown is not a senior, but he is not expected to return next season as he plans to enter the Major League Baseball Draft this summer. The Sulphur native missed LSU’s last 15 games, including three lost sweeps, but he still finished as the team’s leader in RBIs with 49 and slugging percentage at .642 among the regulars and ended up still tied for the home run lead with Cade Arrambide at 16. “Just felt like he deserved it,” Johnson said. “It was originally going to be pinch-running, but I thought that this would be better. Certainly earned it. Great player. One of the main reasons we won a national championship (last year). It’s been a lot harder without him this year since he got hurt. Great career.” Senior position players Zach Yorke, Tanner Reaves, Brayden Simpson, Seth Dardar and Chris Stanfield all started. Yorke, Reaves and Simpson have not been regular starters. Senior Zac Cowan started on the mound, and senior pitchers Grant Fontenot and Dax Dathe relieved. Red-shirt junior pitchers Gavin Guidry and Jaden Noot also pitched possibly one last time in the Box as they may be leaving for the draft. “I’m glad we were able to get those people in the game, and the fans treated them well,” Johnson said. “I wish we would’ve treated them well with a win. Good fight at the end of the game, but came up a little short again.” Johnson was able to use many pitchers all weekend, which included an 11-8 loss on Thursday and an 11-1 setback on Friday. So the staff will be ready for the SEC Tournament. LSU will have to win five games in six days to win the tournament and get the automatic NCAA bid. “Everybody touched the mound this weekend on our staff,” he said. “Didn’t perform well, but at least we got guys out there.” Johnson also got to enjoy one last game at Alex Box with some star players like junior shortstop Steven Milam and sophomore center fielder Derek Curiel, who were also vital in LSU winning the national title last season. Milam is expected to enter the draft as is Curiel, who will be a draftable sophomore. “We’re not done yet,” Johnson said. “Trying to enjoy every single second with those guys.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Florida Gators, jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers', SEC Tournament --- ### [LSU Finally Ends One Of Its Worst Regular Seasons Ever With Loss To Florida And Another Sweep](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-finally-ends-one-of-its-worst-regular-seasons-ever-with-loss-to-florida-and-another-sweep/) **Published:** May 16, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor It’s over. At last. The LSU baseball team’s worst regular season since 1978 mercifully ended on Saturday afternoon with the No. 19 Gators beating the Tigers again, 15-11, to sweep the three-game series at Alex Box Stadium. Florida won 11-8 on Thursday and by 11-1 via the 10-run, mercy rule after seven innings on Friday. > Jay Johnson endures an atypical last day of the regular season: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 17, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2055827605329166668?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) LSU (29-27, 9-21 Southeastern Conference) set the school record for SEC losses in a season with its 19th on Thursday. The 1978 Tigers finished 12-34 overall for the worst winning percentage in school history at .282 and were 6-18 in the SEC. LSU ended the regular season on the wrong end of five three-game sweeps in six weeks. The Tigers next play on Tuesday in a scheduled 8 p.m. game at the single-elimination SEC Tournament in Hoover, Alabama, as the 14th seed against No. 11 seed Oklahoma (32-20, 14-16 SEC) in the fourth game of the day. It is likely to start closer to 9 p.m. > “I hate talking in these terms.” > -Jay Johnson. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 16, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2055514964488487190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) LSU found itself down 9-4 in the top of the eighth inning, but came back. LSU put up four runs in the bottom of the inning to get within 9-8 as Steven Milam and Cade Arrambide each hit RBI singles before Mason Braun drove in two with a single. But alas, the Gators (37-18, 18-12 SEC) put up another cushion in the top of the ninth by taking a 15-8 lead with six runs – one on a wild pitch by reliever Deven Sheerin along with a two-run home run by Hayden Yost off Sheerin and a three-run double by Caden McDonald off Dax Dathe. LSU mounted one last rally in the bottom of the ninth with a three-run home run by Milam for the 15-11 final. In each inning that LSU scored before the ninth, Florida answered in its next at-bat with runs – in the fourth with one, in the sixth with two and in the ninth with six. Arrambide hit a two-run home run in the fifth inning to get the Tigers within 4-3. Then Braun doubled and scored on a Seth Dardar RBI single to tie it 4-4. LSU senior starter Zac Cowan started, but was not effective as he allowed four earned runs on seven hits in only three innings. He struck out four and waled zero with a wild pitch. Reliever Grant Fontenot (0-2) took the loss after allowing two runs on three hits in two and a third innings after Cowan. Florida starter Russell Sandefer (4-1) got the win as he gave up three earned runs on six hits in four and a third innings with four strikeouts and two walks. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Cade Arrambide, Florida Gators, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Zac Cowan --- ### [LSU Softball Is A Win Away From Super Regional Round After Beating Virginia Tech, 8-0](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-is-a-win-away-from-super-regional-round-after-beating-virginia-tech-8-0/) **Published:** May 16, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The LSU softball team can clinch the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional championship on Sunday at 1 p.m. against an undetermined opponent after beating Virginia Tech, 8-0, on Saturday at Tiger Park behind pitcher Cece Cellura. It was Cellura’s first complete-game shutout of her career, and Maci Bergeron equaled her career high with three hits, including a go-ahead home run in the win. LSU (39-17) got its 12th shutout of the season and will face either Virginia Tech (47-11) or the winner of Saturday’s elimination game between Akron (34-24) and South Alabama (32-26) at 5 p.m. Saturday. Virginia Tech plays the Akron-South Alabama winner on Sunday. “We’ve talked all year about searching for our best game, a complete game. I think that was about as close to it as we could be,” LSU coach Beth Torina said. “I thought we got things from all areas, and we executed our plan beautifully. To do that against a quality opponent like Virginia Tech is special. “I cannot say enough about the performance from Cece, who controlled a dominant offense, and it is easy to celebrate someone like Maci. For her to have a day as she did makes my heart want to explode. She is the ultimate Tiger and special to all of us.” Cellura (9-5) opened the game with three hitless innings, featuring two one-two-three frames and two strikeouts. The junior finished with three strikeouts and allowed two hits and one walk in six innings. The defense was solid behind her, securing eight fly outs and six ground outs, including the club’s 28th double play of the season. That ties for the second most double plays by LSU in a season. Bergeron went 3-for-3 at the dish, including her fourth career home run in the NCAA Tournament, scored one run, and had two RBIs. Kylee Edwards continued her tear in the regional. She batted 2-for-3, scored one run and had two RBIs. Char Lorenz also had two hits in three at-bats, scored a run, and had an RBI in the win. Virginia Tech’s Emma Mazzarone falls to 16-6 this season after surrendering three runs on two hits and walking five batters in an inning. LSU put together its third three-run inning of the regional, had one hit, and drew four walks in the second inning. Bergeron put the first runs on the board with a two-run shot to center field, and Jalia Lassiter logged a sacrifice fly that made the score 3-0 through two innings. The Tigers extended their lead in the fourth to 4-0 with a two-out, RBI double down the left field line by K. Edwards for her third extra-base hit of the weekend. Alix Franklin reached on an error, and Sierra Daniel scored her second run of the day after reaching via a walk, and Tori Edwards tallied the game’s second sacrifice fly that scored K. Edwards. With two outs on the board, Lorenz ended the game early with a single through the left side that scored Franklin, giving LSU the 8-0 advantage in six innings. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Softball **Tags:** beth torina, lsu, lsu softball, LSU Tigers, NCAA Regional, Virginia Tech Hokies --- ### [Shaquille O'Neal Slam Dunks A Master's Diploma At The Pete Maravich Assembly Center](https://www.tigerrag.com/shaquille-oneal-slam-dunks-a-masters-diploma-at-the-pete-maravich-assembly-center/) **Published:** May 16, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** **BATON ROUGE –** LSU basketball and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal was at a graduation ceremony Saturday morning at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center. He may have passed by his statue outside the building. He may have looked up at the banner honoring his jersey retirement at the school in Assembly Center rafters. Or he could gaze at the 1991 Southeastern Conference regular season championship banner up there, too. He led the nation in rebounding that season under coach Dale Brown with 14.7 a game and was seventh in scoring with a 27.6-point average as he won the Associated Press national Player of the Year. But most importantly, O’Neal, age 54, walked across the stage to receive another degree from LSU, this time it was a Master’s of Liberal Arts from the College of Humanities & Social Sciences. O’Neal played at LSU from the 1989-90 season through 1990-92 before leaving for the NBA Draft and becoming the No. 1 overall pick by the Orlando Magic in 1992. He finished his college career as the No. 5 all-time scorer (1,941 points) and No. 2 rebounder (1,217). He graduated from LSU the first time in December of 2000. The next night at an LSU home basketball, he became the fourth player in LSU history to have his number retired. The Shaq statue in the back of the Assembly Center was dedicated in September 2011. O’Neal went on to become a multiple NBA champion in his long and successful playing career. He continues a part of the game in his role on TNT/ESPN’s pregame and postgame shows and is involved in several successful business enterprises. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** dale brown, lsu, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers', shaquille o'neal --- ### [LSU Men's Track Team 10th At SEC Outdoor Championships, While Women Are In 16th](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-mens-track-team-10th-at-sec-outdoor-championships-while-women-are-in-16th/) **Published:** May 16, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The LSU track and field men’s team is in 10th place with 13 points, while the women are in 16th with five points going into the third day of the Southeastern Conference Outdoor Championships on Saturday at Auburn. [**Final Results**](https://live.xpresstiming.com/meets/72134) Senior Jordan Turner had a leap of 7.91 meters (25-11.5) in the men’s long jump on Friday, finishing second after entering the meet ranked No. 1 in the event in the SEC at 8.08 meters. LSU senior Adeyah Brewster won her 100-meter hurdles heat with a personal-best 12.88 seconds (+0.6 m/s) time, which moved her up to No. 5 in the NCAA this season. On the men’s side of the hurdles, senior Matthew Sophia advanced to Saturday’s final with a time of 13.33 seconds, moving him to No. 6 in the NCAA for 2026. Three Tigers made their way to the SEC 400-meter final with an impressive showing in the heats. Sophomore Amal Glasgow led the trio with his time of 45.42 seconds and a heat win on top of it. Freshman Malachi Austin also won his heat to advance, clocking a time of 45.49 seconds. To close out the lineup was Grant Buckmiller, earning the sole-time-qualifying spot to the SEC final with 45.46 seconds. Closing out the qualifying for LSU on Friday was junior Jaiden Reid in the 100 meters. Reid clocked a time of 10.18 seconds to win his heat with ease. The Caymanian is set to take on three finals on Saturday in the 100 and 200 meters and the 4×100-meter relay. The final race of the night for LSU came in the women’s 3000-meter steeplechase. The LSU record holder, Edna Chepkemoi, rewrote her record as she clocked in at 10:07.08. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Track & Field **Tags:** LSU Tigers, LSU track, LSU track and field, SEC Outdoor Championships --- ### [LSU Baseball Falls By Mercy Rule For 2nd Time In 3 Games - 11-1 To Florida For 5th Straight Loss](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-falls-by-mercy-rule-for-2nd-time-in-3-games-11-1-to-florida-for-5th-straight-loss/) **Published:** May 15, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The Tigers continue to crawl to the finish line. LSU lost by the 10-run, mercy rule for the second time in three games on Friday night, 11-1, to Florida for their fifth straight loss with one game – mercifully – remaining in the regular season on Saturday (2 p.m., SEC Network+0. The Tigers (29-26, 9-20 Southeastern Conference) lost 12-1 at Georgia last Sunday to complete a three-game sweep. > “I hate talking in these terms.” > -Jay Johnson. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 16, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2055514964488487190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) A sweep at the hands of Florida on Sunday would be LSU’s fifth in the last six weeks. After that, the Tigers will play in the single-elimination SEC Tournament beginning Tuesday. > [LSU Baseball Loses School Record 19th Southeastern Conference Game, 11-8 To Florida](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-loses-school-record-19th-southeastern-conference-game-11-8-to-florida/) Unlike in LSU’s 11-8 loss in the series opener to Florida on Thursday, there was no fight in the Tigers on this night. They totaled a mere two singles by Derek Curiel and Jack Ruckert and a solo home run by Steven Milam in the fourth for a 5-1 deficit. The Gators (36-18, 17-12) put up 11 runs on eight hits. They took a 7-1 lead in the fifth and went up 11-1 in the top of the seventh. Marcos Paz (1-4) took the loss for the Tigers, lasting four and a third innings. He allowed seven earned runs on four hits with four walks. Florida starter Liam Peterson (2-5) struck out 11 over seven innings for the win. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Florida Gators, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, SEC Baseball --- ### [Jay Johnson: "Yeah, We Got Dominated - They Took It To Us In All Phases"](https://www.tigerrag.com/jay-johnson-yeah-we-got-dominated-they-took-it-to-us-in-all-phases/) **Published:** May 16, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson sounds as tired of talking about the Tigers’ 2026 season as the LSU fans still watching it. “Yeah, we got dominated,” he said after an 11-1, mercy-rule loss to Florida in seven innings at Alex Box Stadium on Friday night. “They took it to us in all phases.” Florida starter Liam Peterson struck out 11 in seven innings and limited the Tigers to three hits. “We really didn’t do much,” Johnson said. “Credit him. It was a great performance. And if you’re not totally locked in, competing, plan, all of that, you’re going to get eaten up. And he ate us up tonight.” LSU freshman starting pitcher Marcos Paz gave up seven earned runs on four hits and four walks in four and a third innings to take the loss and fall to 1-4. > LSU is a mercy killing for 2nd time in 3 games. Is there a mercy rule for a season? > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 16, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2055477053823111366?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The Tigers (29-26, 9-20 Southeastern Conference) have one more game to get to double-digit wins in the league as they host Florida (36-18, 17-12 SEC) to close the regular season at 2 p.m. Saturday on SEC Network+. The last time LSU finished with single-digit wins in the SEC was in 1983 in a 28-21 overall season and 9-12 mark in the league in the last season of coach Jack Lamabe, who was replaced by Skip Bertman. LSU just set the record for most SEC losses in a regular season on Friday at 19 with an 11-8 loss to the Gators. The 1978 Tigers held the previous mark at 6-18 in a 12-34 season – the last of coach Jim Smith before Lamabe took over. Johnson could have started sophomore right-hander Casan Evans (2-3, 5.96 ERA) instead of Paz. But he is saving Evans for a possible start in the single-elimination SEC Tournament in Hoover, Alabama, should the Tigers win their opening game on Tuesday behind starter William Schmidt (5-4, 4.22 ERA). Johnson is also saving Schmidt from this weekend for the SEC Tournament. The Tigers’ only chance or reaching NCAA Regional play is by winning five games in six days in Hoover for the SEC Tournament title and automatic NCAA bid. Johnson did pitch Evans Friday to prep him for the SEC Tournament. Evans pitched an inning and a third in the eighth and ninth. He allowed three runs on two hits with two walks and two strikeouts. “I hate talking in these terms,” Johnson said. “But it was more like he needed to touch the mound because he has only thrown one time in the past four weeks. And it needed to be Friday so there are enough days of rest on the back end for the SEC Tournament. So, it was like a high-intent bullpen.” That’s where LSU is. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Florida Gators, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, SEC Baseball --- ### [Kylee Edwards Powers LSU Softball Past Akron in NCAA Regional-Opening Shutout](https://www.tigerrag.com/kylee-edwards-powers-lsu-softball-past-akron-in-ncaa-regional-opening-shutout/) **Published:** May 15, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** **By Tiger Rag News Services** BATON ROUGE, La. — Kylee Edwards drove in three runs and scored twice, Jayden Heavener threw a shutout and No. 18 LSU opened the NCAA Baton Rouge Regional with an 8-0 run-rule victory over Akron on Friday night at Tiger Park. The Tigers (38-17), the No. 16 national seed, advanced in the winner’s bracket of the double-elimination regional. Akron (34-24), making its first Division I NCAA Tournament appearance, dropped into an elimination game. Heavener improved to 13-8 with the win, keeping Akron’s offense from creating any sustained threat. The Zips entered the regional as Mid-American Conference regular-season and tournament champions and came in batting .295 with 55 home runs, but Heavener kept them scoreless in LSU’s postseason opener. LSU gave her immediate support. Sierra Daniel and Jalia Lassiter reached to open the bottom of the first before Edwards doubled to left-center against Akron starter Madie Jamrog, scoring both runners for a 2-0 lead. Char Lorenz added a two-out RBI single later in the inning, scoring Edwards and giving LSU a 3-0 advantage before Akron could settle into the game. The Tigers stretched the lead in the third. Alix Franklin homered to center field with one out, and LSU added two more two-out runs later in the inning. Ally Hutchins singled to right-center to score Tori Edwards, and Avery Hodge followed with an RBI single to left-center that scored Lorenz and pushed LSU ahead 6-0. Kylee Edwards finished it in the sixth. She tripled to left field, scoring Daniel, then came home on a wild pitch during Tori Edwards’ at-bat to trigger the run rule. Jamrog took the loss for Akron, falling to 18-7. LSU, which is hosting a regional for the fourth consecutive season, entered the NCAA Tournament having won five of its previous six games. The Tigers had lost 7-3 to Georgia in the SEC Tournament, but quickly reestablished momentum Friday with an efficient win that required no late-game stress. The Tigers are making their 20th consecutive NCAA Tournament appearance and hosting a regional for the 17th time in program history. Friday’s win kept LSU on schedule in a regional that also includes Virginia Tech and South Alabama. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Softball **Tags:** Akron softball, Baton Rouge Regional, beth torina, Kylee Edwards, lsu softball --- ### [LSU Women's Tennis Falls To Auburn In NCAA Quarterfinals](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-tennis-falls-to-auburn-in-ncaa-quarterfinals/) **Published:** May 15, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The No. 10-seeded LSU women’s tennis team had a fast start but was unable to rally against No. 2-seeded Auburn, dropping the contest 4-1, on Friday afternoon at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex in Athens, Georgia, at the NCAA quarterfinals. LSU finishes the season with a 22-10 mark while Auburn moves to 36-3. “Obviously, it’s a tough pill to swallow today, especially whenever it’s the end of your season,” said head coach Taylor Fogleman. “Huge credit to Auburn, their players and staff. We really took it to them in the initial part of singles, but credit to them again because their kids battled hard just like ours. And we came up a couple of points short.” Carolina Kuhl and Addison Lanton took on the third spot in a bout with Ashton Bowers and Ekaterina Khairutdinova to open doubles play. In the opening stages, little separated the two teams as they advanced through their service games with authority. Midway through, Bowers and Khairutdinova earned the decisive break to go ahead 5-3, giving them the separation they needed down the stretch. The Auburn pair captured the final three games to secure the 6-3 victory. No. 40 Cadence Brace and Kayla Cross entered the top doubles spot in a tense battle with No. 2 DJ Bennett and Ava Esposito. After each pair settled into the match with their opening service games, Brace and Cross forged ahead with an early break, quickly advancing their lead to 3-1. The Canadian duo remained steady through the middle stages, maintaining a comfortable two-game cushion. Brace and Cross proved formidable in crunch time, posting a 6-4 scoreline to close out the match. The Canadian duo earned their highest-ranked result of the season and their third-ranked victory overall. Attention turned to court two as No. 17 Kenna Erickson and Ella McDonald faced No. 8 Angella Okutoyi and Merna Refaat. The set started with a 2-0 lead, which was quickly erased before being leveled 2-2. After Erickson and McDonald widened their gap to two games at 4-2, the Auburn duo put together an impressive four-game stretch. Okutoyi and Refaat emerged victorious with a 6-4 win, giving Auburn the 1-0 lead over LSU at the conclusion of doubles play. Opening singles play, No. 21 Cross took on No. 31 Khairutdinova on court 2. After trailing early in the opening set, Cross battled back and eventually served for the set at 6-5 before Khairutdinova forced a tiebreak and claimed the opener, 7-6(4). Cross again held momentum in the second set with a 4-2 lead, but Khairutdinova rallied late to secure the set 6-4 to give Auburn a 2-0 lead. Next up, No. 77 McDonald took on her doubles foe, No. 55 Okutoyi, on the third court. McDonald cruised through the opening set after an early break, earning a dominant 6-1 win. After holding a 2-0 and later a 4-3 lead in the second set, McDonald fell short at 6-4. McDonald carried momentum in the deciding frame with an early 3-1 lead before Okutoyi rallied late to claim the set 6-4 for a 3-0 Auburn advantage. Facing elimination, Kinaa Graham battled Eva Ionescu on court No. 6. Graham responded to an early deficit in the opening frame by winning four straight games to build a 5-2 lead before holding on for a 6-4 first-set victory. After Ionescu evened the match with a 6-0 second set, Graham fought back from a 3-0 deficit in the deciding frame and eventually tied the set at 4-4 and 5-5. Despite the rally, Ionescu claimed the final two games to secure the set 7-5 to clinch the win for Auburn. **No. 2 Auburn 4, No. 10 LSU 1 Singles** 1. #9 Cadence Brace (LSU) def. #16 DJ Bennett (AUB) 6-3, 7-5 2\. #21 Kayla Cross (LSU) fell to #31 E. Khairutdinova (AUB) 6-7 (4-7), 4-6 3\. #77 Ella McDonald (LSU) fell to #55 Angella Okutoyi (AUB) 6-1, 4-6, 4-6 4\. #96 Addison Lanton (LSU) vs. #58 Ashton Bowers (AUB) 6-3, 5-7, 4-1, unfinished 5\. Carolina Kuhl (LSU) vs. #68 Ava Esposito (AUB) 7-5, 6-7 (3-7), 2-2, unfinished 6\. Kinaa Graham (LSU) fell to Eva Ionescu (AUB) 6-4, 0-6, 5-7 **Doubles** 1. #40 Cadence Brace/Kayla Cross (LSU) def. #2 Ava Esposito/DJ Bennett (AUB) 6-4 2\. #17 Kenna Erickson/Ella McDonald (LSU) fell to #8 Angella Okutoyi/Merna Refaat (AUB) 4-6 3\. Carolina Kuhl/Addison Lanton (LSU) fell to E. Khairutdinova/Ashton Bowers (AUB) 3-6 **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Women's Tennis **Tags:** Auburn, LSU Tigers', lsu women's tennis, NCAA Championships --- ### [LSU Track Teams In Top 10 Going Into 2nd Day At SEC Outdoor Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-track-teams-in-top-10-going-into-2nd-day-at-sec-outdoor-championships/) **Published:** May 15, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The LSU track and field teams went into the second day of the Southeastern Conference Outdoor Championships with the men in a ninth-place tie with five points and the women in 10th with five points after opening day on Thursday at Auburns’ Hutsell-Rosen Track in Auburn, Alabama. [**Final Results**](https://live.xpresstiming.com/meets/72134) Freshman Abigael Chemnagei was the first to put points on the board for LSU as she finished fourth in the 10,000 meters with a 33:17.93 time, scoring all five points. > [LSU Track Teams Open Today At SEC Outdoor Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-track-teams-open-today-at-sec-outdoor-championships/) Jack Larriviere finished in fifth in the javelin for the men with a throw of 75.47 meters to score four points in his first postseason competition since 2024. Jackson Rimes closed in eighth with a final throw of 69.90 meters to score one point. LSU’s duo of sophomore Shawnti Jackson and Aniyah Bigam both qualified in the 200 meters for the final on Saturday with heat wins. Jackson turned in a 22.67-second time, while Bigam was at 22.88 seconds. On the men’s side, Jaiden Reid put in a time of 20.71 seconds. Jeremiah Walker made his first individual SEC final as he qualified at 20.77 seconds. **Follow Us** Stay up to date with all things LSU track and field by following us on [**Facebook**](https://www.facebook.com/lsutrackfield), [**Instagram**](https://www.instagram.com/lsutrackfield/?hl=en), and [**Twitter**](https://twitter.com/LSUTrackField). **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Track & Field **Tags:** dennis shaver, lsu, LSU Tigers, LSU track and field --- ### [Lane Kiffin Tweets: Busy Week On Twitter For LSU's Football Coach With That Vanity Fair Piece](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-tweets-busy-week-on-twitter-for-lsus-football-coach-with-that-vanity-fair-piece/) **Published:** May 15, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU football coach Lane Kiffin did not have to tweet too much this week, considering the Vanity Fair feature on him published Monday that went viral for several days. > Lane Kiffin is one of the most controversial and fiercely hated coaches in college football, following his shocking departure from Ole Miss for a $91 million contract at LSU. “No coach I talked to at any point ever said, ‘stay there.’” Kiffin says. “You got one life”… > > — VANITY FAIR (@VanityFair) [May 11, 2026](https://twitter.com/VanityFair/status/2053810332661854336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) He did the usual reposting, but not as many self-generated tweets. The tweeting basically took care of itself after that story came out, particularly considering the former Ole Miss head coach’s comments about Ole Miss’ image problem. That wasn’t fake news, but it sure was old news. [LANE KIFFIN TOLD THE TRUTH](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-vanity-fair-ole-miss-lsu-truth/) And even if what he said was true about family members of black recruits telling him they didn’t want their grandson or son going to Ole Miss, he should not have said it. True or not, it was a low blow – even for recruiting. Remember, when Nick Saban left the Miami Dolphins for Alabama two years after leaving LSU, LSU fans and athletic department personnel hated Saban as much as Ole Miss fans and athletic department personnel hate Kiffin, regardless of the two years removed. And Saban never said anything bad about LSU, and he could have told the truth there, too. > [Lane Kiffin: Vanity Fair Writer Explains What Led To Kiffin Discussing Ole Miss Racial Image Issue](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-vanity-fair-writer-explains-what-led-to-kiffin-discussing-ole-miss-racial-image-issue/) The feature by best selling author Chris Smith was a great read and would have been just as great without said Kiffin’s comments. And credit Kiffin for giving Smith the access last month. > Great spending time with you [@chrissmithnymag](https://twitter.com/chrissmithnymag?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Have a great week everyone!!! [@LSUfootball](https://twitter.com/LSUfootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@VanityFair](https://twitter.com/VanityFair?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [\#SpotTheBall](https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpotTheBall?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Lane Kiffin (@Lane\_Kiffin) [May 11, 2026](https://twitter.com/Lane_Kiffin/status/2053813169999511566?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Kiffin’s best tweet of the week was for Mother’s Day to his mom Robin Kiffin, who passed away last summer. In the tweet, Kiffin’s mother is holding his jersey from Fresno State, where he was a backup quarterback from 1994-96. Kiffin lost his father Monte Kiffin in the summer of 2024. It was Robin Kiffin, who nicknamed Lane “helicopter” as a kid because he would just go from room to room causing chaos, according to the Vanity Fair piece. And as he grew older – drama and a lot of wins. > Happy Mother’s Day mom ♥️ [pic.twitter.com/O8rCox4OWh](https://t.co/O8rCox4OWh) > > — Lane Kiffin (@Lane\_Kiffin) [May 11, 2026](https://twitter.com/Lane_Kiffin/status/2053653251954745667?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) And Kiffin tweeted a gift from his daughters on his 51st birthday on May 9. > Thanks girls 💜💜. Great start to the day 🧘🏼‍♀️🧘🏻‍♀️🧘‍♀️🧘🏻‍♀️🧘‍♀️🧘🏼‍♀️ [\#JustDifferent](https://twitter.com/hashtag/JustDifferent?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/H9zXSDUJsr](https://t.co/H9zXSDUJsr) > > — Lane Kiffin (@Lane\_Kiffin) [May 9, 2026](https://twitter.com/Lane_Kiffin/status/2053102271420870941?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Chris Smith, lane kiffin, lsu football, nick saban, Ole Miss Rebels, Vanity Fair --- ### [Tiger Rag Radio: LSU Baseball makes the wrong kind of history. Lane Kiffin makes news](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-radio-lsu-baseball-makes-the-wrong-kind-of-history-lane-kiffin-makes-news/) **Published:** May 13, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** On the May 12th edition of Tiger Rag Radio, Host Jeff Palermo and Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau discuss what went wrong with LSU baseball in 2026. Vanity Fair Reporter Chris Smith talks with the guys about his in-depth article on LSU football coach Lane Kiffin. Smith provides details on what led to Kiffin to discuss how racial climate made it to recruit to Ole Miss. We also get a preview of the NCAA Softball Regional in Baton Rouge. The Voice of LSU Softball Patrick Wright breaks down what the Tigers need to do win the Regional and who will be their biggest challenge. ***Here is the complete transcript of the show from YouTube. Tiger Rag apologizes for any AI generated mistakes:*** 0:00Y’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. Tiger Rag Radio is on the air. Let’s crank this thing up. 0:06 6 secondsWe’re statewide breaking down the latest happenings with LSU athletics. This is up. Hear from the coaches. Our time is now with LSU basketball. 0:14 14 secondsThe players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, man. The recruits. 0:17 17 secondsOne way or another, we’re going to make history. 0:19 19 secondsAnd those who cover the Fighting Tigers of LSU and the SEC. 0:23 23 secondsLSU is the best job in it’s 2 hours of non-stop LSU talk. 0:28 28 secondsI came here to win. We’re going to win immediately. 0:30 30 secondsTiger Rag Radio is brought to you by Cumins. Cumins creates power solutions that the world depends on. Louisiana Beef Industry Council, Budro’s 0:39 39 secondsElectrical Services, Sunshine Quality Solutions, Super Chevy Dealers, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 0:49 49 secondsGet ready to talk Tigers with producer Andre Champine and our host Todd Horn, Jeff Polalmo, and Glenn Gilbo. Great 0:59 59 secondsplayers that are better people than they are players. 1:01 1 minute, 1 secondThis is Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealers Studio. 1:07 1 minute, 7 secondsAnd good evening everyone. Welcome to another edition of Tiger Rag Radio. This is Jeff Polalmo, news and sports director of the Louisiana Radio Network 1:14 1 minute, 14 secondsalong with the editor for Tiger Rag Magazine, Glenn Gilbo. Todd Horn has the night off. Glenn, how you doing tonight? 1:21 1 minute, 21 secondsGood, good. It’s a it’s a busy night, man. Um Paul Skins is pitching right now uh against um who is he pitching against? 1:31 1 minute, 31 secondsI’m not sure who he’s pitching against, but he’s got a he’s got a uh he’s he hasn’t had a walk since uh before tax 1:38 1 minute, 38 secondsday. And uh he’s probably about 30 35 uh more innings away from the National League record of 72 innings by Greg 1:46 1 minute, 46 secondsMaddox with uh without a walk. Um but uh and then uh we just got TV information on LSU Clemson September 5th, 6:30 p.m. 1:56 1 minute, 56 secondsABC. Game day will be in Baton Rouge that weekend, that Saturday morning. And then September 19th, the bloodbath LSU 2:04 2 minutes, 4 secondsat Old Miss. That’s also going to be prime time September 19th. Uh and um 2:11 2 minutes, 11 secondsalso got a feature about the uh LSU baseball the some of the dubious records thereafter on the uh or not after but 2:19 2 minutes, 19 secondsthey might get anyway uh as they close the season but it’s it’s been a crazy couple days. 2:25 2 minutes, 25 secondsYeah, Paul Ske is going up against the Colorado Rockies tonight. So we’ll keep tabs on that as we’ll follow his progress. I see the Pirates are already 2:32 2 minutes, 32 secondsup one to nothing. No LSU baseball tonight and that’s probably a good thing. It it’s been a it’s been a rough season, Gwen. And um 2:42 2 minutes, 42 secondsyou know, this past weekend just was uh was finally uh you could put a fork in them if you would. Oh, no question. 2:49 2 minutes, 49 secondsUnless obviously they went on some crazy miraculous run in the SEC tournament, which no one is anticipating, but 2:56 2 minutes, 56 secondsI mean, even when they were up seven to three on Friday, six to two as well, I I had no confidence that they were going 3:04 3 minutes, 4 secondsto win. I I mean, and it’s I think that is especially going up against the likes 3:11 3 minutes, 11 secondsof Georgia, Texas A&M, and Mississippi State, the last three real SEC teams they’ve played, excluding South Carolina out of that. 3:21 3 minutes, 21 secondsThey were not they were nowhere near where those teams were. I mean, how far they have fallen is astonishing. 3:29 3 minutes, 29 secondsIt is. It’s it’s amazing. Um, you know, and they they uh I I thought it would have been better to put Zack Cowan in 3:37 3 minutes, 37 secondsthere, but you know, I don’t know if it would have made a a big difference. And and you know, they almost lost the last two games by the 10-1 run rule. They 3:45 3 minutes, 45 secondslost 12-1 on Sunday, and they were close to losing the by the 10-run rule on uh on Saturday, but uh you know, 3:53 3 minutes, 53 secondsother other national champion teams in the SEC have struggled mightily the next year. Uh Old Miss um had just six wins 4:03 4 minutes, 3 secondsafter they won it all in in 22 in the SEC. LSU is is just just has uh nine 4:11 4 minutes, 11 secondswins right now, but a but a school record 18 SEC losses. They haven’t had 4:17 4 minutes, 17 secondsthat many uh in a in a season. Uh tying record, they had 18 in 1978 4:24 4 minutes, 24 secondsand they’ve been playing since 1933. And if they lose one game out of three against Florida, that that’s a new record. I mean, that’s an amazing record for a Jay Johnson team to set. 4:35 4 minutes, 35 secondsI’m just not I I’m not one to buy any of these excuses. Hey, other teams have 4:42 4 minutes, 42 secondsstruggled the year after they they played or won the national championship or hey, they didn’t have enough money. 4:49 4 minutes, 49 secondsAll all these things that have been thrown around there, they were still ranked number one or two in the preseason, right? they are 4:57 4 minutes, 57 secondsto have 18 conference losses and to be out of it as far as NCAA contention by the time you play your final home 5:05 5 minutes, 5 secondsseries. It’s just flat out not acceptable. And there’s and I know Jay Johnson’s obviously been thinking and 5:14 5 minutes, 14 secondsand I’m sure there’s a lot of things he’s ready to implement once that final out is made and this team packs up the helmets and bats until next fall and he 5:23 5 minutes, 23 secondsyou know he he begins trying to rebuild this thing. But something seriously went wrong here, Glenn. A lot of things, obviously. It’s 5:31 5 minutes, 31 secondsjust not like, oh, they didn’t get this break or, you know, if they would have won this game, uh, maybe this. No, no, they just we’re not a good team. 5:39 5 minutes, 39 secondsRight. Right. Yeah. And and you know, the the deal about the, uh, the team struggling the year after the national championship. I think that’s more of a a 5:46 5 minutes, 46 secondsstatement about the portal and how baseball probably as much as any sport even before the portal. They just 5:53 5 minutes, 53 secondschanged their roster every year. But you’re right, uh LSU was still supposed to be good. They still returned a lot 6:01 6 minutes, 1 secondfrom their national championship team last year. They lost a lot too, but they they they returned uh you know a core of 6:08 6 minutes, 8 secondsthat team like Derek Curiel and uh for one, you know, probably their best one of their best players last year. And 6:15 6 minutes, 15 secondsthen and then I thought the key thing that went wrong this year was players that were showing promise and playing well last year did not re repeat that 6:25 6 minutes, 25 secondsthis year. Kase Evans, he he was not good before he got hurt. William Schmidt has not developed. Gavin Gidry was 6:32 6 minutes, 32 secondssupposed to be good, you know, after the year off from injury, after his first two good seasons. Uh Maverick Rzzy did 6:40 6 minutes, 40 secondsnot uh develop from last year. And then then the uh the portal additions, most of them were disappointments. And you 6:49 6 minutes, 49 secondsknow, and then the the none of the freshman pitchers really, you know, they they usually have one or two freshman pitchers that do well. That that didn’t 6:57 6 minutes, 57 secondshappen. No. this this year, you know, and you know, the only bright spot is that some of the other some of the freshman position players have played 7:04 7 minutes, 4 secondswell of late. But but you know, the the disturbing thing, too, is the the uh the coaches haven’t gotten the players 7:13 7 minutes, 13 secondsbetter as the season has gone on. And it’s a long season. You got plenty of time to get them better. And that particularly has not happened with the 7:20 7 minutes, 20 secondspitchers for whatever reason. whatever Jay Johnson, Nate Yesi, uh the rest of the coaches tried to do with this team, it 7:29 7 minutes, 29 secondsdidn’t connect. It it might have been maybe some of those methods worked with the 2025 team and that’s why they excelled the way that they did. 7:36 7 minutes, 36 secondsYou know, a part of it was Kate Anderson and Anthony Ison were darn right unbeatable by the time the end of the season occurred. So that that 7:45 7 minutes, 45 secondsmade it a lot easier. Uh but still there was uh a lot of I mean Ethan Fry and Jared Jones a lot of guys had terrific 7:53 7 minutes, 53 secondsseasons as well. Derek Curiel, Chris Stanfield, uh you know, Milm got hot in the postseason like he he tends to do. 7:59 7 minutes, 59 secondsSo there were a lot of things that went well. 8:03 8 minutes, 3 secondsI I still go back, you know, some of my theories and these are just my theories. 8:07 8 minutes, 7 secondsI’m not around there every day, so I I I don’t know. But I felt like when this team was starting to hit a mental wall, they were starting to struggle early on. 8:18 8 minutes, 18 secondsI instead of just continuing to work them as Jay Johnson did, maybe taking a day off or two here or there from pre 8:26 8 minutes, 26 secondsand I know they have to take certain days off, but maybe just backing off of them a little bit instead of just pushing the gas pedal even more. Let’s 8:34 8 minutes, 34 secondspractice three hours before our Tuesday night game. Maybe they shouldn’t have done that. 8:40 8 minutes, 40 secondsMaybe they should have just lessened the workload. And then sometimes, Glenn, I feel like with all of the technology 8:47 8 minutes, 47 secondsthey have to help these pitchers, the pitching lab and whatnot, I think that works very well in the professional level when you’re an experienced pitcher 8:56 8 minutes, 56 secondsand you’ve been pitching for a long time and you’ve been pitching against really good hitters. But when you start throwing that stuff on an 18 and 19 year 9:03 9 minutes, 3 secondsold kid, sometimes that just that overloads them. It gets them thinking too much. The team erra for LSU 5.49. 9:15 9 minutes, 15 secondsI mean, just as you mentioned, there’s not, you know, there’s no one that you look at um and 9:24 9 minutes, 24 secondssay, man, you know, you know, William Schmidt’s RA is 422. I feel like that’s a that that seems okay, but you know, 9:31 9 minutes, 31 secondshe’s 31 walks in 64 innings. That’s certainly not okay. Um Kase Evans an erra near six. Gavin Gry 6.81. 9:41 9 minutes, 41 secondsYou know, other guys that you thought might make an impact this season. Jaden New Cooper Williams, their ERAs are seven and eight. You talk about no 9:50 9 minutes, 50 secondsfreshman really made an impact. Marcos Paw’s ERA is 828. I mean, just some brutal numbers there. 9:57 9 minutes, 57 secondsYeah. And, you know, I think I think, you know, players uh in the major leagues in the NFL, they 10:04 10 minutes, 4 secondshave an off year every now and then. I think coaches can have an off year, too, you know, because, you know, I’m sure everything that Nate Yesi has tried this 10:13 10 minutes, 13 secondsyear has worked in other years with with different freshman and stuff, but some sometimes it it doesn’t work. And maybe they they did do something wrong uh that 10:22 10 minutes, 22 secondsthat worked in in past years. You know, they they can have an off year, but but you know, if you give those guys credit for the great seasons they have, you 10:30 10 minutes, 30 secondscan’t just give them a pass because they used to be good when they’re having a bad season. I mean, they neither Jay 10:37 10 minutes, 37 secondsJohnson or Nate Yesi got these guys better. You know, the the wild pitches kept happening. They set the school record for for wild pitches this season. 10:47 10 minutes, 47 secondsThey’re they’re close to the school record for erra. It’s like over six. They’re probably not going to get it. 10:52 10 minutes, 52 secondsThey don’t have enough games, but I mean they’re pretty close to a to a six erra, which is which is not good. Um, and it’s 11:01 11 minutes, 1 seconduh you know, it’s it’s it’s been hard to watch for sure because because they keep doing the same things and and you know, they have had key injuries too, but the 11:09 11 minutes, 9 secondsinjuries kind of came after they were already bad. Yeah. You know, except for Chris Stanfield. That that that was a big one. 11:16 11 minutes, 16 secondsYeah. but he’s not a he wasn’t a big numbers guy. He was a steady player last year. And you know, Steven Milm kind of had an off year. He’s been hitting 11:25 11 minutes, 25 secondslately. Tanner Reeves is another one who who didn’t really develop like you thought he would. Uh it just all 11:31 11 minutes, 31 secondshappened at the same time. Um and they they could not put out the fires. 11:38 11 minutes, 38 secondsNo, they could not. The there was and Nate Yoski told us last week there they they tried a lot. There was a there was a quote that I pulled for one of my 11:47 11 minutes, 47 secondssports guests. He says, you know, it’s not like we’re not out here. And I agree. It’s not like they’re not tr and I I mean Nate Yesi hasn’t forgotten how 11:54 11 minutes, 54 secondsto coach. He’s he’s taken four different teams or he’s been a pitching coach on four different teams that have gone to the College World Series, but there’s 12:02 12 minutes, 2 secondsgoing to be some serious and I know it’s already started uh serious evaluations on on what they did and why it didn’t 12:10 12 minutes, 10 secondswork and what they got to do differently. and we’ve heard Jay talk a little bit about that. Maybe play a little bit less in the fall, work on the 12:18 12 minutes, 18 secondsstrength and conditioning and so forth like that. So, um, you know, I saw one report that, you know, Jay’s going to 12:27 12 minutes, 27 secondsreally hit the transfer portal hard and and and maybe he will, but he he’s also talked about how he wants to build this thing a little bit more through the high 12:35 12 minutes, 35 secondsschool ranks. I I really think he he looks at two guys in in Ryan Costello and Mikey Ryan that are both freshman on 12:43 12 minutes, 43 secondslast year’s team that are excelling at other locations now and just saying, “Man, if I had those two guys, my infield situation would have been a heck 12:51 12 minutes, 51 secondsof a lot better.” Uh instead, you you kind of went out and you you you tried to go get the the the the flashy toy in 13:00 13 minutesthe transfer portal and it didn’t work out this time around, right? I think he he’s still going to need to go into the portal though, but maybe maybe not as heavy and and maybe 13:09 13 minutes, 9 secondsgo with more freshman next season and and obviously play the sophomores who are who are freshman this season, but 13:17 13 minutes, 17 secondsthey’re definitely snake bit. You know, I heard a lot over the weekend, oh, oh, well, Georgia hit just hit all those home runs off of curve balls. Well, 13:24 13 minutes, 24 secondsearlier in the season, the the opponents were hitting home runs off of fast balls, you know. So, I mean, if if you’re playing Georgia in that park, I 13:32 13 minutes, 32 secondswould try a curve over a fast ball, but you know, either way, they they weren’t going to win. 13:37 13 minutes, 37 secondsWell, rough rough season and it could come to an end next week. Actually, a week from tonight, uh could be the final game for LSU as they will play as if 13:45 13 minutes, 45 secondsthey finish 14, they will then play in all the as long as they stay alive, they would play in the late games every day next week in the SEC tournament. But 13:54 13 minutes, 54 secondsagain, it’s single elimination all the way through. So, this thing can end on Tuesday night. Uh, coming up on the show, we’re going to hear from Chris 14:01 14 minutes, 1 secondSmith. He works for Vanity Fair. He wrote the big profile piece on Lane Keifin that’s been making news over the 14:08 14 minutes, 8 secondslast couple of days. We’ll talk to Scooter Hobbs, who was the uh LSU baseball sid. 14:16 14 minutes, 16 secondsIs that right, Glenn? The last time LSU lost 18 conference games. We’ll get Scooter Scooter to compare and contrast 14:24 14 minutes, 24 secondsthat 78 team with this 2026 squad. Uh we’ll talk some basketball portal stuff and some baseball stuff with Cory Diaz 14:31 14 minutes, 31 secondsof uh USA Today Network as he covers LSU for them. And then Patrick Wright will join us. There will be postseason action 14:40 14 minutes, 40 secondsat Tiger Park this weekend as LSU softball hosting a regional and the voice of the LSU softball team will join 14:46 14 minutes, 46 secondsus to uh preview that. So, let’s take our first break and when we come back, we’ll we’ll get into some of the uh we’ll get into some football talk as uh 14:55 14 minutes, 55 secondssome news was made there and also start talking about some of the comments that Lane Keman had in that lengthy Vanity 15:03 15 minutes, 3 secondsFair article. So, stay tuned for that here on Tiger Rag Radio. 15:06 15 minutes, 6 secondsI’m Richard Fner, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. My brother and I grow rice, soybeans, and raised crawfish on our farm in Evangeline Parish. For a fourth 15:14 15 minutes, 14 secondsgeneration farmer like myself, Louisiana Farm Bureau is as much a part of my life as checking traps or harvesting rice. 15:21 15 minutes, 21 secondsOur organization is more than 145,000 members strong and we’ve been around for more than 100 years. The Louisiana Farm Bureau spans generations and we want you to join our family. 15:32 15 minutes, 32 secondsNow back to Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 15:39 15 minutes, 39 secondsBack here inside the Super Chevy dealer studio, Jeff Polalmo along with the editor for Tiger Rag magazine, Glenn Gilbo. It was announced today that ESPN 15:48 15 minutes, 48 secondsCollege Game Day will be on LSU’s campus for the season opener against Clemson 15:54 15 minutes, 54 secondsand that game will kick off at 6:30. And really when you look at and granted obviously uh Lane Keifin’s first game at 16:02 16 minutes, 2 secondsLSU, the intrigue factor and a lot of eyeballs and wanting to see what that’s like and what will be an electric 16:09 16 minutes, 9 secondsatmosphere inside Tiger Stadium on September 5th. But the other thing is is 16:16 16 minutes, 16 secondsthat when you look at the schedule um for the opening week there there really weren’t like a bunch of great 16:23 16 minutes, 23 secondsoptions out there. Like the only other game that I thought was and it’s not even it’s not even in the same 16:30 16 minutes, 30 secondsstratosphere as LSU Clemson was Baylor Auburn. That gives you an idea of how these early season matchups they’re 16:37 16 minutes, 37 secondsgoing away now. You got Old Miss plays Louisville on a Sunday night. Um you got a game on Monday night. I know Florida State’s involved in that. and I forget 16:46 16 minutes, 46 secondswho they’re playing, but um still you have very few games uh now with the college football playoff uh the 16:54 16 minutes, 54 secondsnon-conference part of the college football season and these great non-conference matchups are starting to 17:01 17 minutes, 1 seconddwindle. So even if Brian Kelly was still the head coach at LSU, this still could be 17:07 17 minutes, 7 secondsan ESPN college game day uh game. But obviously with Lane Keifin, it makes it even that much more special. This is 17:15 17 minutes, 15 secondsgonna be the 40th season of College Game Day, Glenn. And this is going to be the show’s 500th episode, which is um 17:24 17 minutes, 24 secondsterrific for to me, in my opinion, still the best show on ESPN. Yeah. Yeah. It’s uh it’s it’s iconic. 17:31 17 minutes, 31 secondsYou know, people relate Saturday morning to that show. It’s it’s it’s really amazing how how far it’s come. And we got to get Reese Davis back on. 17:40 17 minutes, 40 secondsThat’s right. That’s right. We need to get Reese. Great guy. Um, but you know, I’m sure there’ll be a lot of Lane Keifin uh stories um 17:48 17 minutes, 48 secondsfor for for that game day and and uh yeah, L LSU still uh scheduling these tough non-conference games. Maybe that’s why they haven’t been to the playoffs 17:57 17 minutes, 57 secondssince since 2019. They need to they need to quit doing that. 18:01 18 minutes, 1 secondAnd they may they may we’ll see. I don’t know. It seems like that attitude is changing just a little bit as far as to try to ease up on these. But LSU is a 10 18:10 18 minutes, 10 secondsand a half point favorite going in this game against Clemson. And we also, as you mentioned, uh, Glenn, we found out that the LSU Old Miss game will also 18:17 18 minutes, 17 secondskick off at 6:30 in Oxford on September 19th. We’re gonna have Chris Smith on from Vanity Fair coming up in the next 18:25 18 minutes, 25 secondssegment. He wrote the lengthy profile piece on Lane Keifin, so we’re looking forward to hearing him. The comment that uh has caught a lot of attention and has 18:33 18 minutes, 33 secondsmade national headlines, I don’t think is a surprising comment to hear from coach Lane Keifin. Again, it’s it’s someone that is saying that the the 18:42 18 minutes, 42 secondsquiet part out loud in that out ofstate uh black parents did not want their kid 18:49 18 minutes, 49 secondsgoing to Old Miss because of the connections that university has to the Confederate flag and a mascot that was called Colonel Rebel. I mean to me that 18:58 18 minutes, 58 secondsis not that is not shocking to hear. Uh it’s not new. It’s definitely not news. 19:04 19 minutes, 4 secondsI mean they they they also play this the song the the their own band used to play the song Dixie at timeouts of basketball 19:12 19 minutes, 12 secondsgames. I remember I couldn’t believe that. 19:14 19 minutes, 14 secondsBut you know that’s something they’ve dealt with forever. I I don’t think Lane needed to to say that. Yeah. 19:19 19 minutes, 19 secondsUh you know I’m not really Well, I mean I I I guess I can understand why he he brought it up. I mean, he was answering 19:26 19 minutes, 26 secondsa question, but uh he he probably could have avoided that. 19:30 19 minutes, 30 secondsWell, Lane did give a response to on three today saying to the effect of, “Hey, this was a 4hour interview. I said a lot of stuff, 19:39 19 minutes, 39 secondsright?” And so, but he still didn’t need to say what he said is what I’m is what I’m saying. 19:44 19 minutes, 44 secondsPlus, he also he did what with what with people like he said, “I apologize if I offended one anyone.” Well, if you’re thinking you need to apologize. Chances 19:53 19 minutes, 53 secondsare you offended someone. People say that all the time. I think that’s so ridiculous to say that. Yeah. And and he really didn’t. And he just kind of 20:00 20 minutesrepeated himself after that. So, he’s definitely uh tugging the chain there, you know. Um but uh it was a great 20:09 20 minutes, 9 secondsfeature story. There’s a lot of there’s a lot of interesting things in that story about him and I I think that would be getting more attention had he not said that. 20:19 20 minutes, 19 secondsYeah. And then Old Miss gets blasted by Steve Sarkeesian today, the head coach at Texas. He told uh the USA Today, “At 20:27 20 minutes, 27 secondsTexas, we only take 50% of a player’s academic credit hours. You may be a semester from graduating, but you’re going all the way back to 50% if you 20:35 20 minutes, 35 secondswant to play here and want a degree. But at Old Miss, they can take you. All you have to do is take basket weaving and you can get an Old Miss degree.” Wow. 20:44 20 minutes, 44 secondsSo Miss getting it from both LSU and Texas. That might be because uh it was 20:51 20 minutes, 51 secondsin that story by Chris Smith that uh oh, I don’t know if it was in the story, but I’m sorry. It was it was in a tweet uh 20:57 20 minutes, 57 secondsin reaction to the story that that Pete Golding, again, this was just what somebody said on Twitter that 21:05 21 minutes, 5 secondsPete Golding allegedly brought up Steve Skarkesian’s previous drinking issues at USC to try to get a player over him. 21:13 21 minutes, 13 secondsThat’s while he was coaching under Lane Kein, by the way. No, I’m sorry. It’s while he was coaching under Nick Sabin in Alabama and Sarkeesian was a former Alabama 21:21 21 minutes, 21 secondscoach. So Golding also got some accusations from uh Dabos Sweeney too uh from from recruiting last year. So it’s going to get messier. 21:32 21 minutes, 32 secondsWell, it’s going to make the SEC spring meetings coming up at the end of this month. That’s right. 21:37 21 minutes, 37 secondsA little bit more interesting. Let’s take a break. When we come back, Chris Smith from Vanity Fair will join us. 21:42 21 minutes, 42 secondsWe’ll talk about his piece on Lane Keifin. Stay tuned for that. This is Tiger Rag Radio from the Super Chevy dealers studio. 21:49 21 minutes, 49 secondsAt Sunshine, your hometown John Deere dealer. We know you deserve value when you purchase equipment. Right now, take advantage of the powerful 3025E tractor 21:57 21 minutes, 57 secondsfor just $297 a month with 0% financing for 72 months. Tractor packages with a trailer also available. Whether you’re 22:05 22 minutes, 5 secondstackling land, property, or projects, get your job done. Don’t wait. This offer ends June 30th, 2026. Some 22:12 22 minutes, 12 secondsrestrictions apply. Visit sunquip.com or stop by a sunshine location today. How you doing? This is Snow Dog. 22:19 22 minutes, 19 secondsTiger Rag. Tiger Rag Radio. 22:22 22 minutes, 22 secondsLadies and gentlemen, boys and girls, you are tuned in. 22:25 22 minutes, 25 secondsTalk LSU sports interviews, opinions, and new calls around the Tiger Nation. 22:30 22 minutes, 30 secondsBatt Road was a life for me. Home of LSU Tigers. Now, more Tiger Rag Radio. 22:34 22 minutes, 34 secondsWe love to score and get highlights and championships and play to win. Tiger Rag Radio. 22:40 22 minutes, 40 secondsJeff Polalmo back inside the Super Chevy dealers studio along with Tiger Rag editor Glenn Gilbo. Let’s go right to our first guest of the night. That is 22:48 22 minutes, 48 secondsChris Smith who wrote an outstanding article on Lane Keifin, one of the most interesting men in all of college football, really in all of sports. And 22:57 22 minutes, 57 secondsChris, thanks a lot for joining us tonight. How you doing? Jeff Polmo along with Glenn Gilbo. Thanks for uh being a part of the show. want to say thank you 23:05 23 minutes, 5 secondsfor having me, but I also want to give you all a more extended thank you. Uh, I was in Baton Rouge last month to interview Lane Keven. Okay. 23:15 23 minutes, 15 secondsAnd the first day I’m there, I go down to Poor Boy Lloyds for lunch. Yeah. Yeah. 23:21 23 minutes, 21 secondsAnd pick up a copy right there inside the door of the money issue. Oh. 23:26 23 minutes, 26 secondsAnd that helped with my research. All right. And I talked I talked to Kein that afternoon at great length about all 23:35 23 minutes, 35 secondskinds of subjects and then come back the next day, go to practice, then go back to his office to review some stuff and 23:43 23 minutes, 43 secondsthe first thing he does is say here and he hands me a magazine and he says this has a bunch of details in it that I 23:52 23 minutes, 52 secondsdidn’t even know and it’s the December issue with him on the cover and the uh 23:58 23 minutes, 58 secondsbig headline line, what’s next? Um, with the blowby-blow of his arrival. Um, and, 24:07 24 minutes, 7 secondsuh, so you all, you know, uh, thank you for the the help. Oh, that’s great, man. 24:12 24 minutes, 12 secondsAppreciate it. We need to have you on more often. And, um, tell Lane thank you uh, for reading our magazine since we don’t get to talk to him as much as you do. No, just kidding. 24:23 24 minutes, 23 secondsNo. Uh so uh you know it’s fun to to be talking with you now and uh yeah I mean 24:31 24 minutes, 31 secondsyou’re sort of joking uh I got to spend four hours ultimately with him and I was kind of the goal one of my goals of the 24:40 24 minutes, 40 secondsstory is you know a lot of people will never be in a room one-on-one with Lane Keifin and to try to give folks a sense 24:49 24 minutes, 49 secondsof who he is and what that’s like to sit across you uh and talk with them at length about all kinds of subjects. 25:00 25 minutesChris, um first off, where are you going to be on September 19th, 2026? 25:08 25 minutes, 8 secondsWell, I’ve had some folks in Oxford invite me to come on down. All right. 25:13 25 minutes, 13 secondsSo, uh I’m going to see if I can make that happen, but uh I’ll be in front of my TV if nothing else. 25:20 25 minutes, 20 secondsHey, I I did want to ask you the the quote uh from Lane where he he said that 25:26 25 minutes, 26 secondsgrandparents of players uh told them uh that told him that they didn’t want to 25:32 25 minutes, 32 secondssend their uh kid to Oxford. Um because of the uh image issues. Um what do you 25:41 25 minutes, 41 secondsremember what the question was that got him talking about that? 25:45 25 minutes, 45 secondsSure. You know, I had asked him about the factors that went into his decision to leave Miss for LSU, you know, and did 25:55 25 minutes, 55 secondshe was part of it? Did he think however much success he’d had at Oxford, you know, that the ceiling would be higher 26:03 26 minutes, 3 secondsin Baton Rouge at LSU? and he started out uh answering talking about sort of conventional stuff, you know, how he 26:12 26 minutes, 12 secondsfelt like the money available from LSU and its allies was going to be in his 26:19 26 minutes, 19 secondsphrase adult money. Um and you know for the portal he he was talking about for the portal there. Correct. 26:27 26 minutes, 27 secondsRight. Right. Right. and you know talking about the relative histories of the football programs and you know the images of the two places. 26:40 26 minutes, 40 secondsAnd then he volunteered uh to my surprise that anecdote about 26:49 26 minutes, 49 secondsuh recruits and their families regularly telling him at all miss that you know we like you coach but my 26:57 26 minutes, 57 secondsgrandparents are never going to let me come to Oxford and he doesn’t have he was not going to have that problem in Baton Rouge because it’s 27:06 27 minutes, 6 secondsdiverse and not segregated. So, I wish I could say it was some genius, you know, question that I I pulled this out of him. Um, but no. 27:18 27 minutes, 18 secondsWow. Yeah. And and you and you probably um I’m wonder if you you weren’t even thinking of that type of an answer. U I 27:27 27 minutes, 27 secondswould bet I was not it it was not a direction that had occurred to me. Um and so I was 27:36 27 minutes, 36 secondsreally intrigued by it. There’s obviously been a great deal of discussion about it for the past two days. And one of the things that struck 27:44 27 minutes, 44 secondsme immediately was not simply the the factual merits, you know, the relative 27:53 27 minutes, 53 secondsracial histories of the two towns or schools, but that I found it really fascinating that he was sending a 28:03 28 minutes, 3 secondsmessage pretty transparently that this was a angle he 28:10 28 minutes, 10 secondswas going to work on behalf of LSU. do in, you know, recruiting players. 28:16 28 minutes, 16 secondsThat’s right. That’s right. Uh and I mean that that’s that’s an issue Old Miss has always dealt with is is that 28:24 28 minutes, 24 secondsimage situation and their and their nickname. Uh so he’s going to um he’s going to use that as a strategy for sure. Though I I don’t know how much 28:33 28 minutes, 33 secondshe’s going to actually go against Old Miss that in in recruiting, but uh maybe maybe he will. Let me ask you this, Chris. We’re talking to Chris Smith uh 28:41 28 minutes, 41 secondsof Vanity Fair magazine and a best-selling uh author as well. Take me back to the uh to the story pitch. Uh 28:50 28 minutes, 50 secondsdid did an editor say, “Hey, we need something on Lane Keifin or did you uh bring it up or did it come up in a meeting?” How did it first start? Yeah, 28:58 28 minutes, 58 secondsI mean like millions of sports fans, I watched the drama unfold last November 29:05 29 minutes, 5 secondswith Kein ditching Old Miss and coming to LSU and you know that was plenty 29:12 29 minutes, 12 secondsintriguing in and of itself, but it it really seemed the whole episode really 29:18 29 minutes, 18 secondsseemed to strike a nerve with a lot of even casual fans and I was curious about that why there was such an outsized 29:28 29 minutes, 28 secondsreaction and some of it seemed to be about uh you know this was being maneuvered by 29:38 29 minutes, 38 secondsa bunch of insiders. You know, you had Jimmy Ston pulling strings and negotiating deals. And you had Nick 29:47 29 minutes, 47 secondsSabin out there, you know, on TV campaigning for Keifin to be allowed to keep coaching even if he was leaving Old 29:55 29 minutes, 55 secondsMiss. And that kind of thing, I think, grates on people. But also I it’s within 30:02 30 minutes, 2 secondsthe context of you know drastic changes in college sports where because of the 30:10 30 minutes, 10 secondsportal because of NIL the stability has disappeared and loyalty has eroded and 30:21 30 minutes, 21 secondsyou know even people who understand college sports has long been a big business it seems to trouble or they wish it 30:30 30 minutes, 30 secondsweren’t that way. And you know, Keifin became something of a symbol of all those changes or the excesses of those 30:39 30 minutes, 39 secondschanges. And the other thing that was intriguing to me, people frequently become centers of media storms and get caricatured. 30:49 30 minutes, 49 secondsAnd I’m always curious, well, who is that person really? you know, often people frequently people are more 30:57 30 minutes, 57 secondscomplicated than the the stereotype or caricature makes them out to be. And so that was my pitch to my editors at 31:05 31 minutes, 5 secondsVanity Fair that, you know, this seemed to resonate on a lot of levels. Um, it’s 31:12 31 minutes, 12 secondsabout money, it’s about power, and it’s about, you know, who is this guy who people think they know because he’s been in a lot of headlines. who is he really? 31:24 31 minutes, 24 secondsAnd you know what’s going through his head in this moment? And I’m not patting myself on the back by any means, but I 31:33 31 minutes, 33 secondstalked to my best friend uh earlier today lives in Slideel. He’s knowledgeable LSU fan, college football 31:42 31 minutes, 42 secondsfan, and he told me, you know, he felt like he learned a lot in this story about what created Blaine Keifin, not 31:51 31 minutes, 51 secondsjust biographically, not just, you know, his family background, but about the context of college sports that’s sort of 32:00 32 minutesproduced him. How do how comfortable do you think he is in being, you know, the face of the transfer portal NIL era? 32:11 32 minutes, 11 secondsUh he’s pretty comfortable being the face of most anything. Well said. 32:18 32 minutes, 18 secondsUh um I don’t know that he thinks of it that way. I think he’s extraordinarily comfortable and really well built for 32:27 32 minutes, 27 secondsthis era where it’s borderline chaos and you know you’re recruiting essentially 32:36 32 minutes, 36 seconds12 months of the year to keep guys on the roster to bring in new players and 32:43 32 minutes, 43 secondsboth because of all the changes and ups and downs in his life um and his 32:50 32 minutes, 50 secondstemperament you know the fact that he’s willing to mix it up on social media the and promote himself and be something of 32:58 32 minutes, 58 secondsa eager celebrity beyond the sports world. 33:03 33 minutes, 3 secondsThat’s all I think really well suited to this era in the game. 33:09 33 minutes, 9 secondsHow many um how many football coaches have been portrayed or on the cover of Vanity Fair uh over the say the last 10 years or so? 33:20 33 minutes, 20 secondsI’m gonna go out on a limb and say zero. Right. Right. Yeah. I have not done that inventory. 33:27 33 minutes, 27 secondsUm we certainly do, you know, a good number of sports stories. Not a lot. Um 33:33 33 minutes, 33 secondsbut this one, uh you know, our new as of a year ago editor is doing a nice job of 33:42 33 minutes, 42 secondsexpanding the subject matter, right? And so this fit in nicely. 33:49 33 minutes, 49 secondsum with that agenda and um yeah, I mean 33:56 33 minutes, 56 secondsI will never complain as a reporter. you spend a lot of time trying to convince 34:04 34 minutes, 4 secondspeople to talk with you and Keen, you know, once I got in the room with him 34:13 34 minutes, 13 secondswas willing to just keep going, answer any question at any length and even as 34:19 34 minutes, 19 secondsthis, you know, controversy has erupted, um, he hasn’t tried to do the thing of, you know, oh, that was off the record or 34:28 34 minutes, 28 secondsI was not quoted or any of that, you know, whether you think what he said is on target or not. It was just me and him 34:36 34 minutes, 36 secondsin the room. He had no, you know, press person holding his hand. Wow. 34:41 34 minutes, 41 secondsCool. even though even though the second day, you know, he seemed to recognize he certainly recognized that he said 34:48 34 minutes, 48 secondssomething that could be considered inflammatory, but I’ve had plenty of interview subjects, you know, call up 34:56 34 minutes, 56 secondsafter the fact and say, you know, please don’t use the Z. I’m taking that back. 35:01 35 minutes, 1 secondYou know, I’ll deny I said that. He didn’t he didn’t say any of that. you know, he wanted to add that he hoped 35:11 35 minutes, 11 secondsum this discussion about diversity wouldn’t be taken as a shot at Old Miss, but he said, you know, I said what I 35:19 35 minutes, 19 secondssaid, write what you want to write, and he’s, you know, sort of apologized today. Um, but he didn’t walk back. 35:28 35 minutes, 28 secondsNo, he did not. 35:30 35 minutes, 30 secondsHow difficult was it to to convince him to do the interview? you know, how how difficult was it to get to the room? Um, 35:39 35 minutes, 39 secondswere, you know, was he against it at first or were other people at LSU against it or how did that go down? 35:45 35 minutes, 45 secondsI don’t have any real sense of that. I mean, other than the fact that he’s plenty busy and he’s, you know, the new 35:52 35 minutes, 52 secondsguy still in a variety of ways and trying to get a very complicated uh 35:58 35 minutes, 58 secondsprogram, you know, up to the speed he wants it to be. you know, he talked to me about, you know, the day after he got 36:07 36 minutes, 7 secondshired, he was in a room full of the current players, you know, and 36:15 36 minutes, 15 secondsessentially pleading with them not to leave town, you know, so things were moving very rapidly and, you know, the 36:24 36 minutes, 24 secondsportal window was closing imminently. So I I as far as his 36:30 36 minutes, 30 secondseagerness or reluctance, I can’t measure that. He was just, you know, kind of busy. And sure, once he said yes and they invited me 36:39 36 minutes, 39 secondsdown to spring practice, he seemed to have no reluctance, hesitation, was eager to talk. 36:46 36 minutes, 46 secondsSo the Old Miss players were pleading with him to stay, you said a minute ago. 36:50 36 minutes, 50 secondsNo, no, no. Um when he left Oxford and and flew to Baton Rouge that very next morning, he was in a room with LSU players. 37:00 37 minutesOh, I got you. I got you. 37:01 37 minutes, 1 secondYeah. Trying to convince them not to bail. I got you. Fascinating stuff, Chris. Great article. Um it’s it’s certainly worth the read. 37:10 37 minutes, 10 secondsAs your friend from Slideel said, I think it’s it’s a must for LSU, every LSU fan to take a look at it. Uh I know fans are excited about it. Uh, I know 37:19 37 minutes, 19 secondsyou’re probably a little bit more intrigued now as far as what LSU can do in 2026 and we really appreciate your time here tonight. 37:27 37 minutes, 27 secondsThanks for having me, guys. Be well. Thanks a lot, Chris. 37:30 37 minutes, 30 secondsYou, too. Uh, Chris Smith from Vanity Fair and we find out that Lane Keifin’s a Tiger Rag reader. How about that, Glenn? 37:37 37 minutes, 37 secondsThat’s awesome. And and I wonder how much of a Vanity Fair reader he was he was before that. It’s a great It is a 37:44 37 minutes, 44 secondsgreat magazine. And Brian Burrow is one of my friends from college. He’s one of their best writers along with Chris obviously. Yeah. All right, let’s take a break. 37:52 37 minutes, 52 secondsWe’re late for one. We’ll be back after this from the Super Chevy dealer studio on Tiger Rag Radio. 37:59 37 minutes, 59 secondsGet growing and reading. It’s May, the perfect time to fall in love with books. 38:05 38 minutes, 5 secondsThe East Baton Rouge Parish Library invites you to plant a seed and read from June 1st through August 18th. Visit 38:12 38 minutes, 12 secondsyour nearby library for exciting events, fun reading incentives, and familyfriendly programs designed to inspire readers of all ages. To learn 38:21 38 minutes, 21 secondsmore about all the fun reading can bring, visit ebrpl.com. 38:29 38 minutes, 29 secondsAnd we’re back with Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 38:37 38 minutes, 37 secondsWrapping up hour number one of the show. 38:39 38 minutes, 39 secondsGlad you could join us. Hope you caught that interview there with Chris Smith from Vanity Fair. If you missed any of the show or you’ve wanted to watch uh or 38:46 38 minutes, 46 secondslisten to previous shows, the show is uploaded to YouTube about 30 minutes after we get out of here at 8:00 and you can catch it anywhere you get your 38:54 38 minutes, 54 secondspodcast. But that was a good interview there with Chris Smith, uh Vanity Fair getting uh the exclusive interview with 39:00 39 minutesLane Kein and um so well and good for good for Lane to not have the u LSU people involved. 39:09 39 minutes, 9 secondsYeah. Yeah, I’ve always had a problem with that. When you’re interviewing a coach one-on-one, you got the SID standing there or something, you know, 39:17 39 minutes, 17 secondsand and and that to me that shows uh Lane’s uh has um you know, he’s he’s he’s a little fearless there. 39:25 39 minutes, 25 secondsYeah, he’s a big boy. He can handle it. 39:27 39 minutes, 27 secondsExactly. And and uh you know, and not that they you know, you know, cause any issues when the SID sitting in there. I 39:34 39 minutes, 34 secondsthink they just do that for a third party. But that is impressive that he didn’t feel like he needed one and and uh also you know gave him gave him a lot 39:44 39 minutes, 44 secondsof time and um you know just and and let him let him see uh how how the program’s going 39:51 39 minutes, 51 secondsand uh let him see Lane and then Lane didn’t come back oh don’t use that you know because that does happen all the time don’t use don’t use that part. 39:58 39 minutes, 58 secondsOh yeah yeah for sure for sure. Yeah, he stands by it and he he did make a comment to 03 or 03 on three today, but uh still he didn’t he didn’t apologize. 40:08 40 minutes, 8 secondsHe repeated it. Yeah, basically basically repeated it. 40:11 40 minutes, 11 secondsRepeated it. So uh you’ve you’ve read it. What what was your obviously the Oh, well I meant to tell Chris one of my 40:18 40 minutes, 18 secondsfavorite parts was was when uh Lane’s mother Robin nicknamed him helicopter as a kid because he would just go from room 40:25 40 minutes, 25 secondsto room causing havoc in every room which which is what he does at Tennessee, Old Miss, LSU, USC. Uh but 40:33 40 minutes, 33 secondsno, just kidding. Um, but uh that that was interesting that you know and and that that kind of fits cuz he’s he’s 40:39 40 minutes, 39 secondsalways had a lot of uh energy and makes his presence known where wherever he’s he’s been. You know, even when he was an 40:47 40 minutes, 47 secondsassistant at Alabama, you you could he was more demonstra demonstrative on the sidelines than Nick was. And Nick’s pretty demonstrative. 40:55 40 minutes, 55 secondsWell, yeah. I mean, it was always, especially when Alabama was on offense, you get the the camera would take a get a shot of of Nick and then you get a 41:03 41 minutes, 3 secondsshot of Lane. And a lot of times Nick was standing right there or Lane was standing right there next to Nick, but still you you you were very aware of him 41:11 41 minutes, 11 secondsbeing on the sidelines and calling plays for the Alabama Crimson Tide. 41:15 41 minutes, 15 secondsRight. Right. And uh boy, it’s uh all this is just leading up to uh Armageddon on on September 19th, man. But but you 41:24 41 minutes, 24 secondsknow it’s it’s funny, Jeff. This this has happened before. I mean, when Nick came back here Yeah. 41:29 41 minutes, 29 secondsUh in in in 2008, it it was very similar. 41:32 41 minutes, 32 secondsIt was very similar. I think this there’s a sharper edge to this. Sure. 41:37 41 minutes, 37 secondsIn my mind, obviously, because you’re jumping you’re not jumping to the NFL for two years and then coming back. Um I 41:44 41 minutes, 44 secondsAnd I think this is personal for Old Miss fans. I don’t know if it was Oh, it was personal. It was personal for LSU fans. And and 41:52 41 minutes, 52 secondsif he left for LSU directly to Alabama be there’d be a lot more a lot more inks. But but I’m telling you when I covered a lot of that when he went back 42:01 42 minutes, 1 secondto Alabama in January of 2007 you would have thought those two years disappeared 42:08 42 minutes, 8 seconds2005 and and 2006 for sure because there was a lot of people upset. There was a lot of people in the athletic department 42:15 42 minutes, 15 secondsat LSU uh very upset about that. And and the one thing that’s really in common about it is 42:23 42 minutes, 23 secondsAlabama has always been for the most part LSU’s daddy. Yeah. 42:28 42 minutes, 28 secondsAnd LSU has always been for the most part old Miss’s daddy. That’s why there was so much hate between both programs. All four. 42:36 42 minutes, 36 secondsThat wraps it up for hour number one. 42:37 42 minutes, 37 secondsWhen we come back, looking forward to the interview with Scooter Hobbs from the Lake Charles American Press. He was the baseball sid back in 1978 when that 42:46 42 minutes, 46 secondsteam lost 18 games. We’ll get Scooter’s perspective on where the LSU baseball program is now. And we’ll also talk some football with him as well. So stay tuned for that here on Tiger Rag Radio. 42:57 42 minutes, 57 secondsY’all ready? Y’all ready? Let’s go. Come on. Tiger Rag Radio is on the air. Let’s crank this thing up. 43:02 43 minutes, 2 secondsWe’re statewide breaking down the latest happenings with LSU athletics. Hear from the coaches. Our time is now with LSU basketball. 43:11 43 minutes, 11 secondsThe players having fun and we working, baby. That’s it, baby. The recruits. 43:14 43 minutes, 14 secondsOne way or another, we’re going to make history. and those who cover the Fighting Tigers of LSU and the SEC. LSU is the best job in football. 43:22 43 minutes, 22 secondsIt’s 2 hours of non-stop LSU time. 43:24 43 minutes, 24 secondsI came here to win. We’re going to win immediately. 43:26 43 minutes, 26 secondsTiger Rag Radio is brought to you by Cumins. Cumins creates power solutions that the world depends on. Louisiana 43:33 43 minutes, 33 secondsBeef Industry Council, Budro Electrical Services, Sunshine Quality Solutions, Super Chevy Dealers, and Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. 43:46 43 minutes, 46 secondsGet ready to talk Tigers with producer Andre Champine and our host Todd Horn, Jeff Polalmo, and Glenn Gildo. 43:54 43 minutes, 54 secondsThree great players that are better people than they are players. 43:58 43 minutes, 58 secondsThis is Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 44:03 44 minutes, 3 secondsYeah. Hour number two of the show from the Super Chevy Dealer Studios. Jeff Palmo with you. News and sports director, Louisiana Radio Network. 44:11 44 minutes, 11 secondseditor Gwen Gilbo inside the Super Chevy dealer studio with myself Todd Horn has the night off. And let’s get to our next 44:20 44 minutes, 20 secondsguest. Uh a legendary figure when it comes to covering sports in Louisiana and covering LSU specifically, another 44:28 44 minutes, 28 secondsHall of Famer on the show with us. Of course, you got Glenn and then you got his good friend Scooter Hobbs who’s been covering LSU for decades now. Scooter of 44:36 44 minutes, 36 secondscourse does terrific work for the Lake Charles American Press and he joins us on the show right now. And Scooter, thanks a lot for being a part of the show. How you doing tonight? 44:46 44 minutes, 46 secondsYou there Scooter? 44:48 44 minutes, 48 secondsOh, wait a minute. My fault again. Boy, that’s my second error of the night. Go ahead, Scooter. I got to learn how to hit the right rookie. You’re rookie. I didn’t I didn’t hear what you said. 44:57 44 minutes, 57 secondsWhat did you ask? 44:58 44 minutes, 58 secondsWell, I didn’t ask you anything. I just introduced you to the show. How you doing tonight? Oh, I’m glad to be here. That’s great, man. That’s great. 45:06 45 minutes, 6 secondsScooter. Scooters. I’m ready. Scooters just off a trip to Portugal. 45:11 45 minutes, 11 secondsJeff, the welltraveled and unbelievable. Unbelievable. How about How was that? 45:18 45 minutes, 18 secondsPortugal was great. Uh we went to Lisbon, Valencia, Spain, and Barcelona. 45:25 45 minutes, 25 secondsThe first two were great. Barcelona is over the top. That’s what I hear. Absolutely over the top. 45:32 45 minutes, 32 secondsThat’s what I hear. Barcelona is a is a mustgo place if uh you’re traveling over to Europe. So So uh so compared to uh say Starkville 45:41 45 minutes, 41 secondsand Gainesville uh a little below Starkville nipping at Gainesville’s heels. 45:54 45 minutes, 54 secondsWell, well, uh, well, Scooter, the, uh, the 1978 LSU baseball team, your sports 46:00 46 minutesinformation student assistant for them, they finished 12 and 34. Now, I didn’t realize this. That’s the worst winning percentage in LSU history. 46:11 46 minutes, 11 seconds28. 46:13 46 minutes, 13 secondsYeah. and and they were six and 18 uh in the SEC, which is what uh and LSU right now is is is 9 and 18. 46:22 46 minutes, 22 secondsThat that 78 team is getting a bad rap saying that LSU has tied them for the 46:30 46 minutes, 30 secondsmost losses, but LSU’s had more games to do it. 46:35 46 minutes, 35 secondsSure, that team only played what, 24 games. Yeah. I mean, 24 games, they’re going to get 30. So, they don’t 46:44 46 minutes, 44 secondsI don’t think they get credit for the most losses. My 78 boys are going to hold it. 46:51 46 minutes, 51 secondsWell, uh did did you ever think LSU was going to was going to fall this bad uh this year? I mean, they were six and six 47:00 47 minutesat at one point. Uh how surprised are you with how it’s ending up? 47:05 47 minutes, 5 secondsWell, I’m shocked. I mean, uh, you know, there was no reason to see this coming. 47:11 47 minutes, 11 secondsAnd I, you know, you know, they got kind of a rough start, you know, were great 47:18 47 minutes, 18 secondsup until pre-conference pretty much. And uh then they got off to this rough and 47:24 47 minutes, 24 secondsfor and it for half of the you know first half of the conference schedule I 47:31 47 minutes, 31 secondswas going with the theory well this team’s just snake bit but it never changed. Right. Right. 47:38 47 minutes, 38 secondsAnd I’m I’m you know now I’m I’m to of the opinion maybe they just weren’t that good. 47:44 47 minutes, 44 secondsYeah. And they they blew away the wild pitch record. They broke that like two weeks ago. 47:49 47 minutes, 49 secondsand uh they’re they’re they could get close to uh like 90 wild pitches um on the season. But 47:56 47 minutes, 56 secondshow how can a how can a team lead the SEC in strikeouts and walks? Explain that. 48:06 48 minutes, 6 secondsYeah. Yeah. That’s uh it’s it’s a it’s a crazy team for for sure. Uh it’s it’s funny when when they were at the uh in 48:13 48 minutes, 13 secondsthe middle of that ninegame losing streak in the SEC. Uh this this guy wrote on Facebook after one of my stories, “It’s all Scooter’s fault 48:21 48 minutes, 21 secondsbecause he was writing how great they were when they were nine and0.” Well, I I I did write a column, you know, kind of drinking the Kool-Aid. 48:34 48 minutes, 34 secondsIt was after that trip to Jacksonville. 48:36 48 minutes, 36 secondsYeah, they look good. That’s when they look good. Yeah. 48:40 48 minutes, 40 secondsYeah. And you know, then it just fell apart. Yeah. And uh if I remember what I wrote, it was uh it was basically based 48:48 48 minutes, 48 secondson what the uh Notre Dame coach was saying cuz he was blown away. 48:53 48 minutes, 53 secondsRight. I don’t That’s right. I quoted him too. Long before and so have you. Exactly. 49:00 49 minutesThey did though first eight games. U they and I was there for all three games in Jacksonville. They look so good. Um, 49:08 49 minutes, 8 secondsand what the opposing coaches would say, especially at the plate, they they controlled it was they did not swing at pitches out of the 49:17 49 minutes, 17 secondszone. You had to come in the zone. And if you came in the zone, LSU was ready to to to smash whatever you’re going to throw in there. And yeah, 49:26 49 minutes, 26 secondsthey they absolutely rolled through those guys. And I remember the next game was against MC. Zack York hits a two-run 49:34 49 minutes, 34 secondshomer in the first inning. And LSU’s up two to nothing. looks like they’re going to be rolling. And then McNiss brings in a freshman left-hander and just stymies 49:42 49 minutes, 42 secondsthem offensively and then LSU gives up a few runs and it was like they they were never the same after that 49:50 49 minutes, 50 secondsfor whatever for whatever reason. I mean, we kind of talked about at the beginning of the show there’s been a lot of reasons, but it was like that’s all of a sudden a switch was flipped off and 49:59 49 minutes, 59 secondsthey had a hard time ever really switching it back on. 50:03 50 minutes, 3 secondsYeah, they uh you know they uh their their pitching is was the story of the 50:11 50 minutes, 11 secondsyear kind of uh the the the hitting took a dive kind of in the middle but you 50:18 50 minutes, 18 secondsknow the last few weeks they’ve hit the ball a little better. Given this last disaster in Georgia, other than the 50:26 50 minutes, 26 secondsSunday game, I mean, whether scored seven, eight runs first two days, must be able to win. Same thing in Mississippi State. 50:34 50 minutes, 34 secondsGeorgia Georgia is best team I’ve seen this year. I I I’ll give them credit. 50:40 50 minutes, 40 secondsBut, uh I mean I the pitching is unexplainable. 50:47 50 minutes, 47 secondsOh, I know. And that it looks like they have good stuff when they throw strikes, right? Well, we we had Anthony Rnado on 50:56 50 minutes, 56 secondsa couple of weeks ago, Scooter, and he said, “Yeah, those freshman pitchers, they got electric stuff. They just don’t know where it’s going.” Is what he is what he said. Well, now that kind of helps. 51:06 51 minutes, 6 secondsYeah. Now, getting back to the 1978 team, Scooter. Yeah, that’s true. 51:10 51 minutes, 10 secondsHow How did their Portal players do that year? 51:16 51 minutes, 16 secondsThey went to the porta potty, but well, I don’t believe they had many portal players. They were a fun group, though. 51:28 51 minutes, 28 secondsThey didn’t play baseball very well, but they were fun to travel with. And I was a kid, you know, I was, you know, 51:36 51 minutes, 36 secondscollege student. And let me tell you how it’s kind of a story of how baseball has changed. And it wasn’t like I mean I I 51:46 51 minutes, 46 secondstold you I was kind of the poor man’s Bill Frank is at that team handling the PR. I even did the PA at the home games. 51:55 51 minutes, 55 secondsBut I mean again Paul Manass of the SID legendary was looking over my shoulder the whole time. 52:04 52 minutes, 4 secondsIt was, but he did, you know, let us, but plus nobody gave a damn about the baseball team anyway. 52:13 52 minutes, 13 secondsSo, you know, you go, “Oh, let Scooter do it, you know.” And uh but I but I had fun. I had fun 52:20 52 minutes, 20 secondswith I never traveled with a college team before. 52:26 52 minutes, 26 secondsWell, I had some stories. I can’t tell many of them on the radio. Well, it’s it’s amazing that that team, they were just three years removed under coach Jim 52:35 52 minutes, 35 secondsSmith of one of the best teams ever. In 75, they won the SEC and they still hold the record for fewest losses in the SEC with just three. They went 19 and three. 52:47 52 minutes, 47 secondsI did not know that. 52:48 52 minutes, 48 secondsSo, they both they they hold both of those records on both ends of the uh the spectrum. 52:54 52 minutes, 54 secondsThat’s like uh leading in strikeout Sam Walts, I guess. 52:58 52 minutes, 58 secondsThat’s right. But uh and Jim Smith was a good guy. I mean this is again the 53:05 53 minutes, 5 secondsdifference in college baseball now and then. Jim Smith’s main job. He was football equipment manager 53:15 53 minutes, 15 secondsand then he he was we’d be on the road trips. I and uh we weren’t staying in 53:22 53 minutes, 22 secondsMarriott Marquees, you know, just your basic, you know, roadside ends and 53:28 53 minutes, 28 secondsstuff, but you I’d knock on Jim Smith’s uh hotel room door. I need to ask him 53:36 53 minutes, 36 secondssomething. I go in there and there’s football shoulder pads and helmets and chin straps everywhere. 53:43 53 minutes, 43 secondsHe wasn’t studying film of the opponent pitcher the next night. No. No. Good guy though. Really good guy. 53:52 53 minutes, 52 secondsScooter, let’s get your thoughts on Lane Keifin. Uh we first time we’ve had you on since uh Kein was uh hired as the head coach. Uh as someone that has 54:01 54 minutes, 1 secondcovered LSU athletics as long as you have. How excited, how intrigued are you to see uh what happens? 54:07 54 minutes, 7 secondsI’m excited. I I wrote a column for tomorrow saying he uh he he he went to 54:15 54 minutes, 15 secondshe crossed the line which I know you know what I’m talking about but I thought he crossed the line uh with you 54:22 54 minutes, 22 secondsknow what he said about his problems with this image right uh that’s you know he’s got some make up 54:32 54 minutes, 32 secondsto do which I don’t know if he’s capable of that I really don’t know him that well I’ve only talked 54:38 54 minutes, 38 secondsuh met him one time. Uh so I’m but I am I mean I I think he’ll be fun. I I mean 54:47 54 minutes, 47 secondsI’m I’m too old to worry about whether they win or lose. I just want somebody’s fun to cover and I think he will be 54:55 54 minutes, 55 secondsthat. You know, certainly will be there. 55:01 55 minutes, 1 secondYeah, we’re here. Uh what do you think of the prospects of this team? Is this a team that you feel like with all that’s been invested in this year that it 55:08 55 minutes, 8 secondsbetter make the college football playoff? 55:12 55 minutes, 12 secondsI would think that would be the minimal requirement. 55:16 55 minutes, 16 secondsuh just because we’re assuming uh you know it looks like you know they 55:23 55 minutes, 23 secondsweren’t bad defensively last year and a lot of that is back and it you assume 55:31 55 minutes, 31 secondsLane Kein can snap his fingers and do offensive magic. 55:36 55 minutes, 36 secondsYeah. Yeah. It uh it’ll be intriguing to to see. Are you going to make the trip up to Oxford? 55:43 55 minutes, 43 secondsI probably will. Uh, I I’m wondering if Kein will dare go. 55:51 55 minutes, 51 secondsWell, well, we’re both going to have more money in the budget from baseball this season. We’re going to be doing any traveling. 56:00 56 minutesNo. 56:01 56 minutes, 1 secondYeah, that’s true. 56:05 56 minutes, 5 secondsWell, hey, Scooter, it was good catching up with you, man. We appreciate it. Uh, enjoy your summer. It’s going to be a little bit of a longer off season when it comes to LSU athletics, but uh 56:13 56 minutes, 13 secondsfootball will be here before you know it. No kidding. Thanks a lot, Scooter. 56:19 56 minutes, 19 secondsYep. Scooter Hobs from the uh Lake Charles American Press. Uh just a one-of-a-kind uh reporter. 56:27 56 minutes, 27 secondsGlenn, they don’t make him like him anymore. 56:30 56 minutes, 30 secondsNo. No. And uh I think they asked him to play a couple of times on that 78 team because he he was a good high school 56:38 56 minutes, 38 secondsfootball player. And I’m sure he could he could play some uh some good baseball and softball at some of the LSWA conventions. 56:44 56 minutes, 44 secondsYeah. All right. Well, uh let’s take another break. Uh we got a couple more guests to get to before we’re out of here tonight. Cory Diaz from the USA Today Network. We’re going to talk with 56:53 56 minutes, 53 secondshim about LSU baseball. We’ll also hear from Patrick Wright. The LSU softball team competing in an NCAA regional. Can 57:00 57 minutesthey get to a super regional and potentially play Alabama? We’ll talk with Patrick about that. And uh we’ll have a lot more coming up here. And 57:08 57 minutes, 8 secondsagain, anytime you want to listen to Tiger Rag Radio, just go to anywhere you get your podcast or go to YouTube. All our shows are posted up there as well. 57:16 57 minutes, 16 secondsSo, we’ll be back after this. Here from the Super Chevy dealer studio, this is Tiger Rag Radio. Chevy trucks have you covered when the road takes you from 57:23 57 minutes, 23 secondssmooth sailing to Chevy Colorado will eat up some of the toughest terrains with five available drive modes. And Silverado and Silverado HD have the 57:31 57 minutes, 31 secondsmuscle to take you out for some serious with multiple engine options and impressive towing. While Silverado EV is the perfect combo of performance and 57:39 57 minutes, 39 secondscapability, making it a snap to hitch up this electric truck and hit the road. 57:44 57 minutes, 44 secondsWherever the road leads, Chevy trucks are right there with you. See your Super Chevy dealers today. 57:51 57 minutes, 51 secondsWe now return to Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 57:59 57 minutes, 59 secondsYeah, back here on Tiger Rag Radio from the Super Chevy dealers studio. Coming up, Cory Diaz from the USA Today Network. We’ll talk some LSU baseball 58:08 58 minutes, 8 secondswith him. Patrick Wright, who is uh the voice of the LSU softball team, will talk with him as well. Well, we uh last 58:15 58 minutes, 15 secondsweek when we were doing the show, that was the day uh that Will Wade had appeared on a couple of podcasts, so we 58:22 58 minutes, 22 secondsknew he was alive and well despite not really getting many commitments. And then we had a bit of a flurry of guys that finally announced their commitment. 58:31 58 minutes, 31 secondsI I thought we were going to have a stretch there like each day there was going to be somebody else like it was all orchestrated and that u you know one 58:39 58 minutes, 39 secondsguy will continue you know you’ll have a new guy commit every day and till you get to about eight or 10 guys or whatever it may be but we’re starting to 58:47 58 minutes, 47 secondsget some sort of a makings of a roster and what are some of your thoughts Glenn? Yeah. Um, you know, I I think he’s still got plenty more to go. Yes. 58:56 58 minutes, 56 secondsBut, uh, Marcio Santos of of U Brazil, um, who played professionally at, uh, 59:05 59 minutes, 5 secondsTel Aviv, Israel, uh, you know, seems like he’s a pretty talented player. Uh, I heard he’s very bad on defense. That’s what I heard. 59:15 59 minutes, 15 secondsRight. Well, the other the other players they signed are kind of focused on defense. 59:19 59 minutes, 19 secondsUh and uh the Michigan State guard, he’s coming off an injury, but uh you know, he looks like that 59:27 59 minutes, 27 secondscould be a good addition. Y and I like the fact that he played um you know, for Tom Isizo. Yeah, that was uh that that was impressive. 59:36 59 minutes, 36 secondsUm but uh he’s still he’s still got a long ways to go. You know, it’s good that he’s got finally got started. But, uh, you know, I I think we’re going to 59:44 59 minutes, 44 secondsfind out, you know, he he might get some of his best additions from guys who go in the second round of the NBA draft in 59:52 59 minutes, 52 secondsin a few weeks and decide not to play yet pro yet and and, you know, fall back on LSU. That would be good. Yeah. Yeah. 1:00:00 1 hourLike Allen Graves, right. Right. Allen Graves is one that they’re probably it’s between them and Duke is what we’re hearing. 1:00:06 1 hour, 6 secondsRight. Right. You know, that that would be an excellent addition. and and uh you know, he’s he’s lost some some good ones, but um you know, I think I think 1:00:16 1 hour, 16 secondshe’s going to uh he’s going to be able to find some some good players. I keep hearing we just haven’t seen them signed yet. 1:00:22 1 hour, 22 secondsAnd I’ll be it’ll be interesting to see how many guys, international guys, he brings in. It’s one so far, but there’s more coming. 1:00:31 1 hour, 31 secondsYeah. and and you know that was one of the reasons they hired Rick Stansberry because of his European contacts, but uh 1:00:38 1 hour, 38 secondsyou know um they they definitely need to get a couple of more of those and and that’s it’s not just going to be a one-year thing, but um they they still need some more players big time. 1:00:48 1 hour, 48 secondsI don’t want to sound like the cranky old man here, Glenn, but 23-year-old professional player, 1:00:56 1 hour, 56 secondsthat just doesn’t sound like college basketball to me. 1:00:59 1 hour, 59 secondsRight. Right. I know. I know. It’s uh it’s amazing what it what it’s come to. 1:01:04 1 hour, 1 minute, 4 secondsUm and you don’t really know how good they are. Uh you know, the the the 1:01:10 1 hour, 1 minute, 10 secondsrankings aren’t as um easily accessible as as when you get a transfer from a college player. Plus, when you get a 1:01:18 1 hour, 1 minute, 18 secondstransfer from a college player from a major program like a Michigan State or or North Carolina State, you know, it’s 1:01:26 1 hour, 1 minute, 26 secondsnot as big a a jump uh or or there’s not as much adjustment for those players. 1:01:32 1 hour, 1 minute, 32 secondsSo, um that’s it’s going to be strange, but uh Will Wade will continue. I would imagine maybe a couple more guys. Uh 1:01:40 1 hour, 1 minute, 40 secondslet’s see if uh if they’ll commit to this week and kind of move this process along, but it it it’s been slow. It’s it certainly has been and uh but that 1:01:48 1 hour, 1 minute, 48 secondsthat’s fine. You might as well be deliberate with it there. There’s not necessarily a rush. You’re right. I think there were some guys that he was 1:01:55 1 hour, 1 minute, 55 secondshoping to maybe make a a little bit more of a splash with. It didn’t work out. Uh you just move on to the next guy. 1:02:02 1 hour, 2 minutes, 2 secondsThere’s plenty of guys out there. There does seem to be a plan in place. Um the staff seems like it’s pretty much fully in place, right? I mean, 1:02:10 1 hour, 2 minutes, 10 secondsyeah, he’s done with the for what was supposed to be a skeleton staff. It’s kind of grown, hasn’t it? He he’s he’s got more coaches than players right now, 1:02:19 1 hour, 2 minutes, 19 secondsbut the uh you know the core players and he said you you only need about seven or eight. Yeah. 1:02:24 1 hour, 2 minutes, 24 secondsThat that’s going to go through the end of June and in early July and then filling out the roster to 13 or 14 or 15, 1:02:31 1 hour, 2 minutes, 31 secondsyou know, that could go right up until September, I think. 1:02:34 1 hour, 2 minutes, 34 secondsYeah. Oh, yeah. Probably right up right up until uh the time that uh school starts. And it seems like LS getting to 1:02:41 1 hour, 2 minutes, 41 secondsback to LSU football. They’ve gotten one junior college commit uh from a out of the quarterback position and it’s it 1:02:48 1 hour, 2 minutes, 48 secondslooks like they’re still trying to maybe grab a couple more guys as well. So uh I don’t know if they’re really done there 1:02:56 1 hour, 2 minutes, 56 secondsyet, but yeah. Well, he he definitely wanted a second portal window particularly because he’s a first year coach at a at 1:03:04 1 hour, 3 minutes, 4 secondsa school. Uh so yeah, that that and then he you know he had a couple of guys hurt. So yeah, I think he’s going to continue to uh maybe try to find one or two more there. 1:03:13 1 hour, 3 minutes, 13 secondsYeah. So all that uh to be done. I think women’s bet we’ll have Cory on coming up here in the next segment. I I don’t know if there’s any more additions that Kim 1:03:22 1 hour, 3 minutes, 22 secondsmay be looking at. He uh Corey obviously covers Lady Tigers basketball just as much as he covers uh baseball and football for LSU. So we’ll get his take 1:03:31 1 hour, 3 minutes, 31 secondson that if we can anticipate that. And then with baseball season um wrapping up here potentially next week, it does give 1:03:38 1 hour, 3 minutes, 38 secondsJay Johnson certainly much more of a head start here when it comes to the transfer portal and I think trying to secure his high school guys. But again, 1:03:47 1 hour, 3 minutes, 47 secondsthat really is you just don’t know until you get through the draft and the draft’s not till July. But uh he can at least start 1:03:56 1 hour, 3 minutes, 56 secondsreally making a headway there on the transfer portal if he’s looking to get a couple of impact guys. I don’t know if he’s going to necessarily get some fringe guys like he did a season ago. I 1:04:04 1 hour, 4 minutes, 4 secondsthink he’ll be looking for guys that going to certainly make an impact um out of the transfer portal. So, right. And and I think he he can’t wait to get started at that too. 1:04:15 1 hour, 4 minutes, 15 secondsI think so, too. I think it’s been at this point the writing’s been on the wall here for a couple weeks. They gave you a little bit of slight hope that 1:04:23 1 hour, 4 minutes, 23 secondsmaybe maybe they can win one potentially steal the series in at Georgia. But, uh, that thing fell apart pretty quickly 1:04:31 1 hour, 4 minutes, 31 secondsever since, uh, really after the, uh, the the controversial call on the double play of Kate Aaron Bey. That, uh, that series just went sideways after that. 1:04:40 1 hour, 4 minutes, 40 secondsLet’s take a break. Cory Diaz will join us when we come back here on Tiger Egg Radio. 1:04:44 1 hour, 4 minutes, 44 secondsI’m Richard Font, president of the Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation. My brother and I grow rice, soybeans, and raised crawfish on our farm in Evangeline Parish. For a fourth 1:04:53 1 hour, 4 minutes, 53 secondsgeneration farmer like myself, Louisiana Farm Bureau is as much a part of my life as checking traps or harvesting rice. 1:04:59 1 hour, 4 minutes, 59 secondsOur organization is more than 145,000 members strong, and we’ve been around for more than 100 years. The Louisiana Farm Bureau spans generations, and we want you to join our family. 1:05:09 1 hour, 5 minutes, 9 secondsVisit lafarmbureau.org. The Louisiana Farm Bureau Federation, the voice of Louisiana agriculture. 1:05:15 1 hour, 5 minutes, 15 secondsNow, more Tiger Rag Radio live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. Continuing 1:05:24 1 hour, 5 minutes, 24 secondson here with uh Tiger Rag Radio as we bring in our next guest. He covers LSU athletics, in particular football and 1:05:31 1 hour, 5 minutes, 31 secondswomen’s basketball and baseball for the USA Today network. Corey Diaz joins us on Tiger Rag Radio. Jeff Polarmo along with Tiger Rag editor Glenn Gilbo. How you doing tonight, Corey? 1:05:42 1 hour, 5 minutes, 42 secondsHey, what’s going on, boys? Doing well. 1:05:44 1 hour, 5 minutes, 44 secondsDoing well. Can you imagine that uh a week from tonight this thing might be all said and done and we’re packing up the helmets and the baseball bats for another season? 1:05:56 1 hour, 5 minutes, 56 secondsUh well, I guess if you’d asked me that question in January, I I’d call you crazy. But if you’d as you’d asked me that question uh about the end end of 1:06:04 1 hour, 6 minutes, 4 secondsMarch, beginning of April, I thought that there would be a legitimate shot. 1:06:07 1 hour, 6 minutes, 7 secondsUm just, you know, we we saw Mississippi State do this a few years ago, right? like they win the 1:06:15 1 hour, 6 minutes, 15 secondsnational championship next year, they fail to make the tournament. So, this isn’t like a, you know, this isn’t completely unheard of. I just think for 1:06:23 1 hour, 6 minutes, 23 secondsme from what I’ve seen and watched from this team, this just really sort of screams the case of like what what 1:06:31 1 hour, 6 minutes, 31 secondscollege baseball is in the NIL rep share era now. I just think it’s harder for, you know, teams just to stay on top. 1:06:40 1 hour, 6 minutes, 40 secondsLike, you know, I don’t know if we’ll see, you know, uh, like South Carolina comes to right mind like in the early, you know, 2010s, you know, when they won back-to-back national championships. I’m 1:06:49 1 hour, 6 minutes, 49 secondsI don’t know if in this current era of collegiate athletics, I’m not sure on the baseball front, you know, if if 1:06:55 1 hour, 6 minutes, 55 secondswe’ll see that anytime soon. Um, just because I just think there’s more in terms of the spending, right? I just 1:07:03 1 hour, 7 minutes, 3 secondsthink there’s more parody across the board. Um, you know, as it as it relates to that. I mean, I think now, you know, maybe more than we have in the last 1:07:12 1 hour, 7 minutes, 12 secondshandful, maybe 10 years or so. I think there’s there’s more teams ranked in the top 10, you know, outside of the SEC that at this point in the season than 1:07:20 1 hour, 7 minutes, 20 secondsthan there has been in a while, you know, and again, I I sort of contribute that to, you know, teams being able to, you know, sort of spend what they want, 1:07:29 1 hour, 7 minutes, 29 secondsyou know, whether it be via the transfer portal or or maybe they can somehow in some cases outbid the, you know, major leagues in terms of getting kids to to 1:07:37 1 hour, 7 minutes, 37 secondssign and come to campus. So, um, it’s been a really, really, weirdly enough, it’s been a fascinating 1:07:46 1 hour, 7 minutes, 46 secondsseason of LSU baseball. Obviously, I know the results, the wins and losses hasn’t been what the fans want, but I just think I think from like those particular aspects of this, like I think 1:07:53 1 hour, 7 minutes, 53 secondswe really sort of see the effects of some of this some of the grand, you know, topics, you know, within collegiate athletics. 1:08:00 1 hour, 8 minutesWell, you know, you make a good point. 1:08:02 1 hour, 8 minutes, 2 secondsMississippi State went through that. Old Miss did as well after they won the national championship. They they only won like six SEC games the next year. 1:08:12 1 hour, 8 minutes, 12 secondsBut you look at Georgia, they’ve they’ve built steady like the last three years. 1:08:17 1 hour, 8 minutes, 17 secondsUh and you know, and Tennessee actually was was good the year after they won the national championship. 1:08:25 1 hour, 8 minutes, 25 secondsTexas A&M or excuse me, Jim Shanagel, wherever he’s going, I mean, they’re they’re one of a they’re they’re they’re a top eight seed every every year. Now 1:08:34 1 hour, 8 minutes, 34 secondsthey’re not winning he’s not winning national championships like Jay did two out of three years. That’s the thing. 1:08:39 1 hour, 8 minutes, 39 secondsYeah. It’s it’s weird because plus he um you know he’s he was good at the portal before this year. You know it’s just 1:08:48 1 hour, 8 minutes, 48 secondsit’s just kind of a of a freaky year and um you know and some of his veteran players didn’t like like Schmid and and 1:08:57 1 hour, 8 minutes, 57 secondsa Evans and and Rizzy you know they didn’t kind of follow up what they did. 1:09:02 1 hour, 9 minutes, 2 secondsSo, I don’t know. It’s it’s it’s really hard to uh to fathom. What What do you think they need to do most as far as the 1:09:09 1 hour, 9 minutes, 9 secondsportal and and and non-portal recruiting uh for next year, Corey? 1:09:15 1 hour, 9 minutes, 15 secondsYeah. And Gilbo, I just that that last point you made there just real quick, you know, um you know, look, you can throw Cooper Williams and Maverick Rizzy, you know, sort of into that. 1:09:24 1 hour, 9 minutes, 24 secondsSure. you know, that group of of returning players that that did what I would categorize as pretty substantial 1:09:33 1 hour, 9 minutes, 33 secondsuh work for a national championship winning baseball team last year and came back. And I think you can make the argument that there’s been regression, right? They didn’t get they got worse. 1:09:42 1 hour, 9 minutes, 42 secondsAnd I think that, you know, for this team, I think that’s that’s what I think that’s one of the biggest points about it is that like guys that I think Jay 1:09:50 1 hour, 9 minutes, 50 secondsreally felt like were going to be significant key contributors to this team, two months into the season, I 1:09:58 1 hour, 9 minutes, 58 secondsthink he looked down at his list and said, “Well, we we can’t turn to these guys because we can’t trust them when we put them in the game.” And so, um, and 1:10:07 1 hour, 10 minutes, 7 secondsso to to get to the portal, you know, question there. I mean, look, you you’ve got to get you got to go out and you got to get pitching. And I think that I think you say that every year, right? I 1:10:15 1 hour, 10 minutes, 15 secondsmean, but, you know, you’ve got to go out and you’ve got to find some guys, especially some left-handed guys, you know, that you can that you can whether 1:10:23 1 hour, 10 minutes, 23 secondsit’s in relief starting role. Uh because I I do think uh you know even with William Schmidt coming back, Kase Evans 1:10:31 1 hour, 10 minutes, 31 secondscoming back, you know, I do think Jay and and Nate Yepski would would like to see some some competition for those 1:10:39 1 hour, 10 minutes, 39 secondsthose starting roles. You know, um you know, because a guy like Kase Evans to me has been really fascinating. you 1:10:46 1 hour, 10 minutes, 46 secondsknow, I thought he was tremendous in a relief role last year and um and just moved to that starting role and just 1:10:55 1 hour, 10 minutes, 55 secondshasn’t quite clicked for him. Now, that could just be, you know, this particular year, maybe another full off season with sort of a, you know, he’s never really 1:11:04 1 hour, 11 minutes, 4 secondssaid he sort of changed his work habits or anything like that in regards to being released pitcher versus a starter. 1:11:09 1 hour, 11 minutes, 9 secondsHe just goes about his work the same way, but maybe just another offseason, you know, getting ready for another year. Maybe it maybe it clicks for him 1:11:16 1 hour, 11 minutes, 16 secondsthen, but you know, I think you got to have options there and you got to have guys that can come in and push the guys that you have returning. And I think 1:11:25 1 hour, 11 minutes, 25 secondsthat may have been some, you know, some spots on this team that, you know, they didn’t really have that. Um, you know, 1:11:32 1 hour, 11 minutes, 32 secondsespecially, you know, in the preeason and, you know, you kind of just had what you had. You know, I think that’s that kind of is explained by, you know, Zack 1:11:40 1 hour, 11 minutes, 40 secondsYork starting the first 30 some odd games at first base. Yeah. Obviously, you brought the kid in, you know, don’t know what the NIL amount was, right? But 1:11:48 1 hour, 11 minutes, 48 secondsI’m sure you’re paying that kid somewhat handsomely and um you probably feel like you’re not getting return on investment if you bench him 15, 20 games into the 1:11:57 1 hour, 11 minutes, 57 secondsyear. But, you know, I think you just make the argument that he just wasn’t the best option at first base. Um so, 1:12:04 1 hour, 12 minutes, 4 secondsbut look, I mean, if you if you lose Stephen Milm, you got to get a you got to get a short stop. Um, I I think I 1:12:12 1 hour, 12 minutes, 12 secondsthink every position in the infield um is is something that LSU could benefit from from the transfer portal. Um, I 1:12:20 1 hour, 12 minutes, 20 secondsthink your outfield is is pretty set. I mean, I know you’re you’re likely going to lose Curiel and center, but uh I 1:12:28 1 hour, 12 minutes, 28 secondsthink there’s some guys that that that have gotten some good amount of at bats this year, especially late in the year. 1:12:34 1 hour, 12 minutes, 34 secondsplayed a lot of baseball and I think, you know, I think Jay and and his staff would feel good about what they have, 1:12:41 1 hour, 12 minutes, 41 secondsyou know, out in the outfield. So, to me, I think the two biggest needs for for LSU baseball next year would be pitching and that goes all roles. Um, 1:12:50 1 hour, 12 minutes, 50 secondsand I think every position in the infield is uh is something they would look out outside of catcher. They’re obviously very good at catchers. So, I think they got two really good guys 1:12:58 1 hour, 12 minutes, 58 secondsthere. Um, and who knows, like maybe you look at one of those guys. Maybe you play one of those guys at first. 1:13:04 1 hour, 13 minutes, 4 secondsYeah. Keep the bat in the lineup, you know? So, I don’t know. There’s there’s some things that they could do. 1:13:09 1 hour, 13 minutes, 9 secondsWell, Jake Brown probably not coming back. Well, he’s not coming back. And then uh Stanfield is uh is not coming 1:13:16 1 hour, 13 minutes, 16 secondsback. Courier won’t be coming back. So, who who do you think are the outfielders, the potential outfielders that are on the team now? 1:13:25 1 hour, 13 minutes, 25 secondsYeah. You know, I think, you know, Daniel Harden is a guy, right? you know, he’s got, you know, he’s got ability to play left or center. 1:13:32 1 hour, 13 minutes, 32 secondsUm, obviously a quick guy, but he probably projects, you know, probably projects left field, right? William Patrick is your center fielder, uh, 1:13:40 1 hour, 13 minutes, 40 secondsgoing forward. Okay. I mean, I don’t think that’s, you know, I don’t think that’s rocket science, right? He’s going to be the fastest guy 1:13:48 1 hour, 13 minutes, 48 secondson the team. And, right, you know, he’s made some really good plays out in right field, you know, in in the latter portions of this season. I’ve been really impressed with him defensively. 1:13:56 1 hour, 13 minutes, 56 secondsGot a really good arm on him, too. Um, so he’s your center fielder next year, next two years. Um, and and look, they they brought in Mason Braun to be an 1:14:05 1 hour, 14 minutes, 5 secondsoutfielder. I think Mason Braun moves out to right field next year. Um, so I I I think that’s probably your makeup uh 1:14:13 1 hour, 14 minutes, 13 secondsout there. Now, look, you know, they’re probably going to add at least one guy, right, that can, you know, certainly platoon in those positions. Um, and they 1:14:22 1 hour, 14 minutes, 22 secondsshould, but uh, you know, I I for one think that’s, you know, that’s kind of where the the outfield’s going to start, uh, for next year. 1:14:31 1 hour, 14 minutes, 31 secondsCorey, we appreciate your time, man. Uh, hey, before we get you out of here, is is Kim Moy done adding uh, through the transfer portal or is there um, anybody else that maybe they might bring in? 1:14:44 1 hour, 14 minutes, 44 secondsYeah, they they’ve got they’ve got one spot um, they’ve got one spot still open. Um there’s, you know, there’s 1:14:51 1 hour, 14 minutes, 51 secondsthere’s some talks of um you know, another international player. Um it’s not to the point to where, you know, I would feel comfortable talking about it. 1:15:01 1 hour, 15 minutes, 1 secondUm but I do know that they’ve, you know, they’re making some headway uh in that direction. Um and it it’ll likely be a 1:15:10 1 hour, 15 minutes, 10 secondsforward. Uh and so, but yeah, they’ve got they’ve got one spot. I mean, obviously, you know, she never uses her full a lotment of scholarships. Um, you 1:15:18 1 hour, 15 minutes, 18 secondsknow, there’s several coaches that that sort of, you know, prescribe to that philosophy. You know, Don Staley’s one, too. She never uses her full a lotment 1:15:25 1 hour, 15 minutes, 25 secondsof scholarships. Um, you know, obviously Kim, you know, she uses short rotations anyway, so why have 15 players on your team when you’re only going to play nine, you know, so yeah. 1:15:33 1 hour, 15 minutes, 33 secondsUm, so yeah, they’ve got one spot. Uh, it it likely will be another 1:15:40 1 hour, 15 minutes, 40 secondsinternational ad. Um and and that’s that’s where it stands at this moment. 1:15:46 1 hour, 15 minutes, 46 secondsWhen and when that could be announced uh is is kind of up in the air at this point, but uh but that’s that’s the latest on that. 1:15:54 1 hour, 15 minutes, 54 secondsCorey, thanks, man. We appreciate your time and uh we’ll see. We’ll see what happens here. Uh I’m sure it’s going to be some uh busy offseason news here when it comes to baseball. 1:16:03 1 hour, 16 minutes, 3 secondsOh, yeah. No doubt. Players leaving, players coming in every year, I guess. Yeah. Thanks, Corey. Corey Diaz at the USA Today Network. 1:16:11 1 hour, 16 minutes, 11 secondsLet’s take a break. Patrick Wright will talk with us when we come back from the Super Chevy Dealer Studios. 1:16:18 1 hour, 16 minutes, 18 secondsGet growing and reading. It’s May, the perfect time to fall in love with books. 1:16:23 1 hour, 16 minutes, 23 secondsThe East Baton Rouge Parish Library invites you to plant a seed and read from June 1st through August 18th. Visit 1:16:30 1 hour, 16 minutes, 30 secondsyour nearby library for exciting events, fun reading incentives, and familyfriendly programs designed to inspire readers of all ages. To learn 1:16:40 1 hour, 16 minutes, 40 secondsmore about all the fun reading can bring, visit ebrpl.com. 1:16:48 1 hour, 16 minutes, 48 secondsTiger Rag Radio is back live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 1:16:56 1 hour, 16 minutes, 56 secondsBack inside the Super Chevy Dealer studio, Jeff Palmo along with Tiger Rag editor Gwen Gilbo. Let’s get right to our next guest here as we’re winding 1:17:04 1 hour, 17 minutes, 4 secondsdown tonight’s show. There is some postseason action on the LSU campus this weekend. It’s NCAA regional play. The Tigers will be taking on Virginia Tech. 1:17:13 1 hour, 17 minutes, 13 secondsThey’ll be taking on South Alabama. And then they got Akan. That’s their first game. It’s the one versus four matchup coming up on Friday at Tiger Park at 1:17:22 1 hour, 17 minutes, 22 seconds5:30. The voice of the LSU Softball Tigers, Patrick Wright, joins us. Patrick, how you doing tonight? 1:17:28 1 hour, 17 minutes, 28 secondsHey, good fellas. Good uh good good to be back. 1:17:30 1 hour, 17 minutes, 30 secondsYeah, it’s been a while. Uh for sure. Um LSU softball’s kind of flown under the radar with everything else that’s going on with LSU athletics, but uh at first 1:17:40 1 hour, 17 minutes, 40 secondsduring SEC play, this it wasn’t a good start for this team. What did they do to turn it around? I know the schedule softened a little bit. That certainly 1:17:48 1 hour, 17 minutes, 48 secondshelped, but uh how did this team improve over the course of the year? 1:17:53 1 hour, 17 minutes, 53 secondsWell, uh the hitting got better. They got and I thought this was going to be a team that was going to hit well this year and they got off to a really slow 1:18:01 1 hour, 18 minutes, 1 secondstart. It was even in some of the non-conference games, you know, against some opponents who weren’t great, you know, for example, they had a one to 1:18:09 1 hour, 18 minutes, 9 secondsnothing win over Howard. Uh so the offense struggled early early, but then uh after the 0 and5 start in league play 1:18:17 1 hour, 18 minutes, 17 secondswhen the pitchers were really having a rough time, it all kind of started to fall together. the hitters started to come around. Um, and then Jaden Heer had 1:18:26 1 hour, 18 minutes, 26 secondsa pretty good run, although she had a couple of rough ones at the end. But Pton Monoselli, the transfer from Oklahoma, who pitched a little bit last 1:18:34 1 hour, 18 minutes, 34 secondsyear, but just kind of blossomed. I mean, she, if you had to to name an ace of the staff right now, she’s probably it. Her last 45 innings or so, she’s got 1:18:43 1 hour, 18 minutes, 43 secondsan RA of under two. Um she’s been very reliable and uh her emergence along with the offense that just got red-hot for a 1:18:52 1 hour, 18 minutes, 52 secondslittle while uh especially in the home ballpark. Um so just some hitters who got off the slow starts like Tory Edwards and Macy Bajron got off to 1:19:01 1 hour, 19 minutes, 1 secondreally rough starts compared to how they did last year, but they’re both in a good spot I think going to postseason. 1:19:07 1 hour, 19 minutes, 7 secondsSo, it’s it’s better than last year when they finished the regular season with four teams that made uh that were top 1:19:14 1 hour, 19 minutes, 14 secondseight national seeds and that you just kind of had the feeling like they were beat down by that. I think that they’re refreshed and have a good positive feeling going into the postseason this year. 1:19:24 1 hour, 19 minutes, 24 secondsPatrick, uh what kind of chance do you give them of advancing out of the regional? And how do you think she handles her pitching? And I’m I was just 1:19:32 1 hour, 19 minutes, 32 secondswondering what what you thought of of the pitching in the SEC tournament when they had to use three pitchers in that game. 1:19:39 1 hour, 19 minutes, 39 secondsGeorgia is a team that is a that was just hot with the bats that night and they have been for a few weeks. Uh she 1:19:47 1 hour, 19 minutes, 47 secondswent with Heer I think to kind of counter you know Georgia was kind of a swing away team and you know even isn’t always in the zone but man they they 1:19:55 1 hour, 19 minutes, 55 secondsjust hit everything. Um, now going into the regional now, I would say Virginia Tech is a is a tough matchup. Um, 1:20:03 1 hour, 20 minutes, 3 secondsthey’ve got a couple of really good pitchers. They’ve got an offense that has some big numbers against not a great schedule, but then, you know, they played some some tough teams in the ACC. 1:20:13 1 hour, 20 minutes, 13 secondsI think playing Akan gives you a little bit of an edge because in that first game, she can probably pitch somebody a 1:20:21 1 hour, 20 minutes, 21 secondslittle further down the rotation like a Tatum Clapton who hasn’t pitched a ton. 1:20:25 1 hour, 20 minutes, 25 secondsUm, just because I I don’t think Akan is going to be a huge challenge and then she can save all of her big bullets for the weekend. But if I had to guess like you know if you if you win the game 1:20:34 1 hour, 20 minutes, 34 secondsFriday and you get to uh who Virginia Tech or South Alabama, I think Monoselli is probably the one unless she really 1:20:41 1 hour, 20 minutes, 41 secondssees a matchup she likes with one of her other pitchers against whoever wins that first game. I think Monaceel is the one you go to just because she’s been the 1:20:48 1 hour, 20 minutes, 48 secondshot pitcher here lately. talking to Patrick Wright, who of course the longtime voice of the LSU softball team. 1:20:55 1 hour, 20 minutes, 55 secondsHow is this team maybe better equipped? 1:20:58 1 hour, 20 minutes, 58 secondsYou know, last year was obviously a disappointing result, losing twice to South Eastern Louisiana. How is this team maybe better equipped to win this 1:21:06 1 hour, 21 minutes, 6 secondsregional and potentially advanced over to playing Alabama next weekend? 1:21:10 1 hour, 21 minutes, 10 secondsWell, I I think the the pitching depth has it can can be a a big plus for this 1:21:17 1 hour, 21 minutes, 17 secondsteam. If you get He even going, you got Monaceeli. Uh and then we haven’t mentioned CC Salura. She has experience 1:21:25 1 hour, 21 minutes, 25 secondsin regionals. She did it when she was at San Diego State. Um you know, if you need a pitcher who can come in and throw some ground balls, like she’s that 1:21:33 1 hour, 21 minutes, 33 secondsmatchup. And then as I mentioned, Clton, who might could get the start uh against Akan, she’s got four pitchers that she 1:21:39 1 hour, 21 minutes, 39 secondsknows she can trust. And if you happen, you know, to get into the losers bracket and have to win, you know, three games in 24 hours, you got the pitching to get 1:21:49 1 hour, 21 minutes, 49 secondsthrough it. And I think you got some hitters. Again, like I say, we’re we’re on a on an upswing this year going into the regionals. Last year, the bats had 1:21:56 1 hour, 21 minutes, 56 secondscooled off. Um, but so I think we’re on a different trajectory that way. This team has got enough offense. Hopefully, it can, you know, get by some of the 1:22:05 1 hour, 22 minutes, 5 secondsgood pitching they’re going to see. And I think they’ve got a deep enough staff that if somebody is struggling, she can get them out of there and put somebody else in. 1:22:12 1 hour, 22 minutes, 12 secondsWho needs to swing to bat well? Like if she’s swinging to bat well, the rest of the offense is kind of clicking right behind her. 1:22:19 1 hour, 22 minutes, 19 secondsWell, yeah. Jayla Aster at the top and and Kylie Edwards who has been quite a fine in the one and three holes. And then Daniels in the middle and two. I’m 1:22:27 1 hour, 22 minutes, 27 secondsgonna say the top three because when they’re getting on base, um Edwards and Franklin and Bajam behind them have done 1:22:34 1 hour, 22 minutes, 34 secondsa great job of driving them in and in the over the last three or four weeks, Lacier, Daniel and Kylie Edwards have 1:22:42 1 hour, 22 minutes, 42 secondslived on base. So if if they can get on base at the rate that they have been, LSU’s got the the people behind them who 1:22:50 1 hour, 22 minutes, 50 secondswho have been driving them in and uh and can put a lot of crooked numbers uh have come lately, you know, especially against Auburn. But even against 1:22:58 1 hour, 22 minutes, 58 secondsGeorgia, the two-run homer, um the Old Miss series, they just live putting more than single runs up in an inning. And I feel like the pitching is good enough. 1:23:08 1 hour, 23 minutes, 8 secondsYou can get a couple of those innings, it’ll be enough. 1:23:10 1 hour, 23 minutes, 10 secondsPatrick, thanks a lot, man. will be listening for sure and watching. We appreciate your time tonight. All right, sounds good, guys. 1:23:16 1 hour, 23 minutes, 16 secondsAll right, that is the voice of the LSU softball team, Patrick Wright. Tigers in action this weekend. Virginia Tech, South Alabama, and Akan. Let’s take a 1:23:24 1 hour, 23 minutes, 24 secondsbreak. More of Tiger Rag Radio from the Super Chevy dealer studio when we come back. 1:23:29 1 hour, 23 minutes, 29 secondsTiger Rag Radio is back on the air live from Super Chevy Dealer Studio. 1:23:36 1 hour, 23 minutes, 36 secondsWrapping up the show. Been a good show. 1:23:38 1 hour, 23 minutes, 38 secondsWe just heard from Patrick Wright. Then we heard from Corey Diaz from the USA Today Network. Scooter Hobbs from the Lake Charles American Press and then started off the show guest wise. 1:23:49 1 hour, 23 minutes, 49 secondsAnyways, uh Chris Smith from Vanity Fair. This is Tiger Rag Radio. Jeff Polmo along with Glen Gilbo. Glenn, you said you Chris texted you something. 1:23:58 1 hour, 23 minutes, 58 secondsChris Smith. 1:23:59 1 hour, 23 minutes, 59 secondsYeah, we had uh we had three sports writers, man. It was it was like a like the old show on on ESPN. Sports uh sports writers. 1:24:07 1 hour, 24 minutes, 7 secondsSport the the sports writers. Yeah, that’s right. It was called those sports writers. Yeah. But uh no, Chris, I thanked him for for being on the show and for the plugs for Tiger Egg. And he 1:24:16 1 hour, 24 minutes, 16 secondssaid he said, “Yes, Lane Keifin is not just a Tiger Egg subject, but he’s a Tiger Egg reader.” Yeah. 1:24:22 1 hour, 24 minutes, 22 secondsAnd he said, “One thing I give Lane credit for, he doesn’t resort to the coaching cliche of I don’t pay attention to what’s written or said about me.” Yeah. 1:24:31 1 hour, 24 minutes, 31 secondsHe said he said Kein’s upfront and he and he can tell that he pays attention to everything said about him. And uh it 1:24:39 1 hour, 24 minutes, 39 secondswas funny when he said he didn’t mind being the face of anything, you know, when you asked him about being the face of the of the portal. So that that was 1:24:46 1 hour, 24 minutes, 46 secondsinteresting that just to get that perspective on Lane for sure and and Scooter with definitely a unique perspective on the on the 78 Tigers. 1:24:55 1 hour, 24 minutes, 55 secondsUh the uh we got about a minute left here. The uh the debate over whether to expand to a 16 or 24 team playoff 1:25:04 1 hour, 25 minutes, 4 secondscontinues to rage. uh Greg Seni saying 16 is where they’re staying. They don’t want to make the regular season 1:25:12 1 hour, 25 minutes, 12 secondsirrelevant or less irrelevant or however you want to put it. Um I I would have to agree with him. I’m I’m not a big fan of the 2014 playoff for whatever it’s 1:25:21 1 hour, 25 minutes, 21 secondsworth. The ACC seems to be behind it, but again, it really comes down to the SEC and the Big 10 and can they agree to something? And I don’t know when that 1:25:29 1 hour, 25 minutes, 29 secondsmight occur, but they got to figure something out. They have they do not have a format yet for the postseason for the 2027 season. 1:25:37 1 hour, 25 minutes, 37 secondsWell, one way to make the regular season more relevant is to eliminate a game, I would say. And you have to get rid of 1:25:44 1 hour, 25 minutes, 44 secondsthe championship games. They they need to come some kind of come to a compromise. 1:25:48 1 hour, 25 minutes, 48 secondsAnd Greg Sinki said he they’re they’re not really behind the idea. They I think they want to make sure they have two 1:25:55 1 hour, 25 minutes, 55 secondsbuys. So, they’re still not necessarily supportive of the idea of starting a week early. They want to make sure they have the two buys. So, a lot to figure 1:26:03 1 hour, 26 minutes, 3 secondsout there. That does it for another edition of Tiger Rag Radio. For Glen Gilbo, I’m Jeff Plural. Have a good night, everyone. 1:26:09 1 hour, 26 minutes, 9 secondsTiger is everywhere. Online at tiger.com. 1:26:13 1 hour, 26 minutes, 13 secondsLike us on Facebook at facebook.com/tiger magazine or follow us on Twitter at tiger\_reg. Sync to video time **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Baseball, LSU Basketball, Podcast, Radio, Softball **Tags:** jay johnson, lane kiffin, lsu baseball, lsu basketball, lsu football, tiger rag radio, TigerRag.com's Audibles podcast --- ### [LSU Baseball Loses School Record 19th Southeastern Conference Game, 11-8 To Florida](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-loses-school-record-19th-southeastern-conference-game-11-8-to-florida/) **Published:** May 14, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The 2026 LSU baseball season cannot end soon enough. The defending national champion Tigers, once ranked No. 1 in the nation this season, set a school record for most Southeastern Conference losses in a season with their 19th on Thursday night, 11-8, to No. 19 Florida at Alex Box Stadium. > [LSU Outhits Florida, 12-8, But Loses, 11-8, As Tiger Pitchers Walk 13](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-outhits-florida-12-8-but-loses-11-8-as-tiger-pitchers-walk-13/) LSU has been playing baseball in the SEC since 1933. The previous LSU record for SEC losses in a season was 18 by the 1978 Tigers, who finished 12-34 for the worst winning percentage in school history at .282 and 6-18 in the SEC. The ’26 Tigers lost their fourth straight game to fall to 29-25 and 9-19 in the SEC. Florida improved to 35-18 and 16-12 in the SEC. The two teams meet again at 6:30 p.m. Friday on SEC Network+ with freshman right-hander Marcos Paz (1-2, 8.28 ERA) starting for the Tigers against junior right-hander Liam Peterson (1-5, 4.28 ERA). The regular season finale will be at 2 p.m. Saturday on SEC Network+. > [LSU Baseball: Casan Evans Will Pitch Vs. Florida, But William Schmidt May Be Saved For SEC Tournament](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-casan-evans-will-pitch-vs-florida-but-william-schmidt-may-be-saved-for-sec-tournament/) LSU will play Tuesday in the single-elimination SEC Tournament in Hoover, Alabama. The Gators quieted the Box crowd in the first inning on a grand slam home run by Ethan Surowiec off LSU starter Danny Lachenmayer. Kyle Jones and Brendan Lawson each singled to start the game before Lachenmayer walked Blake Cyr to load the bases. After two outs, Landon Stripling doubled before Lachenmayer walked two more batters and left the game. Reliever Reagan Ricken then gave up a two-run single to Jones for the 6-0 advantage as the Gators batted around. Florida sent 12 to the plate in all in the inning for five hits. Lachenmayer took the loss to fall to 2-1 as he allowed six earned runs on four hits and three walks in two-thirds of an inning. LSU cut that lead in half in the third as the Tigers scored one run on a wild pitch off Florida starter Aidan King and two more on an RBI double by Derek Curiel and an RBI single by Cade Arrambide. King (8-2) picked up the victory after allowing eight hits and four runs in five and a third innings with seven strikeouts and zero walks. The Tigers got to within 8-4 in the sixth inning on a solo home run by Steven Milam – his eighth of the season. And freshman Omar Serna Jr.’s solo homer in the eighth cut Florida’s lead to 11-5. It was his ninth homer of the season. Brayden Simpson walked with the bases loaded later in the eighth to get the Tigers within 11-6. Silam added a two-run double with two outs in the ninth for the 11-8 final. Florida put up eight hits off seven second line LSU pitchers, who walked 13 batters. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Florida Gators, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, SEC Baseball --- ### [LSU Outhits Florida, 12-8, But Loses, 11-8, As Tiger Pitchers Walk 13](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-outhits-florida-12-8-but-loses-11-8-as-tiger-pitchers-walk-13/) **Published:** May 14, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The LSU baseball team hit well enough to win Thursday night against No. 19 Florida as it put up 12 hits to eight in front of 10,553 at Alex Box Stadium. That included eight hits and four runs in five and a third innings off Florida ace Aidan King, who still improved to 8-2 on the season as he walked zero and struck out seven. But offense is only part of the game, and the Tigers lost, 11-8, as six of LSU’s seven pitchers walked 13 batters, hit two other batters and threw two wild pitches. “Yeah, I’m counting it up, 13 walks, and two hit batsman and two wild pitches,” LSU coach Jay Johnson said. “They’re a good offense. They have good players, and you can’t give them an equivalent of four runs by never swinging the bat with 17 free bases.” > LSU has been playing baseball in the SEC since 1933 and just lost its 19th league game – the most in school history. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 15, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2055126779673661828?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) LSU (29-25, 9-19 Southeastern Conference) lost its fourth straight game and set a school record for SEC losses in a season with the 19th. The good news is Johnson and pitching coach Nate Yeskie treated this game much like a mid-week game as they used only one of their top shelf pitchers. Danny Lachenmayer (2-1) took the loss after allowing a grand slam in the first inning to Ethan Surowiec and giving up six runs in all on four hits with three walks in his first weekend start of the season. Freshman Reagan Ricken threw for the first time since April 28 and was the only pitcher not to walk anyone, and he struck out five in four and a third innings. But he allowed two runs on four hits. Cooper Williams pitched for the first time since May 5 and walked two in a third of an inning. Connor Benge pitched for the first time since April 25 and allowed two runs and a walk in an inning and a third. DJ Primeaux pitched for the first time since March 31 and only the fourth time this season, and he walked two in a third of an inning. Mavrick Rizy was the only pitcher usually used on weekends who pitched Thursday, and he did the worst, walking four in one inning and allowing a run. Dax Dathe pitched for the first time since April 26 and walked one in an inning. “Pleased with the offense,” Johnson said as Steven Milam went 3-for-5 with three RBIs, and Mason Braun, Omar Serna Jr. and Cade Arrambide each had two hits. Milam and Serna each homered. “If we can just hold people down a little bit, we’re going to win,” Johnson said. “And we’ll eventually get back to doing that at some point.” That may be next year. LSU has only two chances left to do that this regular season with the Tigers hosting Florida (35-18, 16-12 SEC) at 6:30 p.m. Friday and 2 p.m. Saturday. And the season could be over Tuesday when the Tigers open play in the single-elimination SEC Tournament in Hoover, Alabama. The only chance LSU has to reach the NCAA postseason is through getting the automatic bid by winning the SEC Tournament. That would mean five wins in six days. Regular weekend starter William Schmidt (5-4, 4.22 ERA) is expected to start the Tuesday game in Hoover. Freshman right-hander Marcos Paz (1-2, 8.28 ERA) will start Friday against Florida junior right-hander Liam Peterson (1-5, 4.28 ERA). Senior right-hander Zac Cowan (3-3, 4.97 ERA) is LSU’s scheduled starter Saturday against junior right-hander Russell Sandefer (3-2, 4.30 ERA). Johnson said he plans to get some of his top relievers some work over the next two days – Grant Fontenot (0-2, 3.90 ERA, 3 saves) and Deven Sheerin (3-2, 4.02 ERA, 4 saves) – in addition to starter Casan Evans (2-3, 5.96 ERA, 7 saves last year), who is slated for relief work this weekend before a possible start in Hoover. “Obviously, some of our better guys did not pitch in the game tonight because we were chasing runs the whole game,” Johnson said. “We’ll look to get them in tomorrow (Friday). I’m talking about Fontenot and Sheerin and Casan obviously. We feel like we have a good plan for these next two days to be able to maybe pitch a little bit better and suppress runs.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Florida Gators, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, SEC Baseball --- ### [NCAA Women's Tennis Takes On Auburn In National Quarterfinals On Friday At Georgia](https://www.tigerrag.com/ncaa-womens-tennis-takes-on-auburn-in-national-quarterfinals-on-friday-at-georgia/) **Published:** May 14, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The No. 10-seeded and 10th-ranked LSU women’s tennis team (22-9) will meet No. 2 seed and No. 1-ranked Auburn (35-3) in the NCAA Championships Quarterfinals on Friday at 9 a.m. at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex in Athens, Georgia. The Tigers advanced to the quarterfinals for the second time in program history after making it last year. They defeated Virginia last week in the NCAA Super Regional to advance. > [LSU Women’s Tennis Knocks Off Virginia, Earns Auburn Rematch In NCAA Quarterfinals](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-tennis-knocks-off-virginia-earns-auburn-rematch-in-ncaa-quarterfinals/) LSU has five ranked singles players in No. 9 Cadence Brace, No. 21 Kayla Cross, No. 77 Ella McDonald, No. 96 Addison Lanton and No. 125 Kenna Erickson. And the Tigers have three ranked doubles pairings in No. 17 Erickson and McDonald, No. 18 Cross and McDonald, and No. 40 Brace and Cross. Lanton has continued her strong freshman campaign with a team-leading 21-2 mark behind victories on the first, third, fourth, fifth, and sixth courts. She is riding a 12-match winning streak in singles. Auburn advanced to the quarters after a 4-2 win over Duke. The Tigers five ranked singles players in No. 16 DJ Bennett, No. 31 Ekaterina Khairutdinova, No. 55 Angella Okutoyi, No. 58 Ashton Bowers and No. 68 Ava Esposito. Auburn has the No. 2 doubles team in DJ Bennett and Ava Esposito and No. 8 Angella Okutoyi and Merna Refaat. LSU and Auburn face off for the third time this season after Auburn won 4-2 on March 7 and 4-3 on April 19 in the Southeastern Conference Championships. For more information on the LSU women’s tennis program, follow the Tigers on X @lsuwten, Instagram @LSUWTen, and Facebook.com/lsuwten. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Women's Tennis **Tags:** Auburn Tigers, lsu, LSU Tigers', lsu women's tennis, NCAA Championships --- ### [LSU Softball Team Opens Play In NCAA Regional At Tiger Park Friday Against Akron](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-team-opens-play-in-ncaa-regional-at-tiger-park-friday-against-akron/) **Published:** May 14, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** For the fourth consecutive season, LSU will host an NCAA Regional in Baton Rouge this weekend. The No. 18 Tigers (37-17) meet Mid-American Conference champions Akron (34-23) at 5:30 p.m. Friday at Tiger Park (ESPN+). The first game of the double-elimination tournament will match Virginia Tech (46-10) and Sun Belt Conference Tournament champion South Alabama (32-25) at 3 p.m. (ESPN+). LSU will host for the 17th time and 10th time in 11 seasons. The game will be broadcast on radio at 107.3 FM in Baton Rouge, and it will be streaming at LSUsports.net/live and in the LSU Sports Mobile App. > [LSU Softball Team Will Host NCAA Regional This Weekend As 16th Overall Seed Versus Akron](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-team-will-host-ncaa-regional-this-weekend-as-16th-overall-seed-versus-akron/) The Tigers are 18-2 all-time against the regional field, including 16-2 versus South Alabama and 2-0 against Virginia Tech. LSU and Akron will meet for the first time. The Tigers enter the tournament as winners of five of their last six games. LSU is hitting .286 on the season with a pitching staff at 2.77 in ERA. Jalia Lassiter, a four-time NFCA All-Region and 2026 All-SEC selection, paces LSU with a .353 batting average and 59 runs scored. The senior outfielder is the seventh Tiger to record multiple seasons with 60 hits and 50 runs. Kylee Edwards, who was named to the 2026 NFCA Gulf All-Region third team and the All-SEC first team, is hitting .344 with 10 home runs and 35 RBIs. Sierra Daniel, a 2026 NFCA Gulf All-Region honoree, is hitting .340 with 30 RBIs. Two-time NFCA Gulf All-Region pitcher Jayden Heavener leads the staff with a 12-8 record. Heavener has pitched 14 complete games and has four shutouts, including a no-hitter, and two saves. In 126.1 innings, the left-hander has 109 strikeouts. Paytn Monticelli (8-3) has had the hot hand in the back half of the season for the Tigers. In her last five appearances as the pitcher of record, she is 5-0 with a 0.33 ERA over 21 innings. Cece Cellura is 8-5 with a 3.32 ERA in 92 and two-thirds innings. She has given up the fewest walks 16 among SEC pitchers logging a minimum of 90 innings. For the latest news and information on Tiger softball, visit www.lsusports.net/softball. Fans can follow the team on its social media channels, including [www.facebook.com/lsusoftball](http://www.facebook.com/lsusoftball), @lsusoftball and on Instagram and X. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Softball **Tags:** beth torina, lsu softball, LSU Tigers, NCAA Regional --- ### [LSU Soccer Adds Top Recruit Ella Kate Johnston, A Louisiana Gatorade Player Of The Year](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-soccer-adds-top-recruit-ella-kate-johnston-a-louisiana-gatorade-player-of-the-year/) **Published:** May 14, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU Soccer has added one of the top high school players in Louisiana in Ella Kate Johnston of Parkview Baptist High in Baton Rouge. Johnston originally committed as part of LSU’s 2027 class before accelerating her graduation timeline to enroll early and begin her collegiate career this fall. “We are thrilled to welcome Ella Kate to LSU earlier than expected,” LSU coach Sian Hudson said. “She represents everything we want in this program — competitive, driven, selfless and deeply connected to Louisiana soccer. She has an elite mentality and a relentless work ethic that impacts everyone around her.” Johnston arrives at LSU following one of the most decorated prep careers in recent Louisiana history. The midfielder/forward was named the 2025 Louisiana Gatorade Player of the Year and became the first player in Parkview Baptist soccer history to earn United Soccer Coaches All-America honors. She was also the only Louisiana player selected as a 2024 United Soccer Coaches All-American, earned 2024 United Soccer Coaches All-Region honors, and has received three invitations to the U.S. Soccer Girls National Team ID Camp, including the most recent camp in February 2026. A four-time All-State selection and multiple-time All-Metro and All-District MVP, Johnston helped lead Parkview Baptist to three consecutive state championships and four straight state championship appearances. During her high school career, she became the school’s all-time leader in goals with 126 and in assists with 108. Johnston recorded 43 goals and a state-high 26 assists last season. Johnston also starred at the club level with Louisiana Elite GA, helping lead the club to a historic run to the Girls Academy National Semifinals. Since 2023, she has led the GA Frontier League in goals each season while also earning multiple selections to Girls Academy National Talent ID events throughout her club career. “Ella Kate is a player who changes games with her intelligence, creativity, and competitiveness,” Hudson said. “What separates her is her willingness to do whatever the team needs to win. She’s humble, team-oriented, and constantly looking to improve. We believe she has a tremendous future at LSU.” Johnston has also excelled as a multi-sport athlete. She was a swimming state championship finalist on Parkview Baptist’s 200 medley team and competed in track and field, where she was a national champion triathlete as a youth. Johnston’s mother, Shelly Ripple, was a member of the U.S. National Swimming Team and is a member of the Stanford Hall of Fame. Her grandmother, Jan Ripple, was a world champion triathlete for Team USA. Her grandfather, Steve Ripple, served as captain of the LSU football team during the 1976-77 seasons, and her sister, Faith Johnston, currently plays soccer at Kansas. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Soccer **Tags:** Ella Kate Johnston, lsu soccer, LSU Tigers --- ### [Livvy Dunne Hits Sports Illustrated And Tonight Show; Can A Paul Skenes SI Cover Be Far Behind?](https://www.tigerrag.com/livvy-dunne-hits-sports-illustrated-and-tonight-show-can-a-paul-skenes-si-cover-be-far-behind/) **Published:** May 14, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Former LSU gymnast Olivia “Livvy” Dunne, a member of the Tigers’ 2024 national championship team and a world renown social media influencer, has had a very busy week. > Year 4 🤝 [@SI\_Swimsuit](https://twitter.com/SI_Swimsuit?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/m0UTUvcAs3](https://t.co/m0UTUvcAs3) > > — Olivia Dunne (@livvydunne) [May 12, 2026](https://twitter.com/livvydunne/status/2054324942913646678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) While celebrating her fourth appearance since 2023 in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue – a rite of spring since 1964 – with a post on Instagram on Tuesday, Dunne also posted about boyfriend Paul Skenes later that day. > My advice to LSU baseball fans … watch Paul Skenes pitch for Pittsburgh every chance you get. He’ll no-hit someone soon, and he has walked zero in a month. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 13, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2054642650653864088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The former LSU national championship pitcher in 2023 and first overall pick in the Major League Baseball Draft that same summer by the Pittsburgh Pirates, Skenes beat Colorado Tuesday night, 3-1. He struck out a season-high 10 with no walks again to go to 6-2 on the season with a 1.98 ERA. Dunne was at Skenes’ MLB debut with Pittsburgh in 2024, and the two have been one of the hottest American sports couples since Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio in the 1950s. [A MATCH MADE IN LSU AND SPORTS HEAVEN](https://www.outkick.com/sports/paul-skenes-mlb-debut-today-would-be-huge-without-livvy-dunne-glenn-guilbeau) The couple began dating while at LSU in 2023, and each are 23 now. ![](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/OliviaDunne2026SwimsuitIssue2_SportsIllustrated.jpg "OliviaDunne2026SwimsuitIssue2_SportsIllustrated | TigerRag.com")***Olivia Dunne poses for the 2026 Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue Sports Illustrated photo***Then on Wednesday night, Dunne appeared on “The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon” and showed Fallon how to perform the “Baywatch” run on the beach. > .[@livvydunne](https://twitter.com/livvydunne?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) teaches Jimmy how to do a Baywatch-inspired run in slow motion! 🏖️ [\#FallonTonight](https://twitter.com/hashtag/FallonTonight?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/D8Oz3jHOuK](https://t.co/D8Oz3jHOuK) > > — The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) [May 14, 2026](https://twitter.com/FallonTonight/status/2054779800523346217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Dunne will be starring in a reboot of the popular 1990s TV series beginning in January of 2027. > last night was a dream 💭❤️ [@FallonTonight](https://twitter.com/FallonTonight?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@jimmyfallon](https://twitter.com/jimmyfallon?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/Tdsm2fTWkL](https://t.co/Tdsm2fTWkL) > > — Olivia Dunne (@livvydunne) [May 14, 2026](https://twitter.com/livvydunne/status/2054957530065838461?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) After retiring from gymnastics following the 2025 season at LSU, Dunne has focused on modeling, branding, content creation and acting. **Categories:** Featured, Gymnastics, More LSU Sports **Tags:** Livvy Dunne, lsu, lsu baseball, lsu gymnastics, Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates, Sports Illustrated --- ### [LSU Athletic Director Verge Ausberry Criticizes Former Football Coach Brian Kelly In USA Today](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-athletic-director-verge-ausberry-criticizes-former-football-coach-brian-kelly-in-usa-today/) **Published:** May 14, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry is not one to mince words. Never has been, going back to his time as a linebacker under coach Bill Arnsparger and Mike Archer at LSU in the 1980s and throughout his rise in the athletic department since the 1990s. [And he remained that way in a story by Blake Toppmeyer of USA Today](https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/sec/2026/05/14/lsu-tigers-football-lane-kiffin-brian-kelly-nick-saban-verge-ausberry/90027290007/) just published as he was with Tiger Rag interviews. > [Tiger Rag Exclusive: LSU AD Verge Ausberry On Projected Budget Deficits And Behind The Scenes With Lane Kiffin](https://www.tigerrag.com/tiger-rag-exclusive-lsu-ad-verge-ausberry-on-projected-budget-deficits-and-behind-the-scenes-with-lane-kiffin/) In USA Today, Ausberry compares former LSU coach Brian Kelly to new coach Lane Kiffin, whom Ausberry hired last November. > It’s over. Lane Kiffin is LSU’s next football coach. Press conference introducing him set for Monday at LSU. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [November 30, 2025](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/1995189623631618525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “He’s not one who’ll say, ‘OK, I don’t want people to contact me. I don’t want people to touch me. I don’t want people to be around me.’ That’s who we had,” Ausberry said of Kelly without saying his name. “That’s why we got what we got. There was no feel. There was no connection between the LSU football program, the coach, and the fans.” > [LSU Fires Brian Kelly! Replaced By Frank Wilson As Interim Coach, $54 Million Buyout Being “Negotiated”](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-fires-brian-kelly-replaced-by-frank-wilson-as-interim-coach-53-million-buyout-being-negotiated/) Former LSU athletic director Scott Woodward and then-deputy athletic director Ausberry fired Kelly the day after an Oct. 25, 49-25 home loss to Texas A&M that dropped the Tigers to 5-3 overall (2-3, Southeastern Conference) and out of the College Football Playoff for the fourth straight time under Kelly in his four seasons. Kelly had been hired away from Notre Dame for $100 million over 10 years with expectations to be a playoff contender and win national championships. “There was no connection and no building,” Ausberry continued about Kelly. “Not many employees connected. The former players didn’t connect. Yeah, I’m saying it. Now, former players live over there (at the facility), go over there, we welcome them over there, they work out over there. That’s what we want. That’s who LSU used to be. Former players came in the weight room, and they worked out. There wasn’t signing no form to be able to work out, or, ‘Who are you? You can’t work out at this time.’” Ausberry said Kiffin has taken LSU back to the Nick Saban way of doing things. Saban was LSU’s coach from 2000-04 and won the school’s first national championship in the 2003 season since 1958. “It’s going back to the Saban model, running the whole program,” said Ausberry, who has remained close friends with Saban and got his advice before hiring Kiffin, who was Saban’s offensive coordinator at Alabama from 2014-16. “You have to go do some things with alumni and do things with boosters and do things with fundraising, with NIL,” Ausberry said. “You have to be a part of that. That’s what Lane will do. He’ll go out there and have that conversation with the donors and the people who support the program and say, ‘We need your help.’ And give them his cell number.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** brian kelly, lsu, lsu football, LSU Tigers, verge ausberry --- ### [LSU Track Teams Open Today At SEC Outdoor Championships](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-track-teams-open-today-at-sec-outdoor-championships/) **Published:** May 14, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The LSU track and field team is kicking off the outdoor postseason Thursday at the Southeastern Conference Outdoor Championships at the Hutsell-Rosen Track in Auburn, Alabama. The meet opens Thursday at 11:30 a.m. and runs through Saturday on SEC Network+. LSU will have 69 entries overall. **Thursday: [SEC Network+ Stream (11:30 a.m.)](https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/bbaaaee3-83ea-4940-82e3-f1d0ccef5812) | [SEC Network+ Stream (5:25 p.m.)](https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/77cba0ce-e9cf-4763-b12f-a48a38cfec1c)** **Friday: [SEC Network+ Stream (11:30 a.m.)](https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/5c3f7e8d-ba3b-44d4-893e-d2f8cd3570d8) | [SEC Network+ Stream (5 p.m.)](https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/92e07eef-a1b6-4f59-a70a-11abba28ff94)** **Saturday: [SEC Network+ Stream (1:30 p.m.)](https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/6cee6c41-1a24-4ce0-afe2-7bcbdf4ae861) | [SEC Network Stream (5 p.m.)](https://www.espn.com/watch/player/_/id/c63aa3db-b403-4075-9d90-068aa05bab5a)** Last year the women finished in seventh with a score of 55 at the SEC Outdoor Championships in Lexington, Ky. The men finished in ninth with 45.5 points. **What to Watch for this Meet** *Women’s 100 Meter* Redshirt sophomore Shawnti Jackson is taking on her first SEC Championship as part of the LSU Tigers after transferring in from Arkansas in the fall. Jackson is the current No. 2 100m sprinter in the SEC and No. 3 in the NCAA with her season-best time of 10.93 seconds (+3.7 m/s) on her one attempt. Other notable names to watch are Tima Godbless, Athaleyha Hinckson and Aniyah Bigam as they all have shots at scoring and medaling in the event. *Women’s 100-Meter Hurdles* The hurdle duo of Salieci Myles and Adeyah Brewster sit equally at No. 4 in the SEC and No. 6 in the NCAA this season with the time of 12.92 seconds. Both Tigers have a great shot at medaling as only a handful of women in the country have gone sub-13 seconds this year. *Men’s 4×400-Meter Relay* The men’s 4×400 squad has held the No. 2 spot in the SEC and NCAA for a majority of the outdoor season. The lineup that clocked that No. 2 time of 3:01.43 was Amal Glasgow, Shakeem McKay, Grant Buckmiller and Gregory Prince. LSU could run that lineup again or they could be aided by the help of Jeremiah Walker and Malachi Austin who have both clocked fast times in their individual events. *Men’s Long Jump* A silver medal indoors for Jordan Turner will have him hungry for gold this weekend in Auburn. Turner is the current No. 1 jumper in the SEC and No. 4 jumper in the NCAA this season with his SB of 8.08 meters (26-6.25). It’s been a month since he last competed and leaped out to that mark at Tom Joens Invitational. *Women’s Discus Throw* The most exciting event squad this season has been the consistency and growth of women’s discus. The group of Princesse Hyman, Leah Acosta, Jillian Scully and Ambria Langley have been the No. 1 ranked-event squad for discus all year. Hyman, Acosta and Scully all rank inside the SEC top 10 currently with Hyman’s LSU record of 59.90 meters (196-6) leading the way. *Men’s Javelin Throw* The No. 2 thrower in LSU history, Jack Larriviere, is set to take on his first postseason competition since his freshman season in 2024 where he finished ninth overall. Since then, Larriviere’s personal best has improved tremendously as he holds a SB of 78.66 meters (258-1) which ranks him No. 3 in the SEC and No. 4 in the NCAA for 2026. Paul Catalanatto and Jackson Rimes also sit in the SEC top 10 with 70+-meter marks. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Track & Field **Tags:** dennis shaver, LSU Tigers, LSU track & field --- ### [LSU Baseball's Chris Stanfield Named To SEC's Community Service Team](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseballs-chris-stanfield-named-to-secs-community-service-team/) **Published:** May 13, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU senior outfielder Chris Stanfield has been named to the Southeastern Conference’s Community Service team along with 15 other league players. A senior from Tallahassee, Florida, who transferred to LSU from Auburn after the 2024 season, Stanfield has been a fixture in the communities for his four seasons in the SEC. He was just named as a finalist for the Tony Gwynn national community service award after winning it last year. > LSU’s Chris Stanfield is back and up for 2nd straight Tony Gwynn award: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 11, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2053892987453571519?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Stanfield launched his “Be The 1” campaign at LSU last year in which he donates $100 to the Miracle League in Baton Rouge for every game that he produces an extra-base hit or stolen base. He raised more than $10,000 for the Miracle League of East Alabama while at Auburn. He also volunteers with local elementary schools and hospitals, and he participates in the Out of Darkness Walk that supports suicide prevention. He is a three-time member of the SEC’s Community Service Team, and he was named to the 2026 Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team by Phi Delta Theta and the Live Like Lou Foundation. > [LSU Baseball: Casan Evans Will Pitch Vs. Florida, But William Schmidt May Be Saved For SEC Tournament](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-casan-evans-will-pitch-vs-florida-but-william-schmidt-may-be-saved-for-sec-tournament/) “This means the world to me,” Stanfield said Wednesday at a press conference for LSU’s regular season finale series against Florida that begins on Thursday at Alex Box Stadium. “Since I was a little kid, giving back to the community’s been instilled in me. So, it’s an honor.” The other 15 SEC players named to the community service team are: Alabama pitcher Hagan Banks, Tennessee pitcher Evan Blanco, Georgia shortstop Kolby Branch, Auburn outfielder Bristol Carter, Mississippi State outfielder Bryce Chance, Texas A&M pitcher Grant Cunningham, Oklahoma outfielder Drew Dickerson, Texas infielder/outfielder Jayden Duplantier, Kentucky pitcher Leighton Harris, Vanderbilt infielder Max Jensen, Missouri infielder Keegan Knutson, Arkansas infielder Camden Kozeal, South Carolina pitcher Jake McCoy, Ole Miss infielder Judd Utermark, Florida outfielder/infielder Ashton Wilson. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Chris Stanfield, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Baseball: Casan Evans Will Pitch Vs. Florida, But William Schmidt May Be Saved For SEC Tournament](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-casan-evans-will-pitch-vs-florida-but-william-schmidt-may-be-saved-for-sec-tournament/) **Published:** May 13, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU will be treating its final regular season series against Florida somewhat like a mid-week game. The Tigers (29-24, 9-18 Southeastern Conference) cannot reach the NCAA postseason, even if it sweeps the No. 19 Gators (34-18, 15-12 SEC). So coach Jay Johnson will try to do the only thing he can do to make it to the NCAA postseason, and that would be by winning the SEC Tournament next week. “No, I do not,” Johnson said when asked at a press conference Wednesday if there was any way his team could make an NCAA Regional without winning the single-elimination SEC Tournament. That begins Tuesday in Hoover, Alabama, and runs through Sunday. > LSU Baseball Record Watch as regular season closes … but not exactly of the platinum kind: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 12, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2054333432327536848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) LSU would have to win Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at the tournament before a day off Friday, then win again Saturday in a semifinal and on Sunday in the championship game to earn the automatic NCAA bid by winning the tournament title. “That’s our opportunity – Hoover,” Johnson said. “This weekend may be a little different, because we’re going to have to win five games in six days (at the SEC Tournament). We might get a couple on the mound this weekend just to see if they can help next week.” That is why regular weekend rotation starter William Schmidt (5-4, 4.22 ERA) is not listed as a starter for the Florida series that begins Thursday (6:30 p.m., SEC Network+). LSU has TBA – To Be Announced – for Thursday against Florida sophomore right-hander Aidan King (7-2, 2.19 ERA). Schmidt, a sophomore right-hander, will likely start LSU’s SEC Tournament opener on Tuesday against an unknown opponent at a time to be determined. “We’ll focus on this (the Florida series) with an eye on that,” Johnson said. “It’s a little different with this one.” > LSU ties school record for SEC losses in a season with 18 set by 12-34, 6-18 Tigers of 1978. Tigers drop to 29-24, 9-18 w/12-1 loss at Georgia for 4th sweep in last 5 weekends. Goodbye NCAA postseason. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 10, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2053599699827929442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Johnson does plan to use regular weekend starter Casan Evans (2-3, 5.96 ERA) against Florida after Evans recovered well from his first outing last Sunday since April 17 against Texas A&M. He was scratched from his next start on April 24 at Mississippi State with arm soreness and spent the next three weeks getting back in pitching shape until pitching at No. 5 Georgia on Sunday “He felt good. Responded well,” Johnson said. Evans, a sophomore right-hander, started and lasted an inning and two-thirds at Georgia, allowing four hits and four runs with two walks and three strikeouts in taking a 12-1 mercy rule loss through seven innings as Georgia swept the series. “He will be available at any point this weekend,” Johnson said. “That was big that he recovered well from it. He’ll definitely pitch this weekend – the volume and capacity is still being looked at with that.” Freshman right-hander Marcos Paz (1-2, 8.28 ERA) will start Friday’s second game at 6:30 p.m. on SEC Network+ against Florida junior right-hander Liam Peterson (1-5, 4.28 ERA). Senior right-hander Zac Cowan (3-3, 4.97 ERA) is listed as the starter for Saturday (2 p.m., SEC Network+) against junior right-hander Russell Sandefer (3-2, 4.30 ERA). “Last home weekend for a lot of guys,” Johnson said. “It’s not over until it’s over,” said senior left fielder Chris Stanfield, who said he is finally feeling good after battling hand and hamstring injuries for most of the season. “Crazy stuff can happen.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Florida Gators, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, SEC Baseball --- ### [LSU Women's Golf Makes NCAA Championships For School Record 6th Straight Year](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-golf-makes-ncaa-championships-for-school-record-6th-straight-year/) **Published:** May 13, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The LSU Tigers played a solid final round Wednesday in the NCAA Regional at the Ridgewood Country Club in Waco, Texas, to advance to the NCAA Championships for a school record sixth straight year. LSU finished fourth with a total of 1-over par 841 to be one of the five advancing teams from the Waco site to the 30-team NCAA Championships in Carlsbad, California, May 22-27. The Tigers posted a final round of 2-over 282 to keep in a qualifying position all throughout the round. Joining LSU in California from this regional will be first place SMU, Texas A&M, Baylor and Tennessee. The Vols won a five-woman playoff with Tulsa for the final qualifying spot. LSU posted rounds of 287-272-282. “Six straight years,” LSU coach Garrett Runion said. “I’m very proud of that. To have a consistent program like that, to extend our record streak. To be around at the end for so many years in a row just shows the consistency we have and the high level that the team performed over the last few years.” The Tigers were led by senior Taylor Riley at 1-under par 69, her second consecutive under par round, while Francesca Fiorellini rolled in a long birdie putt on the 18th hole to finish at even par 70. Ryleigh Knaub had a 1-over 71 and Josefin Widal had a 2-over 72. Fiorellini finished at 5-under 205 (67-68-70) to finish in third place for tournament medalist honors. Vanessa Borovilos of Texas A&M finished on top at 10-under par 200, including a 5-under 65 on the final night. Kirstin Angosta of TCU was second at 6-under par 204 with Fiorellini, Kirra St. Laurent, Kiara Romero and Celine Chen of SMU, all tying for third at 5-under par 205. Angosta will be the individual advancer to the championship event as the low scorer among players not on advancing teams. Riley and Knaub finished tied for 20th at 2-over par 212. Riley had rounds of 75-68-69, while Knaub had rounds of 75-66-71. Runion and his Tiger players have experienced the pressure of regionals in more than one fashion, twice in the last four years having to come from behind to qualify. “It’s the gauntlet,” said Coach Runion. “It’s grueling. The last round of a regional is the hardest day in college golf. Top ten teams miss out every year. That’s why it makes six in a row so satisfying. There’s a lot of good programs that can’t say that.” The Tigers advanced on a course that none of the players and coaching staff had seen before. But they ended up with a little inside help from some LSU friends, according to Runion. “I want to thank Danny Palmer, who is on our Tiger Athletic Foundation board and lives in Waco,” Runion said. “As soon as we got the regional bid, he emailed me and told me he was a member here. He gave us some notes and came out all four days, including the practice round, and gave us some local knowledge.” **NCAA WACO REGIONAL** **Ridgewood Country Club – Waco, Texas** **Final Team Results (Par 280-840)** **Top 5 Advance to NCAA Championships** (**NCAA Scoreboard Rank in Parenthesis)** 1 SMU (No. 21) – 277-269-277 – 823 -17 2 Texas A&M (No. 4) – 280-274-275 –829 -11 3 Baylor (No. 26) – 288-278-274 – 840 E **4 LSU (No. 36) – 287-272-282 – 841 +1** T5 Tennessee (No. 16) – 282-286-279 – 847 +7 (Tennessee wins final qualifying spot in playoff.) T5 Tulsa (No. 49) – 286-280-281 – 847 +7 7 Oregon (No. 8) – 280-283-286 – 849 +9 8 TCU (No. 42) – 295-276-283 – 854 +14 9 Colorado – 292-291-291 – 874 +34 10 Tarleton State – 290-290-297 – 877 +37 11 Prairie View A&M – 319-300-320 – 939 +99 12 Northern Arizona – 296-NA-NA **Top 5 Individuals (Par 70-210)** 1 Vanessa Borovilos, Texas A&M – 66-69-65 – 200 -10 2 Kirstin Angosta, TCU – 72-66-66 – 204 -6 (Angosta advances as top individual not on advancing team) **T3 Francesca Fiorellini, LSU – 67-68-70 – 205 -5** T3 Kirra St. Laurent, SMU – 71-64-70 – 205 -5 T3 Kiara Romero, Oregon – 66-70-69 – 205 -5 T3 Celine Chen, SMU – 67-71-67 – 205 -5 **LSU Scores** T3 Francesca Fiorellini – 67-68-70 – 205 -5 T20 Ryleigh Knaub – 75-66-71 – 212 +2 T20 Taylor Riley – 75-68-69 – 212 +2 T28 Josefin Widal – 72-70-72 – 214 +4 T39 Elsa Svensson – 73-71-74 – 218 +8 [](https://ads.wmt.digital/delivery/cl.php?bannerid=19609&zoneid=39&sig=33881ac1d36bef369856753c2d8612fc0133d2d7668c58bf571ed76fb7934c25&oadest=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.lsusports.net%2Fdeathvalleylive%2F) **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Women's Golf **Tags:** Francesca Fiorellini, garrett runion, lsu women's golf, Ryleigh Knaub, Taylor Riley --- ### [Paul Skenes Zeroing In On No-Hitter And Not Far From Walk-less, Consecutive Inning Record](https://www.tigerrag.com/paul-skenes-zeroing-in-on-no-hitter-and-not-far-from-walk-less-consecutive-inning-record/) **Published:** May 13, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU baseball fans are about to have a lot of time on their hands with the Tigers not likely to reach the NCAA postseason this year. LSU last didn’t reach an NCAA Regional – outside of COVID ending everyone’s season in 2020 – since 2011. This season could be over by next Tuesday, May 19, in the single-elimination Southeastern Conference Tournament in Hoover, Alabama. My viewing suggestion to you – watch former LSU pitcher, 2025 Cy Young winner and two-time All-Star Game starter Paul Skenes (6-2, 1.98 ERA) of the Pittsburgh Pirates (22-19) on MLB.com. Skenes next pitches on Sunday at 12:30 p.m. against Philadelphia. LSU (29-24, 9-18 SEC) will be done with its regular season by then as the Tigers host No. 19 Florida (34-18, 15-12 SEC) on Thursday (6:30 p.m., SEC Network+), Friday (6:30 p.m., SEC Network+) and Saturday (2 p.m., SEC Network+). > Paul Skenes (5-2, 2.36 ERA) is effectively NOT wild with zero walks over his last 4 starts going into tonight. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 12, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2054308297344254050?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Skenes is in his third season with Pittsburgh as the No. 1 overall selection in the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft after leading the Tigers to the national championship that June. And for the third time in his last four starts on Tuesday night, he flirted with a perfect game and a no-hitter as he beat Colorado, 3-1, at PNC Park in Pittsburgh. It was the third time out of his last four starts that he took a no-hitter into the fifth or later. “There’s a growing sense that it’s not a matter of ‘if’ Skenes will make history with a no-hitter, but when,” Will Graves of the Associated Press wrote from the game Tuesday night. Skenes struck out the first six he faced and a season-high 10 on two hits with no runs or walks in eight innings through 98 pitches for the win. > “He volunteered to my surprise that anecdote.” … [@chrissmithnymag](https://twitter.com/chrissmithnymag?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) of Vanity Fair on his [@Lane\_Kiffin](https://twitter.com/Lane_Kiffin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) feature to Tiger Rag. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 13, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2054594185714413860?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Skenes retired the first 14 he faced before hitting Troy Johnston on the foot with two outs in the fifth inning. He had a no-hitter going until one out in the seventh when Mickey Moniak singled to left-center field. He has not allowed a run in his last 16 innings. And he is getting close to the first complete game of his career after lasting through eight innings in his last two starts. “It’s a long season,” Skenes said after the game and after taking himself out Tuesday. “That was start nine out of 32, 33, and then hopefully eight or nine more after that.” Is he talking playoffs? PLAY-offs? Pittsburgh has not seen the postseason since 2015 and has had seven straight losing seasons, including five last place finishes in the National League Central. > [Cy Skenes! Former LSU Great Paul Skenes Wins National League Top Pitcher Award](https://www.tigerrag.com/cy-skenes-former-lsu-great-paul-skenes-wins-national-league-top-pitcher-award/) “So, just got to see the big picture,” Skenes said. On May 6, Skenes beat Arizona 1-0 with two hits allowed and no walks through eight innings with seven strikeouts. He had a perfect game until there were two outs in the fifth of that one when Lourdes Gurriel Jr. tapped one down the third base line. In four of his last five starts, Skenes has allowed three hits or less. “Every start is new. And you can get humbled real quick,” he said. That has not happened much lately. “You’re shocked when he gives up a hit,” Pittsburgh manager Don Kelly said. “Paul is on that type of run right now. Just the way that he’s throwing the ball, the command in the zone, and then to be able to mix it up with all of his pitches. Impressive to watch.” Dayn Perry of CBS Sports wrote after Tuesday’s game that Skenes “continued to make his case for being the best pitcher in the world.” > [LSU Baseball: What Other Dubious Records Can The Tigers Still Break This Season?](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-what-other-dubious-records-can-the-tigers-still-break-this-season/) *Note to LSU fans …* Perhaps the most impressive Skenes statistic at the moment is the 35 and a third innings he has put up without a walk – a stretch of 123 batters. LSU fans may really enjoy not seeing Skenes’ opponents trot to first base. LSU leads the SEC with 262 walks. The last player Skenes walked was James Woods of Washington in the top of the third inning of a 16-5 win over the Nationals on April 13 at PNC Park. He allowed one hit and one run with the one walk and six strikeouts in that win. He has a ways to go to break the MLB record for consecutive innings without a walk, which is 84 and a third by Bill Fischer of the Kansas City A’s in 1962. The National League record is held by Atlanta’s Greg Maddux, who had a streak of 72 and a third innings in 2001. And Skenes is only 23. His career ERA is a staggering 1.97 through 64 starts. He is one of only four MLB pitchers since 1901 to pitch eight scoreless innings with two or fewer hits in each while issuing zero walks in back-to-back starts. The other three are Cy Young of Boston in 1905, Billy Pierce of the Chicago White Sox in 1958 and Mat Latos of San Diego in 2010. “It’s no exaggertion to call the beginning of Skenes’ career one of the best ever,” Perry said. “It’s amazing to watch,” Kelly said. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Major League Baseball, Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates --- ### [Lane Kiffin: Vanity Fair Writer Explains What Led To Kiffin Discussing Ole Miss Racial Image Issue](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-vanity-fair-writer-explains-what-led-to-kiffin-discussing-ole-miss-racial-image-issue/) **Published:** May 13, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Vanity Fair writer Chris Smith’s time in Baton Rouge last month to interview new LSU football coach Lane Kiffin started at the iconic Poor Boy Lloyd’s restaurant on Florida Street in downtown Baton Rouge. “And I picked up a copy right inside the door of the Tiger Rag money issue,” Smith said of the March, 2026, issue while on Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night, which can be listened to by hitting the white arrow in the red box on the above link. > [LSU’s Billion-Dollar Brand vs. a $30 Million Hole](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-billion-dollar-brand-vs-a-30-million-hole/) That issue’s headline said, “Inside The Fiscal Fight,” as the magazine delved into LSU’s projected $30 million deficit and the expected, approximate $40 million cost of Kiffin’s new, 41-man NCAA Transfer Portal roster. “And that helped with my research,” Smith said. > [Lane Kiffin’s Vanity Fair Problem Wasn’t That He Lied, It’s That Ole Miss Heard Him Tell the Truth](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-vanity-fair-ole-miss-lsu-truth/) Smith interviewed Kiffin that afternoon in his office “about all kinds of subjects.” Then he returned the next day to review, go to a spring practice and return to his office for more interviewing. [THE LANE KIFFIN FEATURE IN VANITY FAIR](https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/lane-kiffin-explains-himself) “And the first thing he does is say, ‘Here,'” Smith said. “And he hands me a Tiger Rag Magazine and says, ‘This has a bunch of details that I didn’t even know.'” ![Sports magazine cover featuring a man in a white polo and visor with a bold red'WHAT'S NEXT?' headline](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/TR_Dec2025_CVR_Formatted.jpg "TR_Dec2025_CVR_Formatted | TigerRag.com")***This is the December 2025 Tiger Rag Magazine issue that LSU coach Lane Kiffin showed to Vanity Fair writer Chris Smith while being interviewed in Kiffins office Tiger Rag photo***That was the December, 2025, issue with a picture of Kiffin on the cover under the headline, “What’s Next?” And another headline that said, “Inside LSU’s Bloody October” was also on the cover. “It had a blow-by-blow of his arrival,” Smith said. “So, thanks for the help. And Lane Kiffin is not just a Tiger Rag subject, but a reader.” > [Lane Kiffin Graces Cover Of “Vanity Fair,” Which Takes Deep Dive On Rock Star LSU Football Coach](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-graces-cover-of-vanity-fair-which-takes-deep-dive-on-rock-star-lsu-football-coach/) Smith also explained on Tiger Rag Radio how the now infamous quote from Kiffin about the racial image issues that have long faced Ole Miss, which has the nickname “Rebels” and has used a plantation-related Colonel Reb as a mascot. ![Mascot character with oversized beige beard and hat, wearing a blue coat and red pants, walking along an outdoor fair path with vendor tents in the background.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/ColReb_OleMissAthletics.jpg "ColReb_OleMissAthletics | TigerRag.com")***Ole Miss Colonel Reb mascot has long been the subject of criticism as a Rebels image File photo***[In the Vanity Fair story](https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/lane-kiffin-explains-himself), Smith writes, “When he was coaching (at Ole Miss), Kiffin says, top recruits would tell him, ‘Hey, coach, we really like you. But my grandparents aren’t letting me move to Oxford, Mississippi.'” Kiffin is then quoted. “That doesn’t come up when you say Baton Rouge, Louisiana,” he says in the story. “Parents were sitting here this weekend saying the campus diversity feels so great. ‘It feels like there’s no segregation. And we want that for our kid because that’s the real world.’” Kiffin added, “There are some things that I’m saying that are factual. They’re not shots.” After the story published, Kiffin came out on Tuesday and somewhat apologized about the comment on Ole Miss’ image problem. “I really apologize if anybody at Ole Miss or in Mississippi was offended by that,” Kiffin told On3.com. > “IF,” you offended anyone? Really, Lane? The word “If” should be removed from all apologies. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 12, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2054247858006630492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “In a four-hour interview, I was asked a lot of questions on a lot of things,” Kiffin continued to On3.com. “And Ole Miss has been wonderful to me and to my family. I was asked questions about the differences in recruiting, and I said a narrative that we battled there from some out-of-state Black parents and grandparents was not wanting their kid to move to Mississippi. That’s a narrative that (Ole Miss) coaches have been fighting forever. It wasn’t calculated by bringing it up.” Smith told Tiger Rag Radio he did not specifically ask about any racial issues with Ole Miss’ image. “I had asked him about the factors that went into his decision to leave Ole Miss for LSU. Did he think, however much success he had had at Oxford, that the ceiling would be higher at LSU?” Smith said. “He started with some conventional reasons like the money available for LSU and it’s allies for the portal roster, and as he said, “it was ‘adult money.'” Smith said Kiffin then began to compare the histories of the two programs. LSU has won three national championships in the last 23 years in 2003, 2007 and 2019 with a runner-up finish in 2011. Ole Miss last won a national championship by a reputable source in 1960 by the Football Writers Association of America. The Rebels won the last of their six Southeastern Conference titles in 1963. LSU has won 12 SEC titles, including four in the 2000s – 2001, 2007, 2011 and ’19. And it has four national titles in all with the first one in 1958. “Then he started talking about the images of the two places,” Smith said. “And he volunteered to my surprise that anecdote about black recruits and their families regularly telling him that, ‘We like you coach, but my grandparents are not going to let me come to Oxford.’ And how he’s not going to have that problem in Baton Rouge. I wish I could say it was some genius question that I used to pull it out of him. But no.” Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame columnist Scooter Hobbs of the Lake Charles American Press said later on Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night that Kiffin’s comments about Ole Miss may be accurate, but still “crossed the line.” Smith later said a college football coach as the cover story of Vanity Fair is unique. And he praised Kiffin for not having someone from LSU’s athletic department present during the interview, which is often done by coaches. And for something else. “One thing I give him credit for, he doesn’t resort to the athletic cliche of, ‘I don’t pay attention to what’s written or said about me,'” Smith said. “Kiffin is up front that he’s paying attention to EVERYTHING.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Chris Smith, lane kiffin, lsu football, Ole Miss Rebels, tiger rag radio, Vanity Fair --- ### [Lane Kiffin’s Vanity Fair Problem Wasn’t That He Lied, It’s That Ole Miss Heard Him Tell the Truth](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-vanity-fair-ole-miss-lsu-truth/) **Published:** May 13, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** **By TODD HORNE, EXECUTIVE EDITOR** A few weeks ago, a Vanity Fair writer (Chris Smith) walked into a South Louisiana poboy shop and found a copy of Tiger Rag’s Money Issue. Not online. Not pushed through an algorithm. Not handed to him by an LSU administrator. A physical copy sitting there in Louisiana. He picked it up and read it. Later, when he sat down in Lane Kiffin’s office for what would become one of the most talked-about college football magazine profiles in years, Kiffin handed him Tiger Rag’s December issue with Kiffin on the cover. According to the writer, Kiffin told him: “There’s all kinds of info in here I didn’t even know.” Think about that for a second. Vanity Fair came to Louisiana looking for Lane Kiffin, but what it really found was LSU’s gravitational pull. It found the modern economics of college football. It found Baton Rouge. It found a program that now sees itself less as a regional power and more as a national institution with Southern roots instead of Southern limitations. And in the process, it accidentally detonated Ole Miss fans. Not because Lane Kiffin left. Because of why he said LSU was different. The comments that triggered the backlash were Kiffin’s observations about recruiting and diversity. Ole Miss fans heard betrayal. National media heard honesty. LSU fans mostly heard confirmation of what they already believed: LSU is operating in a different universe now. Kiffin later apologized on On3, saying he never intended to disparage Ole Miss. He probably meant that sincerely. But apologies are often less revealing than the thing that required one. What Kiffin said was not particularly elegant. It was blunt. But blunt does not automatically mean false. Ole Miss fans did not react because Kiffin claimed LSU had more NIL money. Everybody knows LSU has more money. They did not react because he claimed LSU recruits better players. Everybody knows LSU recruits better players. They reacted because Kiffin touched the deepest insecurity Mississippi football has carried for generations: the fear that history still walks into living rooms before coaches do. That is the part people do not want discussed in public. Especially not in Vanity Fair. Especially not by the former Ole Miss coach now standing on LSU’s sideline. This is where the conversation becomes uncomfortable for everybody involved, because the truth requires nuance instead of tribal screaming. Louisiana is not morally pure. Baton Rouge is not some enlightened utopia floating above Southern history. LSU has its own racial scars, political battles and institutional contradictions. Every Southern flagship university does. But LSU football became something larger than Mississippi football culturally decades ago. Broader recruiting pipelines. Broader identity. Broader institutional ambition. Broader national acceptance. That matters in modern recruiting. It especially matters in an era where athletes are brands, families are businesses and perception moves almost as much as scheme or tradition. Lane Kiffin did not create that reality. He described it. Poorly? Maybe. Too candidly? Probably. But not inaccurately. And that is why the reaction became emotional so quickly. Because Ole Miss fans did not hear analysis. They heard judgment. The irony is that Kiffin probably understands Ole Miss better than most outsiders ever will. He won big there. He modernized the program. He gave the school national relevance it desperately wanted. But in the end, even his Vanity Fair profile reads like a man who viewed Oxford as a place he successfully managed rather than a place he completely belonged. That distinction matters. The profile also exposed something else LSU fans should notice. National media no longer covers LSU merely as a football program. It covers LSU as a cultural force. A power center. A symbol of where college football is heading financially, politically and institutionally. That is why Vanity Fair showed up in the first place. And that is why this story exploded beyond sports pages. By the time Kiffin walks back into Oxford on Sept. 19 wearing purple and gold, this game will already be carrying six months of emotional baggage. Vanity Fair did not create that tension. It simply printed what college football’s new reality already looks like when nobody remembers to keep the quiet parts quiet. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU athletics, LSU Football News **Tags:** Chris Smith, lane kiffin, Lane Kiffin apology, lsu football, ole miss, Vanity Fair --- ### [LANE KIFFIN TV: ESPN's GameDay Will Be At LSU-Clemson Sept 5; ABC Televising Game And Ole Miss on Sept. 19](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-tv-espns-college-gameday-will-be-at-lsu-season-opener-vs-clemson-on-sept-5/) **Published:** May 12, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** BATON ROUGE – ESPN will be at LSU for its College GameDay Saturday morning show leading into the debut of new LSU football coach Lane Kiffin in his season opener against Clemson on Sept. 5 at Tiger Stadium, ESPN announced oin Tuesday. And the game will be televised nationally by ABC at 6:30 p.m., the network announced on Tuesday. The network also announced that LSU’s game against Ole Miss on Sept. 19 in Oxford will kickoff at 6:30 p.m. and will be broadcast on ABC. The SEC is expected to announce television windows for the remainder of the league schedule in June. This will mark the second time GameDay will broadcast from LSU during the opening weekend of the college football season. LSU also hosted the season-opening College GameDay in 2004 when the defending national champion Tigers of coach Nick Saban beat Oregon State, 22-21, in overtime. The 2026 season opening show will also mark the 500th College GameDay on the road as ESPN enters its 40th season with the iconic pre-game show, which began in 1987 from ESPN studios in Bristol, Connecticut. The show went on the road for the first time in 1993 and was at LSU for the first time in 1996 when No. 10 Alabama visited No. 11 LSU and won, 26-0. GameDay will be making its 15th appearance at LSU campus and the first since November 5, 2024, when No. 15 LSU and first-year coach Brian Kelly beat No. 6 Alabama, 32-31, in overtime. LSU ranks No. 4 in the nation in times hosted GameDay behind Ohio State (26), Alabama (20) and Michigan (16). Details on show location on the LSU campus will be announced as football season nears. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Football News **Tags:** Clemson Tigers, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Women's Golf Is In 3rd At NCAA Regional Going Into 3rd Day](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-golf-is-in-3rd-at-ncaa-regional-going-into-3rd-day/) **Published:** May 12, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU’s women’s golf team posted the second-best score of the day and an LSU postseason record of 8-under par 272 on Wednesday to move up to third after 36 holes of the 54-hole NCAA Regional in Waco, Texas. LSU trails leader SMU and second place Texas A&M as the Tigers are trying to advance for a school-record sixth straight NCAA Championships berth in Carlsbad, California. The top five from each of the six regional tournaments advance. SMU posted an 11-under 269 to lead at 14-under 546, with Texas A&M at 8-under 554. LSU is five shots back at 1-under 559, which is four shots ahead of Oregon at 563. Host Baylor jumped back into a tie with Tulsa at 6-over 566. Tennessee is seventh at 8-over 568 with TCU at 11-over 571. Freshman Ryleigh Knaub, who bogeyed four of the first five holes, birdied both par 5s and finished with five birdies in a 4-under par round of 66. It was her third 4-under par round as a Tiger. “I guess I just went in with zero expectations,” Knaub said. “I know my game, and I just tried to play to the best of my ability. I knew it would work out. I think I missed one fairway all day. It was very different than (Monday). I think I hit like seven fairways. So huge difference. I could aim at pins and be aggressive.” Knaub is at 1-over 141 for two rounds, moving up 26 spots to a tie for 18th place. Sophomore Francesco Fiorellini continued her steady play after Monday’s 3-under 67 in the opening round with a 2-under round of 68 to stand in a tie for the individual lead in the tournament at 5-under par 135 (67-68). She is tied with Vanessa Borovilos of Texas A&M (66-69) and Kirra St. Laurent of SMU (71-64). Fiorellini had a clean card with a birdie on the par-3 16th hole and the par-4 second hole, for the second straight day on the latter. LSU also got a 2-under round of 68 from senior Taylor Riley, who posted five birdies to move up 18 spots in the standings after opening with a 75. Her round featured birdies on the par-3 fifth and the sixth hole on her second nine to get under par for the day. It all proved to be a total team effort for the Tigers after Elsa Svensson birdied the ninth hole, her 18th, to get to 1-over for the day and assure that nothing over +1 would count for the team in the play 5, count 4 format. This allowed Josefin Widal to go for the green in two. Widal finished just over the green and two-putted for birdie to get LSU in one shot better with her even-par 70. LSU starts at 8 a.m. Wednesday. Live scoring is available at scoreboard.clippd.com. **NCAA Waco Regional** **Ridgewood Country Club – Waco, Texas** **Second Round Team Results (Par 280-560)** **NCAA Rankings in Parenthesis** 1 SMU (No. 21) – 277-269 – 546 -14 2 Texas A&M (No. 4) – 280-274 – 554 -6 **3 LSU (No. 36) – 287-272 – 559 -1** 4 Oregon (No. 8) – 280-283 – 563 +3 T5 Baylor (No. 26) – 288-278 – 566 +6 T5 Tulsa (No. 49) – 286-280 – 566 +6 7 Tennessee (No. 16) – 282-286 – 568 +8 8 TCU (No. 42) – 295-276 – 571 +11 9 Tarleton State – 290-290 – 580 +20 10 Colorado – 292-291 – 583 +23 11 Prairie View A&M – 319-300 – 619 +59 12 Northern Arizona – 296-N/A **Individual Top 5 (Par 70-140)** T1 Vanessa Borovilos, Texas A&M (No. 11) – 66-69 – 135 -5 **T1 Francesca Fiorellini, LSU (No. 70) – 67-68 – 135 -5** T1 Kirra St. Laurent, SMU – 71-64 – 135 -5 4 Kiara Romero, Oregon (No. 3) – 66-70 – 136 -4 5 Samantha Olson, Tulsa – 70-67 – 137 -3 **LSU Scores** T1 Francesca Fiorellini – 67-68 – 135 -5 T18 Ryleigh Knaub – 75-66 – 141 +1 T23 Josefin Widal – 72-70 – 142 +2 T26 Taylor Riley – 75-68 – 143 +3 T31 Elsa Svensson – 73-71 – 144 +4 **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Women's Golf **Tags:** lsu, lsu sports, LSU Tigers', lsu women's golf, NCAA Regional --- ### [Paul Skenes Has Not Walked A Batter Since Before Tax Day Going Into Start Tonight](https://www.tigerrag.com/paul-skenes-has-not-walked-a-batter-since-before-tax-day-going-into-start-tonight/) **Published:** May 12, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Former LSU ace Paul Skenes has not walked a batter through his last four starts for the Pittsburgh Pirates, going into his next start tonight against Colorado (5:40 p.m., MLB Network) in Pittsburgh. Skenes (5-2, 2.36 ERA) has won three of his last five starts for the Pirates, who are in last again in the National League Central, but they are over .500 at 22-19. The 6-foot-6 former first pick of the 2023 Major League Baseball Draft from national champion LSU, Skenes is coming off one of his best games as a pro last Wednesday when he two-hit Arizona over eight innings with seven strikeouts and zero walks for a 1-0 win. The 2025 Cy Young winner came within one inning of his first complete game in his third season in the Majors. > [Cy Skenes! Former LSU Great Paul Skenes Wins National League Top Pitcher Award](https://www.tigerrag.com/cy-skenes-former-lsu-great-paul-skenes-wins-national-league-top-pitcher-award/) “Velo ticked down a hair,” Pittsburgh manager Don Kelly told MLB.com after taking Skenes out following the eighth inning at 97 pitches, even though he struck out the side. “It just looked like his command wasn’t as good.” Now, that’s splitting hairs. Gregory Soto got the save. “When I came out I didn’t know what the pitch count was,” Skenes said. “A lot of confidence in Soto to finish it, so I wasn’t worrying about it too much.” Skenes last walked a batter on April 13 in a 16-5 win over Washington when he threw six innings of one-hit, one-run ball with six strikeouts and one walk to improve to 3-1 on the season at the time. “When you get ahead in the count, it’s a lot easier to pitch,” Skenes said after the 1-0 win over Arizona. “When you don’t, that’s when they can do damage. So just have to keep getting ahead.” Michael Lorenzen (2-4) will start for Colorado tonight. On April 24, Skenes won 6-0 at Milwaukee to go to 4-1 on the season as he allowed one hit and no walks in seven innings with seven strikeouts. He dropped to 4-2 on April 30 against St. Louis in a 10-5 loss as he allowed three earned runs on seven hits with nine strikeouts and no walks. “I think he’s made for every moment on the mound,” Pittsburgh catcher Henry Davis said. “I mean the guy’s an absolute giant.” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Paul Skenes, Pittsburgh Pirates --- ### [LSU Baseball: What Other Dubious Records Can The Tigers Still Break This Season?](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-what-other-dubious-records-can-the-tigers-still-break-this-season/) **Published:** May 12, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The LSU baseball team has never lost 19 games in a Southeastern Conference regular season, which began in 1933. But that could happen when the Tigers (29-24, 9-18 SEC) host No. 19 Florida (34-18, 15-12 SEC) on Thursday through Sunday at Alex Box Stadium to end the 2026 regular season. The series opens at 6:30 p.m. Thursday with game two Friday at 6:30 p.m. and the finale at 2 p.m. Saturday all on SEC Network+. > LSU ties school record for SEC losses in a season with 18 set by 12-34, 6-18 Tigers of 1978. Tigers drop to 29-24, 9-18 w/12-1 loss at Georgia for 4th sweep in last 5 weekends. Goodbye NCAA postseason. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 10, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2053599699827929442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The Tigers tied the school record of 18 SEC losses when they lost their third in a row at No. 5 Georgia on Sunday, 12-1, via the mercy rule after only seven innings. The loss likely sealed the fact that the Tigers will not make the NCAA postseason for the first time since 2011 when they finished 36-20 and 13-17 in the SEC. LSU could still grab the NCAA automatic bid by winning the SEC Tournament on May 19-24 in Hoover, Alabama. Mercy, would that be a surprise? Are there mercy rules for a season, by any chance? Because the Tigers have been swept in three-game SEC series an unprecedented four times over the last five weekends. The last time LSU lost 18 SEC games was in their worst-ever season, based on winning percentage, in 1978. That LSU team finished 12-34 (.282) overall and 6-18 in the SEC in the last year of coach Jim Smith, whose main job was as the football team’s equipment manager. Just three years before, Smith led LSU to the SEC regular season title at 40-16 overall and 19-3 in the league, setting the LSU mark for fewest SEC losses that still stands. > LSU was like Mice against Georgia’s Men. Column: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 11, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2053810549666836550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) A loss to Florida will give LSU its second dubious record of 2026, a year that began with the Tigers ranked No. 1 in multiple preseason polls after winning the 2025 national championship – the second in three years under Jay Johnson. The previous record set in this lost season for the Tigers has much to do with why LSU has suffered. The 2026 pitching staff holds the record for wild pitches in a season with 82, which it broke weeks ago, and could still grow with three more games and still at least one more in the SEC Tournament. The previous wild pitch LSU record was 69 set in 2018 and 1999. Speaking of pitching, unless LSU starter William Schmidt (5-4, 4.22 ERA) wins his start on Thursday or Friday, he will have the least amount of wins for the wins leader on an LSU staff since 2019 when four pitchers tied for the lead with five victories – Eric Walker, Devin Fontenot, Todd Peterson and Landon Marceaux. Other season records LSU would like to avoid matching or breaking as this season mercifully comes to a close are: -Worst Earned Run Average – 6.08 in 1981. … 2026 Tigers – 5.49. -Most Walks Allowed – 292 in 1988. … 2026 Tigers – 262. -Most Walks Allowed Per Game – 5.22 in 1982. … 2026 Tigers – 4.9. -Most Runs Allowed Per Game – 6.92 in 1981. … 2026 Tigers – 6.00. -Most Strikeouts Per Game by LSU hitters – 8.54 in 2021. … 2026 Tigers – 7.84. -Most Wild Pitches by a Pitcher – 20 by Kurt Ainsworth in 1999 in 130 and a third innings. … 2026 – William Schmidt has 11 in 64 innings. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Florida Gators, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers --- ### [Lane Kiffin Amends His Comments About Racial Background Of Ole Miss](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-amends-his-comments-about-racial-background-of-ole-miss/) **Published:** May 12, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Upon further review, LSU football coach Lane Kiffin tried to clarify his comments regarding the Ole Miss Rebels’ troubled racial image that was a small part of an exploding Vanity Fair article on the former Ole Miss coach published Monday. > It’s Just Different when a cool, non-sports magazine like Vanity Fair profiles a football coach. But then, Lane Kiffin is just different: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 11, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2053917494151381264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “I really apologize if anybody at Ole Miss or in Mississippi was offended by that,” Kiffin told On3.com since the story came out. If, Lane? Really. The part of the extended feature by best selling author Chris Smith that went viral on social media among Mississippians follows: “When he was coaching there, Kiffin says, top recruits would tell him, ‘Hey, coach, we really like you. But my grandparents aren’t letting me move to Oxford, Mississippi,’” Smith writes. ![Mascot character with oversized beige beard and hat, wearing a blue coat and red pants, walking along an outdoor fair path with vendor tents in the background.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/ColReb_OleMissAthletics.jpg "ColReb_OleMissAthletics | TigerRag.com")***Ole Miss Colonel Reb mascot has long been the subject of much criticism as far as the Rebels image File photo***Kiffin, who left Ole Miss to become LSU’s coach after the regular season last year, is then quoted. “That doesn’t come up when you say Baton Rouge, Louisiana,” Kiffin says in the story. “Parents were sitting here this weekend (at LSU) saying the campus diversity feels so great. It feels like there’s no segregation. And we want that for our kid because that’s the real world.” > TONIGHTS GUEST LINEUP INCLUDES: [@chrissmithnymag](https://twitter.com/chrissmithnymag?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) , [@LCsportswriter](https://twitter.com/LCsportswriter?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), [@ByCoryDiaz](https://twitter.com/ByCoryDiaz?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), & [@VoiceLadyTigers](https://twitter.com/VoiceLadyTigers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). > Listen at 6 p.m. to hear our hosts [@jeffpalermoLRN](https://twitter.com/jeffpalermoLRN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), [@racertodd](https://twitter.com/racertodd?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw), & [@SportBeatTweet](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw). > 🔗. [pic.twitter.com/a3dHNj1wYt](https://t.co/a3dHNj1wYt) > > — Tiger Rag (@TigerRagMedia) [May 12, 2026](https://twitter.com/TigerRagMedia/status/2054243119290286385?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [Smith, by the way, will be on Tiger Rag Radio tonight.](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-feature-writer-chris-smith-to-be-on-tiger-rag-radio-tuesday-night/) > Lane Kiffin said this to [@On3](https://twitter.com/On3?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) regarding his comments to Vanity Fair about differences in recruiting at Ole Miss and LSU. [pic.twitter.com/eCNzTC3iqU](https://t.co/eCNzTC3iqU) > > — Wilson Alexander (@whalexander\_) [May 12, 2026](https://twitter.com/whalexander_/status/2054213874803429833?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Kiffin explained to On3.com that the above comment was a small part of his interview with Smith in Baton Rouge. “In a four-hour interview, I was asked a lot of questions on a lot of things. And Ole Miss has been wonderful to me and to my family,” Kiffin said. “I was asked questions about the differences in recruiting, and I said a narrative that we battled there from some out-of-state Black parents and grandparents was not wanting their kid to move to Mississippi. That’s a narrative that coaches have been fighting forever. It wasn’t calculated by bringing it up.” LSU plays at Ole Miss on Saturday, Sept. 19. **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels --- ### [Lane Kiffin Feature Writer Chris Smith To Be On Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday Night](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-feature-writer-chris-smith-to-be-on-tiger-rag-radio-tuesday-night/) **Published:** May 11, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Just about everything he touches goes viral. LSU football coach Lane Kiffin has been trending for most of Monday [after a feature on him in Vanity Fair magazine by best selling author Chris Smith](https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/lane-kiffin-explains-himself) went viral. > It’s Just Different when a cool, non-sports magazine like Vanity Fair profiles a football coach. But then, Lane Kiffin is just different: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 11, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2053917494151381264?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Smith, who wrote the best selling book “Till The End” about former New York Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia, will be on Tiger Rag Radio live Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. statewide to discuss his Kiffin feature. ![Smiling bald man with a beard wearing a bandana scarf and jacket, standing against a stone wall.](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/ChrisSmithVanityFair.jpg "ChrisSmithVanityFair | TigerRag.com")***Best selling author Chris Smith who wrote Lane Kiffin piece in Vanity Fair that published Monday***Smith interviewed Kiffin in his office at LSU. > “[@Lane\_Kiffin](https://twitter.com/Lane_Kiffin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) is a hot mess. But he’s not the problem. It’s what’s going on in college sports.” [@VanityFair](https://twitter.com/VanityFair?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@ChrisMurphyCT](https://twitter.com/ChrisMurphyCT?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@finebaum](https://twitter.com/finebaum?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@LSUfootball](https://twitter.com/LSUfootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [@OleMissFB](https://twitter.com/OleMissFB?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — chris smith (@chrissmithnymag) [May 11, 2026](https://twitter.com/chrissmithnymag/status/2053840468413215003?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) You can listen to Tiger Rag Radio [online here](https://station.voscast.com/64cd62be67664) at https://station.voscast.com/64cd62be67664, or on the following stations – WBRP Talk 107.3 FM in Baton Rouge; KKND 106.7 FM The Ticket In New Orleans; WGSO 990 AM in New Orleans; KLWB 103.7 FM The Game in Lafayette; KFNV 107.1 FM in Ferriday; KLCJ 104.1 FM in Lake Charles; KASO 1240 AM in Minden; KRLQ 94.1 FM in Ruston; WSLA 1560 AM in Slidell; KBZE 105.9 FM in Morgan City; WAKH 105.7 FM in McComb, Mississippi. > Behind the scenes with [@VanityFair](https://twitter.com/VanityFair?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) and [@Lane\_Kiffin](https://twitter.com/Lane_Kiffin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) [pic.twitter.com/IpXuNhspbx](https://t.co/IpXuNhspbx) > > — LSU Football (@LSUfootball) [May 1, 2026](https://twitter.com/LSUfootball/status/2050239107360600393?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Ole Miss fans are still as sore about Kiffin leaving their school as head coach after last season after six years as LSU fans were when Nick Saban became Alabama’s coach in 2007 – two years removed from leaving LSU after five seasons for the Miami Dolphins job. > [Ole Miss Should Treasure Historic Season And Forget About Who Gets The Credit … Which Is Mostly Lane Kiffin | Glenn Guilbeau](https://www.tigerrag.com/ole-miss-should-treasure-historic-season-and-forget-about-who-gets-the-credit-which-is-mostly-lane-kiffin-glenn-guilbeau/) Kiffin led Ole Miss to its greatest season in history in 2025, while Saban won LSU’s first national championship in football in the 2003 season since 1958. He left after the 2004 season. But Ole Miss fans and other Mississippians are particularly upset about a comment about their state’s racist past. “When he was coaching there, Kiffin says, top recruits would tell him, ‘Hey, coach, we really like you. But my grandparents aren’t letting me move to Oxford, Mississippi,’” Smith writes. Kiffin is then quoted. “That doesn’t come up when you say Baton Rouge, Louisiana,” he says. “Parents were sitting here this weekend saying the campus diversity feels so great. ‘It feels like there’s no segregation. And we want that for our kid because that’s the real world.’” Kiffin added later to Smith, “I just hope (the above comment) comes across respectful to Ole Miss. There are some things that I’m saying that are factual. They’re not shots.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** Chris Smith, lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels, Vanity Fair --- ### [LSU Women's Golf: Tigers Are In 6th Place After Day 1 Of NCAA Regional](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-golf-tigers-are-in-6th-place-after-day-1-of-ncaa-regional/) **Published:** May 11, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** **WACO, Texas –** The old saying about golf tournaments is that they can’t be won on the first day, but you can put yourself in a position where it can be very difficult to come back from. The LSU women’s golf team put themselves in a good position after the first round of the NCAA Waco Regional Monday at Ridgewood Country Club on a cool, blustery day with a 7-over round of 287 that puts them in sixth going to Tuesday’s second round. The Tigers, in their seventh straight NCAA regional appearance, are looking to finish in the top five at event’s end on Wednesday to advance to the NCAA Championship tournament in Carlsbad, California later this month. LSU is one shot behind fifth place Tulsa at 6-over 286. SMU leads the competition at 3-under par 277 with Texas A&M and Oregon tied for second at even par 280. Tennessee is fourth at 2-over 282. LSU, is one shot up on host Baylor, which is seventh after a 288 with Tarleton State at 10-over par 290 in eighth. The LSU round was helped tremendously by the strong play of Rome, Italy, sophomore Francesca Fiorellini, who posted a 3-under round of 67. Fiorellini, who transferred from UCLA prior to the 2025-26 season, had five birdies on her round with a chip-in from the bunker on her second hole – the par 4 11th. “I hit a drive a little right, it wasn’t that bad,” she said. “I thought it was okay, but I had some trees. So, I just punched it, but it went super long in the bunker. It was a super hard shot – down everything. And I made it. It was a great shot.” Fiorellini put herself in great position with birdie on the par 4 18th and then on the par 4 first and second holes to open her last nine. “I just took advantage of the holes that were downwind. They were short clubs in and I hit it pretty close,” she said. Fiorellini is in a tie for fourth after 18 holes with Celine Chen of SMU at 3-under 67. Three players finished the day at 4-under 66 – Kyra Van Kan of Tennessee, Kiara Romero of Oregon and Vanessa Borovilos of Texas A&M. In all, eight players in the field of 65 broke par on a day that was cooler and featured a strong at times north wind, the complete opposite of Sunday’s practice round. The scoring average for the par 70, 6,094-yard venue for the field was 3.4 strokes over par at 73.38. LSU also counted a 2-over 72 from sophomore Josefin Widal, a 3-over from graduate student Elsa Svensson and 5-over 75s from Ryleigh Knaub and Taylor Riley. Widal replaced sophomore Rocio Tejedo, who is under the weather. Coach Garrett Runion, who is looking to extend a school record streak by taking the Tigers to the NCAA Championships for a sixth consecutive year, felt good about his team’s start. “In the middle there, they got it going and played really well,” Runion said. “I was proud of our freshman (Ryleigh Knaub). Francesca played solidly all day long, highlighted by her bunker shot on her second hole of the day. That kind of got her momentum going. I thought Josefin played well all day, considering she found out she was going to be in the lineup just the night before. She had two bogeys coming in on the tougher holes, but ended up being our second-best score of the day. “It always comes down to one stroke, and the shots we hit today are going to matter just as much as the next two days. So trying to save every shot we can is very important. All-in-all, we’re in a good spot for the next two days to advance.” Statistically, the Tigers were fourth in the field on the par 4 holes at 6-over par (4.10) with three of those bogeys coming on the par 4 eighth hole, which played as the fifth toughest hole of the day. LSU is tied for fifth at 3.10 in par three scoring (+2) and tied for second with 13 birdies. Individually, Fiorellini played the par three holes in 1-under and the par 4 holes in 2-under par. Her five birdies are tied for third. LSU will play with Tennessee and Tulsa in the second round, again off the 10th tee at 8 a.m. Tuesday. The weather is forecast to be cool again at the start but with plenty of sunshine. Winds will be light. Live scoring for the Waco Regional is available at scoreboard.clippd.com. **NCAA WACO REGIONAL** **Ridgewood Country Club – Waco, Texas** **First Round Team Results – Par 280** **(NCAA/Scoreboard Ranking in Parenthesis)** 1 SMU (No. 21) – 277 -3 T2 Texas A&M (No. 4) – 280 Even T2 Oregon (No. 8) – 280 Even 4 Tennessee (No. 16) – 282 +2 5 Tulsa (No. 49) – 286 +6 **6 LSU (No. 36) – 287 +7** 7 Baylor (No. 26) – 288 +8 8\. Tarleton State – 290 +10 9 Colorado – 292 +12 10 TCU – 295 +15 11 Northern Arizona – 296 +16 12 Prairie View A&M – 319 +39 **Top 5 Individuals (Par 70)** T1 Vanessa Borovilos, Texas A&M – 66 -4 T1 Kiara Romero, Oregon – 66 -4 T1 Kyra Van Kan, Tennessee – 66 -4 **T4 Francesca Fiorellini, LSU – 67 -3** T4 Celine Chen, SMU – 67 -3 **LSU Scores** T4 Francesca Fiorellini – 67 -3 T21 Josefin Widal – 72 +2 T29 Elsa Svensson – 73 +3 T44 Ryleigh Knaub – 75 +5 T44 Taylor Riley – 75 +5 **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Women's Golf **Tags:** lsu, LSU Tigers', lsu women's golf, NCAA Regional --- ### [Lane Kiffin Graces Cover Of "Vanity Fair," Which Takes Deep Dive On Rock Star LSU Football Coach](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-graces-cover-of-vanity-fair-which-takes-deep-dive-on-rock-star-lsu-football-coach/) **Published:** May 11, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Lane Kiffin has been LSU’s football coach since Nov. 30, 2025, and he had done zero one-on-one interviews nationally or locally. There were several press conferences and speaking engagements and a television interview during LSU’s appearance in the third tier Texas Bowl on Dec. 27 with a very cool leather jacket worthy of a Gentlemen’s Quarterly cover. But no one-on-ones. Until now. Kiffin is the current cover boy of the iconic Vanity Fair magazine of pop culture, fashion, current affairs and some of the best magazine journalism there is with the likes of writer and author Bryan Burrough, among others. [LANE KIFFIN VANITY FAIR FEATURE STORY](https://www.vanityfair.com/news/story/lane-kiffin-explains-himself) Writer Chris Smith interviewed Kiffin in his office with photographer Craig Mulcahy taking somewhat provocative photos that you won’t see in Sports Illustrated. The headline is an attention grabber – “That’s Him In The Spotlight: How Lane Kiffin Eagerly Became The Most Polarizing Coach in College Football.” The package also says he is the “the most controversial and among the most fiercely hated coaches in college football.” > Shocking to self-absorbed Ole Miss, yes. And that was NCAA calendar related as well. Other coaches did same thing last year to playoff teams at the same time. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 11, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2053859295188459781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) I would disagree with that. He’s definitely the most unique and quirky coach in the game, but not the most controversial. He had one of the more controversial job switches, but not nearly as such as Nick Saban leaving the Miami Dolphins for Alabama after the 2006 season after lying that he was not going to Alabama. Kiffin never said he was staying at Ole Miss or that he was leaving. > It’s over. Lane Kiffin is LSU’s next football coach. Press conference introducing him set for Monday at LSU. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [November 30, 2025](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/1995189623631618525?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “Most hated” are strong words, too. Kiffin is definitely the most hated coach in the world among Ole Miss fans, which is not that big of a world. It’s also a naive world. Most people with a brain knew Kiffin was not going to stay at Ole Miss for the rest of his career or for 10 years. He stayed there for six. That’s a long time in the NFL and college football coaching professions. Hated coaches are usually coaches who win big and consistently, particularly against certain coaches. LSU fans, for example, hated Nick Saban because he beat them almost all the time as Alabama’s coach. They also hated Steve Spurrier because he beat them every time but once as Florida’s coach. Auburn fans hated Saban for the same reason. Tennessee and Florida State fans hated Spurrier for the same reason. Kiffin has not won nearly as big as Saban or Spurrier yet, so he doesn’t deserve the hate and doesn’t have it universally yet as those two did. And Kiffin is not unique in his job switching. It’s just unique to Ole Miss, because it has rarely had a football coach that another school wanted. In fact, Ole Miss has rarely had football coaches that it wanted for very long since Johnny Vaught (1947-70). The feature is highly entertaining and reveals some new information. Kiffin’s mom Robin nicknamed him “Helicopter” as a kid, because he was always jumping from room to room causing chaos. Like so many college coaching jobs, right? The story clearly captures the very interesting and enigmatic Kiffin. “After four hours of talking with Kiffin, I’m stumped,” Smith writes. “Is he endearingly sincere or so full of shit that it’s an art form?” And he quotes Southeastern Conference talk show icon Paul Finebaum, who has usually not been a fan of Kiffin, making it clear this is no puff piece. “Lane Kiffin is an introvert, and he’s a drama queen,” Finebaum accurately says. “He’s sincere, and he doesn’t get enough credit for his acting ability. It’s what makes him fascinating, and it’s what makes him the most polarizing coach in college football.” Smith and Kiffin don’t avoid Kiffin’s drinking issues of the past. “A drinking problem, Kiffin says candidly, also marred his early years in coaching,” Smith writes. “He’d started out pounding beers before developing a taste for vodka. The booze also damaged his marriage; Kiffin and his wife, Layla, divorced in 2016.” Kiffin says, “My whole drive when I was younger was like, ‘How fast can I get everything? How fast can I get the big job? The big contract?’ As I’ve gotten older (51), I’ve tried to work on that, making decisions that are more delayed gratification. I got tired of digging out of hangovers, tired of digging out of situations or things I said.” ![Lane Kiffin, LSU head football coach](https://www.tigerrag.com/wp-content/uploads/LKiffinIntroPressConf_LaneKiffin2_JMailhes.jpg "LKiffinIntroPressConf_LaneKiffin2_JMailhes | TigerRag.com")***LSU coach Lane Kiffin at his introductory press conference on Dec 1 2025 Tiger Rag photo***The story says Kiffin gave up alcohol in January of 2021, which was his second year at Ole Miss. “He became an evangelist for hot yoga and dropped about 45 pounds,” Smith writes. “He took up journaling and shared an entry with ESPN an excerpt from from Alcoholics Anonymous. ‘Ego was being replaced with self-respect, resentment and hatred were being replaced with tolerance and understanding.'” Kiffin also explains why he doesn’t think Ole Miss fans should be that upset about him leaving, which most successful coaches do. “Did you make the university tons of money? Are out-of-state applications way up? Did the city make tons of money – businesses, real estate? I mean, this is not a normal big city. This is Oxford, Mississippi,” he said. “No coach I talked to at any point ever said, ‘Stay there.’ They said, ‘You got one life. People do it all the time. Players and free agency, coaches, magazines—people change. It’s *your* story.’ That’s why I did it, because, I’m like, ‘Man, it’s *my* story.’ And I choose for this to be the next chapter.” Kiffin also drew a distinction for Smith between Baton Rouge and Oxford that will make Ole Miss fans continue their slow burn of hate with some jealousy. “When he was coaching there, Kiffin says, top recruits would tell him, ‘Hey, coach, we really like you. But my grandparents aren’t letting me move to Oxford, Mississippi,’” Smith writes. Kiffin is then quoted. “That doesn’t come up when you say Baton Rouge, Louisiana,” he says. “Parents were sitting here this weekend saying the campus diversity feels so great. ‘It feels like there’s no segregation. And we want that for our kid because that’s the real world.’” Kiffin added later to Smith, “I just hope (the above comment) comes across respectful to Ole Miss. There are some things that I’m saying that are factual. They’re not shots.” Respectful? Really, Lane? In discussing the hate Ole Miss fans feel for their coach leaving for their rival, Kiffin made a comparison very similar to those made by this writer and others in 2007 when Saban went to Alabama two years after leaving LSU. After all, Alabama has long been LSU’s daddy in football for most of history, much like LSU has long been Ole Miss’ daddy for most of history. “I don’t know if I should make this analogy,” Kiffin says. “The fans are like, ‘It’s a breakup, and he goes to the girl we know, who’s considered by everyone outside the state to be a better girl. Now you’re going back to, like, a big family reunion (on Sept. 19 when LSU plays at Ole Miss), with a new girl.’” And Smith wraps with, “The spectacle will be great for TV ratings. The Lane Kiffin Show is never dull.” **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Ole Miss Rebels, Vanity Fair --- ### [LSU Baseball: Chris Stanfield Returns After Hamstring Injury, Finalist For Tony Gwynn Award](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-chris-stanfield-returns-after-hamstring-injury-finalist-for-tony-gwynn-award/) **Published:** May 11, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU senior outfielder Chris Stanfield returned to action on Saturday at Georgia after not playing since April 24 at Mississippi State when he suffered a hamstring injury. And Stanfield came back strong with a three-run home run in the eighth inning of the Tigers’ 13-8 loss to the Bulldogs. He played again on Sunday, pinch-hitting and going 0-for-1, [as Georgia swept the three-game series.](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-tigers-2026-season-swept-away-at-georgia-with-mercy-rule-12-1-loss-in-7-innings/) > LSU was like Mice against Georgia’s Men. Column: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 11, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2053810549666836550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The Tigers (29-24, 9-18 SEC) close the regular season at home this Thursday through Saturday against Florida (34-18, 15-12 SEC). On the season, Stanfield is hitting .235 in 30 games and 27 starts with three home runs and 12 RBIs. He has been hurt for much of the season as he suffered a foot injury in the Tigers’ opening weekend back in February before the hamstring injury. While healthy last season, Stanfield led LSU in hitting in SEC games at .326 with 14 doubles, nine RBIs and 25 runs scored as the Tigers won the national championship. He hit .298 overall with 15 doubles, 31 RBIs and 53 runs scored through 68 games and 67 starts. Last week, Stanfield was named one of nine finalists for the second annual Tony Gwynn Community Service Trophy, which he won last year. The award honors college baseball student-athletes who exemplify the Gwynn legacy. The Gwynn Trophy winner will be selected from these finalists, in a vote by NCBWA board members, select college baseball coaches and national media members later this season. > [When Chris Stanfield Gave Jay Johnson A Note From His Doctor, It Was Time To Play Him](https://www.tigerrag.com/when-chris-stanfield-gave-jay-johnson-a-note-from-his-doctor-it-was-time-to-play-him/) Stanfield, a native of Tallahassee, Fla., was the recipient last season of the inaugural Gwynn Trophy, which was created to honor collegiate baseball student-athletes who are active in their community and represent their programs with integrity, while exceling in the classroom and on the field. The other eight 2026 finalists are Louisiana infielder Lee Amedee, Pittsburgh outfielder Lorenzo Carrier, Mississippi State outfielder Bryce Chance, BYU reliever Ashton Johnson, Arkansas infielder Camden Kozeal, Dallas Baptist infielder Chayton Krauss, Louisville outfielder Zion Rose and Toledo outfielder Troy Sudbrook. Stanfield has been a fixture in the communities throughout his career, which began with two seasons at Auburn in 2023 and ’24 before coming to LSU going into the 2025 season. He launched his “Be The 1” Campaign at LSU, where he donates $100 to the Miracle League in Baton Rouge for every game he has an extra-base hit or stolen base. He raised more than $10,000 for the Miracle League of East Alabama while at Auburn. He also volunteers with local elementary schools and hospitals and participates in the Out of Darkness Walk, driven to support suicide prevention. He is a two-time member of the SEC’s Community Service Team, and he was named to the 2026 Lou Gehrig Community Impact Team by Phi Delta Theta fraternit and the Live Like Lou Foundation. **JAY JOHNSON GIVES CHRIS STANFIELD AN 11 ON SCALE OF 1 TO 10** “He’s an 11 out of 10 human being. That would be my assessment of Chris,” LSU coach Jay Johnson said. “He’s obviously a great player, but he’s also one of those people in life that every time they walk into a room, you automatically smile because of the energy they bring, the positivity they bring, the attitude they bring. And that’s Chris Stanfield.” Gwynn, who passed away in 2014 after a long bout with cancer, was nationally recognized throughout his life for his unyielding commitment to philanthropy. He and his wife, Alicia, established the Tony Gwynn Foundation to help fund charities supporting children in need, including supporting the Casa de Amparo Child Abuse Shelter, the Neighborhood House, YMCA and the Police Athletic League. He was inducted into the World Sports Humanitarian Hall of Fame and won the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award, presented to the MLB player who best exemplified the character and leadership of the Hall of Fame first baseman. Gwynn was a 15-time MLB All-Star, won eight batting titles – the most in National League history – and finished his decorated 20-year career with a .338 batting average. He played his entire career with the San Diego Padres, after playing collegiately at San Diego State, where he also played basketball. A 2007 Hall of Fame inductee, Gwynn saw the SDSU stadium named after him. He was the Aztecs’ head coach from 2003-14 and won three Mountain West Conference championships and was the 2014 MWC Coach of the Year. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Chris Stanfield, Georgia Bulldogs, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Women's Golf Team Opens Play Today In NCAA Regional](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-golf-team-opens-play-today-in-ncaa-regional/) **Published:** May 11, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** **WACO, Texas –** NCAA Regional golf play begins Monday morning at six sites around the country, including here at the Ridgewood Country Club for the LSU Tigers. The 54-hole tournament will determine five teams from each that will advance to the NCAA Championships in Carlsbad, California, later this month. The No. 36-ranked LSU women is the No. 6 seed in the 12-team field as the Tigers reached the NCAA postseason for the seventh straight season. LSU will try to extend its school record five straight advances to the championship round. No. 4 Texas A&M is the No. 1 seed, followed by No. 8-ranked Oregon, No. 16 Tennessee, No. 21 SMU, No. 26 Baylor), No. 42 TCU, No. 49 Tulsa, No. 51 Colorado, No. 77 North Arizona, No. 151 Tarleton State and Prairie View. The Ridgewood Country Club, which opened in 1947, is a par 70 course on Lake Waco. “I think it’s a great venue,” LSU coach Garrett Runion said. “It seems like it’s going to be a good regional test. It will separate the field, which is what we want.” LSU’s lineup is expected to be what the Tigers used in the SEC championships with seniors Taylor Riley and Elsa Svensson, sophomores Francesca Fiorellini and Rocio Tejedo and All-SEC freshman Ryleigh Knaub. Knaub leads the team in stroke average at 72.17 with Fiorellini at 72.37 and Svensson at 72.70. “The first round is just so important,” Runion said. “Whenever you are playing from behind, it adds more pressure, and you don’t play as free and loose. I want them to be free. I want them to be loose and play their game. It’s hard to fight those urges to want to press and try to do too much when you don’t need to.” The other regionals opening Monday are at Michigan, North Carolina, Louisville, Stanford and Florida State. The Regional will run through Wednesday in Waco. Live scoring will be at scoreboard.clippd.com. Live streaming will be at Babygrande Golf. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Women's Golf --- ### [LSU Baseball Coach Jay Johnson Had A Good Plan On Paper, But Georgia Burned It Clean Away](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-coach-jay-johnson-had-a-good-plan-on-paper-but-georgia-burned-it-clean-away/) **Published:** May 10, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The best-laid schemes of mice and men – and coaches – go often awry. Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote something like that in his 1785 poem titled, “To A Mouse.” He surely didn’t have the LSU baseball team in mind. The game of baseball as we know it was not invented until the 1840s. But the Tigers were the mice, and the Georgia Bulldogs were the men this weekend in Athens, Georgia. LSU pitchers were scurrying from the mound to the dugout, from the dugout to the bullpen, from the bullpen to the mound, and back to the dugout on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. > LSU ties school record for SEC losses in a season with 18 set by 12-34, 6-18 Tigers of 1978. Tigers drop to 29-24, 9-18 w/12-1 loss at Georgia for 4th sweep in last 5 weekends. Goodbye NCAA postseason. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 10, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2053599699827929442?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) No. 5 Georgia (41-11, 21-6 Southeastern Conference) put up 39 hits with nine home runs and five doubles for 36 runs off 12 pitchers in 11-8, 13-8 and 12-1 wins over the weekend. The “sweep” doesn’t do what Georgia did justice. It was more like Georgia gutted LSU’s whole house all weekend. The Bulldogs, who led 12-3 in the sixth on Saturday, were one run away from back-to-back, mercy, 10-run rule killings. And the sad thing is LSU coach Jay Johnson had a decent plan, or scheme, going in. With supposed future ace and Major League pitcher William Schmidt and all his NIL money ahead 7-3 going into the fourth inning on Friday, the Tigers looked like they had a chance at winning the first game. Had they held on, that would have been like sweeping a doubleheader, considering what a win over Georgia and its Ratings Percentage Index quotient of 15 could have done for the Tigers. That easily would have been the highest RPI win of the season for LSU (29-24, 9-18 SEC), which is now out of the NCAA postseason, barring miracles upon miracles in Hoover, Alabama, at the SEC Tournament. With a win over Georgia in game one Friday, LSU would have two more chances to win the series somehow with Johnson saving both former ace Casan Evans and his hottest pitcher of late, Zac Cowan, for Sunday. And just one win would have been a weekend victory. But the Tigers lost 11-8 Friday as Schmidt and the Tigers’ relievers again couldn’t hold a cold. Then they had no chance on Saturday in the 13-8 loss, and never were really in the game on Sunday as it was 4-0 after two, 7-1 after four and 11-1 after five. Evans gave up four earned runs on four hits and two walks in just an inning and two thirds. Cowan allowed seven earned runs on eight hits, including two home runs, and three walks in just three and a third innings. “I always feel good with Zac Cowan and Casan Evans,” Johnson said after the onslaught. “They just got to both of them. They have swung the bat as good as anybody, and they did again today. Best team that we’ve seen.” It was at least good to get work for Evans, who took the loss to fall to 2-3 with a 5.96 ERA that was 2.05 last year with a 5-1 mark and seven saves. He had missed three straight starts with arm soreness and the recovery from it. “The more he pitches, the better he is,” Johnson said. “Maybe a little bit of rust, but I thought he competed fine.” Evans will get another start and a chance to redeem himself against Florida this weekend at Alex Box Stadium in the regular season series finale. He won’t pitch against a better team than Georgia until the 2027 season – if then. “It’s a long lineup,” Johnson said. “All of them contribute on offense and defense. They’ve got the good mojo – that good synergy that championship teams usually have.” LSU clearly has not had that since last June during its national championship run in Omaha, Nebraska, at the College World Series. This June, LSU will be nowhere near Omaha, but that is the destination Johnson will be recruiting to when he starts shopping during the next portal window, June 1-30. He’ll be looking for pitchers and just about everything else. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Casan Evans, Georgia Bulldogs, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Zac Cowan --- ### [LSU Softball Team Will Host NCAA Regional This Weekend As 16th Overall Seed Versus Akron](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-team-will-host-ncaa-regional-this-weekend-as-16th-overall-seed-versus-akron/) **Published:** May 10, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The LSU softball team will make its 27th NCAA Tournament appearance and host the NCAA Regional at LSU Friday through Sunday as the No. 16 overall seed. The Tigers (37-17) will host Akron (34-23) at 5:30 p.m. Friday. [NCAA BATON ROUGE REGIONAL COMPLETE SCHEDULE](https://lsusports.net/26sbregional/) The Baton Rouge Regional features Virginia Tech as the No. 2 seed, Sun Belt Conference Tournament champions South Alabama as the No. 3 seed and Mid-American Conference champions Akron as the fourth seed. > [LSU Softball Plans To Host NCAA Regional After SEC Tournament; Tigers Face Georgia Wednesday](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-plans-to-host-ncaa-regional-after-sec-tournament-tigers-face-georgia-wednesday/) LSU is an NCAA Regional host for the 10th time over the last 11 years, excluding 2020, which had no tournament due to COVID-19. It will be the 17th time overall LSU will host a regional. The Tigers are 66-33 in the NCAA Regional round overall, and LSU reached NCAA postseason for the 20th straight season. > [LSU Softball Eliminated From SEC Tournament By Georgia; Tigers Wait For NCAA Regional Host Site](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-softball-eliminated-from-sec-tournament-by-georgia-tigers-wait-for-ncaa-regional-host-site/) The Tigers are 88-60 in all rounds of NCAA postseason play with six College World Series appearances (2001, 2004, 2012, 2015-2017). LSU coach Beth Torina has led LSU to the College World Series four times. The Tigers enter the NCAA postseason, having won nine of their last 12. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Softball **Tags:** beth torina, lsu softball, LSU Tigers, NCAA Regional --- ### [LSU Baseball: Tigers' 2026 Season Swept Away At Georgia With Mercy Rule, 12-1 Loss in 7 Innings](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-tigers-2026-season-swept-away-at-georgia-with-mercy-rule-12-1-loss-in-7-innings/) **Published:** May 10, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The LSU baseball team has fallen, and it won’t be able to get back up for an NCAA Regional bid unless it wins five straight games in the Southeastern Conference Tournament on May 19-24 in Hoover, Alabama. The Tigers, who last didn’t reach NCAA postseason play in 2011, did more than lose on Sunday at No. 5 Georgia. They were embarrassed by the 10-run, mercy rule in falling to the Bulldogs, 12-1, in seven innings and were swept in a three-game SEC series for the fourth time in five weeks. LSU (29-24, 9-18 SEC) tied the school record for league losses with its 18th, which was set in a 12-34 season overall and 6-18 in the SEC in 1978. Georgia (41-11, 21-6) clinched the SEC regular season title on Saturday with a 13-8 win over LSU in a game that nearly drew the mercy rule as Georgia was up 12-3 in the seventh and one run from ending that one early. The Tigers lost the opener of the series 11-8 on Friday after leading 6-2 and 7-3 early. > The odds of LSU making an NCAA Regional only slightly better than that of Brian Kelly getting a head coaching job: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 10, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2053497548615176414?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) The Tigers mercifully close the regular season this Thursday through Saturday against No. 21 Florida (34-18, 15-12 SEC). LSU scored its only run in the third inning Sunday on an RBI single by Omar Serna Jr. to get within 4-1. LSU sophomore right-hander Casan Evans pitched for the first time since April 17 after missing three starts with arm stiffness and recovery. He retired the side in order in the first inning, marking the only time Georgia let that happen all weekend. But Evans ended up taking the loss to fall to 2-3 on the season. He allowed four earned runs on four hits with two walks in one and two-thirds innings. Georgia finished with 14 hits in all with two home runs and four doubles to five hits, including four singles, by the Tigers. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Georgia Bulldogs, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, SEC Baseball --- ### [LSU Baseball: Tigers In Must-Win Situation After 2 Straight Losses At Georgia; Casan Evans To Start](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-tigers-in-a-must-win-situation-after-2-straight-losses-at-georgia/) **Published:** May 10, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor The way it looks now, the LSU baseball team stands a better chance of sweeping five games at the Southeastern Conference Tournament in two weeks for the automatic NCAA Regional bid than of staying in postseason contention in the regular season. The Tigers (29-23, 9-17 SEC) dropped their second straight game, 13-8, at No. 5 Georgia (40-11, 20-6 SEC champions) on Saturday night as the Bulldogs toyed with the Tigers’ pitching to the tune of 14 hits with three home runs and four doubles. Georgia won 11-8 on Friday night with 11 hits, including four home runs. > [Georgia Overwhelms LSU 13-8, Clinches 2026 SEC Championship](https://www.tigerrag.com/georgia-overwhelms-lsu-13-8-clinches-2026-sec-championship/) In order to have a chance for an NCAA Regional bid, LSU would have to win today’s third game (2 p.m., SEC Network), sweep No. 21 Florida (33-18, 14-12 SEC) next weekend in Baton Rouge in the regular season finale series and win two or three games at the SEC Tournament, May 19-24, in Hoover, Alabama, to get a bid. The last time LSU didn’t reach the NCAA postseason was in 2011. The odds of LSU winning its next four SEC regular season games are almost as bad as the chances of Brian Kelly getting a head coaching job before next season. LSU’s starting pitcher today will be former ace Casan Evans (2-2, 5.47 ERA), who will pitch for the first time since the Texas A&M series opener on April 17 when he allowed six earned runs on seven hits and three walks through five innings to take the loss. The sophomore right-hander was scratched just before his next start a week later at Mississippi State with arm stiffness and has not pitched since. Senior right-hander Zac Cowan (3-3, 3.63 ERA, 1 save) will also be available. LSU’s best pitcher in recent weeks, Cowan should have relieved Friday when LSU still had the lead or was tied in its 11-8 loss to Georgia that it led 7-4 when starter William Schmidt left in the fifth. Evans has struggled most of this season, like other returning pitchers expected to be much better this season – Gavin Guidry (4-3, 6.81 ERA, 1 save, 18 walks, 50 strikeouts, 38.1 innings), Mavrick Rizy (0-0, 3.98 ERA, 15 walks, 27 strikeouts, 20.1 innings) and Schmidt (5-4, 4.22 ERA, 31 walks, 85 strikeouts, 64 innings). Guidry has allowed eight home runs, which is a lot for someone who has mainly relieved. The only pitcher with more homers allowed is Schmidt with 10. He has started all 13 of his appearances and threw 36 more innings. Guidry has started only three games. LSU would have a better chance of winning five straight in Hoover as several or most of the teams it would play there would not be using front line pitching as they will not need to win those games to reach the NCAA postseason as LSU does. “Just as a competitor, it bothers me,” LSU coach Jay Johnson said after Saturday night’s game, which was his 11th SEC loss out of the last 14. A sweep at the hands of Georgia today would be LSU’s fourth in five weeks in the league. “It bothers me that somebody else wins the championship, and we don’t,” he said. Championship? LSU has never been in the race for the SEC regular season title this season. What really should bother Johnson is that his team has not defeated a decent SEC team since April 5 at Tennessee, 16-6. The Vols (34-17, 13-13 SEC) are the only league team without a losing SEC record that LSU has a win against all season. That sweep last weekend over South Carolina (22-29, 7-19 SEC) was obviously fool’s gold. > This has not been the type of “wild” season that LSU pitching coach Nate Yeskie is used to going through. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 6, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2052106074879127561?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) What should also bother Johnson and pitching coach Nate Yeskie is the fact that LSU’s pitching for most of this season has looked like something off of Johnson’s non-conference schedule. Four Tiger pitchers on Saturday – starter Marcos Paz and relievers Danny Lachenmayer, Santiago Garcia and Zion Theophilus – combined to walk 13 batters while giving up 10 earned runs on 11 hits. LSU’s pitchers have not improved as the season has gone on. They’ve gotten worse. That is not a sign of good coaching. “We had a couple of guys coming out of the bullpen not ready when they came out of the bullpen,” Johnson said. It’s May, and LSU’s starters have been leaving SEC games early to midway through all season. Why weren’t they ready? Through the two most recent SEC sweeps at the hands of Texas A&M and Mississippi State and the first two games at Georgia, LSU pitching has allowed 72 earned runs courtesy of 84 hits, 60 walks and 21 home runs in 70 innings for a 9.26 ERA. “Georgia is the best offense in college baseball,” Johnson said, repeating what he said after Friday night’s 11-8 loss. “They just put together great at-bats. Their power is one thing, but the difficulty in striking them out has probably what has impressed me the most.” What should also impress Johnson is the job that Georgia coach Wes Johnson has done in just his third season since leaving LSU’s pitching coach job after the 2023 national championship. Wes Johnson went 43-17 and 17-13 in the SEC in 2024 and reached a Super Regional, then 43-17 and 18-12 last year before losing in the NCAA Regional round. In just his third season, he has probably the best offense in the nation and one of the best teams in the nation that you will be able to watch in Omaha next month. Georgia is a team Jay Johnson should continue studying – along with how Wes Johnson recruited it – this afternoon and through the end of May and the rest of a summer, void of a trip to Omaha. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Georgia Bulldogs, jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, SEC Baseball, Wes Johnson --- ### [Georgia Overwhelms LSU 13-8, Clinches 2026 SEC Championship](https://www.tigerrag.com/georgia-overwhelms-lsu-13-8-clinches-2026-sec-championship/) **Published:** May 9, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** **ATHENS, Ga.** — Georgia buried LSU early, survived the Tigers’ late rally and celebrated an SEC championship Saturday night at Foley Field. The Bulldogs exploded for eight runs in the second inning and held off LSU 13-8 to clinch the 2026 SEC regular-season championship outright — Georgia’s eighth all-time league title and first outright crown since 2008. The victory also gave Georgia 40 wins for the third straight season under coach Wes Johnson, marking the first such stretch in program history. LSU entered the weekend trying to strengthen its NCAA Tournament positioning, but instead watched Georgia’s relentless offense overwhelm its pitching staff for the second consecutive night. After Friday’s 11-8 Georgia victory, the Bulldogs scored double-digit runs against LSU in back-to-back games for the first time since 1999. Robbie O’Shaughnessy delivered the biggest swings of the night, launching a grand slam during Georgia’s decisive second inning before later adding a solo homer in the eighth after LSU briefly cut the deficit to five. The game turned almost immediately in the second inning. Georgia sent 13 batters to the plate and scored eight runs as LSU freshman Marcos Paz struggled against one of the nation’s most dangerous lineups. The Bulldogs combined hard contact with patience, repeatedly extending innings as LSU’s pitching staff lost command. LSU issued 13 walks overall, while the teams combined for 23 walks — the most in an SEC game this season — during a chaotic four-hour contest. O’Shaughnessy’s grand slam highlighted Georgia’s second-inning avalanche, but the inning also reflected LSU’s larger problem throughout the night: free baserunners against an elite offense. Georgia kept pressure on LSU inning after inning. By the sixth, the Bulldogs had extended the lead to 12-3 and moved within striking distance of a run-rule victory. LSU briefly avoided that ending in the seventh with two key defensive plays. Seth DarDar, shifted from first base to the right side as an extra infielder, fielded a one-hop grounder and threw home, where Cade Arambide handled the throw cleanly for the force out. Maverick Rizy then struck out Georgia slugger Daniel Jackson — the favorite to win the SEC Triple Crown — with the bases loaded to end the inning and keep Georgia’s lead at nine runs. LSU finally mounted resistance in the eighth. After Cade Arambide and Steven Milam opened the inning with walks against Georgia reliever Jaden Ellisen — who had walked only three batters all season entering the night — LSU created its best offensive pressure since the early innings. John Pearson singled to load the bases before Jack Ruckert drove in a run with a sacrifice groundout. Chris Stanfield then crushed a three-run homer to left field, trimming Georgia’s lead to 12-7 and eliminating the run-rule threat. Georgia answered immediately. O’Shaughnessy led off the bottom of the eighth with his second homer of the game, pushing the Bulldogs’ lead back to six and restoring control before LSU added one final run in the ninth. Derek Curiel scored from third on a Kolten Smith pitch that skipped past catcher Daniel Jackson, but Smith recovered by striking out pinch hitter Edward Yamin IV swinging to end the game. Georgia’s celebration began moments later. The series concludes Sunday in Athens. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Georgia baseball, jay johnson, lsu baseball, SEC Baseball --- ### [LSU Women’s Tennis Knocks Off Virginia, Earns Auburn Rematch In NCAA Quarterfinals](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-tennis-knocks-off-virginia-earns-auburn-rematch-in-ncaa-quarterfinals/) **Published:** May 9, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** LSU women’s tennis is not finished making history. The No. 10-seeded Tigers beat No. 7 Virginia, 4-1, Saturday in the NCAA Super Regional at the Virginia Tennis Facility in Charlottesville, Virginia, advancing to the NCAA quarterfinals and setting up another shot at an Auburn team that has already hurt LSU twice this season. LSU will face No. 2 Auburn in the NCAA quarterfinals on Friday, May 15, at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex in Athens, Georgia. That is the next story. Saturday was the breakthrough. LSU won the doubles point, then got straight-set singles victories from Ella McDonald, Addison Lanton and Cadence Brace to finish off Virginia on its home courts. The victory pushed LSU past the Super Regional round and into the final eight of the NCAA Tournament, giving the program one of its biggest postseason wins ever. The Tigers did not back into it. They took it. Virginia struck first in doubles when the Cavaliers’ No. 10-ranked team of Melodie Collard and Vivian Yang beat LSU’s No. 40 Cadence Brace and Kayla Cross, 6-3, on Court 1. LSU answered on the next two courts. Carolina Kuhl and Addison Lanton beat Katie Rolls and Isabelle Lacy, 7-5, on Court 3. Then LSU’s No. 17-ranked doubles team of Kenna Erickson and Ella McDonald beat No. 25 Annabelle Xu and Martina Genis Salas, 7-5, on Court 2 to give LSU the doubles point and a 1-0 lead. From there, LSU turned the match into a statement. McDonald pushed the Tigers ahead 2-0 with a 7-5, 6-1 victory over No. 84 Katie Rolls on Court 3. McDonald had to work through the first set, then controlled the second, giving LSU an early singles point and putting pressure on Virginia’s lineup. Lanton followed with another important moment in her freshman season. The No. 96-ranked Lanton beat No. 119 Isabelle Lacy, 6-4, 6-3, on Court 4, extending LSU’s lead to 3-0 and moving the Tigers within one point of the quarterfinals. Virginia’s only point came on Court 2, where No. 28 Annabelle Xu beat No. 21 Kayla Cross, 6-3, 6-3. Brace ended it before Virginia could make the match uncomfortable. The No. 9-ranked LSU sophomore beat No. 65 Vivian Yang, 6-1, 6-4, on Court 1 to clinch the victory. Brace dominated the first set and held off Yang in the second, finishing the match and sending LSU into the NCAA quarterfinals. Two matches were unfinished. On Court 5, Virginia’s Melodie Collard led Carolina Kuhl, 7-5, 4-5. On Court 6, LSU’s No. 125 Kenna Erickson led Martina Genis Salas, 6-4, 1-6, 1-0. The unfinished courts did not matter. LSU had already done enough. Now comes Auburn. And that is where this postseason gets even more interesting. Auburn has beaten LSU twice this season. The first meeting came March 7 in Baton Rouge, when Auburn beat LSU, 4-2. The second came April 19 in Norman, Oklahoma, when Auburn beat LSU, 4-3, in the SEC Championship match. That SEC final came down to the last singles court, with Auburn’s Eva Ionescu winning a third-set tiebreaker at No. 6 singles to deliver the title. That makes Friday’s quarterfinal more than the next round. It is a third chance. LSU has already proven it belongs on this stage. The Tigers went on the road and beat a No. 7 national seed to reach the final eight. They did it with doubles toughness, top-line strength from Brace, and middle-lineup production from McDonald and Lanton. Now LSU gets the opponent that has already stood in its way twice. The Tigers do not have to wonder how close they are to Auburn. They already know. The SEC Championship loss was 4-3. It was decided by the final match. That does not guarantee anything in Athens, but it gives LSU a clear truth heading into the quarterfinals. The gap is not theoretical. It is one point. And now LSU gets one more chance to close it. ## Match Results **No. 10 LSU 4, No. 7 Virginia 1** Charlottesville, Virginia Virginia Tennis Facility ### Singles 1. No. 9 Cadence Brace, LSU, def. No. 65 Vivian Yang, Virginia, 6-1, 6-4 2. No. 28 Annabelle Xu, Virginia, def. No. 21 Kayla Cross, LSU, 6-3, 6-3 3. No. 77 Ella McDonald, LSU, def. No. 84 Katie Rolls, Virginia, 7-5, 6-1 4. No. 96 Addison Lanton, LSU, def. No. 119 Isabelle Lacy, Virginia, 6-4, 6-3 5. Melodie Collard, Virginia, vs. Carolina Kuhl, LSU, 7-5, 4-5, unfinished 6. Martina Genis Salas, Virginia, vs. No. 125 Kenna Erickson, LSU, 4-6, 6-1, 0-1, unfinished ### Doubles 1. No. 10 Melodie Collard/Vivian Yang, Virginia, def. No. 40 Cadence Brace/Kayla Cross, LSU, 6-3 2. No. 17 Kenna Erickson/Ella McDonald, LSU, def. No. 25 Annabelle Xu/Martina Genis Salas, Virginia, 7-5 3. Carolina Kuhl/Addison Lanton, LSU, def. Katie Rolls/Isabelle Lacy, Virginia, 7-5 **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Women's Tennis **Tags:** lsu women's tennis, NCAA SuperRegional Win, Virginia women's tennis --- ### [LSU Women's Tennis Team Faces Virginia Today In Super Regional](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-womens-tennis-faces-virginia-today-in-super-regional/) **Published:** May 9, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** The No. 10-seeded LSU women’s tennis team is in Charlottesville, Virginia, to take on No. 7 seed Virginia in the NCAA Super Regional at noon Saturday at the Virginia Tennis Facility at Boar’s Head Resort. The Tigers (21-9) are in the Super round for the fourth time in program history after previous stops in 1995, 2000 and last year. LSU beat Stephen F. Austin and Rice in the NCAA Regional round in Baton Rouge last weekend. The Tigers are 84-41 in singles and 44-27 in doubles. LSU has five ranked singles players in No. 9 Cadence Brace, No. 21 Kayla Cross, No. 77 Ella McDonald, No. 96 Addison Lanton and No. 125 Kenna Erickson in the latest ITA rankings. LSU also has three ranked doubles pairings in No. 17 Erickson and McDonald, No. 18 Cross and McDonald, and No. 40 Brace and Cross. Lanton has continued her strong freshman campaign with a team-best 20-2 record, including an 11-match winning streak in singles. Virginia (23-5) beat Saint Francis and Washington in the previous round. It has four ranked singles players in No. 28 Annabelle Xu, No. 65 Vivian Yang, No. 84 Katie Rolls and No. 119 Isabelle Lacy. Ranked doubles partners are No. 10 Melodie Collard and Yang and No. 25 Martina Salas and Xu. LSU and Virginia meet for just the second time in program history and first since 2016. **Categories:** Featured, More LSU Sports, Women's Tennis **Tags:** LSU Tigers', lsu women's tennis, NCAA Super Regional, University of Virginia --- ### [Jay Johnson Calls Georgia, "One Of The Better Offenses I've Ever Seen"](https://www.tigerrag.com/jay-johnson-calls-georgia-one-of-the-better-offenses-ive-ever-seen/) **Published:** May 8, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson knows offense. One of the reasons former LSU athletic Scott Woodward hired him from Arizona after the 2021 season was because he was an offensive coordinator-type head coach. Johnson has always coached the hitters, and offense along with stellar pitching in 2023 and ’25 led Johnson and the Tigers to national championships. On Friday night, Johnson saw an offense in Georgia that he hopes LSU one day has again. The No. 5 Bulldogs looked like the No. 1 team in the nation in home runs and slugging percentage that they are as they hit four home runs amid 11 hits in all for an 11-8 victory over the Tigers at Foley Field in Athens, Georgia. > LSU led 7-3 at Georgia at halftime … but loses 11-8. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 9, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2052928788594340120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “They have one of the better offenses that I’ve ever seen, to be honest,” Johnson said. “It’s very difficult to hold them down. We couldn’t stop them or slow them down.” Georgia (39-11) stayed in first place in the Southeastern Conference at 19-6 with the win as the Tigers fell dangerously close to NCAA postseason elimination at 29-22 and 9-16 in the SEC. They meet again at 6 p.m. Saturday on the SEC Network. LSU hit three home runs itself – all in the third inning by Omar Serna Jr., Cade Arrambide and John Pearson – to take a 6-2 lead and had nine hits overall. But LSU’s pitching was no match for a lineup that features five players with 15 or more home runs – Daniel Jackson, who hit his 24th Friday, Tre Phelps, whose three-run homer in the seventh was his 18th and put Georgia up 11-8, Kolby Branch, who hit his 16th, Brennan Hudson with 16 and Michael O’Shaughnessy with 15. “Getting 27 outs is difficult and hold them down,” Johnson said. LSU led 2-0 in the first, 6-2 in the third and 7-3 in fourth. but Georgia tied it 7-7 in the fifth and went up 8-7 in the sixth. The Tigers tied it 8-8 in the top of the seventh, but reliever Gavin Guidry gave up the three-run home run to Phelps for the 11-8 deficit. LSU scored one run from the fifth through the ninth innings. “They slowed us down. I don’t think they stopped us,” Johnson said. LSU starter William Schmidt struck out six in four innings, but he walked five, hit two batters and threw a wild pitch while allowing four hits and four earned runs. Deven Sheerin gave up four earned runs on four hits with a walk in two and a third innings for the loss to fall to 3-2. Guidry allowed two runs on three hits in an inning and two-thirds. Johnson liked what he saw from his team in defeat, which hasn’t always been the case this season. “We really showed up ready to play,” he said. “We got off to a great start, and our hitters did a phenomenal job and put us in a great position.” **CASAN EVANS INJURY UPDATE** LSU starting pitcher Casan Evans was listed as questionable on Thursday for Friday’s series opener at Georgia after not pitching since April 17 against Texas A&M because of arm stiffness He was taken off the injury list on Friday and could see action on Saturday or Sunday. Evans is 2-2 on the season with a 5.47 ERA. “It helps a lot,” Johnson said. “He wasn’t available for today, not because of the injury. But without throwing for eight or nine days, we’ve had to build him up correctly.” **STARTING PITCHERS** **SATURDAY –** Freshman right-hander Marcos Paz (1-2, 6.08 ERA, 23.2 innings, 19 walks, 34 strikeouts), LSU, vs. junior right-hander Dylan Vigue (4-1, 2.35 ERA, 46 innings, 25 walks, 56 strikeouts) … 6 p.m., SEC Network. **SUNDAY –** If healthy, sophomore right-hander Casan Evans (2-2, 5.47 ERA, 52.2 innings, 26 walks, 76 strikeouts) vs. To Be Announced. Or if not used a lot in relief on Saturday, senior right-hander Zac Cowan (3-3, 3.63 ERA, 34.2 innings, 9 walks, 44 strikeouts), LSU. … 2 p.m., SEC Network. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Georgia Bulldogs, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers --- ### [LSU Baseball: Tigers Lose Slugfest At No. 5 Georgia, 11-8, After Leading 6-2 And 7-3](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-tigers-lose-slugfest-at-no-5-georgia-11-8-after-leading-6-2/) **Published:** May 8, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU was beating Georgia at its own game, but in the end Georgia was much better at that. After the Tigers took a 2-0 lead in the first, 6-2 in the third and 7-3 in the fourth, the No. 5 Bulldogs eventually overwhelmed LSU for an 11-8 victory in the first game of a Southeastern Conference series Friday night in Athens, Georgia. LSU (29-22, 9-16 SEC) and SEC-leading Georgia (39-11, 19-6) play again Saturday at 6 p.m. on the SEC Network as the Tigers will be playing for their NCAA Tournament lives. > “We’ve taken the bullets (9 straight SEC Ls). Been dragged through the (Mississippi) mud. Had our head stepped on. There’s literally nothing to be afraid of.” … Jay Johnson. > -Except maybe Georgia. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 7, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2052513442418835879?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Tre Phelps’ two-out, three-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning of LSU reliever Gavin Guidry put the game away for Georgia at 11-8. The Bulldogs, who came in leading the nation in home runs with 131, hit four home runs to LSU’s three. LSU took a 2-0 lead in the first inning off Georgia ace Joey Volchko with a two-out, two-run single by Steven Milam. But Daniel Jackson homered to center field off LSU starter William Schmidt to get the Bulldogs within 2-1 in the home first. And then Schmidt lost it, hitting back-to-back batters, then walking back-to-back batters for a 2-2 tie. Omar Serna Jr. put the Tigers right back up at 3-2 in the third with a solo home run before Cade Arrambide later followed with a two-run home run before John Pearson hit a solo shot for a 6-2 advantage. LSU chased Volchko in the fourth as he gave up seven earned runs on seven hits and three walks. Derek Curiel gave LSU its biggest lead at 7-2 in the inning with a sacrifice fly. > LSU is the #1 team in the country until the 4th inning😂 > > — Dudy Noble Field (@DudyNobleField) [May 9, 2026](https://twitter.com/DudyNobleField/status/2052904591935537483?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) But LSU’s pitching couldn’t keep the Tigers in the game as they lost in much the same fashion they were swept at Mississippi State last month, 10-8 in 11 innings, 9-8 and 13-8. Schmidt left after only four innings, allowing four earned runs on four hits with five walks, two hit batsmen and a wild pitch. Reliever Deven Sheerin gave up another four earned runs on four hits with a walk and a wild pitch in two and a third innings to take the loss and fall to 3-2. Gavin Guidry couldn’t stop the bleeding either as he gave up two earned runs on three hits in an inning and two-thirds with a walk. Georgia reliever Justin Byrd held LSU to one run on zero hits through three innings for the win, improving to 3-2. LSU totaled nine hits, but scored only two runs after the third inning. The Bulldogs scored 11 runs on 11 hits. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Georgia Bulldogs, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, SEC Baseball --- ### [LSU Gymnastics: Penn State's Skyelar Kerico Transfers To Tigers](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-gymnastics-penn-states-skyelar-kerico-transfers-to-tigers/) **Published:** May 8, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** Top all-around gymnast Skyelar Kerico of the University of Pennsylvania has transferred to LSU for her senior season. Kerico established herself as one of the top all-around gymnasts in the Ivy League and Gymnastics East Conference (GEC) as a two-time GEC Gymnast of the Year, a five-time individual GEC Champion, and a first team All-GEC and All-Ivy member performer. “LSU is a place where the coaches, staff, and gymnasts are family, all working towards a goal bigger than ourselves,” Kerico said of LSU. “The people of Baton Rouge instantly won me over with their hometown warmth and unmatched energy. It will only be one year, but a lifetime of memories!” > [LSU Gymnastics Nabs Minnesota’s Jordyn Lyden Via Long Distance Transfer Portal](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-gymnastics-nabs-minnesotas-jordyn-lyden-via-long-distance-transfer-portal/) A native of Toms River, New Jersey, Kerico helped lead Penn to multiple conference championships during her career. She was named the 2025 GEC Gymnast of the Year and qualified individually to NCAA Regionals in the all-around this past season, becoming Penn’s first NCAA Regional all-around qualifier since 2013. Kerico owns program records at Penn in both vault (9.925) and all-around (39.450). Her career highs include a 9.950 on bars, 9.925 on beam, 9.925 on vault and 9.900 on floor. Kerico earned first team All-GEC honors in every event and in the all-around while collecting first team All-Ivy on vault, bars and all-around. She captured GEC titles on vault, bars and all-around, becoming the first Quaker since 2001 to win three individual conference titles in one season. And she won Ivy Classic titles on bars and all-around, also making her the first Penn gymnast to repeat as an individual Ivy Classic champion (all-around) and win multiple Ivy Classic titles since 2012. Kerico was known for her consistency across all four events at Penn, appearing in 14 meets and competing in the all-around in 12 of those in 2025. She also earned Academic All-Ivy honors and was named Philly-SIDA Academic All-Area Performer of the Year in 2025. The Tigers are coming off a 2026 season that culminated with a NCAA national runner-up finish to Oklahoma. **Categories:** Featured, Gymnastics, More LSU Sports **Tags:** jay clark, lsu, lsu gymnastics, Skyelar Kerico --- ### [Will Wade Adds 5 Staff Members To LSU Basketball Program](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-adds-5-staff-members-to-lsu-basketball-program/) **Published:** May 8, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU men’s basketball head coach Will Wade on Friday announced five new members of his staff for the 2026-27 season. Nick Flory will be director of operations. Isaac Stansbury, who is the son of recently hired LSU assistant coach Rick Stansbury, will be director of analytics and scouting. Brady Jones will be director of scouting and video. Allison Wade (no relation to Wade) will be associate director of performance nutrition. And returning to LSU is men’s basketball trainer Shawn Eddy, who left LSU a year ago to join Wade at North Carolina State. Here is more on each addition: **NICK FLORY** – Flory returns home to serve as the director of basketball operations, a position Flory has held for the previous three seasons under Wade. Flory served in that position at NC State in 2025-26 after two seasons at McNeese. “The director of operations position is an important job because of all the logistics and planning for a college basketball season,” Wade said. “Nick Flory has handled this position with success in our last three seasons at McNeese and NC State. We are happy to have him continue that role at his alma mater, LSU.” A graduate of LSU, Flory was a student manager for Wade at LSU from 2018-20. From 2020-22 he was a graduate assistant under Wade at LSU, moving into assisting coach Vernon Hamilton with player development. He is the son of former LSU head volleyball coach Fran Flory. **ISAAC STANSBURY** – Stansbury has rejoined Wade’s staff in Baton Rouge as director of analytics and scouting after having a similar role for Wade last season at NC State. He was a graduate assistant at McNeese State for the 2024-25 season after coming off his playing career at Mississippi State. “Isaac Stansbury has been a part of college basketball his entire life from watching his father coach as a child to playing for Mississippi State. As LSU fans already are aware, I believe strongly in analytics, and Isaac will be a big help for us in that regard.” **BRADY JONES** – An LSU graduate, Jones joins the men’s basketball staff as director of scouting and video after spending the 2025-26 season as video coordinator at NC State under Wade. “Brady Jones will serve us well in scouting and video, two important elements of the program.” Wade said. Jones served as a student manager for Wade in 2019. **ALLISON WADE** – Wade joins the athletic department as a sports dietitian with extensive experience supporting athletes at every level from high school to the professional ranks. She will also be working with LSU’s men’s and women’s golf teams. She comes to LSU from NC State, where she served as the director of Olympic sports nutrition “Allison’s knowledge of fueling and hydrating our players is another important factor in making LSU basketball successful,” Wade said. **SHAWN EDDY** – Eddy returns to LSU as men’s basketball trainer after one year as athletic trainer for Wade at NC State. He first came to LSU in 1996. Eddy will be in his 20th season working for the men’s basketball program at LSU in which he provides comprehensive medical care for the players. “One of the nice things about returning to LSU was being able to bring Shawn Eddy back,” Wade said. “He was a big assist to us last year at NC State, and his knowledge of working for the health and success of the athletes will pay dividends for us moving forward.” Prior to his time with the men’s basketball program, he served nine years with the LSU baseball team. This will be Eddy’s 30th season overall at LSU. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** lsu, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, will wade --- ### [Will Wade Adds 3-Point Ace Abdi Bashir Jr. Of Kansas State Via Transfer Portal](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-adds-3-point-ace-abdi-bashir-jr-of-kansas-state-via-transfer-portal/) **Published:** May 8, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Suddenly, the LSU men’s basketball team has enough players to practice somewhat. Shooting guard Abdi Bashir Jr. (6-foot-7, 175 pounds), who averaged 13.2 points a game last season at Kansas State and shot 44 percent from three-point range, has committed to new LSU coach Will Wade and will be a senior on the 2026-27 Tigers. He is Wade’s fourth commitment and fourth player on the LSU roster as he retained no one from previous LSU coach Matt McMahon’s roster. > [Will Wade Gains Commitment From Unranked Michigan State G Divine Ugochukwu After Injury](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-gains-commitment-from-unranked-michigan-state-g-divine-ugochukwu-after-injury/) Previous Wade commitments were combination guard Divine Ugochukwu (6-3, 195 pounds) from Michigan State on Thursday, center Marcio Santos (6-8, 250) of the Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel, professional team in the EuroLeague on Wednesday and No. 8 small forward Mouhamad Dioubate (6-7, 220) from Kentucky on April 20. Wade has five commitments if you count [LSU football commitment Ahmad Hudson (6-6, 239), the No. 1 tight end in the country ](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-lands-no-1-te-ahmad-hudson-and-will-wade-wants-him-too-cb-lavonte-williams-commits-for-26/)from Ruston High who committed to Tigers’ football coach Lane Kiffin on Sunday. > [LSU No. 1 TE Commit Ahmad Hudson Tells Tiger Rag, “Count Me In” As Will Wade Commit, Too](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-no-1-te-commit-ahmad-hudson-tells-tiger-rag-count-me-in-as-will-wade-commit-too/) Hudson is also an elite forward who told Tiger Rag on Friday that he wants to be counted as a commitment to Wade as well. > Count me in!! > > — Ahmad Hudson (@AhmadHudson9) [May 8, 2026](https://twitter.com/AhmadHudson9/status/2052776575754506590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > You got it. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 8, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2052778442744078751?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Hudson was named the Class AAAAA player of the year for the second time by the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches (LABC) recently after averaging 19.7 points, 13.4 rebounds and 2.7 blocked shots this past season in leading Ruston to the Division I non-select state finals. He was previously named Mr. Basketball in the state. His father is former LSU guard Antonio Hudson. Wade has also been close to getting a commitment from Saliou Niang (6-6, 190) of the Virtus Bologna pro team in Italy. > Will Wade was busy remaking “The Italian Job” on location this week. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 1, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2050256974789373992?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Bashir started 18 of the 18 games he played in last season for Kansas State, averaging 24.6 minutes a game. He hit 67 of 151 shots from three-point range for 44 percent. He was worse, counting all shots as he hit 80 of 190 for 42 percent. He missed the last 14 games of the season with an injury. The 247sports.com rankings have Bashir as the No. 130 player overall in the portal and No. 21 shooting guard. An Omaha, Nebraska, native, he was unranked out of Phoenix Prep in Phoenix, Arizona, when he signed out of high school with Monmouth. He averaged 20 points a game with 2.2 assists as a sophomore in the 2024-25 season and shot better from three-point range at 38 percent (127 of 332) than he did overall, which was 37 percent. As a freshman in 2023-24 at Monmouth, Bashir averaged 6.3 points and 1.3 assists and was 39 percent from long range (51 of 130) to 38 percent overall. . **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** Abdi Bashir Jr., Kansas State, lsu basketball, NCAA transfer portal, will wade --- ### [LSU No. 1 TE Commit Ahmad Hudson Tells Tiger Rag, "Count Me In" As Will Wade Commit, Too](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-no-1-te-commit-ahmad-hudson-tells-tiger-rag-count-me-in-as-will-wade-commit-too/) **Published:** May 8, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor It has become increasingly difficult for major college athletes to play football and basketball, but recent five-star LSU football commitment Ahmad Hudson of Ruston High told Tiger Rag via Twitter on Friday that he is ready to do both. [NUMBER ONE TIGHT END AHMAD HUDSON COMMITS TO LSU FOOTBALL](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-lands-no-1-te-ahmad-hudson-and-will-wade-wants-him-too-cb-lavonte-williams-commits-for-26/) Hudson, the No. 1 tight end in the nation by 247sports.com and On3.com and No. 11 and No. 16 prospect in the nation by those two respectively, committed to LSU football on Sunday. But Hudson (6-foot-6, 239 pounds) is also one of the top basketball recruits in the country. And new LSU basketball coach Will Wade has shown interest. Some recruiting websites are even counting Hudson as a dual commitment to LSU football and basketball, even though if he signs with LSU, he will be on football scholarship. And Hudson is counting himself in at LSU twice. > Count me in!! > > — Ahmad Hudson (@AhmadHudson9) [May 8, 2026](https://twitter.com/AhmadHudson9/status/2052776575754506590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “Count me in,” were his exact words in response to Tiger Rag’s tweet on a recent story about him. > You got it. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 8, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2052778442744078751?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) And we decided to grant his wish and now count Ahmad Hudson as a dual LSU football-basketball commitment. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** Ahmad Hudson, lane kiffin, LSU Tigers, will wade --- ### [Will Wade Gains Commitment From Unranked Michigan State G Divine Ugochukwu After Injury](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-gains-commitment-from-unranked-michigan-state-g-divine-ugochukwu-after-injury/) **Published:** May 7, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor He’s no PJ Haggerty or Dedan Thomas Jr, but he did play part of one season for legendary coach Tom Izzo at Michigan State. New LSU basketball coach Will Wade has gained a commitment from unranked combination guard Divine Ugochukwu (6-foot-3, 195 pounds), who averaged 5.1 points and 1.5 assists in 16 minutes a game for Michigan State last season as a sophomore. He started 12 games and played in 22 before suffering a foot injury on Feb. 4 against Minnesota that required surgery and ended his season. Michigan State was 11-1 with Ugochukwu starting, and he was just getting going when he was hurt. He will be a junior next season for the Tigers. Ugochukwu also displayed an excellent shooting touch from three-point range during his brief season with the Spartans as he shot 44 percent from long range at 19 of 43. He shot only 50 percent overall from the field, however, at 42 of 83. Michigan State finished 27-8 overall and 15-5 in the Big Ten before advancing to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 under the 71-year-old Izzo, who has taken the Spartans to eight Final Fours and one national title. > [Will Wade Adds Commitment In Marcio Santos Of Brazil And Hires New Staff Member](https://www.tigerrag.com/will-wade-adds-commitment-in-marcios-santos-of-brazil-and-hires-assistant-coach/) The 247sports.com recruiting website does not rank Ugochukwu as a portal prospect. He was a three-star prospect coming out of Fort Bend Clements High in Sugar Land Texas in 2023 as the No. 44 combination guard in the country and No. 23 player in Texas by 247sports.com. [Wade missed on No. 1 point guard PJ Haggerty](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-basketball-transfer-target-pj-haggerty-picks-aggies-as-will-wade-misses-2nd-straight-time/) in the portal out of Kansas State as Haggerty chose Texas A&M last month. And the No. 3 point guard in the portal – Dedan Thomas Jr. of LSU – chose Houston. As a freshman at Miami in the 2024-25 season, Ugochukwu averaged 5.3 points and 2.3 assists a game in 28 games and 16 starts with 20.2 minutes a game. He took over as the Hurricanes’ point guard and started the final 10 games after Nijel Pack was injured. He averaged 5.2 points and 2.8 assists in Atlantic Coast Conference games for Miami, which finished 7-24 and 3-17 in the ACC. Ugochukwu is Wade’s third commitment for his class of 2026-27 and one of only three players on the entire roster so far. He will join previous commitments – center Marcio Santos (6-8, 250) of the Maccabi Tel Aviv professional team in the EuroLeague and No. 8 small forward Mouhamad Dioubate (6-7, 220), formerly of Kentucky. > [LSU Football Lands No. 1 TE Ahmad Hudson, And Will Wade Wants Him, Too; CB Lavonte Williams Commits For ’26](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-football-lands-no-1-te-ahmad-hudson-and-will-wade-wants-him-too-cb-lavonte-williams-commits-for-26/) **WILL AHMAD HUDSON ALSO PLAY BASKETBALL?** Some are counting football commitment Ahmad Hudson as Wade’s fourth basketball commitment, which is not accurate at the moment. But it could be at some point next season after LSU football season as Wade is very interested in Hudson playing for him. And Hudson tweeted to Tiger Rag on Friday that he is interested in playing basketball. > Count me in!! > > — Ahmad Hudson (@AhmadHudson9) [May 8, 2026](https://twitter.com/AhmadHudson9/status/2052776575754506590?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Hudson (6-foot-6, 239) committed to the LSU football team over the weekend as a five-star prospect from Ruston High and the No. 1 tight end in the country by 247sports.com. He is the No. 11 overall prospect by 247sports.com and the No. 2 player in Louisiana. On3.com has Hudson as No. 16 overall and No. 4 in Louisiana for the class of 2027. Hudson, whose father is former LSU basketball guard Antonio Hudson, was also just named the Class AAAAA prep basketball player of the year for the second time by the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches (LABC) on Saturday night in Baton Rouge during the LABC banquet. A major basketball recruit as well, he averaged 19.7 points, 13.4 rebounds and 2.7 blocked shots this past season in leading Ruston to the Division I non-select state finals. He was previously named Mr. Basketball in the state. He will be a senior this fall at Ruston, though there is talk he may transfer to University High on the LSU campus. If Hudson does play basketball at LSU, it would be as a walk-on as his scholarship will be with the football program if he chooses to sign with the Tigers. There have been fewer and fewer dual-sport athletes in major college in recent years, particularly pairing football with basketball as the basketball schedule begins well before the football schedule ends. And spring football often conflicts with the end of basketball season. Several LSU athletes over the years have said they will play football and basketball, but that either never happened or only happened briefly. We shall see how Wade and LSU football coach Lane Kiffin work this out. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Basketball, Men's Basketball **Tags:** Dedan Thomas Jr., Divine Ugochukwu, lsu basketball, LSU Tigers, Michigan State Spartans, NCAA transfer portal, PJ Haggerty, Tom Izzo, will wade --- ### [LSU Baseball's Hottest Hitter Omar Serna Jr. Is Not On Injury Report For Georgia Tonight](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseballs-hottest-hitter-omar-serna-jr-is-not-on-injury-report-for-georgia-tonight/) **Published:** May 8, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU starting pitcher Casan Evans remains questionable for the Tigers’ situation-critical Southeastern Conference series that begins tonight at No. 5 Georgia with arm soreness. But one of the Tigers’ best hitters of late – freshman catcher/designated hitter Omar Serna Jr. – is off the injury report after missing Tuesday’s win over Tulane with a back injury and is expected to start tonight (5 p.m., SEC Network+) in Athens. > [Jay Johnson Says, “I’m Like, ‘What Now?’” … After Latest Injury In Hexed LSU Season So Far](https://www.tigerrag.com/jay-johnson-says-im-like-what-now-after-latest-injury-in-hexed-lsu-season-so-far/) Serna, the No. 28 high school prospect in the country by Perfect Game and No. 4 catcher out of Lutheran South in Houston, is third on the team in hitting with a .319 average and has seven home runs with 34 RBIs in 44 games and 35 starts. In his last six SEC games, Serna is hitting .500 (13-for-26) with four home runs and 10 RBIs. > “We’ve taken the bullets (9 straight SEC Ls). Been dragged through the (Mississippi) mud. Had our head stepped on. There’s literally nothing to be afraid of.” … Jay Johnson. > -Except maybe Georgia. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 7, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2052513442418835879?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) LSU (29-21, 9-15 SEC) will need every bit of its offense along with careful pitching in the slugger friendly, 3,633-seat Foley Field at Georgia this weekend against the SEC-leading Bulldogs (38-11, 18-6 SEC), who lead the nation in home runs with 131 and in slugging percentage at .622. Evans (2-2, 5.47 ERA), a sophomore right-hander, has not pitched since April 17 against Texas A&M when he allowed six earned runs on seven hits and three walks in five innings with eight strikeouts in taking the loss. He threw 103 pitches with 68 for strikes. Shortly before his scheduled start the next Friday at Mississippi State, Evans was scratched with arm stiffness and soreness. “There’s nothing structurally wrong,” Johnson said. Evans threw a bullpen on Wednesday before the Tigers made the trip to Athens. How his arm recovered from the bullpen on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday will determine if he will start on Sunday or relieve. Johnson has not commented on Evans since before the bullpen on Wednesday. But he listed Evans as “questionable” on his mandated availability report to the SEC office on Thursday night. Johnson has listed sophomore right-hander William Schmidt (5-4, 3.90 ERA) as the starter for Friday’s game against Georgia junior right-hander Joey Volchko (7-2, 3.63 ERA). Freshman right-hander Marcos Paz (1-2, 6.08 ERA) is the scheduled Saturday starter against Georgia junior right-hander Dylan Vigue (4-1, 2.35 ERA) at 6 p.m. on the SEC Network. If Evans is not ready and senior right-hander Zac Cowan doesn’t pitch a lot in relief on Friday or Saturday, Cowan (3-3 3.63 ERA) will likely start on Sunday (2 p.m., SEC Network). > [LSU Baseball: Pitching Coach Nate Yeskie Discusses Season From Hell On Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-pitching-coach-nate-yeskie-discusses-season-from-hell-on-tiger-rag-radio/) “He seems to be improving by the day,” LSU pitching coach Nate Yeskie said of Evans on Tiger Rag Radio Tuesday night. “It’s kind of a weird deal. He just didn’t feel great (before Mississippi State). We’ve taken the cautious path with him. The doctors said the time off may have been the best medicine. We’re hoping this is behind him.” Also listed as questionable in LSU’s availability report are starting left fielder Chris Stanfield (hamstring) and backup first baseman Zach Yorke (lower leg). **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Casan Evans, Georgia Bulldogs, jay johnson, lsu, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Nate Yeskie, Omar Serna Jr., SEC Baseball --- ### [LSU Baseball May Be Near NCAA Elimination, But It's Still Standing Entering Critical Georgia Series](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-may-be-near-ncaa-elimination-but-its-still-standing-entering-critical-georgia-series/) **Published:** May 7, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor Sure, No. 5-ranked Georgia (38-11) leads the nation in home runs with 131 and 2.6 a game and is in first place in the Southeastern Conference by two games at 18-6 and has double the amount of league wins as LSU at 9-15. But LSU coach Jay Johnson has been dodging landmines and talking to doctors about his wounded all season. And just when he likely needs four wins over his final six SEC regular season games to have a chance to reach the NCAA postseason, he and his team have touched down in Athens, Georgia, to play easily the best team on their schedule. First pitch Friday is at 5 p.m. on SEC Network+ with the Saturday and Sunday games at 6 p.m. and 2 p.m., respectively, on the SEC Network. > [LSU Finally Stopped Playing Scared. That Is Why The Tigers Still Have A Shot](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-jay-johnson-georgia-ncaa-tournament-path-bobby-knight/) So when asked why he thinks his team can seize this RPI opportunity the way the Union burned Atlanta in the Civil War in 1864, his attitude was basically … bring it. Or light it. LSU enters the series with a non-NCAA-impressive 55 RPI (Ratings Percentage Index) to Georgia’s 16. “I think we’ve taken the bullets,” Johnson said Wednesday less than a week after finally ending a spray of nine straight SEC losses. “Been dragged through the mud.” Of Mississippi. The first trilogy of losses was in Oxford – the last in Starkville with an invasion of Aggies in between. “Had our head stepped on – all of those things,” Johnson continued like a general. “And we’re still alive. Who is the best soldier? The best soldier is the one who’s not afraid to be killed.” OK, hold on now. As Skip Bertman liked to say, “It’s just a baseball game.” > “There are not many programs that could withstand all of that and have important baseball with six to play.” > – Jay Johnson: > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 6, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2052147659519963261?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) What Johnson means is his team has been through just about everything and has lost its best player in power hitter Jake Brown. And one of its best pitchers from last season – Casan Evans – has missed his last two starts and is questionable for this weekend with arm stiffness. The Tigers’ No. 2 starter this season – Cooper Moore – was lost for the season in March with an arm injury. And another top player from last season – outfielder Chris Stanfield – has battled injuries all season. So amid the scars surfaces hardened skin long removed from that pristine No. 1 ranking and 8-0 and 11-1 starts from more than two months ago. “We’ve been a little banged up,” said LSU sophomore catcher Cade Arrambide, who has 15 home runs on the season with 41 RBIs and is second on the team in batting average at .333 behind Derek Curiel’s .338. Arrambide was sidelined briefly in April with a shin injury. Two freshman have emerged just in the last few weeks amid the injuries to be third and fifth in average in Omar Serna Jr. at .319 with seven home runs, nine doubles and 34 RBIs and Mason Braun at .300 with three homers, seven doubles and 19 RBIs. Serna, though, is nursing a sore back and missed Tuesday’s win over Tulane. “There’s no pressure on them,” Arrambide said of the youth movement. > LSU youth movement went Fab-U-Lously in nightcap for doubleheader sweep. > > — Glenn Guilbeau (@SportBeatTweet) [May 3, 2026](https://twitter.com/SportBeatTweet/status/2050807348696859124?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) “We’ve actually played better after some of the injuries with the new pieces in there,” Johnson said. “There’s literally nothing to be afraid of.” Well, the pitchers may be a little afraid of Georgia, or at least very careful. Foley Field tends to give up a lot of mortar shots. And even though Georgia just lost slugger Henry Allen (.321, 13 homers, 41 RBIs, .635 slugging percentage, .443 on-base average) to a knee injury last week, the Bulldogs still have five guys with 15 or more home runs. Those are Daniel Jackson with 23 homers and 67 RBIs, Tre Phelps with 17 and 47 RBIs, Brennan Hudson with 16 and 38, Michael O’Shaughnessy with 15 and 42 and Kolby Branch with 15 and 46. “So, go in there with guns blazing and a lot of confidence and play,” Johnson said. “And if it’s good enough, it’ll be good enough. If it’s not, it’s won’t. You have no choice. We’re playing good right now. Teams playing the best usually win.” LSU has won five straight. But Georgia has won six straight. And if LSU just survives this weekend with one win very valuable RPI win out of three, it will still be standing, but still needing a sweep of No. 21 Florida next weekend in Alex Box to finish 13-17 in the SEC and improve the RPI. “There are not many programs that can withstand all of that and have important baseball with six to play,” Johnson said. “They should be complimented for that, regardless of how this ends.” **WEEKEND STARTING PITCHERS** **FRIDAY –** Sophomore right-hander William Schmidt (5-4, 3.90 ERA, 60 innings, 26 walks, 79 strikeouts), LSU, vs. junior right-hander Joey Volchko (7-2, 3.63 ERA, 62 innings, 32 walks, 76 strikeouts). **SATURDAY –** Freshman right-hander Marcos Paz (1-2, 6.08 ERA, 23.2 innings, 19 walks, 34 strikeouts), LSU, vs. junior right-hander Dylan Vigue (4-1, 2.35 ERA, 46 innings, 25 walks, 56 strikeouts). **SUNDAY –** If healthy, sophomore right-hander Casan Evans (2-2, 5.47 ERA, 52.2 innings, 26 walks, 76 strikeouts) vs. To Be Announced. Or if not used a lot in relief on Friday and/or Saturday, senior right-hander Zac Cowan (3-3, 3.63 ERA, 34.2 innings, 9 walks, 44 strikeouts), LSU. **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Cade Arrambide, Georgia Bulldogs, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers --- ### [Lane Kiffin Tweets: It May Be The Off-Season, But LSU's Twitter King Remains Active](https://www.tigerrag.com/lane-kiffin-tweets-it-may-be-the-off-season-but-lsus-twitter-king-remains-active/) **Published:** May 7, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor LSU left tackle Jordan Seaton is swiftly becoming one of the Tigers’ most popular player as the No. 1-ranked tackle in the portal when he signed with LSU in January and No. 4 portal player overall shined during spring practice and continues to impress with his off-season workouts. LSU football coach Lane Kiffin reposted a tweet about Seaton, the former Colorado tackle, on Thursday. > [\#JustDifferent](https://twitter.com/hashtag/JustDifferent?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) > > — Lane Kiffin (@Lane\_Kiffin) [May 7, 2026](https://twitter.com/Lane_Kiffin/status/2052432567903596894?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Contrary to many perspectives in the media, Kiffin remains friends with many of his former assistant coaches who remain at Ole Miss and other coaches at Ole Miss. He congratulated Ole Miss golf coach Chris Malloy for being named Southeastern coach of the year on Thursday. > 🔥 > > — Lane Kiffin (@Lane\_Kiffin) [May 7, 2026](https://twitter.com/Lane_Kiffin/status/2052440244788555923?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) Kiffin also liked a tweet about his father – the late Monte Kiffin. > "…[@Lane\_Kiffin](https://twitter.com/Lane_Kiffin?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) was never supposed to be the most controversial college football coach in America…but upon further examination, maybe he shouldn't be: > His father, Super Bowl winner Monte Kiffin, was one of the game's more revolutionary defensive minds, and as his son followed… [pic.twitter.com/jaQkTkzbnW](https://t.co/jaQkTkzbnW) > > — Lonn Phillips Sullivan (@LonnPhillips) [May 6, 2026](https://twitter.com/LonnPhillips/status/2052153717588394257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) And, even though, it is the off-season, Kiffin is still working the early morning hours until after the sun goes down. > Good nite ⁦[@LSUfootball](https://twitter.com/LSUfootball?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw)⁩ [pic.twitter.com/QjqFgLRgYx](https://t.co/QjqFgLRgYx) > > — Lane Kiffin (@Lane\_Kiffin) [May 7, 2026](https://twitter.com/Lane_Kiffin/status/2052202106086416550?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw) **Categories:** Featured, Lane Kiffin, LSU Football News **Tags:** lane kiffin, lsu football, LSU Tigers, Monte Kiffin --- ### [Jay Johnson Says, "I'm Like, 'What Now?'" ... After Latest Injury In Hexed LSU Season So Far](https://www.tigerrag.com/jay-johnson-says-im-like-what-now-after-latest-injury-in-hexed-lsu-season-so-far/) **Published:** May 6, 2026 **Author:** Glenn Guilbeau **Content:** By GLENN GUILBEAU, Tiger Rag Editor For a brief second, LSU coach Jay Johnson had had enough of this one-thing-after-another 2026 season. -First starting left fielder Chris Stanfield badly bruised his hand sliding into home in the second game of the season. … And after leading the Tigers in hitting in Southeastern Conference games last year at .326 and hitting .298 overall with a team-high-tying 15 doubles and 31 RBIs in 68 games, the senior did return to action. But he has never been the same, and he also has been out lately with a hamstring injury and is hitting .229 in 28 games with two doubles and nine RBIs. > [LSU Baseball: Pitching Coach Nate Yeskie Discusses Season From Hell On Tiger Rag Radio](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-pitching-coach-nate-yeskie-discusses-season-from-hell-on-tiger-rag-radio/) -No. 2 weekend starter Cooper Moore has not pitched since March 20 against Oklahoma because of a broken bone in his right, pitching arm. > [LSU Baseball: Pitcher Cooper Moore Out For Season; Returning In ’27 With Medical Redshirt](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-pitcher-cooper-moore-out-for-season-returning-in-27-with-medical-redshirt/) … The junior transfer from Kansas had been off to a solid start at 3-3 with a 3.38 ERA and 39 strikeouts in 32 innings with only seven walks. -LSU’s best all-around player, junior right fielder Jake Brown, was lost for the season after breaking his hamate bone against Texas A&M on April 19. > [LSU Baseball Loses Its Best Player For The Season – Jake Brown Has Wrist Injury](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-loses-its-best-player-for-the-season-jake-brown-has-wrist-injury/) … Despite missing the last nine games, Brown still leads LSU with 16 home runs and 49 RBIs and is second in stolen bases with nine in 10 attempts. -On Friday April 24 just before his scheduled start at Mississippi State, starter Casan Evans was scratched from the lineup with back stiffness. … Evans, one of the best freshman pitchers in the country in 2025, has not pitched since April 17. He had been struggling anyway at 2-2 with a 5.47 ERA, but he still was a vital cog as the Tigers’ Friday night starter as he went six, five and seven innings in his last three starts. He may return to the mound this weekend at No. 5 Georgia as there is no structural damage, Johnson said Wednesday. -Just after taking over third base at mid-season, sophomore John Pearson also went down on April 24 with a hamstring injury. … He only returned to the lineup on Tuesday and did go 2-for-5 with three RBIs and a home run. -But also on Tuesday, Johnson learned that budding freshman catcher Omar Serna Jr. – third on the team in average at .319 with seven home runs and 34 RBIs – had back soreness and couldn’t play against Tulane. … Serna has a .536 slugging percentage with four home runs in his last six SEC games and a .400 on-base percentage. “I’m like, ‘What now?” Johnson said to reporters Wednesday of his initial reaction on Tuesday. “Omar had been playing so well.” And he laughed, because he had to. It’s been that kind of season. Serna, though is expected to return to the lineup for a critical series for LSU (29-21, 6-15 SEC) at SEC-leading Georgia (38-11, 18-6 SEC) this weekend after missing the Tulane game. He was scheduled to visit a doctor on Wednesday. “Nothing should hold him out,” Johnson said. “What can he tolerate? For the last seven days, he tolerated pretty good. I’m proud of him.” Serna was 5-for-12 with four RBIs, a home run and five runs scored with a bad back against South Carolina over the weekend. “That’s a lot of toughness to play through that,” Johnson said. “He just didn’t feel great yesterday. He wants to play.” What could happen next to this team? “I’m just trying to go with what we have,” Johnson said. “Some really bad luck,” Johnson said. “Like the hamate thing (with Jake Brown) is kind of like a fluke deal. You can’t like, ‘Do this,’ to prevent it. Chris Stanfield – he’s at risk all the time because he plays so hard. Cooper Moore was kind of a freak deal. Unfortunately, it all kind of came around on us all at once. But I’m proud of the way the guys are competing in spite of that. There are not many programs that could withstand all of that and have important baseball with six games to play (in the regular season).” **Categories:** Featured, LSU Baseball **Tags:** Georgia Bulldogs, jay johnson, lsu baseball, LSU Tigers, Omar Serna Jr. --- ### [LSU Golfer Dan Hayes Named To SEC All-Freshmen Team](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-golfer-dan-hayes-named-to-sec-all-freshmen-team/) **Published:** May 7, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU golfer Dan Hayes of Manchester, England, was named to the Southeastern Conference All-Freshmen team on Thursday by the league office as voted on by the 16 SEC head coaches. Hayes leads conference freshmen in stroke average at 70.10 through for fourth on the Tigers through 30 rounds this season. He has finished in the top 15 in three tournaments while shooting under par in eight of 10 tournaments. Hayes fired a season-best six-under-par 210 at the Puerto Rico Classic, and he finished in a tie for 11th with a five-under 208 at the Bryan Bros Collegiate. > [LSU Men’s Golf Is No. 2 Seed For NCAA Regional In Marana, Arizona](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-mens-golf-is-no-2-seed-for-ncaa-regional-in-marana-arizona/) The 2026 All-SEC teams and a complete list of awards are listed below: **PLAYER OF THE YEAR** Jackson Koivun, Auburn **FRESHMAN OF THE YEAR** Jake Albert, Auburn **NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR** Matt Comegys, Texas **SCHOLAR-ATHLETE OF THE YEAR** Wells Williams, Vanderbilt **COACH OF THE YEAR** Chris Malloy, Ole Miss **FIRST TEAM ALL-SEC** Jackson Koivun, Auburn (SEC Championship Individual Medalist) Ryder Cowan, Oklahoma Tom Fischer, Ole Miss William Jennings, Alabama Christiaan Maas, Texas Jack Turner, Florida Frankie Harris, South Carolina Wells Williams, Vanderbilt Josiah Gilbert, Auburn Jase Summy, Oklahoma **SECOND TEAM ALL-SEC** Gerardo Gomez, Arkansas Luke Potter, Texas Daniel Bennett, Texas Luke Poulter, Florida Lance Simpson, Tennessee Erich Fortlage, Arkansas Cayden Pope, Auburn Jake Albert, Auburn Matthew Kress, Florida Cameron Tankersley, Ole Miss Tommy Morrison, Texas **ALL-FRESHMEN TEAM** Jake Albert, Auburn Logan Reilly, Auburn Shiv Parmar, Texas A&M Jon Ed Steed, Vanderbilt Dan Hayes, LSU **Categories:** Featured, Men's Golf, More LSU Sports **Tags:** Dan Hayes, lsu golf, LSU Tigers, Southeastern Conference --- ### [LSU's Arni Sveinsson Makes Team International For Arnold Palmer Cup](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsus-arni-sveinsson-makes-team-international-for-arnold-palmer-cup/) **Published:** May 7, 2026 **Author:** Tiger Rag News Services **Content:** **TIGER RAG NEWS SERVICES** LSU sophomore golfer ‘Arni Sveinsson of Garðabær, Iceland, has been named to Team International as part of the 2026 Arnold Palmer Cup that will be played July 3-5 at Tralee Golf Links in West Barrow, Ireland. The United States leads the all-time series, 15-13-1. This will be the 30th playing of the Palmer Cup, co-founded by legendary golfer Arnold Palmer and the Golf Coaches Association of America. Sveinsson will be making his second straight appearance after helping Team International to a win in 2025 when he scored two match point wins to help the international team claim the Palmer Cup in Ridgeland, South Carolina. > [LSU Men’s Golf Is No. 2 Seed For NCAA Regional In Marana, Arizona](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-mens-golf-is-no-2-seed-for-ncaa-regional-in-marana-arizona/) This year the sophomore is ranked as the No. 11 amateur golfer in the world and has ranked as high as No. 8 this season. Sveinsson has shot 69.83 in 24 rounds of play this season, which included a season-best single round of 64 at the Jackson T. Stephens Cup. Sveinsson has finished top 15 in six tournaments this season, including a tournament win at the Fallen Oak Collegiate Invitational when he shot a season-best 13-under 203. LSU coach Jake Amos will be a co-assistant coach for Team International. **Categories:** Featured, Men's Golf, More LSU Sports --- ### [LSU Finally Stopped Playing Scared. That Is Why The Tigers Still Have A Shot](https://www.tigerrag.com/lsu-baseball-jay-johnson-georgia-ncaa-tournament-path-bobby-knight/) **Published:** May 7, 2026 **Author:** Todd Horne **Content:** **By TODD HORNE, EXECUTIVE EDITOR** The most revealing thing Jay Johnson said Wednesday had almost nothing to do with Georgia, pitching matchups, injuries or postseason math. It was about Bobby Knight. Johnson said he has been reading Knight. Then, in the middle of explaining why LSU has started to look different offensively and emotionally, he admitted something that would have sounded almost unthinkable from a major college coach 20 years ago. The Bobby Knight deal does not work. Not with this team. Maybe not with a lot of teams anymore. That was not a throwaway line. It was a window into LSU baseball’s season, and maybe into modern coaching itself. Johnson was not simply talking about one book passage or one old c