LSU interim head coach Frank Wilson has accepted a job with Ole Miss to be the Rebels’ running backs coach. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says new LSU head football coach Lane Kiffin is expected to hire the running backs coach he had at Ole Miss, Kevin Smith, as Wilson’s replacement and Smith could help the Tigers acquire a 12-hundred yard rusher…

Cut 7 (11) “…Ole Miss.”

LSU redshirt freshman quarterback Colin Hurley is expected to enter the transfer portal. Hurley served as the third-string quarterback and left the team in November. The Tigers are now down to one scholarship quarterback with Michael Van Buren.

Freshman offensive lineman Carius Curne is also expected to enter the transfer portal after playing in seven games and starting games at both left and right tackle this season.

UL-Lafayette host the Delaware Blue Hens in the 68 Ventures Bowl tonight at 7:30 p.m. Quarterbacks Lunch Winfield and Walker Howard will both be available. Howard helped lead the Cajuns to a 30-27 overtime win over ULM after Winfield exited the game with an undisclosed injury. Desormeaux says he has full confidence in both players to get the job done.

Cut 18 (17)  “…helping each other.”

New Southern head football coach Marshall Faulk is set to make 1.2 million dollars over the next three years, earning $400,000 dollars each year. Faulk is now is among the highest-paid coaches in HBCU football, tying Michael Vick’s annual salary at Norfolk State. Faulk also has several performance-based incentives in his contract, one of which would pay him 50,000 dollars if Southern were to win the Celebration Bowl. The contract also includes a $950,000 pool for assistant coaches’ salaries.

Tyler Shough was one of the heroes for the Saints yesterday, earning his first comeback victory of his NFL career in leading the team to a 20-17 win over the Panthers. The key play came with 12 seconds left and the Saints out of timeouts, when Shough ran it down the middle for four yards and slid. Panthers safety Lathan Ransom hit Shough as he was sliding, drawing a 15-yard penalty – putting Charlie Smyth in perfect position to kick a 47-yard field goal to win the game. Shough says he and his teammates were ready to sprint to the line for him to spike the ball and stop the clock.

Cut 7 (14) “…to clock it.”

LSU senior cornerback Mansoor Delane and Louisiana Tech junior safety Jakari Foster were both named as Associated Press First-Team All-Americans today. Delane recorded 45 total tackles, two interceptions and 11 pass breakups with the Tigers this season. Delane becomes the 37th first-team AP All-American in program history. Foster recorded 54 total tackles, seven interceptions, half a tackle-for-loss and forced a fumble. Foster’s seven interceptions tied for the third most in program history.

Sterlington won its second consecutive state championship on Friday as the Panthers rallied back from a 12-7 deficit to beat Jena. Sterlington Coach Lee Doty says coming from behind was nothing new for his team…

Cut 18 (17)  “…no doubt.”

Louisiana Tech football has finalized its 2026 non-conference schedule. The Bulldogs will open up their season with three straight non-conference games. In week one, Louisiana Tech hosts Northwestern State on September 5th in Ruston. In week two, the Bulldogs will travel to Baton Rouge for the second straight year to face LSU. In week three, Louisiana Tech will travel to Waco, Texas, to face Baylor. Tech will host Army in the final non-conference game of the year on October 3rd.

The No. 5 LSU women’s basketball returns to the PMAC for the first time in nearly a month tomorrow as the Tigers face Morgan State at 11 a.m.

Haynesville claimed its 18th football state championship on Thursday after beating Mangham, 39-37. The Golden Tornado have the second-most football state titles in Louisiana, just behind John Curtis. Head coach David Franklin says the character of his players this season allowed the team to flourish.

Cut 10 (14) “…on the cake.”

Ruston is making its fourth straight state championship appearance in New Orleans this weekend as the Bearcats look to capture their ninth state title in school history. Head coach Jerrod Baugh says that this year’s senior class may go down as the best in school history.

Cut 15 (15) “…expect that.”

The Iowa Yellow Jackets defeated the North Desoto Griffins by a score of 50-43 to claim their first state championship in school history. Three-star wide receiver and Houston signee Jeremiah Buhsnell caught three touchdown passes.

LSU’s men’s and women’s basketball teams will be in New Orleans tomorrow to play in the Compete 4 Cause Classic doubleheader. Women’s coach Kim Mulkey is set to face Louisiana Tech for the first time since becoming the coach at LSU. Mulkey says coaching against her alma mater will bring plenty of emotions.

Cut 16 (17) “…will never dissolve.”

Tip-off at the Smoothie King Center is at 5 p.m.

The Saints are coming off a big 24-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough rushed for 55 yards and two touchdowns in the win and says he is growing more confident with each game he plays.

Cut 18 (16)  “…from that preparation.”

The Saints host the Panthers on Sunday at 3:25 p.m.

Day one of the LHSAA Prep Classic was an entertaining one as Haynesville defeated Mangham by a score of 39-37 in the first game of the day to claim its 18^th football state championship in school history, which is the second most in school history. In the second game of the day, Riverside Academy claimed its second state title after beating Ascension Catholic by a score of 31-21. In the final game of the day, the Dunham Tigers defeated Calvary Baptist Cavaliers by a score of 34-17 behind quarterback Elijah Haven’s 5 total touchdowns to claim their second state title.

Today, the Jena Giants are playing for their first state championship today as they take on the defending champion Sterlington Panthers. Aaron Dietrich, the sports director at KNOE-TV, says the support in LaSalle Parish has taken off.

Cut 10 (14) “…for Jay Roark.”

The SEC revealed the 2026 league schedule for all 16 teams last night. LSU will open up the Lane Kiffin era at home where the Tigers will face Clemson. LSU’s SEC schedule opens up in week three on September 19th, where Lane Kiffin will return to Oxford for the first time to face his former team in Ole Miss. LSU is tasked with a brutal November schedule as the Tigers will host Alabama and Texas in back to back weeks and then will finish the season on the road at Tennessee and at Arkansas. The Tigers will also be at Kentucky and at Auburn this season.

The LSU men’s basketball team will face SMU in the Compete 4 Cause Classic tomorrow night in New Orleans. The Tigers are coming off an ugly loss to Texas Tech, and head coach Matt McMahon says the team has to do better moving forward, starting with the offensive side of the ball.

Cut 17 (13)  “…three-point shot.”

Tipoff between the Tigers and Mustangs in the Smoothie King Center is scheduled for 7:35 p.m.

The LSU Board of Supervisors approved contracts for several new football coaches today, including head coach Lane Kiffin, defensive coordinator Blake Baker, offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr., tight ends coach Joe Cox, offensive line coach Eric Wolford, wide receivers coach George McDonald, quarterbacks coach Dane Stevens, and strength and conditioning coach Nick Savage.

LSU freshman cornerback DJ Pickett was named to the SEC Coaches’ Freshman All-SEC Team after recording 30 tackles, two sacks, and three interceptions.

LSU Athletics and Nike have announced an extension to their five-decade-long partnership through 2036, Director of Athletics Verge Ausberry announced on Thursday. In addition to the school extending its partnership, Nike has signed a total of 10 LSU athletes across seven different sports, which include Kailin Chio of gymnastics, Derek Curiel and Casan Evans of baseball, Tori Edwards and Jayden Heavener of softball, DJ Thomas of basketball, ZaKiyah Johnson of basketball and Jurnee Robinson of volleyball.

The Haynesville Golden Tornadoes became the first Louisiana High School team to bring home a state title this year after they defeated Mangham in a thriller by a score of 39-37 in the Division 4 non-select championship game. Four-star safety and LSU signee Isaiah Washington rushed for 86 yards with two touchdowns and had an 81-yard pick-six. With the win, Haynesville now has 18 total state championships in school history.

The LHSAA Prep Classic is underway and runs through the end of Saturday. Tomorrow’s first matchup of the day features a Division 2 non-select matchup between the North Desoto Griffins and Iowa Yellow Jackets. North Desoto senior quarterback Luke Delafield led the Griffins to the state championship game as a freshman in 2022. Delafield returns to the Dome as a senior and has the chance to bring North Desoto its first football title in school history. Delafield says he’s stoked to be back in New Orleans.

Cut 11 (11) “…super excited.”

Kickoff in New Orleans tomorrow is at noon.

LSU’s hiring of Lane Kiffin as its new head football coach is poised to yield a big economic impact for both the school and the City of Baton Rouge. Ever since LSU poached Kiffin from Ole Miss, the team has had more than 15-thousand new season ticket requests, as well as a large uptick in corporate partner and donor interest. LSU economics professor Dek Terrell says the real impact will come later.

Cut 10 (09) “…of that nature.”

LSU Athletics and Nike have announced an extension to their five-decade-long partnership through 2036, Director of Athletics Verge Ausberry announced on Thursday. In addition to the school extending its partnership, Nike has signed a total of 10 LSU athletes across seven different sports, which include Kailin Chio of gymnastics, Derek Curiel and Casan Evans of baseball, Tori Edwards and Jayden Heavener of softball, DJ Thomas of basketball, ZaKiyah Johnson of basketball and Jurnee Robinson of volleyball.

The LHSAA Prep Classic in the Superdome starts today. The second game of the day is a Division Four select matchup between the Riverside Rebels and the Ascension Catholic Bulldogs. Spencer Verrett of the LHSAA Network says the Rebels have an advantage at the line of scrimmage.

Cut 5 (12) “…defensive line operate.”

A new professional football team is coming to Monroe this summer. The city is getting a team in the Arena League. The new Monroe team will play its games at the Monroe Civic Center, and league owner Jeff Holmes says the games will feature some exciting entertainment to go along with the exciting football action.

Cut 15 (08) “…of that nature.”

The league is holding a name-the-team contest for Monroe’s newest professional sports franchise.

The New Orleans Pelicans return to action tonight as they face the Portland Trail Blazers at 7 p.m.

The LSU football team added 14 players to its 2026 recruiting class in the early signing period, and interim head coach Frank Wilson says Lane Kiffin’s efforts put a bow on some of the top recruits’ decisions to sign with the Tigers.

Cut 18 (17)  “…wrap it up.”

LSU sophomore running back Ju’Juan Johnson is planning to enter the transfer portal. Johnson started off as a defensive back with the Tigers but then changed positions multiple times to running back and quarterback. Johnson currently holds the Louisiana High School record for both all-purpose yards and most touchdowns.

Details of new LSU offensive coordinator Charlie Weis’ contract are out. His three-year deal is worth seven-point-five million dollars and there is language to make sure he is the highest paid offensive coordinator in the SEC.

Sterlington is looking to win its fourth total and second straight high school football championship on Friday as the Panthers take on the Jena Giants. Head coach Lee Doty says this year’s team may be even better than last year’s dominant team.

Cut 11 (13) “…same thing now.”

D1 Baseball is reporting that junior UL-Lafayette left handed pitcher Chase Morgan will be out indefinitely and his return in 2026 is to be determined after dealing with a nagging back injury that could require further treatment. Morgan had a 3.52 ERA in 13 starts last season.

McNeese State basketball improved to 8-2 on the year after defeating Rhode Island on the road last night by a score of 66-64. Junior guard Tyshawn Archie hit a fadeaway jumper to put the Cowboys up 2 with 1.2 seconds left on the clock and Javhon Garcia sealed the game with a block.

The LSU football team will play in its second straight Texas Bowl this year as the Tigers take on the Houston Cougars on Saturday, December 27th at 8:15 p.m. Interim head coach Frank Wilson says the team will be without its top quarterback, top cornerback and a starting linebacker.

Cut 10 (10) “…Whit Weeks will be out.”

Most of LSU’s assistant coaches on the defensive side of the football are returning, including defensive coordinator Blake Baker and secondary coach Corey Raymond. But coaches on the offensive side of the football will most likely not be retained. Interim head coach Frank Wilson says this transition period within the coaching staff has been smooth…

Cut 11 (05) “…pulling for LSU.”

Wilson’s future with the program remains uncertain.

Junior linebacker Harold Perkins has accepted an invitation to play in the East-West Shrine Bowl which likely indicates his intentions to forgo his senior season and declare for the 2026 NFL Draft.

UL-Lafayette is set to face Delaware in the 68 Ventures Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, on Wednesday, December 17th, at 7:30 p.m. The Blue Hens come into the matchup with the number-six passing offense in the country, averaging 302 passing yards per game. Head coach Michael Desormeaux (DEZ-er-moe) says the Cajuns’ defense will have to do a couple of things to limit Delaware in the air.

Cut 16 (16) “…things like that.”

The Sun Belt Conference has reinstated redshirt senior defensive back Tyree Skipper for the 68 Ventures Bowl after the conference had initially suspended him for the rest of the season for his involvement in a postgame altercation after the Texas State game.

New Orleans Pelicans rookie forward Derik Queen became just the fifth player in NBA history to drop a 30-point triple-double before turning 21 years-old. Queen’s had 33 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 blocks in his first career triple-double.

Four-star wide receiver Brayden Allen out of Lafayette signed with LSU yesterday on day one of the early signing period. Allen was committed to Oklahoma going into last weekend, but he decommitted the night Lane Kiffin was hired. Allen says there’s a lot to like about Kiffin’s offensive system.

Cut 18 (12)  “…really great feeling.”

Allen will join the Tigers in the summer as a late enrollee.

One of LSU’s top-rated commitments and the No. 1 defensive lineman in the country, Richard Anderson, out of Edna Karr High School in New Orleans, is set to formally sign with the Tigers on Thursday after a clerical hold up kept him from signing on Wednesday. Anderson’s revised documents will be sent to LSU on Thursday.

The No. 5 LSU women’s basketball team looks to stay undefeated on the season as the Tigers travel to Durham, North Carolina to face the Duke Blue Devils tonight at 8 p.m.

Tomorrow night is the semifinals of the high school football playoffs. In Division Two non-select, Plaquemine is in the semifinals for a second straight season, but LHSAA Network’s Spencer Verrett says the Green Devils have a touch matchup against top-seeded North DeSoto.

Cut 15 (10) “…ready to go.”

Louisiana Tech junior defensive back has been named Conference USA Co-Defensive Player of the Year after intercepting three passes, breaking up five passes and recording a team-high 92 tackles. Fields will not play his senior season for the Bulldogs as he entered the transfer portal on Wednesday.

The LSU men’s basketball team defeated Boston College in overtime last night by a score of 78-69 to remain undefeated on the season. Junior guard DJ Thomas led the Tigers in scoring with 23 points while also dishing out seven assists.

LSU new head coach Lane Kiffin’s contract is seven years, worth 90-million dollars plus. But Kiffin says his personal wealth was not in consideration when taking the LSU job. He says he was mainly concerned about enough NIL funding to help attract the best players. Athletics director Verge Ausberry says the LSU fan base has stepped up…

Cut 9 (16)  “…best players.”

Kiffin will be focused on signing a recruiting class this week, as a three-day early signing period begins tomorrow. Kiffin, who declared himself the “Portal King” at Ole Miss for his ability to sign players out of the transfer portal, says LSU is committed to financially supporting his rosters each year.

Cut 11 (12) “…care of financially.”

LSU four-star wide receiver Kenny Darby and three-star offensive lineman Jalan Chapman have decommitted from LSU today.

Lane Kiffin has landed his first commitment as the LSU head coach as 6-6 and 240-pound four-star tight end JC Anderson has flipped his commitment from Ole Miss to LSU. Anderson is rated as the No. 11 tight end in the nation according to 247Sports.

After being hired by LSU yesterday, Ole Miss has announced that offensive coordinator Charlie Weis Jr. is going to coach the Rebels during the team’s playoff run. Weis took a plane with Kiffin to Baton Rouge on Sunday and was signed to a three year deal worth 1.9 million dollars annually on Monday.

After missing the 2024 season with a season-ending ACL injury, LSU forward Jalen Reed will miss the rest of the 2025 basketball season after tearing his left Achilles in the 71-62 win against Drake on Friday.

Flecther Mackel with WDSU TV in New Orleans is reporting that Ed Orgeron is a serious candidate for the Tulane head coaching job and that he is making a strong push for the job.