Author Archives: Kace Kieschnick

09.04.26
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11:40 LRN Sportscast

A group of high school class of 2022 athletes in the Louisiana lawsuit against the NCAA, SEC and Commissioner Greg Sankey was granted a preliminary injunction for a fifth season of eligibility. That includes players like Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, who had brief stints in NFL training camps and now plan to play for LSU. Attorney Ryan Downton, who represented the athletes, says the NCAA’s new age-based eligibility rules grant athletes five seasons of eligibility.

Cut 10 (08) “…fifth year.”

The SEC plans to appeal the ruling and filed a separate lawsuit against LSU in a federal court in Alabama. The conference claims LSU’s recruitment of NFL players violates its First Amendment right to enforce its own rules. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says he believes the SEC does not have the law on their side.

Cut 8 (10) “…could be repercussions.”

The start of the Lane Kiffin era at LSU is almost here. The Tigers host Clemson tomorrow in a game that will be the center of the football universe. “College GameDay” is on campus and nearly 100 recruits will be in attendance. Kiffin says the Tigers are ready to put on a show.

Cut 18 (14) “…into the stadium.”

UL Lafayette kicks off the season against Lamar tomorrow. The Ragin’ Cajuns are kicking off their 125th season and were picked to finish second in the Sun Belt West this year. Desormeaux expects a lot of excitement for the season opener.

Cut 20 (14) “…past nine months.”

09.03.26
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LRN AM Newscall September 3

A report from the Pelican Institute for Public Policy finds that Louisiana’s economy grew faster than the national rate during the first quarter of this year. Jeff Palermo has the story.

Cut 1 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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A Baton Rouge judge granted 44 high school class of 2022 athletes a preliminary injunction for a fifth season of college eligibility. Kace Kieschnick reports.

Cut 2 (45) “…I’m Kace Kieschnick.”

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Construction of the Hyundai Steel plant near Donaldsonville officially gets underway today. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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The Pelican Institute for Public Policy says there are some strong indicators that show Louisiana’s economy is heading in the right direction. Chief Executive Officer Daniel Erspamer says Louisiana is doing better than the nation in one key economic number…

Cut 4 (11) “…was 2.1-percent.”

Erspamer says construction, professional and business services and health care sectors were helping to drive this growth through the first quarter of this year.

Erspamer says the state has added nearly 17-thousand jobs over the last year…

Cut 5 (06) “…in manufacturing employment.”

Erspamer says their report also finds that personal income has increased six percent during the first quarter, compared to three-percent nationally. He says excellent changes in state policy is boosting Louisiana’s economy.

Cut 6 (09) “…market this state.”

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The SEC filed a federal lawsuit against LSU, President Wade Rousse, Athletic Director Verge Ausberry and football coach Lane Kiffin. The suit claims LSU’s pursuit of NFL players harms the conference and violates its First Amendment right to enforce its own rules. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says it’s an immature move from the SEC.

Cut 7 (12) “…being very unprofessional.”

The lawsuit was filed in an Alabama federal court and became public around the same time Commissioner Greg Sankey took the stand in a Baton Rouge eligibility hearing that that resulted in a preliminary injunction granting a group of former NFL players a fifth season of college eligibility. Guilbeau says he believes the SEC does not have the law on their side, but LSU needs to throw in the towel.

Cut 8 (10) “…could be repercussions.”

LSU could face severe penalties for continuing to pursue players who signed NFL contracts if the court rules in favor of the SEC. Guilbeau says SEC presidents have even considered suspending or expelling LSU from the conference.

Cut 9 (07)  “…that as well.”

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Baton Rouge Judge William Jorden granted LSU commits Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris, along with 42 other athletes, a preliminary injunction against the NCAA and SEC. The players will now be eligible to return for a fifth season of eligibility. Attorney Ryan Downton, who represented the athletes, says the NCAA’s new age-based eligibility rules grant athletes five seasons of eligibility.

Cut 10 (13) “…should play.”

LSU will now be allowed to officially roster Wright, Harris and Notre Dame Transfer Junior Tuihalamaka. Wright and Harris both signed NFL contracts and had brief stints in NFL training camps this summer.

The SEC presidents unanimously approved a policy prohibiting schools from rostering former professional football and basketball players, as well as severe punishments for any school that does so. One of the plaintiffs’ attorneys, Tony Clayton, says that rule has now been blocked by the preliminary injunction.

Cut 11 (13) “…in concert.”

LSU was enjoined with the SEC and NCAA in the injunction and is prevented from doing anything to negatively impact the players. Downton said he would ask the Court to hold LSU in contempt if they do not add the players. Clayton says he requested LSU be enjoined.

Cut 12 (10) “…state of Louisiana.”

The LSU football team has until 24 hours before their season opener at 6:30 on Saturday to submit its roster to the SEC. Concerns remain that the school could face later punishments if the SEC wins its federal lawsuit against LSU or impending appeal of the injunction. Clayton says this is far from over.

Cut 13 (09)  “…ask for.”

The SEC released a statement Thursday night stating it disagreed with the ruling and that member universities have the right to govern themselves and enforce agreed-upon rules. The conference pledged to continue to defend fair competition and its authority.

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Today is the day construction will officially get underway on the Hyundai Steel plant near Donaldsonville. Stephanie Malin with Hyundai Steel says there are several reasons why the company chose Ascension Parish to establish its new plant.

Cut 14 (12) “…in the community.”

Malin says by moving the manufacturing of the sheetmetal to be used to manufacture Hyundai vehicles to the U.S., it will bolster national security and the U.S. supply chain.

Cut 15 (09) “…in the U.S.”

Some in the community expressed concern at a recent air permit hearing about whether emissions levels would meet current EPA standards. But Malin says Hyundai is taking innovative steps to greatly reduce emissions.

Cut 16 (10) “…by 70-percent.”

The 5.8-billion-dollar plant is expected to open in 2029.

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Lane Kiffin’s eagerly awaited LSU debut is just one day away. The Tigers host Clemson tomorrow at 6:30 in a game that has seen the most media and celebrity credentials issued in Tiger Stadium history. ESPN’s “College GameDay” will be on campus, and Kiffin says all of that attention is good for the program.

Cut 17 (17) “…person and financially.”

Kiffin says the most important thing is always winning, but show time is a real thing. He says it’s important to create a product people want to see.

Cut 18 (14) “…into the stadium.”

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UL Lafayette kicks off the season against Lamar tomorrow at 7. The Cajuns have gone to eight consecutive bowl games and are coming off a 6-and-7 2025. Lamar opened its season with a 21-14 win over Abilene Christian last week. UL head coach Michael Desormeaux says a strong offensive start is important against a veteran team that likes to run the ball.

Cut 19 (16) “…regroup from there.”

The Ragin’ Cajuns are kicking off their 125th season and were picked to finish second in the Sun Belt West this year. Desormeaux expects a lot of excitement for the season opener.

Cut 20 (14) “…past nine months.”

09.03.26
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4:45 LRN Sportscast

The SEC is suing LSU in a federal court, alleging their recruitment of NFL players violates the conference’s First Amendment right to enforce its own rules. Head coach Lane Kiffin, Athletic Director Verge Ausberry and President Wade Rousse are named as defendants. Tiger Rag editor Glenn Guilbeau thinks the lawsuit against a member school is an overreaction from the SEC, but it would be in LSU’s best interest to cut their losses.

Cut 22 (11) “…boss is wrong.”

The Tigers kick off the season on Saturday against Clemson. LSU tight end Trey’Dez Green scored two touchdowns against Clemson last season and went on to grab 33 catches for 433 yards and seven scores last year. He says he’s ready for a bigger role this season

Cut 18 (12) “…I love ’em.”

ULM opens against Mississippi State on Saturday at 6:30. The Warhawks were last in the Sun Belt West last season, and the conference preseason poll picked them to repeat that finish. Head Coach Bryant Vincent says they don’t pay any attention to that.

Cut 20 (19) “…on campus.”

The Saints waived running back Devin Neal and edge rusher Mike Heldman after both were placed on season-ending injured reserve. Neal was a sixth-round pick out of Kansas last year and ran for 200 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie. A severe hamstring injury killed his promising chances of making this-year’s roster. Heldman signed as an undrafted free agent this year and recorded two sacks in his first preseason game, but was sidelined by an injury in the preseason finale.

The high school football season kicks off tonight with defending state champs Ouachita hosting Byrd, Iowa visiting Barbe and Sterlington heading to Franklin Parish.

09.03.26
by

11:40 LRN Sportscast

Just two more days before 11th-ranked LSU and Clemson face off in Tiger Stadium to kick off the 2026 season. Are the Tigers locked in despite all the courtroom drama surrounding the fifth-year players that LSU is interested in adding to the roster? Linebacker Whit Weeks says it’s not a big deal at all for the players.

Cut 16 (11) “… day of work.”

Southern will look to bounce back from a 30-17 loss to Alabama State in coach Marshall Faulk’s first home game against Kentucky State on Saturday. The Jaguars led 17-13 at halftime, and Faulk says they need to learn how to play with a lead.

Cut 21 (12) “…show ourselves.”

Faulk says he feels more pressure to win as a coach than he did as a player because he cannot affect the game. The Jags did not win at home last season.

ULM begins its football season Saturday at Mississippi State. The Warhawks finished last season last in the Sun Belt West with a 3-and-9 record and lost their last eight games. Head coach Bryant Vincent says playing an SEC team in week one is obviously a big challenge, but he welcomes the early test.

Cut 20 (19) “…never been in.”

Around the rest of the state, LA Tech hosts Northwestern State. UL Lafayette hosts Lamar. Tulane visits Duke. McNeese welcomes Texas Wesleyan, Southeastern visits South Alabama. Nicholls heads to Kansas Sate, and Grambling welcomes Central State.

Tonight is the start of the high school football season; a couple of defending state champs are in action. Ouachita hosts Byrd, and Iowa visits Barbe. Calvary Baptist, who lost in a state title game last year, faces Huntington.

09.02.26
by

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU is just two days away from kicking off its football season against Clemson. Arizona State transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt will return to the field after a season-ending Lisfranc surgery last November. He says it was not until the summer offseason workouts that he was a full go.

Cut 20 (16) “…our whole offense.”

Before the Tigers kick off, a preliminary injunction hearing in Baton Rouge tomorrow could decide whether LSU will be allowed to sign fifth-year and former NFL players or if the SEC can enforce its rule punishing schools who do so. One of the attorneys representing the athletes, Tony Clayton, says they deserve the fifth year everyone else got.

Cut 21 (06) “…problem lies.”

Former LSU center Kate Koval announced that her decision to leave the women’s basketball team was because LSU signed Russian forward Anna Minaeva. Koval is a native of Ukraine, and her father is serving in the Ukrainian military. She said in her announcement that Russian attacks have deeply and personally affected her, her family and the place she grew up and that the difficult decision was made to remain true to herself, her values and her country. She said she hopes the NCAA will allow her to play elsewhere this season.

Louisiana Tech opens the season at home Saturday against a Northwestern State team coming off an upset loss to Louisiana Christian. The Bulldogs’ defense is led by graduate linebacker Kolbe Fields, who returns after a season-ending knee injury. Fields says the team has the best linebacker corps in the Sun Belt.

Cut 22 (17) “…gonna show.”

09.02.26
by

11:40 LRN Sportscast

New LSU starting quarterback Sam Leavitt makes his Tiger Stadium debut on Saturday night when the 13th ranked Tigers host 23rd ranked Clemson. When Leavitt played at Arizona State last season, the Sun Devils averaged 54-thousand fans for their home games. The crowd for Saturday night’s game will be nearly twice that, and he’s fired up for it…

Cut 18 (18) “…focus up.”

Leavitt says he’s as healthy as ever and the mental side of his game has only improved since coming to LSU.

Three LSU baseball players were ranked in D1-Baseball’s top 50 transfer pitchers for the 2027 season. Gonzaga right-hander Landon Hood ranked number-2, USC righty Diego Velazquez was 14th and South Florida junior right-hander Kaden Smith was 46th.

Louisiana Tech opens the football season against Northwestern State Saturday. The Bulldogs returned graduate linebacker Kolbe Fields. Fields was the preseason CUSA Defensive Player of the Year last season and dominated through the first five games before a season-ending knee injury. He says he’s had opportunities to go to other schools, but he isn’t interested in a one-year deal, and nothing can replace the relationships he’s built in three years in Ruston.

Cut 17 (15) “…get older.”

Kickoff in Ruston is at 6:30.

UL Lafayette kicks off against Lamar Saturday at 7. Cajuns coach Michael Desormeaux says his team could be dominant on one side of the ball this season.

Cut 21 (13) “…head coach.”

09.01.26
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LRN AM Newscall September 2

DOTD is once again launching the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” High School Video and Pledge Contest, which runs through October 31st. Andrew Greenstein reports.

Cut 1 (35) “…I’m Andrew Greenstein.”

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With a new academic year underway at LSU, the school is launching its Tiger Nation Challenge for 2026. Jeff Palermo reports.

Cut 2 (33) “…I’m Jeff Palermo.”

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On the heels of the success of the Love The Boot initiative comes Love Our Waterways. Joe Gallinaro reports.

Cut 3 (35) “…I’m Joe Gallinaro.”

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The Louisiana Democratic Party is opposing constitutional amendment four on the November third ballot. The proposed amendment would prevent a governor from serving another term after already serving two terms and sitting out at least four years. Louisiana Democratic Party Chairman Randal Gaines says if a former two-term governor wants to run again, voters should decide whether that person deserves a third term.

Cut 4 (04) “…for whatever reason.”

Chalmette Republican Mike Bayham authored the proposed amendment. He says the change would bring new ideas to the governor’s office and prevent former governors from using their fundraising advantages against first-time candidates.

But Gaines says the amendment would take away a choice from Louisiana voters.

Cut 5 (05) “…lead the state.”

If a simple majority approves the amendment on November third, former Republican Governor Bobby Jindal and former Democratic Governor John Bel Edwards would be barred from running for governor again.

Democrats believe the proposal is designed specifically to prevent Edwards from making another run for governor. Gaines says he believes that argument has merit.

Cut 6 (04) “…intent is obvious.”

Bayham told the Louisiana Illuminator that the amendment is nonpartisan and is not aimed at Edwards.

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DOTD is launching the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” High School Video and Pledge Contest for 2026. High school students are invited to create videos highlighting the importance of wearing seatbelts and avoiding distractions like cell phones when behind the wheel. Rodney Mallett with DOTD says last year, distracted driving was blamed for nearly 22-percent of all traffic fatalities in Louisiana.

Cut 7 (11) “…of those crashes.”

Mallett says the lack of seatbelt use is an even bigger factor in traffic fatalities.

Cut 8 (07) “…who are unrestrained.”

Mallett says while the video contest is in its second year in Louisiana, the “Buckle Up, Phone Down” Challenge is actually a national initiative that’s been going on for years.

Cut 9 (05)  “…started in Missouri.”

There are prizes for the best videos – five-thousand dollars for first place, 35-hundred dollars for second place and 15-hundred dollars for third place. The contest runs through October 31st.

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As another LSU school year gets underway, the LSU Alumni Association is launching its Tiger Nation Challenge for 2026. Vice President of Development Lauren Griffin says the annual fundraising drive plays a crucial role.

Cut 10 (12) “…to the university.”

Griffin says this year, in honor of LSU’s big game against Clemson in Death Valley, they’re having a friendly competition with Clemson’s alumni association to see which one can raise more money.

Cut 11 (08) “…can get involved.”

Griffin says the best part is, you don’t even need to be an LSU alum to give to the alumni association and to take part in this contest.

Cut 12 (10) “…welcome for sure.”

You can donate by going to lsualumni.org/tigernationchallenge. There are prizes available, including two tickets to every LSU home game for the 2026 season. As for which school wins the challenge, whether it be LSU or Clemson, Griffin says since it’s a friendly competition, that school will merely get the satisfaction of winning.

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The long-anticipated spin-off of Love The Boot is now underway as Love Our Waterways is going on throughout the entire month of September. Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser says while Love The Boot focuses on cleaning up litter on land, Love Our Waterways focuses on cleaning up litter in the state’s waterways, which is just as much an issue.

Cut 13 (08)  “…litter you see.”

Lieutenant Governor Nungesser says even if you don’t have a boat, you can still participate in the cleanup effort through Love Our Waterways.

Cut 14 (11) “…lakes and bayous.”

Two-hundred events are already registered; and Nungesser says if you’d like to participate, you can get information at LoveLAWaterways.org.

Cut 15 (09) “…get involved in.”

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Louisiana Tech opens the season at home against Northwestern State on Saturday. Tight end Eli Finley is back for his senior season with the Bulldogs after leading the team with 38 catches for 444 yards last year. He says he expects their offense to be exciting this year.

Cut 16 (20) “…no matter what.”

Tech also welcomes back graduate linebacker Kolbe Fields. Fields was the preseason CUSA Defensive Player of the Year last season and dominated through the first five games before a season-ending ACL injury. He says he’s had opportunities to go to other schools, but he isn’t interested in a one-year deal, and nothing can replace the relationships he’s built in three years in Ruston.

Cut 17 (15) “…get older.”

Kickoff is at 6:30.

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There’s been so much talk about new LSU starting quarterback Sam Leavitt, we finally get to see him play on Saturday night when the 13th ranked Tigers host 23rd ranked Clemson. When Leavitt played at Arizona State last season, the Sun Devils averaged 54-thousand fans for their home games. The crowd for Saturday night’s game will be nearly twice that and he’s fired up for it…

Cut 18 (18) “…focus up.”

Leavitt led Arizona State to an unexpected Big 12 title and an appearance in the College Football Playoff in 2024. That season he totaled 33-hundred yards and 28 touchdowns. His 2025 season was cut short by a foot injury and entered the transfer portal in January and signed with LSU after visiting Kentucky, Tennessee and Miami as well. Leavitt is excited about his new home…

Cut 19 (17) “…growing and growing.”

Leavitt was limited during spring practice because of a Lisfranc injury and it was not until the summer offseason workouts until he was a full-go.

Cut 20 (16) “…our whole offense.”

09.01.26
by

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney named senior quarterback Christopher Vizzina the starting quarterback against LSU on Saturday. It will be only his second college start after sitting three seasons as a backup behind Cade Klubnik. LSU linebacker Whit Weeks is expecting him to be greeted by a juiced Tiger Stadium crowd.

Cut 21 (11) “…be incredible.”

Swinney also commented on LSU’s commitments from former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris. He said he hasn’t lost any sleep preparing for whether or not they’ll be on the field Saturday, but the legal back-and-forth among the players, SEC and NCAA reflects the current state of college football.

Cut 9 (07)  “…college football.”

Saints cornerback Quincy Riley returned to practice today after being sidelined for the last two weeks with a groin injury. Right guard Cesar Ruiz, linebacker Chris Rumph and D-lineman John Ridgeway also returned from injury. Defensive end Cameron Jordan is still out with a hamstring injury, but defensive coordinator Brandon Staley says he is recovering quickly.

Cut 22 (19) “…been with him.”

Running back Kendre Miller left practice early with an athletic trainer. Alvin Kamara and Audric Estime were both absent.

Ruston was ranked as the number one high school football team in Class 5A by the LSWA ahead of back-to-back D-1 Select State Champs Edna Karr. Neville topped the 4A rankings, U High was first in3A, Dunham in 2A and Haynesville in 1A.

09.01.26
by

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU coach Lane Kiffin says former Ole Miss and NFL tight end Dae’Quan Wright and ex-Notre Dame defensive end Junior Tuihalamaka are now practicing with the team. Both are awaiting a preliminary injunction hearing seeking a fifth season of eligibility Thursday. Some have questioned whether adding players so close to the season opener could create chaos. Kiffin says a little internal chaos is okay.

Cut 19 (17) “…don’t understand it.”

Legendary LSU football player and coach Jerry Stovall died at the age of 85 yesterday. “Mr. Everything” was a two-time All-SEC and All-America selection as a player and led the Tigers from 1980 to 1983 as the head coach. He was also Louisiana Tech’s athletic director from 1990 to 1993 and served as President and CEO of the Baton Rouge Area Sports Foundation

The Saints have cut down to a 53-man roster. Two-time All-Pro kicker Daniel Carlson made the team after spending less than one week of training camp in New Orleans. The nine-year vet signed last week and made two field goals and an extra point in the preseason finale versus the Cowboys, including a 53-yarder. Head coach Kellen Moore says he earned his spot.

Cut 17 (12) “…in this league (2x).”

Charlie Smyth is staying on the team’s practice squad.

Louisiana Tech kicks off the season against Northwestern State Saturday. Quarterback Blake Baker returns from an ACL injury, and head coach Sonny Cumbie says he wants to see him comfortably make routine throws.

Cut 21 (13) “…football team.”

08.31.26
by

4:45 LRN Sportscast

Former LSU defensive end Jack Pyburn was claimed off waivers by the Chiefs and is withdrawing his name from the Baton Rouge lawsuit seeking a fifth season of college eligibility. Pyburn led the NFL with four sacks this preseason but was cut by the Buccaneers and was expected to sign with LSU if he was not on an active NFL roster.

Ross Dellenger of Yahoo Sports reports officials from SEC member schools could seek to punish LSU for rostering former NFL players Dae’Quan Wright and Zxavian Harris by placing the program on probation, barring the Tigers from competing for conference championships or even expelling them from the conference. Lane Kiffin says his only focus is making LSU better…

Cut 20 (17) “…anyway.”

Kiffin says Wright practiced with the team today and so did Notre Dame fifth-year transfer Junior Tuihalamaka.

A legendary LSU football player from West Monroe has passed away. Former All-American Jerry Stovall, who finished second in the 1962 Heisman Trophy balloting, has died at the age of 85. Stovall’s nickname was “Mr. Everything” because he played four different positions at LSU from 1960 to 1962. In an interview with KNOE-TV in 2009, Stovall said he was able to excel on the football field even though he was not the best athlete…

Cut 13 (11)  “…of those.”

Stovall also spent four seasons as the head coach of the Tigers and led LSU to an 8-3-and-1 season with an Orange Bowl appearance in 1982.

The Saints claimed undrafted rookie offensive lineman Mason Murphy and fourth-year defensive lineman Colby Wooden off waivers today. New Orleans waived tight end Treyton Welch and wide receiver Kevin Austin to make room, leaving them with just four receivers on the 53-man roster, but Head coach Kellen Moore says more moves are on the way.