11 LSU football players were named to Nike’s Blue Ribbon Elite NIL partnership, more than any other school. Headliners include linebacker Whit Weeks, tight end Trey’Dez Green and cornerback DJ Pickett.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara is finalizing a reworked deal to give the Saints more cap room and secure his spot alongside Travis Etienne in the backfield. The two are expected to split carries, with Etienne taking the lead after signing a 52-million-dollar deal in March.

Southern Defensive back Herman Brister is a preseason All-SWAC first-team selection. The Jaguars had their worst season since 2010, winning just two games last year. Brister says he expects this year’s group to be a different team with new head coach Marshall Faulk at the helm.

Cut 19 (16) “…off the field.”

Sun Belt Media Days wrapped up today. Louisiana Tech joins the conference after its first winning season under head coach Sonny Cumbie. He says the Sun Belt has premier programs in all major sports.

Cut 16 (18) “…is excited.”

Tech was picked by the coaches to finish fourth in the West in its first season. ULM was picked to come last, but third-year head coach Bryant Vincent says they don’t know his team.

Cut 17 (18) “…who are we.”

Saints running back Alvin Kamara is finalizing a restructured deal to take a pay cut to stay in New Orleans. The 30-year-old had a jaded back-and-forth with the front office regarding his future after the Saints signed free-agent running back Travis Etienne (AY-chan). Nola.com’s Matt Paras (“Paris”) says in an offseason where the Saints lost Taysom Hill and Demario Davis, it’s good to see a veteran star return.

Cut 11 (10) “…people are happy.”

Grambling is picked to finish second in the SWAC West in the conference preseason poll. Third-year head coach Mickey Joseph says he tried to lead a balanced attack when he arrived at Grambling, but now he knows the team’s identity.

Cut 16 (15) “…want to bang.”

Ex-LSU star Tommy White is headed to the Majors. The Athletica called up the slugging third baseman and he’s expected to make his Major League debut tomorrow against former teammate Dylan Crews and the Nationals. The former second-round pick was hitting .301 with one home run and 17 RBIs in 21 games in Double-A this season.

The Sun Belt West takes the stage at Sun Belt Media Days today. UL Lafayette came second in the West in the preseason coaches’ poll with fifth-year head coach Michael Desormeaux. Quarterback Lunch Winfield took over midway through the season and led the Cajuns to a 4-and-4 record. Desormeaux says that experience makes a big difference heading into this year.

Cut 21 (18) “…long time.”

Louisiana Tech finished fourth in the poll and ULM was picked last in the division.

The Saints and running back Alvin Kamara have agreed to a restructured contract that will result in him playing for the Black and Gold for a tenth season. Kamara had career lows in rushing yards and receptions last season, but Matt Paras (Paris) who covers the Saints for the Advocate, believes he still can be a weapon…

Cut 12 (12) “….skill set”

Former LSU All-American quarterback Bert Jones will have his jersey retired during a ceremony during the Texas game In November. Jones joins Billy Cannon, Tommy Casanova, Jerry Stovall and Charles Alexander as former Tigers to have their jerseys retired. The Ruston Rifle says it’s an incredible honor…

Cut 26 (13) “…always special”

Grambling is picked to finish second in the SWAC West according to the conference’s preseason poll that was released yesterday. Southern is picked to finish fifth as the Jaguars are ushering in a new era as Pro Football Hall of Famer and New Orleans native Marshall Faulk is gearing up for his first season as a head coach. The 53-year-old wants to win and develop young men…

Cut 18 (20) “…happen in Louisiana”

In baseball news…former LSU pitcher Marcos Paz has announced he’s transferring to Georgia. Former LSU Tiger Tommy Tanks White has received the call to play in the big leagues and will make his major league debut for the As on Friday. In Triple-A Las Vegas, White was hitting .303 with nine home runs and 47 RBIs.

Former LSU All-American quarterback Bert Jones will have his jersey retired this season. The Ruston native started for LSU from 1970 to 1972 and went 26-6-and-1. He won three bowl games and an SEC Championship and left campus holding school records with 3,255 passing yards and 28 touchdowns. Jones says playing in Death Valley was unforgettable.

Cut 10 (12) “…special time.”

First-year Southern Head Coach Marshall Faulk represented the Jaguars at SWAC Media Day today. Southern is coming off a two-and-ten season, but the Pro Football Hall of Famer says his offense will do whatever it takes to win.

Cut 20 (12) “…their strengths.”

Southern was picked to finish fifth in the SWAC West in the conference preseason poll.

Former Saint Terron Armstead and New-Orleans-dot-Football’s Nick Underhill announced Saints running back Alvin Kamara is agreeing to a pay cut to stay on the roster for another season. Kamara’s future with the team has been uncertain since the Saints signed free agent Travis Etienne, but the new deal will help the New Orleans salary cap and keep him with the team that drafted him.

The NCAA Rules Subcommittee has approved the ABS challenge system for college baseball. The system can be used in any game where the technology is available, including Trackman data. It is expected to go into effect as soon as 2027.

Sun Belt East schools took the stage at Media Days today, with the West getting its turn tomorrow. ULM was picked to finish last in the division in the preseason coaches’ poll, and Locked On Sun Belt podcast host Dave Schultz says this is a make-or-break season for third-year head coach Bryant Vincent.

Cut 18 (15) “…the Sun Belt.”

Former LSU pitcher Marcos Paz committed to Georgia. The righty made 17 appearances and six starts for the Tigers as a freshman last season and went 1-and-4 with a 9.20 ERA and 40 strikeouts. He was a late, surprise departure in the transfer portal.

Grambling finished second in the SWAC West and Southern came in fifth in the conference preseason poll. The Tigers finished 7-and-5 last season and 4-and-4 in conference play. SWAC TV announcer Santoria Black says Mickey Joseph’s squad has some big questions to answer, but their five home games this season make them a team to watch.

Cut 20 (17) “…have a shot.”

Former LSU quarterback Bert Jones, the first All-American signal caller in LSU history, will have his number seven jersey retired in Death Valley November 14 during the Texas game. Jones joins Billy Cannon, Tommy Casanova, Jerry Stovall and Charles Alexander as the former Tigers to have a jersey retired. Jones said he was stunned to receive the honor.

Cut 9 (12) “…list for me.”

Sun Belt Media Days kicked off in New Orleans today. Louisiana Tech finished fourth in the West in the preseason coaches’ poll. The Bulldogs are led by fifth-year head coach Sonny Cumbie, and Locked On Sun Belt podcast host Dave Schultz expects them to compete in their first Sun Belt season.

Cut 17 (14) “…that preseason poll.”

The Sun Belt kicks off media days in New Orleans today. UL Lafayette was picked to finish second in the West division in the preseason coaches’ poll. Fifth-year head coach Michael Desormeaux returns starting Q-B Lunch Winfield, who Locked on Sun Belt podcast host Dave Schultz says will be the key to the Cajuns’ success.

Cut 16 (19) “…couple of years.”

We’ll hear from the Cajuns, La Tech and ULM tomorrow at Sun Belt Media Days.

LSU is sending linebackers Whit Weeks and TJ Dottery, along with tight end Trey’Dez Green to SEC Media Days. They will join head coach Lane Kiffin in Tampa when LSU speaks a week from at Thursday SEC Media Days.

_______________________________________________

SWAC Media Day kicks off in Birmingham today. One of the biggest storylines is the new head coach at Southern: NFL legend Marshall Faulk. SWAC TV play-by-play announcer Santoria Black says he has high expectations for the Jags, but he says fans may need to wait before they dub Faulk the next Coach Prime.

Cut 19 (19) “…he’s just not.”

More drama between LSU and Ole Miss. Rebels A-D Keith Carter says they have not received contract buyouts from LSU edge rusher Princewill Umanmielen (OO-mahn-mee-eh-len) and offensive lineman Devin Harper. Both players agreed to stay at Ole Miss in January, but they reversed course and transferred to LSU. Carter says they might file a lawsuit to force LSU to pay that buyout money.

LSU announced its representatives at SEC football Media Days in Tampa next week. LSU will send linebacker Whit Weeks, tight end Trey’Dez Green and transfer linebacker TJ Dottery. Other top players from around the SEC headed to Tampa include Texas quarterback Arch Manning, Alabama wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams, Texas A&M QB Marcel Reed and Ole Miss’s backfield duo of Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy.

Jay Johnson is preparing to welcome one of LSU’s top-rated high school classes ever as the group of signees comes into focus following the MLB Draft. Foxworth, Mississippi, right-handed pitcher Kolby Stringer ranked 110th in MLB’s draft prospect rankings. The 6-3, 205-pounder was not selected in the Major League draft and will head to Baton Rouge. Glen West of On3.com says he shot up draft boards late.

Cut 17 (13) “…bullpen next year.”

LSU defensive end Princewill Umanmielen and offensive lineman Devin Harper could face legal action from Ole Miss after failing to pay the buyouts for their revenue-sharing contracts with the Rebels. The pair signed to stay at Ole Miss in January before deciding to transfer to LSU with head coach Lane Kiffin. On3-dot-com reports the buyouts total nearly one million dollars which Ole Miss could try to get from LSU. Rebels Athletic Director Keith Carter did not rule out legal action and said the school is determined to get their money back.

Umanmielen was one of eight Tigers to make ESPN’s top 100 transfers for this season, coming in at number five. Quarterback Sam Leavitt was number two on the list and offensive tackle Jordan Seaton was third. Wide receivers Jayce Brown, Winnie Watkins and Tre Wilson also made the list, along with safety Ty Benefield and edge rusher Jordan Ross.

McNeese announced new sponsored patches coming to their football jerseys. The patch on the upper left chest of the jersey features a Navarre Chevrolet logo in conjunction with the naming of Navarre Stadium. Last year, Ryan Navarre signed a $5 million naming rights agreement for the football stadium.

Ole Miss Athletic Director Keith Carter is considering taking LSU football players Princewill Umanmielen and Devin Harper to court for failing to pay their contract buyouts. The duo signed revenue-sharing contracts with Ole Miss before transferring to LSU this offseason, and now the Rebels are seeking the nearly one million dollars it would take for the pair to buy out the contracts. If the former Rebels are sued, LSU would likely foot the bill.

Only nine of LSU’s class of 22 incoming prep signees were taken in the MLB draft, and two top position players are already expected to choose Baton Rouge over the pros. On3.com’s Glen West says this class is one Tiger fans may look back on as a program-changer.

Cut 18 (20) “…they’re that talented.”

Eight Tigers were listed in ESPN’s ranking of the top 100 transfers in college football. Quarterback Sam Leavitt led the LSU contingent at number two overall, followed by offensive tackle Jordan Seaton at three and edge Princewill Umanmielen at five. Wide receivers Jayce Brown, Winnie Watkins and Tre Wilson also made the list, along with safety Ty Benefield and edge rusher Jordan Ross.

UL Lafayette was picked to finish second in the Sun Belt West in this year’s Preseason Coaches’ Poll. Louisiana Tech was picked fourth and ULM came last in the seven-team division.

Cajuns wideout Shelton Sampson Jr. and D-B Brent Gordon Jr. joined Bulldogs linebacker Kolbe Fields, Warhawks linebacker Noah Flemmings and ULM offensive lineman AJ Vinson on the preseason All-Sun Belt first team.

Southeastern Louisiana linebacker Jake Dalmado was one of 30 players named to the Buck Buchanan Award watchlist. The accolade is given out annually to the best defensive player in the FCS. Dalmado was a two-time All-Southland selection at Nicholls before transferring to the Lions this offseason. He was also a Stats Perform FCS Preseason All-American.

Jay Johnson and LSU brought in some big-time high school signees who chose to enroll at LSU over signing with an MLB team. Aledo, Texas, left-hander Lucas Nawrocki was Perfect Game’s number-50 high school prospect and pulled his name from the draft the night before it began. Glen West with On3-dot-com says he can have an immediate impact.

Cut 16 (16) “…from the start.”

Nawrocki will also hit. According to Max Preps, he had a 513 batting average in his senior season.

Another intriguing arm is 6-foot-3 right-hander Kolby Stringer, who chose LSU over Ole Miss and Mississippi State. Stringer is from West Marion High School in Mississippi and had the second most strikeouts in the nation, with 118 Ks.

Troy is picked to win the Sun Belt Western Division according to the conference preseason poll. The Ragin Cajuns finished second, followed by Arkansas State, Louisiana Tech is picked to finish fourth, than Southern Miss, South Alabama and ULM is picked to finish last.

ULM O-lineman AJ Vinson made the preseason All-Sun Belt First team. Ragin Cajuns receiver Shelton Sampson also made the first-team. Cajuns D-B Brent Gordon is on the preseason All-Sun Belt First team defense. Also on the team, ULM linebacker Noah Flemmings and Louisiana Tech linebacker Kolbe Fields.

Southeastern Louisiana linebacker Jake Dalmado and punt returner Dkhai Joseph are on the Stats Perform FCS preseason All-American Team. Dalmado is a transfer from Nicholls, where he was a two-time All-Southland Conference performer for the Colonels and had 142 tackles and 12 and a half sacks over the past two seasons.

Former LSU outfielder Derek Curiel was taken fifth overall in the MLB Draft by Pittsburgh. The Pirates are an improving team led by former LSU star Paul Skenes. Last year, Pittsburgh drafted former LSU slugger Jared Jones, and he’s been doing well in High A-Ball. Curiel is looking forward to being teammates again with “The Bear”…

Cut 18 (25) remember him a lot.”

In the second round, Seattle selected former LSU right fielder Jake Brown from Sulphur. Right-handed reliever Devin Sheerin was taken by the Phillies in the fourth round. Eight Tigers were taken in all. Nine LSU signees were selected, but two, outfielders Malachi Washington and Dominic Santarelli, have already announced plans to come to Baton Rouge.

The Sun Belt Conference released its preseason polls for this season. UL Lafayette was picked to finish second in the West division behind Troy, LA Tech was picked fourth in its inaugural season and ULM finished last.

The Cajuns placed two on the all-conference first team and two on the second team. Redshirt junior wide receiver Shelton Sampson Jr. and sophomore defensive back Brent Gordon Jr. were named to the first team and redshirt senior offensive lineman Kaden Moreau and redshirt senior defensive lineman Fitzgerald West Jr. took second team honors.

ULM also landed four all-conference selections. Senior O-lineman AJ Vinson and senior linebacker Noah Flemmings received the first-team nod, and senior receiver Nic Trujillo and senior D-B Jabari Tiller are on the second team.

For LA Tech, graduate linebacker Kolbe Fields was named to the first-team defense, and senior tight end Eli Finley was a second-team selection.

Sun Belt Media days kick off in New Orleans on Wednesday. Players and coaches from all three Louisiana schools will appear Thursday, along with the rest of the Sun Belt West.