The Tigers were still easing into action in their second day of practice today. Wide receiver Aaron Anderson was not seen during the open portion of practice, but he was replaced by Kentucky transfer Barion Brown. Head coach Brian Kelly says he has 8 high-caliber SEC receivers, but the offense won’t be able to take advantage of any of their firepower if the trenches don’t do their job first. Questions have swirled around an offensive line that lost four starters to the NFL Draft last season. Kelly is confident in his mix of returning talent and proven transfers but says nothing is set in stone.

Cut 18 (14) “…couple of weeks.”

Former Saint and veteran NFL running back Latavius Murray announced his retirement after 11 seasons. Murray totaled over eight thousand yards and 61 touchdowns in his career.

The Saints had a reportedly energetic practice today as head coach Kellen Moore led the offense against coordinator Brandon Staley’s defense in team drills.  The offensive line has been one of the strongest units of camp so far. Seven-year NFL vet Will Clapp returned to New Orleans this offseason and says he’s been wowed by young tackles Kelvin Banks and Taliese Fuaga.

Cut 20 (20) “…was younger.”

Louisiana Tech kicked off practice today. The Bulldogs were 12th in total defense a year ago but lost coordinator Jeremiah Johnson to Coastal Carolina. The unit is led by preseason Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year Kolbe Fields.

Cut 19 (12) “…take heads off.”

LSU had its first practice of fall camp yesterday. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier threw for over four thousand yards last season, but after a full season as the starter, head coach Brian Kelly expects him to improve. Kelly says his top priority is eliminating negative plays.

Cut 16 (17) “…that’s experience.”

Kelly says Nussmeier has been clocked running over 21 miles an hour and should rely on his legs more this season.

Free agent tight end Noah Fant signed with the Bengals today after also meeting with the Saints and Dolphins. New Orleans tight end Juwan Johnson returned to the practice field after leaving early with a minor groin injury yesterday. Johnson signed a three-year, 30-million-dollar extension this offseason.

Former Saints first-round pick Trevor Penning has made the move from tackle to guard this offseason. Penning struggled to find consistency on the edge, and the bruiser says his aggressive skillset is better suited for the interior. He says the switch is going well, but there are still things to improve.

Cut 19 (14) “…going to happen.”

In the first meeting of the legislative committee reviewing LHSAA policies and practices, lawmakers suggested a one-time transfer rule. Many student-athletes must sit out a year after transferring to a new high school to regain eligibility. Thibodaux Representative Bryan Fontenot says with school choice options expanding, students should not be penalized.

Cut 13 (13)  “…across town.”

High school principals recently voted overwhelmingly against a one-time transfer rule.

After one day of preseason camp for the LSU Tigers, it’s clear LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has plenty of pass catchers at his disposal. Coach Brian Kelly says he has eight SEC-caliber receivers…

Cut 17 (19) “…ever had”

Nussmeier threw for more than four-thousand yards last season, but until Chris Hilton got healthy at the end of 2024, Nuss didn’t have many opportunities to throw the ball down field.

At practice yesterday, Nussmeier connected with a healthy Hilton on a deep pass and he also hit Barion Brown on a long pass, where Brown beat Ashton Stamps on the play.

LHSAA Executive Director Eddie Bonine heard from Shreveport Senator Alan Seabaugh at a legislative hearing about his opposition to the split in postseason play, where private and public schools play for their own championships. Bonine says he’s not a favor the split either, but it’s the high school principals who voted for the split several years ago and there’s not enough support to bring it back together.

Cut 15 (11) “…2015.”

Saints cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry will be vital to the defense’s success as a year-two starter. Head coach Kellen Moore said he’s had a big-time camp, and McKinstry shares in his confidence.

Cut 20 (17) “…need to be.”

The Tigers took the practice field for the first day of fall camp today. LSU’s loudest supporter this offseason may have been Tigers head coach Brian Kelly. He says he has a deep roster with winning traits.

Cut 12 (12) “…on our team.”

Kelly announced five-star freshman offensive lineman Solomon Thomas will miss a month after breaking his fifth metatarsal in his foot. The 335-pound freshman was a top interior offensive lineman in the class of 2025 and is in line to compete in an O-line with four new starters. His return will now likely be after the season kicks off.

Former LSU slugger Tommy White was promoted from the Athletics’ High-A affiliate Lansing Lugnuts to the Double-A Midland RockHounds. White hit .260 with 36 RBI in 66 games with the Lugnuts

LSU will kick off the season at Clemson August 30. Brian Kelly hasn’t shied away from the big game, but he says breaking his week one losing streak will take more than words.

Cut 13 (12)  “…one and oh.”

Saints defensive players have seemingly bought into coordinator Brandon Staley’s new scheme. Defensive tackle Khalen Saunders says it’s built to create one-on-ones, which the Black and Gold should win every time.

Cut 21 (16) “…itself well.”

Tight end Juwan Johnson left practice with an injury today. Head coach Kellen Moore said he’d have an update tomorrow, but as of now, nothing was overly concerning.

The LSU football team hit the field for the first practice of fall camp today. Tigers fans have high expectations for a team led by returning starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, but for him to have the Heisman campaign fans think he’s capable of, he’ll need a line of four new starters to hold up. The Advocate’s Wilson Alexander says that’s on the top of his list of questions.

Cut 19 (22) “…the job.”

The Tigers will wrap up fall camp August 23 and kick off the season August 30 at Clemson.

Saints defensive tackle Davon Godchaux is a 330-pound force in the middle of the D-line. New Orleans traded for the former Patriot this offseason for his ability to stuff the run after struggling to do so last season. Godchaux says he wants to bring the Saints’ defense back to its dominant ways.

Cut 18 (18) “…football is back.”

The Saints signed offensive tackle Jonathan Mendoza after hosting eight players for tryouts yesterday. Mendoza replaces veteran Josh Ball, who the team released Monday. The undrafted rookie blocked for Tyler Shough at Louisville last year.

Safety J.T. Gray was the only absence from today’s practice as he nurses a minor hamstring injury. He returned to practice on a light day yesterday and is week-to-week with the lower-body injury.

The Saints will return to a fully padded practice today after a slower-paced walkthrough practice yesterday. The schedule is part of head coach Kellen Moore’s approach players have raved about, emphasizing team bonding and recovery. As intensity ramps back up, so will the competition in the trenches. The Saints have tried to build the roster from the inside out and prioritize quality line play. New Orleans used the ninth overall pick on left tackle Kelvin Banks in this year’s draft, and he joins a starting line with four first-rounders. He says that’s a blessing and a curse.

Cut 16 (16) “…play football.”

Quarterback Jake Haener will take the starting reps today as the team gets back to its three-man rotation after Spencer Rattler got the starting nod in walkthroughs yesterday.

Saints right tackle Taliese Fuaga was selected 14^th overall last year and started at left tackle last season. Since the arrival of Banks, he’s moved back to the right side where he played in college. He says he feels comfortable on his natural side and enjoys playing next to fellow first-rounder Cesar Ruiz.

Cut 17 (15)  “…like that.”

LSU players reported for camp yesterday and will have their first of 21 practices today. Fall camp will wrap up August 23 as the team prepares for their long-awaited week one matchup with Clemson August 30.

Tigers linebacker Whit Weeks, UL-Lafayette defensive end Jordan Lawson and Tulane linebacker Sam Howard were all named to the 2025 Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list. The trophy is awarded each year to the best defensive player in college football.

The LSU football team reported for fall camp today. WWL’s Mike Detillier expects the Tigers’ defensive front to be improved, and he hopes to see linebacker Harold Perkins return to his role as a pass rusher. He has questions about the LSU secondary but was wowed by six-four freshman cornerback DJ Pickett. He says he hasn’t heard as much buzz about a freshman corner since Patrick Peterson.

Cut 20 (13) “…very intriguing.”

Tigers linebacker Whit Weeks was one of the 60 players named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watchlist today. He was joined by Ragin’ Cajuns defensive end Jordan Lawson and Tulane linebacker Sam Howard. The trophy is awarded each year to the best defensive player in college football

After putting on the pads for the first time yesterday, the Saints had an indoor walkthrough today. Tomorrow will conclude the second time through the quarterback rotation as Jake Haener gets another crack at the starting reps. After the first week of camp, each young Q-B has shown flashes, but there’s no clear favorite yet. Veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks says they all have the right approach.

Cut 17 (15)  “…young guys.”

Second-year quarterback Spencer Rattler led the team in walkthroughs, although head coach Kellen Moore warned against reading too much into the decision; it could suggest he’s the current frontrunner for the starting spot.

Safety and former All-Pro special teams ace J.T. Gray was present for walkthroughs today after leaving practice with an apparent lower-body injury yesterday. Head coach Kellen Moore says it is a minor hamstring issue that will be monitored week-to-week but shouldn’t be a long-term issue.

The LSU football team reports for fall camp today. WWL’s Mike Detillier says his biggest question mark this season is on the offensive line. Four of last year’s five starters left in the NFL Draft, with only center DJ Chester returning. Chester will likely move to the guard spot, where Detillier has questions on the interior. He is confident in young tackles Tyree Adams and Weston Davis, who saw playing time in last year’s bowl game.

Cut 11 (12) “…pick it up.”

Detillier also mentioned concerns in the defensive secondary. Will incoming transfers Mansoor Delane and Ja’keem Jackson patch holes in the Tigers’ cornerback room? Just how good is five-star freshman DJ Pickett? It’s time Tigers fans get their answers ahead of LSU’s August 30 opener at Clemson.

The Saints held a closed indoor practice today after putting the pads on for the first time yesterday. As the team moves from non-contact drills towards the start of preseason, the offensive and defensive lines come into focus. It was coordinator Brandon Staley’s defense that won the first day with notable performances from edge rushers Chase Young and Carl Granderson. Granderson says his rushing partner is poised for a big season.

Cut 16 (15) “…be special.”

Granderson also complimented the speed and confidence of young tackles Taliese Fuaga and Kelvin Banks. He says the pair is noticeably more comfortable since OTAs.

Four were killed in a New York office building shooting targeted at the NFL headquarters. Police said the gunman had a history of mental illness and found a note on him blaming the NFL for the CTE he suspected he suffered while playing high school football in California.

The LSU football team reports for fall camp today. There are high hopes for Brian Kelly’s fourth campaign in Baton Rouge, led by returning quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. WWL’s Mike Detillier says Nussmeier is the only sure first-round draft pick on the roster right now, but he has another breakout candidate.

Cut 10 (12) “…in his life.”

Hilton has struggled with injuries since coming to LSU as a four-star in 2021. He brought in six catches for 298 yards and three touchdowns in the final two games of last season.

Tulane forward Gregg Glenn III died in a car accident over the weekend, the school announced yesterday. Glenn was heading into his senior season with the Green Wave after starting all 34 games last year. The 22-year-old was a Florida native and the oldest of his siblings.

Saints safety Julian Blackmon has already made an impact after signing with New Orleans at the start of camp. The five-year vet says Saints defensive coordinator Brandon Staley has been trying to get ahold of him since the 2020 draft, and he’s ready to show what he can do.

Cut 18 (16) “…what I’m seeing.”

He says he was looking to come to New Orleans even before Tyrann Mathieu retired, and there’s no replacing the Honey Badger

Cut 22 (09) “…here for.”

Former Pro-Bowl and All-Pro special teams specialist J.T. Gray went down with a lower-body injury yesterday. Head Coach Kellen Moore expects to have more information after practice today but said it initially didn’t look serious.

The LSU football team reports for camp tomorrow, and head coach Brian Kelly has said this is his best roster in Baton Rouge. WWL analyst Mike Detillier says quarterback Garrett Nussmeier stands out among a talented crowd of SEC quarterbacks.

Cut 20 (11) “…first-round pick.”

Detillier also mentioned linebackers Harold Perkins and Whit Weeks as standouts and highlighted wide receivers Chris Hilton and Barion Brown as his breakout candidates.

Tulane basketball player Gregg Glenn III died in a car accident over the weekend. The senior forward started every game for the Green Wave last season, averaging 10.6 points per game.

Saints safety and special teams standout J.T. Gray suffered the first injury of training camp today as he left practice with a lower-body injury. Head coach Kellen Moore said he is still being evaluated, but it didn’t appear to be serious.

The Saints put the pads on for the first time today. One of the early standouts of camp has been wide receiver Rahid Shaheed. One of the NFL’s most explosive deep threats, the speedster added ten pounds of muscle this offseason, and he says he expects to expand his game in Kellen Moore’s offense.

Cut 18 (16) “…on Sundays.”

Veteran wideout Brandin Cooks confirmed Shaheed’s progress

Cut 21 (15) “…deadly weapon.”

Cooks has been a mentor in the young wide receiver room, which he says is hungry to prove itself. He also said Chris Olave has looked unphased as he moves on from multiple concussions.