4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU is canceling a home-and-home series against Arizona State in 2029 and 2030. The two were scheduled to square off after years of postponement, going back to Hurricane Katrina, but the Tigers have decided to drop the series as they adjust future schedules for a nine-game conference slate.

SEC teams will play their first nine-game conference schedule this year, the most ever in a single season. At SEC Football Media Days today, Commissioner Greg Sankey said the conference is the best in the nation with the toughest schedule, but the College Football Playoff Committee has not pledged to reward the challenge of an extra game.

Cut 7 (11) “…about that reality.”

Sankey also said the future of the SEC championship could be in doubt after this year.

Cut 8 (08) “…College Football Playoff.”

First-year Kentucky head coach Will Stein named former LSU offensive coordinator Joe Sloan to the same role on his new staff. The Tigers will face Sloan and the Wildcats October 10 in Lexington. Stein has high praise after a short time with his new coordinator.

Cut 21 (19) “…impressed with.”

Stein says Sloan will handle play-calling duties on Saturdays.

Former LSU receiver and Westgate High School alum Kayshon Boutte hosted a free youth football camp in his hometown of New Iberia yesterday. Boutte said he wants to prioritize giving back to his community and plans to make the camp an annual event. Now an NFL, wideout, Boutte has spent three seasons with the Patriots and helped New England to a Super Bowl appearance this year with over 500 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey kicked off SEC Football Media Days in Tampa. In his State of the SEC address, Sankey echoed official statements from the conference and many member schools that support the effort behind the Protect College Sports Act but say it needs changes. He says his top priority is that the legislation is enforceable.

Cut 6 (12) “…following the law.”

Sankey also said there have been real conversations about the SEC breaking away from the NCAA due to frustrations with the governing body and the reluctance of other Division-one members to facilitate change.

Former LSU All-American golfer Sam Burns of Shreveport had a two-stroke lead entering the fourth round of the British Open. But he bogeyed the first three holes on Sunday, lost the lead and never got it back. Burns finished third behind the winner Ryan Fox and the second-place finisher Cameron Young.

LSU and new head coach Lane Kiffin will not take to the podium at Media Days until Thursday, the final day of the event. The trio of players accompanying Kiffin is linebackers Whit Weeks and T.J. Dottery, and tight end Trey’Dez Green. LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette says the Tigers have a really deserving group.

Cut 14 (12) “…preseason All-America.”

Former ULM running back Ahmad Hardy has been medically cleared after being shot at a concert in Mississippi in May. Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz says today was his first day back to a full recovery but does not know what his recovery and return-to-play will look like.

Former LSU star Paul Skenes won his third start in a row on Sunday as the red-hot Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Cleveland Guardians seven to one. Skenes allowed one run over seven innings for his ninth win of the year.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Former LSU All-American golfer Sam Burns of Shreveport had a two-stroke lead entering the fourth round of the British Open. But he bogeyed the first three holes on Sunday, lost the lead and never got it back. Burns finished third behind the winner Ryan Fox and the second-place finisher Cameron Young. It’s the second time Burns nearly won a major this year as he finished in second place at the U-S Open, one shot back of the winner Wyndham Clark.

Former LSU star Paul Skenes won his third start in a row on Sunday as the red-hot Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the Cleveland Guardians seven to one. Skenes allowed one run over seven innings for his ninth win of the year. Pittsburgh has won seven of its last ten and they are tied with St. Louis and Miami for the final wild card spot in the National League.

Former LSU Tiger Alex Bregman hit his tenth home run of the season as the Cubs clobbered the Twins ten to one to take the series over Minnesota.

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Doug Thornton, who has managed the Superdome since 1997, is stepping down in a few weeks. Thornton has worked out several lease deals with the state, he oversaw the renovations of the Dome and the Smoothie King Center, he was behind the creation of Champions Square and Thornton rode out Hurricane Katrina in the Dome and played a vital role in getting the iconic stadium ready for football the following season.

SEC Media Days begin today. The last few years, LSU went on the first day, but this year, Lane Kiffin, and three Tiger players will go on Thursday. LSU Sports Information Director Michael Bonnette says it gives them a chance to see what other teams are saying before they take the podium in Tampa…

Cut 15  (07) “…we’re walking into”

SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey speaks today and he’ll be peppered with questions about the future of college sports and the college football playoff.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

LSU announced week zero matchups with Northwestern State and ULM in 2026 and 2027. The Tigers will also host Southern for only the second time ever in 2028 and renew a historic in-state rivalry with Tulane in 2030- the first meeting between the schools since 2009.

LSU baseball outfielder commit Anthony Murphy decommitted from the Tigers after being selected in the 16th round of the MLB Draft. Murphy is Perfect Game’s 39th-ranked high schooler but would have had a tough path to see the field in Baton Rouge with three incoming transfer outfielders and a trio of top incoming freshmen.

LSU outfielder Daniel Harden announced his commitment to Houston after entering the transfer portal earlier this summer. The Prairieville native played in 22 games with two starts.

Former LSU All-American golfer and Shreveport native Sam Burns tied the lowest ever round at men’s major championship with a 62 at The Open Championship. Burns miraculously birdied the final three holes to enter the weekend five-under and only three strokes behind the leader, Lucas Herbert.

ULM lost eight straight games to close out the 2025 season. The Warhawks retained starting quarterback Aidan Armenta and four starting offensive linemen. Head coach Bryant Vincent says he has great talent in the trenches.

Cut 20 (18) “…just become infectious.”

The Warhawks host Louisiana Tech October 17 in the first game in the I-20 rivalry in over 25 years. Bulldogs coach Sonny Cumbie says fans on both sides can start creating their own memories and traditions in the historic rivalry.

Cut 6 (09) “…conference play.”

The Pelicans wrap up Summer League with a game against the Pacers Saturday night. Tip-off is at 8 p.m.

11:40 LRN Sportscast

LSU announced week zero matchups with Northwestern State and ULM the next two seasons and a week one game against Tulane in 2030. The Tigers will also host Southern in week two of the 2028 season.

Ex-LSU golfer Sam Burns tied the lowest-ever round in a men’s major championship with a 62 at The Open Championship at Royal Birkdale. Burns holed six birdies on the back nine and scored no bogies.

Former LSU star Tommy White makes his major league debut tonight as the A’s host the Nationals. Another former LSU star Gage Jump will make the start for the Athletics.

UL Lafayette is coming off a 6-and-7 season last year. Head coach Michael Desormeaux returns a lot of production but will depend on some young talents. He says he likes what he has in Lafayette.

Cut 16 (16) “…fast as possible.”

Five-star wideout Monshun Sales committed to Indiana. He’s 247Sports’ number-one receiver in the 2027 class and 13th-overall prospect. The Indianapolis native chose the hometown team over Texas, LSU, Alabama and Ohio State.

Louisiana Tech makes its Sun Belt debut October 10 against UL Lafayette. Offensive coordinator Tony Franklin retired, so it’s up to offensive line coach and former co-coordinator Nathan Young. Young inherits redshirt junior starting quarterback Blake Baker, who led the Dogs to a 4-and-1 record in games he stayed healthy in last year. Baker was sidelined with a torn ACL last season, but head coach Sonny Cumbie expects him to be back like he never left.

Cut 19 (13) “…before the injury.”

Former Lady Tigers star Flau’jae Johnson and the Storm take on Caitlin Clark and the Fever tonight at 6:30. The pair, of course, faced off in the 2023 national championship and 2024 Elite Eight.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

Louisiana Tech participated in its first Sun Belt Conference football media day in 26 years yesterday. Coach Sonny Cumbie is coming off his first winning season in Ruston and the Bulldogs have the most returning production of any Sun Belt school. Cumbie was also able to retain defensive coordinator Luke Olsen and several defensive standouts…

Cut 18 (17) “…ready to emerge”

LA Tech visits ULM on October 17th and Warhawks Coach Bryant Vincent expects a packed Malone Stadium…

Cut 21 (13) “…first year”

Kick off is to be announced.

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The Cajuns are coming off a six-and seven season, but are expecting better results in 2026. Redshirt junior Lunch Winfield from Lutcher returns as the starting Q-B. Winfield won four straight games as the starter last year to salvage bowl eligibility. His top target, wide receiver Shelton Sampson Junior, is also back. Winfield says he and his receivers have put in the work this offseason…

Cut 17 (15) “…best we could”

Eleven 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.

Former LSU star Tommy White makes his major league debut tonight as the A’s host the Nationals. Another former LSU star Gage Jump will make the start for the Athletics.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

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.”

11:40 LRN Sportscast

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.

6:45 LRN Sportscast

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.

4:45 LRN Sportscast

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.”