LSU will kick off the football season at Clemson August 30. WWL’s Mike Detillier previewed the matchup with Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik, who was at the Manning Passing Academy this past weekend. The junior signal caller is looking forward to welcoming the Tigers to Memorial Stadium.

Cut 18 (15)  “…like Garrett.”

LSU Linebacker Whit Weeks was named a Walter Camp second-team preseason All-American. The junior finished second in the SEC in tackles last year as the anchor of the Tigers defense.

Southern University outfielder Cardell Thibodaux announced he’d be entering the transfer portal yesterday. The junior had a monster 2025 campaign where he batted .435 with 18 homers and 71 RBI and was named the SWAC player of the year.

Detillier also spoke to LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier about the Tigers‘ improved roster. Nussmeier highlighted five-star freshman cornerback DJ Pickett. The 6-foot-4 Florida product was ranked as the No. 1 overall corner in the 2025 class by On3 and Rivals and second by ESPN and 247Sports. Nussmeier says Pickett is next in the line of great LSU corners.

Cut 17 (12)  “…elite cornerback”

Texas State is officially PAC-12 bound and will be leaving the Sun Belt next season. The conference’s Louisiana schools have been pushing for Louisiana Tech to join the Sun Belt West, but other schools are looking to expand the conference’s media footprint. Host of the Locked On Sun Belt Podcast Dave Schultz says the league has already reached out to East Carolina.

Cut 7 (09) “…of the A-A-C.”

WWL’s Mike Detillier spoke with LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier at the Manning Passing Academy. Nussmeier was confident in the Tigers revamped offensive line and always lethal weapons. One target he expects to play a big role is six-seven sophomore tight end Trey’Dez Green.

Cut 16 (16) “…really long time.”

Green played in all 13 games his freshman season and tallied 4 touchdowns and 101 yards on just 13 receptions.

LSU has landed a third talented lefty reliever out the portal in Oregon sophomore Santiago Garcia. Garcia posted a 4.20 ERA in 30 innings with 49 strikeouts with the Ducks last season. The Las Cruces, New Mexico native was the high school teammate of Tigers shortstop Steven Milam.

With Texas State’s departure for the PAC-12 next year, the Sun Belt is looking to replace the Bobcats. Louisiana Tech would fit seamlessly into the vacancy in the Sun Belt west and revive rivalries with UL-Lafayette, ULM and Southern Miss, but Locked On Sun Belt Podcast host Dave Schultz says the league’s non-Louisiana schools have had enough of the Bayou state.

Cut 10 (09) “…two weeks ago.”

Teams argue Tech would not provide any new markets to expand the league. The Sun Belt has reportedly reached out to East Carolina and is considering Conference USA rivals Western Kentucky and Middle Tennessee.

If Louisiana Tech does get the nod, McNeese could be in conversations to make the jump to FBS and replace the Bulldogs in conference USA.

LSU guard Flau’jae Johnson and Team USA will take on Mexico in the Fiba AmeriCup today at 1 p.m. Johnson has scored just eight points in three games in the AmeriCup but Team USA has an undefeated record, and she’ll look to bounce back in the final game of the group stage.

Revenue sharing in college athletics launched today following the NCAA House settlement. Schools are now allowed to pay student athletes directly up to $20.5 million of their athletic revenue. Wilson Alexander of the Advocate spoke to LSU officials trying to navigate a new era of collegiate sports. LSU’s usually profitable athletics department is facing a projected 8-million-dollar deficit thanks to revenue sharing. He says the school will find a new revenue stream in advertisements on the 25-yard-line at Tiger Stadium, and officials hope to be back in the black by 2027…

Cut 11 (12) “…dollars a year.”

Alexander says LSU has a sponsor lined up and plans to seamlessly integrate the on-field logo with a purple and gold color scheme.

Oregon left-hander Santiago Garcia announced his commitment to LSU. The sophomore New Mexico native was the high school teammate of Tigers shortstop Steven Milam. He tallied 49 strikeouts in 30 innings with the Ducks last season. 

Former UL-Lafayette All-American left-hander and pitching coach Gunner Leger announced his resignation after two seasons. Leger’s staff showed promise his first year helping the team to a Sun Belt title with a 4.48 ERA, but that mark jumped to 5.53 this year.

Former LSU forward Trendon Watford agreed to a two-year $5.3 million deal with the 76ers last night. Watford spent the previous two seasons with the Nets after signing with the Trailblazers as an undrafted free agent in 2021. He averaged over ten points in 44 games last season.

The Pelicans announced their preseason schedule today. New Orleans will tip off in Melbourne Australia October 3 with games against Melbourne United and South East Melbourne Phoenix. New Orleans will return home to host the Rockets in Birmingham October 14 before wrapping up the preseason against the Magic.

Revenue sharing in college athletics begins today. The NCAA will police the 20.5-million-dollar revenue sharing cap limit with the new College Sports Commission. NIL deals over 600 dollars will also be reviewed by the NIL Go board to determine whether they serve a valid business purpose and fall within a reasonable range of compensation. LSU has been outspent by its competitors so far in the NIL era; but with the shift away from collective-based bargaining, Wilson Alexander of the Advocate says officials believe the Tigers can offer just as much as other schools.

Cut 12 (13) “…programs these days.”

LSU spent 5.5-million dollars out of its Bayou Collective on the football roster last year, compared to Ole Miss’s over 10-million-dollar investment and Ohio State’s near 20-million-dollar payout.

Baseball America predicted LSU lefty Kade Anderson to go first overall in their most recent MLB mock draft. Anderson led division one in strikeouts this season and projects to be one of the surest prospects in this year’s class. Round one of the draft is set for July 13.

The Pelicans agreed to a two-year 16-million-dollar deal with 29-year-old center Kevon Looney. The 6-foot-9 vet averaged 4-and-a-half points and six boards a game last season mostly off the bench and will bring experience to a frontcourt featuring second-year center Yves Missi and rookie Derik Queen. The Team also announced yesterday a multi-year contract extension with TV announcers Joel Meyers and Antonio Daniels.

Conference USA officially welcomed new members Delaware and Missouri State today. The 11th and 12th members of the league will make the jump from FCS to FBS this season.

The Saints announced their training camp schedule kicking off July 23 in Metairie. There will be nine open practices this season. Tickets are free and reservations opened this morning at neworleanssaints.com/trainingcamp

A new era of college athletics has begun. Revenue sharing launches across the nation today allowing schools to pay up to $20.5 million of athletics revenue directly to athletes. The Advocate’s Wilson Alexander says LSU will spend around 75% of that on football. 15 will go to men’s basketball, and 5 to women’s basketball. That leaves a small percentage for some of LSU’s marquee sports like baseball, gymnastics, and track and field, but Alexander says officials plan on paying every sport and finding other NIL opportunities…

Cut 10 (12) “…an athlete.”

Alexander says making sure every sport gets a payday may not be the norm across the country.

LSU’s leading punter Peyton Todd will be transferring to ULM for his final season. Middle Tennessee transfer Grant Chadwich is expected to pick up his duties.

LSU baseball had its most significant transfer portal loss so far yesterday. Sophomore outfielder Ashton Larson entered the portal after batting .256 in reserves this season. Coach Jay Johnson had previously identified Larson as one of the foundational core members he was excited to return next year, especially with center fielder Chris Stanfield likely to depart in the draft.

Texas State is set to officially join the PAC-12 in 2026 after its board approved the $5 million buyout from the Sun Belt. Reports have conflicted on whether Louisiana Tech could be the team to replace the Bobcats. ESPN identified Tech as a top candidate before Dave Schultz of the Locked On Sun Belt podcast reported the school was being blocked due to Louisiana-saturation in the conference.

The Pelicans have agreed to a two-year $16 million deal with center Kevon Looney. The 29-year old is a three-time NBA champ after ten seasons with the Warriors.

The Saints announced training camp will kickoff July 23 with nine practices open to the public throughout the summer. Tickets to open practices are free, but capacity is limited. Reservations for season ticket holders opens today at 9 a.m. and to the general public at 10:00

LSU outfielder Ashton Larson announced he’d be entering the transfer portal. The sophomore was slated to be a key returning core member of next year’s roster with a spot in the outfield potentially up for grabs. Larson hit .256 with two home runs in just 39 at-bats last season but started 40 games for the Tigers his freshman year. 

The departure could be a blow for LSU coach Jay Johnson who said he was happy with their returning foundation. Johnson has already made some additions in the transfer portal, including two lefty relief pitchers who committed last week. Danny Lachenmayer was elite as a freshman for North Dakota State while Ryler Smart redshirted his freshman year with Tennessee. Johnson says they’ll join a talented bullpen with arms like Casan Evans, Cooper Williams and more.

Cut 17 (12)  “…pitching staff”

Four Tigers were named All-Americans by D1Baseball. Left-handed pitcher Kade Anderson received the lone first-team nod. Righty Anthony Eyanson and first baseman Jared Jones earned second-team honors, and Freshman pitcher Casan Evans was named to the third-team.

Former Tigers Tommy White and Gage Jump were named to the MLB All-Star Futures Game roster after both being selected in the second round by the Athletics a year ago. White has nine homers for the A’s high-A affiliate Lansing Lugnuts. Jump started the season with the Liugnuts before moving up to the Double-A Midland Rockhounds where he’s posting a 1.91 ERA in eight starts this season.

LSU punter Peyton Todd is transferring to ULM for his final season. The West Monroe product was the Tigers’ leading punter last season and the holder on field goal attempts. LSU will rely on redshirt sophomore Badger Hargett and MTSU transfer Grant Chadwick who is the expected starter.

Texas State has officially joined the PAC-12 ahead of the league’s 2026 relaunch. The Bobcats’ board of regents approved the $5 million buyout to leave the Sun Belt after this season.

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier spoke about the upcoming season at the Manning Passing Academy this weekend. Tigers coach Brian Kelly has said this year’s team is his most talented since he’s been in Baton Rouge. His quarterback says he agrees…

Cut 19 (18) “…from within.”

LSU will kick off the season with a highly anticipated week one matchup versus Clemson August 30. Nussmeier says the team is focused on breaking their five-year opener losing streak.

LSU landed a commitment from three-star cornerback Dez Elliss. The Franklin Parish quarterback chose to join the Tigers’ secondary over playing Q-B at West Virginia.

Nick Saban was one of the nine coaches and athletes inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of fame this weekend. Saban arrived in Baton Rouge in 2000 and took a Tigers program that had gone 3-and-8 the year before to a national championship three years later. LSU, of course, would go on to be a perennial competitor in the SEC…

Cut 14 (12) “…ever since (applause).”

LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson has been busy following the team’s national championship victory. The Tigers added two lefty relievers in the portal last week and catcher Omar Serna announced he’d be heading to Baton Rouge instead of the MLB draft. Johnson says he feels good about his roster for next season…

Cut 18 (09)  “…those three.”

LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson is already hard at work building next year’s roster. He, like many fans, will be anxiously awaiting the July 13 MLB draft and the decisions from some LSU veterans who could be selected. Johnson says he expects center fielder Chris Stanfield to take the step to pro ball but is hoping pitcher Zac Cowan and D-H Ethan Fry consider staying in Baton Rouge.

Cut 16 (18) “…came back.”

LSU commit Omer Serna announced he’d be pulling his name from the MLB draft and coming to Baton Rouge next season. Serna is the number one ranked catcher in Texas and a top 200 high school prospect.

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier spoke about the upcoming season at the Manning Passing Academy this weekend. Nussmeier went 9-and-4 with over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns his first season as a starter. The last two LSU quarterbacks Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels made a leap in year two and put together historic Heisman seasons. Nussmeier says he’s ignoring any early speculation…

Cut 20 (07) “…LSU Tigers.”

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame inducted the class of 2025 Saturday night. Headlining the class was former LSU coach Nick Saban. Saban says when he arrived in Baton Rouge, he knew there would be work to do, but his new school, players and fans bought into something great…

Cut 13 (14)  “…state proud.”

LSU offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth was also inducted.

The July 7 court date for LSU running back Trey Holly has been cancelled due to air conditioning problems in the courtroom. Holly is facing charges of illegal use of a weapon and criminal damage to property stemming from a February 2024 shooting. Holly has denied any accusations, and a pre-trial conference has been set for July 16 in order to reschedule the trial.

Festivities are underway in Natchitoches this weekend ahead of the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame class of 2025 induction ceremony. Longtime St. Thomas More basketball coach Danny Broussard is one of the inductees. Broussard is the sixth all-time winningest high school basketball coach in the country after 42 years in Lafayette. Broussard says he learned early in his career how to make an average player great…

Cut 12 (13) “…of basketball.”

LSU received commitments from freshman pitchers Ryler Smart and Danny Lachenmayer in the portal Thursday. Smart redshirted at Tennessee, recovering from Tommy John surgery last season, while Lachenmayer was a productive reliever for North Dakota State. The lefty pitched 38 innings for the Bison, striking out 56 and earning nine saves. LSU coach Jay Johnson told Tiger Rag Radio he’d be looking to add talent to next year’s pen…

Cut 20 (07) “…really good.”

After saying they’d be more selective in the portal this offseason, the Tigers missed out on Cal infielder Jarren Advincula.  The sophomore was a target for the Tigers after batting .334 with 11 home runs last season but committed to Georgia Tech over LSU and Tennessee. Vincura would have been the third infield transfer for the Tigers, joining High Point junior Brayden Simpson and Kansas State grad student Seth Darder. Shortstop Stephen Milam will be the only returning infielder from this year’s national championship team.

The Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame welcomes the class of 2025 in Natchitoches tomorrow. Pro basketball All-Stars Danny Granger and Vickie Johnson are two of the nine athletes and coaches that will be inducted. Johnson was a two-time Sun Belt MVP with Louisiana Tech. She says the values of her future hall of fame Lady Techster coaches defined her career…

Cut 11 (12) “…about learning.”

LSU baseball coach Jay Johnson and his staff are already building next year’s team less than a week after winning a national championship. The Tigers landed commitments from two left-handed pitchers in the portal yesterday. Tennessee freshman Ryler Smart redshirted for the Volunteers last year. North Dakota State reliever Danny Lachenmayer earned nine saves in 24 appearances as a freshman last season. He posted a 2.37 ERA with 56 strikeouts in 38 innings.

The Pelicans concluded a polarizing draft class yesterday by selecting Georgetown wing Micah Peavy 40th overall. Peavy averaged 17 points five boards, three assists and two steals per game his super senior season with the Hoyas last year. He had this to say on ESPN after being drafted…

Cut 19 (11) “…dream.”

New Orleans also signed Kansas center Hunter Dickinson to a two-way contract after the draft. Dickinson averaged 17 points, 10 rebounds and a block a game last season and was a two-time All-American. 

Yesterday’s additions add some experience to a draft class that featured two freshman lottery picks. The Pels took best available at seventh overall with 18-year-old Oklahoma guard Jeremiah Fears. Where the team really made waves was trading with the Hawks to select Maryland center Derik Queen 13th overall. New Orleans gave up the 23rd overall pick this year along with rights to an unprotected pick swap with the Bucks in the 2026 draft.