LSU is number 11 in the preseason AP Poll. The Tigers land right behind Oklahoma at 10, Ole Miss at nine and Texas A&M at eight. Texas is their highest-ranked opponent coming in at number five, and their week one game with Clemson will not be ranked, as the Tigers just miss out on the top 25. Coach Lane Kiffin says it’s hard to put much stock in the poll.

Cut 20 (13) “…figure it out.”

Southeastern Louisiana was ranked 20th in the American Football Coaches Association FCS Coaches Top 25. The Lions have ended the season as a ranked team in five of the last seven years, including last year when they were 19th. Reigning Southland Conference champion Stephen F Austin at 13 and Lamar at 21 are the only other Southland teams in the top 25.

LSU held its first scrimmage of the fall Saturday. Coach Lane Kiffin says coaches got a good look at the physicality and conditioning of the team with 170 total plays. He says the pass rush was strong, quarterback Sam Leavitt moved well to avoid it and running back Harlem Berry had a long touchdown run. Kiffin says the biggest growth he’s seen in camp so far has been in attitude

Cut 19 (17) “…big difference.”

Former LSU forward Trendon Watford inked a one-year 2.9-million-dollar deal with the Pelicans. Watford played in 53 games with the 76ers last season and averaged a little more than six points, three rebounds and two assists a game.

Former LSU safety Jamal Adams was placed on season-ending injured reserve after suffering a knee injury in the Vikings’ preseason opener Saturday. The 30-year-old signed with Minnesota just before the start of training camp.

LSU was ranked number 11 in the preseason AP Poll. The Tigers will not host a ranked matchup week one against Clemson after Dabo Swinney’s Tigers were left out of the rankings for the first time since 2011. LSU has five preseason ranked opponents on the 2026 slate: Fifth-ranked Texas, number eight Texas A-and-M, ninth-ranked Ole Miss, number 13 Alabama and Tennessee at number 20. Ohio State topped the rankings, followed by Oregon, Georgia and Notre Dame.

A Celebration of Life Ceremony for Coach Skip Bertman, open to the public, will be held next Tuesday at 7 p.m. in the PMAC. Dan Canevari, who served on Bertman’s coaching staff at LSU, says Bertman was an incredible influence on so many people, whether they were baseball players or not.

Cut 6 (08) “…I’ve ever known.”

The Pelicans signed former LSU forward Trendon Watford to a one-year 2.9-million-dollar deal. Watford averaged over six points, three rebounds and two assists in 16 minutes a game in 53 appearances with the 76ers last season.

The Saints lost their preseason opener to Jacksonville on Saturday 24-20, but 27-year-old Zach Wilson made a case that he should be the backup quarterback to Tyler Shough. The former number two pick, who is entering his sixth season, threw for 145 yards and a touchdown…

Cut 19 (13) “…happens, happens.”

With redshirt freshman Jhase Thomas challenging Tamarcus Cooley for the starting spot, LSU could see two new starting safeties in the secondary. Defensive coordinator Blake Baker says the group was a concern heading into camp, but they have grown a lot.

Cut 18 (19) “..two weeks ago.”

A week from Tuesday there will be a celebration of life ceremony for legendary LSU baseball coach and athletics director Skip Bertman that will be open to the public at the PMAC at 7 PM.  Former LSU star Ryan Theriot says Bertman’s influence on him went far beyond the baseball diamond, including his eight-year Major League career that included two World Series titles.

Cut 5 (11) “…that you’re running.”

One of the big storylines during LSU’s preseason camp has been the play of three freshmen defensive linemen Richard Anderson, Deuce Geralds and Lamar Brown. Defensive coordinator Blake Baker says he hasn’t been around a more talented trip of freshmen…

Cut 17 (18) “…on the field”

The Saints leave for California today where they’ll have joint practices against the Cowboys in Oxnard and on Thursday New Orleans will practice against the Rams in Woodland Hills before finishing the week playing the Rams in SoFi Stadium on Saturday.

New Orleans lost its preseason opener over the weekend to Jacksonville. But it will be a day undrafted rookie free agent Michael Heldman will never forget. The former Central Michigan standout had six tackles, three tackles for a loss, and two sacks. Heldman says he was excited for Saturday’s game after struggling in a joint practice on Thursday against the Jaguars…

Cut 20 (17) “…super cool.”

Former LSU Tiger Jamal Adams will miss the season as the linebacker for the Vikings suffered a season ending knee injury on the artificial surface at MetLife Stadium in a preseason game against the Giants.

LSU legend Skip Bertman passed away at the age of 88. The celebrated baseball coach and Athletic Director led the Tigers to five College World Series titles and hired four national-championship-winning head coaches as A-D. He produced 41 players who reached Major League Baseball. One of them was Todd Walker, who ended up in the College Baseball Hall of Fame. Walker remembers he was a little intimidated by Bertman when he showed up on campus as a freshman after LSU won the 1991 national championship. He says he never knew his relationship with Skip would grow immensely…

Cut 7 (15) “..just incredible”

Saints head coach Kellen Moore confirmed rookie wide receiver Jordyn Tyson’s hamstring injury is not related to any previous injuries, but it could impact his week one availability. The eighth-overall pick missed portions of the pre-draft process and was limited this summer as he recovered from a hamstring strain.

LSU left tackle Jordan Seaton was a five-star addition out of the transfer portal this offseason. The Tigers ranked bottom in the SEC in both rushing yards and touchdowns last season. Seaton says changing that is a top priority.

Cut 19 (14) “…on my stance.”

Quarterback Spencer Rattler will get the start in the Saints’ preseason opener versus the Jaguars. He says he’s been able to play more freely this offseason without the pressure of a quarterback competition.

Cut 20 (12) “…throughout these games.

Falcons edge rusher James Pearce Jr. has been suspended eight games by the NFL following his arrest on domestic violence charges in February. Atlanta will also be without linebacker Jalon Walker when they visit the Saints in week four.

Legendary LSU baseball coach and Athletic Director Skip Bertman died at the age of 88 early this morning. Bertman led the Tigers to 11 College World Series appearances and five titles in 18 seasons. Ex-LSU pitcher Ben McDonald says Father Time is undefeated, but so is Bertman’s legacy.

Cut 3 (10) “…game of baseball.”

McDonald says Bertman was years ahead of his peers as a tactician, marketer and motivator.

Cut 4 (13) “…he was best at.”

He also says Bertman loved his players. Glenn Guilbeau authored Bertman’s biography, and says it was a special relationship.

Cut 6 (10) “…were his sons.”

LSU football coach Lane Kiffin says his team still has not started tackling, but he’s liked what he’s seen so far during fall camp.

Cut 16 (10) “…and playing physical.”

The Saints kick off their preseason versus the Jaguars tomorrow. Former LSU receiver Barion Brown could play a big role as both a pass catcher and returner with the starters out. Receiver Chris Olave says Brown reminds him a lot of former Saint Rashid Shaheed.

Cut 20 (13) “…and his future.”

LSU corner DJ Pickett has no plans to change his jersey from number five despite Jayden Daniels’ disapproval. The Advocate’s Koki Riley says the Pickett family is digging their heels in.

Cut 9 (08)  “…the first place.”

Very sad news to report this morning as legendary LSU baseball coach Skip Bertman has passed away at the age of 88. Bertman took a program that had very little interest on the LSU campus and produced five national championships in the 1990s. After his Hall of Fame coaching career, he served as athletic director in the 2000s, where he hired Les Miles and Paul Mainieri, both of them went on to win championships.

Sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett says he will wear the number five jersey despite a cease and desist letter sent by Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels is upset another LSU player is wearing the number he wore.

So why is number five so important to Pickett? Koki Riley of the Advocate says Pickett and his ten siblings have worn the number five, since his oldest brother Jaylen wore it at Eastern Michigan…

Cut 8 (12) “….point of pride”

The Saints will have a walk-through today in the Superdome ahead of their preseason opener tomorrow afternoon against the Jacksonville Jaguars. New Orleans held a joint practice with the Jags yesterday. It was a good day for quarterback Tyler Shough who completed 25 of 34 passes with four touchdowns. But rookie receiver Jordan Tyson left practice early with a lower body injury, but the injury is believed to be minor.

LSU football coach Lane Kiffin is known as someone who likes to go for it on fourth down. Kiffin says you are seeing more coaches being aggressive on fourth down…

Cut 17 (19) “…time to change”

LSU receiver Winnie Watkins was not at practice for a third consecutive day yesterday. Kiffin says he does not comment on individual injuries during the preseason, but said he hopes he’ll return soon.

LSU sophomore cornerback DJ Pickett addressed the cease-and-desist letter former LSU Heisman-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels’ attorney sent LSU after he felt disrespected the team gave his old number five to Pickett.

Cut 21(09)  “…so that’s all.”

No other LSU player has worn the number of a Heisman-winning Tiger. Coach Lane Kiffin stood by his comments last week that he felt he owed the number to Pickett after it was promised to him by the previous coaching staff. Daniels said in an Instagram post that he is focused on Commanders training camp and he hopes his team and LSU can resolve everything privately.

Eighth-overall pick Jordyn Tyson left the Saints’ joint practice with the Jaguars early with a lower-body injury. New-Orleans-dot-football reported rumors it was a hamstring injury that did not seem severe, but head coach Kellen Moore said the team would know more soon. Tyson jogged off under his own power. The wide receiver dealt with a hamstring injury leading up to and after the draft.

LSU coach Lane Kiffin said transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt has settled into his role with the team. He said Leavitt was excited to show his teammates what he could do when he returned from injury.

Cut 22 (08) “…quarterback position.”

LSU wide receiver Winston Watkins was not seen at a third straight practice session open to media. Kiffin says he does not comment on individual injuries, but Watkins was having a good camp and they hope he returns soon.

Saints head coach Kellen Moore said Tyler Shough had a positive day during the team’s practice with Jacksonville. Shough says he is building a special connection with receiver Chris Olave.

Cut 20 (08) “…top notch.”

The Pelicans announced their schedule for this season. New Orleans tips off the season October 21 at home against the Pacers. Their two games against the Spurs in Europe are their only nationally televised games.

LSU Heisman Trophy-winner Jayden Daniels sent LSU a cease-and-desist letter saying the university can no longer use his name, image and likeness after sophomore corner DJ Pickett received his number five jersey. Tiger Rag Editor Glenn Guilbeau says Pickett is the first Tiger to be issued the number of the 2023 Heisman winner.

Cut 9 (11)  “…strong argument.”

Coach Lane Kiffin said Pickett was promised the number while being recruited by the previous staff. Brian Kelly confirmed this to ESPN but said he did not give Pickett the number because Daniels did not approve.

LSU received a commitment from former UCLA guard Skyy Clark. Clark is a class of 2022 athlete seeking a fifth season of eligibility in the nationwide injunction against the NCAA’s new five-year eligibility model. He averaged 11-and-a-half points and two assists in 23 starts last season. The five-star recruit was high school teammates with Pelicans center Derik Queen at Montverde.

The Saints welcomed the Jaguars for a joint practice today. Eighth-overall pick Jordyn Tyson left practice early with a lower-body injury the team hopes is minor. New-Orleans-dot football reports it was a good day for quarterback Tyler Shough and the first-team offense before the injury. Head coach Kellen Moore said most of the starters will sit for the preseason game Saturday, so today was a good opportunity.

Cut 21 (17) “…playing in it.”

At UL-Lafayette fall camp, head coach Michael Desormeaux says Zachary product Kristion Brooks has stepped up in the wide receiver room with injuries to Shelton Sampson Jr., Trenton Chaney and Landon Strother.

Cut 14 (13) “…that are going.”

LSU men’s basketball has received a verbal commitment from former UCLA guard Skyy Clark, who is seeking a fifth year of eligibility following a judge’s ruling in Colorado. The ruling says college athletes who signed in 2022 should be granted a fifth year under the NCAA’s five-year eligibility rule. The NCAA is appealing the decision.

Clark averaged nearly 12 points per game for the Bruins last season.

LSU starting center Braelin Moore met with reporters this week and says he wants to play a fifth season of college football so he can be part of an offense led by head coach Lane Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr.

Cut 17 (16): “…for me.”

______________________________________

The Saints host the Jaguars for a joint practice today. The teams meet in their preseason opener at three p.m. Saturday, but head coach Kellen Moore says the starters will see more action today and rest for the game. He says it will be an excellent opportunity for the team.

Cut 19 (17): “…need right now.”

Ragin’ Cajuns head coach Michael Desormeaux says a couple of freshmen from the Baton Rouge area are excelling during preseason camp.

One of them is former Catholic High star and linebacker Harrison Kidder — pronounced “Ki-DARE” — who Desormeaux says has been…

Cut 15 (13): “…playing physical.”

Desormeaux says former Zachary star Kriston Brooks has also looked good at receiver

LSU safety Ty Benefield says he felt playing for LSU would be an amazing opportunity. The Boise State transfer says he can’t wait to play in Tiger Stadium. He got his welcome-to-LSU moment earlier this summer when he met Tyrann Mathieu…

Cut 20 (17) “…rest of my life.”

The LSU women’s basketball schedule is out. SEC play begins December 31^st at Auburn, and The Advocate’s Reed Darcy says Kim Mulkey’s squad could go undefeated in January.

Cut 12 (12) “…postseason after that.”

LSU ends the regular season with South Carolina, Tennessee and Oklahoma.

The Saints welcomed former Lions corner Terrion Arnold for a visit earlier this week, and head coach Kellen Moore says the team has spoken with people who know Arnold well to find out more about his character and the eight felony charges of armed robbery and kidnapping he’s facing

Cut 21 (10) “…where it goes.”

Saint corner Kool-Aid McKinstry was teammates at Alabama with Arnold before the Lions selected him in the first round of the 2024 draft.

New Orleans revealed its first depth chart of training camp yesterday. Former Tiger Barion Brown is listed as first-string punt and kick returner as well as second-string wide receiver. Third-round pick Christen Miller is a backup D-lineman behind Davon Godchaux, Vernon Broughton and Nathan Shepherd. The Georgia product says playing for Kirby Smart prepared him for Saints D-line coach Bo Davis.

Cut 22 (09) “…I’m here.”