U-L Lafayette football coach Mike Desormeaux is hoping to improve from back-to-back 6-and-7 seasons in his third year as head coach. The Cajuns will enter preseason camp with a battle for starting quarterback between Ben Woolridge and Chandler Fields. Fields finished as the starter last year and Desormeaux says the former Rummel standout seems determined to have a great senior season…

Cut 16 (16) “…the year.” 

Former LSU star Angel Reese will join, Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 Women’s basketball league. The league was founded by WNBA stars Breanna Stewart and Napheesa Collier with the goal of becoming the highest paying women’s sports league in history, paying each of its players a salary of at least $100,000. The six-team league tips off in January

The Saints began training camp yesterday as they prepare for the 2024 season. Linebacker Demario Davis has been an All-Pro and leader on one of the NFL’s top defenses since he arrived in New Orleans in 2017, but at 35-years-old some fans question how long he can be one of the league’s top defenders. Davis says humility has been key to his longevity…

Cut 20 (19) “…last year.”

Training camp at UC-Irvine is closed to the public this year, but the Saints will be hosting open practice at Tulane’s Yulman Stadium August 20^th at 7 PM. Tickets go on sale Tuesday July 30^th.

Undrafted rookie defensive end Trajan Jeffcoat was carted off with an elbow injury at practice today. The Arkansas and Missouri product had a good shot of making the team and adding depth to a shallow defensive-line room. The severity of the injury is not yet known.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara is seeking a new contract, but does not plan on holding out during training camp. Kamara is signed through the 2025 season, but next year’s money is not guaranteed. The Saints could wait to see how Kamara performs this year after averaging less than four yards a carry last season.
Cut 19 (11) “…four or five more years”
Kamara turns 29 today.

It will be a big recruiting weekend on the LSU campus as the Tigers are hosting some of the top recruits in the country. Several of them are already committed to LSU, including running back Harlem Berry, cornerback D-J Pickett and receiver Derek Meadows. The uncommitted visitors include the nation’s number one safety Jonah Williams and the state’s second ranked cornerback Aidan Anding from Ruston High School.

U-L Lafayette’s Michael Desormeaux is set to begin his third season as the head coach of the Ragin Cajuns. U-L is coming off back-to-back six and seven campaigns and Desormeaux wants to get back to having a powerful rushing attack…
Cut 15 (17) “…those games.”
ULM Coach Bryant Vincent takes over a program that won just two games this year and like most new coaches has a honeymoon period. But Vincent expects to win right away in Monroe…
Cut 18 (16) “…year one.”
The Warhawks are picked to finish last in the Sun Belt West this year.

Training camp is underway in Irvine, California for the New Orleans Saints who are trying to get back to the playoffs for the first time since the 2020 season. Quarterback Derek Carr says the level of urgency is high…
cut 20 (13) “….higher results”
Despite wanting a new contract, running back Alvin Kamara was present for the first day of training camp. Kamara is signed through 2025, but the final year of his contract does not contain any guaranteed money, so it would be easy for the team to move on from Kamara after this season. Kamara says he wants to retire a Saint and believes he has a few good years left. He turns 29-years-old today.

Second-year running back Kendre Miller left practice yesterday with a hamstring injury. Miller also battled injuries his rookie season.

Sun Belt Media Days came to a close yesterday in New Orleans. ULM coach Bryant Vincent takes over a program that won two games last year and like most new coaches, he has a honeymoon period. But Vincent expects to win right away in Monroe…
cut 18 (16) “…..year one”
The Cajuns will enter preseason camp with a battle for starting quarterback between Ben Woolridge and Chandler Fields.

Five-star safety Jonah Williams from Galveston, Texas has announced he’ll give his verbal pledge on August 24th. He’s considering LSU, Texas A-and-M, Texas, USC and Oregon. Williams is also an outstanding baseball player.

Baseball America has LSU at the top of its list in a way too early Top 25 rankings. Florida, Florida State, Clemson, and Texas A-and-M round out the Top 5.

Saints running back Alvin Kamara was with his teammates as training camp practices got underway in Irvine, California. Kamara did not participate in the final day of mandatory mini-camp in June as he’s seeking an extension. Kamara could have held out of training camp, but did not want to be fined. He still hopes to have a new deal in place before the regular season starts…
cut 13 (05) “….I do”
The Saints new defensive end Chase Young was on the practice field today, but did not participate in team drills as he continues to recover from neck surgery. General Manager Mickey Loomis says they are careful not to rush Young back, but his determination to get back is commendable…
cut 18 (19) “….where he’s at”

Jack Turner is set to be the starting quarterback for Louisiana Tech this season. Turner says he learned a lot from last year’s starting Q-B, Hank Bachmeier…
cut 20 (20) “…play the game”

ULM has seven quarterbacks on its roster as it heads into fall camp, led by Oklahoma transfer General Booty. Warhawks coach Bryant Vincent is excited to see the competition for Q-B 1 play out…
cut 17 (17) “….show”
ULM opens the season on August 29th at home against Jackson State.

The Saints begin training camp in southern California today. Running back Alvin Kamara reported for camp and is expected to make his return to the practice field after leaving during the final practice of mandatory minicamp due to contract disputes. The 28-year-old still hasn’t gotten the extension he’s hoping for, but Head coach Dennis Allen says he’s looking forward to getting to work…

Cut 16 (16) “…game of football.”

The Saints will kick off preseason August 10 against the Cardinals

Former LSU pitcher Paul Skenes received his first loss as a pro yesterday as the Pirates fell 2-1 to the Cardinals. Skenes finished with 8 strikeouts, four hits, and 2 earned runs in 104 pitches through 8 innings for the longest outing of his young career. The All-Star starter now has a 6-and-1 record with 97 strikeouts and a 1.93 ERA.

Louisiana Tech coach Sonny Cumbie spoke at Conference USA Kickoff yesterday. Cumbie’s Bulldogs finished with a disappointing 3-and-9 record in his third-straight season in Ruston with 4 of those losses by just one score. Cumbie says his team’s ready to change the narrative…

Cut 19 (20) “…work every day.”

The Bulldogs will open their 2024 campaign August 31 in Ruston against Nicholls.

LSU gymnastics coach Jay Clark has signed an extension to stay in Baton Rouge through 2031. Clark led the Tigers to their first national championship in program history this year in just his fourth season as Head Coach.

The Saints reported for training camp today as New Orleans will begin practices tomorrow in Irvine, California. The players are learning a new offense with first-year offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.

The Saints defense under Dennis Allen has rarely been a concern, but that unit has a few aging stars and question marks on the defensive line. Allen’s group performed to standard last season thanks to their ability to turn the ball over and get stops on third down- two stats without much year-to-year consistency. Luke Johnson who covers the Saints for the Advocate says he’s learned to trust Allen but he’s yet to be convinced…
Cut 18 (20) “…is better.”
The Saints first preseason game is August 10th at Arizona.

Nicholls is picked to win the Southland Conference, followed by U-I-W and then Southeastern Louisiana. Lions Coach Frank Scelfo says he has an experienced team…
cut 20 (14) “….culture standpoint”
McNeese is picked to finish sixth in the Southland. Northwestern State is picked to finish last. New Northwestern president Jimmy Genovese talked today about making Demon athletics more competitive…
cut 28 (12) “…16 years”

Today was media day for Conference USA. Third year head coach for Louisiana Tech Sonny Cumbie is looking for a winning season after back to back three and nine campaigns.

Saints players report for training camp in Irvine, California today, but star running back Alvin Kamara could be M-I-A after the 28-year-old left the last day of mandatory minicamp amid a contract dispute. The Advocate’s Luke Johnson says it wouldn’t make sense for Kamara not to play this season, but he may not be on the practice field when camp kicks off tomorrow…
Cut 16 (20) “…is imminent.”

The Cincinnati Bengals say Joe Burrow’s surgically repaired wrist is ready for training camp and he’ll be ready to go for the first practice. Burrow tore a ligament in his right wrist on November 16th and he had surgery on November 27th.

Sun Belt Media Days got underway today in New Orleans. The preseason coaches poll has the Ragin Cajuns finishing in third in the West Division behind Texas State and Troy. ULM is picked to finish last in the seven-team division. Appalachian State is the preseason favorite in the East. Cajuns offensive lineman A-J Gillie is a preseason All-Sun Belt first team selection.

Nicholls was picked to repeat as Southland Conference champs in the preseason media poll. The Colonels went a perfect 7-and-0 in conference play last season and just edged out Incarnate Word in this year’s poll. Head Coach Tim Rebowe says his team is ready to live up to their lofty expectations…
Cut 19 (12) “…respond to that”
Southeastern was picked third in the nine-team conference. McNeese sixth and Northwestern State finished last in the poll.

Saints players report for training camp today. This year the team is preparing for the season in Irvine, California. It’s a big training camp for third-year pro and former first round pick Trevor Penning. Luke Johnson covers the Saints for NOLA-dot-com and says the team has penciled Penning in as the starter at right tackle this season…
cut 17 (17) “…in New Orleans’
This year’s first round pick, Taliese Fuaga (Tah-lee-ess-say Foo-ah-gah) is expected to start at left tackle this year.

The nation’s number one high school safety Jonah Williams will reportedly visit LSU on Friday. Williams is also an outstanding baseball player. This will be the second time Williams has visited the LSU campus in two months. Texas A-and-M and Oregon are also heavily recruiting the two-sport athlete.

Nicholls was picked to repeat as Southland Conference champs in the preseason media poll. The Colonels went a perfect 7-and-0 in conference play last season and just edged out Incarnate Word in this year’s poll. Head Coach Tim Rebowe says his team is ready to live up to their lofty expectations…
Cut 19 (12) “…respond to that”
Southeastern was picked third in the nine-team conference following a disappointing 3-and-8 season last year. McNeese was picked to finish 6th in the conference and Northwestern State finished last in the poll.

The Cincinnati Bengals say Joe Burrow’s surgically repaired wrist is ready for training camp and he’ll be ready to go fo the first practice. Burrow tore a ligament in his right wrist in the tenth game last year. The injury occurred on November 16th and he had surgery on November 27th.

The Saints report for training camp tomorrow and there are a lot of questions over whether the offense will be improved, but what about the defense with some aging stars. Luke Johnson covers the Saints for NOLA.com and points out the Saints have had good defenses during Dennis Allen’s time as a defensive coordinator and now head coach…
CUT 16 (13) “…high level”

LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell and linebacker Harold Perkins are first-team All SEC preseason selections. Tiger Rag Editor Todd Horne believes one other player is deserving of preseason first-team honors…
cut 18 (18) “….first team”

The Southland Conference preseason poll came out today and Nicholls, who won the conference last year, is picked to finish first this season, followed by U-I-W and then Southeastern Louisiana. McNeese is picked to finish sixth. Linebacker Micah Davey is a preseason All-American and he’s ready to be part of the turnaround at McNeese…
cut 15 (08) “….former glory”
Northwestern State is picked to finish last in the nine team league. First year head coach Blaine McCorkle likes the buy-in he’s seen from his team. He says it’s better than what he experienced at Belhaven, which he turned into a conference champion…
cut 17 (14) “…do it”
Northwestern State opens the season on August 29th at Tulsa.

LSU was picked to finish fifth in the SEC preseason media poll following SEC Media Days last week. The Tigers won ten games last year with Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels, and they’ll have to replace his production. Not only did Daniels throw for 38-hundred yards, but he also added 11-hundred more on the ground. Coach Brian Kelly on how the Tigers plan to replace those rushing yards…

Cut 17 (15) “…in the country.”

The nation’s No. 1 cornerback DJ Pickett committed to LSU’s 2025 recruiting class Saturday. The Florida product joins one of the Tigers’ top classes which currently ranks third in the nation and has the highest average recruit ranking.

The Tigers class was also boosted by five-star wide receiver Derek Meadows out of Bishop Gorman. The 6’6 receiver ranks 41^st nationally and chose the Tigers over Alabama Notre Dame and Georgia.

LSU cornerback Javien Toviano was arrested yesterday on charges of video voyeurism. The 19-year-old is accused of having sex with a woman and recording it without her consent with a hidden camera. The team has suspended Toviano indefinitely.

Saints players report for camp tomorrow with practice kicking off Wednesday. A camp priority will be the introduction of a new offense under Coordinator Klint Kubiak. Camp will not be open to the public, so fans won’t see the new-look scheme until the first preseason game August 10. The Advocate’s Luke Johnson says they’re in for quite the shock…

Cut 16 (19) “…be exciting.”

The Southland Conference preseason poll picked Nicholls to win the conference just edging out Incarnate Word. Southeastern finished 3^rd in the poll while McNeese came in sixth and Northwestern State rounded out the nine-team conference.