Da Boot Sports
7/31/2025
By: Da Boot Sports Staff


   BATON ROUGE, LA - The Tigers returned to the practice field on Thursday morning for day two of fall camp.  During the short media viewing period, we were able to observe some special team's work with kickers attempting field goals and PATs. 

   Next, the offense ran plays without a defense. First team offense was: 
QB - Nussmeier
RB - Durham
WRs - Thomas, Hilton, Brown
TE - Sharp
LT - Adams
LG - Chester
C - Moore
RG - Thompson
RT - Davis

   Ju'Juan Johnson and Michael Van Buren rotated with the second unit.  In my opinion Colin Hurley is looking good. I think he will definitely push Van Buren for the #2 spot. 

   Running backs look so impressive. These young men are special. 

   Wide receiver Destyn Hill continues to look great.  The wide receivers are an impressive group. 

   Friday's practice will be closed to the media. Saturday morning's practice will be open for media viewing.

   

​John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior)

​*John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Da Boot Sports
7/30/2025
By: Da Boot Sports Staff


   BATON ROUGE, LA - The Tigers hit the field Wednesday morning on day one of fall camp with a fast paced, energetic short practice. LSU will practice again tomorrow morning. Brian Kelly meet with the media after. Video of the press conference is posted below. 

   QUICK NOTES:
   
   Wide Receiver Nic Anderson was recently in a fender bender and was held of out any kid of contact today due to concussion protocol. Brian Kelly said he will participate fully tomorrow.

   True Freshman Offensive Lineman Soloman Thomas broke a bone in his foot and will miss a month.  Thomas was expected to compete for a starting position on the line. This is an unfortunate situation for the 5-star recruit out of Jacksonville, FL. 

   Wide receiver Destyn Hill had a solid practice catching everything thrown his way. 

   Running back Harlem Berry looks amazing. 
​

Brian Kelly's Post Practice Press Conference

​John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior)

​*John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Da Boot Sports
7/28/2025
By: Terrill J. Weil


   LSU will kickoff the 2025 football season in less than five weeks on Saturday, August 30 on the road against Clemson. After finishing 9-4 last season, the Tigers should be ready to take the next step in Brian Kelly's fourth season in Baton Rouge. After three seasons on the bayou, Kelly is 29-11. The pressure is on as expectations are sky high heading into the 2025 campaign. 

    Here is a quick look at the 2025 Tigers, position by position.

   
    QUARTERBACK
   
   LSU returns one of the best quarterbacks in the nation with 5th year senior Garrett Nussmeier running the offense. Nussmeier goes into the season as a Heisman Trophy candidate.
   A big question heading into the season will be, who is the backup? Will it be Mississippi State transfer Michael Van Buren Jr. or Colin Hurley, who missed all of spring camp due to an injury while in a car accident.
   LSU decided to move Ju'Juan Johnson to quarterback in the spring. Will we see if Joe Sloan has developed a goal line/short yardage package to feature Johnson's blazing speed and explosiveness.  When Johnson arrived in Baton Rouge last season, he was practicing in the secondary. But after John Emery was lost for the season due to injury, Brian Kelly moved Johnson to the running back position to add depth.  


    

    RUNNING BACK

   The Tigers are loaded at running back. Expect Caden Durham (5-9, 205) to be the starter. Kaleb Jackson (6-0, 234) is a solid talent who is a great change of pace option, as he brings more power to the lineup. True freshman Harlem Berry (5-11, 190) is a phenomenal talent and will see the field. LSU is in great shape in the offensive backfield with these three young men carrying the ball. 



    WIDE RECEIVER

   LSU could very well have the best receiving corp in the nation. Veterans, Zavion Thomas (5-10, 192), Aaron Anderson (5-8, 188) and Chris Hilton Jr. (6-0, 190) all return.
   The depth behind them is amazing. Red shirt sophomore transfer from Florida State, Destyn Hill, (6-1, 197), transfer from Oklahoma, Nic Anderson (6-4, 208), senior transfer from Kentucky, Barion Brown (5-11, 185),  Kyle Parker (5-11, 195) and Kylan Billiot (6-3, 193) round out the position. No doubt Nussmeier has an arsenal of talented weapons at his disposal.




    TIGHT END

   When you talk LSU tight ends, you need to start with Trey'Dez Green (6-7, 240) who is entering his second season in the purple and gold. 
   Expect to see 5th year senior transfer from Oklahoma, Bauer Sharp (6-5, 250) on the field often. Donovan Green (6-4, 250), 
GiVanni Peterson (6-5, 260) and true freshman JD LaFluer (6-7, 263) round out the depth.



    OFFENSIVE LINE

   The offensive line is the biggest question mark on the offensive side of the ball for the 2025 season. LSU will be replacing four starters.
   Hopefully this new group will be better run blockers. Look for Tyree Adams (6-7, 313) to start at left tackle. DJ Chester (6-6, 320), should be the staring left guard. Newcomer transfer from Virginia Tech, Braelin Moore (6-2, 300) should be the starter at center. The left side of the line is still up for grabs. I would have to say that Josh Thompson (605, 301) should start at left guard and Weston Davis (6-6, 317) has a solid chance to start at right tackle.
   Soloman Thomas (6-4, 325) and Carvius Curne (6-5, 335) are two super talented, true freshman who will battle for playing time. The Tigers are also expecting big things from Coen Echols (6-3, 316) and Paul Mubenga (6-5, 316).  This unit must gel quickly and stay healthy if LSU has any chance of qualifying for the 12-team CFP.





    DEFENSIVE LINE

   This new-look defensive line should get LSU fans excited. Kyle Williams has talent and depth to coach and mold.
   Jacobian Guillory (6-2, 320) returns for his 6th season after suffering a season ending injury in week two against Nicholls last season. He will return in 2025 at full strength and will be a leader up front.
   Two exciting, prized transfer additions are Bernard Gooden (6-4, 250) transfer from South Florida and the massive, Sydir Mitchell
 (6-6, 355) from Texas. Both will make an immediate impact.
   Ahmad Breaux (6-3, 280) who played on the edge last season, bulked up and moved to the inside. Dominik McKinley (6-6, 306) has star potential written all over him.  Zion Williams (6-4, 355) is a great talent with loads of potential.
   The rest of the depth includes, Brandon Brown (6-1, 291) and Walter Mathis Jr. (6-2, 285). Expect this defensive front to be tough and nasty in 2025. 





     DEFENSIVE END/EDGE

   The 2025 ends and edge rushers is another position of strength. They should cause havoc in the backfield every Saturday. LSU  landed some transfer gems to this group that makes them a dangerous one.
   Patrick Payton (6-5, 250) comes to the Bayou from Florida State where he was a force in the ACC.  Jimari Butler (6-5, 260) brings his productive talents from Nebraska.  Former Gator, Jack Pyburn (6-5, 265) who should be a major contributor, comes to the Bayou Bengals from Florida. 
   Quality depth begins with Dylan Carpenter (6-4, 260) who has shown flashes.  CJ Jackson is talented but young. Gabriel Reliford
 (6-5, 250) is expected to show improvement in his second season.  Kolaj Cobbins (6-2, 233) is a talented red-shirt freshman and true freshman Damien Shanklin (6-4, 245)  is a 4-star recruit with impressive talent.






     LINEBACKER

​    When you talk about this crew, it begins with Whit Weeks (6-2, 225) and Harold Perkins (6-1, 220).  Perkins decided to return after a terrible knee injury ended his 2024 season. He is expected to play the 'Star' position in 2025.  Weeks is returning from an ankle injury that occurred in the Texas Bowl. He has made a nice recovery and has developed into a team leader. Weeks has a nose for the football and making big plays. 
   Devhon Keys (6-0, 230) and West Weeks (6-3, 233) will see playing time.  True freshman Charles Ross II (6-1, 212) is someone to watch for. Talented depth includes Zach Weeks (6-2, 218), Keylan Moses (6-2, 208), Tylen Singleton (6-1, 220) and Jaiden Braker (6-3, 217).





     CORNERBACK

    Could this 2025 group return LSU back to DBU status?  Ashton Stamps (6-0, 190) is CB1. Mansoor Delane (6-0, 191), a transfer from Virginia Tech will compete with true freshman DJ Pickett (6-4, 190) for the other starting spot.
   Talented Ja'Keem Jackson (6-0, 195)  transferred in from Florida and will see the field. Depth rounds out with PJ Woodland (5-11, 165) who had a solid freshman season in 2024, Michael Turner Jr. (6-1, 158), Aidan Anding (5-11, 167), Justin Echols (6-1, 200), Craig Walton Jr. (5-11, 175) and Walace Foster IV (5-10, 175). 






      SAFETY

   Once again, the safety position will be the question mark of the secondary. Tamarcus Cooley (6-0, 195) a transfer from NC State should start, while Jardin Gilbert (6-3, 205) and Dashawn Spears (6-3, 205) will compete for the other starting position.
   The versatile Javien Toviano will see the field. The depth rounds out with Austin Ausberry (6-0, 195), Joel Rogers (6-0, 198), CJ Jimcoily (6-3, 212), Jacob Bradford (5-11, 190), Jhase Thomas (6-1, 162), AJ Haulcy (6-0, 222) and Tyson Short (6-2, 198).






      SPECIAL TEAMS

   Place kicker Damian Ramos (6-2, 190) returns for final season. Ramos is as solid as it gets. The young man kicks with ice running through his veins. Very dependable in the clutch. 
   The punting game had its struggles last season, but the addition of Middle Tennessee transfer, Grant Chadwick (6-5, 205) could address the inconsistency issues. Punter Peyton Todd (6-5, 230) also returns for his junior season.
   Kickoff specialist Aeron Burrell (6-2, 195), who has one of the strongest legs in college football returns. He won All-SEC honors in 2024. 

    Zavion Thomas, Aaron Anderson and Barion Brown are all in the running to return kicks. While at Kentucky, Brown had a history of explosive returns , including multiple touchdowns and leading the SEC in return average. Thomas did an exceptional job of returning kicks for the Tigers in 2024. 



     2025 OUTLOOK

   Brian Kelly has said this is the best roster he's had since arriving in Baton Rouge. Anything less of qualifying for the CFP will be a huge disappointment. The roster is loaded with talent and depth, but the Tigers will face one of the toughest schedules in the country. 

   For the Tigers to return to the top of the SEC, Garrett Nussmeier must stay healthy and play at a high level. He must shine in the big games.  The rebuilt offensive line must gel quickly and stay healthy, showing major improvement in run blocking abilities. LSU must be able to run the football effectively and continue to provide outstanding pass protection.

   Blake Baker's defense must continue to show improvement and return to old style, super physical and suffocating LSU defense. They must avoid any and all mental break downs. Know and do your job on every play.

   They must get off to a fast start. LSU is 0-3 in season openers under Brian Kelly. They need to win the season opener on the road at Clemson, then take care of business against Florida at home in week 3. The Tigers must be 4-0 when they travel to Oxford on Saturday, September 27 to take on Ole Miss. The Tigers have finish 10-2 or better to earn a trip to Atlanta and a spot in the 12-team CFP.
   I feel like this program is ready to take the next big step under Brian Kelly, a very solid coaching staff and an abundance of talent and depth. If LSU can stay healthy and have the ball bounce their way with the blessings of the football gods in big games, I see them finishing 11-1 or 10-2. 

   It's almost that time Tigers Fans!!!   GEAUX TIGERS!!!

   Da Boot Sports thanks you for all of your support. Tell all of your family and friends about us and Please SUBSCRIBE to our Da Boot Sports YouTube Channel.
​

​John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior)

​*John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Da Boot Sports
7/18/2025
LSU Sports Communications
By: Michael Bonnette


   BATON ROUGE – Longtime LSU public address announcer Dan Borné will retire as the public address announcer for LSU football and men’s basketball, the University announced on Thursday.
   Borné served as LSU’s public address announcer in Tiger Stadium for 38 years and LSU men’s basketball games in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center for 36 years. LSU won three national championships and six SEC titles during his run as PA announcer in Death Valley.

   “I would like to thank LSU and our fans for so many seasons of fond memories,” Borne’ said. “It’s been a great honor and I deeply appreciate it. I’m 79 years old and it’s time to retire and return the microphone. I’ll be spending more time with our family and we’ll always bleed purple and gold!”

   Borne’ coined the phrase “chance of rain – never!” to compliment the long-standing LSU mythical tradition of it never raining in Tiger Stadium.

   As part of the transition from the end of the third quarter to the fourth quarter, Borne’ got the Tiger Stadium crowd into a frenzy by proclaiming, “the sun has found its home in the western sky. It is now Saturday Night in Death Valley!”

   Borne’ has been behind the Tiger Stadium microphone for some of the great moments in program history and has been the Death Valley voice for two Heisman Trophy winners in Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels.

   “Dan’s legacy and his booming voice in Tiger Stadium will never be forgotten,” LSU Director of Athletics Scott Woodward said. “Each Saturday night during the fall for 38 years, Dan’s voice was a big part of helping create the best atmosphere in college football.

   “We are truly appreciative for Dan’s passion, his love of LSU football and helping create countless memories through the years for fans of all ages in Tiger Stadium.”

   LSU will honor Borne’ for his decades of service during an LSU football game this fall and a men’s basketball game later in the season.

​   A search for the next LSU football and men’s basketball PA Announcer will begin immediately.

Da Boot Sports
7/14/2025
By: Da Boot Sports Staff


   ATLANTA, GA - Brian Kelly opened the 2025 SEC Football Media Day in Atlanta on Monday morning. Kelly is beginning his 4th year as the head coach of the Bayou Bengals and expectations are sky high for 2025.  Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, Wide Receiver Chris Hilton Jr. and Linebacker Whit Weeks also traveled to Atlanta to represented the purple & gold at the event. 

   LSU will open the 2025 football season on Saturday, August 30 at Clemson. Kickoff is set for 6:30pm CST and will be televised on ABC. 

Brian Kelly at 2025 SEC Football Media Day Below

Whit Weeks at 2025 SEC Football Media Day Below

Chris Hilton Jr. at 2025 SEC Football Media Day Below

Garrett Nussmeier at 2025 SEC Football Media Day Below

Da boot Sports
7/8/2025
LSU Sports Communications
By: Michael Bonnette


​   BATON ROUGE – Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr. and linebacker Whit Weeks will join LSU head coach Brian Kelly at SEC Media Day next week when the four-day event is held in downtown Atlanta.  
 
   SEC Media Days takes place Monday, July 14 through Thursday, July 17 at the Omni Hotel and the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. LSU will be joined on day one by Ole Miss, South Carolina and Vanderbilt. LSU’s rotation runs from 8 a.m. CT until 11:45 a.m.
 
   Fans can follow along on the SEC Network as they will provide coverage throughout the day on their various shows including SEC This Morning, SEC Now and The Paul Finebaum Show. LSU will also provide behind-the-scenes coverage from media day on its official social media channels.
 
   Nussmeier becomes only the third quarterback in LSU history to make two appearances at SEC Media Days, joining
Jordan Jefferson (2010-11) and Zach Mettenberger (2012-13). Nussmeier joined Heisman Trophy winner Joe Burrow as the only players in program history to eclipse the 4,000-yard passing mark last year when he accounted for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns in his first year as a starter.
 
   Now in his fifth season at LSU, Nussmeier enters his senior season ranked No. 9 in program history for career passing yards (5,772) and tied for No. 5 in passing TDs (40). Last year, Nussmeier led LSU to a 9-4 mark capped with a win over Baylor in the Texas Bowl.
 
   Hilton enters his fifth season with the Tigers with 31 career receptions for 658 yards and six touchdowns. In an injury-shortened season a year ago, Hilton caught nine passes for 243 yards and three TDs. He capped his junior season with four receptions for 113 yards and a 41-yard touchdown in the win over Baylor in the bowl game.
 
   Weeks, who is now in his third season as a starting linebacker for the Tigers, ranked No. 2 in the SEC in total tackles in 2024 with 125 to his credit. He added 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks and created three turnovers. Weeks earned SEC Defensive Player of the Week honors twice in 2024, the first following LSU’s 29-26 overtime win over Ole Miss in Tiger Stadium. In that game, Weeks posted a career-best 18 tackles to go along with 2.0 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a sack.
 
   Weeks, a first-team All-SEC selection last year and a preseason All-America heading into 2025, also earned SEC Player of the Week honors after tallying 17 tackles and a sack in the 37-17 win over Oklahoma.
 
   LSU reports to camp later this month to begin preseason practice in advance of the season-opener at Clemson on Aug. 30 in what is expected to be a Top 10 matchup.
 
   The following is a listing of LSU’s all-time list of participants at SEC Media Days dating back to 1989:
 
Year      Coach                                 Players
1989      Mike Archer                      Karl Dunbar, Tommy Hodson
1990      Mike Archer                     Mark Boutte, Harvey Williams
1991      Curley Hallman               Todd Kinchen, Derriel McCorvey
1992      Curley Hallman               Carlton Buckels, Darron Landry
1993      Curley Hallman               Kevin Mawae, Corey White
1994      Curley Hallman               Brett Bech, Ivory Hilliard
1995      Gerry DiNardo                 Gabe Northern, Sheddrick Wilson
1996      Gerry DiNardo                 Ben Bordelon, Denard Walker
1997      Gerry DiNardo                 Adam Perry, Chuck Wiley
1998      Gerry DiNardo                 Todd McClure, Anthony McFarland
1999      Gerry DiNardo                 Larry Foster, Johnny Mitchell
2000      Nick Saban                        Fred Booker, Louis Williams
2001      Nick Saban                        Rohan Davey, Trev Faulk
2002      Nick Saban                        Bradie James, LaBrandon Toefield
2003      Nick Saban                        Chad Lavalais, Stephen Peterman
2004      Nick Saban                        Corey Webster, Ben Wilkerson
2005      Les Miles                            Joseph Addai, Kyle Williams
2006      Les Miles                            Dwayne Bowe, LaRon Landry
2007      Les Miles                            Early Doucet, Glenn Dorsey
2008      Les Miles                            Brett Helms, Tyson Jackson
2009      Les Miles                            Ciron Black, Jacob Cutrera
2010      Les Miles                            Jordan Jefferson, Patrick Peterson, Kelvin Sheppard
2011      Les Miles                            Ryan Baker, T-Bob Hebert, Jordan Jefferson
2012      Les Miles                            Odell Beckham Jr., Zach Mettenberger, Eric Reid
2013      Les Miles                            Jarvis Landry, Craig Loston, Zach Mettenberger
2014      Les Miles                            La’el Collins, Terrence Magee, D.J. Welter
2015      Les Miles                            Vadal Alexander, Kendell Beckwith, Leonard Fournette
2016      Les Miles                            Ethan Pocic, Leonard Fournette, Tre’Davious White
2017      Ed Orgeron                       DJ Chark, Derrius Guice, Christian LaCouture
2018      Ed Orgeron                       Foster Moreau, Rashard Lawrence, Devin White
2019      Ed Orgeron                       Joe Burrow, Lloyd Cushenberry, Grant Delpit
2020      No Media Days due to Covid
2021      Ed Orgeron                       Austin Deculus, Ed Ingram, Derek Stingley Jr.
2022      Brian Kelly                        Jack Bech, Mike Jones Jr., BJ Ojulari
2023      Brian Kelly                        Jayden Daniels, Josh Williams, Mekhi Wingo
2024      Brian Kelly                        Garrett Nussmeier, Harold Perkins, Mason Taylor
2025      Brian Kelly                        Garrett Nussmeier, Chris Hilton Jr., Whit Weeks
 

Da Boot Sports
7/4/2025
By: Da Boot Sports Staff


   BATON ROUGE, LA - With LSU's 2025 Fall Football Camp around the corner, we will begin a refresher review of the new Tigers who have joined the Bayou Bengals.

   One of the newest Tigers to arrive on the LSU campus is cornerback DJ Pickett. The 6'4" 190 lb Pickett is the top-rated player in LSU's 2025 signing class. He is a consensus five star prospect who was rated the nation's no. 1 cornerback by On3 & Rivals. Pickett is not only a solid lockdown corner, but was also a dangerous weapon on the offensive side of the ball in high school as well, catching 130 passes for 2,577 yards with 25 touchdowns. He attended Zephyrhills High School in Zephyrhills, Florida. DJ is expected to make an immediate impact in the LSU secondary. 

​John 14:6 - "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me." (Accept Jesus as your Lord and Savior)

​*John 3;16 - For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.