Draft Scout LSU Player News, College Football: LSU

2024 CFB/2025-2028 NFL Draft Scout

- Draft Scout Front Page Draft Scout Top 12 NFL Prospect Teams for 2025 (Based on NFL Team Preseason Scouting Grades)

- #1 Oregon (17 players in Top 350 Overall) - #2 Michigan (14) - #3 Ohio State (14) - #4 Georgia (13) - #5 Texas (11) - #6 Notre Dame (11) - #7 Penn State (10) - #8 Iowa (10) - #9 Mississippi (9) - #10 Florida State (9) - #11 Virginia Tech (9) - #12 Miami (9) - 2024-2028 CFB 5* Star Recruits - 2024-2028 FBS/FCS Team Lists/Rosters - CFB's Best Player Names By Year/Position - Draft Scout Player Directory A-Z - Players by School/College List A-Z - End of 2023 Season Risers - End of 2023 Season Fallers - CFB Player News & Notes - Draft Scout Rokfin Football Channel - Draft Scout Weekly - Phil Steele/Draft Scout - Contact Draft Scout Player Rankings by Conference: -ACC- | -American Athletic- | -Big 12- | -Big Ten- | -Conference USA- | -Independent- | -Mid-American- | -Mountain West- | -Pac-12- | -SEC- | -Sun Belt-

2023 CFB/2024-2027 NFL Draft Scout

- Draft Scout Front Page - 2024 NFL Draft Tracker/Results - 2024 Pro Timing Days/Results - 2024 Pro Timing Day Risers by Position - 2024 Pro Timing Day Fallers by Position - 2024 NFL Combine - Josh Buchanan's 2024 Top 100 Small School Prospects - End of Season Risers - End of Season Fallers - 2024 NFL Draft Underclassmen - 2024 Senior Bowl - 2024 East-West Shrine - 2024 Hula Bowl - 2024 HBCU Legacy Bowl - 2023 CFB Bowl Games/Playoffs - CFB Player News & Notes 12/03 Final CFB Playoff Top 12
- #1 Michigan - #2 Washington - #3 Texas - #4 Alabama - #5 Florida State - #6 Georgia - #7 Ohio State - #8 Oregon - #9 Missouri - #10 Penn State - #11 Mississippi - #12 Oklahoma - 2023-2027 FBS/FCS Team Lists/Rosters - CFB's Best Player Names By Year/Position - Draft Scout Player Directory A-Z - Players by School/College List A-Z - Draft Scout Rokfin Football Channel - Draft Scout Weekly - Phil Steele/Draft Scout - Contact Draft Scout Player Rankings by Conference: -ACC- | -American Athletic- | -Big 12- | -Big Ten- | -Conference USA- | -Independent- | -Mid-American- | -Mountain West- | -Pac-12- | -SEC- | -Sun Belt-

NFL Draft Scout History

- 1997 Coach Bill Walsh Draft Insider (First/Early NFL Draft Scout) - 2023 NFL Draft Tracker/Results - 2023 Undrafted by Position - 2023 Pro Timing Days/Results - 2023 Pro Timing Day Risers by Position - Draft Scout Evolve: Player Rating Changes - 2023 NFL Combine - Draft Scout CFB Risers - Draft Scout CFB Fallers - 2023 NFL Draft Underclassmen - 2023-26 #1 Georgia Bulldogs - 2023-26 #3 TCU Horned Frogs - 2022-23 CFB Bowl Schedule - EA College Football Game Pushed Back to 2024 - CFB Schedule/Roster/News Links - CFB Player Injury News & Notes - CFB Injuries by Year/Position

2022 Draft Scout

- 2022 NFL Draft Tracker - 2022 Pro Timing Days/Results - 2022 Pro Timing Day Risers by Position - 2022 NFL Combine/Results - 2022 NFL Combine Risers by Position - 2022 NFL Draft Underclassmen - 2021 Draft Scout Top 100

Draft Scout by Conference

2023 Draft Scout Offense

2023 Draft Scout Defense

2022 Draft Scout Offense

2022 Draft Scout Defense

Draft Scout College Football Player News: LSU

Previous 15 Notes

Next 15 Notes

01/09/23 - JK Johnson, rJr/2026, LSU + More +

Less than a week after entering the transfer portal, former Ohio State football cornerback JK Johnson has a new destination. Somewhat predictably, the former top-50 prospect is headed south. Johnson announced Sunday he will play at LSU. In doing so he joins Sevyn Banks as former Buckeye cornerbacks to head to the bayou in the past two years. Johnson started five games last season as top cornerbacks Denzel Burke and Cam Brown both dealt with injuries. He recorded 20 tackles and played in all 12 regular-season games but did not play a defensive snap in the Peach Bowl playoff semifinal against Georgia. - Cleveland Plain Dealer

rJr/2026

CB JK Johnson, LSU
News Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer
Share/Comment: Here

01/08/23 - Zavion Thomas, Jr/2026, LSU + More +

The latest transfer portal addition for Mississippi State football and new coach Zach Arnett features a familiar face. Zavion Thomas, who entered the portal in December, has removed his name, according to On3. Despite catching just two catches for four yards as a freshman, Thomas was an integral part of the Bulldogs' success this season. He quickly emerged as a noteworthy contributor in preseason practices before making his mark on special teams during the year. Thomas returned 15 punts for an average just below 14 yards per return, second in the SEC to Kool-Aid McKinstry.

Thomas' 63-yard punt return touchdown against No. 1 Georgia was a highlight in his season. Thomas is a Marrero, Louisiana, native who attended John Ehret High School. He was a four-star prospect, according to the 247Sports Composite rankings, whose lone Power 5 offers came from Louisville and MSU. He also earned offers from Liberty, Louisiana and Memphis, among others. Thomas' role in the receiver is expected to increase, though what the offense looks like remains to be seen. Arnett has yet to hire an offensive coordinator since taking over following Mike Leach's death. - The Clarion Ledger

Jr/2026

WR Zavion Thomas, LSU
News Source: The Clarion Ledger
Share/Comment: Here

01/08/23 - JK Johnson, rJr/2026, LSU + More +

JK Johnson started five games for Ohio State football this past season, but his next game will come in a different uniform. Johnson entered his name in the NCAA transfer portal on Tuesday. Cleveland.com confirmed the development, first reported by 247 Sports. Johnson, a redshirt freshman, started five games in a six-game stretch. The St. Louis native came off the bench to play 33 snaps against Michigan in the regular-season finale. However, he played no defensive snaps last Saturday in the playoff semifinal against Georgia.

Johnson was credited with 20 tackles, but no other pass defense statistics. Injury sidelined him for most of his true freshman season. However, he was one of the few members of the cornerback room to avoid injury issues in preseason camp and into the season, which opened up his larger role. - Cleveland Plain Dealer

rJr/2026

CB JK Johnson, LSU
News Source: Cleveland Plain Dealer
Share/Comment: Here

01/07/23 - *Anthony Bradford, Jr/2023, LSU + More +

LSU offensive lineman Anthony Bradford declared for the 2023 NFL Draft after breaking into the lineup with 12 starts this season. Bradford, a redshirt junior, announced his decision Friday in an Instagram post. Bradford signed as a four-star recruit from Michigan. A backup for two years, he started five times as a redshirt sophomore, then didn't appear in the final month of the 2021 regular season and missed spring practice.

Once Bradford returned, he earned a key role on LSU's offensive line with his versatility and size at 6-foot-5 and 345 pounds. He eventually settled at guard and started the final 10 games of the season. LSU won't bring back its entire starting offensive line without Bradford, but it has options to replace him. Sophomore guard Garrett Dellinger started five games before injuries sidelined him in the middle of the season and could slide into the spot. - Baton Rouge Advocate

Jr/2023

OG *Anthony Bradford, LSU
News Source: Baton Rouge Advocate
Share/Comment: Here

01/05/23 - Jay Bramblett, rSr/2024, LSU + More +

Starting LSU punter Jay Bramblett announced Wednesday he will return for a fifth season after being one of the lone bright spots on a troubled special-teams unit this season. Bramblett, a Notre Dame transfer last year, averaged 44.5 yards per punt. He had 18 punts downed inside the 20-yard line. The Tuscaloosa, Alabama, native has one more season of eligibility. Bramblett's return ensures LSU will have some continuity after remaking the special-teams units, which struggled throughout the season. While the Tigers also have redshirt freshman Peyton Todd, they haven't signed a specialist in the 2023 class. - Baton Rouge Advocate

rSr/2024

P Jay Bramblett, LSU
News Source: Baton Rouge Advocate
Share/Comment: Here

01/04/23 - Mike Jones Jr., rJr/2023, LSU + More +

LSU backup linebacker and team captain Mike Jones said after the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl he will declare for the 2023 NFL Draft instead of returning for a sixth season of college football. On the field after the 63-7 win Monday, Jones told The Advocate he had played his last game and would "take my talents to the league." "This is it," Jones later told WAFB. "The old dog's last walk around the park. Go Tigers, forever."

Jones transferred to LSU in 2021 after three seasons at Clemson, where he had played as a hybrid linebacker/safety. Jones wanted to move to inside linebacker, but he never consistently broke into the starting lineup in two seasons. After starting the first four games of the year, Jones slipped out of the linebacker rotation and primarily played special teams this season. He got to play more in the bowl game and made one tackle. Though Jones didn't appear as much on the field, he had a crucial role as one of three permanent captains while LSU transitioned to coach Brian Kelly. He was chosen to represent the team at Southeastern Conference media days in July. - Baton Rouge Advocate

rJr/2023

ILB Mike Jones Jr., LSU
News Source: Baton Rouge Advocate
Share/Comment: Here

01/02/23 - Malik Nabers, Jr/2024, LSU + More +

Malik Nabers threw for a touchdown, caught one and had 163 yards receiving in No. 16 LSU's 63-7 rout of Purdue in the Citrus Bowl on Monday. LSU never trailed against the Boilermakers, recording 594 yards of offense and concluding the scoring with Quad Wilson's 99-yard interception return for a touchdown. The Tigers (10-4) finished with at least 10 wins for the first time since the 2019 season, when Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson led undefeated LSU to a national title. The Boilermakers (8-6) were led by interim coach Brian Brohm after his brother, Jeff, left at the end of the regular season to take Louisville's head coaching job. Ryan Walters, formerly the defensive coordinator at Illinois, will now take over as Purdue's coach.

Purdue had an up-and-down year, starting 1-2 before rallying to win the Big Ten West and reach the conference title game, where it lost 43-22 to Michigan. The Boilermakers were playing in their first Citrus Bowl. LSU, after a year in which it beat Alabama and reached the Southeastern Conference title game, controlled the game from the start. And nothing changed when starting quarterback Jayden Daniels was relieved by backup Garrett Nussmeier. After punting on their first drive, the Tigers scored touchdowns on seven of their next eight possessions to take a 49-0 lead. Daniels led four scoring drives, going 12 of 17 for 139 yards and a touchdown. He also had 67 yards rushing and caught the TD pass from Nabers. Nussmeier finished 11 of 15 for 173 yards and two TDs. He threw a second-half interception, but LSU was already leading 42-0 at the time and the Tigers' defense followed by forcing a three-and-out. Nabers, LSU's leading receiver this season, had season highs in yards and catches (nine), and his TD toss wasn't even his most impressive pass of the day. After running wide on a jet sweep, he threw an on-target deep ball to Kyren Lacy for a 45-yard completion that set up a touchdown in the first half. - LSU/AP College Football

Jr/2024

WR Malik Nabers, LSU
News Source: LSU/AP College Football
Share/Comment: Here

01/02/23 - *Kayshon Boutte, Jr/2023, LSU + More +

Kayshon Boutte was "going back and forth pretty much all year" as he mulled his future before announcing he would return to LSU and then declaring for the NFL draft instead, Kelly said Sunday. Boutte first said Dec. 5 he would come back for his senior season, but he changed his mind three weeks later. Kelly said the talented wide receiver received "clarity" on his draft grade. "For him, he needed to get all that information, and once he did, he made the best decision for him," Kelly said. "We support him 100 percent. We're excited for him, and he's ready. He'll have a great career."

Boutte would not have played in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl against Purdue. He did not travel with the team, sources said, and LSU announced he was "unavailable" hours before Boutte said he would instead turn pro. When asked Sunday, Kelly declined to say why Boutte was unavailable for the game even before he declared for the draft. LSU had specified in a statement Boutte was enrolled for the spring semester before he reversed course. "Unavailable means I can't speak to some of the reasons behind it, or I would have been more specific," Kelly said. "When we issue a statement using the word 'unavailable,' we can't get into some of the specifics." - Baton Rouge Advocate

Jr/2023

WR *Kayshon Boutte, LSU
News Source: Baton Rouge Advocate
Share/Comment: Here

01/01/23 - Jayden Daniels, rSr/2024, LSU + More +

LSU football quarterback Jayden Daniels elaborated on his decision to return for the 2023 season on Saturday. Daniels, who transferred to LSU (9-4) from Arizona State this offseason, said he will be ready to play when No. 17 LSU faces Purdue (8-5) in the Citrus Bowl at Camping World Stadium on Monday (noon, ABC). "Ultimately, it was the best decision for me to come back and accomplish (more) in college," Daniels said. "I felt like I needed to grow (more) and I felt like I had unfinished business in college." "So I wanted to come back and compete for a national championship."

With Daniels back in the fold, LSU should at least have a national championship-contending caliber offense next season. Even with star wideout Kayshon Boutte's recent departure, the Tigers are expected to bring back their entire starting offensive line, leading rusher Josh Williams, starting tight end Mason Taylor and top pass catchers Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., plus a plethora of talented options behind that duo. For Monday, however, the Tigers may be a bit light on players for Daniels to throw to. With Boutte and Jaray Jenkins opting out for the NFL Draft and Jack Bech transferring to TCU, LSU will only have three scholarship wide receivers available: Nabers, Thomas and Kyren Lacy. - Lafayette Daily Advertiser

rSr/2024

QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
News Source: Lafayette Daily Advertiser
Share/Comment: Here

12/28/22 - *Kayshon Boutte, Jr/2023, LSU + More +

LSU receiver Kayshon Boutte has reconsidered his recent decision remain to remain with the Tigers in 2023 and will instead declare for the NFL draft. Boutte's announcement on a verified social media account Wednesday night came hours after coach Brian Kelly announced that Boutte wasn't available to play against Purdue in the Citrus Bowl on Monday, but was still enrolled for the spring semester. LSU confirmed that Boutte informed the Tigers he's leaving the team to turn pro. A social media post by Boutte in early December indicated that he intended to remain at LSU for the 2023 season.

The 6-foot, 190-pound Boutte caught 48 passes for 538 yards and two touchdowns this season, a relative down year for him as he returned from an ankle injury that sidelined him for about half of the previous season. But he stood out in 50-30 loss to No. 1 Georgia in the SEC Championship game, catching six passes for 107 yards and a TD. Boutte was having the makings of a big 2021 season before his injury, catching 38 passes for 509 yards and nine TDs in just six games. As a freshman in 2020, Boutte caught 45 passes for 735 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games. - AP College Football

Jr/2023

WR *Kayshon Boutte, LSU
News Source: AP College Football
Share/Comment: Here

12/28/22 - *Kayshon Boutte, Jr/2023, LSU + More +

LSU receiver Kayshon Boutte is not available to play against Purdue in the Citrus Bowl on Monday, Tigers coach Brian Kelly said Wednesday. Boutte, who is eligible for the 2023 NFL draft, remains enrolled at LSU for the spring semester, Kelly said. A social media post by Boutte in early December indicated that he intended to remain at LSU for the 2023 season.

The 6-foot, 190-pound Boutte caught 48 passes for 538 yards and two touchdowns this season, a relative down year for him as he returned from an ankle injury that sidelined him for about half of the previous season. But he shone in 50-30 loss to No. 1 Georgia in the SEC Championship game, catching six passes for 107 yards and a TD. Boutte was having the makings of a big 2021 season before his injury, catching 38 passes for 509 yards and nine TDs in just six games. As a freshman in 2020, Boutte caught 45 passes for 735 yards and five touchdowns in 10 games. - AP College Football

Jr/2023

WR *Kayshon Boutte, LSU
News Source: AP College Football
Share/Comment: Here

12/26/22 - Greg Brooks Jr., rSr/2024, LSU + More +

Starting defensive back Greg Brooks is coming back to LSU for one more season, he announced Friday. A versatile piece of the secondary, Brooks finished fourth on the team with 61 tackles. He also recorded two tackles for loss and one interception, which sealed LSU's 21-17 win over Auburn. Brooks, a Harvey native, began his career at Arkansas. He transferred to LSU after three seasons and instantly became a starter.

After opening the season at nickel, Brooks moved back to safety and established himself as a vital defender. He has one more year of eligibility. Brooks became the Tigers' third draft-eligible player this month to announce they were passing on the NFL draft. Wide receiver Kayshon Boutte and quarterback Jayden Daniels also returned to LSU. - Baton Rouge Advocate

rSr/2024

FS Greg Brooks Jr., LSU
News Source: Baton Rouge Advocate
Share/Comment: Here

12/24/22 - Jayden Daniels, rSr/2024, LSU + More +

The biggest domino of LSU's offseason has fallen as starting quarterback Jayden Daniels announced Thursday in a social media post he is returning for one more season instead of entering the 2023 NFL Draft. The catalyst of the offense with his dual-threat ability, Daniels led the Tigers to a Southeastern Conference Western Division title after transferring from Arizona State. LSU will now bring back almost its entire offense, which can often indicate a productive year ahead. "This has been an amazing ride and honestly, I am not ready to get off just yet," Daniels said in a statement. "That is why it is important that I announce I am returning for the 2023 season to fulfill the goal of an LSU Tiger and bring our fans another championship." While Daniels could have taken a chance in the draft, he can raise his stock if he stretches the improvements he made this year over an entire season.

Daniels, who transferred two weeks before spring practice, will have a complete offseason with his receivers to work on their chemistry before the opener Sept. 3 against Florida State. If the passing game continues to develop with Daniels, that bodes well for Year 2 under coach Brian Kelly. While some draft-eligible players haven't revealed decisions, the Tigers could return their quarterback, the entire starting offensive line, a loaded receiving corps, every running back and starting tight end Mason Taylor. "We accomplished a lot this year and exceeded many people's expectations even though we came up short of some of our goals," Daniels said. - Baton Rouge Advocate

rSr/2024

QB Jayden Daniels, LSU
News Source: Baton Rouge Advocate
Share/Comment: Here

12/24/22 - Ali Gaye, rSr/2023, LSU + More +

LSU fifth-year senior defensive end Ali Gaye will not play in the Citrus Bowl against Purdue, coach Brian Kelly announced during his radio show Wednesday night. Gaye finished the season with 36 tackles, six tackles for loss and 2 1/2 sacks. He forced two fumbles and deflected two passes. Kelly also confirmed junior defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy will not play in the game Jan. 2 in Orlando, Florida. Roy announced he was declaring for the 2023 NFL Draft on Tuesday. He finished this season with 49 tackles, 3 1/2 tackles for loss and an assisted sack. Without Gaye, Roy and junior edge rusher BJ Ojulari, who also declared for the draft, LSU is left with sophomore Mekhi Wingo as the only starting defensive lineman playing in the bowl game. - Baton Rouge Advocate

rSr/2023

DE Ali Gaye, LSU
News Source: Baton Rouge Advocate
Share/Comment: Here

12/22/22 - *Jaquelin Roy, Jr/2023, LSU + More +

After emerging as a starter in his third season, junior defensive tackle Jaquelin Roy declared Tuesday for the 2023 NFL Draft. Roy became the fifth eligible LSU player to turn pro early, and now the Tigers have to find more options at a position without much proven depth. He did not clarify his status for the Citrus Bowl. Roy, a Baton Rouge native, had two more years of eligibility. He followed senior defensive back Jay Ward, junior edge rusher BJ Ojulari and senior wide receiver Jaray Jenkins in declaring for the draft. Junior defensive back Mekhi Garner is also headed for the league after accepting an invitation to a postseason showcase. A rotational player his first two years, Roy turned into a key piece of the defensive line this season. Starting all but one game, Roy recorded 49 tackles, 3 ½ tackles for loss, three quarterback hurries and one fumble recovery. - Lafayette Daily Advertiser

Jr/2023