LSU Football

Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers are having a rough go of it in SEC play.

The team's losing streak increased to three in Week 12 when LSU fell on the road to Florida 27-16.

SET IT OFF

Presented by @WellsFargo pic.twitter.com/puEXJhhYhi

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) November 17, 2024

TOP 25 RIVALRY WIN SECURED 😤@GatorsFB x #SECFB pic.twitter.com/8CFnS4v9sI

— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) November 17, 2024

The teams entered halftime knotted at 10 but LSU was only able to muster two field goals in the second half. Florida, on the other hand produced two touchdowns and a field goal to secure the statement victory.

Gators quarterback DJ Lagway went 13-of-26 for 226 yards and a touchdown while Jadan Bagh paced the rush attack with six carries for 65 yards and a touchdown. Florida's offense had 340 total yards and did not have a single turnover.

Statistically, the Tigers should not have lost this game. The offense produced 370 yards and possessed the ball for an astronomical 40:44. However, an inability to capitalize in the red zone and numerous lost fumbles killed the team's chances at grabbing the victory.

Garrett Nussmeier went 25-of-43 for 243 yards and a touchdown but was unable to steer the team towards a key victory.

Fans took to social media to blast Kelly and debate whether he should be fired as the team's head coach.

Please don't damage our tables coach. pic.twitter.com/iN66QdkZYC

— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) November 17, 2024

This is by far the most inexcusable loss of the Brian Kelly era.

— Preston Guy (@PGuy77) November 16, 2024

I had no real expectations for LSU football this year. And somehow they’re still one of the more disappointing & poorly coached LSU teams I’ve ever watched.

2025 gonna be real make or break vibes for Brian Kelly.

— David Helman (@davidhelman_) November 16, 2024

We are one quarter away from potentially Brian Kelly having the hottest seat in the country pic.twitter.com/LaYeRAhyQk

— Lounge dawg(I am emotionally scarred) (@lounge_dawg) November 16, 2024

Buyout Brian Kelly. You’re still paying the best coach you’ve had in a decade and he can step right in with this team. pic.twitter.com/SbvGEtoXED

— 𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐡𝗼𝐧𝐲 𝐒𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐥𝗼 (@ViewsFromSant) November 10, 2024

Brian Kelly genuinely feels like the most unpleasant coach to play for

— KB (@Kboes45) November 16, 2024

Brian Kelly coaches like the players owe him or something.

— Spencer Paysinger (@PYSNGR) November 16, 2024

A Brian Kelly sideline when things aren’t going right is something else.

— Trevor McCue (@trevormccue) November 16, 2024

Brian Kelly when he walks into his office tomorrow. https://t.co/RuqTVgJUqh pic.twitter.com/bsNL3iXzGu

— RepublicanDore (@RepublicanDore) November 10, 2024

If I had $10 for every time Brian Kelly said “we gotta coach better” I could buyout his contract

— LSUMichaelScott (@LSUMichaelScott) November 16, 2024

Brian Kelly has absolutely lost this lsu team, players yelling at him,
Walking away from him…does anyone want to play for him?

— town2513 (@ntown2513) November 16, 2024

There are few things on this earth more satisfying than sideline shots of Brian Kelly when his team is losing

— Colin Moore (@cmre3850) November 16, 2024

Jayden deserves that Heisman for producing like he did in a Brian Kelly offense

— double aunt andre (@gaidenchapter) November 16, 2024

brian kelly playing conservative is gonna lose them this game

— isolation scorer (@nicklikeskicks) November 16, 2024

NOW can we talk about Brian Kelly ???

— Shane Patton (@ShanetheSomm) November 16, 2024

Can LSU please get rid of Brian Kelly. They’re so much more fun when he’s not there

— DepressedDaboll (@newyorksports71) November 16, 2024

Brian Kelly shouldn't be able to have a job any more he is absolutely putrid

— Connor Joseph🐻🐻🪓 (@connor_riecks18) November 16, 2024

Fire Brian Kelly the OC and DC please I CANT take this

— Simon (@Ownedby35) November 16, 2024

https://twitter.com/exhoopsPRguy/status/1857929794710560828

LSU done. Honestly I’m kinda glad so Brian Kelly can be fired

— Chris (@oldblacktshirt) November 16, 2024

Billy Napier reinforcing why he should keep his job on the same day Brian Kelly reinforces why he shouldn’t have a job is CRAZY

— Carter Smith (@thisthecarter3) November 16, 2024

The loss broke a seven-year streak of 10-or-more win seasons for Kelly as the team moves to 6-4 on the season. It also squashes any potential playoff hopes, although those were already slim heading into Saturday.

The Tigers will shift focus toward securing the best Bowl bid possible and striving to finish the season with wins over Vanderbilt and Oklahoma.

At least one NFL scout believes LSU's Garrett Nussmeier will be the top quarterback available in the 2025 draft.

"I do think he's the most talented," the veteran scout told Bruce Feldman of The Athletic in Thursday's article. "If I were a GM, I would pick him over all these guys. He just needs to play a lot more. I think he's seeing things that he's never seen before. He's got 11 starts and it's starting to show. (Texas A&M coach Mike) Elko did some stuff to him, and he looks confused."

This is Nussmeier's first season as a full-time starter, and there have been plenty of ups and downs.

While he led the Tigers to an overtime victory over Ole Miss behind three touchdown passes, he also has a combined three touchdown passes to five interceptions in the last two games. Both of those contests were losses to Texas A&M and Alabama, which likely has LSU on the outside looking in when it comes to College Football Playoff chances.

In all, he has completed 62.7 percent of his passes for 2,866 yards, 21 touchdowns and 11 interceptions on the year, although those numbers are bolstered by his six touchdown passes in an easy win over Nicholls.

Still, the idea of Nussmeier being an early draft pick is picking up steam.

Earlier this month, B/R's NFL Scouting Department released its latest mock draft that projected him as the No. 6 overall pick and third quarterback selected. Colorado's Shedeur Sanders went No. 3 overall, while Miami's Cam Ward went No. 5 overall.

The mock draft highlighted Nussmeier's strong arm but pointed out he still needs to work on consistency when it comes to his decision-making.

Perhaps he will demonstrate more of that down the stretch and solidify his spot as a top prospect.

Two SEC schools were fined by the conference after incidents that occurred over the weekend.

The SEC announced Monday that LSU will pay a $250,000 fine "for interruption of its contest against Alabama when fans threw debris onto the field" in a loss to Alabama on Saturday.

While LSU's fine came because of a moment of frustration for fans, Ole Miss will pay a fine for what its fans did in a moment of celebration. The school incurred a $250,000 fine because its fans stormed the field and will pay an additional fine of $100,000 because its fans entered the field before the end of the game.

The Rebels upset Georgia 28-10.

During the Tigers' 42-13 blowout loss to Alabama, their fans reacted to the officials not calling what they believed to be a facemask call by throwing garbage onto the field.

LSU fans throwing stuff on the field after refs call face mask to nullify third down sack on Milroe pic.twitter.com/YTIK1FbQxd

— Nick Kelly (@_NickKelly) November 10, 2024

While that call turned out to be inconsequential to a game that was already out of hand, it ended up leaving LSU with a massive fine to pay. Along with the fine, fans who participated in the heaving of garbage could be facing punishment.

According to the SEC, LSU is required to do the following:

• "Be required to use all available resources, including security, stadium and television video, to identify individuals who threw objects onto the playing field or at the opposing team. All individuals identified as having been involved in disrupting the game shall be prohibited from attending LSU Athletics events for the remainder of the 2024-25 academic and athletic year;"

• "Review and update its Athletics Department game management procedures and alcohol availability policies to prevent a recurrence of Saturday night's disruption, which shall include an evaluation of agreed upon SEC Sportsmanship, Game Management and Alcohol policies to verify full compliance with existing standards, and"
• "Following completion of this review, the University shall provide a report to the Conference Office to summarize its efforts to identify and penalize offenders and its plan to enact policies to prevent future similar incidents while ensuring compliance with Conference standards."

The conference said it will not suspend alcohol sales privileges at LSU but "reserves the right to do so if other requirements outlined above are not met."

Ole Miss' $350,000 fine comes because it is the school's second offense of the conference's policies on storming the field. Its first offense came last year when the Rebels beat LSU. Ole Miss would have gotten away with just a $250,000 fine had it not been for fans storming the field 16 seconds early.

Ole Miss rushed the field 16 seconds early against Georgia 😭 pic.twitter.com/kGusaXhcTD

— ESPN (@espn) November 10, 2024

The win for Ole Miss was massive, as it kept the Rebels College Football Playoff hopes alive despite having losses to Kentucky and LSU already on their record. Ole Miss now has a win over one of the top teams in the SEC and could be up for CFP consideration if it takes care of business against Florida and Mississippi State to close out the year.

The University of Michigan has reportedly made highly touted quarterback recruit Bryce Underwood a massive name, image and likeness contract offer in hopes of getting him to flip his commitment from LSU.

Richard Johnson of CBS Sports reported this week that while On3 initially reported the offer to be in the neighborhood of $5 million, it is actually closer to a $10 million NIL offer over the course of multiple seasons.

Underwood, who is rated by 247Sports as the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2025 recruiting class, committed to LSU back in January.

The dual-threat signal-caller plays at Belleville High School in Belleville, Michigan, which is only about a half-hour drive from the University of Michigan campus in Ann Arbor.

Underwood has been on the national radar as a top recruit ever since his freshman season in 2021 when he was named MaxPreps National Freshman of the Year after throwing for 2,888 yards with 39 touchdowns and four interceptions en route to a state championship.

He followed that up with 2,762 yards and 37 touchdowns through the air in 2022, and 3,329 yards, 44 touchdowns and three picks last season.

Per Johnson, Underwood is currently in the midst of the state playoffs and is going for his third career state championship after throwing six touchdown passes in a first-round win.

Johnson also reported that there were some rumblings Underwood would be in attendance for Michigan's game against Oregon last week, but he was not present.

That may have been for the best since the Ducks crushed the Wolverines 38-17 on their own home turf.

Quarterback has been a massive issue for Michigan this season, as new head coach Sherrone Moore has struggled to replace J.J. McCarthy after he made the leap to the NFL.

Davis Warren, Alex Orji and the now-retired Jack Tuttle have all seen significant action for the Wolverines this season, but none have been able to establish themselves as the clear answer under center.

Conversely, LSU has gotten solid play out of Garrett Nussmeier, who has replaced 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels after he went No. 2 overall to the Washington Commanders in the 2024 NFL draft.

LSU has shown it has a system capable of getting the most out of quarterbacks, but Michigan was a juggernaut last season with a quality quarterback, going undefeated and winning the national championship.

ESPN College Gameday returns to Baton Rouge, Lousiana on Saturday, home of the No. 15 LSU Tigers, who will host the No. 11 Alabama Tigers in the weekend's highest-stakes match-up.

College Football Playoff contention is on the line between the two 6-2 teams, making the game more meaningful as neither is likely to make it in with three losses.

ESPN College GameDay is headed to Baton Rouge for Alabama @ LSU next Saturday:

(via @CollegeGameDay) pic.twitter.com/LXNywnC2RQ

— Sidelines - Bama (@SSN_Alabama) November 2, 2024

Who leaves the game with a much-needed victory and which of coach Nick Saban's former teams will see their hopes and dreams of a national title evaporate when the final whistle blows?

Find out with this preview and prediction.

But first, all of the info you need for Saturday morning's Gameday.

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Info

Date: Saturday, November 9

Time: 9:00 a.m.

Location: The Quad at LSU in Baton Rouge

TV: ESPN, ESPN U

Streaming: ESPN+

Crew: Rece Davis, Kirk Herbstreit, Lee Corso, Desmond Howard, Pat McAfee, Saban, Pete Thamel, Stanford Steve, Jen Lada, and Jess Sims

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Special Celebrity Guest Picker(s)

What's better than one national champion? How about two national champions? 🤩

We're so excited to have @Paul_Skenes and @livvydunne as our guest pickers this weekend at LSU! 🐯 pic.twitter.com/gIa33GCOxG

— College GameDay (@CollegeGameDay) November 7, 2024

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Alabama vs. LSU Prediction

The Crimson Tide defense could be the difference in Saturday's showdown.

Ranked fifth in the nation in team takeaways, they have tallied 10 in their last three games. The defense responsible for those staggering numbers is likely champing at the bit to face Tigers quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who has tossed seven interceptions in his last four games.

If he continues that trend, the showdown in Baton Rouge will not be close and the home team's dreams of a playoff appearance will go up in smoke.

The Tigers are a pass-first offense. When pressed in a scenario where the offense has to come back from a deficit quickly, Nussmeier throws into tight coverage and turns the ball over, as evidenced by his last four performances. It typically occurs during a dropback and/or is accompanied by some sort of pass rush, even if the defender does not get near him.

Here is every Garrett Nussmeier interception this season (plus 1 that was called back for penalty).

What do you notice in the 9 official giveaways this season? pic.twitter.com/wKngxFGV44

— Joe Gaither (@JoeGaither6) November 8, 2024

Alabama's coaching staff likely knows that and will do one of two things: either take the passing game away and force the Tigers to try and win the game on the ground or disguise coverage to confuse the quarterback and get him to sling the ball into tight spots and give the defense a chance to win the game.

The rivalry itself has been one-sided of late, with Alabama dominating to the tune of an 8-2 record against LSU. That said, the Tigers won a one-point thriller the last time the two teams met up in Baton Rouge.

There has been no real pattern in closeness, with some games decided within a range of one-to-three points and others, complete blowouts.

Given the unfavorable match-up for the Tigers and their weaknesses, this may trend toward the latter.

Expect a close game early, maybe into the half, before Nussmeier dials up one of those passing plays that end up in the hands of a player in the other jersey and the downfall commences.

Alabama wins, 37-20

As ESPN's College GameDay heads to LSU on Saturday ahead of the team's clash against Alabama, an iconic Tigers couple will be making a special appearance.

Per On3.com's Pete Nakos, LSU gymnast Livvy Dunne and former pitcher Paul Skenes, who now stars with the Pittsburgh Pirates in MLB, will be the guest pickers for the show. It will be the show's first pair of guest pickers for the 2024 season.

Dunne expressed her excitement on social media:

Can’t wait!!! Let’s geaux https://t.co/elQzPjjbYe

— Olivia Dunne (@livvydunne) November 7, 2024

Prior to becoming one of the most impressive rookie pitchers MLB has seen in years, Skenes helped lead LSU to a College World Series title and was named the tournament's Most Outstanding Player. He also earned the Dick Howser Trophy, given annually to the national pitcher of the year.

The Pirates selected Skenes first overall in the 2023 MLB draft and he established himself as a franchise cornerstone this season, going 11-3 in 23 starts with a 1.96 ERA, a 0.95 WHIP and 170 strikeouts, breaking the team record for strikeouts in a single season by a rookie. The 22-year-old was just the fifth rookie ever to be named a starting pitcher in the MLB All-Star Game.

Dunne was a rotational piece for LSU's national championship gymnastics team last season. She is also an influencer with a massive social media following of over 10 million.

LSU will be looking to bounce back from a 38-23 loss against Texas A&M when it meets Alabama on Saturday. Both teams have 6-2 records, and the Crimson Tide hold the No. 11 spot in the first College Football Playoff rankings while the Tigers sit at No. 15.

Still, it will be a no-brainer which team Skenes and Dunne will be picking to be victorious in Saturday's SEC showdown.

After LSU's 38-23 loss to Texas A&M on Saturday night, fans criticized head coach Brian Kelly and starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier for the No. 8 Tigers' defeat against the No. 14 Aggies at Kyle Field in College Station, Texas.

Both teams entered Saturday's game with one loss, but after LSU's defeat, they fell to 6-2, while Texas A&M improved to 7-1, marking their seventh consecutive win.

Texas A&M is the ONLY team undefeated in SEC play 🔥@AggieFootball pic.twitter.com/LFiIbNUGjF

— SEC Network (@SECNetwork) October 27, 2024

With a 17-7 lead at halftime, the Tigers managed just one touchdown in the second half while allowing the Aggies to score 31 points after the break.

Nussmeier completed 25-of-50 passes for 405 yards, throwing three interceptions, two passing touchdowns and adding one rushing touchdown. Wide receiver Aaron Anderson contributed 126 yards on three receptions, including one touchdown.

🎱 just doin' what he does.

📺 ABC#GigEm | #BTHOlsu pic.twitter.com/EwXjGswPip

— Texas A&M Football (@AggieFootball) October 27, 2024

On the other side of the ball, Aggies quarterback Marcel Reed replaced Conner Weigman in the third quarter, completing 2-of-2 passes for 70 yards with no interceptions, and adding 62 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Weigman exited the game completing 6-of-18 passes for 64 yards.

Now in his third year with LSU after a 12-year tenure at Notre Dame, Kelly has left Tigers fans unimpressed with his struggles to deliver in prime-time moments.

A Brian Kelly coached team struggling in a prime time road game? Wow, never seen this before… pic.twitter.com/wC7obkAY74

— Joe Spears🏈🏀 (@joe_spears7) October 27, 2024

Brian Kelly in big games pic.twitter.com/OQByDWfHGv

— Cody (@SmashHitsSports) October 27, 2024

When LSU fans realize Brian Kelly is still Brian Kelly: pic.twitter.com/ORXtTIoQ24

— DawgsForever 🏆🏆 (@dawgs_forever) October 27, 2024

Brian Kelly in big games 😂 pic.twitter.com/Zvd9ZDSzq2

— SleeperCFB (@SleeperCFB) October 27, 2024

Can’t spell Brian Kelly without 2 L’s pic.twitter.com/0Q9Ux09GC1

— Dougie Sant (@dougiesant) October 27, 2024

It warms my heart to see Brian Kelly lose a huge game. pic.twitter.com/JRDciUTxsz

— Mark Clem (@mclem5322) October 27, 2024

https://twitter.com/Tiger__Vibes/status/1850379242464592223

We’re primed for a Brian Kelly crash out for the ages. Just hope all the kids stay safe. https://t.co/6dWAqu3Cx4

— Shelton Stephens (@SheltonStep) October 27, 2024

The Tigers head into a bye week as the Aggies head to South Carolina to take on the Gamecocks next Saturday.

The No. 9 ranked Ole Miss Rebels fell to the No. 13 ranked LSU Tigers in overtime, 29-26, on Saturday. Starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier led the charge, completing 22 of 51 passes for 337 yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning completion.

IT'S A PARTY

TIGERS WIN pic.twitter.com/c7UvG98SCw

— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) October 13, 2024

After trailing throughout regulation, Nussmeier turned the tide to upset Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss in a tightly contested game in which the Rebels led 17-13 at halftime.

The Tigers charged back with under a minute left in regulation, evening out the score 23-23 to send it into overtime at home.

Ole Miss failed to reach the end zone on its opening drive in overtime, but Caden Davis nailed a 57-yard field goal to give them a 26-23 edge over the Tigers, forcing LSU's hand on the next possession.

Celebrated 100 Years with 100,000 of the best 🎉 pic.twitter.com/ExviLfJSAK

— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) October 13, 2024

The Tigers responded quickly, scoring in one play as Nussmeier connected with Karen Lacy for a 25-yard touchdown to seal the game.

Fans quickly stormed the field and stormed social media after the nail-biter.

LSU WALKS IT OFF IN OVERTIME IN AN INSTANT CLASSIC 🐯

WHAT A DAY OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL pic.twitter.com/oBw3VtB87b

— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) October 13, 2024

Nussmeier might be QB1 in the draft. He’s been ballin

— CK (@CK_3108) October 13, 2024

Kicker for Ole Miss thought he had ice in his veins until Nussmeier called game. What a football game in Baton Rouge

— Troy Hill (@TroyHill96) October 13, 2024

It’s over. Nussmeier to Lacy 25 TD pass and LSU wins in OT. What a finish! What a game! What a day! With two more to go in Boulder and Honolulu.

— John McClain (@McClain_on_NFL) October 13, 2024

The Garrett Nussmeier Heisman campaign is underway. @FemiAbebefe

— Mackenzie Kraemer (@MackNova) October 13, 2024

The rapid rising QB I want everyone to watch tonight:

Garrett Nussmeier (LSU)

▫️Son of pro QB Coach Doug Nussmeier
▫️Backed up Jayden Daniels in '22 and '23
▫️Started their bowl game last season - one of the best single games in school history
▫️The 2024 tape is up there there…

— David Syvertsen (@Ourlads_Sy) October 12, 2024

Nobody in college football has made more NFL throws this season than Garrett Nussmeier. And it might not be close

— Charles Power (@CharlesPower) October 13, 2024

Excuse me while I fill out my “Nussmeier Apology Form”.

— JMac (@Cajun_Potato) October 13, 2024

The Tigers, now 5-1, will face Arkansas on the road next Saturday as they seek to maintain their momentum.

Former LSU safety Greg Brooks Jr. has filed a lawsuit against the school and its affiliated medical center for negligence.

In the lawsuit filed in East Baton Rouge Parish and obtained by Yahoo Sports' Ross Dellenger, Brooks has accused Tigers coaches of threatening to take away his starting job while he was ill and said team trainers did not appropriately diagnose his condition and refused to recommend him to a neurological specialist for weeks.

Brooks also alleged he suffered "catastrophic neurological injuries" and said he is "permanently disabled" from brain surgery he had at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge.

A team captain for LSU going into the 2023 season, Brooks experienced dizziness and nausea in early August during the Tigers' preseason camp. Following increased symptoms and tests, Brooks eventually played two games during his senior year before undergoing an MRI that revealed a brain tumor.

Brooks' family announced he underwent surgery to remove the mass on Sept. 20, 2023. Head coach Brian Kelly said leading up to a Sept. 16 game against Mississippi State that Brooks would be unable to play due to a medical emergency.

In an update posted on LSU's athletic website on Oct. 4, 2023, it was revealed Brooks was diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer known as medulloblastoma.

Catherine O'Neal, MD, Chief Medical Officer at Our Lady of the Lake Health, said in the update that Brooks' "speech and ability to communicate has been impacted" and he would need "months of intensive rehabilitation."

According to the lawsuit, Brooks said he suffered "multiple strokes" during the surgery from "acts of malpractice." Dellenger noted the alleged acts are being addressed in a medical review of malpractice claims filed by Brooks' family.

A hearing is scheduled for Feb. 10 in front of Judge Tiffany Foxworth-Roberts of the 19th Judicial District Court, Parish of East Baton Rouge.

LSU issued a comment to Dellenger about the lawsuit:

"While LSU cannot comment on ongoing litigation, Greg Brooks remains in our thoughts and prayers as he continues to work through the rehabilitation process. Since the beginning of our agreement with our Championship Health Partner, Our Lady of the Lake, they have provided exceptional medical care for our student-athletes in all of our sports."

In a request Brooks' attorneys sent to the Division of Administration's Medical Review Panel, the document states that Brooks "will likely need care for the rest of his life for the injuries he sustained as a result of his providers' malpractice" and "will likely never be able to work and/or care for himself without the assistance of others."

Dellenger noted Brooks is still unable to walk, use his right hand and has "considerable difficulty speaking" more than one year after his surgery due to a condition known as posterior fossa syndrome that can occur in some patients after a surgical procedure.

According to Dellenger, Brooks recently had a procedure done at a Memphis hospital and previously spent nine months going through "protracted hospitalization, rehabilitation and recovery" following his initial procedure.

Brooks had a five-year college career from 2019 to '23. He played his first three seasons at Arkansas before transferring to LSU prior to the 2022 campaign. The Louisiana native appeared in all 14 games in his first year with the program

HEIGHT: 6'5"

WEIGHT: 315

HAND: 34¼"

ARM: 10¾"

WINGSPAN: 81½"

40-YARD DASH: NA

3-CONE: NA

SHUTTLE: NA

VERTICAL: NA

BROAD: NA

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POSITIVES

— Good play strength, length and ability to play long, uproot and displace defenders on angle-drive blocks.

— Flashes effective independent hands in pass protection to play light with his outside hand and recover against swipes/chops and slow down inside counters with his catch hand.

— Has the aggressive demeanor and another gear late in the rep during the drive phase of the block to strain and generate knockdown power.

— Can deliver jolt, dent and deliver body blows against jumpers and when uncovered in pass protection.

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NEGATIVES

— Upright play style with marginal footwork and weight distribution on redirect attempts lead to getting crossed over and easily being manipulated out of position against stutters, hesitations and gap exchanges.

— On the ground too often due to falling off of blocks clean and losing his base.

— Questionable range to protect the corner on an island against wide-rush alignments.

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NOTES

— Born March 5, 2004

— 4-star recruit from the 2022 class, per 247Sports

— 2023 and 2024 Second-team All-SEC

— 36 career starts at right tackle

— Participated in the 2025 Senior Bowl

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OVERALL

Emery Jones Jr. is a three-year starter inside LSU's pass-first (60-40 pass-run split), multiple-run scheme. Jones has long limbs, a thick frame with good mass, good play strength, and adequate athletic ability.

Jones brings good square power and length to deliver jolt on angle-drive blocks, generate displacement and keep defenders at his fingertips to create alleys off of his backside while looking to strain and finish once latched. Jones shows shaky body control and recovery skills when the picture changes post-snap against stutters/hesitations, leaving him leaning and lunging in an attempt to line up his target. This results in him falling off of blocks and being on the ground too often.

In pass protection Jones shows flashes of utilizing independent hands with a flat-back posture to protect his outside hand against swipes/chops and pinch off inside counters while bringing a finisher's mentality to deliver body blows, but he consistently has to overcome being late to the spot against high-side rushes, crossing over and losing his balance at the top of the QB's drop. He also has a bad habit of biting on stutters and hesitations that result in soft edges and quick wins for the rusher.

Overall, Jones has the frame, play strength and demeanor to deliver jolt, displacement and high-level finishes with the youth and flashes of proper posture and strike timing in pass protection to indicate upside, but shaky body control and balance too often sap his ability to sustain, leading to glaring, clean losses. Jones is a toolsy, low-floor prospect who likely needs to be brought along slowly to find a role.

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GRADE: 6.5 (Potential Role Player — 4th Round)

OVERALL RANK: 176

POSITION RANK: IOL17

PRO COMPARISON: D'Ante Smith

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Written by B/R NFL Scout Brandon Thorn

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Prospect workout numbers, measurables (40-yard dash, hand size, etc.) and 2024 statistics will be added at a later date.