LSU made its way down to Tampa on Tuesday for a New Year’s Day matchup against Wisconsin in the ReliaQuest Bowl, but it will be without a key reserve on its offensive line.
Offensive tackle [autotag]Lance Heard[/autotag] did not make the trip, according to On3’s Shea Dixon. The reasoning behind it is unclear, especially as coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said he expected everyone from the final week of the regular season to be available aside from quarterback [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag], who opted out of the game.
A former five-star recruit from Monroe, Heard appeared in all 12 games this season, notching one start at right tackle against Army.
New: #LSU freshman OT Lance Heard did not travel with the team to the Reliaquest Bowl in Tampa, multiple sources tell The @BengalTigerOn3.
Heard appeared in all 12 games for the Tigers this season, making one start.
LSU faces Wisconsin on Jan. 1: https://t.co/5OmxDG5HUT pic.twitter.com/OS9JoKeV1t
— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) December 27, 2023
Heard is a promising talent and was expected to compete for a starting role, so if this is a sign he intends to enter the transfer portal, it would be a major loss for LSU.
Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Tyler to continue the conversation on Twitter: @TylerNettuno