Tag: Chris Hilton Jr

LSU signs dynamic former Kentucky wide receiver Barion Brown

LSU continues to build its transfer class, signing dynamic Kentucky wide receiver Barion Brown

LSU signed its third transfer of the season on Saturday, adding former Kentucky wide receiver Barion Brown. Reports labeled LSU as the favorite, and the Tigers managed to seal the deal.

With Brown, LSU is getting a speedster who can make plays with the ball in his hands. He’s the SEC record-holder with five kickoffs returned for a touchdown.

In his career with Kentucky, Brown caught 122 passes, racked up 1,528 total yards, and scored 11 touchdowns.

Despite the Wildcat offense struggling and being downright dysfunctional at times, Brown averaged 1.89 yards per route run in 2024. Brown has 800 yards after the catch in his career. He can line up in the slot and on the outside and has some contested catch ability, too.

Wide receiver was a major position of need for LSU. Kyren Lacy is off to the NFL, and CJ Daniels hit the transfer portal. LSU is also losing the reliable hands of Mason Taylor at tight end, with Taylor heading to the next level.

LSU has a chance to return [autotag]Aaron Anderson[/autotag] and [autotag]Chris Hilton Jr[/autotag], but the Tigers need outside help, too. The addition of Brown helps fill that need.

According to On3, Brown is a four-star transfer and the No. 5 ranked receiver in the transfer class.

One of three transfers already in LSU’s 2025 class, Brown is joined by tight end Bauer Sharp and cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson.

Stock Up, Stock Down: Tigers win their final home game of the season

Who saw their stock rise and fall in LSU’s big win over Oklahoma

Coming into tonight’s game against Oklahoma, [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] and the LSU Tigers were coming off of a win over Vanderbilt. On the other hand, Oklahoma was coming off of a big win at home over Alabama. The question entering the game was if Oklahoma would suffer a hangover from that win.

It appeared as though they may have still been hungover from their big win last week as LSU came out with a big 37-17 win over Boomer Sooner. On senior night, the seniors on this team decided to go out with a bang.

A few of the key players in this game were Garrett Nussmeier, Caden Durham, Chris Hilton Jr., and Whit Weeks. Those four guys were a big reason why the Tigers won.

Let’s look at the players who saw their stock rise or fall in this game.

Stock Up: Caden Durham

Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

[autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] was the leading rusher for the Tigers tonight as he finished the game with 11 carries for 80 yards. His longest rush of the night was a 50-yard scamper.

Stock Down: Penalties

Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

The biggest thing I want to harp on in this game is penalties. LSU had 6 penalties for 46 yards. In the first half, the Offensive Line had a holding penalty and two false start penalties.

Stock Up: Garrett Nussmeier

Syndication: The Daily Advertiser

[autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] played well once again, although he left the game with an injury for a short period. He finished the game 22-for-31 throwing for 277 yards and three touchdowns.

Stock Up: Chris Hilton Jr.

Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

[autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag] only had two receptions tonight but they were both big ones. He had two receptions for 85 yards against Oklahoma but both of his receptions went for touchdowns.

Stock Up: Whit Weeks

Syndication: The Daily Advertiser

[autotag]Whit Weeks[/autotag] was phenomenal for the Tigers tonight. He finished the game with the most tackles on the team (15) with nine of those being solo tackles.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Instant Analysis: LSU collapses in second half, suffers first SEC loss against Texas A&M

It was a tale of two halves for the Tigers in Saturday night’s frustrating loss to Texas A&M.

It was a tale of two halves for LSU on Saturday night against Texas A&M.

The Tigers dominated the first half and looked like they were on the way to a statement win on the road. But TAMU completely reversed the script in the second half, outscoring them 31-6 as it ultimately pulled away to win 38-23 and hand coach Brian Kelly’s team its first SEC loss as well as a severe blow to its College Football Playoff hopes.

LSU captured the early momentum on the road, taking a 3-0 lead before a fumble from star Aggies running back Le’Veon Moss deep in their own territory set it up with excellent field position. The Tigers’ offense cashed in with an excellent throw and catch from [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] to [autotag]Mason Taylor[/autotag] to extend the lead to 10-0.

However, Texas A&M responded with an impressive drive to get on the board as Moss made up for the fumble with a touchdown to get on the board.

LSU had a chance to push its lead back up to 10, but a dropped touchdown from [autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag], who mistimed his attempt to high-point a ball in the endzone in his first target of the season, brought out the field goal unit. From 48 yards out, [autotag]Damian Ramos[/autotag] missed just to the right as the Tigers wasted a scoring opportunity.

However, they wouldn’t waste their next possession. After starting at the 10, Nussmeier found [autotag]Aaron Anderson[/autotag] on a quick slant, and he did the rest as he hit a gap and found paydirt 75 yards later, outrunning the entire Aggie secondary.

LSU had the momentum entering the second half but missed some opportunities. Ramos missed another long field goal before halftime, and early in the third quarter, [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] threw an ugly interception to set the Aggies up with excellent field position.

After a 6 of 18 start for Conner Weigman, Mike Elko opted for a quarterback change to the more mobile Marcel Reed, and they quickly capitalized and cut the deficit to three. LSU had a chance to answer on the ensuing drive, but more special teams mishaps cost it as an early snap ruined the timing on Ramos’ kick, which couldn’t even be attempted.

TAMU responded with a quick touchdown drive led and capped off by Reed, giving it its first lead of the game. Things went from bad to worse as Nussmeier, who was excellent in the first half, tossed his second interception to give the Aggies great field position again. Though a penalty took a touchdown off the board, Texas A&M ultimately found the end zone to extend the lead to 11.

With their backs against the wall, the Tigers had to respond. Nussmeier made a few gutsy throws to lead them down the field, and after a touchdown pass to [autotag]Trey’Dez Green[/autotag] was ruled short at the one, Nussmeier did it himself on a sneak to cut the deficit back to one score. However, the two-point conversion attempt to cut it to three was no good, and LSU still faced a five-point deficit.

However, it ultimately didn’t matter. Once Reed entered the game, the Tiger defense couldn’t get off the field. On the following drive, Reed connected with Noah Thomas for a 54-yard gain, and Moss quickly scored again to push the lead to 12, the biggest lead of the game to that point for either team.

The offense got the ball back, but a well-read check down was intercepted, Nussmeier’s third of the game, and while Texas A&M couldn’t quite deliver the dagger, it hit a field goal to push the lead to 15 and make things difficult for the Tigers.

LSU turned the ball over on downs, officially ending any hope of a comeback. After dominating the first half, Nussmeier was just 11 of 24 in the second along with his three turnovers. He was also sacked twice and faced the most pressure he has all season, though he still managed 405 yards on 50 attempts with 50% completion.

Nussmeier had to lead the way on offense as there was no ground game to speak of. LSU totaled just 24 yards on 23 carries.

Defensively, it was a disastrous second half. The Tigers allowed 229 yards in the final two quarters and 376 overall. The Aggies ran for 242 yards and five touchdowns, with Reed accounting for 62 of those yards and three of those touchdowns.

It’s an ugly loss for an LSU team that seemed to have turned the corner in recent weeks. Now, it will have the week off to refocus before hosting Alabama in what has become a must-win game.

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

LSU WR Chris Hilton Jr. to make season debut vs. Texas A&M

LSU fans will be glad to hear WR Chris Hilton Jr. will be back on the field to take on Texas A&M.

As the No. 8 LSU Tigers face the daunting task of taking on the No. 14 Texas A&M Aggies on the road in Kyle Field, the team will welcome back deep-threat wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr., who is set to make his highly-anticipated season debut.

The big-time SEC matchup has major implications within the conference and the College Football Playoff race. Hilton Jr. could be a difference-maker in the matchup.

Hilton Jr. has been with the program since 2021, but has sparingly seen the field. Now in his fourth season at the collegiate level, Hilton Jr. has appeared in only 20 games and recorded 22 receptions for 415 yards and three touchdowns.

While his stats may seem underwhelming, he’s been plagued with injuries. However, it’s worth noting that he averages 18.9 yards per catch and will be a factor on LSU’s offense that the Aggies will have to account for.

When speaking on Hilton Jr.’s health, Tigers head coach Brian Kelly made it clear that this is not an attempt to rush him back from injury and risk losing him for additional time.

“More than anything else, you don’t bring a wide receiver back after this long out, unless he’s properly conditioned. Because then, (what if) you go pull a hamstring? We’re not concerned, and he’s not concerned about the leg,” Kelly said. “This is much more about a conditioning element relative to soft tissue. We think we’re in pretty good position. Now, it’s just about getting him game ready.”

Hilton Jr.’s 2024 season debut could not come at a better time, as both LSU and Texas A&M view this game as a must-win matchup to remain competitive within the SEC and at the national level.

College Sports Wire will continue to follow all things college football as the 2024 season progresses.

LSU-Texas A&M Thursday Injury Report: Brian Kelly updates status on pair of LSU receivers

The Tigers are dealing with a few injuries heading into Saturday’s high-stakes matchup against Texas A&M.

LSU updated its injury report on Thursday heading into a critical Week 9 showdown against Texas A&M, and the Tigers continue to deal with some questions at the receiver position.

Once again, [autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag] has been listed as questionable as he’s yet to make his season debut after suffering a bone bruise in fall camp. Coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] did provide some reason for optimism on Thursday, however, telling the media that he was a full participant in practice.

The question with Hilton is now a matter of conditioning, Kelly said.

“I think we’re probably going to list him questionable,” Kelly said. “But he’s made progress. This has been a slow process for us and him. I think more than anything else, you don’t bring a wide receiver back after this long out unless he’s properly conditioned because then you go pull a hamstring, right?

“It’s not the leg anymore, and we’re not concerned, and he’s not concerned about the leg. This is much more about a conditioning element relative to soft tissue more than anything else. So, we’re in a pretty good position here now. This is just getting him game-ready.”

His return would be welcome, especially considering questions about the health of fellow wideout [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag], who was downgraded to questionable on Thursday. Daniels missed the win over Ole Miss but returned against Arkansas last week, catching seven passes for 86 yards.

In addition to potentially both starting receivers, LSU will be without a couple of impactful players. Safety [autotag]Jordan Allen[/autotag] is set to miss another week as he battles turf toe, Kelly confirmed Thursday.

“We’re talking about something that just is time, especially at the safety position, the inability to play at the level he needs to play at,” Kelly said.

Further, backup offensive lineman [autotag]Tyree Adams[/autotag], who is capable of playing all over the line, will be out. Kelly said [autotag]Bo Bordelon[/autotag] and [autotag]Paul Mubenga[/autotag] are players who could potentially step up to fill a gap if needed.

“Bo Bordelon would be the next guy depending on if it’s a tackle or guard. If it’s a guard, Paul Mubenga would come in,” Kelly said.

The Tigers are clearly not at 100%, but there’s some optimism it could be at full strength in the passing game for the first time this season as the run game is finally starting to emerge with running back [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] listed as probable coming into this game.

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

Brian Kelly updates the health status of wide receiver room

Brian Kelly offered updates on a couple of key LSU receivers entering Week 8.

LSU’s wide receiver room is banged up. [autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag] is yet to play as his recovery from an offseason injury has been slow while veteran [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag] was out against Ole Miss.

On top of that, freshman [autotag]Kyle Parker[/autotag] is out for the year.

Entering the Week 8 contest with Arkansas, Brian Kelly offered an update on the status of Hilton and Daniels. Early in the week, Kelly said Hilton was day-to-day, but on Thursday Hilton’s status was changed to out.

As for Daniels, Kelly said he practiced this week and is good to go.

Getting Daniels back is big for LSU’s offense. The Tigers struggled to get the quick game going early last week, a place where Daniels has been big in 2024. Daniels leads all LSU receivers in short targets with 13.

On the year, Daniels has 20 catches for 239 yards. The Liberty transfer was one of the nation’s most efficient receivers last year with the Flames.

There’s room to take advantage of Arkansas in the passing game. The Razorbacks rank 85th in EPA/dropback allowed. Given Arkansas’ strength against the run, LSU should look to get Nussmeier and crew going early.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

LSU to get 5-star freshman Trey’Dez Green more time at receiver

LSU will look to get five-star Trey’Dez Green on the field more, even if it means playing him at receiver.

LSU’s depth at wide receiver is being tested. [autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag] is yet to return from injury and freshman [autotag]Kyle Parker[/autotag] is out for the year. On top of that, [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag] missed the Ole Miss game but is expected to be back this week.

LSU got another scare when [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag] went down for a moment, holding his knee, but he was soon to return.

Still, LSU is looking at options to build out its pass-catching depth. LSU head coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said five-star freshman tight end [autotag]Trey’Dez Green[/autotag] will see more time at receiver.

LSU wants Green on the field and Kelly said LSU can remove the complexities of the tight end position by putting Green out wide.

“He’s a talented player. We saw him on the touchdown, how easy it is for him to flash his hands and catch the football,” Kelly said, “He just gives us more versatility.”

Green is 6-7 and was a five-star recruit in the 2024 class. He played just three snaps in LSU’s win over Ole Miss but had a 12-yard touchdown to put LSU on the board. On the year, Green has three catches for 22 yards and a score.

The talent is undeniable and as LSU progresses further into the year, more depth is needed. Green can provide that on offense.

Contact/Follow us @LSUTigersWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and opinions.

Pair of LSU receivers unlikely to suit up against Ole Miss on Saturday night

The Tigers could be stretched pretty thin at receiver against Ole Miss.

Despite coming off a bye week, LSU is dealing with quite a few injuries heading into a critical Week 7 matchup against Ole Miss.

The receiver position in particular seems to be vulnerable, and the Tigers got some bad news on Friday night as both receivers [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag] and [autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag] have been downgraded to doubtful.

Both have practiced leading up to the game, and Hilton was looking to make his season debut after suffering an ankle injury during camp. The depth at receiver was already stressed as it was announced earlier in the week that [autotag]Kyle Parker[/autotag] would miss the rest of the season with a torn tendon in his tricep.

Ole Miss star receiver Tre Harris, listed as questionable during the week, has been upgraded to probable.

If Hilton and Parker can’t go, the Tigers could look for more production from [autotag]Zavion Thomas[/autotag] at receiver as well as redshirt freshman [autotag]Shelton Sampson Jr.[/autotag]

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

LSU receiver Kyle Parker to miss the rest of the season with tricep injury

LSU’s receiver depth suffered a major hit as Brian Kelly announced that Kyle Parker is set to miss the rest of the 2024 season.

We knew LSU would be without redshirt freshman receiver [autotag]Kyle Parker[/autotag] for Saturday’s game against Ole Miss, but we now know that he’s dealing with a long-term injury

During his radio show on Thursday night, coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] announced that Parker suffered a torn tricep tendon and is out for the 2024 season. The Allen, Texas, native has appeared in four games this season, making two starts while recording three catches for 55 yards. His lone touchdown of the season, which came against UCLA, accounts for 45 of those yards.

It’s a tough loss for a receiving corps that already lacks proven depth after losing [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] and [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr.[/autotag] to the NFL draft. Starters [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag] and [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag] have battled injuries through the early part of the season, while [autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag] is yet to make his debut after suffering an ankle injury in fall camp.

Parker could potentially be eligible for a medical redshirt as he played in just four games, though he redshirted last season as a true freshman when he appeared in four games while recording no stats.

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

LSU vs. Ole Miss Injury Report: 3 Tigers starters have designations ahead of Week 7

The Tigers could be down several receivers for Saturday’s game against Ole Miss.

As LSU prepares to face Ole Miss on Saturday night in Death Valley in a matchup with College Football Playoff implications, it’s getting healthier coming off a bye.

Still, there are several players whose statuses are in question ahead of the Week 7 contest, and three starters were listed on LSU’s injury report on Wednesday night.

Receivers [autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag] and [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag] are listed as questionable. Hilton is yet to make his season debut after suffering an ankle injury in fall camp, while Daniels was banged up during the off week but has practiced.

Freshman running back [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag], who has emerged as the top rusher in the last couple of games, is also listed on the report though he’s probable. Also listed as probable are defensive tackles [autotag]Jay’viar Suggs[/autotag] and [autotag]Jalen Lee[/autotag].

Receiver [autotag]Kyle Parker[/autotag] is out, meaning that receiver depth could be an issue in this game if Hilton and Daniels also aren’t able to go. Linebacker [autotag]West Weeks[/autotag] is doubtful.

On the Ole Miss side, the Rebels are dealing with quite a few injuries of their own. Starting offensive tackle Jayden Williams is out, while starting defensive end Princely Umanmielen, starting receiver Tre Harris and starting defensive tackle JJ Pegues are all listed as questionable.

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