Tag: CJ Daniels

Is LSU wide receiver Chris Hilton returning in 2025?

Is LSU wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr. expected to return in 2025?

This is roster movement season. Hundreds of players around the sport announce their intentions to enter the transfer portal, enter the NFL Draft, or return to school for another year.

We’ve heard decisions from several key LSU players. LT Will Campbell, RT Emery Jones, and TE Mason Taylor all declared for the draft. CJ Daniels entered the transfer portal. Starting QB Garrett Nussmeier decided to return to school for a fifth year.

One Tiger we’ve yet to hear from is wide receiver Chris Hilton.

Hilton just completed his redshirt junior year with the Tigers and has another season of eligibility remaining.

LSU had high hopes for Hilton in 2025. With [autotag]Malik Nabers[/autotag] and [autotag]Brian Thomas Jr[/autotag]. off to the NFL, Hilton was supposed to replace that big play potential. Unfortunately, Hilton dealt with an injury for most of 2024 and struggled to settle back into the lineup.

Finally, in LSU’s regular-season finale win over Oklahoma, something clicked. 

Nussmeier connected with Hilton for two deep touchdown shots. The big play threat LSU was seeking all year was there.

Hilton is yet to have a true full-time role with LSU, but there’s one waiting if he returns. LSU is losing [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag] and [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag] and had to turn to the transfer portal to restock the receiver room.

Players like [autotag]Aaron Anderson[/autotag] and [autotag]Barion Brown[/autotag] will come up big for LSU in the quick game and over the middle, but the Tigers need that burner that can take the top off a defense and make a play down the sideline.

That’s [autotag]Chris Hilton.[/autotag]

Tiger fans should expect clarity on Hilton’s future in the coming weeks, but LSU head coach Kelly has yet to reveal anything.

Georgia transfer portal WR target commits to ACC school

Talented LSU transfer wide receiver commits to the Miami Hurricanes over the Georgia Bulldogs

The Georgia Bulldogs showed interest in LSU Tigers transfer portal wide receiver CJ Daniels. However, Daniels committed to the Miami Hurricanes.

Daniels posted 42 receptions for 480 receiving yards and no touchdowns with the LSU Tigers in 2024. Daniels entered the transfer portal for the second consecutive offseason. Last year, the talented receiver transferred from Liberty to LSU.

Daniels has one year of eligibility left. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound wide receiver will help replenish Miami’s receiving core. The Hurricanes are losing star quarterback Cam Ward to the NFL draft after the 2024 season. Miami finished the regular season 10-2, but had a disappointing loss against Syracuse to end the season and missed out on the College Football Playoff.

Now, Georgia football will focus more on several other wide receiver targets in the transfer portal including Kentucky’s Dane Key, USC’s Zachariah Branch and UCLA’s J. Michael Sturdivant.

Georgia is expected to lose several top wide receivers to the NFL draft this offseason. UGA could lose Arian Smith, Dillon Bell, Colbie Young and/or Dominic Lovett.

LSU football makes final five for elite transfer portal prospect

The top-ranked player in the transfer portal included LSU in his top five

LSU football is in the mix for the top-ranked player in the transfer portal.

Former Georgia Tech wide receiver Eric Singleton told On3 his top five schools, and LSU was joined by Auburn, Miami, Texas, and Ole Miss. According to 247Sports and On3, Singleton is the No. 1 ranked transfer in the 2025 cycle.

With the Yellow Jackets in 2024, the sophomore receiver caught 56 passes for 754 yards. In 2023, Singleton hauled in 48 passes for 714 yards and six scores. He’s a versatile playmaker and added 21 carries for 131 yards in 2024.

With 2.23 yards per route run, Singleton ranked eighth among ACC receivers in 2024.

Coming out of high school, Singleton was a three-star prospect and ranked outside the top 1000. The Douglasville, GA native has well exceeded those expectations.

LSU already added one receiver from the transfer portal, signing former Kentucky playmaker Barion Brown. Singleton is of a similar mold, but LSU needs pass-catching help with [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag] and [autotag]Mason Taylor[/autotag] heading to the draft and [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag] entering the transfer portal.

LSU head coach Brian Kelly signaled the Tigers would be aggressive this transfer season. LSU has been ambitious so far, getting involved with the portal’s top players.

As of Saturday, LSU has signed three transfers. Brown, cornerback Ja’Keem Jackson, and tight end Bauer Sharp.

LSU WR CJ Daniels schedules visit to Auburn

Daniels played receiver for Hugh Freeze at Liberty before transferring to LSU ahead of the 2024 season.

Is a reunion between [autotag]Hugh Freeze[/autotag] and one of his top receivers from Liberty in order?

According to a report by Pete Nakos of On3, Auburn is scheduled to host former LSU wide receiver [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag] for a visit this Friday. Before transferring to LSU for the 2024 season, Daniels played three seasons at Liberty, including two under Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze.

Daniels hauled in 48 receptions for 849 yards and ten scores during the first two seasons of his career. However, he broke out in 2023 by being the top target for quarterback Kaidon Salter during Liberty’s undefeated regular season. He ended the 2023 season with 1,067 yards and ten touchdowns on 55 catches.

He did not find similar success at LSU in 2024, but he registered many meaningful snaps. He participated in 598 snaps this season for the LSU Tigers, reeling in 42-of-56 targeted passes for 480 yards with zero scores. He did not record a drop this season and added 169 yards after catch.

Daniels is another high-profile wide receiver who will visit Auburn during the winter transfer portal window, joining Georgia Tech’s Eric Singleton. Auburn will look to add experienced wide receivers from the transfer portal to pair with freshmen playmakers [autotag]Cam Coleman[/autotag] and [autotag]Malcolm Simmons[/autotag] and will use it as a strong selling point in its efforts to sign a transfer quarterback.

At the time of this post, Oklahoma quarterback Jackson Arnold and Duke quarterback Maalik Murphy have scheduled visits to Auburn. Stanford quarterback Ashton Daniels is also tied to Auburn, as Steve Wiltfong of On3 has submitted a prediction in favor of Auburn landing him.

In five collegiate seasons, Daniels has caught 148 passes for 2,434 yards and 21 touchdowns.

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LSU transfer receiver visiting Georgia

LSU transfer receiver, who racked up 480 receiving yards in 2024, plans a visit to Georgia football.

LSU Tigers transfer wide receiver CJ Daniels is reportedly going to visit the Georgia Bulldogs. Daniels, who was LSU’s fourth leading receiver in 2024, is a reliable target that would immediately contribute for Georgia..

The 6-foot-2 205 pound receiver from Lilburn, Georgia, has one year of eligibility remaining. Daniels recorded 42 catches for 480 yards last season at LSU, averaging 11.4 yards per reception. Before that, he posted a 1,000 yard season at Liberty in 2022.

Now, Daniels is seeking his third school to conclude his college career, Daniels has accumulated 148 career receptions for 2,439 yards, 21 touchdowns, and an impressive 16.5 yards per catch. Known for his precise route running, reliable hands, and high football IQ, he excels at finding soft spots in zones and serving as a dependable target for quarterbacks.

He is planning a visit to Georgia and has already scheduled visits to Auburn, Ole Miss, Georgia Tech,  and Miami.

Georgia is actively addressing its wide receiver needs in the transfer portal this offseason, as Dillon Bell, Dominic Lovett, Arian Smith, and Colbie Young may all depart. UGA has already lost one receiver to the portal in Michael Jackson III.

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A member of the class of 2020, Daniels was a three-star recruit out of Parkview High School in Lilburn, Georgia. Daniels being from Georgia means that the Bulldogs might be able to pitch him to return to the home state.

Could Kentucky transfer wide receiver Barion Brown fit at LSU?

Could this Kentucky wide receiver transfer be a fit for LSU’s offense?

LSU lost three wide receivers to the transfer portal in the week following the regular season making the position a prime need for LSU this cycle.

Tigers’ head coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] hinted at an aggressive approach with the transfer portal in 2025 and wideouts will be a top priority.

One potential fit is receiver Barion Brown. He announced his intention to enter the portal following a three-year campaign at Kentucky where he totaled 2,407 all-purpose yards.

In Brown’s freshman and sophomore seasons, he totaled 628 and 539 receiving yards, respectively. His production decreased in 2024 as he hauled in 29 catches for 361 yards along with 13 carries for 50 yards. The versatile playmaker is looking to be a high-level contributor at his next school.

In addition to LSU. Ole Miss and Texas A&M are expected to target the Nashville, TN native once he hits the portal. Following Vanderbilt’s breakout season, don’t be surprised if the Commodores show interest.

LSU’s 2025 outlook at receiver is unclear. [autotag]Aaron Anderson[/autotag] is expected to return but Chris Hilton’s status remains a mystery. Outside of those two, the Tigers lack experienced options.

With [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag] off to the NFL and [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag] in the portal, a significant chunk of production is being lost.

Given Kelly’s comments regarding the transfer portal approach combined with LSU’s own losses, Brown makes perfect sense as an early target for the Tigers.

LSU wide receiver room takes hit with another portal loss

LSU is losing a talented wide receiver to the transfer portal

A third LSU wide receiver reportedly entered the transfer portal.

Shelton Sampson Jr. will search for a new school in 2025, according to On3. The redshirt freshman receiver played under Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas during his first season in Baton Rouge.

Through 11 appearances in two seasons, the Baton Rouge, LA native did not make a catch. A four-star prospect during his high school recruitment, Sampson helped make up the fifth-best class in 2023. He was the No. 80 overall prospect per the On3 Industry Rankings.

He was a five-star his junior year before slipping in the final recruiting updates.

Sampson has three years of eligibility remaining. Before committing to the Tigers in August 2022, he visited Texas A&M, Alabama, and Florida State. However, the Tigers were able to keep the receiver home and secure his signing in December 2022.

Fellow receivers Landon Ibieta and [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag] preceded Sampson in entering the transfer portal. LSU is left with nine receivers on its roster from the 2024 regular season as it awaits a bowl game selection.

Although they have two four-star wide receivers signed in the 2024 class, the Tigers will likely seek to bolster the position further in the offseason through the transfer portal.

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Why LSU should target former NC State receiver in transfer portal

Names are already flooding the transfer portal. Should LSU target a former NC State receiver?

Transfer portal season is about to kick into high gear. With LSU football out of the playoff discussion, the Tigers can turn their attention to building for 2025.

LSU wasn’t aggressive in the portal last year, but Tigers’ head coach Brian Kelly told fans to expect a different approach this year. LSU is going to be active in the portal.

The portal officially opens next week, but a handful of players already announced their intention to transfer.

That list includes NC State wide receiver Kevin Concepcion.

Concepcion broke out as a true freshman in 2023 with the Wolfpack. His 845 yards and 10 touchdowns were some of the best marks in the country among underclassmen receivers.

He returned with high hopes in 2024. but the entire NC State offense struggled, including Concepcion.

Concepcion caught 53 passes for 460 yards in 2024. His yards per catch was down an entire three yards and his catch rate was down 8%.

But NC State saw a lack of production across the board and the talent is still evident.

LSU is losing receiver [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag] but may return [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag] and [autotag]Aaron Anderson.[/autotag] The Tigers could use a true X receiver and Concepcion fits that mold.

I’d expect LSU to target a receiver if the fit makes sense and it does here.

LSU wide receiver CJ Daniels expected to return in 2025

LSU is expecting a key offensive weapon to return in 2025

The LSU offense is hoping to get a key piece back in 2025 and according to Brian Kelly, the Tigers are feeling good about it.

Wide receiver [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag] is likely returning for his sixth year of college football, according to LSU head coach [autotag]Brian Kelly.[/autotag]

“All indications are that he’s going to be back next year,” Kelly said when discussing Daniels at his Monday press conference.

Daniels has been in and out of the lineup with an injury in 2024, but he’s produced when he’s in there.

“He’s a great leader and he’s been a glue guy for us in terms of consistency every single day playing through a more significant injury than maybe people realize,” Kelly said.

Kelly highlighted Daniels consistency, pointing to his ability as blocker and precise route running.

That was the expectation for Daniels. In the spring, LSU offensive coordinator Joe Sloan said he was impressed with Daniels’ physicality.

Daniels spent four years at Liberty before transferring to LSU. He has another year of eligibility thanks to the COVID redshirt and only playing four games in 2022.

He was a 1,000 yard receiver in 2023, catching 55 passes for 1,067 yards and 10 touchdowns while helping Liberty reach the Fiesta Bowl.

With Kyren Lacy set to turn pro, LSU needs veteran experience back at wide receiver in 2025. Daniels provides that.

LSU receiver CJ Daniels questionable for Alabama contest

A starting LSU receive remains questionable entering Saturday night

Starting LSU wide receiver C.J. Daniels remains questionable heading into LSU’s contest with Alabama.

Daniels has dealt with the injury bug for the last month. He missed LSU’s win over Ole Miss before returning against Arkansas. Daniels suited up vs Texas A&M, but only managed to play the first half.

Earlier this week, LSU head coach Brian Kelly said Daniels was in a much better spot than where he was entering the A&M game. Kelly didn’t say Daniels was 100% but said the receiver would be able to help LSU.

Based on Kelly’s comments, I’d expect Daniels to be out there on Saturday.

On the year, Daniels has 29 catches for 342 yards. He’s averaging 48.9 yards per game, making him a real contributor to the offense.

LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier looks better with Daniels out there. He adds a lot to the quick passing game, ranking ninth among SEC receivers in short passing targets. With LSU’s struggling run game, that quick passing game is paramount to the Tigers’ offensive success.

Daniels’ presence allows Nussmeier to settle down and play consistent football.

LSU receiver depth has taken a hit this year. Kyle Parker was ruled out for the season and Chris Hilton is just getting back. LSU could really use Daniels on Saturday night.

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