Tag: LSU probation

Examining the role of LSU’s three-year probation in battles with Texas

LSU’s three-year probation and 37 vacated wins in football certainly won’t help in recruiting battles with Texas and others.

The LSU athletics program is in hot water after an alleged pattern of bending the rules. As a result, the NCAA has put the Tigers on a three-year probation in football and basketball. The move might not hurt the program much but it certainly won’t help.

LSU has been known for being “all about ball,” and they’ve developed that reputation in dramatic ways. In 2019, an LSU booster was sent to prison for 33 months for shady behavior in acquiring money to fund parents of Tigers football players. It appears that more questionable behavior has been uncovered in regard to the program.

After an investigation by the FBI into the school’s football and basketball programs, the NCAA is vacating 37 wins from former head coach Les Miles and the LSU Tigers. It’s unclear where that will put LSU in some of its recruiting battles, but it could certainly leave a black eye on the program.

For Texas, this isn’t the way you want to win recruiting battles but it could tip the scales. Five-star edge Colin Simmons comes to mind. The Duncanville pass rusher who has all but narrowed down his list to Texas and LSU will be in Austin this weekend. With a strong pitch this could be the moment where the Longhorns separate from the Tigers.

LSU looks to be reaping what a few bad apples have sown and could pay the price in the next few seasons. The two teams will battle for some of the nation’s elite players from the state of Texas and Louisiana in the next few months.