Saturday was a good day for LSU athletics. Fresh off Friday night’s announcement that Coach Brian Kelly hired Blake Baker as defensive coordinator, the LSU football program received a verbal pledge from the nation’s number one player in the Class of 2025.
Bryce Underwood’s commitment to LSU was not a surprise as most recruiting analysts had the Michigan QB committing to the Tigers. But what was a surprise on Saturday was an SEC opening win by the LSU men’s basketball team.
Let’s start with Underwood’s commitment. The 6-foot-3, 205 pounder has led Belleville High School to two state championships and a runner-up in three seasons. He chose the Tigers over Michigan and Alabama. Colorado, Florida State, Oregon and Penn State.
He made an official visit to LSU on October 15th and was seen in the crowd having a great time as the Tigers trounced Auburn 48-18.
According to On3.com, LSU has the top-rated class for 2025. Three of LSU’s eight commitments are five-star prospects and ranked number one in the country at their respective positions, Underwood, St. Martin’s running back Harlem Berry and wide receiver Dakorian Moore from Duncanville, Texas.
There are many months to go before these players officially sign, but based on their social media interactions, they seem connected and committed to wearing the purple and gold.
One more thought on Underwood, quarterbacks coach Joe Sloan was his main recruiter. That could be a big factor in Sloan being named as LSU’s offensive coordinator in the coming days.
LSU Men’s Hoops wins SEC opener
Not much is expected from Matt McMahon’s team after going 8-5 in nonconference play. But the Tigers put together a strong second half performance in College Station on Saturday night and defeated Texas A&M 68-53. It was LSU’s first road win since 2022 and it’s the first time since 2005 the Tigers outscored an opponent by 17 or more points in the second half on their home floor.
LSU showed toughness by outrebounding the Aggies 46-40. They continue to get great play from senior Jordan Wright, who had 20 points and 10 rebounds. And LSU has looked better since Jalen Cook was ruled eligible in mid-December. The senior point guard had 13 points and four assists on Saturday.
LSU has an excellent opportunity to go 2-0 in SEC play when they host Vanderbilt on Tuesday night.
Lady Tigers improve to 2-0 in SEC play
Coach Kim Mulkey wants improved defense from her team. But you can’t question the Lady Tigers ability to score. Ole Miss came into the game ranked 12th in the country in scoring defense, holding opponents to 52 points a game.
Ole Miss gave up a season-high 84 points as LSU defeated the Rebels 84-73. All five of LSU’s starters scored in double figures led by Angel Reese, who had 21 points. Mikayla Williams had 20 points. Flau’jae Johnson had 16 points and Aneesha Moore and Haily Van Lith each had 13 points.
As LSU continues to work on improving its defense, it will always have the ability to outscore its opponents, because of all of the options they have offensively.
LSU will host a 13-2 Texas A&M team on Thursday night.
