Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers have arrived in Houston (Tex.) as the program continues preparation for a Texas Bowl showdown against the Baylor Bears.
Kickoff is set for 2:30 p.m. CT on New Year’s Eve with the clash to be live on ESPN.
Kelly and Co. have worked through a strenuous December stretch with the program navigating the NCAA Transfer Portal, player retention and bowl preparation.
Another factor the Tigers’ staff has been working through this month is the Texas Bowl roster. Which seniors and draft-eligible players would elect to play in the game or opt out of the matchup?
Now, with the team in the Lone Star State to work through practices, there is clarity on who will be on the field on Tuesday.
Josh Williams: Running Back
LSU running back Josh Williams will suit up in the purple and gold for the final time on Dec. 31 in the program’s season finale against the Baylor Bears.
In what will be the final game of Williams’ six-year career with the Tigers, he will play in his hometown of Houston in the Texas Bowl.
It’s been a ride for the veteran, but a ride he’ll cherish for the rest of his life.
“I chose to play in the bowl game because it’s the last time I’ll ever be able to play as an LSU Tiger and I want to go out with a bang. LSU means so much to be it’s almost indescribable.
“I’ve been here for six years. I’ve learned a lot. I’ve played a lot of football and met some people and friends that I’ll cherish for the rest of my life… I believe that my commitment to LSU, staying here throughout the ups and downs, from a National Championship to COVID, to getting a chance to actually play on offense… It’s forever LSU for me and I love it.”
Zy Alexander: Cornerback
LSU cornerback Zy Alexander will lace up his cleats for the final time with the Tigers on Dec. 31 in the program’s season finale.
“Me going out there one last time with my brothers means a lot. I cherish these memories and these moments together,” Alexander said. “I just want to go out one last time and play with them.”
Alexander has battled the injury bug during his career with the Bayou Bengals, but one thing is certain, the senior is elite when healthy. Now, he looks to wrap up his career on the right note.
Bradyn Swinson: Defensive End
LSU defensive end Bradyn Swinson will suit up for LSU’s Texas Bowl showdown against the Baylor Bears.
Swinson, who wreaked havoc in 2024, will not opt out and has committed to suiting up for the program on Dec. 31 in the season finale.
“The opportunity to play one final game for LSU is amazing,” Swinson said. “Just to be able to represent LSU, the three letters on that helmet and the greats that came before me. Any opportunity you get to put a helmet on and play football, you take that chance.
“I want to finish out the season with my brothers.”
The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder tallied 54 tackles, 8.5 sacks and two forced fumbles this season.
LSU will also have Miles Frazier and Paris Shand, among others lacing up their cleats for the final time in the program’s bowl game against Baylor.
Kyren Lacy: Wide Receiver
The Louisiana native took on the role as the Tigers’ WR1 in 2024 after patiently waiting behind greats Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr.
Lacy took to social media to express his appreciation for the LSU community and what Baton Rouge has meant to him after declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft:
“LSU has truly made a big impact on my life on and off the field these past three years,” Lacy wrote via social media. “Playing in Death Valley, for the best fans in the country, was an experience I will never forget. Not too many people get to fulfill a dream like this. I am forever grateful for it.
“I want to express my appreciation to all my coaches, support staff, and trainers for helping develop me as a football player, but most importantly as a person. Although we didn’t accomplish our goal of winning a national championship, I promise to take all of those life lessons with me in the next chapter of my life.
“Lastly, I am so appreciative of my support system (family, trainers, mentors, etc.) who have been there for me through the highs and the lows. Thank y’all for always believing in me.”
The 6-foot-2, 215-pounder is rated as the No. 6 wide receiver in the 2025 NFL Draft, according to ESPN. CBS Sports labels him as the No. 13 wideout in the upcoming draft.
Lacy made the move to transfer to LSU after a pair of seasons with the UL-Lafayette Ragin’ Cajuns under Billy Napier and Co.
Then, once Napier departed for the Florida Gators head coaching gig, Lacy made the move to enter the NCAA Transfer Portal and make the move to Baton Rouge.
From there, he showed progression each year leading up to his senior campaign with the program in his fifth season of college ball.
Lacy wrapped up his final season in the purple and gold with 58 catches for 866 yards and nine touchdowns on the year. He led the program in all categories.
The Louisiana native ends his LSU career with with 112 catches for 1,692 yards and 16 touchdowns in 39 games played. Lacy started in 24 games.
Lacy will not play in the Dec. 31 matchup against the Baylor Bears in the Texas Bowl located in Houston (Tex.).
Major Burns: Safety
LSU safety Major Burns has opted out of the 2024 Texas Bowl matchup against the Baylor Bears.
Burns, a senior defensive back for the Tigers, has declared for the 2025 NFL Draft and will bypass the season finale on Tuesday.
The Louisiana native totaled 49 tackles, 1.5 sacks and a forced fumble during his senior campaign with the Tigers.
Now, he’s off to the next chapter of his playing career where he has begun training for the upcoming NFL Draft.
LSU will fall back on Javien Toviano, Jardin Gilbert and Dashawn Spears to take significant snaps against Baylor on Tuesday. Toviano recently made the switch to safety in December.
LSU Adds Commitments From Seven Top-100 Transfers in the Portal
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Follow Zack Nagy on Twitter: @znagy20 and LSU Tigers On SI: @LSUTigersSI for all coverage surrounding the LSU program.
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