Breaking News:Running Back Kaleb Jackson Fired, Handed Two-Year Suspension due to…

Jackson, a Baton Rouge native and former four-star recruit from Liberty Magnet High School, was considered a cornerstone of the Tigers’ offensive future. After an impressive freshman campaign in 2024 where he tallied 732 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns, the 5-foot-10, 225-pound power back entered spring ball as the presumed starter for the 2025 season. His blend of physicality and breakaway speed had drawn comparisons to former LSU greats like Leonard Fournette and Derrius Guice.

However, Jackson’s trajectory has come to an abrupt and jarring halt.

The Cause: Still Unclear, But Serious

LSU officials have not publicly detailed the exact cause of the firing, citing federal student privacy laws and an “ongoing internal review,” but sources indicate the punishment stems from multiple violations of team and university conduct policies.

One high-ranking source within LSU’s compliance office, speaking under the condition of anonymity, described the incident as “a serious breach of behavioral expectations tied to both off-campus and on-campus conduct.” Additional rumors suggest an altercation involving university staff and potential involvement in a broader investigation, but no criminal charges have been announced at the time of this writing.

According to a statement from the university:

> “Kaleb Jackson has been dismissed from the LSU football program and suspended from university athletics for a period of two years, effective immediately. LSU remains committed to the integrity of our athletics and academic standards.”

Brian Kelly Responds

Head coach Brian Kelly, entering his fourth season at the helm of the Tigers, addressed the media briefly on Friday afternoon during a scheduled offseason availability.

> “We are disappointed,” Kelly said. “Kaleb is a talented player with a bright future, but every member of this program is held to a high standard. Accountability is not optional. Our focus now shifts to supporting our team and moving forward.”

When pressed about the nature of the dismissal, Kelly declined to elaborate but emphasized that the decision was made with “full consultation with university leadership and compliance.”

Locker Room Shock and Roster Ramifications

Within the LSU locker room, the reaction has reportedly been one of disbelief and emotional turbulence. Jackson, known for his quiet but determined demeanor, was widely respected among teammates.

A current LSU offensive lineman who asked to remain unnamed said:

> “None of us saw this coming. Kaleb was locked in this spring. He wanted to lead the SEC in rushing this year. It just doesn’t feel real.”

Jackson’s absence leaves a massive void in the Tigers’ backfield. With him out, the focus now shifts to redshirt sophomore Trey Holly and true freshman Jamaal Carter, a four-star signee from Texas who enrolled early this spring.

While Holly saw limited action last season, his versatility out of the backfield and familiarity with the offense may give him the early edge. Carter, however, impressed coaches during spring camp and could become a breakout candidate if he adapts quickly to the speed of SEC play.

LSU is also reportedly exploring transfer portal options as a stopgap solution. One name floated internally is former South Carolina back Lavon Jenkins, who entered the portal in May and has yet to commit elsewhere.

NFL Dreams Deferred

For Jackson, the suspension effectively ends his LSU career. At just 19 years old, he now faces a crossroads. NCAA rules allow him to appeal the suspension or transfer to a lower division school without penalty, but his status with other FBS programs will be complicated by the disciplinary record.

NFL scouts had already begun evaluating Jackson as a potential early-round pick in the 2026 draft, but this setback likely pushes that timeline back or derails it altogether. Character concerns—fair or not—are often deal-breakers for pro teams, particularly when details remain murky.

Former LSU running back and NFL veteran Jeremy Hill commented on social media:

> “Man… hate to see it. Kaleb had that dawg in him. I hope he gets another shot, whether it’s in JUCO or elsewhere. Life isn’t over.”

LSU’s 2025 Season Outlook Now in Question

LSU entered the 2025 season as a dark horse College Football Playoff contender. With quarterback Garrett Nussmeier returning and a stacked offensive line, many analysts believed the Tigers had a top-five offense in the making.

Now, with uncertainty at the running back position and the emotional toll of this controversy, that optimism has been tempered.

The Tigers open their season with a high-profile clash against USC in Las Vegas, followed by a brutal early SEC stretch including matchups with Florida and Auburn. The coaching staff’s ability to rally the team and refocus will be crucial if LSU hopes to stay on track for a double-digit win season.

Final Thoughts

Kaleb Jackson’s firing is more than just a roster shake-up — it’s a moment of reckoning for a program already under pressure to return to national prominence. LSU has prided itself on developing homegrown stars, and losing one of the brightest in such dramatic fashion stings deeply.

What comes next for Jackson is unclear, but for LSU, the message is loud: no one is bigger than the program.

As the dust settle

In a stunning and unexpected development, LSU sophomore running back Kaleb Jackson has been dismissed from the team and handed a two-year suspension by the university, according to multiple sources close to the program. The announcement came early Friday morning and has sent shockwaves through the Tigers’ locker room, fan base, and the broader college football community.

s in Baton Rouge, the Tigers march forward—wounded, but undeterred.