LSU defensive star Derek Stingley Jr. is out for the season opener against Mississippi State, Rece Davis first reported on ESPN’s College GameDay.

LSU confirmed the news via a statement released by the university Saturday morning.

“Derek Stingley became acutely ill last night and was evaluated overnight at the hospital,” an LSU statement said. “His condition is not COVID-19 related and he is expected to be discharged soon. He will return to activity after full evaluation by the medical team.”

Stingley is the star of LSU’s defense, and most figure he’s the best defensive player in the nation, regardless of position or age. That’s obviously not thrilling news for LSU’s defense, which faces the Air Raid attack from quarterback KJ Costello and Mike Leach of Mississippi State.

LSU plays Mississippi State Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET on CBS Sports.