LSU could be losing one of its top freshman players from 2020, as tight end Arik Gilbert recently entered the NCAA transfer portal. However, the Tigers won’t have the same worry with another one of their top freshman standouts from this past season.

Shea Dixon of 247Sports.com reported that linebacker BJ Ojulari is “locked in” on returning to LSU for his sophomore season in 2021. There had been rumors that Ojulari might consider leaving, as he had also been teammates with Gilbert at Marietta (Ga.) High School prior to joining the Tigers.

Ojulari had 16 tackles (five for a loss), four sacks, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and a pass deflection in 10 games during his freshman season. His best showing came in a win over South Carolina on Oct. 24, when he collected three sacks. Ojulari was named to the All-SEC freshman team following his debut campaign.

Before coming to LSU, Ojulari was a 4-star recruit in the 2020 class. He committed to the Tigers on Oct. 27, 2019.

LSU’s defense is going to have new leadership next season, as the school agreed to part ways with former defensive coordinator Bo Pelini at the end of the 2020 campaign. The Tigers gave up 492 total yards per game this past season, the second most in the SEC, so they’ll seek better results in 2021.

If Ojulari builds off his strong freshman year, then he could potentially help LSU’s defense make positive strides next season.