Brian Kelly officially confirms a pair of key LSU defenders are opting out of Citrus Bowl

LSU head coach Brian Kelly confirmed Saturday that two of the Tigers’ most important players would be opting out of the Citrus Bowl.

Cornerback Mekhi Garner and defensive end BJ Ojulari will both not take part in the contest against the Purdue Boilermakers on Jan. 2. The Tigers’ starting cornerbacks will be Jay Ward and Jarrick Bernard-Converse.

Ward has seen action at every defensive back spot in his college career.

#LSU's starting cornerbacks in the bowl game will be Jay Ward and Jarrick Bernard-Converse.

Ward has started at every DB spot during his time in Baton Rouge.

Brian Kelly confirms Mekhi Garner won't play in the game as he preps for the NFL Draft.

— Shea Dixon (@Sheadixon) December 17, 2022

BJ Ojulari will not be playing in the citrus bowl #LSU

— Leah Vann (@LVann_Sports) December 17, 2022

Garner finishes his 4-year college career between UL and LSU with 104 combined tackles (73 solo), 19 passes defended, 3 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles and 1.5 sacks. Over the past 3 seasons with the Tigers, Ojulari compiled 126 total tackles (79 solo), 16 sacks, 2 forced fumbles and 2 passes defended.