Rising LSU edge rusher Gabriel Reliford has been sidelined for the remainder of the season due to a torn rotator cuff sustained in Week 4.
Tiger head coach Brian Kelly revealed the news during his Thursday night radio show, marking a tough blow for LSU.
Reliford was poised for a breakout sophomore season after an impressive offseason and fall camp.
During his freshman year in 2024, Reliford played in 13 games and made 1 start while recording 10 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, and half a sack — showcasing potential that now must wait until next season.
This season, Reliford has appeared in all 4 games for the Tigers thus far. He’ll finish the season with 8 total tackles and 1 TFL. His 85 defensive snaps were fourth among LSU edge defenders. In his absence, LSU still has Jimari Butler, Jack Pyburn, and Patrick Payton. Dylan Carpenter could see more action on defense in the weeks ahead.
As Reliford turns his attention to rehab in Baton Rouge, LSU’s attention is focused on maintaining its momentum heading into a pivotal top 15 showdown against Lane Kiffin and Ole Miss.
Kickoff in the Magnolia Bowl is set for 3:30 p.m. ET (ABC) on Saturday in a highly anticipated matchup featuring two undefeated SEC teams. With both squads eager to solidify their standings as they dive deeper into their SEC schedules, this game will be a heater. The Rebels are a 1.5-point favorite, per ESPN Bet.
Lee Ann joins the Saturday Down South team, bringing over fifteen years of experience covering the SEC as both a sports journalist and football scout. With her keen eye for talent, she has also flexes her skills as the Director of Recruiting for the Rebel Walk( Ole Miss) Herring, is a staff writer at USA Today Sports Wildcats Wire, where she dives into the thrilling world of Kentucky football and basketball. When fall rolls around, you can catch her on air as an analyst for the Wake up 502 College Football Show on Big X Sports Radio 96.1 FM—because who doesn't love a good game day chat? A proud Brown University alum, Lee Ann balances her time between the sidelines and press box with her passion for coaching her boys' youth lacrosse and savoring a fine glass of bourbon alongside a good cigar. So, whether she's dissecting plays or rallying the next generation of athletes, Lee Ann is your spirited insider ready to tackle all things SEC!
