Breaking: The LSU Tigers And Coach Brian Kelly Faces Another Difficult Challenge Following NCAA Sudden Message
A.J. Haulcy suspended
The LSU Tigers will face an early challenge as they kick off their 2025-2026 season against the Clemson Tigers. In a high-profile clash between two powerhouse teams with playoff aspirations, Brian Kelly’s squad will be without a key addition to their defense.
Transfer safety A.J. Haulcy is set to miss the first half of LSU’s opener due to a suspension. While playing for Houston in the final game of the 2024 season, Haulcy was ejected for fighting — initially ruled as unsportsmanlike conduct but later confirmed to be a result of fighting. Due to NCAA rules, that infraction carries over, sidelining him for the first half of his next game.
LSU safety A.J. Haulcy will not play in the first half of the Clemson game, the NCAA tells ESPN. Per the NCAA: “In the last game of the 2024 season, A.J. Haulcy was ejected from the contest, initially listed as unsportsmanlike conduct…. pic.twitter.com/OknHWrcw26
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 28, 2025
The team had been preparing for the season opener under the assumption that A.J. Haulcy would be available. It appears they believed his previous ejection wasn’t specifically for fighting, which would have allowed him to start the game.
As reported by Pete Thamel, LSU didn’t learn about Haulcy’s suspension until this week—just days before a major top-10 showdown against Clemson. Losing one of their top defensive backs at the last minute is a significant blow.
According to sources, neither Haulcy nor LSU were informed of the suspension earlier, though the NCAA claims that Houston’s coaching staff received official notice back in December.
This kind of delay has raised eyebrows and now leaves LSU scrambling to adjust their secondary in time for a critical season opener.
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