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Kelly comments on AJ Haulcy's potential suspension vs. Clemson

On3 imageby: Matthew Brune08/28/25MatthewBrune_
One of Brian Kelly's freshmen signees at LSU turned himself into authorities on Friday (Photo: USA Today)
One of Brian Kelly's freshmen signees at LSU turned himself into authorities on Friday (Photo: USA Today)

On Wednesday, the status of LSU’s two projected starting safeties was called into question, just 72 hours before kickoff against Clemson. Both AJ Haulcy and Tamarcus Cooley were ejected in the second half of the final game of the 2024 season, and – depending on the official ruling – an ejection could lead to a player missing the first half of the next game. 

Earlier today The Bengal Tigers’ Shea Dixon reported that the program was awaiting word from the SEC and NCAA, then soon after, Cooley was reportedly cleared to play, however the status of Haulcy remained in question.

LSU head coach Brian Kelly commented on the situation of the two on Thursday evening, almost 48 hours before kickoff in South Carolina.

“We’re waiting for clarification on [Haulcy],” Kelly said. “We were informed of his situation on Wednesday, so we’ll see where that ends up. We’re practicing him and preparing to play him, so we’ll wait on further guidance.

“I think it’s a little bit of the conference and NCAA rulings, in terms of what the circumstances are at the end of the game. Our conference has been great at providing the support and we’ll wait for the decision and plan accordingly.”

Haulcy’s status remains in the air for LSU, while Kelly confirmed that Cooley is eligible to play the first half.

Haulcy was a All Big-12 First Team selection out of Houston last year and is a big part to the Tigers’ revamped secondary. However, Kelly has talked about what makes this team different is their depth.

“Dashawn Spears has played a lot of football for us. Jardin Gilbert and Javien Toviano as well. We’ve got pretty good depth. We feel really good about our defensive backfield. We’re dealing with this the same way you guys are, waiting on information. Once we get it we’ll adjust accordingly and be ready to play Clemson.”

Spears is a second-year player who has high expectations, emerging as a solid payer on LSU’s two-deep, while Gilbert and Toviano return after up and down seasons in the Tigers’ secondary in 2024. Regardless, the Tigers have options as they await to see how the situation unfolds. Shea Dixon reported this earlier on Thursday afternoon.

“LSU is expected to hear a final word on Haulcy’s status on Thursday, sources said. On Thursday afternoon, LSU practiced for a final team before Friday morning’s walk through and departure for Clemson.”

LSU and Clemson are set to kick off at 6:30 p.m. CT on Saturday, August 30 on ABC. LSU is a four-point underdog on the road, but looks to snap the losing streak of season openers and get the 2025 season started on the right foot with a bevy of new transfers and quality top-end talent.

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