2024 NFL Draft: star LSU wide receiver to forego final year of eligibility

For the third time today, LSU has received a major loss as we begin to look ahead to next college football season. Earlier today, freshman offensive tackle Lance Heard elected to transfer away, while junior defensive tackle Mekhi Wingo will take his talents to the next level. Now, joining the list is star wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr, who announced that he has officially declared for the 2024 NFL draft.

Star LSU wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr declares for 2024 NFL draft

What a season it’s been for the Tiger passing game. Led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, LSU had one of the most lethal wide receiver duos in the country, with speedster Malik Nabers and red zone threat Brian Thomas Jr.

While both pass catchers were electric in their own unique ways, it was Thomas Jr who was particularly adept at putting points on the board. In fact, through 13 games this season, the star junior led the country in touchdown receptions, recording 17 total.

Now, looking ahead to the future, he’ll bring that ability to the next level as he has officially made the decision to forego his senior year and declare for the 2024 NFL draft.

. @LSUfootball Brian Thomas Jr. declares for the NFL Draft #LSU pic.twitter.com/pm4WVGevca

— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) January 3, 2024

While largely unsurprising, there’s no denying what a loss this could be for the Tigers heading forward. Few players in college football possess his rare combination of speed, size and catching ability. In total, he was able to put together a career stat line of 127 receptions for 1,897 yards and 24 touchdowns.

Notably, he saved one of his best performances for last, making eight catches for 98 yards and two touchdowns in LSU’s win over Wisconsin in Monday’s ReliaQuest Bowl.

With Malik Nabers likely to leave as well, look for Chris Hilton Jr, Kyren Lacy and Aaron Anderson to step up for the Tigers in 2024.

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