LSU’s defense has taken a significant hit as junior linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. sustained a season-ending ACL injury during the team’s 34-17 victory over UCLA.
Head coach Brian Kelly confirmed the injury on Monday, expressing disappointment for Perkins, who had worked hard to position himself for a standout season. The exact timeline for Perkins’ surgery and recovery remains unclear.
The injury occurred in the fourth quarter when Perkins made a tackle, marking a somber end to a promising season that could have been his last at LSU. Perkins, known for his dominance on the field, had a breakout freshman year, recording 7.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, four forced fumbles, and an interception. His sophomore campaign was similarly impressive, with 5.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, three forced fumbles, and an interception.
This year, however, Perkins had a slower start, posting five solo tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, and no sacks before the injury. Despite this setback, the 20-year-old is still eligible for the 2025 NFL Draft, where he was ranked as the No. 26 prospect by Yahoo Sports’ Nate Tice.
