LSU wide receiver Zavion Thomas wants to make headlines with his talents and nothing more. Check out details about the Mississippi State transfer. With the landscape of college football seemingly extending further each season, players scramble to get the moments under the spotlight.
Whether fleeting or enduring, making a name for themselves goes a long way in proving viability as a player and potential leader of their team.
LSU WR Zavion Thomas Is a Distant Cousin to NFL HOF Walter Payton
Though there is a direct family relation, albeit distant, Zavion Thomas and Walter Payton sit under the same family tree, according to HailState.com. The LSU receiver and the legendary back are related, whether as cousins or not remains unknown.
Payton’s and Thomas’s lineages share commonality. Yet, that does not define Thomas as a player. This year, with many regarding this as a must-win season for head coach Brian Kelly, Thomas’ name looms large.
Thomas started his football journey in Marrero, LA, home of John Ehret High School. As a four-star talent, the playmaker dazzled while performing many roles for the Patriots. As a rusher, receiver, and returner, the receiver caught the eyes of more than a few schools.
While the 5’11”, 195-pound athlete garnered statewide offers from Nicholls State, Southern, Tulane, and Louisiana, he gained national attention when Florida State, Louisville, and Mississippi State started calling. Initially, Thomas chose Louisville before heading to Starkville.
During his freshman season with the Bulldogs, the wideout learned under head coach Mike Leach. While Thomas did not produce when Coach Leach swung his sword on the sidelines, he stayed a “Pirate” at MSU after the coach passed away.
Then, in December 2023, he went back home to Louisiana, transferring to LSU.
Playing closer to and harnessing his return attributes, the senior led the SEC in kickoff returns, yards, and return touchdowns. Yet, that may have arrived at the number of targets. Last season, Thomas caught just 23 passes, as opposed to the 40 the year he left Mississippi State.
This season, the Tigers hope to lean on Thomas’ receiving more than his returns. Some predict that he will start as the Z-receiver, but Garret Nussmeier should look to the versatile threat that can win in open space with a quick cut and head downfield.
LSU lines up against Clemson Saturday night, and if they have any hope of winning, the passing offense, particularly Nussmeier, needs to spread the ball around, including Thomas.
While he does not bear any athletic resemblance to his family relative, the LSU wideout hopes to guide the Tigers to a spot in the College Football Playoff. The “Battle of the Tigers” in the “Battle of Death Valley” airs at 7:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
