LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and the team’s wide receivers paid tribute to Kyren Lacy during Media Day, reflecting the lasting influence of their late teammate. The heartfelt moment followed Lacy’s tragic passing, which has left the LSU community in mourning.
Tigers Honor Fallen Star at Media Day
Nussmeier and LSU’s wide receivers stood together during Media Day to pay tribute to Lacy, whose death in April rocked the Tigers’ program. The group posed solemnly in front of two portraits of Lacy, with Aaron Anderson and Zavion Thomas each holding pieces honoring their fallen teammate. The moment underscored the emotional weight carried by a roster still mourning the loss of one of its key contributors.
Garrett Nussmeier and the #LSU wide receiver room honored Kyren Lacy during the Tigers’ Media Day.
Aaron Anderson showcased a portrait of Lacy while Zavion Thomas displayed another piece.
It’s clear the LSU wideouts will be looking to make a statement for their teammate. pic.twitter.com/LAZJLSjfSD
— Zack Nagy (@znagy20) July 5, 2025
Lacy led LSU with nine receiving touchdowns in 2024 and was expected to be a high pick in the NFL Draft. He recorded 58 receptions for 866 yards in what became his final college season. The 6’2″ receiver had built strong chemistry with Nussmeier throughout the campaign, making his absence even more painful for the quarterback and his teammates.
But Lacy’s path to the pros was derailed following a fatal crash in December. Authorities alleged Lacy was driving recklessly in Louisiana when his Dodge Charger forced another driver to swerve and collide head-on with a third vehicle, killing 78-year-old Herman Hall. Police said Lacy fled the scene and was later charged with negligent homicide, felony hit-and-run, and reckless operation. He posted bail of $151,000.
Despite declaring for the draft soon after the incident, Lacy’s involvement in the crash significantly diminished his chances of being selected. He did not appear in LSU’s Texas Bowl win over Baylor on Dec. 31, leaving the Tigers without their top receiving threat in the postseason.
Tragic End to Promising Career
On April 12, less than two weeks before the draft, Lacy died by suicide. His passing devastated teammates, including Nussmeier, who had built strong on-field chemistry with him during the 2024 campaign. The loss hit particularly hard for LSU’s receiving corps, who had looked to Lacy as both a leader and playmaker.
Lacy’s father, Kenny, shared an emotional statement following his son’s death that captured the family’s grief and faith during an unimaginable time.
“Our lives have changed forever and this will never be ok, but God needed my baby more than he was needed here,” he wrote. “This has to be the biggest pill our families have had to swallow but I know the love and compassion in our families will get us through.”
The Media Day tribute, marked by silent reflection and symbolic gestures, highlighted the unity within LSU’s locker room and the bond that still connects players to Lacy’s memory. For a team preparing for the upcoming season, the moment served as both remembrance and motivation.
Anderson and Thomas, who will likely see increased roles in the receiving rotation, carried the weight of honoring their teammate while stepping up their own games. The Tigers’ offense will need new leaders to emerge, but Lacy’s influence on the program extends far beyond statistics and draft projections.
His death not only ended a professional career that had yet to begin but also left a deep emotional void among his peers. Players, coaches, and fans have since rallied in remembrance, showing how much Lacy meant to the program both on and off the field. The tribute served as a solemn reminder of his enduring presence within the team as they prepare for a season dedicated to his memory.