Former LSU Tiger Bert Jones to be honored during the Texas game

NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...

LSU announced last week that it will retire the jersey of legend Bert Jones during the 2026 season. Jones will have his name and number displayed inside Tiger Stadium alongside fellow LSU legends Charles Alexander, Billy Cannon, Tommy Casanova, and Jerry Stovall.

The modern era of LSU football experienced its share of struggles at the quarterback position until recently. The Tigers now boast two Heisman Trophy-winning quarterbacks within the past seven years. However, LSU has produced legendary players at nearly every position, and Jones is firmly entrenched in that history.

Jones was LSU’s first First-Team All-American quarterback. The Ruston, Louisiana, native—affectionately known as the “Ruston Rifle”—finished his LSU career with 3,255 passing yards, which stood as the school’s career passing record at the time.

Jones was selected with the No. 2 overall pick in the 1973 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts. He went on to play 10 seasons in the NFL and was named the league’s MVP in 1976. Unfortunately, his career was cut short due to a neck injury.

The Ruston Rifle will return to Baton Rouge this season when LSU takes on Texas on November 14. It is during that game that Jones will see his name officially unveiled on the Ring of Honor inside Tiger Stadium.

The matchup against Texas was already shaping up to be one of the marquee games of the season, but this ceremony adds another layer of significance. It will be a special moment for Bert Jones, his family, his friends, and generations of LSU fans who watched him help build the foundation of LSU football history.

Who do you think should be the next name added to Death Valley? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos