Why LSU football's Aaron Anderson opted out of Texas Bowl vs Houston
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HOUSTON – LSU football’s offense has been anemic for much of this season.
And that unit will be without one of its bigger names against Houston (9-3) in the Texas Bowl as junior wide receiver Aaron Anderson will not play Saturday night (8:15 p.m. CT, ESPN).
Anderson announced Dec. 20 via his Instagram page that he will be entering the 2026 NFL Draft, forgoing his final year of eligibility.
This season has been up and down for Anderson as he’s been plagued with a few different injuries. The 5-8, 188-pound speedster missed four total games in 2025, including the last three games of the regular season.
Anderson caught 33 passes for 389 yards in his final season at LSU. He ranked third on the team in receiving yards and receptions behind Barion Brown and Zavion Thomas.
Is Aaron Anderson playing today?
LSU’s standout wide receiver won’t play in the Texas Bowl. Sophomore Kyle Parker is expected to see more playing time against Houston for the Tigers while a couple of others could see an uptick in snaps as well.
Why did Aaron Anderson opt out of the Texas Bowl?
Dealing with the injuries, Anderson’s status to play in the Texas Bowl was already up in the air. But his announcement of entering the NFL Draft confirmed that he would be sitting out the Texas Bowl Saturday night.
What LSU football players have opted out of Texas Bowl?
- Quarterback Tre People
- Running back Kaleb Jackson
- Quarterback Colin Hurley
- Wide receiver Jelani Watkins
- Cornerback Wallace Foster
- Cornerback Ashton Stamps
- Wide receiver Kylan Billiot
When does LSU play Houston?
The Tigers face off against the Cougars in the Texas Bowl Dec. 27. Kickoff is set for 8:15 p.m. CT and will air on ESPN and stream on Fubo.
LSU vs Houston prediction
LSU 24, Houston 20: The fact that LSU has kept an important part of its roster together for this game should equate to a solid bowl game performance against Houston, the home town team of this game. Quarterback Michael Van Buren effects this game with his legs enough for the Tigers emerge victorious.
LSU vs Houston tickets
You can find Texas Bowl tickets for LSU vs Houston on StubHub.
Cory Diaz covers the LSU Tigers for The Daily Advertiser as part of the USA TODAY Network. Follow his Tigers coverage on Twitter: @ByCoryDiaz. Got questions regarding LSU athletics? Send them to Cory Diaz at bdiaz@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Daily Advertiser: Why did Aaron Anderson opt out of LSU football’s bowl game?
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