The LSU Tigers didn’t bring home a national title this past college football season, but several of their former stars are now chasing the biggest prize in the NFL. After a gritty 10-7 win over the Denver Broncos in a snow-covered AFC Championship, the New England Patriots are headed to Super Bowl LX-and they’re bringing five former Tigers with them.
Let’s break down how each of these LSU alums has contributed to the Patriots’ run and what this moment means in their respective journeys.
WR Kayshon Boutte: From Uncertainty to Impact
Kayshon Boutte’s path to the Super Bowl has been anything but smooth, but it’s also one of the most compelling storylines in football right now. Once pegged as the next elite wide receiver out of LSU-following in the footsteps of Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry, and Justin Jefferson-Boutte’s college career never quite hit those heights.
After a standout freshman season, his production dipped, and injuries limited his time on the field. He played only 17 games over his final two seasons, with just over 500 receiving yards in each.
Then came the off-field issues, including gambling allegations that have since been dropped, and his draft stock took a nosedive. Despite the uncertainty, Boutte declared for the draft and was selected in the sixth round by New England.
Fast forward to now, and the 23-year-old is showing why he was once considered a can’t-miss prospect. He’s not the Patriots’ top target, but he’s flashed real playmaking ability.
Boutte finished the season with 33 catches for 551 yards and six touchdowns-solid numbers for a rookie still finding his footing. And in the Divisional Round win over Houston, he came up big with three catches for 75 yards and a crucial touchdown that helped punch New England’s ticket to the AFC title game.
Boutte’s resurgence has been one of the more satisfying developments for LSU fans and Patriots faithful alike. He’s proving he belongs-and the Super Bowl stage could be his next breakout moment.
OT Will Campbell: The Rookie Anchor
When the Patriots used the No. 4 overall pick on Will Campbell, they were betting big on a rookie to hold down the most important spot on the offensive line. So far, that bet is paying off.
Campbell stepped in as the starting left tackle from Day 1 and has been a rock for rookie quarterback Drake Maye. While no rookie season is without its growing pains, Campbell has handled the pressure and the competition with maturity and toughness. His blend of size, technique, and football IQ-traits that were evident during his time in Baton Rouge-have translated well at the next level.
He’s not just surviving out there; he’s thriving. And now he’ll be tasked with protecting Maye on the biggest stage in football. For a first-year pro, that’s rare territory-and Campbell looks ready for it.
EDGE K’Lavon Chaisson: A Career Reignited
K’Lavon Chaisson’s NFL journey has taken some unexpected turns, but 2025 has been a turning point. After being drafted 20th overall by the Jaguars in 2020, the former LSU standout struggled to find his footing in Jacksonville. Over four seasons, he managed just five sacks and never quite lived up to his first-round billing.
But Chaisson never stopped grinding. A stint on the Raiders’ practice squad last year gave him a second chance, and he made the most of it-racking up five sacks and showing flashes of the explosive edge rusher he was during LSU’s 2019 title run.
That earned him a one-year deal with New England, and he’s taken full advantage. Chaisson posted 7.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and led the Patriots in quarterback pressures this season. He’s been a disruptive force off the edge and a key cog in a defense that’s carried New England to the Super Bowl.
It’s been a remarkable turnaround-and now he’s one win away from a ring.
EDGE Bradyn Swinson: Learning from the Sidelines
Bradyn Swinson, a rookie fifth-round pick, hasn’t seen much action this year-and that’s not surprising given the depth and talent on this Patriots defense. He’s spent time on the practice squad and made a few appearances, but his role has mostly been developmental.
Still, this Super Bowl run is a valuable experience for Swinson. Being in the building, soaking in the preparation, and seeing what it takes to win at this level is invaluable for a young player. The reps may be limited, but the learning curve is steep-and he’s right in the thick of it.
DT Jaquelin Roy: Injured, But Still in the Fight
For Jaquelin Roy, this season didn’t go as planned. The Baton Rouge native was placed on injured reserve before the year even began and hasn’t suited up since. But he’s still part of the Patriots’ Super Bowl roster, and if they win it all, he’ll earn a ring.
Roy played sparingly for New England last season, and while injuries have stalled his progress, he remains a player with upside. Being part of a championship-caliber team, even from the sidelines, can be a spark for growth-and motivation heading into next season.
Final Thoughts
Five former LSU Tigers. One game away from NFL immortality.
From Boutte’s redemption arc to Campbell’s instant impact, Chaisson’s revival, and the developmental journeys of Swinson and Roy, this Super Bowl run is rich with storylines that go far beyond the box score. For LSU fans, it’s a reminder of the talent the program continues to produce. For the Patriots, it’s proof that betting on that LSU pedigree can pay off in a big way.
Now, all that’s left is one more win.