Frank Wilson’s move from LSU to Ole Miss has sparked plenty of noise, but Leonard Fournette isn’t letting the narrative spin out of control.
The former LSU star and fourth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft stepped into the fray on Wednesday, using his platform on X (formerly Twitter) to shut down rumors that Wilson betrayed Lane Kiffin in the coaching carousel. The storyline making the rounds?
That Wilson, LSU’s interim head coach to close out the season, blindsided Kiffin by jumping ship to join his staff at Ole Miss. Fournette’s not buying it-and he’s not staying silent either.
“Man I hate that these false rumors going on about coach Frank Wilson,” Fournette wrote. “That man is everything that embodies LSU. From teaching a young guy like myself at 18 years old how to be a pro-from six-man protections, even seven-man protections, to understanding angles and finishing runs…”
That’s not just a former player sticking up for a coach. That’s a guy who’s walked the walk, giving credit to the man who helped shape him into a top NFL draft pick. Wilson coached Fournette from day one in Baton Rouge, and their bond clearly runs deeper than just Xs and Os.
Wilson, for his part, had recently voiced his desire to stay at LSU. “I love LSU,” he told reporters.
“As long as LSU will have me, I’d love to be a part of what we’re doing here.” But in the fast-moving world of college football, intentions don’t always match outcomes.
Days passed. No formal offer came.
Then Pete Golding and Ole Miss made their move-and Wilson took it.
Now, Wilson’s heading to Oxford to coach running backs under Kiffin, returning to a place he knows well. His first stint at Ole Miss came back in 2005 under Ed Orgeron. Nearly two decades later, he’s back-only this time, with a résumé that includes recruiting legends like Fournette, Tyrann Mathieu, and Derrius Guice to LSU.
That kind of recruiting acumen doesn’t grow on trees, and Kiffin knows it. Wilson’s deep ties in Louisiana make him a valuable asset, especially in a recruiting landscape where relationships matter as much as rankings.
But the move has lit a fire under both fanbases. Once Fournette’s post hit social media, X turned into a full-blown scrimmage. Some LSU fans rallied around Wilson, echoing Fournette’s respect.
“Don’t give the trolls any time,” one fan wrote. “Real LSU Tigers appreciate Frank for everything he’s done. And even though he’s moved jobs, we still wish him the best.”
Another added: “You know better-true fans love and appreciate Coach Frank.”
But not everyone was so gracious. Some fans took shots at Wilson, questioning his loyalty.
Others aimed their frustration at Kiffin, accusing Ole Miss of stirring the pot. One fan even fired back: “As Ole Miss fans stoop low tearing apart the Kiffin family.”
On the flip side, Ole Miss fans wasted no time welcoming Wilson with open arms.
“Don’t worry, Leonard,” one wrote. “We will take great care of him in Oxford and give him the respect he deserves.”
The back-and-forth highlights just how intense this SEC rivalry has become. Coaching moves are always emotional, especially when they involve familiar faces switching sidelines. But in this case, the reaction says as much about Wilson’s impact as it does about the rivalry itself.
This isn’t just about a coach changing jobs. It’s about legacy, loyalty, and the complicated relationships that define college football.
Wilson helped build LSU’s brand on the recruiting trail. Now, he’s bringing that same energy to Ole Miss.
And if Fournette’s words are any indication, Wilson’s reputation among those who’ve played for him remains rock solid-regardless of what colors he’s wearing on game day.