John Emery Jr. arrived at LSU as part of the highly anticipated 2019 recruiting class. As a five-star prospect and the second-ranked running back in the nation, expectations were sky-high for him. With the promise of an exciting college career, he contributed to LSU’s national championship victory over Clemson in his freshman year. Emery hoped to build on that success and establish a lasting legacy at the program, but circumstances took a different turn.
In his debut season, he rushed for 188 yards on 39 carries, hinting at the potential for a breakthrough career. However, injuries and the COVID-19 pandemic severely disrupted his trajectory. Over six years at LSU, he started only five games despite featuring in 38, accumulating 1,123 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. Additionally, he recorded 330 receiving yards on 37 catches. His time with the Tigers was set to conclude in 2025, but recent developments suggest that his college career may not be over just yet.
According to reports, Emery is seeking an additional year of eligibility, which would extend his college football career into a seventh season. While this presents an opportunity for him to continue playing, it is unlikely to happen at LSU. Head coach Brian Kelly had already planned for Emery’s departure, and even with an extra year available, it appears there is no place for him on the team moving forward.
UPDATE: If granted a 7th year of eligibility, former 5-star RB John Emery will not play at LSU, Brian Kelly announced⬇️
“We are set with where we are with the running back position, but love John, and we will be here to help and support him.
And, if he’s given a 7th year, he is… https://t.co/rExHvlFKes pic.twitter.com/lVjKDRUfi4
— On3 (@On3sports) March 22, 2025
Kelly addressed the situation in a recent statement, saying, “We will be supportive in any way we can. We are set with where we are with the running back position, but love John, and we will be here to help and support him. And, if he’s given a 7th year, he is certainly a young man who can help somebody in the Power 4 (conferences).” This strongly suggests that Emery will enter the transfer portal and complete his final college football season at a different program.
Emery’s college career has been plagued by injuries, which have prevented him from achieving his full potential. In 2024, he suffered a torn ACL in the first week of the season, forcing him to miss the entire campaign. His 2023 season was also cut short due to a knee injury, derailing his chances of becoming LSU’s starting running back. Given his setbacks, many LSU supporters have expressed frustration with how Kelly and the program are handling the situation.
LSU Fans React Strongly to Brian Kelly’s Decision
Emery’s roots in Destrehan, Louisiana, make his situation even more personal for local fans. Many feel that he deserves better treatment after dedicating six years to LSU. The decision to part ways with him has drawn criticism, with some accusing Kelly of being insensitive. One social media user commented, “Brian Kelly is a real piece of s—t. First the player with cancer, now this. Yikes, who would send their kid here?” Another user expressed a similar sentiment, saying, “Brian Kelly being a garbage human being isn’t news.”
The criticism stems in part from earlier accusations against Kelly regarding his handling of another player, Greg Brooks Jr., who was diagnosed with brain cancer. Brooks’ family later filed a lawsuit against LSU, alleging negligence, misdiagnosis, and lack of proper medical care. His father publicly criticized Kelly and the university on Good Morning America, claiming they abandoned the family during a difficult time.
Other fans have also taken issue with Kelly’s comments about Emery, arguing that a player who has remained loyal to the program for six years should not be forced out. One fan expressed frustration, writing, “Potential 7th-year dude from Louisiana who has dealt with multiple season-ending injuries can’t get a roster spot at the school he signed to and has been loyal to for 6 years…? I expect nothing less from Brian Kelly.” Another added, “No comment or ‘We will evaluate’ would have been a better look than this. Yikes.”
Emery’s Loyalty and Future Prospects
Despite his struggles with injuries and playing time, Emery has remained committed to LSU. He previously considered entering the transfer portal after the 2023 season but ultimately decided to stay with the Tigers. Given his talent, he likely could have found another program that valued his contributions more, yet he chose to remain loyal to LSU. This has led many to question why LSU cannot find a single roster spot for a player who has been with the team for six years.
With the likelihood of transferring, the question now is whether Emery can still make an impact elsewhere. Will his potential be realized at a new program, or has his career been hindered beyond recovery? As discussions around his future continue, fans remain divided on whether he was given a fair chance at LSU.