REPORT: LSU Lands Former Notre Dame DE Days After Becoming Eligible for Fifth Season
Junior Tuihalamaka committed after a Louisiana judge’s order opened a path for 16 former college football players to return for another season.
- On Friday, LSU added former Notre Dame defensive end Junior Tuihalamaka to the roster following a Louisiana court ruling that granted 16 college football players an additional year of eligibility.
- A Louisiana judge granted a temporary restraining order on Wednesday to 16 former players, including Tuihalamaka, allowing them another season of eligibility. The ruling mandated the NCAA provide plaintiffs access to the transfer portal.
- Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman declined to re-sign Tuihalamaka, citing the academic calendar. "It's just too late" for graduate admissions, Freeman said Friday, noting the athlete would not succeed in the classroom and on the field.
- During his four seasons with the Fighting Irish, Tuihalamaka appeared in 54 games and recorded 61 tackles, including four sacks. He provides the Tigers with experienced depth on the defensive line ahead of the 2026 season.
- The legal landscape remains uncertain as federal appeals courts stay class-wide restraining orders while state courts provide temporary relief. This creates a complex eligibility environment for 2022 recruits as the 2026 season approaches.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Notre Dame stands firm: Too late to add eligible 2022 players
Nov 9, 2024; South Bend, Indiana, USA; Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman reacts after a Fighting Irish touchdown against the Florida State Seminoles in the third quarter at Notre Dame Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-Imagn Images Notre Dame will not pursue players from the 2022 recruiting class who gained potential fifth-year eligibility through recent court rulings, head coach Marcus Freeman said on Friday. The decision…
LSU set to add suddenly eligible former Notre Dame defensive lineman
LSU on Friday received a transfer portal commitment from former Notre Dame defensive lineman Junior Tuihalamaka, who was recently granted an additional year of eligibility by a Louisiana court case.The 6-foot-2, 255-pound Tuihalamaka played in 54 games and started seven in four years with the Fighting Irish, totaling 61 tackles, nine tackles for loss, four sacks and an interception. His best season came in 2024, when he totaled 33 tackles, 5.5 t…
The Advocate
NolaLSU lands fifth-year defensive end just days after Louisiana court rules him eligible
Just two days after a Louisiana court ruled 16 former college football players eligible for another season of competition, LSU has added one of them for the 2026 season.
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 75% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
