No. 9 LSU will be down a starter for the first half of its opener at No. 4 Clemson on Saturday, as safety A.J. Haulcy will serve a suspension.

The former Houston player was involved in an on-field fight during the final game of the 2024 season against BYU and was ejected.

Confusion over his status arose as Houston was incorrectly informed following the game that he had been ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct, not fighting. The latter carries a half-game suspension. Haulcy wasn’t informed of the suspension, and he subsequently entered the transfer portal in April, committing to LSU shortly thereafter.

LSU first became aware of the possibility of suspension on Wednesday, according to coach Brian Kelly.

“We’re practicing him, preparing to play him and we’ll wait for further guidance,” Kelly said prior to news of the suspension coming down.

Haulcy was one of the most highly ranked players in the transfer portal after racking up 74 tackles, five interceptions and seven passes defensed for the Cougars last fall.