LSU DT Maason Smith Suspended For Florida State Matchup
LSU star defensive tackle Maason Smith has been suspended by the NCAA for the season opener against Florida State.
The Advocate's Wilson Alexander reported the suspension first.
The NCAA determined Smith received an improper benefit, and despite cooperating with an investigation, the NCAA ruled him out for the first game. He can return Week 2 for the home opener against Grambling State.
Per ESPN's Matt Moscona, "Multiple sources have confirmed Maason Smith and Kayshon Boutte participated in an autograph signing in the summer of 2021 prior to NIL going live.
"Boutte served a one game suspension during the 2022 season. He missed the New Mexico game for the birth of his son and the UAB game for—what Brian Kelly said was—the flu. Smith would have served his suspension last year also but was injured. The NCAA made LSU aware Smith would serve the suspension in the season opener earlier this summer.Smith, a projected first round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was set to return for the Tigers season opener against Florida State after tearing his ACL in last year's matchup."
Without Smith, No. 5 LSU will be without one of the top defensive players on its roster, a significant blow for their showdown against the Seminoles.
Despite missing several practices with minor injuries during Fall Camp, Smith was set to make a comeback for the Sept. 3 contest, but it will now wait until Week 2 against in-state foe Grambling State.
The former five-star recruit recorded four sacks and five tackles for loss in nine games as a freshman. He was named first-team preseason All-Southeastern Conference by the coaches and projects as a potential All-American.
LSU will now fall back on junior Mekhi Wingo, who shined for the Tigers in 2022 when Smith went down on the opening series against Florida State.
Along with Wingo, LSU will rely on senior Jacobian Guillory and West Virginia transfer Jordan Jefferson.
LSU defensive coordinator Matt House praised Smith after a productive offseason. The 6-foot-6, 315-pounder added significant size with the chance to make a major return that will now be delayed.
“What you do see is that size and that athleticism,” House said Aug. 12. “He's just like anybody else. He's got improvement to be made. I think he would tell you right now if you looked at it, he wants to improve his pad level. At times right now, he's playing high."
