Michael Bacigalupi
By Hunt Palmer
Updated: 6:02 p.m.
LSU safety AJ Haulcy will miss the first half of the season opener at Clemson, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel.
LSU safety A.J. Haulcy will not play in the first half of the Clemson game, the NCAA tells ESPN. Per the NCAA: “In the last game of the 2024 season, A.J. Haulcy was ejected from the contest, initially listed as unsportsmanlike conduct…. pic.twitter.com/OknHWrcw26
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) August 28, 2025
**The original story is below**
LSU safety AJ Haulcy could be facing a first half suspension against Clemson Saturday night.
Haulcy was ejected from Houston’s regular season finale in 2024 for fighting. He was involved in an altercation in the endzone with just under three minutes to play in the game.
We’re waiting for clarification on that,” LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly said on Thursday. “We were informed on his situation on Wednesday. So, we’ll see where that ends up. We’re practicing him, preparing to play him. We’ll wait for further guidance.”
Under NCAA rules, a player who is ejected during the final game of the season does have to serve the half suspension in the first game of the following season.
Below is the except from SECTION 5 of the NCAA rulebook.
SECTION 5. FIGHTING
ARTICLE 1. a. Before the game, squad members in uniform or coaches shall
not participate in a fight (Rule 2-32-1).
During the first half, players shall not participate in a fight.
PENALTY—15 yards. For dead-ball fouls, 15 yards from the succeeding
spot. Automatic first down for Team B fouls if not in conflict
with other rules. Ejection for the remainder of the game [S7,
S27 or S38, and S47].
b. During the half-time intermission, squad members in uniform or coaches
shall not participate in a fight.
During the second half, players shall not participate in a fight.
FR-112
PENALTY—15 yards. For dead-ball fouls, 15 yards from the succeeding
spot. Automatic first down for Team B fouls if not in conflict
with other rules. Ejection for the remainder of the game and
the first half of the next game [S7, S27 or S38, and S47]. For
fighting in the last game of a season, those with remaining
eligibility shall serve suspensions during the first game of the next season for which they are eligible.
Houston did not participate in a bowl game a season ago, so the opener at Clemson would be the next game for which Haulcy is eligible.
The SEC has been working with LSU to resolve the matter.
“Our conference has been great,” Kelly said. “Greg Sankey has been great providing the support. We’ll just wait for a decision, and we’ll plan accordingly.”
Haulcy was a unanimous first-team All-Big 12 selection last season and has been working as a starting safety throughout fall camp. Tamarcus Cooley has manned the other side of the field.
Javien Toviano, Jardin Gilbert and Dashawn Spears have also rotated at safety though Gilbert has worked as the second team STAR in recent weeks.
Dashawn Spears has played a lot of football for us,” Kelly said. “Jardin Gilbert, so you’ve got pretty good depth. Javien Toviano. We feel pretty good about our defensive backfield. We’re dealing with it the same way you guys are. We’re waiting for information. once we get it, we’ll adjust accordingly and be ready to play Clemson.”
An LSU spokesperson said neither the Southeastern Conference or LSU were aware of the potential suspension and that Clemson reported the suspected issue.
Brian Kelly is scheduled to meet reporters Thursday evening after practice.
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