In recent weeks, the sports world has been buzzing with the story of Brendan Sorsby, the former Texas Tech quarterback entangled in a betting and eligibility dispute. This situation has captured the attention of many, including a notable voice from LSU’s past-Tyrann Mathieu.

Mathieu, the former LSU cornerback affectionately known as the “Honey Badger,” added his voice to the social media frenzy, questioning whether he could similarly return to the college gridiron. He humorously wondered on his social media account if there was a judge in Louisiana who could help him finish his last two years of college football, much like Sorsby was allowed to complete his final season with the Raiders.

This playful comment quickly caught the attention of LSU fans, players, and the team’s new head coach, Lane Kiffin. Mathieu, alongside his close friend Tyrann McCall, recently visited LSU to record their podcast, “In The Bayou.” During their visit, they sat down with Kiffin, LSU athletic director Verge Ausberry, and linebacker Whit Weeks to discuss the hypothetical scenario of Mathieu’s return.

The idea of bringing Mathieu back to Tiger Stadium would certainly be a headline-grabbing move for Kiffin, who is eager to usher in a new era of LSU football. However, Mathieu’s comments served more as a commentary on Sorsby’s situation. He highlighted the irony that if Sorsby, who violated NCAA gambling rules by betting on his own team at Indiana, could regain eligibility, then perhaps Mathieu’s own checkered NCAA past could be overlooked too.

Despite the lighthearted nature of the discussion, Kiffin provided a dose of reality during the podcast, suggesting that Mathieu might not be ready for a return to college football. “The game’s got a lot of tempo now, so we gotta get you some conditioning,” Kiffin remarked, acknowledging Mathieu’s impressive 12-year NFL career and successful stint with the Tigers, but also pointing out the increased pace of today’s college game.

Kiffin emphasized that while Mathieu’s playmaking abilities and coverage skills are unquestionable, the speed of the game has changed. He humorously suggested that the 34-year-old Mathieu might need some cardio work to truly consider a comeback to his old stomping grounds at LSU, should the unlikely scenario of regained eligibility occur.

This playful exchange underscores the evolving landscape of college football and the ongoing discussions around eligibility and rules. While Mathieu’s return remains a whimsical notion, it highlights the broader conversation about fairness and redemption in college sports.