Brian Kelly releases statement after Kayshon Boutte declares for 2023 NFL Draft

LSU wide receiver Kayshon Boutte surprised many around college football when he declared for the 2023 NFL Draft Wednesday night after previously saying he planned to return to Baton Rouge. Shortly after he made the announcement, Brian Kelly tweeted a message of support.

Boutte originally said he planned to return to LSU next season — Kelly’s second with the program. However, in a Wednesday press release just hours before Boutte’s announcement, Kelly confirmed Boutte would be unavailable for the Citrus Bowl against Purdue. Now, the star receiver is off to the NFL.

“We support Kayshon and his decision,” Kelly tweeted. “He went through a thoughtful process and ultimately decided this was in his best interest. We appreciate all he did during his time at LSU and wish him well.”

LSU star wide receiver Kayshon Boutte declares for 2023 NFL Draft

Boutte began his career at LSU in 2020 as the No. 4 wide receiver and No. 29 overall player in the class, according to the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He made an immediate impact his freshman season, catching 45 passes for 735 receiving yards and five touchdowns during his first season with the Tigers.

Through turmoil and turnover for LSU, Boutte still shined bright, amassing 38 catches for 509 receiving yards and nine touchdowns his sophomore season. He rose to become one of the most feared pass catchers in the nation, and someone the defense would be forced to spotlight throughout a game.

That set high expectations for Boutte entering his junior season at LSU in 2022, as he was considered one of the top wide receiver prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. He did not disappoint, recording 48 catches for 538 yards and two touchdowns as the Tigers won the SEC West in Brian Kelly’s first season at the helm.

On3’s Justin Rudolph contributed to this report.