Chris Hilton Jr. admits he expected to be playing basketball instead of football

Chris Hilton Jr. is entering his fifth season with LSU, a place he admitted he did not expect to be. Hilton dealt with an injury for most of the 2025 season, only playing in six games. He now returns healthy, ready to break out alongside quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and a wealth of fellow wide receivers.

When speaking on Tuesday, injury is not why Hilton did not envision himself still playing football. It’s because of another sport, basketball. In a different world, Hilton is playing for head coach Matt McMahon, not Brian Kelly.

“I didn’t think I’d be playing football right now,” Hilton said at SEC Media Days. “I thought I’d be hooping. But that was short-lived.”

His official LSU profile describes Hilton as “one of the most talented all-around athletes on the LSU football team.” Plenty of football players, across the country, played basketball during their high school days. Maybe not as well as Hilton, though. He is skilled enough to believe he would still be on the hardwood instead of the gridiron.

Hilton committed to LSU out of Zachary (LA) and was a four-star football prospect. His high school basketball team still has a special place in his heart. Some of his NIL money went toward the team this past April, helping fund their state championship rings. A nice gesture from the wide receiver.

Football is ultimately the path Hilton wound up on. LSU has to be thankful for that, believing they have somebody who could be one of the best receivers in the SEC at their disposal. Hilton will have the goal of staying healthy in order to live up to the billing.

In 31 games played, just 31 receptions are attached to Hilton’s name for a total of 658 yards and six touchdowns. Last year’s numbers, in limited action, are why the Tigers are excited. Nine catches resulted in 243 yards and three touchdowns. An average of 27 yards per reception will play every single time.

A tough first test is ahead of LSU, going up against Clemson in the season opener. Brian Kelly’s record to start out the year is well documented, still looking for his first victory. When you include the previous three, this might be the toughest test of them all.

Folks in Baton Rouge will be hoping Hilton finds a way to have a big day against a talented Clemson defense. And if he does, everyone can be thankful the basketball path did not work out.