LSU WR Malik Nabers chasing history, will play in bowl game

LSU wide receiver Malik Nabers made history in Saturday’s win over Texas A&M when he hauled in a 21-yard pass in the fourth quarter.

With the catch, Nabers became LSU’s all-time leader in career receptions with 184.

He broke the record held by Wendell Davis, who caught 183 passes while playing for the Tigers from 1984-87.

Nabers is widely considered to be a first-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and with the Tigers out of the hunt for the College Football Playoffs, it would be fair to presume a prospect like Nabers would opt out of a final game and begin preparations for the draft.

Instead, the Louisiana native is chasing one more piece of history. And, that means playing in one more game.

One record down, one more to go for Nabers

Nabers now owns LSU’s record for career receptions at 186 … and counting.

Nabers reached the mark in just three seasons, catching 28 passes as a true freshman in 2021 before hauling in 72 passes in 14 games a year ago.

This season, Nabers has 86 catches in 12 games.

Still, there’s another record that Nabers has his eyes on: LSU’s career receiving yards leader.

The electric Josh Reed currently holds the record, totaling 3,001 receiving yards across three seasons from 1999-2001.

More than 20 years later, Nabers is sitting at 2,980 receiving yards in three seasons, putting him 21 yards short of the record.

With the chance to rank No. 1 in LSU history in receptions and receiving yards, the Youngsville, La., native said his mind is on being with his teammates for the bowl game – and grabbing the 22 yards he needs to pass up Reed in the records books.

“That record hasn’t been broken in over 20 years,” Nabers said after he broke the receptions record on Saturday. “Whoever has the opportunity, which is me, I feel like they would want to do the same.

“I came here and played with a chip on my shoulder. I didn’t care who I was playing or how many games we had left, I’ve never left my team out there to dry.”

After taking home MVP honors at the Cheez-It Bowl a year ago, Nabers now can put his name atop the record books for a program with a rich tradition at the wide receiver position.

“This record, it’s mine to break,” he said. “God put me here for a reason. I am just happy he chose me to have this opportunity to go break this record. I’m going to do what (God) wants me to do.”

Both records were broken on Saturday – but then came a twist

With LSU ahead 35-30 against Texas A&M with seven minutes left in the game, LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels opened the drive with a strike to Nabers.

Nabers did the rest, sprinting 75 yards up the sidelines for the touchdown.

Minutes earlier, Nabers had broken the LSU career receptions record. Now, he had broken Josh Reed’s all-time receiving yards record.

But before crossing the goal line, Nabers knew the inevitable.

LSU wide receiver Kyren Lacy, who was blocking downfield for Nabers, was flagged for holding on a play when Nabers likely wouldn’t have needed the extra help. Lacy, who caught a touchdown to finish out the drive, was in tears on the sidelines following the series.

With Nabers’ 75-yard touchdown having come off the board, so too did the career receiving yards record.

After the game, LSU head coach Brian Kelly awarded Nabers the game ball. During his speech, he turned the attention to Lacy.

“(Kyren), this ball belongs to both of us,” Nabers said in front of the team. “I’m not mad at you. At least you were aware of the record, and you wanted me to hit it. You are a longtime brother, and I’ll have you in my corner forever. I love you. It’s not your fault.

“I’m going to get it. This (game ball) is for all y’all boys. I appreciate y’all.”

This is what the brotherhood is about 💛 pic.twitter.com/uaaHHqL3AU
— LSU Football (@LSUfootball) November 25, 2023