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NO : LSU Tigers Football Star Harold Perkins Jr Declines Tampering Move by Tennessee, Turns Down $7.7 Million NIL Offer to Stay in Baton Rouge
In an era where name, image, and likeness (NIL) money has dramatically reshaped the college football landscape, loyalty is becoming increasingly rare. But LSU linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. has just reminded the nation what commitment and integrity still look like — even when jaw-dropping numbers are thrown his way.
Sources close to the LSU program have confirmed that Perkins recently declined a massive $7.7 million NIL offer, reportedly extended by individuals with close ties to the Tennessee Volunteers program. The move was described as a “tampering attempt,” aiming to lure the dynamic junior defender into the transfer portal before the upcoming 2025 season.
Instead of chasing a bigger payday, Perkins has chosen to stay in Baton Rouge — a decision that speaks volumes about his character, his belief in the LSU program, and his unfinished business with head coach Brian Kelly’s squad.In today’s college football environment, where even elite programs struggle to retain top talent amid the swirling winds of the transfer portal and skyrocketing NIL deals, Harold Perkins Jr. made a rare — and powerful — statement: loyalty matters.
The reported $7.7 million offer from Tennessee-linked boosters was more than double Perkins’ current NIL valuation, which sources say stands at approximately $3.2 million. The attempt to secure his services was not just about numbers — it came with the promise of instant national stardom, custom brand deals, and a prominent leadership role in the Vols’ defense under head coach Josh Heupel.
And yet, Perkins declined.
“He wants to win a national championship at LSU,” said one insider familiar with the situation. “Money talks, but Harold is more focused on legacy. He’s already one of the best defensive players in college football. Now he wants to cement himself as one of the greatest to ever wear the purple and gold.”
Harold Perkins Jr. isn’t just any player. Since arriving at LSU as a five-star recruit out of Cypress, Texas, he has become a centerpiece of the Tigers’ defense. Known for his explosive speed, bone-rattling tackles, and uncanny ability to read plays, Perkins has drawn comparisons to NFL greats like Patrick Willis and Roquan Smith.
In the 2024 season, Perkins posted 97 total tackles, 16.5 tackles for loss, 9 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 2 interceptions — earning him All-SEC honors and solidifying his place as one of the top defenders in the country.
NFL scouts are already drooling over his skill set, with many projecting him as a potential top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft should he choose to stay one more year. But for now, Perkins remains laser-focused on his current mission: bringing a national title back to Death Valley.
The attempt by Tennessee to pry Perkins away has sparked conversations across college football about the increasingly murky waters of NIL and transfer portal regulations. While the Volunteers program itself has not been officially accused of wrongdoing, the optics of the situation have raised eyebrows.
Several industry sources have pointed to third-party collectives and alumni with ties to Tennessee athletics as the facilitators of the offer. Though not directly affiliated with the university, such groups have become the new battlegrounds in the race to acquire top talent.
“It’s not illegal under current NIL policy, but it’s definitely unethical,” said one SEC administrator. “Tampering has become one of the most pressing issues in college athletics, and Harold’s situation is exactly why reform is needed.”
The NCAA, which has struggled to enforce consistent NIL guidelines, is reportedly monitoring the situation. However, unless a direct connection to Tennessee’s coaching staff is discovered, it’s unlikely any formal penalties will be levied.
For LSU head coach Brian Kelly, Perkins’ decision is a major win — not just on the field, but culturally. Since arriving in Baton Rouge, Kelly has made it a point to build a program rooted in player development, accountability, and pride in the LSU brand. Keeping Perkins for what could be his final season is a validation of that vision.
“Harold is a Tiger through and through,” Kelly said in a brief statement. “He’s a competitor, a leader, and most importantly, a young man with values. We’re thrilled to have him back for what we believe will be a very special season.”
Kelly now enters the summer with the rare luxury of having a returning All-American linebacker anchoring his defense — a luxury not many programs can claim in today’s portal-driven era.
Harold Perkins Jr. took to social media shortly after reports surfaced, addressing fans and reaffirming his commitment to LSU:
“I’m not going anywhere. This is my home. This is my family. We’ve got something to prove this year, and I want to be part of it. Money comes and goes, but the bond we’ve built here — that’s forever.”
The post quickly went viral, garnering praise from LSU fans, former Tigers greats, and even national media outlets. It’s a rare moment where a star athlete chose legacy over luxury, and fans are embracing it wholeheartedly.
With Perkins back, LSU’s defense instantly becomes one of the most formidable units in the SEC. Paired with fellow defensive standouts like safety Javien Toviano and defensive lineman Maason Smith, the Tigers are poised to make a serious championship run in 2025.
Offensively, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier returns after a breakout season, while star wideout Kyren Lacy provides explosive playmaking on the perimeter. The pieces are there — and Perkins’ return is the glue holding it all together.
Analysts now rank LSU as a preseason top-five team, with ESPN placing the Tigers at No. 4 in their latest projections. Perkins, expected to be named a preseason All-American again, will be a frontrunner for multiple national awards, including the Butkus and Bednarik honors.
The Perkins situation has ignited yet another round of debate about the pros and cons of NIL in college athletics. On one hand, players finally have the opportunity to capitalize on their talents. On the other, the lack of guardrails has opened the door for unchecked tampering and recruitment chaos.
College football insiders are calling for reform — including potential tampering penalties, a national NIL registry, and stricter oversight of third-party collectives. Perkins’ case, while inspiring, also highlights just how high the stakes have become in this new age.
“He shouldn’t have to be put in that position,” said one former coach. “The system is broken when a 20-year-old has to choose between doing the right thing and walking away from life-changing money.”
For Harold Perkins Jr., though, the choice was clear. Baton Rouge is where he wants to be. The LSU jersey is the only one he wants to wear — and he’s determined to finish what he started.
In a time when college football feels more like free agency than amateur competition, Harold Perkins just made the most powerful play of all: choosing heart over hype, and loyalty over luxury.