Harold Perkins, the standout linebacker for LSU football, has decided on his future in the NFL.

One of college football’s most athletic defenders, Harold Perkins, is returning to Baton Rouge for his senior season with the Tigers rather than choosing to enter the 2025 NFL Draft.

In a video that was uploaded to his Instagram account on Friday, Perkins made the announcement. Prior to sustaining an ACL injury that necessitated surgery during LSU’s victory over UCLA on September 21, he was considered a possible first-round pick in the upcoming NFL draft.

“I’m back,” said Perkins.

The former first-team All-America and All-SEC player had 163 tackles and 28 tackles for loss while playing for LSU. Prior to this season, he had a career total of 13 sacks, two interceptions, and seven passes defended.

Despite having a lackluster season debut as an inside linebacker, Perkins was awarded the No. 7 jersey this fall, a number LSU saves for its best players. During the four games prior to the injury, Perkins had 17 tackles and 1½ tackles for loss without receiving any sacks.

Perkins fell out of recent first-round estimates due to concerns about his position and his recovery from the injury. Due to his athleticism and value on third down, he would still have been selected in the draft. Perkins was ranked as the seventh-best off-ball linebacker in the class by ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper last week, but it was unclear where he would have ended up.

Perkins is returning to an LSU linebacking corps that might help the defense. The Tigers have several important players returning, including sophomore Whit Weeks, senior West Weeks, and freshman Davhon Keys, despite losing senior Greg Penn, a three-year starter.

With 119 tackles this season—the third-most in the SEC—Whit Weeks became a star. After sustaining a sprained ankle early in the season, West Weeks purposefully redshirted, and Keys gained increased playing time in the final month of the regular season.

In addition, LSU added Zach Weeks, West and Whit’s younger brother, Jaiden Braker, Keylan Moses, and Charles Ross—four four-star linebackers. As the season approaches, it will have nine linebackers on scholarship.

With Perkins back, LSU will have a defensive player with a lot of promise in their second season under head coach Blake Baker. Baker will need to figure out how to showcase his strengths while he recovers from his knee injury throughout the offseason.