John Emery Jr. announces return to LSU for his seventh season of college football
John Emery Jr. Announces Return to LSU for His Seventh Season of College Football
As college football fans across the country eagerly anticipate the 2025 season, one of the most significant announcements came from Baton Rouge, where LSU running back John Emery Jr. revealed that he would return for his seventh season of college football. Emery’s decision is a surprising and momentous one, marking an unprecedented length of time for a college football player to remain in the program. After a career filled with promise, adversity, and persistence, Emery’s return to LSU is one of the most compelling storylines heading into the new season. His journey has been a testament to resilience, work ethic, and determination, and his decision to come back for another year will not only benefit LSU but also add a layer of intrigue to the 2025 college football landscape.
In this article, we will delve into the backstory of John Emery Jr.’s college football journey, the challenges he has overcome, his decision to return to LSU, and what his seventh season could mean for both his career and the Tigers’ quest for championship glory in 2025.
The Rise of John Emery Jr.
John Emery Jr. arrived at LSU as one of the most highly regarded running backs in the nation, having been a five-star recruit out of Destrehan, Louisiana. Known for his rare combination of speed, agility, vision, and physicality, Emery was expected to become one of the top running backs in college football. Standing at 6-feet and weighing 215 pounds, Emery was a physical specimen who could break tackles, outrun defenders, and catch passes out of the backfield with ease.
In 2019, Emery entered LSU’s prestigious program with tremendous expectations. As a freshman, he showcased flashes of brilliance, rushing for 191 yards and a touchdown while serving as a complementary piece in a backfield led by Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who would later go on to be drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs. Despite not being the primary back, Emery’s ability to make plays when given the opportunity was evident. He ran with decisiveness, showing an uncanny ability to find holes and burst through them, often gaining extra yards after contact.
The 2020 season would be the year Emery’s potential started to shine through more consistently. With Edwards-Helaire off to the NFL, Emery became LSU’s lead back. While the team faced struggles throughout the season, including issues with quarterback play and a lack of consistency on offense, Emery provided a reliable and explosive option in the backfield. He finished with 378 rushing yards and three touchdowns in 2020, showing his ability to carry the load despite an inconsistent offense around him.
As LSU entered the 2021 season, Emery’s reputation continued to grow. He was poised to build upon his previous performances and emerge as one of the premier running backs in the SEC. Unfortunately, the next chapter in Emery’s career would be fraught with setbacks and challenges that would test his character and commitment to the game he loved.
The Challenges: Setbacks and Adversity
John Emery Jr.’s college career has been defined not just by his impressive skillset, but also by the adversity he has faced. One of the most notable challenges came in 2021 when Emery was suspended for the first two games of the season due to academic issues. While these setbacks were frustrating for both Emery and the LSU coaching staff, they were also an opportunity for him to reflect and recommit himself to his academic and athletic responsibilities.
When Emery finally returned to the field, he looked eager to make up for lost time. However, another obstacle soon emerged—injuries. In 2021, he dealt with nagging injuries that limited his effectiveness, and though he was still able to contribute, his season was not as spectacular as anticipated. The inconsistency on the offensive line and the overall lack of stability on offense in 2021 made it difficult for Emery to find a rhythm.
As a result, LSU turned to a running back by committee approach, with fellow backs Tyrion Davis-Price and Armoni Goodwin shouldering more of the load. Emery’s production in 2021 was relatively modest, totaling just 375 rushing yards and six touchdowns on 75 carries. It was clear that the injuries and missed time had a significant impact on his ability to showcase his full potential.
But Emery’s story was far from over. His setbacks were just a chapter in a much larger narrative. After taking the necessary time to recover and refocus, Emery was poised to return to action in 2022, hoping to finally put together a full, uninterrupted season.
The 2022 Season: A Glimmer of Hope and Another Setback
The 2022 season brought renewed optimism for John Emery Jr. After missing significant time due to academic issues, injuries, and other off-field challenges, Emery was eager to prove himself as one of the top running backs in the country. However, as was often the case during his college career, there were further obstacles.
Emery missed the beginning of the 2022 season due to another academic issue, but when he returned to the field, he showed flashes of the talent that had made him a star during his high school days. He ran with power and decisiveness, contributing in both the running and passing game. Despite the challenges, Emery still finished with 375 yards rushing and two touchdowns, showcasing his ability to produce even in a limited role.
Though the 2022 season offered some positive moments, it was another reminder that Emery’s college football journey had been marked by inconsistency—both on the field and off. Still, the flashes of brilliance that fans had seen early in his career were still present. And as the 2023 offseason arrived, Emery faced a critical crossroads: would he declare for the NFL Draft, or would he return for another season in Baton Rouge?
The Decision to Return: Emery’s Seventh Season
As the 2025 offseason approached, speculation began to mount regarding whether Emery would return for one final season in Baton Rouge. Given that he had already been in college for six years and faced multiple setbacks, many believed that the time had come for Emery to pursue his professional aspirations. However, in a move that shocked and excited LSU fans, Emery announced that he would return for the 2025 season for a seventh year of college football.
This decision marked a historic moment in college football, as very few players have ever returned for such a prolonged stint in the sport. Emery’s reasons for coming back were multi-faceted. One of the key factors was his belief that he still had more to prove. Emery’s time at LSU had been riddled with obstacles, but he felt that he was not yet done with his college football journey. His desire to help LSU compete for championships in his final season, alongside his personal goals of showcasing his abilities, were central to his decision.
Another important consideration was his readiness to take the next step in his career. While many believed Emery’s time in college had been marked by inconsistency, his raw talent was undeniable. With a fresh start and a renewed sense of focus, Emery was determined to prove that he could still be one of the top running backs in college football. He recognized that a strong final season could elevate his draft stock and make him a more attractive prospect for the NFL.
What His Return Means for LSU in 2025
Emery’s decision to return for his seventh season has significant implications for both his career and LSU’s football program. In 2025, the Tigers will have an experienced and battle-tested running back in their backfield, which is a crucial asset in the SEC, where physicality and dominance in the trenches often determine the outcome of games.
With a returning veteran like Emery, LSU’s offense will have a reliable option in the running game. While the Tigers have produced talented running backs in recent years, Emery brings a unique combination of skills that make him a potential game-changer. His vision, burst, and ability to break tackles are complemented by his capability to contribute in the passing game. LSU’s offensive scheme will certainly benefit from Emery’s all-around versatility, especially as the team looks to compete in a challenging SEC.
In addition, Emery’s leadership and experience will be invaluable for the LSU locker room. His journey—marked by resilience and determination—has earned him the respect of his teammates. Young players, especially those in the backfield, will have the opportunity to learn from one of the most seasoned players in college football. Emery’s work ethic and commitment to improvement will set a strong example for the rest of the team, providing much-needed guidance as LSU aims to compete for a national championship.
Looking Ahead: Emery’s Future and LSU’s 2025 Season
John Emery Jr.’s return for his seventh season offers LSU the chance to make a serious run at the SEC title and potentially the College Football Playoff. While the team will rely on multiple playmakers, Emery’s experience and talent make him one of the key players to watch in 2025.
As for Emery’s future beyond college, the 2025 season will likely be his final opportunity to prove himself as an NFL prospect. If he can stay healthy, stay focused, and showcase his full potential, he will undoubtedly improve his stock in the eyes of NFL scouts. Regardless of the outcome, his resilience, perseverance, and passion for the game have already ensured his place in LSU lore.
For LSU fans, the return of John Emery Jr. is a reason to be excited. After six years of ups and downs, they will finally get to see the player they’ve always known was capable of greatness make his final push toward a memorable college football career. Whether it ends with an SEC title, a national championship, or an NFL draft pick, Emery’s legacy will be one of determination, hard work, and the love of the game.
