John Emery Jr., a member of LSU’s national championship team in 2019, seeks a new team for the 2025 college football season:

John Emery Jr., once heralded as one of the brightest running back prospects in college football, is now seeking a fresh start after spending several seasons at LSU, including being a key part of their 2019 national championship team. With the 2025 college football season on the horizon, Emery’s decision to enter the transfer portal has raised eyebrows across the college football landscape. His story is one of resilience, potential, and the search for redemption after years of ups and downs. This article delves into Emery’s journey, his impact on LSU’s football program, the factors influencing his decision to transfer, and what the future holds for this talented running back.

The Rise of John Emery Jr.: A Promising Start to His College Career

John Emery Jr. came to LSU as one of the most highly recruited running backs in the country. A five-star prospect out of Destrehan High School in Louisiana, Emery was lauded for his speed, agility, vision, and ability to break tackles. At 6 feet tall and weighing 215 pounds, he had the size to handle the physicality of college football while possessing the burst and quickness that made him an ideal fit in the high-powered LSU offense.

Emery’s recruitment was a major victory for LSU, which had long been a powerhouse in recruiting but had occasionally struggled to land elite running backs. The Tigers’ need for a dynamic back to complement their growing offensive weapons made Emery’s commitment a critical one for LSU’s long-term success.

2019 National Championship: A Role in LSU’s Historic Season

Emery’s journey with LSU began in earnest during the 2019 season, which would go down in history as one of the greatest college football seasons ever. LSU, under head coach Ed Orgeron, had assembled a roster filled with future NFL stars, led by quarterback Joe Burrow. The team’s offense, in particular, was one of the most potent in recent memory, with Burrow’s arm strength and precision complemented by a talented group of wide receivers, including Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Terrace Marshall Jr.

While Burrow and the passing attack stole most of the headlines that season, LSU’s running back corps also played a crucial role in the team’s success. John Emery Jr., despite being a freshman, was part of a running back rotation that included senior Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who would go on to become a first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. Emery’s role on that championship team, while not the primary focus, was essential. He was able to contribute when called upon, showcasing his skillset and making significant plays in key moments.

In 2019, Emery finished the season with 191 yards rushing on 38 carries and two touchdowns. Although those numbers may not jump off the page, his contributions as a freshman were seen as a stepping stone for the future. He played in several crucial games, including the College Football Playoff, where LSU took down Oklahoma in the Peach Bowl and then defeated Clemson in the national championship game.

Despite the limited action in his first season, Emery’s talent and potential were undeniable. He showed glimpses of what could be—a dynamic running back capable of breaking through defenses and adding another dimension to LSU’s already potent offensive attack.

The Struggles: Injuries, Eligibility Issues, and Setbacks

After the historic 2019 national championship season, expectations were high for Emery heading into his sophomore year. However, his time at LSU would soon be marred by injuries, academic setbacks, and eligibility issues that would prevent him from fully realizing his potential on the field.

1. Injuries and Inconsistent Playtime

Emery’s sophomore year in 2020 began with promise, but injuries quickly took a toll on his performance and ability to stay on the field. He suffered a foot injury that kept him out for parts of the season, limiting his ability to contribute in a meaningful way. With the emergence of other running backs on the roster, including Ty Davis-Price and Trey Bradford, Emery found himself in a competitive backfield that made it difficult to earn consistent playing time.

The injuries and the depth at LSU’s running back position meant that Emery was often relegated to a backup role, and his development was stunted. While he was still regarded as a highly talented player, the limited opportunities on the field hampered his growth as he struggled to stay healthy and find a rhythm.

2. Academic and Eligibility Issues

In addition to the physical setbacks, Emery faced academic challenges that would further complicate his time at LSU. In 2021, he missed the first two games of the season due to academic ineligibility, a blow to his standing with the team and his development. His absence in those early games made it difficult for him to get back into the rhythm of the season, and it was another setback that prevented him from building on the promise he had shown during his freshman year.

Despite overcoming these hurdles, Emery’s career at LSU never fully took off as expected. He was never able to secure the starting role in a consistent way, and his playing time fluctuated as the Tigers tried to find a reliable and healthy backfield. The combination of injuries, eligibility issues, and fierce competition for playing time led to a period of uncertainty for Emery.

The Decision to Transfer: Seeking a Fresh Start

As the 2024 season approached, it became clear that Emery’s time at LSU was nearing its end. With the 2025 college football season on the horizon, he made the decision to enter the transfer portal, looking for a fresh start where he could showcase his talent on a larger stage and compete for a starting role. While his time at LSU was filled with both highs and lows, Emery’s potential remained intact, and many college football programs were eager to take a chance on him.

The decision to transfer wasn’t easy for Emery. LSU, a program that had given him the opportunity to play on one of the most iconic teams in college football history, had been home to him for several years. However, after experiencing multiple setbacks, Emery realized that a new environment might offer him the best chance to fulfill his potential and make the most of his remaining college eligibility.

1. The Transfer Portal: A New Opportunity

Entering the transfer portal opened up new possibilities for Emery, who now had the opportunity to choose from a variety of programs seeking a running back with his skills. The transfer portal has become a key tool for college athletes in recent years, allowing players to find programs that better align with their playing style, needs, and aspirations.

For Emery, the 2025 season offers a chance to reset his career. He will have the opportunity to play for a team that can utilize his strengths and give him a legitimate chance to be a featured back. With the physical tools that made him such a highly-touted prospect coming out of high school, Emery is poised to attract interest from several programs, particularly those in need of a dynamic running back to elevate their offense.

2. The Pursuit of Redemption

For Emery, this transfer represents much more than a change of scenery. It is an opportunity to redeem himself and prove that he is capable of reaching the level of success that many once expected of him. The setbacks at LSU, while frustrating, have provided Emery with a new sense of determination and motivation to prove that he is not defined by the challenges he has faced.

After spending the past few years battling through injuries, eligibility issues, and inconsistent playing time, Emery is determined to show that he is ready to become a star running back once again. The transfer portal provides him with the opportunity to rewrite the narrative of his college career, and many are eager to see what he can accomplish in a new environment.

What’s Next for John Emery Jr.?

As Emery begins the search for his next team, several factors will come into play. First and foremost, he will be looking for a program that offers the opportunity to start and showcase his skills. He will also be seeking a coaching staff that believes in his abilities and can help him develop further as a player. Finally, Emery will want to find a program that offers the right fit for his playing style, one that can utilize his unique combination of size, speed, and agility.

Many programs will likely be interested in bringing in a player of Emery’s caliber. Given his pedigree, his physical attributes, and the success he enjoyed during his early career at LSU, Emery will have no shortage of suitors. Programs looking for a versatile, playmaking running back will certainly see the potential that Emery offers, and the 2025 season could serve as his redemption arc.

John Emery Jr.’s decision to seek a new team for the 2025 college football season represents the latest chapter in what has been an unpredictable and challenging journey. From his early days as a five-star recruit to his role in LSU’s national championship team, Emery’s potential has always been evident. However, injuries, academic challenges, and setbacks in playing time have kept him from realizing his full potential at LSU.

Now, as he enters the transfer portal, Emery is poised for a fresh start. With the opportunity to showcase his talents in a new program, he has a chance to finish his college career on a high note and make a lasting impact on the college football landscape. Whether he stays close to home or ventures to a new program, Emery’s future is full of potential, and the 2025 season could be his chance to fulfill the promise that once had him labeled as one of the top running back prospects in the country.