Report: “Forgotten Heroes” – Brian Kelly reveals LSU Tigers turning point and four unsung heroes who helped save Tigers
In a heartfelt reflection on a season filled with adversity, LSU head coach Brian Kelly has opened up about a key moment that shifted the course of the Tigers’ campaign — and the four unheralded players who made it possible. Calling them “forgotten heroes,” Kelly detailed how these under-the-radar contributors helped steer the program back on course when it seemed to be veering off track.
Speaking candidly after the season’s conclusion, Kelly pinpointed a difficult mid-season stretch where internal belief was tested and outside noise grew louder. “We were at a crossroads,” Kelly admitted. “And sometimes, it’s not the stars or the names in the headlines who change your trajectory. It’s the guys in the shadows — the ones who lead without needing a spotlight.”
Among those players was junior linebacker Greg Penn III, whose on-field awareness and off-field maturity stabilized a struggling defense. Though not the flashiest name on the roster, Penn consistently made the smart plays, filled gaps when it mattered most, and served as a calming voice in the locker room during tense weeks.
Another unsung difference-maker was offensive lineman Charles Turner III. Often overlooked due to the nature of his position, Turner quietly became a backbone for the Tigers’ offensive unit. His consistency at center allowed quarterback Jayden Daniels more time to operate, and his command of the line helped minimize mistakes during a critical late-season push. “Charles doesn’t say much,” Kelly said, “but he does everything the right way — and the team feeds off that.”
On special teams, junior wide receiver Kyren Lacy made his mark not just through his receiving contributions but through effort plays and hustle that often went unnoticed by the public. “He gave us field position advantages, made tackles, hustled to down punts — he brought energy every single week,” Kelly explained.
The fourth figure in Kelly’s group of unsung heroes was freshman defensive back Ryan Yaites. Thrown into action due to injuries in the secondary, Yaites showed maturity beyond his years. His situational awareness and willingness to absorb coaching allowed him to hold his own against seasoned SEC competition. “He stepped up when others were down,” Kelly said. “That’s not easy for a freshman, but he never blinked.”
While LSU’s season had its share of ups and downs, the story behind their late push — and potential foundation for the future — lies in the contributions of these lesser-celebrated names. Kelly emphasized that these players embody the type of culture he’s working to build in Baton Rouge: selfless, determined, and team-first.
“These young men might not get the headlines,” Kelly said, “but they’re the heartbeat of this team. Without their efforts, we don’t get to where we did.”
