LSU fans are hoping (and with that NIL bankroll, paying) for better days ahead, that’s obvious.
The entertainment value is undeniable, with a star chamber of vibrant coaching personalities that has eyes and ears from coast to coast tuned in to the latest Tiger talk.
Lane Kiffin, and now Ed “BeBe” Orgeron. The Lane Train and Coach O. They’re in Baton Rouge because Brian Kelly fit LSU like that glove fit O.J., no matter how guilty he was.
Will Wade, who grins at mention of his “American Gangster” nickname, is building a basketball roster that the State Department is going to need to check. Three rings will not be enough for this circus. But we all enjoy the circus, and we leave happy.
Speaking of a coach who provides entertainment, there’s Kim Mulkey, who commands the spotlight 24-7-365, and amid any chaos, just wins. Big. Every winter.
She’s the stand alone shining star at this juncture, because the coach who has won two national championships in the past four seasons just had the most disappointing year in the history of LSU baseball. Nobody (reasonable, or sane) is calling for Jay Johnson’s head. Yet.
Red Clay Earthquake Alley, mostly south of Shreveport and north of Natchitoches, is rockin’, with well over a dozen rattlers since Thanksgiving. Tiger Nation can relate.
Stay calm. Come to 800 Front Street in the City of Lights, at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame Museum, and relive some of LSU’s greatest days starting Thursday evening, with a free reception from 6-8 for the opening of an exceptional exhibit.
“Billy Cannon – They Called Him Legend” presents the unabridged life story of LSU’s first real modern-era (post World War II) golden boy, the 1959 Heisman Trophy winner.
The display has had a 14-month run at the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge and somehow, the Louisiana State Museum curatorial staff has brought about 75 percent of that expansive exhibit to Natchitoches. The Cannons – Billy’s parents, then his wife Dot – kept everything of any significance from his Istrouma High School days forward. Example: the telephone that fielded a phone call from coach Paul Dietzel offering young Billy a football scholarship at LSU.
There’s so, so much more, from every stage of Cannon’s 80 years: the early days, his LSU career including his pivotal role in the Tigers’ 1958 national championship, his 11-year pro career, family life, and yes, his tumble from grace — and redemption in his later years.
Today many of us hear his name and too few of us know most of his story. The fabled Halloween night run, counterbalanced by a stint in federal prison. Being shunned in his hometown upon his release, and channeling that isolation into a deeply impactful role as a dentist and counselor for inmates at Angola State Prison.
This exhibit tells it all. You may think you know Cannon’s ups and downs, but there’s much more substance and subtext shared in these showcases.
For today’s Tiger fans, it has perfect timing. Cannon’s story has a happy ending. There haven’t been many of those for the Purple and Gold in the signature sports in 2025-26.
Even if you’re not prone to wearing LSU gear, it’s undeniably fascinating and inspiring.
Admission to the Hall of Fame museum is never expensive — $6 is the top cost – but on a few occasions, like Thursday evening, it’s free. Looking for an uplifting outing? Come see Cannon’s exhibit, and the rest of the two-story, 27,000-square foot Hall.
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com