Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
Former LSU football player Barion Brown was asked his thoughts on Lane Kiffin’s hire in Baton Rouge. He quietly trolled his old coach in the process.
Brown, now a member of the New Orleans Saints, suggested he might’ve experienced a better senior season under different leadership. Brian Kelly’s staff was unable to maximize his talent.
Brown had his worst year, statistically speaking, in 2025. That came after a transfer from Kentucky.
Who is Barion Brown?
The wide receiver was selected with the 190th pick in the most recent NFL Draft. It followed a four-year career in the SEC.
Brown started his career as a four-star recruit with Kentucky. He quickly made a name for himself as both a pass catcher and return man.
The speedster racked up a career-high 628 receiving yards as a freshman. He scored four times through the air while adding a kick return touchdown.
The next year was much of the same. Brown hauled in four receiving touchdowns, scored on three kickoffs, and found the endzone once as a ball carrier. He posted a personal best of 686 yards from scrimmage.
Across three seasons in Lexington, the dynamic threat tallied 18 touchdowns. He buoyed the production into a transfer to LSU.
In Baton Rouge, he took a step back.
Brian Kelly couldn’t figure it out.
LSU entered the 2025 season as a national title contender. It wound up 7-6. Kelly was let go midway through the year.
Offense was a major issue. Veteran quarterback Garrett Nussmeier struggled, as did his receiving corps. Barion Brown’s production took a major hit.
While he finished with a career high in receptions, his yards per catch went down drastically. He scored in his debut but wouldn’t find the endzone again as a receiver. He was not used as a runner despite showing success at his previous stop.
At one time, Brown was talked about as a Day 2 draft pick. He fell to the sixth round after his lone season at LSU.
This week, he was asked about his former coach’s replacement in Baton Rouge. He threw some shade with his response.
“You wish you could’ve played in that Lane Kiffin offense?”
Barion Brown: (long pause) “I’m here now , that’s all that matters 😀” pic.twitter.com/OcpchYoEIM
— Baton Rouge Boot Krewe Media (@BatonRougeBKM) June 10, 2026
Brown clearly wishes he could’ve played in the new system. He might’ve had the opportunity to thrive.
Lane Kiffin is known for his creativity on the offensive side of the football. He would’ve found ways to use Brown’s abilities.
Ole Miss finished with a Top 10 offense under a former D2 quarterback. It nearly made the national title game as a result. LSU, meanwhile, ranked 103rd nationally in scoring with one of college football’s top returning quarterbacks.
Brown’s draft slide can be attributed to the poor results.