The LSU Tigers are set to battle the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs on Saturday night at Tiger Stadium. It will be the 21st meeting between the two Louisiana schools, and the first since Sept. 22, 2018. With a 38-21 victory in that contest, the Tigers have won 16 consecutive matchups against the Bulldogs.
When the two schools take the field on Saturday, one former LSU Tiger will be making his return to Baton Rouge. Louisiana Tech linebacker Kolbe Fields spent the 2022 season with LSU, and is now shining with the Bulldogs. Fields was a prominent member of Louisiana Tech's defense last season, and is already making an impact again in 2025.
Former LSU LB Kolbe Fields plays a key role in Louisiana Tech's defense
Fields appeared in four games for South Carolina in 2021 before transferring to LSU for the 2022 season. In Baton Rouge, he played in 11 games as a backup linebacker and was a member of special teams on coverage units. He recorded four tackles with the Tigers, collecting three tackles in his LSU debut against Southern and adding another against New Mexico.
He transferred to Louisiana Tech after the 2022 season, and sat out in 2023. In 2024, Fields played a key role in a strong Bulldog defense. He played and started in 11 games, finishing second on the team with 71 tackles on the season. Furthermore, he recorded nine tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, one interception, two forced fumbles, one pass break up and three QB hurries. For his efforts, Fields was named to the All-CUSA Second Team.
After a solid showing in 2024, a lot is expected of Fields in 2025. Heading into the new season, Fields landed numerous conference awards including CUSA Preseason Defensive Player of the Year, CUSA Preseason Watch List, Preseason First Team All-CUSA (Phil Steele), and Preseason Group of Five All-American (HERO Sports). In Louisiana Tech's season opener, the redshirt senior made four tackles which included a sack and a tackle for loss against Southeastern Louisiana. He helped lead the Bulldogs to a shutout victory over the Lions by a score of 24-0.
Hailing from New Orleans, Fields was a three-star recruit at Archbishop Rummel High School in Metairie. As a senior in 2020, he earned District 9-5A defensive MVP honors and was selected First Team 5A All-State.