LSU Stars Strike Gold: Chase, Higgins & Stingley Land NFL’s Pot of Gold!

When the NFL draft rolls around, it’s a momentous occasion for college football players, as it marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and dreams of making it to the highest level of the sport. For LSU, the 2025 NFL Draft was especially sweet, as three of its star players—Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Derek Stingley Jr.—each found themselves securing monumental contracts with NFL teams. Their success is not only a testament to their individual talents but also to the powerhouse program LSU has built under head coach Ed Orgeron and continued under Brian Kelly.

These three LSU products have turned heads not just for their performances on the field but also for their remarkable journeys to the NFL. From national championships to dominant individual performances, Chase, Higgins, and Stingley have each played a pivotal role in LSU’s recent football success. As they transition from the college ranks to the NFL, they’ve each signed contracts that reflect their immense potential, their hard-earned reputations, and the tremendous promise they bring to their respective teams.

Let’s take a deeper look at these three LSU stars—Chase, Higgins, and Stingley—and explore their paths to the NFL, the contracts that have landed them in the league’s spotlight, and the future that awaits them as they look to conquer the NFL.

Ja’Marr Chase: The NFL’s Next Superstar Wide Receiver

Ja’Marr Chase’s career at LSU was nothing short of legendary. A key figure in LSU’s historic 2019 season, which culminated in a national championship, Chase emerged as one of the top wide receivers in the country and set numerous records along the way. His dominance in college football translated seamlessly into the NFL, where he quickly established himself as one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers.

Chase’s Dominance at LSU

During his time at LSU, Ja’Marr Chase was a game-changer. In 2019, Chase won the prestigious Biletnikoff Award, which is given to the nation’s best wide receiver, after a jaw-dropping season where he racked up 1,780 receiving yards and 20 touchdowns. His ability to separate from defenders, track deep balls, and make clutch catches in key moments made him an irreplaceable part of LSU’s championship offense. Alongside quarterback Joe Burrow, who would go on to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Chase formed one of the most lethal wide receiver-quarterback duos in college football history.

Chase’s connection with Burrow helped LSU achieve an undefeated season and win the College Football Playoff National Championship in 2020. Chase’s performances throughout the season made him a household name and placed him at the top of the list of wide receiver prospects heading into the NFL Draft.

NFL Draft Success: A Star in the Making

After opting out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chase entered the 2021 NFL Draft as one of the most highly anticipated players. The Cincinnati Bengals, who were in need of a dynamic weapon to pair with their young quarterback Joe Burrow, selected Chase with the fifth overall pick. It didn’t take long for Chase to make an impact in the NFL.

In his rookie season, Chase exceeded expectations, catching 81 passes for 1,455 yards and 13 touchdowns. His chemistry with Burrow was immediately evident, and the duo quickly became one of the most feared offensive combinations in the league. Chase’s ability to stretch the field with his speed and make spectacular catches downfield earned him the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award.

Chase’s “Pot of Gold”: A Massive Contract Extension

As one of the league’s premier wide receivers, it didn’t take long for Chase to secure a monumental contract extension. In the 2025 offseason, the Bengals rewarded Chase with a five-year, $106 million extension, making him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in NFL history. The contract was structured with $63 million in guaranteed money, reflecting not only Chase’s immense talent but also the long-term commitment the Bengals have to him as the cornerstone of their offense.

The deal is indicative of the NFL’s growing reliance on elite wide receivers who can transform offenses, and Chase fits that mold perfectly. With his exceptional ability to change games with his speed, hands, and deep-ball threat, he is expected to be a centerpiece of the Bengals’ offense for years to come.

Chase’s contract is a testament to his ability to live up to the hype and make an immediate impact at the next level. It also places him among the elite in the NFL, setting him up for a bright future as one of the premier playmakers in the league.

Justin Jefferson: The Steady and Explosive Star

While Ja’Marr Chase might have garnered most of the national attention in LSU’s 2019 season, his teammate Justin Jefferson was equally impressive in his own right. Jefferson’s ability to run crisp routes, make contested catches, and be a consistent force in the receiving game earned him widespread recognition and established him as a top prospect in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Jefferson’s Breakout Year at LSU

As the No. 2 wide receiver behind Chase, Jefferson quietly had one of the best seasons of any wide receiver in college football history. In 2019, Jefferson hauled in 111 catches for 1,540 yards and 18 touchdowns, all while playing alongside the electric Chase. Jefferson’s play was pivotal to LSU’s offensive success, and his ability to operate both outside and in the slot made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses.

Although Jefferson was overshadowed by Chase’s incredible numbers, he proved that he could be just as dominant. His route running, hands, and ability to make plays in clutch situations were invaluable to LSU’s national championship run. Like Chase, Jefferson opted out of the 2020 season to prepare for the NFL Draft, and it didn’t take long for NFL teams to recognize his exceptional talent.

NFL Draft and Immediate Impact with Minnesota Vikings

Jefferson was selected by the Minnesota Vikings with the 22nd overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he wasted no time making an impact. In his rookie season, Jefferson shattered rookie records, finishing with 88 catches, 1,400 yards, and seven touchdowns. His ability to seamlessly transition into the NFL and immediately become one of the league’s top receivers is a testament to his skill set and preparation.

Jefferson’s impact continued in 2021 and beyond, as he became a top target for quarterback Kirk Cousins and was instrumental in the Vikings’ offensive success. Jefferson has earned Pro Bowl selections and established himself as one of the top wide receivers in the NFL, known for his quickness, deep-ball ability, and sure hands.

Jefferson’s Contract Extension: A Reward for Excellence

After an electric start to his career, Jefferson signed a four-year, $97 million contract extension with the Vikings in the 2025 offseason. With $58 million guaranteed, the deal places Jefferson among the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL and reflects his status as one of the league’s elite players. Jefferson’s consistency, production, and ability to change games with his plays have solidified his place among the NFL’s best, and the Vikings are committed to him as a cornerstone of their offense moving forward.

Derek Stingley Jr.: The Shutdown Cornerback

While Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson have received the bulk of the attention for LSU’s offensive prowess, cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. has been a defensive force to be reckoned with since his freshman year. Stingley’s blend of athleticism, ball skills, and instincts make him one of the top cornerback prospects in recent memory. His ability to lock down top receivers and make game-changing plays has made him a top draft pick, and his future in the NFL looks incredibly promising.

Stingley’s Dominance at LSU

Stingley burst onto the scene as a true freshman in 2019, playing a pivotal role in LSU’s national championship defense. His ability to shut down top wide receivers, including the likes of Alabama’s Jerry Jeudy and Henry Ruggs, was a key factor in LSU’s success. Stingley’s instincts, ball skills, and ability to anticipate plays made him one of the top cornerbacks in the country, and he continued to dominate during his sophomore and junior years at LSU.

Despite injuries limiting his playing time in the later years of his career, Stingley’s talent was never in doubt. His ability to shut down the best wide receivers in college football earned him widespread recognition, and he was widely regarded as one of the top prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft.

NFL Draft and Immediate Success with the Houston Texans

Stingley was selected with the third overall pick by the Houston Texans in the 2022 NFL Draft. Despite dealing with some injuries in his first two seasons, Stingley’s natural ability and potential were evident. He quickly became a standout on the Texans’ defense, often shadowing the opposing team’s best receiver and making critical plays in key moments. His ability to shut down top-tier receivers and provide support in both man and zone coverage made him a key piece of the Texans’ defense.

Stingley’s Contract: A Shining Future

In the 2025 offseason, Stingley signed a five-year, $72 million contract extension with the Texans, solidifying his place as one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the NFL. The contract includes $43 million in guaranteed money, reflecting Stingley’s tremendous potential and his impact on the Texans’ defense.