Two ex-LSU football stars earn NFL Pro Bowl invites

The NFL’s 2026 Pro Bowl roster featured far fewer Tigers than last year’s, as Joe Burrow, Justin Jefferson, Jayden Daniels, Brian Thomas Jr., Malik Nabers, and Danielle Hunter all missed the cut due to injury, poor circumstances, or a combination of the two.

Two former Tigers were still selected, however: Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase earned his fifth straight selection, and Houston Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. earned his second.

Neither comes as a surprise. Chase continued to headline the conversation for the league’s top receiver, ranking second in the NFL in receptions, fourth in receiving yards, and tying for eighth in receiving touchdowns. He managed to maintain this top-tier production while catching passes from three different starting quarterbacks this season.

Stingley Jr. was one of the best players on a Texans defense that many consider the league's best unit, allowing the fewest points per game this season at 16.6. He’s had a fantastic season compared to his peers at the position, with the eighth-most pass-breakups (9) and second-most interceptions (4) in the NFL.

Though it’s odd to see only two Tigers earn a Pro Bowl spot, it’s certainly a one-year anomaly, given the amount of NFL-caliber talent LSU already has in the league. Don’t be surprised to see the count double or even triple next year.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Two ex-LSU football stars earn NFL Pro Bowl invites