When Jack Pyburn entered the transfer portal and chose LSU over staying with the Florida Gators, few could’ve predicted just how big of a swing that decision would make—not just for him, but for both teams. On that fateful Saturday, LSU beat Florida, and in many ways, Pyburn made sure the loss stung that much more for his former team. It was ever so sweet for the former Gator to get one over on his old team and he made it known.
From Overlooked in Gainesville to Key Piece in Baton Rouge
Pyburn had been a Gator EDGE rusher who, by many accounts, never felt entirely at home in the Florida system. He’s said as much himself that he didn’t feel like he got the chances to showcase what he could really do in Gainesville.
Once at LSU, however, things changed. Almost immediately, LSU used him in ways Florida never did. He has been utilized more in obvious pass-rushing situations, letting him put that hand in the dirt and attack off the edge, to get pressure on the quarterback. The results so far have been positive.
The Game that Cemented the Decision
Against Florida, Pyburn racked up stats that hurt more for the Gators than most losses might: five tackles, four quarterback pressures, a half tackle for loss, and a run stop. He forced pressure on Florida’s quarterback, DJ Lagway, who ended up throwing five interceptions in the game so you can definitely say that Pyburn’s pressures had a big impact on teh way the game shaped out. Pyburn didn’t just play; he was a force for this growing Tigers’ defense. He made plays. He made Florida pay.
After the game, Pyburn didn’t hide his satisfaction. “This was the best decision I ever made,” he said, the move to LSU wasn’t just about playing time. This was more-so about fit and feeling appreciated. And now, when LSU beats Florida, every sack, every pressure he forces, every misstep by the Gators feels all the sweeter.
What Florida Lost, and LSU Gained
Florida’s coaching staff let a player walk who clearly had more to give than they realized or perhaps were willing to exploit. The Gators’ inability to fully deploy Pyburn’s pass rush potential meant not only are they missing out on his production—they’re seeing that same potential used against them. They could’ve definitely used him last week and even in the first two games with Caleb Banks being sidelined. Gators’ pass rush has been suspect thus far into the season and might hold to burn them the rest of the way. Burns could’ve been a key part for this team to add a few more wins on their schedule, with every game counting exponentially more in the tough SEC.
LSU, meanwhile, gains more than just stats. They gain confidence, swagger, and a message: they can recruit and develop players that outshine their former teams. LSU gives opportunity to players that were buried on their old teams depth chart, this is one of the advantages of the new NIL/transfer portal rules that allow under-appreciated players to display their talent. For Pyburn, it’s vindication. For LSU, it’s a powerful lesson for opponents.
The Coaching Implications
It’s hard not to see some consequences beyond the field. When a player of Pyburn’s ability believes he isn’t being used correctly and then thrives elsewhere, especially when it comes back to (gator)bite his former team, it reflects on coaching philosophy, player development, and how well a program can hold onto its talent. Many Gators’ analysts and fans are unhappy with the current coaching staff. Not knowing the talent on the roster and how to properly utilize them might go into the reason they can’t get back to the top of college football dominance. The Gators’ failure to maximize Pyburn is now part of their narrative.
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