What did Maason Smith do?

According to a number of media sites on Wednesday, LSU defensive tackle Maason Smith will miss one more game before making his comeback.

Smith will face a one-game NCAA punishment for taking an unlawful benefit and will be absent from the Labor Day weekend matchup with Florida State. Smith is one of the best defensive prospects eligible for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Since he suffered a season-ending knee injury in the opening game against the Seminoles in 2022, Smith, a five-star recruit, has been drooling to make a comeback. Smith had a minor ankle strain during camp, according to coach Brian Kelly’s statement from last week.

The only top-10 game on college football’s opening weekend is on Sept. 3 in Orlando between No. 5 LSU and No. 8 Florida State.

What did Maason Smith do?

The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because Smith’s punishment, which was first reported by The (Baton Rouge) Advocate, has not yet been made public by the NCAA or LSU. Smith was suspended by the NCAA in connection with his participation in an autograph signing just before a rule change in July 2021 allowed college players to profit from their name, image, and likeness (NIL).