Tyrann Mathieu reportedly prefers return to Tigers than transfer to another school

Tyrann Mathieu would reportedly prefer to return to the LSU Tigers than transfer. (Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

Despite rumors of his transfer to McNeese State, former Louisiana State cornerback Tyrann Mathieu reportedly wants to return to the Tigers team that released him in early August for failed substance abuse tests, and he is willing to sit out this season to concentrate on his academics in order to shed his tarnished image, according to a report Monday morning from Joe Schad of ESPN.com.

Former LSU cornerback Tyrann Mathieu has expressed interest in sitting out this season, staying in class and hoping for a return to the program in 2013, if it can be worked out with the school, according to sources.

Mathieu was dismissed from the team in August but not from the University. Schad reported that while he has also received interest from Jackson State and Prairie View A&M, neither are considered real options. He said it's not his priority right now to think about declaring for the NFL Draft. Instead, he wants to work out his issues right now and focus on continuing his education at LSU.