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Devonta Lee, former LSU and Louisiana Tech WR, passes away after cancer battle

Byington mugby: Alex Byington02/26/26_AlexByington

Former LSU and Louisiana Tech receiver Devonta Lee, who played high school football at Amite (La.) High alongside future NFL wideout Devonta Smith, has passed away, the schools announced Thursday afternoon. He was 26. Lee previously battled bone cancer in 2023.

“The LSU Football family mourns the loss of former Tiger, Devonta Lee,” the LSU Football account posted on X/Twitter. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends and teammates.”

Lee signed with the Tigers as a four-star prospect in the 2019 cycle and was a member of LSU‘s 2019 national championship-winning team as a true freshman, when he caught two passes for 27 yards in 13 games that season. Coming out of Amite High, the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Lee was ranked as the No. 27 receiver in the 2019 class and No. 152 player overall, according to the Rivals Industry Ranking.

But after appearing sparingly in 34 games across three seasons in Baton Rouge (2019-21). Lee transferred to Louisiana Tech ahead of the 2022 season but saw minimal action after he was diagnosed with osteosarcoma, a form of bone cancer, late that same year, according to KALB-TV in Alexandria, La.

“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Devonta Lee, a former Bulldog wide receiver,” Louisiana Tech’s football program posted Thursday on X/Twitter. “Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and former teammates during this difficult time. He will always be remembered as a member of the Bulldog family.”

Lee spent much of 2023 battling the disease. He was eventually declared cancer-free following two surgeries, 10 weeks of chemotherapy and seven weeks of radiation, according to WVUE in New Orleans. Prior to his return to the field, Louisiana Tech head coach Sonny Cumbie praised Lee’s perseverance.

“He’s got a fighter’s spirit. He fights,” Cumbie said, per WVUE. “He’s beaten extreme odds before; this would not surprise me one bit. The road is very long in terms of recovery, in terms of getting his body ready to play college football, the wear and tear and grind on his body. If anyone is going to be able to do it, it’s D-Lee.”

Lee returned to Ruston and appeared in one game during the 2024 season at Louisiana Tech, but didn’t record any stats. He finished his college career with 13 receptions for 129 yards and one touchdown across 37 career games between LSU and Louisiana Tech.