Austin Deculus Bio
Austin Deculus is an American professional football offensive tackle who currently plays in the National Football League (NFL). Born on March 12, 1999, in Mamou, Louisiana, Deculus grew up in Cypress, Texas, where he developed into one of the nation’s top offensive line prospects. After a standout college career at Louisiana State University (LSU), he entered the NFL as a sixth-round draft pick in 2022. Throughout his professional journey, Deculus has suited up for multiple franchises, including the Houston Texans, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints, before joining the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025.
Early Life and Background
Deculus was born in Mamou, Louisiana, but his family relocated to Cypress, Texas, where he would spend his formative years and develop his passion for football. He attended Cy-Fair High School in Cypress, where he quickly established himself as an elite offensive line prospect. His performance on the field earned him recognition as the No. 5 offensive tackle prospect in the nation by ESPN coming out of high school, drawing attention from major college programs across the country.
Path to American Football
Deculus received numerous scholarship offers from prominent college football programs, ultimately choosing to continue his athletic and academic career at Louisiana State University (LSU). He joined the LSU Tigers program in 2017, beginning his journey toward professional football. His development during his freshman season, despite limited playing time, demonstrated his potential and work ethic, setting the foundation for his future success at the collegiate level.
Austin Deculus Career
LSU (2017–2021)
Deculus arrived at LSU in 2017 as a freshman and appeared in all 13 games, primarily contributing on special teams while earning limited reps on the offensive line due to injuries to starting players. His breakthrough came during his sophomore season in 2018 when he earned his first career start at left tackle in Week 2 against Southeastern Louisiana. He shifted to right tackle the following week and held that position for the remainder of the season, finishing the year with 827 total snaps played, including all 86 snaps in the Fiesta Bowl.
The 2019 season marked a turning point in Deculus’s college career. He was recognized as the “most improved” offensive lineman on the LSU roster and started 13 games, appearing in every snap during the Tigers’ national championship victory over Clemson. His performance that season totaled 885 snaps, showcasing his durability and consistency. In 2020, Deculus started all ten games at right tackle and earned a spot on the Southeastern Conference Academic Honor Roll, demonstrating his ability to balance athletics with academic excellence.
Deculus utilized an additional year of eligibility granted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, returning to LSU for a fifth season in 2021. During the 2021 campaign, he played 829 snaps across 12 games and recorded his only career college tackle in a game against UCLA, further illustrating his versatility and willingness to contribute in all aspects of the game.
Houston Texans (2022–2023)
Deculus entered the 2022 NFL Draft as a highly regarded offensive line prospect with extensive starting experience. He was selected by the Houston Texans in the sixth round with the 205th overall pick. The Texans had previously selected his LSU teammate Derek Stingley Jr. in the first round of the same draft, reuniting the championship-winning teammates at the professional level. Deculus began his rookie season with the Texans, working to adapt to the speed and complexity of NFL competition.
New York Jets (2023)
On November 11, 2023, Deculus was claimed off waivers by the New York Jets, providing him with an opportunity to continue his NFL career with a different organization. He joined the Jets’ roster during the 2023 season, contributing to the team’s offensive line depth. However, on August 27, 2024, Deculus was waived by the Jets as part of final roster cuts, ending his tenure with the franchise.
New Orleans Saints (2024)
Following his release from the Jets, Deculus signed with the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad on August 29, 2024. He was elevated to the active roster for the Saints’ Week 17 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, though he did not play any snaps during that contest. His time with the Saints provided valuable experience within their offensive line system.
Houston Texans (Second Stint, 2024–2025)
On December 31, 2024, the Houston Texans signed Deculus off the New Orleans Saints’ practice squad, bringing him back to the organization that originally drafted him. This second stint with the Texans allowed him to reunite with familiar coaches and teammates while continuing his professional development as an offensive tackle in the NFL.
Los Angeles Chargers (2025–Present)
On August 26, 2025, Deculus was traded to the Los Angeles Chargers in exchange for a conditional 2027 seventh-round draft pick. This move represented a new chapter in his NFL career as he joined a Chargers team looking to strengthen their offensive line depth. With the Chargers, Deculus competes for playing time at the tackle position within a competitive NFL environment.
Playing Style and Strengths
Deculus is known for his size and length as an offensive tackle, standing at 6 feet 5 inches and weighing 321 pounds. His collegiate career at LSU, particularly his performance during the 2019 national championship season, demonstrated his ability to handle elite competition and maintain consistency across a grueling season. His experience playing both left and right tackle positions provides positional versatility that NFL teams value in offensive line depth players.
Notable Achievements
The centerpiece of Deculus’s career came in 2019 when he played every snap during LSU’s national championship victory over Clemson, helping anchor an offensive line that protected Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Joe Burrow. Throughout his college career, he accumulated significant playing time with over 3,400 career snaps at LSU, showcasing the durability that NFL teams seek in offensive linemen. His selection in the 2022 NFL Draft represented the culmination of his development from a highly rated high school prospect to a professional football player.
Austin Deculus Career Statistics
Through his first several seasons in the NFL, Deculus has appeared in 26 regular season games, starting 6 of those contests. His career has been characterized by journeyman experiences across multiple franchises, each providing opportunities to contribute and develop as a professional.
| Season | Team | Games | Starts |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Houston Texans | 8 | 0 |
| 2023 | Houston Texans / New York Jets | 11 | 1 |
| 2024 | New York Jets / New Orleans Saints / Houston Texans | 7 | 5 |
Austin Deculus Family
Family Background and Education
Deculus’s football lineage includes his LSU teammate Derek Stingley Jr., with whom he was drafted together in 2022. His family supported his athletic pursuits throughout his development, culminating in his rise from high school standout to college champion to NFL professional. His educational background includes attendance at Cy-Fair High School in Cypress, Texas, followed by five seasons at Louisiana State University, where he balanced athletics with academic pursuits, earning SEC Academic Honor Roll recognition in 2020.
Personal Life
Austin Deculus is a Christian who has spoken openly about his faith. He married Sydney Taylor on April 18, 2025. The couple resides in Cypress, Texas, where Deculus maintains connections to his hometown community. His personal values emphasize family and faith, providing a foundation for his professional football career.
2025 Season Performance
The 2025 season marks a significant transition for Deculus as he joins the Los Angeles Chargers organization following the mid-season trade. His arrival in Los Angeles provides a fresh opportunity with a new coaching staff and offensive scheme. The Chargers acquired Deculus for depth at the tackle position, valuing his experience across multiple NFL systems and his versatility to play both sides of the offensive line. As he integrates into the Chargers’ roster during the 2025 campaign, Deculus continues his journey as a professional football player seeking to establish himself as a consistent contributor in the league.