2025 LSU Football Season Preview: Time To Win

Can The Tigers Return To The Top Of The SEC?

The LSU Tigers enter the 2025 season with high expectations under Head Coach Brian Kelly, who has stated this is the best roster he’s had in Baton Rouge. After an 8-4 season in 2024, LSU is “all in” for 2025, aiming for a College Football Playoff berth and an SEC title. The Tigers will rely on a strong returning quarterback, a deep receiving corps, and a defense looking to make a significant leap in its second year under coordinator Blake Baker.

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Storylines Entering the Season

• Garrett Nussmeier’s Time to Shine: With Jayden Daniels off to the NFL, Garrett Nussmeier stepped into the full-time starting quarterback role and became a star. He’s a Heisman Trophy favorite after throwing for over 4,000 yards in 2024, and his performance will dictate LSU’s offensive ceiling.
• Offensive Line Rebuild: LSU lost key offensive tackles Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr. to the NFL. The new offensive line, featuring transfers and young talent, will need to gel quickly to protect Nussmeier and establish a consistent run game.
• Defensive Improvement under Blake Baker: The defense is a major focus, entering its second year under coordinator Blake Baker. After a strong showing at Missouri, Baker aims to mold LSU’s unit into a championship-caliber defense. Key returners like Harold Perkins Jr. and Whit Weeks, along with significant transfer additions on the defensive line and in the secondary, are expected to make a leap.
• Deep Skill Positions: Despite losing top receivers, LSU boasts a loaded wide receiver room with 7+ players capable of making an impact. The running back room, led by sophomore Caden Durham and freshman Harlem Berry, also offers significant talent and versatility.
• Navigating a Brutal Schedule: LSU faces one of the toughest schedules in the country, including an opening road game against Clemson, home matchups against Florida, Texas A&M, and Arkansas, and road trips to Ole Miss, Alabama, and Oklahoma. Success will require consistent high-level play.

Key Players

• Garrett Nussmeier (QB, R-Sr.): The undisputed leader of the offense. His arm talent, experience, and ability to make explosive plays will be critical for LSU’s championship aspirations.
• Caden Durham (RB, So.): Expected to be the primary ball-carrier, Durham is a highly explosive back who played through injury in 2024 and is poised for a breakout season now fully healthy.
• Aaron Anderson (WR, R-Jr.): One of Nussmeier’s most trusted targets, Anderson had a strong 2024 season with 884 yards and five touchdowns, excelling in the middle of the field.
• Barion Brown (WR, Sr.): A Kentucky transfer, Brown is expected to earn a starting role and, along with Zavion Thomas, form one of the most dynamic special teams duos in the country.
• Harold Perkins Jr. (LB, R-Jr.): A versatile and dynamic linebacker who returns after an injury-marred 2024. He will play the “Star” hybrid linebacker/safety position and is expected to be a dominant force.
• Whit Weeks (LB, Jr.): LSU’s top tackler in 2024 with 125 tackles, Weeks is a key piece of the linebacker corps and is expected to be ready for the season opener after breaking an ankle in the Texas Bowl.
• Patrick Payton (DE, R-Sr.): A transfer from Florida State, Payton is one of several new edge rushers brought in to bolster LSU’s pass rush.
• Mansoor Delane (CB, Sr.): A Virginia Tech transfer, Delane is a highly-rated cornerback who will bring immediate experience and talent to the secondary.

Depth Chart (Projected)

Offense

• QB: Garrett Nussmeier (R-Sr.) / Michael Van Buren Jr. (So.)
• RB: Caden Durham (So.) / Kaleb Jackson (Jr.) / Harlem Berry (Fr.)
• WR (X): Nic Anderson (R-Jr.) / Chris Hilton Jr. (R-Sr.)
• WR (Z): Barion Brown (Sr.) / Zavion Thomas (Sr.)
• WR (Slot): Aaron Anderson (R-Jr.) / Kyle Parker (R-So.)
• LT: Tyree Adams (R-So.) / Carius Curne (Fr.)
• LG: Paul Mubenga (R-So.) / Braelin Moore (R-Jr.)
• C: DJ Chester (R-So.) / Kolinu’u Faaiu (R-Sr.)
• RG: Coen Echols (R-Fr.) / Bo Bordelon (R-Jr.)
• RT: Weston Davis (R-Fr.) / Josh Thompson (R-Sr.)
• TE: Trey’Dez Green (So.) / Bauer Sharp (R-Sr.)

Defense

• LDE: Jack Pyburn (Sr.) / Gabriel Reliford (So.)
• LDT: Dominick McKinley (So.) / Ahmad Breaux (So.)
• RDT: Jacobian Guillory II (Gr.) / Bernard Gooden (R-Sr.)
• RDE: Patrick Payton (R-Sr.) / Jimari Butler (Gr.)
• WLB: Harold Perkins Jr. (R-Jr.) / West Weeks (Gr.)
• MLB: Whit Weeks (Jr.) / Davhon Keys (So.)
• LCB: Ashton Stamps (Jr.) / DJ Pickett (Fr.)
• SS: Jardin Gilbert (R-Sr.) / Javien Toviano (Jr.)
• FS: A.J. Haulcy (Sr.) / Dashawn Spears (So.)
• RCB: Mansoor Delane (Sr.) / Ja’Keem Jackson (R-So.)
• NB: Tamarcus Cooley (R-So.) / PJ Woodland (So.)

Special Teams

• P: Grant Chadwick (So.)
• PK: Damian Ramos (R-Sr.)
• KR: Barion Brown (Sr.) / Zavion Thomas (Sr.)
• PR: Zavion Thomas (Sr.) / Aaron Anderson (R-Jr.)

Full Schedule

Key Games Focus

Here are 2-3 key games that could define LSU’s 2025 season:

1. August 30 at Clemson: This highly anticipated season opener against a fellow national contender will be a massive test for LSU. Playing Clemson on the road provides an immediate opportunity to make a statement about their playoff aspirations and gauge the team’s readiness for a challenging season.
2. September 13 vs. Florida: An early SEC home game against a rising Florida team will be crucial for establishing dominance in the conference. With both teams featuring dynamic young quarterbacks, this matchup in Death Valley could be an offensive shootout and set the tone for LSU’s SEC West campaign.
3. November 8 at Alabama: The annual rivalry game against Alabama in Tuscaloosa is always a pivotal contest with significant SEC and national title implications. This road trip will be a true measure of LSU’s championship potential and could determine their path to Atlanta.

Lee Bushkell

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