The LSU Tigers were tantalizingly close to being one of the elite programs in college football in 2024. Their passing game was electric for most of the year, but a consistently underperforming defense held them back. Now, with much of last year’s pass rush gone, the team faces a major overhaul on that side of the ball.
For head coach Brian Kelly to guide LSU to a College Football Playoff appearance, several areas need addressing—but three stand out as particularly critical heading into the 2025 season.
1. Garrett Nussmeier’s Next Step
Garrett Nussmeier emerged as one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC last season, generating early buzz as a potential high pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, his development isn’t complete. While his pocket awareness and sack avoidance are among the best in college football, he rarely uses his athleticism to make plays on the ground.
Despite having the tools to be a dual-threat, Nussmeier ended the season with -38 rushing yards—not because of excessive sacks, but because he simply didn’t scramble. Incorporating even a modest running threat would force defenses to adjust, helping open lanes for standout running back Caden Durham and adding a new layer to the offense.
Often, Nussmeier’s confidence in his arm leads to forced throws when easy rushing yards were available. His interception rate reflected that, ranking outside the top 40 nationally. Improving his decision-making—choosing to run when necessary rather than gamble with risky passes—would elevate both his draft stock and LSU’s offensive efficiency.
2. Harold Perkins and the New Pass Rush
Harold Perkins might be the most important piece of LSU’s defensive puzzle this season. Though his usage has been inconsistent, his talent has been undeniable since his freshman year, where he logged over 40 pressures and 10 sacks. In year two, his responsibilities shifted more toward coverage, but he continued to make an impact.
With Bradyn Swinson, Sai’vion Jones, and much of last year’s pass-rushing corps gone, Perkins will need to spearhead a new-look front alongside transfer additions Jack Pyburn (Florida), Patrick Payton (Florida State), and rising sophomore Gabriel Reliford.
Success will depend on how creatively LSU deploys Perkins—whether dropping him into coverage, shifting him along the line, or blitzing from different angles. Weekly variation and unpredictability will be essential to prevent offenses from neutralizing him.
3. Rebuilding the Receiving Corps
LSU’s offense suffered some major losses this offseason. Tight end Mason Taylor declared for the NFL Draft, CJ Daniels transferred, and Kyren Lacy tragically passed away. To replace that production, the Tigers are turning to two high-profile transfer receivers: Barion Brown and Nic Anderson.
Aaron Anderson returns as a reliable slot threat, and Trey’Dez Green could be a dangerous red-zone target at tight end due to his exceptional size and athleticism. But the success of the passing game may hinge on Brown and Anderson living up to expectations.
Brown, the SEC’s all-time leader in return touchdowns, has game-breaking ability when given space. Anderson, a year removed from a 10-touchdown season, is looking to bounce back after an injury-plagued campaign. If both step up, it could relegate Zavion Thomas and Chris Hilton Jr. to backup roles and give LSU a receiving corps reminiscent of the Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson era.
Leave a Reply