As LSU football looks ahead to the 2025 season, the program is poised to once again compete at a high level in the competitive SEC. With the 2024 season not yet complete, there are key players on the roster who are expected to return in 2025 and will be crucial for the team’s success. This article will delve into the three most important returning players for LSU football heading into the 2025 campaign, analyzing their past performances, roles on the team, and what makes them essential to the Tigers’ title hopes.
1. Jayden Daniels – Quarterback
Background
Jayden Daniels has been a revelation for LSU since transferring from Arizona State. He has taken over the starting quarterback role and has firmly established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in college football. As the Tigers’ signal caller, Daniels’ dual-threat capabilities have been on full display. His ability to both pass and run the ball has made LSU’s offense dynamic and difficult to stop. Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Daniels’ leadership and experience will make him the cornerstone of the team’s offensive unit.
2024 Performance Recap (Projected)
Though the 2024 season is still unfolding, Daniels’ consistency as a dual-threat quarterback has continued to evolve. In 2023, he accounted for over 4,000 total yards and 40 touchdowns, leading the Tigers to a strong season. His passing game has become more efficient, with a completion percentage that hovered around 70%, and his rushing ability has remained a major asset.
In 2024, Daniels is expected to continue to improve his decision-making and accuracy. His leadership skills have made him a favorite among his teammates, and he has already proven that he can perform in high-pressure situations. In the 2024 season, it’s likely that he’ll have an even bigger role in both the passing and running games, as head coach Brian Kelly builds the offense around his skill set.
Why He’s Crucial for LSU in 2025
Daniels’ return in 2025 will be critical for LSU’s aspirations. A quarterback of his caliber is the linchpin for any successful team, and Daniels brings leadership, poise, and playmaking ability. His experience in the SEC will be invaluable, especially in games against powerhouse teams like Alabama and Georgia. In addition, his dual-threat capability makes LSU’s offense unpredictable, creating mismatches against opposing defenses.
In 2025, Daniels will likely be one of the top quarterbacks in college football, with Heisman Trophy potential if he can maintain his level of play and LSU competes for a national title. His chemistry with his receivers, as well as his ability to extend plays with his legs, will continue to be essential for the Tigers’ success.
Areas of Focus for 2025
While Daniels’ game is already strong, he will need to continue refining his deep ball accuracy and his ability to make quick reads in high-pressure situations. Improving his pocket presence and decision-making in critical moments will be necessary for LSU to take the next step in competing for a national title. If he can develop these aspects of his game, he will be one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the country.
2. Harold Perkins Jr. – Linebacker
Background
Harold Perkins Jr. has quickly become one of the most dynamic linebackers in college football. A former five-star recruit, Perkins has demonstrated his incredible athleticism and football IQ since stepping onto the field. His ability to rush the passer, cover receivers, and make tackles behind the line of scrimmage has made him one of the most versatile defensive players in the country. Perkins is expected to play a central role in LSU’s defense for years to come, with the 2025 season being a critical point in his development.
2024 Performance Recap (Projected)
As of 2024, Perkins is already a star, earning All-SEC honors in his first year as a full-time starter in 2023. He recorded impressive statistics, including over 100 total tackles, 10 sacks, and numerous tackles for loss. His presence on the field was often a game-changer, and he quickly became a leader on LSU’s defense. In 2024, it’s expected that Perkins will continue to develop into a leader of the defense, taking on more responsibility in pass coverage and rushing the passer.
Perkins’ versatility allows him to be used in a variety of roles, whether as a traditional linebacker, a pass rusher, or a coverage specialist. His speed, quickness, and ability to make plays all over the field will be key for LSU as they look to contend for SEC and national titles in 2025.
Why He’s Crucial for LSU in 2025
Perkins will be one of LSU’s defensive stalwarts in 2025. In a conference like the SEC, where offense often reigns supreme, having a linebacker who can disrupt plays at the line of scrimmage, cover wide receivers, and pressure the quarterback is invaluable. Perkins can be a game-wrecker, and he will be essential in LSU’s efforts to stymie high-powered offenses.
In 2025, Perkins’ development into an even more well-rounded player will be crucial. He could be a finalist for national defensive player of the year honors if his game continues to elevate. With a strong supporting cast around him, Perkins will be one of the best linebackers in the country and an absolute force on defense.
Areas of Focus for 2025
While Perkins is already a stellar linebacker, refining his pass-coverage skills will be a key area of focus. In an age where offenses rely heavily on tight ends and running backs in the passing game, improving his ability to cover these players will make him an even more complete defender. Additionally, continuing to refine his ability to read offenses and recognize plays before they unfold will allow him to make even more game-changing plays.
3. Mason Taylor – Tight End
Background
Mason Taylor, son of former NFL and Pro Bowl tight end Jason Taylor, has quickly become one of the top tight ends in college football. As a freshman in 2023, he showed that he could be a top receiving threat as well as a reliable blocker. Taylor’s combination of size, athleticism, and football intelligence made him an immediate impact player, and he’s expected to be an integral part of LSU’s offense moving forward.
2024 Performance Recap (Projected)
By the end of 2024, Taylor should have established himself as one of the top tight ends in college football. He’s an excellent route runner with great hands, and he has the ability to make plays down the field. His 2023 season was marked by multiple key receptions, including a crucial touchdown catch in the win over Alabama, showcasing his clutch ability. In 2024, his role in the offense is likely to expand, as he will be relied upon more in the red zone and as a reliable outlet for Jayden Daniels.
Taylor’s blocking skills are also crucial for LSU’s success. He provides solid protection for Daniels in the passing game and is effective as a run blocker. His versatility makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, as he can line up in various positions and contribute in many different ways.
Why He’s Crucial for LSU in 2025
Mason Taylor will be a key piece in LSU’s offensive arsenal in 2025. In an offense that is predicated on balance and versatility, having a dynamic tight end like Taylor allows LSU to run a variety of formations and attack defenses in different ways. His ability to stretch the field as a receiver, combined with his blocking skills, makes him one of the most complete tight ends in the SEC.
Taylor’s chemistry with Jayden Daniels will be crucial for LSU’s offensive success in 2025. As Daniels continues to develop, having a reliable target in Taylor will help keep defenses on their heels. Additionally, Taylor’s blocking ability will be important in establishing a strong running game, which will be necessary for LSU to control the tempo of games.
Areas of Focus for 2025
In 2025, Taylor will need to continue refining his route running and become an even more dynamic receiving threat. As defenses focus more on him, he will need to develop counters to break free from defenders. Additionally, improving his blocking technique will help LSU in the run game and keep Daniels protected in the pocket. If Taylor can become a more complete and consistent player, he will be a top target for NFL scouts and a major asset for LSU.
