The 2024 LSU football season has been filled with highs, lows, and a fair share of lessons. As one of the most high-profile programs in college football, LSU’s journey has captivated fans and analysts alike. The Tigers entered the season with significant expectations, and how they handled these pressures, combined with the development of their roster, is a story worth unpacking. Here are 10 things we learned about LSU football in the 2024 season, reflecting on both the team’s growth and challenges:
1. The Offense is in Good Hands with Jayden Daniels
One of the most important takeaways from LSU’s 2024 season is the continued evolution of quarterback Jayden Daniels. As a veteran leader in his senior season, Daniels showed incredible poise and versatility. His dual-threat abilities were on full display, often keeping defenses guessing with his mobility and arm strength.
Daniels was a key component in LSU’s high-powered offense, and his development over the years was evident in his decision-making and ability to read defenses. He wasn’t just the team’s top playmaker; he became the leader on the field, guiding LSU through tough games and managing the game effectively when needed. His ability to extend plays and make things happen both in the pocket and on the move was invaluable. While some might have questioned his consistency earlier in his career, Daniels silenced many of those critics with his performance in 2024.
2. Brian Kelly’s Recruiting Continues to Elevate LSU’s Talent Pool
Brian Kelly’s recruiting classes have begun to pay off significantly in 2024. His efforts on the trail have provided LSU with an infusion of talent, particularly in the trenches and at key skill positions. The development of underclassmen, including key freshmen and sophomores, has been impressive.
The 2024 season showed that Kelly’s focus on building depth and securing top-tier prospects in Louisiana and beyond was paying dividends. LSU now boasts a more dynamic roster than it did when Kelly first arrived, with some players showing signs of stardom. This has been vital to sustaining success in the highly competitive SEC.
3. The Defense Is a Work in Progress, but Promising
Defensive coordinator Matt House faced a major challenge in 2024, trying to fix the issues that plagued LSU’s defense in previous seasons. While it wasn’t a perfect year, there was a noticeable improvement in the defensive schemes and overall performance. LSU’s defense was more opportunistic, creating turnovers and playing with a renewed sense of aggression.
However, the defense still struggled against elite offenses, particularly those with dynamic quarterbacks and high-powered passing games. While LSU’s defensive line remained strong, the secondary showed vulnerability, especially when faced with elite wide receivers. This indicated that while progress was being made, LSU still needed to make significant strides in its pass coverage and overall defensive consistency.
4. The Offensive Line Took Major Steps Forward
After years of inconsistency, LSU’s offensive line made impressive strides in 2024. The line’s ability to protect Jayden Daniels and create running lanes for the Tigers’ backs was a significant positive. LSU’s offensive line, led by veteran players, played a pivotal role in allowing the offense to function at a high level.
One key factor was the development of the younger players, many of whom gained valuable experience in 2024. This improvement in the trenches not only helped with Daniels’ protection but also bolstered the team’s running game, providing balance and making LSU’s offense more difficult to stop.
5. LSU’s Running Back Room Is One of the Deepest in the SEC
LSU’s running back room is a testament to the program’s ability to recruit elite talent. In 2024, the Tigers boasted multiple players capable of being the feature back. With Noah Cain and freshman phenom Trey Holley leading the charge, LSU had depth and versatility in its backfield. Cain’s experience was crucial in short-yardage situations, while Holley’s explosiveness added a dynamic element to the offense.
The ability to rotate fresh legs and keep defenses on their heels with a variety of styles was an important asset. Holley’s emergence as a freshman starter also highlighted how well LSU was continuing to recruit top talent at the running back position.
6. LSU’s Special Teams Remain a Key Factor in Close Games
Special teams often gets overlooked, but in 2024, LSU’s special teams played an important role in some of their closest games. Whether it was field goals, punting, or kickoff returns, special teams were often the difference in games that were tightly contested.
LSU was fortunate to have a reliable kicker and punter in place, which allowed the team to feel confident in critical moments. The Tigers also showed improved return game performance, which helped flip field position in their favor. The emphasis on special teams continued to be a vital part of Brian Kelly’s program, and it paid off in 2024.
7. LSU’s Wide Receiver Corps Is Loaded with Talent
The wide receiver room at LSU has been a strength for several years, and 2024 was no exception. Led by Malik Nabers, who emerged as one of the top receivers in the SEC, LSU’s wideouts proved to be dynamic and explosive. Nabers’ ability to make big plays down the field was a key asset, and his chemistry with Jayden Daniels continued to grow.
In addition to Nabers, other players like Kyren Lacy and Chris Hilton stepped up, making LSU’s passing game even more dangerous. With this kind of depth at the position, LSU’s offense could attack in a variety of ways, making it difficult for defenses to key in on any one receiver.
8. LSU’s Culture Under Brian Kelly Is Taking Shape
In 2024, LSU continued to take significant strides in terms of culture and team chemistry under Brian Kelly. The team’s improved discipline, focus, and overall mentality were noticeable. Kelly’s leadership has begun to instill a winning mindset across the roster, and his attention to detail has had a direct impact on how the team operates both on and off the field.
The players seemed to have bought into Kelly’s process, and it was clear that the team had a strong work ethic, especially during the more challenging moments of the season. LSU’s consistent performance, even in tough games, reflected Kelly’s ability to build a foundation for long-term success.
9. LSU Still Has Work to Do in SEC Play
Despite all the positive developments, LSU’s 2024 season showed that the Tigers still have significant challenges to overcome in the ultra-competitive SEC. Teams like Alabama, Georgia, and others in the conference continue to be tough obstacles for LSU.
While the Tigers were able to compete with some of the top teams, they still came up short in key moments. LSU’s defense, for example, often found itself exposed against elite offenses, and the consistency of their offense wasn’t always enough to overcome defensive deficiencies. The challenge of beating top-tier SEC teams remains a significant hurdle for LSU, and they’ll need to continue to improve in key areas to contend for championships.
10. LSU is Poised for Continued Success in the Future
Perhaps the most important lesson of all from LSU’s 2024 season is that the Tigers are well-positioned for sustained success in the years ahead. With Brian Kelly’s recruiting, player development, and leadership continuing to improve, LSU’s program is on the upswing. The roster is loaded with young talent, especially at key positions like quarterback, running back, and the defensive line.
While the 2024 season may have ended with some disappointments, the foundation for future success has been firmly laid. LSU appears to be heading in the right direction, and with Kelly’s continued work in the recruiting arena, the Tigers will be a major force in college football for years to come.
Conclusion
The 2024 LSU football season has been an eye-opener in many ways. From the evolution of Jayden Daniels as a leader to the continued development of key players in the trenches, the season has shown that LSU is a program on the rise. While the defense and some aspects of the offense still need refinement, the Tigers’ overall trajectory is promising.
The lessons learned in 2024 have set the stage for a bright future under Brian Kelly, as LSU remains a key player in the SEC and national college football landscape. The team’s combination of experienced leadership, young talent, and an improving defense means that LSU will be a force to reckon with in the years to come. The 2024 season was a vital stepping stone for this proud program, and fans can expect even greater things in the future.
