As we look into LSU football’s offensive standouts from the 2024 season, we analyze the players who have made the greatest impact through their on-field performances, earning the highest grades from various performance metrics, including Pro Football Focus (PFF) and other advanced scouting tools. These athletes were pivotal in driving the team’s offensive success, contributing in key moments to LSU’s overall success. This article will focus on the top five highest-graded offensive players, based on their play and contribution to the team’s offensive system. The rankings, while based on data-driven metrics, will also consider their individual value and how they complemented LSU’s strategy and personnel.
1. Jayden Daniels (Quarterback)
Jayden Daniels, LSU’s starting quarterback, continued to impress in 2024 with his exceptional dual-threat capabilities. After a successful 2023 season, Daniels solidified his position as one of the top quarterbacks in the SEC. His 2024 performance showcased his growth as a passer, decision-maker, and playmaker on the field.
Passing and Decision Making
Daniels posted some of the best numbers of his career in terms of passing efficiency, completing over 70% of his throws and averaging more than 9 yards per attempt. His ability to read defenses quickly and adjust on the fly was a hallmark of his play, evidenced by his high number of touchdowns with a low interception rate. His accuracy on deep throws became noticeably sharper in 2024, making him a dual-threat nightmare for opposing defenses.
Mobility and Rush Threat
Daniels’ rushing ability added another layer to his game. He was a consistent contributor on the ground, rushing for over 500 yards and multiple touchdowns. His athleticism made him nearly impossible to contain when scrambling, and his decision to either pass or run seemed to always be in sync with the flow of the game. His ability to extend plays with his legs allowed LSU’s offense to maintain rhythm and keep defenses guessing.
Daniels’ total quarterback rating (QBR) and PFF grades were consistently high, particularly due to his ability to perform in critical situations, such as during clutch drives and third-down situations.
2. Mason Taylor (Tight End)
Mason Taylor, a sophomore tight end, continued to emerge as one of the top offensive threats in LSU’s dynamic offense. With his combination of size, speed, and exceptional route running, Taylor proved himself a versatile weapon for the Tigers in 2024. The tight end position is often underappreciated, but Taylor’s contribution in both the passing game and as a blocker made him indispensable to LSU’s scheme.
Pass-Catching and Red Zone Threat
Taylor posted impressive statistics as a receiver, hauling in over 50 catches for more than 600 yards and several touchdowns. His ability to create mismatches with defenders due to his size (6’5″) and agility made him a top option in both the intermediate and red zone passing game. Daniels relied heavily on him as a security blanket when the pocket collapsed or when looking to move the chains on third down.
Blocking and Physicality
Beyond his receiving skills, Taylor was a critical component in the running game as well. His blocking grades from Pro Football Focus were some of the highest for tight ends in college football. He exhibited excellent hand placement, footwork, and drive as a blocker, helping LSU’s running backs find lanes and create explosive plays on the ground. Taylor’s ability to do both — blocking and catching — earned him a spot as one of the highest-graded offensive players in 2024.
3. Will Campbell (Offensive Tackle)
One of the most impressive individual performances in 2024 came from sophomore offensive tackle Will Campbell, who emerged as one of the best linemen in the SEC. As a freshman, Campbell was already showing flashes of brilliance, but in 2024, he solidified his place as a future NFL draft prospect and a key cog in LSU’s offense.
Pass Protection and Efficiency
Campbell’s pass protection was nothing short of exceptional, earning him high marks for both his technique and his ability to protect the quarterback. He allowed only a handful of sacks throughout the season, and his one-on-one blocking in passing situations was among the best in the country. His quick feet and awareness in blocking passing rushes helped Daniels stay clean in the pocket for the majority of the year.
Run Blocking and Physicality
In the running game, Campbell displayed a level of power and physicality that allowed LSU to establish dominance at the line of scrimmage. He excelled at creating lanes for the running backs, both on inside zone runs and outside stretches. His high motor and relentless drive in the trenches were key in LSU’s ability to gain consistent yardage, particularly in short-yardage and goal-line situations.
Will Campbell’s combination of size, skill, and tenacity made him a top-five graded player, and many consider him one of the premier offensive tackles in college football heading into the 2025 season.
4. Emery Jones (Offensive Tackle)
Right alongside Will Campbell on the Tigers’ offensive line was Emery Jones, another standout tackle who received elite grades for his play throughout the season. As a senior in 2024, Jones provided the leadership and experience that was vital to the success of LSU’s offensive front. He was an anchor on the right side, keeping the pocket clean and paving the way for the running game.
Pass Protection and Run Support
Jones was remarkably efficient in both run blocking and pass protection. He allowed very few pressures on the quarterback and played with great balance and hand technique. In the running game, he was crucial in moving defenders off the ball and creating lanes for LSU’s running backs. His ability to reach the second level of defenders on pulling plays and screens showed his athleticism and versatility.
While Campbell garnered much of the attention, Jones’ steady and reliable play was crucial to the success of LSU’s offense, earning him a place among the top-graded offensive players of the 2024 season.
5. Noah Cain (Running Back)
Noah Cain, LSU’s leading running back in 2024, proved to be a versatile and dynamic player who made significant contributions to the Tigers’ offensive production. Cain’s performance on the ground was a vital part of LSU’s game plan, providing balance to their high-powered passing attack.
Vision, Elusiveness, and Toughness
Cain rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 10 touchdowns, showing off a blend of patience, vision, and burst. His ability to read blocks and find gaps in the defense helped him post a high yards-per-carry average, and he consistently made defenders miss in the open field. Cain also showed impressive toughness, taking on contact while still gaining extra yards after being hit.
Receiving and Versatility
In addition to his ground game success, Cain was a valuable receiving threat out of the backfield. He was frequently utilized in check-down situations and even lined up as a slot receiver at times, creating mismatches against linebackers and safeties. His route running and hands as a receiver added a dimension to LSU’s offense that made it even more difficult to defend.
Cain’s contributions both as a rusher and receiver helped LSU establish a balanced and dynamic offense in 2024, and his consistent excellence made him one of the top-graded players.
