Brian Kelly and the LSU football staff have achieved another impressive recruiting feat, securing a Top-10 recruiting class for the 2025 season. This year’s class includes an exciting array of prospects who will contribute immediately, strengthening the Tigers’ roster in key areas. Among the standout signings is DJ Pickett, the No. 1 rated cornerback in the country, but the Tigers’ recruitment efforts extend beyond just one player.
One of the most exciting additions, though perhaps under the radar compared to Pickett, is TaRon Francis, the No. 1 ranked wide receiver in Louisiana. Francis, a consensus four-star prospect from Edna Karr High in New Orleans, has the potential to make an immediate impact. Standing at 6-foot, 206 pounds, he’s set to enroll early at LSU in January, meaning he will have the opportunity to participate in spring camp and be in the mix for significant playing time during his first season.
Francis’ early enrollment is important not only for his development but also for LSU as a program. The Tigers’ wide receiver room has seen turnover and growth, and Francis’ arrival adds another weapon to a deep and talented group of receivers. With Garrett Nussmeier, LSU’s rising quarterback, poised to lead the offense, Francis’ speed, skill, and route-running ability could quickly earn him meaningful snaps in 2025.
The LSU Wide Receiver Room: A Deep and Dynamic Group
As Francis joins LSU’s already talented wide receiver corps, it’s essential to understand the returning talent and key additions that will shape the room in 2025. With several players set to contribute significantly, the Tigers’ receiving unit is poised to be one of the most formidable in the SEC.
Aaron Anderson: Starting Wideout and Proven Producer
One of the top returning wide receivers for LSU in 2025 is Aaron Anderson, who had a breakout 2024 season after transferring from Alabama. Anderson’s journey to Baton Rouge has been anything but traditional. After originally signing with Alabama in 2022, Anderson redshirted his freshman year before transferring back home to Louisiana. He had a limited role in his first season at LSU, posting just 12 catches for 59 yards. However, 2024 saw a different version of Anderson—a star in the making.
In 2024, Anderson became one of Garrett Nussmeier’s go-to targets. He finished the season with 53 receptions for 784 yards and five touchdowns, showing off his playmaking ability and establishing himself as one of the top wideouts in the conference. As the only returning starter from last season, Anderson will look to build on that momentum in 2025, assuming a leadership role within the wide receiver room. With his combination of speed, hands, and football IQ, Anderson is primed for another standout year as LSU’s top receiving option.
Zavion Thomas: Speed and Special Teams Savvy
Zavion Thomas, another returning wideout, added depth and versatility to the LSU receiving corps in 2024. Known for his speed, Thomas has the ability to stretch defenses and provide explosive plays. He ended his first season with the Tigers with 20 receptions for 188 yards and two touchdowns. While those numbers don’t fully capture Thomas’ impact, he also played a pivotal role on special teams, contributing significantly in the return game.
Heading into 2025, Thomas will be looking to take the next step in his development. With his speed and big-play ability, he will complement Anderson and any incoming wide receivers, such as TaRon Francis, as LSU looks to create mismatches in the passing game. Expect Thomas to become an increasingly vital part of the offense, especially with Nussmeier’s ability to push the ball downfield.
Nic Anderson: Transfer Addition with Immediate Impact Potential
LSU also bolstered its wide receiver group with the addition of Nic Anderson, a highly regarded transfer from Oklahoma. Anderson had a record-breaking freshman campaign with the Sooners, setting the school’s freshman record for touchdown receptions with 10. He also totaled 798 receiving yards in 2023, which ranks second in Oklahoma history for a freshman. His impressive performance earned him Freshman All-America honors, and he was a constant threat as a redshirt freshman.
Although Anderson missed the 2024 season due to injury, his previous success at Oklahoma makes him an immediate impact player for LSU. The Tigers’ coaching staff is confident that Anderson’s ability to stretch the field and make plays in the red zone will make him a key contributor in 2025. His skill set fits perfectly with the type of offense LSU wants to run, and he will be a valuable weapon for Nussmeier.
Barion Brown: Veteran Presence and Explosive Playmaker
In addition to Nic Anderson, LSU also added Barion Brown from Kentucky, another transfer who will bolster the Tigers’ receiving corps. Brown has accumulated over 120 career catches, more than 1,500 receiving yards, and double-digit touchdowns in his career, making him a seasoned veteran who can step in and contribute right away. Notably, Brown also holds the SEC record for most kick return touchdowns with five, showcasing his explosiveness in the return game.
Brown’s ability to make plays on special teams and in the receiving game will add another dimension to LSU’s offense in 2025. With his experience and big-play capability, he is an excellent complement to the younger receivers in the room and a dependable option for Nussmeier to rely on. LSU’s offense will benefit greatly from Brown’s maturity, leadership, and ability to make explosive plays.
The Future of LSU’s Wide Receiver Room
With the addition of TaRon Francis, the return of Aaron Anderson, and the influx of talent through the transfer portal with Nic Anderson and Barion Brown, LSU’s wide receiver room is poised to be one of the deepest and most talented in the nation. The Tigers will have a diverse group of players capable of making plays at all levels of the field. Whether it’s deep shots downfield, quick routes to exploit space, or plays on special teams, LSU will have options at receiver in 2025.
Garrett Nussmeier, the quarterback, will be the key to unlocking this potential. With a stable of talented receivers and an improved offensive line, Nussmeier has the weapons he needs to lead LSU’s offense to new heights. The chemistry between Nussmeier and his receiving corps will be crucial as the Tigers look to challenge for an SEC title and a spot in the College Football Playoff.
As Brian Kelly continues to build LSU into a perennial contender, the depth and talent of the wide receiver room is a sign that the program’s future is bright. With TaRon Francis, a highly coveted local prospect, joining an already loaded receiving corps, LSU is positioned to dominate the SEC for years to come. The competition for playing time in the wide receiver room will be fierce, but the result will be an offense that is dynamic, explosive, and difficult to defend.
In 2025, LSU’s wide receivers will be a unit to watch as they take the field with an offense built for success. With a combination of speed, talent, and experience, the Tigers are primed for a breakout season.
