The Positions of Need: Brian Kelly, LSU Football Looking to Add to Key Positions
As the 2025 season approaches, LSU Tigers head coach Brian Kelly is hard at work evaluating the current state of his roster and identifying key positions that need to be addressed through recruiting and transfers. While LSU remains one of the most storied programs in college football, there are areas on the team where reinforcements are necessary to continue competing at a high level in the ultra-competitive SEC. Given the program’s reputation for developing talent and its strong recruiting infrastructure, LSU has the ability to address its needs through both high school recruits and the transfer portal.
In this article, we will take a closer look at the positions of need for LSU football as they build toward the 2025 season. From defensive line to wide receiver, the Tigers must make targeted additions to stay competitive and maintain their place among the elite programs in college football. We’ll also explore the ways in which Brian Kelly and his coaching staff are likely to approach filling these gaps, including potential recruiting targets and transfer portal candidates.
1. Defensive Line: Building Depth and Impact Players
For the LSU Tigers, one of the most pressing needs is on the defensive line. LSU has produced some of the most dominant defensive linemen in college football history, and the program’s recent success in developing talent at this position is a major reason why the team remains a perennial contender in the SEC. However, as the 2025 season approaches, the Tigers will be looking to reload at key positions along the defensive front.
Key Losses and the Need for Replacements
LSU will lose several key players along the defensive line, which includes significant contributors from the 2023 season. Players like Jaquelin Roy, who served as a key defensive tackle for the Tigers, and edge rusher Ollie Gaye have moved on, creating a need for both experience and talent to step in and fill these gaps. While LSU has some strong returning players, such as Maason Smith, who is returning from injury, the overall depth and consistency along the defensive line must be addressed.
The SEC is known for its powerful offenses, and the ability to disrupt the quarterback and stop the run is crucial to LSU’s success. Having a dominant defensive line is essential for the Tigers to remain competitive in such a physically demanding conference. LSU will be looking to add both immediate contributors and future stars in the defensive trenches.
Recruiting and Transfer Portal Targets
To bolster the defensive line, LSU is focusing on both high school recruits and players in the transfer portal. A prime target for the Tigers could be a top-tier defensive tackle or edge rusher with a combination of size, speed, and power to dominate in the SEC. The Tigers have already shown a commitment to recruiting elite defensive line talent, with top recruits like Jared Verse being rumored as potential transfer targets.
In addition to targeting high-profile recruits, LSU is likely to look for players who can make an immediate impact through the transfer portal. Given the increasing emphasis on building a championship-caliber defense, LSU may look to add proven players who have experience in major conferences and can contribute right away.
2. Wide Receiver: Replacing Star Power and Adding Depth
Wide receiver is another position that LSU will focus on in the 2025 offseason. Despite having a strong group of wide receivers in recent years, the Tigers will lose a few of their key contributors, particularly with Kayshon Boutte’s departure. Boutte has been one of the most electrifying wideouts in the SEC during his time at LSU, and his absence will leave a significant void in the receiving corps. While players like Malik Nabers and Jack Bech are capable of stepping up, the Tigers will need to add depth and a potential game-breaking option to complement these players.
Key Losses and the Need for Playmakers
In addition to Boutte, LSU’s receiving corps has also seen some players enter the transfer portal, meaning the team must replenish its ranks with both experience and high-end talent. While Nabers is poised for a breakout year, and Bech has shown promise, the Tigers need to add at least one or two more playmakers to give their offense balance and unpredictability. LSU has a proven track record of producing NFL-level wide receivers, and Brian Kelly will be looking to continue this trend.
Wide receiver is one of the most important positions in today’s high-scoring college football landscape. Teams that can stretch the field and make explosive plays through the air are often the ones that succeed in both the regular season and during bowl games. With the offensive explosion in the SEC, LSU must have a diverse and talented receiving group to contend with elite defenses.
Recruiting and Transfer Portal Targets
LSU is likely to target wide receivers in both high school recruiting and the transfer portal. In high school, the Tigers will be looking for players who can immediately come in and make an impact. A wide receiver who has elite speed, hands, and route-running ability will be high on the Tigers’ recruiting board. LSU could look for players who are capable of being a true No. 1 option or who can contribute right away in a rotational role.
Additionally, the transfer portal could play a key role in filling LSU’s wide receiver needs. The Tigers could target players with experience who can come in and contribute immediately. A proven receiver with the ability to be a deep threat or a possession target would complement the returning talent at the position and give LSU more offensive firepower.
3. Linebacker: A Position of Change and Potential
Linebacker is another area where LSU will need to add depth and talent in the 2025 offseason. The Tigers have lost some key players at linebacker, including standout linebacker Micah Baskerville, who has been a leader on defense for several seasons. While LSU has some young talent coming up at the position, such as Greg Penn and Harold Perkins, they will need to add more experienced players to round out the unit.
Key Losses and the Need for Versatility
In the SEC, linebacker play is vital, as teams rely heavily on their linebackers to stop the run, cover tight ends, and occasionally rush the passer. LSU’s linebacker corps is a mix of young talent and experienced players, but the loss of a player like Baskerville, who could do it all, leaves a gap that must be filled.
The Tigers need linebackers who are versatile and can contribute in all areas of the game. Players who can cover in pass situations, defend the run, and blitz the quarterback are highly valued in today’s SEC football. LSU will also be looking for leadership at linebacker to ensure that the defense remains organized and effective throughout the season.
Recruiting and Transfer Portal Targets
LSU will be looking for linebackers who have the skill set to play in both traditional and modern defensive schemes. Whether it’s a physical, downhill tackler or a faster, more athletic linebacker who can cover ground quickly in pass coverage, LSU will target a variety of linebacker types in both recruiting and the transfer portal.
The transfer portal may be particularly valuable in this instance, as LSU could add experienced linebackers who have already played at the Power Five level. Players who have seen significant playing time and have experience in major conferences would add immediate depth to the unit, which is important for a team with high expectations.
4. Offensive Line: Strengthening the Trenches
Finally, LSU must address its offensive line as it looks to build a championship-caliber roster for the 2025 season. While LSU has had success on the offensive line in recent years, including a strong unit in the 2023 season, the Tigers will lose a few key players, including Anthony Bradford, who was a key contributor at guard. The offensive line is one of the most important positions on any football team, and LSU must ensure that it maintains the physicality and depth required to compete at a high level.
Key Losses and the Need for Depth
While LSU has a solid starting offensive line, the depth behind the starters will need to be addressed. The Tigers are likely to lose a couple of key players to graduation or the NFL Draft, and this opens the door for younger players to step up. However, LSU will still need to bring in experienced players who can provide immediate depth and compete for starting roles.
With the offensive line being crucial to both the running game and pass protection, LSU’s coaching staff will prioritize finding linemen who are physically imposing and capable of playing multiple positions on the line. LSU’s ability to run the ball effectively and protect the quarterback in crucial situations will depend on its ability to fill the gaps on the offensive line.
Recruiting and Transfer Portal Targets
The Tigers are likely to target both high school recruits and transfer portal candidates for the offensive line. Elite offensive linemen who can play at the SEC level and contribute immediately will be highly valued. Additionally, the Tigers could look to the transfer portal for players who have proven themselves at the college level and who can help LSU maintain a high level of performance in the trenches.
Conclusion: Brian Kelly’s Vision for LSU Football’s Future
As Brian Kelly continues to build LSU into a perennial powerhouse, addressing the positions of need for the 2025 season will be essential. By focusing on the defensive line, wide receiver, linebacker, and offensive line, LSU can continue to compete at the highest level of college football and contend for SEC and national championships. Through a combination of targeted recruiting and transfers, LSU is positioned to strengthen these critical areas and ensure that they remain a force to be reckoned with in the SEC.
With Brian Kelly at the helm, LSU is in good hands. His ability to recruit, develop talent, and address weaknesses will be crucial as the program looks to remain among the top teams in the nation. The upcoming recruiting cycle and the transfer portal will be pivotal for LSU’s success in 2025, and the Tigers’ ability to fill these key positions will determine the team’s trajectory for the season ahead.
