As of January 2025, the LSU Tigers football program is navigating through a key transitional phase following a successful 2024 season under head coach Brian Kelly. The team is preparing for another highly competitive year in the Southeastern Conference (SEC) with an evolving roster that has seen significant turnover due to graduation, the NFL Draft, and the NCAA transfer portal. This article provides a detailed overview of the current status of LSU’s football roster for the 2025 season, focusing on key returning players, newcomers, and areas where the team is expected to improve.
1. Coaching Staff and Strategic Direction
Brian Kelly, who took over as head coach prior to the 2022 season, has continued to build on his reputation as a program builder and a recruiter. Kelly’s emphasis on developing talent, particularly in the trenches, has become a hallmark of his coaching philosophy at LSU. Under his leadership, LSU has been consistently ranked among the top recruiting classes, and the 2025 season will likely reflect that continued upward trajectory.
Defensive coordinator Matt House and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock have also contributed to the team’s stability and success. House has solidified a defense that has been aggressive and opportunistic, while Denbrock’s offensive schemes have proven adaptable and effective in maximizing the talent of LSU’s quarterbacks, running backs, and wide receivers.
2. Quarterback Position: A New Era
In 2024, LSU saw the departure of their starting quarterback Jayden Daniels, who had been the focal point of the offense for multiple seasons. Daniels, a dual-threat quarterback, declared for the 2025 NFL Draft, leaving the position open for new leadership. This transition marks an exciting opportunity for LSU to develop a new quarterback who could become the face of the team for the next few seasons.
The most likely candidates to step into this role are:
- Garrett Nussmeier: Nussmeier, a sophomore in 2024, has demonstrated flashes of brilliance in backup duty, particularly during LSU’s high-profile matchups. Known for his strong arm and ability to make deep throws, Nussmeier will be the frontrunner for the starting job in 2025. His development over the offseason and his performance in spring practices will be crucial to LSU’s success at the quarterback position.
- Rickie Collins: The highly touted freshman recruit for the 2025 season, Collins arrives at LSU with a high ceiling. Having impressed during his high school career, Collins has the potential to challenge for playing time early in his collegiate career, though it may take time for him to adjust to the college game.
This competition between Nussmeier and Collins is expected to be one of the most watched storylines during LSU’s spring and fall camp, with both quarterbacks bringing different strengths to the table.
3. Running Back: A Deep Stable
One of the strengths of LSU’s 2025 roster is the running back position. The team returns several talented backs who have the ability to lead the offense and take pressure off the quarterback. Although LSU lost standout running back Josh Williams to graduation and the NFL, they are well-equipped to fill the void with depth and talent.
Key players at the position include:
- Noah Cain: Cain, a senior, will enter 2025 as the most experienced and likely the top back in LSU’s rotation. Known for his physical running style and ability to find the end zone, Cain has been a reliable option for LSU throughout his career. His vision, power, and leadership qualities make him a cornerstone of the offense.
- Logan Diggs: A transfer from Notre Dame, Diggs had a solid 2024 campaign and is poised to contribute significantly in 2025. His versatility, ability to catch passes out of the backfield, and explosive speed will give LSU’s offense a dynamic weapon.
- Trey Holly: A freshman, Holly is one of the most highly rated recruits in the 2025 class. His combination of speed and agility makes him an immediate candidate for a significant role in the running game, especially on third downs and in goal-line situations.
With a deep running back room, LSU has the luxury of employing a multi-back system that will keep opposing defenses guessing.
4. Wide Receiver: High Expectations
The wide receiver corps for LSU in 2025 will be one of the most intriguing groups on the team. After the departure of standout receivers like Kayshon Boutte (now in the NFL), LSU has a number of talented pass-catchers ready to step up and make an impact.
Key players to watch include:
- Malik Nabers: Nabers, a junior, has been one of the most consistent and explosive receivers for LSU over the past two seasons. With his strong route-running ability and elite speed, Nabers is primed to take on a bigger role as the team’s primary receiving target. He has the potential to emerge as one of the SEC’s top receivers in 2025.
- Kyren Lacy: Lacy, a transfer from Louisiana-Lafayette, brings experience and a physical presence to LSU’s receiving corps. His size and ability to make plays in contested situations will provide a reliable option for whoever starts at quarterback.
- Aaron Anderson: Anderson, a freshman who has already shown flashes of brilliance during fall practices, could be an exciting addition to the team’s receiving corps. His speed and agility make him a dangerous deep threat.
The combination of veterans like Nabers and newcomers such as Anderson gives LSU a balanced and versatile group of wide receivers heading into the 2025 season.
5. Offensive Line: Rebuilding the Trenches
One area where LSU will need to focus its efforts in 2025 is the offensive line. The team lost several key contributors from the 2024 season, including experienced seniors and all-conference selections. However, the coaching staff has been focused on developing younger players and bringing in talent from the high school ranks and transfer portal.
Key returning players to watch include:
- Will Campbell: Campbell, a sophomore in 2024, is a standout offensive tackle with the potential to become one of the best in the SEC. His physicality and athleticism give him the tools to anchor LSU’s offensive line for the next few years.
- Emory Jones: Jones, a junior, has played significant snaps for LSU and will be relied upon as a leader in the trenches. His versatility allows him to play both guard and tackle, providing flexibility along the line.
In addition to these returning players, LSU has brought in several top recruits and transfer portal additions, including several promising offensive linemen who will add depth and competition for starting spots.
6. Defensive Line: Dominating the Line of Scrimmage
The LSU defensive line will remain a major strength of the team in 2025. The Tigers have long been known for producing elite defensive line talent, and the 2025 squad will be no different. After losing a few key players to the NFL, including standout pass rusher Harold Perkins Jr., LSU still has a wealth of talent on the defensive front.
Key players include:
- Maason Smith: A returning defensive tackle who was one of LSU’s top players in 2024. Smith’s ability to disrupt the run game and rush the passer from the interior will make him one of the top defensive players in the SEC.
- Quency Wiggins: Wiggins, a sophomore, is another highly touted defensive lineman who has the potential to break out in 2025. His combination of size and athleticism gives LSU a dominant presence on the edge.
- Omar Speights: A transfer linebacker, Speights will add versatility to LSU’s defensive line, providing additional pass-rush ability and coverage skills.
With a wealth of depth and talent, LSU’s defensive line will remain a key unit that the team can lean on to disrupt opposing offenses.
7. Secondary: Building a Strong Defensive Backfield
The LSU secondary has undergone a lot of changes in recent seasons, but the 2025 unit is shaping up to be one of the team’s stronger defensive groups. Led by veteran players and bolstered by a solid recruiting class, the Tigers are well-positioned to defend against the high-powered passing offenses in the SEC.
Key players to watch include:
- Zy Alexander: A standout cornerback, Alexander brings a physical presence to LSU’s secondary. His ability to match up against elite receivers and make plays in crucial moments will be crucial for the Tigers’ defense.
- Major Burns: Burns, a senior safety, has been one of LSU’s top defensive backs in recent years. His leadership and ability to make big plays will be critical in holding down the secondary in 2025.
8. Special Teams: Consistency in the Kicking Game
The Tigers will return key special teams players, including their placekicker and punter. The kicker will be crucial for LSU’s chances in tight games, and the punter will need to be effective in flipping the field and giving the defense a chance to succeed.
