Five LSU Football Newcomers Ready to Shine in Year One With Brian Kelly’s Tigers

LSU Football is entering a new era under the leadership of head coach Brian Kelly, who joined the Tigers program in 2022 after an incredibly successful run at Notre Dame. In his first year, Kelly immediately made an impact, guiding LSU to a remarkable turnaround, culminating in a victory in the Citrus Bowl. As the team continues to build under Kelly’s leadership, it is clear that there is a wealth of young talent ready to emerge. The 2025 season promises to feature several standout newcomers who could be poised to make an immediate impact on the field.

From highly-touted transfers to standout freshmen, these five players represent the future of LSU Football. They are primed to make their mark in their first season with the Tigers and could very well become household names before the year is out.

1. Kyren Lacy (Wide Receiver, Transfer from Louisiana-Lafayette)

Kyren Lacy is a name that LSU fans have been excited to see in the purple and gold. After transferring from Louisiana-Lafayette, Lacy joins LSU’s wide receiver corps with significant experience, having been a top target for the Ragin’ Cajuns. Lacy’s combination of size, speed, and strong hands makes him a formidable presence on the field. Standing at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, Lacy has the physicality to make contested catches in the red zone and the agility to stretch the field with deep routes.

In his final season at Louisiana-Lafayette, Lacy recorded over 700 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns, showcasing his ability to make big plays in critical moments. Now at LSU, he’s expected to contribute immediately, especially given the Tigers’ need for reliable pass catchers to complement star quarterback Jayden Daniels. Lacy’s route-running skills and ability to create separation will be crucial as LSU looks to keep up its dynamic offense.

The coaching staff, particularly offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, will look to use Lacy’s versatility in a variety of roles. He could line up both on the outside and in the slot, making him a tough matchup for opposing defenses. With the support of veteran leaders and a growing rapport with Daniels, Lacy is poised to become a key player for the Tigers in his first season.

2. Jaxon Howard (Defensive End, Freshman)

Jaxon Howard is one of the most highly anticipated freshman players in the 2025 recruiting class. The 6-foot-4, 240-pound defensive end hails from Minneapolis, Minnesota, and was one of the top recruits in the nation. Howard was a dominant force in high school, wreaking havoc in the backfield and making his presence known as a disruptive pass rusher. His combination of size, speed, and agility gives him the tools to excel at the collegiate level right away.

LSU’s defense, under the direction of defensive coordinator Matt House, is known for its aggressive, attacking style, and Howard is a perfect fit for that system. His ability to rush the passer, stop the run, and play with relentless energy will make him a valuable asset from day one. In LSU’s 4-3 defensive scheme, Howard is expected to line up as a defensive end, and his athleticism will allow him to chase down quarterbacks and make plays behind the line of scrimmage.

Howard’s versatility is one of his standout traits. While he primarily plays on the edge, he has the ability to shift inside on passing downs, giving LSU the option to create mismatches in pass-rushing situations. With the right coaching and mentorship from veteran defensive linemen, Howard could develop into a dominant force early in his career, providing LSU with a consistent playmaker on defense.

3. Denver Harris (Cornerback, Transfer from Texas A&M)

Denver Harris was a key transfer acquisition for LSU, coming from Texas A&M, where he made an immediate impact in his freshman year. A former five-star recruit, Harris possesses elite skills in coverage, quickness, and ball skills that make him one of the most exciting newcomers on LSU’s roster. Standing at 6-feet tall and weighing in at 185 pounds, Harris combines size with explosive speed, which allows him to stay in lock-step with wide receivers on deep routes while also having the physicality to battle on short throws.

In his freshman year at Texas A&M, Harris quickly became a key player in the secondary, showing off his natural ability to cover top-tier wide receivers. He recorded several key pass breakups and an interception, establishing himself as one of the best cornerbacks in the SEC. Now at LSU, Harris joins a revamped secondary with the opportunity to make an immediate impact. The Tigers’ defensive backs are expected to play a major role in the defense’s success, and Harris’ ability to shadow opposing wide receivers will be crucial.

As LSU’s defense shifts to a more aggressive, man-to-man coverage scheme, Harris is expected to be a lockdown corner who can take away an opponent’s best option in the passing game. With his physical traits and football IQ, Harris should quickly adapt to the challenges of SEC football. His ability to make plays on the ball and shut down receivers will be a key asset for LSU’s defense in 2025.

4. TreVonte’ Citizen (Running Back, Freshman)

LSU has a long tradition of producing elite running backs, and in 2025, the program is poised to see another standout emerge in TreVonte’ Citizen. The freshman running back from Lake Charles, Louisiana, enters LSU with high expectations after an impressive high school career. Citizen, a four-star recruit, is known for his combination of speed, power, and vision. At 6-feet tall and weighing 220 pounds, he has the ideal blend of size and speed to thrive in both inside and outside running situations.

In high school, Citizen showed his ability to take over games, making explosive runs that would change the course of a game. He is a hard-nosed runner who can gain yards after contact, and his ability to make defenders miss in tight spaces will be valuable as he adjusts to the physicality of SEC play. LSU has a strong running back room, and Citizen’s natural abilities will allow him to make an immediate impact, whether as a feature back or in a committee role alongside other players like Noah Cain.

With the Tigers’ offense expected to continue leaning on the running game in 2025, Citizen will likely see plenty of touches as a freshman. His development as a pass-catcher out of the backfield will also be crucial as LSU looks to maximize its offensive potential. If Citizen can adapt quickly to the speed of the college game, he has the chance to be one of the SEC’s breakout running backs in 2025.

5. Mekhi Wingo (Defensive Tackle, Transfer from Missouri)

Mekhi Wingo, who transferred from Missouri, brings a wealth of talent to LSU’s defensive line. At 6-feet tall and 290 pounds, Wingo is a stout and explosive defensive tackle capable of disrupting plays both in the running game and in pass-rushing situations. During his time at Missouri, Wingo was one of the most effective defensive linemen in the SEC, recording multiple sacks and tackles for loss.

Wingo is known for his quick first step and his ability to penetrate offensive lines, making him an ideal fit for LSU’s attacking defense. Under defensive coordinator Matt House, LSU will look to make use of Wingo’s pass-rush ability, where he will be a key factor in pressuring opposing quarterbacks. His ability to play both as a defensive tackle and as an edge rusher will allow LSU to have greater flexibility in creating pressure up front.

Wingo’s leadership and experience will be important for LSU’s younger defensive linemen as they learn the ropes of SEC football. He has the ability to make an immediate impact and could be one of the Tigers’ most valuable players in the trenches.