LSU Football Offensive Outlook Going Into 2025

As we approach the 2025 college football season, LSU (Louisiana State University) football is poised to continue its ascent as a national contender. Under the leadership of head coach Brian Kelly, who enters his third season with the Tigers, LSU’s offense is looking to build on a promising 2024 campaign that demonstrated flashes of brilliance and a growing identity. The offense in Baton Rouge has been in a state of flux in recent years, with transitions in coordinators, quarterbacks, and playmakers. However, the foundation is being solidified, and LSU fans have reason to be optimistic about what lies ahead in 2025.

Offensive Philosophy: Evolution Under Brian Kelly

When Brian Kelly took over as LSU’s head coach in 2022, one of the first challenges was establishing an offensive identity that could consistently compete with the elite programs in the SEC. Kelly, known for his offensive prowess during his time at Notre Dame, brought with him a balanced approach that blends a strong running game with a dynamic passing attack. Under his tutelage, LSU has adopted a modern offense that emphasizes versatility, adaptability, and tempo.

In 2025, this philosophy should continue to evolve. Kelly’s offenses have always been marked by a commitment to a pro-style system that still allows for spread concepts, making use of quick passes, zone blocking, and a balanced distribution of touches. This balance will be key to LSU’s offensive success, allowing them to exploit both the ground and air in ways that keep opposing defenses guessing.

The ability to mix up offensive schemes will be particularly important in a conference as tough as the SEC, where defenses are fast, physical, and aggressive. LSU’s success in 2025 will hinge on their ability to stay unpredictable while remaining efficient.

Quarterback Position: A Stable but Critical Position

Perhaps the most important position in any offense is quarterback, and for LSU, the 2025 season offers both promise and uncertainty. As of the end of the 2024 season, LSU will likely have one of two quarterbacks at the helm: Garrett Nussmeier or the incoming freshman recruit, who may challenge for the starting job. Nussmeier, a redshirt sophomore as of 2025, has shown flashes of brilliance but has also struggled with consistency. His strong arm and ability to make off-platform throws are undeniable, but he’ll need to refine his decision-making and improve his accuracy on routine throws.

If Nussmeier can put it all together, he has the potential to be one of the SEC’s best quarterbacks, especially with the weapons around him. However, if there is a setback, Kelly may turn to a new face under center, such as a highly-touted incoming freshman or another backup with a strong spring and fall camp performance.

Regardless of who starts, the quarterback position will need to be solidified as soon as possible. LSU’s offense in 2025 will depend heavily on the play of its signal-caller. An effective quarterback will allow the offense to function at a high level and help maximize the contributions of the skill players surrounding him. A consistent, confident quarterback is a must for LSU to truly compete for an SEC championship and a playoff berth.

Running Game: A Proven Strength

LSU’s running game is expected to remain one of the offense’s strongest assets in 2025. The Tigers have always prided themselves on a punishing, downhill running game that wears out opposing defenses. This tradition is expected to continue with a talented group of running backs set to return.

One of the most notable players to watch in 2025 is sophomore running back Kaleb Jackson, who impressed during his freshman season and showed great promise. His blend of speed, power, and vision make him a versatile threat out of the backfield. Jackson, combined with other experienced backs, should give LSU a dynamic running attack that can break open games.

Behind the offensive line, LSU will look to continue its tradition of producing physical, run-blocking units. Under offensive line coach Brad Davis, the Tigers’ offensive line has steadily improved, and with several key players returning in 2025, this group is poised to dominate up front. The success of the running game in 2025 will be reliant on the offensive line’s ability to win the battle in the trenches, create running lanes, and protect the quarterback in play-action situations.

One thing to watch in 2025 is how LSU utilizes its running backs in the passing game. With the development of play-action passing and screens, LSU’s backs will have an increased role in catching the ball out of the backfield. Having backs like Jackson who can also contribute as receiving threats adds another dimension to LSU’s offense.

Receiving Corps: Star Power and Depth

In 2025, LSU’s receiving corps will be one of the most exciting and deep in the SEC. After the departure of key wide receivers in recent years, LSU has reloaded with a talented group of pass-catchers. Leading the charge is junior Malik Nabers, a dynamic wideout who is expected to be one of the top playmakers in college football. Nabers, who has already made a name for himself as a reliable, explosive receiver, has the potential to be a first-round draft pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Beyond Nabers, LSU boasts a deep group of receivers who can make an impact in various ways. Look for experienced players like Kyren Lacy and Brian Thomas Jr. to step up and provide a reliable second and third option in the passing game. These receivers will give the offense balance, allowing for multiple avenues of attack through the air.

One of the most exciting additions to the LSU offense for 2025 is the influx of talented freshmen and transfers. LSU has recruited several high-level wide receivers who will immediately make an impact. If these new players can contribute quickly, it would give LSU a frightening array of weapons in the passing game. The combination of speed, size, and route-running ability will give opposing defenses fits all season long.

Quarterback and receiver chemistry will be key in 2025, and with LSU’s offensive staff continuing to refine their passing game, this group should be one of the Tigers’ most potent in recent years.

Tight End: A Growing Role in the Offense

Tight end has been a somewhat underutilized position for LSU in recent seasons, but that could change in 2025. LSU has a few talented tight ends, including Mason Taylor, who has the potential to emerge as a significant weapon in the passing game. Tight ends are crucial in an offense like LSU’s, where the ability to stretch the field both vertically and horizontally is vital.

In 2025, LSU will likely make more of an effort to incorporate the tight end position into the offense. A capable tight end provides versatility by serving as both a blocker in the running game and a target in the passing game. With the rise of the tight end as a mismatch weapon in college football, LSU’s use of this position could become a key component of their offensive success.

Offensive Line: The Key to Offensive Success

The offensive line will be one of the most critical areas of focus for LSU in 2025. LSU’s offensive line has struggled at times in recent seasons, but under the direction of Brad Davis, the group has shown improvement. Heading into 2025, the Tigers will return several key players, including experienced veterans who should help solidify the offensive line.

The most critical aspect of LSU’s offensive line will be its ability to protect the quarterback and open up holes in the running game. LSU’s quarterbacks, particularly Nussmeier, need consistent protection to be successful. Likewise, the running backs will rely on strong push from the line to take advantage of open lanes. The offensive line will need to be strong and cohesive to ensure that LSU’s offense can operate at full capacity.

The emergence of a few younger players on the offensive line could provide depth and fresh legs to sustain success throughout the season. As the season progresses, the offensive line’s ability to stay healthy and gel as a unit will be a defining factor in LSU’s offensive performance.