LSU Football Defense Heading into 2025: A Detailed Look
As LSU football looks ahead to the 2025 season, one of the most pressing concerns for the program is the development of its defense. Historically, LSU has been known for producing elite defensive players and squads, but in recent years, the defense has struggled with consistency, especially when compared to the program’s storied past. Heading into 2025, however, the defense is in a critical position for a potential rebound, with several key players returning, a talented recruiting class, and a coaching staff determined to restore the defensive dominance the Tigers were once known for.
1. Defensive Philosophy: The Shift Under Brian Kelly
When Brian Kelly took over as LSU’s head coach in 2022, he inherited a program that was in the midst of a transition, particularly on defense. While Kelly’s offensive pedigree has been widely discussed, the defensive side of the ball was something he sought to address immediately.
Under Kelly, LSU’s defense has evolved, blending traditional SEC toughness with modern concepts. The Tigers have incorporated more hybrid roles and an aggressive, multiple-front scheme that emphasizes versatility and speed. Defensive coordinator Matt House, who joined LSU in 2022, has been pivotal in reshaping the defense, focusing on pressure, man coverage, and defensive line depth.
2. Defensive Line: Key Strengths and Emerging Stars
A cornerstone of LSU’s defensive success has been the defensive line, and heading into 2025, that trend is expected to continue. The Tigers’ front four is crucial to their ability to disrupt opposing offenses, especially in the SEC, where a dominant pass rush can make or break a game.
The return of standout edge rusher Maason Smith, who was a top recruit and has shown flashes of brilliance in his time at LSU, provides an immediate boost. After missing significant time due to injury in 2023, Smith is expected to return to full strength in 2025, adding a game-changing presence to the line. His ability to collapse the pocket and generate pressure off the edge is something LSU has sorely missed.
Alongside Smith, Makai Wingo and Jacobian Guillory will likely play pivotal roles in the interior. Both have displayed high-level potential as run-stoppers and interior pass rushers, and with additional experience under their belts, they should be even more effective in 2025.
Freshman recruit Jalen Lee is another player to watch. Lee, one of the top defensive linemen from the 2025 class, is expected to make an immediate impact, especially with his size and athleticism. If he can adjust quickly to the college game, he will be a vital part of LSU’s defensive line rotation.
Depth will be another asset for LSU. Players like Saivion Jones and Ovie Oghoufo, who are versatile enough to play multiple spots along the defensive front, give the Tigers options when it comes to sub-packages and keeping the line fresh.
3. Linebackers: A Unit in Transition
The linebacker corps is an area where LSU is undergoing a bit of a transition as they head into the 2025 season. While they’ve had some solid players in recent years, the Tigers have struggled at times to find consistent play at the position.
Omar Spates, a transfer from Oregon State, was a major addition for LSU in the 2024 class and provides immediate experience and leadership to the linebacker unit. Spates, a proven tackler and sideline-to-sideline player, will be relied upon to anchor the middle of the defense. His leadership and ability to read offenses will be critical in a conference like the SEC, where elite running backs and dynamic quarterbacks can exploit a porous linebacker group.
Next to Spates, Greg Penn III has shown flashes of being a rising star. He will need to take the next step in his development, and 2025 could be his breakout year. His physicality and instincts make him an exciting prospect for LSU’s defense moving forward.
Another important name to keep an eye on is Harold Perkins Jr., a player who has the athleticism to make an immediate impact. Perkins was widely regarded as one of the top linebacker recruits in recent years, and if he can put together a complete season, LSU could have a dynamic, game-changing linebacker on their hands. His ability to rush the passer, cover in space, and stop the run makes him one of the most versatile linebackers in the country.
The Tigers also added some quality depth through the transfer portal, and players like Jordan Allen and Weston Williams will have to prove themselves as reliable contributors in rotational roles.
4. Secondary: Cornerback Play and Safety Depth
While LSU has had issues at times with its secondary in recent seasons, the 2025 season could see significant improvement in this area, thanks to a mix of experience, elite recruits, and returning talent.
At cornerback, Zy Alexander is one of the cornerstones for LSU heading into 2025. A player who had solid play in the previous years, Alexander is primed to be a lockdown corner who can match up with the best wide receivers in the SEC. His ability to disrupt passing lanes and make plays on the ball will be critical to LSU’s defensive success.
Opposite Alexander, Denver Harris – a highly-touted recruit – is expected to step up in 2025 and provide stability on the other side. Harris has the size, speed, and ball skills to be a key player in LSU’s defensive backfield, and if he can stay healthy, he’ll be an important part of the Tigers’ plans.
In the nickel and dime packages, LSU has a deep pool of players to rotate in, including Deuce Chestnut and Trey Palmer, who bring added depth and versatility to the cornerback group.
At safety, Major Burns and Greg Brooks Jr. are expected to lead the charge. Burns is a seasoned veteran who brings both intelligence and physicality to the back end, while Brooks has the athleticism to cover ground and be a difference-maker in coverage. Both will need to be communicative leaders in the secondary, making sure the defensive calls are correctly executed and providing support for the cornerbacks.
The safety unit also features some intriguing younger players who could emerge as key contributors. Laterrance Welch has shown potential and could see a larger role in 2025. If he can step into a starting role or take over in rotational packages, it will only increase LSU’s depth in the secondary.
5. Coaching and Scheme: The Influence of Matt House
As mentioned earlier, Matt House’s influence on LSU’s defensive philosophy has been substantial, and heading into 2025, his aggressive and multiple-scheme approach should allow the defense to be even more versatile.
House employs a 4-3 base defense but frequently shifts into a 3-4 or nickel look depending on the matchup. This flexibility will be key as LSU faces a wide range of offensive systems throughout the SEC. Against run-heavy teams like Alabama or Arkansas, LSU can line up with more traditional personnel. Against spread offenses, such as Ole Miss or Missouri, House can mix in extra defensive backs and adjust his lineups accordingly.
House is also an expert at generating pressure, and this will be crucial for LSU’s defense in 2025. With the talent on the defensive line, as well as the potential for linebacker blitzes from players like Harold Perkins Jr., LSU will look to harass opposing quarterbacks and disrupt their rhythm.
The ability to adjust to different offensive schemes while maintaining a tough, aggressive mindset will define LSU’s defense under House. In 2025, the Tigers will need to execute these adjustments with precision if they hope to compete at the highest level in the SEC.
6. Recruiting and Depth: The Future of LSU’s Defense
Looking ahead, LSU’s defense in 2025 is bolstered by a strong recruiting class that includes several blue-chip defensive players. The Tigers have prioritized defensive talent, especially in the trenches and in the secondary, ensuring that the program is stocked with future stars.
The 2025 recruiting class includes standout defensive linemen, linebackers, and defensive backs that should add depth and competition to the roster. Players like Brandon White (defensive end), Jordan Bellamy (linebacker), and Elijah Thomas (cornerback) are all expected to make an impact early in their careers.
Building on this foundation of talent, LSU’s defense in 2025 will benefit from the development of younger players and the continued recruitment of top-tier athletes. Depth is crucial for a program that plays in the demanding SEC, and LSU appears to be in a strong position to field a defense that can compete with the best in the conference.
7. Key Questions Heading into 2025
Despite the optimism surrounding LSU’s defense, there are still some key questions heading into the 2025 season:
- Can LSU generate consistent pressure on the quarterback? The Tigers have the talent to do so, but it remains to be seen if they can bring it all together on a weekly basis.
- How will the linebacker group evolve? With a mix of veterans and young players, the linebacker corps will need to find its identity. If they can consistently stop the run and cover in space, LSU will have a dynamic defensive unit.
- Will the secondary improve? Cornerback play has been inconsistent, and with the depth LSU has at safety, the Tigers will need to step up in the passing game. Improved coverage and turnovers will be crucial.
- How well can the coaching staff develop talent? Matt House’s ability to adapt his scheme to the strengths of the players will be pivotal. Development is key, especially as younger players step into larger roles.
Leave a Reply