Key pieces to LSU winning it all in 2025

Larkdight Studios
Sep 1
3 min read

Larkdight Studios LSU Tigers' Championship Chase Series (2025) September 1, 2025 1:00PM CST

The LSU Tigers have not lived up to the expectations that came when HC Brian Kelly left Notre Dame for LSU, but that doesn't mean they aren't on the verge of being National Champions once again. They return the only 4,000-yard passer last season in QB Garrett Nussmeier, got a big wide receiver transfer in WR Barion Brown (Kentucky) to go along with WR Aaron Anderson, WR Nic Anderson, and TE Bauer Sharp, and the defense has some big additions in guys like CB Mansoor Delane (Virginia Tech). A lot of people believe that this is one of the teams, if they get to the College Football Playoffs, that absolutely have the capability of going all the way. I also share that belief and that is why I am taking over the LSU Tigers in 2025, to help them chasing after winning a National Championship once again.

If I am going to do this, it is going to come down to five key pieces and those are:

ELITE QUARTERBACK PLAY
1. Senior QB Garrett Nussmeier, entering his second year as a starter, is crucial. He is a Heisman candidate and, in the conversation, to be a top NFL draft pick in 2026. He will be the driving force behind LSU making it out of the SEC and winning it all in 2025.

RUNNING BACK PRODUCTION
1. Sophomore RB Caden Durham, who rushed for over 1,000 yards as a freshman despite being injured for part of the season, needs to stay healthy and continue to be a top back in the conference in order to take a load off of Nussmeier and the passing game.

RECEIVING THREATS
1. While the wide receiver room lost several key players, the return of leading receiver Aaron Anderson is important. According to LSU Wire, Barion Brown is a dynamic playmaker who can also contribute on special teams. The emergence of transfers like Barion Brown and Nic Anderson will also be key.

IMPROVED OFFENSIVE LINE
1. The offensive line was a weakness last year and lost key starters. The additions of transfers like Braelin Moore and Josh Thompson, along with the emergence of young talent like Tyree Adams and Weston Davis, are crucial for protecting Nussmeier and opening up running lanes.

DOMINANT LINEBACKERS
1. The linebacker corps is a strength of the defense with returning standouts like Harold Perkins Jr. and Whit Weeks. Weeks was particularly impressive in 2024, ranking highly in pressures and stops among SEC linebackers.

IMPACTFUL DEFENSIVE LINE
1. While relatively inexperienced, the defensive line has potential with players like sophomore Dominick McKinley, whom coach Brian Kelly called "unblockable" after a stellar performance in 2024, and transfers like Patrick Payton and Jack Pyburn.

STRONG SECONDARY
1. The addition of experienced transfers like Mansoor Delane and Tamarcus Cooley, coupled with the continued development of Ashton Stamps, suggests LSU has its most talented secondary in the Brian Kelly era. Delane was a third-team All-ACC selection last season and had an impressive, forced incompletion rate.

COACHING
1. Brian Kelly is entering his third season and expectations are high. The addition of defensive coordinator Blake Baker is hoped to lead to a more consistent defensive performance.

TRANSFER PORTAL SUCCESS
1. LSU landed the top-ranked transfer class in the country and the ability of these players to integrate quickly, while contributing meaningfully, will be vital.