LSU Tigers and Brian Kelly have three key factors to address if they want to make the College Football Playoff
The LSU Tigers were so close, yet so far, from being one of the best teams in the country in 2024. Their offense was on fire for the vast majority of the season–at least through the air. Unfortunately, the defense was problematic all year long, and now the team is replacing nearly their entire pass […]
The LSU Tigers were so close, yet so far, from being one of the best teams in the country in 2024. Their offense was on fire for the vast majority of the season–at least through the air. Unfortunately, the defense was problematic all year long, and now the team is replacing nearly their entire pass rush.
If Brian Kelly wants to get LSU to the College Football Playoff there are plenty of areas to improve. However, there are three key factors that stand out above the rest which could define the 2025 college football season in Baton Rouge.
Garrett Nussmeier adding to his game
Garrett Nussmeier developed into one of the best passers in the SEC last year. So much so that many believe he will be an early selection in the 2026 NFL Draft. Yet there are still ways that Nussmeier could take his game to another level that could not only help his future draft stock, but the team all around him too.
Nussmeier was extremely proficient at avoiding sacks last season. His pocket manipulation and awareness are among the elite in the sport. The problem is that he simply doesn't utilize his mobility beyond that.
Nussmeier is a plus athlete that should find ways to add value with his legs outside of structure. Brian Kelly isn't going to call designed run plays for him, but if he could simply add a few scrambles per game that would take his game to an entirely new level. He finished with -38 rushing yards on the season, despite not even taking that many sacks–essentially proving to be a true zero as a runner.
That lack of ability or habit in using his legs made LSU's rushing attack completely one dimensional. Caden Durham is a phenomenal athlete at running back, but if Nussmeier was even a slight threat that could open some wider rushing lanes for him.
A huge part of Nussmeier's failure to lean on his legs at all stems from the fact that he believes he can make any and every throw–which can be a good thing. However, in many cases his interceptions or negative passing plays came on snaps where there were rushing yards to be had.
Nussmeier ranked outside the Top 40 in interception percentage last year because he was simply forcing things at times when he could have created elsewhere. In short, if Nussmeier improves on his decision-making, turning away from ill-advised forced throws, leaning further on his legs a bit more, that should help the entire offense.
Harold Perkins and pass rush chemistry
Harold Perkins is likely the skeleton key that could unlock the LSU Tigers' defensive potential this season. Yes, the defense mismanaged his usage for much of the past two seasons, but his versatility that's been on display since he was a true freshman–if used properly–could be the most important part of the pass rush success and overall defensive chemistry.
Perkins was an elite pass rusher who racked up over 40 pressures and 10 sacks as a true freshman. Then he became a coverage specialist in year two on top of adding efficient pass rush havoc. He's always flashed potential in a variety of areas, just not consistently.
Bradyn Swinson is gone. Sai'vion Jones is gone. Most every piece of last year's pass rush is no longer with LSU. If Harold Perkins can attack opposing quarterbacks alongside new key transfer edge defenders Jack Pyburn (Florida), Patrick Payton (Florida State), and potential breakout sophomore Gabriel Reliford that might finally be what LSU needs to stop the best offenses in the country.
Drop him into coverage. Shift him inside and out. LSU just needs to get creative every single week and within every single game so that defenses don't get used to him playing the same role down to down. Let's hope the Tigers finally figure that out.
Transfer wide receiver success
The LSU Tigers lost Mason Taylor to the NFL Draft, CJ Daniels to transfer, and Kyren Lacy tragically passed away this spring. If LSU is going to find any offensive explosion and continuity for Garrett Nussmeier to build on this year it's going to likely have to come from two new transfer wide receivers Barion Brown and Nic Anderson alongside a couple key returning offensive weapons.
Yes, Aaron Anderson should serve as a reliable slot option with decent vertical speed. Trey'Dez Green should be a trustworthy tight end option in the red zone with his absurd size, reach, and flexibility at tight end. But Barion Brown and Nic Anderson need to live up to their hype.
Barion Brown currently holds the SEC record for most career return touchdowns thanks to his phenomenal vision with the ball in his hands. LSU just needs to get the ball to him with a step of space and he'll become the best weapon on the team. Nic Anderson was injured last year, but he's just a season removed from scoring ten touchdowns as one of the most dangerous emerging X receivers in the nation.
When both wide receivers step in and look the part this fall they likely keep Zavion Thomas and Chris Hilton Jr. relegated to rotational roles. If that happens then LSU might have a wide receiver room that looks more like what Tigers fans got used to in the Ja'Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson years.
We'll be back with more LSU Tigers coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!
And if you want to see why Harold Perkins could and should bounce back as perhaps the most important piece of the LSU Tigers defense just look back at some of his best plays in his highlights below!
