LSU has undoubtedly added significant talent to its roster with a top-10 recruiting class and the highest-rated transfer class in the nation. The only question is how much the Tigers have improved and where. We compared LSU’s current offensive position groups to its 2024 counterparts to determine which units improved, remained the same, or declined. LSU isn’t done working the transfer portal yet, so some of these evaluations could look different in time.
Comparing LSU’s Offensive Position Groups
Quarterbacks – Improved
Although Garrett Nussmeier remains the starter of LSU’s most important position group, the room as a unit will be better in 2025. Neither Rickie Collins nor AJ Swann was expected to challenge Nussmeier for the starting job. Now, Collins and Swann are off to Syracuse and Appalachian State, respectively.
LSU added an intriguing prospect in Mississippi State’s Michael Van Buren from the portal. There is no slight to the former Tigers, but Van Buren has more experience than Collins and a higher ceiling than Swann as a quarterback. The rising sophomore’s physical talent stood out, but his toughness and poise on a bad team were even more impressive.
Colin Hurley will return for his redshirt freshman season after reclassifying to enroll at LSU as a 16-year-old in 2024. It was important for the Tigers to retain Hurley for depth, but the biggest difference in 2025 should be the growth of Nussmeier.
Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels increased their passing yardage by an average (not total) of 1,838 yards as second-year starters at LSU. This is not to suggest that Nussmeier is in the same category as the recent Heisman winners. We’re simply pointing out an increased level of production that comes with the comfort and familiarity of returning after a year of experience.
Running Backs – Improved
The Tigers lost a fan favorite and team leader in the dependable Josh Williams. Fortunately, they’ll return their leading rusher in rising sophomore Caden Durham. Durham established himself early in the 2024 season as a difference-maker against South Carolina. He went on to average over five yards per carry with six touchdowns even while playing through a foot injury for most of the year.
The staff sparsely used Kaleb Jackson throughout 2024 but miraculously managed to keep him out of the portal for now. Jackson looked like LSU’s next great back at times as a freshman. Speaking of freshmen, the Tigers are bringing in two high-profile backs Harlem Berry and JT Lindsey. The 247Sports Composite ranked Berry as the top running back in the country. Berry possesses elite speed and receiving ability that makes him a threat to score from anywhere on the field.
Receivers/Tight Ends – Improved
First, let’s give credit to a couple of LSU greats headed to the NFL after illustrious careers in Baton Rouge. Kyren Lacy was the big-bodied prototypical go-to receiver on the outside for the Tigers and led the team in touchdowns in 2024. Mason Taylor is LSU’s most productive tight end in history and gets open in his sleep. But it was the diminutive Aaron Anderson who led LSU in catches and yards in 2024. Anderson is back along with reinforcements.
LSU’s most improved offensive position group added Oklahoma’s Nic Anderson, Kentucky’s Barion Brown, and Florida State’s Destyn Hill to form a dynamic receiver room. When healthy, Anderson could easily become the Tigers’ leading pass-catcher in 2025. Brown adds speed to the room that was missing while Chris Hilton was injured in 2024.
On that note, don’t overlook Hilton. He missed time, pressed to make plays after returning, then showed what makes him special late in the season. Availability is everything, but his tools are rare. Trey’Dez Green could be one of the most intimidating tight ends in college football in 2025. Green showed the willingness to block, and his athleticism is second to none at the position. LSU also added Bauer Sharp of Oklahoma to its tight-end group. Bauer had 42 catches on the year.
Offensive Line – Declined
Offensive line coach Brad Davis has added proven talent from the portal, but no unit gets better after losing tackles Will Campbell and Emery Jones. Both will be off the board early in the upcoming draft. LSU is also losing guards Garrett Dellinger and Miles Frazier contributed to a step back for this position group, but all is not lost.
Davis trusts rising sophomore Tyree Adams, playing him at multiple positions when injuries occurred. Adams is expected to take the reins at left tackle. LSU added Virginia Tech’s Braelin Moore, giving the Tigers a proven center who can also play guard. Guard transfer Josh Thompson of Northwestern signed with LSU and was considered a top-five lineman in the transfer market.
Paul Mubenga and DJ Chester are set to return to the interior of the line after inconsistent seasons. Still, it takes time and experience to develop into a force in the trenches. This could become a better run-blocking group than the last offensive line, but for now, the 2024 group gets the edge.
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