LSU football will look different in the Texas Bowl.
Opt-outs and the transfer portal changed the complexion of the roster, leaving LSU without its two starting tackles and three of its top four pass catchers.
On defense, LSU is without starting safeties Major Burns and Sage Ryan. Jordan Allen and Kylin Jackson, who provided depth at that position, hit the portal, too.
The exits provide fresh faces with a chance to prove something vs. Baylor. LSU head coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] met with the media on Monday and talked about some young guys Tiger fans can expect to see.
“I think you first gotta look at the offensive line. Weston Davis getting a lot of work. Tyree Adams getting a lot of work. Coen Echols getting a lot of work. Those guys are now going to be pressed into playing, possibly, some significant time,” Kelly said.
At wide receiver, Brian Kelly highlighted true freshman Kylan Billiot as a guy getting an opportunity. Per 247Sports, Billot was the No. 64 ranked recruit in the class of 2024. He’s talented but didn’t see the field in the regular season.
On defense, Kelly said safety Da’Shawn Spears is playing a lot. Tiger fans are already familiar with the true freshman after he played 178 snaps in the regular season,
Javien Toviano, who recently moved back to safety after working at the corner, may get a chance to play, too.
LSU is yet to add a safety in the transfer portal. Promising performances from Spears and Toviano would leave LSU feeling more optimistic about the backend entering 2025.
“Probably six or seven other guys that I’m not mentioning right now will get an opportunity that you’ll see tomorrow,” Kelly said.