It can be nearly impossible to keep track of all the roster movement during bowl season. As teams are preparing for games on the field, 2025 rosters are being built. Players are coming and going with the portal in full swing.
The same is true for LSU. The Tigers are playing Baylor in the Texas Bowl on Tuesday, but much of the talk in recent weeks centered around the transfer portal and NFL draft opt-outs.
After all the movement, LSU will look different when it takes the field Tuesday afternoon.
Notably, LSU star left tackle and consensus All-American Will Campbell is out for the Tigers. So is his counterpart on the right side, Emery Jones. Both players have moved on to prepare for the draft process.
Elsewhere on the offense, LSU is down three of its top four pass catchers from the 2024 regular season.
Before kick-off, we’ll get you caught up on who is in and who is out for the Tigers. Here’s an updated depth chart following LSU’s draft opt-outs and transfer portal losses.
Quarterback
- Garrett Nussmeier
- AJ Swann
- Rickie Collins
Nussmeier had an injury scare in the Oklahoma win but returned to complete the victory. AJ Swann is in the transfer portal but is sticking with LSU for the bowl game.
Absent is Rickie Collins, who transferred to Syracuse. If Swann didn’t remain with the team, LSU’s QB would be in a tough spot on Tuesday. Colin Hurley is a blue-chip recruit, but he’s the age of a high school senior after he reclassified. LSU didn’t want to force him into action.
Running back
- Caden Durham
- Josh Williams
- Kaleb Jackson
This is the position least affected by opt-outs or the transfer portal. Caden Durham and Josh Williams remain as LSU’s one-two punch. Don’t be surprised if Kaleb Jackson sees time, too.
Wide receiver
- Aaron Anderson
- Chris Hilton Jr.
- Zavion Thomas
- Javen Nicholas
- Kylan Billiot
- Jelani Watkins
No. 4-6 may be interchangeable here. Brian Kelly mentioned Billiot when speaking to the media, but Nicholas has seen the most snaps.
Tight end
- Trey’Dez Green
- Gi’Vanni Peterson
LSU is thin here. With Mason Taylor opting out for the draft and Ka’Morreun Pimpton transferring to TCU, the work is placed on Green’s shoulders.
Offensive Line
Brian Kelly said LSU’s offensive line rotation will consist of six players.
- LT Tyree Adams
- LG Paul Mubenga
- C DJ Chester
- RG Bo Bordelon and Coen Echols
- RT Miles Frazier
Only two players who started the opener for LSU are present: Chester and Frazier. Chester is the only one starting in his regular position, with Frazier bumping out to tackle after playing guard all year.
Tyree Adams is making his first career start at tackle. He was a four-star recruit in 2023 and played some guard this year. He now gets a chance to prove he’s LSU’s future blindside protector.
At right guard, LSU will see fresh faces in Bordelon and Echols.
Bordelon saw some work in LSU’s heavy package this fall. Echols is a true freshman who served as the backup center. Now, he gets work at guard.
If needed, depth on the offensive line is provided by five-star recruit and true freshman tackle Weston Davis.
Defensive End
At boundary defensive end:
- Bradyn Swinson
- Dylan Carpenter
Field defensive end:
- Sai’Vion Jones
- Gabe Reliford
The biggest loss here is Da’Shawn Womack. While not a consistent producer, Womack showed flashes as a pass rusher. LSU lacks depth at edge in this one.
Defensive tackle
- Gio Paez
- Paris Shand
- Ahmad Breaux
- Dominick McKinley
- Shone Washington
- Jalen Lee
Jay’Viar Suggs is a notable absence after hitting the transfer portal. He was a real contributor with 11 pressures and three sacks on the year.
Linebacker
At the WILL position:
- Whit Weeks
- Dahvon Keys
- Tylen Singleton
At the MIKE spot:
- Greg Penn
- Dahvon Keys
- Tylen Singleton
If LSU is in a 4-3, Keys and Penn will both see plenty of time. LSU’s stable here with its top contributors suiting up, but depth is a question with Harold Perkins’ injury and Xavier Atkins transferring.
Safety
Free safety:
- Da’Shawn Spears
- Austin Ausberry
Strong safety:
- Javien Toviano
- Joel Rogers
LSU has lost a significant amount of production here. Major Burns opted out, and Sage Ryan hit the portal. Both were starters. LSU also lost Jordan Allen to the transfer portal. He was LSU’s opening-day starter at safety.
On the second line, Toviano and Ausberry combined for just 51 defensive snaps this year.
Cornerback
- Zy Alexander
- Ashton Stamps
- PJ Woodland
- Micheal Turner
LSU’s top three remain intact here, but again, depth is lacking. JK Johnson, J’yaire Brown, and Bernard Causey all hit the transfer portal.
The good news is that Zy Alexander is suiting up.
Full list of portal opt-outs
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Sage Ryan | S |
| Jay’viar Suggs | DL |
| Ka’Morreun Pimpton | TE |
| JK Johnson | CB |
| Nathan Dibert | K |
| Jordan Allen | S |
| Xavier Atkins | LB |
| Bernard Causey III | CB |
| Jyaire Brown | CB |
| De’Myrion Johnson | DL |
| Kylin Jackson | S |
| Shelton Sampson Jr. | WR |
| CJ Daniels | WR |
| Da’Shawn Womack | Edge |
| Landon Ibieta | WR |
| Rickie Collins | QB |
NFL Draft opt-outs
| Name | Position |
|---|---|
| Will Campbell | LT |
| Emery Jones | RT |
| Mason Taylor | TE |
| Kyren Lacy | WR |
| Major Burns | S |
Notable Injuries
LSU remains without impact defenders Harold Perkins and Jacobian Guillory. Both have been out since September.