Five LSU football players getting massive opportunity in bowl game

These five Tigers have something extra to prove when LSU takes on Baylor

LSU football will face Baylor on Tuesday in the Texas Bowl. The Tigers will look different than the team we last saw take the field vs. Oklahoma.

Both of LSU’s starting tackles, Will Campbell and Emery Jones, opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft, as did tight end Mason Taylor.

CJ Daniels won’t suit up at wide receiver as the senior wide receiver transferred to Miami.

On defense, most of the starting lineup is intact, but safety Sage Ryan is no longer with LSU after hitting the transfer portal. Backup defensive end Da’Shawn Womack is gone, too. Both transferred to Ole Miss.

LSU’s depth in the secondary took a hit, with a handful of backups entering the portal. LSU can’t afford injuries on defense in this game with the roster thinning out.

With players leaving, some fresh faces will get an opportunity, especially on the offensive line.

Here are five LSU football players who can seize on the opportunity in the Texas Bowl.

Wide receiver Chris Hilton

(Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)

With CJ Daniels entering the transfer portal and Kyren Lacy potentially opting out, LSU needs Hilton to step up at wide receiver.

The former four-star recruit from 2021 entered 2024 with high hopes but was hampered by an injury and struggled upon returning.

In LSU’s regular-season finale vs. Oklahoma, Hilton got his feet under him. Nussmeier connected with Hilton on two long touchdowns, giving LSU the deep threat it needed all year.

Kelly talked about Hilton at length after the OU win.

“He was out for eight weeks, and it takes a while to get back into rhythm,” Kelly said. “We either missed him on overthrows, or the timing wasn’t quite where it needed to be. It normally takes about four weeks to get that.”

“The deep threat has been missing from our offense. Teams have sat down on us, teams have made it difficult for us because we haven’t had that vertical threat,” Kelly added.

Hilton will get a chance to keep it rolling vs. Oklahoma. Aaron Anderson attacking teams underneath, with Hilton providing a threat over the top, will make this offense hard to stop.

Guard Bo Bordelon

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LSU’s offensive line thinned out with Campbell and Jones declaring for the NFL draft. Bordelon will be a beneficiary of that, likely making his first career start.

Bordelon is expected to slide in at right guard, with Miles Frazier bumping out to right tackle.

Bordelon signed with LSU in 2022 as a three-star, sitting No. 758 in On3’s Industry Rankings.

Bordelon played 15 snaps in 2022, 62 in 2023, and 46 this fall. He could match those totals in the bowl game alone. LSU made an effort to get him on the field in 2024, putting him in No. 89 and creating an extra blocker at tight end.

With a strong performance, Bordelon could stake his claim on a bigger role entering 2025.

Tackle Tyree Adams

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We’ll stick with the offensive line here.

With [autotag]Will Campbell[/autotag] opting out, [autotag]Tyree Adams[/autotag] slides out to guard. We saw Adams in limited action at guard this fall, but now he gets a chance to prove he’s the future at left tackle.

According to PFF, Adams played 78 offensive snaps and posted an offensive grade of 53.9 in 2024. He missed a chunk of time as he dealt with a midseason injury.

Adams didn’t allow a sack over 47 pass block snaps in 2024. It’s not fair to expect a perfect performance from a player making his first-start at tackle, but at 6’7′, Adams has the tools to play the position.

Linebacker Davhon Keys

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LSU’s linebacking group remains stable, but Keys was carving out playing time as the regular season drew to a close. With senior [autotag]Greg Penn[/autotag] moving on after the bowl game, Keys may be the future at middle linebacker.

With a few more weeks of practice under his belt, Keys could be in line for more time against Baylor.

He made starts against Vanderbilt and Oklahoma, playing 46 and 59 snaps in those games, respectively. He recorded a sack vs. the Sooners and missed just one tackle over the two games.

Keys is looking to put an exclamation point on his strong true freshman campaign.

Safety Dashawn Spears

(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Like Keys, Spears is another true freshman that made an immediate impact on defense in 2024. Per the On3 Industry Rankings, Spears was a top 100 recruit and the No. 5 ranked safety in the class.

Spears played 178 snaps this fall. Only 8 freshman safeties in the Power Four have played more. There was some inconsistency as LSU’s entire safety room struggled, but Spears was targeted just four times in 94 coverage snaps, allowing one catch.

Spears was heavy in the rotation in September, but was phased out near the end of the regular season. With [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] and [autotag]Jordan Allen[/autotag] in the transfer portal, Spears gets another chance vs. Baylor.

LSU is yet to sign a safety out of the transfer portal. A nice showing from Spears would keep LSU feeling good about the potential of its 2025 secondary.

LSU transfer portal update: Five safeties LSU should target

Here are LSU’s potential options as the Tigers look to add a safety

LSU football has been busy in the transfer portal since it opened last Monday. So far, the Tigers have added nine players in the portal, including impact starters on both sides of the ball.

LSU isn’t done yet, though. A few needs persist, including at safety and offensive line.

We’ll look at safety today.

LSU got inconsistent safety play in 2024. [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag], [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag], and [autotag]Jardin Gilbert[/autotag] are talented players but had their fair share of struggles. Ryan hit the transfer portal, and Burns is set to graduate.

Safeties [autotag]Jordan Allen[/autotag] and [autotag]Kylin Jackson[/autotag] joined Ryan in the portal, leaving LSU thin at the position.

LSU likes what it saw from true freshman Dashawn Spears in 2024. Still, adding talent to the room is needed if LSU’s defense wants another step forward.

The Tigers have already lost a couple of the top available safety transfers, but good options remain. Here are five names to know as Brian Kelly and staff continue to bolster the 2024 roster.

Tawfiq Byard, USF

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There’s mutual interest between Byard and LSU after the safety took a visit to Baton Rouge earlier this week.

Byard was a three-star recruit in the class of 2023 and saw minimal action as a freshman, but 2024 was a breakout campaign for the sophomore.

Byard’s PFF run defense grade ranks top 40 among safeties with 450+ snaps. That’s what LSU needs on the backend after the Tigers struggled to contain explosive runs in 2024.

Genesis Smith, Arizona

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According to On3, Smith is the top uncommitted safety in the transfer portal. He started 11 games with the Wildcats in 2024, lining up at safety and in the slot. If LSU wants to replace the versatility of Sage Ryan, Smith is the guy.

Smith came up with three picks and forced two fumbles in 2024. He’s 6’2′, which gives him the physicality to play in Blake Baker’s defense.

Tyson Flowers, Rice

According to the On3 Industry Rankings, Rice is the No. 188 ranked player in the transfer portal. His PFF defense grade of 78.8 ranked 45th among FBS safeties in 2024. He has 867 career snaps and could be ready to make the jump to the Power Four.

He can play at safety or in the box and would be a fit to step into Major Burns’ role.

Caleb Weaver, Sam Houston State

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Weaver is one of the most experienced options on the market, with over 1,800 career snaps. He’s listed at 5’9′, but he was still one of the nation’s most productive safeties in 2024, even against the run.

Weave broke up six passes while making 72 tackles. That’s the type of production LSU needs on the backend.

Jalen Stroman, Virginia Tech

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LSU already landed one Virginia Tech defensive back this cycle, adding cornerback Mansoor Delane. Stroman is one of the most talented safeties in the portal, though injuries are a concern.

When Stroman was healthy in 2023, he made 15 stops and allowed just eight catches. LSU may want to avoid taking a gamble, but Stroman offers an upside option.

Spartans reportedly pursuing a transfer safety from SEC country

Michigan State football is reportedly one of a few schools to be heavily pursuing LSU transfer safety Jordan Allen

Michigan State football is reportedly one of a few schools to be heavily pursuing LSU transfer safety Jordan Allen.

Tom Loy of 247Sports reported on Tuesday that Michigan State is one of the schools that Allen has “heard from” since entering the portal. Other schools noted by Loy’s report were Missouri, Houston, Washington and Oregon.

Allen spent the last three years with the Tigers. He recorded a total of 20 tackles and one pass defended in his limited role with LSU.

As a prospect, Allen was a three-star recruit in the 2022 class. He ranked as the No. 38 safety in the country that year.

Click here to see the complete report from Loy.

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LSU-Texas A&M Thursday Injury Report: Brian Kelly updates status on pair of LSU receivers

The Tigers are dealing with a few injuries heading into Saturday’s high-stakes matchup against Texas A&M.

LSU updated its injury report on Thursday heading into a critical Week 9 showdown against Texas A&M, and the Tigers continue to deal with some questions at the receiver position.

Once again, [autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag] has been listed as questionable as he’s yet to make his season debut after suffering a bone bruise in fall camp. Coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] did provide some reason for optimism on Thursday, however, telling the media that he was a full participant in practice.

The question with Hilton is now a matter of conditioning, Kelly said.

“I think we’re probably going to list him questionable,” Kelly said. “But he’s made progress. This has been a slow process for us and him. I think more than anything else, you don’t bring a wide receiver back after this long out unless he’s properly conditioned because then you go pull a hamstring, right?

“It’s not the leg anymore, and we’re not concerned, and he’s not concerned about the leg. This is much more about a conditioning element relative to soft tissue more than anything else. So, we’re in a pretty good position here now. This is just getting him game-ready.”

His return would be welcome, especially considering questions about the health of fellow wideout [autotag]CJ Daniels[/autotag], who was downgraded to questionable on Thursday. Daniels missed the win over Ole Miss but returned against Arkansas last week, catching seven passes for 86 yards.

In addition to potentially both starting receivers, LSU will be without a couple of impactful players. Safety [autotag]Jordan Allen[/autotag] is set to miss another week as he battles turf toe, Kelly confirmed Thursday.

“We’re talking about something that just is time, especially at the safety position, the inability to play at the level he needs to play at,” Kelly said.

Further, backup offensive lineman [autotag]Tyree Adams[/autotag], who is capable of playing all over the line, will be out. Kelly said [autotag]Bo Bordelon[/autotag] and [autotag]Paul Mubenga[/autotag] are players who could potentially step up to fill a gap if needed.

“Bo Bordelon would be the next guy depending on if it’s a tackle or guard. If it’s a guard, Paul Mubenga would come in,” Kelly said.

The Tigers are clearly not at 100%, but there’s some optimism it could be at full strength in the passing game for the first time this season as the run game is finally starting to emerge with running back [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] listed as probable coming into this game.

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LSU player ratings updated in EA Sports’ College Football 25

Here’s how Tigers players saw their ratings change in the latest roster update.

We’ve all been busy for the last few months building our dynasties and winning championships at underperforming programs in EA Sports’ College Football 25. But now, for the first time since the game’s release, we’ve seen an update to player ratings based on their real-life performances.

LSU was no exception, with quite a few players seeing bumps in their ratings — though some, such as safety [autotag]Jordan Allen[/autotag], saw their ratings decrease. The biggest risers come among young players who are seeing action as freshmen, such as cornerback [autotag]PJ Woodland[/autotag] (+5) and defensive lineman [autotag]Ahmad Breaux[/autotag] (+4).

Players like [autotag]Mason Taylor[/autotag], [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] and [autotag]Kyren Lacy[/autotag] all saw ratings boosts, as well. Here are all the players who saw their ratings change in the latest update to CFB 25.

Ratings Updates

  • TE Mason Taylor – 92 (+2)
  • WR Kyren Lacy – 88 (+1)
  • QB Garrett Nussmeier – 87 (+2)
  • WR Chris Hilton Jr. – 81 (+2)
  • CB Ashton Stamps – 80 (+2)
  • WR Aaron Anderson – 80 (+1)
  • FS Kylin Jackson – 79 (+3)
  • FS Austin Ausberry – 78 (+4)
  • QB Rickie Collins – 78 (+1)
  • CB JK Johnson – 78 (+1)
  • FS Jordan Allen – 78 (-1)
  • RG Paul Mubenga – 75 (+4)
  • RG Kimo Makane’ole – 75 (-1)
  • CB PJ Woodland – 74 (+5)
  • DT Ahmad Breaux – 74 (+4)
  • LG Bo Bordelon – 74 (+1)
  • HB Ju’Juan Johnson – 74 (+1)
  • C Coen Echols – 72 (-2)

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Multiple LSU starters out for Saturday’s game at South Carolina in Week 3

The Tigers are a bit banged up heading into their SEC opener on Saturday.

LSU will begin SEC play on Saturday in Columbia against South Carolina, and it will be a bit shorthanded.

According to the Tigers’ pregame availability report, starting receiver [autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag] and starting safety [autotag]Jordan Allen[/autotag] are out for Saturday’s game. For Hilton, it will mark his third straight missed game to begin the season.

[autotag]Kyle Parker[/autotag] wasn’t listed on the availability report and will likely make the start in Hilton’s place after missing last week’s game. Without Allen, the Tigers will likely turn to [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag], who moved back to safety this week, to fill in.

Edge rusher [autotag]Da’Shawn Womack[/autotag] is also out, while [autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag] was listed as probable and [autotag]West Weeks[/autotag] remains questionable.

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LSU begins SEC play against the Gamecocks on Saturday at 11 a.m. CT.

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LSU vs. South Carolina: Week 3 injury report ahead of Tigers’ SEC opener

The Tigers have a pretty lengthy injury list as they hit the road to face South Carolina.

LSU is heading to Columbia, South Carolina, to begin SEC play with an 11 a.m. kickoff against the Gamecocks with College GameDay in town.

It will be the Tigers’ first trip to play South Carolina since 2008, and they could potentially be a bit shorthanded. Thursday’s injury report included quite a few players, including starters [autotag]Chris Hilton Jr.[/autotag] — who missed the first two games with a bone bruise — and [autotag]Jordan Allen[/autotag].

Two defensive players, [autotag]Dashawn Womack[/autotag] and [autotag]West Weeks[/autotag], were also listed on Thursday’s injury report for the first time. [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said Womack was moving around in practice on Thursday and will be a game-time decision.

Here’s the full injury report for LSU entering Week 3 against the Gamecocks.

Injury Report

  • John Emery Jr., RB — Out
  • Princeton Malbrue, DE — Out
  • Kobe Roberts, OL — Out
  • Jake Ibieta, LB — Out
  • CJ Jackson, DE — Out
  • Jacobian Guillory, DT — Out
  • Chris Hilton Jr., WR — Questionable
  • Jordan Allen, S — Questionable
  • Kyle Parker, WR — Questionable
  • Da’Shawn Womack, DE — Questionable
  • West Weeks, LB — Questionable
  • Garrett Dellinger, OL — Probable

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LSU makes key change to depth chart ahead of Nicholls game

LSU makes a key update to its defensive depth chart prior to its Week 2 match vs Nicholls.

LSU football is making some adjustments after its week one loss to USC. Among those changes is an update to the depth chart at safety.

In a depth chart released prior to kickoff vs Nicholls State, [autotag]Dashawn Spears[/autotag] and [autotag]Kylin Jackson[/autotag] as starters. [autotag]Jordan Allen[/autotag] and [autotag]Jardin Gilbert[/autotag], LSU’s starting safeties in week one, are now listed with the second team.

Spears is a true freshman, but he turned heads throughout LSU’s fall camp. Head coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said last month that Spears would get a chance to play in 2024, so this comes as no surprise.

According to On3, Spears was a four-star recruit and a top 100 overall player in the 2024 class.

As for Jackson, he was a four-star and top 200 recruit in the class of 2023. He played just 14 defensive snaps as a freshman in 2023 but saw eight snaps against USC.

LSU’s secondary had some struggles last week with USC taking advantage of LSU’s safeties for some big plays.

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Don’t expect Gilbert and Allen to disappear from the rotation. Allen flashed some talent last week, making four tackles and breaking up a pass.

LSU’s conference schedule gets underway next week so the staff could be using a game against an FCS team to get some run for the young guys.

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Is LSU safety Jordan Allen on the verge of a breakout in 2024?

Can LSU safety Jordan Allen emerge in 2024?

LSU showcased a new look defense on its first day of fall camp. [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] was back with the cornerbacks, opening up a spot at safety.

With a spot open at safety, [autotag]Jordan Allen[/autotag] slid in to take the first-team reps. Allen was a three-star in the class of 2022, Brian Kelly’s first signing class at LSU. The On3 Industry Rankings rated him as the No. 51 safety in the class and the No. 23 prospect in the state of Louisiana.

Allen didn’t play much as a freshman in 2022 and saw just 47 defensive snaps. That was enough to keep his redshirt. As a redshirt freshman last year, Allen saw a good bit action the back half of the season.

His 37 snaps against Florida in Week 11 were a career high. Allen struggled, posting a 50.4 PFF grade, but he continued to see time in November. Against Georgia State and Texas A&M, the results were better.

Allen rotated in against Wisconsin too, playing nine stops and notching a defensive stop.

LSU is thin in the secondary, especially at corner. That trickle down will affect will affect the safeties with Ryan needing to play corner.

Veteran safety [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag] is moving to the star position, meaning LSU’s backend will have a different look this year. The Tigers landed former Texas A&M safety [autotag]Jardin Gilbert[/autotag] in the transfer portal, who brings starting SEC experience, but other than that, there are questions.

Allen could prove to be the answer. Even if he doesn’t assume a full time starting role, Allen looks to be factoring into Blake Baker’s defensive plans. LSU safety coach [autotag]Jake Olsen[/autotag] did good work with the safeties at Missouri and could be what this group needs to take a step forward.

Baker likes to play an aggressive style of defense. That will put pressure on the young secondary at times. If another safety emerges, that can help LSU limit the big plays allowed this fall.

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Buford WR Jordan Allen visiting Georgia football

Buford speedster Jordan Allen visiting Georgia football this weekend

Class of 2025 wide receiver recruit Jordan Allen. Allen plays high school football for Buford High School in Buford, Georgia. Buford is one of the top high school programs in Georgia, so Allen competes against top notch competition.

In addition to football, Jordan Allen also runs track at a high level. The 5-foot-8, 170-pound wide receiver has run a 10.9 second time in the 100-meter event.

The speedster ranks as a three-star recruit. Allen is considered the No. 689 recruit in the country, the No. 116 wide receiver and the No. 70 player in Georgia.

Kirby Smart and Georgia have five total commitments in the class of 2025. One of Georgia’s 2025 commitments, five-star linebacker Jadon Perlotte, is a high school teammates with Jordan Allen. Georgia offered Allen back in June 2023.

The elite 2025 receiver is a good student. Allen has recently visited NC State. He also has visits scheduled with Indiana and Tennessee.

The Buford star announced his plans to visit Georgia football via social media:

Georgia currently has the nation’s No. 15 recruiting class.