Tag: LSU Football

Should LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier be the Heisman favorite in 2025?

Should Garrett Nussmeier be considered the Heisman favorite entering 2025?

LSU quarterback [autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] is heading into 2025 on a high note.

The Tigers’ QB closed out his first year as the starter with 304 yards and three touchdowns in a Texas Bowl win over Baylor. It was Nussmeier’s second-straight year leading LSU to a win in the bowl game after his first career start came in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Wisconsin on New Year’s Day in 2024.

In December, Nussmeier announced his intention to return to LSU in 2025. Returning the QB was a top priority for LSU, especially after five-star recruit Bryce Underwood flipped to Michigan.

Now, LSU gets a veteran signal-caller returning to lead the offense. Nussmeier was inconsistent in 2024, but the highs were high.

Nussmeier dazzled with NFL-level throws in the upset win over Ole Miss. He helped lead LSU to a road win over a South Carolina team that contended for a playoff spot.

Nussmeier is good. Despite what some fans on social media said during the November struggles, he may be really good.

It’s why LSU worked so hard to keep him around. Not just this offseason, but in prior years when Nussmeier was backing up [autotag]Jayden Daniels.[/autotag]

Nussmeier will enter 2025 as one of the best quarterbacks in the country. Should he be the favorite to win the Heisman trophy?

2025 has a chance to be a good year for quarterbacks. Along with Nussmeier, Clemson’s Cade Klubnik and Drew Allar’s Penn State return. Arch Manning is slated to take over for Texas.

Florida’s DJ Lagway looks like a budding star and Tennessee’s Nico Iamaleava should progress. Oklahoma has high expectations for transfer John Mateer and Kevin Jennings will be back at SMU.

Outside of the quarterback position, Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is a contender, too.

That’s a tough group to contend with, but Nussmeier has the talent and situation to make his campaign.

Manning is talented, but he will be in his first year as a starter. Lagway has the potential to be a superstar, but it’s unclear if he’ll have the pieces in Gainesville. The same could be said for Mateer and Jennings.

Klubnik and Allar are strong contenders, but Nussmeier will get a chance to beat Klubnik head-to-head to open the year.

Right now, I think Nussmeier has to be considered one of the two or three best contenders to win the award.

I’m doing some projecting here, but if Nussmeier can play like he did in the final three games of 2024, he’ll be the best quarterback in the country.

LSU’s receiving corps are reloaded with the return of Aaron Anderson and the transfer additions of Barion Brown and Nic Anderson. [autotag]Caden Durham[/autotag] gives LSU an explosive rushing threat in the backfield.

With another offseason as the starter, Nussmeier will look to join [autotag]Joe Burrow[/autotag] and [autotag]Jayden Daniels[/autotag] as LSU quarterbacks with monster fifth-years.

See where LSU football’s transfer portal class ranks nationally

Where does 247Sports rank LSU football’s 2025 transfer portal class?

LSU football is assembling one of the top transfer portal classes in the country. Tigers’ head coach [autotag]Brian Kelly[/autotag] said LSU planned to be aggressive, and the results have backed it up.

According to ESPN, LSU landed four of the top 13 ranked transfers in the portal.

Former Kentucky wide receiver [autotag]Barion Brown[/autotag] is the top-ranked of the bunch, sitting at No. 8 overall.

On Brown, ESPN says he brings “speed, speed, and more speed” to LSU.

“Brown should see a lot of targets for the Tigers next season and will continue to be a game-changer in the return game,” ESPN added.

Joining Brown at the top of the class are former Oklahoma wide receiver [autotag]Nic Anderson[/autotag], Virginia Tech transfer cornerback [autotag]Mansoor Delane[/autotag], and FSU transfer defensive end [autotag]Patrick Payton.[/autotag]

According to 247Sports, LSU’s transfer class is the best in the country, sitting at No. 1 ahead of Texas Tech.

LSU’s signed 14 transfers thus far, eight of them being four-stars.

LSU’s average transfer rating of 89.77 isn’t the best mark in the country, though it’s near the top. But no other program has matched LSU’s quality with the same volume.

Kelly and the staff are making it a point to fill needs. Payton leads a strong group of transfers at defensive end, and Delane helps replace the veteran presence that LSU is losing with cornerback [autotag]Zy Alexander[/autotag] moving on.

After an 8-4 regular season, LSU’s portal additions, along with key returnees, will have LSU expecting to compete for the playoffs in 2025.

Brian Kelly offers thoughts on LSU’s defensive performance vs. Baylor

Here’s what Brian Kelly said about LSU’s defensive performance in the Texas Bowl

LSU football led Baylor by 17 points at halftime of the Kinder’s Texas Bowl, but the Bears cut the lead to 10 in the third quarter.

The Tigers, tasked with replacing multiple starters on defense, embodied a “bend, don’t break” philosophy en route to a 44-31 win.

Led largely by safeties [autotag]Javien Toviano[/autotag] and [autotag]Jardin Gilbert[/autotag], LSU prevented the big play. The two tied for the team lead in solo tackles with six tackles apiece, according to PFF.

Gilbert, in particular, came up with two key stops on late downs.

“I thought when we did a really good job late in the game, in the third and fourth quarters, eliminating the run game, they [the Bears] were up against it because the passing game then becomes one where we could play a lot more quarters coverage and get off playing man coverage,” LSU head coach Brian Kelly said.

Shrinking the field and secondary players making open-field tackles have been points of emphasis for Kelly all season. Without [autotag]Sage Ryan[/autotag] or [autotag]Major Burns[/autotag], Gilbert was the lone safety with experience, while sophomore Toviano got his first real game time as a starter.

Once the Tigers thwarted Baylor’s ground game, they focused on defending quarterback Sawyer Robertson through the air in zone coverage.

According to GameOnPaper, LSU held Baylor to -0.29 EPA per rush — one of the Tigers’ best marks of the year.

Baylor’s red zone success rate was 33% and reflected the secondary’s work in small-field situations.

“When the field began to shrink, our safeties could be flat-footed and really squeeze those routes,” Kelly said. “It was hard for them to put the ball in the end zone because of that.”

LSU football five-star shows superstar potential in Texas Bowl win

LSU may have its next pass-catching star with the emergence of Trey’Dez Green

Thanks to a flurry of opt-outs and transfer portal losses, young players were forced into action for LSU football in its bowl win over Baylor. With the 2024 regular season in the rearview mirror, the bowl game offered a glimpse at the future.

Perhaps the player drawing the most attention was true freshman tight end Trey’Dez Green.

Green was a five-star recruit in the class of 2024. At 6’7, the Louisiana native jumps off the screen. He’s the prototypical red zone threat and pairs elite athleticism with elite size.

With Mason Taylor opting out and Ka’Morreun Pimpton entering the transfer portal, Tuesday was a chance for Green to make a mark. He delivered.

At first glance, Green’s initial stat line won’t blow you away, but Green was LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier’s top target in critical moments.

On the opening drive, Nussmeier found Green to keep the drive alive on fourth down. The drive was capped by Nussmeier connecting with Green for a score on fourth down to put LSU up 7-0.

Later in the game, play action set up Green to catch his second score of the day. Green finished with six catches for 53 yards and two touchdowns.

After the game, head coach Brian Kelly shared his praise.

“How do you put it in perspective that he made you forget about Mason Taylor, who is an incredible player because of the plays he made on fourth and third down,” Kelly said.

Kelly highlighted the importance of having a target who can show up in late-down situations. The Tigers didn’t know what to expect without Taylor, but Green allowed LSU to pick up where it left off with Taylor.

Green showed all the signs of an emerging star. The talent is evident, and he looks like he belongs on the field. With another offseason of work, Green has a chance to be one of the top pass catchers in the SEC.

Brian Kelly updates injury status of LSU linebacker Whit Weeks

LSU head coach Brian Kelly updated the injury status of linebacker Whit Weeks

LSU football beat Baylor 44-31 in the Texas Bowl, but the Tigers didn’t leave unscathed. Star linebacker Whit Weeks left the game in the second quarter with an ankle injury. Weeks was carted off with his leg in an air cast.

After the game, Kelly updated Week’s status.

Kelly said Weeks suffered a dislocated ankle. Surgery will be soon, and there’s a chance Weeks is ready for spring ball.

That’s good news for the Tigers’ and a better report than some initially feared.

According to PFF, Weeks ranked second among all SEC linebackers with 56 stops in 2024. It was a breakout year for the blue-chip sophomore, and expectations will be high in 2025.

Weeks’ 82 solo tackles also ranked second among SEC linebackers.

Before leaving Tuesday’s win, Weeks notched seven tackles. Upon leaving, he was replaced by his brother, West Weeks.

The Weeks brothers will be joined by a third in 2025 with Zach Weeks joining the squad.

Instant Recap: LSU football defeats Baylor in Kinder’s Texas Bowl

LSU football downed 44-31 in the Texas Bowl. Here’s a quick recap.

LSU got off to a strong start in the Kinder Texas Bowl and never looked back.

The Tigers scored 34 first-half points en route to defeating Baylor 44-31 on New Year’s Eve inside NRG Stadium in Houston, TX.

[autotag]Garrett Nussmeier[/autotag] found six different receivers throughout the game, passing for 304 yards and three touchdowns. Chris Hilton Jr hauled in a game-high 113 receiving yards and a touchdown, while Trey’Dez Green caught two touchdowns. The Tigers also scored off a pick-six and a kickoff return.

A 10-yard touchdown pass and a pick-six put LSU up 14-0 midway through the first quarter. Nussmeier hit Green for a 10-yard score on third down to open the game. On the same drive, Green hauled in a fourth down catch to keep the series alive. In Baylor’s opening drive, Davhon Keys took an interception 41 yards to the house.

Baylor quarterback Sawyer Robertson completed a 21-yard touchdown pass to open the second, cutting its deficit in half. Two minutes later, Hilton hauled in a 41-yard pass to make the score 21-7. Nussmeier found Green in the end zone for a second time.

Following the Bears’ one-yard touchdown run, Zavion Thomas returned the ensuing kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown. A field goal to close the quarter for Baylor made the halftime score 34-17 in favor of LSU.

But the script flipped for the Tigers in the third quarter as they were held scoreless. Robertson threw for his second touchdown of the contest with under seven minutes to play in the frame, bringing the Bears within 10.

LSU broke the drought four seconds into the fourth quarter. The Tigers built a 20-point lead thanks to a rushing touchdown from Josh Williams and a 43-yard field goal from Damien Ramos.

Five takeaways from LSU’s Texas Bowl win over Baylor

Here are five takeaways from LSU’s win over Baylor

LSU football capped its 2024 season on a high note, beating Baylor 44-31 in the Texas Bowl.

The Tigers got off to a fast start, scoring on their first drive. During the ensuing possession, LSU linebacker Dahvon Keys picked off a tipped pass and ran it back for six, putting LSU up 14-0.

Baylor managed a response, but LSU found the end zone again to go up 21-7.

Along with Keys’ pick-six, LSU got a boost from its special teams. Zavion Thomas ran a kick back for a touchdown, making it LSU’s second-straight game returning a kick for six after Aaron Anderson accomplished the same feat in the win over Oklahoma.

LSU now goes into the offseason with a three-game winning, capturing much-needed momentum after a three-game skid killed the Tigers’ playoff hopes in November.

Expectations are high for LSU heading into 2025. A strong finish paired with a top transfer class has Brian Kelly eyeing the playoffs next year.

Garrett Nussmeier delivers

Garrett Nussmeier didn’t have the protection of his two All-SEC tackles, and LSU was without three of its four leading receivers. It didn’t matter. The redshirt junior delivered, playing some of his best football of the year.

It’s evident Nussmeier turned a corner after the Florida game, stringing three- good performances together. This is the most consistent we’ve seen the LSU QB play all year.

Nussmeier finished with 261 yards and three scores.

Trey’Dez Green is a budding star.

In the absence of Mason Taylor and Ka’Morreun Pimpton, tight end Trey’Dez Green emerged. Hopes were high for the five-star true freshman getting his first real opportunity, and he met all expectations.

On the first drive, Green came up big with a key fourth-down conversion. He later finished the drive with a touchdown on third down.

In the second quarter, Nussmeier found Green again for another score. Green’s final line wasn’t prolific, but he was a trustworthy target for Nussmeier in big moments.

Green finished with six catches for 53 yards with two scores.

Defense gives LSU enough.

LSU’s defense wasn’t consistent, but the Tigers made just enough plays on that side of the ball for the offense to capitalize.

With Baylor star running back Bryson Washington out of the game, LSU stifled the Baylor rushing attack.

Keys interception was big, along with a couple of key havoc plays from safety Jardin Gilbert. Paris Shand made his presence felt with a sack of Baylor QB Sawyer Robertson.

On late downs, LSU held Baylor to just three successful runs all day.

Chris Hilton continues big play trend

Against Oklahoma, Chris Hilton awoke with two 40+ yard catches. He continued that trend with two more vs. Baylor.

LSU was waiting for the big play threat to emerge all year.  It took a while for Hilton to settle in and find his role after returning from injury, but his final two games should give LSU hope if Hilton elects to return in 2024.

LSU’s ability to generate big plays over the top opens the rest of the offense. It clears up the passing lanes in the intermediate and helps create a numbers advantage in the run game.

LSU eyes the playoff heading into the offseason

As usual,  expectations are high entering the new year. LSU missed the playoff in 2024. Brian Kelly knows the expectation at LSU is to compete for a national title, hence the Tigers’ aggressive approach in the transfer portal.

The return of Nussmeier, along with players like Harold Perkins and Aaron Anderson, will lead to LSU being a popular playoff pick in 2025.

Whether it is enough to compete for that national title is yet to be determined, but with the way LSU finished the season, the Tigers have to feel good about where the roster stands.

LSU linebacker Whit Weeks leaves Texas Bowl with lower body injury

LSU football took a massive hit with a star injury in the second quarter of the Texas Bowl

LSU football won’t be leaving the bowl game injury-free.

Star linebacker [autotag]Whit Weeks[/autotag] suffered a lower-body injury in the second quarter of the Tigers’ game against Baylor. The sophomore went down as he went in to make a tackle during Baylor’s one-yard touchdown play.

Much of the medical attention focused on Weeks’ right ankle. He was carted off the field in an air cast to a standing ovation. His teammates, including his brother West Weeks, encouraged him as the medical staff put him on the cart.

Prior to the injury, Weeks totaled a team-best six tackles. He finished 2024 with 125 total tackles, including 13.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. He also forced two fumbles, deflected four passes, and caught one interception.

Weeks was slated to return to the Tigers next season with West and their youngest brother Zach Weeks, who signed with LSU as a four-star recruit in the 2025 class.

LSU leads Baylor 34-17 at the half.

LSU to be without key secondary defender in Texas Bowl

Key LSU defender not listed on pregame depth chart prior to Texas Bowl kickoff

LSU football released a new depth chart before kickoff vs. Baylor and a key defender was absent.

Starting safety [autotag]Jardin Gilbert[/autotag] was not listed with Da’Shawn Spears and Javien Toviano listed as the starters. Gilbert was not listed as depth, either.

There was no official reason or report given for Gilbert’s absence. He was with the team in Houston earlier this week.

For LSU, this means the safety room grows even thinner. LSU was already without Major Burns (opt-out) and Sage Ryan (transfer portal).

Jordan Allen and Kylin Jackson also entered the portal, leaving LSU without experience down the depth chart.

With Gilbert out, LSU is down its three starting safeties.

Plenty of eyes will be on Spears and Toviano as they get a chance to stake their claim on a full-time role entering 2025. Both were highly touted recruits.

Spears is a true freshman who saw action throughout the regular season. Toviano was mostly a depth piece in 2024 as LSU toyed with his position. In recent weeks, the Tigers decided to leave Toviano at safety.

Without depth in the secondary, expect LSU to show more 4-3 looks. That allows LSU to start Whit Weeks, Greg Penn, and Dahvon Keys at linebacker.

LSU football opt-out report: Fresh Texas Bowl depth chart

Who’s in and who’s out for LSU at the Texas Bowl? Here’s a complete depth chart and opt-out report

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

  1. Garrett Nussmeier
  2. AJ Swann
  3. 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

  1. Caden Durham
  2. Josh Williams
  3. 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

  1. Aaron Anderson
  2. Chris Hilton Jr.
  3. Zavion Thomas
  4. Javen Nicholas
  5. Kylan Billiot
  6. 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

  1. Trey’Dez Green
  2. 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:

  1. Bradyn Swinson
  2. Dylan Carpenter

Field defensive end:

  1. Sai’Vion Jones
  2. 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

  1. Gio Paez
  2. Paris Shand
  3. Ahmad Breaux
  4. Dominick McKinley
  5. Shone Washington
  6. 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:

  1. Whit Weeks
  2. Dahvon Keys
  3. Tylen Singleton

At the MIKE spot:

  1. Greg Penn
  2. Dahvon Keys
  3. 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:

  1. Da’Shawn Spears
  2. Austin Ausberry

Strong safety:

  1. Javien Toviano
  2. 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

  1. Zy Alexander
  2. Ashton Stamps
  3. PJ Woodland
  4. 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.