LSU football linebacker Harold Perkins announced his intention to return to LSU in 2025 on Friday.
There was plenty of speculation about Perkins’ next move in recent weeks. Some wondered if he’d enter the transfer portal. The NFL Draft was an option, too.
Last month, LSU head coach Brian Kelly hinted some big names would pass up the draft and return to LSU. Now, with starting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier back along with Perkins, we know what Kelly was talking about.
Perkins’ return will only add to the hype surrounding LSU entering 2025. He missed most of 2024 with an injury, but he was a preseason all-conference selection, and the talent is undeniable.
LSU struggled to define a role for Perkins after his breakout freshman campaign. He was a pass-rush specialist in 2022 but didn’t have the size to play on the edge full-time, forcing a move to off-ball linebacker.
Here’s what Harold Perkins means for the LSU defense in 2025.
LSU has a dynamic playmaker
Let’s state the obvious first: Perkins can make plays. Even in games where his play isn’t consistent, he can change the game in the blink of an eye.
LSU needs that, especially with top pass rusher Bradyn Swinson heading to the next level.
Again, Perkins won’t come off the edge on every play, but when he can pin his ears back and get after the quarterback, he’s hard to block.
As a freshman, Perkins’ 41 pressures ranked fifth in the SEC.
He’s athletic enough to drop back into coverage and get in passing lanes. Perkins came up big against Missouri in 2023, picking off a pass that proved crucial to an LSU win. He made a similar play against Auburn in 2022.
Athletes of Perkins’ caliber are in short supply. Perkins’ return raises the ceiling for LSU’s defense in 2025.
Perkins gets another year with Blake Baker
LSU defensive coordinator Blake Baker isn’t just known for calling plays, but he’s made a name developing linebackers, too.
Under Baker’s tutelage in 2021, LSU linebackers Damone Clark and Micah Baskerville were among the best in the SEC.
Upon returning to Baton Rouge, Baker got the most out of sophomore Whit Weeks in 2024, and freshman Davhon Keys looks to be on a similar track.
Now, Perkins gets another offseason to work with Baker. It’s fair to expect Perkins to take a step forward as a traditional linebacker.
LSU gets depth and experience
In the transfer portal era, a premium is put on player retention. LSU is now set to return one of the top linebacker groups in the SEC. The Tigers will lose Greg Penn to the NFL, but Weeks and Perkins give LSU elite athleticism and significant starting experience at the position.
With West Weeks and Keys also returning, LSU has several blue-chip linebackers with starting experience.
The Tigers will need other elements of the offense to come together, but LSU has a core of linebackers to build around.