2024 SEASON-IN-REVIEW

Record: 9-4, Win vs. Baylor in Texas Bowl (44-31)

The season for the Tigers came to a screeching halt after a hot start. LSU lost a battle with USC on opening night before winning six consecutive games, including an OT triumph over Ole Miss. LSU went onto lose three consecutive games, which ended the hopes of appearing in the College Football Playoff. The Tigers rebounded with three straight victories.

OFFENSE: It’s Garrett Nussmeier’s Time to Shine

LSU has an incredible run in recent years of developing NFL talent at the quarterback position. Nussmeier might not be the level of others in the past but he could compete for the Heisman trophy in a year where he is looking to prove he is worthy of a top pick in the NFL.

Nussmeier will have plenty of receivers to work with. Aaron Anderson totaled 884 yards last season. He can make plays in many ways and can work the middle of the field as well. Nic Anderson comes over from Oklahoma after missing time last season. Barlon Brown and Destyn Hill are other transfers that are expected to make impacts.

The offensive line will have to replace a major piece in Will Campbell. It seems as though Tyree Adams, the 6-foot-7, 310-pound, lineman will get the chance to be the new anchor on the left side. Center DJ Chester returns for his second year while Braelin Moore comes in from Virginia Tech to take over a guard job.

In the backfield, Caden Durham leads the way after 753 yards and six touchdowns last season.

DEFENSE: Tigers Might Have Best Defense in Years

Brian Kelly might be working with his best defense since he came to LSU.

The pass rush features some NFL prospects in Patrick Payton and Jack Pyburn. Jimari Butler is another transfer who totaled 7.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss at Nebraska over the last two years.

Harold Perkins Jr. suffered a torn ACL last year and this kept him off the field. When healthy, he is one of the best pass rushers in the nation — and in the NFL Draft class. If he can get back to full strength early in the season, the LSU defense has a chance to be special in the SEC.

As usual, the secondary is going to be strong. The corners are among the tops in the conference, and it now includes Virginia Tech transfer Mansoor Delane. Ashton Stamps made 51 tackles and broke up 14 passes last season while five-star recruit DJ Pickett is now in the mix.

The safeties are just as good with the likes of JAvian Toviano and PJ Woodland leading the way.

2025 LSU FOOTBALL SCHEDULE

• Saturday, Aug. 30: at Clemson
• Saturday, Sept. 6: vs. Louisiana Tech
• Saturday, Sept. 13: vs. Florida
• Saturday, Sept. 20: vs. SE Louisiana
• Saturday, Sept. 27: at Ole Miss
• Saturday, Oct. 11: vs. South Carolina
• Saturday, Oct. 18: at Vanderbilt
• Saturday, Oct. 25: vs. Texas A&M
• Saturday, Nov. 8: at Alabama
• Saturday, Nov. 15: vs. Arkansas
• Saturday, Nov. 22: vs. Western Kentucky
• Saturday, Nov. 29: at Oklahoma