Projecting Who's Staying and Who's Leaving from LSU After Bowl Game
LSU recovered from a loss in the opener and charged up the SEC standings, only to collapse late in a fascinating 2024 season.
After falling to USC in Las Vegas, the Tigers rattled off six straight wins. They entered the final weekend of October with a chance to take command of the SEC, but a loss to Texas A&M started a spiral.
LSU ultimately dropped three straight games, plummeting out of both the conference and national races.
Brian Kelly's team wrapped up the season with a 44-31 victory over to Baylor in the Texas Bowl.
In a stacked SEC, the Bayou Bengals must be aggressive in building the roster. Considering the transfers who already are committed, they're certainly doing just that, too.
Who's Staying
Garrett Nussmeier, QB
There were plenty of learning moments for Garrett Nussmeier in 2024, but he'll return as a solid starting QB. He threw for 3,739 yards and 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions during the regular season. Nussmeier's key goal should be greater efficiency against LSU's best competition.
Young Standouts on Offense
LSU's skill positions will have a fresh look, but it won't be an overhauled group. Freshman back Caden Durham scampered for a team-high 693 yards and six touchdowns during the regular season. Sophomore wide receiver Aaron Anderson had a breakout year, reeling in 53 passes for 784 yards and five scores on LSU's road to the Texas Bowl.
Key Linebackers
The middle of the defense has a rock-solid core. Whit Weeks entered the postseason with 119 tackles—a top-20 total nationally—and Dahvon Keys logged significant snaps as a freshman. Plus, the Tigers will be getting both Harold Perkins Jr. and West Weeks back from injuries.
Who's Leaving
Several Key Targets
Anderson is a building block, but LSU's pass-catching group is losing most of its production. Kyren Lacy paced the Tigers with 58 receptions, 866 yards and nine touchdowns in the regular season, while tight end Mason Taylor notched 546 yards and CJ Daniels added 480. Lacy and Taylor are headed to the NFL, and Daniels transferred to Miami.
Star Offensive Linemen
As expected, the blocking unit needs to replace its bookends. Left tackle Will Campbell lived up to his All-American billing as a first-team AP selection, and right tackle Emery Jones Jr. garnered second-team All-SEC honors. They've both declared for the 2025 NFL draft.
Top Contributors on Defense
Thanks to their efforts in the portal, the Tigers seem prepared to replace these seniors. Nevertheless, the defense is losing edge-rushers Bradyn Swinson and Sai'vion Jones, tackles Paris Shand and Gio Paez, linebacker Greg Penn III, cornerback Zy Alexander and safety Major Burns. Also, safety Sage Ryan transferred to Ole Miss.
Who's on the Way
Reinforcements at Receiver
LSU leapt into the portal and quickly pulled out several pass-catchers. Kentucky transfer Barion Brown is one of the nation's fastest receivers and could returns kicks for LSU, too. Oklahoma wideout Nic Anderson missed most of 2024 with injury but is a big-play threat, and tight end Bauer Sharp led OU with 42 catches this season.
High-Upside Defenders
Swinson and Jones combined for 19.5 tackles for loss and 13 sacks. However, the Tigers have reeled in a trio of experienced edge-rushers—Florida State's Patrick Payton II, Florida's Jack Pyburn and Nebraska's Jimari Butler—to restock the position. Virginia Tech cornerback Mansoor Delane was a third-team All-ACC pick, as well.
Top-10 Recruiting Class
Highlighted by three 5-star additions, LSU holds the seventh-ranked recruiting class in the country. The headliner is cornerback DJ Pickett, who checks in 12th overall in the cycle. Running back Harlem Berry (15th) is the best prospect from the state of Louisiana, and LSU snagged offensive tackle Solomon Thomas (24th) out of Florida.