After announcing his return, how will Harold Perkins be used by LSU football next season?

LSU linebacker Harold Perkins will return to Baton Rouge for the 2025 season, he announced on Friday afternoon.

The standout defensive piece provides an element to the Tigers’ defense that has head coach Brian Kelly and other important squad members excited about what’s to come.

Perkins took Baton Rouge by storm in his true freshman season with the Tigers in 2022.

Perkins, who played like a cannon on every snap, immediately established himself as a player NFL scouts would keep an eye on during his collegiate career.

Following a standout season in Year 1 with the program, there was a slight regression in 2023 as the LSU coaching staff struggled to find his ideal role.

Then, fast forward to Perkins’ junior season in 2024, which ended abruptly when the star linebacker suffered a torn ACL early on.

Perkins, who was expected to be a first-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, has decided to return to LSU, continue rehab, and prepare for a senior season to boost his 2026 NFL Draft stock. According to head coach Brian Kelly, Perkins is nearing the end of his recovery and is focusing on getting back up to speed.

In December, Kelly stated, “He’s doing really well in his recovery talking to Owen Stanley, our athletic trainer.” After completing the initial phases of the repair, he has spent a significant amount of time in the building. It’s all about hard work now.

The primary concerns about Perkins’ use have been raised once more as he is expected to return.

During their Saturday media appearance, Kelly and current LSU players were questioned about Perkins’ comeback, his future prospects, and other topics.

The Usage of Perkins in 2025:

“We’ve been very aggressive in building our roster, so it puts us in a position now to add another athlete to our defense. You add another player like that to our defense and it allows Blake to do some defensive things that will only enhance who we are,” Kelly said.

“The conversation on his job for the upcoming year is still in its early phases. Harold has a great idea of where he wants to be, and we agree with him. However, we will wait till we finish the roster before determining just where that fits in. It will improve his character as a player.

LSU Linebacker Greg Penn’s Thoughts: “He’s going to be a leader. Him coming back with this defense, it will be a really good group, especially at linebacker. Having Perk back is really important. He’s one of the best players in the country, so what more do you really want? He’s been around the team a lot. He’s always in the training room and getting rehab.”

LSU Running Back Josh Williams Chimes In:

“He can come back stronger than he was before. He and Whit [Weeks] in that linebacker room will take over the defense and be powerful leaders. Perkins’ athletic talent allows him to accomplish everything he wants on the field; it just depends on what position he wants to play, so I’m excited to see what he does when he returns. I know he wants to be a leader, talk more, and go on a revenge tour.”