The Needy Positions: LSU Football, Brian Kelly Seeking to Fill Important Roles
The Needy Positions: LSU Football, Brian Kelly Seeking to Fill Important Roles
LSU Football has experienced a surge of success since Brian Kelly took over as head coach in 2022. Under his leadership, the Tigers quickly regained their competitive edge, showcasing resilience and a return to prominence in the SEC. However, like any elite program, LSU is always looking to fine-tune its roster, seeking to fill critical gaps and ensure it is poised for another championship run.
In 2025, LSU’s roster is largely built around a core of talented players, many of whom have already shown their worth on the field. However, there are a few positions where the team still needs to address gaps—either due to graduation, transfers, or the evolution of the program. These key positions, which represent LSU’s “needy” areas, will be critical in determining the Tigers’ success in the coming season.
As Brian Kelly looks to round out his roster, the LSU coaching staff is focusing on several key positions: quarterback, offensive line, wide receiver, and cornerback. Each of these positions plays a significant role in the success of a football team, and filling these gaps will allow LSU to continue to compete at the highest level in the SEC and on the national stage.
In this article, we will explore the “needy” positions for LSU football in 2025 and analyze why these roles are so crucial to the program’s long-term success. Additionally, we will look at the potential solutions, both internally and through recruiting or the transfer portal, that LSU can employ to fill these gaps.
1. Quarterback: Finding Stability and Leadership
Since the departure of Joe Burrow, LSU has been searching for a quarterback who can stabilize the position and lead the Tigers back to championship contention. Under Brian Kelly, LSU had success with Jayden Daniels, who delivered consistent performances and helped the team secure crucial victories, including an impressive 2024 season. However, as Daniels is expected to leave after the 2024 season due to eligibility constraints, LSU needs to look for its next quarterback leader.
While Garrett Nussmeier has been a promising young talent for LSU, the future of the quarterback position will depend on how the Tigers replace Daniels’ leadership and ability to make plays under pressure. Nussmeier is expected to take the reins in 2025, but there is no guarantee that he will immediately replicate the success that Daniels achieved.
Why the Quarterback Position is Critical
In college football, the quarterback is often seen as the heart and soul of the offense. LSU’s high-powered offense relies heavily on a signal caller who can make quick decisions, lead the team under duress, and execute plays effectively. Having a quarterback with strong decision-making skills, leadership qualities, and a powerful arm is essential for LSU’s continued success, particularly in the high-pressure environment of the SEC.
Furthermore, LSU’s quarterback needs to be mobile and able to extend plays, given the increasing physicality of defenses in the SEC. This is an area where Jayden Daniels excelled, and Nussmeier will need to prove that he can continue the Tigers’ tradition of dynamic, multifaceted quarterbacks.
The Solution
As the 2025 season approaches, LSU’s coaching staff will need to evaluate Garrett Nussmeier closely to see if he is ready to take on the starting role. If Nussmeier is indeed the next star for the Tigers, LSU may need to focus on adding depth behind him, possibly through the transfer portal or incoming freshman recruits. However, Nussmeier’s ability to manage the offense and take control in big games will be the primary factor in determining LSU’s success at the quarterback position.
If LSU feels that Nussmeier isn’t quite ready to lead the offense or if they want additional competition at the position, they could turn to the transfer portal in search of another established quarterback. Players with experience in high-pressure situations—similar to Spencer Rattler (South Carolina) or Jalen Milroe (Alabama)—could be intriguing targets, depending on how the transfer portal shakes out.
2. Offensive Line: Protecting the Quarterback and Opening Up the Run Game
One of LSU’s biggest challenges over the past few seasons has been the offensive line. While the Tigers have had solid players on the line, there has been inconsistency in pass protection, especially against elite SEC defenses. With a new quarterback (likely Nussmeier) in 2025, LSU must focus on shoring up its offensive line to ensure that the quarterback has time to make plays and the running backs have space to gain positive yardage.
Why the Offensive Line Needs Attention
The offensive line plays a crucial role in both the passing game and the running game. An effective offensive line allows the quarterback to feel comfortable in the pocket, while also creating running lanes for backs to move through. LSU’s offensive line has had issues with consistency, particularly when facing formidable defensive lines in the SEC. In 2025, the Tigers will face a slew of powerful defensive lines, and LSU must be prepared to handle the pressure.
Additionally, the depth of the offensive line is a concern. Injuries or changes in the depth chart could leave the Tigers exposed in crucial games. Adding experienced linemen via recruiting or the transfer portal is essential to LSU’s success in 2025.
The Solution
The solution to LSU’s offensive line needs lies in both development and addition. Internally, LSU has talented players who have the potential to step up, but they need time to gain experience and improve. Players such as Will Campbell and Emory Jones will need to take their games to the next level and become leaders on the line.
However, Brian Kelly and LSU’s coaching staff will also need to consider adding transfers to fill key spots on the offensive line. The transfer portal offers an excellent opportunity to bring in players with immediate experience who can contribute right away. A veteran tackle or guard could solidify the offensive line and provide depth at crucial spots.
Given the importance of the offensive line to LSU’s offensive success, this is one position that cannot be overlooked as the Tigers look to compete in a highly competitive SEC.
3. Wide Receiver: Replacing Key Playmakers
LSU’s receiving corps in recent years has included elite playmakers, including Kayshon Boutte, who was a constant threat in the passing game. However, with Boutte and several other top receivers departing, LSU will need to rebuild its receiving unit. Malik Nabers is expected to be a key player in 2025, but the Tigers need additional depth and talent to replace their lost playmakers and ensure their offense remains explosive.
Why the Wide Receiver Position Needs Attention
LSU has a tradition of producing top-tier wide receivers, and the passing game has been a cornerstone of its offensive success. With the quarterback position uncertain and a new leader expected to step in, LSU will need a reliable group of receivers who can make plays at critical moments. The wide receiver position is one of the most important for LSU’s offense, as it has the potential to make the difference between an average team and a championship contender.
Moreover, LSU will face top-tier defenses in the SEC, and to compete with teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss, the Tigers need versatile, explosive wide receivers who can make plays down the field.
The Solution
Internally, LSU has promising receivers like Malik Nabers, who will be expected to step up and become the No. 1 option in the offense. Other players, like Jack Bech and Kyren Lacy, could see more playing time in 2025, but LSU needs to add depth and competition to the unit.
The transfer portal offers a quick fix for LSU’s receiving corps. Brian Kelly has been successful in recruiting transfers, and bringing in experienced playmakers who can step in immediately is a viable option. A transfer wide receiver with experience in a high-powered offense could provide LSU with an additional weapon and help ease the transition to a new quarterback.
Moreover, the 2025 recruiting class will also play a pivotal role in rebuilding LSU’s receiving corps. Securing top-tier wide receiver prospects will ensure that LSU has the long-term talent necessary to maintain its offensive prowess.
4. Cornerback: Securing the Defensive Backfield
Defensive back is another critical area where LSU needs to shore up its depth. With standout cornerbacks like Kerry Vincent Jr. and Derrick Stingley Jr. moving on in previous years, LSU has been left with a void in the secondary. In 2025, LSU must look for strong cornerbacks to lock down opposing wide receivers and create turnover opportunities.
Why the Cornerback Position is Vital
LSU’s defense is often the backbone of its team, and cornerbacks play a key role in this unit. In the SEC, where offenses are explosive and fast, having cornerbacks who can lock down opposing receivers is essential for defensive success. LSU needs to find cornerbacks who can match up with some of the best wide receivers in college football, ensuring that the Tigers’ defense remains elite.
Moreover, strong cornerbacks can help LSU maintain a balanced defense, as they allow the front seven to focus on pressuring the quarterback and stopping the run without having to constantly worry about defending the deep ball.
The Solution
LSU will need to find depth and experience at cornerback to bolster its defense. Adding talented recruits and possibly a transfer or two could go a long way in filling this gap. Players like Jarrick Bernard-Converse have shown promise, but LSU needs more depth and competition at the cornerback position to ensure the defensive backfield is strong in 2025.
