The development of Jayden Daniels, enhanced offensive line performance, and steady running back output are key components of LSU football’s offense going into 2025.

As LSU football heads into the 2025 season, the team’s offensive development is under the microscope, with major expectations placed on its key players and the overall structure. Head coach Brian Kelly has already begun his transformation of the program, establishing a competitive foundation that has reestablished LSU as a force to be reckoned with in the SEC. However, there are several elements that must come together to push the Tigers from a competitive team to a championship contender. Among these, three major factors stand out: the continued development of quarterback Jayden Daniels, enhanced offensive line play, and steady production from the running back room.

These three components will play a pivotal role in how successful LSU is in 2025 and beyond. Let’s break down each of these areas, examining the challenges and opportunities they present for the team and how Brian Kelly’s vision for LSU football could unfold.

Jayden Daniels: The Key to LSU’s Offensive Success

At the center of LSU’s offensive future is quarterback Jayden Daniels. Entering his third year with the Tigers, Daniels is poised to become one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in college football. The former Arizona State transfer has already showcased his dual-threat abilities, with his running and passing game both creating headaches for opposing defenses. In 2024, Daniels was one of the primary reasons LSU remained competitive, as his leadership on the field allowed the Tigers to challenge some of the best teams in the country.

Daniels’ biggest strength is his ability to extend plays with his legs, making him a constant threat both as a rusher and passer. His ability to read defenses, scramble when needed, and keep drives alive has been crucial for LSU. Daniels has a natural feel for the game, and his poise under pressure sets him apart from many other quarterbacks in college football. However, to truly elevate LSU’s offense in 2025, Daniels needs to continue refining his passing game, particularly his accuracy and decision-making.

In 2024, while Daniels’ mobility was often a game-changer, his passing accuracy, particularly on deep throws, remained inconsistent. For LSU to be more effective in the passing game, Daniels needs to develop more consistency in hitting targets downfield. His ability to connect with LSU’s wide receivers and tight ends will be essential to keeping opposing defenses off balance. If Daniels can find a rhythm with his arm and continue to build on his running ability, LSU’s offense will be difficult to stop.

Additionally, Daniels’ leadership on and off the field will be crucial in 2025. As an experienced quarterback, Daniels will need to be the vocal leader, guiding LSU’s offense through the ups and downs of the season. Given his previous success and the potential growth of his supporting cast, there’s little doubt that Daniels has the ability to be the player LSU builds its offense around.

The Offensive Line: Protecting Daniels and Creating Balance

While Jayden Daniels is the star of LSU’s offense, the offensive line is the unsung hero. A solid offensive line is essential for creating a balanced attack, allowing both the running backs and the quarterback to excel. In 2025, LSU’s offensive line will be tasked with protecting Daniels and opening up holes for the running game. For the Tigers to be successful, the offensive line will need to improve in a few key areas.

In 2024, the LSU offensive line was inconsistent. While the team had strong moments, particularly in pass protection, there were games where the line struggled to create consistent running lanes or give Daniels enough time to survey the field. Against some of the top defenses in the SEC, LSU’s offensive line failed to consistently protect Daniels, and this often put pressure on him to make plays with his legs. Additionally, LSU’s running backs were often limited by poor blocking, making it difficult to establish a ground game.

Heading into 2025, improving the offensive line’s play is essential. This will start with better pass protection. Daniels is known for his ability to make plays on the move, but consistent protection will ensure that he can take full advantage of his arm as well. If LSU can keep Daniels upright in the pocket, he’ll have more time to read defenses, go through his progressions, and make accurate throws. This also prevents the offense from becoming too one-dimensional, as Daniels’ ability to stay in the pocket would allow him to make quick, effective decisions in the passing game.

In the run game, LSU will need to be more physical upfront. The offensive line has the potential to be a dominant unit, but it must be more consistent in creating running lanes for the Tigers’ ball carriers. This is especially important in a conference like the SEC, where defenses are physical and the running game can often be the key to winning games. LSU’s running backs, with their combination of speed and power, will need to trust their blockers and take advantage of the opportunities created by improved line play.

In short, if LSU’s offensive line can perform at a high level in both pass protection and run blocking, it will take a significant amount of pressure off Jayden Daniels and create a more balanced and dynamic offensive attack. The offensive line is one of the most critical areas of improvement for the Tigers in 2025.

The Running Back Room: Consistency and Depth

While the quarterback play and offensive line are often the primary focal points of a team’s offensive success, the running back room is just as crucial for LSU in 2025. The Tigers have a strong tradition of talented running backs, and 2025 will be no different. However, one of the keys to LSU’s offensive success will be consistency from the running back position.

In 2024, LSU’s running game had its moments, but there were games where the running backs were held in check. While players like Josh Williams and Noah Cain showed flashes of brilliance, LSU struggled to establish a consistent rushing attack. Much of this was due to the inconsistency of the offensive line, but it also highlighted the need for a more dynamic and dependable running game.

Heading into 2025, LSU will need its running backs to be more consistent in both the rushing and receiving game. A balanced attack is essential in the SEC, where defenses are loaded with talent, and teams can’t afford to be one-dimensional. If LSU’s offensive line can improve, running backs like Williams and Cain have the potential to break out as dynamic playmakers. Williams, with his hard-charging style, and Cain, with his speed and ability to break off big runs, provide a potent one-two punch for the Tigers.

Additionally, LSU’s running backs need to contribute more in the passing game. With Daniels’ ability to extend plays and keep defenses on their toes, having running backs who can catch passes out of the backfield will make LSU’s offense even more difficult to defend. This additional threat in the passing game would keep defenses from keying in too much on Daniels and would help move the chains in crucial moments.

Finally, LSU will need depth at the running back position to keep players fresh over the course of the season. Injuries can often derail a season, especially in the SEC where the grind of the schedule is grueling. Having multiple capable running backs who can step in and make plays when needed will be a crucial factor in LSU’s offensive success.

Wide Receivers and Tight Ends: Building the Passing Attack

Alongside Daniels, the wide receivers and tight ends are key contributors to LSU’s offensive success. While the quarterback is the leader of the offense, the skill players are the ones who ultimately execute the game plan. LSU’s passing attack has been potent at times, but consistency at the receiver position has been an issue.

One of the keys for LSU in 2025 will be finding a true go-to wide receiver who can take over games and become Daniels’ most reliable target. Kayshon Boutte was one of LSU’s star receivers in recent years, but with his departure, there’s an opening for someone else to step up. LSU has a talented group of wideouts, including Malik Nabers, who showed flashes of brilliance in 2024. If Nabers, along with other receivers, can develop more chemistry with Daniels, the Tigers’ passing game will be much more dangerous.

Additionally, LSU’s tight end group, including players like Mason Taylor, will need to play an expanded role in the offense. Tight ends are crucial for both the passing game and in run blocking, and LSU will need more from this position in 2025. A strong tight end can also serve as a safety valve for Daniels, giving him another reliable option when passing lanes are closed.