LSU Football: Who Will Step Up as the Tigers’ Next First Round Wide Receiver?

LSU has long been known as a factory for producing top-tier talent, particularly at wide receiver. From Odell Beckham Jr. to Jarvis Landry, and most recently Justin Jefferson, LSU’s wide receiver corps has been a breeding ground for NFL-caliber players. With the 2023 season in the rearview, the question that remains on the minds of many fans and analysts alike is: Who will be the next LSU wide receiver to join the ranks of the NFL’s first round?

The Tigers have a rich history of developing wide receivers who go on to have long and successful careers in the NFL, and while the program’s offensive identity has evolved in recent years under head coach Brian Kelly, the expectation for elite wide receiver play remains high. With LSU poised to remain a national contender and its offense evolving into one that continues to rely on dynamic pass-catchers, the opportunity is ripe for a new wideout to step up and secure their place as a future first-round selection in the NFL Draft.

In this article, we’ll break down the current wide receiver corps at LSU, analyze the potential candidates for the next first-round pick, and explore how the Tigers’ offense will shape the development of their next top-tier wideout.

LSU’s Wide Receiver Legacy: A High Bar to Reach

Before diving into the current crop of wide receivers, it’s important to understand the high standard that LSU has set for its wideouts. In the past decade alone, LSU has produced a slew of elite NFL receivers who have made an immediate impact at the professional level.

• Odell Beckham Jr. (2014, First Round, 12th overall – New York Giants): Beckham’s time at LSU was short but impactful. Known for his elite speed, agility, and explosive playmaking ability, Beckham left Baton Rouge as one of the most electrifying wide receivers in college football history. His combination of speed, hands, and game-changing ability made him a first-round pick and one of the NFL’s most dynamic playmakers.
• Jarvis Landry (2014, Second Round, 63rd overall – Miami Dolphins): Landry, who played alongside Beckham at LSU, was known for his toughness and precise route-running. Although Landry was drafted in the second round, his impact at LSU was undeniable, and he went on to have a successful NFL career, becoming one of the league’s premier slot receivers.
• Justin Jefferson (2020, First Round, 22nd overall – Minnesota Vikings): Jefferson’s meteoric rise at LSU in 2019, particularly during the Tigers’ national championship season, solidified him as one of the best receivers in college football. His incredible hands, exceptional route-running, and uncanny ability to make big plays were on full display. After being selected by the Vikings in the first round, Jefferson has already established himself as one of the top wide receivers in the NFL.
• Ja’Marr Chase (2021, First Round, 5th overall – Cincinnati Bengals): Chase followed in Jefferson’s footsteps as another elite LSU wide receiver selected in the first round. His physicality, speed, and ability to dominate in the air led him to a historic rookie season in the NFL, where he was named Offensive Rookie of the Year.

With this track record of producing first-round talent at the wide receiver position, LSU’s fans, coaches, and recruiters are accustomed to high expectations for their pass-catchers. But with Jefferson and Chase now established as elite talents in the NFL, the big question remains: Who will be the next player to follow in their footsteps?

The Candidates: LSU’s Current Wide Receivers Ready to Make a Statement

The Tigers currently have a few intriguing prospects at wide receiver who have the potential to be the next first-round pick out of Baton Rouge. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top candidates:

1. Malik Nabers

Malik Nabers enters the 2025 season as one of the most promising wide receivers on LSU’s roster. Nabers has steadily developed over his first few years at LSU and has shown flashes of brilliance in his time on the field. Standing at 6’0″ and 200 pounds, Nabers combines solid size with elite athleticism, making him a big-play threat for the Tigers.

In his first two seasons at LSU, Nabers displayed a well-rounded skill set. He’s quick off the line of scrimmage, possesses excellent route-running ability, and can make contested catches in traffic. During the 2023 season, Nabers proved to be one of LSU’s most reliable targets, finishing with over 1,000 yards receiving and several crucial touchdowns.

Nabers’ potential to be the next first-round wide receiver for LSU lies in his ability to take over games. His combination of speed and strength makes him a mismatch for defenders, especially in the SEC, where competition is fierce. If he continues to develop his ability to separate from defenders and maintain consistency, he could certainly be in the conversation for a first-round selection when the 2026 NFL Draft rolls around.

2. Kyren Lacy

Kyren Lacy, a transfer from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, brings an intriguing blend of size and skill to the LSU receiving corps. At 6’2” and 215 pounds, Lacy already has the physical tools that make him an intriguing NFL prospect. In his time at Louisiana, Lacy was known for his ability to stretch the field and make plays down the sideline, an attribute that could translate well to LSU’s offense.

While Lacy is still relatively new to the LSU system, his size, speed, and ability to adjust to different defensive coverages make him a player to watch. If he can quickly assimilate into LSU’s offense, he could see a significant increase in production and become one of the Tigers’ most dominant wide receivers. His physicality and deep-ball potential could make him a strong candidate for NFL scouts, and if he excels in his role at LSU, he might have the opportunity to turn pro after his junior or senior season.

3. Chris Hilton Jr.

Chris Hilton Jr. is another name to watch in LSU’s wide receiver group. A speedster out of New Orleans, Hilton has all the makings of an elite deep threat in college football. Standing at 6’1” and possessing a great burst off the line of scrimmage, Hilton has the ability to make big plays whenever the ball is in his hands.

While Hilton hasn’t fully blossomed yet at LSU, his speed and raw athleticism make him a candidate to break out in a big way in the near future. If he can develop his route-running and gain more consistency in his catches, Hilton has the tools to become a serious first-round candidate. His deep-threat capabilities make him a dynamic weapon for LSU’s offense, and with a little more refinement, he could prove to be a nightmare for opposing defenses.

4. Jack Bech

Jack Bech is a player who might not yet be as well-known as some of LSU’s other wide receiver prospects, but he has shown flashes of potential that suggest he could be a future star. Known for his strong hands and physicality, Bech has the tools to be an excellent possession receiver and red-zone target for LSU.

At 6’1” and 210 pounds, Bech already has the size to compete at the next level, and his ability to make tough catches in traffic is a trait that scouts covet. If he continues to refine his skills and build chemistry with LSU’s quarterbacks, Bech could emerge as a key contributor in 2025 and beyond. His size and physicality give him an edge, but he’ll need to showcase elite separation skills and consistent production to garner first-round attention.

How LSU’s Offense Will Shape the Development of These Players

The LSU Tigers are entering a new phase in their offensive evolution under Brian Kelly, and that will play a significant role in shaping the next first-round wide receiver. Kelly’s offense at LSU is predicated on balance—balancing the passing attack with a strong run game to create opportunities for explosive plays down the field.

The presence of quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, a highly touted signal-caller with a strong arm and impressive mobility, should be a boon for LSU’s wide receivers. Nussmeier’s ability to push the ball downfield and his proficiency in making deep throws will play a significant role in the development of LSU’s wideouts, as many of the top candidates have the speed and skill set to thrive in an offense that prioritizes big plays.

Additionally, LSU’s offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock is known for tailoring the offense to fit the strengths of his playmakers. The coaching staff will have the ability to devise schemes that take advantage of each wide receiver’s unique attributes. Whether it’s Malik Nabers’ route running, Kyren Lacy’s size and speed, or Chris Hilton Jr.’s deep-ball ability, LSU’s offensive system is poised to give these players the opportunity to showcase their talents and increase their draft stock.

The key for LSU’s wide receivers will be consistency. If any one of these players can emerge as a dominant, reliable target in all phases of the game—whether that’s making big plays in the open field, catching contested passes, or thriving in crucial moments—they will have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on LSU’s offense and position themselves for a first-round selection in the NFL Draft.