Who will LSU football start at its defensive end spots in 2025?

As the 2025 college football season approaches, LSU football’s defensive line is poised to play a significant role in the team’s overall success. Under head coach Brian Kelly’s leadership, LSU has consistently excelled in recruiting, and the Tigers have established themselves as one of the most formidable defensive units in the SEC. The defensive end positions, in particular, are crucial to LSU’s defensive scheme, as they are tasked with creating pressure on opposing quarterbacks, stopping the run, and disrupting offensive game plans. Heading into the 2025 season, the Tigers’ defensive end spots are expected to be highly competitive, with a mix of returning players and incoming talent vying for starting roles.

LSU’s defensive line has long been a point of pride for the program, and the defensive end positions are often filled with athletes who possess elite speed, power, and agility. These players are key to the team’s success, as they must not only provide a pass rush but also contain runs to the outside and set the edge against opposing offenses. With the Tigers continuing to recruit at an elite level and a few key players returning, the defensive end spots for the 2025 season are sure to be filled by some of the program’s top talent. Here’s a breakdown of the players who are expected to contend for the starting positions at defensive end in 2025 and what their potential impact could be.

The Key Players

1. Savion Jones (RS Sophomore in 2025)

One of the most exciting defensive end prospects for LSU heading into 2025 is Savion Jones. The Baton Rouge native has already shown flashes of his talent during his time with the Tigers and is expected to play a major role in the defensive end rotation. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing around 260 pounds, Jones is a physical specimen capable of making an immediate impact on both the pass rush and against the run. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him one of the top contenders to start at one of the defensive end spots in 2025.

Jones has demonstrated his ability to get after the quarterback, making him a key piece in LSU’s pass-rushing unit. His motor and ability to collapse the pocket have drawn praise from coaches, and his versatility allows him to move along the defensive line to create mismatches against offensive linemen. As he enters his third season with the program in 2025, Jones is expected to take on a larger leadership role within the defense. His development in 2024 will be crucial for his progression into a full-time starter in 2025, but given his talent and work ethic, Jones is widely regarded as one of the most promising players on LSU’s defensive line.

2. Quincy Wiggins (Freshman in 2025)

Quincy Wiggins is a true freshman in 2025 who has the potential to become an immediate force for LSU at the defensive end position. As a highly rated four-star recruit from Baton Rouge, Wiggins has been one of the top players in the 2025 recruiting class, drawing attention from college football experts and scouts. At 6-foot-6 and 265 pounds, Wiggins has the ideal size and athleticism to play as a dominant edge rusher in the SEC. His frame and explosive burst off the line of scrimmage make him a difficult matchup for opposing offensive tackles.

Wiggins is known for his ability to get around the edge with speed and bend, traits that make him an ideal pass rusher. He also possesses the power to bull rush offensive linemen and can disrupt the running game with his ability to set the edge. While Wiggins is still adjusting to the collegiate level, his raw potential is undeniable. If he has a strong fall camp and proves that he can handle the speed and physicality of the SEC, Wiggins could quickly move into a starting role at one of the defensive end spots in 2025.

3. Jaden Wayne (Freshman in 2025)

Another freshman who could make a significant impact on LSU’s defensive line in 2025 is Jaden Wayne. Wayne, a five-star recruit in the 2025 class, was one of the most highly sought-after defensive end prospects in the country. At 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds, Wayne has the ideal size to play on the edge, and his skill set makes him one of the most intriguing young players on LSU’s roster. His combination of strength, speed, and agility will be invaluable as he transitions into the college game.

Wayne is known for his explosive first step off the line of scrimmage, which allows him to beat offensive linemen quickly and put pressure on the quarterback. Additionally, his ability to set the edge in the run game and shed blocks quickly makes him a versatile defender who can contribute in various ways. If Wayne can adjust to the physicality and speed of the SEC, there’s a good chance that he will be a starter at one of the defensive end spots by the time the 2025 season kicks off. His natural talent and work ethic will make him a player to watch in fall camp, and he could make an immediate impact for the Tigers.

4. Maason Smith (Junior in 2025)

While Maason Smith is traditionally a defensive tackle, his versatility allows him to play on the edge in certain packages. Standing at 6-foot-5 and weighing 300 pounds, Smith has the ideal size and athleticism to play both inside and outside on LSU’s defensive line. Known for his explosiveness and ability to penetrate the pocket, Smith’s skills as a pass rusher could allow him to contribute as a defensive end, particularly in third-down situations where LSU looks to put its best pass rushers on the field.

Smith’s potential as a defensive end stems from his elite quickness for his size, as well as his power and strength. His ability to disengage from blockers quickly and his knack for disrupting plays in the backfield are valuable traits for any defensive lineman, and LSU could use him in a hybrid role that gives opposing offenses different looks. Smith’s versatility gives LSU defensive coordinator Matt House multiple options in terms of how to deploy him across the defensive line. While he is not expected to start at defensive end in a traditional sense, his presence on the edge in certain packages could make a significant impact on LSU’s pass rush.

5. Xavier Hill (Junior in 2025)

Xavier Hill has been a steady contributor for LSU over the past couple of seasons, and in 2025, he will be looking to take the next step in his development as a defensive end. Hill is known for his ability to set the edge and his solid play against the run, but his pass-rushing ability has been improving since he arrived at LSU. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 270 pounds, Hill possesses good size for a defensive end and has the agility to get around blockers and chase down ball carriers.

While Hill has not yet become a household name in college football, he has shown promise and could be an important piece for LSU in 2025. If he can develop more consistency in his pass-rushing technique, Hill could secure a starting role at one of the defensive end spots, providing LSU with a steady option on the edge. As a junior in 2025, Hill will have the opportunity to show that he has developed into a more complete player, capable of making a bigger impact on both the pass rush and against the run.

6. Dylan Davis (Senior in 2025)

Dylan Davis is a senior defensive end who has been with the program for several years and provides valuable experience on LSU’s defensive line. Although Davis may not possess the same elite athleticism as some of the younger players, his knowledge of LSU’s defensive scheme and his ability to set the edge in the run game make him a dependable option for the Tigers. Davis is a player who could provide leadership and depth at defensive end, and while he may not start every game, his experience and ability to contribute in certain situations make him an important piece of the rotation.

LSU’s Defensive End Depth and Rotation

In 2025, LSU’s defensive end spots will be highly competitive, with numerous talented players vying for playing time. While Savion Jones and Quincy Wiggins are the two players most likely to secure starting roles, the Tigers will likely use a rotation to keep their defensive linemen fresh throughout the season. Defensive coordinator Matt House has been known to utilize different combinations and packages, meaning that several players could see significant playing time in various roles.

In addition to the players mentioned above, LSU’s depth on the defensive line means that there will be plenty of competition for starting spots. Players like Jaden Wayne and Maason Smith will provide versatility, allowing LSU to mix and match their defensive front based on opponent matchups. With such a strong and deep defensive line, LSU will be able to generate consistent pressure on the quarterback while also maintaining a stout run defense.