LSU’s defensive end battle heats up heading into spring, with several players competing for starting spots in 2025.

As LSU heads into the 2025 spring football season, one of the most intriguing and highly anticipated position battles will be along the defensive line, particularly at the defensive end spot. The Tigers’ defense has long been a hallmark of the program, and LSU’s ability to produce high-caliber pass rushers is a central part of its identity. In 2025, the competition at defensive end is expected to be fierce, with several players vying for starting roles, all of whom possess immense talent and potential.

Defensive end is one of the most critical positions in LSU’s defensive scheme, responsible for pressuring the quarterback, setting the edge against the run, and disrupting the opposing offense’s flow. The competition at this position heading into the spring season will be essential for setting the tone for LSU’s defensive line in 2025. With several players fighting for playing time, LSU’s coaching staff will need to evaluate each competitor’s strengths and weaknesses to determine who will earn the opportunity to start and make an impact for the Tigers.

In this primer, we’ll break down the key players involved in the defensive end battle at LSU, what each brings to the table, and how their skills fit into the team’s defensive plans for the upcoming season. Additionally, we’ll explore the importance of the defensive end position in LSU’s overall defensive strategy, the challenges that the coaching staff will face in deciding who to start, and what the competition could mean for the future of the LSU defensive line.

The Importance of the Defensive End Position in LSU’s Scheme

Before diving into the specific players competing for the defensive end spots, it’s crucial to understand the role of the position within LSU’s defensive scheme. LSU has a long tradition of developing elite pass rushers, and the defensive end is one of the most important positions on the field for the Tigers. Head coach Brian Kelly and defensive coordinator Matt House have emphasized the need for a disruptive, aggressive defense that can generate pressure on the quarterback, stop the run, and force turnovers. In order for LSU to compete at the highest level in the SEC, they need elite pass rushers to complement their strong secondary and linebacker corps.

A good defensive end in LSU’s scheme must possess a blend of strength, quickness, and technique to succeed. They must be able to get off the ball quickly, use their hands to disengage from blockers, and finish plays with sacks or quarterback pressures. Additionally, the defensive ends must be versatile enough to defend against the run, as they are often tasked with setting the edge and forcing ball carriers back inside where the linebackers can clean up the play. With LSU’s defense relying heavily on its ability to generate pressure and disrupt the opposing quarterback, the defensive end battle in spring 2025 will be one of the most crucial position battles of the season.

Key Players in the Defensive End Battle

Heading into the spring, LSU has a deep and talented group of defensive ends competing for starting spots. The group consists of a mix of experienced players, high-potential underclassmen, and transfers, each of whom brings a unique skill set to the table. Here’s a look at some of the key players involved in the defensive end competition:

1. Maason Smith

Maason Smith is one of the most highly regarded defensive line prospects in recent LSU history, and after an injury-plagued 2023 season, he’s poised to make a big impact in 2025. Smith was a five-star recruit out of high school and has shown flashes of elite potential during his time at LSU. When healthy, Smith is a force in the middle of the defensive line with his combination of size, speed, and power. While primarily seen as a defensive tackle, Smith’s versatility could allow him to line up at defensive end in certain formations, especially in passing situations where his ability to rush the passer from the edge could be a major asset.

Smith’s ability to disrupt the backfield with his quickness and strength makes him a dangerous weapon on the LSU defensive line. If he can stay healthy throughout the spring and into the fall, Smith has the potential to be a game-changer for LSU’s defense. His presence in the defensive end battle will provide both leadership and a physical presence on the edge.

2. Quincy Wiggins

Quincy Wiggins is a rising star who will be looking to make a name for himself in the 2025 season. A highly rated recruit out of Baton Rouge, Wiggins has the ideal physical profile for a defensive end. Standing at 6’6” and weighing around 270 pounds, Wiggins possesses the combination of size and athleticism that coaches dream of at the position. His length allows him to use his arms effectively to disengage from blockers, while his explosiveness off the line gives him the speed to pressure quarterbacks.

In 2024, Wiggins showed flashes of his potential as a pass rusher and run defender, but like many young players, he was inconsistent at times. Heading into the 2025 spring, Wiggins will need to build on his development and refine his technique in order to lock down a starting role. His ability to use his length and power to disrupt plays in both the passing and running games will be key to his success, and he will be one of the players to watch closely during the spring.

3. Jovan Swanson (Transfer)

One of the most intriguing additions to LSU’s defensive line is Jovan Swanson, a transfer from the University of Alabama. Swanson brings experience and depth to the defensive end position, and his familiarity with the demands of the SEC should make him an instant contender for a starting spot. Swanson played significant snaps for Alabama over the past few seasons, primarily as a rotational pass rusher, and has demonstrated the ability to impact games with his quick first step and ability to collapse the pocket.

Swanson’s experience and familiarity with elite competition in the SEC give him an edge over some of LSU’s younger players, and his role in the defensive end battle could prove to be pivotal. He brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the table, and his ability to play at a high level against some of the best offensive linemen in the country will be crucial in LSU’s quest to strengthen its defensive line.

4. Jackson Howard (Freshman)

Jackson Howard is one of the most exciting young players in LSU’s 2025 recruiting class. A highly ranked defensive end prospect out of high school, Howard is known for his explosiveness, power, and technique. He has all the physical tools to be an immediate contributor for the Tigers, and LSU’s coaching staff will be eager to see how he fares in his first spring practices.

As a freshman, Howard will need to adjust to the speed and physicality of college football, but his raw talent is undeniable. LSU will likely give Howard an opportunity to compete for significant playing time in 2025, and if he can quickly adapt to the demands of the SEC, he could emerge as one of the team’s top pass rushers. The spring practices will be critical for Howard to prove that he belongs in the rotation and that he can help provide depth along the defensive line.

5. Savion Jones

Savion Jones is another talented defensive end who is expected to play a significant role for LSU in 2025. Jones has shown flashes of promise during his time at LSU, and his combination of size and athleticism make him a solid candidate to contribute heavily in the pass-rush game. Standing at 6’5” and weighing 265 pounds, Jones has the physical tools to be a dominant force off the edge.

As a junior in 2025, Jones will be expected to take on a larger role in the defense, and he has the potential to be one of LSU’s primary edge rushers. His development over the past few seasons has been encouraging, and if he can refine his technique and improve his consistency, he could be a breakout player for the Tigers.

What the Defensive End Battle Means for LSU in 2025

The competition at defensive end heading into the 2025 spring season is critical for LSU as the team looks to build a defense capable of competing for an SEC title. A strong pass rush is essential for any successful defense, and LSU’s defensive line will need to create pressure on opposing quarterbacks to allow the secondary and linebackers to thrive. The battle at defensive end will determine who can step up and provide that pressure, disrupt the opposing offense, and help LSU remain competitive in the loaded SEC West.

Additionally, the depth at defensive end is important for LSU, as the Tigers will need multiple players to rotate in and out throughout the season to keep fresh legs on the field. A strong rotation of defensive ends will allow LSU to apply constant pressure on opposing offenses, while also maintaining the health and effectiveness of its defensive line.

The spring practices will be a crucial evaluation period for LSU’s coaching staff. With so many talented players vying for starting spots, the coaching staff will need to carefully assess each player’s performance in drills, scrimmages, and game situations. The defensive end competition will be fierce, and the players who show the most consistency, technique, and explosiveness will likely earn the starting roles.