Candidates for LSU Football Breakouts to Watch: In 2025, Tigers sophomores are expected to excel.

LSU football has long been known as one of the premier programs in the SEC and college football at large, producing high-caliber talent year after year. Under the leadership of head coach Brian Kelly, the Tigers are set to continue their legacy of dominance, with the 2025 season looking particularly promising. One group of players to keep a close eye on in 2025 is the sophomore class. These players, many of whom were highly rated recruits, are poised to take their game to the next level and make a significant impact for the Tigers. Here are some of the top sophomore breakout candidates for LSU football heading into the 2025 season.

1. Emery Jones – Offensive Tackle

Emery Jones is one of the most highly anticipated players on the LSU roster heading into 2025. A former five-star recruit, Jones arrived at LSU in 2023 with high expectations, and although he didn’t start immediately, he showed flashes of his immense potential. Standing at 6-foot-4 and 350 pounds, Jones possesses the size and athleticism to be a dominant force on the offensive line.

As a sophomore, Jones is expected to step into a starting role, likely at left tackle, replacing the talented Will Campbell who departed for the NFL. This transition will be a huge opportunity for Jones to showcase his skills on the biggest stage in college football. In his first season, Jones saw significant playing time and impressed coaches with his ability to block both in the run game and in pass protection. With another year of development, there’s little doubt that Jones could be a breakout star on LSU’s offensive line in 2025.

Jones has worked hard on refining his technique and has focused on improving his pass protection skills during the offseason. If he can continue to build on his foundation and play to his potential, Jones has the ability to become one of the top offensive tackles in the SEC. His physicality and work ethic will be key to LSU’s success in the trenches, making him a breakout candidate to watch in 2025.

2. Zy Alexander – Cornerback

Zy Alexander was one of the standout recruits in LSU’s 2023 class, and he made an immediate impact in his freshman season. A 6-foot-2 cornerback with excellent length, speed, and ball skills, Alexander has all the tools to become a shutdown corner for the Tigers. He showcased his ability to make plays on the ball in his limited playing time in 2023, and as a sophomore, Alexander is poised to be a key contributor in LSU’s secondary.

The departure of veteran cornerbacks means that Alexander will have the opportunity to step into a starting role in 2025. His size and ability to match up with big, physical receivers make him a natural fit for the outside cornerback position. LSU’s defense has traditionally been strong in the secondary, and with a player like Alexander, the Tigers could have another elite cornerback on their hands.

What makes Alexander such a breakout candidate is his potential to develop into an all-around corner. Not only is he a physical presence who can defend against the run, but his ability to read the quarterback’s eyes and make plays on the ball gives him the chance to become an interception threat as well. If Alexander can continue to improve his technique and develop a deeper understanding of the game, he could emerge as one of the top cornerbacks in the SEC in 2025.

3. Tre’Vonte’ Citizen – Running Back

Tre’Vonte’ Citizen arrived at LSU with a reputation as one of the top running backs in the 2023 recruiting class, and while injuries limited his availability during his freshman season, he is fully expected to play a larger role in 2025. Citizen is a dynamic running back with great vision, speed, and the ability to break tackles in the open field. Standing at 6-foot-1 and weighing 220 pounds, Citizen has the size to be a workhorse in the Tigers’ backfield.

In 2025, Citizen should have the opportunity to be the focal point of LSU’s running game. While the Tigers have a stable of talented running backs, Citizen’s combination of size and speed sets him apart from the rest. His powerful running style and ability to pick up yardage after contact make him a perfect fit for LSU’s physical offense.

What makes Citizen such an intriguing breakout candidate is his potential to be a three-down back. He has the ability to run between the tackles, catch passes out of the backfield, and contribute in short-yardage situations. If he can stay healthy and get the necessary reps, Citizen could easily emerge as LSU’s top running back in 2025 and a key player in their offensive attack.

4. Jaray Jenkins – Wide Receiver

Jaray Jenkins is a player who has shown flashes of brilliance in his first two seasons at LSU, and with a strong offseason of development, he’s poised to take the next step in 2025. A big-bodied wide receiver at 6-foot-4, Jenkins has the size and athleticism to be a matchup nightmare for defensive backs. In his first two seasons at LSU, Jenkins demonstrated his ability to make tough catches and stretch the field, but now he’s ready to be a more consistent threat in the passing game.

In 2025, Jenkins will have the opportunity to be one of the Tigers’ go-to wide receivers. With LSU expected to have a more pass-heavy offense under Brian Kelly, Jenkins could emerge as a top target for whoever is playing quarterback. His ability to create separation with his size and physicality, combined with his ability to make acrobatic catches, makes him a dangerous weapon in the receiving corps.

What sets Jenkins apart as a breakout candidate is his ability to make plays in critical situations. Whether it’s third down, the red zone, or late in games, Jenkins has shown that he has the ability to come up big when his team needs it most. If he can develop more consistency in his route-running and continue to improve his overall game, Jenkins could become one of the top wide receivers in the SEC in 2025.

5. Maason Smith – Defensive Tackle

Maason Smith is one of the most highly anticipated players for LSU in 2025, and many believe he is primed for a breakout season. A former five-star recruit, Smith has been dealing with injuries that limited his impact in previous seasons. However, when healthy, Smith has shown the potential to be one of the best defensive tackles in college football. At 6-foot-5 and 300 pounds, Smith has the size, strength, and quickness to dominate on the interior defensive line.

If Smith can stay healthy in 2025, he has the potential to be an elite defensive force for the Tigers. His ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt the quarterback makes him a dangerous player in LSU’s defensive scheme. With the Tigers’ defense expected to be among the best in the SEC, Smith’s ability to clog up running lanes and pressure the quarterback will be crucial to their success.

What makes Smith a breakout candidate is the fact that he has all the physical tools to become an all-conference player in 2025. If he can stay on the field and continue to develop his technique, Smith could become one of the most disruptive defensive players in the SEC and a potential first-round pick in the NFL Draft.

6. Greg Brooks Jr. – Safety

Greg Brooks Jr. has been a steady performer for LSU since transferring in from Arkansas, and in 2025, he’s expected to be one of the top playmakers on the Tigers’ defense. A safety with excellent instincts, Brooks has shown the ability to cover ground quickly and make plays in both the passing and running games. In his first season at LSU, Brooks demonstrated his leadership and his ability to read the quarterback, and he is poised to take on an even larger role in 2025.

Brooks has the potential to become one of the best safeties in the SEC, and his ability to both cover and deliver big hits makes him a versatile asset for LSU’s defense. If he continues to develop his skills and stays healthy, Brooks could be a breakout star in 2025, earning All-SEC honors and playing a pivotal role in LSU’s secondary.