Two LSU football defensive players are expected to miss the Tigers’ 2025 spring camp.

Two LSU Football Defensive Players Are Expected to Miss the Tigers’ 2025 Spring Camp

As LSU football prepares for its 2025 spring camp, the Tigers’ defense faces a significant challenge with the news that two key defensive players are expected to miss the upcoming camp. Spring camp, typically seen as a vital period for teams to evaluate talent, develop players, and implement schemes ahead of the fall season, will be a critical time for LSU to continue its progress under head coach Brian Kelly. The absence of these two key defenders is not ideal, but it will also give younger players an opportunity to step up, forcing the Tigers’ coaching staff to dig deeper into their roster as they prepare for what is expected to be a highly competitive 2025 season in the Southeastern Conference (SEC).

This article will break down the situation surrounding the players who will miss spring camp, the impact of their absences on the LSU defense, the adjustments the team will need to make, and how the Tigers might cope with the loss of key personnel heading into a season where SEC powerhouses loom large.

The Players Who Will Miss Spring Camp: Key Defenders

As of the latest updates from LSU football, two prominent defenders are expected to miss the Tigers’ 2025 spring camp due to various reasons—injuries and academic concerns being the main culprits. Let’s take a closer look at the players and their roles within the LSU defense.

1. Linebacker Harold Perkins

Harold Perkins is one of the most electrifying and versatile defensive players in college football. His ability to rush the passer, cover ground in coverage, and stop the run has made him a top talent in the country. Perkins, a former five-star recruit, quickly became a household name for LSU fans in his freshman year and showed his potential as one of the most disruptive linebackers in the SEC.

Unfortunately, Perkins will miss the 2025 spring camp due to a lingering injury. Details about the injury have been somewhat limited, but sources indicate that Perkins sustained an injury during the Tigers’ bowl game, which has required him to focus on recovery during the spring. The exact timeline for his return to full health is uncertain, but his absence in spring camp will undoubtedly leave a noticeable gap in LSU’s defense.

While the injury is not expected to be career-threatening, missing spring camp means Perkins won’t have the chance to fully engage in the team’s practices and the new defensive schemes that will be installed under defensive coordinator Matt House. This is a blow for the Tigers, as Perkins was expected to play a pivotal role in LSU’s linebacker corps next season, especially with the team looking to build upon its solid defensive performance in 2024.

2. Cornerback Mekhi Garner

Mekhi Garner is another key player who will miss LSU’s 2025 spring camp. Garner was one of LSU’s most reliable cornerbacks in 2024, contributing significantly to the Tigers’ secondary. His physicality, ability to read the quarterback, and ball skills made him a standout in a secondary that was often tasked with defending some of the SEC’s most talented quarterbacks and wide receivers.

Garner, like Perkins, is dealing with an injury that will prevent him from participating in spring camp. It was reported that Garner suffered a lower-body injury toward the end of the 2024 season, which he has been working hard to recover from during the offseason. While he is expected to be ready for the 2025 season, the time missed during spring camp will certainly delay his development in LSU’s defensive system.

Garner was expected to be one of the cornerstones of the Tigers’ secondary in 2025, alongside other returning defensive backs. His absence will place a heavier burden on LSU’s depth at cornerback, forcing younger players to step in and seize opportunities that would have otherwise gone to Garner.

Impact on the LSU Defense

The absence of both Perkins and Garner during spring camp comes at a critical time for LSU, as the team looks to bounce back from an up-and-down 2024 season. The Tigers finished with an overall solid record, but their defense was often inconsistent, and these two players were expected to play key roles in improving that side of the ball.

Linebacker Depth and Adjustments

The linebacker position is one of the most critical spots on any defense, and losing a talent like Harold Perkins during spring camp is a blow. However, LSU has solid depth at the position, and there are several players who could step up in Perkins’ absence.

One player to keep an eye on is senior linebacker Micah Baskerville. Baskerville, who has been a fixture of LSU’s defense for several years, has experience in the SEC and has proven to be a reliable player in various linebacker roles. Baskerville’s leadership and ability to step into a bigger role will be vital as he helps guide the younger linebackers who will be tasked with filling in for Perkins.

Additionally, players like Greg Penn III and Kylan Jackson will need to rise to the occasion. Penn, a rising sophomore, has the physical tools to excel in the role of a linebacker, and his speed and strength could be key assets in filling the void left by Perkins. Jackson, who has flashed talent in limited action, will have an opportunity to prove that he can be a major contributor as well.

Without Perkins in spring camp, LSU will also have to be more creative in terms of scheme. The defensive staff will likely have to run a more versatile and fluid set of packages, giving different players a chance to prove themselves. Perkins’ absence is undoubtedly a setback, but it opens up the door for the next wave of talent to emerge and contribute.

Secondary Depth and Competition

Mekhi Garner’s absence creates a similar issue for LSU’s secondary, which has been one of the strengths of the team in recent years. Losing a starting cornerback, particularly one as talented as Garner, presents a significant challenge, especially in the high-flying SEC, where the competition at wide receiver is fierce. However, LSU’s secondary has shown that it is capable of handling adversity in the past.

One name to keep an eye on in the cornerback competition is sophomore Ashton Stamps. Stamps had a strong freshman campaign and will likely take over more responsibilities in Garner’s absence. His ability to cover wide receivers and create turnovers will be key to ensuring that LSU’s secondary remains competitive, even without one of its top corners available for the spring. Additionally, veteran cornerbacks like Seven Banks and Duce Chestnut may see more playing time in spring camp as they work to solidify their roles and prepare for the season.

LSU’s defensive backfield also includes a host of talented safeties, including veterans like Jay Ward and Greg Brooks Jr. These experienced players will need to step up and provide leadership in the secondary, helping guide the younger cornerbacks and making sure that the defense doesn’t skip a beat.

Overall Defensive Adjustments

LSU’s defensive coordinator, Matt House, will need to make adjustments in terms of both personnel and scheme. Losing two key defenders, especially ones who were expected to play central roles, will undoubtedly force House to get creative with his defensive game plans. The Tigers have recruited well and have the talent to handle these setbacks, but the absence of Perkins and Garner means that LSU will need to develop its depth and see what it has in younger players.

The defensive line will be crucial in taking pressure off the linebackers and secondary. With a strong pass rush, LSU can compensate for the loss of two starters by making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks and forcing them into mistakes. The development of the defensive line, with players like Maason Smith and Mekhi Wingo, will be essential in helping mitigate the loss of Perkins and Garner.

Next Steps for LSU Football

While the absences of Harold Perkins and Mekhi Garner during spring camp are unfortunate, the LSU Tigers are no strangers to adversity. The team’s depth and talent, combined with Brian Kelly’s leadership, will help the defense weather the storm.

This spring camp will serve as an opportunity for younger players to step up, and the competition for spots in the starting lineup will be fierce. Players will need to make the most of the opportunities they have, whether it’s in practice, in scrimmages, or during individual drills. Those who can take advantage of this situation could emerge as the new stars of LSU’s defense.

For the Tigers, the most important thing is maintaining the high level of competitiveness and keeping their defensive schemes evolving to stay ahead of the competition. With fall practices on the horizon and the 2025 season fast approaching, LSU’s defense will need to regroup quickly and work diligently to ensure that the team remains a strong contender in the SEC.