Would LSU football bring back John Emery for another year? Here’s what Brian Kelly said.

As the LSU Tigers head into another exciting offseason, one question looms large over their 2025 football season: Will John Emery, the talented but enigmatic running back, return for another year in Baton Rouge? Emery’s future has been a topic of much speculation since he first arrived at LSU as a highly-rated recruit. After serving as a significant contributor to the team’s offense, his career has been marked by both flashes of brilliance and frustrations with injuries and eligibility issues.

With LSU’s head coach Brian Kelly taking charge of the Tigers’ football program, there has been a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the team, but questions remain about the future of some key players—especially Emery, who could play a pivotal role in LSU’s 2025 campaign. In this article, we will delve into the history of John Emery’s time at LSU, the factors that could influence his decision to return for another year, and what Brian Kelly had to say regarding Emery’s potential return.

The Career of John Emery at LSU

John Emery’s journey to LSU was highly anticipated. Coming out of high school in Louisiana, Emery was ranked as one of the top running back prospects in the nation. He enrolled at LSU in 2019 and was expected to make an immediate impact in Baton Rouge. In his freshman season, Emery showed flashes of the explosive ability that had earned him national attention, but he was behind other talented backs in LSU’s deep running back room, including Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who was a key contributor during the Tigers’ national championship run in 2019.

Emery’s role increased in his sophomore season, especially after Edwards-Helaire left for the NFL. However, like many players during that time, Emery’s development was affected by a number of factors, including COVID-19 disruptions, inconsistent play, and the struggles of LSU’s offense as a whole. Despite these challenges, Emery showcased his potential in flashes, particularly as a dynamic playmaker in the open field.

However, his career was marred by eligibility issues and suspensions, most notably in 2021, when he was forced to miss significant portions of the season due to academic issues. These setbacks, coupled with some injury struggles, kept Emery from reaching the heights many expected him to attain when he first arrived at LSU.

The 2022 and 2023 seasons provided new opportunities for Emery to reset and demonstrate his value as a top-tier college running back. The emergence of other talented backs on LSU’s roster, such as Noah Cain and Josh Williams, created competition, but Emery was able to carve out a role in the offense. He continued to show flashes of the brilliance that made him a highly sought-after recruit, but there were moments when his performance seemed inconsistent, as he battled with confidence issues, injury setbacks, and a depth chart that became increasingly competitive.

As LSU enters the 2025 season, the question remains whether Emery, who still has the talent to be a high-impact player, will return for another year in Baton Rouge or choose to pursue his future in the NFL.

Brian Kelly’s Approach to John Emery’s Situation

When Brian Kelly took over as head coach of LSU in 2022, he inherited a roster with a mix of talented but underperforming players, as well as those facing eligibility challenges. One of the key players on Kelly’s radar was John Emery. In interviews and press conferences, Kelly has made it clear that he values Emery’s talent but has also been careful to address the challenges the running back has faced throughout his career.

In his first season at LSU, Kelly was tasked with navigating the intricacies of building a new culture while managing players who had seen significant turnover in terms of coaching staff and program direction. When asked about Emery in a recent press conference, Kelly expressed confidence in Emery’s abilities but acknowledged that the decision of whether to return for another year was ultimately Emery’s to make.

“We’ve had a lot of conversations with John,” Kelly said during a recent interview. “He’s a talented young man, and his potential is something that has never been in question. But like many players, John has faced challenges that have set him back, and we’ve worked with him to make sure he’s in the best position to succeed, whether that’s at LSU or beyond. We’re focused on making sure that if he decides to come back, it’s in the best interest of his development as a player and a person.”

Kelly’s statement reveals several important aspects of how LSU’s coaching staff is approaching Emery’s situation. First, it highlights the fact that while LSU recognizes Emery’s undeniable talent, there is still work to be done to help him realize his full potential. Kelly’s transparency about Emery’s challenges—particularly around the academic and eligibility issues—demonstrates his commitment to the holistic development of players, not just their on-field performance.

Furthermore, Kelly’s emphasis on letting Emery make the decision for himself speaks to the player-centric culture Kelly has worked to foster at LSU. By empowering players like Emery to take ownership of their future, Kelly is demonstrating his belief in the importance of players taking charge of their destiny, whether it involves returning to LSU for another season or moving on to the next chapter in their careers.

The Case for John Emery Returning for Another Season

While there is no shortage of talent on LSU’s roster, bringing back John Emery for another year could prove to be an extremely beneficial move for both the Tigers and the player. Despite his ups and downs, Emery possesses rare talent that can be a game-changer for LSU’s offense. His combination of size, speed, and agility makes him a dangerous weapon in both the run and pass game, and his explosiveness could serve as a valuable asset in an offense looking to make a playoff push.

One key reason for Emery’s potential return is the opportunity for development under Brian Kelly and LSU’s offensive staff. LSU has consistently produced elite running backs who have gone on to successful NFL careers, including Leonard Fournette, Derrius Guice, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. Under Kelly’s tutelage, Emery would have the chance to continue his development and refine his skills in an offense that is more structured and balanced.

Furthermore, with the 2025 NFL Draft looming, returning for another year at LSU would give Emery the opportunity to showcase his skills in a more stable and successful environment. While his previous years at LSU have been marked by inconsistency, a strong 2025 season could elevate Emery’s stock and make him a more attractive prospect for NFL scouts. A productive season could also give Emery the confidence boost he needs to enter the draft on a high note, improving his chances of being selected in a strong position.

Additionally, LSU’s offense, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, has the potential to be one of the most dynamic in the SEC. With a proven quarterback at the helm, Emery could benefit from the improved passing game, which would take some of the pressure off the running backs and create more opportunities for explosive plays. The synergy between an established quarterback and a strong running back unit could lead to a more balanced and potent offense for the Tigers.

The Case Against Returning: NFL Opportunities and Competition at LSU

While there are compelling reasons for John Emery to return to LSU for another season, there are also factors that could push him toward declaring for the NFL Draft.

For one, Emery’s time at LSU has been a rollercoaster, with eligibility concerns and inconsistent play limiting his full potential. He may feel that his best opportunity for growth lies in the NFL, where he can join a professional team and receive more specialized training and development. For Emery, there may be an opportunity to prove himself at the next level, and bypassing another college season might be a way to fast-track his career.

Additionally, LSU’s running back room is deep and competitive. With players like Noah Cain, Josh Williams, and emerging stars, Emery might face even stiffer competition for playing time in 2025. Given the depth of talent in LSU’s backfield, Emery could find himself splitting carries or losing his spot as the primary running back, which could hurt his NFL draft prospects.

Another factor to consider is the risk of injury. Although Emery has shown flashes of greatness, his career has been riddled with injuries. The physical demands of another college season, coupled with the risk of further injury, might make Emery decide that the safer option is to declare for the draft and avoid the possibility of a career-altering setback.

What’s Next for John Emery?

As the offseason progresses and the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, John Emery’s decision will become clearer. His future at LSU is still uncertain, but one thing is certain: his talent is undeniable. Whether he chooses to return to Baton Rouge or declare for the NFL, the next few months will be critical in shaping his career path.

Brian Kelly’s comments reveal that LSU is focused on making sure Emery’s future is in his own hands, offering support and guidance regardless of what direction he decides to go. For LSU fans, the hope is that Emery returns for one final season, allowing him to maximize his potential and contribute to a team that has the pieces to contend for a national championship.

Regardless of what Emery decides, LSU will continue to recruit elite talent at the running back position, and the future of the Tigers’ offense looks bright. Whether it’s with Emery or another player leading the charge, LSU football is poised for another exciting season ahead.