The 2025 schedule for LSU football will be more difficult due to Jadyn Ott’s transfer to Oklahoma.

As the 2025 season approaches, the LSU Tigers are preparing for what promises to be one of the most difficult schedules in recent years. Not only will the team face fierce competition from within the Southeastern Conference (SEC), but the challenges ahead have been further compounded by one of the most significant offseason transfers in college football: Jadyn Ott’s transfer from LSU to Oklahoma. Ott, a standout running back for LSU who showed immense potential in his first few seasons with the Tigers, has made the move to the Big 12, transferring to the Oklahoma Sooners. This transfer has shifted the landscape of college football, with both LSU’s offense and the broader college football scene poised to feel the ramifications.

The impact of Ott’s departure is not only felt on the field, where he was expected to play a central role in LSU’s offensive game plan, but it also sends a ripple through LSU’s scheduling and strategic planning for the 2025 season. The Tigers will now have to adjust their approach to a grueling SEC schedule, facing not only the typical powerhouse teams within the conference but also dealing with the fallout of losing a top-tier offensive weapon like Ott. As they look ahead, Coach Brian Kelly and the LSU football program are bracing for a season that will demand resilience, creativity, and relentless effort to compete at the highest level.

Jadyn Ott: A Game-Changer for LSU’s Offense

Before discussing the impact of Ott’s transfer to Oklahoma on LSU’s schedule, it’s essential to understand just how important a player he was to LSU’s offense. Jadyn Ott quickly became a standout in the LSU backfield after joining the Tigers. With a unique combination of power, speed, and agility, Ott immediately made an impact during his freshman season, showcasing his ability to break through defensive lines and make explosive plays in crucial moments. By his sophomore year, Ott was widely considered one of the most dynamic running backs in college football.

In 2024, Ott was expected to play an even more prominent role in LSU’s offensive scheme. Under head coach Brian Kelly’s offense, LSU’s rushing attack was projected to be a cornerstone of the team’s strategy, with Ott as the feature back. His vision on the field, ability to read defenses, and explosive burst made him a key threat in LSU’s backfield, and his presence would have allowed LSU’s quarterbacks to lean on the run game to control the tempo and wear down opposing defenses.

Ott was more than just a running back; he was a multifaceted weapon capable of catching passes out of the backfield and contributing in various facets of the offense. His departure leaves a void in LSU’s offensive plans, one that will undoubtedly make the 2025 schedule more difficult to navigate.

Oklahoma’s Gain: How Ott’s Transfer Impacts LSU’s Opponents

While LSU is reeling from the loss of one of its most promising players, Oklahoma is undoubtedly feeling the opposite. The Sooners are getting a running back who could potentially elevate their already potent offense. In 2025, Oklahoma will be a team to watch, and Ott’s addition gives them a legitimate playmaker who can impact games from day one. As the Sooners look to compete for a Big 12 title and possibly a College Football Playoff berth, Ott’s skills will undoubtedly be a major part of their plans.

For LSU, however, the move creates a challenging dynamic. The Tigers were originally scheduled to face Oklahoma in a high-profile non-conference matchup in 2025, marking one of the marquee games on their schedule. With Ott now wearing the crimson and cream of Oklahoma, that game has taken on an entirely new significance. The matchup, once expected to be a tough but manageable contest for LSU, now features an additional layer of complexity. Ott’s ability to dominate on the ground means that LSU’s defense will have to be at its best to contain him, and the Tigers will need to adjust their defensive strategies to account for his skill set.

Additionally, the fact that Oklahoma will be fielding a potent running back in Ott means that LSU will have to be on high alert when facing other teams with similarly talented rushing attacks. The SEC is known for its dominant running backs, and with Ott now in the Big 12, LSU’s preparation for these opponents becomes more critical than ever. Not only will the Tigers face the usual suspects in the SEC like Alabama, Georgia, and Texas A&M, but the loss of Ott may affect their ability to execute a balanced defensive game plan against opponents with dangerous ground games.

The SEC Gauntlet: More Pressure on LSU’s Defense

The Southeastern Conference, widely regarded as the most competitive and physically demanding conference in college football, is a challenge in and of itself. LSU’s 2025 schedule was always going to feature some of the toughest matchups in the nation, with rivalries and high-stakes games on the horizon. Now, without the dynamic presence of Ott in the backfield, the Tigers will need to lean on their defense even more heavily to keep pace in what will undoubtedly be a more difficult season.

Teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Florida are all well-known for their strong offensive lines and powerful running games. LSU’s defense will need to step up in ways it hasn’t had to in recent seasons, as the pressure on the Tigers’ defensive front and linebackers increases. While LSU’s defense has been a solid unit under Matt House in recent years, the 2025 season will present a different kind of challenge. Ott’s absence means that LSU will have less of a security blanket on offense, and the defense will need to deliver more frequently, especially in crucial conference games.

The absence of a star running back like Ott makes LSU’s offensive approach even more dependent on the passing game. LSU will have to rely heavily on quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and his wide receivers to produce offensive firepower against some of the top defensive units in the country. This means that LSU’s offense, while still potent, will need to be more dynamic than ever before to counterbalance the challenges they will face on the defensive side of the ball.

LSU’s Adjusted Offensive Strategy

Without Ott, LSU will need to adjust its offensive philosophy. The Tigers will likely have to become more pass-heavy, relying on Nussmeier’s arm and the skill of players like Malik Nabers and Flau’Jae Johnson to carry the offense through the air. Nussmeier, who is entering what is expected to be a breakout year, will need to develop chemistry with his receivers and make quick decisions under pressure. This change in strategy will put more emphasis on LSU’s ability to execute in the passing game and adapt to what defenses throw at them.

Additionally, LSU may need to lean more on their depth at the running back position. With Josh Williams, John Emery Jr., and other backs available, LSU has the talent to maintain a strong ground game, but the question is whether they can match Ott’s explosiveness. Coach Brian Kelly will have to find creative ways to utilize his running backs in a way that compensates for the loss of Ott’s big-play potential, especially in high-stakes conference matchups.

The Impact of Scheduling: Oklahoma’s Transfer Influence

The 2025 season’s scheduling was already a tough test for LSU, but the addition of Oklahoma’s potent offense, with Jadyn Ott in the backfield, intensifies the challenge. LSU’s non-conference schedule, which includes key matchups like Oklahoma, was meant to prepare the Tigers for the grind of SEC play. However, now that the Sooners boast an even stronger lineup, this early-season game will be pivotal for LSU’s hopes of securing a playoff berth and setting the tone for the rest of the year.

Adding to the pressure, LSU’s in-conference matchups against the likes of Alabama, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, and Georgia are all looming large. These teams, known for their robust offensive and defensive schemes, will look to take advantage of any weaknesses LSU might show, especially if the Tigers’ offensive production dips without Ott’s ability to control the tempo of the game.

Looking Ahead: LSU’s Path to Success

The path ahead for LSU in 2025 is certainly challenging, but Coach Brian Kelly and his staff are focused on adapting to the challenges they face. The Tigers will need to find new ways to generate offensive production, particularly in the absence of Ott’s impact. However, with a solid recruiting class, a talented returning core, and a coaching staff dedicated to building a resilient program, LSU remains a force to be reckoned with in college football.

The 2025 schedule is a test of LSU’s depth, strategy, and ability to overcome adversity. While the loss of Ott presents an added layer of difficulty, LSU’s determination to remain competitive in one of the toughest football conferences in the country will be a driving force for the Tigers.