LSU football head coach Brian Kelly discusses the offensive line competition

LSU Football Head Coach Brian Kelly Discusses the Offensive Line Competition

In college football, the offensive line is the unsung hero, often overshadowed by the glitz and glamour of skill position players like quarterbacks and wide receivers. However, a team’s success is often determined by the performance of its offensive line, which serves as the foundation of any productive offense. For LSU football, the offensive line has long been a key area of focus, especially under head coach Brian Kelly, who is known for his attention to detail and commitment to developing a balanced and dominant offensive attack.

As LSU heads into the 2025 season, the offensive line remains one of the most critical aspects of the team’s overall success. With the departures of some key veterans and the arrival of new faces via the transfer portal and recruiting, Brian Kelly faces a unique challenge—identifying the right combination of talent, chemistry, and depth to form a cohesive and effective offensive line. In his recent discussions about the offensive line competition during spring camp, Kelly has emphasized the importance of building depth, creating competition, and finding the right players to protect quarterback Jayden Daniels while also paving the way for a dynamic rushing attack.

In this article, we will explore the offensive line competition for LSU football in 2025, focusing on Coach Brian Kelly’s approach, the key players involved, the challenges the team faces, and what fans can expect from one of the most pivotal units on the roster.

Brian Kelly’s Approach to Building the Offensive Line

One of the hallmarks of Brian Kelly’s coaching philosophy is his commitment to developing a well-rounded, fundamentally sound offensive line. At his previous stop at Notre Dame, Kelly helped shape some of the most dominant offensive lines in college football. Kelly believes that the offensive line is the cornerstone of a successful program, stating that “you can’t win championships without a dominant offensive line.” This philosophy is especially relevant in the SEC, where physicality and dominating the trenches are essential to securing victory week in and week out.

At LSU, Kelly has continued to build on this foundation, working closely with offensive line coach Brad Davis to ensure that the Tigers’ line is one of the most dominant units in the conference. The duo’s emphasis on technique, discipline, and physicality has already paid dividends, as LSU’s offensive line has become one of the most respected in the SEC.

However, as with any team, changes to the roster—whether through graduation, the NFL draft, or the transfer portal—require constant evaluation and adjustment. For Kelly, spring camp serves as the perfect opportunity to assess the depth and talent of his offensive line, establish competition for starting positions, and find the right combination of players that will give LSU the best chance to succeed in the 2025 season.

Key Areas of Focus for LSU’s Offensive Line Competition

As the Tigers work through spring camp, there are several key areas of focus for the offensive line competition. These areas are critical to ensuring that LSU can protect quarterback Jayden Daniels and create running lanes for the backfield. Brian Kelly has stressed that every position on the offensive line is open for competition, and that players must earn their starting spots.

1. Depth and Versatility

One of the main concerns for LSU heading into the 2025 season is building depth along the offensive line. While the Tigers have some talented returning players, the competition for playing time is fierce, and depth will be key. In previous seasons, injuries and rotations have sometimes hurt the offensive line’s cohesion, which can be detrimental, especially in the SEC where games are physically demanding.

To address this, Kelly has emphasized the need for players who are not only talented but also versatile enough to play multiple positions along the offensive line. LSU’s offensive line has a mix of players with varying levels of experience, and Kelly believes that players who can fill multiple roles will be critical to ensuring the line stays strong throughout the season.

2. Protecting Jayden Daniels

With the return of Jayden Daniels as the starting quarterback, protecting him in the pocket is a top priority. Daniels, who has shown the ability to make big plays both with his arm and his legs, will need solid protection to keep the offense running efficiently. While Daniels’ dual-threat ability allows him to escape pressure and make plays on the move, consistent protection from the offensive line will enable him to be even more dangerous in the passing game.

Coach Brian Kelly has been working with his offensive line to ensure that the unit can handle various pass-rushing schemes. LSU’s offensive line will face a series of elite pass rushers in the SEC, so it’s critical for the line to work in unison to keep Daniels clean in the pocket and give him the time he needs to read defenses and make plays.

3. Establishing a Dominant Run Game

While pass protection is crucial, LSU’s offensive line must also create running lanes for the Tigers’ backfield. In recent seasons, LSU has had a strong rushing attack, but as the team’s offense evolves, Kelly wants to take it to the next level. The running back committee, led by John Emery Jr. and Noah Cain, will need the offensive line to open up holes and establish a consistent ground game.

A powerful run game is essential to LSU’s overall success, as it keeps opposing defenses honest and opens up play-action opportunities for Daniels. Kelly has made it clear that he wants his offensive line to be aggressive and physical in the run game, especially when it comes to short-yardage situations and controlling the clock.

4. Communication and Chemistry

An often-overlooked aspect of the offensive line is the chemistry and communication between the players. The offensive line is the only position group on the field that must operate as a cohesive unit, with every member of the line working together to pick up blitzes, handle stunts, and make adjustments on the fly. Communication is key, and for LSU’s offensive line to succeed in 2025, the players must develop a deep understanding of each other’s tendencies, strengths, and weaknesses.

Coach Kelly has placed a significant emphasis on team chemistry, and during spring camp, he has been stressing the importance of players talking to each other on every play, making adjustments based on defensive alignments, and ensuring that everyone is on the same page. As the Tigers prepare for a tough SEC schedule, this communication will be tested week in and week out.

Key Players to Watch in the Offensive Line Competition

While LSU has several returning players who are expected to play pivotal roles on the offensive line in 2025, there are also new faces vying for starting spots. Here are some of the key players to watch as the competition unfolds:

1. Will Campbell (Tackle)

As a former five-star recruit, Will Campbell enters his sophomore season as one of LSU’s most talented offensive linemen. Campbell’s size, strength, and athleticism make him a key piece of the Tigers’ offensive line for the future. After starting as a true freshman, Campbell is expected to be a mainstay on the left side of the line. His progress throughout spring camp has been impressive, as he works to refine his technique and improve his overall consistency.

Campbell’s role as a starting tackle will be crucial for LSU’s success in 2025. His ability to protect Daniels’ blindside and open up running lanes for the backfield will make him a key player to watch throughout the season.

2. Garrett Dellinger (Guard)

Garrett Dellinger, who has played both tackle and guard during his time at LSU, is another key figure in the offensive line competition. Dellinger’s versatility and experience make him a prime candidate for a starting role at guard in 2025. As a physically gifted and technically sound player, Dellinger has the ability to excel in both pass protection and the run game. His leadership and experience will be invaluable as LSU looks to establish a dominant offensive line.

3. Charles Turner (Center)

The center position is another area where competition has been intense during spring camp. Charles Turner, who has been a reliable presence for LSU over the past few seasons, is competing for the starting role at center. Turner’s ability to lead the offensive line, make protection calls, and execute quick, accurate snaps will be critical in the Tigers’ offensive success. As LSU works through camp, Turner’s ability to master the mental aspects of the position will determine whether he earns the starting nod at center.

4. Transfers and New Faces

In addition to returning players, LSU has brought in several talented transfer players and freshmen who are competing for spots along the offensive line. Zalance Heard, a highly rated freshman offensive lineman, has already impressed coaches with his athleticism and physicality. Meanwhile, transfers such as Myles Frazier and Tyler Steen bring experience from other programs and add depth to the Tigers’ offensive line unit.

These new additions will provide much-needed competition and depth to the offensive line, making the overall unit stronger as they prepare for the challenges of the 2025 season.

Brian Kelly’s Leadership and Expectations

As the offensive line competition progresses, Brian Kelly has made it clear that only the best players will earn starting spots. LSU’s offensive line will be expected to play with physicality, intelligence, and consistency throughout the season. Kelly has created an environment where every player is pushed to maximize their potential, and the competition for starting spots is designed to bring out the best in each player.

Kelly’s leadership and attention to detail are setting the tone for what will be one of the most important seasons in LSU football history. The offensive line competition will continue throughout spring camp and into fall practice, with the Tigers’ coaching staff closely monitoring the development of every player.