The Needy Positions: LSU Football, Brian Kelly Seeking to Fill Important Roles

As LSU football looks to continue its journey under head coach Brian Kelly, the program finds itself at a crucial juncture in its evolution. Kelly, in just a short time with the Tigers, has already left his imprint on the team, from recruiting to building a balanced and competitive roster. However, the 2025 season promises new challenges, and LSU’s success will ultimately depend on how well the program fills several key positions that are currently in need of leadership and talent.

In college football, every position is important, but some are more critical for building championship-caliber teams. For LSU, the positions in need of immediate attention are critical to both the offensive and defensive units, potentially altering the Tigers’ trajectory for the season. From developing depth at wide receiver to securing the defensive line, there are specific spots that must be solidified if LSU is to contend for another SEC title and a spot in the College Football Playoff.

This article explores the positions that LSU football must prioritize in its recruiting, player development, and roster management to meet the high expectations set by both fans and the program itself. We will analyze the role of head coach Brian Kelly in addressing these gaps, how the Tigers might approach these needs, and the key players who could be essential to LSU’s 2025 success.

1. Wide Receiver: A Critical Need for LSU’s Offense

When Brian Kelly took over the LSU football program in 2022, one of the immediate tasks was to establish a high-octane offense that could compete with the SEC’s best. While LSU has plenty of talent across the offensive spectrum, wide receiver remains one of the most pressing needs heading into 2025.

LSU has traditionally been known for its ability to produce elite wide receivers—think of stars like Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Terrace Marshall Jr., all of whom made major contributions to the offense during their time in Baton Rouge. But in recent years, the wide receiver position has seen a drop-off in consistent production, with LSU struggling to find a true No. 1 receiver after the departure of some of its star players.

Heading into 2025, LSU needs a legitimate playmaker at wide receiver, a player who can create separation, make tough catches, and provide a vertical threat to open up the offense. The Tigers do have talent at wideout, with players like Malik Nabers and Kyren Lacy, but they need additional depth and someone who can step up as a dominant force. This is where Brian Kelly and his staff must focus their efforts—recruiting, player development, and finding the right mix of skill sets.

LSU’s offensive coordinator, Mike Denbrock, has a proven track record of developing strong passing attacks, but the Tigers need another reliable pass catcher. Whether through recruitment or developing the talent they already have, LSU needs a standout wide receiver to pair with a potentially explosive quarterback in Jayden Daniels, who excels at extending plays and making deep throws.

The wide receiver position is critical for LSU to remain competitive in the high-powered offenses of the SEC, and Brian Kelly must prioritize it by recruiting top-tier talent and maximizing the potential of the current roster.

2. Offensive Line: Protecting the Quarterback and Establishing the Run Game

The offensive line is the backbone of any successful football program. For LSU, a team that prides itself on physicality and running the football, this position has always been one of great importance. In 2025, offensive line is another area where Brian Kelly needs to address critical holes and develop strong cohesion to ensure that LSU’s offense runs smoothly.

During the 2024 season, LSU had flashes of brilliance on the offensive line, but also moments of inconsistency. With the departure of several key players, the offensive line will need to reload and improve its depth. Protecting Jayden Daniels, who can extend plays with his legs but needs solid protection to operate effectively in the pocket, is paramount. The offensive line also plays a crucial role in establishing the running game, which will help LSU control the clock and keep the defense off balance.

Brad Davis, LSU’s offensive line coach, will play a crucial role in shaping the unit’s success. Under Davis, the offensive line has shown flashes of potential, but he will need to recruit well to add depth and talent to the group. LSU’s success in 2025 will depend heavily on the development of key players, including tackles, guards, and centers, who can protect Daniels, block for running backs, and win the battle in the trenches.

With several young and talented players waiting in the wings, LSU’s offensive line must become a well-oiled machine. The ability to run the football effectively and provide Daniels with adequate protection in the pocket is crucial if LSU is to achieve its goals of winning the SEC and competing for a national championship.

3. Defensive Line: Dominating the Line of Scrimmage

The SEC is known for its high-powered offenses, but one thing is clear: no championship contender can succeed without a dominant defensive line. LSU, under Brian Kelly, has consistently put together one of the most physically imposing defensive lines in college football, but there are still key roles to be filled heading into 2025.

The Tigers lost some key players along the defensive front, and while they have experienced veterans in the trenches, there is a clear need for young talent to step up and contribute immediately. LSU will need to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks, stuff the run, and create havoc in the backfield. The SEC, with its array of talented quarterbacks and dynamic offenses, will require LSU to be aggressive and disruptive.

Defensive line coach Jamar Cain has done a tremendous job in recruiting and developing players in recent years, and his ability to bring in top-tier defensive linemen will be a huge factor in LSU’s success. The defensive line must be deep, with multiple players capable of rotating in and out to maintain fresh legs throughout the season. Players like Mason Smith and Jaquelin Roy will be integral to LSU’s defensive efforts, but the depth behind them must be solidified for the Tigers to consistently put pressure on opposing offenses.

The defensive line must be stout in run defense while also generating consistent pressure on the quarterback. If LSU can establish dominance in the trenches, it will greatly improve its chances of being a top contender in both the SEC and nationally.

4. Linebacker: Leadership in the Middle of the Defense

In any defense, the linebacker corps is the heart and soul, and LSU’s defense in 2025 will rely heavily on its linebackers for leadership, tackling, and coverage. The Tigers have shown flashes of greatness from their linebacking unit but need more consistency and leadership from this group. The departure of key contributors means that the Tigers will need to find new stars at this position.

One of the most significant challenges for Brian Kelly and LSU’s defensive staff is finding a linebacker who can be a leader in the middle of the field, directing the defense and making key plays in both the running and passing games. The linebackers need to be versatile enough to play in coverage, handle sideline-to-sideline responsibilities, and provide support in run defense.

Matt House, LSU’s defensive coordinator, will need to develop young talent and ensure the linebackers are disciplined and dynamic. Players like Greg Penn III, Owen Poppo, and others must step into more significant roles in 2025. The linebacker group is pivotal for LSU to shut down opposing offenses, particularly in critical SEC matchups where stopping the run and being able to cover the pass will decide the outcome of many games.

5. Quarterback: Jayden Daniels and the Search for Depth

While Jayden Daniels had an impressive first season with LSU in 2022 and showed significant growth in 2023, the Tigers will need continued development from their quarterback position in 2025. Daniels’ dual-threat ability makes him a major weapon, but ensuring that he remains healthy and continues to progress as a passer is crucial for LSU’s success.

Behind Daniels, LSU needs to build depth in the quarterback room. Nussmeier and others will need to be ready to step in should injury or other factors impact Daniels’ ability to play. Brian Kelly must continue to build a stable quarterback room with competent backups while allowing Daniels to continue growing as the centerpiece of the offense.