As the LSU Tigers start into spring practice for the 2025 season, enthusiasm is building across Baton Rouge. After a turbulent season, there are plenty of outstanding questions that supporters are ready to see addressed on the field. With so many moving pieces and new talent coming in, the next spring practices are primed to influence the future of the LSU football program. Here are five hot questions that we have regarding the team coming into these key practices.
Who Will Be the Starting Quarterback?
Arguably the most pressing topic surrounding LSU football as they open spring camp is the identity of the starting quarterback. The Tigers witnessed some explosive play under Jayden Daniels last season, but as is the case with most elite schools, the competition never ends. With Daniels having declared for the NFL Draft, his absence leaves a big void that head coach Brian Kelly will need to address.
Garrett Nussmeier, who filled in for Daniels during important moments last season, will likely be the front-runner. But the presence of highly-touted prospects and transfers presents the likelihood of a violent competition under center. The 2025 class brings in some outstanding talent, including former 5-star recruit Walker Howard, who may have something to say about the starting slot. Will Nussmeier’s experience win out, or will someone younger emerge to take over the offense? Spring practice is likely to yield some early answers, but the struggle for QB supremacy will surely continue into the summer.
Can LSU’s Offensive Line Step Up?
The offensive line is a unit that has been relatively lackluster in previous years for LSU, particularly in the physicality category. While the Tigers’ offensive line showed promise at times, it was evident that they failed to protect the quarterback and create up running lanes regularly against superior SEC defenses.
Heading into 2025, it’s evident that offensive line play will be a big area of attention. Can LSU’s coaches get this squad to play at an exceptional level? The organization has made a drive to recruit and develop some top-tier linemen, with some big names coming in, but the important concern is whether they can immediately contribute or if the learning curve will be too high. Expect this spring to be a proving ground for the offensive line. Who will emerge as leaders? Can they protect the quarterback and let LSU’s offense truly click? The answers could have a big impact on the team’s success next season.
What Will the Running Back Room Look Like?
LSU’s running back room is stacked with potential, but with that talent comes the question of who will emerge as the lead back in 2025. The Tigers have multiple players pushing for playing time, each with their distinct skill set. John Emery Jr. has shown flashes of brilliance but hasn’t been able to put together a full season of dominance. Josh Williams has been solid as a backup but might he emerge as the feature back? And don’t forget about freshman sensation Trey Holley, who comes in with plenty of hype following a stellar high school career.
The success of LSU’s offensive next season will likely rest on the ability of the running back room to bring balance to the offense and take some of the load off the quarterback. Will LSU find a genuine workhorse back, or will it be a committee approach? Spring practices will give us our first insight at how Brian Kelly hopes to manage the running back situation. Expect a strong duel for touches, and depending on how things turn out, LSU might either lean on a single back or split the workload among several guys.
How Will LSU Address the Secondary?
Another area that needs major work is the secondary. While LSU has always been recognized for its elite defensive backs, the 2024 season revealed significant deficiencies in pass coverage, especially in the center of the field. The Tigers will need to replace several important contributors from the secondary, including All-American cornerback Makai Garner and safety Greg Brooks Jr.
Fortunately for LSU, the team has several talented new players and transfers who could step in and fill these openings. The question is: who will emerge as the main players in the secondary, and can they gel quickly enough to make a formidable unit? Spring practice will provide an opportunity for new faces to shine, but it will also be crucial for the veterans to set the tone. Will LSU return to its defensive back dominance, or will there be growing pains in the secondary?
How Will the Defensive Line Respond?
LSU’s defense is known for its relentless pass rush, and that all starts with the defensive line. Last season, LSU’s front four showed flashes of brilliance but failed at times to consistently apply pressure. The departure of prominent players like Ali Gaye and Jaquelin Roy causes some question regarding who will step up as the leaders of the defensive line.
Players like Maason Smith, who has been a highly anticipated prospect since his arrival in Baton Rouge, will need to prove that he can stay healthy and dominate as expected. Other guys, such as Quincy Wiggins and Mekhi Wingo, will also be essential to LSU’s success in the trenches. How will the defensive line perform throughout spring practice? Will they be able to produce consistent pressure on the quarterback? This unit will need to establish that they can be a force again in 2025, and all eyes will be on them as they begin their spring training.
Looking Ahead: A Promising Yet Uncertain Future
As LSU heads into spring practice, it’s evident that 2025 is a season filled of potential and unpredictability. With crucial positions up for grabs and several talented players eager to prove themselves, this spring will be a pivotal moment for the Tigers. From the quarterback rivalry to the growth of the offensive line, running back depth, and defensive playmakers, there are endless themes to monitor.
For LSU supporters, this is a season of optimism and anticipation. Can the Tigers continue on the momentum of a great 2024 season and carry their program to new heights? Only time will tell, but the answers to these five burning issues will go a long way toward defining LSU’s road to success in 2025. Get ready for a thrilling spring – the future of LSU football is on the line.
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