**LSU Tigers 2024 Season Preview: Can Defensive Improvements Propel the Tigers to New Heights?**
**BRYAN, Texas (KBTX)** – As the LSU Tigers gear up for the 2024 season, the spotlight is firmly on their defense. Last year, the Tigers boasted the nation’s top offense, leading in both scoring and yards, but their defense was a different story. To achieve their championship aspirations this season, significant strides on defense will be crucial. Here’s a detailed preview of the LSU Tigers for the upcoming season:
**COACH — Brian Kelly:**
Brian Kelly, who has guided LSU to a 20-7 record over two seasons, brings a wealth of experience with a career record of 304-104-2. Known for his strategic acumen and leadership, Kelly will need to focus on shoring up the defense to complement his explosive offense.
**2023 SEASON RECAP:**
The Tigers finished the 2023 season with a 10-3 record, including a 6-2 mark in the SEC, tying for second in the Western Division. They capped off their season with a victory in the Reliaquest Bowl against Wisconsin, showcasing their offensive prowess but leaving questions about their defensive capabilities.
**RETURNING STARTERS — 13:**
– **Offense:** QB Grant Nussmeier, WR Kyren Lacy, TE Mason Taylor, OT Will Campbell
– **Defense:** LB Harold Perkins Jr., LB Greg Penn III, S Major Burns
– **Special Teams:** 1 key returner
**TOP PLAYERS TO WATCH:**
– **QB Grant Nussmeier:** Stepping into the role vacated by 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, Nussmeier’s performance will be critical. His ability to lead and execute will be a key factor in maintaining the offensive firepower.
– **WR Kyren Lacy:** A dynamic receiving threat, Lacy will look to build on last season’s success and provide Nussmeier with a reliable target.
– **TE Mason Taylor:** Taylor’s versatility and playmaking ability make him a valuable asset in both the passing game and as a blocker.
– **OT Will Campbell:** As a cornerstone of the offensive line, Campbell’s protection will be crucial for Nussmeier’s development.
– **LB Harold Perkins Jr.:** One of the most promising linebackers in the nation, Perkins Jr. will need to anchor the defense and lead by example.
– **LB Greg Penn III & S Major Burns:** Both will be vital in strengthening the defensive unit and improving the Tigers’ performance against the pass.
**KEY LOSSES:**
– **QB Jayden Daniels:** The departure of the Heisman winner leaves a significant void. Nussmeier will need to step up to fill the shoes of a player who was central to the Tigers’ offensive success.
– **WR Malik Nabers:** Nabers’ absence will put additional pressure on Lacy and other receivers to step up their game.
– **C Charles Turner:** Losing Turner impacts the offensive line’s continuity and cohesion.
– **DT Maason Smith & DT Jordan Jefferson:** The departure of these key defensive linemen leaves a gap in the defensive front that must be addressed.
– **LB Omar Speights & FS Andre Sam:** These losses impact both the linebacking corps and the secondary, highlighting the need for emerging players to rise to the occasion.
**SEASON OUTLOOK:**
The Tigers’ high-octane offense, which led the nation in scoring and yardage last season, remains a formidable strength. However, the defense, which finished 105th nationally in total yards allowed and struggled particularly in pass defense, will be under the microscope. The return of Harold Perkins Jr. provides a much-needed boost, but the team must develop greater consistency and effectiveness across the board.
With Grant Nussmeier taking over at quarterback, LSU’s offense will look to maintain its explosive edge while the defense works to close gaps and improve its performance. The combination of an elite offense and a rejuvenated defense could make the Tigers a formidable force in the SEC and beyond.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on whether LSU can balance its high-powered offense with a defense that steps up to meet the challenge. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if the Tigers can rise to the occasion and make a serious run at the championship.
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**”WOW: LSU Tigers Roll Out…………. the Red Carpet for No. 1 Prospect Jahkeem Stewart – Local Star’s Visit Sparks Major Buzz!”**…
Down the road from Brian Kelly and the LSU football staff, the program is intensifying its pursuit of Jahkeem Stewart, who is the No. 1 overall recruit in the 2026 Recruiting Class.
The highly sought-after defensive lineman attends St. Augustine High School in New Orleans, Louisiana, where the Bayou Bengals have made some inroads over the years.
Several LSU greats, including Tyrann Mathieu and Leonard Fournette, attended the outstanding Catholic League high school.
Jahkeem Stewart, a highly sought-after talent out of St. Augustine, is the next big recruit that LSU has their sights set on.
Stewart, the nation’s top overall player, is a physical marvel of a defensive lineman whose ceiling has coaches all over the country drooling.
LSU defensive lineman Bo Davis has a lot of programs in his ear, but the Tigers have also made sure to participate.
Stewart visited Baton Rouge for LSU’s annual Bayou Splash recruiting event on Friday, but it was an unofficial visit.
After the encounter, which gave him the chance to speak with LSU head coach Brian Kelly one-on-one, Stewart shared an update on social media:
Jahkeem Stewart, a 2026 LSU football prospect, and Brian Kelly during Stewart’s unofficial visit to Baton Rouge on July 26, 2024.
On July 26, 2024, Jahkeem Stewart, a 2026 LSU football prospect, visited Baton Rouge informally with Brian Kelly.
The best prospects in America accompanied Stewart, with a strong representation from both the 2025 and 2026 classes.
He has witnessed both USC and Ohio State ratchet up the fire for the program-changing possibility, but LSU is making sure to work their magic in this one as they stay in close communication.
For Stewart, the offseason has been eye-opening as his recruiting picks up and multiple teams try to stand out from the competition.
With his athletic attributes and stature, the 6-foot-5, 270-pound sophomore has captured the attention of people across the country as he gets ready for his junior year with the Purple Knights.
Recruiting specialists and analysts believe there is a potential he reclassifies into the 2025 cycle since he plays and looks older than he is.
Given that Stewart has hinted at the possibility of leaving high school a year early and that LSU lacks defensive line depth going forward, their pursuit of Stewart is all the more crucial.
He is at the top of LSU’s recruitment board in the 2026 cycle, whether he reclassifies or not, as Davis and Co. start to get along well.
He traveled to Baton Rouge to check in with the program, and now he has another unofficial visit to LSU in the rearview mirror.
Following Stewart’s meeting with Kelly and his conversation with Frank Wilson, the LSU recruiting guru, the Tigers were able to gain valuable insight into the prospects who were both committed to the program and guys they were keeping an eye on.
In order to capitalize on the generational talent coming out of The Boot, the Bayou Bengals will continue to drive hard.
Additional LSU News: Five-Star Cornerback DJ Pickett, the top cornerback in America, commits to LSU football
Cooper Williams, a Texas A&M commit, and prized pitcher LSU baseball flips
SEC Media Days Notebook: LSU Eyeing 2024 Growth Under Brian Kelly’s Direction
Become a Part of the Community:
For all program-related news, follow Zack Nagy on Twitter at @znagy20 and the LSU Tigers on SI at @LSUTigersSI.
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BRAKING NEWS: Former LSU receiver discusses opportunity with New Orleans Saints…….
Former LSU wide receiver talks about a potential deal with the New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints, an NFL franchise based in his home state, sent an invitation to former LSU wide receiver and current free agent Russell Gage.
Gage and four other players attended mini-camp tryouts organized by the Saints. Among the group was Cameron Wire, a former left tackle for Tulane and LSU.
After sustaining a torn patellar tendon during the Bucs’ 2023 training camp, Gage is attempting to heal. He ultimately had to serve the full season on injured reserve.
Gage played with the Falcons and Bucs for six seasons in all, missing one in 2023. He showed himself to be a dependable member of the receiving corps and special teams during that period.
Gage caught 72 catches for 786 yards and four touchdowns in 2020 while playing for the Falcons. He had 770 total yards and an average of 11.7 yards per reception the next season.
344 receptions, 2,491 yards, and 14 touchdowns are his career totals. Gage is attempting to show that there is still life in the tank. New Orleans would be his third NFC South trip, if that is what the Saints think.
Gage attended LSU from 2014 until 2018. During his tenure with the Tigers, he carried the ball 28 times for 232 yards and a score and caught 26 receptions for 347 yards and four touchdowns.
While such stats don’t usually translate into an NFL opportunity, they do not provide a whole picture of Gage’s LSU career. After Ed Orgeron took over in the midst of the 2016 season, the run-heavy scheme did not offer him much of a chance. He was a receiver.
To stay up to date on our continuing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and thoughts, like our page on Facebook and get in touch with us at @LSUTigersWire on Twitter.
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How LSU’s schedule gives the Tigers a strong chance to make College Football Playoff……
How a favorable schedule for LSU makes the Tigers a serious contender for the College Football Playoffs
In order to get back to the College Football Playoff, LSU hired Brian Kelly. LSU will want to accomplish a little more than merely qualify for the tournament now that it is up to 12 teams. But that’s only the initial step.
Following 2023, LSU suffered significant losses. There aren’t many teams in the postseason debate that lost a Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback, two first-round receivers, two top rushers, and two draft selections on the interior defensive line. Reloading, not rebuilding, is the expectation, though, since this is LSU.
With QB Garrett Nussmeier well-protected by a formidable offensive line, the Tigers are optimistic about their attack. Although there is still a problem with depth at some areas, defense may also advance.
The favorable tidings? The Tigers’ schedule at LSU is favorable to success. This year, LSU might have home-court advantage in every game, offering the Tigers a chance to finish 10-2 or higher.
Only two teams have the same number of victories as LSU. Ole Miss and Alabama are the teams in question, but Tiger Stadium will host both contests, with LSU emerging as the slight favorite.
One may contend that Texas A&M and Oklahoma provide the greatest threat to LSU after that. Even though LSU appears to be the superior team, the fact that A&M is playing on the road could be enough to give them a slight favorite. Nevertheless, with a first-year head coach leading the Aggies, you never know what to expect.
In Death Valley, LSU defeats Oklahoma to end the regular season. Given their demanding schedule, the Sooners could already be out of the running. What’s important to remember is that none of those games are merely winnable.
Avoiding the season-opening disappointment that has dogged the Tigers since 2019 may be crucial for LSU. LSU is 0-4 in its previous four openers, despite being the favorite in each of those games. Ed Orgeron oversaw two of those, but Kelly has had trouble in the same area.
Although stopping Lincoln Riley’s offense could be difficult and LSU’s defense won’t have all of its issues resolved by week one, LSU is currently a touchdown favorite.
Although I don’t think LSU will win 12 games, it’s difficult to see LSU far from a postseason berth if the Tigers can win 4-1 against USC, Ole Miss, Alabama, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma.
Even a 3-2 record versus those opponents offers LSU hope. However, a score of 4-1 is preferable since it leaves opportunity for mistake in other areas.
The layout of this schedule should please Tiger supporters. It is on the easier side of SEC schedules. You can’t ask for much more than playing your hardest games at home, so missing Georgia and Texas is a positive.
To stay up to date on our continuing coverage of Louisiana State news, notes, and thoughts, like our page on Facebook and get in touch with
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