LSU defensive lineman Dominick McKinley has been the subject of glowing reports throughout the entire offseason, and those around the program have made it clear that his progress has been nothing short of remarkable. As fall camp intensifies and the 2025 season draws closer, the praise reached a new level when head coach Brian Kelly offered an amusing yet telling anecdote during his latest press conference. Kelly, addressing questions about the strength and conditioning gains made by players during the offseason, singled out McKinley in particular. With a chuckle, he explained that McKinley’s growth in the weight room has been so substantial that the program quite literally “ran out of weights” for him. While said partly in jest, the comment underscores the immense strides McKinley has made since joining the team, and it paints a vivid picture of the type of player LSU is counting on to be a dominant force in the trenches this fall.
McKinley, who arrived with considerable recruiting hype, has embraced the demands of SEC football from the moment he stepped on campus. His combination of size, athleticism, and relentless work ethic has made him a natural fit for LSU’s defensive front, but the past several months have seen him evolve from a promising young lineman into one of the team’s most physically imposing players. According to those within the program, his commitment to the offseason strength program has been relentless. Day after day, he attacked workouts with the kind of intensity that makes coaches and teammates take notice. By the time summer workouts wrapped up, McKinley’s gains were measurable not only in added muscle mass but in explosiveness, conditioning, and overall physical readiness.
Kelly’s remark about running out of weights might sound like a lighthearted exaggeration, but it’s rooted in a real truth about McKinley’s dedication. Strength coaches often talk about “maxing out” a player’s potential in the weight room, and McKinley seems to be doing exactly that—pushing the limits to the point where traditional benchmarks no longer apply. This isn’t just about lifting heavier numbers; it’s about translating that strength into game-changing production on Saturdays. For LSU, a defensive line anchored by a physically dominant presence like McKinley could be the difference in controlling the line of scrimmage against some of the SEC’s most potent offenses.
Teammates have noticed the transformation as well. Veteran players have spoken about how McKinley now moves blockers with ease during drills, his hands striking with more force, his base holding firm even against double teams. His explosiveness off the snap has improved to the point where he’s regularly disrupting plays before they have a chance to develop. This blend of raw power and improved technique makes him a nightmare for opposing offensive lines, and it’s why the coaching staff has been so effusive in their praise.
Beyond his physical gifts, McKinley’s mentality has also stood out. Kelly emphasized that his work ethic sets an example for the rest of the roster, noting that younger players have started to model their approach after him. In a program where competition is fierce and the margin for error is razor thin, having leaders—whether vocal or by example—can be a critical component of success. McKinley may not be the loudest voice in the locker room, but his actions speak volumes, and that carries weight in a culture that values accountability and relentless effort.
The defensive line is often the unsung hero of a football team, especially in the SEC where battles in the trenches decide games. While quarterbacks and wide receivers may grab headlines, the ability to control the point of attack remains paramount, and McKinley’s development puts LSU in an enviable position. The Tigers’ defensive scheme under Kelly relies heavily on creating pressure without having to blitz excessively, and a lineman who can consistently collapse the pocket or stuff the run frees up linebackers and defensive backs to make plays. If McKinley can translate his offseason gains into consistent in-game dominance, it will allow LSU’s defense to operate at a higher level of efficiency and unpredictability.
This rapid rise also reflects the program’s commitment to player development. LSU’s strength and conditioning staff have long been considered among the best in college football, and McKinley’s transformation is a testament to their ability to tailor programs to maximize each athlete’s potential. By combining targeted training with nutritional guidance and recovery protocols, they’ve helped McKinley turn his natural gifts into refined, football-specific strength. Kelly’s lighthearted “ran out of weights” quip may be what sticks in fans’ minds, but the underlying message is clear—McKinley has done everything asked of him and then some.
The ripple effect of his improvement extends beyond just the defensive line. Offensive linemen who have gone against him in practice report that the level of competition has risen significantly. Going head-to-head with someone as powerful and technically sound as McKinley forces them to sharpen their own skills, which in turn benefits the entire offense. Iron sharpens iron, and in LSU’s case, that daily grind in practice is raising the standard across the board.
For fans, McKinley’s emergence adds another layer of excitement heading into the season. In an era where college football is dominated by explosive offenses, having a defensive anchor capable of swinging momentum is invaluable. Every time he lines up, there’s potential for a game-changing play—whether it’s collapsing the pocket to force an errant throw, blowing up a run in the backfield, or simply wearing down an opposing lineman over the course of four quarters. His presence alone can dictate play-calling and force opponents to adjust their strategies.
Brian Kelly’s decision to highlight McKinley in such a vivid way also speaks to the confidence the coaching staff has in him. Coaches are often cautious about putting too much spotlight on a player before the season, preferring to temper expectations, but in McKinley’s case, the praise feels both earned and strategic. By acknowledging his hard work publicly, Kelly not only rewards McKinley but also sends a message to the rest of the team about what’s possible when preparation meets opportunity.
As fall camp continues, the focus will inevitably shift toward game-planning and fine-tuning execution, but the foundation McKinley has built this offseason will remain a crucial storyline. His transformation from a talented prospect to a potential breakout star embodies the type of progress every coach hopes to see between seasons. Whether it’s the increased weight-room numbers, the improved quickness, or the enhanced stamina, all signs point toward McKinley being a central figure in LSU’s defensive identity.
Ultimately, the true test will come when the lights are on and the stakes are high. The SEC is unforgiving, and every week presents a new challenge against some of the best offensive lines and skill players in the country. Yet, if McKinley’s offseason is any indication, he’s not only ready for the challenge—he’s eager to embrace it. The “ran out of weights” line may go down as one of the more memorable offseason soundbites, but for McKinley and LSU, the goal is to turn that offseason buzz into sustained, season-long impact. If he can do that, the Tigers’ defensive front could be among the most feared in the nation, and McKinley himself could find his name mentioned among the conference’s elite by season’s end.
