LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly Addresses the Media Following Saturday’s Spring Practice Session
BATON ROUGE, LA — With the spring football season in full swing, LSU Head Coach Brian Kelly took to the podium after the Tigers’ Saturday practice session to provide insight on the team’s progress, areas of improvement, and key players to watch as the 2025 season approaches. The practice session, which was open to the media, gave LSU fans and analysts an early glimpse of what to expect from the Tigers this season. Kelly, who is entering his second season at LSU after an impressive debut in 2022, reflected on the growth of his team and the challenges that lie ahead.
Building on Last Season’s Success
The first topic of discussion was how Kelly and his staff are building off of the momentum gained in 2022, a season that saw LSU finish with a respectable 10-4 record and earn a berth in the Citrus Bowl. Coach Kelly acknowledged the importance of setting the foundation in his first year at LSU, but emphasized that the work was far from done.
“The first year, you kind of get your feet under you, get a sense of what this program is all about, and you build the culture. Year two, it’s about getting comfortable, having a better understanding of what’s expected on a daily basis, and maximizing the talent that we have,” Kelly said, offering a candid assessment of the team’s progress. “We took some steps last season, but we know we have to take it to another level.”
Kelly was quick to point out that, despite last season’s success, there is still much work to do to compete with the top-tier teams in the SEC. “We want to be in that conversation with Georgia, Alabama, and the other elite programs,” Kelly said. “That’s where we want to be. But it’s not just about talent. It’s about the right mindset, the right preparation, and the right execution every single day.”
Spring Practice: Setting the Tone for 2025
With spring practice underway, Kelly is focused on developing the team’s foundation for the upcoming season. One of the primary objectives, he noted, is establishing depth across all positions, particularly in the trenches. LSU’s offensive and defensive lines are key to its success, and Kelly emphasized that building physicality and discipline in these areas is a top priority.
“We have some really talented players in the trenches, but what we need to focus on is consistency,” Kelly said. “In this league, if you can’t control the line of scrimmage, you’re not going to win consistently. We’re working on depth, technique, and making sure our guys are mentally prepared for the grind of an SEC schedule.”
Kelly highlighted that spring practice is a critical time for players to step up, both physically and mentally. “This is a chance for our younger players to get significant reps and for veterans to refine their skills,” he said. “We’re focusing on the small details — footwork, hand placement, pad level. It all matters, and we need to make sure that we’re improving every single day.”
Quarterback Battle: The Search for Consistency
A key storyline heading into the spring session was the competition at quarterback, with LSU returning two quarterbacks from last season: Garrett Nussmeier and Jayden Daniels. Daniels, the starter for much of the 2022 season, demonstrated flashes of brilliance, particularly with his mobility and ability to make plays with his legs. Nussmeier, a highly touted prospect, showed his arm strength and playmaking ability when given the opportunity in limited action.
Coach Kelly acknowledged the competition but emphasized that he is looking for consistency and leadership from his quarterbacks. “Both guys have shown they can make plays,” Kelly said. “But it’s not just about making plays; it’s about making the right plays at the right time. We need a quarterback who can execute the offense, manage the game, and be a leader on and off the field.”
Kelly noted that while Daniels and Nussmeier both bring unique strengths to the table, the competition will continue throughout the spring and into fall camp. “We’ll evaluate them based on how they perform in practice, how they handle pressure situations, and how they grow as leaders,” Kelly said. “We’re looking for someone who can be steady and reliable, especially when the game is on the line.”
For Kelly, the goal is to have a clear starter by the time the season opener arrives. “We don’t want to be in a situation where we’re still figuring things out during the season,” Kelly explained. “We need to have a guy who we can count on, but that will take time. Both of them are working hard, and we’ll make the decision when it’s right.”
Offensive Line: The Key to Offensive Success
One of the most pressing concerns for LSU heading into the spring is the offensive line, which struggled at times in 2022 to provide consistent protection for the quarterback. While there was improvement over the course of the season, Kelly knows that a strong offensive line is the cornerstone of any successful program, especially in the SEC.
“Up front, we have some real talent, but we need to establish more depth and consistency,” Kelly said. “We have to be better at finishing blocks and executing our schemes at a high level. This is a big year for our offensive line. If we want to take the next step as an offense, we need to be more physical and tougher in the trenches.”
Kelly has made it a point to develop younger players on the offensive line, and he noted that several freshmen and sophomores have impressed during spring practice. “We’re excited about the growth of our younger guys. We have some really good, talented players who are learning fast and competing hard every day,” Kelly remarked.
In addition to player development, Kelly has placed a heavy emphasis on improving communication and cohesion among the offensive linemen. “We’ve got to make sure everyone is on the same page,” Kelly said. “If you don’t communicate well up front, you’re going to have problems, whether it’s in pass protection or running the ball. It’s a constant focus for us.”
Defensive Improvements: Addressing Depth and Consistency
On the defensive side of the ball, LSU’s defense was a strong point in 2022, particularly in the secondary and at linebacker. However, there were still areas of concern, especially in terms of depth and consistency. Kelly is focused on addressing these issues during the spring.
“We have some outstanding players on defense, but we’re looking for more depth, especially in the front seven,” Kelly explained. “We want to have multiple players who can step in and contribute, not just when someone gets hurt but also to keep fresh legs on the field throughout the game. Depth is key, and we’re working on developing that.”
Kelly noted that the defensive line is a group that is of particular interest during the spring. With several key players returning, including standout defensive end Ali Gaye and tackle Mekhi Wingo, there’s a lot of potential for LSU’s defense to make a significant leap forward. “Ali and Mekhi have been playing at a high level, and we’re really excited about the depth we have on the defensive line,” Kelly said. “But we need more guys to step up and show they can contribute.”
In the secondary, Kelly is confident that LSU has the talent to compete with the best in the country. “We’ve got some really talented guys back there, including some young players who have a chance to make an impact,” Kelly said. “Our goal is to be more consistent and to create more turnovers. That’s something we really emphasized last year, and we want to build on that.”
Special Teams: A Focus on Improvement
While LSU’s special teams were generally solid in 2022, Kelly stressed the importance of continuous improvement in this phase of the game. “Special teams are a huge part of winning football games,” Kelly said. “We’ve got to be better in every area — from punt and kick coverage to the return game to field goals. We have some competition in those areas, and it’s critical that we find players who can step up and be consistent.”
Kelly pointed out that the kicker position, in particular, is an area that is under close scrutiny. “We have some guys who are competing for the starting job, and we need to find someone who is reliable, especially in close games,” Kelly said.
Final Thoughts: Focused on Long-Term Success
As Coach Kelly wrapped up his media availability, he reiterated that while spring practice is important for the team’s development, the bigger picture is always in mind. “We’re always focused on long-term success,” Kelly said. “It’s not just about getting better this spring or winning games this season — it’s about building something sustainable. We want to build a championship-caliber program, and that takes time. But we’re taking the right steps, and we’re excited about the direction we’re headed.”
For LSU, the road ahead will be challenging, with the team facing formidable SEC opponents and high expectations from fans and analysts alike. But with Kelly at the helm, there is a sense of confidence and optimism surrounding the program. As spring practice continues, the focus remains on developing players, building depth, and setting the foundation for a successful 2025 season and beyond.