The LSU Football Spring Camp Standouts: Which Tigers are Turning Heads in Practice?
LSU football’s spring camp is in full swing, and with the 2025 season on the horizon, several Tigers have emerged as standout performers. Head coach Brian Kelly and his staff are taking a close look at their roster, evaluating which players are stepping up and showing they’re ready to make a major impact this fall. With key departures from last season and a fresh crop of talent looking to make their mark, spring practices have provided an opportunity for players to separate themselves in position battles and showcase their development.
As expected, spring camp has been a mix of established stars refining their craft and under-the-radar players proving they deserve more playing time. This period is critical for LSU, as it helps lay the foundation for what fans can expect when the Tigers take the field for the 2025 season. So far, several players have turned heads with their performances in practice, and their emergence could be a key factor in LSU’s pursuit of an SEC title and a College Football Playoff berth.
One of the biggest storylines of the spring has been the quarterback position. With Jayden Daniels departing for the NFL after a stellar Heisman-winning season, the Tigers are looking for their next leader under center. Garrett Nussmeier has taken center stage as the frontrunner to win the starting job, and his performances in practice have been nothing short of impressive. Nussmeier, who played in relief of Daniels at times last season, has showcased his arm strength, accuracy, and improved decision-making. His ability to push the ball downfield and command the offense has given the coaching staff plenty of confidence. While competition is always encouraged, Nussmeier appears to have solidified himself as the Tigers’ next starting quarterback barring any surprises.
But he isn’t the only quarterback making waves in spring camp. True freshman Rickie Collins has displayed impressive poise and arm talent, indicating that the Tigers have solid depth at the position. While he may not challenge Nussmeier for the starting job just yet, Collins’ development this spring has been a promising sign for LSU’s future. His athleticism and ability to extend plays have drawn comparisons to past LSU greats, and it wouldn’t be a shock to see him get some opportunities as the season progresses.
On the offensive side of the ball, the running back room has also been a focal point of camp. Kaleb Jackson has been one of the biggest risers, showcasing his power, vision, and explosiveness out of the backfield. Jackson has been particularly dominant in red-zone drills, breaking through tackles and proving he can be a reliable option in short-yardage situations. His emergence is crucial for an LSU offense that will need to establish a strong ground game to support its new starting quarterback.
Jackson’s rise doesn’t mean the competition at running back is settled. Trey Holly and Logan Diggs have both flashed in practice, creating a three-headed monster in the backfield. Holly has showcased elite quickness and agility, making him a dangerous weapon in space, while Diggs has proven to be a reliable veteran presence. Having multiple backs capable of handling significant workloads will be a major asset for LSU in the grind of the SEC schedule.
One of the biggest revelations of spring camp has been the breakout of LSU’s young wide receivers. With Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. off to the NFL, LSU needed new playmakers to step up. Shelton Sampson Jr. has emerged as a potential star, consistently making plays in practice and demonstrating elite athleticism. The former five-star recruit has impressed coaches with his route-running ability and strong hands, making him a favorite target in team drills. If he continues on this trajectory, he could quickly become the go-to receiver in LSU’s offense.
Kyren Lacy has also stepped up in a big way. The veteran wideout has embraced a leadership role in the receiver room while delivering consistent performances in practice. Lacy’s ability to create separation and make contested catches has been a major asset, and he’s positioned himself as a reliable weapon in LSU’s passing attack. Another name to watch is Jalen Brown, a speedy receiver who has flashed big-play ability. His explosiveness makes him a dangerous deep threat, and if he continues to develop, he could add another dimension to LSU’s aerial attack.
On the offensive line, LSU’s starting unit is beginning to take shape, and one player who has drawn significant praise is Emery Jones Jr. The returning starter has been dominant in one-on-one drills, showcasing both power and agility. He has been a cornerstone for LSU’s offensive line, and his continued development will be critical in protecting the new starting quarterback. Will Campbell, another returning standout, has also been a force in spring camp. Together, Jones and Campbell give LSU one of the best tackle duos in the SEC.
Defensively, LSU has seen several young players step up, particularly in the front seven. One of the biggest standouts has been defensive lineman Da’Shawn Womack, who has been nearly unblockable in practice. Womack’s combination of size, strength, and speed has made him a disruptive force, and he has the potential to be LSU’s next dominant pass rusher. His ability to get to the quarterback has drawn comparisons to former LSU stars, and he will be a key piece of the Tigers’ defensive puzzle in 2025.
Another defensive lineman making noise in camp is Jordan Jefferson, who transferred in and has quickly established himself as a major presence in the middle of the defense. His strength and ability to clog up running lanes have been instrumental in helping LSU’s defensive front win battles in practice. Jefferson’s presence has helped stabilize the interior defensive line, which will be a crucial factor in stopping some of the elite rushing attacks LSU will face this season.
At linebacker, Whit Weeks has been the name generating the most buzz. The sophomore has been all over the field, showing great instincts and playmaking ability. Weeks has been particularly effective in coverage, which is an area LSU’s defense needed to improve. His speed and athleticism make him an ideal fit for the modern game, and he looks poised to take on a major role in LSU’s defense this season.
In the secondary, safety Javien Toviano has stood out as one of the best playmakers in camp. His ability to read the quarterback and make plays on the ball has resulted in multiple interceptions in practice, and he’s showing signs of becoming a leader in the secondary. LSU is looking to improve its pass defense after some struggles last season, and Toviano’s development is a promising sign for a unit looking to take a step forward.
Cornerback Sage Ryan has also been a standout, shutting down receivers in one-on-one drills and showing great physicality. Ryan has been one of the most improved players in camp, and his emergence could be a major boost for a defensive backfield looking for reliable playmakers. If he continues to progress, he could become one of the top corners in the SEC.
As LSU’s spring camp nears its conclusion, the competition at several key positions remains intense. The performances of players like Garrett Nussmeier, Kaleb Jackson, Shelton Sampson Jr., Da’Shawn Womack, and Whit Weeks have given the Tigers plenty of reason for optimism heading into the summer. With a roster full of talent and playmakers emerging at key positions, LSU is shaping up to be a serious contender in the SEC once again.
While the season is still months away, the groundwork is being laid right now. The standout performances in spring camp will have a lasting impact on the team’s success in 2025, and if the Tigers continue to build on this momentum, they could be primed for a special season. With Brian Kelly leading the way and a roster filled with young stars ready to step up, LSU football is in a strong position to make a run at an SEC title and a potential spot in the College Football Playoff.