The star of the LSU Tigers identifies the standout players who will take his position and support Brian Kelly during the 2025 college football season.
Introduction: The 2025 LSU Tigers Football Season
As the 2025 college football season approaches, the LSU Tigers find themselves in an exciting period of transition and promise. Under the guidance of head coach Brian Kelly, the Tigers have established a culture of high expectations, and with an increasingly talented roster, the future looks bright. Coach Kelly, entering his third season in Baton Rouge, has made significant strides in shaping the program to compete for championships in the SEC and nationally. However, to realize those ambitions, a handful of standout players will need to step up and take on prominent roles in the 2025 season.
The Road to 2025: LSU’s Rise Under Brian Kelly
When Brian Kelly took over as the head coach of LSU in 2022, there were questions about his ability to adapt to the high-intensity, talent-laden SEC environment. However, Kelly proved his mettle by leading LSU to an SEC West title and a trip to the Citrus Bowl in his first season. In 2023, Kelly continued to build on the momentum, refining LSU’s offensive and defensive units. As the team progresses into 2025, LSU’s success will largely depend on the development of key players and their ability to execute at the highest level.
Key areas of focus will be LSU’s quarterback position, the development of offensive skill players, bolstering the defensive line, and maintaining their competitive edge in special teams. With so much talent in Baton Rouge, the pressure is on for specific individuals to emerge as leaders.
Key Players to Watch for the 2025 LSU Tigers
- Quarterback: Walker Howard – The Next Great Tiger?
One of the most critical positions for LSU in 2025 will be quarterback, especially after the departure of former starter Jayden Daniels, who provided dynamic playmaking and leadership for the Tigers. While Daniels leaves behind big shoes to fill, the future of LSU’s offense is in the hands of Walker Howard.
Howard, a 5-star recruit from the 2023 class, is entering his second year and is poised to take over the starting role. With a strong arm, elite athleticism, and natural playmaking ability, Howard has the tools to thrive in Kelly’s system. His ability to read defenses, along with his poise under pressure, will be crucial for LSU to remain competitive in the stacked SEC.
As a former high school star, Howard impressed during his limited opportunities in his freshman season. In 2025, his development will be paramount to LSU’s success, as the Tigers will need a reliable and dynamic leader under center to carry them through tough matchups, especially in SEC play.
2. Running Back: Trey Holly – The Future of LSU’s Ground Game
LSU has historically been known for its strong running backs, and Trey Holly could be the next great one to wear the purple and gold. Holly, a highly-touted recruit from Louisiana, possesses a rare combination of speed, vision, and physicality. After spending time as a rotational back in 2023 and 2024, Holly is expected to take on a more prominent role in 2025.
In Kelly’s offense, which often emphasizes a strong running game to complement its passing attack, Holly’s ability to break through the line of scrimmage and make explosive plays will be essential. Whether it’s through direct carries or as a dual-threat option in the passing game, Holly will play a critical role in LSU’s offensive attack.
His ability to balance explosiveness with ball security will allow LSU to control the tempo of games, particularly against top-tier SEC opponents. Holly’s emergence as a feature back in 2025 will not only help the Tigers establish a consistent offensive rhythm but will also keep opposing defenses on their toes.
3. Wide Receiver: Malik Nabers – The Top Target
Wide receiver Malik Nabers enters his senior season as one of the most accomplished and consistent pass-catchers in the SEC. Nabers has already proven his ability to make spectacular catches and rack up yardage, and his chemistry with LSU’s quarterbacks will be vital in 2025.
In addition to his natural ability to make big plays down the field, Nabers has developed into a versatile weapon. He can line up both on the outside and in the slot, using his quickness, sharp route running, and physicality to create mismatches against defenders. With a young quarterback like Walker Howard at the helm, Nabers’ experience and ability to consistently make plays in clutch moments will be crucial.
Nabers could also serve as a valuable leader in the locker room, mentoring younger wide receivers and helping them adjust to the demands of SEC football. If Nabers can continue to develop his rapport with Howard and maintain his status as one of the best in the SEC, LSU’s passing game will be in good hands.
4. Offensive Line: Emery Jones – Protecting the Quarterback
A key to the success of any offense is the offensive line, and for the 2025 season, all eyes will be on Emery Jones, an outstanding offensive tackle who is expected to anchor the line. Jones, a 5-star recruit who has lived up to the hype thus far, will be tasked with protecting Walker Howard’s blindside and creating holes for Trey Holly.
Jones’ size, strength, and agility make him a formidable force at left tackle. His ability to maintain blocks against some of the SEC’s best pass rushers will be crucial in allowing LSU’s offense to execute at a high level. In addition to his pass protection skills, Jones will also be expected to help establish a dominant running game, using his power and technique to clear lanes for running backs.
Jones is one of the most highly regarded offensive linemen in the country and his performance will be a major factor in determining LSU’s success in 2025.
5. Defensive Line: Maason Smith – Dominating the Line of Scrimmage
On defense, one player who stands out as an absolute game-changer is Maason Smith, a 6’5″, 310-pound defensive tackle. Smith has the size, power, and athleticism to dominate opposing offensive lines. After being sidelined for part of the 2023 season due to injury, Smith is expected to return fully healthy and ready to wreak havoc in the middle of LSU’s defense.
Smith’s ability to collapse the pocket and disrupt the opposing offense’s rhythm will be essential in 2025. With his combination of speed and power, he can create pressure up the middle, allowing the defensive ends and linebackers to make plays on the outside. In an SEC environment, where offensive lines are often stacked, Smith’s presence as a disruptor will be invaluable in LSU’s quest for dominance on defense.
6. Linebacker: Harold Perkins Jr. – The Star of the Defense
Arguably one of the most exciting players for LSU in 2025 is Harold Perkins Jr., a linebacker who has already made an enormous impact in his first two years at LSU. Perkins is an athletic freak who can cover ground quickly, and his ability to rush the passer, drop into coverage, and make tackles all over the field makes him a versatile weapon for LSU’s defense.
Perkins’ ability to create pressure in the backfield and cause havoc for opposing quarterbacks will be pivotal for LSU’s defensive strategy. His leadership will be critical in the linebacker corps, and his ability to take over games, particularly in big moments, will elevate LSU’s defense to an elite level.
As one of the most hyped defensive players in the country, Perkins will need to continue to develop his skills and refine his instincts in 2025. If he can remain healthy and maintain his status as a disruptor, LSU’s defense will be one of the most formidable in college football.
7. Defensive Back: Sage Ryan – Locking Down the Secondary
While LSU has produced elite cornerbacks over the years, the 2025 season could see Sage Ryan emerge as the next star in the secondary. Ryan has the athleticism and ball skills to be a lockdown corner, and he will be relied upon heavily in the passing game to shut down opposing wide receivers.
Ryan’s ability to read the quarterback’s eyes, his agility in coverage, and his ability to make plays on the ball make him a potential game-changer for LSU. With a secondary that includes Ryan and other talented players, LSU will look to contain the explosive passing attacks that populate the SEC.
Ryan’s leadership, combined with his natural talent, will be essential for LSU’s defensive success. If he can elevate his game in 2025, he will be one of the key figures in the Tigers’ pursuit of an SEC title.
The 2025 LSU Tigers and the Path to Success
As the 2025 season approaches, the LSU Tigers are primed for a season of excellence. With a dynamic roster featuring standout players such as Walker Howard, Trey Holly, Malik Nabers, Maason Smith, Harold Perkins Jr., and Sage Ryan, the Tigers are positioned to challenge for an SEC Championship and potentially a College Football Playoff berth.
However, for LSU to reach its full potential, these standout players will need to take their performances to the next level. They will have to mature into leaders both on and off the field, working together under the direction of Brian Kelly to execute a high-octane offense and a stifling defense. If these players can rise to the occasion, the 2025 LSU Tigers will be a force to be reckoned with in the world of college football.