The LSU Tigers have always been synonymous with elite talent, NFL-ready prospects, and a culture that breeds competitiveness. As the 2025 season draws closer, the buzz around Baton Rouge is growing louder—not only because of the program’s rich history and expectations, but because several returning players are poised to make seismic leaps. According to a trusted member of LSU’s football staff, multiple Tigers are ready to “take the next step”—a phrase that, in this context, means transforming from solid contributors to game-changing stars.
These aren’t just any players; they’re the core of LSU’s plan to return to the SEC title game and push for a College Football Playoff berth. In an exclusive sit-down with an LSU staffer, who asked to remain unnamed, the breakdown of ascending players reveals just how loaded and dangerous this LSU roster might be heading into the fall.
It all starts at quarterback. Garrett Nussmeier has waited in the wings long enough. After backing up Jayden Daniels—who won the Heisman and electrified college football in 2023 and 2024—Nussmeier is now the unquestioned leader under center.
“Garrett’s command of the offense has taken off,” the staffer said. “His timing, his reads, his voice in the locker room—it’s all come together. He’s not trying to be Jayden. He’s being Garrett. And that’s exactly what we need.”
Nussmeier flashed elite potential in last season’s bowl win over Wisconsin, throwing for nearly 400 yards and three touchdowns. With Daniels now gone and the offense built to highlight his deep arm and quick release, Nussmeier is primed to go from backup to breakout.
Another player the staffer pinpointed was sophomore running back Kaleb Jackson, a bruising yet agile back who started to find his rhythm late in 2024.
“He’s got that Leonard Fournette-style power but with Clyde Edwards-Helaire’s shiftiness,” said the staffer. “The kid’s a monster, and he’s leaned out in a way that makes him even more explosive.”
Jackson will be tasked with shouldering much of the offensive burden this year as LSU transitions to a more balanced attack. With the offensive line improving and defenses no longer able to key in on Daniels’ legs, expect Jackson to get more carries—and make them count.
With Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. gone to the NFL, it’s time for a new generation of LSU receivers to emerge. The staffer was quick to name two.
“Sampson’s ready. You can just feel it in practice. His route-running, his explosiveness—it’s like you’re watching a young Ja’Marr Chase,” they said.
Kyren Lacy, the senior receiver who returned for another season, has also turned heads.
“Kyren’s a guy who could’ve left, but he saw what he could be. He’s not just a big-bodied target now—he’s smooth, consistent, and catching everything.”
Both receivers are expected to headline a new-look passing attack that gives Nussmeier a variety of options downfield.
A cornerstone of LSU’s offensive line, Emery Jones has been one of the most consistent forces up front. But now, coaches believe he’s ready to take the leap from “good” to “dominant.”
“Emery’s playing with more nastiness. He’s taken that personal step where he wants to dominate every snap,” the staffer noted. “He’s got Sundays written all over him.”
LSU will rely heavily on Jones to anchor the right side of the line, especially with a relatively young left side. His growth is crucial for both the run game and pass protection.
Arguably LSU’s most gifted defender, Harold Perkins is no stranger to attention. But while he’s made highlight-reel plays since arriving on campus, the staff believes he’s about to become something even scarier—consistent and versatile.
“We’ve given him more responsibility, more freedom,” the staffer said. “He’s learning to diagnose plays, not just react. When that clicks with his athleticism, you’re looking at a top-10 NFL pick.”
Perkins has spent this offseason working with linebackers coach Blake Baker on improving his reads and coverage skills. If he can continue to grow mentally, the sky’s the limit.
While Perkins gets the spotlight, sophomore linebacker Whit Weeks might be the most underrated ascending star in Baton Rouge.
“He’s everywhere. The kid’s motor never stops,” the staffer said. “He’s one of the smartest defenders we’ve got, and now he’s added muscle and speed. Don’t be surprised if he leads the team in tackles.”
With Weeks and Perkins forming a one-two punch, LSU’s linebacker core could be among the best in the country.
Up front, LSU needs to get back to its roots—tough, trench-dominant football. The staffer was optimistic about Arizona transfer Paris Shand and returning interior force Maason Smith.
“Paris came in with a chip on his shoulder, and it shows. He’s stronger, quicker, and fitting in well,” the staffer said. “Maason—he’s healthy now. Finally. And when Maason’s healthy, he can wreck an entire offensive line.”
Smith’s 2022 injury derailed what was expected to be a dominant career, but with a full recovery and a strong spring, expectations are back to where they started: sky-high.
In the secondary, the staffer pointed out junior defensive back Sage Ryan, who is finally putting it all together.
“Sage was always athletic. Now he’s disciplined,” the staffer emphasized. “He’s reading offenses better, communicating like a veteran. That confidence is huge in the SEC.”
With LSU’s secondary needing more playmakers, Ryan’s progression could be pivotal in a league where explosive receivers are the norm.
Not every player making strides is a returning starter. The staffer also raved about quarterback Rickie Collins and wide receiver Jalen Brown, two young players who’ve been “lighting up” spring practices.
“Rickie’s the most improved player on the roster. He’s pushing Nuss [Nussmeier] every day. That competition is making the whole QB room better,” they said. “And Jalen—he’s a burner. He just needed time to get stronger and learn the playbook.”
Expect both to carve out roles this season, especially as depth becomes critical down the stretch.
LSU’s schedule isn’t forgiving—early games against USC and Ole Miss, plus road tilts with Florida and Texas A&M, will test this team. But the emergence of multiple high-ceiling players gives the Tigers a chance to not just compete—but dominate.
Head coach Brian Kelly has made clear that LSU’s standard is championships, not just contention. In a recent press conference, Kelly emphasized the importance of internal development over just leaning on the transfer portal.
“We’ve got guys right here in this locker room who are ready to explode,” Kelly said. “They’ve trained for this moment.”
That’s exactly what the staffer echoed during our conversation.
“People talk about the recruits and transfers. That’s great. But what’s going to separate LSU this year are the guys who’ve been here, grinding, growing. They’re ready to take the next step.”
Every offseason brings hype, but what’s brewing in Baton Rouge feels different. LSU isn’t just reloading—they’re evolving. With leaders emerging on both sides of the ball and a coaching staff that knows how to maximize talent, the Tigers are positioning themselves for a legitimate run at glory.
The next step isn’t just for individual players—it’s for the entire program.
And by all accounts, LSU is ready to take it.
