“Brian Kelly and LSU Football Face High-Stakes Dilemma with Ju’Juan Johnson: Dynamic Talent Could Force Unexpected Decisions in 2025 Season”
Ju’Juan Johnson has arrived in Baton Rouge with the type of buzz that’s impossible to ignore. The electric in-state product from Lafayette Christian Academy is the kind of player that draws attention every time he touches the football. Whether he’s lined up in the secondary, returning kicks, or stepping into an offensive role, Johnson possesses the rare combination of instincts, burst, and football IQ that can’t be taught. Now that he’s officially on campus, LSU head coach Brian Kelly faces one of the toughest challenges a staff can encounter—deciding how to best utilize a freshman phenom who seems too good to keep off the field but is still developing within the program’s long-term structure. It’s not the worst problem to have, but it’s certainly one that could reshape parts of LSU’s game plan this season.
Johnson wasn’t just another highly ranked recruit. He broke records in high school, made plays in all three phases, and carried himself with the type of quiet confidence that’s often reserved for veterans. Recruited as an athlete, Johnson could realistically thrive as a nickel corner, deep safety, or even slot receiver. But while that versatility is part of what makes him special, it’s also what makes the situation so complex. LSU’s depth chart is crowded in the secondary, and the receiver room is always stocked with explosive weapons. That means there are no easy, guaranteed snaps for a player like Johnson, even if his upside might exceed some veterans ahead of him. And that’s where Brian Kelly and his staff must make a series of calculated decisions that balance immediate production with future development.
In a program like LSU, nothing is handed to anyone. Veterans with experience in the SEC earn their spots through years of grind, and Johnson is entering a locker room filled with players who’ve paid their dues. There are returning contributors at every position Johnson could play, and LSU’s defensive staff already has a framework it’s working to improve after a turbulent 2024 season. So on the surface, the easy move might be to redshirt Johnson, giving him a year to adjust, get stronger, and learn the intricacies of college football. But that theory collides with the reality that Johnson has already shown enough in practice and scrimmages to suggest he might be one of the top playmakers on the roster right now. Can LSU really afford to keep that kind of talent on the sidelines?
One of the complicating factors is LSU’s recent struggles on defense. While the Tigers have recruited well and brought in new faces through the portal, the 2024 defense didn’t meet expectations. That underperformance led to staff changes, scheme adjustments, and a renewed emphasis on athleticism and play recognition. Ju’Juan Johnson fits that mold perfectly. He plays fast, reacts instantly, and doesn’t hesitate to make a big hit or jump a passing lane. For a defense that’s looking to reestablish its identity, a guy like Johnson might be the spark they need. The question then becomes whether his raw talent outweighs his lack of experience. It’s one thing to flash in practice. It’s another to execute on third-and-long in a tight SEC matchup.
Adding to the intrigue is the leadership style of Brian Kelly. Throughout his coaching career, Kelly has balanced veteran loyalty with youth opportunity. He’s not afraid to play young guys if they earn it, but he also understands the delicate chemistry of a locker room. Putting a freshman ahead of upperclassmen can fracture confidence if not handled properly. Johnson’s rise through the depth chart will need to be earned, not gifted, and that’s likely the message being sent internally. But from a fan’s perspective—and even from the opposing coordinators preparing for LSU—there’s little doubt that Johnson’s presence changes the calculus. He’s not just another freshman. He might already be a game-changer.
Special teams could end up being the ideal entry point. Johnson’s speed, vision, and elusiveness make him a natural candidate to return punts or kicks. That role would give him immediate impact potential without asking him to carry the full mental load of a starting defender. LSU has used this route before with talented freshmen, allowing them to influence the game while developing in practice. But even that approach has its risks. Special teams require toughness, awareness, and discipline. A mistake in that phase of the game can be catastrophic. Still, many within the program believe Johnson is mature beyond his years, and that could help him overcome the usual freshman jitters.
There’s also the recruiting angle to consider. Brian Kelly and LSU made a major statement by keeping Johnson in-state. Programs like Florida State, Texas A\&M, and Oregon all pushed hard for his signature. Keeping a talent like him home sent a message to the rest of Louisiana—and the country—that LSU still wins the battles that matter. But that kind of recruitment comes with expectations. When fans see a local legend stay home, they expect him to shine early. If Johnson spends most of the season on the bench or is limited to scout team reps, there will be questions about why a program like LSU can’t find a way to use a player so dynamic. It’s a storyline that’s already bubbling under the surface and could gain steam if LSU stumbles out of the gate.
The other wildcard in this dilemma is injury. Football is unpredictable, and depth charts can be flipped in a single quarter. If LSU suffers injuries in the secondary—or even at receiver—Johnson could be thrust into a bigger role sooner than expected. That reality might push the staff to keep him more involved in weekly preparation than a typical freshman would be. He needs to be ready if his number is called, and that kind of readiness only comes with reps and trust. Whether he’s in the two-deep rotation or just an emergency option, Johnson’s preparation will likely mirror that of a regular contributor. That says a lot about how the staff views his importance.
There’s also the possibility that Johnson forces his way into a hybrid role. Modern football rewards versatility, and LSU has the creativity on staff to craft packages that take advantage of his skills. Whether it’s as a third safety in dime looks, a slot corner on passing downs, or even a gadget offensive player in short-yardage situations, Johnson could see snaps in unique formations designed specifically for him. Those kinds of wrinkles can give LSU an edge, especially against teams that struggle to adjust to unconventional looks. If nothing else, Johnson’s presence forces opponents to prepare for more.
No matter what path Brian Kelly chooses, it will be scrutinized. If Johnson plays early and struggles, some will question whether the coaching staff rushed his development. If he barely sees the field and LSU’s defense falters, critics will wonder why such a weapon was left holstered. It’s the kind of dilemma that top-tier programs face with elite freshmen. Every decision carries weight, and there’s no perfect formula. What makes this situation even trickier is that Johnson’s upside might eventually outshine almost everyone else in the room. That kind of talent has a gravitational pull. Coaches, teammates, and fans all feel it.
For Johnson himself, the approach seems grounded. By all accounts, he’s embraced the process, stayed humble, and leaned on LSU’s older players for guidance. He knows nothing is guaranteed and that his time will come if he continues to work. That maturity will serve him well, especially in a program as competitive as LSU. It also gives the staff a little more flexibility. They don’t have to worry about ego or entitlement derailing his trajectory. That alone could tip the scales toward gradually expanding his role as the season progresses.
As fall camp unfolds, Johnson will continue to earn his stripes against some of the best talent in the country. The coaching staff will monitor every rep, every read, and every opportunity he gets. Behind the scenes, discussions will continue about how to balance his incredible potential with the broader goals of the team. And in the stands, LSU fans will keep a close eye on No. 7—wondering if and when the moment will come for Ju’Juan Johnson to take center stage.
Ultimately, this is the kind of challenge that coaches dream of having. A gifted athlete, hungry to learn, capable of impacting games in multiple ways—it’s both a blessing and a puzzle. Brian Kelly has made a career out of managing tough roster decisions, and this one may end up being one of the most fascinating he’s had at LSU. How he handles Ju’Juan Johnson in 2025 could define more than just a season. It could shape the next chapter of LSU football.
