Predicting LSU’s Three-Deep Offensive Depth Chart Heading into Spring Camp
As LSU approaches spring camp in 2025, the Tigers are coming off a year full of high expectations but mixed results. The program is looking to regroup after a solid but imperfect season in which offensive consistency became a focal point. With head coach Brian Kelly continuing to build his program in Baton Rouge, understanding LSU’s offensive depth chart is crucial for evaluating what the Tigers might look like moving forward.
Here, we will break down LSU’s potential three-deep offensive depth chart, analyzing key returning players, recruits, transfers, and the battles that will define the spring practices. This in-depth preview will focus on the quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, and offensive line positions—areas that will be pivotal to the Tigers’ offensive success in 2025.
Quarterback (QB)
LSU’s quarterback room heading into spring camp is one of the most intriguing in the SEC. After the departure of veteran quarterback Jayden Daniels, who led the Tigers to a 2024 SEC Championship Game appearance, the focus shifts to the players who will replace him and lead the offense in 2025.
1st Team: Garrett Nussmeier
Garrett Nussmeier enters spring camp as the likely starter. Nussmeier, who has shown flashes of brilliance in limited playing time, will now have the opportunity to showcase his talents as the full-time starter. With a strong arm and the ability to make all the throws, Nussmeier possesses the physical traits needed to thrive in LSU’s offensive system. However, his development as a decision-maker will be key to his success. In 2024, Nussmeier showed some inconsistency, but he also demonstrated his ability to step up in critical moments.
During spring camp, the coaching staff will likely focus on Nussmeier’s ability to process defenses quickly and make sound decisions under pressure. If he can improve his decision-making and reduce turnovers, he could solidify himself as LSU’s long-term answer at quarterback.
2nd Team: Ricky Collins
Behind Nussmeier, the backup quarterback will likely be freshman Ricky Collins, a highly-touted recruit from the 2025 class. Collins possesses a combination of mobility, arm strength, and poise that gives him a high ceiling for his future at LSU. While he might not be ready to start immediately, he has the potential to push for playing time, especially if Nussmeier struggles during the early part of the season.
In spring practices, expect Collins to gain valuable experience in the LSU offense. The coaching staff will want to evaluate his ability to handle the mental side of the game and manage the offense at the collegiate level.
3rd Team: Walker Howard
Walker Howard, a transfer from Ole Miss, is expected to challenge for a starting role. While Howard struggled to find consistent playing time with the Rebels, his talent is undeniable. Howard’s ability to throw with accuracy and lead an offense will make him an interesting prospect during spring camp. However, barring a significant improvement in his development, he will likely remain a depth piece behind Nussmeier and Collins.
Running Back (RB)
The running back position will be one of the key areas to watch in LSU’s spring camp. In 2024, the Tigers relied heavily on their ground game, and this unit will need to maintain that production in 2025 to support the quarterback and the rest of the offense. However, there are several moving pieces in the backfield, with multiple talented players fighting for significant roles.
1st Team: John Emery Jr.
John Emery Jr. has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his LSU career but has struggled with consistency. After a strong 2024 season, Emery looks poised to take on a larger role in 2025. His combination of size, speed, and vision make him a dynamic weapon in LSU’s offense. If Emery can stay healthy and build off his 2024 performance, he could emerge as one of the top running backs in the SEC.
In spring camp, Emery will be tasked with solidifying his role as the starting running back. Expect the coaching staff to focus on his ability to read defenses and make quicker decisions at the line of scrimmage.
2nd Team: Armoni Goodwin
Armoni Goodwin, a former four-star recruit, enters spring camp with a lot of potential. Goodwin has the agility and explosiveness to be a game-changer in LSU’s offense. His ability to make defenders miss and break away for big runs will be valuable for LSU’s ground game. He’s likely to see significant playing time alongside Emery, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he challenges for the starting role.
Goodwin will need to prove that he can be a reliable ball-carrier, especially in short-yardage and goal-line situations. LSU’s coaching staff will want to see how he can handle a bigger workload during spring practices.
3rd Team: Trey Holly
Trey Holly, a freshman, enters the fold as a high-recruiting prospect for LSU. While it’s unlikely that Holly will be ready to start immediately, he brings a lot of potential to the table. Holly is a versatile back with good size and speed who could develop into an impact player in the coming seasons. During spring camp, the coaches will likely focus on getting Holly acclimated to the speed of the game and seeing how he handles the demands of the SEC.
Wide Receiver (WR)
The wide receiver position is one of the most important for LSU heading into spring camp. After the departure of key players from the 2024 squad, including Malik Nabers, the Tigers need to establish a clear pecking order at wide receiver. LSU’s offense thrives when it has multiple weapons on the outside, and this spring will be pivotal in determining who steps up as the team’s primary playmakers.
1st Team: Brian Thomas Jr.
Brian Thomas Jr. is the player to watch at wide receiver for LSU. He has the ideal combination of size, speed, and playmaking ability to be a top target in the passing game. Thomas emerged as a big-play threat in 2024 and should continue to grow into a primary target in 2025. His ability to stretch the field vertically and make contested catches will be vital for LSU’s offense.
During spring camp, Thomas will likely be focused on developing chemistry with the quarterbacks and refining his route-running skills to become a more complete receiver. He could emerge as one of the top receivers in the SEC by the end of the 2025 season.
2nd Team: Kyren Lacy
Kyren Lacy, a transfer from Louisiana, has the potential to make an immediate impact for LSU. Lacy has proven to be a capable wide receiver at the collegiate level, and his experience should allow him to contribute right away. He has good size and ball skills, making him a reliable option for the Tigers’ passing attack.
Lacy will need to show that he can compete at a higher level in the SEC, but his experience could make him a valuable secondary weapon for LSU’s offense in 2025.
3rd Team: Jack Bech
Jack Bech, who was a regular contributor in 2024, enters spring camp as a strong candidate for significant playing time in 2025. Bech is known for his toughness and reliability as a slot receiver. While he may not have the physical traits of some of the more elite players, he makes up for it with his ability to find soft spots in defenses and make key catches.
Bech will be looking to establish himself as one of LSU’s primary targets, and his ability to get open quickly and make plays after the catch will be critical for his role in the offense.
Tight End (TE)
LSU’s tight end room is an area of both strength and intrigue heading into 2025. The Tigers are looking to find ways to utilize the position more effectively in the passing game while also maintaining strong blocking production in the run game.
1st Team: Mason Taylor
Mason Taylor enters spring camp as the undisputed starting tight end for LSU. Taylor is a highly skilled and athletic tight end who can line up in-line, in the slot, or even out wide. His ability to create mismatches in the passing game makes him a top target for the LSU offense. Taylor’s combination of size and athleticism allows him to be a versatile weapon both as a blocker and as a receiving option.
During spring practices, Taylor will likely be focused on refining his route-running and developing more chemistry with the quarterbacks, particularly in the red zone where he can be a dangerous target.
2nd Team: Kole Taylor
Kole Taylor, Mason’s younger brother, will likely back up his sibling in 2025. Although not as dynamic as Mason, Kole Taylor is a reliable tight end who can contribute both in the passing game and as a blocker. His solid technique as a blocker will make him a valuable asset in LSU’s balanced offensive attack.
Kole Taylor’s role will likely be more limited, but he can be a key contributor in certain situations, especially when LSU needs a reliable option in short-yardage or goal-line situations.
Offensive Line (OL)
The offensive line is often the unsung hero of any offense, and for LSU to succeed in 2025, it will need to have a strong and consistent offensive line. While there will be some turnover on the line, LSU has developed a solid reputation for producing talented linemen, and the competition for spots will be fierce heading into spring camp.
1st Team:
- Left Tackle: Will Campbell
- Left Guard: Miles Frazier
- Center: Charles Turner
- Right Guard: Emory Jones
- Right Tackle: Lance Hurd
This starting five looks to be the most solidified group heading into 2025. Will Campbell is a standout talent and a potential future NFL prospect at left tackle. He has the length and agility to handle the best pass rushers in the SEC. Miles Frazier brings versatility and experience to the interior of the line, while Charles Turner’s leadership will be crucial at center. Emory Jones and Lance Hurd, both highly regarded recruits, will round out the starting five.
2nd Team:
- Left Tackle: Fitzgerald West
- Left Guard: Garrett Dellinger
- Center: Paul Ma’alaea
- Right Guard: Xavier Hill
- Right Tackle: Raymond Palmer
The second team is a solid group of backups who could step into starting roles in case of injury. Dellinger and Ma’alaea bring solid depth to the interior, while West and Palmer have shown potential as developmental tackles.
3rd Team:
- Left Tackle: Tyree Adams
- Left Guard: Walker Howard
- Center: Micah Gandy
- Right Guard: Jalen Dupre
- Right Tackle: Blake Early
The third team is composed of younger players who will get valuable reps in spring camp. The depth at these positions will be key to ensuring LSU’s offensive line remains strong throughout the season.
Conclusion
Heading into spring camp, LSU’s offense is in an intriguing position, with talented players across all positions. The battles at quarterback and wide receiver will be critical to shaping the offensive depth chart, but there is also plenty of talent in the backfield and along the offensive line. LSU has the potential to put together a high-powered offense if key players step up, and spring camp will be pivotal in determining how ready this unit is for the challenges of the 2025 season. With plenty of competition at every position, LSU’s offense is primed to take the next step forward under Brian Kelly’s guidance.
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