Five questions we have about LSU football entering spring practice.

Five Questions We Have About LSU Football Entering Spring Practice

As LSU football heads into spring practice for the 2025 season, expectations are high for the Tigers. Under the leadership of head coach Brian Kelly, LSU has shown great potential, and after a strong 2024 season, the team is looking to build on their momentum. However, as with any offseason, there are plenty of questions surrounding the team, from position battles to the development of key players. With the spring season serving as a vital opportunity to solidify the depth chart and prepare for the upcoming campaign, here are five key questions LSU football fans have as they look ahead to spring practice.

1. How Will LSU’s Quarterback Situation Shake Out?

The quarterback position has always been one of the most closely watched spots on any football team, and LSU is no exception. Heading into spring practice, the Tigers find themselves in an intriguing position with the quarterback battle. After the departure of quarterback Jayden Daniels, who provided stability and star power in 2024, there are questions about who will take over as the starting signal caller for the 2025 season.

The Candidates

LSU’s quarterback room is filled with talent, and several candidates will be vying for the starting job during spring practice. These include:

Garrett Nussmeier: The redshirt sophomore has shown flashes of brilliance in limited action, and he has the tools to be a dynamic player for LSU. Nussmeier has a strong arm, excellent mobility, and the ability to make plays under pressure. He has been a popular choice for many fans and analysts to take over as the starting quarterback in 2025.
Walker Howard: The highly touted freshman from the 2024 recruiting class, Howard was expected to be a future star for LSU. His arrival has brought optimism, with his strong fundamentals and the ability to process defenses quickly. Howard may be one of the most intriguing quarterbacks in the SEC, and fans are eager to see how he performs in spring practice.
A Transfer or Incoming Freshman?: Coach Kelly and his staff are not afraid to tap into the transfer portal, and it’s possible that LSU may add another quarterback to the room ahead of the 2025 season. There’s always the possibility of an established veteran coming in to compete, or a new recruit emerging as a contender.

Spring practice will be the first real opportunity for LSU fans to get a good look at how the quarterbacks perform under actual game situations. Will Nussmeier, with his experience, be able to hold off Howard, or will the young phenom step into the starting role sooner than expected? The spring scrimmages will provide key insights into this battle and how the team’s offense will take shape moving forward.

2. Who Will Emerge as LSU’s Go-To Running Back?

LSU has been known for producing dominant running backs over the years, from Leonard Fournette to Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The running back position has traditionally been one of the Tigers’ greatest strengths, and with the loss of last season’s top running back, there is a glaring question about who will fill that void.

Candidates for the Starting Role

Several players are poised to take the reins at running back, and spring practice will give fans a chance to see who stands out as the feature back:

John Emery Jr.: After an up-and-down career at LSU, Emery has a chance to finally step up and seize the starting job. He possesses a rare blend of speed and power, and his experience in the SEC gives him a leg up over other potential candidates. However, consistency has been an issue in the past, and spring practice will be critical for Emery to prove that he can be the workhorse back the Tigers need.
Noah Cain: Cain, who transferred to LSU from Penn State, is another strong contender for the starting job. His physical running style and ability to break tackles make him an ideal candidate for an every-down role. Cain has shown flashes of potential, and spring will be a key opportunity for him to take control of the position.
Armoni Goodwin: Goodwin is one of the Tigers’ up-and-coming running backs, and his speed and elusiveness could give him an edge. While Goodwin may not be the most physically imposing back, his ability to make defenders miss could make him a valuable asset in LSU’s offense.
Incoming Freshman: LSU’s recruiting class is always full of talent, and the 2025 class is no different. There could be an incoming freshman who pushes for playing time early. A young player with high potential could impress during spring practice and challenge for significant touches in the fall.

LSU’s running back depth chart is competitive, and the Tigers have plenty of options. Spring practice will allow the coaching staff to get a better sense of which back is best suited for the starting role and how they can utilize the full roster of backs. The ability to consistently gain yards and stay healthy will be critical for whoever earns the role, as LSU’s offense will rely heavily on a strong rushing attack.

3. How Will the Offensive Line Evolve After Significant Departures?

The offensive line is always a crucial part of any team’s success, and LSU enters spring practice with some big questions to answer along the front. The Tigers lost several key players on the offensive line, which has left some uncertainty about how the group will come together in 2025.

Key Departures and New Additions

Losing Key Players: LSU’s offensive line will need to replace multiple starters, including players who were key to the team’s success in recent seasons. Rebuilding the line chemistry and ensuring continuity will be a focus during spring practice.
Returning Veterans: The Tigers do have some returning talent along the offensive line, such as Will Campbell, who showed promise as a true freshman. Campbell and a few others will play vital roles in anchoring the line. However, LSU will also need to develop depth and ensure that younger players are ready to step up and contribute.
Incoming Transfers: As with many programs, LSU has turned to the transfer portal to add talent. The addition of a few transfers could help solidify the offensive line’s depth, but there’s always a learning curve when integrating new players into a unit. Spring practice will be critical for building cohesion among the offensive line group.

A key question heading into spring will be which players emerge as starters on the offensive line and how the unit gels as a whole. LSU will need to figure out who will be the anchors of the line, both in the passing game and in creating running lanes. The depth chart will likely shift throughout the spring, and it’s possible that Coach Kelly will experiment with different combinations to find the best fit.

4. What Will the Defense Look Like Under New Coordinator?

LSU’s defense has traditionally been one of the program’s strongest units, but with a new defensive coordinator stepping in, there are questions about how the Tigers’ defense will evolve in 2025. The hiring of Matt House as defensive coordinator has brought new energy and ideas to Baton Rouge, and this spring will be critical for House and his staff to implement their schemes and get the players ready for the upcoming season.

Key Areas to Watch

Defensive Line: LSU’s defensive line has been a dominant force in the SEC, but with key players like BJ Ojulari and Mason Smith no longer with the team, spring practice will be critical for finding replacements who can continue LSU’s tradition of dominant defensive line play. Will LSU’s new crop of defensive linemen step up and fill the void, or will they struggle with the loss of key contributors?
Linebacker Play: The linebacker position will be another area of focus, as LSU will need to replace some veteran leadership. The spring will provide an opportunity to see how LSU’s linebackers perform in a new system and how quickly they can adapt to the coordinator’s philosophy. Can LSU find playmakers in the middle of their defense who can impact both the run game and pass coverage?
Secondary: LSU’s secondary will also face pressure in 2025, as they look to replace some important pieces while developing new leaders. With the right talent and coaching, LSU’s defensive backfield could remain one of the top units in the SEC, but spring will be essential for determining which players will emerge as consistent performers in coverage.

Coaching Philosophy and Schemes

Another aspect of LSU’s defense that fans will be watching closely is how the coaching staff plans to tweak the defensive schemes. Under House, LSU is expected to maintain a balanced approach, with a mix of aggressive pass-rushing schemes and strong coverage concepts. How the defense adapts to new philosophies in the spring could have a significant impact on the team’s success in the fall.

5. What Impact Will the Incoming Freshman Class Have?

Every year, LSU adds talent from the high school ranks that could make an immediate impact. The 2025 freshman class is no different, with a number of highly ranked recruits ready to step onto the field and compete for playing time. How much of an impact will this class have on LSU’s success in 2025? Here are some of the top players to watch:

Offensive and Defensive Line Recruits: LSU always prioritizes trench play, and this year’s class features a number of strong recruits who could contribute right away. With depth needed in both the offensive and defensive lines, these recruits could help provide instant impact and bolster LSU’s depth.
Wide Receiver Talent: LSU has a strong tradition of developing wide receivers, and their 2025 class features some high-level receiving prospects. These players could quickly make their mark in the offense, especially if the quarterback position is in flux.
Defensive Playmakers: LSU has been known for producing elite defensive players, and their incoming recruits are expected to continue that tradition. Watch for freshmen who could have an immediate impact in the secondary or linebacker positions.

The competition for playing time will be fierce, and spring practice will be the first chance for incoming freshmen to prove themselves and potentially earn significant roles.

As LSU football enters spring practice, there are many questions to be answered. The quarterback battle, the running back situation, the development of the offensive line, the changes on defense, and the impact of the incoming freshman class will all be critical factors in determining the Tigers’ success in 2025. Spring practice offers an important window for LSU to fine-tune its roster and prepare for what promises to be another exciting season in Baton Rouge. Fans and coaches alike will be watching closely to see which players emerge and how LSU shapes its identity heading into the fall.