LSU Tigers Star Reveals Key Breakout Players Set to Replace Him and Step Up for Brian Kelly in the 2025 College Football Season

The LSU Tigers football program has long been known for producing elite talent, from future NFL stars to Heisman Trophy winners, and under head coach Brian Kelly, the program is only continuing to build its legacy of excellence. As the 2025 season draws nearer, the Tigers are looking toward their future with the anticipation of replacing some key contributors to their roster. In a recent interview, a current LSU star revealed a handful of players poised to break out in the 2025 season, taking over for departing veterans and playing an integral role in Brian Kelly’s vision for the program moving forward.

For a team as storied as LSU, maintaining the high level of performance and success year after year is no small feat. As stars depart for the NFL or graduation, new players must rise to fill those big shoes. While it’s always tough to replace elite talent, it’s also a testament to the program’s depth that the Tigers have a roster filled with players capable of stepping into the limelight. In this article, we’ll break down which LSU breakout players are expected to take the reins and emerge as leaders in the 2025 season, ensuring that Brian Kelly’s team remains one of the top contenders in college football.

LSU’s Program under Brian Kelly: A Growing Dynasty

When Brian Kelly took over as head coach of LSU in 2022, he inherited a program full of potential but also one that had experienced a bit of a dip in consistency compared to its past dominance. The Tigers had enjoyed tremendous success under previous coaches, including national championships and SEC titles, but there was a sense of underachievement in recent years that Kelly sought to address.

In just his second season in Baton Rouge, Kelly had already taken significant strides in restoring LSU to its rightful place among the elite. The Tigers finished strong in the 2023 season, securing a top-tier bowl appearance and maintaining a competitive edge in the SEC. Kelly’s discipline, recruiting acumen, and ability to develop talent were evident, and with a class of players ready to emerge for the 2025 season, LSU looks primed for another run at a national title.

The Departures: Key Players LSU Will Miss

Before we dive into the breakout players, it’s important to understand what LSU will be losing heading into the 2025 season. The team will say goodbye to several key contributors who played pivotal roles in the Tigers’ success in 2023 and 2024. While the exact list of departing players will be finalized closer to the end of the 2024 season, here are a few names that are expected to be at the forefront of those departures:

• Quarterback Jayden Daniels: A dynamic dual-threat quarterback, Daniels was the engine that powered LSU’s offense. His ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground was essential to LSU’s success. Replacing his experience, leadership, and skill set will be one of the toughest challenges facing the Tigers as they move into the 2025 season.
• Wide Receiver Malik Nabers: Nabers has been one of LSU’s top receiving targets and an explosive playmaker. His speed, hands, and ability to stretch defenses made him a constant threat for opposing teams. Finding a new top receiver who can replicate Nabers’ production will be crucial to LSU’s offensive success.
• Defensive Stars: LSU will also see the departure of several key defensive players who helped the team in both pass rush and pass coverage. These players include standouts in the secondary and the defensive line who have been instrumental in LSU’s defense. Replacing their leadership and skill will be pivotal for the Tigers as they continue to field one of the most aggressive defenses in college football.

Key Breakout Players Poised to Step Up in 2025

As LSU faces the challenge of replacing these stars, several under-the-radar players are ready to emerge and take on more significant roles in the 2025 season. These breakout candidates will need to step up and contribute in a big way if LSU is going to remain competitive in the SEC and national title conversation. Here’s a closer look at the key players who are primed to make their mark in 2025.

1. Garrett Nussmeier (QB)

One of the most talked-about players in the 2025 season for LSU is quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. With Jayden Daniels likely moving on to the NFL, Nussmeier is set to take over as the starting quarterback for the Tigers. Nussmeier, who has already showcased flashes of brilliance in limited action, is ready to be the face of LSU’s offense in 2025.

A former 5-star recruit, Nussmeier has the tools to lead LSU’s offense. His strong arm, ability to read defenses, and natural athleticism make him an ideal candidate to take over the reins from Daniels. While he has had limited playing time behind Daniels, Nussmeier has shown the poise and skill necessary to handle the pressures of being LSU’s starting quarterback. Look for Nussmeier to take a major leap in 2025 as he leads LSU’s high-powered offense with the confidence of a seasoned veteran.

2. Aaron Anderson (WR)

As LSU bids farewell to Malik Nabers, the search for a new go-to receiver becomes even more important. Aaron Anderson, a promising young wide receiver, is the player many expect to step up in 2025. Anderson, who was highly recruited out of high school, has spent time learning the ropes and getting acclimated to the college game. Now, he’s ready to take on a bigger role.

Anderson possesses the speed, route-running ability, and football IQ that make him a perfect fit for LSU’s high-flying offense. His ability to stretch the field vertically and create separation will be crucial for LSU’s passing attack. As the Tigers look for a new star receiver, Anderson’s potential to be that player makes him a key breakout candidate for 2025.

3. Emory Jones (OL)

One area where LSU’s program has consistently excelled is along the offensive line. Emory Jones, a rising star on LSU’s offensive line, is set to play a major role in protecting Garrett Nussmeier and opening up holes for the running game in 2025. After spending his early years at LSU learning behind some of the program’s most experienced linemen, Jones is ready to take the next step and establish himself as one of the SEC’s premier offensive linemen.

Standing at 6’4″ and 330 pounds, Jones combines size, strength, and athleticism to dominate his opponents at the line of scrimmage. His leadership and ability to anchor the line will be pivotal for LSU’s offensive success in 2025, particularly as they look to replace the experience left by departing offensive linemen.

4. Whit Weeks (LB)

On the defensive side of the ball, one of the most exciting breakout candidates for LSU in 2025 is linebacker Whit Weeks. Weeks, who joined LSU as a highly touted recruit, has the versatility, speed, and tackling ability to become a standout defensive force for the Tigers. With LSU set to lose several key defensive players to graduation or the NFL, Weeks is the next in line to take on a leadership role in the linebacking corps.

Known for his high football IQ and ability to read offenses, Weeks will be tasked with anchoring LSU’s defense alongside other emerging stars. His ability to cover both run plays and pass plays will make him a vital part of the Tigers’ defensive scheme, and he has the potential to become one of the SEC’s top linebackers in 2025.

5. Zy Alexander (CB)

Another key player who is set to break out in 2025 is cornerback Zy Alexander. With LSU’s secondary losing some key players, Alexander will be relied upon to lock down wide receivers and make crucial plays in the passing game. A transfer from Southeastern Louisiana, Alexander has already proven that he has the skills to compete at the highest level. His speed, ball skills, and ability to read quarterbacks will be a huge asset for LSU’s defense moving forward.

Alexander’s development into a shutdown corner will be vital for LSU as they aim to maintain their strong defensive identity. If he can step up and replace the production of departing defensive backs, LSU’s secondary will remain one of the best in college football.

The Future of LSU Football under Brian Kelly

As LSU looks toward the 2025 season, the pressure will be on these breakout players to step up and help the program remain among the nation’s elite. While it’s always difficult to replace key players, Brian Kelly’s ability to develop talent and recruit top-tier players ensures that LSU will continue to be a force in the SEC and on the national stage.

With the likes of Garrett Nussmeier, Aaron Anderson, Emory Jones, Whit Weeks, and Zy Alexander stepping into larger roles, the Tigers’ future looks bright. Brian Kelly’s commitment to building a winning culture and his ability to get the most out of his players will help LSU overcome the challenge of replacing their departing stars.

As the LSU Tigers prepare for the 2025 college football season, the emergence of these breakout players will be crucial to the team’s success. Replacing key veterans is never easy, but with a roster full of talent and leadership, LSU has the tools necessary to remain a contender. Brian Kelly’s vision for the program continues to take shape, and with these emerging stars ready to step up, LSU’s future looks incredibly promising.