LSU 2024 Season Primer

Erik Trosclair • August 30, 2024

Let's get into it!

The LSU 2024 Football Season is upon us! Let's meet the Tigers!



Quarterbacks


#13 Garrett Nussmeier - It is his time to shine. This is his 4th season with the Tigers, but his first time entering the season as a starter. Nussmeier has made 18 appearances for the Tigers. He is a tough quarterback who will let it fly. He is surrounded by weapons, and if he can build off of his ReliaQuest bowl game performance, the Tiger offense is in good hands. 11th best Heisman odds (DraftKings), Maxwell Award Watch List, and Unitas Golden Arm Watch List.


#15 AJ Swann - The Vanderbilt transfer has over 20 TDs with over 2700 passing yards. He is an quality backup with SEC experience.


#10 Rickie Collins - The former 4-star had an excellent offseason and turned a lot of heads at camp.


#16 Colin Hurley - Colin walked on to LSU's campus as a 16 year old. He made his varsity high school debut in 8th grade. He gained praise from Coach Kelly in fall camp.


Running Backs - Experience, Depth, Quality


#18 Josh Williams - A 6th year senior who carries everything you want in someone wearing number 18. He has over 1000 career rushing yards. He will play a lot of big downs for the Tigers.


#22 John Emery Jr. - Another 6th year senior who made real contributions on the 2019 national championship team. It is hard not to be a fan of this guy. He has battled lots of adversity. He opted to stay with the Tigers after briefly committing to UCLA. He had positive camp reviews from Coach Kelly and Coach Frank Wilson. He provides big play ability.


#28 Kaleb Jackson - I am really looking forward to seeing Kaleb play this season. He is an old school running back who can run through the defender or can shake you out of your shoes. He packed on some muscle in the offseason. He is an every down threat.


#29 Caden Durham - The former 4-star is a really exciting prospect with a bright future.


Tight Ends - LSU's new tight end coach, Slade Nagle has a truly stacked room.


#86 Mason Taylor - Mason was named to the Preseason 3rd-team All-SEC team. He will play a massive role in this offense. Coming off to back to back 30+ catch seasons, the third year starter is a top tight end in the nation. Named to the Mackey Award watch list.


#88 Ka'Morreum Pimpton - The true sophomore will play a big role as a red zone/down the seam threat. It will be interesting to see how they utilitize the 6'6" tight end.


#14 Trey'Dez Green - The 6'7" freshman turned heads in camp this year with his big play ability. It will be tough to keep him off of the field.


#45 GiVanni Peterson - The former walk on will get some playing time this season.


Offensive Line - This is an exciting group with four returning starters. This group averages 6'5 1/2" and 321.4 lbs.


#66/#7 Will Campbell - Will was named to the Preseason 1st Team All-SEC team. The 6'6'' junior was named to the Lombardi Award watch list, the Wuerffel Trophy watch list, and the Outland Trophy watch list. Campbell will more than likely be a top 10 selection in the next NFL draft.


#50 Emery Jones Jr. - Emery was named to the Preseason 2nd Team All-SEC team. The 6'6'' tackle has true top 10 draft pick potential. He was named to the Outland Trophy watch list and the Lombardi Award watch list.


#72 Garrett Dellinger - The versatile senior can start anywhere on the offensive line. He played a whopping 797 snaps last season.


#70 Miles Frazier - The former Freshman All-American has played a ton of football in his college career. This is a three year starter on the Tiger offensive line.


#79 DJ Chester - The lone first year starter on the Tiger offensive line. He did see some meaningful action last season in SEC play. The 6'6'' Redshirt Freshman has made quite the impression on the coaching staff.


Wide Receivers - In my opinion, this is the most exciting position group on this team. This is an extremely deep room full of PLAYMAKERS!


#2 Kyren Lacy - The 5th year senior was named to the Preseason 3rd Team All-SEC Team. This season is massive for Kyren. He had a great offseason. He made a lot of big plays at camp. He is on the Maxwell Award watch list.


#3 Chris Hilton Jr. - The redshirt junior can absolutely fly! He has big play ability. He had a great fall camp. He is a little dinged up coming into the season.


#4 CJ Daniels - The explosive transfer was named 2nd Team All-Conference USA in 2023. He is on the Biletnikoff Award watch list. CJ can take the top off of the defense.


#12 Kyle Parker - The 5'11'' redshirt freshman is the next man up in the receiving room. He will play big snaps for the Tigers this season.


#1 Aaron Anderson - He can take one to the house from anywhere on the field.


#0 Zavion Thomas - The Mississippi State transfer had some big games last season for the Bulldogs. He provides big playmaking ability.


#6 Shelton Sampson Jr., #17 Jelani Watkins, #82 Kylan Billiot - These are all younger guys who will provide excellent depth for the receiver room, but don't let that fool you; these guys have big play ability.


Defense - I'll always say one of the biggest what ifs in LSU history is what if the 2023 LSU was "middle of the road." New defensive coordinator Blake Baker has quite the job on his hands, but he is the right guy for the job. This guy wears cleats to practice and is very hands on. He seems to have made a big impression on players so far.


Defensive Line - New defensive line coach Bo Davis will be a key to LSU's success for years to come.


Interior Defensive Line


#90 Jacobian Guillory - Guillory is one of the most experienced Tigers on the roster. He has a chip on his shoulder coming into the season. It is his time to shine.


#99 Gio Paez - The Wisconsin transfer flew up the depth chart for the Tigers. He is extremely experienced.


#93 Jalen Lee - The former Florida Gator will be providing quality depth and may even start on the interior of the defensive line.


#56 Kimo Makane'ole - The redshirt junior made the switch from the offensive line to the defensive line over the offseason. It was said he made some serious progress in camp.


#96 Dominick McKinley - At 6'6'' 315 the freshman will be hard to keep off of the field this season. He had positive camp reports.


#95 Shone Washington - The former Georgia Bulldog comes to LSU from the JUCO ranks. He will provide quality depth along the defensive line.


#31 Jay'Vair Suggs - Suggs is someone I am very interested in watching because of one comment Coach Kelly made. Coach Kelly said he is a "natural pass rusher." The Grand Valley State transfer has a lot of experience. He is a perfect example of the saying, "If you are talented, they will find you."


#93 Ahmad Breaux - Coach Kelly has said Breaux has earned snaps in the opener. Over the offseason, it was said Breaux was one of a handful of Tigers who opted to stay on campus working out rather than return home. This is huge for the freshman!


Defensive End/JACK


#35 Sai'vion Jones - The 6'6'' senior is very experienced. It is his time to shine. Jones had a great fall camp. He is one Tiger I am excited to watch.


#13 Bradyn Swinson - The former Oregon Duck is entering his second season with the Tigers. Swinson has a ton of potential to become a force coming off the edge.


#0 Paris "Agent 0" Shand - Paris is in for a big season. Although he may not start, he will provide excellent depth for the Tigers this season.


#15 Da'Shawn Womack - Womack is stepping into a big role this season. He had a great fall camp. When asked about Womack, Coach Kelly said, "I think Da'Shawn Womack is going to have a big year for us."


#19 Gabriel Reiford - Reiford had an excellent fall camp. He will fit squarely into the rotation at defensive end.


#97 Dylan Carpenter - The 6'4'' redshirt freshman will provide depth at the defensive end position.


Linebackers


#18 Greg Penn III - Penn is stepping into a massive role on this team. The newest member of the #18 club is ready for the challenge, as he said, "This whole team has a chip on its shoulder."


#33 West Weeks - The older Weeks brother is a ballhawk. He is a true playmaker who is always in the action. He is in for a big season.


#40 Whit Weeks - The younger Weeks brother had a huge fall camp. He didn't miss a step from his freshman season. I am excited to watch this guy play.


#7 Harold Perkins Jr. - The newest member of the #7 club has a massive season loading. He was named to the Preseason 1st Team All-SEC Team. Perkins was named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy watch list, Walter Camp Award watch list, Bednarik Award watch list, and the Lombardi Award watch list. The defense will go as Harold Perkins Jr. goes.


STAR Position - The STAR position is a safety/linebacker hybrid in Blake Baker's defense.


#8 Major Burns - Burns was named to the Preseason 2nd Team All-SEC Team. Stepping into the STAR position allows new opportunities for Burns. He made a lot of plays in camp.


#23 Kylin Jackson - It will be impossible to keep this guy off the field. He will see time at safety as well. He made a ton of plays during fall camp. He is a playmaker!


#24 Ju'Juan Johnson - The true freshman mixed in with the 2nd team defense at the STAR position over fall camp. He will be a big part of this defense for years.


Cornerback


#1 Ashton Stamps - Stamps put on some muscle over the offseason. He had a massive camp. I am excited to watch him perform.


#12 JK Johnson - After missing the 2023 season from an injury, JK will play a massive role at the cornerback position. The former Ohio State Buckeye has a ton of potential.


#11 PJ Woodland - Coach Kelly said PJ has "earned" snaps in the opener. The freshman had a huge camp. He has an eye for the football.


#14 Zy Alexander - Although Zy is coming off of a late season ending knee injury, he is not on the injury report. It will be interesting to see how much he plays. He had an impressive camp.


#17 Jyaire Brown - The Ohio State transfer mixed in with the first and second team defense, and you will see him all around the defensive backfield.


#25 Javien Toviano - Toviano will play a big rotational role in this defense. He showed a lot of promise last season.


#3 Sage Ryan - Sage is one of the most versatile and experienced Tigers on the roster. Sage may move around the entire defensive backfield. I am excited to see Sage this season.


Safety


#6 Jordan Allen - The redshirt sophomore will burst onto the scene this season. Allen has a ton of potential. He had an excellent camp.


#10 Dashawn Spears - The freshman is a true playmaker. It will be hard to keep him off the field. He turned a lot of heads in fall camp. Coach Kelly mentioned his name when speaking about freshman who have "earned" snaps against USC.


#2 Jardin Gilbert - The Texas A&M transfer will more than likely start opposite of Jordan Allen. This playmaking safety will play a massive role on this defense.


Special Teams - This has been Coach Kelly's weakness during his time at LSU. It is crazy to me why LSU does not have a special teams coordinator.


Kickoff Specialist


#31 Nathan Dibert - Dibert tore his ACL late in the season, but he did participate in fall camp. It would be nice to get him back so quickly.


Kicker


#34 Damian Ramos - Damian is about as steady as they come. I am not worried at all about the kicker position. Ramos made several 50+ yard field goals during fall camp.


Punter - Here are where my worries lie.


#38 Peyton Tood - This was Todd's position, but he cannot find the consistency Coach Kelly would like to see. If you need a booming punt, Peyton is your guy.


#99 Blake Ochsendorf - The Louisiana Tech transfer was 1st Team All Conference USA last season. Coach Kelly has commented about his lack of consistency as well. If you need to pin someone, Blake is your guy. Coach Kelly said the Tigers will use both punters.


Long/Deep Snapper


#44 Slade Roy - Roy was named to the Preseason 3rd Team All-SEC Team. Roy was named to the Patrick Mannelly Award watch list as well. He is one of the top players at his position in the nation. He has made some big tackles in his LSU career.


Return Specialist


#0 Zavion Thomas - Thomas was named to the Preseason 3rd Team All-SEC Team. The Mississippi State transfer was a Freshman All-American punt returner in 2022. Zavion can flip the field in a hurry. He is a true "X-Factor" in my opinion. If he can provide you with good field position periodically, that is a massive leg up.


GEAUX TIGERS!


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Why Peyton "Pop" Houston Could Play a Major Role in LSU's Pursuit of Easton RoyalWhy Peyton "Pop" Houston Could Play a Major Role in LSU's Pursuit of Easton Royal

By Auston Taylor • July 8, 2026
 LSU has made it clear that five-star wide receiver Easton Royal remains one of its top priorities in the 2027 recruiting class. Although Royal is currently committed to Texas, LSU has continued to recruit him aggressively. Based on recent recruiting events and public reporting, one factor that could strengthen the Tigers' position is the presence of quarterback commit Peyton "Pop" Houston. While no outcome is guaranteed in recruiting, Houston's relationship with Royal has become one of the more intriguing storylines surrounding LSU's 2027 class. According to recruiting coverage from The Opening and reports from And The Valley Shook, Houston and Royal showcased noticeable chemistry while competing together on the national stage. Houston also drew attention by winning the event's longest throw competition with a reported 67-yard throw, further reinforcing why many evaluators consider him one of the premier quarterback prospects in the 2027 class. In my view, Houston has the potential to become much more than another highly rated offensive commitment. Elite quarterbacks often become magnets for other top recruits, and early signs suggest Houston could have that kind of influence on LSU's 2027 recruiting class. Why Houston Matters in Royal's Recruitment Quarterback and wide receiver relationships have become one of the most influential factors in modern recruiting. Elite receivers aren't simply choosing a school—they're choosing an offense, a coaching staff, and perhaps most importantly, the quarterback who will help maximize their abilities. If Royal ultimately views Houston as LSU's quarterback of the future, it gives the Tigers another compelling selling point. Rather than asking Royal to imagine what the offense could become, LSU can point to chemistry that has already been displayed during national recruiting events. That doesn't guarantee a commitment flip, but it does provide LSU with something tangible that few recruiting pitches can offer: an established connection between two elite prospects. LSU's History Shows Why This Matters LSU's greatest offensive seasons have consistently featured elite quarterbacks throwing to elite receivers. During the Tigers' historic 2019 National Championship season, Joe Burrow captured the Heisman Trophy while throwing to arguably the greatest receiving corps in college football history—Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Terrace Marshall Jr. That offense rewrote NCAA record books and remains the standard for modern college football offenses. A few years later, history repeated itself. Jayden Daniels won the 2023 Heisman Trophy while benefiting from one of the nation's most explosive receiving duos in Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. Daniels' remarkable development was certainly his own, but LSU's elite receiving talent allowed the offense to reach another level. The lesson is clear: great quarterbacks elevate receivers, but elite receivers also help quarterbacks reach championship-level production. That history gives LSU a compelling message for recruits considering Baton Rouge. Peyton "Pop" Houston's Development Houston's rise as one of Louisiana's premier quarterback prospects is backed by more than recruiting rankings. Evaluators consistently praise his arm strength, touch, ability to extend plays outside the pocket, and willingness to attack defenses vertically. His continued development at Evangel Christian Academy has made him one of the foundation pieces of LSU's 2027 recruiting class. The Bigger Picture If LSU eventually pairs Peyton Houston with Easton Royal, it would represent much more than another recruiting victory. It would signal that LSU landed a quarterback capable of attracting elite talent around him while adding a receiver willing to build alongside that vision. Programs that consistently compete for championships often see recruiting momentum build this way. Elite quarterbacks attract receivers. Elite receivers attract additional offensive talent. Once that cycle begins, recruiting classes can quickly become special. None of this guarantees that Easton Royal will flip his commitment. Texas remains in a strong position, and recruiting decisions can change for countless reasons. However, Houston's emergence gives LSU something every elite program hopes to have: a quarterback capable of becoming the centerpiece of an entire recruiting class. LSU has already witnessed what happens when championship-caliber quarterbacks are paired with elite receivers. Joe Burrow won the Heisman Trophy. Jayden Daniels won the Heisman Trophy. If Peyton "Pop" Houston eventually helps bring Easton Royal to Baton Rouge, it could become one of the defining recruiting stories of LSU's 2027 class—and perhaps the first step toward building another explosive Tiger offense.

Tight End Room Outlook: Revamped and Ready To Roll

By Kaden Arkeder • July 4, 2026
The tight end room has some fresh blood and they look poised to be more impactful heading into next season. With the new arrivals of Noah Fant and third round draft pick Oscar Delp the offense will have the ability to play more in multiple tight end sets to create mismatches for the defense. Multiple tight end sets should allow the Saints to improve the run game and conversely the play action game. Playing in tight end heavy sets was something they were unable to do more of last year due to injuries and lack of talent at the tight end position. Mainstay and the only returning starting caliber player is Juwan Johnson. Johnson had a good year last year as one of the few reliable targets in the passing game aside from Chris Olave. Johnson is looking to build on a solid year where he had 77 receptions for 889 receiving yards with 3 touchdowns. He was a security blanket when Rattler was starting and had quite a few big plays when Shough took over as the starting quarterback. With Shough coming into the season as the presumed starter I expect their connection to be even better next season. Someone hoping to have a better connection with a new QB is Noah Fant. Fant was a first round pick back in 2019 with the Broncos but has never quite lived up to his draft status. Fant will be playing on his third team in three years as he seeks to be a quality rotational piece in the offense and find stability for his career here in New Orleans. Fant should be utilized more in the passing game than in the running game but should be able to hold his own when called upon to do his part on run downs. Fant has been on a statistical decline since his time with Denver as his best receiving season came in at 68/670/4 back in 2021. Although his stats have been declining Fant still has plenty to offer with his athleticism and should produce more given a better opportunity. After Fant in the depth chart should be Oscar Delp who could be the x-factor of the tight end room after being selected in the third round of the draft this year. Delp brings a versatile option to the offense as he can lineup in various spots and handle the rigors of blocking in the run game. Delp’s calling card in college was his elite athleticism which jumps off the screen when you watch his tape. He has the ability to turn a five yard catch into an explosive play with how quickly he can get to top speed. Delp is an adequate, willing blocker where like most new tight ends in the league has room to improve in the blocking area of his game. With his versatility and athleticism I believe Delp will play a pivotal role in the offense this upcoming season. With Delp presumed to round out the depth chart at tight end the remaining tight ends will be competing for spots on the practice squad or spots on another team. This group includes Cody Hardy, Treyton Welch, Moliki Matavao, and Zaire Mitchell-Paden. We’ve seen Welch and Matavao from last season fill in admirably after some injuries but are best served as bench options at this point in time in their development. This group of roster hopefuls should hopefully provide some good competition from one another as we progress through training camp and preseason here shortly. Overall this group has a lot more promise heading into this season as it did last year. By getting younger and more athletic the tight ends will play a more prominent role in Kellen Moore’s offense. Whether it’s Juwan building on last season or Fant having a bounce back year or Delp proving to be revelation, the team is going to have plenty of options to choose from to attack the defense. Exactly what this team needed after not having enough last season.
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