LSU boasted the best offense in college football last year, averaging 543.5 yards per game in total offense led by receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Malik Nabers and Heisman trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels. All three playmakers left LSU to become first-round NFL draft picks, but the Tigers still have reason to be optimistic heading into the 2024 season. On the defensive side of the ball, LSU returns key starters after a disappointing 2023 on defense. The linebacker room will continue to be a strength of the defense, while the line play will look to improve in a new scheme under new defensive coordinator Blake Baker. Look for these returning players on both sides of the ball to make huge contributions to the team this season.
1. Garrett Nussmeier
The number one reason for Tigers fans to be excited about the LSU offense moving forward has to be Garrett Nussmeier. The redshirt junior bided his time at LSU behind Myles Brennan, Max Johnson, and Jayden Daniels and now finally has the chance to be the undisputed QB1. He’s seen action in each of his 3 seasons at LSU, most notably in relief for the injured Daniels in the 2022 SEC Championship game against Georgia and starting in this year’s ReliaQuest Bowl game. Nussmeier’s cannon arm has tantalized Tiger fans for three years, and his performance in LSU’s come from behind bowl victory only added fuel to that fire.
2. Harold Perkins Jr.
Harold Perkins Jr. recorded similar numbers in both 2022 and 2023, but fell off the radar a bit last year as LSU’s defense as a whole struggled. In this draft eligible junior season, Perkins will look to recreate the highlights from his electric freshman season at LSU. Perkins has a knack for disrupting opposing quarterbacks in the pocket and forcing offenses to adjust their gameplans on the fly. He finished with a 1 yard touchdown run on his first collegiate offensive snap in the ReliaQuest Bowl last year to add to his portfolio of highlight reel plays. Look for Perkins to continue to stand out on the Tigers’ defense among a talented linebacker corp.
3. Will Campbell
Junior offensive tackle Will Campbell enters this season as the consensus best offensive lineman in the country, with draft experts at The Athletic even naming him the number one 2025 NFL Draft prospect heading into the season. Campbell is currently on a 15 game streak of not allowing a quarterback sack dating back to his freshman season in 2022. He was a team captain last year as a sophomore, and has proved to be incredibly reliable, playing the most snaps of any Tiger on offense in 2023. Campbell’s name should continue to rise on draft boards as he makes Garrett Nussmeier’s transition to QB1 much easier in 2024.
4. Whit Weeks
True sophomore linebacker Whit Weeks enters his second season with the Tigers primed to make a significant impact after seeing action in 11 games and starting 3 times in his freshman season. Weeks recorded 49 tackles in 2023, the most of any LSU freshman, and led the team in tackles in his first start against Mississippi State. He finished the season with a strong showing in the ReliaQuest Bowl game, recording 8 tackles in 45 snaps. Look for Weeks to play an important role in the Tigers’ defense in 2024, regardless of what formation the defense implements.
5. Kyren Lacy
5th year senior receiver Kyren Lacy will look to slide into the vacancy left by Brian Thomas Jr. and Malik Nabers as WR1 for Nussmeier and new offensive coordinator Joe Sloan. Lacy was a distant third behind the two first round wide receivers on last year’s squad in total yards and touchdowns, but he led the team in yards per catch with an average of 18.6. His veteran leadership will be crucial in elevating a talented but inexperienced receiving corps in 2024, as he looks to boost his own draft stock and LSU’s growing reputation as the real WRU.
Conclusion
The return of players is a monumental boost for the LSU Tigers as they prepare for the 2024 season. Their experience, talent, and leadership will be crucial in navigating the challenges of the SEC and aiming for a championship. With these key players back in the fold, the Tigers are well-positioned to make a significant impact and potentially contend for the national title. The excitement and anticipation are palpable, as fans and players alike look forward to what promises to be an exhilarating season.
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