As of now, the transfer portal and NFL Draft decisions have taken players away from LSU, while the Early Signing Period has brought in new players. Both tight end Mason Taylor and left tackle Will Campbell have already left LSU for the NFL Draft, which is a setback for the team because Taylor’s return would have helped replace Kyren Lacy and CJ Daniels’ output. LSU must now make three crucial choices that might alter the 2025 campaign.
Since he plays the most crucial position, quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is the most significant of the three. If Garrett Nussmeier makes a comeback, LSU will have one of the SEC’s top quarterbacks back for a second season, which will help him advance significantly. Since Rickie Collins entered the transfer portal and there isn’t an obvious replacement other than a possible transfer, LSU will be in a hurry to find their next starting quarterback if Nussmeier declares for the NFL Draft.
Emery Jones Jr., a right tackle, will be just as important in 2025 as Garrett Nussmeier. In addition to giving LSU one less offensive line void to cover, Jones’ return would allow them to move him to left tackle in place of Will Campbell. LSU will have to fill every offensive line position save center if Jones joins the NFL Draft, which is a difficult undertaking in a single offseason.
Last but not least, the LSU football team is awaiting word from linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. regarding his future course of action. Blake Baker would have another defensive chess piece to use on the edge, at linebacker, or at star if Harold Perkins Jr. returned. It would be painful to lose Harold Perkins Jr. because it seems like he still has a lot of potential to establish himself and the club under the correct system.
Emery Jones and Garrett Nussmeier might decide LSU’s potential.
Depending on what Nussmeier and Emery Jones decide, LSU might either be in the College Football Playoffs or in a rebuilding year. It would be difficult to start a new quarterback at LSU because they will have a new offensive line and a new collection of pass catchers. Emery Jones can provide experience to the new offensive line, thus it will be crucial for LSU to have him return to protect Nussmeier.
