LSU Football 2025:
7 YouTube Videos, Notebooklm, and Bob
LSU Football 2025: Season Briefing
I. Overall Outlook & Expectations:
LSU enters the 2025 season with high expectations, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, aiming for a College Football Playoff berth after a 9-4 finish in 2024. The sentiment is that with improvements, this team could be "better than it was a year ago" and even surpass the Heisman-winning Jayden Daniels era if defensive needs are addressed. However, the team's ability to reach its ceiling hinges on the performance of several key "swing players" and a significant defensive turnaround.
Swing Player/X-Factor: A player whose performance has a significant, high-variance impact on the team's overall success. Their play can either elevate the team's ceiling or hinder its potential.
II. Offensive Prowess: Quarterback, Skill Players, & Offensive Line
The LSU offense is projected to be "EXPLOSIVE" and "better this year for Garrett Nussmeier than they were a year ago," despite losing significant talent on the offensive line.
Quarterback: Garrett Nussmeier
Heisman Contender: Nussmeier is the "odds on favorite in a lot of places to win the Heisman this year." There's a strong belief he can make a "Burrows, Daniels year one to year two jump" as a full-time starter.
Gunslinger Mentality: Nussmeier is a "gunslinger" with an "NFL caliber arm" who "throws it into tight windows" and "will challenge the defense no matter what the coverage is." While this leads to "spectacular throws," it also comes with "mistakes."
Areas for Growth: The key will be for him to "clean up" little mistakes, improve timing, pre-snap reads, and comfortability reading over the middle. He needs to incorporate more "scrambling for five yards" rather than always trying to make a big play, a common development for quarterbacks from year one to year two.
Bob: Wouldn't it be fun to see Ju'Juan Johnson, Michael Van Buren or Colin Hurley in a running back slot and provide a really interesting RPO situation?! Handoff to the QB/RB who then can run, throw, flea flicker to Nuss, or run laterally and throw laterally to Nuss who then passes etc. Probably too many possibilities to execute well. If there is time, this would be a truly unique RPO scheme.
"Coach's Son": As the son of an NFL offensive coordinator, Doug Nussmeier, Garrett is described as "cerebral" and possessing a deep understanding of the game's "why."
Wide Receivers:
"Embarrassment of Riches": LSU boasts a talented and diverse wide receiver corps, described as an "embarrassment of riches" with "different skill sets," making it difficult for defenses to key on one player.
Key Players:
Aaron Anderson: "Lead leading receiver," "shifty," and a "trustworthy guy." (61 catches, 884 yards, 5 TDs in 2024).
Chris Hilton Jr.: A "freak of the week" recipient in preseason. He is the "deep threat" with "real burners" speed (one of the "fastest 10 people on the NCAA video game"). He "was thriving" at the end of last year (9 catches, 27 YPC, 3 TDs) and is expected to be "massive for how far this team goes." His main challenge is "can he stay on the field" and avoid injuries.
Barion Brown (Transfer from Kentucky): Also one of the "fastest 10 people on the game." He "stole the show" in spring practice and is highly touted, with "all the physical tools." He's also a "utility weapon" and "tied for the record all time for touchdowns on special teams."
Nic Anderson (Transfer from Oklahoma): Provides "size" and is a "big body target who can go up and make contested catches." He had a "really long average yard per catch when he was healthy in 2023."
Bob: Zavion Thomas, Kyle Parker, Jelani Watkins, Destyn Hill, TaRon Francis???? I think LSU has enough really good wide receivers to field several playoff contender teams.
Tight Ends:
"LOADED TE Room": LSU lost a "second round draft choice" at tight end but the current room "could be better than it was a year ago" due to increased depth and diverse skill sets.
Key Players:
Bauer Sharp: Received the first "Freak of the Week" award for 2025 offseason. A "red shirt senior" and transfer from Oklahoma who has "played a ton of football." He's a "mixture" who can do "a little bit of everything," including H-back and pseudo-fullback roles. He's described as "OU's leading receiver this past year after every receiver on the team including Nic Anderson got hurt."
Trey'Dez Green: A "freak athlete" who played receiver last year and is now moving back to a "true F" tight end role, creating mismatches "Alia Antonio Gates Travis Kelce." He is a "matchup nightmare" and is "impossible to defend," with 4 touchdowns on only 13 catches last year. The coaching staff needs to ensure he does "some blocking in the run game to be effective" to avoid "tendencies."
Donovan Green (Junior Transfer from Texas A&M): More of a traditional "Y role" tight end with his "hand in the dirt connected to the offensive line, kind of inline blocking." He played extensively as a true freshman at A&M under Jimbo Fisher, who highly praised him. He's considered a potential "pleasant surprise."
JD Lafleur (Freshman): A "big guy" at 6'7", 263 lbs, adding to the room's depth.
Versatility and Formation: The coaching staff plans to utilize multiple tight ends on the field simultaneously (e.g., "Bauer Sharp and Green on the field at the same time") to create "matchup problems" and avoid "creating tendencies."
Bob: One of the YouTube videos that I include as a resource focused on LSU's Tight Ends. I seem to recall that Brian Kelly's Notre Dame teams had big sure handed tight ends that were an important part of ND's offense. The Nortre Dame TEs were big and seem slow, in the mold of typical Big 10 TEs. While Bauer Sharp and Trey'Dez Green are big, 6'5" and 6'7", both men can are agile and can run. LSU could open with a bomb pass to the end zone on their first play of the season or they could play it safe and dink and dunk to the tight ends virtually the whole game.
Running Back: Caden Durham
Sophomore Sensation: Durham was "really good as a true freshman," second among all Power Four true freshmen in rushing yards (749) and leading in receiving yards (261).
Need for Balance: The team needs Durham to "really perform even better as a true sophomore" to alleviate pressure on Nussmeier. LSU's offense was more dangerous when they had "balance" and a strong run game, as seen in their comeback against South Carolina.
Bob: First I think Caden Durham is positioned to have a thousand yards rushing and double digit touchdowns as LSU's featured back this year. But it seems odd that only one running back appeared in this Notebooklm briefing. It could be that LSU did not have a great running game last year and the year before the great running game was based on QB Jayden Daniels' elusiveness and speed. It should be noted that Caleb Jackson may have only experienced the common "sophomore slump" last year because he looked to have really potential his freshman season. I do not think we have heard the last from Caleb Jackson. I took a look at LSU's official roster just a moment ago and notice Trey Holly, who did not play last year because of legal issues, is still on the team and made "Academic Honor Roll in 2024". Holly only got a couple of touches in 2023 but wow! did he look good! Trey Holly hold Louisiana's all-time rushing record (all divisions) with 10,523 yards during his high school career. Holly is the next Warwick Dunn. But he may have trouble getting touches because in addition to Durham and Jackson, true freshmen Harlem Berry and J.T. Lindsey are that good. According to On3's composite rankings Berry was the 2025 class No. 1 running back and J.T. Lindsey was the class No. 9 running back. LSU has a wealth of running backs and there offensive line is more than likely going to be much better at run blocking this year.
Offensive Line:
Major Question Mark: This is arguably the "biggest question mark" on the team, as LSU "lost four of five starters from that elite offensive line," including a "top five pick at left tackle in Will Campbell." They "were expected to be dominant, overtly dominant" last year but "could not run the ball consistently."
New Faces: They've brought in transfers like Josh Thompson (Northwestern) and Braelin Moore (Virginia Tech), who is likely to start at center.
Swing Player: Tyree Adams: He is tasked with replacing Will Campbell at left tackle, "defending Garrett Nussmeier's blind side." He played well in the bowl game and "hasn't started much during his career," making him a high-variance player. His performance will be crucial for pass protection and establishing a physical run game.
Talent but Unproven: While Brian Kelly is known for O-line recruiting and development, and players like Weston Davis (former five-star at right tackle) are talented, they need to "get out there and show it" against top defensive lines. The true test will come in "that first snap against Clemson."
Bob: You may recall that Will Campbell and Emery Jones both started as true freshmen at the OT positions for LSU. There are 17 players collectively listed as either OT or OL. 14 of those players are Freshmen, Redshirt Freshmen or Redshirt Sophomores. I have noticed that even though LSU has had awesome offensive linemen in the past, like Andrew Whitworth and Will Campbell; blue chip offensive linemen have been lining up to play for LSU in even greater quantities since the arrival of Brian Kelly. The talent should be there and the coaching is solid. The question is "have these guys matured into a unit?". If LSU's o-line is gelling, there will be a feast of tiger bait this year.
III. Defensive Improvement: The Key to Playoff Hopes
LSU's defense "once again plagued the Tigers" in 2024, ranking "82nd in the country in EPA per play" and "ninth worst defense in the power four in EPA per play" over the last two years. A significant turnaround is required for playoff contention.
Bob: Historically, LSU has had some of the very best defensive teams and it is time we return to defensive dominance again this year.
Defensive Line/Edge Rushers:
Need for Havoc: Blake Baker's scheme "wants to create havoc," requiring players who "are going to get into the back field."
Swing Player:
Patrick Payton (Transfer from Florida State): He is LSU's most prominent defensive end addition with "the most pass rush pedigree," having 7 sacks and 9 passes defended in 2023. However, his production dropped in 2024. He "has got to be the player that he was two years ago" to "raise the floor of what this team is able to accomplish."
Jack Pyburn: Described as an "edge setter" and bringing "swagger" and "nastiness" to the defense. Expected to be involved in "camp skirmishes."
Bob: Dominick McKinley, Ahmad Breaux, Bernard Gooden (Transfer USF), and Sydir Mitchel (Transfer Texas) will anchor a defensive front that has something to prove and should be a big improvement over last year. It would also be a huge mistake to overlook Gabriel Reliford at defensive edge.
Linebackers:
Strength of the Team: LSU has the "number two linebacker unit in college football" due to Harold Perkins Jr. and Whit Weeks.
Heart and Soul: Whit Weeks: Described as the "clear leader of this defense" and the "heart and soul." He is "terrific" in run defense and a "good blitzer," offering "a little bit of everything." His continued development and leadership are crucial.
Swing Player: Harold Perkins Jr.: A "swing player" recovering from an ACL injury. After a breakout freshman year, his performance has been inconsistent due to being "out of position" and not "utilized to the best of his skill set." If Blake Baker can "harness and utilize his athleticism" and get him playing "fast" and disruptive, the defense "could be very very good." However, if he remains a "tweener player," it will "limit something else successful."
Bob: "Heart and Soul" - Wit and Harold. I think a good strategy in the Clemson game would be to have Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins on the field at the same time. Have Whit blitz the QB and Perkins spy the QB. If Whit does not get to the QB, the QB gets flushed right into the arms of a ready and waiting Perkins. Many will make the point negating Nussmeier is a key for Clemson's D, but may miss or think it too big of a task for LSU to negate Clemson's QB, Cade Klubnik. I think Whit Weeks could even disrupt a quick handoff or quick throw.
Secondary:
Remaking the Unit: LSU is "really remaking this whole secondary" and needs "consistency." They have struggled with "subpar play to the LSU standard" in recent years.
Key Transfers:
Swing Player:
Mansoor Delane (Transfer from Virginia Tech): An "experienced guy who can bring consistency" and "lock down one side of the field." He was third in the ACC in interceptions (4) and had 11 passes defended last year. He is a "more physical player than he gets credit for" and not afraid to get "down and get dirty in run support."
AJ Haulcy (Transfer from Houston): A "productive tackler" who adds to the safety competition. LSU has "struggled with tackling in the secondary" recently.
Tamarcus Cooley (Transfer from NC State): Adds to the safety depth.
Depth and Competition: There are questions about who will start at safety, with Jardian Gilbert and Javien Toviano also in the mix. The unit has "so much length" with players like D.J. Pickett (6'4").
Bob: I have confidence that Corey Raymond remember what DBU players look like and how to coach them.
IV. Coaching and Schedule:
Brian Kelly: While some feel Kelly is on the "hot seat" due to unmet playoff expectations despite 10-win seasons, his job is likely secure given his contract. He is considered a "top 10 coach in college football."
Opening Matchup vs. Clemson: This "marquee early matchup" is seen as a "hell of a game" with returning Heisman-contending quarterbacks. It's a "win-win" for LSU, as even a loss "could look really really good on the resume" due to the strength of the SEC schedule. However, LSU fans are "sick of losing openers."
Bob: What?! "a loss could look really really good on the resume"?! No. An early loss can be overcome with a perfect rest of the season which would mean beating Alabama and Ole Miss in away games. But a loss is never good. A win in the opener puts either team in a great position.
Key Matchup: LSU's new offensive line against Clemson's strong defensive line (with NFL players like Peter Woods).
Bob: Trust me Will Campbell is not the last great LSU offensive lineman. This game will hopefully be an opportunity for a coming out party for the next great LSU linemen. Clemson will be the first but certainly no the last opportunity for LSU's young offensive linemen to show their stuff against future NFL defensive linemen.
Red Zone Efficiency: A historical "bugaboo" for LSU, converting red zone trips into touchdowns will be critical.
Bob: I would not have used the term "historical", too strong. Last year and maybe the year before red zone touchdowns were not as plentiful as they should have been. I have read that Ju'Juan Johnson may be the QB in a package designed for improving that stat. LSU has two or three very mobile backup QBs. And if LSU has a better run game and short passing game this year there may not be a need for the backup QB solution.
Shootout Potential: Both teams have high-powered offenses. LSU's defense has struggled with "giving up explosive plays."
Bob: I would have to double check, but; I think in the last two years LSU tends to win shootouts. LSU has certainly picked the transfer portal to increase scoring potential. One of the storylines for the Clemson/LSU game might be old school Dabo (not utilizing the transfer portal or NIL inducements as much) versus Kelly (using every old and new tool at his disposal).
Schedule Impact: LSU's SEC schedule (including Florida, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Alabama, Arkansas, and Oklahoma) is tougher than Clemson's ACC schedule. This means LSU "can afford to lose this game more than Clemson does" from a playoff survivability standpoint.
Bob: LSU does have a tougher schedule. The SEC is by far more challenging than the ACC. However, Clemson made it to the playoffs last season because they were the best ACC team not because they had proven themselves against any SEC teams. In 2024 Clemson lost to Georgia (34-3), South Carolina (17-14), and Texas (38-24). While they lost to Texas in the second round of the playoffs, they also lost to the same South Carolina team that LSU beat last year. A close, controversial win but still, a win.
V. Verdict on 2025 Season:
The potential is high, but there are significant variables, especially on defense and the offensive line. Some predict an "under" on the 8.5-win total, citing concerns about defensive transfers hitting and O-line stability. Others predict an "over," banking on Nussmeier's Heisman-level play, the loaded skill positions, and a slight defensive improvement. Ultimately, the season's success will hinge on whether these "swing players" and transfer additions can elevate their play and provide the necessary balance to complement the explosive offense.
Bob: Less than 10 wins would be a disappointment for me, most LSU fans, and Brian Kelly. Naturally, that is a lot of pressure that the even Kelly is putting on himself and his team. I wonder if Kelly could persuade Nick Saban to be part of the staff for just the opener. Saban is by far the best coach ever at preparing for one team when given just a little extra time. Super analytical football brain and newest inductee to the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Below are links to the YouTube videos that Notebooklm evaluated to create much of the content of this briefing.
YouTube links:
https://youtu.be/R-PhKA8eyTw?si=FzUSXimYSOsMtpHO On3
https://youtu.be/pIAvLauG13U?si=LEOwVxdy8l-HssiJ Crain&Company
https://youtu.be/9mH4TcUQbqA?si=L6hSWqLkjtcfGcyo PFF
https://youtu.be/iYPY-zqRbpI?si=t1_uTO6pACogzo4O After Further Review
https://youtu.be/rWn4pPeEZt4?si=1PMZk8FmP6NmkCVg Off the Bench
https://youtu.be/9GpKuktrB_g?si=zHDkoeZAhHx95l9a Nola.com
https://youtu.be/XDkPN2S56Cg?si=cda6Q6fVO7_98pBt Off the Bench
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