LSU vs Clemson 2025: Linebackers

 

LSU vs Clemson 2025: Linebackers

LSU and Clemson have two of the best Quarterbacks in college football and both LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier and Clemson’s Cade Klubnik should go very high in the NFL draft after their final seasons this year. A lot of the success or failure for Clemson and LSU will squarely fall on the shoulders of these two quarterbacks. However, LSU fans will recall that you can have a Heisman trophy winning quarterback (Jayden Daniels) and still not make the playoffs. Defense wins championships and the quarterback of the defense is very often a linebacker. In this article I will be taking a deep dive into LSU’s and Clemson’s linebackers.

I just added PFF to my “Best Sports Links” selection in the right column of the desktop version of this site.  According to the Pro Football Focus article “College Football: Top 10 linebacker units entering the 2025 season” LSU’s linebacker unit, Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins Jr., are the number 2 linebacker unit this season and Clemson’s linebacker unit, Wade Woodaz and Sammy Brown, are number 9.  Both are top 10 units this season and expected to play key roles in their teams’ success.

Being an LSU fan, I thought that this is great news for real tiger fans: LSU is clearly ranked well above Clemson in the category of linebacker unit.  It is good news!

In keeping with my mission to incorporate AI in my posts, I prompted Chatgpt to “compare LSU’s linebackers to Clemson’s linebackers”.  I expected to have a confirmation of the PFF article but noticed that Chatgpt did not even include the PFF article, or many LSU sites, in the sources consulted. Chatgpt concluded that “Clemson boasts a more seasoned, battle-tested linebacker group with strong leadership and fewer injury risks. LSU offers a higher long-term upside in athleticism (particularly with Perkins), but both of their top players are coming off of significant injuries, making their immediate impact less predictable. In short, Clemson’s job-ready linebackers likely give them an edge in 2025, while LSU’s pair has a higher ceiling - but carries more health risk.” My thoughts: Wow! Just, wow.  I have issues with Chatgpt’s analysis. I should mention that the analysis of Clemson linebackers predominantly used the Clemson Tigers Offical Athletics Site and Big Blue View while Chatgpt’s analysis of LSU’s linebackers relied mostly on Wikipedia. I put a lot more stock in the PFF rankings. 

Here is my take on LSU’s linebackers versus Clemson’s linebackers. First, the point Chatgpt makes about LSU’s top two linebackers recovering from injuries is a point well taken. All reports point to both Whit Weeks and Harold Perkins being ready to play at 100% but we will not know for sure until they suit up against Clemson.  

Another thing to consider is the defense that surrounds the linebackers and particularly the defensive line. According to all reports Clemson has a strong defensive line anchored by likely next year NFL players T.J. Parker and Peter Woods.  While LSU’s current defensive line is largely unproven, many returning players have gained valuable experience and LSU has brought in solid defensive linemen from the portal. 

Finally, it is noteworthy that LSU’s defensive coordinator, who is entering his second year as LSU’s DC, is also the linebackers coach. Baker started for 3 years at linebacker for Tulane (2000-2004); worked with linebackers as a graduate assistant at Texas (2010-2012); was DC and linebackers coach at LaTech (2015-2018), at Miami (2019-2020) and was linebackers coach at LSU in 2021 before becoming the DC for Missouri (2022-2023). I think it is safe to say that Baker probably knows a thing or two about the linebacker position. Likewise, first year Defensive Coordinator for Clemson, Tom Allen, is the linebacker coach for Clemson and has a keen understanding and focus on the linebacker position. Allen was the DC and linebacker coach at Penn State last year and in his 7 year tenure as head coach of Indiana University (2016-2023) coached 3 first team all Big Ten linebackers. Allen was the linebackers coach for Ole Miss from 2012-2014 and coached 2 all SEC linebackers. In addition, Allen’s son, Thomas Allen, is a defensive analyst and assistant linebackers coach for Clemson. Thomas Allen played linebacker for Indiana University from 2017-2021.

Setting aside important considerations of past injuries, defensive line play, the linebacker experience and focus of two relatively new defensive coordinators, let’s take a closer look at linebackers that will likely start and play in the LSU-Clemson game this year.

Clemson Linebackers:

Sammy Brown was a 5 star linebacker prospect in the class of 2024, he was ranked number 2 at the position; was ranked the number 2 player in the state of Georgia, and the number 14 player nationally in the class of 2024. Brown just completed his freshman year at Clemson. Brown started 6 games; recorded 80 tackles (47solo/33asisted), 11.5 tackles for loss, 3 pass breakups and 3 passes defended.  In short, so far Brown has lived up to his five star billing. I have learned that Brown is a high-motor, sideline-to-sideline player. LSU fans, this sounds similar to a Whit Weeks or Harold Perkins Jr type player. Here is a good highlight video of Sammy Brown versus N.C. State last year.

Wade Woodaz was listed as a 3 star, #61 safety from the class of 2022; but, Woodaz has developed to be much better than advertised as a linebacker. Woodaz has started at linebacker in 18 games totaling 131 tackles (68solo/63 assisted), 21.5 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 8 pass breakups, 3 interceptions, 11 passes defended, and 1 touchdown. Here is a good highlight video of Woodaz.

The supporting cast of Clemson linebackers include: 

Jeremiah Alexander, a transfer from Alabama. Alexander is listed at 6’2” and 232lbs and was a 5 star, number 5 ranked edge rusher as well as the #1 high school player in Alabama in 2022 but only registered 9 tackles in his 3 year/27 game stint at Alabama. Clearly Alexander was brought in to provide outside pressure from an edge position. 

Dee Crayton out of high school was a 4 star, #9 linebacker that was also ranked as high as 8th among all players from Georgia in 2023. Crayton has played in 19 games but started in 0 games at Clemson and registered 24 total tackles (11solo/13 assisted) and 1.5 tackles for loss.

Kobe McCloud has started in 2 games, racked up 18 total tackles (7 solo/11 assisted), 3.5 tackles for loss and 1 forced fumble.

And finally, Jamal Anderson, a 4 star/#12LB from the class of 2022, has started 1 game; been responsible for 11 total tackles (3 solo/ 8 assisted), 1 tackle for loss, and 1 sack.

It will be interesting to see how different LSU tight ends and wide receivers match up when these linebackers are slated to drop back in coverage.  I think Sammy Brown may be the hardest matchup and honestly, the Clemson linebackers are all around the ideal 6’2” to 6’3” tall and 220lbs to 235lbs range. LSU’s tight ends are all in the 6’4” to 6’7” range and 240lbs to 250lbs range.  Tight ends Bauer Sharp, Trey’Dez Green, and Texas A&M transfer Donovan Green all are fast, agile, and strong but it is anybody’s guess as to whether their athleticism and slight height and weight advantages will make a decisive difference. LSU also has probably the fastest wide receivers in college football.  Barion Brown and Jelani Watkins are two of the fastest players in college football according to EA sports.  Zavion Thomas and Aaron Anderson are also super fast and Chris Hilton Jr. runs a 4.31 forty.

Clemson’s strategy will probably be to send the linebackers in blitzes frequently and try to overload an almost completely new LSU offensive line which may work or open up some quick passes with potential for many many yards after the catch.  I can’t wait to see what happens! Clemson and LSU are two really good teams! But that’s not all folks! 

Let’s take a look at LSU’s linebackers!

LSU Linebackers: 

Harold Perkins Jr. - 5 star class of 2022, #1 linebacker in class, #1 overall player from Texas, #5 player nationally in 2022. Sammy Brown and Harold Perkins Jr. had similar billing and similar results their freshman years. Both were hyped in the media guides and both delivered.  Bryan Kelly’s staff Perkin’s sophomore year had clear vision for how they planned to use Perkins and that vision could not have been more wrong.  Perkins started 4 games the next year and got hurt. He has had a long time to heal and reports are that he is 100% and this LSU defensive staff know his strengths and how he best fits into LSU’s defensive plans.  At LSU Perkins has started 25 games executed 164 total tackles (87 solo/ 77 assisted), 27.5 tackles for loss, 13 sacks, 7 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery, 7 pass breakups, 2 interceptions, and 9 passes defended. One last thought on Perkins: Blake Baker was LSU’s linebacker coach when Perkins had his stellar freshman year. Here is a good Perkins highlight video.

Whit Weeks out of high school was a 4 star, #8 linebacker, #9 Georgia player in the class of 2023. Weeks was injured in the bowl game of last season but represented LSU at SEC media days and when asked about it said that he has never felt better in his life and the he is eager to play.  Weeks is known for his speed and high motor, never quit style of play. While at LSU Weeks has started 14 games, completed 174 tackles (76 solo/ 98 assisted), 13.5 tackles for loss, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 3 pass breakups, 1 interception, and 4 passes defended.

Whit’s older brother West Weeks, who transferred to LSU from Virginia,  is a regular in the linebacker rotation. West has 90 total tackles (36 solo/54 assisted), 4.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 5 pass breakups, and 5 passes defended.

Davhon Keys, a 4 star from the class of 2024, started 4 games, totaled 31 tackles (11 solo/ 20 assisted), 1.5 tackles for loss, 1.5 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 3 pass breakups, 1 interception, 4 passes defended and 1 touchdown. Davhon Keys and another 2024 4 star linebacker, Tylen Singleton, were likely not going to see action in 2025 to provide another year of development. Tylen who was the 12th ranked linebacker in the class of 2024 was redshirted and is likely ready to see action this year.

LSU also has a strong group of true freshmen linebackers. All 4 freshmen are blue chip 4 stars of the class of 2025. Charles Ross II was ranked #2 linebacker in the class and the 13th best football player in the state of Texas. Jaiden Braker was ranked the 12th best linebacker and 20th best football player in the state of Georgia.  Nearly all of the LSU linebackers fall into the 6’1” to 6’3” height range and weigh in the 215lbs to 230lbs range. 

It will be interesting to see how LSU linebackers match up particularly with Olsen Patt-Henry, the heir apparent of NFL departed all time Clemson leader in receptions by a tight end - Jake Bringingstool. Josh Sapp, Banks Pope, and Christian Bentancur are all solid at blocking and passing catching.  It is also noteworthy to mention that PFF ranks Clemson’s receiving unit as number 3 this year. Bryant Westco, T.J. Moore, and Antonio Williams are all among the best wide receivers in college football.

I am biased but I do agree with PFF’s ranking of linebacker units. LSU’s linebackers are better than Clemson’s linebackers. We can argue that LSU has played against much better competition in the SEC or that Clemson benefits more greatly from an established NFL caliber defensive line but Pro Football Focus ranks both linebacker units in the top 10 this year and LSU is #2 and Clemson is #9.  Talk of the linebacker units is barely a whisper compared to the talk about Clubnik and Nussmeier.  Thinking about linebackers makes you consider the over/under total score bet.  It leaves no doubt that we will see the clash of two titan teams August 30/6:30cst - 7:30 est - primetime on ABC!