As the LSU Tigers gear up for their 2025 season opener against Clemson on August 30 at Death Valley, all eyes are on a revamped offensive line tasked with protecting quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and powering a potentially explosive offense. The Tigers, coming off a 9-4 campaign in 2024 with a Texas Bowl victory over Baylor, boasted a high-powered passing attack (293.8 yards per game, second in the SEC) but struggled with consistency on the ground (139.5 rushing yards per game, 12th in the SEC). The offensive line, a critical component of LSU’s 2024 success, faces a major overhaul after losing four starters to the NFL and graduation.
With a daunting Clemson pass rush led by edge rusher T.J. Parker awaiting in Week 1, the new-look line’s ability to gel will determine whether LSU can start fast and set the tone for a playoff-contending season. Under head coach Brian Kelly and offensive line coach Brad Davis, the Tigers have reloaded with transfers and young talent, but questions remain about their readiness against one of the nation’s top defenses. This deep dive explores the state of LSU’s offensive line, its offseason makeover, key players, the Clemson challenge, and what it means for 2025.
The 2024 Recap: A Solid but Inconsistent Foundation
In 2024, LSU’s offensive line was a mixed bag, ranking 38th nationally in sacks allowed (2.3 per game) and supporting a passing offense that fueled Nussmeier’s breakout (4,052 yards, 29 TDs). Anchored by All-SEC tackles Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr., the unit allowed just 30 sacks, but its run-blocking struggled, averaging 3.6 yards per carry in SEC play (12th in the conference). The line’s performance peaked in wins like the 42-10 rout of South Alabama, where it paved the way for 212 rushing yards, but faltered in losses to Texas A&M (4.0 YPC) and Alabama (3.2 YPC). The departure of Campbell, Jones, center Charles Turner III, and guard Miles Frazier to the NFL left only one returning starter, creating a void of 48 combined starts and 64% of 2024’s offensive line snaps.
Despite these losses, LSU’s offense ranked No. 14 nationally (443.2 yards per game), and Nussmeier’s 9% pressure-to-sack rate (lowest in the SEC) showcased the line’s pass protection prowess. However, the ground game’s inconsistency—exacerbated by a lack of push against physical fronts like Alabama’s—put pressure on Nussmeier to carry the offense. For 2025, the offensive line must elevate its run-blocking to support a deep backfield led by Caden Durham and Harlem Berry, while keeping Nussmeier upright against Clemson’s ferocious pass rush. The Week 1 clash will be a litmus test for a unit aiming to restore LSU’s offensive balance and fuel a playoff run.
More: LSU Football 2025 Season Preview & Projected Outlook
Braelin Moore (Virginia Tech transfer): A 6-foot-3, 305-pound senior, Moore started 12 games at center for Virginia Tech in 2024, earning a 78.2 PFF pass-blocking grade. His experience and agility make him the likely starter at center, addressing Turner’s departure.
Josh Thompson (Northwestern transfer): A 6-foot-5, 301-pound senior, Thompson started all 13 games at left guard in 2024, allowing just one sack. His versatility and strength bolster the interior, with X posts from On3’s Billy Embody noting his “dominant” fall camp.
Paul Mubenga (Redshirt Sophomore): A 6-foot-4, 315-pound junior, Mubenga started 10 games at right tackle for the Tigers in 2024, with a 75.6 PFF run-blocking grade. His size and experience make him a contender to replace Jones.
Weston Davis (Freshman): A 6-foot-5, 300-pound true freshman, Davis was a five-star recruit in 2024 and saw limited snaps as a reserve. His athleticism and camp buzz position him as a potential impact player at tackle.
Tyree Adams (Freshman): A 6-foot-6, 310-pound four-star recruit, Adams adds depth and projects as a future star. His spring practice performance drew praise from Davis for his “quick feet,” per 247Sports.
The lone returning starter, left tackle Bo Bordelon (6-foot-6, 305 pounds), started 12 games in 2024, allowing two sacks. These additions, combined with redshirt sophomores like Kimo Makane’ole and DJ Chester, create a deep but unproven unit. The offseason focus was on blending veteran transfers with high-upside youth, aiming to match 2024’s pass protection (1.9 sacks per game in non-SEC games) and improve run-blocking to 4.5+ yards per carry.
Key Players to Watch
LSU’s 2025 offensive line is a mix of experienced transfers, a returning starter, and high-potential freshmen, tasked with protecting Nussmeier and opening lanes for a talented backfield. Here are the key players to watch:
Bo Bordelon: The lone returning starter, Bordelon’s 12 starts at left tackle in 2024 included a 76.8 PFF pass-blocking grade, allowing just two sacks. His experience and size make him the line’s anchor, with expectations to lead in pass protection against Clemson’s T.J. Parker (7.5 sacks in 2024).
Braelin Moore: The Virginia Tech transfer steps in at center, bringing 12 starts and a 78.2 PFF grade. His ability to call protections and handle Clemson’s interior rushers like Peter Woods will be critical, with a projected 80+ pass-blocking snaps without a sack.
Josh Thompson: The Northwestern transfer’s strength (315-pound bench press) and versatility make him a likely starter at left guard. His 2024 performance (one sack allowed) suggests he can stabilize the interior, targeting a 75+ PFF run-blocking grade.
Paul Mubenga: The redshirt sophomore’s experience at right tackle positions him to replace Jones. His 75.6 PFF run-blocking grade and physicality could unlock LSU’s ground game, with 100+ run-blocking snaps expected in non-conference play.
Weston Davis: The five-star freshman’s athleticism (4.9 40-yard dash) makes him a contender at right tackle. Limited 2024 snaps (48) showed promise, and a breakout could see him start by SEC play, with Davis noting his “elite potential” in camp, per LSU’s site.
Other names to watch include DJ Chester, a redshirt sophomore with rotational experience, and Tyree Adams, whose size could earn early snaps. The unit’s depth allows flexibility, but cohesion will be key against Clemson’s pressure.
The Clemson Challenge: Facing a Ferocious Pass Rush
Clemson’s defense, which ranked 22nd nationally in 2024 (19.4 points allowed per game), brings a formidable pass rush to Death Valley, led by sophomore edge rusher T.J. Parker (11 sacks) and defensive tackle Peter Woods (3 sacks). The Tigers’ 41 sacks (15th in FBS) and 36% pressure rate tested opponents like Florida State (four sacks in a 29-13 win) and Georgia (three sacks). Clemson’s 4-3 scheme, under coordinator Wes Goodwin, uses stunts and blitzes to exploit young lines, making LSU’s revamped unit a prime target. LSU’s offensive line must protect Nussmeier, who faced pressure on 31% of dropbacks in 2024 but converted 42% of third-and-9+ passes (best in FBS). Clemson’s secondary, led by Khalil Barnes (three INTs), capitalizes on hurried throws, so Bordelon and Moore must neutralize Parker and Woods to give Nussmeier time. The run game, featuring Durham (753 yards in 2024) and Berry (No. 1 RB recruit), needs 150+ yards to control the clock and limit Clemson’s third-down opportunities (opponents converted 38% in 2024). If LSU’s line allows three or more sacks, Nussmeier’s rhythm could falter, risking a low-scoring slugfest.
The expectations for LSU’s offensive line are clear: match 2024’s pass protection (2.3 sacks per game) and boost run-blocking to 4.5 yards per carry to support a top-10 offense (projected 450+ yards per game). The Clemson game is a proving ground, with success defined by keeping Nussmeier clean (under two sacks) and opening lanes for 120+ rushing yards. The unit’s depth—six players with starting experience—offers flexibility, but cohesion is a concern with only Bordelon returning. Non-conference games against Louisiana Tech and Southeastern Louisiana provide time to gel before SEC play, but road tests at Ole Miss and Alabama will demand consistency.
If Moore and Thompson anchor the interior and Davis or Mubenga solidify right tackle, LSU could rank top-25 in offensive line efficiency (PFF’s 2024 No. 31 ranking). Failure to gel could expose Nussmeier to pressure and stall the run game, jeopardizing playoff hopes. With a favorable schedule post-Clemson and a talented skill group (Barion Brown, Nic Anderson), the line’s performance could propel LSU to 10 wins and a playoff berth, but Week 1 will set the tone.
