The LSU Tigers entered the 2024 season with high hopes, buoyed by a favorable schedule and a dynamic offense led by quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. However, despite a 9-4 record and a Texas Bowl victory over Baylor, LSU fell short of the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff, a stinging omission for a program accustomed to national contention. In 2024, the SEC saw three teams—Texas, Tennessee, and Georgia—advance to the expanded playoff. However, LSU was left on the outside looking in, a bitter pill for a fanbase still basking in the glow of the 2019 national championship.
The Tigers’ season was marked by a promising 6-0 stretch after an opening loss to USC, including a thrilling win over ranked Ole Miss. However, late-season losses to Texas A&M, Alabama, and Florida derailed their postseason aspirations. Despite Nussmeier’s 4,052 passing yards and 29 touchdowns, turnovers (12 interceptions) and a defense that struggled in coverage (92nd nationally in PFF team coverage grade) kept LSU from the playoff conversation.
For head coach Brian Kelly, now in his fourth year, the 2024 season underscored both the potential and the challenges of rebuilding LSU into a perennial playoff contender. The Tigers’ top-ranked transfer portal class and a No. 8 recruiting class for 2025 signal a program on the rise, but the absence from the 2024 playoff has intensified the pressure to deliver in 2025. With a schedule avoiding Texas, Tennessee, and Georgia, and a reloaded roster, LSU is poised to make a playoff push. This article kicks off a position preview series for the 2025 LSU Tigers, breaking down key roles—quarterback, running back, wide receiver, cornerback, and defensive line—that will define their season. We begin with the quarterback room, where Garrett Nussmeier’s return and a reshaped depth chart set the stage for a potential breakout year.
The Quarterback Room: A Blend of Experience and Uncertainty
The Bayou Bengals quarterback position enters 2025 with a clear leader in Garrett Nussmeier, a fifth-year senior who decided to return rather than declare for the 2025 NFL draft. Nussmeier’s 2024 campaign—4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions on a 63.2% completion rate—established him as one of the SEC’s top signal-callers and a Heisman Trophy candidate. His decision to stay, announced in December 2024, was a game-changer for LSU, which lost four offensive linemen, including tight end Mason Taylor, who is off to the NFL. Nussmeier’s experience, arm talent, and leadership make him the linchpin of an offense aiming to reclaim its 2023 form, when Jayden Daniels led the nation with 0.391 expected points added per play.
Behind Nussmeier, however, the quarterback room is a mix of unproven talent and uncertainty, shaped by transfer portal losses, a walk-on addition, and an injury to a promising freshman. The departure of Rickie Collins (to Syracuse) and AJ Swann (to App State) thinned the depth chart, while freshman Colin Hurley’s recovery from a January 2025 car crash adds complexity. LSU addressed these gaps by adding Mississippi State transfer Michael Van Buren and walk-on Emile Picarella, with versatile athlete Ju’Juan Johnson also listed as a quarterback. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the 2025 quarterback room and expectations for each player.
Garrett Nussmeier
2024 Recap: Nussmeier’s first season as LSU’s starter was a rollercoaster of brilliance and growth. His 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns ranked him among the SEC’s elite, and his 7.9% big-time throw rate since 2021 (third among Power Five QBs with 200+ dropbacks) showcased his arm talent. Highlights included a 277-yard, three-touchdown performance against Oklahoma and a six-game winning streak where he was a Heisman contender. However, 12 interceptions—many from forcing throws into tight windows—and a three-game losing skid (Texas A&M, Alabama, Florida) exposed areas for improvement. Nussmeier acknowledged the need to reduce turnovers and improve decision-making, spending the offseason studying 2024 tape to refine his game.
2025 Expectations: Nussmeier’s return makes LSU a playoff contender, with projections of a 10-2 record and a potential CFP berth. His strengths—pinpoint accuracy on deep balls, quick processing (2.45-second average time to throw), and leadership—position him as a top-five quarterback prospect for the 2026 NFL Draft. At SEC Media Days, he called the 2025 roster “the closest team I’ve been part of at LSU,” signaling confidence in new weapons like transfer receivers Barion Brown (Kentucky) and Nic Anderson (Oklahoma). However, a younger offensive line, with Tyree Adams replacing first-round pick Will Campbell at left tackle, could limit his pocket time against elite defenses like Clemson’s.
Key Focus: Reducing turnovers is critical. Nussmeier’s 12 interceptions in 2024, including three in a loss to Texas A&M, sparked comebacks by opponents. As coach Brian Kelly noted, improving his tuck-and-run decisions will be vital, especially in tough road games at Clemson (Week 1) and Alabama (November 8). If Nussmeier cuts interceptions to 6-8 and maintains his 4,000-yard pace, he could push for 35 touchdowns and enter the Heisman conversation, making LSU’s offense a top-10 unit.
Projection: 4,300 passing yards, 32 touchdowns, nine interceptions, 65% completion rate. Nussmeier’s growth could mirror Jayden Daniels’ leap from 2022 to 2023, leading LSU to a 10-2 or 11-1 record and a CFP spot. His performance against Clemson’s Cade Klubnik in the opener will set the tone for his Heisman Trophy campaign.
Michael Van Buren
Background: Van Buren, a transfer from Mississippi State, joined LSU after starting eight games as a freshman in 2024, throwing 1,886 yards, 11 touchdowns, and seven interceptions. His 62.1% completion rate and ability to extend plays with his legs (4.8 yards per carry) make him a high-upside QB2. At 6-foot, 190 pounds, he’s a developmental prospect who fits offensive coordinator Joe Sloan’s RPO-heavy scheme.
2025 Expectations: Van Buren is the clear backup, likely seeing action in blowouts against Louisiana Tech, SE Louisiana, or Western Kentucky. His experience gives him an edge over Ju’Juan Johnson, but his role will be limited unless Nussmeier is injured. Van Buren’s spring performance will be crucial, as he competes to solidify his QB2 status. If called upon, his dual-threat ability could keep drives alive, though his seven interceptions in 2024 suggest decision-making needs refinement.
Key Focus: Improving accuracy and pocket presence. Van Buren’s 62.1% completion rate lagged behind Nussmeier’s, and his 8.3% sack rate under pressure needs work. Learning from Nussmeier’s film study habits could prepare him for a larger role in 2026, especially if Hurley’s recovery delays his development.
Projection: 200-300 passing yards, 2-3 touchdowns in mop-up duty. Van Buren’s readiness as a backup will be tested in non-conference games, but he’s unlikely to challenge Nussmeier unless injuries arise.
Ju’Juan Johnson
Background: A 2024 signee, Johnson was initially listed as a defensive back before moving to running back and now quarterback. The 5-foot-11, 190-pound sophomore is a versatile athlete with 4.4-second 40-yard speed, making him a candidate for special packages, especially inside the 10-yard line. His lack of quarterback experience in college makes him a long shot for significant snaps.
2025 Expectations: Johnson is likely QB3, with a role in gadget plays or red-zone packages leveraging his speed. His transition to quarterback is experimental, and he may see more time at running back if Hurley returns. Spring camp will determine whether he can handle basic quarterback duties, but his primary impact will be as a change-of-pace option.
Key Focus: Mastering quarterback fundamentals. Johnson’s athleticism is undeniable, but his lack of passing reps (no college stats) limits his ceiling. Coaching from Joe Sloan, who developed Jayden Daniels, will be critical.
Projection: 50-100 passing yards, 100-150 rushing yards, 1-2 total touchdowns in limited action. Johnson’s role will be situational, adding a spark in specific scenarios.
Emile Picarella
Background: A three-star recruit from University Lab High School in Baton Rouge, Picarella joined LSU as a walk-on in the 2025 class. At 6-foot-2, 210 pounds, he brings adequate size and local ties, having played just miles from Tiger Stadium. He’s a developmental prospect unlikely to see the field.
2025 Expectations: Picarella is a practice-squad arm, providing depth amid Hurley’s uncertain status. He’s not expected to play unless injuries decimate the depth chart, but his local roots could make him a fan favorite in mop-up situations.
Key Focus: Absorbing the playbook and competing in practice. Picarella’s role is to push Van Buren and Johnson in camp while learning from Nussmeier.
Projection: No significant game action unless emergencies arise. His impact will be in the quarterback room’s culture and scout team reps.
Colin Hurley
Background: A four-star 2024 signee reclassified from the 2025 class, Hurley was a high school standout with a “powerful, compactly built” frame and “natural arm talent,” per On3’s Charles Power. A car crash in January 2025 left him recovering in Jacksonville, with no clear timetable for return, though coach Brian Kelly reported positive progress. At 17, Hurley’s youth and talent make him a potential future starter.
2025 Expectations: Hurley’s status is the biggest question mark. If he returns by fall camp, he could compete for QB3 or QB2 in 2026, given his arm strength and dual-threat ability. However, his recovery may limit him to a redshirt season, preserving eligibility.
Key Focus: Recovery and Playbook study. Hurley’s health is the priority, but virtual film work could keep him engaged.
Projection: Likely no game action in 2025 due to injury, focusing on 2026 development.
More: Why LSU Might Have the SEC’s Most Dangerous Offense in 2025
Challenges and Opportunities
Challenges
Turnovers: Nussmeier’s 12 interceptions in 2024, particularly in losses to Texas A&M and Florida, must decrease to keep LSU in playoff contention. His tendency to force throws under pressure (8.7% interception rate on pressured dropbacks) needs addressing.
Offensive Line Youth: The loss of Will Campbell, Emery Jones Jr., Garrett Dellinger, and Miles Frazier leaves Tyree Adams and Braelin Moore as new starters. This could expose Nussmeier to more sacks (15 allowed in 2024) against defenses like Clemson’s or Alabama’s.
Depth Uncertainty: With Hurley sidelined and Johnson unproven, Van Buren’s readiness as QB2 is critical. The loss of Collins and Swann leaves little margin for error.
Opportunities
Favorable Schedule: LSU avoids Texas, Tennessee, and Georgia, with winnable home games against Florida, South Carolina, and Texas A&M. A Week 1 upset at Clemson could propel LSU into the top 10.
New Weapons: Transfer receivers Barion Brown (1,531 career yards at Kentucky) and Nic Anderson, plus returning slot star Aaron Anderson (884 yards, 5 TDs in 2024), give Nussmeier dynamic targets.
Coaching Stability: Joe Sloan’s RPO-heavy scheme, which maximized Jayden Daniels’ dual-threat ability, suits Nussmeier’s arm and mobility. His offseason work with Nussmeier on decision-making could yield a breakout.
Expectations for 2025
The LSU quarterback room, led by Garrett Nussmeier, is the engine of a team with playoff aspirations. Nussmeier’s return makes LSU a projected 10-2 squad, with College Football News and 247Sports predicting a CFP berth if he cuts turnovers and capitalizes on a favorable schedule. A Week 1 win at Clemson, where Nussmeier faces Cade Klubnik, could set the tone, while home games against Florida and Texas A&M offer chances to shine. The offense, bolstered by transfers and Aaron Anderson’s 2.28 yards per route run, should rank among the SEC’s best, though a younger line demands Nussmeier’s quick reads.
Behind Nussmeier, Van Buren’s experience provides a safety net, while Johnson’s athleticism and Picarella’s local ties add depth. Hurley’s recovery looms as a wildcard for 2026. If Nussmeier delivers 4,300 yards and 32 touchdowns with fewer mistakes, he could join Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels in LSU’s pantheon of Heisman contenders, carrying the Tigers to the playoff. As Nussmeier told On3, “There’s an expectation from within.” In 2025, he’s poised to meet it, starting with a statement in Death Valley against Clemson.
