The LSU Tigers are coming off a disappointing nine-win season in 2024 under head coach Brian Kelly.
However, they have plenty of talent returning to the team this year.
Notable Players Returning to Play for LSU
While the Tigers aren’t the favorites to win the SEC, they have plenty of key pieces returning to help them surprise a lot of people.
Here are the 10 best returning players for Brian Kelly:
10. RB Caden Duram
The soon-to-be sophomore running back recorded over 1,000 scrimmage yards and eight total touchdowns a season ago.
His 5.4 yards per carry was one of the best marks in the country.
9. WR Aaron Anderson
Anderson took a massive step as a sophomore last season in the receiving game as he reeled in 61 passes for 884 yards and five touchdowns.
He is going to be a massive piece for quarterback Garrett Nussmeier through the air in 2025.
8. CB Javien Toviano
Toviano will be one of the key backend defenders returning, seeing as he has performed admirably over the past few seasons at cornerback.
He has recorded a total of 42 tackles, 28 solo tackles, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and a pass deflection in his Tigers career.
7. LB Whit Weeks
One of the rising stars in the SEC, Weeks is primed for another career year in 2025.
The All-SEC defender more than doubled his output in tackles, sacks, forced fumbles, and pass deflections.
6. DT Bernard Gooden
Gooden will quietly be one of the most important players returning to the defensive line for Brian Kelly.
Fifth-year seniors, especially in the trenches, are undervalued in today’s era of college football.
Tigers fans need to keep an eye on Gooden this season.
5. LB Harold Perkins Jr.
The New Orleans native has NFL potential written all over him as he has continued to show out during his entire career in Baton Rouge.
Despite battling injuries last season, look for Perkins, who has 28 career tackles for loss, to be a key leader on this team this year once again.
4. S Jardin Gilbert
Gilbert will be entering his senior season in Baton Rouge this Fall, which means he is about to be a predominant starter for the fourth consecutive season.
He put together a solid season in 2024 with 52 total tackles, 28 solo tackles, two turnovers forced, and multiple pass deflections.
3. S DaShawn Spears
While Spears is only going to be a sophomore and still finding his way as a younger player, that is exactly why his return is going to be important.
He has a chance to be a real star after he showed glimpses of it as a freshman, recording 25 total tackles and a pass deflection in spare time.
It is time for him to take the next step.
2. CB PJ Woodland
Much like Spears, Woodland is a younger player who is going to need to take that next step.
While he might not be as important of a player as Weeks or Perkins, he is going to be a key piece on this defense fr the rest of his college career.
His 20 total tackles and three pass deflections were solid as a freshman, but he is built for more.
1. QB Garrett Nussmeier
The senior quarterback is going to have everything on his shoulders this year.
After throwing for over 4,000 yards and totaling 32 total touchdowns in 2024, the Lake Charles native looks like an NFL-level player.
KEEP READING: Garrett Nussmeier Is the Key to LSU’s Top-10 Ranking
But can he guide the Tigers to a national title?
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