There are a ton of returning starters and a ton of first-time starters on the LSU football team going into the season. The group has the most depth under Brian Kelly’s tenure in Baton Rouge, which is the biggest advantage for LSU coming into the season. The LSU football team is best positioned for the future in these three positions, even if the 2024 season is the main priority.

Quarterback

Garrett Nussmeier will be making his debut as a full-time starter this season, and everyone has faith in his abilities to lead this offense. Nussmeier has received a ton of reps when Jayden Daniels has been injured or in games where LSU has blown large leads, so there are some huge positives. This year could be a huge season for Nussmeier, a Redshirt Junior who has spent three seasons learning the system and what it takes to be a collegiate quarterback.

The LSU football team has a ton of talent at the position for the future behind Nussmeier. After completing two passes for three yards during the previous season, Rickie Collins will contend for the backup position. Collins is a dangerous dual-threat player who LSU may deploy in a novel way in the near future. After playing for Vanderbilt the previous two seasons, AJ Swann comes to the team with starting experience. Colin Hurley, a true freshman, was a highly sought-after recruit since he was categorized one year ahead of most freshmen and will have the opportunity to improve during the year.

Last but not least, Bryce Underwood, the nation’s top quarterback prospect and its highest-ranked athlete, has committed to LSU. LSU is receiving a fantastic quarterback in Underwood, who has a career TD/INT ratio of 120/7. Fans will be anxious to meet Bryce Underwood from the minute he arrives into campus.

sprinting back

He was usually the Tigers’ best rush threat while Jayden Daniels was starting at quarterback, but that shouldn’t continue to be the case. The two experienced players in the room are Josh Williams and John Emery Jr., with Williams receiving the starting nod. Trey Holly and Kaleb Jackson, both second-year players, have showed a great deal of promise, and if Holly is allowed to return, they will both be important contributors this season. Caden Durham, one of the team’s most intriguing freshman, has the potential to be a real big play back right away in the season.

Two of the top running backs in the country, both from Louisiana, have been recruited by the LSU football team. In addition to being the #1 recruit for running back in the country, Harlem Berry has developed into a fantastic receiver who can play 7 on 7 with Bryce Underwood. Since committing to LSU, JT Lindsey has soared up the recruiting boards, making him an in-state talent that LSU saw early on.

Security

Although LSU’s defense has declined over the last four seasons, there are many reasons to be optimistic about the safety room. Major Burns, Sage Ryan, Jardin Gilbert, and Jordan Allen will probably see the most playing time at the position this season. Jordan Allen, who has starting experience, will be a valuable asset to the Tigers come next season, and LSU will have plenty of talented younger guys to take his place. Joel Rogers and DaShawn Spears are both vying for time as true freshmen. Additionally, Kylin Jackson of the Tigers is vying for playing time at the STAR position as he maintains his exceptional player appearance.

Two safeties have committed to the LSU football team while they are still on the recruiting trail, but they may not stay at that position. Both CJ Jimcoily and Jhase Thomas are dedicated to LSU and will be valuable additions to the staff as they grow. Next, LSU will go after two of the best safeties in the nation: Bryce Fitzgerald, one of the most highly sought-after athletes in the nation, and Jonah Williams, who may start as a freshman at linebacker or as a STAR.