Three breakout stars LSU football needs to win a national championship in 2025

USA Today

20-07-2025

LSU football's offense has the talent to be a national championship-level unit in 2025. The Tigers return veteran quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, signed the top-ranked transfer portal class, and return young pieces waiting to break out.
LSU's offense fell short of expectations in 2024. A step back was expected after losing Heisman Trophy QB Jayden Daniels, but LSU's run game disappeared at times, and the Tigers' downfield passing attack was dormant for much of the year. Nussmeier worked the short and intermediate areas, but LSU wasn't taking the top off defenses.
The last three games of 2024 were a different story. It started to click for Nussmeier and crew. That's the version of the offense LSU hopes to see all year in 2025. For that to happen, LSU is counting on a few players to break out. Today, we'll look at three returning Tigers LSU needs to emerge for the offense to play at a championship level.
Tight end Trey'Dez Green
Tight end Trey'Dez Green turned heads when he arrived at LSU. Standing at 6-foot-7 with freakish athleticism, Green was a five-star recruit in the class of 2024. Green didn't see much action in the first half of the season, but worked his way into the rotation in October.
Green earned a target here and there, but didn't emerge until the bowl game, when LSU's starting tight end Mason Taylor opted out to prepare for the NFL Draft. Green caught six passes for 53 yards and two scores. The yardage total wasn't guady, but Nussmeier turned to Green in key moments, including two fourth-down conversions.
Entering 2025, Green has star potential. Nobody questions Green's ability as a pass catcher, but the blocking needs to progress. LSU wants Green to be a complete tight end -- not just a big wide receiver. Tight ends that are blocking threats draw favorable looks in the passing game since defenses use bigger personnel to defend the run.
"As you know, he came on as a true freshman last year, showed his ability clearly, especially in the red zone. We want him to be an every-down tight end. So that means you've got to block in line. You've got to be physical. Because I think we've already seen his gifts as a wide receiving tight end," Brian Kelly said at SEC media days.
If Green figures it out, LSU will have one of the SEC's best tight ends. Given the threats LSU has at receiver on the outside, a dynamic threat would open up the entire field.
"But now it's maybe some of the dirty work, if you will, where he's got to get his hand in the dirt and get after some people at the line of scrimmage. And he's done a great job. I mean, physically, he's more developed," Kelly said.
Left tackle Tyree Adams
This one goes without saying. Tyree Adams is tasked with replacing Will Campbell, one of the best tackles in LSU history. Campbell was a three-year starter for the Tigers before the Patriots selected him with the No. 4 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
LSU turned to the transfer portal for offensive line help, but the Tigers' two additions, Josh Thompson and Braelin Moore, are expected to play on the interior.
That's telling of the confidence LSU has in Adams at left tackle. Adams was a blue-chip recruit in the class of 2023 but didn't see real action as a freshman. He dealt with an injury in 2024 but was given a chance as LSU dealt with injuries at the left guard position. Adams struggled -- just as any offensive lineman playing his first SEC football snaps would.
Campbell opted out of the bowl game, leaving Adams to work as LSU's starting left tackle throughout bowl practice. Adams showed progress in the bowl win. He looked fluid as a pass blocker, but run-blocking struggles persisted.
Adams didn't waste time claiming LSU's left tackle job in spring practice, and there didn't seem to be much doubt about it. That speaks to the improvement LSU expects to see from its talented tackle this fall.
Guard/Center DJ Chester
Chester is the lone returning starter from LSU's 2024 offensive line, but he'll likely play a different position. Chester started at center last fall, but with Moore's arrival, Chester will play guard.
Chester struggled as a redshirt freshman, but things started to click late in the year. Chester played his best football vs. Vanderbilt and Oklahoma in LSU's final two games of the regular season. Now, LSU hopes a move to guard can lead to a more consistent version of Chester all year.
LSU's offensive line is the one question mark on this offense. Nussmeier is a Heisman contender at QB, the wide receiving core is among the SEC's most talented, and Caden Durham leads a dynamic group of running backs. The difference between LSU's offense being good and great could be the offensive line.
If Adams and Chester take another step, LSU's offense should meet expectations in 2025.