LSU Football’s Secret Weapon: Can This Veteran Wide Receiver Revolutionize the Offense?

Hilton averages 21.2 yards per catch in his career at LSU. Even when the consistency hasn’t been there, the big play potential has.

Hilton finally got back to full health in LSU’s final two games of 2024 and it added another element to LSU’s offense. Hilton combined for 218 yards and three touchdowns vs. Oklahoma and Baylor and LSU’s passing game looked like a complete product.”He’s going to play really good football. I’ve been excited for him. I know he’s been through a lot,” Sloan said.LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier was effective in the quick game and intermediate areas, but LSU lacked the personnel to push the ball down the field. LSU’s lack of a run game played a part but LSU didn’t have the speed on the outside to run by defensive backs. Chris Hilton does, though.

You know, LSU’s offense showed some serious yardage last season—ranking 25th nationally with 431.5 yards per game—but here’s the kicker: those yards barely scratched the surface when it came to explosive plays. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier handled the quick and intermediate throws fairly well, yet the Tigers just didn’t have the downfield zip needed to break those big plays wide open. Part of that struggle ties back to a stagnant run game and a lack of blazing speed on the perimeter—except for one guy: Chris Hilton. After a late-season return to full health, Hilton sparked the LSU offense, putting up 218 yards and three touchdowns in the final two games. Looking ahead to 2025, this fifth-year senior—once sidelined by injuries—could be poised for a career-defining season, one that offensive coordinator Joe Sloan eagerly anticipates. For LSU to truly ascend to College Football Playoff contention, dialing up that big-play threat is non-negotiable—and Hilton just might be the secret sauce to make it happen. LEARN MOREHilton is gearing up for year five at LSU. And with an offseason of good health, a true breakout year could be in store.

“I think you can look at the last couple games last year, our ability to attack vertically really changes when he’s out there,” Sloan said.”Being able to push the ball down the field is a huge thing. Chris has been consistent. I think he has a great attitude, great body language and is attacking every day,” Sloan said.LSU’s offense needs to take another step if it hopes to reach the College Football Playoff. The Tigers can’t do that without an explosive passing game.

Hilton signed with LSU in 2021 — the same class as Nussmeier. Ed Orgeron was still head coach when Hilton signed his letter of intent. Hilton was a four-star recruit and No. 79-ranked player in the class. He’s talented, but injuries have prevented Hilton from being a top contributor on a weekly basis.”When safeties come down, we need to be able to push the ball down the field. And Chris absolutely helps us. Because ultimately it’s about scoring points. It’s not just about yards, right? Yards is one thing. But we’ve got to score points. And that comes from, you know, explosive – a lot of times it comes from explosive play touchdowns. And he definitely gives us the opportunity to do that,” Sloan said.

Hilton i entering year five at LSU. After a healthy offseason, Hilton is staring at a career year. LSU offensive coordinator Joe Sloan is ready to see Hilton’s full impact.LSU football needs to up its explosive play rate in 2025. LSU ranked No. 25 nationally with 431.5 yards, but not much of that yardage came from the big play.