LSU’s Fiercest Position Battles: Who Will Emerge as Game-Changers Before Week 1?

LSU Tigers are rolling out a lineup that looks more like a new class reunion than a returning squad this season — packed with fresh faces freshly plucked from the nation’s top transfer portal class. It’s like they’ve hit restart, but in a way that’s got fans buzzing—and a few biting their nails—as Week 1 creeps closer. Garrett Nussmeier stands tall and unchallenged behind center, despite nursing a knee that’s making some folks wonder if he’ll be more hobble than hustle when the Tigers take on No. 4 Clemson at Death Valley. But here’s the kicker: while the quarterback spot looks locked, the race for the lead back? A chaotic mystery waiting to unfold, promising to set Baton Rouge on fire with suspense. Add in a wide receiver room hungry for a standout and a cornerback group thick with contenders, and you’ve got a lineup battle royale brewing just beneath the surface. So, who will seize the moment when it counts? Stick around because these battles might just define LSU’s gridiron destiny this season. LEARN MORE.

LSU football fields a roster loaded on newcomers. The Tigers put together the nation’s top college football transfer portal class. With a good number of them creating pivotal position battles ahead of Week 1.

Garrett Nussmeier won’t face any challengers behind center, though. The LSU quarterback is dealing with a knee ailment. But head coach Brian Kelly ensured Nussmeier will lead the Tigers out on the field come August 30. With No. 4 Clemson across the way in South Carolina’s Death Valley.

One position isn’t settled yet, however. And that spot leads off our top three position battles down in Baton Rouge.

LSU must find a lead back

LSU Tigers running back Caden Durham (29) breaks free in the open field against Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back DeVonta Smith (8) at Tiger Stadium. — Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

Kelly emphasizes a pro-style spread offense. But it historically starts with a punishing running attack. Dependent on the state of Nussmeier’s knee, Kelly may need to turn to handoffs to set the tone in the season opener.

The Tigers need to discover who their RB1 will be, though. Returning sophomore Caden Durham is one possibility.

Durham flashed with 752 rushing yards and scoring six touchdowns. He enters the season as the Southeastern Conference’s No. 4 ranked RB. Many fans believed Kelly should’ve played Durham more, even after leading the team in rushing.

Yet Durham isn’t a shoe-in for the starting role. The nation’s No. 1 RB for 2025 Harlem Berry enters the picture too. The five-star brings an ultra-creative running style that witnessed four straight 2,000-yard rushing seasons. Berry will either form a tandem or rise as RB1 if he impresses Kelly early.

J.T. Lindsey is another who’ll vie for carries. He’s a four-star and the No. 7 rated RB for ’25.

One transfer must solidify LSU WR room

Aaron Anderson is a gift return for both Nussmeier and LSU. But he can’t be the only one carrying the air attack.

At least one transfer must solidify one of the three WR spots — the side opposite of Anderson.

Nic Anderson is a prized newcomer out of Oklahoma. He scored 10 touchdowns back in 2023. But he didn’t play in 2024 due to injury.

He’s not the only former SEC rival heading to Tiger Stadium. Kentucky transfer Barion Brown can compete with the former Sooner for the other WR spot. Brown heads to his senior season and has 11 career touchdowns. But his numbers declined in 2024.

Sophomore Kyle Parker and freshman four-star TaRon Francis could push for receptions too.

Prized freshman could seal opposite CB spot

Ashton Stamps and Virginia Tech transfer Mansoor Delane lead the SEC’s No. 4 secondary. But an intriguing newcomer could push one or the other.

D.J. Pickett lures an astonishing 6-foot-5 frame to the CB position. Pickett established himself as Florida’s top high school recruit and the nation’s No. 2 CB for 2025. He’s described as a defender with unnatural length and speed — and knows how to use both.

Ja’Keem Jackson is one sophomore who could hold off Pickett. He comes over from the Gators. Four-star signing Aidan Anding adds depth and future ball-hawking skills.

But CB surfaces as one of the deepest position groups in Baton Rouge despite the influx of newcomers. It also features the most important defensive position battle.

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