With a total offense of 543.5 yards per game last season, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, who won the Heisman Trophy, and receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Malik Nabers, LSU had the top offense in college football. Even though all three of LSU’s playmakers went on to be selected in the first round of the NFL draft, the Tigers have hope for the 2024 campaign. Following a dismal 2023 defense, LSU has returned many of its starting defensive linemen. The defense will continue to be strong in the linebacker room, and with new defensive coordinator Blake Baker, the line play will try to get better in a new scheme. This season, watch for these returning players to significantly impact the squad on both sides of the ball.
Garrett Nussmeier, first
Garrett Nussmeier has to be the main factor exciting Tigers supporters about the LSU offense going forward. After waiting behind Myles Brennan, Max Johnson, and Jayden Daniels at LSU, the redshirt junior now has the opportunity to be the unquestioned quarterback. During his three seasons at LSU, he has played in every game. He most famously replaced the injured Daniels in the 2022 SEC Championship game against Georgia and started the ReliaQuest Bowl this year. For the past three years, Tiger supporters have been captivated by Nussmeier’s explosive arm; his performance in LSU’s thrilling bowl triumph served to light the flames even more.
Breaking News: Five Returning LSU Football Players To Watch in 2024
Harold Perkins Jr. had comparable stats in 2022 and 2023, but because of LSU’s overall defensive struggles last season, he was mostly forgotten. Perkins hopes to replicate his explosive freshman season at LSU’s highlights in this draft-eligible junior campaign. Perkins is skilled at causing havoc in the pocket of opposing quarterbacks, forcing offenses to make last-minute adjustments to their game plans. During his first collegiate offensive play in the ReliaQuest Bowl the previous year, he added a one-yard touchdown run to his collection of highlight reel plays. A talented linebacker corp surrounds Perkins on the Tigers defense, so expect him to continue to stand out.
