Football season is finally upon us as the Fighting Tigers report for fall camp on Wednesday. There are big questions surrounding LSU as they prepare for the 2024 season and here are six of them.
1. Can Harold Perkins be a difference maker at inside linebacker?
LSU will run it back again with Harold Perkins at inside linebacker. The Tigers tried it for one game last year and after the season opener, moved him back to strongside linebacker. Perkins has added weight to help him handle the rigors of playing inside and the Tigers are counting on first-year defensive coordinator Blake Baker to develop him into an All-SEC inside linebacker.
2. Can the defensive line be more disruptive?
LSU’s defensive line was supposed to be a strength last year, but the group struggled, and they needed legendary D-line coach Pete Jenkins to come in during the season to coach the group up.
Fifth-year senior Jacobian Guillory is a run stuffer, and the Tigers are hoping transfers Gio Paez and Jay’viar Suggs can elevate the defensive tackle position. Incoming freshman Dominick McKinely should be a factor.
LSU is also hoping to see Sai’vion Jones, Bradyn Swinson, Paris Shand, and Da’Shawn Womack become legitimate pass rushers. Gabriel Reliford is another freshmen who could see plenty of playing time this season.
3. Can LSU get solid secondary play?
LSU still doesn’t have the horses to call themselves DBU, (defensive back university), but Texas A&M transfer Jardin Gilbert is a solid addition. Cornerback Zy Alexander is expected for the ready for the regular season after tearing his ACL last year. Major Burns will play closer to the line of scrimmage as a defensive back, which might fit his skill set more.
But they need some others to step up. Maybe Ohio State transfers JK Johnson and Jyaire Brown will be a revelation in the defensive secondary.
Javien Toviano’s suspension because of his arrest for video voyeurism doesn’t help.
Where will Sage Ryan play after playing both safety and cornerback last season?
Freshman Dashawn Spears, formerly known as McBryde, will push for playing time.
4. How do you replace 1,134 rushing yards?
That’s how many rushing yards Heisman winning quarterback Jayden Daniels had last season. Garrett Nussmeier can run a little bit, but he’s not coming close to that number.
Many LSU fans are hoping for a breakout season from Kaleb Jackson. He showed flashes as a freshman but in the end only carried the ball 31 times for 165 yards.
Veterans Josh Williams and John Emery are back, but Emery is coming off an ACL tear last November. Trey Holly remains suspended because of a shooting that he allegedly took part in in his hometown of Union Parish.
Freshman Caden Durham could be an X factor as he’ll get some chances.
5. Who steps up at receiver?
LSU had two receivers selected in the first-round last year. How do you replace that production? Kyren Lacy enters the season as the top receiver. Chris Hilton could have a breakout year like Thomas did in 2023.
Can Aaron Anderson be more of a factor in his second season at LSU?
The Tigers also brought in a couple of transfers in CJ Daniels and Zavien Thomas that should produce. Shelton Sampson and Kyle Parker are a couple of receivers who could also burst onto the season this year.
I don’t have quarterback Garrett Nussmeier as a question mark, because I think he’ll do just fine. Tight end Mason Taylor could end up as one of his favorite passing targets.
6. There’s a battle for starting punter.
Peyton Todd was supposed to replace Jay Bramblett, but the former West Monroe star has not been consistent enough. The Tigers added Blake Ochsendorf as a graduate transfer, and he has an excellent chance to beat out Todd after averaging nearly 46 yards a punt at Louisiana Tech last season.