By Hunt Palmer
When Garrett Nussmeier announced his return to LSU for 2025, the Tigers became a true contender.
Though his struggles against Texas A&M and Alabama were notable, his 2024 season was strong. In his first full season as the starter, Nussmeier finished fifth nationally in passing yards per game, third in completions and 10th in touchdowns. He was among the most productive passers in America.
With the quarterback position settled and Joe Sloan returning as the offensive coordinator, the two most vital pillars of the offense return. Both need to take a step forward, and it’s reasonable to suggest they will.
So, as the Tigers get set to begin spring practice, what three players have the most important springs ahead of them?
Josh Thompson, Senior, Offensive Line
Thompson has proven himself as a Power 4 starter on the offensive line. The question becomes, where does he fit at LSU? Thompson started 11 games at right tackle to finish 2023 at Northwestern. He played all of 2024 at right guard for the Wildcats. At 6-foot-5 and 301 lbs., he’s a bit of a tweener. He’s a little light to be a guard and maybe half a step slow to be an elite tackle.
Perhaps the spring is less important for him and more important for Tyree Adams and Weston Davis to try to win those tackle spots so that Thompson slides in at guard where he spent last season.
Thompson feels like a utility man who will go where Brad Davis sees a spot. Ultimately, he’s expected to be a starter, we just don’t know where. Making that decision feels like a potential step this spring.
Nic Anderson, Junior, Wide Receiver
Anderson’s 2023 production was exceptional. He set the Oklahoma freshman record for touchdown catches. However, he redshirted in 2022 and played one game in 2024. He’s played one season in three years. And he’s coming off of a nagging injury. And he’s learning a new offense. And he’s meshing with a new quarterback.
He needs reps this spring in a bad way, especially if he’s going to be LSU’s No. 1 target. Anderson possesses a size-speed-production combination that LSU doesn’t otherwise have. Barion Brown and Chris Hilton can fly at 6-feet. Kylan Billiot is 6-foot-3, but he’s never caught a pass. At 6-foot-4, Anderson is the ideal top option at the position, but he needs to get acclimated in March and April.
Harlem Berry, Freshman, Running Back
LSU recruited Berry for nearly half a decade. He’s finally here. The top prep running back prospect in the country is expected to play. He worked out with the team prior to the Texas Bowl and will be available for spring ball.
Berry is a human highlight reel with the ball in his hands. He can play in the slot or handle traditional running back duties.
Caden Durham enters the spring as the lead back, but only Kaleb Jackson returns among scholarship players. Jackson was really not a factor in 2024.
LSU’s running game needs a makeover, and Berry figures into that equation. The spring allows the precocious freshman talent to learn the system while the LSU coaching staff figures out how best to deploy him.
