LSU boasts an immense amount of proven college production at wide receiver. Returners Aaron Anderson, Chris Hilton and Kyle Parker have been supplemented with Barion Brown, Nic Anderson and Destyn Hill from power leagues, and they’re all batting for the right to catch passes from Garrett Nussmeier who eclipsed 4,000 yards last year.
We asked the crew at 1045 ESPN Baton Rouge to tell us who they thought would be the leaders in receptions and yards for the 2025 Tigers. Here’s what we found out.
Taylor Sharp, Video Producer, Off the Bench: In terms of receptions: Aaron Anderson.
If fully healthy, he has the most in-game production with Garrett Nussmeier. Last year, in big moments, Nuss went to two people, Mason Taylor and Aaron Anderson. I expect Anderson to have an even bigger role in those “gotta have it” moments.
In terms of receiving yards: Chris Hilton. Hilton has had an excellent fall camp so far and the chemistry between he and Garrett Nussmeier looks solid. With Hilton’s ability to take the top off of defenses he’s a big play waiting to happen. We saw this the last three games of the year in 2024.
Jacob Hester, Co-host, Off the Bench: Aaron Anderson.
He led the Tigers in receiving last year, on a team that still had Kyren Lacy and Mason Taylor. With all the new additions this offseason (Nic Anderson, Barion Brown, Destyn Hill), defenses won’t be able to key in on him the same way. That attention will shift outside and Anderson’s going to thrive underneath and across the middle. I’m expecting an even bigger year from him in 2025.
Matt Flynn, Co-Host, Off the Bench: This is going to be a snoozer of an answer, but it is simple: Aaron Anderson will lead the Tigers in both receiving yards and receptions.
He led LSU in both categories in 2024, and there is no reason to believe that he won’t do it again. He is averaging 12.8 yards per catch at LSU and is a big part of why this offense is so dangerous. The WR group is going to be electric this year, but Anderson’s ability and role within the offense will provide him with the most opportunities to make plays.
Charles Hanagriff: Co-host, Live at Lunch: Aaron Anderson led the team in receptions last year, and I think he will do so again.
The additions of Barion Brown and Nic Anderson, along with Chris Hilton, should open up even more room from the slot for the sure handed Anderson. Don’t sleep on a few deeper routes either.
Hilton is my pick to lead in yards. He averaged a ridiculous 27 yards per reception last year in limited time. By the end of the season, he and Garrett Nussmeier seemed to really be building a chemistry. If he plays 12 games, going over 1,000 yards is a real possibility.
Jacob Beck, Audio Producer, Hunt Palmer Show: Aaron Anderson will lead the team in receptions and Chris Hilton will lead the team in receiving yards.
Both had good seasons last year and I expect Garrett Nussmeier will have the most chemistry with those two. I’ll be surprised if they don’t have a very high percentage of the target share.
Hunt Palmer, Host, Hunt Palmer Show: I’m convicted in this answer. It’s Chris Hilton on both accounts.
He’s the fastest wide receiver on the team and has the best chemistry with Nussmeier, despite Anderson’s hug season last year. Hilton is not just a deep threat. He’s the complete package now, and I think he goes over 1,000 yards.
Matthew Musso, Audio Producer, After Further Review: Aaron Anderson led LSU in receptions a year ago.
He is a veteran, sure-handed guy who has a great rapport with Garrett Nussmeier. If he’s healthy his role isn’t going away just because the Tigers added a bunch of receivers in the portal. He is the most trusted returning pass catcher Joe Sloan’s offense has.
Barion Brown equals playmaker. It’s that simple. This guy has the ability to break loose and hit his head on the goalpost every time he catches the ball. While the reception numbers may not lead the team, he will do the most with his touches. That will lead to him leading in receiving yards.
Paul O’Neill, Video Producer, After Further Review: Chris Hilton.
First, he’s finally fully healthy. Second, he has the size to be a possession receiver but also has the speed to make big plays. When he has been on the field in the past he’s taken advantage of any opportunity. With the amount of options LSU will have this year he’ll have plenty of opportunity to get touches.
Matt Moscona, Host, After Further Review: Aaron Anderson led the team in receptions and receiving yards last season. There’s no reason to pick anyone else provided he’s healthy.
The bigger question is who might lead the team in touchdowns. Kyren Lacy had nine a season ago and Chris Hilton’s speed and rapport with Nussmeier should be him atop that list in 2025.
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