Led by veteran quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, the Tiger offense has the potential to be scary good. But, can a new-look offensive line provide enough support to let the offense cook?
Known for putting an emphasis on offensive line development, Brian Kelly's latest comments signal that he has high expectations for his O line this season.
"I think I've got a pretty good eye for what an offensive line looks like. This group is going to be really good."@LSUfootball offensive line has been a big question mark for many fans and media, but #LSU head coach Brian Kelly seems pretty confident they'll be just fine. pic.twitter.com/g4Q7IzqK8s
— Jacques Doucet (@JacquesDoucet) August 15, 2025
The departure of several NFL-caliber linemen left Kelly to re-tool his offensive line for a pivotal 2025 season.
Last season, LSU produced offensive tackle draft picks with first rounder Will Campbell and third rounder Emery Jones Jr. in the 2025 NFL Draft. Going fourth overall to the New England Patriots, Campbell became the earliest selected offensive lineman in LSU history. Jones was selected 91st overall by the Baltimore Ravens. Together, Campbell and Jones became the first pair of Tiger O linemen to get selected in the first three rounds of the same draft.
Guards Miles Frazier and Garrett Dellinger followed later in the Draft. Frazier was taken in the fifth round by the Lions and Dellinger was taken in the seventh round by the Ravens. Together, Campbell, Jones, Frazier, and Dellinger marked the first time that four LSU offensive linemen were taken in the same draft since 1947. That kind of development is what Kelly does.
With a lot to replace, Kelly is confident in his new group.
"I've coached for a long time. Had a lot of guys in the NFL. A lot of first round draft picks. I think I've got a pretty good eye for what an offensive line looks like. This group is going to be really good."Brian Kelly
Kelly added that the 2025 group doesn't have a Will Campbell-type player, but he is seeing five guys that play well together. DJ Chester is the lone returning starter up front for the Tigers. But even he is going through an adjustment, as he saw time at center last season and is now playing guard.
The new line features sophomore Tyree Adams at left tackle, DJ Chester at left guard, Virginia Tech transfer Braelin Moore at center, Northwestern transfer Josh Thompson at right guard and redshirt freshman Weston Davis at right tackle. As it stands, that seems to be the group getting the most first-team reps during Fall Camp. It will be interesting to see what the official Week 1 lineup will be on Aug. 30 at Clemson. The group will have to be ready from the jump, as Clemson owns a dominating pass rush.
A lot will be expected of the offensive line group as LSU's skill-position players on offense have the potential to put up big numbers. LSU has not made an appearance in the College Football Playoff in Kelly's three seasons in Baton Rouge and finished the regular season with an 8-4 record last season. Strong offensive line play will be vital to LSU's success in 2025.