While the LSU Football Program didn't sign a quarterback in the 2025 recruiting class, it was a busy offseason for LSU with the quarterback position. The biggest move of the offseason was getting Garrett Nussmeier to return to LSU for his Senior Season as it allowed the Tigers to attack the transfer portal adding pieces around him.
After retaining Garrett Nussmeier LSU lost veteran quarterbacks AJ Swann and Rickie Collins to the transfer portal as they left for starting roles elsewhere. To replace the duo, LSU went out and landed Michael Van Buren after an impressive Freshman season at Mississippi State. Collin Hurley's status is questionable for this Spring after a car accident. The team moved electric playmaker Ju'Juan Johnson from Running Back to Quarterback where he rewrote the record books in High School.
Brian Kelly revealed to the Advocate that LSU will not play any of its quarterbacks in more than four games as the Tigers try not to burn anyone's eligibility.
"Now you've got 12 games of really athletic quarterbacks that could be part of a comprehensive second package, if you will. That's how we see all of those guys being able to assist without using up a year of eligibility."Brian Kelly
The plan by Brian Kelly isn't exactly a new idea as no one wants to burn a redshirt year especially if they don't have to. Brian Kelly clearly had the same plan last season with his usage of AJ Swann and Rickie Collins and Garrett Nussmeier did the same not playing against Kansas State in the Bowl Game.
The term that stands out the most from Brian Kelly is "comprehensive second package" as the Quarterbacks all could be an asset for LSU on a weekly basis. LSU's backup quarterbacks all have mobility and could be an asset for the team in the running game. The Tigers have had trouble finding rushing success outside of Jayden Daniels the past few seasons so sub packages with mobile quarterbacks could help produce chunk plays in the rushing attack.
How often Brian Kelly and Joe Sloan turn to the three Non-Starters is the most interesting aspect of the plan. Early in the season, will Sloan and Kelly play Van Buren against a lesser opponent in garbage time or will it be used as time for Collin Hurley and Ju'Juan Johnson? It'll be interesting to follow this Spring and Summer which quarterbacks emerge in a crowded room and how LSU deploys each.