Every year, CBS/24/7 Sports releases its Top 150 players in College Football list which gives everyone a clear idea of where their team stands Nationally when it comes to having high end talent. This season, the LSU Football team has 5 players in the Top 150 which is an improvement over last season when the Tigers only had 4 players selected.
Among the players selected last season, only Harold Perkins Jr returns but, he falls 100+ spots falling from 16th to 117th in the rankings. Compared to the other teams in the SEC, LSU isn't as high as the fans would hope as Alabama has 9, Georgia has 7, Texas has 6, and Auburn also has 5. The difference for LSU compared to the other schools with more elite talents is LSU's Quarterback.
Garrett Nussmeier checks in as the 4th ranked player in the Country and the 3rd ranked quarterback trailing only LSU opponents Cade Klubnik and LaNorris Sellers. While LSU may not have as many top draft prospects as an Alabama or a Georgia, Nussmeier is the great equalizer as he'll be one of the bets quarterbacks in the Country giving LSU a chance in any game. Nussmeier struggled with turnovers late in the year but, the last two LSU quarterbacks to return for a second season as the starter won the Heisman so expect a massive leap from Nussmeier.
When LSU kicked off the season Aaron Anderson was a rotational wide receiver but, as Chris Hilton Jr and Kyle Parker got on the field LSU quickly realized they had a star. When Aaron Anderson gets the ball an explosive play is around the corner as he's electric after the catch with speed and the ability to make defenders miss. The Tigers added a ton of elite weapons around Anderson which should allow him to face a ton of 1 on 1 matchups which sets Anderson up for a massive 2025.
While Greg Penn III and Harold Perkins Jr were the first two linebackers onto the field for LSU in 2024, when Whit Weeks took the field everyone could see LSU had an incredible player. When Weeks finally became an every down player for LSU he turned into a tackling machine racking up 119 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and an interception. After getting a full season under his belt, Weeks will hit another level in 2025 especially if LSU's defensive line continues to develop.
There's no denying that Harold Perkins Jr is an elite athlete but, LSU has had trouble turning it into production after Perkins dominated as a Freshman coming off of the edge. The plan is for Perkins to return closer to the line of scrimmage whether its at the star position or by rushing off of the edge at times. It'll be important for LSU to get Harold Perkins Jr back for Summer camp as the Tigers teach him a new position but, if utilized correctly, LSU can have a chess piece on defense.
The Crown Jewel of LSU's transfer portal haul was Florida State edge rusher Patrick Payton who had a down year in 2024 after exploding in 2023. Payton is such an exciting piece when you look at what Kevin Peoples was able to do in one season with Bradyn Swinson as Payton has all of the moves and traits you could hope for. If Payton can put it all together this season he'll have 10+ sack potential and could be a First Round pick this time next year.
Among the players that were snubbed, you can make a case that Barion Brown should've been on the list over Zachariah Branch. In a much better situation, Branch only recorded 503 yards to Brown's 361 but, as a kick returner, Brown blows Branch out of the water with 449 yards and a touchdown. Among the players missing the list, Nic Anderson has the best chance to crack the list if he's fully healthy this season and true Freshman DJ Pickett has the best chance to make the list next season.