There's just one game left on LSU's schedule before the official end to the 2024 season as the Tigers will face Baylor in the Texas Bowl. The bowl game marks several different things for the players either an opportunity to play for one last time in the uniform or an opportunity to get onto the field once again or for the first time before closing out the year. When LSU takes on Baylor, these players have the most to prove at their position and would prove a ton with massive performances.
Quarterback - Colin Hurley - Freshman
As LSU lost Bryce Underwood, Colin Hurley only became more important for LSU's future at quarterback. Then LSU brought in Freshman Michael Van Buren via the transfer portal adding competition for Hurley in the room. After Garrett Nussmeier, Hurley is next in-line for playing time as AJ Swann will transfer but, is available for the game. The game will be Hurley's first game action at LSU and it would be incredible to see some solid play out of Hurley heading into the offseason.
Running Back - Kaleb Jackson - Sophomore
Heading into the season, we all though Kaleb Jackson was going to be the lead back for LSU after a solid offseason in camp. Early on, Jackson was ineffective while Caden Durham broke out taking the role. Jackson only received 41 carries for 147 yards but, the Texas Bowl could give him a chance to showcase his ability. The Tigers add five-star Harlem Berry and Top-Ten running back JT Lindsey which will add competition but, if Jackson can be effective in pass protection he could have the Josh Williams role next season.
Wide Receiver - Chris Hilton Jr - Redshirt Junior
This season, we all thought Chris Hilton Jr was poised for his biggest year yet, after proving a chemistry with Garrett Nussmeier in the Reliaquest Bowl and a solid offseason in camp. A foot injury kept Hilton out a majority of the year and when he did return he was clearly a bit rusty. Against Oklahoma, Hilton flashed catching 2 passes for 85 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Now, LSU is bringing in Nic Anderson and Barion Brown with Aaron Anderson returning seemingly making them the starting three at wide receiver. Another strong game from Hilton would set him up nicely heading into 2025 and should help with keeping him constantly in the rotation.
Tight End - Trey'Dez Green - Freshman
As Mason Taylor heads to the NFL and Ka'Morreun Pimpton is in the transfer portal, Trey'Dez Green is the only scholarship tight end available for the Texas Bowl. The Tigers are bringing in transfer Bauer Sharp at the position because of his ability to block but, in this game, Trey'Dez Green will have the chance to prove his ability as an in-line tight end. We already know Green has elite ability as a receiver but, if he can continue to develop as a blocker he'll only see the field more in 2025.
Offensive Tackle - Tyree Adams - Redshirt Freshman
The biggest losses for LSU this offseason is the loss of both starting tackles Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr. As LSU looks to fill both positions the player filling Campbell's role in practice has been Tyree Adams. This season, Adams got solid playing time but, it mostly came on the interior offensive line. While LSU looks for offensive linemen, Adams showing he's capable of playing left tackle would ease a ton of concerns.
Interior Offensive Line - Paul Mubenga - Redshirt Freshman
This season of the young offensive linemen looking to start in 2025, no one got more playing time than Paul Mubenga. When Garrett Dellinger suffered an ankle injury, Mubenga was pushed into action starting four games. During the season, Mubenga had his struggles but, if he's going to be relied upon next season he'll need to take a step up. LSU has already brought in Braelin Moore on the interior and there are three freshmen in this signing class that could start right away on the interior.
Defensive Tackle - Ahmad Breaux - Freshman
The LSU Football team once again has to rebuild its defensive tackle room after making it a priority last transfer cycle. As Gio Paez and Paris Shad are off to the NFL and Jay'Viar Suggs is in the transfer portal, the Tigers will once again have a ton of fresh faces in the defensive tackle room. This season, Breaux has started twice and appeared in 12 games but, this should be the most playing time he sees this season. Breaux putting up another solid performance will only help his status as LSU brings in a loaded defensive tackle class and Texas transfer Sydir Mitchell.
Edge Rusher - Dylan Carpenter - Redshirt Freshman
While LSU brings in a loaded edge rusher transfer class, they're not available for the Texas Bowl. That gives plenty of younger edge rushers a great chance to show their ability. At the end of the Oklahoma game, Dylan Carpenter got playing time and he put some impressive reps on film. While other edge rushers like Gabe Reliford are expected to see a ton of time as well, Carpenter has the most to gain with a solid performance.
Linebacker - Dahvon Keys - Freshman
As Greg Penn III is out of eligibility, the Tigers will be relying a ton on Dahvon Keys next season alongside Whit Weeks. We've seen a ton of Keys down the stretch of the season but, he may get his most playing time yet in the Texas Bowl. The best part of Keys' game is his ability to fly around and his speed alongside Whit Weeks will make the linebacker room exciting to watch.
Cornerback - PJ Woodland - Freshman
The Cornerback room is going to be one of the most exciting to watch this offseason as LSU adds Five-Star cornerback DJ Pickett and transfers Mansoor Delane and Ja'Keem Jackson. With starting cornerback Ashton Stamps returning the room is loaded to begin with but, a player getting lost in the shuffle is PJ Woodland. Woodland has showed a ton of promise and should be in contention for a starting role in 2025. If Woodland gets extended playing time, putting a great game on film would be massive for him heading into camp.
Safety - DaShawn Spears - Freshman
Early on this season, DaShawn Spears earned a ton of playing time as LSU tested its options at safety. Spears showed some promise but, when LSU got into the bulk of its season, the staff went with the veteran safeties. The Tigers have been targeting safeties in the transfer portal but, if Spears can flash it'll only improve his stock heading into the offseason.