Previewing LSU Football's Quarterback Room for 2024

AJ Swann - Junior

While Rickie Collins and Colin Hurley may be more talented, AJ Swann brings a veteran presence to a relatively inexperienced LSU quarterback room. Through two seasons at Vanderbilt, Swann has picked up starting experience and backup experience which could be vital if Garrett Nussmeier were to miss time at any point. Through two seasons at Vanderbilt, Swann has completed 222 of 394 passes for 2,731 yards with 22 touchdowns and 9 interceptions.

The younger duo of quarterbacks may push Swann for the backup quarterback role, it's likely AJ Swann is the first quarterback onto the field after Nussmeier. The Tigers may look to hold Swann off the field in order to redshirt him in order to keep him on campus an extra year but, it's too early to know the staffs plans. LSU fans should feel great, however, that Brian Kelly and his staff brought in a quarterback with experience in the SEC to back up a first-time starter.

Rickie Collins - Redshirt Freshman

When the Tigers landed Rickie Collins, they were keeping one of Louisiana's best players in the state as Collins was ranked as the 17th-best quarterback in the class and the 13th-best player in the state. As a true freshman, Collins appeared in just one game against Grambling State rushing for 19 yards while completing both of his passes for three yards.

Starting the year, Rickie Collins will likely be the team's third-string quarterback however, Brian Kelly may turn to him if they want to save Swann's eligibility. Where Rickie Collins may help the team the most is with his rushing ability as the rest of the quarterback room fit the pocket passer mold. We may see Brian Kelly and Joe Sloan use Collins at points as a change-of-pace quarterback if the team wants to be more dynamic against a team weaker against the rushing attack.