JUST NOW: Five Returning LSU Players will shock you.

Last year, LSU had the greatest offense in college football, averaging 543.5 yards per game in total offense, led by receivers Brian Thomas Jr. and Malik Nabers and Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Jayden Daniels. All three playmakers left LSU to become first-round NFL draft picks, but the Tigers remain confident about the 2024 season. LSU’s defense returns key starters following a dismal performance in 2023. The linebacker room will remain a strength of the defense, while line play will strive to improve under a new scheme under new defensive coordinator Blake Baker. Expect these returning players from both sides of the ball to make significant contributions to the squad this season.

1. Garrett Nussmeier

Garrett Nussmeier is the number one reason Tigers supporters should be enthusiastic about the LSU offense in the coming years. The redshirt junior spent his time at LSU behind Myles Brennan, Max Johnson, and Jayden Daniels, and now he has the opportunity to be the unquestioned quarterback. He has played in each of his three seasons at LSU, most notably replacing the injured Daniels in the 2022 SEC Championship game against Georgia and starting in this year’s ReliaQuest Bowl. Nussmeier’s cannon arm has piqued Tiger fans’ interest for three years, and his performance in LSU’s come-from-behind bowl triumph only added to the excitement.

2. Harold Perkins, Jr.

Harold Perkins Jr. had similar stats in 2022 and 2023, but went off the radar last year as LSU’s defense struggled as a whole. Perkins will attempt to replicate the highlights of his electrifying debut season at LSU during this draft-eligible junior season. Perkins has a penchant for unsettling opposing quarterbacks in the pocket, forcing offenses to change their strategies on the fly. He concluded with a 1-yard touchdown run on his first collegiate offensive snap in the ReliaQuest Bowl last year, adding to his collection of highlight reel exploits. Expect Perkins to continue to distinguish out on the Tigers’ defense amidst a great linebacker corps.