The LSU Tigers are making strategic moves to reshape their roster for the 2025 football season, highlighted by the acquisition of key transfer players and the return of standout contributors.
One of the most notable additions to the team is offensive lineman Josh Thompson, who has transferred from Northwestern. At 6-foot-5 and 301 pounds, Thompson is not just any player; he was highly coveted, making him the No. 1 uncommitted interior offensive lineman entering the NCAA Transfer Portal. His impressive college career includes starting 21 out of 31 games with the Wildcats, primarily playing as both left and right guard, as well as right tackle.
Thompson’s skills have garnered significant attention, particularly his outstanding performance metrics. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF), he was ranked as the second-best interior offensive lineman in the Big Ten, earning an 83.5 pass-blocking grade and not allowing any sacks during the 2024 season. His decision to join the Tigers instead of going to competing programs like Tennessee and Ohio State is seen as not only filling a pressing need—LSU loses four starters on the offensive line—but also as securing one of the top overall players from the portal.
“It’s another tremendous get by [head coach Brian] Kelly and Co.,” commented Brian Kelly’s recruiting team on social media. Thompson, after his recent commitment, will help solidify LSU’s offense, especially following the departure of starting offensive linemen such as Will Campbell and Emery Jones, who are moving on to the NFL.
Adding to this reshaping of the offensive line, LSU has also signed Braelin Moore, another transfer from Virginia Tech, who brings experience and prowess to the team's offensive front. The 6-foot-3, 303-pound Moore was rated as the No. 1 interior offensive lineman in the portal and is expected to contribute significantly, especially after LSU’s struggles with run-blocking last season.
Meanwhile, the Tigers also received good news on the defensive side. Star linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. announced he will return for the 2025 season rather than pursue the NFL Draft. Perkins, injured during the earlier season against UCLA, had begun to recover successfully and expressed excitement about rejoining his teammates. “I’m back,” he declared emphatically on Instagram, indicating he is ready to make contributions after being sidelined for much of last season.
An integral part of LSU’s defense, Perkins had accumulated impressive statistics before his injury, recording 17 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss in just four games. He is celebrated as one of the most athletic defenders within college football and was initially projected to be drafted as high as the first round before his injury hindered those prospects.
With Perkins back, the Tigers' linebacker corps stands to be stronger, supported by the presence of seasoned players and new talent coming from 2024’s recruiting class. The coaching staff is expected to devise strategies to best utilize Perkins' abilities, considering his unique athleticism and experience.
Thompson and Perkins reflect LSU's continued commitment to bolster both offense and defense, signaling significant improvements for the 2025 season. The team's coaching staff is strategically addressing their needs through the transfer portal, and the returning players’ experience will be invaluable during their upcoming campaign. Overall, these changes may significantly alter the team's competitive dynamic as they look to contend at the highest levels of college football.
LSU fans are optimistic about these changes, which promise to strengthen the team after last season’s challenges. The focus will now be on how these new arrivals and returning stars will gel together as they strive for success on the field.
