LSU’s kick return unit was a rare bright spot last season. Aaron Anderson and Zavion Thomas both found the end zone, making big plays in the return game. Now, with transfer receiver Barion Brown in the mix, LSU has 3 electric returners. But special teams as a whole? It was a disaster. PFF ranked LSU dead last in the SEC for special teams in 2024. Here, enter Aman Anand, brought in to fix the problem. And Brian Kelly believes multiple players could step up in 2025. But now, SEC insiders have revealed a new dual threat for Kelly’s squad.
On the March 27th episode of That SEC Football Podcast, SEC Mike and Cousin Shane broke down the conference’s biggest weaknesses. When LSU came up, Mike pointed out their efforts to patch things up through the transfer portal—something Shane agreed with. But then came the real issue. “I’m going offensive line still. Both tackles to the NFL. One’s probably going to be a top-10 pick—Will Campbell. I don’t know,” said Mike. As for the defense? “Defense took some strides last—I mean, by the midway point, I was like, ‘My God, Blake Baker is a genius!’ And then they kind of fell completely apart. But I think in year two, the defense may not be elite, but I think they’ll be pretty good,” added the SEC insider. Although LSU has talent, but can they put it all together?
Mike’s concern became clear. LSU has Garrett Nussmeier at quarterback and a loaded arsenal with Nic Anderson, Barion Brown, and TaRon Francis. On paper, the firepower is there. But then came the red flag. “I’m slightly concerned because I know they got the quarterback. They’ve added all these weapons… So, the biggest question mark I got for LSU right now is the offensive line,” said Mike. As of now, without a solid front to protect Nussmeier, will LSU’s offense reach its full potential? Maybe not. Because Shane also agreed with Mike’s point on Brian Kelly’s LSU issues.
Then Shane raised another key concern—LSU’s identity. He questioned, “How about identity? Something I think Coach Kelly’s teams have lacked the last couple of seasons.” Moreover, Shane pointed out how LSU was supposed to dominate the ground game last year, but never did. Well, LSU’s run game in 2024 didn’t live up to the hype. Freshman Caden Durham shined with big games, like 98 yards vs. South Carolina and 128 vs. South Alabama. But despite his flashes, the Tigers lacked the ground dominance they were expected to have. But the defense? It had the talent and coaching, yet still fell short. “For me, it’s just coming out here and proving who you are and sticking to it,” said Shane.
Although he praised LSU’s portal additions, he admitted he’s not fully convinced. And here’s why: “This could be a dangerous football team, but I don’t have the confidence because I’ve not seen it the last two years,” said Shane. Yet Brian Kelly made a sly move in the transfer portal.
Brian Kelly’s portal move
With spring practice underway in Baton Rouge, Brian Kelly is shaking things up. He’s tweaking the schedule, and his timing is no coincidence. Two practices are being moved—one before spring break and another after. Instead of holding them early, Kelly is pushing them to the final week, right after the spring scrimmage and when the transfer portal swings open. When asked about the move, Kelly played it coy. But make no mistake—this shift could have major portal implications.
Here, Brian Kelly dropped a strategic update on LSU’s spring schedule. “I will give you one news item,” said the head coach, revealing a key shift. LSU is moving two practices—the first on March 28 and the second on April 7—pushing them to the week after the spring scrimmage. “So, we’ll continue to practice that Tuesday and Thursday after that Spring scrimmage,” explained Kelly. By stretching the schedule to use all 34 allotted days, he’s giving his team more time to develop. But with the transfer portal opening, this move feels more than just routine—it’s calculated.
Look, the spring transfer window runs from April 16 to April 25—a short, high-stakes stretch for players looking to find a new home before fall. Interestingly, LSU has now moved its workouts right into that window. And when asked if the schedule change was intentional, Kelly played it coy. “Is it? The portal opens that week? Huh. I didn’t know that. You guys can decide what that means,” said LSU HC with a smirk. So, whether it’s a coincidence or strategy, Kelly’s move has everyone talking.
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