As the echoes of the past season fade into memory, the roar of anticipation for the 2025 LSU Tigers’ opening game grows deafening. The air crackles with a fervent energy, a testament to the unyielding passion that courses through the veins of LSU faithful. Under the watchful gaze of the legendary Death Valley, the Tigers prepare to unleash their indomitable spirit upon a new campaign, poised to etch their name into the annals of football history.
This year’s squad boasts a formidable arsenal of talent, a symphony of speed, power, and precision. The offense, orchestrated by the enigmatic Jayden Daniels, promises to be an explosive force, capable of shredding defenses with lightning-fast precision. The defense, anchored by the towering presence of Jaquelin Roy, stands ready to suffocate opponents with a relentless assault, their impenetrable wall guarding the end zone with unwavering determination.
LSU Football Kicks Off 2025 Season with High Expectations
Recruiting Class Sets the Stage
LSU Football enters the 2025 season with sky-high expectations, fueled by an exceptional recruiting class that has been ranked among the nation’s best. Headlining the class is five-star quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who is widely considered one of the top prospects in the country. Alongside Nussmeier, LSU has added an impressive group of blue-chip prospects, including several highly touted receivers, running backs, and defensive standouts. This influx of talent has raised expectations for an immediate impact on the field, with many experts predicting a return to prominence for the Tigers.
Here’s a table summarizing LSU’s 2025 recruiting class:
| Name | Position | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Garrett Nussmeier | Quarterback | 5-star |
| Darnell Washington | Tight End | 5-star |
| Shelton Sampson Jr. | Wide Receiver | 5-star |
| Harold Perkins | Linebacker | 5-star |
| Jaheim Oatis | Defensive Tackle | 5-star |
With such an impressive recruiting class in tow, LSU Football is poised for a breakout season in 2025. Fans are eagerly anticipating the debut of these talented prospects and the resurgence of the Tigers program under Head Coach Brian Kelly.
Key Players to Watch
In addition to the incoming recruiting class, LSU will also rely on several key returning players who will play vital roles in the team’s success. These players include:
– Senior linebacker Micah Baskerville: A tackling machine who led the team in tackles in 2024.
– Junior wide receiver Kayshon Boutte: A Biletnikoff Award finalist who is one of the best playmakers in the country.
– Sophomore cornerback Sevyn Banks: A rising star who has emerged as one of the top defensive backs in the SEC.
With a combination of talented veterans and highly touted newcomers, LSU Football is well-positioned to make a run at a National Championship in 2025.
Tigers Take the Field for Season Opener in Prime Time
The LSU Tigers are set to kick off the 2025 season in prime time when they host the McNeese State Cowboys on Thursday, August 28th at Tiger Stadium. The game will be televised on ESPN at 7:00 PM CT.
Tigers Look to Start Season Strong
The Tigers are coming off a disappointing 6-7 season in 2024, but they are hoping to bounce back in 2025. They return a talented roster led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, running back Josh Williams, and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. The Tigers also have a strong defense led by linebacker Harold Perkins and defensive end Ali Gaye.
McNeese State is coming off a 4-8 season in 2024. They are led by quarterback Camion Carter and running back Deonta McMahon. The Cowboys also have a solid defense led by linebacker Colby Barnes and defensive end Isaiah Chambers.
The Tigers are a heavy favorite in this game, but they cannot afford to overlook McNeese State. The Cowboys are a well-coached team that will be looking to pull off an upset.
Tigers Season Opener Details
| Date: | Thursday, August 28th, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Time: | 7:00 PM CT |
| Location: | Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge, LA |
| TV: | ESPN |
| Favorite: | LSU (-28) |
LSU Hosts ACC Opponent in Home Opener
Louisiana State University (LSU) will kick off its 2025 football season with a home opener against an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) opponent. The Tigers are scheduled to host the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets on September 6, 2025, at Tiger Stadium in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
Non-Conference Matchups
LSU’s non-conference schedule for the 2025 season also includes a home game against the New Mexico Lobos on September 13 and a road trip to face the Texas Longhorns on September 20. The Tigers have a long-standing rivalry with Texas, dating back to 1900. The two schools have met 94 times overall, with LSU holding a 58-34-2 advantage in the series.
ACC-SEC Challenge: Georgia Tech
The Tigers’ matchup against Georgia Tech will mark the first meeting between the two schools since 2018. LSU holds a 5-2 record against the Yellow Jackets, including a 34-24 victory in 2018. Georgia Tech has been a member of the ACC since 1979 and will be making its second appearance at Tiger Stadium since joining the conference. The Yellow Jackets defeated LSU 21-18 in Baton Rouge in 2014.
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| September 6 | Georgia Tech (ACC) | Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge |
| September 13 | New Mexico | Tiger Stadium, Baton Rouge |
| September 20 | at Texas | Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium, Austin |
Coach Kelly Looks to Continue Building Program in Year Three
After guiding LSU to a 9-4 record in his second season, head coach Brian Kelly enters his third year with the program with high hopes. The Tigers return a strong nucleus of talent on both sides of the ball, and Kelly is confident that his team is ready to take the next step.
Key Additions and Departures
LSU added several key pieces to its roster during the offseason, including wide receiver Kyion Grayes, cornerback Jaheim Oatis, and linebacker Harold Perkins. The Tigers also lost some key players, most notably quarterback Jayden Daniels and running back Josh Williams.
| Additions | Departures |
|---|---|
| Kyion Grayes (WR) | Jayden Daniels (QB) |
| Jaheim Oatis (CB) | Josh Williams (RB) |
| Harold Perkins (LB) |
Lsu Opning Game 2025
LSU will open the 2025 season on the road against the Florida Gators. The Tigers have won five of their last six meetings with Florida, including a 45-35 victory in 2022. LSU will be looking to start the season with a win and build momentum for the rest of the year.
The Gators will be led by new head coach Billy Napier, who was previously the head coach at Louisiana. Napier is a rising star in the coaching ranks, and he will be looking to make a statement in his first game against LSU.
The game will be played on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium in Gainesville, Florida. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET.
Key Players to Watch in LSU’s 2025 Season Opener
The LSU Tigers are set to open their 2025 season against the Mississippi State Bulldogs on September 6th at Tiger Stadium.
Quarterback: Walker Howard
Howard is a 5-star recruit and the No. 1 overall player in the 2023 recruiting class. He is expected to take over as LSU’s starting quarterback in 2025.
Running Back: Josh Williams
Williams is a 4-star recruit and the No. 1 running back in the 2024 recruiting class. He is expected to be LSU’s lead running back in 2025.
Wide Receiver: Shelton Sampson Jr.
Sampson is a 5-star recruit and the No. 1 wide receiver in the 2024 recruiting class. He is expected to be LSU’s top target in the passing game in 2025.
Defensive Line: Harold Perkins
Perkins is a 5-star recruit and the No. 1 overall player in the 2022 recruiting class. He is expected to be a key member of LSU’s defensive line in 2025.
Linebacker: DeMario Tolan
Tolan is a 4-star recruit and the No. 1 linebacker in the 2024 recruiting class. He is expected to be a key member of LSU’s linebacker corps in 2025.
| Player | Position | Recruiting Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Walker Howard | Quarterback | No. 1 overall in 2023 |
| Josh Williams | Running Back | No. 1 running back in 2024 |
| Shelton Sampson Jr. | Wide Receiver | No. 1 wide receiver in 2024 |
| Harold Perkins | Defensive Line | No. 1 overall in 2022 |
| DeMario Tolan | Linebacker | No. 1 linebacker in 2024 |
Venue and Ticket Information for the LSU Opening Game
Ticket Information
Tickets for the LSU opening game in 2025 will go on sale to the general public in [date]. Season ticket holders will have priority access to purchase tickets before they go on sale to the public.
Ticket prices will vary depending on the seat location. The most expensive tickets will be for seats on the 50-yard line, while the cheapest tickets will be for seats in the upper deck.
Venue Information
The LSU opening game will be played at [venue name]. The venue is located in [city], [state]. The venue has a capacity of [capacity] and is one of the largest stadiums in the country.
Tailgating Information
Tailgating will be allowed in designated areas around the stadium. Tailgaters will be able to bring their own food and drinks, but they will not be allowed to bring alcohol.
Parking Information
Parking will be available in designated areas around the stadium. Parking prices will vary depending on the location of the parking space.
Security Information
The LSU opening game will be a ticketed event. All attendees will be required to go through security screening before entering the stadium. Prohibited items include weapons, alcohol, and illegal drugs.
Bag Policy
The LSU opening game will have a strict bag policy. Only clear bags will be allowed into the stadium. Bags must be no larger than 12″ x 12″ x 6″.
| Allowed Bags | Not Allowed Bags |
|---|---|
| Clear backpacks | Backpacks that are not clear |
| Clear bags | Bags that are not clear |
| Small clutch bags | Large bags |
LSU Football: A Look Ahead to the 2025 Season
Quarterback Situation
With the departure of quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Tigers will be looking for a new signal-caller in 2025. Two potential candidates include Garrett Nussmeier and Walker Howard, who both have flashed potential during their limited playing time.
Running Backs
LSU has a talented trio of running backs in John Emery Jr., Noah Cain, and Josh Williams. Emery Jr. is a dynamic playmaker who led the team in rushing yards in 2023. Cain and Williams are both solid all-around backs who can contribute in both the running and passing game.
Wide Receivers
The Tigers have a deep group of wide receivers led by Kayshon Boutte and Malik Nabers. Boutte is a potential All-American who has emerged as one of the top receivers in the SEC. Nabers is a speedy playmaker who can stretch the field vertically.
Offensive Line
LSU’s offensive line is expected to be a strength in 2025 with the return of experienced starters like Will Campbell and Miles Frazier. The Tigers will also benefit from the addition of highly-touted recruit Emery Jones.
Defensive Line
The Tigers return a solid group of defensive linemen led by Maason Smith and BJ Ojulari. Smith is a disruptive force who can apply pressure on opposing quarterbacks, while Ojulari is a versatile player who can play both defensive end and outside linebacker.
Linebackers
LSU’s linebacker corps is expected to be led by Harold Perkins Jr. and DeMario Tolan. Perkins Jr. is a dynamic pass rusher who has already recorded multiple interceptions in his LSU career. Tolan is a physical presence who can stop the run and cover tight ends.
Secondary
The Tigers have a young and talented secondary that will be led by safety Jaelyn Davis and cornerback Emery Jones. Davis is a ball-hawking playmaker who has already intercepted five passes in his first two seasons at LSU. Jones is a lockdown cornerback who has the potential to develop into one of the best in the country.
Tigers Set to Face Challenging Non-Conference Schedule
LSU to Open 2025 Season at Home Against Northwestern State
Louisiana State University (LSU) will open its 2025 football season at home against Northwestern State University on August 30th.
Tigers to Face Arizona in Tucson
The Tigers will travel to Tucson, Arizona to face the University of Arizona on September 6th. This will be the first meeting between the two schools since 1994.
Texas A&M Game Moved to College Station
LSU’s annual rivalry game against Texas A&M University has been moved to College Station, Texas for the 2025 season. The game will be played on September 27th.
Tigers to Host Florida in Death Valley
LSU will host the University of Florida in Baton Rouge on October 4th. This will be the first time the two schools have met since 2013.
Non-Conference Slate Features Top-25 Opponents
LSU’s non-conference schedule is one of the toughest in the country, featuring three teams that finished in the top 25 of the 2023 College Football Playoff rankings:
| Opponent | Rank |
|---|---|
| Arizona | 13 |
| Florida | 7 |
| Texas A&M | 24 |
LSU Football 2025: Breaking Down the Offense
Quarterback
LSU will have a new starting quarterback in 2025, and there are several candidates who could fill the role. Garrett Nussmeier, Walker Howard, and Rickie Collins are all talented players who have shown promise in their limited action.
Running Back
The Tigers have a deep and talented running back group led by Armoni Goodwin and Josh Williams. Goodwin is a physical runner who is tough to tackle, while Williams is a speedy back who can make big plays. Noah Cain is another experienced back who could see significant playing time.
Wide Receiver
Kayshon Boutte is the undisputed star of the LSU receiving corps. The junior wideout is one of the best players in the country and is coming off a season in which he had over 1,000 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. LSU also has a number of other talented receivers, including Brian Thomas Jr., Chris Hilton Jr., and Malik Nabers.
Tight End
Kole Taylor is the top tight end on LSU’s roster. The 6’7″ sophomore is a big target who can be a threat in the passing game and the running game. Mason Taylor and Jack Bech are two other tight ends who could see playing time in 2025.
Offensive Line
The offensive line is a major question mark for LSU in 2025. The Tigers lost several key starters from last year’s team, including center Liam Shanahan and guard Anthony Bradford. LSU will need to find some new starters who can protect the quarterback and open up holes for the running backs.
Number 9
It is unclear who will wear the number 9 in 2025. The number was previously worn by Derek Stingley Jr., who was a star cornerback for LSU. Stingley Jr. is now playing in the NFL, so the number 9 is up for grabs.
| Player | Position |
|---|---|
| Kayshon Boutte | Wide Receiver |
| Armoni Goodwin | Running Back |
| Kole Taylor | Tight End |
| Garrett Nussmeier | Quarterback |
| Liam Shanahan | Center |
LSU Football 2025: Analyzing the Defense
Secondary
The Tigers’ secondary has long been a source of strength, and 2025 should be no different. With All-American cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. returning, LSU will have one of the best cover corners in the country. Safety Joe Foucha and nickelback Cordale Flott provide additional playmaking ability in the backfield.
Pass Rush
LSU’s pass rush has been a question mark in recent years, but that could change in 2025. Ali Gaye and BJ Ojulari are both experienced and talented defensive ends, and they should be able to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Freshman phenom Jaquelin Roy provides depth and pass-rushing ability off the bench.
| Name | Position | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Derek Stingley Jr. | Cornerback | Sr. |
| Joe Foucha | Safety | Jr. |
| Ali Gaye | Defensive End | Sr. |
| BJ Ojulari | Defensive End | Jr. |
| Jaquelin Roy | Defensive End | Fr. |
LSU Opening Game 2025: Preview and Predictions
The Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers football team will open their 2025 season on Saturday, August 30, against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The game will be a rematch of the 2023 season opener, which LSU won 49-21.
LSU enters the 2025 season with high expectations. The Tigers return a number of key players from last year’s team, including quarterback Jayden Daniels, running back Josh Williams, and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte. LSU also has a talented recruiting class coming in, which is ranked among the top 10 in the nation.
UCLA, on the other hand, is coming off a disappointing 4-8 season in 2023. The Bruins have a new head coach in Chip Kelly, who is known for his up-tempo offense. UCLA also has a number of talented players on its roster, including quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and running back Zach Charbonnet.
The LSU-UCLA game is expected to be a close one. Both teams have talented offenses and defenses. The game will likely be decided by which team can make the most plays in key situations.
