LSU football had the most explosive offense in the country in 2023. But one year after leading the nation in explosive plays, the Tigers fell out of the top 25. LSU’s 20+ yard play rate in 2024 was 7.7%, ranking No. 32 nationally. A decent mark, but below LSU’s standard.
LSU expects that aspect of the offense to be improved this fall. Fifth-year wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr. finally had a healthy offseason, and the Tigers added receivers Barion Brown and Nic Anderson in the transfer portal. All three are deep threats.
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“I don’t think that’s going to be an issue. I think we’re going to be able to push the ball down the field,” LSU head coach Brian Kelly said.
Kelly said LSU has a handful of wide receivers who can stretch a defense.
“I could give you like four or five guys that can definitely get down the field for us and do some damage,” Kelly said.
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier completed just 36% of 20+ yard passes in 2024, which put him 12th in the SEC. That was partly related to LSU’s struggling run game. Without a dynamic rushing threat, defenses could sit back vs. LSU. But LSU lacked a speedster on the outside.
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With Hilton Jr. healthy in late November, we saw LSU regain its identity. Nussmeier and Hilton connected on several deep targets vs. Oklahoma and Baylor. LSU is counting on that success to carry into 2025.
This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU football set to have explosive offense with upgraded receivers
