The LSU Tigers went from ten straight wins to freefall into the abyss of SEC mediocrity. This legendary program can’t afford such a collapse. While the 2025 recruiting class has been the talk of the town for Kelly and the fans, it’s starting to feel like a distraction. This top-tier class is putting the heat on Kelly to finally make a move at quarterback, something he hasn’t done in his three years in charge. Does the program stand to gain anything from this?

Well, this year, on National Signing Day, Brian Kelly and his team signed four offensive linemen after 3 years for their 2025 recruiting class. They have Carius Curne, the top Arkansas prospect, who is expected to make an immediate impression due to his exceptional strength and athleticism. Other top recruits include Solomon Thomas, a 5-star prospect from Florida, and Tyler Miller, Mississippi’s best offensive tackle. And don’t forget about Brett Bordelon, another top-notch offensive lineman from Louisiana who’s ranked number two. Kelly only did this for his star QB, Garrett Nussmeier’s sake. 

A new video clip of After Further Review explains Kelly’s forced move for his top quarterback. In this video, Matt Moscona said, “LSU is going to be replacing all four, or four of the five starters on the offensive line. So first, can put together a starting offensive line to take to Clemson next year with the guys you have on the roster right now. But if you can go add veteran guys who played a lot in the portal, you do it. But it’s worth mentioning. That’s not something Brian Kelly’s done commonly in his three years in Baton Rouge. Meaning going to the portal to sign offensive line in three years, LSU assigned three portal offensive line. That’s it.”

It only shows that LSU’s offensive line has struggled to protect QB Garrett Nussmeier, even though they were regarded as one of the top offensive lines in the nation at the beginning of the 2024 season. For those who don’t know, the squad, which includes veteran players like Garrett Dellinger and Miles Frazier, was expected to play well, but lately, they have struggled to maintain consistency.

The offensive line has come under scrutiny for placing too much pressure on Nussmeier. This prevented him from carrying out plays, despite the fact that LSU recognized OLs for their skill and aimed for perfection. The only way to keep Garrett safe in that situation is to replace those offensive linemen. And why not?

Garrett is an asset to the team. Over the course of 12 games, the QB completed 63.7% of his throws, accumulated 3,739 passing yards, and threw 26 touchdowns against 11 interceptions. Furthermore, Nussmeier exceeded 300 yards in seven games, including two particularly impressive ones in which he went over 400 yards. Texas A&M (405 yards) and South Alabama (409 yards). But the issue remains: was there no opening for Kelly’s OL post at LSU in three years? 

Is Brian Kelly in desperate need of OLs?

It would be a mistake to think there hasn’t been an opening for an offensive line (OL) spot at Brian Kelly’s LSU over the past three years. As Matt Moscona pointed out on his LSU podcast, “But there’s jobs open and availability.” Interestingly, he added, “For all the portal conversations we’ve had, we haven’t had any conversations yet about portal offensive linemen.” Tight ends, edge rushers, safeties, cornerbacks, and receivers? Sure. But OL? Not yet. The reason could be anything, but with QB Nussmeier likely skipping the 2025 draft, building a stronger 2025 offensive line might now be LSU’s focus.

And Kelly’s choice makes sense in light of the current offensive situation at LSU. As you can see, LSU’s average of 28.6 points per game is good, but it’s less than the explosive output of their top-ranked offense from the previous season. Throughout the season, the squad scored 315 points, demonstrating their inability at the end zone.

With an average of only 4.1 yards per rush and 1,399 rushing yards for the season, the team’s rushing assault also had trouble. Injuries and the departure of key players hampered their ability to develop a solid game—which is essential for balancing their offensive strategy. It is now anticipated that the squad will have greater success in 2025 with the newly hired OLs. Will Garrett Nussmeier make the best use of them?