Let’s not sugarcoat it—2025 is a make-or-break season for Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers. Last year’s 9–4 finish? That didn’t move the needle. Not in Baton Rouge. Not where national titles are expected, not just hoped for. LSU’s got championship DNA and anything less feels like a letdown. Now, with spring ball underway, the pressure is ratcheting up fast. Injuries derailed them last season, but excuses won’t fly twice. And while one injury comeback has LSU fans breathing easier, another fresh blow is turning up the heat again on Kelly’s squad.

The name that stirred concern this spring wasn’t QB1 Garrett Nussmeier—he’s been cooking. It was backup Colin Hurley, who was nowhere to be found in the early days of camp. In a room where depth matters more than ever, his absence set off alarm bells. Thankfully, that storm has passed.

According to a statement from the Hurley family (via Jacques Doucet), “Colin Hurley has made a full recovery and has rejoined the LSU football program….Colin and his family are grateful for the dedication, collaboration and support of everyone involved throughout this process.” That’s the type of clarity the fanbase needed—and for now, that chapter’s closed. But the calm didn’t last long. Another blow came; this time for Brian Kelly’s WR room.

At a recent media session, Kelly addressed another setback—and this one hit a position already under the microscope. Star wide receiver Destyn Hill, who had been drawing rave reviews all spring, was notably missing from practice.

Kelly didn’t mince words when asked for an update: “Another ankle with Destyn. And it’s too bad because he’s had a really good spring. I’ve been really impressed with him. His strength is just the ability to go up and get the football. He’s strong, he’s physical, he’s smart. He’s really going to help us. And it was too bad that he couldn’t be out there today, but he’s got an ankle. His is a little bit more severe—high ankle sprain. And we’ll have to see where that takes us, whether we can make the next two practices or not with him.”

For LSU, Hill’s development was one of the brightest spring storylines. His physicality and ability to high-point the ball had coaches buzzing. But now, with his status uncertain for the remainder of camp, it’s another disruption LSU didn’t need—especially after last year’s string of untimely injuries.

Another brief scare came when tight end Trey’Dez Green appeared to get tangled up during practice. But Kelly quickly diffused any panic, saying, “Trey’Dez was fine. He wanted to stay in there.” Still, the moment sparked a broader conversation about player safety—and strategy.

With a new NCAA rule in place, teams will now be charged a timeout if a player goes down after the ball is set for play. Kelly explained, “We’ve got to be very careful in those situations. If you’re hurt, you better go down before they blow the ball ready for play or you’re going to be charged a timeout.” Well, it’s not just about player toughness anymore—it’s about timing and awareness. LSU’s staff now has to coach its players not just on avoiding injury, but how to manage one if it happens mid-drive. One mistimed cramp and it could cost the Tigers a valuable timeout in crunch time.

The one constant: Garrett Nussmeier’s loyalty

But while injury updates stole the spotlight this week, Brian Kelly made sure to shift the energy back to something more stable—Garrett Nussmeier’s leadership.

The QB delivered a standout 2024 campaign, throwing for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns—trailing only Joe Burrow in LSU’s all-time single-season stats. He capped the year off with a win over Baylor in the Texas Bowl and earned the Charles McClendon MVP Award. And despite interest from NFL scouts, Nussmeier chose to return in 2025. For LSU, that was a win as big as any game.

In his media appearance, Kelly reflected on his first meeting with Nussmeier: “I’m trying to think about the very first conversation. My very first conversation with Garrett was when I got The Job.” That moment stuck with Kelly for good reason. Nussmeier didn’t waffle. Didn’t ask for guarantees. He simply said: “Coach, I’m a Tiger, and I just want to let you know I’m going to be here.”

At a time when rosters were turning over and players were jumping into the portal, Nussmeier stayed put. That early trust built the foundation for what’s now becoming one of college football’s most anticipated QB campaigns. Kelly summed it up. “He was pretty definitive about, ‘I want to be here.’ And I think we’ve come full circle. You see that kind of steadfast commitment to being here at LSU. And I think he’s gonna reap the benefits of that.”

Spring is supposed to be a time of growth and optimism. But in Baton Rouge, it’s feeling more like a high-stakes dress rehearsal. One injury after another, new rule adjustments, and constant pressure to return to national relevance—it’s all piling up on Brian Kelly’s plate. But amid the chaos, Garrett Nussmeier’s return, Colin Hurley’s recovery, and the growing depth at tight end show LSU still has plenty of positives to work with. The challenge is keeping that momentum alive through the summer without letting more setbacks knock them off course.

LSU fans know what’s at stake. No more moral victories. No more ‘next year’ promises. The Tigers have the talent. Now they need the health, the discipline, and the swagger to match. Garrett Nussmeier’s loyalty may have set the tone, but it’s on Brian Kelly to keep this team healthy and hungry.