The LSU Tigers finished last season ranked No. 12 by the Associated Press. However, three of the team’s standout performers from last season are slated to be selected in the first round of the upcoming NFL Draft. Are the Tigers in position to remain a contender following these significant losses?
Talented Tigers Headed for the NFL
The following players from last year’s squad are likely to be selected in the 2024 NFL draft. Next to each player’s name is ESPN’s overall draft ranking of the player:
- WR Malik Nabers – – 3rd
- QB Jayden Daniels — 5th
- WR Brian Thomas, Jr. – – 25th
- DT Maason Smith — 75th
- C Charles Turner III — 123rd
- DT Jordan Jefferson — 178th
- S Andre’ Sam — 202nd
There are 32 selections in the first round and a total of 257 selections in the entire draft. Nabers, Daniels, and Thomas are all likely to go in the first round. Smith, Turner, Jefferson, and Sam are likely to be Day Two or Day Three selections.
Given this significant loss of talent, how will the Tigers look in 2024?
Incoming LSU Tigers Recruits
Dominick McKinley is officially an #LSU Tiger pic.twitter.com/sLcj7RDhv9
— Bryce Koon (@bryce_koon) February 7, 2024
LSU has an influx of young talent, which will ameliorate the impact of the loss of talent to the NFL.
According to 247Sports, LSU has the seventh-strongest 2024 recruiting class in the country, with five-star DL Dominick McKinley leading the way.
The 2025 class is even stronger — third best according to 247 Sports.
Transfer Portal Departures
LSU has lost six players to the transfer portal:
- Edge Jaxon Howard
- WR Khai Prean
- TE Connor Gilbreath
- DB Ryan Yaites
- LB Christian Brathwaite
- CB Jeremiah Hughes
Howard was a four-star recruit who redshirted last year with LSU. He was the highest-rated recruit out of the State of Minnesota and has decided to return home.
BREAKING: Former LSU EDGE Jaxon Howard has Committed to Minnesota, he tells @on3sports
The 6’4 248 EDGE will have all 4 years of eligibility remaining
“I’m back 612”https://t.co/hwloZKoc0V pic.twitter.com/hzckOIDZIy
— Hayes Fawcett (@Hayesfawcett3) April 19, 2024
Prean was a prized freshman wide receiver, but the Bayou Bengals still have an impressive wider receiver room even after his departure along with the departures of Nabers and Thomas.
Yates was a four-star recruit in the 2023 class. As a true freshman, he played in all 13 games last year.
LSU safety Ryan Yaites has entered the transfer portal, @chris_hummer and I have learned for @247sports.
Was a Class of 2023 four-star recruit.https://t.co/6Cw7NKmknb pic.twitter.com/RG01vr76o8
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) April 19, 2024
Brathwaite was also a four-star recruit. He is from Texas. Although he only had limited playing time last year, his departure will hurt, as LSU is a bit thin at the linebacker position.
Transfer Portal Acquisition Targets
The Bayou Bengals are focusing on defensive linemen in the transfer portal, including Simeon Barrow from Michigan State, Damonic Williams from TCU, and CJ West from Kent State.
Garrett Nussmeier Will Be the Bayou Bengals’ Signal Caller
Per Sports Illustrated:
“The torch has been passed. LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is the leader of the Bayou Bengals as they navigate a new chapter of LSU football.
“With Heisman-winning signal-caller Jayden Daniels headed pro, Nussmeier is the new leader of this program and he is more than ready to leave his legacy.”
Nussmeier recently told reporters that while he will not be focused on running the ball a significant percentage of the time, he will do so when necessary. He also praised the team’s group of wide receivers as among the very best in the nation. The new quarterback said the team will not be satisfied with merely a ten-win season.
2024 Forecast for the Tigers
Action Network predicts the Tigers will miss the 12-team CFP field and end up in the Gator Bowl.
FanDuel has set the over/under for LSU’s win total in 2024 at 9.5 games, which is the same as that for Alabama.
Sports Illustrated takes the under on FanDuel’s 9.5 over/under.
Here’s the 2024 LSU schedule:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
| Sept. 1 | USC | Las Vegas |
| Sept. 7 | Nicholls | Home |
| Sept. 14 | South Carolina | Away |
| Sept. 21 | UCLA | Home |
| Sept. 28 | South Alabama | Home |
| Oct. 12 | Ole Miss | Home |
| Oct. 19 | Arkansas | Away |
| Oct. 26 | Texas A&M | Away |
| Nov. 9 | Alabama | Home |
| Nov. 16 | Florida | Away |
| Nov. 23 | Vanderbilt | Home |
Per ESPN’s preseason poll, only three of LSU’s opponents are ranked in the top 25 — Ole Miss (#6), Alabama (#9), and Texas A&M (#25).
Thus, LSU’s eleven-game regular season schedule does not appear too daunting.
For more sports-related news, focused primarily on the USC Trojans, SMU Mustangs, Sacramento Kings, and Los Angeles Rams, please follow me at @vshjah_Victor.
