Brian Kelly, Head Coach of LSU Football, Talks About the Competition for Offensive Line Spots

As the 2025 college football season approaches, LSU football is facing an intense period of evaluation, especially in one of the most critical areas of the team: the offensive line. Offensive line play is essential for any successful football program, and the LSU Tigers, under head coach Brian Kelly, are no exception. With the departure of some key players from the previous season, the competition for starting positions on the offensive line is fierce, and Kelly has been upfront about the challenges and opportunities this creates.

In this article, we will explore Brian Kelly’s views on the competition for spots along LSU’s offensive line. We’ll break down the coaching philosophy behind evaluating these positions, the specific players in the mix, and how LSU’s offensive line performance could shape the team’s success in 2025. Additionally, we’ll examine the offensive line’s role in LSU’s larger offensive strategy and why getting this group right is crucial to LSU’s championship aspirations.

Brian Kelly’s Philosophy on Offensive Line Play

Brian Kelly, who took over as LSU’s head coach in 2022, is no stranger to building successful teams around a solid offensive line. Having coached for over three decades, Kelly has developed a deep understanding of how to foster competition, elevate individual players, and craft a cohesive unit on the offensive line. His experience at Notre Dame, where he consistently fielded strong offensive lines, has influenced his approach to LSU. Kelly emphasizes the importance of fundamentals, discipline, and flexibility when coaching the offensive line.

In an interview following LSU’s spring practices, Kelly spoke at length about the challenges of establishing a new offensive line group while also highlighting the benefits of competition. For Kelly, competition isn’t just about selecting the best players; it’s about pushing everyone involved to elevate their game, ensuring the offensive line is both talented and adaptable. This year, the Tigers’ offensive line is undergoing significant changes, which has added even more importance to how well the coaching staff evaluates potential starters.

Kelly noted, “We want to create an environment where every player knows they’re in competition. This isn’t a job where you’re handed a spot based on seniority or last year’s performance. The competition makes everyone better, and that’s what we want along the offensive line. We’re focused on building a group that can both protect our quarterback and create space for our running game.”

Kelly also spoke about the role of leadership on the offensive line, particularly in terms of creating continuity and consistency. “While talent is paramount, leadership in the trenches is just as important,” Kelly explained. “You need guys who can be vocal, lead by example, and work together. The offensive line is one of the few units on the field that must function as a collective, and that requires leadership.”

With that in mind, let’s explore the current state of the LSU offensive line and the players competing for spots in 2025.

LSU’s Offensive Line in 2025

In 2024, LSU’s offensive line showed flashes of brilliance, but also struggled at times with consistency, particularly when facing tougher SEC defenses. The Tigers lost some key players to graduation and the NFL Draft, including Anthony Bradford and Will Campbell, who were pivotal in shaping the team’s line last season. Their departures leave significant holes in the offensive line depth chart. However, LSU also has a deep recruiting class and some returning players who have the potential to make a major impact.

As of now, the competition for starting spots on the offensive line is wide open. Brian Kelly has made it clear that every position on the line, from tackle to guard to center, will be contested. The battle for these spots will ultimately come down to performance during practices, scrimmages, and in-game action. In his interviews, Kelly stressed the importance of giving every player a fair shot to earn a starting role, which means the competition will only get fiercer as the season draws closer.

Offensive Tackle

The tackle positions are arguably the most important on the offensive line, given their role in protecting the quarterback’s blind side and establishing the perimeter for the running game. At LSU, the battle for the left and right tackle spots is particularly intriguing.

One of the key contenders for a starting tackle spot is Emory Jones, who has been part of the program for a few years and is ready to take on a larger role. Jones, who has shown flashes of potential but has not yet been a consistent starter, has the physical tools to dominate at tackle. He has great size, strength, and quickness, which make him a natural fit at one of the tackle positions. Jones is expected to compete for the right tackle spot but could also find himself in the conversation for left tackle if the coaching staff feels he has the necessary skill set to protect the blind side.

Another player in the mix is Walker Howard, who, despite playing quarterback during most of his LSU career, has experience as an offensive lineman from his high school days. While Howard has not played on the offensive line at LSU yet, Kelly has mentioned that he will get an opportunity to showcase his talents as a tackle, potentially even at left tackle. Howard’s versatility and experience as a high school standout give him a shot at contributing in a variety of ways.

Additionally, LSU has brought in some highly rated recruits to bolster their offensive line depth. Players like Will Campbell and Landon Jackson have the potential to step in and make an immediate impact as freshmen. Campbell, who has gained a reputation as a physically dominant force during his high school career, has the potential to push for playing time early on. Jackson, meanwhile, brings a combination of size and mobility that makes him a valuable asset at tackle.

Offensive Guard

The competition for the guard spots is equally intense, and this is where LSU’s depth will play a major role in deciding who starts. The guard positions are crucial for opening up running lanes and providing support for the tackles in pass protection.

One of the most talked-about returning players in the guard battle is Miles Frazier, who has been a consistent performer during his time at LSU. Frazier brings experience to the position and has shown his ability to block effectively in both the running and passing games. He is a player that Kelly has repeatedly highlighted as someone who could anchor the interior of the offensive line. His leadership and ability to create space in the run game will be key for LSU’s success in 2025.

Alongside Frazier, LSU has a few other players pushing for the guard spots. Garrett Dellinger, a player who has seen time in both the guard and center positions, is another experienced option. His ability to play multiple positions along the interior line gives LSU flexibility in terms of personnel. Dellinger’s size and strength make him a strong contender for a starting spot, and his experience in SEC competition will be invaluable in the battle for starting roles.

Freshmen like Riley Murphy and Trey Branden will also be pushing for playing time at guard. Murphy has been noted for his quickness and agility, while Branden’s physicality could make him a factor in short-yardage situations. With a deep group of competitors, LSU has several players with the potential to solidify the guard positions.

Center

The center position is perhaps the most critical of all along the offensive line, as the center must establish communication and cohesion between the quarterback and the rest of the line. Charles Turner, a player with substantial experience, has served as LSU’s starting center in recent seasons and remains a key component of the offensive line. Turner’s experience and leadership make him a natural fit for the starting center role in 2025, and Kelly has been vocal about his ability to provide stability at the position.

However, LSU has a couple of younger players who are eager to challenge for the center position. Landon Thomas, a highly regarded freshman recruit, has impressed during spring practices with his combination of size, strength, and technique. Thomas’ potential makes him an intriguing option, and if he continues to develop, he could push Turner for the starting job.

Key Factors in the Competition

Several factors will influence the outcome of the offensive line competition, and Brian Kelly is keenly aware of the need for adaptability and resilience. One of the primary factors in determining the starting lineup will be consistency. Offensive linemen must be able to execute their assignments at a high level, and mistakes can be costly in a highly competitive SEC. Players who can execute with precision, block effectively in both the run and pass game, and adapt to the changing pace of the game will be the ones who earn the starting spots.

Another key factor in the competition is the ability to stay healthy. Offensive line play is physically demanding, and injuries can derail a player’s opportunity to earn a starting role. LSU has experienced some depth issues in recent years, and Kelly is eager to see his offensive line remain healthy so that the coaching staff can properly evaluate the competition.

Additionally, the ability to work as a cohesive unit will play a major role in the outcome of the competition. LSU’s offensive line must be able to communicate well, trust each other, and execute plays as a collective. Players who can build chemistry and function as a unit will stand out to Kelly and his coaching staff.

What’s Next for LSU’s Offensive Line?

As LSU’s offensive line competition intensifies, the next few months will be pivotal in determining which players will start in 2025. With key players returning, new faces pushing for playing time, and an overall focus on improving the offensive line’s performance, LSU is poised to enter the season with a dynamic and competitive group upfront.

Brian Kelly’s approach to fostering competition, coupled with his emphasis on fundamentals and leadership, will ultimately help shape the success of LSU’s offensive line. Whether it’s the veterans like Charles Turner and Miles Frazier or the younger talents like Will Campbell and Landon Jackson, LSU’s offensive line competition will be a story to watch as the team prepares for another exciting SEC campaign.