To start the 2025 season, the LSU Tigers couldn’t ask for a much better start — or could they?
The Tigers are 3-0, they’re ranked No. 3 in the nation and the biggest thing holding them back the last few years has now been addressed in the LSU defense. But something is missing.
After the 2024 season, the biggest question for LSU football was the status of quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. He just threw for over 4,000 yards, 29 touchdowns and generated a lot of draft buzz.
Losing him would’ve been monumental for the Tigers as the future at the quarterback position was still uncertain. However, after thinking it over, the Lake Charles native decided to return for a fifth season.
LSU kept its veteran quarterback from leaving early and returned one of the best players at the position. Part one of the plan is complete. Part two is surrounding him with talent.
The LSU wide receivers have been known for having some of the most dynamic playmakers in the country for decades. Although Nussmeier finished in the top five in passing yards, there was a tendency for the offense to be lackluster or stagnant.
With two receivers having over 850 yards, there was variety, but not a go-to target that could change the game.
So, head coach Brian Kelly went into the offseason looking for those guys to surround his quarterback with. The Tigers landed Barion Brown from Kentucky, Nic Anderson from Oklahoma and Destyn Hill from Florida State.
Fast forward to now, and while the Tigers are undefeated, the offense has not exactly clicked.
It was understandable in Week 1, with it being the first game of the season and against a tough defense in Clemson. Even then, there were flashes.
In Week 2, the Tigers played Louisiana Tech and only scored 23 points after being favored by more than five touchdowns.
The Florida game was a defensive masterclass for LSU, intercepting the Gators five times and winning 20-10, but once again, we saw growing pains. The offense had only 316 total yards and scored 13 points.
A win is a win, but consistency, explosiveness and improvement are what you want to see from the Tigers’ offense. So far, we haven’t seen it through these three games.
The Tigers rank No. 94 in the nation for total yards on offense with 345 yards per game and tied at 107 for points per game at 20 points.
There are multiple factors as to why the offense hasn’t found its footing yet, but the solution to the problem is on the roster.
When thinking of the most consistent pass catcher for the past two years for the Tigers, the guy everyone should be naming is Aaron Anderson.
When Anderson transferred to LSU from Alabama after the 2023 season, I knew it was going to be a great addition. Regardless of his frame, standing only at 5-foot-8, he’s a playmaker with a mixture of speed and elusiveness.
In 2023, he played behind Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas, Kyren Lacy and even Mason Taylor. Recording only 12 catches for 59 yards, Anderson’s home reunion wasn’t productive, but his time was coming.
Last year, Anderson’s opportunities increased, and he solidified himself as one of the best wide receivers in the SEC. In his sophomore campaign, Anderson led the team in receptions and receiving yards and finished inside the top 10 in the conference for receiving yards.
He was Nussmeier’s most reliable target. Anderson did most of his damage in the slot last year, making him the closest receiver to the quarterback, constantly creating mismatches for linebackers, nickelbacks and safeties.
As one of the closest options for quarterback, it allowed Nussmeier to deliver easy and efficient throws that helped sustain drives.
Anderson also gives variety to the offense. Possessing excellent route-running abilities, he can create separation over the middle of the field, being a constant target between the numbers.
One of the biggest parts of Anderson’s game is his speed, and he showed it countless times last year. The 76-yard touchdown off a slant he took against Texas A&M or the deep 46-yard reception he had against South Carolina after outrunning his defender on a slot fade are just two of many plays that come to mind.
Most importantly, what Anderson brings to the team and to Nussmeier is chemistry. A lot of new talent means a lot of new people, and it takes time to build chemistry on the team, especially for a quarterback and receiver connection.
Getting him involved as soon as possible allows Nussmeier to settle down into the game more easily and look for a go-to target when he has to make a play.
There are only a few guys who have been around Nussmeier for more than two years, and between Chris Hilton and Kyle Parker, who’s been injured the past few years and missing time, Anderson has spent the most time with him.
Through three games this season, Anderson once again leads the team in receptions and yards while eclipsing over 70 yards in all three games.
Kelly has even noticed the work Anderson has put in and talked about the little things he’s been doing to make an impact.
“Maturity, accountability and responsibility,” Kelly said, describing what he’s seen from Anderson since coming to LSU. “I just love the growth of the young man, the maturity and what he’s doing off the field.”
Whenever LSU has success moving the ball on offense, it’s because Anderson was involved on the drive. He’s an irreplaceable guy that I think the offense should run through, especially as LSU prepares to take on tougher opponents down the line.
