SEC Spring Check-In: With Jayden Daniels moving on, what's next for Brian Kelly at LSU?

Before the Texas Longhorns officially join the Southeastern Conference on July 1, Inside Texas is going around the SEC to check in with each of Texas’ new conference mates for updates on the latest spring storylines, important roster notes, and much more as the Longhorns embark upon life in a new league.

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Billy Embody, publisher of The Bengal Tiger, took the time to answer a few questions about the LSU Tigers as they enter year three under Brian Kelly. The Longhorns are not scheduled to match up with LSU this season.

1. How much different will the SEC be in ’24 not only with Texas and Oklahoma joining, but also the elimination of divisions?

Eliminating divisions is a big piece to this as it’ll be even more of a bloodbath for a spot in Atlanta in the SEC Championship game, at least in my opinion, but that’s exactly what the SEC is. Each week, you’re tested and if you don’t bring it, you can walk out of a stadium a loser. With Texas coming off the College Football Playoff appearance and Oklahoma having made some noise under Brent Venables, it’ll be a more competitive league. The adjustment for both programs will be that week-to-week grind though. It’s corny, but it really does just mean more and the games the league’s members play each week are a cut above every other league.

2. What is the spring storyline to track on offense for the Tigers (transfers, star recruits, coaches coming and going, etc.)?

Garrett Nussmeier takes over at quarterback and the Tigers do lose two elite wideouts off that prolific offense led by Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. LSU did bring in two transfer wideouts in Liberty’s CJ Daniels and Mississippi State’s Zavion Thomas. Both are being counted on in a big way to pick up any slack when it comes to the pass catching options the Tigers lost. Nussmeier showed in the bowl win over Wisconsin he’s got the ability to be prolific. Seeing it all start to come together is something we’re watching.

3. What’s the spring storyline to track on defense for the Tigers?

There are so many changes that come with blowing up an entire side of the ball staff wise and we won’t really know where the Tigers stand until the fall defensively. That said, it can’t get any worse for LSU defensively. Blake Baker was key for Missouri’s resurgent defense and with more resources in Baton Rouge, there are expectations that he improves things relatively quickly. There are some key returners, but mainly, developing the young talent the Tigers brought in the 2023 class is paramount.

4. Which returner from the 2023 roster was the most important for LSU?

It’s probably Harold Perkins on defense. He’s an incredible athlete and difference maker. How Baker uses him is going to be interesting to watch. LSU’s expecting him to play more of a true linebacker role instead of rushing off the edge. His development in that area is key. The Tigers have some nice returning talent at linebacker overall, but Perkins is that big of an impact player that it was important he stuck around.

5. Which transfer portal addition was the most important for LSU?

Texas A&M safety Jardin Gilbert and Liberty wide receiver CJ Daniels are probably the two. Gilbert needs to step up in a big way at safety after showing some flashes with the Aggies before getting hurt. Daniels is a 1,000-yard wideout, but is taking a step up in competition. He’s dynamic and LSU’s offense needed a little more juice after losing so much.

6. Which class of 2024 signing was the most important for LSU? 

Probably Dominick McKinley or Gabriel Reliford. Both are defensive linemen and elite ones, which will be counted on to see some snaps early. The Tigers have longed for a boost of talent on the defensive line and they got that with those two elite in-state prospects.

7. The game LSU fans have circled on the 2024 schedule is…

I’d say Alabama or Ole Miss. Both are viewed as key competition for LSU in the race to get to Atlanta. Both games are spicy from an off-field perspective as well.

8. What are LSU fans’ impression of Texas?

Most casual fans would probably say Texas is overrated, a little full of themselves, haven’t won anything in a bit, etc., but the ones that are paying attention *probably* think Texas is a tough opponent joining the league. There’s going to be a step up for Texas in competition week-to-week so there’s a chance they take time in that respect to adjust. There’s also a chance that Steve Sarkisian can guide Texas through the league’s schedule and challenge for an SEC Championship game appearance in Year 1 of the league. The usual stereotypes around Texas are prevalent, but getting into the College Football Playoff at least legitimizes the program as an SEC member.

SEC Spring Check-Ins

• Mississippi State: Jeff Lebby begins a new era
• Texas A&M: Aggies start over with Mike Elko ahead of the return of the rivalry
• Ole Miss: The Rebels are going for it all in 2024
• Florida: A pivotal year three awaits Billy Napier at Florida
• Georgia: UGA looks to assert itself as top-dawg in new-look SEC