Ad Disclosure
ESPN released a new story on Wednesday highlighting one key returning player for each top-25 team in its way-too-early ranking for the 2025 campaign.
In the transfer port era, retaining talent year-over-year is never guaranteed. ESPN’s story focuses on players who could have entered the transfer portal or entered the NFL Draft, but instead decide to remain with their current programs for the 2025 season.
In LSU’s case, the player highlighted is linebacker Harold Perkins Jr. Here’s some analysis from ESPN’s Max Olson:
After being named to multiple freshman All-America teams in 2022 with the Tigers, it seemed obvious Perkins would be a three-and-pro type of talent and a guaranteed first-round draft pick. But a torn ACL suffered four games into his junior season forced him to rethink his NFL plans and come back for a fourth year in Baton Rouge. The former top-five recruit with 28.5 career tackles for loss can certainly play his way back into first-round status with a strong season under second-year DC Blake Baker. He’s expected to play the “Star” hybrid linebacker/safety role for the Tigers in 2025.
Much has been made about Perkins’ role in LSU’s defense since he broke out onto the scene in 2022. It’s likely Perkins would have entered the 2025 NFL Draft if not for suffering a season-ending injury early on in 2024.
LSU is entering the 2025 season with big expectations under Brian Kelly. The Tigers’ win total at bet365 has been set at 8.5. If you’re interested in betting on that line but don’t have a bet365 account yet, here’s a bet365 bonus code Louisiana where you can take advantage of a generous sign-up offer.
LSU will open up the 2025 season against Clemson on Aug. 30.
Spenser is a news editor for Saturday Down South and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.
