Brian Kelly reveals the secret to keeping Garrett Nussmeier upright against Clemson's elite defense

As LSU gears up for a high-stakes season opener against Clemson on September 6, 2025, at Memorial Stadium, head coach Brian Kelly has solidified three key positions on the Tigers' offensive line while opting for a flexible rotation at the guard spots. This approach comes amid a major rebuild up front, following the departure of four starters to the NFL after the 2024 campaign, leaving the unit with a mix of young talent, transfers, and limited returning experience.

Confirmed Starters and Key Rotations

Kelly announced that redshirt sophomore Tyree Adams will anchor the left tackle position, providing stability on the blind side for quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. At center, redshirt junior Braelin Moore—a transfer from Virginia Tech—steps in as the unquestioned starter, bringing valuable Power Five experience to a role critical for line calls and snap consistency. On the right flank, redshirt freshman Weston Davis is slated to start at tackle, though he's been sharing reps with true freshman Carius Curne since mid-August, adding an element of competition and depth.

The interior line, however, remains fluid. Kelly emphasized that both guard positions will feature rotations involving four players: redshirt sophomore Paul Mubenga, fifth-year senior Josh Thompson (a transfer from Northwestern), redshirt sophomore DJ Chester, and redshirt freshman Coen Echols. "All four of them are going to play," Kelly stated during a recent press conference. "Who starts—that'll be Brad Davis' call come game time." Davis, LSU's offensive line coach, will make the final decision based on matchups and performance, reflecting the group's ongoing development during preseason camp.

This setup marks a departure from last year's more static line, where Chester was the lone returning starter from 2024. He's been vying primarily for the left guard spot alongside Mubenga and Echols, while Thompson's veteran presence could provide a steadying influence at right guard. Kelly has indicated that as many as eight linemen could see action throughout the season, underscoring a philosophy of depth over rigidity.

The Rebuild Context

LSU's offensive line overhaul was necessitated by the NFL Draft, which claimed standout talents like left tackle Will Campbell (a first-round pick) and others who formed the backbone of the 2024 unit. Preseason practices focused on cohesion, with the Tigers initially leaning on a core group—Adams, Chester, Moore, Thompson, and Davis—before introducing rotations to build versatility. Kelly has praised the group's progress, noting earlier this month that while there might not be a dominant force like Campbell, the collective is "playing very well and working well together."

Rotation isn't just a stopgap; it's a strategic choice. "There will be a couple positions where we'll have some rotation, and I think it will be good for us," Kelly explained. "It makes us better. It's OK to rotate offensive linemen—they can do that too." This mirrors trends in modern college football, where depth helps manage fatigue, injuries, and the physical toll of a grueling schedule, especially in the SEC.

Analysis: Strengths, Challenges, and Implications

LSU's revamped line blends youth with targeted transfers, creating potential for growth but also exposing vulnerabilities in a tough road environment like Clemson's "Death Valley." On the positive side, the rotation could keep players fresh against a Clemson defense that's returning key pieces, including a disruptive front seven ranked among the nation's best. Clemson's defensive line, led by experienced edge rushers and interior disruptors, allowed just 3.4 yards per carry last season and could exploit any inexperience in pass protection or run blocking.

Player spotlights reveal promising upside:

• Tyree Adams (LT): A former four-star recruit, Adams has shown athleticism and footwork in camp, but he'll face immediate pressure protecting Nussmeier's blind side.
• Braelin Moore (C): His transfer from Virginia Tech adds maturity; at 6-3, 300 pounds, he's adept at handling stunts and providing leadership for a young group.
• Weston Davis (RT): Another highly touted recruit, Davis' size (6-5, 290) and quickness make him a building block, though sharing time with Curne—a 6-6, 300-pound freshman with raw power—suggests LSU is prioritizing long-term development.
• Guard Quartet: Chester, the only holdover starter, brings familiarity after logging significant snaps in 2024. Mubenga and Echols offer athleticism and upside as redshirts, while Thompson's Big Ten experience (starting 12 games at Northwestern in 2024) could stabilize the run game.

However, concerns loom. Multiple analysts have highlighted LSU's OL as a potential weak point, with four new starters facing one of the ACC's elite fronts in Week 1. This matchup could dictate the game's tempo: if the Tigers' line holds up, it opens lanes for running backs like Caden Durham and Kaleb Jackson, while giving Nussmeier time to target a talented receiving corps. But breakdowns could force LSU into predictable passing situations, amplifying Clemson's pass rush.

Rotation benefits include injury mitigation and experience-building for a unit that's largely unproven—only Chester has significant starting reps. In college, where depth charts evolve rapidly, this keeps backups engaged and prevents burnout, potentially paying dividends later against SEC heavyweights like Alabama or Ole Miss. Yet, cohesion is key; frequent substitutions risk communication errors, especially in a hostile away opener.

Overall, Kelly's confidence signals optimism, but success hinges on quick gelling. A strong performance could validate the rebuild and propel LSU toward playoff contention; struggles might expose growing pains in a season with high expectations. As Kelly put it, this line may lack superstars, but its collective grit could define the Tigers' 2025 campaign.