Can the LSU Offensive Line Pave the Way?

The Tigers return the league’s most proven quarterback, have added perimeter weapons, and expect to field one of the best offenses in the nation in 2025. Despite the additions and high hopes, the LSU offensive line must perform at a high level for the team to reach its playoff goals.

Brad Davis coached one of his most talented offensive line groups of his tenure in 2024. Four of the five starters heard their names called in the draft. But the on-field performance didn’t always correspond with the talent, especially in the running game. The LSU offensive line is one of the most important unknowns entering the season. Now, we’ll closely examine each position.

The LSU Offensive Line

Returning Contributors

DJ Chester provides an example of how Brian Kelly wants to build these teams by recruiting and developing from the high school level. He came to LSU as a four-star recruit in 2023, learned and developed, then claimed the starting center position as a redshirt freshman in 2024. Admittedly, he struggled at times as a starter, but we’re not down on him. First-time starters will face adversity. He’ll improve and start again, even if it’s not at center (more on that later).

Redshirt sophomore Tyree Adams has been the staff’s most trusted reserve tackle for the past two seasons. He’ll finally get the starting nod at left tackle, now that three-year starter Will Campbell has moved on. While he might not have the ceiling of his predecessor, Adams gives the Tigers a quality starter and continuity from inside the program at the position.

The Portal Giveth

Virginia Tech transfer Braelin Moore is the reason we hinted at Chester changing positions. The junior started at center for the past two seasons in Blacksburg before transferring to LSU. PFF graded him as one of the best centers in the ACC. Moore has powerful hands, and his experience lends to his ability to pick up defensive line stunts. We expect him to eventually win the starting job at center, which would push Chester to one of the guard spots.

Josh Thompson is another critical portal addition for the Tigers. He has extensive experience at right guard and right tackle for Northwestern while earning All-Big Ten honors in 2024. He did not allow a sack in the 402 pass plays in which he was on the field last season. Thompson is a fifth-year senior who adds valuable experience and proven production to the group.

Tiger Cubs

We expect redshirt freshman and former five-star Weston Davis to take the reins at right tackle. There’s no questioning the 6’-6” former basketball player’s measurables and athleticism. We’ll see how much a year in the program has prepared him for the future NFL draft picks he’ll routinely face, starting in week one against Clemson.

Ory Williams and Coen Echols both redshirted last year and should contribute at the guard spots. Echols ran with the first team at guard in spring practice. Carius Curne was one of LSU’s most prized recruits in the 2025 class, and he’s already physically ready to play. He received significant time as the second-team left tackle in the Spring. Jacksonville native Solomon Thomas was another big win on the recruiting trail, and he’ll start his career as a tackle.

Projecting the Starters

LT – Tyree Adams

LG – DJ Chester

C – Braelin Moore

RG – Josh Thompson

RT – Weston Davis

We chose not to project a full depth chart, because the most game-ready options could back up several positions. But Mubenga, Echols, and Bo Bordelon will serve supplementary roles as guards. Thompson has proven that he can kick out to right tackle if needed. Expect at least one of the true freshmen in Curne and Thomas to also get snaps at tackle this season.

This year’s offensive line isn’t as star-studded as last season’s group. However, there are plenty of proficient fronts every year that don’t have top-10 draft picks. This line has a good mixture of Power Four experience and high-ceiling youth, but its biggest drawback is the lack of experience as a unit. The problem is there’s no time to waste.

Davis will face one of his biggest challenges at LSU in developing cohesion in the unit quickly, with so many new faces in big roles. The Tigers face Clemson in one of the biggest games of week one. All four of Clemson’s starting defensive linemen project as draft picks, with at least two of the four going in the first round. LSU then faces Florida in its third game, and the Gator front had its way with the Tigers in 2024.

Help is on the way for Davis, as former Florida State offensive coordinator Alex Atkins has now joined the Tigers as the tight ends coach and run game coordinator. Atkins led successful units at Florida State and predicated his approach on counters, which would contrast with the zone scheme runs LSU leaned on last season. A better run game (it can’t get any worse) in 2025 should help keep the Tigers out of obvious passing situations, which is always a plus. But we won’t really know what LSU has until August 30th at Clemson.