As the LSU Tigers football team continues its preparations for the 2025 season, they are awaiting a key decision from one of their top defensive stars, Harold Perkins. This comes after several of their draft-eligible players have made their intentions known in recent weeks. Among those who have already declared their plans are quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, offensive linemen Will Campbell and Emery Jones, and tight end Mason Taylor. Each of these players has made the choice to either return for another season at LSU or, in the case of Campbell, Jones, and Taylor, enter the upcoming NFL Draft. However, Perkins remains the lone player yet to announce his decision.
Garrett Nussmeier, LSU’s quarterback, recently announced he would be returning for the 2025 season. A Lake Charles native, Nussmeier had the opportunity to declare for the NFL Draft, where many scouts had projected him as a potential top-five pick. Instead, he chose to remain in Baton Rouge for his final year of eligibility. Nussmeier has been a consistent performer for LSU, improving each season under head coach Brian Kelly. In the 2024 season, he threw for 3,738 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Nussmeier has become an integral part of the team’s offense, and his return is seen as a major asset for LSU in their pursuit of success in 2025. His dedication to the program has been evident throughout his time at LSU, particularly in his commitment during the Oklahoma game. After suffering a sack and undergoing X-rays, Nussmeier returned to the field to help lead LSU to victory, showcasing his toughness and love for the team.
Meanwhile, three other LSU stars have opted to declare for the NFL Draft. Will Campbell, a dominant offensive lineman, has decided to forgo his final season at LSU. A projected first-round pick, Campbell has been a cornerstone of the Tigers’ offensive line, starting every game since his freshman year. His leadership was recognized when he earned the prestigious No. 7 jersey in 2023. Campbell expressed deep gratitude for his time at LSU, thanking coaches and fans for their support during his college career. He also acknowledged the impact LSU and the Baton Rouge community had on his life and development as both a player and person.
Emery Jones, another key piece of LSU’s offensive line, also declared for the draft after a strong three-year career with the Tigers. Standing at 6’6″ and 315 pounds, Jones started more than 30 games for LSU, and his decision to enter the draft comes after much contemplation. While there had been hopes that Jones might return for his final season, his decision to leave marks the end of his impactful college career.
Mason Taylor, LSU’s standout tight end, is also departing for the NFL Draft. Taylor made history at LSU, becoming the program’s most productive tight end. Over his three seasons, he set records for both receptions and yards by a tight end, leaving Baton Rouge as one of the most accomplished players in that position in LSU’s history. His loss will be felt, as he was a key target in LSU’s passing game, particularly during the 2024 season when he had 55 receptions for 546 yards and two touchdowns.
With these players making their decisions, the focus now shifts to Harold Perkins, LSU’s star linebacker. Perkins made an immediate impact as a true freshman in 2022, emerging as a standout talent and attracting attention from NFL scouts. His sophomore season, however, saw a slight decline in production due to the coaching staff struggling to find the best role for him. In 2024, Perkins suffered a torn ACL early in the season, which has put his future in question. Despite this setback, Perkins was still projected as a first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, and his decision to either return to LSU or enter the draft remains uncertain.
Perkins has been working hard on his recovery and is progressing well, according to head coach Brian Kelly. While the injury has slowed his momentum, Perkins is still highly regarded for his athleticism and potential, making him a risk worth taking for any NFL team. His return to the field, even as a spectator during LSU’s Week 13 matchup against Vanderbilt, showcased his dedication to the team and his commitment to recovery. Kelly has expressed his support for Perkins, acknowledging the difficulty of the decision but also emphasizing that LSU would love to have him back for the 2025 season. Perkins’ decision could significantly impact the Tigers’ defense, and LSU will certainly do everything in its power to encourage him to return for one more year.
As the Tigers await Perkins’ decision, the team is poised to continue building on the successes of their recent seasons. With Nussmeier returning to lead the offense and key players like Campbell, Jones, and Taylor preparing for the NFL, LSU’s future is bright. The program’s focus will now shift to recruiting and preparation for the 2025 season, with the hope that Perkins will choose to remain in Baton Rouge and continue to develop into one of college football’s premier defensive players. Whatever Perkins decides, LSU will support him in his journey and continue to build a team capable of competing at the highest levels.
