LSU Football Depth Chart Predictions: Projecting the Starters Against Clemson Tigers

Brian Kelly and Co. wrapped up Fall Camp on Saturday night in Death Valley, rotations emerging heading into Week 1.

Courtesy of LSU Football.

Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers rounded out Fall Camp on Saturday night in Death Valley with all focus now shifting towards game preparation for the Clemson Tigers.

After a four-week stretch where rotations emerged and newcomers climbed up the depth chart in Baton Rouge, the two-deep depth chart has become clear.

With LSU less than one week away from taking the field at Clemson, what could the starting lineup look like heading into Week 1?

The Projected Starters: Week 1 at Clemson

Offense:

Quarterback:

First-Team: Garrett Nussmeier
Second-Team: Michael Van Buren

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is poised for a strong season in Baton Rouge with the veteran signal-caller at the forefront of Heisman Trophy projections and 2026 NFL Draft buzz.

Behind Nussmeier will be Mississippi State transfer Michael Van Buren as he gears up for his first season with the program.

Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers Football program Day 6 of Spring Camp.

Running Back:

First-Team: Caden Durham
Second-Team: Kaleb Jackson OR Harlem Berry

Caden Durham has handled business as the starter with Harlem Berry and Kaleb Jackson battling for RB2 duties, but the name not mentioned is Ju'Juan Johnson.

The versatile weapon has been used in a myriad of ways across his college career where he's now focusing on working as a running back in 2025.

Durham, Jackson and Berry are the names listed, but don't be surprised if Johnson takes serious reps at running back this upcoming season.

Wide Receivers:

First-Team: Aaron Anderson, Chris Hilton and Zavion Thomas
Second-Team: Nic Anderson, Barion Brown and Kyle Parker

There's no reason to buy stock in which three wideouts roll out on the field come Week 1 at Clemson.

LSU has multiple SEC caliber wideouts that will make an impact this season with Brian Kelly and Co. flaunting an embarrassment of riches offensively.

The newcomers in Nic Anderson and Barion Brown are too talented to keep off of the field and have also taken first-team reps in practice along with Kyle Parker.

Courtesy of Bauer Sharp's Instagram.

Tight End:

First-Team: Trey'Dez Green
Second-Team: Bauer Sharp

LSU will operate multiple 12 personnel sets this season with both Green and Sharp being on the field simultaneously as an elite one-two punch.

Offensive Line:

First-Team: LT Tyree Adams, LG Paul Mubenga, C Braelin Moore, RG Josh Thompson, RT Weston Davis
Second-Team: LT Carius Curne, Coen Echols, C Braden Augustus, RG DJ Chester, RT Bo Bordelon OR Ory Williams

LSU has worked with a consistent first-team offensive line across Fall Camp, but there's a battle brewing at left guard and right tackle.

It's safe to pencil in LT Tyree Adams, C Braelin Moore and RG Josh Thompson as a clearcut first-team, but the left guard and right tackle slots remain a battle in camp.

We believe left guard Paul Mubenga is in line to earn the first-team reps at left guard where he will join LT Tyree Adams, C Braelin Moore, RG Josh Thompson and RT Weston Davis in Week 1.

Courtesy of Tyree Adams' Instagram.

The Defense:

Defensive Tackle:

First-Team: Bernard Gooden and Dominick McKinley
Second-Team: Ahmad Breaux and Jacobian Guillory

South Florida defensive lineman Bernard Gooden emerged as a critical signing for the program with the Bayou Bengals adding depth in the trenches.

The 6-foot-1, 268-pounder plays low to the ground and utilizes leverage well against opponents on the inside.

Gooden and McKinley have served as the first-team defensive tackles with Breaux, Guillory, Sydir Mitchell and Shone Washington working in with the backups.

EDGE:

First-Team: Jack Pyburn and Gabriel Reliford/Patrick Payton
Second-Team: Patrick Payton/Gabriel Reliford and Jimari Butler

There's no need to buy stock in which tandem comes rolling out first as the starters. LSU will showcase a deep rotation at EDGE.

Pyburn can be penciled in as a "starter" for Week 1, but Reliford, Payton and Butler will see significant playing time this fall.

Courtesy of LSU Tigers Football.

Linebackers:

First-Team: Whit Weeks and West Weeks
Second-Team: Tylen Singleton and Davhon Keys

The Weeks Bros. have been the starters across Fall Camp, but the rise of second-year Tiger Tylen Singleton has been one to keep tabs on.

The Louisiana native has taken a significant leap ahead of his second season with the program that is substantial heading into the fall where he's taken significant reps alongside Davhon Keys.

STAR:

First-Team: Harold Perkins
Second-Team: CJ Jimcoily

It's Perkins' "money year" in 2025 with the talented defensive weapon looking comfortable in Fall Camp while coming off of a torn ACL.

True freshman CJ Jimcoily has been a winner in Fall Camp to this point where he's seemingly won the backup STAR role.

LSU has also moved safety Jardin Gilbert to STAR where he will earns reps in this area come Week 1.

Cornerbacks:

First-Team: Mansoor Delane and DJ Pickett/Ashton Stamps
Second-Team: DJ Pickett and Ja'Keem Jackson

The cornerback room will be one to monitor heading into Week 1 with Delane locking down one spot, but the other remains up for grabs.

Virginia Tech transfer Mansoor Delane can be penciled in as a starter, but the other cornerback slot is still in a battle between what appears to be DJ Pickett and Ashton Stamps.

Ashton Stamps has held down first-team reps during preseason practice, but DJ Pickett and PJ Woodland have also emerged for this program.

Courtesy of DJ Pickett's Instagram.

Safety:

First-Team: AJ Haulcy and Tamarcus Cooley
Second-Team: Dashawn Spears and Javien Toviano

Houston transfer AJ Haulcy and North Carolina State transfer Tamarcus Cooley will likely be the starting safeties if Week 1 at Clemson was tomorrow.

The tandem has taken on significant reps in Fall Camp with Spears and Toviano following them with the second-team.

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