Three LSU Football Players Who Need to Step Up After the Season

No. 16 LSU (6-2, 3-1) will use this week’s open date to begin preparations for its Nov. 9 matchup against the Alabama Crimson Tide.

With 11 days until the start of the schedule at Tiger Stadium, the next week and a half will be critical to the Bayou Bengals’ recovery.

Coming off a loss to the Texas A&M Aggies in Week 9, LSU has no room for error and must win its final four contests of the regular season to reach the College Football Playoff.

Who needs to step up and lead the Tigers for the program to earn a spot in the 12-team playoff?

Garrett Nussmeier: Point guard

LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has been the engine that keeps the Tigers’ offense going in 2024.

We’ve seen Nussmeier put his unit on his back repeatedly this season due to a lack of rush on offense.

In 2024, the redshirt junior signal-caller was 208-for-333 (62.5%) on pass attempts with 2,267 yards and 20 touchdowns through the air. Nussmeier also recorded nine tackles in eight games throughout the year.

When Nussmeier was clicking on all cylinders, he looked like he was a 2025 1st Round NFL Draft selection, but consistency will remain his best friend in the infield.

Nussmeier has shown what he can do and will need to continue to improve as a quarterback for LSU to make the College Football Playoff.

With only nine career starts, there were always going to be a few learning curves along the way, and Nussmeier’s three-interception performance against Texas A&M in Week 9 showed that.

Now it’s a matter of putting the shaky game behind us and moving forward to Nov. 9 at Tiger Stadium when the Bayou Bengals will have a marquee matchup with the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Zy Alexander: Corner

LSU cornerback Zy Alexander has been the program’s most consistent defensive player when healthy this season.

Despite missing some time in 2024 while dealing with injury trouble, Alexander has been effective on the field as a key piece to Corey Raymond as the edge corner.

The key now is to stay healthy and be a consistent piece alongside sophomore Ashton Stamps, who has been a one-two punch at cornerback this season.

We’ve seen LSU’s front line shine this season, led by Bradyn Swinson and Sai’vion Jones at the defensive end position. Not to mention LSU linebacker Whit Weeks is quickly becoming one of the best defenders in the Southeastern Conference.

Along with first- and second-level defensive management work, the home portion of the season will be about maintaining consistency in the secondary.

This starts with Alexander and his play on the back end of the program will determine how far this program goes.

Caden Durham: Running Back

LSU running back Caden Durham gave hints of what’s to come as he continues to work on his first season in Baton Rouge.

The freshman phenom was a key contributor to the offense in Year 1 with the program, and his play will be a critical piece on offense as he continues to improve.

LSU has struggled in rushing in 2024, but Durham’s performance has been a bright spot through the first eight games of the season.

This season, he has thrown for 73 carries for 397 yards and six touchdowns on 5.4 yards per carry. Durham also recorded 14 receptions for 204 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

It’s clear that Durham is the program’s most consistent player alongside sixth-year senior Josh Williams, but this offense will need to take another step to get into another gear.

LSU’s offensive line has shined in pass blocking this season, but Will Campbell and Co. All eyes will be on them to create offensive offensive lanes.

Mention: Damian Ramos: Striker

Damian Ramos struggled against the Texas A&M Aggies in College Station, just a week after winning the game in a crucial victory over Arkansas.

Ramos missed a pair of shots from 48 and 49 yards out, and his third attempt quickly turned into trouble after an ill-advised snap.

LSU ultimately went 0-of-3 on field goal attempts in Week 9, with special teams disrupting the away schedule.

Ramos and Co. will look to recover quickly in the opening date to prepare for Nov. 9 against the Alabama Crimson Tide in a critical SEC showdown at home.

Immediate Takeaways: No. 8 LSU Falls to No. 14 Texas A&M in College Station

LSU Rejects Offer for America’s No. 1 Quarterback

Nick Saban Calls LSU Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier a “Sleeper” Ahead of 2024 Season

Follow Zack Nagy on Twitter: @znagy20 and LSU Tigers on SI: @LSUTigersSI For all the coverage surrounding the LSU program.