5 players on LSU football's offense who need a strong fall camp

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LSU football begins fall camp on Wednesday, August 5. As the Tigers hit the practice field, we inch closer to the first game of the Lane Kiffin era — LSU hosts Clemson on Sept. 5 in Tiger Stadium.

LSU has nearly 60 new players in the program. That's normal for a coaching transition in the transfer portal era, but it doesn't leave much time for the team to gel before the season. LSU's offense underwent a complete makeover in the offseason as the Tigers rebuilt the quarterback, wide receiver, and offensive line rooms.

The players had a chance to get familiar in the spring, but now the pressure is on with about a month before kickoff. LSU QB Sam Leavitt missed most of the spring and fall camp will be his first real chance to take the field in pads with his teammates.

Today, we'll look at five offensive players LSU needs to have a big fall camp. For LSU's offense to reach it's potential, these five players need to take a step over the next few weeks.

Harlem Berry, Running Back

Harlem Berry is among the most talented players on LSU's roster. Berry was a five-star recruit and No. 1 ranked running back in the 2025 class. He made a limited impact as a true freshman, but he flashed in some moments. Berry is an elite athlete — he's physical enough to run between the tackles and dynamic enough to catch the ball out of the backfield. That gives LSU OC Charlie Weis a few ways to get Berry involved.

But despite Berry's talent, he didn't claim the RB1 role in the spring. Instead, Dilin Jones got most of the reps. That came as a surprise after LSU paid Berry to stay. Berry's role in fall camp will be revealing. We'll learn if he'll be a consistent ball carrier or more of a gadget piece. Berry's ceiling is high, and if he hits, it changes the outlook for LSU's run game in 2026.

Bo Bordelon, Left Guard

LSU's starting offensive line appeared to solidify in spring ball. Four of the positions were settled somewhat early, but LSU kept a rotation going at left guard. By the end of spring, Bo Bordelon had claimed the starting job. Bordelon lacks the experience of LSU's other four projected starters, so naturally, there are some questions.

LSU's offensive line enters 2026 hoping to bounce back after a rough 2025. If Bordelon takes a step forward, LSU can suddenly feel good about a position that's been a question mark all offseason long.

Sam Leavitt, Quarterback

This one goes without saying. Sam Leavitt was the headliner of LSU's transfer portal class, arriving in Baton Rouge as the No. 1-ranked quarterback in the portal. Leavitt was limited throughout the spring as he worked his way back from an injury that ended his 2025 season. The next few weeks will be massive for Leavitt and the LSU offense.

Recent reports have offered positive updates on Leavitt's health, so he should be ready to go. Leavitt will now get a chance to operate the offense healthy as LSU's QB1 for the first time. Leavitt led Arizona State to a CFP appearance in 2024, but was up and down in 2025. He's talented enough to thrive in the Kiffin offense and now the LSU staff will finally get a feel for what the complete unit looks like.

Jayce Brown, Wide Receiver

Jayce Brown was LSU's top-ranked transfer portal addition at wide receiver. Brown was a big-play threat at Kansas State, and LSU hopes he can bring his burner speed to the Kiffin offense. Brown had a good spring with the Tigers, but reports noted he could be a bit more consistent.

LSU's passing game could rely on guys like Winston Watkins and Trey'Dez Green, but they typically operate from the inside. Brown can line up on the outside and take the top off a defense. LSU's offense lacked explosive plays in 2025 and a top priority for Kiffin is bringing that explosive element back to LSU.

Brown can be a game-changer for this LSU offense. He averaged 2.93 yards per route run in 2025 — one of the most efficient marks in the Big 12. His 17.4 yards per catch ranked No. 4 among qualified Big 12 wide receivers.

Malachi Thomas, Tight End

LSU's starting tight end is clear: Trey'Dez Green, but the Tigers need depth to emerge at the position. Malachi Thomas transferred to LSU after spending two years at Pitt, but Thomas drew mixed reviews in spring ball. A few LSU reporters noted he wasn't taking on the role many expected. Thomas can flip the script with a strong fall camp.

If Thomas emerges as a solid blocking tight end who can catch a few passes, he'll play plenty of snaps in this offense. LSU will split Green out wide often, meaning the Tigers will need a tight end who can play attached to the formation and take the field in 12 personnel.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: 5 players on LSU football's offense who need a strong fall camp

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