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While the LSU Tigers may not have been able to walk out of the Texas Bowl with a win over the Houston Cougars under interim coach Frank Wilson, it certainly wasn't a waste of time.

A number of players took advantage of increased playing time and showcased what they can do in starting roles. There will be a lot of changes next year, while some will come with the transfer portal they will also need some depth pieces from this season's squad to step up.

These players were the biggest winners from that game, showing why they need to be more involved next season:

WR Kyle Parker

Parker has seemed primed for a bigger role for a while. He's been deep on the depth chart since coming out of high school, with Aaron Anderson in a starring spot in the offensive gameplan. Whenever Parker gets a chance, though, good things seem to follow.

The redshirt sophomore was the starting slot receiver on Saturday and had seven catches for 68 yards and a touchdown. He was a catch magnet in high school, finishing with 72 catches as a senior in 2022.

He's had flashes this year, like a three-week stretch where he had 13 catches for 150 yards and two scores. He just needs the consistent opportunity. Lane Kiffin and co. could do far worse than keeping him in town for the slot role next season.

LB Tylen Singleton

Singleton was a big get back in the 2024 class. The 247Sports composite rankings had him as the No. 151 overall player, 11th-best linebacker and sixth overall player in Louisiana. He's an exciting athlete, but the Weeks brothers and Harold Perkins have held a tight hold on the linebacker spots.

This weekend, Singleton had his first start and first game with at least 20 snaps played. It wasn't perfect, but he looked like someone who should see the field more next year. He finished with nine tackles, and one went for a loss.

SS Dashawn Spears

Spears is a bit like Parker. He's had his chances to see the field, and they normally end well. He had two interceptions in just nine snaps against the Florida Gators. The secondary was just crowded beyond belief this season.

This was the first start of Spears' career and by far his longest time on the field. He was able to maintain his production.

The sophomore was targeted just once and broke the pass up. He finished with nine tackles, one for a loss. He'll be in line for a starting role next year and should be fun to watch.

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