Why the return of this LSU football linemen could pay off big in 2026

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LSU football's offense transformed this offseason. New head coach Lane Kiffin cleaned house, replacing the entire staff and overhauling the personnel. LSU's quarterback room is entirely new, with the Tigers bringing in three QB transfers.

The Tigers only return one wide receiver who caught a pass for the purple and gold in 2025 — that would be Phillip Wright, who totaled just a single reception.

LSU's offensive line will look different, too, but a key returnee in the trenches has flown under the radar. LSU secured the return of center Braelin Moore, giving the Tigers continuity on the interior offensive line.

Moore was an integral part of LSU's 2025 transfer class. The veteran began his career at Virginia Tech and wasted no time claiming the starting center spot in Baton Rouge. Moore excelled in LSU's Week 1 win over Clemson, earning the SEC's lineman of the week honors.

But in Week 2, Moore sprained his ankle. He was never quite healthy the rest of the way. Still, he was an occasional bright spot on LSU's struggling offensive line. He finished the year with a 69.8 PFF offensive grade and an 81.8 pass blocking grade.

The run block grade was only 63.2, but it's hard to fault Moore in that department when LSU's entire offense underwhelmed in the run game.

With all of the new faces on LSU's offense, having a veteran center is critical. There's a chance LSU's offensive line has a few new starters playing next to Moore. Moore still has to learn the Kiffin / Charlie Weis system, but an experienced player at center should help the group gel.

It's not just the experience that made Moore worth keeping. He's a talented player with a potential NFL future. He proved he was up to the task of blocking SEC defensive linemen in 2025.

Moore has an All-SEC ceiling this fall.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: Why the return of this LSU football linemen could pay off big in 2026

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