The Tigers are now only weeks away from the first day of spring practice on March 8th. High expectations for the upcoming season will bring intense battles in several position groups, but none are expected to be more competitive than the LSU wide receiver room. There’s obviously a high bar set at the position in Baton Rouge. An impressive portal class added proven players to a diverse group of wideouts. Now, the staff has the privilege and challenge of sorting them out.
The LSU Wide Receiver Room
Starting With the Starters
We’ll start with the safest bet to land in the top three, Aaron Anderson. He enjoyed a breakout season last year while leading the team with 61 receptions as a junior. Primarily a slot receiver, he also showcased the ability to get off the line and separate on the outside. The 2024 season repeatedly showed us that Garrett Nussmeier trusts Anderson in clutch situations.
Standing at an imposing 6’-4” and 220 pounds, we see Oklahoma transfer Nic Anderson as an ideal starter at the X (split end) position. Anderson gained almost 800 yards while averaging 21 yards per catch as a redshirt freshman in 2023. He has impressive releases off the line, deep speed, and run-after-catch ability that makes him a complete receiver.
Here’s where we could differ from most projections – the Z position. This is the year that Chris Hilton will stay healthy enough to display his rare athletic traits. Many expect Kentucky transfer Barion Brown to start opposite Anderson, and he’s explosive in his own right. He’s also proven to be more durable than Hilton. But the ease with which Hilton runs by defenders changes Joe Sloan’s offense. Hilton’s physical skills and chemistry with Nussmeier give him the edge to start the season in the top three in the LSU receiver room.
Valuable Versatility
Brown is too productive of a player to be reduced to a footnote in the Hilton conversation. The versatile receiver was also used as a ball carrier and returner at Kentucky. In total, Brown scored 18 touchdowns for the Wildcats, including three kickoff returns in 2023 alone. He’ll be used heavily even if he doesn’t lock down a starting spot.
Zavion Thomas is similar to Brown in usage but slightly less polished as a receiver. Thomas occasionally lined up on the outside but was an effective runner on end-arounds and after motioning into the backfield from the slot. He also served as LSU’s primary return man and returned a kickoff for a touchdown against Baylor in the Texas Bowl.
Sophomore Kyle Parker broke into the rotation last year, but an injury ended his season after three games. Parker has been a tough cover at practice since his arrival, and he should see snaps at the slot position. LSU was intentional about getting him the ball in space in his shortened 2024 season.
Depth Pieces
Three intriguing freshmen will enter the spring looking to play their way into LSU’s wide receiver rotation. Redshirt freshman Kylan Billiot is a big target at 6’-3” with a basketball background. The Houma, LA native’s athleticism and ball skills are impressive. We’ll soon see if he’s added the strength and route-running proficiency needed to be a complete receiver.
Jelani Watkins is also a redshirt freshman and doubles as a track athlete for LSU. Watkins is the fastest player on the team and recently earned Freshman of the Week honors in the SEC track competition. He has the seventh fastest 60m time in LSU’s history, so it’s too early to rule him out as a contributor on the from the slot.
Taron Francis is the lone true freshman signee for 2025, but he’s not the typical skinny freshman. He’s compactly built, carrying close to 200 pounds on his 6’-1” frame. His release at the line and ability to separate took a step forward in his senior year. Different players catch on at different rates at the college level, but he should adjust well to the physical challenge.
Main Image: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images
