3 LSU Football Stars Who Must Shine for a 2025 National Title Run

Winning a national championship in college football is no easy task. It takes talent, teamwork, and a little bit of luck. For the LSU Tigers, the road to glory in 2025 will depend heavily on three breakout stars who must step up and deliver when it matters most. These players have shown flashes of brilliance, but now, they’ll need to become consistent leaders if LSU wants to hoist the trophy at the end of the season.

First on the list is quarterback Rickie Collins. The young signal-caller has all the tools to be a star—arm strength, mobility, and the poise to handle big moments. Last season, he showed glimpses of his potential, especially in late-game situations where his ability to extend plays kept drives alive. But for LSU to compete for a national title, Collins will need to take a massive leap forward. That means cutting down on turnovers, improving his decision-making under pressure, and developing chemistry with his receivers. The best quarterbacks elevate the players around them, and if Collins can do that, LSU’s offense will be nearly unstoppable.

Next up is linebacker Harold Perkins Jr., a player who has already made a name for himself as one of the most explosive defenders in college football. His speed and instincts make him a nightmare for opposing offenses, whether he’s blitzing the quarterback or dropping into coverage. However, for LSU’s defense to reach championship level, Perkins will need to become more than just a playmaker—he’ll need to be the leader of the unit. That means communicating adjustments, setting the tone in big games, and making sure the defense doesn’t have any mental lapses. Great defenses are built around dominant linebackers, and if Perkins takes that next step, LSU could have one of the best defenses in the country.

Finally, there’s wide receiver Shelton Sampson Jr., a towering pass-catcher with the speed to stretch defenses and the hands to make contested catches. Last season, he had moments where he looked like a future NFL star, but consistency was an issue. Drops and route-running mistakes kept him from being a true No. 1 receiver. If Sampson can refine his game—focusing on crisp routes, securing every catch, and using his size to dominate smaller cornerbacks—he could become the go-to weapon LSU’s offense desperately needs. A reliable top receiver opens up the entire offense, making life easier for the quarterback and the running game.

Of course, football is a team sport, and LSU will need more than just these three players to win it all. The offensive line must protect Collins, the secondary has to hold up against elite passing attacks, and the coaching staff must put players in positions to succeed. But in college football, championships are often won by teams with a few transcendent players who take over games when the stakes are highest. If Collins, Perkins, and Sampson can elevate their games to that level, LSU will have a real shot at bringing home another national title.

The journey won’t be easy. The SEC is loaded with talent, and every game will be a battle. But if these three stars rise to the occasion, LSU fans could be celebrating in January 2026. The pieces are there—now it’s just about putting it all together.