LSU’s Next Chapter: Lane Kiffin Era Begins with Plenty of Work Ahead
HOUSTON - Lane Kiffin didn’t coach in the Texas Bowl, but he was there - taking it all in from the sideline before heading upstairs for some broadcast interviews. He chatted with former stars like Vince Young and Malik Nabers, waved to fans, and got a front-row look at the program he’s now tasked with turning into a national contender.
The scoreboard wasn’t kind to LSU on Saturday night. A 38-35 loss to No.
21 Houston capped a 7-6 season - the program’s third time in six years finishing with fewer than eight wins. But now, with the bowl game in the rearview mirror, the Kiffin era officially begins.
And there’s no shortage of work to do.
Kiffin was brought in to win big, but before championships can be discussed, LSU has to rebuild key areas of its roster, stabilize its depth, and navigate the ever-chaotic transfer portal. Let’s break down where things stand and what’s next in Baton Rouge.
Retaining Key Pieces: Whit Weeks at the Center of It
During a midgame interview on LSU radio, Kiffin made it clear: keeping linebacker Whit Weeks is a top priority. “That’s a big priority for us,” he said. And it’s easy to see why.
Weeks, a junior captain, has shown enough on tape to draw NFL interest - potentially as high as Day 2 of the draft - despite a frustrating season marred by an ankle injury and a targeting ejection. He only played in eight games, but his presence on the sideline during the Texas Bowl, even in sweats, didn’t go unnoticed.
There’s some quiet optimism inside the building that Weeks could return, especially with defensive coordinator Blake Baker staying on board. But as of now, his future remains uncertain. Losing Weeks would hurt - not just from a talent standpoint, but from a leadership one as well.
Two other draft-eligible starters - center Braelin Moore and safety Tamarcus Cooley - haven’t announced their plans either. Both suited up in the bowl game, and both could benefit from another year in college. Their decisions will shape the early offseason narrative.
Offensive Line Overhaul Incoming
If Moore does come back, he might be the lone returning starter on LSU’s offensive line next fall - and that’s not an exaggeration. With Paul Mubenga and Ory Williams entering the transfer portal, the Tigers are staring down a major rebuild in the trenches. At least six of the team’s 15 scholarship offensive linemen are expected to transfer.
That kind of turnover is never ideal, but it’s not surprising either. LSU’s offensive line has struggled with consistency, development, and depth over the past few seasons. A new coaching staff often means a fresh start, and for this group, that’s probably a good thing.
Still, the challenge is real. Kiffin and his staff will need to bring in multiple starters through the portal - not just bodies, but players who can step in and contribute right away.
Depth matters too. LSU can’t afford to be one injury away from disaster up front.
This rebuild won’t be easy, and it won’t be quick, but it’s absolutely necessary.
Defensive Depth Still a Concern
The Texas Bowl was a harsh reminder of LSU’s defensive issues - especially when it comes to depth. With six defensive starters out, Houston took full advantage.
The Cougars controlled the tempo, ran for over 200 yards, and completed 75% of their passes. LSU struggled to get off the field on third down and couldn’t finish stops in the red zone - two areas that had been relative strengths.
Even with Blake Baker dialing up exotic blitz packages, LSU couldn’t generate enough pressure on Houston quarterback Conner Weigman. And the backup linebackers? They had a tough night.
But truthfully, the bowl game didn’t change much in terms of LSU’s offseason plan. The staff already knew depth was a problem. They’re going to need to bring in three or four defensive linemen, at least one linebacker, and a safety from the portal - and that’s just to stabilize the two-deep.
The good news? There’s a belief that many of the current defensive players will stick around, thanks to the continuity on that side of the ball.
But staying is one thing - developing is another. If LSU wants to compete at the highest level, those returning players have to take a step forward.
Quarterback Questions and Offensive Rebuild
Sophomore quarterback Michael Van Buren made it clear after the game: he wants to stay at LSU. He’s talked with Kiffin and the new staff, and Baton Rouge is where he hopes to be. But there’s a caveat - nothing is set in stone.
LSU is expected to pursue multiple quarterbacks in the transfer portal, including at least one high-level starter. That could shift the dynamic for Van Buren, who started four games this season and showed flashes of promise.
He completed 61% of his passes for 786 yards, six touchdowns, and two interceptions, while adding 105 rushing yards on 33 carries. He’s the only scholarship quarterback who might return, which makes his decision - and LSU’s portal strategy - a critical storyline to watch.
The quarterback room isn’t the only part of the offense in flux. The Tigers need to restock the running back room and find reliable pass catchers.
Right now, redshirt sophomore Kyle Parker is the only wide receiver who looks ready to contribute at a high level. Tight end Trey’Dez Green has upside, but another proven option wouldn’t hurt.
And then there’s freshman running back Harlem Berry - a bright spot in an otherwise uncertain backfield. Berry rushed for 491 yards and two touchdowns on 104 carries this season, while also catching eight passes. He’s shown real potential, but ball security remains a concern.
Berry didn’t touch the ball again in the Texas Bowl after a first-half fumble. Interim coach Frank Wilson said the decision was about avoiding turnovers in a close game. But Wilson also made it clear: Berry’s future is in Baton Rouge.
“Harlem has been outstanding in his freshman campaign,” Wilson said. “He has a bright future here. He’ll be one of the greats when it’s all said and done.”
The Road Ahead
Lane Kiffin inherits a program with plenty of talent but also plenty of holes. The Texas Bowl loss didn’t change that - it just underscored the urgency. From rebuilding the offensive line to adding defensive depth, from navigating the quarterback situation to retaining key players like Whit Weeks, this offseason will be a critical stretch for LSU.
The good news? Kiffin’s already checked off one major task: assembling his staff. Now comes the next phase - building a roster that can compete in the SEC and beyond.
The clock’s already ticking. The transfer portal opens Jan.
- And the next time LSU takes the field, it’ll be against Clemson to kick off the 2026 season - with Kiffin officially at the helm.