LSU wide receiver Aaron Anderson came into the 2025 season with high expectations-and for good reason. After leading the Tigers in receptions (61) and receiving yards (884) the year prior, he looked poised to take another step forward and solidify his NFL draft stock. But football seasons rarely follow the script, and for Anderson, 2025 was a year filled with setbacks.
Injuries kept him off the field for large chunks of the season, limiting him to just eight games. He finished the year with 33 catches for 398 yards and, notably, zero touchdowns-a stark contrast to the five scores he posted in 2024. It was a frustrating campaign for a player who had shown flashes of being a dynamic playmaker in the SEC.
Now, rather than returning to Baton Rouge for one final season to rebound and boost his draft résumé, Anderson has accepted an invitation to the East-West Shrine Bowl. That move strongly suggests he’s ready to take the next step and pursue his NFL dream.
Anderson’s departure leaves a noticeable void in LSU’s wide receiver room-and raises some important questions about what the Tigers’ passing attack will look like in 2026 under new head coach Lane Kiffin.
Let’s take stock of what LSU has-and what it’s losing.
First, the production gap is significant. Anderson, along with senior Barion Brown and Zavion Thomas, made up the Tigers’ top three pass-catchers in 2025.
Brown led the team with 495 receiving yards, while Thomas was right behind him with 473. All three are now gone-Brown and Thomas due to eligibility, and Anderson heading for the pros.
That leaves Kiffin with a WR group short on experience. According to Pro Football Focus, only two wideouts who logged at least 100 snaps in 2025 are expected back: redshirt sophomore Kyle Parker and Oklahoma transfer Nic Anderson.
Parker showed some promise with 24 catches for 262 yards and three touchdowns, while Anderson chipped in 12 grabs for 106 yards and two scores. Both will be counted on to take a leap next fall.
But beyond them, it’s a lot of projection.
LSU’s incoming recruiting class features a trio of new faces: 4-star prospects Corey Barber and Jabari Mack, and 3-star Brayden Allen. All three bring intriguing upside, but as with any freshmen, there’s a learning curve when adjusting to SEC speed and physicality.
That’s where Kiffin’s track record in the transfer portal could come into play. He’s never been shy about reloading through the portal, and with so much turnover at the position, it wouldn’t be surprising to see LSU target veteran receivers to stabilize the group.
Aaron Anderson’s LSU chapter ends with 106 career catches, 1,341 receiving yards, and five touchdowns. While his final season didn’t go as hoped, his talent is undeniable, and the Shrine Bowl gives him a valuable stage to remind scouts of what he can do when healthy.
For LSU, the challenge now is building a new-look receiving corps that can keep pace in an increasingly competitive SEC. Kiffin’s offensive mind and portal savvy will be tested early-but if history is any indication, he’ll find a way to keep the Tigers’ passing game humming.