LSU faces pivotal roster decisions after Brian Kelly’s dismissal

BATON ROUGE, La. — LSU’s decision to part ways with Brian Kelly on Sunday night has thrust the program into a full reset.

Not just at the top, but throughout the roster. Interim leadership now faces the immediate challenge of stabilizing a locker room in flux and preventing a mass exodus of talent through the transfer portal.

Athletic director Scott Woodward emphasized continuity while the Tigers begin their coaching search.

“This program will always attract elite talent,” Woodward said in a university release. “Our focus is keeping our young core together and ensuring LSU remains at the top of college football.”

The firing of Kelly, who went 27-12 in three seasons, comes after an inconsistent campaign marked by injuries and defensive struggles.

LSU will have to turn its attention to player retention, a critical step in maintaining competitiveness in the SEC before naming a new coach.

Carius Curne headlines players LSU must keep

Among the players viewed as foundational for LSU’s future is freshman lineman Carius Curne, considered the Tigers’ most naturally gifted blocker.

Curne, who flipped to LSU late in his recruitment, could anchor the offensive line for years to come.

“He’s got the frame, the movement and the strength to be a first-rounder,” said 247Sports analyst Shea Dixon. “You just can’t afford to lose that kind of building block.”

Sources close to the program told The Advocate that LSU hopes to move Curne inside to guard next season under a new offensive line coach, part of a broader plan to solidify the trenches. Curne’s development is viewed as essential after LSU allowed 25 sacks through eight games.

Another offensive lineman to monitor is Solomon Thomas, a five-star recruit from Florida State who followed assistant Alex Atkins to Baton Rouge earlier this year.

Berry and Green key to keeping offense stable

Running back Harlem Berry, the New Orleans native who became a breakout performer as a true freshman, remains committed to LSU despite the turmoil.

Berry rushed for 617 yards and seven touchdowns this fall, giving the Tigers a spark in key SEC matchups.

His relationship with longtime assistant Frank Wilson — widely regarded as one of the nation’s best recruiters — could be vital to keeping him in Baton Rouge.

“I came to LSU because I wanted to represent my city,” Berry said in September. “That doesn’t change because of coaching.”

Tight end Trey’Dez Green, another Louisiana standout, is viewed as perhaps LSU’s most dynamic offensive weapon.

The 6-6 freshman ranks second on the team in receiving yards and provides a matchup nightmare across the middle.

Green’s loyalty appears strong, with sources telling On3 he’s “all in” on LSU regardless of the next coach.

Weeks family connection offers defensive hope

Linebacker Whit Weeks has become a steady presence on defense, and his connection to LSU runs deep.

His brothers are also on the roster, and his family has immersed itself in the program. While other SEC schools such as Ole Miss and Georgia may reach out after the season, Weeks’ family ties could help LSU hold its linebacker core together.

LSU’s defensive future depends on keeping players like Weeks as the unit transitions under new leadership.

The Tigers are expected to lose several senior defenders, including Mekhi Wingo and Greg Brooks Jr., creating more urgency to retain experienced underclassmen.

Obviously this would be helped if the much-publicized relationship with the daughter of Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin has brought the personal angle into the coaching search.

Pickett’s loyalty may hinge on staff continuity

No player symbolizes LSU’s retention challenge more than cornerback DJ Pickett, a Florida native with deep ties to defensive backs coach Corey Raymond.

Raymond, one of the most respected position coaches in the country, returned to LSU this year after a stint at Florida.

Pickett’s improvement has been steady — he’s recorded eight pass breakups and two interceptions since mid-September — but his future could depend on whether Raymond remains part of the next staff.

“If LSU wants to keep Pickett, they need to keep Raymond,” said ESPN’s Tom Luginbill on SEC Now. “It’s that simple. He’s a cornerstone player.”

Keeping Raymond at least through 2026 could preserve continuity and calm player concerns while the search for a permanent head coach unfolds.

What comes next for LSU football

LSU’s path forward will depend on who replaces Kelly and how quickly stability returns.

Several names have surfaced in early speculation though Woodward has signaled patience in the process.

The portal opens in early December, leaving a narrow window for LSU to convince key players to stay. For a program that prides itself on Louisiana talent and player loyalty, that effort begins now.

Key takeaways

• LSU’s top priority after Brian Kelly’s firing is retaining young core players like Harlem Berry and DJ Pickett.

• Staff continuity, especially with assistants like Frank Wilson and Corey Raymond, will heavily influence roster stability.

• LSU’s next head coach inherits a roster rich in local talent but vulnerable to transfer-portal turnover.