After the first week of fall camp, the biggest takeaway for LSU is that the offense is beginning to develop a clear identity under new head coach Lane Kiffin. It is still far too early to declare the Tigers a finished product, but the early signs are encouraging.
At the center of everything is quarterback Sam Leavitt. The Arizona State transfer appears healthy and increasingly comfortable in LSU’s system. After missing much of spring work while recovering from a foot injury, simply having Leavitt participate fully in camp is a major positive. Reports from the opening week indicate that his confidence and command of the offense have continued to grow.
Leavitt gives Kiffin something particularly valuable: mobility. His ability to make plays outside the pocket should prevent defenses from simply sitting back and forcing LSU to win exclusively through traditional drop-back passing. At Arizona State, Leavitt demonstrated both passing ability and rushing production, giving LSU a quarterback capable of creating problems in multiple ways.
The running game could be a strength
LSU also appears to have considerable depth at running back. Caden Durham, Harlem Berry and Dilin Jones give the Tigers different skill sets and should allow the coaching staff to keep fresh legs on the field.
That depth could be particularly important for an offense transitioning into Kiffin’s system. A productive rushing attack would make play-action and RPO concepts more dangerous while taking some pressure off Leavitt.
Plenty of weapons outside
The receiving corps could ultimately determine how explosive this offense becomes.
LSU has added veteran talent while also developing younger players. Jayce Brown, Tre’ Brown and Tre Wilson provide experienced options, while players such as Jackson Harris and Winnie Watkins are generating attention early in camp.
Then there is tight end Trey’Dez Green, who has the physical profile to become one of the offense’s biggest matchup problems. His combination of size and athleticism gives Leavitt a large target in the middle of the field and near the goal line.
Offensive line remains important
The offensive line is another area worth monitoring. Jordan Seaton gives LSU an intriguing option at left tackle, while veterans including Bo Bordelon and Braelin Moore provide experience. The Tigers need that group to develop quickly because even an explosive collection of skill players cannot succeed consistently without protection.
Overall, LSU’s offense after one week looks deep, athletic and increasingly comfortable, although chemistry and consistency remain works in progress.
The most encouraging part is that there appears to be a plan. Kiffin wants to create space, use multiple personnel groupings, establish the run and put Leavitt in situations where his arm and legs can both hurt defenses.
It probably won’t look like the finished product in September during the first week of camp. But if Leavitt stays healthy and the offensive line continues progressing, LSU has the personnel to become one of the SEC’s most interesting offenses in 2026.
The next step is turning promising practices into consistent execution when the Tigers finally face another team.
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