LSU Wraps Spring With High-Energy Open Practice

Photo By: LSU ATHLETICS

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BATON ROUGE, La. — April 12, 2025

Instead of hosting a traditional spring game, LSU held an open spring practice at Tiger Stadium, giving fans a closer look at the 2025 squad while keeping the session structured and controlled. The afternoon mixed drills, live scrimmage situations, and plenty of teaching moments as Brian Kelly’s team wrapped up spring camp.

Defense Sets the Tone

The Tigers’ defense made the biggest statement. The front seven swarmed throughout the 11-on-11 periods, combining for double-digit sacks. Veterans Jimari Butler and Jack Pyburn consistently lived in the backfield, while freshmen Gabriel Reliford and Ahmad Breaux flashed their explosiveness off the edge. Butler finished with multiple tackles for loss and three sacks, showing why he’s projected to anchor the pass rush this fall.

Quarterbacks and Skill Players

On offense, Garrett Nussmeier led the first-team unit with poise, spreading the ball across the field and showing chemistry with his receivers in the red zone. True freshman Michael Van Buren Jr. also impressed, threading passes into tight windows during 7-on-7 periods and displaying mobility when plays broke down.

Running back Harlem Berry turned heads, cutting sharply through holes and breaking tackles at the second level. The five-star freshman looked every bit the part of an impact player who could see meaningful touches in Year 1.

Offensive Line Gets Work

The offensive line rotated heavily, with Braelin Moore anchoring at center and Josh Thompson and DJ Chestertaking reps at guard. The unit had its hands full against LSU’s defensive front, but the live reps provided valuable chemistry-building ahead of summer workouts.

Special Teams Spotlight

Kicker Damian Ramos gave fans reason for confidence, drilling kicks from multiple distances, including a 56-yarder that drew applause from the crowd. Punter Aeron Burrell showcased his leg strength, though consistency on directional punts remains an area to improve before the season.

Kelly’s Approach

Head coach Brian Kelly emphasized that the shift from a full spring game to an open practice was intentional. It allowed LSU to keep control of player workloads while still giving the public a glimpse of progress. “The goal was development, not a scoreboard,” Kelly told reporters afterward. “We got competitive reps, and we stayed healthy. That’s a win for us.”

Looking Ahead

LSU exits spring with clear defensive momentum and a quarterback room that looks settled around Nussmeier. Freshman contributions on both sides of the ball stood out, while th