- Harold Perkins will return to Baton Rouge for the 2025 season, but questions about his role in LSU’s defense remain. Perkins announced his decision on Friday, which has generated excitement among head coach Brian Kelly and the team.
Impact in 2022 and 2023
In 2022, Perkins made an immediate impact as a freshman with his explosive play, quickly catching the attention of NFL scouts. However, in 2023, his production dipped somewhat as LSU’s coaching staff struggled to define his ideal role within the defense.
Setback in 2024
Unfortunately, Perkins’ junior season in 2024 ended abruptly when he tore his ACL. This injury derailed his path to the 2025 NFL Draft and left his future at LSU uncertain.
Commitment to Return and Rehab
Now, Perkins has decided to return to LSU. He will continue his rehabilitation while preparing for a senior season focused on boosting his stock for the 2026 NFL Draft. According to head coach Brian Kelly, Perkins is recovering well. “He’s doing really well in his recovery, talking to Owen Stanley, our athletic trainer,” Kelly said in December. “He’s been in the building quite a bit now that he’s passed the early stages of the repair. Now, it’s about hard work.”
Questions About Perkins’ Role in 2025
With Perkins’ return, questions about his role in LSU’s defense have resurfaced. Kelly, along with members of the roster, addressed these concerns in a recent media session.
Credit to WAFB News Station for the full interview with Kelly and other Tigers in Houston for the Texas Bowl.
The Usage of Perkins in 2025
“It puts us in a position to add another athlete to our defense,” Kelly explained. “We’ve been very aggressive with building our roster. Adding a player like that to our defense allows Blake to do things defensively that will only enhance who we are.”
“We’re still in the early stages of discussing his role for next year. Harold has a good sense of where he wants to be, and we’re aligned with that. However, we’ll let it play out after we finalize the roster. Once that’s done, it’ll be much clearer where he fits. This will ultimately enhance who he is as a player.”
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