2025 LSU Week 8 Preview
Erik Trosclair • October 18, 2025
Let's get into it!
When: Saturday, October 18th, 2025, 11:00 AM
Where: FirstBank Stadium, Nashville, TN
Channel: ABC
Spread: Vanderbilt -2.5
O/U: 47.5
The Tigers will be playing Saturday morning in Music City. This matchup will tell us a lot!
Vanderbilt, 5-1 (1-1), is entering into this contest coming off of a bye week. Vandy does appear to be a little beat up. Keep an eye out for this. The Commodores have the 4th best rushing offense in the SEC as well as the 5th best total offense in the SEC. Diego Pavia is the leader of this team. Pavia has over 1400 passing yards, over 300 rushing yards, and 16 total TDs. Sedrick Alexander and Makihilyn Young are the leaders in the running back room. The leading pass catchers are Eli Stowers, Junior Sherrill, and Tre Richardson. The defense is led by safety CJ Heard, edge rusher Miles Capers, and Bryan Longwell. This isn't your grandpa's, your dad's, nor your Vanderbilt. This is a high strung team. The Tigers are in for a fight.
LSU, 5-1 (2-1), enters the contest coming off of a big win against South Carolina. Garrett Nussmeier appears to be healthy. The ball really jumped off of his hand last week. The Tiger signal caller will look to cut back on the interceptions. Caden Durham and Ju'Juan Johnson will take care of the backfield duties for the Tigers. Both Durham and Johnson had solid games last week. The offensive line will look to build off of the momentum from last week. Trey'Dez Green had a great game last week. It will be interesting to see how the Tigers use Green. Kyle Parker has stepped up big time in recent weeks. I would like to see Parker continue to be involved. Aaron Anderson appears to be good to go for this one. This is huge for the Tigers. The Tiger defense is a solid unit with talent at all 3 levels. Jacobian Guillory is the leader on the line. Whit Weeks, who is a bit dinged up, is the leader in the linebacker room. Tamarcus Cooley and AJ Haulcy are the leaders in the defensive backfield, but this defensive backfield is LOADED with talent!
KEYS TO THE GAME
- The Tigers shut down Diego Pavia last year. This defense had practice last week facing LaNorris Sellers. Let's see if the Tigers can make Pavia one dimensional.
- Can the Tiger defense get off the field on 3rd down?
- Can the Tigers keep the running game going?
This will be a perfect way to start the day, Tiger fans. This looks to be a great game.
Fun Fact: The 1st time these teams met was in 1902. LSU finished the season 6-1 with the only loss being to Vanderbilt. The Tigers went on to capture a co-conference championship.
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TE
Colby Simpson
Simpson possesses prototypical size for a modern tight end, with long arms and a lean, projectable frame that college strength programs can build upon.
At 6-5/6-6 and 225 lbs, he has the height to be a mismatch in the red zone and the wingspan to high-point balls over defenders. His athleticism is evident from his two-way play at Oaks Christian, where he contributed on defense as a sophomore (2023 season: 40 tackles, 1 sack in 12 games). He was among the “eye catchers” at the Redlands Mega Camp in summer 2023, demonstrating fluid movement and explosiveness for his size.
Physically, Simpson moves well for a big-bodied TE, with good straight-line speed and the ability to accelerate after the catch.
His frame suggests he could bulk up to 245-255 lbs in college, enhancing his blocking prowess while maintaining receiving upside. Camp performances indicate above-average agility and body control.
1st Team: All Marmonte League Receiver, All County Receiver, and Oaks Christian Receiver of the year.
Scouting Report:
Receiving and Route Running: Simpson shows soft hands and the ability to make contested catches, using his height to box out smaller defenders. He runs crisp routes for his size, particularly on seams, posts, and curls, where he can leverage his stride length. After the catch, he has decent yards-after-contact (YAC) ability due to his size and balance, though he isn’t a burner who will outrun secondaries.
Blocking: One of his stronger suits, given his defensive background. He engages well at the point of attack, using leverage and hand placement to sustain blocks in the run game. In pass protection, he can anchor against edge rushers but needs to add strength to handle Power 5-level defensive linemen consistently.
Athleticism and Versatility: High-level body control and coordination, allowing him to adjust to off-target throws. His two-way experience (TE/DE) points to football IQ and toughness. He thrives in mismatch situations, splitting out wide or in the slot to exploit linebackers or safeties. Strengths
Size and Frame: Ideal height/weight combo with room to grow; a red-zone threat who can win 50/50 balls.
Versatility: Can line up inline, in the slot, or even detached; defensive experience adds edge and physicality.
Hands and Ball Skills: Reliable catcher with strong concentration in traffic.
Blocking Prowess: Willing and effective blocker who can contribute immediately in run-heavy offenses.
Upside: Camp standout with raw tools that could flourish in a college system; nearly 20 offers from Power 4 programs (e.g., Arkansas, Baylor, Illinois, Louisville, Mississippi State, Minnesota, Purdue, Cal, Utah, Oregon State, Washington, Wake Forest) indicate high developmental potential. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X
WR
Destyn Hill- LSU
Hall is rebuilding the scheme around tempo, a heavy passing game (more than any previous year), pro-style elements, and big-play explosiveness. Hill specifically picked Tulane for this: “Coach Hall said he plans on throwing the ball way more this year than any other year. I like that plan and I am ready to go forward with it.” Hall has raved about his potential: “Really high. At the least, a two-story building. He is really talented and really driven.” With size, speed, polished route-running, and positional versatility, Hill is primed for a breakout as a mismatch weapon in the new system, exactly the kind of high-ceiling addition Hall targeted to elevate the aerial attack.
Hill checks every box: explosive talent for Hall’s pass-first vision, deep local roots, P4 pedigree with untapped upside, and total commitment to the program. He’s exactly the high-ceiling, homegrown playmaker Tulane needed to inject speed and production into the 2026 offense. Spring practice has already shown the fit, he’s poised for a big year. #RollWave Make sure to follow Patrick Harkness on X