Beyond the marquee names, discover three emerging LSU Tigers talents poised for significant impact next season.
The LSU Tigers are entering a new era under Lane Kiffin and have heavily invested in having a star-studded roster going into year one.
They have a number of top transfers, top high school recruits and some returning stars as well. No one is doubting that guys like Princewill Umanmielen, Sam Leavitt and DJ Pickett are going to have good years.
Several players could have major impacts on the team next year, but maybe aren't getting as much attention as they should. Here are a couple of more "underrated" Tigers players to watch for next year:
WR Winston Watkins Jr.
It's always a good sign for a player when a coach makes him a priority to bring over when changing schools. For Kiffin, that was Watkins. It was a given that the speedy receiver would make his way to Baton Rouge as soon as the coach was announced.
With LSU getting so many new wide receivers in the room, though, the budding sophomore has gotten a little lost in the fold. He had 26 catches for 373 yards and a touchdown last year for the Ole Miss Rebels, along with five rushes for 21 yards.
He should play a much larger role in the Tigers' offense with his experience in the new system.
DB PJ Woodland
Woodland started all of last season for LSU, but was overlooked because of Mansoor Delane and DJ Pickett taking the attention in that room. Woodland looked strong as well, though.
In 353 coverage snaps, the Mississippi native allowed just 20 catches on 42 targets. He never allowed more than three catches per game. He's a bit undersized, with his most recent measurements being 5-foot-11 and 164 pounds, but he gets the job done.
C Braelin Moore
Moore is on the edge of being "underrated," but the Tigers' offensive line was so bad last year that many might not realize that he was actually really solid up the middle. In 394 pass blocking snaps, he allowed just seven pressures and one sack. That one sack was against the Southeastern Lions. It's been a strength of his for a long time, dating back to his time with the Virginia Tech Hokies.
The senior could have gone to the NFL, but decided to come back. He's certainly good enough to play on Sundays. Perhaps another year in Baton Rouge with better running mates will result in some better film.