USC and LSU have produced the last two Heisman Trophy winners and last year’s starting quarterbacks were the first two picks in the 2024 draft. Caleb Williams went first overall to the Chicago Bears, and Jayden Daniels went second to the Washington Commanders. As a result, expectations are lower than usual for these programs. LSU is ranked 13th in the AP Top 25 while USC is ranked 23rd. But they have some prospects to keep an eye on Sunday night. How will this game unfold?
LSU Prospects
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Harold Perkins is a player to watch especially if you like a sideline-to-sideline linebacker with elite speed. If so, this is the player you want your team to draft. Perkins measures in at the modern linebacker size of 6-foot-1 225 pounds. Because he is so athletic, LSU uses the junior as an off-ball linebacker as well as a pass rusher. In just two seasons, Perkins has 147 tackles and 13 sacks. He is currently 18th on the
consensus big board. No one would be surprised if he snuck into the top 10. (Disclaimer: The consensus draft board is the average compilation of multiple draft expert rankings.)
Kyren Lacy is a large-framed fifth-year wide receiver with 52 games under his belt between LSU and Louisiana-Lafayette. He has strong hands, which he uses to consistently beat press coverage. Due to his size, at 6-foot-2 and 213 pounds, he excels in the red zone and scored seven touchdowns last season. He is the consensus #160, which would make him a fifth-round pick in the draft. He projects to be a No. 3 or No. 4 WR in the NFL.
USC Prospects
Bear Alexander is another great prospect. With a name like Bear it’s not a surprise he is an interior defensive lineman. The 6-foot-3 315-pound junior has become a force in the middle of the USC defense. Alexander has a quick first step which is unusual for someone of his size. In two seasons, he has 57 tackles including 9.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. He is the consensus #87 prospect but could easily get into the top 50 with a strong season.
Running Back Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks is another great prospect for the Trojans. After four years at Mississippi St, Marks
transferred to USC for his fifth and final season of eligibility. The 5-foot-10 210-pound back has 1883 yards and 22 TDs in the SEC. What makes Marks stand out is his receiving ability out of the backfield. He has 214 career receptions and projects to be a third-down back in the NFL. He is the consensus #192 prospect, and based on his talent, he should go higher in the draft. He does turn 24 in December which is old for most draft-eligible running backs.
Talented Offensive Lineman
Most people don’t watch offensive linemen during a college game. It’s worth mentioning that LSU has two of the best offensive tackles in the country. Juniors Will Campbell and Emery Jones Jr are currently 8th and 17th on the consensus board. They could become the first teammates to be the first two offensive linemen drafted since 1991. That year Tennessee tackle Charles McRae went seventh overall to the Buccaneers while tackle Antone Davis went eighth to the Eagles.
LSU and USC play Sunday at 7:30 Eastern in the Las Vegas Kickoff Classic on ABC.
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