LSU Star Linebacker Makes Major Decision on NFL Future
LSU football standout linebacker Harold Perkins has announced that he will return for his senior season with the Tigers instead of declaring for the 2025 NFL Draft. This decision brings one of college football’s most dynamic defensive players back to Baton Rouge, much to the excitement of LSU fans.
Perkins revealed his choice on Friday in a video shared via his Instagram account, reassuring fans with the simple message, “I’m back.” Prior to suffering an ACL injury during LSU’s September 21 victory over UCLA, Perkins was widely considered a potential first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. However, the injury, which required surgery, caused a significant setback to his draft stock.
As a freshman, Perkins earned All-America honors and was named to the All-SEC first team. Over his time at LSU, he accumulated 163 tackles, 28 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks, along with two interceptions and seven pass deflections. This impressive resume made him a standout linebacker, and he was even awarded the prestigious No. 7 jersey this season, a number reserved for LSU’s top playmakers. However, his 2024 season started off slow as he transitioned to playing inside linebacker, registering 17 tackles, 1½ tackles for loss, and no sacks in the first four games before his injury.
The uncertainty surrounding his position and recovery from the ACL injury caused Perkins to drop from early first-round projections. While he still remains a promising prospect due to his athleticism and ability to impact third downs, his exact draft placement was unclear. ESPN’s draft analyst Mel Kiper ranked him as the seventh-best off-ball linebacker in this year’s class.
Perkins’ return will bolster LSU’s linebacking unit, which is poised to be a strength for the Tigers’ defense in the coming season. Despite the loss of senior Greg Penn, LSU returns several key contributors, including sophomore Whit Weeks, senior West Weeks, and freshman Davhon Keys. Whit Weeks emerged as a standout with 119 tackles this season, while Keys saw increased playing time in the latter part of the year. West Weeks, who suffered a sprained ankle early in the season, is also set to return after redshirting.
Additionally, LSU has signed four 4-star linebackers—Keylan Moses, Jaiden Braker, Charles Ross, and Zach Weeks, who is the younger brother of West and Whit—giving the Tigers a deep and talented roster at linebacker for the 2024 season. Perkins’ decision to return provides LSU with a high-potential defensive player, and with coordinator Blake Baker in his second year, the team will work to further develop Perkins’ skills while he recovers from his knee injury.