Brian Kelly reveals LSU's plan on the offensive line vs. Texas A&M

LSU will be without starting left tackle Tyree Adams in Saturday’s home game against No. 3 Texas A&M.

Head coach Brian Kelly confirmed the news at his Monday press conference, and he revealed the “next man up” conversation begins with a backup who started for the Tigers a year ago and has struggled in a role off the bench this season.

“(Adams) will be out this week,” Kelly said. “DJ Chester will be over there. He is our most experienced guy.

“We will give (true freshman) Carius Curne some reps out there as well and see how it goes during the week.”

Adams has logged 406 snaps as the starting left tackle for the Tigers across the 5-2 start to the 2025 season.

Chester, who has seen playing time as a backup at multiple positions, has played 142 snaps this season after starting in 13 games as LSU’s center a year ago.

With 142 snaps across four games played, Chester has left much to be desired.

His Pro Football Focus overall grade sits at 54.7 on the year, the second-lowest mark among the offensive linemen behind starting right tackle Weston Davis.

Curne, who has played 89 snaps in three games this fall, has a higher PFF Grade than Adams, Davis, and Chester during his time on the field.

Why is he not the starter in place of Adams as he recovers from injury?

Kelly’s answer: experience.

“To throw a true freshman in there … I don’t want to put him in that situation,” Kelly said. “I can see him playing, but I prefer to play a guy who has a lot of experience at that position.”

When asked about the decision to play Chester over other available options on the bench, Kelly – once more – said the players in the trenches that have had their names called on the most are, in his view, the best options the Tigers have.

“That is the best fit for us for the five guys we are going to put out there,” Kelly said. “Moving (right guard Josh Thompson) over there (from right guard) is not going to do it for us. DJ has played a full game there at tackle already this year (Florida), and he played the entire game against Vanderbilt other than the first 12 plays.

“He had one stumble where his foot got caught on the ground on the turf and we had a sack given up, but by and large, he did what was expected of him. I have confidence he can go out there and do the job.”

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