As the 2025 college football season approaches, LSU football fans are excited to see how the Tigers will build off of their strong performances in recent years. One of the most intriguing storylines in Baton Rouge is the potential impact of a new dual-threat quarterback on the offense. LSU has always been a program that can recruit talent at nearly every position, but the introduction of a quarterback who can not only pass effectively but also make plays with his legs opens up an entirely new dimension for the offense.
While LSU has had notable quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and Jayden Daniels in recent seasons—both of whom displayed solid mobility—it’s becoming clear that LSU’s offense could evolve into something much more dynamic with the right dual-threat quarterback at the helm. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how the Tigers could integrate specific offensive packages to maximize the potential of a dual-threat quarterback, revolutionizing the way they approach opposing defenses.
### **The Changing Landscape of College Football Quarterbacks**
College football is seeing a major shift in the way teams approach the quarterback position. Dual-threat quarterbacks—players who can effectively throw the football and pose a legitimate threat as a runner—have become a staple of successful programs. Teams with quarterbacks who can extend plays with their legs, scramble for extra yards, and run designed quarterback runs are often able to create more mismatches and force opposing defenses to account for more variables.
LSU has traditionally been known for producing some of the best athletes in the country, especially at the skill positions, but the quarterback play in recent years has not always aligned with this trend. Jayden Daniels was a dual-threat quarterback for LSU in 2023, and his success with both his legs and arm was a key factor in the Tigers’ offensive output. Daniels rushed for over 800 yards and had 11 rushing touchdowns, a rare achievement for a quarterback in a program historically known for more traditional passers.
However, the next quarterback in Baton Rouge could be someone who further embraces the dual-threat role, and that opens up a world of possibilities for offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock to design creative packages and plays that will stretch the defense’s ability to cover all of their options.
### **Designing Packages for a Dual-Threat Quarterback**
With a dual-threat quarterback, LSU would be able to incorporate several offensive packages and plays that are less effective with a traditional pocket passer. Below are a few key ideas for how the Tigers could design their offense to make the most of a quarterback who can throw, run, and extend plays.
#### **1. Read-Option Plays**
One of the foundational plays for a dual-threat quarterback is the read-option, which allows the quarterback to make a decision based on what the defense does. In a read-option, the quarterback reads the defensive end or outside linebacker and has the option to either hand the ball off to the running back or keep it himself and run.
When executed properly, the read-option can force defenders to hesitate, creating holes in the defense. It can also put tremendous pressure on the defensive line and linebackers because they have to respect both the quarterback’s running ability and the running back’s threat. LSU could incorporate more read-option plays into their playbook with a dual-threat quarterback, especially in short-yardage or red-zone situations where a quarterback’s running ability is particularly valuable.
#### **2. Quarterback Draws and Power Runs**
For a dual-threat quarterback, especially one who is athletic and physical, the quarterback draw and power runs can be game-changers. Instead of relying solely on the running back for yards, the quarterback can act as a dynamic runner and directly contribute to the ground game.
A quarterback draw is a designed run play where the quarterback drops back as if he’s going to pass, only to pull the ball down and run himself. When defenses drop too many players into pass coverage, they can open up lanes for the quarterback to scramble or take off for a big gain. Additionally, a quarterback power run, where the QB follows a pulling lineman or fullback, could be an effective way to exploit a defense’s weakness, especially in goal-line situations or when they’re expecting a passing play.
In LSU’s case, having a quarterback who can turn a broken pass play into an explosive run would add a dimension that defensive coordinators would have to prepare for every week.
#### **3. RPO (Run-Pass Option) Plays**
The RPO is another weapon that LSU could lean on with a dual-threat quarterback. An RPO involves the quarterback having the option to either hand the ball off to a running back or throw it to a receiver depending on what the defense does. This puts stress on the linebackers and safeties because they need to either focus on the running back or cover the wide receivers.
With a dual-threat quarterback who can make quick decisions and reads, the RPO becomes even more dangerous. If the defense commits to stopping the run, the quarterback can quickly pull the ball back and throw it to a receiver. If the defense plays too much coverage, the quarterback can take the ball and run it himself. This decision-making flexibility makes RPOs one of the most difficult things for opposing defenses to stop.
#### **4. Play Action with Bootlegs**
Bootlegs and play-action passes are also ideal for dual-threat quarterbacks. A bootleg involves the quarterback faking a handoff and rolling out of the pocket to either throw the ball or run it himself. With a dual-threat quarterback, bootlegs can be especially dangerous because the quarterback is not only a potential passer but also a legitimate running threat who can gain significant yards on the ground.
LSU could run play-action bootlegs to take advantage of a defense that’s geared up to stop the run. By faking a handoff to the running back, the quarterback can freeze the defense for just a moment and create throwing lanes or running lanes for himself. The defense will be caught in a dilemma: stay home to defend the run or follow the quarterback and risk him gaining easy yards.
#### **5. Aggressive Downfield Throws**
While the emphasis in a dual-threat quarterback’s game is often on mobility and running, LSU should not overlook the quarterback’s ability to throw the ball deep down the field. A dual-threat quarterback often keeps defenses on their toes with his ability to run, but when paired with strong downfield throwing, this can create massive mismatches.
By utilizing the threat of a quarterback who can run, LSU can set up play-action passes and deep throws. The defensive backs will be forced to play up closer to the line of scrimmage to respect the quarterback’s running ability, leaving more opportunities for explosive passing plays downfield. With LSU’s talented wide receivers, such as Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., a dual-threat quarterback with the ability to hit big plays could make the Tigers’ offense nearly unstoppable.
### **Conclusion: A New Era for LSU Football?**
The potential of installing packages for a new dual-threat quarterback on LSU’s offense is not just an exciting prospect—it could be a game-changing move for the program. By embracing the new wave of college football and utilizing a quarterback who can both throw and run effectively, LSU could find itself with a more dynamic and unpredictable offense that will keep opposing defenses guessing.
From read-option plays to RPOs, quarterback draws, bootlegs, and deep passes, the Tigers have the ability to create a diverse and potent offensive attack. With a dual-threat quarterback at the helm, LSU could continue its rise as one of the top teams in the SEC and college football at large.
Ultimately, the success of this potential offensive revolution will depend on how quickly the new quarterback can adapt to LSU’s system and how well LSU’s coaching staff can tailor their playbook to maximize his strengths. If the Tigers get it right, a dual-threat quarterback could usher in a new era of football in Baton Rouge, one that continues LSU’s tradition of excellence while adapting to the modern demands of the game.
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