LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier on what Chris Hilton's return brings to the offense

Chris Hilton Jr. signed with LSU in 2021 as one of the top wide receivers in his class. Per 247Sports, Hilton was the No. 5 wide receiver recruit in college football. According to the On3 Industry Rankings, Hilton was the No. 79 overall recruit in the country.

Hilton's a dynamic talent with the speed to take the top off a defense, but injuries have prevented Hilton from carving out a full-time role in four years at LSU.

Hilton was in the rotation as a sophomore, earning a start against Mississippi State in 2022, but Hilton tore his ACL and was out for the year. In 2023, Hilton was healthy, but targets were hard to come by with Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr, Mason Taylor, and Kyren Lacy swallowed up the bulk of the work.

Hilton looked good in LSU's 2023 bowl win over Wisconsin, catching three passes and a touchdown, showcasing a good connection with LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier. There were high hopes for Hilton in 2024, but another injury kept Hilton sidelined for two months.

Upon returning, Hilton took some time to get his feet under him. Hilton caught just three passes in his first four games back. But in LSU's regular season finale win vs. Oklahoma, Hilton became the deep-threat LSU needed. He caught two long balls for 83 yards and two scores. Hilton carried that into LSU's bowl game vs. Baylor, catching four passes for 113 yards and a score.

"Chris is an unbelievable player and is a special talent, special speed, and his ability to go track the football is very, very high," Nussmeier said, "Obviously, we have chemistry coming in the same class together and we've been working with each other for four years and whenever he's able to stay healthy, which you know, I have full confidence he will be. He's a pretty dang good football player and so I'm very excited for him this year."

Hilton pointed to that Oklahoma game as an example of what he can do when he's healthy.

"It sucked missing the majority of the season with my injury, but those last two games showed who I really am," Hilton said.

LSU's wide receiver room will be deep in 2025. Despite the lack of returning production, LSU added Barion Brown and Nic Anderson from the transfer portal. Hilton will have a chance to emerge as LSU's top big play threat.

This article originally appeared on LSU Wire: LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier on what Chris Hilton can be for LSU in 2025

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