Perkins was limited to four games as a junior in 2024 after suffering a season-ending knee injury against UCLA in a 34-17 victory on Sept. 21. Prior to that point, he had 17 tackles, including 1.5 tackles for loss, and a fumble recovery.

In the transfer portal era, a premium is put on player retention. LSU is now set to return one of the top linebacker groups in the SEC. The Tigers will lose Greg Penn to the NFL, but Weeks and Perkins give LSU elite athleticism and significant starting experience at the position.

LSU football star linebacker Harold Perkins is returning for his senior season with the Tigers instead of entering the 2025 NFL Draft, bringing one of the most athletic defenders in college football back to Baton Rouge.