As LSU gears up for the upcoming 2025 season, coach Brian Kelly finds himself facing critical expectations in his fourth year at the helm. Since leading the Tigers to a national championship in 2019 under Ed Orgeron, the team has struggled to make a return to the College Football Playoff. This ongoing drought creates mounting pressure for Kelly to elevate the program back to its former glory.
Kelly’s initial tenure sparked optimism, highlighted by an appearance in the SEC Championship Game during his first season. However, despite flashes of potential, the program’s inability to consistently compete at the highest level has led to dwindling patience among fans and stakeholders. Former LSU champion Marcus Spears emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating, “LSU is in that window now … if you don’t win big, if you’re Brian Kelly, this fan base is done.”
Encouraging signs are present as LSU prepares for the season. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier has generated considerable preseason attention, even entering the conversation as a potential Heisman Trophy candidate. Additionally, LSU’s impressive recruitment efforts, including the top-ranked transfer portal acquisitions and three consecutive top-10 recruiting classes, position the team for success. Spears noted that while these factors don’t guarantee a championship, they should solidify LSU as a serious playoff contender.
The upcoming schedule, however, presents a formidable challenge. The season opener at Clemson is particularly daunting, especially after LSU’s string of five consecutive losses in season openers. Following Clemson, the Tigers are set to face tough opponents, including Florida, Ole Miss, Alabama, and Oklahoma, which could define their season’s trajectory. Even seemingly straightforward matchups could become tricky traps if underestimations occur.
As the odds reflect, FanDuel Sportsbook has LSU at +130 to make the College Football Playoff and +1600 to win the national championship, ranking them ninth-best in the nation. LSU, known for its rich football tradition with three national titles since 2003 under different coaches, maintains high standards. Although Kelly has brought stability and an influx of talent, as Spears pointed out, fans expect more than just incremental improvements; they are hungry for a return to glory.
In a season where the stakes are high, LSU demonstrates potential, and with their strength in recruitment and talent, they remain hopeful for a successful turnaround. If Coach Kelly can harness this energy effectively, it could mark a significant shift for the Tigers in their quest for a championship.