Josh Pate, the popular host of Late Kick Live and a respected voice in the college football world, has never been one to shy away from bold takes. But his latest claim might just be one of his most intriguing yet. In an offseason dominated by narratives about powerhouse programs like Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, and Ohio State, Pate believes that another SEC blue blood is flying under the radar—and he’s naming them the “most overlooked team” in college football. That team? The LSU Tigers.
With the 2025 season looming and preseason polls beginning to take shape, LSU finds itself in a strange position. Despite finishing with a respectable record in 2024 and boasting a roster loaded with elite talent, the Tigers aren’t being mentioned in the same breath as the national title favorites. That, according to Pate, is a mistake—and he’s sounding the alarm before the rest of the country catches on.
During a recent episode of Late Kick Live, Pate laid out his reasoning in signature style, blending hard data with gut-level football intuition. “People are sleeping on LSU,” Pate said. “It’s not just about what they did last year. It’s about what they have coming back, the moves they made in the transfer portal, and the stability of the program heading into this season.”
Indeed, it’s a curious oversight. LSU head coach Brian Kelly is entering his fourth season in Baton Rouge, and while his tenure hasn’t been flawless, the results speak for themselves. The Tigers won the SEC West in his first season and have remained competitive despite inconsistent quarterback play and defensive breakdowns. Now, with a more experienced roster, some key returning playmakers, and a revamped defensive staff, Kelly may have his best chance yet to return LSU to the College Football Playoff.
Kelly’s contract—valued at $100 million over 10 years, with $44.8 million already paid—has come under scrutiny since his arrival from Notre Dame. But despite the pressure that accompanies such a lucrative deal, LSU athletic director Scott Woodward recently confirmed Kelly’s job is safe for the foreseeable future. There are no hot seat rumors, no whispers of dissatisfaction—only a clear vote of confidence from the university.
That confirmation only strengthens Pate’s point. In a league where continuity is rare and elite coaches are always in high demand, having a proven leader like Kelly settled in Baton Rouge is a luxury. And with the upcoming SEC schedule becoming even more competitive thanks to Oklahoma and Texas joining the conference, that kind of coaching stability could be the X-factor.
Part of what’s flying under the radar is the growth of the Tigers’ next starting quarterback. With Jayden Daniels off to the NFL after winning the 2023 Heisman Trophy and leading LSU to some highlight-reel moments, the Tigers now turn to Garrett Nussmeier—a talented gunslinger who’s been patiently waiting for his shot. Nussmeier’s arm strength, football IQ, and growing rapport with LSU’s wide receiver corps could make him one of the most exciting breakout players in the nation.
The offensive line also returns nearly intact, and the wide receiver room remains elite, even with Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. off to the NFL. Younger talents like Shelton Sampson Jr. and Kyren Lacy are expected to take the next step, giving Nussmeier plenty of options. Add in a healthy, revamped run game and an improved tight end room, and the LSU offense could be among the most dangerous in the SEC.
But the real reason LSU may surprise people this season lies on the defensive side of the ball. The Tigers’ defense was a liability last year, particularly in the secondary. Opposing quarterbacks had their way far too often, and LSU struggled to get off the field on third downs. That led Kelly to make a series of staff changes, including the hiring of Blake Baker as defensive coordinator.
Baker brings with him a reputation for aggressive, fundamentally sound defense—and perhaps most importantly, a proven ability to develop talent. His system is expected to prioritize versatility and disguise, two things LSU sorely lacked in 2024. Already, reports out of spring practices suggest the defense has adopted a more physical, confident identity.
The transfer portal helped as well. LSU landed several impact defenders, including a top-tier cornerback from the Big Ten and a veteran safety with SEC experience. Combined with returning talents like Harold Perkins Jr., who is expected to make the leap from disruptive athlete to true All-American linebacker, the Tigers now have the pieces to complement their explosive offense.
Despite all this, LSU remains largely absent from the national championship conversation. Preseason odds have them outside the top 10, and many pundits are focusing on more “proven” contenders. But that’s exactly why Pate’s comments resonate.
“People forget that LSU is just a couple years removed from a national title,” Pate said. “They have everything you want: elite athletes, NFL-caliber talent, top-tier coaching, and now some underdog energy. That’s a dangerous combination.”
The schedule, of course, will be a challenge. The Tigers open with a neutral-site showdown against USC—a game that could serve as a national litmus test. From there, they navigate a brutal SEC slate that includes road games at Florida, Auburn, and Texas A&M, plus home games against Alabama and Ole Miss. But Kelly has always emphasized that championship programs don’t fear tough schedules—they embrace them.
In some ways, the pressure being off may help LSU. Unlike last year, when the team was ranked in the top 5 to start the season and burdened with sky-high expectations, this year’s Tigers can play with a chip on their shoulder. There’s freedom in being overlooked. And as anyone familiar with LSU football knows, the Tigers tend to thrive when the lights are brightest and the odds are longest.
Kelly himself seems energized heading into the season. His offseason media appearances have been more relaxed, his tone more optimistic. He’s spoken frequently about the culture being “right” and praised his players’ work ethic and leadership. With the scrutiny that came with his move from Notre Dame largely in the past, Kelly now has a chance to write the next chapter in his coaching legacy—and prove that LSU’s investment in him was not only justified but visionary.
It’s hard to overstate the significance of Woodward publicly backing his $100 million head coach. In a sport where massive contracts often come with short leashes, LSU’s willingness to give Kelly time to build is a testament to their long-term vision. It’s a commitment to process over panic—and if Pate is right, it could pay off sooner than expected.
In the end, college football thrives on narratives. Every year, new heroes emerge, programs rise and fall, and expectations are shattered. Josh Pate’s prediction about LSU may not seem groundbreaking today, but come November—when the Tigers are deep in the hunt for a playoff berth—it may look prophetic. Because in a sport that often rewards hype and punishes patience, LSU has quietly positioned itself as one of the most complete and dangerous teams in America.
They may be overlooked now, but that won’t last for long. The roar from Baton Rouge is growing louder—and Josh Pate is simply one of the first to hear it.