Since Brian Kelly arrived in Baton Rouge, LSU has steadily clawed its way back to national prominence. With a trip to the SEC Championship in 2022 and another solid campaign in 2023, the Tigers have shown promise. But for a program with national title expectations, “solid” isn’t good enough. As the 2025 season approaches, LSU eyes the College Football Playoff — a feat it hasn’t reached since the magical 2019 run under Ed Orgeron. The potential is there, but Kelly and his Tigers must navigate three major challenges if they are to punch their ticket to the CFP this season.
1. Replacing Jayden Daniels: The Quarterback Conundrum
The most glaring issue facing LSU in 2025 is the void left by Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. Daniels wasn’t just the heart of the Tigers’ offense — he was the offense. His ability to extend plays, beat defenses with his legs, and throw deep made LSU nearly unstoppable in 2023. In 2024, Daniels continued to dominate before heading off to the NFL, and now the Tigers face the unenviable task of replacing one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in school history.
Who’s Next?
The likely candidates to take over under center are Garrett Nussmeier and Rickie Collins. Nussmeier, a redshirt junior, has patiently waited in the wings and shown flashes of brilliance in limited action. His arm strength and confidence in the pocket are evident, but questions remain about consistency and decision-making. Meanwhile, Collins is a dual-threat option who’s still developing but has drawn praise from the coaching staff for his athleticism and leadership.
Then there’s freshman phenom Bryce Underwood, the nation’s No. 1 quarterback recruit in the 2025 class. If Kelly opts to roll the dice, Underwood could follow in the footsteps of Trevor Lawrence or Jalen Hurts as a true freshman starter on a title-contending team. However, trusting a true freshman in the gauntlet that is SEC football is risky.
Offensive Continuity
Regardless of who wins the quarterback job, LSU must find a way to maintain offensive rhythm. Coordinator Mike Denbrock returns with his up-tempo, spread-based scheme, but much depends on whether the new signal-caller can process reads quickly, protect the football, and keep defenses honest with explosive plays.
The Tigers do have some security blankets. Running backs Logan Diggs and Kaleb Jackson provide balance, while returning receivers Malik Nabers (if he forgoes the NFL) or Aaron Anderson and Kyren Lacy ensure LSU still has one of the most talented WR corps in the country. But without a quarterback who can make defenses pay — both with his mind and his legs — this offense could stall.
2. Rebuilding the Defense: Depth, Discipline, and Tackling
LSU’s defense was its Achilles’ heel in 2023 and again inconsistent in 2024. Despite talent at every level, the unit was plagued by blown coverages, poor tackling, and lack of cohesion. Brian Kelly made staff changes in the offseason, most notably bringing in Blake Baker as defensive coordinator to shore up the Tigers’ performance on that side of the ball.
Defensive Line Must Dominate
LSU has always been a destination for elite defensive linemen, and 2025 is no different. Defensive tackles Maason Smith and Mekhi Wingo are gone to the NFL, but rising stars like Paris Shand, Jordan Jefferson, and true freshman Zion Ferguson bring hope. If the defensive front can consistently pressure opposing QBs, it will help mask deficiencies in the secondary.
Harold Perkins, arguably LSU’s most disruptive defender, will be the centerpiece. After bouncing between linebacker and edge rusher in 2023, Perkins found a groove last season and is now expected to fully anchor the linebacker corps. His ability to blitz, cover, and chase sideline-to-sideline makes him invaluable. Surrounding him with capable playmakers — like rising sophomore Whit Weeks and Texas A&M transfer Chris Russell — is crucial to stabilizing the middle of the field.
Secondary Rebuild
Perhaps the most significant issue last year was LSU’s leaky secondary. The Tigers ranked near the bottom of the SEC in passing yards allowed and gave up chunk plays far too easily. With Major Burns and Andre Sam gone, LSU is looking to infuse new talent.
Transfers like Dezz Ricks (Alabama), and freshmen DaShawn McBryde and Javion Gipson, provide some upside, but the cohesion of the group is what Kelly is banking on. Can they tackle in space? Can they communicate effectively? Can they stay disciplined against SEC wideouts and quarterbacks? These are the questions that must be answered if LSU wants to avoid another shootout-heavy season.
Baker’s scheme will prioritize simplification and aggressiveness — two things the previous regime struggled with. If LSU’s defense can just be average, not elite, it would be a huge boost to their playoff hopes.
3. Surviving the SEC Gauntlet
There’s no sugarcoating it — LSU’s 2025 schedule is brutal.
Key Games
- Sept. 1 vs. USC (Las Vegas): The Tigers open with a high-profile clash against Lincoln Riley’s Trojans. Both teams are eyeing early CFP statements, and the result could shape narratives for months.
- Sept. 28 at Florida: The Gators are rebuilding, but The Swamp is never easy.
- Oct. 12 vs. Alabama: Brian Kelly is 1-2 against Nick Saban since arriving in Baton Rouge. This game could decide the SEC West and CFP hopes.
- Nov. 2 at Texas: With the Longhorns now in the SEC, this late-season test on the road may be the most difficult of the year.
- Nov. 16 at Ole Miss: Lane Kiffin’s Rebels return a potent offense. A November trip to Oxford is never a walk in the park.
SEC Expansion Impact
The 2025 season marks the first time Texas and Oklahoma join the SEC full-time. LSU, like every other program in the conference, must adjust to the new schedule model. The Tigers lose their annual meeting with Arkansas but gain rotating matchups against new teams. This adds complexity to preparation and less predictability in terms of divisional pecking order.
Depth will be tested. Injuries will mount. And unlike previous years, LSU cannot rely on a cupcake stretch in the midseason to regroup. Every game matters, especially with only 12 teams making the CFP this year.
The Tigers must avoid early stumbles. Last year, an opening loss to Florida State didn’t eliminate LSU, but it severely hindered momentum. This year, the margin for error is thinner, and LSU can’t afford missteps in games it should win.
The X-Factor: Brian Kelly’s Legacy Moment
Brian Kelly left Notre Dame for one reason — to win a national championship. He has built LSU back up quickly, but expectations in Baton Rouge don’t allow for slow growth. In his third full season, Kelly faces pressure to prove he can not only get LSU to the big stage but win on it.
His recruiting has been strong, his staff now reflects his philosophy more than ever, and his players have bought in. But the time for excuses is over. Kelly must manage the quarterback transition flawlessly, fix the defense, and navigate a minefield of a schedule. If he does, LSU will be one of the most dangerous teams in the country.
Final Thoughts: LSU’s Path is Clear, but Narrow
There’s no doubt LSU has the talent, coaching, and institutional support to make the 2025 College Football Playoff. But talent alone doesn’t guarantee success — especially not in the SEC. The Tigers’ chances rest on how they handle three pivotal areas:
- Quarterback transition: Can Nussmeier, Collins, or Underwood lead effectively?
- Defensive improvement: Will Baker’s scheme spark a resurgence?
- Surviving the SEC slate: Can LSU avoid landmines and peak at the right time?
If the answers are yes, Brian Kelly may finally bring the College Football Playoff back to Death Valley. If not, it may be another year of “almost” for a program that’s hungry for more.