The 2025 season ended in disappointment for the LSU Tigers, as they finished with a 7-6 record and saw head coach Brian Kelly dismissed after just eight games.
A New Chapter for the Tigers
Lane Kiffin, the former USC and Ole Miss architect, was ushered in to replace Kelly, bringing with him a recruiting coup: the nation’s top transfer portal class that instantly elevated the roster’s talent level.
Kiffin also managed to keep several key contributors from the previous year while integrating a fresh wave of freshmen, a blend that has already sparked optimism among analysts.
Defensive coordinator Blake Baker, who had drawn interest from Tulane, decided to stay, providing continuity on that side of the ball as the program adjusts to the new leadership.
The betting markets have taken note, with BetMGM listing the Tigers at -110 to exceed 8.5 wins next season, though the odds are slightly tilted toward the under, reflecting a cautious optimism among bettors.
Yet the schedule looms as one of the toughest in the SEC, and questions remain about quarterback Sam Leavitt’s readiness after a recent injury, making the path to a College Football Playoff berth anything but guaranteed.
If the pieces fall into place — strong recruiting, Baker’s defense, and Leavitt’s recovery — LSU could surprise many and force its way into the playoff conversation, but the ceiling will depend on how quickly chemistry develops under Kiffin’s system.