LSU Football One of Five Programs That “Can Crash College Football Playoff Party”

The landscape of college football has been evolving rapidly over the years. The introduction of the College Football Playoff (CFP) in 2014 fundamentally altered how teams approach their seasons, with the four-team playoff opening the door for schools to aim higher, preparing for a run at a national championship. As the playoff race intensifies each season, it’s no longer just about traditional powerhouses like Alabama, Ohio State, and Clemson—emerging programs can also contend for a spot in the coveted CFP.

Among these programs, LSU (Louisiana State University) stands out as a team with a history of success, a competitive roster, and the infrastructure necessary to make a deep playoff run in any given year. The Tigers have the talent, coaching pedigree, and fanbase support to not only be a contender in the SEC but also potentially crash the CFP party in any given season. In this article, we explore how LSU fits into the category of programs that can make a surprise, yet legitimate push for the College Football Playoff.

The LSU Tradition: History of Success and Championship Pedigree

To understand why LSU belongs in this conversation, it’s essential to recognize the Tigers’ rich football tradition. The school has been a consistent force in college football for decades. Their history includes three national championships (2003, 2007, and 2019), numerous SEC titles, and a steady stream of NFL talent. LSU is a program that isn’t a flash-in-the-pan success story—it’s one built on a foundation of consistency, elite recruiting, and a winning culture.

In fact, LSU has been competitive even in down years, a characteristic that is often a hallmark of an elite program. The Tigers’ ability to reload rather than rebuild ensures that they’re always a force to be reckoned with, regardless of the personnel or coaching changes. For example, even after the loss of star players like Joe Burrow, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and Justin Jefferson from their 2019 national championship team, LSU continued to recruit at a high level and remains a contender in the SEC and nationally.

LSU has a unique combination of factors that make it one of the few programs capable of “crashing” the College Football Playoff—both the infrastructure and potential to compete at the highest level, year in and year out. These characteristics are accentuated by the right combination of a national fanbase, incredible facilities, and a program that plays in one of the toughest conferences in the nation—the SEC.

The SEC Advantage: Strength of Schedule and National Exposure

When it comes to programs capable of breaking into the CFP, strength of schedule matters. The SEC, home to schools like Alabama, Georgia, and Auburn, is regarded as the most competitive conference in college football. LSU, as a member of the SEC West, routinely faces the toughest teams in the nation, which means that each win carries more weight, both in terms of conference standings and playoff committee evaluation.

Beating SEC powerhouses, especially in crucial games like the SEC Championship, provides a platform for LSU to prove its worthiness to the playoff committee. Additionally, the strength of schedule can work in LSU’s favor because it boosts their resume with opportunities to take down top-ranked teams. Consider how LSU’s regular season in 2019 (the year they won the national title) was a gauntlet, where they faced ranked teams like Texas, Florida, Auburn, and Alabama. The ability to defeat top-ranked teams week after week elevates LSU’s standing in the eyes of the playoff committee and strengthens their case for inclusion.

Being in the SEC West also gives LSU an extra boost in national exposure. Every LSU game, whether on the road or at home in Tiger Stadium, draws massive attention. Tiger Stadium is one of the most hostile environments for any opponent, but it’s also a stage that magnifies LSU’s potential to upset higher-ranked teams and gain national visibility.

Recruiting: Building a Playoff-Caliber Roster

No program can sustain success without recruiting elite talent, and LSU has consistently been a powerhouse on the recruiting trail. LSU regularly lands some of the top high school recruits from across the country, thanks to its reputation, location, and tradition. The state of Louisiana itself is a hotbed for high school football talent, and LSU has an edge over many other programs when it comes to keeping in-state players home.

The recruitment of standout players is evident in LSU’s recent success. In 2019, the Tigers boasted one of the most talented and balanced rosters in college football. Joe Burrow, who would go on to win the Heisman Trophy and become the first overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, was the face of the program, but LSU’s success was far from a one-man show. Players like wide receiver Justin Jefferson, running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire, cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., and linebacker Jacob Phillips helped round out a roster brimming with talent.

The fact that LSU can pull top-tier talent from all corners of the country, coupled with the program’s ability to develop players into NFL-caliber athletes, is what gives LSU its competitive edge. Even in seasons where they don’t appear to be title favorites, LSU has enough talent on its roster to surprise and make a run toward the CFP. Programs with such a deep talent pool have a better shot at weathering the inevitable injuries and challenges that come during a long season, ensuring they stay in contention for a playoff spot.

Coaching: A Proven Leader in Brian Kelly

A crucial element in LSU’s potential to make a surprise playoff appearance is the program’s coaching staff. LSU’s decision to hire Brian Kelly away from Notre Dame in 2021 marked a new era for the Tigers. Kelly, one of the most successful coaches in college football, brought a winning pedigree with him. His coaching style is marked by consistency, discipline, and a strong focus on player development, all of which are vital components in maintaining a high level of play throughout a college football season.

Under Kelly’s leadership, LSU has shown potential for growth and improvement. While the Tigers experienced growing pains in his first season, there’s no denying Kelly’s ability to turn programs around and build them into championship contenders. His track record at Notre Dame (a program that doesn’t have the same recruiting advantages as LSU) speaks volumes about his ability to compete at the highest levels.

Moreover, Kelly is known for his ability to adapt his coaching style to maximize his players’ talents. LSU’s program has historically been known for tough defense and a physical running game, but Kelly’s background in offensive development—especially his success with quarterbacks at Notre Dame—could give LSU the offensive firepower needed to complement its already elite defense. The combination of a stout defense, potent offense, and Kelly’s coaching expertise makes LSU a dangerous team that can compete with the best.

The 2023-2024 LSU Football Team: A Case Study in Playoff Potential

Looking at LSU’s current roster (as of the 2023-2024 season), it’s clear that the team remains one of the most talented in the nation. With the return of key players such as quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has shown flashes of brilliance in both passing and rushing, LSU has the offensive firepower to make noise in the SEC. Additionally, LSU’s defense, consistently one of the best in the conference, is led by emerging stars who can shut down elite offensive teams.

Despite having one of the toughest schedules in the nation, LSU remains a dark-horse contender for the CFP, especially with the SEC West division title within reach. If LSU can maintain consistency throughout the season and manage to pull off key wins over teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Texas A&M, it could very well find itself in the conversation for one of the four coveted CFP spots.