“Identity is a question mark”: CFB Insider analyzes LSU’s preparation for the 2025 season and Brian Kelly’s

As college football heads into the 2025 season, few teams carry as much intrigue and potential as LSU. The Tigers, under the guidance of Brian Kelly, are preparing for a pivotal year that could define the program’s trajectory for the next decade. As one of the premier schools in the Southeastern Conference (SEC), LSU has a storied football tradition that includes four national championships, numerous SEC titles, and a reputation for producing top-tier talent. But as the Tigers look ahead to the 2025 season, there’s a question lingering over the program: What will LSU’s identity be under Brian Kelly, and can they continue to compete at an elite level?

The 2025 season will mark Kelly’s fourth year at LSU, and after an impressive start that included an SEC West title in his first season (2022) and a strong but imperfect 2023 campaign, there are more questions than answers about what the future holds. While Kelly has established himself as a successful coach with a track record of excellence, the road ahead for LSU is far from clear. After all, in a conference as competitive as the SEC, an identity crisis could be disastrous. For LSU to remain a national title contender, Brian Kelly will need to solidify the team’s direction and ensure it thrives within the evolving landscape of college football.

The Legacy of Brian Kelly

Brian Kelly’s move from Notre Dame to LSU was a significant shift in the landscape of college football. Kelly had spent over a decade building Notre Dame into a national contender, regularly bringing the Fighting Irish to major bowl games, including a trip to the College Football Playoff (CFP) in 2018. His decision to take over the Tigers program was seen as a gamble by some, but LSU’s football program, with its immense resources and talent pool, provided Kelly with the opportunity to take his coaching legacy to the next level.

When Kelly arrived in Baton Rouge, he inherited a program that had recently gone through turmoil. LSU’s 2020 national championship-winning squad had been dismantled by the NFL draft and was struggling with inconsistent play in 2021. Ed Orgeron’s tenure as head coach had ended, but the Tigers remained one of the most coveted jobs in college football. Under Kelly, the first couple of years showed promise, as the team adapted to his system and approach.

However, Kelly’s transition has not been without its challenges. While LSU’s defense under coordinator Matt House showed flashes of brilliance in 2022, the offense—particularly the quarterback position—has been inconsistent. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, who transferred in from Arizona State, had a solid but not spectacular first year under Kelly, demonstrating dual-threat abilities but also struggling with accuracy at times. The 2023 season offered a glimpse into the future, with Daniels growing more comfortable, but the team still fell short in key games, especially in the SEC Championship and a loss to Texas A&M. These setbacks raised questions about LSU’s readiness to compete at the highest level of college football, both in the SEC and on the national stage.

Despite these hurdles, Kelly’s ability to recruit and develop talent has been a key strength. His reputation as a meticulous recruiter and developer of quarterbacks, along with his ability to create competitive teams, has allowed LSU to remain in contention for top-tier recruits. But as Kelly enters his fourth season in Baton Rouge, his challenge now is about solidifying LSU’s identity on both sides of the ball.

LSU’s 2025 Identity: “A Question Mark”

When speaking to a CFB insider about LSU’s prospects for the 2025 season, one theme that consistently emerges is the question of identity. While the Tigers have undeniable talent, there is a sense that the team is still searching for a clear, cohesive identity on both offense and defense. In many ways, LSU’s potential for success in 2025 hinges on Brian Kelly’s ability to define that identity and get his players to buy in completely.

Offensive Identity: A High-Powered Attack or Ground and Pound?

Under Kelly, LSU has embraced a more balanced offensive approach, but in 2025, the team faces the challenge of deciding what kind of offense it wants to run. LSU has the potential to be dynamic on offense, but a combination of inconsistent quarterback play, a rotating cast of wide receivers, and a strong but untested offensive line means that Kelly must decide whether to emphasize a high-powered passing attack or a more traditional, run-first offensive scheme.

The 2024 season will be a crucial one for quarterback Jayden Daniels, who enters his senior year with a chance to solidify his legacy at LSU. Daniels showed tremendous promise as a dual-threat quarterback, but his consistency as a passer has been the biggest question mark. Under Kelly’s tutelage, Daniels has shown flashes of brilliance, but in order to take the next step as a leader and potential NFL draft prospect, he will need to improve his accuracy and decision-making. If Daniels can develop into a more reliable passer, LSU could shift toward a more pass-heavy offense, utilizing its wide receiver talent and Daniels’ ability to make plays outside the pocket.

However, if the offensive line struggles and Daniels’ growth as a passer is slower than expected, Kelly might have to revert to a more traditional, ground-and-pound style, focusing on the running game. With a talented stable of running backs—perhaps led by a breakout star—LSU has the potential to control games on the ground. But in a pass-happy SEC, particularly when facing high-powered offenses like Alabama and Georgia, Kelly will need to decide whether this approach is sustainable.

The question of LSU’s offensive identity is compounded by the talent at the wide receiver position. LSU has produced some of the best wide receivers in recent college football history, and the cupboard is stocked with talent. However, with the departures of top players like Kayshon Boutte, the wide receiver corps will need to find a new leader. Kelly will need to work with the incoming recruits and develop chemistry with the quarterbacks to find playmakers who can step up in big moments.

Defensive Identity: Aggressive or Balanced?

On the defensive side of the ball, LSU has traditionally been a powerhouse, especially in the front seven. But in recent years, there have been moments of inconsistency. Brian Kelly has made strides in improving LSU’s defense, but 2025 will be a test of whether the Tigers can consistently dominate opponents, especially when going up against top-tier SEC offenses.

Under defensive coordinator Matt House, LSU’s defense has shown that it can be one of the most physically imposing units in college football. The front seven is the strength of the defense, with a solid group of linebackers and defensive linemen who can create havoc in the backfield. But LSU’s secondary remains a bit of an enigma. The Tigers have had issues with blown coverages and pass defense at times, and the secondary will need to be more consistent in 2025 if LSU is to compete for a playoff spot.

A key component to defining LSU’s defensive identity will be the team’s ability to adapt to the evolving offenses in the SEC. With programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Ole Miss embracing up-tempo, high-scoring offenses, LSU will need to find a way to disrupt these fast-paced attacks. Whether that means adopting a more aggressive approach or a bend-but-don’t-break mentality, Kelly and House will need to have a defensive game plan that can adapt to a variety of offensive styles.

Recruiting and Depth: The Key to Consistency

Perhaps the most important factor in shaping LSU’s identity in 2025 will be the team’s depth. LSU’s recruiting classes under Kelly have been solid, but for LSU to return to the top of college football, they need to consistently reload with elite talent at every position. That’s especially true for depth in critical areas like quarterback, defensive line, and wide receiver.

Kelly’s ability to recruit top-tier talent has already made a significant impact in Baton Rouge, but the 2025 season will see some of his highest-rated recruits begin to make their mark. Players like five-star defensive lineman Desmond Ricks and highly-touted quarterback recruit Rickie Collins could be vital in setting the tone for the Tigers’ success. With the right mix of experienced players and fresh talent, LSU can continue to develop into a championship-caliber program.

However, as the SEC continues to become more competitive, LSU will need to ensure its depth is ready for the grind of a full season. Injuries and attrition are inevitable, and for LSU to make a playoff run, they need to have the depth to weather those storms and stay competitive throughout the season.

 Will Brian Kelly’s LSU Find Its Identity in 2025?

As LSU prepares for the 2025 season, the overarching question is whether Brian Kelly can solidify the Tigers’ identity. After his first few seasons in Baton Rouge, the program is still in search of a clear and consistent identity on both sides of the ball. The pieces are there, with talent at key positions, strong coaching, and a program rich in tradition. However, LSU faces some significant challenges as it looks to return to the College Football Playoff and compete for a national championship.

The upcoming season will be pivotal for Kelly and the Tigers. How Kelly defines LSU’s identity—whether it’s through a high-powered offense or a dominant defense, or a balanced approach—will determine their success in 2025. But one thing is certain: LSU is on the cusp of something big, and the Tigers’ journey to a playoff berth is one of the most fascinating storylines in college football this year. If Brian Kelly can answer the question of LSU’s identity, the Tigers could be in for a very successful season.