Will Brian Kelly of LSU make it to the playoffs or not? Additionally, The Athletic reports that Penn State is doubling down on hiring Jim Knowles.

Brian Kelly’s tenure as head coach of the LSU Tigers began in December 2021, marking a new era for one of the most storied programs in college football. After 12 successful years at Notre Dame, Kelly made the jump to LSU, a program rich in history and tradition but facing a period of transition. The LSU Tigers are a national powerhouse, but in recent years, they’ve gone through coaching changes and roster shifts, leaving fans and analysts wondering if Kelly could restore LSU to its former glory and, perhaps most importantly, lead them back to the College Football Playoff (CFP).

To understand the potential for LSU to make the playoffs under Kelly’s leadership, it’s crucial to analyze both the program’s current state and the trajectory of Brian Kelly’s coaching style and abilities.

A Legacy of Success

Brian Kelly’s reputation precedes him. His success at Notre Dame speaks for itself, with multiple double-digit win seasons, a national championship appearance in 2013, and consistent top-tier recruiting efforts. His methodical approach to coaching—balancing disciplined defense with a dynamic offense—has earned him a place among the top coaches in college football.

In fact, Kelly’s ability to build programs over time is one of his defining traits. He inherited a Notre Dame program that had faced challenges in the years prior to his arrival. Under Kelly, the Fighting Irish returned to national prominence. But at LSU, Kelly isn’t starting from scratch. The Tigers are a perennial contender with a strong foundation, a winning culture, and a passionate fanbase. The potential to immediately make a splash in the SEC and CFP is certainly there.

Year One: A Solid Foundation for the Future

In Kelly’s first season at LSU (2022), the Tigers showed encouraging signs of progress. After an early-season loss to Florida State, LSU bounced back and finished strong, winning the SEC West title and securing a spot in a major bowl game. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, who transferred from Arizona State, became a leader on offense, providing both a passing and rushing threat that the Tigers could rely on. Meanwhile, the defense, under the guidance of coordinator Matt House, showed flashes of brilliance but also areas that needed improvement.

LSU’s impressive win over Alabama in the regular season was a major highlight, signaling that the Tigers were capable of competing with the nation’s elite. However, they fell short in the SEC Championship Game against Georgia, exposing some of the gaps that still needed to be addressed. The Tigers were competitive but lacked the depth and consistency necessary to compete with the best teams in the country on a week-in, week-out basis.

Despite the setback, Kelly’s first year at LSU was a step in the right direction. He inherited a roster that wasn’t fully aligned with his style of play, but he was able to win 10 games, secure a strong bowl appearance, and lay the groundwork for a potential playoff run in the near future. However, for LSU to consistently compete for a playoff spot, a few key factors need to fall into place.

The SEC Challenge: A Tall Mountain to Climb

The College Football Playoff, which currently selects four teams for a shot at the national championship, has been historically dominated by teams from the SEC—Alabama, Georgia, and LSU, among others. The conference’s strength is undeniable, with top-tier talent at nearly every position. LSU plays in the SEC West, one of the toughest divisions in college football. Every year, they have to contend with juggernauts like Alabama, Texas A&M, Ole Miss, and Arkansas. In fact, the SEC Championship Game is essentially a playoff in itself, as the winner of that game is often guaranteed a spot in the four-team playoff bracket.

Kelly’s challenge at LSU is not just about winning the SEC West. It’s about surviving the brutal gauntlet of the SEC schedule, staying healthy, and executing at a high level throughout the season. LSU is a program that’s used to being in the national spotlight, but the competition at the top has only gotten fiercer.

The SEC is a recruiting powerhouse, and the Tigers must continuously bring in top talent to stay competitive. Brian Kelly is a proven recruiter, and LSU’s historic success in recruiting—especially in Louisiana, a state that produces a wealth of football talent—gives him a great starting point. But Kelly’s ability to develop players at every position, particularly at quarterback and on defense, will be the determining factor in LSU’s ability to consistently compete for a playoff spot.

Quarterback Play: The X-Factor for LSU

One of the most important factors in LSU’s quest for a playoff berth will be the play at quarterback. Jayden Daniels, while impressive in his first season, will need to elevate his game further to lead the Tigers to the next level. The quarterback position is one of the most critical in college football, and having a dynamic and consistent leader under center is often the difference between a good season and a great one.

Daniels showed flashes of brilliance in 2022, using his mobility to extend plays and create opportunities with his legs. His passing ability, however, was inconsistent at times. If Daniels can improve his passing accuracy and decision-making, LSU’s offense could become one of the most explosive in the SEC. The development of other key offensive players, such as the running backs and wide receivers, will also be crucial. LSU has the talent at those positions, but building chemistry and a cohesive offensive scheme will take time.

Brian Kelly’s coaching history shows that he can get the best out of quarterbacks. His work with Notre Dame’s quarterbacks, including developing Ian Book into one of the most efficient quarterbacks in college football, demonstrates that he has the ability to maximize the potential of his signal-callers. If Daniels can take the next step under Kelly’s tutelage, LSU could be a formidable force in the SEC and on the national stage.

Can LSU Make the Playoffs?

So, will Brian Kelly lead LSU to the playoffs? The answer lies in the team’s ability to put everything together—a strong, consistent offense, a dominant defense, and elite special teams. LSU has the talent and coaching necessary to compete for a playoff berth, but it will require a combination of things to fall into place.

Kelly’s first season was a solid foundation, and while it didn’t result in a playoff appearance, the building blocks for success are in place. The Tigers need to win the key games in the SEC, most notably the annual matchup with Alabama. They also need to improve in key areas, such as consistency on offense and depth on defense. The road to the playoffs won’t be easy, but with Brian Kelly at the helm and a team that’s steadily improving, LSU has a legitimate chance to make the CFP in the near future.

Penn State’s Commitment to Jim Knowles: A Strategic Decision

In other news, The Athletic recently reported that Penn State is doubling down on its commitment to defensive coordinator Jim Knowles. This decision comes as no surprise to those who have been following the trajectory of Penn State’s defense under Knowles’ leadership.

Knowles, who was hired as Penn State’s defensive coordinator in 2022, arrived with a reputation for developing aggressive, hard-hitting defenses. Prior to joining Penn State, Knowles had been the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State, where he helped transform the Cowboys’ defense into one of the most formidable in the Big 12. His success at Oklahoma State caught the attention of several major programs, including Penn State, who were looking to bolster their defense to compete with the top teams in the Big Ten and nationally.

Early Success at Penn State

In his first season at Penn State, Knowles helped lead a defense that was statistically among the best in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions allowed just 16.7 points per game, ranking near the top of the conference in several defensive categories. Penn State’s defense was known for its aggressive style, which included strong pass-rushing, tight coverage in the secondary, and a physical presence at the line of scrimmage.

One of the most impressive aspects of Knowles’ defense was its ability to disrupt opposing offenses. Penn State consistently generated pressure on the quarterback and forced turnovers, both of which are hallmarks of Knowles’ defensive philosophy. In 2022, Penn State had one of the best pass-rush units in the country, with multiple players—such as edge rusher Chop Robinson—becoming stars in the defensive system.

Doubling Down on Knowles

Despite the success Knowles has brought to Penn State, the Nittany Lions face stiff competition in the Big Ten, particularly from Ohio State and Michigan. Both programs have elite offenses, and for Penn State to stay competitive in the conference and make a run at a playoff spot, its defense will need to continue to improve and stay ahead of the competition. Penn State’s decision to double down on Knowles shows that the program is committed to building a top-tier defense to match its talented offense, led by quarterback Drew Allar and a strong group of playmakers.

Knowles’ ability to adapt and evolve his defensive schemes will be key. The Big Ten continues to evolve as well, with programs investing in high-powered offenses and modern offensive schemes. In this environment, Knowles’ flexibility and defensive innovation will be critical for Penn State to remain competitive.

Long-Term Impact

By committing to Jim Knowles for the long term, Penn State is ensuring that it has a steady defensive mind guiding its efforts. Knowles’ track record, especially at Oklahoma State, demonstrates his ability to take a defense from good to great, and his leadership at Penn State could propel the Nittany Lions back into the upper echelon of college football.

The Nittany Lions’ defense under Knowles will be a key factor in their potential success in the upcoming seasons. With a strong foundation in place, the focus will now be on continuing to develop depth, maintaining consistency, and adjusting to the ever-changing landscape of college football.