According to an LSU expert, the Tigers can become as good as Georgia, Clemson, and Ohio State football, but not Alabama.

The Louisiana State University (LSU) Tigers football program has established itself as one of the premier programs in college football, and according to an LSU expert, the Tigers have the potential to rise to the level of college football’s elite, including Georgia, Clemson, and Ohio State, but not Alabama. While the notion of competing at the level of these storied programs is enticing, it also warrants an exploration of what LSU needs to do to reach the upper echelons of college football while examining the unique challenges that may prevent them from surpassing Alabama’s current dominance.

Historical Background of LSU Football

LSU football has a rich and storied history that includes four national championships (1958, 2003, 2007, and 2019) and numerous conference titles. The program has long been known for its tough, physical play and its rabid fan base, whose passion for the team is unmatched in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). LSU has consistently attracted top-tier talent and has produced NFL stars like Patrick Peterson, Tyrann Mathieu, and Leonard Fournette.

However, in recent years, LSU has found itself in an arms race with schools like Georgia, Clemson, Ohio State, and Alabama for dominance in the college football landscape. While LSU has certainly had its share of success, there has often been a gap between the Tigers and the other elite programs in terms of consistency and championship contention.

LSU’s Potential to Compete with Georgia, Clemson, and Ohio State

In assessing LSU’s ability to reach the level of Georgia, Clemson, and Ohio State, we must first recognize the strengths of these programs.

1. Georgia: The Bulldogs have been a model of consistency in recent years under head coach Kirby Smart. With a focus on elite recruiting, a dominant defense, and a strong, balanced offense, Georgia has consistently competed for national titles, culminating in their recent victories in the 2021 and 2022 College Football Playoffs. What makes Georgia such a force is its ability to recruit elite players year in and year out, especially on the defensive side of the ball, where they’ve built a defense that can overwhelm any opponent. Smart has built a culture of physicality and attention to detail that has helped Georgia secure its place as one of the nation’s top programs.

LSU can match Georgia in terms of recruiting talent. Baton Rouge is located in a football-rich area, with the state of Louisiana producing a steady stream of high-caliber players. Furthermore, LSU’s recent hiring of Brian Kelly as head coach signals a shift toward a more disciplined, structured program akin to the one Smart has cultivated at Georgia. Kelly has already demonstrated the ability to recruit at a high level, which will be essential for LSU to compete with Georgia. If LSU can continue to attract elite talent, particularly on defense, the Tigers could certainly position themselves to rival Georgia’s success.

2. Clemson: Under Dabo Swinney, Clemson has become one of the most successful programs in college football. The Tigers’ sustained excellence, particularly in the 2010s, has been built on strong recruiting, a dynamic offense, and an elite defense. Swinney’s leadership has led Clemson to multiple national championships and College Football Playoff appearances. Clemson’s culture of winning, combined with a consistently top-tier coaching staff and athletic facilities, has helped the program become a perennial powerhouse.

LSU has the potential to replicate Clemson’s success. The combination of excellent recruiting, particularly in Louisiana and surrounding states, and strong leadership from head coach Brian Kelly puts LSU in a position to challenge for national championships. Like Clemson, LSU also boasts top-tier facilities, a passionate fan base, and a rich football tradition. With Kelly’s ability to recruit and build a program, LSU has all the ingredients needed to compete with Clemson for supremacy in college football.

3. Ohio State: Ohio State has been one of the most successful programs in the country for decades, producing numerous national championships and Big Ten titles under coaches like Jim Tressel, Urban Meyer, and now Ryan Day. The Buckeyes have a powerful combination of elite recruiting, high-powered offense, and stout defense that has made them a fixture in the College Football Playoff picture. Ohio State’s consistency in recruiting talent at nearly every position has allowed them to remain competitive with any program in the country.

LSU’s ability to match Ohio State’s success comes down to the program’s recruiting. LSU is known for producing elite talent, and with the addition of Brian Kelly, the Tigers have a coach who has demonstrated the ability to recruit top-tier players from across the country, much like Ohio State. However, LSU will have to continue to focus on recruiting across all positions, from quarterback to offensive and defensive lines, to keep up with Ohio State’s high-level talent. With the right leadership and recruiting strategy, LSU could close the gap with Ohio State in terms of national championships and playoff appearances.

Challenges to Overcome

While LSU has the potential to compete with Georgia, Clemson, and Ohio State, there are several challenges the program must overcome to reach that level.

1. Consistency in Recruiting: One of the most critical elements for LSU to consistently compete with elite programs is to ensure that it can recruit at a high level year in and year out. While LSU has always recruited well, there have been fluctuations in the talent level on the roster. The key for LSU will be to maintain elite recruiting classes that can rival the likes of Georgia, Alabama, and Ohio State. Brian Kelly’s experience and national recruiting background could be a significant asset in this regard.
2. Developing Depth: Depth is an essential factor for sustained success in college football. While LSU has often had standout players, the Tigers need to ensure they have elite talent across the roster, including backups who can step in and perform at a high level. This depth will be crucial for competing with the likes of Georgia, Ohio State, and Clemson, who all have the luxury of not only elite starters but also highly capable backups. Building and maintaining depth will be one of Kelly’s primary goals as he builds the Tigers into an elite program.
3. Cultural Shift Under Brian Kelly: Brian Kelly’s hiring was a clear signal that LSU wants to shift its culture toward a more disciplined, structured approach, similar to the one seen at Alabama, Georgia, and Ohio State. While LSU has always had a talented roster, the program has sometimes lacked consistency, particularly in terms of discipline and game preparation. Kelly’s experience at Notre Dame will serve him well in implementing a more methodical, steady approach to LSU football. However, changing the culture of a program is a challenging task, and Kelly will need time to fully implement his vision for the Tigers.

Why LSU May Never Surpass Alabama

Despite the potential for LSU to compete with Georgia, Clemson, and Ohio State, surpassing Alabama presents a unique set of challenges.

1. Nick Saban’s Legacy: Alabama’s success under Nick Saban is unparalleled in the modern era of college football. Since arriving at Alabama in 2007, Saban has built a dynasty that has resulted in multiple national championships and SEC titles. His ability to recruit, develop players, and maintain consistent excellence is unmatched. While other programs like Georgia and Ohio State have risen to prominence, Alabama has maintained its position at the top under Saban’s leadership.
2. Recruiting Dominance: Saban’s ability to recruit at an elite level, year in and year out, has kept Alabama at the forefront of college football. Alabama’s facilities, resources, and coaching staff give the program a significant advantage in recruiting, making it difficult for other programs to consistently match the Tide’s talent level.
3. Saban’s Command of the Game: Nick Saban is widely regarded as one of the greatest football minds in the history of the sport. His mastery of in-game adjustments, game management, and strategic planning has given Alabama a clear edge over most teams in the country. While LSU can certainly challenge Alabama for supremacy in the SEC, it’s hard to see any other program consistently surpassing Alabama as long as Saban is at the helm.