Where Did LSU Football End Up in the Way-Too-Early 2025 College Football Rankings?

Where Did LSU Football Place in the Way-Too-Early 2025 College Football Rankings?

As college football fans eagerly anticipate the 2025 season, speculation about team rankings and potential title contenders has already begun to heat up. It’s a familiar ritual, even before the official rankings are released, where analysts and experts take a “way-too-early” look at how teams might stack up. In this landscape of perpetual change—coaching changes, transfers, NFL draft declarations, and recruiting—one thing remains constant: LSU Football is always a program that draws attention.

In the midst of these early rankings, LSU (Louisiana State University) football has been a topic of conversation, particularly due to the way head coach Brian Kelly has turned the program around in a relatively short amount of time. After a somewhat turbulent start in his first year (2022), Kelly’s leadership has revitalized LSU, with strong performances on both sides of the ball and a renewed focus on recruiting. So, where does LSU place in the way-too-early 2025 college football rankings? Let’s break down the situation and examine LSU’s position, looking at factors such as the team’s recent performances, talent pool, and potential for the upcoming seasons.

1. LSU Football’s Recent Performance Under Brian Kelly

Brian Kelly’s hire in 2022 was met with high expectations, and by the end of his second season, it was clear that LSU was back on track. In his first season, Kelly led the Tigers to a 10-4 record, including a remarkable victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide in Tiger Stadium. This win was especially significant because it was seen as proof that Kelly could compete with the perennial powerhouse teams in the SEC, particularly Alabama.

However, it was in 2023 that LSU truly showed its potential. The Tigers finished the season with an 11-2 record, finishing second in the SEC West and making it to a New Year’s Six bowl game. Their only losses came to top-tier teams in the SEC—an expected result considering the intense competition of the Southeastern Conference. LSU’s offense, led by Jayden Daniels, a dual-threat quarterback, was one of the most explosive in the country, while the defense—though sometimes inconsistent—made key stops in critical moments.

Kelly’s ability to recruit talent and develop players quickly was evident. The 2023 season was a glimpse into the future, and with the right pieces in place, LSU was poised to make a real push for the College Football Playoff (CFP) in 2024.

2. Key Players Returning for LSU in 2025

As we look ahead to the 2025 season, LSU’s position in the rankings will undoubtedly be influenced by the talent they have on the roster. With Jayden Daniels expected to return for his senior year, LSU’s offense remains a formidable threat. Daniels, who accounted for over 3,000 passing yards and over 800 rushing yards in 2023, has proven himself to be one of the top quarterbacks in college football. His ability to extend plays with his legs and make big throws down the field gives LSU a dynamic and unpredictable offense. His continued development, along with the growing chemistry between him and his wide receivers, including emerging stars like Malik Nabers, bodes well for LSU’s chances in 2025.

On the defensive side, LSU will rely on returning stars such as Maason Smith, a dominant defensive tackle, and Harold Perkins Jr., a linebacker who exploded onto the scene in 2023 as one of the most versatile and explosive players in college football. Perkins’ ability to rush the passer, stop the run, and cover receivers gives LSU one of the most complete linebacking corps in the country. With Smith and Perkins anchoring the defense, LSU’s front seven should be one of the most feared in the SEC, if not the nation.

Additionally, LSU’s depth at wide receiver, running back, and along the offensive line will play a significant role in determining how successful the Tigers are in 2025. Kelly has been exceptional at recruiting and developing talent, so LSU’s roster could be even more loaded in 2025 than it was in 2023.

3. Recruiting Success and Future Talent for LSU

LSU’s recruiting efforts under Brian Kelly have already produced immediate results. In 2023, the Tigers landed several top-tier recruits, many of whom contributed as true freshmen. As a result, the 2024 recruiting class has the potential to be even stronger. LSU has always been a talent-rich state, and Kelly has made a concerted effort to keep homegrown talent in Baton Rouge. With an emphasis on recruiting elite players, particularly along the defensive line and in the secondary, LSU is setting itself up for sustained success.

The Tigers are expected to have one of the top 10 recruiting classes for the 2024 cycle, which will bolster their roster with future stars. The addition of top-tier recruits such as Desmond Ricks, a five-star cornerback, and Dylan Carpenter, a top safety, will give LSU the depth it needs to compete at the highest level in the SEC and nationally.

Moreover, LSU has been active in the transfer portal, adding key players who could make an immediate impact. Kelly’s ability to balance high school recruiting with the portal has been instrumental in building a roster that is both deep and talented, with immediate contributors and long-term developmental players.

4. The SEC Landscape in 2025

No conversation about LSU’s position in the way-too-early 2025 rankings is complete without considering the fierce competition in the SEC. As the most dominant conference in college football, the SEC has multiple teams vying for national title contention each year. LSU’s position in the rankings will be closely tied to how it stacks up against teams like Georgia, Alabama, Ohio State, and even other SEC powerhouses like Tennessee and Ole Miss.

4.1 Georgia: The SEC’s Standard Bearer

As of 2023, Georgia has emerged as the gold standard in college football. With back-to-back national championships under head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia has become the team to beat in the SEC and nationally. The Bulldogs have an incredibly talented roster, including one of the top quarterbacks in the country in Carson Beck. While Georgia will continue to be a powerhouse in 2025, LSU’s ability to compete with Georgia will be a key storyline. If LSU can get over the hump against teams like Georgia and Alabama, it could very well be the team to watch in the SEC and the College Football Playoff.

4.2 Alabama: A Perennial Contender

Despite experiencing some growing pains in recent years, Alabama remains one of the most successful programs in college football. With Nick Saban still at the helm, the Crimson Tide is always a threat to win a national title. However, LSU’s win over Alabama in 2023 was a significant statement, indicating that the Tigers can hang with the Tide, both in terms of talent and on-field execution. The development of LSU’s young players, particularly on the offensive line and in the secondary, will play a pivotal role in determining how the Tigers fare against Alabama in 2025.

4.3 The Rise of Other SEC Teams

In addition to Georgia and Alabama, LSU will have to contend with other rising programs like Tennessee, Ole Miss, and potentially even Florida. These teams have been building competitive rosters and developing strong coaching staffs, which could make the SEC even more competitive heading into 2025. While LSU is poised to be a top contender, the landscape in the SEC is always changing, and Kelly’s team will need to be ready for challenges from all corners of the conference.

5. What Will it Take for LSU to Rise to the Top in 2025?

In order for LSU to climb into the top 5 or even claim a spot at the top of the rankings in the 2025 season, the Tigers will need to check several boxes:

• Quarterback Play: Jayden Daniels must continue to develop as a passer, particularly in big games against the SEC’s elite teams. His dual-threat ability is a significant advantage, but his ability to make plays through the air will determine LSU’s ceiling.
• Defensive Consistency: While LSU has had moments of brilliance on defense, consistency has been an issue. Players like Harold Perkins, Maason Smith, and others must continue to develop, while the defensive line needs to apply more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
• Avoid Injuries: Injuries are an unfortunate part of football, but LSU’s success in 2025 will depend heavily on staying healthy. If key players like Daniels, Perkins, and Smith can stay on the field for the majority of the season, LSU will be in a strong position to make a run.
• Big Game Success: LSU must prove it can compete with Georgia, Alabama, and other top-tier teams consistently. The SEC schedule is always grueling, but if LSU can win key matchups—particularly those on the road—its ranking in the way-too-early 2025 predictions could continue to rise.