The 2024 college football season ended on a sour note for LSU (Louisiana State University), but under the leadership of Brian Kelly, there’s a sense of optimism in Baton Rouge as the Tigers embark on a strategic rebuild. The team’s disappointing finish last year, marked by several close losses and an underwhelming bowl game performance, has sparked a wave of activity within the transfer portal. Coach Kelly, in just his second year at LSU, is aiming to flip the script on the program’s fortunes and push LSU back into national championship contention.
A Disappointing Finish to the 2024 Season
Despite high expectations, LSU’s 2024 season did not end the way many had hoped. The Tigers entered the season with a top-tier recruiting class, a Heisman contender in quarterback Jayden Daniels, and a roster loaded with talent. They started strong but faltered in the final stretch, culminating in a loss to a resurgent Alabama team in the SEC Championship Game. LSU’s hopes for a College Football Playoff (CFP) berth were dashed, and while they secured a spot in a prestigious bowl game, their performance in the postseason left a lot to be desired.
The team’s inconsistency on both sides of the ball, particularly the defense, led to their downfall. While the offense, spearheaded by Daniels, remained potent throughout most of the season, LSU’s defense showed significant gaps. Injuries, lack of depth, and occasional lapses in discipline ultimately resulted in the Tigers losing key matchups, including their most crucial games against SEC rivals like Alabama, Mississippi, and Arkansas.
In the aftermath of the disappointing finish, Brian Kelly was candid in his assessments. He acknowledged that while the team had made strides since his arrival in Baton Rouge, they still had a long way to go. “We’re not quite where we need to be,” Kelly said in a post-season interview. “We have talent, but we need to fine-tune some things, particularly in the trenches and on defense. This offseason will be crucial for us to get back to where LSU should be.”
Brian Kelly’s Strategic Approach: The Transfer Portal
One of the main strategies Kelly has employed in his first few years at LSU is leveraging the transfer portal to fill gaps on the roster. The portal has become an indispensable tool for college football programs, offering immediate help to teams in need of depth and talent. LSU, which already boasts a strong recruiting pipeline, has turned to the transfer portal to supplement its roster, particularly on defense and along the offensive line.
Brian Kelly has shown a keen understanding of how to utilize the portal, seeking players who can make an immediate impact, while also looking for prospects who fit into his system and culture. Kelly has been careful to balance his roster with a mix of young talent and experienced players from other programs, ensuring LSU has a blend of depth and star power heading into 2025.
A Focus on the Defensive Side
If there’s one area where LSU’s coaching staff has been heavily focused during the transfer period, it’s on defense. The Tigers’ defensive unit was inconsistent last year, and Kelly has made it clear that upgrading this aspect of the team will be one of the top priorities moving forward. LSU is already known for producing top-tier defensive talent, but last season exposed some of the weaknesses that have held them back.
Kelly has made several key moves in the portal to strengthen LSU’s defensive line and secondary. The Tigers have brought in multiple experienced defensive linemen, including a highly touted pass rusher from the Big 12 and a defensive tackle from the ACC. These transfers are expected to help bolster LSU’s front seven, which was a major vulnerability last season.
In addition, Kelly has recruited multiple defensive backs to shore up a secondary that struggled at times in coverage and tackling. By bringing in players who are already familiar with the physicality of SEC football, LSU aims to hit the ground running in 2025 with a much-improved defense.
Offensive Line Reinforcements
While LSU’s offense was generally strong throughout the 2024 season, one of the areas where improvement is still needed is the offensive line. Despite having one of the best quarterbacks in the nation in Jayden Daniels, LSU’s offensive line struggled with consistency at times. This was particularly evident during key games when the Tigers failed to establish a dominant run game, forcing Daniels to carry much of the offensive load.
To remedy this, Kelly and his staff have targeted the transfer portal for offensive linemen who can provide immediate help. LSU has already secured commitments from several experienced offensive linemen, including one from the Pac-12 and another from the SEC, both of whom are expected to make an impact right away. The addition of these players will provide more depth and competition in the trenches, crucial for both pass protection and establishing a strong running game in 2025.
Wide Receiver Depth
Although LSU boasts one of the best quarterbacks in the country in Jayden Daniels, the team’s receiving corps was somewhat inconsistent last season. While Malik Nabers emerged as a star, the Tigers struggled to develop a reliable second option in the passing game. To give Daniels more weapons and to provide some insurance in case of injuries, Kelly has brought in several talented wide receivers from the transfer portal.
One of the notable additions is a highly skilled wide receiver from the SEC, who has the ability to stretch the field and provide a reliable target for Daniels. In addition, Kelly is reportedly eyeing a few more wideouts who could potentially sign with LSU during the later stages of the transfer period. If these additions pan out, LSU’s passing game could become even more potent in 2025, providing Daniels with multiple dynamic options.
The Recruiting Class: Building for the Future
While the transfer portal has been the primary focus for immediate improvements, Brian Kelly is also making moves to ensure LSU’s future success through traditional recruiting. The Tigers have once again secured a top-ranked recruiting class, including several highly-rated prospects on both sides of the ball.
The 2025 recruiting class features some key defensive recruits, including a five-star linebacker and a highly touted cornerback, both of whom could see significant playing time early in their careers. On offense, LSU has secured commitments from a talented running back and a promising young quarterback, further solidifying the program’s depth.
In addition to star players, Kelly has made sure to build depth in key positions, particularly along the defensive line and offensive line, where LSU has struggled in recent years. These recruits will add to an already impressive roster of young talent, setting the stage for sustained success in the years to come.
The Role of Jayden Daniels in LSU’s Comeback
While much of the attention is on the roster changes and the influx of transfers, LSU’s fate in 2025 ultimately hinges on the play of Jayden Daniels. The senior quarterback is one of the most dynamic players in college football, capable of taking over games with his legs and arm. However, Daniels needs more consistency from his supporting cast in order to elevate LSU back into the SEC and CFP conversations.
Daniels’ ability to lead an offense that can control the ball and capitalize on opportunities will be pivotal in LSU’s comeback attempt. He has already shown flashes of brilliance during his time at LSU, and now he will be expected to take on more of a leadership role, helping to mentor some of the younger players who are expected to step up in 2025.
The combination of Daniels’ experience, along with the fresh talent brought in through the transfer portal, should give LSU a potent offense capable of keeping pace with the best in the SEC. If the offensive line can provide better protection and the receiving corps can provide Daniels with more reliable options, LSU’s offense has the potential to be one of the most dangerous in the country.
LSU’s 2025 Schedule and the Path to a Comeback
While much of the focus has been on roster improvements, the road to LSU’s comeback in 2025 will also depend on their ability to navigate a difficult SEC schedule. The Tigers will face tough matchups against perennial powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and Texas A&M, all of whom will be competing for SEC supremacy. However, the potential for LSU to challenge for a CFP spot is very much alive if they can take care of business in these high-stakes games.
One area where LSU will have an advantage is in their home games. Tiger Stadium is one of the most intimidating environments in college football, and LSU will need to capitalize on their home-field advantage to make a push for a conference championship and beyond. With the reinforcements brought in through the transfer portal and a solid recruiting class, LSU will have the talent and depth to compete with the best.
Conclusion: Optimism for 2025
After a disappointing finish to the 2024 season, LSU and Brian Kelly have set their sights on a major comeback in 2025. The team’s focus on shoring up its defense, strengthening the offensive line, and adding weapons on offense has made the Tigers one of the most active teams in the transfer portal this offseason. With key transfers and an impressive recruiting class, LSU is poised to return to prominence in the SEC and college football at large.
Brian Kelly’s experience and ability to navigate the transfer portal will be key to LSU’s success moving forward. While challenges remain, the program is in a prime position to rebound in 2025 and re-establish itself as a national powerhouse. With Jayden Daniels leading the charge, the Tigers are hungry for redemption and ready to take the next step toward championship contention.
