The LSU Tigers enter the 2025-26 football season with high expectations and plenty of momentum. Under the leadership of head coach Brian Kelly, now in his third year in Baton Rouge, the Tigers aim to return to the top of the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and position themselves for a berth in the expanded College Football Playoff.
Following back-to-back strong recruiting classes and a culture shift under Kelly, LSU is building a roster equipped with depth, experience, and explosive talent on both sides of the ball. The 2025 schedule will be a major test, but the Tigers have the pieces to compete with any team in the country.
Key Players to Watch
- Garrett Nussmeier (QB): After spending multiple seasons as a backup and part-time starter, Nussmeier returns for his senior year ready to take full command of the LSU offense. His strong arm, leadership qualities, and familiarity with the system make him the clear-cut starter. His decision to return instead of testing the NFL Draft waters is a major win for the program.
- Barion Brown (WR): One of the most electrifying players in the SEC last year, Brown transfers to LSU from Kentucky and instantly elevates the receiving corps. Known for his breakaway speed and big-play ability, Brown gives Nussmeier a true deep-threat option and will likely be featured in special teams as a returner as well.
- Mansoor Delane (CB): A high-impact transfer from Virginia Tech, Delane bolsters a secondary that struggled at times last season. With starting experience and a reputation as a lockdown corner, he’s expected to be a defensive leader and help LSU improve against the pass in 2025.
These three players represent just a portion of LSU’s retooled roster. Young talents from recent recruiting classes are expected to emerge throughout the season, particularly on the defensive line and in the linebacker corps.
Coaching Staff and Strategic Changes
Brian Kelly has made several strategic moves on the coaching staff to address shortcomings from last season — particularly on defense. The addition of Lance Guidry as a defensive analyst brings fresh eyes and valuable insight to a unit that showed inconsistency in 2024.
While the offensive system remains relatively unchanged under Kelly and offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock, the Tigers are expected to continue evolving their playbook to suit Nussmeier’s skill set, including more tempo and vertical passing concepts. On defense, look for more aggressive schemes and increased emphasis on fundamentals, especially in the secondary.
Season Outlook and Schedule Breakdown
The 2025 schedule is both daunting and exciting for the Tigers. The season opens with a blockbuster matchup on Aug. 30 at Clemson, the first leg of a high-profile home-and-home series. That game will be a tone-setter and could have early playoff implications.
Nonconference games continue with:
- Sept. 6 vs. Louisiana Tech
- Sept. 20 vs. Southeastern Louisiana
- Nov. 22 vs. Western Kentucky (WKU)
In SEC play, LSU faces a tough but manageable slate:
- Home Games: Arkansas, Florida, South Carolina, Texas A&M
- Road Games: Alabama, Oklahoma, Ole Miss, Vanderbilt
The away game at Alabama and the visit to Oklahoma — now a full SEC member — will be major tests. However, key home games against rivals like Florida and Texas A&M provide opportunities to solidify playoff credentials in front of a raucous Tiger Stadium crowd.
Fan Engagement and Community Support
Few programs in college football can match the passion of the LSU fanbase, and that loyalty remains as strong as ever. For the 2025 season, season tickets sold out once again, with record demand for key games against Florida and Arkansas. LSU has continued to invest in fan engagement, upgrading facilities, enhancing in-game experiences, and maintaining Tiger Stadium’s reputation as one of the loudest venues in the nation.
The annual “Gold Game” and Homecoming Weekend promise to be standout events, and the LSU faithful are eager to welcome the new-look Tigers onto the field.
Looking Ahead
LSU enters the 2025 season with a mix of returning talent, key transfers, and experienced coaching. If Garrett Nussmeier can elevate his play and the defense shows marked improvement under new leadership, the Tigers could be in serious contention for an SEC title—and a spot in the 12-team College Football Playoff.
The road won’t be easy, but LSU is well-equipped to rise to the challenge. With a schedule packed with marquee matchups and a fanbase hungry for success, the 2025 season promises to be one of the most exciting campaigns in recent memory for the Tigers.