The LSU Tigers missed out on the College Football Playoff in 2024. They return one of the best starting QBs in college football, though, so there is still a good chance of them returning to glory. Head coach Brian Kelly has a really talented squad, but is it going to be good enough to squeeze into the 12-team playoff amid a very crowded SEC?
Antonio Morales of The Athletic believes it will, especially after the team aced the transfer portal, landing the "best transfer portal class in the country." All of it should lead to a return to the playoff for the first time since winning in 2019 with Joe Burrow.
"The last two national champions did the bulk of their roster building on the recruiting trail and used the portal only to fill small holes.
LSU will be better at the skill spots, led by transfer receivers Nic Anderson (Oklahoma) and Barion Brown (LSU)," Morales said.
The insider went on to say that the Tigers also addressed their most pressing need on the defensive line with the additions of Florida State’s Patrick Payton, Florida’s Jack Pyburn, and USF’s Bernard Gooden. The 89th ranked defense in yards per play should be so muhc better.
"There are also some high-impact freshmen at positions of need in corner DJ Pickett and running back Harlem Berry," Morales noted. "This is the most talented roster Brian Kelly has had at LSU, and he’s finally got the Tigers to the point where they can compete for a national championship."
LSU has not had as much success the last few years since that title run, but they've remained good. Now, all the pieces are there for them to go from good to great and finally return to glory.