Accordingly, as the fourth season of head coach Brian Kelly’s tenure approaches, it’s time for the Tigers to take a step forward. Specifically, that means securing a spot in the expanded College Football Playoff. However, arriving there depends on two key NCAAF future odds factors. First, finding enough of a ground game to pair with what should still be a potent passing game. Second, LSU must improve the defense enough to be at least average. If Kelly addresses those issues, the Tigers are certainly top-10 material. Certainly, LSU is deep with talent.
2025 SBG College Football Futures LSU Tigers
| Odds to Win National Championship: | +1800 |
|---|---|
| Odds to Win SEC Championship: | +1000 |
| Over/Under Win Total: | 8.5 |
2025 LSU Tigers Schedule
- Aug 30 at Clemson
- Sep 6 vs. Louisiana Tech
- Sep 13 vs. Florida
- Sep 20 vs. SE Louisiana
- Sep 27 at Ole Miss
- Oct 4 OFF
- Oct 11 vs. South Carolina
- Oct 18 at Vanderbilt
- Oct 25 vs. Texas A&M
- Nov 1 OFF
- Nov 8 at Alabama
- Nov 15 vs. Arkansas
- Nov 22 at WKU
- Nov 29 at Oklahoma
At the onset of the 2025 season, Brian Kelly enters his fourth year under increased scrutiny. Still, his seat remains relatively secure due to a long-term contract and a massive buyout. Most important of all, athletic director Scott Woodward isn’t about to fire the man he selected to lead the football program after Ed Orgeron’s implosion. Kelly did not stand pat over the offseason. He was aggressive in upgrading his roster.
The 2025 college football futures season is a crucial one for coach Brian Kelly’s tenure in Baton Rouge. Although LSU is 29-11 under Kelly’s watch, the program has yet to earn a playoff trip and finished outside of the top 25 last season after going 5-3 in SEC play. But with a loaded transfer class and a solid group of returnees, a playoff spot is the expectation in ‘25.
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier passed on the NFL for one more season in Baton Rouge. After throwing for 4,052 yards and 29 touchdowns last year, Correlate that Nussmeier ranks among the top signal-callers in the nation. In addition to Nussmeier, the receiving corps is stocked with talent. Starting with Aaron Anderson and Chris Hilton. And then transfers Nic Anderson and Barion Brown, it all provides a deep set of weapons for Nussmeier. For LSU to challenge for an SEC title, improving the rushing attack and revamping the line with four new starters is the top priority.
Also, LSU is counting on a step forward by its defense this fall. The Bayou Bengals showed some improvement in coordinator Blake Baker’s debut in ‘24, but more is needed. Still, optimism is high that a step forward is coming, thanks to the help provided. In addition, there is the return of a couple of key starters, including preseason All-American Whit Weeks. Help for the trenches should come in the form of Patrick Payton (Florida State), Jack Pyburn (Florida), and Bernard Gooden (South Florida). Also, the secondary is poised for improvement with cornerback Mansoor Delane coming from the portal to join five-star freshman DJ Pickett. Look for Houston transfer AJ Haulcy to make an impact at safety.
If LSU drops the season opener for a fifth straight season, it could be a struggle the rest of the way. Finally, the regular season finale at Oklahoma will make-or-break the Tigers’ SEC Championship and CFP hopes.