Well, Brian Kelly strolled into Baton Rouge with championship dreams and a Southern drawl, promising LSU fans a natty and a squad that could deliver. But now entering Year 4, the harsh reality hits hard: no playoffs, no title, and Kelly’s seat is heating up by the minute. The $60 million buyout is no longer a safety net but a ticking time bomb. Now, with LSU’s 6’7″ beast stepping aside, it’s evident that coach Kelly’s reign might be crumbling faster than a loose thread on an old sweater.
Now let’s get straight to the point. LSU’s basketball team is in the spotlight, mirroring their struggling football squad. With a 13-12 record, seven consecutive losses, and a 2-10 conference play record, things seem amiss. And now even their star player Trey’dez Green making a major career move, stepping away from basketball to lock in on academics. Looks like LSU’s fate can’t catch a break. On one side Coach Matt McMahon cites academic focus, while LSU insider Matt Moscona hints at more behind the scenes. The burning question is: Will Green make a return to basketball this season or the next? And how will this choice impact his career?
“I’m sure it is, I’m certain it is he’s a freshman in college who went straight from football to basketball that’s balancing a lot. I think spring ahead of him for football, so if stepping away from basketball now allows him to focus on academics and get ready for spring practice, which is the reason that he’s on scholarship at LSU,” Moscona said. Well, playing two sports is an exceptional skill in itself. But we all know the kind of pressure it brings, especially when you have an academic workload.
Source: Imago
It’s evident that managing both sports is no easy feat, and even Coach McMahon respects Green’s dedication to balancing it all. As he says, “Impressed with Trey’dez for coming in mid-year and not knowing any terminology, ball screen coverage, side out of bounds, and all the other details, he’s been learning everything quickly. It’s a lot on his plate, especially with a heavy academic workload this semester. In collaboration with Coach Kelly, it’s the best decision for him right now to focus on his academics and football.” Well, it’s good that Green is taking a break for his academics, but even insider Moscona feels that he is better off playing football.
However, despite all that, Trey’dez Green is one of a kind. He has played in six basketball games this season, averaging 1.8 PPG and 1.7 RPG in just under seven minutes per game, with his best outing being four points in 11 minutes against Texas. But he is also talented off the court, as Green also plays for LSU’s football team. In their 44-31 bowl win against Baylor, he caught six passes for 53 yards and two TDs.
When Green switched to basketball, it became clear that, at 6’7″ as a forward, he’d blend in. But as a 6’7″ tight end with elite athleticism, he’s a nightmare matchup. A 5’11″ nickelback or linebacker trying to cover him in the slot? That’s a huge problem for defenses. Even with limited action this season, he stood out, catching two touchdown passes in the red zone. As Matt says, “Like the long-term ceiling for Trey’dez in football is exponentially higher than it is in basketball.” But Green’s sudden switch from basketball is not the only thing making waves in LSU, as Brian Kelly’s $60 million safety net is also running low.
Pressure Mounts over Brian Kelly’s $60 million safety net
We are all aware of LSU’s disastrous 2024 season, finishing 9-4. For the third year in a row, Brian Kelly lost the season opener, which set the Tigers back early on. As LSU’s boosters are done with mediocrity. So, the pressure is on Brian Kelly to deliver something close to the magic of 2019. Plus, with Garrett Nussmeier‘s presence and the $61 million buyout on stake, LSU won’t hesitate to pull the trigger if coach Kelly’s team falls short.
Even Brad Crawford wasted no time in putting Brian Kelly in his list of top five HCs entering 2025 under pressure, as he says, “I’m going to start things off at number five, maybe a surprise pick here. LSU’s Brian Kelly: His first three years with the Tigers have been fine. But not good enough in Baton Rouge: 29 wins, 40 games, but no playoff appearances. LSU spent a considerable amount of cash in NIL this recruiting cycle to get a portal class it felt could compete in the SEC. They got Garrett Nussmeier back at quarterback, Brian Kelly; this is a must-get to the playoff win year in 2025.” But it’s not like Brian Kelly isn’t doing anything for the team.
LSU is looking strong with Nussmeier eyeing the Heisman and a defense bolstered by transfers like Tamarcus Cooley, Mansoor Delane, and Ja’Keem Jackson. The talent is evident, but it all hinges on Week 1. Clemson is the first challenge, and Kelly cannot afford another stumble, as failure in that game could trigger the activation of the $61 million buyout swiftly. The pressure is on, with everything riding on that initial matchup.
Now the 2025 season is a make-or-break year for Brian Kelly, as another opening loss might make LSU’s boosters look out for a change. There’s really no time left for excuses!
The post LSU’s 6’7″ Beast Forced to Make Brutal Sacrifice as Brian Kelly’s $60M Safety Blanket Runs Thin appeared first on EssentiallySports.