It’s been some time since things went right for Brian Kelly. The Tigers HC instilled some hope at the school when he came in after spending more than a decade at Notre Dame. Many think Kelly left the latter because his goal of clinching a National Championship was not going to be achieved there. At LSU, he doesn’t seem to be getting much closer either. Now in his fourth year as coach, will Kelly be able to guarantee a good result for the Tigers this season? He better buckle up, because his star quarterback, Garrett Nussmeier, is putting a lot at stake.
Nussmeier began his 2024 season under the shadow of former QB Jayden Daniels, winner of the 2023 Heisman Trophy. Despite losing the season opener, the starting QB won six games in a row. Particularly under the limelight was Nussmeier’s performance in them. LSU looked like it had it under control during the initial weeks. But it took just three games – those against Texas A&M, Alabama, and Florida – to take down their average game points from 35.6 to 17.3, according to USA Today. The loss against Alabama knocked them out of playoff contention. With both the offense and defense floundering, there was only so much Nussmeier could do.
Now, the QB could have things looking up for him by choosing to declare draft availability. Instead, earlier this year, he chose to return to Baton Rouge for his final year of eligibility. He announced his decision on X, saying that he felt “[his] time at LSU is not over.” He also asserted, “[…] I am fully committed to bringing this university a championship.” Now, that’s an area that resonates deep with Kelly. With Bryce Underwood gone, the Bayou Bengals HC has to make 2025 the year where both Nussmeier and him get to achieve their goals.
On March 14, Matt Moscona of the After Further Review: LSU Youtube channel, shared what Nussmeier thought of a “progression” into his second year as a starter QB. He dismissed that discussion and shifted to what he was currently focusing on. “I’m worried about doing the best I can to help LSU win the National Championship […] It’s not about me, it’s not about the transition or the year two. It’s about LSU football and year four under coach Kelly,” he said. Nussmeier added further, “We’re not afraid to admit it; we’ve set the standard of where we expect to be.”
To his last thought, Moscona added what he told Spencer McLaughlin of Locked on College Football. “Baseline expectation: you are playing in that 12-team playoff,” he declared. One can spare the LSU’s initial years under Brian Kelly since the bracket was small and extremely competitive. But now, with some key advantages at hand, Baton Rouge is giving everything to make it to the widened playoff bracket and its level-playing field.
Brian Kelly is going all out on LSU’s 2025 prospects
A lot is riding on LSU’s future, at least on monetary terms. Brian Kelly himself is on an annual $10 million contract until 2031. $26.1 million went toward building the team’s 2024-26 roster, reports The Advocate. The Bayou Bengals staff have done some great work in building a promising roster this season.
247Sports claims that this year’s LSU team has the “most to gain.” The program picked up the No. 1 transfer portal class during the winter. According to On3 industry rankings, the team places 6th in the SEC and 9th nationally. 13 freshmen are expected to begin their college career with the Tigers this season. Three 5-star recruits also seem to carry a lot of potential. The bottom line is that LSU seems to have done its homework and is doing its best to deliver.
Players to look out for include Harlem Berry, ranked the No. 1 running back in the country according to 247Sports. His prep football career records 8,751 rushing yards and 142 touchdowns. Another breakout star could be DJ Pickett with a No.2 cornerback ranking across the country. He comes with the legacy of his uncle, Ryan Pickett, who played for the Packers.
LSU has actively strived to fix its roster issues with its 2025 scouting. Nussmeier now has No. 5 WR Nic Anderson and No. 8 receiver Barion Brown to his aide this year. On every facet, the Tigers are working to mend flaws with the best talent. Cooper Petagna of 247Sports said, “I think this is kind of what the LSU faithful have been waiting on, in terms of LSU’s aggressiveness in the transfer portal.”
Both Kelly and Nussmeier have a lot to prove to each other and to LSU fans this year. The team is bringing in improved talent, expectations are optimistic, and prep is underway. With all these factors in play, a playoff spot should be the top priority for the duo. Will the Tigers be able to put up a worthy fight for a spot in the bracket this season? Only time will tell.
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