The 2025 college football season has yet to kick-off, but it's never too early to project what bowl season will look like. Kyle Bonagura and Mark Schlabach of ESPN have made their preseason bowl projections, and both analysts have the LSU Tigers in unfamiliar territory under Brian Kelly.
Bonagura and Schlabach both have LSU qualifying for the College Football Playoff - something the program hasn't done under Kelly in his three seasons in Baton Rouge. Bonagura has LSU slated as the No. 10 seed facing No. 7 Notre Dame, while Schalbach has LSU as the No. 9 seed facing No. 8 Oregon. Both of those scenarios would have the Tigers hitting the road to play first round games at campus sites. Schlabach then has LSU advancing to play No. 2 Clemson in the quarterfinal round, but ultimately losing. Bonagura has LSU falling in the first round to Notre Dame.
The Tigers have yet to make the CFP with Kelly at the helm, and after posting a regular season record of 8-4 last season, Tiger fans are hungry for a shot at the national title. Qualifying for the CFP is the first step, but Kelly won't do himself any favors with a first round exit.
Tiger fans hungry for a shot at the national title
The importance of Garrett Nussmeier returning to LSU for his senior season cannot be understated. Nussmeier totaled over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns last season while also leading the SEC in completions. His experience and veteran leadership are huge for Kelly and his staff heading into the 2025 campaign.
With Nussmeier loaded with an elite receiving room, there are less concerns among Tiger fans about the offense as opposed to the defense. Lackluster defensive play has let LSU down in recent seasons, and if LSU is going to compete for an SEC title and a National Championship, Blake Baker's defense has to be more effective.
The schedule isn't easy, as LSU faces seven teams in the first AP Top 25 Poll of the season. Six are SEC opponents, with a Week 1 matchup against Clemson highlighting LSU's non-conference slate.
Simply put, the Tigers cannot afford to miss opportunities like they did last season. An 8-4 regular season record is not going to cut it.