Spring football has officially arrived, ushering in a wave of renewed optimism across college campuses – and few programs are embracing the fresh start quite like LSU.
After a somewhat disappointing 9-4 finish in what was the worst season of the Brian Kelly era thus far, the Tigers are heading into 2025 determined to turn the page.
And according to ESPN’s Paul Finebaum, the early buzz coming out of Baton Rouge is overwhelmingly positive.
The longtime SEC analyst admitted he doesn’t fully understand what’s behind LSU’s apparent transformation – but he knows something is brewing.
“I’m hearing great things about everything,” Finebaum revealed. “I don’t know. Maybe I missed last season and the year before, but there was a transformation that went on. It wasn’t in front of our eyes because I don’t really know how it’s happening. The positivity down there is really off the charts.”
That optimism isn’t just based on good vibes – it’s grounded in the talent LSU is bringing to the table for the 2025 season.
The Tigers return 62% of their production, good for 38th nationally, according to ESPN’s returning production metrics.
Among the key returnees is quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who emerged as a star last season with 4,052 passing yards and 29 touchdowns.
Nussmeier’s leadership and continued growth are expected to be foundational for LSU’s offense. Don’t be shocked if he ends up being at least a finalist for the Heisman Trophy.
Beyond returning talent, LSU also made waves in the transfer portal.
Per 247Sports, the Tigers landed the No. 1 transfer class in the country, bolstering key areas across the roster. Combine that with a top-10 recruiting class, and it’s easy to see why belief is building.
While questions remain – particularly on defense – the early signs suggest that Brian Kelly’s squad is poised to reassert itself as a true contender in the SEC.
As Finebaum hinted, something special might be unfolding behind the scenes in Baton Rouge.
With spring practice underway and energy building, LSU fans have reason to be hopeful that 2025 could mark a return to national prominence.
What are your thoughts on Finebaum’s comments? … Is this the year Brian Kelly finally lives up to the hype???
