The expectations in Baton Rouge aren’t just high; they’re relentless. The LSU Tigers aren’t in the business of moral victories, and after falling short in 2023, the 2024 campaign is a simple equation: playoff or bust. So, Brian Kelly got to be leading Death Valley into a crucible. With one of the best quarterbacks in the country, Garrett Nussmeier, returning for his senior season in 2025, the talent is undeniable. But talent alone doesn’t win championships. And as if that weren’t enough, Kelly now faces another problem—one that has nothing to do with the players on the field.

The real concern? The trenches. LSU’s offensive line is undergoing a major transition, and the defense, while showing progress, still has more questions than answers. To that add, Bo Davis, one of the most respected defensive line coaches in the country, is gone. Just weeks before LSU’s spring practices, Davis packed his bags for the NFL, taking the same role under Kellen Moore with the New Orleans Saints. LSU fans were blindsided. Davis wasn’t just another position coach—he was a technician who molded Kelly’s D-linemen into NFL prospects. His departure left a gaping hole in the Tigers’ coaching staff, one Kelly had to fill fast. Enter Kyle Williams, a former LSU great stepping into a high-pressure job.

Davis himself acknowledged the difficulty of leaving, saying, “It was an opportunity that presented itself, and I think it was a good opportunity for me and my family. I love LSU, but this opportunity presented itself, and it wasn’t far from there, so I took it.” Logical? Sure. But it doesn’t soften the blow for a Tigers program trying to level up defensively. That’s part of the reason why insiders of  That SEC Podcast aren’t fully sold on LSU just yet. They ranked Kelly’s Tigers as the No. 5 ‘biggest question mark’ team in the conference, and it’s not hard to see why. “I mean, these Tiger fans, it’s playoff or bust for them,” one analyst said.

“But they’ve got some questions that need to be answered.” And at the top of that list? The offensive line. “I think the playoff should be the goal or the expectation for LSU. Brian Kelly is in his tenure, so I think there are two areas that are probably the ones to watch in spring. I think the first one is going to be the offensive line. You’re turning over two standout tackles, you’ve got some other transition on the interior, you brought in some guys from the portal.” That’s not exactly the kind of stability you want when your first test of the season is a battle against another Tiger – Clemson Tigers in their den.

And while the offensive line is a concern, the defense remains an enigma. LSU made strides in 2023, cutting their points per game allowed in SEC play by nearly a touchdown. But was that enough? Not if they want to be a serious playoff contender. “If this defense can take another step forward, they cut their points per game allowed in SEC play by almost a touchdown from 2023, so there was some progress on this side of the ball,” the insiders pointed out. “But you need another step forward if you’re going to make the playoffs.” Losing Davis doesn’t make that easier, but it does put immense pressure on Williams to maintain that momentum. Defensive line play is the backbone of any SEC contender, and if LSU doesn’t control the line of scrimmage, it’s going to be a long season against teams that will test them early and often.

That brings us back to Nussmeier. He’s the guy who could make all of these issues fade into the background if he delivers at an elite level. The 2025 draft class is loaded with quarterback talent, but Nussmeier has the tools to stand out. The question is whether LSU can protect him and whether the defense can hold up its end of the bargain.

The Tigers open their season on August 30 with a massive road test at Clemson, a program that knows a thing or two about making playoff runs. There’s no easing into this season for the Tigers.

Brian Kelly’s challenge to his LSU Tigers in spring game

Spring ball is officially underway in Baton Rouge, and while there’s still a long road ahead, HC Kelly wasted no time setting the tone for his team. In a 30-second hype video released by LSU on X, Kelly delivered a simple yet powerful message to his squad: compete, not just against opponents, but against yourself.

“Be a great competitor, that’s what spring ball is about—that’s what practice is about,” Kelly told his team. “It’s us vs. us. It’s you vs. yourself. That’s what this comes down to. Practice your prep every single period. Every chance you get. The words you want to hear are ‘he’s a great competitor.’”

It’s clear Kelly wants his players locked in every single rep, pushing themselves to raise their own standard rather than focusing on anyone else. The short video featured QB1 Nussmeier slinging passes and teammates amped up in training, setting the stage for what’s sure to be an intense few weeks in camp.