The bags were packed, the goodbyes were said, and the train was probably about to leave Baton Rouge. But then came Brian Kelly knocking with feverish eyes on the door. And mind you, when Kelly comes knocking, you better answer that door. Don’t get me wrong, some things are pretty much inevitable; for instance, Kelly’s failure to sign Bryce Underwood. But, if things in LSU are considered, Kellynomics still reigns supreme. A similar thing has happened in the LSU camp very recently. And, it may well change the fortunes of Kelly and LSU going into the 2025 season.

Well, it’s not a secret that Brian Kelly didn’t have the best of his seasons in 2024. Sure, they started their campaign on a solid note (6-1), but a three-game losing streak post that killed all their playoff hopes. Undoubtedly, losing Jayden Daniels – a Heisman winner QB – to the NFL in 2023 wouldn’t have sat well with even the best of the best. But LSU found their ideal QB in Garrett Nussmeirer who had spent much of his past two seasons in the shadow of Daniel.

And, boy, did he make his mark.

4,025  yards, 29 TDs, and moments of sheer exceptional brilliance throughout the season almost guaranteed him the top 5 NFL draft picks. After the end of the 2024 season, it was looking like Sayonara for Nussmeiner from college football and LSU. But then came the biggest turn for the Tigers HC Brian Kelly.

“Since a young kid, all I have ever wanted was to grow up and play in the NFL…God brought me to the LSU for a reason. I feel like my time at LSU is not over. I am officially announcing that I am returning for my final year of eligibility and I am fully committed to bringing this University a championship“. As these words poured out of Garret‘s mouth in a video posted by him, the bookmakers and football analysts were having a meltdown in their studios and offices. And why would they not, the QB’s return alone will change the fate of LSU going into the future and will drastically change the odds of how LSU will fare in 2025. But how exactly?

First and foremost, it has kept Brian Kelly very happy, “I think there was always this sense that he was going to come back, but we never took it for granted…We did our due diligence. We made our case as to why it was in everybody’s best interest for him to come back for another year and re-recruited him from that standpoint”. He added, “ All the things that go along with arguably the best quarterback in the SEC and maybe in the country”. The praise for his long-time pupil alone shows that Kelly is on cloud nine right now. But there is more to the anticipation than this.

Brian Kelly and LSU’s prospects in 2025

Apart from Garrett returning to the LSU, Kelly has also brought in significant reinforcements to pair with the QB. This is partly why last season, due to weak offensive personnel, his exploits were greatly underutilized. For instance, remember LSU’s losing streak when he was constantly running out of options in offense. So, who has Kelly brought into the fold after all?

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Undoubtedly, losing Jayden Dannielsn – a 2 time Heisman winner QB – 2 time get facts right hence why journalism...more

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Well, for starters, Nic Anderson, the talented Oklahoma wide receiver, is coming to LSU. Furthermore, Barion Brown, the Kentucky ace return specialist and wide receiver, is also being paired up in the the offense. Mind you, these two players are exceptionally prolific. For context, Anderson notched up 798 receiving yards and was only the second freshman to do that in Oklahoma’s history. On the other hand, in Brown, LSU will be getting a player who possesses great speed and agility.

The verdict? Well, LSU’s 2025 October schedule pits them initially against the likes of Clemson, Florida, and Mississippi. That will actually show if they have got what it takes. But, with the additions such as Mansoor Delane (CB), Syder Mitchell (Texas), and Patrick Payton a strong case can still be made for their success. Furthermore, the reinforcements and the return of Garrett Nussmeier combined will likely enable LSU to have all the ingredients to at least make a run for the championship trophy.