Now that the 2025 college football season is officially in the books, the sport’s attention is already shifting to what’s ahead. And according to one early projection, LSU is firmly in the mix. In a “Too Early” Top 25 ranking for the 2026 season, the Tigers landed at No. 15 - a placement that raises eyebrows for a program in transition but also reflects some cautious optimism.
Let’s be honest: this ranking might surprise some folks. LSU’s 2025 campaign exposed some real depth issues, the kind that don’t just get patched up overnight.
A lot of that can be traced back to recruiting missteps under former head coach Brian Kelly, which left the roster thin in key spots. When you’re relying on youth and scrambling to fill gaps, consistency becomes a luxury - and LSU didn’t have much of it last year.
But here’s where things get interesting.
The Tigers managed to retain a handful of their top players through the transfer portal window, and they weren’t shy about making moves to address their needs. The biggest headline: quarterback Sam Leavitt.
He was the top-ranked QB in the portal this offseason, and LSU made sure he landed in Baton Rouge. For new head coach Lane Kiffin, that’s a foundational piece - the kind of quarterback who can make a difference right away and give the offense an identity from Day 1.
And Kiffin didn’t stop there. He reloaded the wide receiver room with serious firepower, giving Leavitt a group of playmakers that could help jumpstart the offense. Among the new additions are Jayce Brown from Kansas State and Tre Brown out of Old Dominion - two names that bring speed, versatility, and experience to the table.
On the defensive side, LSU held onto coordinator Blake Baker, preserving some much-needed continuity after a solid season from that unit. That’s no small thing during a coaching transition. Baker’s return gives the Tigers a steady hand on defense while the offense finds its footing.
The defense also got a boost from the portal. Defensive lineman Stephiylan Green (Clemson) and defensive back Ty Benefield (Boise State) are key additions who should help right away. And linebacker Whit Weeks is back after an injury-plagued year, giving the group a veteran presence in the middle.
So, what do we make of all this?
There’s a case to be made that LSU is being slightly underrated at No. 15.
Sure, there are unknowns - a new coaching staff, a new quarterback, and a roster that’s still gelling. But there’s also talent.
And if Kiffin can get this group clicking early, the Tigers could outperform that preseason ranking.
That said, the schedule isn’t doing them any favors. LSU will host Clemson, Texas, Alabama, and Texas A&M - a gauntlet that’ll test Kiffin’s squad early and often. But if Leavitt lives up to the hype and the defense holds steady, LSU could be one of the more intriguing teams to watch in 2026.
It’s a long offseason ahead, but the Tigers have positioned themselves as a team with both questions and potential. And that’s a pretty compelling combination heading into the spring.