The hype is growing in Baton Rouge—and it’s not coming from the fan base. College football expert JD PicKell has LSU ranked No. 8 in his post-spring top 10, but he’s already issuing a daring forecast: don’t be shocked if the Tigers are playing for everything by season’s end.
Why Garrett Nussmeier’s Performance Could Propel LSU in 2025
At the heart of that prediction? Junior quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is the rising star poised to take the reins of the LSU offense and lead the Tigers on what could be a historic run.
Nussmeier is off the bench warmer. After being patient behind Jayden Daniels, the LSU quarterback is set to blow up in 2025. PicKell wasn’t reserved with the praise: “If this is Garrett Nussmeier’s badge year—and we all assume it will be—there is no ceiling on what LSU can be.”
A potential 4,000-yard passer, Nussmeier possesses strong arm strength and years of system awareness, and he’ll have no shortage of weapons to throw to. LSU did not reload; they went “Gucci in the Gucci store,” as PicKell put it, when pursuing the transfer portal.
Brian Kelly’s Tigers were very serious business this offseason, bringing in elite-level players to strengthen the offense on the other side of the ball. Barion Brown, the wide receiver, and Oklahoma transfer Nick Anderson headline a revamped receiving corps that could match up with the SEC’s best.
“You just look at the roster—there is not a game where you can say LSU has a quarterback mismatch anymore,” PicKell said. With its athletic line, seasoned backs, and playmaker receivers, LSU seems ready to match up with anyone.
Nussmeier may be the headliner, but PicKell also credits Kelly’s leadership for LSU’s turnaround. In his third season, Kelly has his culture well in place, and the team is responding.
“LSU thinks they can win the national championship this year—and I don’t blame them,” PicKell continued in his whole segment on YouTube. With a formidable, battle-hardened roster and quarterback ready to light it up, LSU has the perfect combination for a championship season.
KEEP READING: Garrett Nussmeier Is the Key to LSU’s Top-10 Ranking
PicKell boasts LSU No. 8 heading into the summer, but he clarified: “I wouldn’t be surprised—listen to me clearly—if they’re there at the very end of this thing.”
Under a new-look 12-team College Football Playoff, LSU possesses the skill, the talent, and the resume to pose a serious threat. If Nussmeier brings the fire, expect the Tigers to roar into national relevancy.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in football, men’s basketball, women’s basketball, and baseball!
