As the LSU Tigers gear up for the 2025 season, the spotlight is firmly on head coach Brian Kelly, now in his fourth year at the helm.
On a recent episode of the “Cover 3” Podcast, analysts Bud Elliot and Tim O’Malley dove into what success looks like for LSU this year, with O’Malley dropping a bold take. “The floor is the playoff.”
Analyst Says LSU Tigers’ “Floor” is a College Football Playoff Appearance
The 2025 college football season marks a critical moment for the LSU Tigers. During the conversation, analyst Bud Elliot asked, “With that schedule in mind, how would you define success for this team?” O’Malley’s response was unequivocal: “I think the floor is the playoff.”
This reflects the heightened expectations surrounding a program with LSU’s pedigree, especially in the era of the 12-team playoff. For a team that hoisted the national title in 2019, anything less than a postseason berth feels like a step backward.
LSU’s 2025 season kicks off with a marquee matchup against Clemson, a game that could set the tone for everything that follows. The Tigers will travel to Clemson’s Death Valley, a venue O’Malley described as “a tough place to play on a Saturday night.” Clemson’s defense, which he called “nasty up front,” poses an immediate challenge to LSU’s offense.
Winning this opener would be a massive statement, especially given LSU’s struggles to start strong under Kelly. The Tigers have dropped their first game in each of their three seasons, a trend that fans are desperate to see reversed.
The rest of the slate offers little respite. SEC teams like Alabama, Florida, and Texas A&M loom large, each bringing their own brand of intensity. Non-conference tilts against UCLA and Oklahoma add further complexity, potentially boosting LSU’s resume.
For LSU Fans, It’s Time To See Some Results From Brian Kelly
Brian Kelly arrived at LSU in 2022 with a solid reputation from Notre Dame, but his tenure in Baton Rouge has been a mixed bag. His debut season delivered a 10-4 record and a Citrus Bowl win, raising hopes of a quick turnaround.
However, 2023 saw a dip to 10-3, followed by a 9-4 mark in 2024 that still left LSU short of SEC title contention. Now, with three years in the books, the clock is ticking.
O’Malley noted, “A lot of fans want to see winning the first game; they have not done that under Brian Kelly.” That recurring stumble has fueled skepticism about his ability to elevate the program.
Kelly’s overall record at LSU stands at 29-11 through 2024, a solid but unspectacular mark for a program of this caliber. His teams have shown flashes of brilliance, but consistency has been elusive.
The 2025 season offers a chance to silence doubters, but it hinges on breaking old patterns. A victory over Clemson could shift the narrative, while another early loss might amplify calls for change. With LSU’s hefty investment in Kelly, a 10-year, $95 million deal, the expectation is clear: results matter, and the playoff is the bar.
College Sports Network has you covered with the latest news, analysis, insights, and trending stories in college football, men’s college basketball, women’s college basketball, and college baseball!
