Power ranking the SEC in 2025 preseason: #4 - LSU
A popular pick as a dark horse to win the conference, the Bayou Bengals cleaned up in the portal without a doubt. Adding Nic Anderson and Barion Brown to offset the loss of some of last year's receiving talent was a great move for the Tigers, and Garrett Nussmeier's return will buoy a lot of hopes in Baton Rouge.
The elephant in the room, though, was the complete inability of Blake Baker's defense to figure out what to do with a running quarterback. Despite boasting a skilled defensive line and linebackers like Whit Weeks, the Tigers were repeatedly flummoxed by quick-footed passers like Jalen Milroe and Marcel Reed.
That Achilles' Heel needs to be addressed, no doubt, but there's another thing that gives me pause about the Tigers: the offensive line. Will Campbell and Emory Jones didn't exactly live up to expectations last year, but it's not a great thing that you have to replace all the production up front that has gone out the door.
The opener at Clemson could exacerbate a lot of anxieties on the Bayou— the Tigers are one of the most experienced teams in the nation for the upcoming year, topping the returning production rankings. The duel between Cade Klubnik and Garrett Nussmeier will be something to behold, but if Brian Kelly loses yet another season opener, there will be some quite unhappy Tiger fans ready to see him gone.