Brian Kelly’s time at the Tigers hasn’t gone as well as he must have hoped. Kelly’s tenure at Notre Dame was about “near misses.” At LSU so far, when it comes to the playoffs, he has been “not even close.” Going into the 2025 season, there is a lot to fix, starting with their average defense. The lowlights of the 2024 season can be seen from their game against Alabama when the Tigers failed to stop Jalen Milroe from running. Four touchdowns later, LSU was out of the playoff picture. Then, there are the questions about their returning QB1, Garrett Nussmeier. Is he the guy? Can he do it in the SEC?
For the 2025 season, the LSU Tigers are cautiously optimistic. Brian Kelly’s team, with top transfer portal picks and robust NIL efforts, aims for success. Ranked 12th, LSU eyes a playoff spot with key players Nussmeier and Perkins. Tough matchups against Clemson, Alabama, and Texas A&M await, requiring consistency to stay among the SEC elite. Before the season begins, LSU players are also in spring practice. What’s the latest? Matt Moscona gives out a review of the LSU Tigers’ open spring practice. The most encouraging thing for LSU fans is how the LSU insider talks about Nussmeier.
“I believe he is the best quarterback returning in the SEC for 2025. I would take Garrett Nussmeier over anyone else,” Moscona says. With 4,052 passing yards and 29 touchdowns last season, he got the sass and the stats to back up the point of being one of the best quarterbacks this season.
“Garrett has gone through all the wars. He’s a 4,000-yard passer. He’s a fifth-year player long term maybe DJ Lagway, over the rest of his career, becomes a better player, but in 2025, give me Garrett Nussmeier over any other quarterback in the SEC. That’s not a home or take; He’s literally the leading returning passer in college football,” says Moscona. As a gunslinger, he acknowledges Nussmeier’s NFL-level arm strength and dramatic style that captivate fans. These risky moments add to his charm, even as he occasionally imitates Brett Favre with audacious throws.
The host also talks about Arch Manning. “I understand the hype around Arch Manning, but Arch Manning has started two games in his career, and he has he’s got 60-some-odd pass attempts.” Until now, Arch has to contend with a backup role behind Quinn Ewers. In 2024, he managed 939 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, and a completion rate of 67.8%. However, all of that is set to improve as Arch takes over the QB1 responsibilities in Austin. Despite Arch’s talent, Moscona leans towards a prover-QB in Garrett Nussmeier.
Whatever the stance on who is the best quarterback and who’s not, LSU needs to buckle up fast to save face and make the playoffs this season, and HC Brian Kelly should take the ultimatum very seriously. They have already had 3 years without playoffs; at this point, it is just unacceptable.
Brian Kelly’s Last Chance to Shine: The $95 Million Question
Brian Kelly, LSU’s $95 million man after a disappointing 9-4 record in 2024, needs to deliver the College Football Playoff berth. LSU faces mounting pressure: 2025 must be a breakthrough season to maintain the faith of its passionate fanbase.
T-Bob Hebert points during a conversation on On3, “Nothing is bigger right now than ‘win the first game of the season’ because that is what is holding him back from all of his goals.” This offseason, LSU has gone all-in by securing the No. 1 transfer portal class, adding impactful newcomers, and teaming them up with returning stars Garrett Nussmeier and Harold Perkins Jr. The talented roster highlights top players like running back Harlem Berry and cornerback DJ Pickett. Even after all this, if Kelly is unable to take LSU to the playoffs, it’ll all be a waste.
Kelly’s reputation is at an unnecessary risk if he doesn’t step forward; however, he isn’t in the hot seat as of now due to this hefty contract and incentives. Kelly’s 2025 is all about proving himself and not just winning games. If LSU fails to capitalize on his presence this season, it will squander yet another opportunity
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