In a surprising turn for Tiger fans, LSU football has found itself outside the College Football Playoff (CFP) rankings for the first time since Brian Kelly took over as head coach. This marks a significant moment in Kelly’s tenure and raises questions about the direction of the program after a strong start under his leadership.
When Brian Kelly arrived in Baton Rouge ahead of the 2022 season, expectations were high. LSU fans hoped his experience and consistent success at Notre Dame would bring stability and competitiveness to a program that had seen highs and lows since its national championship win in 2019. In many ways, Kelly delivered. In his first season, he led LSU to a 10-4 record, including a signature win over Alabama and an appearance in the SEC Championship Game. The Tigers were ranked in the CFP during that season, signaling a potential return to national prominence.
His second season continued with some strong moments, especially with the emergence of quarterback Jayden Daniels as a legitimate Heisman contender. The Tigers remained competitive in the SEC and once again earned a spot in the CFP rankings, further boosting optimism that Kelly was building something sustainable.
But now, as the 2025 season progresses, LSU is noticeably absent from the latest CFP rankings—a first during Kelly’s time in charge. This development doesn’t just represent a statistical anomaly; it suggests deeper concerns that may be brewing within the program. Whether it’s defensive inconsistency, injury issues, or struggles on the recruiting trail, the drop from national contention has caught the attention of both fans and analysts alike.
The absence from the rankings is especially notable considering LSU’s tradition of excellence and the elite talent the program routinely attracts. Missing out on the CFP rankings doesn’t mean the Tigers are out of contention entirely, but it does place a spotlight on the remainder of the season. Can LSU recover and finish strong? Will Kelly and his coaching staff make the necessary adjustments?
While it’s too early to sound the alarm, this moment does present a clear inflection point in Brian Kelly’s tenure at LSU. How the Tigers respond in the coming weeks will say a lot about the program’s resilience and Kelly’s ability to guide LSU through adversity.
Tiger fans will be watching closely, hoping this year is a minor setback rather than a sign of things to come.