Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers enter a pivotal offseason for the program after capping off the 2024 season with a 9-4 record in Baton Rouge. It's clear suffering four losses in one season is not the "LSU standard" and Kelly alluded to that once the regular season wrapped up with a victory over Oklahoma on Nov.

HOUSTON — Before LSU played in the Texas Bowl, coach Brian Kelly framed the game as a way for the team to start the 2025 season. It provided an ending to this year, but as non-playoff bowls often do these days, it also offered a chance to look ahead.

The LSU Tigers have been superstars in the transfer portal so far to finish 2024, but they haven't forgotten about the value in high school recruiting, either. They just landed a notable piece for their defensive class in 2026.

Shrinking the field and secondary players making open-field tackles have been points of emphasis for Kelly all season. Without Sage Ryan or Major Burns, Gilbert was the lone safety with experience, while sophomore Toviano got his first real game time as a starter.

Brian Kelly said that his NIL donation match challenge response from fans and donors has positioned LSU football to remain aggressive in portal.

LSU head football coach Brian Kelly's work to rebuild the Tigers into a top SEC contender has only just begun.