Brian Kelly is feeling the heat heading into his fourth season at LSU, with rising expectations and a fan base that’s growing restless. Former LSU standout Marcus Spears didn’t mince words on ESPN, making it clear: the time for Kelly to take the Tigers to the next level is now—or risk losing the support of LSU’s passionate supporters for good.
“LSU is in that window now where if Brian Kelly doesn’t deliver big-time results, this fan base is moving on,” Spears warned.
Kelly’s first season brought an SEC Championship Game appearance, but according to Spears, many still didn’t view that as a true sign of elite success—largely due to how the season unfolded.
This year, however, there’s a different buzz in Baton Rouge. LSU brought in a strong transfer class, landed a solid recruiting haul, and enters the 2025 season with high expectations. Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier is being talked about in preseason Heisman circles after a stellar campaign in 2024, where he threw for over 4,000 yards and 29 touchdowns. The Tigers finished with the nation’s No. 7 passing offense.
At wide receiver, LSU returns top target Aaron Anderson and adds explosive newcomers like Barion Brown and Nic Anderson. On defense, linebackers Harold Perkins and Whit Weeks are back, with edge rushers Patrick Payton and Jack Pyburn joining through the portal—making the Tigers’ front seven a serious threat.
With this much talent across the board, many believe LSU has the tools not just to contend in the SEC, but also to finally break into the College Football Playoff under Kelly.
“This doesn’t mean they’re guaranteed to win a title,” Spears acknowledged, “but it does mean they should absolutely be in the playoff conversation. If they’re not, LSU fans are going to turn on Brian Kelly, and fast.”
One glaring issue Kelly has yet to fix: winning season openers. He’s 0-for-3 so far, dropping back-to-back games to Florida State and then last season’s opener against USC. The challenge won’t get easier in 2025, as LSU travels to face Clemson—a projected ACC favorite—in a tough road atmosphere.
“It feels like LSU’s been right on the edge, just waiting to break through,” Spears said. “But if they fall short again, this season could be the breaking point. I’m not speculating—this is what I know.”