Brian Kelly Confident in LSU’s Direction at SEC Media Days

Photo By: LSU ATHLETICS

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DALLAS, Texas — July 16, 2025

Head coach Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers took center stage at SEC Media Days in Dallas, giving fans and media alike a preview of the program’s trajectory heading into the 2025 season. The message from Kelly was clear: LSU is focused, disciplined, and ready to lean on its veteran leadership to make a playoff push.

Nussmeier Takes the Torch

All eyes were on quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who steps into the role as LSU’s full-time starter following the graduation of Jayden Daniels. Kelly praised Nussmeier’s development, highlighting his maturity and command of the offense. “Garrett has been patient, he’s put in the work, and now he’s ready,” Kelly said. “He brings energy and accuracy that our locker room responds to.”

Nussmeier himself spoke confidently about embracing the spotlight: “I’ve waited for this opportunity. Now it’s about being consistent and giving this team everything I have.”

Defensive Identity Leading the Way

Kelly emphasized that the Tigers’ defense will be the backbone of the team. With leaders like Harold Perkins Jr.anchoring the linebacker corps and a retooled defensive line, LSU expects to be more aggressive and disruptive than a year ago. Perkins, who joined Kelly on the stage, said, “We want to set the tone every game. Fast, physical, relentless—that’s LSU defense.”

Key Position Battles

Beyond the headlines, Kelly acknowledged that offensive line depth and secondary rotations are still developing. Transfers and incoming freshmen are expected to push veterans throughout fall camp. “Competition is healthy. The best will play,” Kelly noted, signaling that roster spots remain up for grabs.

Kelly on the Big Picture

When asked about playoff aspirations, Kelly kept his tone measured but confident. “The standard at LSU is championships,” he said. “We know the SEC is the toughest road in college football, but our program is built to compete with anyone. We’re not shying away from expectations—we’re embracing them.”

Takeaway From Dallas

LSU left Dallas with the sense of a team both grounded and ambitious. Nussmeier’s leadership, Perkins’ defensive intensity, and Kelly’s steady approach formed the backbone of LSU’s message: this is a team that expects to contend, not just compete.

The Tigers open their season on August 30 against Clemson, where all the offseason talk will finally meet the reality of the field.