LSU head coach Brian Kelly is clear about his high expectations for the Tigers as they prepare for the 2024 college football season. With a revamped roster and new challenges ahead, Kelly is focused on one thing: bringing a national championship back to Baton Rouge.
During a late August appearance on “The Paul Finebaum Show,” Kelly did not shy away from stating LSU’s primary objective for the upcoming season.
“Look, we want to win a national championship. I’m not going to sit here and say 10 wins is the ultimate goal. It’s to win national championships. We’ve been consistent year in and year out, but we just want to take that next step,” Kelly said, as quoted by Paul Finebaum.
The 2023 season saw LSU finish with a solid 10-3 record, trailing only the Ole Miss Rebels and the College Football Playoff-bound Alabama Crimson Tide. The Tigers were led by star quarterback Jayden Daniels, who won the 2023-24 Heisman Trophy.
Daniels made an immediate impact at LSU after transferring from Arizona State in 2022, throwing for 2,913 yards and 17 touchdowns in his first season. In 2023, he took his game to another level, amassing 3,812 yards and 40 touchdowns, solidifying his status as one of college football’s top quarterbacks. His outstanding performance earned him the second overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Washington Commanders.
While the Tigers will miss Daniels’ leadership and production, Kelly believes LSU has the pieces to remain competitive in 2024. One key factor is the emergence of Garrett Nussmeier, the new starting quarterback, who has shown promise as a pocket passer with the potential to lead LSU’s offense.
However, as noted by ClutchPoints’ Shane Shoemaker, Nussmeier’s success will depend on his chemistry with LSU’s receiving corps. Senior wide receiver Kyren Lacy is expected to be a primary target after a career-best season in 2023. Alongside Lacy, returning receivers Chris Hilton Jr. and Aaron Anderson will also need to step up.
If Nussmeier and his receivers can develop strong connections, the Tigers could be well-positioned to contend with the elite defenses in the SEC and beyond.
Brian Kelly’s ambitions for LSU are clear, but whether the Tigers can achieve their ultimate goal of a national championship remains to be seen. Stay tuned to see how the 2024 season unfolds.
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