2026 LSU Tigers SEASON PREVIEW | Chewing Clock EXTRA

Summary

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SEC Unfiltered Podcast

Episode: "2026 LSU Tigers SEASON PREVIEW | Chewing Clock EXTRA"

Date: July 13, 2026
Host: Chris (w/ Cole and Demetri)
Main Theme:
A comprehensive, candid preview of LSU’s 2026 football season, focusing on the impact of new head coach Lane Kiffin, the transformation of the roster via the portal, sustainable expectations, and pathways for Year 1 success.

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I. The Lane Kiffin Era Begins at LSU

• 2025 Recap in Context

  • LSU underperformed last year (7–6 overall, 3–5 SEC), culminating in Brian Kelly’s firing after a blowout loss to Texas A&M.
  • The coaching change was widely accepted as a needed reset, which opened the door for Lane Kiffin’s hire from Ole Miss.
  • “If you ask LSU fans would they change anything about what happened last season, they'd probably say no because it led him to this point and that is having Lane Kiffin.” — Chris (00:43)

• The Power Play

  • LSU flexed its institutional might, luring Kiffin away from Ole Miss (with some humor about “the governor getting involved”).
  • “I give Lane all the credit in the world… but something about Lane Kiffin in the state of Louisiana feels like a very toxic mix to me.” — Cole (01:32)

• Cultural Fit and Expectations

  • LSU is unique: massive in-state talent base, unmatched homefield atmosphere, and pressure-cooker expectations.
  • Lane’s previous exits have always been “messy.” There’s intrigue about the mix of Kiffin’s personality and Baton Rouge energy.
  • “LSU and Lane Kiffin are a match made in heaven because they're both toxic… he fits in really well with the folks down there in Baton Rouge.” — Chris (06:23)

• High Pressure, Short Leash

  • At LSU, 10+ wins and playoff contention are minimum expectations, much different than at Ole Miss.
  • Any early ugly loss could ignite scrutiny, given the standard and Lane’s sometimes polarizing self-defense in the media.
  • “At Ole Miss, 9–3 every other year you’ll take that. 9–3 is the bare minimum… a bad season down in Baton Rouge.” — Demetri (07:56)

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II. The Offense: High Potential, Heavy Turnover

A. Coaching and Quarterback Situation

• Staff Moves
  • Charlie Weis Jr. follows Kiffin as OC. Emphasis on continuity but with a totally new cast.
• QB Depth
  • Sam Levitt (Arizona State transfer) expected as QB1, with Houston Longstreet (USC) and Layton Clark (Elon) providing depth.
  • “There is an attraction [for QBs and receivers]: playing under Lane Kiffin… will make you better.” — Cole (10:59)

B. Skill Positions: Transfer-Fueled Firepower

• WR Room Is Practically All Transfers

  • Notables: Eugene Wilson III (Florida), Jace Brown (Kansas State), Jackson Harris (Hawaii), Winston Watkins Jr. (Ole Miss), Malik Elzy (Illinois), Trey Brown (Old Dominion), Roman Mothershed (Troy).
  • “Trade Oahu to Baton Rouge transfer has to be the greatest culture shock in college football.” — Cole (09:11)

• Tight End & RB

  • Trade'zz Green (TE) returns as a nightmare matchup and projected breakout star.
  • Harlem Berry, Kaden Durham (RB) anchor the run game; Dylan Jones (FR) could contribute quickly.

C. Offensive Line

• Only two starters return, but Jordan Seaton (highly-touted portal pickup) joins the mix.
• Line play and run blocking are major concerns after years of poor rushing output.

D. Scheme Fit and On-Field Questions

• There’s belief Lane will revive the running game and maximize the QB position.
• The biggest challenge: gelling amid massive personnel turnover (brand new QBs, WRs, new O-line).
• “Can all of these new pieces on offense come together? That's the big deal here.” — Chris (14:11)

E. Running Back Coach & Emphasis

• Kevin Smith hired as RB coach, seen as crucial to fixing the ground game struggles.
• “That’s a move that’s going to pay massive dividends from the get-go… because if you can run the football you take a lot of pressure off of Sam Levitt.” — Demetri (11:31)

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III. Defense: The Strength of Year One?

A. Blake Baker Retained at DC

• Massive win for continuity; Davis returns as linebackers coach.
• “Baker and Weeks bring a level of continuity that's going to get the message to these new guys.” — Cole (17:04)

B. Defensive Personnel

• LB: Whit Weeks, T.J. Daughtery (Ole Miss transfer), Princewill Umanmielen (Ole Miss transfer).
• DB: Secondary is loaded: PJ Woodland, DJ Pickett, DeMarcus Cooley, Ty Benefield (Boise State).
• DL: Interior line is the biggest question, relying on Steph Green, Dominic McKinley, Malik Bloton, Richard Anderson.

C. Defensive Outlook

• Confidence that Baker’s top-25 unit in 2025 will carry over, even with transfer-heavy turnover.
• “If LSU is going to accomplish the things people think Lane can in year one, it’s because the defense stepped up in a huge, huge way.” — Cole (17:59)
• Pass rush depth beyond Umanmielen is a concern; run defense (especially on the interior) is a critical variable.

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IV. Special Teams: Briefly Noted

• Punter: Grant Chadwick returns.
• Kicker: Scott Starzik takes over (notably, Ole Miss’s kicker—who beat LSU—didn’t follow Kiffin to Baton Rouge).
• Return game: “Stacked with options; will be interesting to see who stands out.” — Chris (23:01)
• “No.” — Cole on whether special teams is an area of concern or focus (22:45).

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V. The Roster Makeover & Schedule Analysis

A. Massive Player Turnover

• Only six total starters return (3 offense, 3 defense).
• 59 new players; 43 via transfer portal.
• General feeling: the “new blood” is a net positive after the stale end of the Brian Kelly era.

B. Statistical Outlook / Odds (Reported by Chris):

• 8+ wins: 86% chance
• 9+ wins: 52% chance
• 10+ wins: 38% chance
• 11 wins: 13% chance
• Playoff chance: 42%
• National Championship: 6%

C. Schedule Walkthrough

• Non-conf: Opener vs. Clemson (Lane Kiffin’s debut—huge spotlight), La Tech, McNeese.

• SEC: At Ole Miss (Week 3, “GameDay” likely), Texas A&M, Alabama, Texas — all at home.

• Road tests: Kentucky, Auburn, Tennessee (notably, late road game at Neyland is a trap spot).

• Narrative: Is it really an “easy” SEC schedule?

  • “No SEC schedule is easy… you’re bound to get four that look really difficult on paper.” — Cole (26:57)

• Potential Trap/Signature Games:

  • At Ole Miss (Lane’s emotional return early in the year, team gelling?)
  • Back-to-back games vs. ‘Bama and Texas followed by possible slip-up at Tennessee.
  • “It would be the most Lane Kiffin thing to do: put on a hell of a show against Ole Miss and forget there’s a game next week.” — Cole (28:10)
  • “Lane Kiffin’s dumbassery shows up in all kinds of fun ways.” — Cole (28:36)

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VI. Setting Expectations: Can LSU Be a Playoff Team in Year 1?

A. The Pressure is On

• Lane is not granted a “year zero.” The expectation in an NIL world is immediate results, or at least real progress.
• “Coaches of Lane’s caliber do not get a year zero. The leash is real short.” — Cole (34:32)

B. What Is “Success” in Year 1?

• Nine wins and Playoff contention = success; ugly losses or lack of identity would be worrisome.
• “8–4 or better should be labeled as a success. But more importantly, how does it look?” — Chris (36:36)

C. Will They Gel Quickly Enough?

• If they do, LSU could threaten for a playoff berth.
• If not, classic Lane Kiffin volatility could mean a blunder (e.g., slip-up to Kentucky or Mississippi State) keeps them on the outside looking in.

D. The “Kirk Cignetti Effect”

• Discussion about how Cignetti quickly rebuilt at Indiana (with mostly existing system guys) has “ruined it for first-year head coaches everywhere,” and why that’s not apples-to-apples for Kiffin at LSU.
• LSU’s transfers have significant production elsewhere.

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VII. Final Benchmarks and Realistic Goals

• “Beat Ole Miss, have a winning record at home, and go into November in the thick of the CFP race. Do those three, and it’s a more-than-successful Year 1.” — Chris (40:57)
• Cole and Demetri agree: playoff or bust is a tad harsh, but expectations must be high at a “premier program.”
• “It’s not fair, but at the same time… it’s LSU. Premier job means premier expectations.” — Demetri (39:31)

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VIII. Notable Quotes & Timestamp Highlights

• “LSU and Lane Kiffin are a match made in heaven because they're both toxic.” — Chris (06:23)
• “If you have an optionate amount of talent in your backyard that only looks at LSU as the premier program… It recruits itself. It's the best atmosphere in the sport.” — Demetri (02:27)
• “Lane Kiffin’s dumbassery shows up in all kinds of fun ways.” — Cole (28:36)
• “Coaches of Lane’s caliber do not get a year zero.” — Cole (34:32)
• “8–4 or better should be labeled as a success. And I think it's more importantly, how does it look?” — Chris (36:36)
• “Premier job means that you also have premier expectations. The second that you arrive, you shake the hand, you give the hug, you wave to the fan base and then you get to work because that's what they're paying you to do.” — Demetri (39:31)
• “Beat Ole Miss, have a winning record at home, and have an opportunity going into November where you are squarely in the College Football Playoff conversation.” — Chris (40:57)

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IX. Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–06:23: Kiffin’s hiring, Kelly’s firing, culture and expectations
• 06:23–15:31: Personnel, offense, new transfers, QB room, worries about fit/gelling
• 15:31–21:14: Defense deep dive, Baker’s retention, transfer impact, coverage, pass rush, run D
• 22:45–23:32: Special teams quick take
• 23:32–30:21: Schedule, perceived “ease”, key swing games
• 30:21–36:41: Setting/fairness of expectations, standard for “successful” year one
• 36:41–42:20: What does success look like, context from the college football landscape, “Kirk Cignetti effect”

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X. Tone and Takeaways

• The banter is lively, sharp, and humorously honest—there’s SEC-style bravado but real respect for the pressure on Lane Kiffin.
• LSU is one of 2026’s most fascinating stories: wild roster overhaul, huge fan expectations, the always-entertaining Kiffin, and a schedule that should answer questions quickly.
• If LSU gels early, a playoff run is possible—but volatility, given the volume of new players, is expected. Anything less than 8 wins is unacceptable, and the biggest “failure” would be not laying a new foundation for years two and three.

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Transcript

[Chris]

The 2026 season is just around the corner and a new era officially begins for the LSU Tigers as Lane Kiffin enters year one down in Baton Rouge. We are here Previewing the upcoming 2026 season for the Bayou Bengals. Guys, we normally start this for each of these individual teams. Looking back on the 2025 season and sort of how we got here, we don't need to spend a ton of time because LSU frankly was not very good in 2025. Hence why Brian Kelly was fired after a game that we attended in Baton Rouge when Texas A and M ran rough shot all over LSU. 76 was the overall record 3 and 5 in conference play. It got off to a promising start.

[Demetri]

Right?

[Chris]

You beat Clemson out of the gate. You were certainly one of the favorites to go to the College Football Playoff. Garrett Usmeer dealt with some injury issues and then it really just all fell apart after that. But guys, I think if you ask LSU fans would they change anything about what happened last season, they'd probably say no because it led him to this point and that is having Lane Kiffin, who enters his first season as LSU head coach. And I, I figure we just start there, guys, with the Lane Kiffin storyline because again, I think dwelling on what happened in 2025 is, is sort of a waste of our time. Thoughts on how things shook out and the path that it led them down? Verge, Osbury. We saw the governor get involved and was absolutely hilarious. But the power of LSU flexed its muscles. They get Lane Kiffin from Ole Miss and here we are today.

[Cole]

Yeah, I mean the, the power of LSU flex its muscles. Remember one of the things that Jeff Landry, the governor said was we're not going to be paying these gigantic down a failed path. Well, brother, listen, I'm not saying Lane Kiffin is the failed path, but you broke off a whole lot of money for a dude that has won a whole lot of nothing.

[Demetri]

Now.

[Cole]

Now, don't get me wrong, I give Lane all the credit in the world. Since the stopover at the Nick Saban Reform School for Wayward Boys, he has been a much better head football coach. Right. He has done everything asked of him at Florida Atlantic and then at Ole Miss. I think he is more ready for this job than ever before. But something about Lane Kiffin in the state of Louisiana feels like a very toxic mix to be.

[Demetri]

It's a fever dream. That's what it is. Like, let's call it. Let's call for what? It's a fever dream.

[Cole]

Yeah.

[Demetri]

But here's what I can Appreciate LSU laid it all out there that they said, we're lsu, we are going to get who we want. We're not gonna take no for an answer. And they made sure that they got who they want and they were not taking no for an answer. And I give a lot of credit to Ole Miss for saying, look, you can go take this job, Lane, but you're not coaching us in the playoff. We want you to be a part of Ole Miss football. And Lane knew immediately I got LSU calling me and I will continue to preach this until the end of time when run properly. LSU is the best job in college football for my money. Because if you have an abortionate amount of talent in your backyard that only looks at LSU as the premier program, they see that purple and gold and they say, I want to strap it up for them. You don't worry about that when you're. You have to worry about things like that in Alabama because you got fans of Auburn, you got fans of the Crimson Tide. You have to worry about that in Florida with Miami and Florida State, Texas, Texas and A and M and now Texas Tech with the, with the Cody Campbell money. You don't worry about that at lsu. It sells itself, it recruits itself. It's the best atmosphere in the sport. It is on a Saturday night when the western, when the sun sets in the western sky, there is nothing like Death Valley. There isn't. And Lane said, I want to come here now. With that, there comes massive expectations. And everyone knows that there are massive expectations. Keep in mind, we make fun of Brian Kelly a lot for how terrible he was and how he changed up the entire culture and how he switched on every little nook and cranny and said, I'm gonna do things my way instead of doing things the way that it's supposed to be done in Baton Rouge.

[Cole]

Except, say, family. He will say family.

[Demetri]

He did learn how to say it in Cajun, but you know what? It wasn't pretty. But still, they got to 10 plus wins twice and had a Heisman Trophy winner and he still wasn't good enough and they fired him. So the pressure is going to be on there. There is going to be on for Lane Kiffin to come on in and be the dude. He's ready for the job. He is. I just wonder what is going to be the turning of the Tide the second that you lose a game that you shouldn't. That to me is going to be a big question mark. But Lane definitely, I think, was the top hire made of the off season in terms of the coaches that were available, I would have. I, I don't understand why everyone at LSU didn't like John Summerall. I get it. It's the guy from New Orleans. And you don't want to hire the two lane coach. But besides that, that was the only other name that I think you could consider alongside with Blaine for the LSU job. And they said, we're not going to settle for less. We are taking one of the premier coaches in the sport. He's coming to our program and he's ready for it. He. I think that he is finally ready for a job like this where he wasn't for Tennessee and he certainly wasn't for usc.

[Chris]

And you make the point, Cole, that, you know, I think LSU made the best possible hire they could in this previous cycle. And I think obviously the thought process is this. Yes, Demetri, to your point, Lane given. And I mean, I agree with you, Elaine Kiffin, give all the credit in the world for what happened last year. You took an Ole Miss team, you had the greatest regular season in school history, let him to the College Football Playoff. Now you get, you didn't get to coach in the playoff. And I think that was very fair. But you led them to one of the greatest seasons of school history. The thought process is this, if you can do that there with those resources and their history and tradition, what are you going to do at a place like lsu?

[Cole]

So I, I think that based off

[Chris]

who was available, I think it was the best possible hire. And I think Relain Kiffin. We talked about this a lot in the season. I think it came to down to. I think he cares about legacy and I think he cares about rings and winning a championship. And I don't believe which, ironically enough, it was Ole Miss that had the opportunity to do it last year. But I think in the long run, he did not believe that his best opportunity to do that was it Ole Miss. It was down in Baton Rouge. And I would agree with it, Cole. It's a. I don't think anybody blames Lane Kiffin for taking the LSU job. No, I mean, it's one of the best jobs in college football. You could argue the best job in college football. But he also mentioned it on other appearances. It was the way it happened at the end and the breakup that happened. And for whatever reason, his exits has all have always been very, very messy. And on that note, I could argue that Lane Kiffin and LSU are a match made in heaven because they're both toxic.

[Cole]

Right.

[Chris]

I mean, I say this with all love and respect. But the folks down there in the bayou, they're. They're wired a little bit differently. And he kind of fits in. It's like we talk about John Sumrall being a fit down in Florida. He's a little cuckoo. He's a little off his rocker. I mean, Lane Kiffin fits in really well with the folks down there in Baton Rouge.

[Cole]

So I will say one thing that the people of Baton Rouge really did not like about Brian Kelly, that I boy, they better be prepared for this with Lane Kiffin.

[Demetri]

Want the Boston boy. Oh, yeah.

[Cole]

Well, if you're not meeting expectations and people think you are a phony, they're gonna have a very short leash. And I think Lane Kiffin has shown you over and over and over again he is going to say whatever he needs to to protect Lane Kiffin. We're not going to get the my family moment from him. But LSU is going to have an ugly loss or an inexplicable loss. And I promise you it is going to be everybody else's fault. Let that happen twice and let's see if there are not some unpleasant flashbacks for LSU fans.

[Demetri]

Well, for me, like, and here's where it comes for the lengthy Lane. Had it made it Ole Miss la Lane could have easily coasted for the rest of his career. Had a statue build of him, they would have renamed the field Lane Kiffin Stadium. If he stuck around in Oxford, it's different here. You gotta be prepared for that. Like going nine and three is not going to settle for you at ole miss. 9 and 3 every other year you'll take that.

[Cole]

Yeah.

[Demetri]

9 and 3 is like the bare minimum. That's a bad season to down in Baton Rouge. So that's what you're signing up for and that's what you got to know when you're taking this job.

[Chris]

Yeah. I say this with all due respect. Ole misses ceiling is LSU's yearly expectation. That's the difference. Can Lane Kevin meet those expectations that will determine his fate in Baton Rouge? Guys, let's take a look at this actual football team because believe it or not, it won't just be 22 Lane Kiffins taking the field. It will be an actual group of players on the offensive side of the football. We will start there. Charlie Weiss Jr. Was one that followed Lane Kiffin, a Baton Rouge he takes over at offensive corner. Coordinator Sam Levitt expected to take over his QB1 for Lane Kiff in the Arizona State transfer. Obviously coming off that foot injury, they are expecting him. I think to be 100. They also picked up Houston Long street from USC just in case. So there is some depth in the quarterback room, but Levitt expected to be the guy. Transfers litter the wide receiver room. The entire dude too deep is transfers and heck, pretty much his entire football team is transfers. Eugene Wilson III from Florida, JC Brown from K State, Jackson Harris from Hawaii, Winston Watkins Jr. From Ole Miss, Malik Elzy from Illinois, Trey Brown from Old Dominion, Roman Mothershed from Troy, just to name a few.

[Cole]

Trade Oahu to Baton Rouge transfer has to be the greatest culture shock in college football.

[Chris]

Hey, they're high on him too.

[Demetri]

He's a fun player.

[Chris]

Yeah, they think he can be a playmaker immediately. In this offering from the folks I've talked to down there, trade as green guys is a name of course I have uttered many, many times on this show. He returns as a lethal weapon at the tight end position, a matchup nightmare and someone that I think Lane Kiffin has already fallen in love with as far as a target in his offense, Harlem Berry and Kaden Durham spearhead. The rushing attack was really, really big to get both of them back for 2026. And guys, I think the question is the offensive line outside of all the new but two starters are turning the offensive line. You did add Jordan Seaton from the portal, but LSU's had a bit of an identity crisis over the last couple years. From the standpoint, guys, they just have not been able to run the football. I don't know how many times colder Bear Thompson and I have asked on these very airwaves, is this the week LSU learns to run the football? And the answer was always no under Brian Kelly. So guys, thoughts on the offense? What you're expecting? I mean this is Lane Kiffin's bread and butter. Do they hit the ground running or you think there's going to be some growing pains early on?

[Cole]

I I think this could be a year that Jordan Seaton just explodes to another level because he's got all the talent in the world that it will be interesting to see what happens when a dude with that much talent actually gets coached that I think I have really, really high expectations for him. You, you mentioned Long Street, Chris. Didn't they also pick up a an Ivy League guy? Like there clearly is an attraction.

[Demetri]

Layton Clark from Elon was the third.

[Cole]

Oh, from Elon. Sorry. Not so not Ivy League right in

[Chris]

your neck of the woods, man.

[Cole]

I was about to say quite the opposite of Ivy League.

[Demetri]

My apologies.

[Cole]

But, but either way, like there is an attraction and it does tell you what all of these kids are coming for, right? Like the long street. At least not this year. The kid from Elon, they're not going to get playing time. But playing under Lane Kiffin, if you are any part of a passing offense is going to make you better. That is a big reason why the wide receiver room is all transfers in in the two deep. I have no question that they're going to be fine on offense.

[Demetri]

What I look at and this to me I think was one of the more underappreciated moves of the offset. Like if for some reason Charlie Wise Jr. Stuck around at Ole Miss. I think Lane Kiffin would have figured it out offensively. I think the hiring of Kevin Smith as your running backs coach was so massive because of the inability to run the football. Last season you ranked 125th in rushing. You never were able to get the ground rolling. And yeah it does focus in on the offensive line. But I look at Harlem Berry and I look at Caden Durham and then you throw in the freshman Dylan Jones who's really done a nice job throughout the early parts of spring football and throughout the summer workouts. He's expected to be a big time name. Lane keep its offense is projected to run the football. Look at the names from Quin, Sean Junkins and and what you have with Keon Lacey and then you go all the way back to. You had the kid Zach Evans at one point. They love to run the football and the running game sets at the pass. And I thought the hire of Kevin Smith and bringing along back to Oxford was so big for Ole Miss to be able to trust what they had in its ground and pound attack that they have that once again. So that's a move that I think is going to pay massive dividends from the get go for a team like LSU because if you can run the football you take a lot of pressure off of Sam Levitt who last season dealt with a slew of injuries and contact a step back. This will allow him to build a good rapport with the passing attack. This will allow him to be able to find which receivers he can work with and understand who fits where into the system. I will say that trade has green in this offense. It's going to be a lot of fun. Like I am fully convinced that by the time that we get to the season's end you kind of just knew that Kyle Pitts was walking away with every single award for tight ends. John Mackey, All American definitely going to be a first round pick. I think that that's how you're going to feel about trade as great. There's just things that you do that you can't teach, and size is one of them and arm length is one of them. And he has that. And if I'm getting Sam Lovett to play up to his level of 20, 24 versus Sam Lovett when he was at Arizona State and let a ragtag Sun Devils team to Arlington and then beating Iowa State, a Matt Campbell led squad, I mean, that's a cheat code for him. And then you throw in Jackson Harris and you throw in two other really solid names like Trey Wilson, who at his peak could end up being a legit number one receiver. Jace Brown killed it last season at Kansas State. Jackson Harris at Hawaii was the number one receiver. They have the weapons. And Winston Watkins, we barely even mentioned who that was. The prize jewel that Lane brought with him to Ole Miss, brought over from Ole Miss, they're going to be in a really, really, really good spot. You, you never really worry about Lane's offense. It comes down to the line. But I'll tell you what, if you, if you can get the ground game rolling, this may be one of the more explosive units by the time they get to mid season. Yeah.

[Chris]

And I think the biggest difference maker, Cole, is I think they're going to be able to run the football. I mean, we, we talked a lot before that. Lane Kiffin's offense, this misconception that they sling it over the guard, they. They run it first. I mean, you look at last year's old Miss football team and what Kawan Lacy did, all he did was set records in Oxford a season ago. So they're going to run the football. They got to get back to running the football. Of course. I, I'm really curious about Sam Levitt and what version of him we get. Maybe it's because it came in an SEC game contest, but that game at Mississippi State just kind of lives in the back of my mind. I know he's a better player than that, but you might recall he was, he was just not very good in that. But if there's anybody who's going to get the most out of the quarterback position, it is Lane Kiffin. So there's a level of trust there. So my, my bigger question, guys, is this, not, is there an immense amount of talent? It's just, can all of these new pieces on offense come together? That, that, that's, that's the big deal here. There's so much new, brand new quarterbacks, brand new receivers, new pieces on The O line, of course, but, you know, especially in the passing game, is all of that able to come together? Because we know how much familiarity matters from a standpoint of, you know, timing with your receivers and, and whatnot. I'll be really curious to see that. And I mean, if Sam Levitt, if the injuries still bother him, do we see Houston Longstreet? I think we probably do. That's a kid extremely talented. I know they felt really good about him.

[Demetri]

So what about throw him to the wayside? D2 player. Give me the Elon kid.

[Chris]

Good point, good point. Yeah, I, I think Lane Kiffin, the quarterback position is something we can feel really good about under his leadership. But like I mentioned, lots of talent, lots of questions, new pieces trying to come together in the offense. Certainly no shortage of talent. Guys. On the other side of the football defense, one of the biggest wins of the off season was Blake Baker returning as defensive coordinator. And he's got a number of talented players to work with as well. Whit Weeks leading the defense at the linebacker position. You did it did add impact players from the portal on defense as well. Prince Will Uman Miellen comes in From Ole Miss, T.J. daughtery from Ole Miss as well. And Ty Benefield from Boise State, a guy they have talked about a ton of at the safety position. Interior defensive line, I think is the question mark of this defense. They're leaning on guys like Steph Green, Dominic Mckinley, Malik Bloton and Richard Anderson to emerge. And that's one that talking with some of our LSU friends that during the spring, that was still the thing that sort of jumped out as, hey, is this going to be shored up and be at the level that it needs to be for this defense to thrive? Stopping the run, specifically, guys, the secondary is loaded. PJ Woodland, DJ Pickett to Marcus Cooley all return in the secondary. And guys, as I kick it to you, Demetri and Cole, I think there's just a level of trust with this defense knowing that Blake Baker is back leading the way. That was a massive win for Lane Kiffin to retain him on staff.

[Cole]

Yeah, Baker and Weeks to bring a level of continuity that's going to get the message to these new guys.

[Demetri]

It's.

[Cole]

It's funny, I look at this LSU defense and I see a lot of the other team I cover regularly, the Carolina Panthers, in that this is going to be a team that is counting on and will actually, you have reason to believe we'll have a lot of success when it comes to coverage sacks. You Know, I, I think that in addition to just how good the returning defensive backfield is, Ty Bitterfield is just a turnover waiting to happen. Man, that is a hell of an addition. I, I am a believer in the defensive side of the football for lsu. If they are going to accomplish the things that a lot of people think Lane can in year one, I believe it's going to be because the defense stepped up in a huge, huge way.

[Demetri]

I, I think that you kind of take a giant XL if you're Lane Kiffin and say my entire focus is in on the offense. Blake Baker's got the defense. I don't even got to touch it. Well, I, I think that that's where you as a, as a fan can sleep well at night knowing there's so much focus on fixing what this offensive woes were last season, that was supposed to be a damn good team that you can say all of our attention's on this. I got Blake Baker. He had a top 25 defense last season built off of what was a promising first year. Didn't take the two lane job. Stuck around to go be a defense coordinator for another year, waiting for a bigger opportunity to come his way. And I say to myself, I, I, I actually am in agreeance a lot with what Demitri said about the Carolina Panthers defense. They have very sneaky under the radar superstars that when used properly he was like, oh, that dude stands on out. Like TJ Daughtery is going to be like Devin Lloyd. Like, like Devin Lloyd is on one of the best contracts in the, in the NFL for a linebacker and he's a top five line and he played like a top five linebacker last year. T.J. jodhry was a top five linebacker in the SEC and now you're getting him into a system with Blake Baker as his play caller and he doesn't have to be the focal point immediately because if they got a good guy already there in wit weeks, I think Ty Bentonfield coming on in is just another fine. That's like, hey, it worked for AJ Halsey, it worked for all these other transfers. You're going to be the next big time fit. I think to Marcus Cooley playing in the nickel is one of the more underappreciated players in college football. What he did at NC State and then coming on in last season and kind of not missing a beat playing in that second level of field. It really comes down to two main things for me. Are you going to be able to stop the run on the interior or is it going to be A lot of yards after contact. And what can you get outside of Prince Will Manly Ellen in the pass rushing game because if I can believe that he is going to be a difference maker top five pass rusher in the sec. It's the rest of the group that's around him. Like when you look at like the Texans or when you look at like let's just go with that. Let's just go with like Alabama for instance. Alabama for years you would always say to yourself, well yeah, they got one dude who we know was going to be a first round pick but it's the next guy that's waiting in the wings. You also got to prepare for like it was Will Anderson Jr. But then there's Dallas Turner. That's the way that you want to be. If you're a Blake Baker defense, you know that Prince William Manley Yellen is going to wreck havoc but who's the other guy to where if they're double teaming him, they're leaving him clear on open. And if you have that again, we're talking about a defense that drastically improved from year one to year two underneath Blake Baker. I think he's a top five defense coordinator in the sport. You're talking about a guy who can get to I think top 10 level defense this year if all go according to plan.

[Cole]

It's funny you bring up Prince Will just to like close the loop on that Carolina Panthers thing because you know Prince Liam on me. Ellen is the pass rush special.

[Demetri]

Right.

[Cole]

For the Panthers. And you know he and Nick Scorton last year were kind of told like if you can get to the quarterback, fantastic. But your goal is to eat up blockers so Derrick Brown can get to the quarterback. It's kind of going to be the opposite with this LSU team. Right. That interior defensive line does not have to be the one to make the plays, but they need to eat up blockers to make it easier for Uman Meelen to do what it is he was brought here to do.

[Chris]

Yeah, I think if you're bullish guys on LSU making the College Football Playoff, it's because you're bullish on this defense and what Blake Baker is going to be able to do. And I, I'd be willing to say that I think Blake Baker was one of the most important retentions of the golf season. What he's done with that LSU defense, I mean has been incredible in such a short amount of time and the pieces they added, I think they're ready to take the next step. And again, I think If LSU is going to meet the lofty expectations in year one, Elaine Kiffin, certainly the offense and the running game will be improved, but I, I think it's the defense getting back to being and taking the next step and being a feared LSU defense once again. Like I mentioned question in the interior, but the addition of TJ Daughtery was so massive. You mentioned Uman Miellen. Really, really giddy about what this secondary is going to be as well. If they can, if they can just be serviceable stopping the run. I think the rest will take care of itself. You saw them last year be ball Hawks and. And you know, force the issue and create turnovers. And I think the defense will be the calling card, ironically enough, for LSU and Lane Kiffin's first year where they kind of get some things on the offensive side figured out. Retaining Blake Baker was a massive, massive win for Lane Kiffin and company. Guys, let's talk to specialists really quickly. Let's give them some love. Grant Chadwick is back at punter. Scott Starzik takes over the kicking duties. Josh Jackson is an option at the return game. They have tons of weapons to choose from. We can keep this as short as you guys like. Any thoughts on the special teams from Lane Kiffin's group this year?

[Cole]

No,

[Demetri]

he did not get the kicker from Ole Miss to follow him.

[Chris]

That's about it.

[Demetri]

Because he wanted. Because. Because that was the guy that won the. The Sugar Bowl. So you didn't get him to follow you? Yeah, a lot of people to follow you and get your kicker.

[Chris]

Didn't get him. Yeah, couldn't. Couldn't convince him. I will say I'm intrigued by just the sheer number of athletes they have on this football team who potentially emerges in the return game. But yeah, it's.

[Cole]

That's. And Chris, honestly, that's why my answer is no is it feels like just like when we did Texas. That's. And Alabama too. Like, the interesting question for all these guys is they are stacked with the options for the return game.

[Demetri]

You did not get Lucas Canaro. That's all I will say. You didn't get the kicker. Sorry, bud.

[Chris]

Guys, let's take a look at the overall outlook. Six starters are back for LSU. Three on offense, three on defense. But again, the bigger storyline is this. 59 new players, 43 of them coming via the transfer portal. So it's a lot of new. And again after the Brian Kelly era, I don't think anybody's upset that there is a lot of new guys. As we take a look at Some of the Kalshee percentage chances here for the LSU Tigers as I get these pulled up, I should have done this before the show. LSU as you can imagine, one of the most intriguing teams in college football entering the 2026 season. I do want to start here we go with the percentage chance on the win totals LSU where we start to see some real movement here because the percentage chances they win more than 5 games, 6 games, 7 games, really really high. Right around 90. If not higher than 90 then you get to 8 or more wins. Will LSU win 8 or more games in the 2026 season? 86% chance then at 9 or more wins 52% chance 10 or more wins 38 chance 11 or more wins 13 chance and 12 wins 21 chance for the LSU Tigers in regards to make the College Football playoff. LSU with a 42 chance to make the College Football Playoff in Lane Kiffin's first season and percentage chance to win the national championship. LSU comes in at a 6% chance to win the national title, so do with that information what you will. Guys, LSU's 2026 football schedule looks like this. They open up in non conference play with a big one for both sides. The Clemson Tigers come to Baton Rouge. College game day will be on site for Lane Kiffin's debut. They then have Louisiana Tech in week number two before SEC play gets going with what arguably is the game of the year as Lane Kiffin returns to Oxford. LSU at Ole miss on Saturday, September 19th. Once again college game day will be there as well. The SEC home opener. It's the Texas A and M Maggies coming back to Death Valley after what they did to LSU last year. Certainly that has become a really, really fun rivalry over the last couple years. And weirdly enough lately A and M owns lsu. So will that continue? We shall see. The rest of the schedule looks like this. McNeese in the non conference to get October going at Kentucky, Mississippi State at home at Auburn, a bye week. Then as we dive in the month of November, Alabama, Texas at Tennessee, at Arkansas. Guys, as we take a look at the schedule, there has been an off season narrative that LSU has an extremely easy schedule in Lane Kiffin's first season. I'm curious, do you guys agree? I understand it's a schedule that features Kentucky, Mississippi State, Arkansas, maybe throw even Auburn in there. But guys, I have a really hard time buying into that narrative. A schedule that also features Ole Miss, A and M, Texas and Alabama and a road trip to Neyland Stadium. You guys, thoughts on Lane Kiffin's first slate at lsu.

[Cole]

Yeah, first of all, no SEC schedule is easy. You know, you're playing nine games, you are bound to get four. That look really difficult on paper. I think that this schedule sets up as more difficult than the team or excuse me, easier than the collection of teams may seem. Because A M comes to you, Bama comes to you, Texas comes to you, Clemson comes to you. And even though LSU should not struggle with Clemson, you know, the, the added element of Kiffin's first game. And by the way, game day should be at Lane Kiffin's first game. They got him the job. The, the. I, I think that it would be hard for me to picture this team losing more than four, but it's not hard for me to picture them losing three or four board this season.

[Demetri]

Yeah, I think that's the way that I would describe it is you can tell me there's six games on the schedule that I look at and go, those should be six wins. And then there's four games on the schedule that I think are toss ups. And then there's two games on the schedules that I think if you lose this game, it would be the most Lane Kiffin thing to do. Like, like that would be the way that I would go.

[Cole]

That's, that's the way I feel about the A M game. Like, that feels like the one where it's like, oh, the very Lane Kiffin thing to do would be put on a hell of a show against Ole Miss and forget that there's a game next week.

[Demetri]

No, no, I disagree. Actually. Mine would be you play back to back games against Alabama and Texas and you win those two in your backyard and you sleep on Tennessee. Okay, that to me is where it's like, yep, that's the lane keeping special. That's the one where you aren't paying attention.

[Cole]

I think what we're saying here is Lane Kiffin's dumbassery shows up in all kinds of fun ways.

[Demetri]

Yeah. And again, the, the, the thing is, is that I could easily see LSU being a playoff team this year. Year because of their, their, their talent on the roster is so strong that all you're saying to yourself is okay, can it gel? I think the bigger question is how quickly does it gel and does the timing of it take just a little bit too long? So you blow a game, you go nine and three, and now you're on the outside looking in that, that, that's where I come to the Ole Miss game. Are you caught up to speed? And everyone is clicking on the right cylinders at that time to win that game. Well, if not, okay, well, what if you go nine and three and that's the game that keeps you out and they go 10 and 2 when they're in the playoff? I. I could see that the offensive line is still a giant question mark. I think the run defense is kind of a question mark. Just the jelliness and cohesion of the roster altogether is probably the biggest thing that you wonder about this year. But from a talent perspective, LSU has the capabilities and the chop and the personnel to go toe to toe with Texas, to go toe to toe with Alabama, to go back to Oxford, to handle business against Ole Miss, to go into Neland Stadium and not let the atmosphere ruin it, to go face off against Texas A and M. It's just a. Do you wonder if this is one of those Lane Kiffin learning experiences that we've seen in the past of year one? I'm going to make a dumbass mistake that's going to cost us a win that ultimately leads to us missing the playoff. I think this will end up being one of the weaker teams of the Lane Kiffin tenure at LSU and that may be 9 and 3 or 10 and 2 and 9 and 3 or 10 and 2 with a nine game conference schedule is not a surefire. You're missing the playoff. 9 and 3 can still get you in with the 9 game conference schedule depending on who your wins are against.

[Chris]

Yeah, I think cold to your point, I think for any new head coach, Year one ideally is your quote unquote worst team because you continue to build a program. But I mean, I think the thing that jumps out of this schedule certainly is the home slate is absolutely electric for the folks down there in the bayou. I mean, I think you get the toughest games at home, right? You get A and M at home, you get Bama, you get Texas. Now certainly there's some tough road showdowns at Ole Miss and at Tennessee, but you know, those are the toughest games, the ones that I mentioned on the home field. I want to pose a fun question, you guys. Would you even. Can you even throw the label upset alert on the first week of the season? Are we kind of just overlooking the first game against Clemson a little too much or has Clemson truly fall into the depths of like this is it? Because I know they're double digit favorites. Obviously you look at whatever sports book but like, is there more to than meets the eye that first game at all? Or is it going to be a, a celebration of Lane Kiffin And Baton Rouge and they're just going to run rough shot all over the Clemson Tigers.

[Cole]

Yeah, I, I think Lane has a long history of over preparing for the spotlight. Right. And I think game one is a spotlight. I, I, it would be really hard for me to envision the scenario where Clemson walks out of that game victorious.

[Demetri]

Do you remember what was the thing with Brian Kelly and his tenure at LSU lose game one.

[Chris]

Yep.

[Demetri]

And it sets such a bad taste and a negative surrounding the program for the rest of the year because he lost game one. I think that because of its LSU and they went out and they made the hire of Lane Kiffin and they said that we want to move off of what was this absolute farce known as Brian Kelly and we want to set a standard and we want to be that premier team. They will over prepare for that first game and, and it will be one of those games to where we, we come back and we say this defense is legit, this offense has got that spark. I, I think Clemson's gonna be better than advertised. I, I really do. Maybe that's just me buying a little bit more into what I think of you know, this wide receiver room and what Tom Allen Stevens is going to be. But I still think that you will prepare and say Lane Kiffin looks like the guy after week one. Like the headlines will read LSU got it right or Lane something unprovoked. Like it'll be like some type of play on words and they'll do that because of it'll look so good.

[Cole]

Kelshi's odds for LSU's national championship will do exactly the opposite of what Arch's Heisman odds were last year after game one. Like there's going to be a major overreaction to that game I think but

[Demetri]

it's the third, fourth, sixth, eighth night. That's when you start to wonder about Lane. It's, it's not the first game. It's the, we're going to Oxford for the first time. How are you gonna respond? We don't play well in Oxford. We welcome in Texas A M. How do you respond? It's the oh, Mississippi State. Camario Taylor is a cool little story, but it's Mississippi State and those cowbells, they can't travel to us. And then you're playing down the wire against Camario Taylor and he's got a game winning drive that you're, you're having to stop that. That's where I worry about lsu. Not the first game of the year.

[Chris]

Speaking of Kalsi Demetri you mentioned game number one, LSU, Clemson, LSU a 74 chance to win that game. Clemson, just 26% chance, aka LSU is heavy favorites in that football game. And guys, this conversation leads me into this as we prepare to put a pin in it. Year one of Lane Kiffin. What kind of noise, realistically can the Tigers make? And I say emphasis on realistically because it's interesting as. I think it's interesting as he was hired, I think the expectations was, hey, this is somewhat of a rebuild. This is, this is, you know how far we've fallen under BK by year two. I remember hearing LSU fans, year two's the year we're expecting the playoffs, playoff or bust. But as you spend all that money and you invest all those resources into the roster, the expectations have continued to do this. Just climb and climb and climb and skyrocket. Is it a fair expectation in year one to expect Lane Kiffin to take this team to the playoff? Or. Or should there be somewhat of a grace period and maybe people are going to realize it's. It's more of a bill than people gave credit for.

[Cole]

Yeah. In the age of nil, coaches of Lane's caliber do not get a year zero. I'm sorry, the leash is real short. And that doesn't mean, you know, that they fall flat, flat and fire him. But like, yeah, of course LSU fans should have those expectations now. I don't think they're going to meet him in year one. I think eventually he is going to build a really, really good team. There. There. I just. Yeah, I, I think that it is kind of loser thinking to go into this year thinking it is the setup for next year when you got exactly the coach you wanted and then you went out and spent the amount of money to make sure you got exactly, exactly the pieces, a lot of them, that you wanted out of the transfer portal.

[Demetri]

No, LSU should at least think that they can make the playoff this year. Now, for me personally, if they make the playoff, that's a one in itself. I do not need to see them win a playoff game. They don't need to host a playoff game. They could go own one and Lane just get into the playoff as a win in itself for year one for how much they have. I, I think there'll be a dis. I think there'll be a, A split on how fans will react to 9 and 3, which right now is where I have them finishing. Who are the losses to? What did those teams do after? Because if you end up losing to, let's just say Ole Miss, Texas A and M and Texas. But you beat Alabama, you beat Auburn, you beat Tennessee, and let's say those teams all go like 8 and 4, but the other teams are in the playoff and you're the fourth team in the SEC or the fifth team in the sec. Maybe you'll live with that, maybe you'll stomach it. It's. Do you have that blundering loss that costs you a spot? That. That's where I think that you'd be in. Do you beat Texas? Do you beat Alabama? Do you lose to Ole Miss? Do you lose to A and M and then do you lose to Kentucky? Is the, Kentucky lost the one that keeps you out of the playoff? That's where I think that you would have people be a little upset. But I think that nine and three, year one, fighting for a playoff birth, being in that fringe top 12 roster, competing alongside say Ole Miss and competing alongside A and M and, and Alabama for that final playoff birth, that's a fair season, I think for year one. Because of this, I do believe will be one of the weaker teams that Lane has in Bat Rouge.

[Chris]

Yeah, I think 8 and 4 or better should be labeled as a success. And I think it's more importantly, how does it look?

[Cole]

Right?

[Chris]

Is your identity changed? Offensively you're able to run the football. Is the defense still a strength for you? And obviously context matters. It's all how it looks. I, I think it's, I think it's a bit preposterous and almost irresponsible to set playoff or bust year one for Lane given I'm just, I'm still a believer for first year head coaches. There's a lot of moving pieces here. He's trying to change a culture as well. And you got a team full of 50 plus new players. And you know, how does this team respond to adversity? I think is probably going to define as well, what if they lose that game at Ole Miss and you got a bunch of dudes that, you know, they all accepted the check to come. Like, what is the culture and the character of this football team, of all these dudes from all these different places coming in? Are they able to buy into one common goal? And, and there's a lot more to make a team a successful team or a great team than just the talent. And the team that has the highest payroll doesn't always win. Actually, most of the time they don't win.

[Cole]

Yeah. So, yeah. And look, I mean what you're saying is completely logical. I mean, look at the NFL all those teams are bringing in free agents every single year. And sometimes it just doesn't work out. Sometimes you are picking based on performance and not thinking about the fit in the current system. I'm not saying that Lane Kiffin or any other first year head coach does not deserve the benefit of the doubt in lane one or in Lane in year one. But I, I do think the current state of college football, the, the mess that roster construction is, everybody's dealing with this man. And we're paying you, what is it, $15 million a year. And there's nothing you said I want that we said no to. I don't think there's an excuse. I just don't.

[Demetri]

I personally believe that the Kirk Signetti effect has ruined all first year head coaches in college football. Because Kirk Signetti went to Bloomington, Indiana, that was the. Losing his program in college football history brought them to the playoff with a relaxed schedule in year one, but a bunch of G5 players, and then the following season went undefeated and won a national title. He has one loss in the regular season in two years and it's Indiana and Indiana did that. And I think that that's kind of changed the way that you view it. Fair or unfair. It's like we're paying you a bunch of money.

[Cole]

Some of that though. Do you think some of the Kurt Signetti effect and, and this doesn't apply with Lane at LSU as much as I think some people believe it does. Do you think some of the Kurt Signetti effect is. It doesn't matter what the star rating is. It's how long you've been in the system. Because he basically imported the James Madison roster and that was the basis for everything they were able to do. I, I looked this up. 4. He's only bringing four guys with him from Ole Miss. Player wise, you know, that's not, that's not the same sort of foundation that Signetti brought along with it.

[Demetri]

Now, to be fair, it wasn't only just JMU guys because he did bring in a lot of JMU guys, but he brought in a lot of experience guys, right? Guys who have been playing four or five years, actual production. Maybe not at an elite level like Georgia or Ohio State or Michigan, but they had experience underneath their belt. So when they came on in immediately, they hit the ground running because they had been playing as a starter before. And I think that that maybe is where you look at it from LSU side of things. And you kind of have to look at it and go, do we argue it because of Jace Brown? Was the number one receiver for Kansas State and now he's in lsu. Trey Wilson's been a two year starter in Florida. Now he's at lsu. Jordan Seaton was a two year starter at left tackle and at one point the number one offensive tackle prospect. He's got experience under his belt. Ty Bedingfield has experience under his belt. All these guys that we're bringing on in are not just scrubs that you know, oh, high upside. No, they got production. And that's where it's like the, the transitional period of. It's now just learning how to play inside of a system more than anything else is where you probably go to it. It, it, it's not fair to Lane because if I don't think any first year head coach would be like, hey, if you don't go to the Natty, you're going to be feeling the pressure going into year two. It's not fair. But at the same time, it's LSU like, like it's lsu. It's a premier job. Premier job means that you also have premier expectations. The second that you arrive, you shake the hand, you give the hug, you wave to the fan base and then you get to work because that's what they're paying you to do.

[Chris]

Beside the obvious guys that has made the College Football Playoff, I think three, three things in year one for Lane Kiffin, beat Ole Miss, have a winning record at home and have an opportunity going into the month of November where you are squarely on in the College Football Playoff conversation. I think those three things, you do those three things. I think it's, it's deemed more than a successful season. I think it's a successful year one. You've effectively laid the building blocks and the foundation for what is to come. I don't think you have to make the playoff. You probably need to scare it. Not saying you can go 7 and 5 and call it a good year and give the whole year zero, year one excuse, like Demetri was saying. But you do those three things, let the chips fall where they may. I think it's a successful year. So yeah, it's going to be fun. LSU certainly one of the most intriguing teams in college football. A new era officially begins. How will Lane, Kiff and Fair? We'd love to hear from you guys how you think the LSU Tigers are going to do in the 2026 season. SA.

[Cole]

Sam.