Remember last season when LSU limped to a 7-6 record, barely scratching 22.8 points per game? Forget it. Brian Kelly is out, and Lane Kiffin is swaggering into Baton Rouge, bringing a whole new level of drama and a much-needed offensive facelift. The Tigers were one of the most polarizing teams heading into preseason, but if Kiffin’s past is any indication, we might be staying for some championship-caliber football.
Kiffin’s Chaos is Coming to the Bayou
Kiffin’s reputation precedes him, and yeah, there’s a “stench of drama” he carries. But the man can coach offense. While LSU struggled to 22.8 points per game last year, Kiffin’s Ole Miss Rebels averaged north of 33 points in each of his six seasons there. He even turned Jaxson Dart into a first-round pick and Trinidad Chambliss into a major underdog story. Now, he’s got Sam Leavitt, the former Arizona State quarterback who led the Sun Devils to a CFP appearance in 2024 and even threatened an upset against Texas in the quarterfinals. Leavitt’s 2025 was derailed by a season-ending foot injury, but he’s here to spark his NFL Draft prospects under Kiffin.
Leavitt won’t be throwing to nobodies, either. Hawaii transfer Jackson Harris and Kansas State transfer Jayce Brown combined for 17 receiving touchdowns last season. And up front, Kiffin hit the portal for reinforcements, snagging potential first-round prospect Jordan Seaton, a former Colorado left tackle. On defense, coordinator Blake Baker stuck around, which is huge for stability. That D-line is looking imposing, thanks in part to Ole Miss transfer Princewill Umanmielen, plus they’ve got proven linebacker Whit Weeks with a 100-plus tackle season already, and emerging corner DJ Pickett. We’re gonna find out who LSU is real fast, with three of their first four games against Clemson, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M. Strap in!
Florida Swings for the Fences with Sumrall
Over in Gainesville, Florida’s also making moves. The Gators haven’t won more than eight games since 2019, when they hit 11 wins and snagged the Orange Bowl trophy. Billy Napier couldn’t hold off the hot seat, so enter Jon Sumrall. This guy is a certified winner. He just led Tulane to the CFP! Before that, he piloted Troy to back-to-back double-digit win campaigns. His head coaching record? A ridiculous 43-12. If anyone can turn Florida around, it’s Sumrall.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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