The LSU Tigers crack the top 10 after spring camp.
The spring football session has come and gone, allowing Lane Kiffin's first LSU Tigers roster to spend some time playing together for the first time. It was a crucial stretch to prove that this team put the right pieces together to be competitive right away.
Early reactions to the Tigers' spring are positive. CBS Sports' Brandon Marcello recently posted a post-spring Top 25, and in it, he ranked LSU as the No. 9 team in the country. That's a big jump for an unproven team that finished 7-6 last season, though it's not really the same team at all outside of a handful of players.
Marcello mentioned three reasons why expectations are growing fast despite Kiffin himself trying to downplay where the Tigers will be in his first season: the offensive line, a healthy Sam Leavitt and Blake Baker's defense.
The offensive line came together quicker than expected. Even after the expensive transfer portal haul, it still felt like a room that could hold the team back. Jordan Seaton was an obvious upgrade, but what about everyone else?
It looks like they're going to go with an experienced group included Seaton, Bo Bordelon, Braelin Moore, Aliou Bah and Weston Davis. There has been a lot of football played within that group and they gelled together fast in the spring.
They'll be protecting Sam Leavitt when he finally returns. He was around for the start of Spring, but had to miss a large chunk due to a planned surgery. He looked good when he was around and should be even better when he's finally fully healthy again for what feels like the first time since 2024.
Baker's defense didn't have much to prove after a stellar campaign last year, but they already look to have filled in some of their few weaknesses while also not taking a step back. Despite the losses of Mansoor Delane and AJ Haulcy, the secondary might be even better. The linebacker room is full of elite tacklers and the pass rush should be much improved. The defensive interior is still a bit of a question mark, but there is a ton of talent in that room.