These three LSU Tigers enter the 2026 season with something to prove, either to themself or others.
The LSU Tigers are not necessarily underdogs next year, they'll enter with playoff expectations and one of the richest rosters in the sport, but that is not to say they should not have a chip on their shoulder.
After the drama that has unfolded over the past few months since making their coaching change, the Tigers will have something to prove as a unit next year. Many coaches and fans across the country will be hoping for their downfall.
Along with the unit, there are a couple of LSU stars who will have little bit extra on their plates. These are the Tigers with the most to prove this season:
HC Lane Kiffin
The way that Kiffin left the Ole Miss Rebels is going to force a lot of pressure on him to compete early with the Tigers. If the Rebels go on to win a national championship before he does at LSU, then that would be used as ammunition against him for a long time.
Even though it's his first year at the helm of the Tigers, there will be immediate expectations for the playoffs. Kiffin will not get as much leeway as new coaches typically get.
RT Weston Davis
Davis was a four-star tackle with high potential, but was always going to be a work in progress. He got thrown into the fire as a redshirt freshman over on the right side of the line, and the results were poor. Pro Football Focus gave him a 47.1 grade (out of 100) for last season. He gave up 33 pressures on 394 pass-blocking snaps. Things did start to improve for him as the year went on, though.
Instead of replacing Davis and opting for a more consistent , this coaching staff brought him back and the expectation is that he going to start once again. If they can help him reach his full potential, it'll be a huge win for someone who had the fanbase calling for his spot in the starting lineup last season.
WR Eugene 'Tre' Wilson
Wilson might have the biggest gap between actual production and hype. There has always been a star quality to Wilson after he came out strong as a true freshman with 61 catches for 538 yards and six scores. Injuries cost him much of the next two years. In all, he has `107 career catches for 1,043 yards and 10 touchdowns.
That isn't what would have been expected of him through three years after his great start. Now, he'll get a fresh beginning with LSU and has a chance to be the main receiver in this high-powered Kiffin offense.
