The 2024 LSU Tigers football season was a season of growth, grit, and new belief. With head coach Brian Kelly in his third year, the Tigers had a good 9-4 record and a decent 5-3 SEC record, with some indications of a program that is slowly ratcheting itself back toward national prominence. They did not make it to the College Football Playoffs, but LSU made big statements, created new stars, and finished with a huge beating in a bowl. Having gained momentum and having a young star quarterback ready, the Tigers have a sincere argument to fight in the SEC in 2025, and expectations are high in Baton Rouge.
Garrett Nussmeier Sends Shock Waves as Elite QB
Quarterback Garrett Nussmeier emerged as the breakout star of the season, and in his first full season with the starting job, he completed 4,052 yards, 29 TDs, and 12 interceptions in his second-best passing season in LSU history. He had a 64 percent completion percentage and an 80.0 QBR-SEC top-10 performance. In appreciation of this work, Nussmeier was awarded the MVP of the ReliaQuest Bowl and the Texas Bowl. He finished the season with 304 yards and 3 TDs in a 44-31 Texas bowl win over Baylor, showing that he could be trusted in the clutch. His play has placed him near the top of the highest-rated SEC quarterbacks going into 2025.
To sports bettors, Nussmeier has shown stability and balance in bowl games, making the forthcoming player prop markets and LSU win totals bets reliable. His stock is also shot up, making LSU a team to keep one eye on early outright SEC futures, particularly based on expert predictions from Wincomparator, where leadership of the quarterback during football betting strategy is one of the prime factors.
Bowl Success & Signature Moments
The most remarkable moment of LSU in the season was the Texas Bowl win on December 31, 2024, over Baylor. The Tigers started in a comfortable lead and never looked back with a full-season farewell. Significant plays were a kickoff return touchdown by freshman Zavion Thomas and a pick-six by linebacker Davhon Keys. This win was one of the successes of the group’s effort to end the year well.
Areas of Growth and Strength
Passing game: Nussmeier proved to be a leader, demonstrating arm talent, bouncing back after a shoulder injury in mid‑season.
Running game: LSU did not stand out in the running game and were fairly average, with true freshman Caden Durham making some contributions, but it still ranked in the bottom half of the SEC in rushing.
Defense: The team had quality splash plays, takeaways, and scoring opportunities, which were crucial; however, it could not be as consistent against good teams.
Coaching Outlook
Coach Brian Kelly scored a B+ mark in ensuring that the team had one of the highest three SEC win percentages since he came in. The 2024 season was considered a good step forward, albeit LSU failed to qualify for the playoffs. Kelly now goes into 2025 with his deepest roster ever, having a proven senior QB and a locked-in locker room.
Eyes on the Next Season
All in all, the 2024 LSU campaign was an offensive display of fireworks under an offensive program-defining quarterback, with consistency in wins and a bowl appearance. LSU, however, needs to improve in terms of its ability to rush and defensive consistency to make it to the top ranks of the SEC. Having Nussmeier back and with the vision of Kelly well established, there is every indication that LSU will be the real deal in 2025.