Brian Kelly’s transition from Notre Dame to LSU was met with uncertainty, particularly regarding his adaptation to the demands of the SEC. However, his tenure in Baton Rouge has been promising so far, marked by strong performances including either securing first or second place in the SEC West and making an appearance in the SEC Championship Game in his inaugural season. Yet, replicating this success in 2024 may pose challenges.
Entering the competitive realm of the SEC and achieving 10-3 and 10-4 seasons in the first two years, along with a conference title game appearance and notable victories, is no small feat. Nevertheless, Kelly managed to accomplish precisely that, partly attributed to his strategic recruitment efforts in the transfer portal. His recruitment classes, particularly in 2022 and 2023, significantly bolstered the team, with standout additions such as Jayden Daniels, who went on to win the Heisman Trophy in 2023.
Despite this success, the recent transfer portal class for LSU raises some concerns. While previous classes were highly ranked, the 2024 class, though smaller, doesn’t match the same caliber, especially in addressing defensive needs. With a focus on secondary players like Jyaire Brown, Kelly is banking on these recruits to strengthen the team’s defensive capabilities.
Looking back at LSU’s 2023 season, their defensive performance was lackluster, ranking poorly in total defense and scoring defense nationally. With the forthcoming expansion of the SEC due to the addition of Oklahoma and Texas, maintaining such defensive statistics won’t suffice to compete at the top of the conference.
Jyaire Brown’s track record at Ohio State might not immediately impress, but his potential is noteworthy. Despite limited playing time and dealing with injuries, his talent as a former four-star prospect is evident. As a transfer, Brown represents a promising addition to LSU’s roster, particularly if he can remain healthy and fulfill his potential under Kelly’s guidance.
In summary, while Brian Kelly has achieved early success at LSU, sustaining it will require addressing defensive shortcomings and making strategic moves in the transfer portal, such as the acquisition of talents like Jyaire Brown.
