LOUISIANA STATE UNIVERSITY TIGERS

LSU posted a 9-4 record in 2024, capping the season with a Texas Bowl win over Baylor, but the 2025 campaign collapsed to 7-6 (3-5 SEC) amid offensive struggles that led to the benching of quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, the firing of Brian Kelly midseason, and a Texas Bowl loss to Houston. Kelly was fired in October 2025, and LSU hired Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin in December. The quarterback instability and coaching turnover cooled collector interest in Nussmeier's cards, while Kiffin brought in 60 scholarship players for 2026—41 from the nation's No. 1 portal class and 19 from the No. 13 recruiting class, creating uncertainty around which new Tigers will emerge as the next card-market movers.

Where they stand: LSU is currently in fall camp for the 2026 season and landed at No. 13 in the Preseason Coaches Poll. Lane Kiffin has been busy putting together his first roster, bringing back key pieces, signing impact transfers, and adding elite freshmen, with Arizona State transfer quarterback Sam Leavitt, the No. 1 quarterback in the portal, expected to be 100 percent for the season opener. The Tigers open September 5 against No. 23 Clemson at Tiger Stadium.