Former LSU boss Brian Kelly believes new Tigers head coach Lane Kiffin can bring the program back to prominence.
"I think so," Kelly told USA Today's John Brice and Blake Toppmeyer when asked whether Kiffin will deliver a national championship to Baton Rouge.
He added, "Here's why I would say yes: I think that they have invested in NIL for him. They have given him the opportunity."
Kiffin is replacing Kelly, who was fired in October. Kelly posted a 34-14 record across four years at LSU but failed to make the College Football Playoff. The team dismissed him after a 5-3 start to the 2025 campaign.
Kiffin led Ole Miss to an 11-1 record last season before taking the LSU job in late November as his team prepared for the postseason. The Rebels' defensive coordinator, Pete Golding, was promoted to head coach shortly after Kiffin's departure and went on to guide them to the quarterfinals of the College Football Playoff.
LSU has been active in reshaping its roster since Kiffin took over. Sam Leavitt, who was considered one of the top quarterbacks in the portal following a two-year tenure at Arizona State, committed to LSU and is projected to be the Tigers' starting quarterback. Kiffin also landed former Florida wideout Eugene Wilson III, adding to one of the top portal classes in the country.
Kiffin and LSU also boast one of the best 2026 recruiting classes, which includes defensive tackle Lamar Brown, the No. 1 player on the ESPN 300.
"The recruiting classes are really in solid shape," Kelly said. "And I think Lane's a really smart football coach. I think it's in a really good place, and I believe because there's been an investment in that NIL, he's going to be able to be Lane Kiffin."
LSU will kick off its 2026 season against Clemson on Sept. 5.
