Nick Saban explains why he sees LSU as a possible sleeper team in 2024

Last year, LSU entered the season with high expectations and plenty of returning talent. Jayden Daniels opted to come back to school for one more go-round, and his top targets – Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. – were still on the roster, as well.

Things are different this year, though. All three players went in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, which speaks to the amount of talent on LSU’s roster last year. Plus, offensive coordinator Mike Denbrock left for Notre Dame after helping the Tigers to the top unit in the nation.

Even despite those losses, Nick Saban thinks LSU could make some noise in the SEC this year. The legendary coach-turned-ESPN analyst said he sees a high ceiling for Brian Kelly’s group.

“I think that people sort of look at LSU having a first-round draft pick quarterback, two first-round wide receivers, they see these significant impact players leave the program. But what I see at LSU is still a very good, talented receiver corps, I see a young quarterback who has tremendous potential and I see the defense getting better,” Saban told Victoria Arlen on College Football Live.

“So I think the squad, overall, is probably more balanced and a better squad than they had a year ago even though they don’t have those three significant players. So I think they’re still going to have a much better team than people may give them credit for.”

Garrett Nussmeier will take on the task of replacing Daniels, who broke out in 2023 en route to a Heisman Trophy. He spent three years in a reserve role, but stuck it out in Baton Rouge to eventually take over as the starter. All told, in 18 appearances, Nussmeier has 1,720 passing yards and 11 touchdowns to his name.

LSU’s biggest issue in 2023 wasn’t the offense, though. It was a defense that struggled, and it eventually led to the departure of Matt House. Now, Blake Baker is in, and all eyes are on a suddenly beefed-up Harold Perkins. Kelly confirmed he now weighs north of 220 pounds, which could lead to more versatility and maybe some looks at EDGE rusher.

Turning the defense around will be paramount for LSU this year, and Kelly knows it. He acknowledged that fact while speaking from the podium in Dallas on Monday.

“Clearly being the No. 1 offense in the country was not good enough,” Kelly said. “I think you have to have much more balance. So I think the balance that we need is offensively and defensively we have got to be able to complement each other. We didn’t do that last year.”