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Brian Kelly identifies LSU as a national championship contender

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 10, 2026, 7:14 PM

Last updated Sep 10, 2026

Brian Kelly identifies LSU as a national championship contender

Summary

Former LSU coach Brian Kelly described the current LSU football team as having a championship-caliber defense during a radio appearance this week. Following the team's victory over Clemson on Saturday, Kelly credited defensive coordinator Blake Baker for the unit's performance. Kelly noted that the defense, combined with an effective running game, provides the necessary foundation for a successful season. The Tigers are currently under the direction of new head coach Lane Kiffin. Kelly, who previously coached the team, now serves as an analyst and expressed that the squad is well-positioned to compete for a national title. The team's recent performance has shifted perceptions regarding their viability as a title contender in the current college football season.

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Latest Updates

•Brian Kelly identified the LSU defense as a unit capable of supporting a national championship run.
•LSU demonstrated a strong running game and defensive performance against Clemson on Saturday.
•Blake Baker serves as the defensive coordinator for the LSU football team.
•Lane Kiffin currently leads the LSU Tigers as head coach.

Latest Updates

7:14 PMYahoo Sports — LSU has a ‘national championship defense,’ Brian Kelly says

What they're saying

"
A year ago, Brian Kelly was leading the LSU Tigers with national championship aspirations. Now, he’s serving as an analyst, breaking down the team’s national title chances. And based on what he saw on Saturday night, he thinks this is a championship-caliber team, at least on one side of the ball. During a radio appearance…
— Yahoo Sports

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