LSU Football season preview 2024: Biggest games, key players to watch, predictions and more

Following the 2023 college football season, where the team struggled on the defense, LSU is anticipated to come back stronger in 2024.

The Tigers have made changes to their defensive staff, bringing in former linebacker coach Blake Baker as the new defensive coordinator.

Brian Kelly enters his third season in Baton Rouge in 2024 after two impressive but unsatisfactory seasons. The coach is 20-7 in his two years at the program, winning both bowl games. However, the expectation across Baton Rouge is for the team to challenge for the national title.

With an expanded playoffs in 2024, here’s a look at what to expect from LSU in the upcoming college football season.

LSU's biggest games in the 2024 season

LSU’s schedule in the 2024 season is pretty fair. However, the team will have some tough opponents to navigate. These games' results are bound to decide the Tigers’ fate during the season.

One of the Tigers’ tough fixtures is their opener against USC. While the Trojans faced an even worse defensive struggle in the previous season, they’ve done the needful to make things work in 2024. Brian Kelly’s team will be hoping to avoid the disappointing start of 2023 this year.

LSU will also be coming up against Alabama in their annual conference rivalry. What has over the years been known as 'Saban Bowl' will not feature Nick Saban this year. The coach retired in January but won’t stop the Crimson Tide from being a hard nut to crack for the Tigers.

Having to play Ole Miss is undoubtedly a huge challenge for LSU next season. The Rebels have become one of the best teams in college football under Lane Kiffin and are expected to continue their brilliance in 2024.

Another big game for LSU in the upcoming season is against Oklahoma. The SEC newcomers will test their conference credentials against the Tigers in their last game of the season.

Here's a look at LSU's full schedule:

Sept 1 vs USC (in Las Vegas)

Sept 7 Nicholls

Sept 14 at South Carolina

Sept 21 UCLA

Sept 28 South Alabama

Oct 5 - Open Date

Oct 12 Ole Miss

Oct 19 at Arkansas

Oct 26 at Texas A&M

Nov 2 - Open Date

Nov 9 Alabama

Nov 16 at Florida

Nov 23 Vanderbilt

Nov 30 Oklahoma

Key LSU players to watch in the 2024 season

Garrett Nussmeier

Garrett Nussmeier is expected to take the starting quarterback role at LSU in the upcoming season. Following his performance at the 2023 ReliaQuest Bowl, there's a lot of confidence that he will be a good replacement for Jayden Daniels.

Will Campbell

LSU tackle Will Campbell enters the 2024 season as arguably the best offensive lineman in college football. He is set to continue the good work in the Tigers' offensive line in the upcoming season.

Harold Perkins

Harold Perkins has been a starter for LSU since his freshman season and he is expected to keep the role in 2024 as he enters his junior season. He will definitely be one of the pieces Blake Baker will use in solving the defensive issues.

LSU’s prediction for the 2024-25 season

With a much solid defense expected in 2024, the Tigers are expected to be one of the best teams in college football next season. We anticipate a 10-2 finish in the regular season and making the College Football Playoffs as one of the six at-large teams.