For years, LSU football was synonymous with dominance—producing elite talent, competing for national championships, and striking fear into opponents across the SEC. From the glory days of Nick Saban and Les Miles to the unforgettable 2019 championship run under Ed Orgeron, the Tigers were a powerhouse.
But in recent seasons, cracks have started to show. LSU still flashes moments of greatness, but the consistency that once made them elite seems to be fading. Are the Tigers losing their dominance? Here’s why LSU fans might need to brace for some hard truths.
1. The 2019 Championship Was a One-Hit Wonder
When LSU won the 2019 National Championship, it wasn’t just a title—it was one of the greatest seasons in college football history. Led by Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire, the Tigers went 15-0, obliterating everyone in their path.
But what has happened since?
- 2020: 5-5 record, a massive drop-off
- 2021: 6-7 record, Ed Orgeron fired
- 2022: 10-4 record, promising but inconsistent
- 2023: 10-3 record, no SEC Championship appearance
LSU hasn’t returned to the top since Burrow left. Was 2019 just a lightning-in-a-bottle moment rather than a sign of lasting dominance?
2. Brian Kelly’s Struggles Against the SEC Elite
When Brian Kelly took over, he was supposed to be the missing piece that would restore LSU to national championship contention. While he has had some success, his struggles against top SEC opponents are concerning:
- 0-2 vs. Alabama in the Nick Saban era
- Blowout losses to Georgia and Texas A&M
- Defensive collapses against Ole Miss and Florida State
Kelly has won games, but winning championships in the SEC is a different beast. If LSU can’t beat Alabama, Georgia, and other rising SEC teams, how can they claim to be dominant?
3. The Quarterback Rollercoaster
LSU has been home to legendary quarterbacks like Joe Burrow, JaMarcus Russell, and Matt Flynn. But in recent years, the Tigers have struggled to find a long-term answer at QB:
- Myles Brennan was supposed to be the next great LSU quarterback but battled injuries and never lived up to the hype.
- Max Johnson showed flashes but transferred out.
- Jayden Daniels played well in 2023, but can LSU maintain stability at QB after he’s gone?
Without an elite, consistent quarterback, it’s hard for any program to dominate year after year.
4. Recruiting and NIL Challenges
LSU has always been a recruiting powerhouse, but the NIL era has changed everything. Now, top recruits are making decisions based on money, branding opportunities, and coaching stability.
LSU is still landing great talent, but the competition is fiercer than ever:
- Alabama and Georgia continue to dominate recruiting.
- Texas A&M and Florida are spending big on NIL deals.
- Top Louisiana players are leaving for other schools instead of staying home.
If LSU can’t keep up in the NIL arms race, they risk falling behind in the SEC for good.
5. The SEC Is More Competitive Than Ever
When LSU was at its best, the SEC was still dominant—but now, it’s even tougher:
- Georgia has taken over as the new powerhouse, winning back-to-back national championships.
- Alabama is still Alabama, and Nick Saban isn’t slowing down.
- Tennessee, Ole Miss, and Texas A&M are all improving.
- Texas and Oklahoma are about to enter the SEC, making things even harder.
LSU no longer owns the conference like it once did. Instead, it’s fighting for survival in the most brutal league in college football.
Is LSU Still a Top Program?
Yes, LSU is still one of the biggest brands in college football. They produce NFL talent, they have an incredible fan base, and Death Valley remains one of the toughest places to play.
But dominance isn’t about being good—it’s about being elite every year. Right now, LSU is trending toward being a good program rather than a great one.
Unless they:
✅ Beat Alabama and Georgia consistently
✅ Recruit at a top-5 level
✅ Find a long-term quarterback
✅ Win SEC Championships again
…the harsh truth is that LSU’s dominance may already be fading.
