Lee Corso Makes Bold Prediction for College Football Playoff
In his final appearance on College GameDay, 90-year-old Lee Corso has made a surprising prediction for the upcoming College Football Playoff (CFP). On the morning of September 2, 2023, Corso announced that he believes the LSU Tigers will emerge as the national champions this season. LSU begins the year ranked No. 9, a position that lends some credence to Corso’s bold statement.
Joined by longtime collaborator Kirk Herbstreit, Corso unveiled his complete CFP semifinal field, which includes Notre Dame, Penn State, LSU, and Clemson. He forecasted that LSU and Penn State would advance to the championship game, with the Tigers ultimately taking home the title.
LSU’s Strengths and Challenges
Corso’s choice of LSU as the national champion may raise some eyebrows, as the Tigers are often viewed as the fourth contender for the Southeastern Conference (SEC) crown. This perception is supported by the preseason SEC media poll, which ranks LSU behind Texas, Alabama, and Georgia. The key to LSU’s championship aspirations will be their performance in the upcoming Week 1 clash against Clemson. This matchup not only sets the tone for the season but could also serve as a preview of a potential CFP semifinal encounter.
As Corso highlighted, LSU is recognized as “the nation’s No. 1 transfer portal program,” thanks in part to the talent acquisition efforts led by head coach Brian Kelly. In particular, veteran quarterback Garrett Nussmeier stands as a pivotal figure in the Tigers’ offense. Last season, Nussmeier was one of only six Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) quarterbacks to throw for over 4,000 yards, and he is the only one returning for the current season.
Looking Ahead: SEC Schedule and Key Players
If Corso’s prediction holds true, LSU’s schedule may play a significant role in their path to the CFP championship. Notably, the Tigers will not face either Texas or Georgia during the regular season. Their crucial matchup against Alabama on November 8 assumes added significance, especially if they hope to solidify their standing in the SEC.
Adding to the excitement surrounding LSU’s offense is the infusion of talent from the transfer portal. With new receivers such as Barrion Brown from Kentucky and Nic Anderson from Oklahoma joining the roster, the Tigers are poised for a strong offensive performance. Corso’s endorsement of LSU as a championship contender has generated buzz, and if they can capitalize on their strengths, the Tigers may very well make a deep run in the playoffs, fulfilling the hopes of their passionate fan base.
As the college football season kicks off, all eyes will be on LSU, particularly in their initial showdown against Clemson. Corso’s prediction adds an intriguing layer to the unfolding narrative of the 2025 season, making it clear that he remains a vibrant part of the sport’s landscape even as he bids farewell to his iconic role.
