SEC Football: Preseason power rankings for 2022 season

8. LSU Tigers

Week 1 Opponent: Florida State (New Orleans, LA)

With the Brian Kelly era in Baton Rouge set to begin on Sunday night, the Tigers kickoff the 2022 season as the No. 8 team in our SEC Football preseason power rankings.

After going undefeated to win the national championship back in 2019, LSU posted back-to-back down years in 2020-21, going 6-7 a year ago after a 5-5 finish in 2020. In fact, their 6-7 finish a year ago was a rare sight for the Tigers, as prior to last year, LSU had not had a losing season since 1999 (3-8).

Now entering the Kelly era in Baton Rouge, could the Tigers potentially get back on their winning ways as an SEC Football contender in 2022? It’s possible, but it will largely depend on a few new names at key positions, along with some of their returning players taking the next step.

LSU added numerous instant-impact transfers such as Jarrick Bernard-Converse, Jayden Daniels, and more, combining with a roster that returns names such as BJ Ojulari on defense. Not to mention the Tigers also return a wide receiver room led by Kayshon Boutte on offense, one that could be one of the best in the SEC.

The Tigers should be a different looking team compared to the previous two seasons in 2022, and that should be evident in week one as LSU takes on Florida State. With the game taking place essentially in their backyard in New Orleans, this is a game that LSU should be favored to win.