There’s a general consensus when it comes to public opinion that LSU enters the 2023 season as a top-five squad.
The Tigers enter the season ranked No. 5 in both the USA TODAY Sports Coaches Poll and the AP Top 25, and many other publications concur in their unofficial rankings.
The unbiased metrics also favor the Tigers entering the year. They rank No. 5 in the preseason Football Power Index from ESPN, as well, and that’s where the Tigers land according to ESPN’s SP+ Rankings.
LSU’s offense ranks 10th nationally, while the defense ranks 14th. Having both sides of the ball rank in the top 15 is a recipe for success, and the Tigers are projected to win 8.9 games despite the 11th toughest schedule.
Returning production weighs heavily into SP+, and while LSU was active in the transfer portal this offseason, the team still ranks 16th in terms of returning production, returning 70% from a year ago.
Most of that comes on offense, where LSU brings back 82% of its production (good for eighth nationally) while the defense brings back just 64%, a mark that ranks near the middle of the road at 51st.
LSU brings its offensive core back but will be relying on some new additions on the defensive side of the ball. Still, it’s clear to see why both the polls and metrics like the Tigers as we prepare to kick off the 2023 season.
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