LSU head coach Lane Kiffin guarantees he'll bring Baton Rouge its first national title since 2019.
"I don't know how fast it's going to happen - we're going to win a national championship," Kiffin told the "In The Bayou With Tyrann Mathieu" podcast. "We're going to have the teams and rosters back to the way they were playing when they were great. I don't know how fast, that might not be today, but it's going to happen."
The Tigers secured the national championship six years ago after an incredible 15-0 season that established them as one of the best teams in college football history.
However, since that campaign, the program has compiled a 47-29 record and hasn't made the College Football Playoff. From 2020-25, the Tigers own a 28-22 record against SEC opponents.
Kiffin, 51, is taking over for Brian Kelly after departing Ole Miss right before the Rebels began their playoff run last season. He brought in Ed Orgeron, LSU's head coach in 2019, as a special assistant to recruiting and defense.
Kiffin was active in overhauling the roster in the transfer portal. His biggest commitment came from former Arizona State quarterback Sam Leavitt. The dual-threat signal-caller only played in seven games last season due to a foot injury, but he's back at full strength and should be ready for the season opener.
Leavitt helped lead the Sun Devils to the College Football Playoff in 2024 while racking up 3,328 total yards and 29 touchdowns. His stellar campaign earned him the Big 12 Freshman of the Year award.
Kiffin has landed eight 2027 recruits in June alone, including a commitment from four-star edge rusher Chris Whitehead.
"I feel it in recruiting too," Kiffin said. "When these kids come in here, now that we've got our staff fully here and we know how to sell LSU ... it's one of one. It's what Nick Saban said. It's the best job in America."
LSU will kick off its 2026 season against Clemson on Sept. 5.
