Lee Corso predicts LSU to win national championship over Penn State ahead of Week 1

Week 1 of the 2025 college football season is upon us and analysts are penciling in their picks for who may win the national championship. College GameDay’s Lee Corso decided to join in on the fun — predicting the LSU Tigers to win it all over Penn State.

“LSU (has) the nation’s number one transfer portal (class) and a veteran quarterback,” Corso said on his final College GameDay. “… Now the Final Four, two of them LSU vs. Penn State for the national championship. Okay, a great battle, but the winner — LSU. LSU wins the national championship.”

The Tigers finished the offseason with the No. 2 overall transfer portal class, according to the On3 Transfer Portal Team Rankings. The group is led by Florida transfer CB Ja’Keem Jackson and Kentucky transfer WR Barion Brown, with several of the 18 additions expected to be instant impact performers.

Then Garrett Nussmeier is back for year two as LSU’s starting quarterback with all signs pointing toward him being one of the elite signal callers in college football season. Nussmeier finished last season with 4,052 passing yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. It was a great start for the senior from Lake Charles, but he has one more opportunity to lead his team to the CFP.

Last season, LSU ended up finishing the season with a 9-4 record during Nussmeier’s first season as starting quarterback. The Tigers appeared poised to make a run toward the College Football Playoff after a fast 6-1 star, but three-straight losses late in the season ended those hopes early.

While offense looks to be a strong suit for the Tigers this fall, some are hesitant to speak on what the team’s defense can achieve. LSU ranked 14th in the SEC in team defense last fall, and the Tigers will need a much stronger effort to keep them in CFP contention. However, LSU looks to be more experienced in 2025.

LSU’s march toward the College Football Playoff begins with one of its toughest opponents this season — a true road matchup against the Clemson Tigers. LSU will take on the likes of Ole Miss, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Oklahoma down the stretch as well.

LSU is a four-point underdog to Clemson heading into Saturday night’s season opener, which is set for 7:30 p.m. ET and will air live on ABC. The over/under is set at 56.5 points, according to BetMGM.