As the 2024 college football season draws to a close, the annual anticipation for the final AP Top 25 Poll reaches its peak. This ranking, compiled by sportswriters and broadcasters across the country, is the definitive measure of a team’s performance throughout the season, factoring in win-loss records, strength of schedule, conference championships, and overall dominance on the field. For LSU football, a program with a rich history and lofty expectations, the final ranking in the AP Poll would offer a snapshot of its season, including how it stacked up in the competitive Southeastern Conference (SEC) and on the national stage.
As the final AP Top 25 Poll for the 2024 season has been released, LSU fans, players, and coaches alike are eager to see where their beloved Tigers land after a rollercoaster of highs and lows. So, where did LSU football end up in the final rankings, and what can be taken away from their placement?
### LSU’s 2024 Season Recap
Before diving into LSU’s final position in the AP Poll, it’s important to assess the season that led up to their ranking. LSU entered the 2024 season with sky-high expectations following a solid 2023 campaign, which saw the Tigers finish 10-4 overall, including a remarkable victory in the Citrus Bowl. Head coach Brian Kelly, now in his third year at the helm, had established a competitive team with a mix of experienced players and promising young talent. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, in particular, was a key focal point of LSU’s offense, bringing both skill and experience to the position.
The Tigers opened the 2024 season with a statement win, defeating Florida State in a thrilling early-season matchup. This victory fueled hopes that LSU could challenge for the College Football Playoff (CFP) and, perhaps, compete for an SEC Championship. However, LSU’s season took a few unexpected turns along the way, as the team struggled in key conference games, including a loss to Alabama and a narrow defeat to Ole Miss. Despite these setbacks, LSU managed to rebound with some impressive wins over SEC rivals and a strong finish to the regular season, which kept them in the hunt for a major bowl game.
As the Tigers entered the final stretch of the season, much was at stake. Their positioning in the SEC standings would determine whether they would have a shot at a New Year’s Six bowl game or possibly an appearance in the College Football Playoff. While LSU ultimately fell short of playoff contention, their performance was enough to secure a respectable position in the final rankings.
### LSU’s Final Position in the AP Top 25
So, where did LSU land in the final AP Top 25 Poll of the 2024 season? The Tigers finished at **No. 12** overall, a ranking that reflects both the challenges and successes of their season.
While LSU did not crack the Top 10, their final placement in the Top 15 is a solid result, particularly considering the strength of the SEC and the competitive nature of the 2024 season. LSU’s 9-3 record, with key wins over teams like Mississippi State, Arkansas, and Texas A&M, helped them secure a position in the upper tier of college football. Their lone blemishes were losses to Alabama, Ole Miss, and Florida State—three teams that ultimately ranked higher than LSU in the final AP Poll.
### Breaking Down LSU’s Final Ranking
To understand why LSU landed at No. 12, it’s important to consider the factors that influenced their placement:
1. **Tough SEC Schedule**: LSU’s schedule was one of the toughest in the nation, with the SEC continuing to be a powerhouse conference in college football. LSU’s losses to Alabama and Ole Miss were against teams that were ranked higher than the Tigers, and these losses significantly impacted their overall ranking. However, their ability to compete against these teams, especially in the high-stakes atmosphere of the SEC, showed that LSU remained a competitive force.
2. **Strong Wins**: LSU was able to claim several key victories during the 2024 season, particularly against teams in the SEC West. Wins over Arkansas and Texas A&M were critical in securing their bowl eligibility and ensuring a spot in the upper half of the final rankings. Additionally, their season-opening win against Florida State set a positive tone and gave the Tigers momentum heading into SEC play.
3. **Inconsistent Play**: While LSU showed flashes of brilliance, particularly on offense, they were also hampered by inconsistency. Quarterback Jayden Daniels had a stellar year, but at times, LSU’s offense couldn’t find the rhythm it needed to defeat top-tier teams. Additionally, LSU’s defense, which had been one of the program’s strengths in previous years, struggled at times to contain high-powered offenses like Alabama’s and Ole Miss’s, leading to crucial losses.
4. **Key Injuries**: Injuries also played a role in LSU’s season. While the team had great depth in several areas, key injuries at crucial positions, particularly on defense, put the Tigers at a disadvantage in several key matchups. Injuries are a part of football, but when you’re competing in a conference as tough as the SEC, even a few missed games from key players can be the difference between a win and a loss.
5. **Overall Competitive Landscape**: The 2024 college football season featured a particularly strong group of teams near the top, including Georgia, Michigan, and Ohio State, all of whom went undefeated. Teams like Alabama, Florida State, and Ole Miss were also in the mix for the top spots. Given this competitive landscape, LSU’s three losses kept them from climbing higher in the rankings, but their solid overall record and ability to hang with some of the nation’s best teams helped them maintain a respectable spot in the final Top 25.
### Looking Ahead: What Does This Ranking Mean for LSU’s Future?
Finishing the season ranked No. 12 in the AP Poll is certainly a respectable result for LSU, but it’s also a position that sets the stage for future success. The Tigers will return several key players, including quarterback Jayden Daniels, who will have another year of experience under his belt. With head coach Brian Kelly continuing to build his program, LSU is in a prime position to make a run for a higher ranking in 2025.
Additionally, LSU’s strong finish to the 2024 season should help them build momentum heading into the offseason. With recruiting in full swing, the Tigers can expect to add more talent to an already impressive roster, further boosting their chances of climbing in the rankings in the years to come.
While LSU’s 2024 season didn’t result in a playoff berth, their performance was a reminder of the program’s elite status in college football. Finishing No. 12 in the final AP Top 25 Poll signals that LSU is still a team to be reckoned with, and as long as they can remain consistent, they will be a perennial contender for both SEC titles and national championships.
### Conclusion
The final AP Top 25 Poll for the 2024 college football season places LSU football at No. 12, a position that reflects both their strengths and struggles throughout the year. While the Tigers fell short of their ultimate goal of making the College Football Playoff, their 9-3 record, competitive play in the SEC, and strong individual performances helped them land in the upper echelon of college football. Looking ahead, LSU’s future appears bright, with the team poised to build on this season’s achievements and make a run at the top rankings in 2025.