Lane Kiffin's LSU Gets Massive Respect in New Rankings

Matt Moscona breaks down ESPN’s new Future Power Rankings and what they reveal about LSU under Lane Kiffin. Why are the Tigers already viewed as a Top 10 program nationally and the third-best team in the SEC? Matt explains why the rankings are both encouraging and flawed in the transfer portal era. Plus, USA Today’s Blake Toppmeyer joins the discussion on Sam Leavitt’s importance to LSU’s 2026 season, the Tigers’ playoff ceiling, and how Kiffin’s coaching staff is reshaping expectations in Baton Rouge. Matt also discusses Trinidad Chambliss, Ole Miss’ outlook without Kiffin, and why quarterback play remains the biggest variable in the SEC. Topics include: ESPN Future Power Rankings LSU’s national outlook under Lane Kiffin Sam Leavitt’s impact on the 2026 season LSU’s playoff chances SEC quarterback rankings Trinidad Chambliss and Ole Miss Why recruiting rankings and blue-chip ratios may be outdated Locked On LSU is your daily podcast covering LSU Football, LSU Recruiting, and LSU Athletics. Geaux Tigers! 🐯🏈 Everydayer ClubIf you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub   Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!   Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.  RugietGet 15% off your treatment → https://rugiet.com/lockedonnhlRugiet. Performance medicine for men. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel.Visithttps://FANDUEL.COMto get started now.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.