Overview
- Kelly, now a CBS Sports college football analyst, gave game-by-game predictions for LSU and Notre Dame on Monday that project LSU at 10-2 and Notre Dame at 12-0 for the 2026 regular season.
- He warned that LSU’s early results will hinge on quarterback play and health, saying new starter Sam Leavitt could show rust after missing spring practice.
- Kelly singled out Ole Miss and Texas as pivot games for LSU, noting Ole Miss quarterback Trinidad Chambliss could beat the Tigers if he plays to his 2025 level.
- He praised Lane Kiffin’s transfer-portal work and the offensive staff led by Kiffin and Charlie Weis Jr. as reasons LSU can reach a 10-win baseline if its quarterback stays healthy.
- Kelly’s measured analysis was quickly republished by other outlets with more sensational headlines that emphasized conflict between him and Kiffin rather than the tactical points he made.