Two Programs, One Bold Prediction

Brian Kelly has never been shy about setting expectations, and the 2026 season is no exception. In a wide-ranging interview with CBS Sports, the LSU head coach made his strongest case yet that both his current team and his former program — Notre Dame — are positioned for playoff runs this season. "Both programs are built for the playoff," Kelly said. "LSU has the talent to compete with anyone in the SEC, and Notre Dame has the schedule and the culture to be in the conversation until the very end."

LSU: Dark-Horse Playoff Pick

Kelly's confidence in LSU is rooted in a defense that has been rebuilt around defensive coordinator Blake Baker's aggressive scheme. The Tigers return eight starters from a unit that ranked in the top 25 nationally in scoring defense in 2025, and the addition of transfer defensive tackle Gabriel Brownlow-Dindy from Texas A&M gives LSU the interior presence it lacked a year ago. The biggest question mark is at quarterback, where incumbent Garrett Nussmeier enters his second season as the full-time starter after a 2025 campaign that showed flashes of brilliance but also inconsistency. "Garrett has all the physical tools," Kelly said. "The game has slowed down for him. I expect him to have a Joe Burrow-like jump in his second year in the system."

LSU's schedule is manageable by SEC standards. The Tigers avoid Alabama and Georgia in the regular season draw, though they face a tough road test at Ole Miss and a potential trap game against a resurgent Florida program. If LSU can split its toughest road games and protect home field, a 10-2 regular season and a playoff berth are realistic goals.

Notre Dame: Reloading Under Marcus Freeman

Kelly's former program enters the 2026 season with arguably the best defense in the country. Cornerback Leonard Moore (97 overall, 4 interceptions in 2025) is the best defensive back in college football, and safety Adon Shuler gives the Irish the best safety-corner combo in the nation. The defense, which allowed just 184.2 passing yards per game in 2025, is the backbone of a team that could be Marcus Freeman's best yet. "The culture that was built there is strong," Kelly said. "Marcus has done a phenomenal job of continuing the standard. That defense is championship-caliber. The question is whether the offense can keep up."

Notre Dame's offense will be led by a new starting quarterback, with sophomore Kenny Minchey and freshman C.J. Carr competing for the job. The Irish return a veteran offensive line and a deep running back room, but they must replace their top two receivers from 2025. The schedule includes home games against Ohio State and USC, a road trip to Clemson, and cross-country travel to face Stanford. If the Irish can navigate that gauntlet with 10 wins, they will be firmly in the playoff conversation.

A Shared History of Success

Kelly spent 12 seasons at Notre Dame (2010-2021), compiling a 113-40 record, reaching the BCS National Championship Game in 2012, and making two College Football Playoff appearances. He left South Bend for LSU in 2022, where he has gone 28-11 in three seasons with one SEC Championship Game appearance. The bond between Kelly and Notre Dame remains strong, and he has maintained close relationships with the coaching staff and administrators in South Bend. "I poured my heart into that program for 12 years," Kelly said. "I want to see them succeed. I think they're going to have a great season."

What This Means for CFB 27

In College Football 27, both LSU and Notre Dame are rated as four-star programs in Dynasty mode, with LSU's offensive firepower and Notre Dame's elite defense making them distinctly different but equally compelling rebuilds. LSU's quarterback situation is a Dynasty challenge — can you develop Garrett Nussmeier into the star Kelly predicts, or will you need to hit the transfer portal? Notre Dame's defense, anchored by Leonard Moore's 97 overall rating, is the best in the game and can carry a team through a tough schedule. For Ultimate Team players, early-season performances from LSU's defense and Notre Dame's secondary could produce valuable high-rated cards.