The 2015 college football season officially concluded on Monday night with the Alabama Crimson Tide being crowned national champions following a 45-40 defeat of the Clemson Tigers.
Less than 24 hours after the final whistle, it is already time for the way-too-early Top 25 rankings to come rolling in.
ESPN released their list on Tuesday morning, and the LSU Tigers have found their way into the top-10, led by a talented core that includes 18 returning starters.
Per ESPN:
7. LSU Tigers
2015 record: 9-3, 5-3 SEC
Returning starters: 9 offense, 9 defense, 1 special teamsKey losses: OT Vadal Alexander, LB Lamar Louis, LB Deion Jones, FS Jalen Mills, OT Jerald Hawkins
Outlook: After surviving an attempted coup, Tigers coach Les Miles probably knows his team is going to have to challenge Alabama in the SEC West if he’s going to keep his job.