Kirk Herbstreit names best team in college football

ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit did not hedge. During Saturday’s College GameDay rapid-fire Q&A segment, after co-host Desmond Howard made the case for the Miami Hurricanes, the longtime analyst went straight to his pick when the dashboard asked for the nation’s best team.

“I like LSU. LSU looks pretty good,” Herbstreit said with a shrug, a simple answer that matched the Tigers’ simple formula the past three weeks.

The endorsement arrives as No. 3 LSU rolls back into Tiger Stadium unbeaten and steady. Brian Kelly’s team is leaning on a swarming defense, timely special teams, and just enough from quarterback Garrett Nussmeier to grind through early-season turbulence.

It has not always been pretty, but it has been convincing when it matters, which is why a national voice pointing to LSU resonates in late September.

The stage fits the statement. LSU returns home for an in-state meeting with Southeastern Louisiana in Week 4, a third all-time matchup that doubles as a chance to tighten details before the heart of SEC play.

Herbstreit Identifies LSU As The Best Team After GameDay Segment

Herbstreit’s pick is rooted in LSU’s defensive surge and roster depth that withstood early adversity. Captain linebacker Whit Weeks was ejected for targeting on the opening possession against Florida, and the Tigers still authored a five-interception night, three sacks, and constant pressure that forced hurried decisions.

Sophomore Davhon Keys stepped in for Weeks and piled up 14 tackles with a half-sack. Cornerback Dashawn Spears delivered two interceptions, including a 58-yard return for a touchdown, and later collected multiple national honors highlighted by the Bronko Nagurski National Defensive Player of the Week. Edge rusher Jack Pyburn underscored the unit’s identity with a description that has become reality on Saturdays: fast, physical, and unrelenting.