LSU Football Makes Historic Academic Announcement Under Brian Kelly…….

Baton Rouge, LA** — In a bold step that reinforces the “student” in student-athlete, LSU Football, under the direction of Head Coach **Brian Kelly**, has made a historic academic announcement that’s sending waves through the college football landscape. In a press conference held Tuesday morning at Tiger Stadium, LSU revealed that the football program achieved its **highest team GPA in school history**, marking a new era of excellence both on the field and in the classroom.

According to the university, the football team posted a cumulative GPA of 3.12**, surpassing the previous high of 2.98. This marks the first time in the program’s history that the GPA has topped the 3.0 mark across all players.

When Brian Kelly was hired as LSU’s head coach in late 2021, he emphasized not only championship-level performance but also building a culture of discipline, accountability, and academic integrity.

Winning football games is important,” Kelly said at the press conference. “But building great young men who leave LSU with degrees, life skills, and futures—that’s the foundation of this program.”

Kelly’s emphasis on academics has been more than just words. Since his arrival, LSU Football has implemented structured study hours, expanded access to tutors, and created incentives for academic performance. The results have been immediate and impressive.

A key part of LSU’s academic turnaround has been the creation of the **Athletic Academic Resource Center**, which Kelly and the athletic department revamped in 2022. Staffed with full-time academic advisors and learning specialists, the center provides year-round support tailored to the demanding schedules of Division I athletes.

Academic coordinator **Angela Thompkins**, who oversees football academic support, says the success is the result of “consistent attention and a cultural reset.

When you walk into the locker room now, guys are talking about GPA goals, class schedules, and what internships they’re applying for,” Thompkins said. “It’s been a complete transformation.

The academic success hasn’t only been pushed by coaches and advisors. LSU’s team leadership council**, composed of upperclassmen, has played a major role in shifting team priorities. Senior defensive end **Mekhi Wingo**, one of the most vocal leaders, described the academic success as a “point of pride.”

We compete on the field, and now we’re competing in the classroom too,” Wingo said. “Coach Kelly told us from day one: If you want to be a champion, you’ve got to win in every area of your life.

The impact is already visible beyond GPA scores. LSU reports that the **football program’s graduation rate has jumped 12%** over the past two years, and internship placements among student-athletes have doubled.

Many players are exploring opportunities in business, communications, health sciences, and coaching — a reflection of LSU’s commitment to producing well-rounded graduates.

LSU’s historic announcement has already caught the attention of peer institutions and college football analysts, with some calling it a model for how elite athletic programs can balance competition and education.

The university also announced that it will launch a new “Football Futures” program in Fall 2025**, offering financial literacy, entrepreneurship workshops, and career counseling for all football players — including incoming freshmen.

While Tiger fans are always eager for wins on Saturdays, LSU’s latest accomplishment shows that the program is striving for excellence far beyond the end zone. With a renewed focus on academics, personal development, and leadership, the LSU Tigers are setting a powerful example of what it means to be champions on and off the field.