ESPN: Way-Too-Early Top 25 For 2018

Shortly after the College Football Playoff National Championship wrapped up on Monday night, ESPN released their Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2018 and ranked LSU at No. 23.

Here's what they had to say about the Tigers in 2018.

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23. LSU

2017 record: 9-4, 6-2 SEC
Returning starters: Six offense, eight defense, two special teams

Key losses: WR D.J. Chark, OT K.J. Malone, QB Danny Etling, WR Russell Gage, LB Arden Key, DE Christian LaCouture, NT Greg Gilmore,

Outlook: The Tigers were up and down in coach Ed Orgeron's first season, beating Auburn and falling to Mississippi State (by 30 points), Troy (at home) and Notre Dame (in the Citrus Bowl). LSU's issues in 2017 were the same as they were under former coach Les Miles: The Tigers struggled to pass the ball and score. It won't be any easier in 2018, with Etling departing and junior tailback Derrius Guice probably turning pro.

Orgeron made a change at offensive coordinator, parting ways with Matt Canada after one season, and Orgeron might turn to tight ends coach Steve Ensminger to be his OC in 2018. At least LSU secured defensive coordinator Dave Aranda, who received a four-year, $10 million contract, the highest ever for an FBS assistant, after Texas A&M tried to hire him away.

The Tigers will play a nonconference game against Miami in Arlington, Texas, next season, along with road games at Auburn, Florida and Texas A&M.

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Complete Way-Too-Early Top 25 for 2018:

1. Alabama
2. Clemson
3. Ohio State
4. Oklahoma
5. Georgia
6. Wisconsin
7. Miami
8. Washington
9. Michigan State
10. West Virginia
11. Penn State
12. Auburn
13. Michigan
14. Virginia Tech
15. USC
16. TCU
17. Boise State
18. Stanford
19. Mississippi State
20. Notre Dame
21. UCF
22. Florida State
23. LSU
24. Texas
25. South Carolina