Four times 225 has bet on the LSU Tigers and come up golden

There have been countless memorable athletic achievements in the 20 years since 225 published its first issue.

New teams have been established in the city, collegiate programs have achieved unprecedented heights and national championships have made Baton Rouge their home.

But how many did we see coming? Here are a few predictions our writers have gotten right over the years:

1. Great expectations

Heading into 2019, it seemed the stars had aligned for LSU. The roster was talented, the schedule was (somewhat) manageable and the coaching staff had continuity for the first time in a long time.

That led 104.5 ESPN Baton Rouge radio host Matt Moscona to drop this little hint in his annual season predictions for 225:

“What a difference a year makes,” Moscona wrote. “Orgeron’s third squad should carry a preseason top 10 ranking and will likely be favored in every game except its trip to Alabama in November … Playoffs? How about those expectations?”

Turns out, making the playoffs was just the beginning for the Tigers.

2. Reasons to believe

Moscona wasn’t the only one who could see the magic of 2019.

Joe Burrow was coming off a successful season and seemed ready to take a big step. Add creative passing game coordinator Joe Brady into the mix and it looked like LSU was ready for a new era of offense.

“Joe Burrow is a different kind of cat, but he may just be the one to lead the Tigers to a place they haven’t been in quite some time …Combine Brady’s brain with Burrow’s brawn, and LSU just might have the tools to change the narrative,” I wrote that summer. Later, adding:

“If there’s ever been a season to allow yourself to believe, this may just be the one.”

We all know how that story ended.

3. Big and bold

Football wasn’t the only program building something special.

LSU women’s basketball made a statement when it hired Kim Mulkey.

She was featured in 225 in January of 2022—just a handful of games into her opening season in purple and gold—with things looking bright.
“Mulkey isn’t just a name to watch in 2022. She’ll be one to keep an eye on for the next five, eight, 10 years and beyond,” 225 wrote.

One year later, Mulkey would lead LSU to its first national championship title in program history, and the team hasn’t missed the NCAA Tournament since she arrived.

4. Passing the torch

Two years before LSU brought in a marquee coach in Mulkey, the Tigers were moving on from another iconic figure in gymnastics legend D-D Breaux.

After 43 years in charge, Breaux decided to pass the reins to assistant coach Jay Clark in 2020. He was experienced, passionate and optimistic about continuing Breaux’s legacy.

“Clark and company certainly don’t want to get ahead of themselves, but they also know something special could be in the making moving forward,” 225 wrote.

Special indeed. Fast forward to 2024, and Clark and co. would claim the gymnastics program’s first national title.

This article was originally published in the November 2025 issue of 225 Magazine.