Jordan Rodgers is gearing up for the 2023 season with the SEC gathered together for the annual Media Days. Prior to the start of the event, Rodgers was not shy about who he believes is the team to beat in the SEC West this season.

He certainly thinks that team is LSU, and Rodgers explained how that expectation has a lot to do with Jayden Daniels’ progression at quarterback. With Daniels returning and a number of key pieces back, Rodgers believes the Tigers have the potential to be much better offensively.

“Oh I think so. Absolutely,” said Rodgers about LSU being the team to beat in the west. “I loved watching Jayden’s progression, and I think when you look at this offense: I think they’ve got maybe the best WR in the SEC, maybe in the country coming back in Malik Nabers, they got a bunch of RBs coming back, the offensive line has 4 starters, they’re gonna be much better.”

Rodgers also explained how a season ago the Tigers limited the playbook a bit to begin the year. Now, Daniels will have more plays at his disposal which could help the offense take off:

“Early on last year, you could tell they were protecting Jayden’s development a little bit, there was a lot of half-field reads,” Rodgers explained. “…As the season went on, I think (Mike) Denbrock started to open the playbook a little bit. You say saw Jayden Daniels get a bit more consistent… Now I think this offense takes off.”

LSU’s 2023 schedule

While things are shaping up for a big season in Baton Rouge, the Tigers do have a tough schedule to get past. LSU faces road games against Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Missouri and a major one against Alabama to go with home games against Arkansas, Auburn, Florida and Texas A&M.

Add that SEC slate to a season opener against Florida State, and the Tigers will not be lacking for quality opponents on the schedule this fall. We’ll see if Jayden Daniels and the offense are able to lead a big season when things kick off.