LSU WR's message on winning college football national championship: exclusive

Despite LSU's recent offensive struggles, the Tigers remain a contender, not just in the SEC but potentially for the College Football Playoff. During an exclusive interview with LSU receiver Chris Hilton Jr., the playmaker reveals why the Tigers believe they can win the whole thing.

Baylor Bears cornerback Caden Jenkins (8) breaks up a pass intended for LSU Tigers wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr. (3) | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images

LSU's offensive struggles have been well-documented, but College Football HQ On SI recently got an inside look at why the Tigers remain confident. During an exclusive interview with LSU wide receiver Chris Hilton Jr., the veteran explained why Tigers fans should be bullish on the team's outlook this college football season.

Hilton admitted that the offense remains a work in progress, but LSU still has their eyes on a national title.

"I would say personally (my goal is to) stay healthy," Hilton told College Football HQ on SI. "I mean, that's where my struggles have been in the past couple years. So, I really just want to remain healthy throughout the whole season.

"I feel like if I am, everything else will take care of itself. And as far as the team goal, obviously, we want to win a national championship. That's the main goal. But in order to do that, you got to take it one week at a time."

LSU faces upcoming tests against Ole Miss and South Carolina

LSU has already been tested with marquee wins against Clemson and Florida to start the season. The Tigers face Southeastern Louisiana in Week 4, but things heat up again with LSU's upcoming schedule.

Chris Hilton Jr in pregame rocking the 1-0. LSU ain’t playing around with the mission in this season opener. @LSUfootball @LAFirstNews @_ZHSFootball pic.twitter.com/6zvKISVLy1

— Chessa Bouche (@chessabouche) August 30, 2025

LSU has upcoming games against Ole Miss, South Carolina, Vanderbilt and Texas A&M, all before October ends. The Tigers also face Alabama and Oklahoma in two of their final four games this season.

Chris Hilton Jr. on LSU's chances to win national championship: 'I like 'em a lot'

Hilton outlined what LSU needs to do in order to reach the Tigers' lofty goal of winning a national title. While the offense is aiming to make strides, LSU aims to lean on its "lights out" defense.

Chris Hilton Jr : 4 catches for a career-high 113 yards & a TD on 7 targets pic.twitter.com/FowZ2zIN8E

— Lee Harvey (@MusikFan4Life) January 1, 2025

"I like 'em a lot (LSU's chances to win the national championship)," Hilton added. "Defense is playing lights out right now.

"And offense, we still figuring things out. You know what I mean? But as long as we taking it one week at a time, we're gonna be all right."

LSU WR Chris Hilton Jr. announces NIL deal with Popeyes

Off the field, Hilton revealed an NIL partnership with Popeyes and is helping fans score a deal on wings. Fans can use the promo code Hilton12 to receive 12 Popeyes wings for $12. Hilton is also partial to the blackened chicken tenders.

"It's actually funny because I used to eat Popeyes almost every day because we got one right on campus," Hilton admitted before revealing his favorite Popeyes order.

"... Sometimes they had the blackened chicken tenders. Those are good (or I would) get the chicken sandwich with a frozen strawberry lemonade."