Paul Finebaum, a well-known sports commentator and analyst, has always had a finger on the pulse of college football. His insights often spark discussions across the nation, particularly when it comes to predicting the future of top-tier programs. In a recent commentary, Finebaum made a bold statement that LSU (Louisiana State University) would return to the College Football Playoff (CFP) in 2025. This declaration comes at a time when the landscape of college football is in a period of transition, with major changes on the horizon. Finebaum’s confidence in the Tigers’ ability to bounce back from past setbacks has piqued the interest of fans, coaches, and analysts alike. But what makes Finebaum so certain about LSU’s prospects in 2025? Let’s take a deep dive into his reasoning and evaluate whether the Tigers can, in fact, make another run at the College Football Playoff in just a few years.
Paul Finebaum’s reputation as one of the most respected voices in college football makes his opinion one that carries weight. Having spent decades covering the SEC, Finebaum has seen the rise and fall of many college football programs. His expertise in evaluating teams is not only based on statistics and performances but also on understanding the internal dynamics of college football programs. When Finebaum speaks, it is often with an air of authority, and this prediction about LSU has many wondering if he has insider knowledge or simply a gut feeling about the Tigers’ trajectory.
Finebaum’s assertion is noteworthy because LSU has had its ups and downs in recent seasons. Despite their dominant national championship victory in 2019, the Tigers have struggled to find consistency in the years that followed. A combination of coaching changes, roster turnover, and player departures has affected LSU’s performance, leading many to question if they could return to the top of the college football hierarchy. Finebaum’s belief that LSU will make it back to the CFP is a sign that he sees something brewing within the program that others might overlook.
To understand why Finebaum’s statement carries weight, it’s important to look at LSU’s recent history. After the Tigers’ thrilling 2019 National Championship win under coach Ed Orgeron, expectations for the program were sky-high. LSU had one of the most prolific offenses in college football history, led by future NFL star Joe Burrow and a supporting cast of incredible talent. The Tigers looked poised to be a dominant force for years to come.
However, things began to unravel in 2020. LSU’s offensive line was decimated, and key players like Burrow and several other key pieces of the team left for the NFL. To make matters worse, LSU’s defense, which had been one of the best in the nation during their championship run, took a step back. In a shortened 2020 season, LSU finished with a lackluster 5-5 record, a far cry from the glory days of just one season prior.
2021 brought further challenges. The program continued to deal with the aftershocks of the 2019 season, with inconsistent play and a lack of cohesion on both sides of the ball. Ed Orgeron, despite his role in the Tigers’ 2019 championship, faced mounting pressure and scrutiny, which eventually led to his departure as head coach after the 2021 season. In his place, LSU hired Brian Kelly, the former Notre Dame head coach, in a move that many saw as a step toward a more stable future.
The transition to Kelly’s leadership was met with cautious optimism. Kelly brought a wealth of experience and a reputation for building successful, well-rounded programs. However, 2022 was another year of growing pains for the Tigers. They showed flashes of brilliance but failed to consistently put together dominant performances. Despite this, LSU showed a lot of potential under Kelly, and many fans felt that the foundation was being laid for future success.
When Finebaum discusses LSU’s return to the College Football Playoff, much of his confidence is likely tied to the hiring of Brian Kelly. Kelly is widely regarded as one of the best coaches in college football, having led Notre Dame to multiple playoff appearances and maintaining a consistently competitive program. His success at Notre Dame, where he often had to work with limited resources compared to powerhouse programs, speaks to his ability to build strong teams and develop players.
Kelly’s arrival at LSU was met with great fanfare, and it was clear that his coaching philosophy would be a departure from Orgeron’s more laid-back approach. Kelly is known for his attention to detail, disciplined approach to recruiting, and emphasis on player development. These traits, combined with LSU’s already strong recruiting base and historical success, made him an ideal candidate to lead the Tigers back to prominence.
Under Kelly’s leadership, LSU’s recruiting efforts have already shown signs of improvement. The Tigers have been able to attract top-tier talent from across the country, and their 2023 recruiting class was one of the best in the nation. In college football, recruiting is the lifeblood of a program, and LSU’s ability to land elite prospects positions them well for a return to national relevance.
While it may take time for Kelly’s system to fully take shape, there are already signs that LSU is moving in the right direction. The Tigers have a talented roster, with playmakers on both sides of the ball. Quarterback play, which had been inconsistent in recent years, seems to be stabilizing, and the defense, while not yet back to its 2019 level, is showing signs of improvement. With Kelly’s emphasis on building a strong foundation and focusing on all facets of the game, it’s easy to see why Finebaum believes LSU’s best days are still ahead.
Finebaum’s prediction also takes into account the changing dynamics of the College Football Playoff and the SEC’s role within it. The SEC has long been considered the most competitive conference in college football, and it remains the epicenter of championship contention year in and year out. Alabama, Georgia, and LSU are among the most storied programs in the conference, and each of these teams has the ability to make deep playoff runs.
In recent years, the SEC has been dominated by Alabama and Georgia, with the two programs splitting the last several national championships. However, LSU’s rise to prominence in 2019 shows that the Tigers have the potential to disrupt this duopoly. Finebaum likely sees LSU as a program that is capable of competing with the best in the SEC, and in a playoff system that now includes 12 teams (beginning in 2024), the Tigers have a clear path to return to the postseason.
One of the key factors in LSU’s potential return to the CFP in 2025 is their ability to compete in the SEC West. While Alabama and Georgia remain formidable foes, the landscape of college football is constantly shifting. Programs like Texas A&M, Ole Miss, and Arkansas are all emerging as contenders in the SEC, but LSU has the resources and recruiting power to remain a top-tier program. If the Tigers can continue to improve under Kelly’s leadership, they will be well-positioned to make a run at the SEC Championship, and from there, a playoff berth.
If LSU is to return to the College Football Playoff in 2025, several factors will need to align. First and foremost, the Tigers will need to continue developing under Kelly’s system. This means improving their consistency on both sides of the ball, particularly in areas where they’ve struggled in recent seasons, such as quarterback play and defensive depth.
Additionally, LSU will need to stay healthy and avoid the kind of roster turnover that plagued them in the post-championship years. The SEC is notoriously tough, and injuries can quickly derail a season. If the Tigers can remain relatively injury-free and continue to recruit at a high level, they will be a team to watch.
Finally, LSU will need to navigate a tough schedule, with games against some of the nation’s top teams. A strong showing in the regular season, coupled with a strong performance in the SEC Championship game, will be crucial to securing a playoff spot.
Paul Finebaum’s prediction that LSU will return to the College Football Playoff in 2025 is bold, but not entirely out of the realm of possibility. With the hiring of Brian Kelly, a talented roster, and a path forward that includes an expanded playoff system, the Tigers are positioned for a potential return to national prominence. While there are still many hurdles to overcome, Finebaum’s belief in LSU’s future serves as a reminder that the program’s rich history and competitive spirit are still very much alive. The 2025 season may be a few years away, but if LSU can continue to build under Kelly’s leadership, the Tigers could once again find themselves on the national stage, competing for a College Football Playoff berth and perhaps even another championship. Time will tell, but the road to 2025 is one that could bring LSU back to the pinnacle of college football.
