Paul Finebaum, a well-known SEC Network analyst, has weighed in on the LSU Tigers’ chances of making the College Football Playoff in 2025. His insights suggest that LSU is in a strong position but faces stiff competition within the SEC.
### LSU’s Strengths Heading into 2025
The Tigers have made significant moves in the offseason, particularly in the NCAA Transfer Portal, bringing in the **No. 1-ranked transfer class** [A](https://www.si.com/college/lsu/football/paul-finebaum-s-take-are-the-lsu-tigers-a-college-football-playoff-team-in-2025-01jtpwd1hj76?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI0dE1lVWs0R2NEYzRjTEMzUHZ4NGQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiVERUaEFwQVJ3cnNGcDVRSmFXOGRlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvbHN1XC9mb290YmFsbFwvcGF1bC1maW5lYmF1bS1zLXRha2UtYXJlLXRoZS1sc3UtdGlnZXJzLWEtY29sbGVnZS1mb290YmFsbC1wbGF5b2ZmLXRlYW0taW4tMjAyNS0wMWp0cHdkMWhqNzYifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). This influx of talent, combined with returning players, gives LSU a well-rounded roster. Quarterback **Garrett Nussmeier** is expected to lead the offense after a solid 2024 season where he threw for **3,738 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions** [A](https://www.si.com/college/lsu/football/paul-finebaum-s-take-are-the-lsu-tigers-a-college-football-playoff-team-in-2025-01jtpwd1hj76?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI0dE1lVWs0R2NEYzRjTEMzUHZ4NGQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiVERUaEFwQVJ3cnNGcDVRSmFXOGRlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNpLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvbHN1XC9mb290YmFsbFwvcGF1bC1maW5lYmF1bS1zLXRha2UtYXJlLXRoZS1sc3UtdGlnZXJzLWEtY29sbGVnZS1mb290YmFsbC1wbGF5b2ZmLXRlYW0taW4tMjAyNS0wMWp0cHdkMWhqNzYifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His continued development will be crucial for LSU’s success.
Finebaum has expressed optimism about LSU’s chances, stating that he considers them a **playoff-caliber team** [B](https://athlonsports.com/college/lsu-tigers/paul-finebaum-believes-lsu-will-return-to-the-college-football-playoff-in-2025?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI0dE1lVWs0R2NEYzRjTEMzUHZ4NGQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiVERUaEFwQVJ3cnNGcDVRSmFXOGRlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvYXRobG9uc3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvbHN1LXRpZ2Vyc1wvcGF1bC1maW5lYmF1bS1iZWxpZXZlcy1sc3Utd2lsbC1yZXR1cm4tdG8tdGhlLWNvbGxlZ2UtZm9vdGJhbGwtcGxheW9mZi1pbi0yMDI1In0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). However, he acknowledges the crowded field in the SEC, with teams like **Texas, Alabama, and Georgia** also vying for a spot [B](https://athlonsports.com/college/lsu-tigers/paul-finebaum-believes-lsu-will-return-to-the-college-football-playoff-in-2025?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI0dE1lVWs0R2NEYzRjTEMzUHZ4NGQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiVERUaEFwQVJ3cnNGcDVRSmFXOGRlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvYXRobG9uc3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvbHN1LXRpZ2Vyc1wvcGF1bC1maW5lYmF1bS1iZWxpZXZlcy1sc3Utd2lsbC1yZXR1cm4tdG8tdGhlLWNvbGxlZ2UtZm9vdGJhbGwtcGxheW9mZi1pbi0yMDI1In0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). LSU’s ability to navigate this competitive landscape will determine whether they can break their playoff drought, which dates back to their **2019 national championship season** [B](https://athlonsports.com/college/lsu-tigers/paul-finebaum-believes-lsu-will-return-to-the-college-football-playoff-in-2025?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI0dE1lVWs0R2NEYzRjTEMzUHZ4NGQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiVERUaEFwQVJ3cnNGcDVRSmFXOGRlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvYXRobG9uc3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvbHN1LXRpZ2Vyc1wvcGF1bC1maW5lYmF1bS1iZWxpZXZlcy1sc3Utd2lsbC1yZXR1cm4tdG8tdGhlLWNvbGxlZ2UtZm9vdGJhbGwtcGxheW9mZi1pbi0yMDI1In0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### Challenges LSU Faces
Despite their potential, LSU has struggled with consistency in recent years. In 2024, they finished with a **9-4 record**, faltering in key matchups that could have solidified their playoff hopes [B](https://athlonsports.com/college/lsu-tigers/paul-finebaum-believes-lsu-will-return-to-the-college-football-playoff-in-2025?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI0dE1lVWs0R2NEYzRjTEMzUHZ4NGQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiVERUaEFwQVJ3cnNGcDVRSmFXOGRlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvYXRobG9uc3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvbHN1LXRpZ2Vyc1wvcGF1bC1maW5lYmF1bS1iZWxpZXZlcy1sc3Utd2lsbC1yZXR1cm4tdG8tdGhlLWNvbGxlZ2UtZm9vdGJhbGwtcGxheW9mZi1pbi0yMDI1In0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Their defense, while talented, will need to step up, especially against high-powered offenses in the SEC.
Finebaum also pointed out that LSU’s schedule could play a role in their playoff chances. They open the season with a **high-stakes game against Clemson** on August 30, which will be a major test [B](https://athlonsports.com/college/lsu-tigers/paul-finebaum-believes-lsu-will-return-to-the-college-football-playoff-in-2025?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI0dE1lVWs0R2NEYzRjTEMzUHZ4NGQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiVERUaEFwQVJ3cnNGcDVRSmFXOGRlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvYXRobG9uc3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvbHN1LXRpZ2Vyc1wvcGF1bC1maW5lYmF1bS1iZWxpZXZlcy1sc3Utd2lsbC1yZXR1cm4tdG8tdGhlLWNvbGxlZ2UtZm9vdGJhbGwtcGxheW9mZi1pbi0yMDI1In0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Additionally, their matchup against **Ole Miss on September 27** is seen as a critical game that could define their season [B](https://athlonsports.com/college/lsu-tigers/paul-finebaum-believes-lsu-will-return-to-the-college-football-playoff-in-2025?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI0dE1lVWs0R2NEYzRjTEMzUHZ4NGQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiVERUaEFwQVJ3cnNGcDVRSmFXOGRlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvYXRobG9uc3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvbHN1LXRpZ2Vyc1wvcGF1bC1maW5lYmF1bS1iZWxpZXZlcy1sc3Utd2lsbC1yZXR1cm4tdG8tdGhlLWNvbGxlZ2UtZm9vdGJhbGwtcGxheW9mZi1pbi0yMDI1In0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Avoiding losses to teams like Florida, which hurt them last year, will be essential [B](https://athlonsports.com/college/lsu-tigers/paul-finebaum-believes-lsu-will-return-to-the-college-football-playoff-in-2025?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI0dE1lVWs0R2NEYzRjTEMzUHZ4NGQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiVERUaEFwQVJ3cnNGcDVRSmFXOGRlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvYXRobG9uc3BvcnRzLmNvbVwvY29sbGVnZVwvbHN1LXRpZ2Vyc1wvcGF1bC1maW5lYmF1bS1iZWxpZXZlcy1sc3Utd2lsbC1yZXR1cm4tdG8tdGhlLWNvbGxlZ2UtZm9vdGJhbGwtcGxheW9mZi1pbi0yMDI1In0%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### Finebaum’s Verdict
Finebaum believes that **2025 could be the year LSU returns to the College Football Playoff** [C](https://atozsports.com/college-football/lsu-tigers-news/paul-finebaum-lsu-brian-kelly-cfp-espn-bold-statement/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI0dE1lVWs0R2NEYzRjTEMzUHZ4NGQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiVERUaEFwQVJ3cnNGcDVRSmFXOGRlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvYXRvenNwb3J0cy5jb21cL2NvbGxlZ2UtZm9vdGJhbGxcL2xzdS10aWdlcnMtbmV3c1wvcGF1bC1maW5lYmF1bS1sc3UtYnJpYW4ta2VsbHktY2ZwLWVzcG4tYm9sZC1zdGF0ZW1lbnRcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). He has been bullish on their prospects, stating that **Brian Kelly is poised to silence critics** and take LSU to the next level [C](https://atozsports.com/college-football/lsu-tigers-news/paul-finebaum-lsu-brian-kelly-cfp-espn-bold-statement/?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiI0dE1lVWs0R2NEYzRjTEMzUHZ4NGQiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoiVERUaEFwQVJ3cnNGcDVRSmFXOGRlIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvYXRvenNwb3J0cy5jb21cL2NvbGxlZ2UtZm9vdGJhbGxcL2xzdS10aWdlcnMtbmV3c1wvcGF1bC1maW5lYmF1bS1sc3UtYnJpYW4ta2VsbHktY2ZwLWVzcG4tYm9sZC1zdGF0ZW1lbnRcLyJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). With an expanded playoff format, LSU has a better chance of securing a spot, but they must prove they can compete with the SEC’s elite.
Ultimately, LSU’s fate will depend on their ability to execute in big games, maintain consistency, and leverage their talented roster. If they can do that, Finebaum’s prediction of a playoff return might just come true.
