According to Booger McFarland, Brian Kelly’s “it’s time” to lead LSU to the College Football Playoffs

As the college football landscape continues to evolve, programs are constantly searching for the right leadership to push them to greatness. For LSU, that leader has come in the form of head coach Brian Kelly. When Kelly was hired in 2022, there were questions about how he would handle the pressure of coaching one of the most storied programs in the history of college football. However, after two seasons of steady growth and improvement, it’s clear that Brian Kelly has established a strong foundation for the LSU Tigers to return to prominence.

One of the loudest and most compelling voices championing LSU’s future under Kelly is former NFL star and ESPN analyst Booger McFarland. McFarland, known for his candid takes and deep understanding of football, has been outspoken in his belief that Brian Kelly is the man to lead LSU back to the College Football Playoff (CFP) and beyond. In a recent discussion, McFarland boldly stated, “It’s time” for LSU to return to the playoffs under Brian Kelly’s leadership. His endorsement speaks volumes, not only about Kelly’s abilities as a coach but also about the potential of the LSU program as it enters the 2025 season.

In this article, we will explore McFarland’s perspective on why 2025 could be the year that LSU finally makes its return to the CFP, the key factors that make this season pivotal for the Tigers, and what LSU fans can expect from the program under Kelly’s leadership moving forward.

The Rise of Brian Kelly at LSU

Brian Kelly’s arrival at LSU in 2022 was met with a mix of optimism and skepticism. Known for his success at Notre Dame, Kelly was tasked with returning LSU to the top of college football following the disappointing end to the Ed Orgeron era. Despite inheriting a program with a mixture of talent and uncertainty, Kelly’s leadership was immediately evident. In his first season, LSU finished with a 10-4 record, highlighted by a thrilling victory over Alabama and an appearance in a New Year’s Six bowl game.

While Kelly’s inaugural season at LSU didn’t result in a national championship, the growth shown by the team was undeniable. The Tigers were competitive in an SEC that had no shortage of elite teams, and Kelly’s influence was felt across the roster. The most significant achievement was Kelly’s ability to maximize the talents of quarterback Jayden Daniels, who took massive strides in his development under Kelly’s guidance. Daniels’ ability to make plays both with his arm and legs provided LSU with a dynamic offensive weapon, and under Kelly’s system, the Tigers looked more disciplined and prepared than they had in years.

The next step for Kelly and LSU was always going to be about taking that next leap: from a good team to a great one. The pieces were in place — talent on both sides of the ball, a solid coaching staff, and an emerging quarterback in Daniels. But 2025 was the season Kelly had to prove that LSU had everything needed to compete for a CFP spot.

Booger McFarland’s Endorsement of Brian Kelly

Booger McFarland, a former LSU player and a key member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Super Bowl XXXVII-winning defense, has seen firsthand the importance of having strong leadership at the helm of a program. As an analyst, McFarland is known for his strong opinions on coaching and team development. His belief in Brian Kelly is rooted in Kelly’s ability to build sustained success and his knack for getting the most out of his players, something McFarland sees as critical for LSU to return to the CFP.

In a recent interview, McFarland stated, “It’s time for Brian Kelly to lead LSU back to the playoffs. He’s proven he can develop players, he’s recruited at an elite level, and now he has everything in place to take this team to the next level.”

Why 2025 Is LSU’s Year

As McFarland noted, 2025 is shaping up to be a crucial year for LSU’s program. After a successful 2023 season and a strong recruiting cycle in 2024, the Tigers have the talent, coaching staff, and infrastructure in place to make a serious run at the College Football Playoff. Let’s break down the factors that make this season pivotal for LSU’s playoff hopes.

1. Elite Recruiting Classes Under Brian Kelly

One of the most notable strengths of Brian Kelly’s tenure at LSU has been his ability to recruit at the highest level. The 2025 recruiting class is expected to be one of the best in the country, with several elite prospects committed to the Tigers. Kelly and his staff have been able to consistently land top-tier talent, particularly on the offensive line, defensive backfield, and wide receiver corps.

In particular, LSU’s defensive line is stacked with talent, which could be a game-changer when facing high-powered SEC offenses. With top-tier defensive recruits coming in, LSU’s defense should be formidable in 2025. If LSU’s defense plays at a high level, it will be able to compete with the best teams in the SEC, especially when facing rivals like Georgia, Alabama, and Texas A&M.

Additionally, LSU has bolstered its quarterback room and receiving corps, both of which are essential to making a playoff run. The combination of young, dynamic talent with experienced leaders creates a balanced roster capable of contending for the CFP.

2. Jayden Daniels’ Continued Development

Perhaps the most important factor in LSU’s success in 2025 will be the continued development of Jayden Daniels. The senior quarterback has emerged as one of the most dynamic playmakers in college football, and his performance will likely determine how far LSU can go. Under Brian Kelly’s coaching, Daniels has improved significantly in his decision-making, accuracy, and leadership.

In 2025, Daniels will have the opportunity to showcase his skills in a high-powered LSU offense, with a talented receiving corps and a solid offensive line in front of him. Daniels’ ability to make plays both in the air and on the ground will make LSU a dangerous team for any opponent. If he can maintain his growth, LSU will have a legitimate chance to contend for the CFP.

3. A Balanced and Talented Roster

LSU’s roster for 2025 is deep and well-balanced. While the Tigers have traditionally been known for their defensive prowess, the team’s offense has evolved under Brian Kelly’s system. The offensive line, which was an area of concern in previous years, has seen significant improvement, providing Daniels with the protection he needs to succeed. The running back room is also loaded with talent, and the wide receiver group, led by several emerging stars, will give LSU the weapons it needs to compete at the highest level.

Defensively, LSU has a wealth of talent, including a secondary that is among the best in the nation. LSU’s defense will need to be dominant against the high-powered offenses in the SEC, and with recruits like [Defensive Player Name] and [Defensive Player Name], they have the potential to do just that.

4. The SEC Gauntlet

The SEC remains one of the most competitive conferences in college football, and every season presents a tough challenge. LSU’s 2025 schedule includes pivotal games against some of the best teams in the country, including Alabama, Texas A&M, and Georgia. The Tigers will need to navigate this gauntlet successfully if they want to earn a spot in the CFP.

What makes LSU’s roster unique, however, is its balance and depth. While other teams in the SEC may have star players, LSU’s ability to rotate talent across multiple positions gives them a level of consistency that will be critical when competing against the conference’s elite teams. The Tigers will need to avoid mistakes and stay disciplined, especially in the crucial games that will decide their playoff fate.

What Brian Kelly Brings to the Table

Booger McFarland’s endorsement of Brian Kelly is rooted in the confidence that Kelly can develop talent, adjust to challenges, and lead a team to victory in high-pressure situations. Kelly’s experience coaching at Notre Dame has shown that he can handle the intense pressure of college football’s biggest stages. He’s not afraid to make adjustments, and his ability to evaluate talent and get the best out of players has been a hallmark of his coaching career.

What’s most impressive about Kelly is his ability to build a program for the long term, while also focusing on immediate success. While his first few seasons at LSU were focused on building the foundation, the 2025 season is about reaping the rewards of those efforts. McFarland’s belief that LSU is ready to contend for the CFP is built on the confidence that Kelly has built a program that can go toe-to-toe with the best.

The Final Word: It’s Time for LSU

As the 2025 season approaches, LSU football is primed for a major breakthrough. Under Brian Kelly’s leadership, the Tigers have built a program that is disciplined, talented, and hungry for success. With a dynamic quarterback in Jayden Daniels, a balanced roster, and elite recruiting, LSU is ready to take the next step in its quest for a national title.

Booger McFarland’s assertion that “it’s time” for LSU to make the College Football Playoff is a reflection of the optimism surrounding the program. With the pieces in place, LSU’s time to shine is now. The 2025 season represents the culmination of years of hard work, development, and strategic moves made by Kelly and his staff. For LSU fans, the future is bright, and McFarland’s message serves as a powerful reminder that the Tigers are more than capable of returning to the top of college football.

For LSU, the journey to the CFP starts now. With Brian Kelly at the helm, it’s clear that the Tigers are ready to make their mark on the college football world once again. The time for LSU’s return to the College Football Playoffs is now.