Paul Finebaum of ESPN doesn’t mince words about what LSU and Brian Kelly will accomplish in 2025.

Paul Finebaum of ESPN Doesn’t Mince Words About What LSU and Brian Kelly Will Accomplish in 2025

As one of the most prominent and outspoken analysts in college football, Paul Finebaum has built a reputation for being both candid and insightful in his evaluations of teams and coaches. His role as a key figure on ESPN’s “College Football Playoff” coverage and as the host of the “Paul Finebaum Show” has earned him the attention of fans, coaches, and players across the nation. Known for his no-nonsense approach, Finebaum has always been unafraid to share his opinions, regardless of how they might resonate with the football world. In his latest analysis, Finebaum has offered his bold predictions about what LSU and head coach Brian Kelly will accomplish in the 2025 college football season.

In this article, we’ll break down Finebaum’s assessment of LSU, highlighting key factors in the Tigers’ future, the strengths and weaknesses of Brian Kelly’s leadership, and what fans should expect from LSU in 2025. From recruiting to coaching strategy, Finebaum’s take on the Tigers’ upcoming season is worth analyzing, especially as LSU continues to solidify its place among the top football programs in the country.

Brian Kelly’s Leadership at LSU: A Transformational Coach

Brian Kelly’s tenure at LSU has been a journey marked by both immediate success and significant challenges. After taking over as head coach in 2022, Kelly had big shoes to fill following the departure of legendary coach Ed Orgeron. Orgeron led LSU to a national championship in 2019, but his subsequent years at the helm were riddled with inconsistency. LSU’s performance on the field suffered, and Orgeron’s exit created a vacuum that Kelly was tasked with filling.

From the very beginning, Finebaum was skeptical of Kelly’s fit at LSU, citing his background as a Midwestern coach who had thrived at Notre Dame, a school known for its academic rigor and unique football culture. Many wondered how Kelly, a coach with a reputation for discipline and methodical building, would mesh with the boisterous, passionate culture of LSU and the SEC, where football is king.

However, Finebaum quickly acknowledged that Kelly was proving his doubters wrong. His first year at LSU included a memorable 10-4 record, an SEC West title, and a trip to the Citrus Bowl, where the Tigers showcased their resilience and competitive spirit. The 2023 season further established Kelly’s credentials, as he navigated a challenging SEC schedule while rebuilding a roster and implementing his systems. Finebaum took notice of Kelly’s ability to adapt and grow in his new environment, recognizing that the coach had not only brought stability to the program but was building something sustainable.

“Brian Kelly is one of the most accomplished coaches in college football,” Finebaum said in a recent interview. “People forget that before coming to LSU, he was consistently competing for a College Football Playoff spot with Notre Dame, which is no easy task. What he’s doing at LSU is laying the foundation for something even bigger. The guy can coach, and he knows how to win.”

Recruiting: A Key to LSU’s Success in 2025

When it comes to college football, recruiting is often the difference between being a contender and being an afterthought. Finebaum has long been a proponent of the importance of recruiting, and in his analysis of LSU’s future, he emphasizes that Brian Kelly’s success will be tied to his ability to recruit elite talent, particularly in the state of Louisiana and the broader Southeast region.

LSU has always been known for its ability to attract top-tier talent, and Finebaum believes that Kelly’s recruitment strategies will help solidify the Tigers as one of the top programs in the SEC for years to come. Finebaum points to Kelly’s impressive ability to land high-profile recruits, including elite quarterbacks, dynamic skill players, and dominant defensive linemen. Kelly’s recruitment of these athletes is setting the stage for LSU to not only compete for SEC titles but also contend for a national championship.

“Louisians have a unique pride in their football programs,” Finebaum explained. “And when you have a guy like Brian Kelly, who knows how to win and can speak to the importance of building a strong program with stability, it gives LSU an edge in recruiting. He’s not just going after the best players in Louisiana, but he’s attracting national talent as well. That’s going to pay dividends in the coming years, especially in 2025.”

One of the most significant recruiting wins for LSU in 2025 is the commitment of elite quarterback Brock Phillips, a five-star talent who many believe is the future of LSU football. Phillips, a Louisiana native, had numerous offers from top programs across the country, but Kelly’s pitch, his vision for the team, and the atmosphere at LSU ultimately won him over. Finebaum views this as a game-changer for LSU, as Phillips’ arrival sets the stage for a dynamic offense that could rival some of the best in the country.

Moreover, LSU’s continued success in recruiting top defensive players, particularly along the defensive line, will only improve the Tigers’ chances in 2025. The SEC is known for its physical brand of football, and a stout defense is critical for success. Finebaum sees LSU’s defensive line as one of the team’s greatest assets, and with players like Jalen Lewis and Cameron Davis coming in, Kelly is setting the stage for a balanced, championship-caliber squad.

The SEC Landscape: A Tough Road Ahead

While LSU has the tools to be a top contender, the SEC remains one of the most competitive conferences in college football. Finebaum is quick to point out that while LSU will certainly be a force in 2025, the road to the top will be difficult. Programs like Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee are consistently fielding championship-caliber teams, and the Tigers will need to be at their best to stay in the conversation for an SEC title.

Finebaum acknowledges that LSU’s biggest challenge in 2025 will be Georgia, the reigning national champions, and Alabama, a program with the championship pedigree that LSU will need to overcome if they want to reclaim a spot at the top of the SEC. Kelly will need to find a way to elevate LSU’s performance in key games against these powerhouse teams, especially as the Tigers look to compete for both the SEC and the College Football Playoff.

“LSU is on the right track, but they’re in the toughest conference in America,” Finebaum said. “Georgia, Alabama, and other teams like Tennessee and Ole Miss are not going anywhere. You can’t just show up and expect to win these games. Brian Kelly knows that, and that’s why I think 2025 is going to be such a defining year. He’ll have his best roster yet, but it’s going to be a dogfight every week in the SEC.”

For LSU to succeed in 2025, Finebaum believes the Tigers will need to make significant strides on both sides of the ball. The offense must remain explosive and efficient, with Phillips and an improved supporting cast of playmakers leading the way. On defense, LSU’s ability to stop the run and pressure opposing quarterbacks will be paramount.

Brian Kelly’s Future at LSU: Championship Aspirations

Finebaum doesn’t mince words when discussing Brian Kelly’s long-term goals at LSU. After building successful programs at Notre Dame and Cincinnati, Kelly’s move to LSU was seen by many as a natural progression for a coach who had already proven he could succeed at the highest levels. Finebaum believes that Kelly’s ultimate objective is not just to win games or recruit well—he wants to bring a national championship back to LSU.

“It’s clear to me that Brian Kelly’s goal is to win a national championship,” Finebaum said. “He’s been to the College Football Playoff before with Notre Dame, but he knows that LSU is a different animal. This is a school with elite resources, passionate fans, and a history of championships. Kelly’s ambition is to elevate LSU back to the top of the college football world, and I don’t think he’s going to stop until he does.”

Finebaum believes 2025 will be the year that Kelly’s vision begins to fully take shape. With a roster full of talent, including a five-star quarterback, a stout defense, and a culture built on discipline and excellence, LSU will be poised to compete at the highest level. Kelly’s ability to get the most out of his players, particularly in key moments, will determine whether the Tigers can make a run at a national title.

The Expectations for LSU in 2025

According to Finebaum, the expectations for LSU in 2025 are nothing short of championship aspirations. With Brian Kelly now firmly entrenched as the head coach and a roster brimming with talent, LSU is in a position to compete for both SEC and national titles. Finebaum views the Tigers as one of the top contenders in college football, and he believes that 2025 will be the year LSU takes that next step toward reclaiming its place as one of the elite programs in the country.

“LSU has everything in place to make a run in 2025,” Finebaum stated. “If they stay healthy, if Brian Kelly continues to develop his players, and if they can execute in the big games, they will be in the mix for the College Football Playoff. There’s no reason why LSU can’t be competing for a national title in 2025.”

For LSU fans, the future is undeniably bright. Brian Kelly’s leadership, combined with a talented roster and a strong recruiting pipeline, sets the stage for an exciting and successful season in 2025. With Finebaum’s endorsement, the Tigers’ championship aspirations are within reach—provided they can navigate the tough competition that lies ahead.