Will Brian Kelly of LSU make it to the playoffs or not? Additionally, The Athletic reports that Penn State is doubling down on hiring Jim Knowles.

The journey to the College Football Playoff (CFP) is one of the most challenging tasks in college football, as the competition has never been more intense. Teams are battling through competitive conferences, navigating tough schedules, and seeking to improve in key areas to position themselves for a spot in the coveted four-team playoff field. Brian Kelly, who took over as head coach of the LSU Tigers in 2022, has inherited a program rich in tradition, talent, and high expectations. After a strong first season at LSU, the question remains: Will Brian Kelly lead LSU to the College Football Playoff?

At the same time, a major development in the Big Ten has caught the attention of the college football world. Penn State, an elite program in its own right, is looking to secure its place as a playoff contender as well. The Athletic recently reported that Penn State is committed to Jim Knowles, its defensive coordinator, in an effort to continue its defensive dominance and pursue bigger ambitions in the coming years. The spotlight now falls on both LSU and Penn State as they attempt to navigate the challenges ahead.

This article will break down LSU’s chances under Brian Kelly and the LSU program’s path to the playoff, while also considering Penn State’s commitment to maintaining a top-tier defense under Jim Knowles and how that could impact their own playoff ambitions.

Brian Kelly’s First Year at LSU: Setting the Stage for a Playoff Run

Brian Kelly’s arrival at LSU brought with it a great deal of fanfare. After years of having Ed Orgeron at the helm, who led LSU to a national title in 2019, the Tigers were hoping for another strong and steady leader to guide them into the future. Kelly, who had previously achieved success at Notre Dame, was known for his ability to rebuild programs and put together competitive teams, and the expectation was that he would do the same at LSU.

Season Review: 2022 and Beyond

In his first season at LSU, Kelly’s squad experienced some growing pains but showed flashes of brilliance. While LSU didn’t secure a playoff berth, they finished 10-4, including an impressive win over the Alabama Crimson Tide, which helped cement Kelly’s early success. The Tigers also made a run in the SEC Championship Game, where they fell to Georgia but showed that they could compete with the best teams in the country.

Kelly’s first year was defined by a combination of talent development, discipline, and a focus on getting back to LSU’s roots. Under Kelly’s tutelage, quarterback Jayden Daniels emerged as a dynamic playmaker, and Mason Taylor showed promise at tight end. Meanwhile, the LSU defense, while solid, had room for improvement, particularly in the secondary and against high-powered offenses.

As the 2023 season came into focus, LSU made strides to improve on the defensive side of the ball, particularly in the secondary. Key defensive players like Harold Perkins Jr. continued to grow into their roles, and Kelly was busy recruiting future stars to help bolster both sides of the ball.

The 2025 Playoff Outlook

Looking ahead to 2025, LSU is well-positioned to be a playoff contender. Kelly has already shown the ability to recruit top-tier talent, with the Tigers consistently landing high-profile recruits, including several 5-star prospects. The return of quarterback Jayden Daniels is one of the most significant storylines for LSU, as he can provide stability and playmaking ability under center. Daniels’ dual-threat nature makes him a valuable asset, especially against the high-speed offenses in the SEC.

Moreover, LSU’s recruiting has kept pace with the elite programs in college football. As of now, LSU has stockpiled a talented roster that can compete with any team in the country. The combination of experience and youth on both sides of the ball will give Kelly the tools necessary to compete for a spot in the playoff in 2025.

However, a few critical questions remain for LSU’s playoff chances. The SEC remains one of the most challenging conferences in the nation, with perennial powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and now even teams like Tennessee and Ole Miss emerging as legitimate contenders. A spot in the playoff is not guaranteed for LSU, and they will need to prove they can handle both their SEC West foes and the best teams in the country.

One key factor to keep an eye on will be the development of LSU’s defense. As talented as the Tigers are on offense, defense will ultimately determine whether they make it to the playoff. Georgia’s stout defense and Alabama’s ability to rebound from setbacks show the importance of having a top-tier defense, and LSU will need to strengthen their defensive line, secondary, and pass rush to ensure that they can compete with the likes of Georgia and Alabama.

LSU will also need to avoid injuries, especially to key players like Daniels, Perkins, and any of their top offensive weapons. Staying healthy throughout the season, including navigating the brutal SEC schedule, will be crucial in determining LSU’s playoff fate.

Penn State’s Commitment to Jim Knowles: A Defensive Edge for the Nittany Lions

While LSU’s road to the College Football Playoff will be tough, Penn State has been steadily building its own path to national prominence. According to recent reports from The Athletic, Penn State has doubled down on Jim Knowles, the defensive coordinator who was hired to take the Nittany Lions’ defense to the next level. Knowles, known for his work as the defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State, brought a dynamic defensive scheme to Penn State that led to significant improvements in their overall defensive play.

The Defensive Revolution Under Jim Knowles

Jim Knowles is widely regarded as one of the top defensive minds in college football, and his impact on Penn State has been substantial. Known for his 3-3-5 defense, which places an emphasis on versatility, speed, and attacking the quarterback, Knowles’ defenses at Oklahoma State consistently ranked among the best in the nation. After his arrival at Penn State, Knowles immediately helped the Nittany Lions improve their pass rush and tighten up their coverage against both the run and pass.

In 2022, Penn State finished the season with an impressive 11-2 record, including a dominant performance in a win over Utah in the Rose Bowl. The Nittany Lions’ defense was a major reason for their success that year, as they ranked among the top defenses in several statistical categories, including total defense, rushing defense, and sacks. The Nittany Lions’ defensive line, in particular, emerged as a force to be reckoned with, with players like Chop Robinson and Adisa Isaac leading the way.

With James Franklin at the helm, Penn State has made strides toward becoming a perennial playoff contender, but it is Knowles’ defense that has truly set them apart. His ability to get the most out of his players and design effective schemes against some of the nation’s best offenses has given Penn State a strong defensive identity.

What This Means for Penn State’s Playoff Chances

As 2025 approaches, Penn State will look to build on its success under Knowles. The Nittany Lions have a talented roster, and they are particularly strong on defense. With a solid mix of experienced players and talented recruits coming in, Knowles’ defense will continue to be a key factor in the team’s quest for a national title.

However, Penn State’s road to the College Football Playoff will also be tough. The Big Ten is home to two of the most dominant teams in college football: Michigan and Ohio State. These two teams will likely be Penn State’s biggest competition for a playoff spot, and to make it to the top, Penn State will need to continue to improve offensively and stay competitive against their conference rivals.

As good as Penn State’s defense is, the Nittany Lions will need to find consistent offensive play, particularly at the quarterback position. If Drew Allar can continue to develop into a leader for the offense and Nicholas Singleton remains one of the top running backs in the country, Penn State’s offense will complement its defense and put them in a strong position to contend for a playoff spot.

 Playoff Dreams for LSU and Penn State

Both LSU and Penn State are teams on the rise, but they face significant hurdles as they pursue a spot in the 2025 College Football Playoff. Brian Kelly’s LSU squad has the talent, coaching, and leadership to make a legitimate playoff run, but they will need to improve defensively and stay healthy throughout the season. If they can avoid key losses and navigate a tough SEC schedule, LSU could be well-positioned to make a deep playoff run.

On the other hand, Penn State, under the leadership of Jim Knowles, has an elite defense that could carry them through the toughest matchups. Their challenge lies in matching up with top-tier teams like Michigan and Ohio State in the Big Ten, and maintaining consistent offensive production to complement their defensive strength. If they can overcome those obstacles, Penn State will be a serious playoff contender.

As the 2025 season approaches, both LSU and Penn State are teams to watch closely, as their paths to the College Football Playoff will be filled with drama, excitement, and plenty of opportunities to prove they belong among the nation’s elite.