Greg McElroy sends conflicted, but mostly optimistic, message on LSU’s College Football Playoff hopes

As the 2025 college football season looms large, LSU football is entering a critical juncture in its trajectory under head coach Brian Kelly. The Tigers, with an exciting mix of experienced veterans and promising newcomers, have the tools to make a deep run in the SEC and perhaps the College Football Playoff (CFP). However, there are also significant challenges ahead that might hinder their quest for the coveted playoff berth. One of the most insightful voices in college football analysis, Greg McElroy, has weighed in on LSU’s CFP chances for 2025, offering a message that is both conflicted and cautiously optimistic.

McElroy, a former quarterback for the Alabama Crimson Tide and a respected college football analyst for ESPN, has earned a reputation for providing thoughtful, balanced opinions on the state of college football. His evaluations are often grounded in both the statistics and the intangibles that make a program truly great. In a recent broadcast, McElroy shared his thoughts on LSU’s chances of making the College Football Playoff in 2025. His message, while mostly optimistic, is tempered by concerns about specific areas where the Tigers still face challenges.

A Quick Overview of LSU’s Current Situation

Before delving into McElroy’s analysis, it’s important to consider the current state of LSU football. Since Brian Kelly took over as head coach in 2022, LSU has made substantial progress. Kelly inherited a program that was reeling after the chaotic final seasons of Ed Orgeron. Despite the immediate pressure to rebuild the team, Kelly managed to turn the Tigers into an 10-win team in his first year. In Year 2 (2023), LSU posted an 11-2 record, came close to a College Football Playoff spot, and cemented its position as one of the top programs in the SEC.

Heading into 2025, LSU returns a potent offensive core, led by quarterback Jayden Daniels, whose dynamic skill set has made him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the country. The Tigers also boast a talented group of skill players, including wide receiver Malik Nabers, who has become a favorite target for Daniels. On the defensive side, LSU has made notable strides, though they have yet to achieve the level of consistency needed to compete with the SEC’s elite.

Additionally, the Tigers’ recruiting efforts under Kelly have been impressive. LSU has brought in top-tier talent from the high school ranks and the transfer portal, strengthening both the offensive and defensive lines. As of 2025, LSU appears to be a team with the potential to contend for the SEC Championship and, by extension, a place in the College Football Playoff.

McElroy’s Optimism: The Case for LSU’s Playoff Chances

In his comments on LSU’s playoff prospects, Greg McElroy expressed a cautiously optimistic outlook, noting that the Tigers possess many of the necessary elements to make a serious playoff push. He identified several factors that make LSU a formidable team in 2025, underscoring why they have the potential to earn a spot in the College Football Playoff.

1. The Return of Jayden Daniels

McElroy was particularly high on the return of quarterback Jayden Daniels, who has been a key player in LSU’s offensive resurgence. Daniels, who has shown tremendous growth under Kelly’s tutelage, is one of the most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks in college football. His ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground gives LSU a dynamic offensive weapon that few other teams can match.

“Jayden Daniels is one of the best quarterbacks in college football, and he’s only getting better,” McElroy stated. “He’s got the tools to lead LSU deep into the season, and his ability to put the team on his back in big games will be invaluable.”

Daniels’ dual-threat capability allows LSU’s offense to operate at a high level, with the ability to stretch the field vertically and horizontally. His chemistry with wide receiver Malik Nabers gives the Tigers a reliable connection in the passing game, while his running ability keeps defenses on their toes. With Daniels under center, LSU has one of the most explosive offenses in the SEC, capable of keeping up with the high-powered offenses of teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee.

2. Talent-Rich Skill Positions

In addition to Daniels, McElroy highlighted LSU’s wealth of talent at the skill positions, particularly at wide receiver. Malik Nabers, who has emerged as a star for the Tigers, is a key playmaker who can take over a game. His ability to make contested catches and his explosiveness after the catch make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Additionally, LSU boasts a deep and talented running back room, with playmakers like John Emery Jr. and Armani Goodwin, who can both run between the tackles and catch passes out of the backfield.

“LSU has talent at every skill position, and that’s a luxury for any offense,” McElroy said. “When you have a quarterback like Daniels who can spread the ball around to such a talented group, you’re going to be tough to stop.”

McElroy’s optimism is rooted in LSU’s balance on offense. The Tigers have the personnel to attack defenses in a variety of ways, whether through the air with explosive plays or on the ground with a punishing rushing attack. This versatility will be critical as LSU faces stiff competition in the SEC and across the college football landscape.

3. The Strength of the SEC West

McElroy also noted that LSU’s position within the SEC West gives them a chance to prove themselves against some of the toughest competition in the country. The SEC is widely considered the most competitive conference in college football, and LSU’s ability to compete within the SEC West will be a key determinant in their playoff hopes.

“The SEC is always going to be a tough road, but if LSU can win the West, they’ll have earned a playoff spot,” McElroy explained. “The Tigers are a contender in that division, and if they can beat teams like Alabama and Ole Miss, they’ll position themselves to make the playoff.”

The Tigers will face the usual slate of SEC heavyweights, including Alabama and Auburn, but LSU has shown that they can compete with the best. The ability to win tough games within the SEC West will be a key factor in their pursuit of a playoff berth, as the committee often looks favorably on teams from the SEC that navigate a difficult conference schedule.

McElroy’s Concerns: The Roadblocks to LSU’s Playoff Hopes

While McElroy remains optimistic about LSU’s playoff potential, he also acknowledged that there are significant roadblocks that could prevent the Tigers from making the College Football Playoff. These concerns are not insurmountable, but they are areas of weakness that will need to be addressed for LSU to truly be considered a playoff contender.

1. Defensive Inconsistencies

One of the biggest areas of concern for McElroy when it comes to LSU’s playoff hopes is the team’s defense. While LSU’s defense has shown improvement in recent years, it still lacks the level of consistency and dominance exhibited by other top programs like Georgia or Alabama. The Tigers have had issues with stopping explosive offenses and have struggled to contain the run at times.

“LSU’s defense has made strides, but they’re still not at the level of the elite defenses in college football,” McElroy said. “If they’re going to make the playoff, they’ll need to be much more consistent on that side of the ball, especially in big games.”

The defensive line, which has historically been a strength of LSU’s program, will need to step up to match the level of production seen in the SEC’s elite teams. The Tigers have solid defensive backs and linebackers, but they need to be more disciplined in key moments and more consistent in their ability to get off the field on third down.

2. SEC Championship Game and Depth Concerns

Another potential obstacle to LSU’s playoff hopes is the brutal competition in the SEC Championship Game. If LSU wins the SEC West but falls short in the SEC Championship Game, their playoff hopes could be dashed. The SEC Championship often serves as a de facto playoff game, and losing that match could make it difficult for LSU to secure a playoff spot unless they have a flawless regular season.

“Even if LSU makes it to the SEC Championship, they’ll likely be facing a Georgia or Alabama team that is just as talented, if not more,” McElroy said. “It’s going to be a tough task for LSU to not only make it to the SEC Championship but to win it.”

Additionally, while LSU has strong talent across the board, depth could be an issue. Injuries, particularly at key positions like quarterback and offensive line, could derail their playoff chances if they don’t have the necessary depth to absorb losses.