A renowned college football writer predicts that LSU football will in the playoffs in 2025.
LSU Football’s Road to the Playoffs in 2025: A Bold Prediction from a Renowned College Football Writer
As the 2025 college football season draws closer, LSU Tigers fans have much to look forward to. A program with a rich history, including national championships and a plethora of top-tier athletes, LSU has long been one of the most respected programs in college football. However, in recent years, the Tigers have had to rebuild, retool, and refocus their efforts to remain competitive at the highest level of the sport. The 2025 season presents an exciting new chapter, as LSU looks to return to its former glory and make a deep run in the College Football Playoff (CFP).
Recently, a renowned college football writer made a bold prediction: LSU will make the College Football Playoff in 2025. This prediction carries weight, considering the writer’s credentials, past insights, and the program’s upward trajectory. But what makes this prediction realistic? What will LSU need to do in order to compete at the highest level and secure a playoff spot? Let’s dive into the key elements that could propel LSU football into the playoff conversation in 2025.
The Current State of LSU Football: A Program on the Rise
LSU has long been known for its dominance on both sides of the ball, particularly on defense. The Tigers have produced NFL-caliber talent year after year, and their recruiting classes consistently rank among the best in the country. However, the past few seasons have seen LSU undergo some transitions, including changes in leadership and personnel.
In 2025, the Tigers will be led by head coach Brian Kelly, who took over the program in 2022. Kelly’s experience and success at Notre Dame have made him one of the most respected coaches in college football. After an up-and-down start to his tenure at LSU, Kelly is expected to have his team primed for a playoff run in 2025. Under Kelly’s leadership, LSU is expected to have a balanced offense, solid defense, and a commitment to building a sustainable culture of success.
Key Players: Talent on Both Sides of the Ball
One of the most important factors in LSU’s potential playoff run is the talent on their roster. The Tigers have recruited at an elite level, and 2025 could be the season that all of their highly-ranked recruits mature into playmakers. A few standout players are expected to lead the charge for LSU in 2025.
Quarterback Play
The quarterback position is one of the most pivotal in college football, and LSU has a talented signal-caller in 2025. The Tigers will likely be led by one of their standout quarterbacks from recent recruiting classes, such as Garrett Nussmeier or Walker Howard, both of whom have shown immense promise. Nussmeier, a former 5-star recruit, has displayed flashes of brilliance during his time in Baton Rouge. He’s got an elite arm, the ability to make all the throws, and the type of playmaking ability that can elevate an offense.
Walker Howard, a highly touted recruit in the 2023 class, is another potential option at quarterback. His poise, accuracy, and leadership qualities could make him an ideal fit for LSU’s offense in 2025. Regardless of who starts, LSU is well-positioned at quarterback, which bodes well for their playoff aspirations.
Offensive Playmakers
LSU’s offense has traditionally been built around explosive athletes, and 2025 should be no different. The Tigers have a wealth of talent at wide receiver and running back. Kayshon Boutte, a former 5-star recruit, has been one of the most dynamic wideouts in college football and is expected to be a top target for whoever is under center in 2025. His ability to stretch the field and make big plays could be a game-changer for LSU’s offense.
In the backfield, LSU boasts a stable of talented running backs, including talented prospects like TreVonte’ Citizen and Armoni Goodwin. Citizen, in particular, has the combination of size, speed, and vision that can make him a major contributor. With a potent rushing attack, LSU can keep defenses off balance, opening up opportunities in the passing game.
The Defensive Powerhouse
While LSU has long been known for its offensive talent, the heart and soul of the program has often been its defense. In 2025, LSU will feature one of the most ferocious defenses in college football. The Tigers’ defensive line is expected to be one of the best in the country, with a strong group of pass-rushers and run-stoppers. LSU’s ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks and shut down the run will be a key factor in their playoff push.
Linebackers like Mike Jones Jr. and Harold Perkins Jr. could make huge impacts in 2025. Perkins, a former 5-star recruit, has the athleticism and instincts to be a disruptive force in the SEC. His ability to cover ground quickly and make plays in the backfield will be a significant asset for LSU’s defense.
In the secondary, LSU will feature several talented cornerbacks and safeties, all of whom have the ability to lock down opposing receivers. Players like Jaquelin Roy and Derek Stingley Jr. (if he returns for his junior season) will provide the Tigers with the type of coverage skills needed to defend high-powered SEC offenses.
The Coaching Staff: Brian Kelly’s Leadership
The leadership of head coach Brian Kelly is one of the most significant factors in LSU’s potential for a playoff appearance in 2025. Kelly has proven himself as one of the best coaches in college football, having led Notre Dame to multiple College Football Playoff appearances. He has a knack for building strong, disciplined teams that can compete at the highest level.
Under Kelly, LSU has embraced a culture of accountability, preparation, and team-first mentality. This is critical for a team that wants to make a deep playoff run. Kelly’s coaching staff has also been bolstered by experienced coordinators, particularly on offense and defense, who will help develop players to maximize their potential.
In addition to his tactical prowess, Kelly is known for developing players and helping them reach their maximum potential. His experience at Notre Dame, where he had to constantly contend with the pressures of the College Football Playoff, will be invaluable in guiding LSU through the inevitable challenges of a playoff-bound season.
The Road to the Playoff: SEC Competition
The path to the College Football Playoff is never easy, especially for a team in the SEC, widely regarded as the most competitive conference in college football. LSU will face stiff competition from within the conference, and each game will be critical in determining their playoff aspirations.
The SEC West: A Gauntlet of Competition
LSU’s biggest hurdles in the SEC West will come from Alabama, Arkansas, and Mississippi State. Alabama, under the leadership of Nick Saban, has been a dominant force in the SEC for over a decade. The Crimson Tide have an unrivaled pedigree, and their matchups with LSU are always highly anticipated. However, LSU has shown they are capable of competing with Alabama, and a win over the Tide could catapult LSU into the playoff conversation.
Arkansas, with its up-and-coming program, and Mississippi State, under coach Mike Leach, will also provide significant challenges. LSU will need to perform consistently throughout the regular season to ensure a spot in the SEC Championship Game and keep their playoff hopes alive.
Georgia and the SEC Championship Game
If LSU can make it to the SEC Championship Game, they will likely face a formidable opponent in Georgia. The Bulldogs have established themselves as one of the top teams in college football, and their defense is often regarded as one of the best in the nation. A win in the SEC Championship Game would almost certainly guarantee LSU a spot in the College Football Playoff, but beating Georgia will be no easy task.
The Tigers will need to execute on all fronts, taking advantage of their offense’s explosiveness while relying on their defense to contain Georgia’s potent attack. A victory over Georgia could also provide a significant statement, showing the country that LSU is not just a playoff contender but a legitimate national championship contender.
Why LSU Could Make the Playoff in 2025
Given the talent on LSU’s roster, the leadership of Brian Kelly, and the competitive nature of the SEC, there are several reasons to believe that the Tigers could make the College Football Playoff in 2025.
- Elite Talent: LSU has the talent to compete with the best teams in college football. From their top-tier quarterback options to an elite defense, LSU has all the pieces needed to make a playoff run.
- Strong Coaching: Brian Kelly is one of the best coaches in college football. His experience and track record of success make LSU a formidable team, and he knows how to guide his players through high-pressure situations.
- SEC Power: The SEC is undoubtedly the toughest conference in college football, but LSU’s familiarity with the high level of competition will help them rise to the challenge. They will need to perform at a high level week in and week out to secure a playoff berth.
- Playoff Experience: LSU’s history of success in college football, including their national championship victory in 2019, shows that the program knows what it takes to compete on the biggest stage.
