Greg McElroy offers a mixed but mostly upbeat assessment on LSU’s prospects of making the College Football Playoffs.

Greg McElroy Offers a Mixed but Mostly Upbeat Assessment on LSU’s Prospects of Making the College Football Playoffs

As the 2025 college football season unfolds, expectations surrounding the LSU Tigers are sky-high. LSU, a program with a rich football legacy and a proud tradition of competing at the highest level, has long been considered one of the premier teams in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). With a new season on the horizon, many have speculated about LSU’s chances of making the College Football Playoff (CFP)—the ultimate goal for any program striving for national glory.

Greg McElroy, former Alabama quarterback and current ESPN college football analyst, has been known for offering insightful, candid analysis of teams around the country. When asked to assess LSU’s prospects for the 2025 season and their potential to make the CFP, McElroy provided a balanced view—acknowledging the Tigers’ strengths while also highlighting areas of concern that could impact their path to the playoffs.

While McElroy’s assessment of LSU was mixed in its tone, it leaned mostly positive, with a belief that the Tigers could indeed make a strong run toward the CFP, provided they address certain key factors. In this article, we’ll break down McElroy’s analysis, look at the key factors shaping LSU’s playoff prospects, and examine whether the Tigers can live up to their lofty expectations.

LSU’s 2025 Roster: Strengths and Weaknesses

Before diving into McElroy’s specific thoughts on LSU’s playoff chances, it’s important to first examine the team itself. The Tigers have made major strides under head coach Brian Kelly, who has already brought a fresh energy and discipline to the program after taking the helm in 2022. After a successful 2023 campaign, which saw LSU making it to the SEC Championship Game, Kelly’s squad appears poised for another run at the top of the college football hierarchy.

However, LSU faces several challenges in 2025 that could influence its playoff chances. McElroy’s analysis highlighted both the positives and negatives of LSU’s 2025 roster, which features a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers.

Strengths

1. Quarterback Play – Jayden Daniels’ Leadership The quarterback position is one of the most critical factors for any team’s playoff aspirations. For LSU, the presence of Jayden Daniels under center is a major asset. Daniels, who has developed into one of the top quarterbacks in college football, brings both mobility and arm strength to the table. His ability to make plays with his legs, combined with his growing command of the passing game, makes him a dual-threat quarterback who can put pressure on opposing defenses in multiple ways.

   McElroy noted that Daniels has evolved as a leader, and his continued development in 2025 is vital to LSU’s playoff hopes. In particular, McElroy praised Daniels’ poise in high-pressure situations and his ability to make key throws, which were on display during LSU’s successful 2023 season.

2. Playmaking Wide Receivers and Skill Players LSU boasts a talented group of wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends in 2025. With explosive playmakers like Malik Nabers and Kyren Lacy, the Tigers have the weapons to stretch the field and create mismatches. These players can be game-changers, especially when Daniels is able to find them in space and allow them to make plays after the catch.

   The skill position players are among the best in the SEC, and McElroy highlighted this as one of the primary strengths of the LSU offense. As long as the Tigers can continue to develop chemistry between Daniels and his receiving corps, they will be a potent offensive threat.

3. Defensive Talent and Depth LSU’s defense has long been a hallmark of the program, and the 2025 squad appears to be no different. With athletes like Harold Perkins Jr. (one of the top linebackers in the nation), Mekhi Wingo, and a strong secondary, the Tigers boast one of the most talented defenses in college football. McElroy noted that LSU’s defensive front is particularly fearsome, capable of disrupting opposing offenses and creating turnovers. This defensive prowess, if fully realized, can help LSU stay competitive in high-stakes matchups and give them a chance to upset even the best teams in the country.
4. Coaching Stability Under Brian Kelly The stability and direction provided by head coach Brian Kelly are key factors that could help LSU make a deep run into the season. After a successful 2023 season, Kelly has shown that he can build a program that competes at the highest level, and his focus on maintaining discipline, minimizing mistakes, and developing a solid game plan week after week has paid dividends.

   McElroy praised Kelly for his consistency and ability to get the best out of his players, particularly in tough road games or against highly ranked opponents. This coaching stability, McElroy argued, is something that sets LSU apart from many other teams vying for a playoff spot.

Weaknesses

1. Consistency on the Offensive Line While LSU has the skill players and quarterback to contend with the best in college football, McElroy expressed concern over the consistency of the offensive line. In SEC play, where the competition is fierce and defenses are stacked, the offensive line must be able to protect the quarterback and create running lanes.

   McElroy pointed out that LSU’s offensive line, while talented, has been prone to inconsistency at times. If the Tigers can’t establish dominance up front, especially against elite defensive lines, it could put extra pressure on Daniels and hinder the offense’s ability to execute at a high level.

2. Depth in the Secondary Another area of concern for LSU is the secondary. While the Tigers have a strong defensive front, the secondary has been an area where they’ve been vulnerable at times. The loss of a few key players to the NFL Draft or injury could expose LSU to passing attacks, especially against high-flying offenses in the SEC.

   McElroy stressed that while LSU’s defensive line and linebackers are set to dominate, the secondary’s ability to cover elite wide receivers and prevent big plays could be a deciding factor in close games. The secondary will need to step up and play at a high level throughout the season to help LSU secure a playoff spot.

3. SEC Competition The SEC is known for being one of the most competitive conferences in college football, and 2025 is no exception. With teams like Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee also competing for playoff spots, LSU will need to navigate a tough conference slate if they are to have a shot at making the playoffs. McElroy acknowledged that the SEC schedule, particularly LSU’s matchups against Alabama and Georgia, would be a significant challenge.

   While LSU is undoubtedly talented, the fierce competition within the SEC could make it difficult for the Tigers to secure a spot in the four-team College Football Playoff. McElroy suggested that LSU’s chances would depend not only on their own performance but also on how the other top teams in the conference perform in head-to-head matchups.

McElroy’s Mixed But Mostly Upbeat Assessment

When McElroy was asked to provide his overall assessment of LSU’s College Football Playoff prospects, his response was cautious but optimistic. He acknowledged the challenges that the Tigers face—particularly the consistency on the offensive line and the depth in the secondary—but he remained positive about LSU’s chances of making a playoff run in 2025.

McElroy’s upbeat outlook was largely based on LSU’s potential to win key games in the SEC, particularly with their quarterback play, offensive weapons, and dominant defense. He also noted that the leadership of Brian Kelly, combined with LSU’s roster talent, gave the Tigers a legitimate shot at competing for a playoff berth.

Ultimately, McElroy stated that if LSU could remain consistent throughout the season and navigate their difficult SEC schedule, they had all the pieces to make a run at the playoffs. The combination of an elite quarterback, playmaking receivers, a stout defense, and an experienced coaching staff made LSU a team to watch in 2025.

Can LSU Make the College Football Playoffs?

The question of whether LSU can make the College Football Playoff in 2025 is ultimately one of execution. The Tigers have the talent and resources to compete with the best teams in the country, but it will come down to how they perform in the key games—particularly in SEC play. If LSU can iron out their offensive line inconsistencies, bolster their secondary, and avoid costly mistakes, they certainly have a shot at earning a playoff spot.

McElroy’s assessment was mixed but ultimately leaned toward optimism, offering a belief that LSU is on the right path. For Hogs fans and college football enthusiasts alike, the 2025 season promises to be an exciting ride for LSU as they aim for another playoff appearance under Brian Kelly’s leadership. The Tigers will need to bring their best game week in and week out, but if they can do that, they’ll be in the hunt for one of the coveted four playoff spots come season’s end.