Paul Finebaum Identifies a Key SEC Coach Who Will Win or Lose in the 2025 College Football Playoffs.

As college football rapidly evolves, the spotlight intensifies on which teams are positioned to contend for national championships. The Southeastern Conference (SEC), long considered the powerhouse of college football, is home to some of the most storied programs and elite coaches in the country. Paul Finebaum, a respected voice in the world of SEC football, has often weighed in on which coaches will rise to the occasion in the coming seasons.

When Finebaum speaks, fans and analysts alike listen carefully, as he has established himself as one of the most knowledgeable and outspoken figures in college football. As we approach the 2025 College Football Playoffs, Finebaum has identified a key SEC coach who will either thrive and lead his team to glory or falter and lose out in the most critical moments of the postseason. The coach in question is none other than Nick Saban of the Alabama Crimson Tide.

The Dominance of Nick Saban and Alabama’s Legacy

Nick Saban’s legacy in the world of college football is undeniable. Since arriving at Alabama in 2007, Saban has built one of the most dominant dynasties the sport has ever seen. Under his leadership, the Crimson Tide has claimed multiple national championships and consistently contended for SEC titles. His recruiting prowess, strategic brilliance, and ability to adapt to changing trends in the sport have kept Alabama at the top of the college football rankings year after year.

However, as the 2025 season approaches, there are growing questions about Saban’s ability to maintain Alabama’s position at the pinnacle of college football. Though the Tide remains a contender, there have been some signs of vulnerability in recent seasons. With the influx of new blood into the SEC and the growth of programs like Georgia and LSU, the competition for dominance in the SEC is more intense than ever. Finebaum, ever the keen observer, believes that the upcoming season will be a defining moment for Saban.

The 2025 Playoff Picture

The College Football Playoff (CFP) system has proven to be a high-stakes arena where only the most well-rounded and prepared teams can succeed. The road to the 2025 CFP will not be easy for any SEC team, as the conference is filled with talented rosters and skilled coaches. Programs like Georgia, LSU, and even rising teams such as Tennessee and Ole Miss, will be fierce competitors.

Alabama, under Saban, has always been a contender for the College Football Playoffs, but the 2025 season could be a crossroads. While Alabama has an enviable roster of talent, including some top-tier recruits and returning veterans, there are concerns about the team’s ability to compete with the newer forces of college football. Georgia, for example, has been dominating the SEC in recent years, and their continued growth under Kirby Smart makes them a formidable adversary. LSU, with its newly minted recruits and the leadership of Brian Kelly, is also a team to watch. For Alabama, making the playoffs in 2025 might not be enough – Saban will need to guide the Tide to the top once again, a challenge that will be far from guaranteed.

The Stakes for Saban in 2025

What makes the 2025 season so crucial for Nick Saban and Alabama is the fact that Saban is in the later stages of his career. He will be 74 years old by the start of the 2025 season, and while there is no definitive indication that he plans to retire soon, his window of opportunity to win another championship is shrinking. Saban’s drive for excellence has been unmatched, but the realities of age and competition mean that he faces a unique challenge this time around.

In Finebaum’s assessment, the pressure on Saban will be immense. The expectations for Alabama are always sky-high, and anything short of a playoff appearance or a championship run will be seen as a disappointment. Finebaum suggests that this could be Saban’s last real shot at another national championship, especially with the emergence of rival programs like Georgia and LSU, who seem to be building sustainable success under their own respective coaches.

Saban’s Strengths and Challenges Heading Into 2025

One of Saban’s greatest strengths is his ability to adapt. Over the years, he has evolved from a coach known for his defensive prowess to one who has embraced the modern trends of offensive football. His ability to recruit top-tier talent has remained unparalleled, and the Alabama program consistently churns out NFL-level players year after year. With some of the best recruits in the nation, Saban’s team will have a wealth of talent at his disposal.

However, the changing landscape of college football presents a challenge for Saban. The rise of the transfer portal, NIL deals, and a more player-centric system have altered the dynamics of recruiting and team building. While Saban has managed to adjust to these changes, other programs have also begun to master these new tools, especially with the aggressive and innovative approach from coaches like Lincoln Riley at USC and Sonny Dykes at TCU.

Another challenge for Saban is the development of a new quarterback. Alabama has been fortunate to have some of the best quarterbacks in college football in recent years, including Tua Tagovailoa and Bryce Young. However, with the departure of these stars, Saban will need to rely on a younger quarterback who has yet to prove himself at the highest level. In Finebaum’s analysis, the success of Alabama in 2025 will largely hinge on how quickly this new quarterback develops and adapts to the pressures of big-time college football.

Additionally, the fierce competition within the SEC cannot be ignored. Georgia, led by Kirby Smart, has become a juggernaut in recent years, claiming multiple national championships and looking poised to continue its dominance. LSU, under Brian Kelly, is also surging forward, and other programs, such as Tennessee and Ole Miss, have raised their profiles significantly. Saban and Alabama must contend not just with these teams but with the changing tactics and styles of football that have evolved over the last few seasons.

Finebaum’s Analysis: Will Saban Win or Lose in 2025?

According to Paul Finebaum, the 2025 College Football Playoffs will be a defining year for Nick Saban. The stakes are high: a playoff appearance is expected, but anything short of a championship could be considered a failure for Alabama. While Finebaum recognizes that Saban is one of the greatest coaches in college football history, he also points out that the landscape has changed. The SEC is no longer a two-horse race between Alabama and Auburn, and other teams are emerging as legitimate threats.

Finebaum argues that the key to Saban’s success in 2025 will be his ability to continue evolving. In the past, Saban has proven his willingness to make adjustments, such as switching to a more pass-oriented offense or changing up his recruiting strategy. In 2025, Finebaum believes Saban will need to continue adapting, especially with the influx of new players and schemes entering the SEC.

Ultimately, Finebaum’s view is that Alabama has the talent to compete at the highest level, but the 2025 season will require Saban to outcoach and outmaneuver his peers. Whether or not he can do that may depend on factors beyond just coaching: the development of his quarterback, the strength of his defense, and the overall performance of his team against the rising competition in the SEC.