Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers have been labeled a “CFP or Bust” team ahead of the 2025 season, with high expectations surrounding their championship aspirations and overall performance.

As college football looks toward the 2025 season, the LSU Tigers have found themselves under the spotlight, with a growing sense of expectation surrounding Brian Kelly’s program. A team with the pedigree and talent of LSU has long been one of the country’s powerhouses, and the 2025 season is shaping up to be one of the most crucial in recent memory. In fact, the Tigers have been labeled a “CFP or Bust” team, with championship aspirations and a program filled with high-profile talent. This expectation comes after a solid 2024 campaign, but for LSU and Kelly, the next season presents a clear target: the College Football Playoff (CFP).

For Brian Kelly, this label represents both a challenge and an opportunity to cement his legacy at one of college football’s premier programs. Following his arrival in Baton Rouge in 2022, Kelly has worked relentlessly to rebuild and elevate LSU into a national championship contender. As he continues to develop his team, it is becoming increasingly clear that 2025 is the year where Kelly and LSU must prove they belong among the elite programs in college football.

Brian Kelly’s Journey at LSU

Brian Kelly, who took over as LSU’s head coach in 2022, was coming off a successful tenure at Notre Dame, where he transformed the Fighting Irish into a perennial contender. Despite his achievements in South Bend, Kelly’s move to LSU was always going to be scrutinized. LSU had long been a powerhouse in the SEC, and following the departure of former head coach Ed Orgeron, who had led LSU to a national championship in 2019, the expectations were sky-high for whoever took over the program.

Kelly arrived with a vision to build a program that would challenge the top teams in the SEC and the nation on a consistent basis. His approach has been methodical and disciplined, focusing on player development, discipline, and, perhaps most importantly, culture. The Tigers’ 2022 season, Kelly’s first, was a mixed bag. While there were early struggles, especially in key games against SEC opponents, LSU showed flashes of promise, highlighted by a dramatic victory over Alabama. By the end of the year, Kelly had led LSU to an SEC West title and a solid performance in a New Year’s Six bowl game, signaling the potential for future success.

However, in 2024, Kelly and LSU showed they were ready to take the next step. The team’s overall performance, marked by a competitive defense, explosive offense, and solid special teams, set the stage for what is expected to be a championship-caliber season in 2025.

The High Expectations for 2025

The phrase “CFP or Bust” is a reflection of the mounting pressure surrounding LSU football as they approach the 2025 season. For many, this is the year the Tigers are expected to challenge not just for an SEC title but also for a spot in the College Football Playoff.

Loaded Roster and Talent

One of the primary reasons for these heightened expectations is LSU’s roster. The Tigers have assembled a group of elite talent, particularly on both sides of the ball, with multiple future NFL draft prospects. The 2025 team is poised to be one of the most talented in recent history, with depth at key positions such as quarterback, wide receiver, defensive line, and linebacker.

• Quarterback Play: The Tigers will be led by a quarterback who is not only a dual-threat but also poised to be one of the best in college football. LSU’s QB position has been inconsistent in recent years, but with the emergence of a potential superstar, the team feels confident in its offensive attack. The development of this position will be crucial for LSU’s success, as the quarterback is often the key to playoff runs.
• Wide Receiver Corps: LSU’s receiving corps is among the deepest in the country, with multiple playmakers capable of making explosive plays. The development of these receivers, in tandem with the quarterback, will be vital to LSU’s offensive identity.
• Defensive Strengths: On the other side of the ball, LSU boasts a defense that rivals any in the country. The Tigers’ defensive line is stacked with talent, and their secondary features playmakers who can change the game. The ability of LSU’s defense to create turnovers and get stops on critical third downs will be a key factor in whether they can contend for the CFP.
• Depth and Special Teams: Depth across the roster is also crucial. LSU has a reputation for churning out talent, and they are not reliant on one or two players to carry them. The team’s depth will ensure they can withstand the physical demands of a rigorous SEC schedule. Special teams will also play a significant role, with LSU traditionally excelling in this area.

The SEC and LSU’s Path to the CFP

While LSU’s talent is undeniable, one of the main obstacles standing in the way of a CFP berth is the SEC itself. The Southeastern Conference is the most competitive conference in college football, home to perennial powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, and Texas A&M, to name a few. In 2025, the SEC will only be more competitive, as teams continue to evolve and challenge for supremacy.

Alabama and Georgia: The Traditional Powerhouses

For LSU to reach the CFP, they must first navigate the brutal SEC schedule, which includes must-win games against Alabama and Georgia. Both of these teams have been dominant in recent years and have made consistent trips to the College Football Playoff.

• Alabama is a juggernaut under Nick Saban, and despite facing some challenges in recent years, they remain one of the top teams in the country. LSU’s games against Alabama have always been intense and crucial to the SEC West race, and their rivalry is one of the most storied in college football. The Tigers must overcome Alabama’s defense and star power if they want a shot at the CFP.
• Georgia, under head coach Kirby Smart, has firmly established itself as a national powerhouse. The Bulldogs have been the most dominant team in college football in recent seasons, winning national titles and maintaining a top-tier defense and explosive offense. LSU’s defense will need to rise to the occasion in their matchup with Georgia to compete for a CFP spot.

The SEC Championship Game: A Crucial Milestone

The ultimate path for LSU’s CFP hopes in 2025 will likely go through the SEC Championship Game. Winning the SEC is often a requirement for earning a spot in the College Football Playoff, given the conference’s power. LSU will likely need to emerge victorious in Atlanta to secure a place in the four-team playoff, and their road to the title will likely involve navigating through both Alabama and Georgia, among other tough opponents in the SEC West.

What Makes 2025 a “CFP or Bust” Year for LSU

The 2025 season represents a crossroads for both Brian Kelly and LSU football. The label of “CFP or Bust” is a reflection of the timing and talent on the roster. The expectation is that, with the talent they have, LSU should be competing for a national title. If they fall short of reaching the College Football Playoff, it will be seen as a failure to capitalize on one of the most talented rosters in college football.

• Brian Kelly’s Legacy at LSU: For Kelly, a successful 2025 campaign would solidify his position as one of the top coaches in college football. After a strong start in his first two seasons at LSU, Kelly is now expected to lead the Tigers back to national prominence. A CFP appearance or a national championship would establish Kelly as one of the SEC’s elite coaches, further elevating LSU’s brand on the national stage.
• NFL Talent and Player Development: The 2025 roster includes a wealth of players who are future NFL prospects. LSU’s ability to develop talent and prepare players for the next level has long been a hallmark of the program. The coaching staff must now help the team realize its full potential, ensuring that the Tigers don’t just win games, but dominate at the highest level.
• Championship Window: College football is cyclical, and windows of opportunity to win championships can be short. LSU has a roster ready to compete for a national title in 2025, but the window is narrow. With the right preparation, execution, and a bit of luck, LSU can make a deep run in the College Football Playoff and compete for their first national title since 2019.