Headlined by Nic Anderson [Oklahoma], Barion Brown [Kentucky], Jack Pyburn [Florida], Patrick Payton [Florida State] and A.J. Haulcy [Houston], it’s a new-look roster for the coaching staff.

LSU will have 18 newcomers via the Transfer Portal on the 2025 roster once summer workouts begin after adding 16 transfers during the winter window and two during the spring window.

The program will have a unique blend of returning talent and fresh faces in Baton Rouge, but all focus will be on the program taking that next step to reach the College Football Playoff.

It’ll be LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier at the helm of the offense as he returns for his second season as the starting signal-caller for the purple and gold.

He will look to develop across the next few months after piecing together a 2024 campaign where he totaled 3,738 yards, 26 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 12 games played.

“This offseason, he’s been able to be a little bit different because now he’s going back and when he’s studying, he’s not just studying his practice tape or maybe our tape and what could happen. He’s looking at specifically some stuff that he needs to improve on,” LSU offensive coordinator Joe Sloan said during Spring Camp.

“He’s been really intentional. I think really some of our staff did a great job of breaking some different things down for him so he could really see some individual things and he could take back control of those situations.

Nussmeier is a proven leader. The players on LSU’s roster gravitate towards him and want him to propel the program to a College Football Playoff appearance.

Now, SEC Network’s Paul Finebaum has chimed in on if he believes LSU has what it takes to take that next step.

“Right now, I would have to think of LSU as a playoff team,” Finebaum said. “It’s crowded. In the SEC, you essentially have Texas, I believe you have Alabama, Georgia, LSU and who is next?”

In 2024, six teams made their first appearance in the College Football Playoff, and for LSU, they will be looking to snap a significant skid since the last time the program was featured.

As college football fans and analysts eagerly anticipate the future of LSU football, many turn to renowned sports commentator Paul Finebaum for his expert insights and candid evaluations. His take on whether the LSU Tigers will contend for a College Football Playoff (CFP) spot in 2025 has sparked widespread discussion, given LSU’s storied history, recent successes, and the evolving landscape of college football. In this comprehensive analysis, we explore Finebaum’s perspective, examine LSU’s current trajectory, roster developments, coaching strategies, and the broader factors influencing their potential to reach the CFP in 2025. We also delve into the challenges they face, the competition they’ll encounter, and the key elements that could determine their postseason fate, providing a detailed, 2000-word exploration of whether LSU is on course to be a college football playoff team in two years’ time.

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### Paul Finebaum’s Perspective: A Contextual Overview

Paul Finebaum, a veteran ESPN analyst and author known for his deep knowledge of SEC football, has long been regarded as one of the most insightful voices in college sports. His opinions on LSU often carry significant weight, especially given his familiarity with the SEC’s competitive dynamics and his nuanced understanding of team development and coaching philosophies.

When asked about LSU’s prospects for the 2025 CFP, Finebaum has historically emphasized that LSU’s success hinges on multiple factors: recruiting excellence, coaching stability, player development, scheduling strength, and the ability to navigate the evolving NCAA landscape. While he acknowledges LSU’s potential, he also underscores the uncertainties inherent in college football—injuries, transfers, coaching changes, and the unpredictable nature of game-day performance.

In recent interviews, Finebaum has expressed cautious optimism about LSU’s trajectory, citing the program’s recent national championship in 2019 under Coach Ed Orgeron and the subsequent sustained competitiveness. However, he also notes that maintaining national prominence requires consistent talent acquisition, innovative coaching, and strategic scheduling, especially as SEC teams face tougher opponents and the playoff selection process becomes increasingly competitive.

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### LSU’s Recent History and Current Standing

**Historical Context:** LSU has long been a powerhouse within college football, boasting multiple national championships, a storied rivalry with Alabama, and a reputation for producing NFL-caliber talent. The 2019 national title under Ed Orgeron marked a high point, but the program has seen fluctuations since then, including coaching changes and roster transitions.

**Recent Performance:** In the 2022 and 2023 seasons, LSU demonstrated resilience and growth, with notable wins over top-ranked opponents and impressive offensive displays led by quarterback Jayden Daniels and a talented roster. The team’s defense also showed flashes of dominance, although consistency has sometimes been elusive.

**Current Coach and Staff:** Under Brian Kelly, LSU has embarked on a new era emphasizing strategic recruiting, modernized schemes, and player development. Kelly’s reputation as a meticulous, innovative coach adds credibility to the program’s future prospects.

**Recruiting and Talent Pipeline:** LSU’s recruiting classes in recent years have been among the best in the SEC, featuring top-tier high school prospects and transfer portal acquisitions. This talent influx is vital for sustained success and post-season contention.

**Facilities and Support:** LSU’s football facilities, resources, and fan support remain among the best in college sports, providing a strong foundation for future success.

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### The Path to the 2025 College Football Playoff

**1. Recruiting and Player Development**

Finebaum often emphasizes that a team’s ceiling is directly linked to recruiting prowess and player development. LSU’s recruiting classes have been ranked highly nationally, and the program’s ability to attract elite talent—especially at quarterback, wide receiver, and on the defensive line—will be crucial.

By 2025, LSU is expected to have a roster loaded with experienced starters and promising underclassmen. The maturation of key players like [Current Star Players], combined with the infusion of new recruits, could elevate LSU’s competitiveness.

**2. Coaching Stability and Strategy**

Brian Kelly’s coaching philosophy emphasizes adaptability, discipline, and innovative game plans. His ability to develop players and craft game strategies that exploit opponents’ weaknesses will be pivotal.

Finebaum has noted that Kelly’s experience at Notre Dame and his NFL familiarity give LSU an edge in preparing for the postseason. However, coaching stability is necessary; any staff disruptions or strategic stagnation could hinder LSU’s playoff aspirations.

**3. Schedule Strength and Win-Loss Record**

To reach the CFP, LSU must navigate a challenging SEC schedule, likely including matchups against Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and other top programs. A strong regular-season record—preferably 11-1 or 12-0—would position LSU favorably in the playoff selection.

Finebaum highlights that SEC teams often benefit from a schedule that allows for one or two losses, provided they beat key rivals and perform well in dominant wins. LSU’s ability to schedule and win tough conference games will be a decisive factor.

**4. Key Players and Experience**

The maturation of core players, especially at quarterback, linebacker, and on the offensive line, will influence LSU’s ability to compete at the highest level. The development of underclassmen into leaders and the emergence of new talent from recruiting and transfers will be monitored closely.

Finebaum points out that teams with experienced quarterbacks and strong defenses tend to have better odds of making the playoff, and LSU’s roster composition in 2025 should reflect this.

**5. Navigating the College Football Landscape**

The playoff field continues to expand, with the 12-team format slated for implementation by 2024. This expansion increases LSU’s chances of postseason inclusion, even with a single loss, if they finish high in the rankings.

Finebaum has noted that LSU’s brand, recruiting, and recent success position them as a prime candidate for an at-large bid, provided they maintain their competitive edge.

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### Challenges and Obstacles

While LSU’s prospects are promising, several hurdles could impede their path to the 2025 CFP:

– **Injuries and Depth Issues:** A key injury to a star player, especially at quarterback or on the defensive line, could derail their season.
– **Coaching Staff Changes:** Any instability or staff turnover could impact player development and game planning.
– **SEC Competition:** The SEC remains the toughest conference in college football, with Alabama, Georgia, and others consistently vying for national prominence.
– **Consistency and Discipline:** Maintaining high levels of performance week-to-week is essential; lapses or complacency could cost the Tigers valuable games.
– **Transfer Portal and roster management:** While transfers can bolster teams, losing key players or failing to integrate newcomers effectively can hurt team cohesion.

Finebaum emphasizes that resilience, adaptability, and a bit of luck are integral to reaching and succeeding in the CFP.

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### Broader College Football Trends and Their Impact

**1. Expansion of the Playoff:** The upcoming 12-team playoff format will benefit teams like LSU, offering more opportunities for at-large bids and reducing the emphasis on undefeated seasons.

**2. NIL and Transfer Portal:** The NIL era and portal have transformed recruiting and team-building strategies, allowing LSU to attract top talent but also increasing roster volatility.

**3. Conference Realignment:** Ongoing conference realignments could alter LSU’s schedule strength and playoff positioning.

**4. Rule Changes and Officiating:** Adjustments to rules and officiating standards could influence game outcomes and team approaches.

Finebaum believes LSU’s adaptability within this evolving landscape will be key to their playoff aspirations.

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### Final Assessment: Are LSU Tigers a 2025 CFP Contender?

Drawing on Paul Finebaum’s insights, LSU’s recent trajectory, recruiting strength, coaching leadership, and strategic planning point toward a credible shot at making the 2025 College Football Playoff. The program’s foundation is solid, and the expansion of the playoff format increases their chances. However, success is not guaranteed; it will depend on consistent performance, health, coaching execution, and a bit of postseason fortune.

Finebaum’s overall stance is cautiously optimistic—he recognizes LSU’s potential but advises fans and analysts to remain realistic about the hurdles ahead. If LSU continues to develop talent, maintains coaching stability, and navigates their schedule effectively, they could very well be in the playoff conversation in two years. His analysis underscores that LSU’s future remains bright, but college football’s unpredictable nature means nothing is assured until the games are played.

Paul Finebaum’s take on LSU’s 2025 college football playoff chances encapsulates a mix of optimism and pragmatic caution. LSU’s rich history, recruiting prowess, and current coaching staff position them as serious contenders, especially with the new expanded playoff format. Yet, the road to national prominence is fraught with challenges, and success will require meticulous planning, resilience, and perhaps a little luck. As LSU continues to build on its recent successes and adapt to the shifting sands of college football, the Tigers’ pursuit of a spot in the 2025 CFP remains a compelling storyline—one that Finebaum and fans alike will closely follow as the seasons unfold.