Paul Finebaum praises Brian Kelly, LSU for offseason, identifies biggest concern in 2025 season
College football analyst Paul Finebaum, never one to withhold strong opinions, has heaped praise on Brian Kelly and the LSU Tigers for what he describes as one of the most effective and “disciplined” offseasons in the nation. During a recent appearance on ESPN Radio, Finebaum commended LSU’s roster moves, staff retention, and leadership stability—but he also issued a warning: the Tigers’ 2025 season hinges on solving one glaring vulnerability.
“Brian Kelly has had as good an offseason as any coach in the SEC,” Finebaum said. “He kept his staff intact, made great portal additions, and continues to build a culture that reflects consistency and toughness. But there’s one thing I’m not sure they’ve fully addressed—and that’s the secondary.”
Finebaum began by pointing to LSU’s strategic focus and execution following a disappointing early exit in the 2024 playoff semifinals. While some programs went into panic mode, LSU responded with measured, calculated moves.
- Coaching Stability: The retention of rising star Joe Sloan—who turned down a reported $2 million offer from Texas A&M—was one of the biggest coups in the SEC. Sloan’s return as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator provides much-needed continuity for expected starting QB Garrett Nussmeier and a deep, dynamic receiving corps.
- Bold Hiring: The addition of Kevin Bolden from Ole Miss as wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator drew wide praise. Finebaum described it as a “forward-thinking” hire that brings recruiting punch and schematic creativity.
- Transfer Portal Success: Kelly landed impact players at key positions, including former Wake Forest pass rusher Max Hightower, Oregon State slugger-turned-tight-end Trent Caldwell, and Arizona speedster Luca Dominguez. All are expected to contribute immediately.
“LSU didn’t flinch,” Finebaum said. “They had areas to fix, they went out and addressed them, and they didn’t sacrifice their culture in the process. That’s what elite programs do.”
Finebaum suggested that while Georgia and Texas have dominated national headlines, LSU might be the “most balanced team in the SEC”—if they can get over one critical hump.
“I wouldn’t be shocked at all if LSU wins the SEC West and crashes the playoff again,” he said. “This team has the quarterback, the playmakers, and now the depth in the trenches.”
Much of that optimism stems from what Kelly and his staff have done behind the scenes: reshaping the locker room culture, installing player accountability standards, and promoting younger voices like sophomore defensive end Camden Brooks and linebacker Jerron Spencer.
“Brian Kelly’s teams are always best when they’re veteran-led and not overly star-driven,” Finebaum noted. “You’re seeing that happen at LSU now. It’s sustainable.”
Despite the optimism, Finebaum didn’t hesitate to call out the secondary as the Tigers’ most pressing weakness—and one that could derail a title run if not corrected.
“I don’t think they’ve completely solved their issues in the back end,” he said. “They gave up too many chunk plays last year, were inconsistent in coverage, and didn’t create enough turnovers.”
LSU’s defensive backfield struggled at times in 2024, especially against high-powered passing attacks. Injuries, communication breakdowns, and a lack of top-end depth all contributed to the unit’s underwhelming performance.
To address the problem, LSU signed three defensive backs from the portal, including:
- Javon Timmons, a rangy safety from Virginia Tech
- Eli Westbrook, a ball-hawking corner from Tulsa
- Tyrique Holloway, a former five-star recruit who transferred from Miami
Still, Finebaum remains cautious.
“They’ve added bodies, but do they have the next great LSU corner? That’s the question,” he said. “Until proven otherwise, that secondary is a liability in big games.”
The Tigers’ schedule won’t allow them to ease into the season. Key early matchups include:
- Week 2 at USC in Las Vegas — a potential playoff-shaping showdown.
- SEC openers vs. Florida and Alabama — two physical, top-15 defenses.
- A tricky November road stretch against Texas A&M and Auburn.
Finebaum emphasized that LSU’s margin for error is razor-thin—especially in the new 12-team playoff format where seeding could determine hosting rights.
“One blown coverage in a game like USC or Alabama, and suddenly you’re scrambling to stay alive in the playoff picture,” he warned.
In closing, Finebaum reiterated that Kelly’s progression at LSU has been “remarkably smooth” and that 2025 could be the season where everything clicks.
“He’s got the right staff, the right quarterback, and the program buy-in he never fully had at Notre Dame,” Finebaum said. “He’s in his element now. This is the version of Brian Kelly we all expected—and LSU is benefitting from it.”
Still, Kelly’s legacy at LSU will be defined not by SEC West titles or 10-win seasons, but by championships. And according to Finebaum, that means solving the secondary and delivering in crunch time.
“He’s built everything right,” Finebaum concluded. “Now it’s time to finish the job.”
- Paul Finebaum applauds LSU’s offseason—from staff moves to roster upgrades.
- Brian Kelly is lauded for consistency, culture, and recruiting.
- But the Tigers’ secondary remains a red flag heading into the 2025 season.
- National title hopes may depend on whether that unit can rise to the challenge.
As SEC Media Days approach, one thing is clear: LSU is firmly in the national spotlight again—this time, with unfinished business.
