Paul Finebaum Says LSU Is Poised to Break Its Playoff Curse in 2025
As the 2025 college football season inches closer, hope springs eternal for every fanbase in the nation. But down in Baton Rouge, the optimism feels a bit more grounded. Not just because of the passionate LSU faithful, but because this year’s team—by all accounts—looks loaded, dangerous, and ready to make serious noise. And if one of the most trusted voices in college football is to be believed, the Tigers might be the team to finally snap their College Football Playoff drought.
Paul Finebaum, the legendary SEC insider and host of “The Paul Finebaum Show,” has gone on record predicting that LSU could finally make their long-awaited return to the Playoff in 2025. It’s a bold take, but one that’s gaining steam across the college football world.
LSU’s Offseason Reload: Transfer Portal Triumph
Much of that belief stems from the work Brian Kelly and his staff did in the offseason. For the first time in his LSU tenure, Kelly didn’t just rely on recruiting but leaned heavily into the transfer portal—and he struck gold.
The Tigers retooled both sides of the ball with plug-and-play talent. On offense, explosive wideouts Barion Brown, Nic Anderson, and Josh Thompson bring speed, separation, and big-play ability. On defense, LSU added serious bite with the likes of Patrick Payton, Mansoor Delane, and AJ Haulcy—all players capable of immediately elevating the unit’s performance.
For a program already rich in talent, these additions turn LSU into a contender with elite depth and veteran presence, something that was sorely missing in recent years.
Finebaum Believes the Tigers Are Built for This
“I really like LSU’s chances, I think they’re excellent,” Finebaum said on his show. “I was alluding to the schedule a little bit ago. I think it’s just a matter of survival, the first month of the season, Ole Miss, Florida, and Clemson. A bad start would put a little bit of heat on (Garrett) Nussmeier and the rest of the team. I think getting out of that month with only one loss would be fantastic.”
That’s high praise coming from someone who’s been notoriously tough on LSU in recent seasons. But it’s rooted in more than just hype. This is a team with real firepower, and while the schedule is brutal, Finebaum seems to believe they now have the tools to navigate the storm.
The Schedule: A Proving Ground
LSU’s path to the College Football Playoff won’t be an easy one. In the opening month alone, they’ll square off against Ole Miss, Florida, and Clemson. Then comes a murderer’s row of Alabama, South Carolina, Texas A&M, and Oklahoma—all programs with legitimate playoff ambitions of their own.
That’s the gauntlet, and it’s why most national analysts have been hesitant to put LSU in the Playoff conversation. But where others see obstacles, Finebaum sees opportunity.
If LSU can get through September with just one loss, they’ll be battle-tested, respected, and very much in the national spotlight. And unlike years past, this squad has the depth and talent to keep the momentum going.
The Nussmeier Question
Of course, a team is only as good as its quarterback, and for Garrett Nussmeier, 2025 is the season that could define his legacy in Baton Rouge. Expectations are sky-high—and so is the pressure.
Nussmeier has had a rocky journey. At times last season, his confidence and performance were so inconsistent that fans booed his introduction before the Vanderbilt game. That kind of heat isn’t forgotten easily, especially in a market as intense as LSU’s. But with the new weapons around him and a full offseason as QB1, there’s hope he’ll rise to the occasion.
If Nussmeier finds rhythm early—especially in those make-or-break September matchups—he could finally deliver on the promise that once made him one of the top quarterback recruits in the country.
This Might Be Brian Kelly’s Best Shot Yet
Since arriving at LSU, Brian Kelly has been slowly reshaping the program to his vision. The 2025 Tigers are arguably the most complete team he’s had in Baton Rouge. The offensive line is experienced, the skill positions are explosive, and the defense has playmakers at every level.
What Kelly needs now is to silence the critics who say he can’t win the big one in the SEC. This is the year to do it. If LSU starts strong, builds momentum, and gets quality wins against top-tier programs, they’ll be impossible to ignore when the Playoff committee meets.
Final Thoughts: Is This the Year the Tigers Roar Back?
Paul Finebaum thinks so. And he’s not alone. The buzz around LSU is real, and it’s fueled by more than just preseason hype. The roster is loaded. The staff is hungry. The fanbase is starving for another championship run.
The 2025 season will be a test of mettle, resolve, and coaching. But if the Tigers can get through their early trials, there’s every reason to believe they’ll not just make the Playoff—but maybe even make a run at it all.
Don’t sleep on LSU. The Bayou Bengals are coming. And this time, they might just be built for glory.
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