Paul Finebaum Names College Football Playoff Contender Whose Coach Is on the Hot Seat originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
As we approach the 2025 college football season, several teams are attracting significant attention.
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Among them, the LSU Tigers stand out as a team many are optimistic about. According to ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI), the Tigers are ranked as the No. 12 team in college football heading into the season. Despite this ranking, they have some of the top odds to win the national championship.
A key reason for this optimism is the talent LSU is bringing back for the 2025 season. The team returns 62% of its total production, which ranks 38th in the nation. The most notable returning player is likely quarterback Garrett Nussmeier, who had an impressive first year as the starter, throwing for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions last season.
However, during “The Paul Finebaum Show,” SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum expressed concerns about head coach Brian Kelly. Finebaum suggested that if Kelly does not lead the team to a strong season this year, he may find himself without a job.
LSU Tigers head coach Brian KellyNelson Chenault-Imagn Images
“Even though I think he’s going to have one of the best seasons in recent years, Brian Kelly cannot afford a bad season either,” Finebaum said.
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If the Tigers decide to part ways with Kelly, it will come at a significant financial cost. His buyout this season is $51.7 million, which decreases each year: to $42.5 million in 2026, $33.1 million in 2027, $23.4 million in 2028 and finally $13.5 million in 2029.
Despite this, Kelly is regarded as one of the better coaches in college football. He has an overall record of 195-73, including a 29-11 record at LSU. However, his performance seems to be declining each year.
In his first season, the Tigers finished with a 10-4 record, won the SEC West division, and advanced to the SEC Championship Game. In his second year, they achieved a 10-3 record but did not win the SEC West. Last season, LSU finished with a 9-4 record and again failed to win the conference. Additionally, the Tigers have not made the College Football Playoff during his tenure.
Finebaum believes that LSU’s five-year streak without making the playoffs will come to an end. He previously stated that he sees LSU as a potential playoff team, but noted that the competition in the SEC is intense. He ranked LSU among his top four teams, alongside Texas, Georgia and Alabama.
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LSU is set to open the season with a crucial road game that could generate significant momentum when it faces the Clemson Tigers on Aug. 30 at 7:30 p.m. ET.
Related: Brian Kelly Drops Bold Statement About LSU’s Chances This Season
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
