## LSU Tigers Roaring Back: Finebaum Predicts "One of the Best Teams in the Country"

**The College Football Landscape Shifts as Brian Kelly's Squad Sets Sights on National Dominance**


The 2025 college football season promises to be one for the books, with high-profile coaching moves and captivating storylines grabbing headlines.  But amidst the chaos, a familiar team is rising to prominence: the LSU Tigers.

While some programs grapple with uncertainty and pressure, LSU enters the year brimming with potential. The Tigers, under coach Brian Kelly's leadership, have consistently delivered strong performances since his arrival in 2022.  After a 10-4 debut season capped by an SEC West title, they followed up with a successful 10-3 campaign in 2023.


Their 2024 season started brightly with a 6-1 record, but a three-game losing streak ultimately derailed their playoff aspirations.  

However, optimism surrounds the Tigers heading into the new year. SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum confidently predicts LSU will be "one of the best teams in the country." This bold statement isn't just wishful thinking; Finebaum recently declared, “Right now, I would have to think of LSU as a playoff team...It’s crowded in the SEC, you essentially have Texas, I believe you have Alabama, Georgia, LSU and who is next?”


The Tigers are well-positioned for success.  They return 62% of their offensive production, ranking them 38th nationally. Star quarterback Garrett Nussmeier returns after a stellar 2024 season, throwing for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Defensive stalwarts like linebacker Whit Weeks (125 tackles in 2023) and running back Caden Durham (753 rushing yards and six touchdowns as a freshman) also bolster the team's firepower.


While their schedule boasts the sixth-easiest slate in the SEC according to Athlon Sports, LSU faces a daunting opening challenge against the Clemson Tigers on August 30th at 7:30 p.m. ET.


The stage is set for another thrilling season in Baton Rouge.  With a talented roster and the confidence of an astute analyst like Paul Finebaum, the LSU Tigers are poised to make a serious run for national prominence.






## LSU Tigers Roaring Back: Finebaum Predicts "One of the Best Teams in the Country"

**The College Football Landscape Shifts as Brian Kelly's Squad Sets Sights

#Brian kelly

Paul Finebaum Emphatically Declares SEC Program as 'One of the Best Teams in the Country'

#Brian kelly

Paul Finebaum Emphatically Declares SEC Program as &#39;One of the Best Teams in the Country&#39;

Paul Finebaum Emphatically Declares SEC Program as 'One of the Best Teams in the Country'