Paul Finebaum Names College Football Team Poised to End Playoff Drought

"I think they'll be really good," Finebaum said. "I think they're a playoff team."

Paul Finebaum Thinks Garrett Nussmeier Is a Top QB in College Football

One major reason for Finebaum's confidence in the Tigers this upcoming season is the return of Garrett Nussmeier at quarterback. Finebaum considers Nussmeier to be one of the two best quarterbacks in college football.

“I think we could argue all day on who the best quarterback in the country is, and in every argument, Garrett Nussmeier will be in there,” Finebaum previously said. “So will (Cade) Klubnik, and then you can add one or two more. But, if he comes out of this season as one of the two or three best quarterbacks in the country, then LSU is in the playoffs with a chance to do something really special.”

Nussmeier had an exceptional season as the starting quarterback, passing for 4,052 yards, with 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, which contributed to LSU's 9-4 record.

LSU Returns Several Key Players on Offense and Defense

The Tigers are excited about the upcoming season, as they return 62% of their overall production, which ranks 38th in the nation. Along with quarterback Nussmeier, they are welcoming back key players, including running back Caden Durham, who rushed for 753 yards and scored six touchdowns during his freshman year.

LSU has retained junior linebacker Whit Weeks, who led the team last season with 125 tackles, including 10 tackles for loss. Additionally, the Tigers will welcome back linebacker Harold Perkins, who missed most of the previous season due to injury. In his first two seasons, Perkins recorded a total of 147 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, and 13 sacks.

LSU Adds Several Key Players in the Transfer Portal

Along with those key returners, LSU has significantly strengthened its roster by bringing in an impressive transfer portal class. According to 247Sports, the Tigers finished with the top-ranked transfer portal class, signing a total of 18 players. Among the notable additions are former Florida State EDGE rusher Patrick Payton, Oklahoma wide receiver Nic Anderson, and Kentucky wide receiver Barion Brown.

LSU will kick off its season with a major away game at the Clemson Tigers at 7:30 p.m. ET on August 30.