Paul Finebaum has dramatically shifted his perspective on Lane Kiffin and the LSU football program after their impressive opening week victory over Clemson. Initially critical of Kiffin due to leadership issues and the team’s eligibility challenges, Finebaum now sees LSU as a national championship contender and a central figure in college football.
On the September 7 episode of ESPN’s Get Up, Finebaum remarked on LSU’s performance, drawing parallels to the storied Miami teams of the 80s and 90s. He suggested that Kiffin, known for his compelling personality, will eventually tell his story of transition to LSU through a documentary, further enhancing his media presence.
In contrast, just days before on September 5, Finebaum had labeled Kiffin as immature and criticized LSU’s administrative oversight. Following the dominant game against Clemson, where LSU established offensive records and thoroughly overwhelmed their opponent, Finebaum praised the program’s performance, framing it as a turnaround narrative that overshadows earlier controversies.
LSU’s commanding stats from the game—38 first downs, 309 rushing yards, and a strong defensive showing—added weight to Finebaum’s newfound admiration, setting a compelling stage for the season ahead and solidifying Kiffin’s status within college football.
