Rivalry Week 2025: Full Preview of the Top Games

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Rivalry Week 2025: Full Preview of the Top Games

1. Ohio State vs. Michigan — “The Game”

• When & TV: November 29, 2025 — 12:00 PM ET on FOX (Sports Brackets)

• Why It Matters: This is easily one of the biggest rivalries in college football. According to DirectTV’s rivalry list, Michigan leads the all-time series. (DIRECTV)

• Key Stakes:

  • Big Ten implications: With no divisions in the Big Ten, this game could influence who goes to the conference title game. (Sports Brackets)

  • CFP hopes: A strong finish could help either team in playoff conversations.

• Storylines to Watch:

  • Can Ohio State bounce back (if needed) and make a late push?

  • Michigan will want to reclaim its advantage and end on a high note.

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2. Alabama vs. Auburn — The Iron Bowl

• When & TV: November 29, 2025 — per the schedule slate. (FBSchedules.com)

• Series History: Alabama leads the series 51–37–1. (Wikipedia)

• Why It’s Huge:

  • State bragging rights: It’s arguably the fiercest rivalry in Alabama.

  • Postseason implications: Even if one team is “out,” the Iron Bowl can define the season’s legacy.

• Key Storylines:

  • Can Auburn pull off an upset in Jordan-Hare?

  • Will Alabama’s depth or experience make the difference?

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3. Georgia vs. Georgia Tech — “Clean, Old-Fashioned Hate”

• When & TV: November 28, 2025 — 7:30 PM ET on ABC. (DIRECTV)

• Rivalry Background: One of the oldest rivalries, with Georgia holding a significant lead in the series. (DIRECTV)

• Why This Game Matters:

  • Traditional rivalry: It’s a storied in-state battle.

  • Recruiting & pride: For both programs, beating your neighbor is more than just a win.

• What to Watch:

  • Will Georgia assert dominance, or can Tech spoil the party?

  • Impact on momentum heading into offseason or bowl games.

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4. Clemson vs. South Carolina — The Palmetto Bowl

• When & TV: November 29, 2025 — according to ESPN/On3 preview. (On3)

• Stakes:

  • In-state bragging rights: This matchup always means a lot to fans in South Carolina.

  • Season narrative: Both Clemson and South Carolina could use a big rivalry win to shape their postseason or recruiting.

• Storylines to Monitor:

  • Can the Gamecocks upset Clemson at Memorial Stadium?

  • Will Clemson avoid a bitter ending to the regular season?

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5. Texas vs. Texas A&M — “Lone Star Showdown”

• When & TV: November 29, 2025 — as part of Rivalry Week slate. (FBSchedules.com)

• History & Context:

  • This rivalry was renewed more recently, but the history is deep, especially with A&M now in the SEC. (DIRECTV)

  • All-time record: Texas leads by a wide margin. (DIRECTV)

• Implications:

  • Big-time recruiting stakes: In-state dominance can swing recruiting battles.

  • Potential CFP relevance: Depending on how both teams’ seasons go, this could be more than just pride.

• Key Angles:

  • Can A&M re-establish bragging rights in Austin?

  • Will Texas defend home turf and close the season strong?

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6. Tennessee vs. Vanderbilt

• When: November 29, 2025, per schedule. (FBSchedules.com)

• Rivalry Background:

  • Tennessee leads the all-time series 79–32–5. (Wikipedia)

  • Although not a “title-deciding” rivalry, it’s still meaningful for in-state prestige.

• What to Watch:

  • Can Vanderbilt pull off an upset?

  • How will Tennessee close out its regular season — with dominance or engineering a statement win?

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Why Rivalry Week 2025 Is Especially Significant

• High Stakes Across Conferences: Several rivalry games this week could affect conference championship picture or playoff positioning (e.g., Ohio State–Michigan, Alabama–Auburn).

• Tradition Meets Modern Impact: Longstanding rivalries (like Georgia–Georgia Tech) are still deeply meaningful — and newer-renaissance ones (Texas–A&M) carry real competitive weight.

• Recruiting & Legacy: Winning rivalry games can have long-term effects on recruiting class momentum and program legacy in a given season.

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My Predictions & Key Questions

• Ohio State vs. Michigan: Ohio State might be favored, but Michigan could make a splash if they play with discipline.

• Iron Bowl: I lean toward Alabama, but never count out an emotional Auburn in front of its home crowd.

• Georgia–Georgia Tech: Georgia likely has the upper hand, but if Tech surprises, it would be a season highlight.

• Clemson–South Carolina: Close game — I lean Clemson, but it could be tight.

• Texas–Texas A&M: High variance. A&M could upset, but Texas at home is dangerous.

• Tennessee–Vanderbilt: Expect Tennessee to come in strong, but Vanderbilt could pull a trick play or two.

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Alabama Cruises Past Eastern Illinois 56–0: A Complete Breakdown

 Alabama Cruises Past Eastern Illinois 56–0: A Complete Breakdown

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In a dominant showing Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium, No. 10 Alabama (9–2) blanked Eastern Illinois (3–9) by a score of 56–0, setting a strong tone as the Crimson Tide head into their big rivalry matchup. The win — especially its lopsided nature — provided both a confidence boost and valuable live reps for key reserves. Here’s an extended look at how Alabama controlled all facets of the game, what the win means, and what to watch next.

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Game Overview & Key Numbers

• Final Score: 56-0 in favor of Alabama. (ESPN.com)

• Total Offense: Alabama outgained EIU by 539 yards to 34. (ESPN.com)

• Rushing Prowess:

  • The Tide rushed for a season-high 269 yards on 49 attempts. (Alabama Athletics)

  • All eight offensive touchdowns came on the ground — their highest rushing TD output since 1979. (ESPN.com)

• Scoring by Quarter: Alabama put up 14 points in each quarter (1Q–4Q). (ESPN.com)

• Quarterback Play:

  • Multiple QBs saw action: Ty Simpson, Austin Mack, and Keelon Russell all contributed. (Alabama Athletics)

  • Simpson went 11-for-16 for 147 yards, but threw two interceptions, continuing a turnover trend. (ESPN.com)

• Touchdowns by Player:

  • Kevin Riley: 2 rushing TDs. (ESPN.com)

  • AK Dear: 2 rushing TDs. (Alabama Athletics)

  • Other TD scorers: Jam Miller, Daniel Hill, Richard Young, and QB Austin Mack each added a rushing touchdown. (Alabama Athletics)

• Defense & Special Teams:

  • EIU was limited to just 34 yards of total offense. (Alabama Athletics)

  • Alabama intercepted EIU’s opening drive. (ESPN.com)

  • They blocked a punt in the first quarter, which set up one of their early touchdowns. (https://www.wbrc.com)

  • Tim Keenan III recorded two sacks. (Alabama Athletics)

  • Dijon Lee Jr. had one interception. (Alabama Athletics)

• Kicking Woes:

  • Kicker Conor Talty missed a 28-yard field goal, drawing boos from the home crowd. (ESPN.com)

  • Alabama used freshman Peter Notaro in relief after the miss. (ESPN.com)

• Financial Context: Eastern Illinois reportedly received $560,000 for this "paycheck" game. (ESPN.com)

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Strategic Takeaways & Analysis

1. Running Game Redemption

Alabama’s ground attack was as efficient as it was dominant. With 269 rushing yards and 8 rushing touchdowns, the Tide finally unlocked the kind of productivity that’s been elusive at times this season. The running backs all contributed, and even the QBs got in on the action. This was not just a statistical outlier — it looked like a breakdown of their ideal run-game execution.

Coach Kalen DeBoer emphasized that execution and more reps have been central to the improvement: “they all ran hard and got their opportunities,” he said. (ESPN.com)

2. Defense Setting the Tone

From the first snap, Alabama’s defense put EIU in a bind. An interception on the Panthers' opening drive led straight to a touchdown. On the very next possession, Alabama blocked a punt — a major momentum swing in special teams. The Panthers never crossed midfield for much of the game, and their total yardage was kept to an astonishingly low level. (Alabama Athletics)

Notably, Tim Keenan III registered two sacks, showing depth on the defensive front. (Alabama Athletics)

3. Balancing Risk and Reps with Key Reserves

Because this was a heavily favored game, DeBoer opted to rotate in backups, giving significant playing time to reserve players across offense and defense. That included multiple quarterbacks — Simpson, Mack, and Russell all saw action. (Alabama Athletics)

This was a valuable opportunity: reserves got live-game reps, and importantly, there were no reported injuries. (ESPN.com)

4. Special Teams Question Marks Remain

Talty’s missed field goal from just 28 yards was a low point. The crowd reportedly booed after the miss, which underscores growing concern about his consistency. (ESPN.com)

The fact that Alabama eventually replaced him with a freshman kicker indicates the coaching staff is willing to make changes if the inconsistency continues. (ESPN.com)

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Implications & What’s Next

• Momentum Into the Iron Bowl: This dominant performance couldn’t have come at a better time. With the Iron Bowl looming, Alabama now moves forward with confidence and health. The blowout allows the team to rest starters and fine-tune depth.

• Confidence in Running Backs: The depth in the backfield feels more comfortable now. After this game, Alabama can lean on its run game with more conviction heading into tougher matchups.

• Special Teams Watch: The missed FG is a red flag, especially in close games. If Talty doesn’t regain consistency, Alabama may need to adjust.

• Defensive Continuity: The defense showed it can be suffocating, not just against lesser competition but also structurally sound. If this kind of performance carries over, Alabama’s defense could be a decisive factor in more competitive games.

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Coach & Player Quotes

• DeBoer on the running game: “I thought they all ran hard and got their opportunities.” (ESPN.com)

• On injuries: DeBoer noted there were no new concerns, allowing the team to refocus quickly on Auburn next week. (ESPN.com)

• On Talty’s miss: DeBoer defended him, saying he had a strong week of practice and urging fans to support him like they would any other player. (ESPN.com)

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Crimson Tide Falls Short: Oklahoma Edges Alabama 23–21

 

Crimson Tide Falls Short: Oklahoma Edges Alabama 23–21

Tuscaloosa — November 17, 2025

In a heartbreaker at Bryant-Denny Stadium, No. 4 Alabama (8–2, 6–1 SEC) saw its eight-game home winning streak snapped, falling 23–21 to No. 11 Oklahoma (8–2, 4–2 SEC). (Alabama Athletics)

Scoring Summary & Key Plays

• First Quarter: Oklahoma struck early. Tate Sandell drilled a 25-yard field goal, and later, safety Peyton Bowen returned an 87-yard interception for a touchdown to make it 10–0. (University of Oklahoma)

• Second Quarter: Alabama answered with a 1-yard TD run by Daniel Hill (after a 12-play, 72-yard drive), then Josh Cuevas hauled in a 25-yard pass from Ty Simpson to bring Bama within three. Oklahoma tacked on its own touchdown in between. (University of Oklahoma)

• Third Quarter: Oklahoma extended its lead with a 52-yard Sandell field goal. Alabama responded again when Hill punched in another 1-yard run, knotting it at 20–20. (University of Oklahoma)

• Fourth Quarter: The difference came late. Oklahoma relied on Sandell once more, this time from 24 yards out, to secure the 23–21 advantage. (University of Oklahoma)

Statistical Breakdown

• Alabama outgained Oklahoma in total yards, 406 to 212. (Alabama Athletics)

• Passing: Ty Simpson completed 28 of 42 attempts for 326 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. (Alabama Athletics)

• Rushing: Daniel Hill carried the ball 15 times for 60 yards and scored two touchdowns. (Alabama Athletics)

• Receiving: Josh Cuevas set a career high with 6 receptions for 80 yards, including the second-quarter touchdown. (Alabama Athletics)

• Turnovers: Alabama turned the ball over three times, which proved costly. (Alabama Athletics)

• Defense: On Alabama’s side, Bray Hubbard, Domani Jackson, and Deontae Lawson each recorded five tackles. (Alabama Athletics)

What Went Wrong for Alabama

While Alabama dominated in yardage and possession, their mistakes and Oklahoma's opportunistic plays made the difference. (SI)

• Turnovers: The Crimson Tide’s three giveaways loomed large. A forced fumble on third down late in the game gave Oklahoma prime field position. (SI)

• Special Teams: Oklahoma’s defense and special teams made big plays — including the pick-six and a partially blocked field goal — swinging momentum. (CBS Sports)

• Critical Stop: In the fourth quarter, Oklahoma’s defense came up big with a fourth-down stop that iced the game. (CBS Sports)

Significance & Implications

• This was Alabama’s first SEC loss of the season. (Alabama Athletics)

• The loss underscores a troubling trend: turnovers continue to haunt Bama, even when its offense is firing. (SI)

• For Oklahoma, the win is huge for its College Football Playoff aspirations — relying on defense and big special teams plays, not just offensive fireworks. (CBS Sports)

Looking Ahead

Alabama now faces a critical stretch in its schedule where attention to detail (especially ball security) could define its postseason hopes. If they can clean up the turnovers, this team might still recover. But if these kinds of mistakes persist, tough losses like this one could be costly.

Alabamas hopes will come down to the iron bowl in 2 weeks

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Alabama wins in a gritty defensive slugfests

 

In a gritty, hard-fought showdown at Bryant‑Denny Stadium, the Alabama Crimson Tide edged past the LSU Tigers by a final score of 20-9. (ABC News)

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Dominant Defense, Minimal Offense

Alabama’s victory was far from a high-octane offensive explosion. Instead, the Tide leaned on their defense to carry them through. LSU was held to just 232 total yards, and only 13 first downs. (The Washington Post)

One of the more striking slices of data: On the ground, Alabama averaged 2.2 yards per rush, while LSU churned out 2.3 yards per rush. (FOX Sports)
While those numbers are low by college standards, Alabama’s defense simply refused to let LSU build momentum. The small margin in rushing average only underscores how every half-yard mattered in this defensive slugfest.

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Key Offensive Metrics & Game Flow

• Alabama compiled 344 total yards on 62 plays; LSU managed 232 yards on 58 plays. (FOX Sports)

• Passing wise: Alabama’s quarterback completed 21 of 35 for 277 yards and one touchdown. (The Washington Post)

• LSU’s offense never found the end zone — the Tigers were held scoreless in terms of rushing touchdowns and limited in big plays. (ABC News)

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Why the Win Matters

• The result marked Alabama’s eighth straight victory and extended their home winning streak to 17 games, the longest in the FBS at this point. (The Washington Post)

• Perhaps more importantly: Against a storied rival in LSU, Alabama showed they could win even when the offense wasn’t clicking in high gear.

• The 2.2 vs 2.3 yards per carry stat is telling — it shows just how tightly contested the game was in the trenches, and how Alabama’s defense made the difference.

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The Takeaway

When you see rushing averages in the 2-to-3 yards per carry range for both teams, you know it was a day where the ground game was stifled. Yet Alabama found a way. Despite not imposing a dominant running attack, they out-executed LSU in key moments. The defense rose to the occasion, and the offense did enough. That’s the hallmark of a championship-minded team.

For fans and observers, this win might not be flashy, but it’s vital: It reinforces the identity of Alabama as a club that wins the ugly ones. When the running game stalls (as it did, given the 2.2 ypc), the passes must be leveraged, turnovers must be avoided, and the defense must deliver. That’s exactly what happened.

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The New Format & What “First Bracket” Means

The CFP has expanded to a 12-team field this season. (AP News) The key features:

• There are five automatic qualifier spots: the five highest-ranked conference champions will automatically get into the playoff. (AP News)

• The top four seeds (based on the final selections) receive first-round byes. (SB Nation)

• The “first bracket” we’re talking about now is the initial ranking of teams (Top 25) by the CFP selection committee, which sets the field and seeds to come. (Black Shoe Diaries)

In other words: tonight’s “first bracket” is more about rankings and setting the stage than actual bracket match-ups being played tonight.

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Where Things Stand

On November 4, 2025 the CFP selection committee released its first Top 25 ranking of the season. (AP News) Here are some of the top pieces of that:

• Ohio State Buckeyes lead the pack at No. 1. (AP News)

• Indiana Hoosiers come in at No. 2, undefeated at this point. (SB Nation)

• Texas A&M Aggies are No. 3; Alabama Crimson Tide at No. 4. (Black Shoe Diaries)

• Some other names in the field: No. 5 is Georgia Bulldogs, No. 6 is Mississippi Rebels and No. 7 is BYU Cougars. (AP News)

Because of this ranking, we can already see trajectories: these teams are in strong position for the playoff. But remember: the final bracket will be set in December, once the regular season and conference championship games are complete.

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Why This Matters

• Seeding & byes matter: Being in the top four not only gives a skip of the first round but also a more favorable bracket path.

• Conference champions get rewarded: The rule guaranteeing the top five conference champs helps ensure representation beyond just the highest-ranked teams.

• Every game counts: With early rankings out, teams who were undefeated or with very strong resumes are getting recognized. If they slip or lose late, their positions can shift.

• Emerging storylines: Smaller conferences or “outside power five” teams have a path via the automatic qualifier rule. That adds drama.

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What to Watch & Possible Landmines

• Will any of the top teams slip up late in the season, losing their bye or risking their seed?

• How will the strength of schedule factor in? The committee has reportedly placed greater emphasis on strong wins / avoiding losses to weaker teams. (Reuters)

• Which conference champions from the “next tier” will make the field? One early example: the possibility of a team like Memphis Tigers or Virginia Cavaliers making the bracket through the champion-qualifier route. (SB Nation)

• Teams currently ranked high but that could slip: The rankings show how tight it is; for instance, a one or two-loss team may still be in but with far more risk.

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What’s Next

• Expect weekly ranking releases from the committee—each update will shift the picture. (Black Shoe Diaries)

• The final bracket, with exact seeds and match-ups, will be revealed in early December. The playoff games will start December 19-20 (for the first round) under the new format. (AP News)

• For fans: keep an eye on the conference championship weekend, since that often determines automatic qualifier status and can shuffle the seeds.

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Final Thoughts

Tonight’s “first bracket” release is a crucial milestone—it doesn’t lock everything in, but it gives a strong preview of who’s in good shape and who needs to raise the level. Teams like Ohio State, Indiana, Texas A&M and Alabama are sitting in elite positions right now, but the season isn’t done, and many challengers are poised.

If you like, I can pull up projected first-round matchups based on current rankings and simulate possible bracket paths for some key teams. Would you like me to do that?

• SB Nation
• AP News
• Black Shoe Diaries

Tennessee Volunteers’ College Football Playoff Hopes End After 33-27 Loss to Oklahoma Sooners

 

Tennessee Volunteers’ College Football Playoff Hopes End After 33-27 Loss to Oklahoma Sooners

On Saturday night at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville, the Tennessee Volunteers saw their hopes of reaching the College Football Playoff officially end, following a hard-fought 33–27 loss to the Oklahoma Sooners. (NBC Sports)

Game Recap & Key Statistics

Tennessee (6-3, 3-3 in conference) took the field ranked No. 14, while Oklahoma (7-2, 3-2) carried the No. 18 ranking into the contest. (Fox Sports)
Despite an impressive yardage total of 393 passing yards from Tennessee quarterback Joey Aguilar, the Volunteers were undone by turnovers and a surge by Oklahoma late in the game. (ABC News)
Some of the standout figures:

• Tennessee dominated early in total offensive yardage in the first half (255 to 99) but could not convert that dominance into a decisive lead. (WTOP News)

• Oklahoma capitalized on three Tennessee turnovers, turning them into 13 points. (Fox Sports)

• Oklahoma quarterback John Mateer accounted for 159 passing yards and 80 rushing yards, including the go-ahead touchdown with less than two minutes remaining. (ABC News)

• Tennessee’s rushing game, conversely, only managed 63 yards on 35 carries, hindering their ability to control the clock and tempo. (Rocky Top Talk)

Turning Points & Momentum Shifts

The game opened promising for Tennessee, who scored on their opening drive to take the early advantage. (Rocky Top Talk)
However, a pivotal moment came when Tennessee fumbled inside field-goal range; the fumble was returned 71 yards by Oklahoma’s R Thomas Mason for a touchdown — the longest fumble return in Oklahoma history. (NBC Sports)
Late in the 4th quarter, Tennessee narrowed the margin to two points following a touchdown pass from Aguilar to Mike Matthews with about 1:56 remaining. But Oklahoma recovered the onside kick and sealed the win when Mateer plunged in from a yard out after a 43-yard run by Xavier Robinson to the 1-yard line. (NBC Sports)

What This Means for Tennessee’s Playoff Hopes

Even before the game, Tennessee’s margin for error was razor thin. After falling to 6-3 overall and 3-3 in conference play, the Volunteers became mathematically eliminated from contention for the College Football Playoff. Oklahoma win + Tennessee’s conference losses locked it in. (ABC News)
In the aftermath, the “Takeaway” from multiple reports was clear: Tennessee’s playoff hopes are dead this season. (Fox Sports)

Looking Ahead

With the season slipping away from the playoff picture, Tennessee now must shift its focus to rebuilding the season’s narrative, finish strong, and re-energize for the future. Their next game comes after a bye week, at home versus New Mexico State Aggies on November 15. (NBC Sports)
While the playoff dream is gone, this group of players still has something to play for: momentum, bowl eligibility, and setting the foundation for next year.

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In short: the Volunteers showed flashes — big passing numbers, opening drive energy — but careless turnovers, a lack of rushing consistency, and a killer punch from Oklahoma at the end sealed their fate. The scoreboard says 33-27 and the reality is loud: Tennessee’s playoff hopes are over.

• reuters.com
• apnews.com
• washingtonpost.com

Brian Kelly’s Tenure at LSU: Promise, Performance, and Fall

Brian Kelly’s Tenure at LSU: Promise, Performance, and Fall

When Brian Kelly arrived in Baton Rouge in December 2021, the expectations were high. He was hired away from University of Notre Dame after a solid tenure there and was given a long‐term contract by LSU. (ABC News)

Key Facts & Figures

• Contract: A 10-year deal worth about $95-100 million. (On3)

• Buy-out: Around $52-54 million (based on estimates) if fired early. (CBS Sports)

• Record at LSU: 34-14 overall across roughly four seasons. (The Washington Post)

• SEC record under Kelly: 19-10. (https://www.wcax.com)

• 2025 season record at time of firing: 5-3 overall, 2-3 in SEC play. (The Washington Post)

• The ending trigger: A 49-25 home loss to No. 3 Texas A&M Aggies (Texas A&M) on Oct 25 2025. (ABC News)

Why Did it End?

Despite the solid overall win-loss record, LSU’s leadership concluded that Kelly’s tenure had not reached the level the program demands. Some of the specific concerns:

• No appearance in the College Football Playoff during his time at LSU — a key benchmark for a program of LSU’s stature. (The Washington Post)

• The program started the 2025 season 4-0, but faltered and lost three of its last four games leading up to the Texas A&M blow-out. (CBS Sports)

• The blow-out loss at home raised questions about competitiveness in high-stakes games: “When Coach Kelly arrived … we had high hopes… Ultimately, the success at the level that LSU demands simply did not materialize.” — Woodward. (foxsports.com)

Immediate Aftermath

• Kelly was relieved of his duties on Sunday night, Oct 26, 2025, effective immediately. (LSU)

• Associate head coach & running backs coach Frank Wilson was named interim head coach. (ABC News)

• LSU immediately launched a national search for a new head coach. (https://www.waff.com)

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Scott Woodward’s Role and Departure

Scott Woodward, the athletic director at LSU since 2019, was the person who hired Kelly and was central to the department’s strategic direction. His departure became the next major development.

Context and Criticism

• Governor Jeff Landry publicly criticized Woodward’s role in the Kelly hire (and earlier coaching contracts) and declared that Woodward would not pick LSU’s next football coach. (The Guardian)

• Landry pointed to a “pattern” of expensive buyouts: he referenced Kelly’s ~$54 million and a prior deal at Texas A&M that resulted in a ~$77 million buyout under Woodward’s previous employ. (Louisiana Sports)

Departure

• LSU and Woodward parted ways effective late October 2025. (nypost.com)

• Verge Ausberry, executive deputy athletics director, was named interim AD. (nypost.com)

What It Means

Woodward’s departure signals a broader reset: the institution is not only changing its head coach but reworking leadership of the athletics department — presumably to manage risk, accountability, and cost-control of high‐stakes coaching hires.

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Bigger Picture & Implications

Financial Stakes

• The buyout for Kelly is one of the largest in college football history. (CBS Sports)

• Signing multi‐year, high guarantee contracts for coaches carries major institutional risk (especially if results don’t follow).

• With the AD’s departure and the governor’s involvement, there’s increased scrutiny over how financial decisions are made in college sports at public universities.

Expectations vs. Reality

• LSU has a rich history with national championships (for example under Ed Orgeron in 2019). Kelly’s tenure was solid but not elite.

• For a “blue-blood” program in the SEC, success often means competition for national championships — anything short is seen as underperforming.

• The mid-season firing (rather than waiting till after the year) suggests urgency and a determination to change course immediately.

Organisational Change

• The simultaneous (or near-simultaneous) firing of both the head coach and the athletic director is unusual and signals institutional upheaval.

• The governor’s move to preclude Woodward from hiring the next coach shows involvement of state government in public-university athletics governance — noteworthy for governance watchers.

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Looking Ahead

• LSU now must find a new head coach and new AD leadership, while stabilizing the football program amid high expectations and high stakes.

• The incoming coach will face immense pressure: succeed quickly or risk becoming the next casualty in this cycle.

• Financial prudence, structural safeguards (buyout terms, performance metrics) and alignment between coach, athletics department and university will likely receive more attention.

• For fans, boosters and broader stakeholders: this moment represents a crossroads — either LSU resets and re-builds upward, or the program risks sliding.

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Conclusion

The departures of Brian Kelly and Scott Woodward at LSU mark a dramatic inflection point for the university’s athletics program. Despite a respectable record (34-14) under Kelly, the failure to reach major milestones (Playoff, national championship) combined with high financial cost for early termination triggered the change. Woodward’s exit underscores the extent to which leadership, contracts and strategic decisions are being recalibrated in the face of mounting pressure for elite results and fiscal accountability.

• nypost.com
• And The Valley Shook
• reuters.com
• The GuardianHere’s a detailed account of the shake-up at Louisiana State University (LSU) athletics — the firing of head football coach Brian Kelly and the subsequent exit of athletic director Scott Woodward — with actual data and context.

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  Brian Kelly’s Tenure at LSU: Promise, Performance, and Fall

  When Brian Kelly arrived in Baton Rouge in December 2021, the expectations were high. He was hired away from University of Notre Dame after a solid tenure there and was given a long‐term contract by LSU. (ABC News)

  Key Facts & Figures

  • Contract: A 10-year deal worth about $95-100 million. (On3)

  • Buy-out: Around $52-54 million (based on estimates) if fired early. (CBS Sports)

  • Record at LSU: 34-14 overall across roughly four seasons. (The Washington Post)

  • SEC record under Kelly: 19-10. (https://www.wcax.com)

  • 2025 season record at time of firing: 5-3 overall, 2-3 in SEC play. (The Washington Post)

  • The ending trigger: A 49-25 home loss to No. 3 Texas A&M Aggies (Texas A&M) on Oct 25 2025. (ABC News)

  Why Did it End?

  Despite the solid overall win-loss record, LSU’s leadership concluded that Kelly’s tenure had not reached the level the program demands. Some of the specific concerns:

  • No appearance in the College Football Playoff during his time at LSU — a key benchmark for a program of LSU’s stature. (The Washington Post)

  • The program started the 2025 season 4-0, but faltered and lost three of its last four games leading up to the Texas A&M blow-out. (CBS Sports)

  • The blow-out loss at home raised questions about competitiveness in high-stakes games: “When Coach Kelly arrived … we had high hopes… Ultimately, the success at the level that LSU demands simply did not materialize.” — Woodward. (foxsports.com)

  Immediate Aftermath

  • Kelly was relieved of his duties on Sunday night, Oct 26, 2025, effective immediately. (LSU)

  • Associate head coach & running backs coach Frank Wilson was named interim head coach. (ABC News)

  • LSU immediately launched a national search for a new head coach. (https://www.waff.com)

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  Scott Woodward’s Role and Departure

  Scott Woodward, the athletic director at LSU since 2019, was the person who hired Kelly and was central to the department’s strategic direction. His departure became the next major development.

  Context and Criticism

  • Governor Jeff Landry publicly criticized Woodward’s role in the Kelly hire (and earlier coaching contracts) and declared that Woodward would not pick LSU’s next football coach. (The Guardian)

  • Landry pointed to a “pattern” of expensive buyouts: he referenced Kelly’s ~$54 million and a prior deal at Texas A&M that resulted in a ~$77 million buyout under Woodward’s previous employ. (Louisiana Sports)

  Departure

  • LSU and Woodward parted ways effective late October 2025. (nypost.com)

  • Verge Ausberry, executive deputy athletics director, was named interim AD. (nypost.com)

  What It Means

  Woodward’s departure signals a broader reset: the institution is not only changing its head coach but reworking leadership of the athletics department — presumably to manage risk, accountability, and cost-control of high‐stakes coaching hires.

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  Bigger Picture & Implications

  Financial Stakes

  • The buyout for Kelly is one of the largest in college football history. (CBS Sports)

  • Signing multi‐year, high guarantee contracts for coaches carries major institutional risk (especially if results don’t follow).

  • With the AD’s departure and the governor’s involvement, there’s increased scrutiny over how financial decisions are made in college sports at public universities.

  Expectations vs. Reality

  • LSU has a rich history with national championships (for example under Ed Orgeron in 2019). Kelly’s tenure was solid but not elite.

  • For a “blue-blood” program in the SEC, success often means competition for national championships — anything short is seen as underperforming.

  • The mid-season firing (rather than waiting till after the year) suggests urgency and a determination to change course immediately.

  Organisational Change

  • The simultaneous (or near-simultaneous) firing of both the head coach and the athletic director is unusual and signals institutional upheaval.

  • The governor’s move to preclude Woodward from hiring the next coach shows involvement of state government in public-university athletics governance — noteworthy for governance watchers.

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  Looking Ahead

  • LSU now must find a new head coach and new AD leadership, while stabilizing the football program amid high expectations and high stakes.

  • The incoming coach will face immense pressure: succeed quickly or risk becoming the next casualty in this cycle.

  • Financial prudence, structural safeguards (buyout terms, performance metrics) and alignment between coach, athletics department and university will likely receive more attention.

  • For fans, boosters and broader stakeholders: this moment represents a crossroads — either LSU resets and re-builds upward, or the program risks sliding.

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  Conclusion

  The departures of Brian Kelly and Scott Woodward at LSU mark a dramatic inflection point for the university’s athletics program. Despite a respectable record (34-14) under Kelly, the failure to reach major milestones (Playoff, national championship) combined with high financial cost for early termination triggered the change. Woodward’s exit underscores the extent to which leadership, contracts and strategic decisions are being recalibrated in the face of mounting pressure for elite results and fiscal accountability.

  • nypost.com
  • And The Valley Shook
  • reuters.com
  • The Guardian  (other reading)