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ESPN’s Paul Finebaum has a tough outlook for the Ohio State Buckeyes just one season after they won it all

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Brandon Little | Last updated Jul 7, 2025 1:20 PM ET

The Ohio State Buckeyes went on an impressive run after losing to Michigan last season, culminating in their first National Championship in a decade.

Winning it all marked a major milestone for head coach Ryan Day, who became just the third active college football coach to claim a national title.

Now, as we head into the 2025 season, the 2024 campaign is in the rearview mirror—and the Buckeyes must try to do it all over again. But not everyone is high on Ohio State this year.

“I don’t like Ohio State,” ESPN’s Paul Finebaum said recently. “I think Ohio State is going to lose in the opener against Texas, and they are going to struggle to make the playoffs, let alone win it all.”

With the expanded College Football Playoff format, the Buckeyes would likely have to lose three or more games to miss the postseason. Their toughest matchups will come against Texas, Penn State, and Michigan. After last year’s remarkable run, it would be surprising to see Ohio State struggle to make the CFP.

Finebaum is known for his hot takes, and this could be another one. Ohio State did lose a lot of talent from its national championship team—14 players were selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. Still, the Buckeyes return two of the best players in college football: wide receiver Jeremiah Smith and safety Caleb Downs.

The season has yet to unfold, but it’s hard to see Finebaum’s prediction coming true. Even if the Buckeyes stumble in Week 1 against Texas, they have more than enough firepower to rebound and contend once again.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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