Paul Finebaum. © Shanna Lockwood-Imagn Images

Paul Finebaum Labels Major College Football Program The 'Worst Team in America' in 2024

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Jun 8, 2025 2:00 PM ET

Although the 2024 college football season concluded nearly six months ago, national analysts are still reflecting on it.

One such analyst is ESPN's Paul Finebaum, who is known for critiquing teams that underperform. Last season, he focused particularly on the Florida State Seminoles, who finished with a disappointing record of 2-10 after starting the year ranked No. 10 in the country.

This disappointing outcome marked the Seminoles' third-worst season in program history and followed two consecutive 10-win seasons, including a successful 13-1 campaign in 2023 that culminated in an ACC championship.

During "The Paul Finebaum Show," an Alabama fan called in to express frustration that Alabama is scheduled to play Florida State at 3:30 p.m. ET to kick off the season, instead of in a primetime slot. Finebaum responded by clarifying that the perceived disrespect was aimed at Florida State, not Alabama.

"That disrespect is not aimed at the University of Alabama," Finebaum said. "That is aimed at the clown show that has been going on in Tallahassee. You do remember, Florida State was the worst team in America last year?"

Things are hopefully changing for the Seminoles this offseason. The team successfully secured the No. 6 transfer portal class. Additionally, they made two major additions: offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, who previously served as head coach at UCF, and former Boston College quarterback Thomas Castellanos.

During his two seasons as a starter at Boston College, Castellanos threw for 3,614 yards and 33 touchdowns while also rushing for 1,307 yards and 14 touchdowns. He began his collegiate career at UCF under Malzahn.

Those two aim to revitalize an offense that ranked No. 132 in total offense, No. 116 in passing offense, No. 128 in rushing offense and No. 130 in scoring offense out of 133 teams.

Castellanos will replace D.J. Uiagalelei, Brock Glenn and Luke Kromenhoek, all of whom played in at least five games last year, combining for 2,164 passing yards, 11 passing touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Uiagalelei is hoping to secure a spot with the Los Angeles Chargers after going undrafted, Glenn is still on the roster and Kromenhoek has transferred to the Mississippi State Bulldogs.

Florida State opens its season against Alabama on Aug. 30 at 3:30 p.m. ET on ABC.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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