Paul Finebaum. © Shanna Lockwood-Imagn Images

Paul Finebaum Names 'Absolute' Favorite to Win College Football Playoff

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cami Griffin | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 5:50 PM ET

ESPN commentator Paul Finebaum is known to give bold college football predictions.

Texas Longhorns fans will enjoy one of his latest. During a recent segment of ESPN's morning show Get Up, Finebaum was asked whether Texas is the favorite to win the College Football Playoff this season.

"Absolutely," Finebaum said . "They have Arch Manning, in case you have not gotten that email from the front office. He is expected to be much better than Quinn Ewers. I was not that impressed with Quinn Ewers last year. I think Arch Manning, had he come in during the Cotton Bowl, may have had a better shot, may have even beaten Ohio State."

Finebaum further expressed his confidence in Manning's ability and what head coach Steve Sarkisian was able to accomplish this offseason. "He is going to be the leader of this team. They reloaded in the portal, to the tune of many millions and millions of dollars. I think Texas, other than having to go to Ohio State Week 1, is in great shape.”

However, during the same segment, Louis Riddick stated that he isn't as confident in the Longhorns as the sure-fire favorite this year. "Here’s the thing that worries me about Texas a little bit, okay? The offensive line took a hit. The wide receiver corps, top three guys gone on the defensive side. You lose a lockdown corner, you lose some pass rushers. There’s a lot of retooling that needs to go on here," Riddick said.

While Riddick is correct in the sense that Texas had to reload at several key positions and has yet to prove themselves, the roster on paper is by far one of the most talented in the nation.

The Longhorns will see if they can live up to the high expectations on Aug. 30.

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

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