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Paul Finebaum Names Biggest Surprise in College Football

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Oct 14, 2025 10:08 AM ET

Key Points

Indiana has climbed to No. 3 in the AP poll after beating Oregon
Paul Finebaum previously labeled Indiana a “fraud” before the season began
Curt Cignetti’s team ranks top 10 nationally in both offense and defense

The No. 3 Indiana Hoosiers surprised the college football world in 2024 by finishing with an 11-2 record and earning their first College Football Playoff berth.

Despite a strong season, many people questioned the program that Curt Cignetti was building. This skepticism arose because, although Indiana had a successful run, it suffered significant losses to the two ranked opponents it faced last season. However, those doubts may have been alleviated this past weekend when Indiana defeated the No. 8 Oregon Ducks 30-20 on the road. As a result, the Hoosiers climbed to No. 3 in the AP poll, achieving their highest ranking in program history.

On "The Matt Barrie Show," Paul Finebaum from ESPN stated that Indiana is his biggest surprise of the 2025 college football season.

Indiana Hoosiers head coach Curt Cignetti.© Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

"I'm going to say Indiana," Finebaum said. "Because I didn't buy in. I just thought there was no way they were going to make it back to the playoff. They are going to make it back to the playoff."

Finebaum has not always been a strong supporter of Indiana. This offseason, he referred to the Hoosiers as a "fraud."

“Indiana was just a fraud,” Finebaum previously said.

The Hoosiers have been one of the most balanced teams in college football. They rank eighth in total offense, 42nd in passing, and ninth in rushing. Their running game includes four players who each have over 200 rushing yards this season: Roman Hemby, Kaelon Black, Khobie Martin and Lee Beebe.

The Hoosiers’ defense is ranked No. 5 in total defense, No. 6 in passing yards allowed and No. 12 in rushing yards allowed. The defense is anchored by linebacker Aiden Fisher, who leads the team with 39 tackles and three interceptions. Additionally, linebacker Isaiah Jones tops the team with 4.5 sacks and 10 tackles for loss this season.

Indiana’s rise isn’t just a feel-good story; it’s a warning to the rest of the Big Ten. With balance on both sides of the ball and a coach who’s proven he can build sustained success, the Hoosiers are no longer the conference’s underdog. If their momentum continues, Finebaum may have to do more than just admit he was wrong; he might have to start talking about Indiana as a legitimate national title contender.

Indiana will take on the Michigan State Spartans at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday on Peacock.

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

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