Paul Finebaum Names College Football Powerhouse He's 'Not That Optimistic' About Making the Playoff

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Aug 1, 2025 11:00 AM ET

The 2025 college football season will be the second year of the 12-team College Football Playoff format. As August arrives, signaling the start of the season, national analysts are making predictions about which teams will qualify for the 12-team playoff field.

Last year, the Oklahoma Sooners had a disappointing season, finishing with a 6-7 record. However, there is reason for optimism as they aim to make the playoffs this upcoming year.

Oklahoma is facing a particularly challenging schedule this season. Phil Steele has ranked the Sooners as having the seventh toughest schedule in the entire country. Some of the notable teams they will be playing include the Michigan Wolverines, Texas Longhorns, South Carolina Gamecocks, Ole Miss Rebels, Alabama Crimson Tide and LSU Tigers, among others.

One significant reason Paul Finebaum stated on his show, "The Paul Finebaum Show," is that he does not foresee a playoff berth in their future.

"I'm not that optimistic," Finebaum said. "I think Oklahoma has a shot to have a nine-win season. I'm struggling to come up with more than that at this moment."

There is reason to be optimistic about Oklahoma's prospects in 2025. The Sooners have acquired quarterback John Mateer from Washington State through the transfer portal. Mateer had an impressive first season as a starter, throwing for 3,139 yards, with 29 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. Additionally, he rushed for 826 yards and scored 15 touchdowns.

He is reuniting with his former offensive coordinator, Ben Arbuckle, who assumed the role after Seth Littrell was dismissed midway through last season. Together, they will focus on enhancing an offense that ranked among the worst in the nation, finishing 113th in total offense, 119th in passing offense, 76th in rushing offense, and 97th in scoring offense.

The Sooners have signed former California Golden Bears running back Jaydn Ott. Despite dealing with injuries during the 2024 season, Ott had a standout performance in 2023, rushing for 1,315 yards and scoring 12 touchdowns.

Oklahoma will kick off its season against Illinois State at 6:00 p.m. ET on August 30.

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

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