Paul Finebaum Names National Championship Contender That's Not That Good

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 10:00 AM ET

Last season marked the inaugural year of the 12-team College Football Playoff. Just like when the four-team playoff was first introduced, the Ohio State Buckeyes emerged victorious.

Ohio State had an incredible run throughout the last season's playoffs, defeating the Tennessee Volunteers, Oregon Ducks, Texas Longhorns and Notre Dame Fighting Irish, all by double digits.

This season, the Buckeyes are aiming to make another championship run and achieve back-to-back titles. ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) reflects their strong potential, ranking them as the No. 4 team in these rankings. The FPI gives Ohio State the third-best odds of making the playoff, reaching the national championship game and winning the national championship, trailing only the Texas Longhorns and Georgia Bulldogs.

On "The Paul Finebaum Show," SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum discussed the schedule for the LSU Tigers. He stated that they have the toughest nonconference schedule in the SEC because they will be playing the Clemson Tigers on the road. Finebaum also made a blunt remark about his thoughts on Ohio State, whom the Texas Longhorns are scheduled to visit on opening weekend.

"I don't think Ohio State is that good," Finebaum said.

One reason Finebaum might feel this way, although he did not elaborate, is that the Buckeyes lost several key players from last season. Notable departures include quarterback Will Howard, defensive ends Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, defensive tackles Tyleik Williams and Ty Hamilton, and defensive backs Lathan Ransom, Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock.

Additionally, linebacker Cody Simon, offensive tackles Donovan Jackson and Josh Fryar, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins, and tight end Gee Scott Jr. are not returning. Offensive linemen Josh Simmons and Rimington Trophy winner Seth McLaughlin have also departed. Although McLaughlin was injured and missed the end of the season, all these players made major contributions to Ohio State's national championship season.

Key returnees for Ohio State will be sophomore receiver Jeremiah Smith, who led the Big Ten in receiving yards (1,315) and receiving touchdowns (15), junior receiver Carnell Tate and senior defensive back Caleb Downs, a consensus All-American.

The Buckeyes will have the chance to prove Finebaum wrong when they square off against Texas at noon ET Aug. 30 in Columbus, Ohio.

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

More must-reads: