Paul Finebaum. © Shanna Lockwood-Imagn Images

Paul Finebaum Names National Championship Contender That's Overrated

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jaron Spor | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 10:00 AM ET

The 2025 college football season is just under a month away from starting. The Ohio State Buckeyes, who won the national championship last season, are aiming to repeat their success this year.

However, they are not the only team with championship aspirations; several other programs are looking to dethrone the Buckeyes. Nevertheless, Ohio State remains one of the favorites to win it all again.

According to ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI), Ohio State is ranked as the No. 4 team overall. The FPI also gives them the third-best odds of making the playoffs, reaching the national championship game and ultimately winning the national championship, trailing only the Texas Longhorns and Georgia Bulldogs.

Despite these favorable rankings, ESPN commentator Paul Finebaum expressed on "The Paul Finebaum Show" that he is not very optimistic about the Buckeyes' chances this season.

"I'm going to say it right now, I think the Buckeyes are overrated," Finebaum said. "I think you're overrated today because I think Julian Sayin is a good quarterback, but I don't know if he's ready to take on what you have to do to win a national championship."

Finebaum expressed his belief that Ohio State will lose its opening game against the Texas Longhorns. He suggests that the team’s success will depend on how it navigates the remainder of the season.

A significant challenge for Ohio State is the loss of several key players from last season, including quarterback Will Howard. Ohio State is in the midst of a quarterback competition to find a replacement for Howard. The leading candidates for the starting position are former five-star redshirt freshman Julian Sayin and redshirt sophomore Lincoln Kienholz.

Whichever quarterback wins the job, they will be tasked with replacing not just Howard but also 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, 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. will not be returning.

Offensive linemen Josh Simmons and Rimington Trophy winner Seth McLaughlin have also departed. Although McLaughlin missed the end of last season due to injury, all these players were significant contributors to Ohio State's national championship run.

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

Ohio State will have the opportunity to prove Finebaum wrong when it faces Texas at noon ET on August 30 in Columbus, Ohio.

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

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