Paul Finebaum Names Top Five College Football Team He's Not 'Sold On'

"I just like Texas in the game," Finebaum said. "I'm just not as sold on Ohio State to recover from all the things that they lost."

Paul Finebaum's Concern Lies with Ohio State's Lack of Returning Production

Finebaum has expressed concern about Ohio State multiple times this offseason. His main hesitation is regarding the significant losses from last year's national championship team. This concern is certainly valid.

Ohio State is ranked No. 101 in returning production this season. They need to replace several key players, including quarterback Will Howard, defensive ends Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, and defensive backs Lathan Ransom, Denzel Burke and Jordan Hancock. Additionally, the team must fill the positions of wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and running backs TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins.

Julian Sayin, a former five-star recruit, has been named the starting quarterback to replace Howard. Last season, he played in four games, completing 5-of-12 passes for 84 yards and one touchdown. However, that's the only concern he's brought up for Ohio State.

Paul Finebaum Is High on Texas Despite Returning Less Production Than Ohio State

The inconsistency comes because the Buckeyes have more returning production than Texas; however, Finebaum is very optimistic about the Longhorns.

Texas ranks 103rd in returning production, with only 29% of its offensive players returning for the upcoming season. This places them 126th in terms of overall returning offensive production.

The Longhorns have lost four of their top six receivers, their second-leading rusher, and Quinn Ewers, their three-year starting quarterback, who will be replaced by Arch Manning. Additionally, they have lost four of their five starting offensive linemen. On the defensive side, Texas also lost Jahdae Barron, who received the Jim Thorpe Award, awarded to the nation’s top defensive back. Despite all of that, Texas is Finebaum's pick to win the national championship.

Greg McElroy Believes It Will Take Time For Ohio State

Greg McElroy from ESPN agrees with Finebaum's concerns about Ohio State. He noted that the team has many replacements to make; however, he remains optimistic about how the Buckeyes might perform by the end of the year.

“I think they’re going to take a little while to figure themselves out, but at the end of the season, they might be playing as well as anybody,” McElroy said.

Ohio State will host Texas at Ohio Stadium on Saturday at noon ET on Fox.