Paul Finebaum, the iconic ESPN analyst and host of “The Paul Finebaum Show,” has long been a trusted voice in the world of college football, offering keen insights into the dynamics of the game. Over the years, Finebaum has developed a reputation for pinpointing the programs that are on the verge of significant achievements, often forecasting a breakthrough moment just before it happens. In a recent commentary, Finebaum named two college football teams that he believes are on the brink of making history—teams poised to leave an indelible mark on the sport.
While Finebaum’s observations often stir conversations in the college football community, his latest assessment brings a wave of excitement and curiosity. His predictions have a certain weight, especially when it comes to teams that might make an unprecedented push for glory. The two programs he highlights have the talent, coaching, and momentum necessary to not only claim conference championships but also potentially secure a national title. However, his choice of teams reveals much about the shifting landscape of college football and the rise of new contenders, teams that previously weren’t seen as historically dominant but now have the pieces in place to disrupt the established order.
One of the teams Finebaum identifies as being on the cusp of college football history is the University of Georgia. For the Bulldogs, the question has shifted from whether they can compete at the highest level to whether they can continue to redefine what it means to be a dominant program in modern college football. After winning the national championship in 2021 and coming close again in 2022, Georgia has emerged as a powerhouse under the leadership of head coach Kirby Smart. Finebaum points out that Smart has built a program that is the epitome of consistency and excellence. The Bulldogs’ combination of elite recruiting, top-tier coaching, and a defense that has been nearly unstoppable at times has set the stage for a potential dynasty. For Finebaum, the Georgia Bulldogs are on the brink of establishing themselves as one of the greatest college football programs of the modern era.
What makes Georgia’s rise so intriguing is the way the program has overcome historical hurdles. For years, Georgia was often seen as a team that could compete but could never quite get over the hump in the toughest moments. However, Smart has changed that narrative. His ability to recruit and develop talent, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, has propelled the Bulldogs to heights that were once reserved for elite programs like Alabama and Clemson. What’s more, Smart has managed to elevate the Bulldogs’ offense to a level where it can contend with the best in the country, thanks to quarterback play and explosive skill positions.
Georgia’s defense, which has been the heart and soul of the program, is a key reason why Finebaum believes the Bulldogs are on the brink of history. The team’s defensive prowess, coupled with an offensive unit that is quickly becoming more dynamic, makes Georgia a formidable opponent for any team in the country. Finebaum believes that if the Bulldogs can maintain their level of excellence and avoid any significant setbacks, they could become a force in college football for years to come, perhaps even redefining what it means to be a national champion in today’s era of college football.
However, Finebaum does not limit his focus to Georgia alone. He also mentions a second team that he believes is on the verge of rewriting college football history: the University of Michigan. While Michigan’s legacy in college football is well-established, Finebaum points to the Wolverines as a team that is on the precipice of achieving something special—namely, their first national championship since 1997. Under head coach Jim Harbaugh, Michigan has transformed from a program that often came up short in the biggest moments to a legitimate contender for the College Football Playoff and national titles.
Michigan’s rise has been nothing short of impressive, particularly in recent seasons. The Wolverines have dominated the Big Ten and claimed multiple consecutive victories over their archrival, Ohio State, which has traditionally been a significant roadblock to Michigan’s success. Finebaum highlights Harbaugh’s ability to recruit and develop a balanced, well-coached team as one of the reasons for Michigan’s resurgence. The Wolverines’ combination of strong quarterback play, a potent running game, and a defense that can stand up to the best offenses in the country makes them a well-rounded and dangerous team in the national landscape.
While Michigan’s history is filled with ups and downs, Finebaum sees the current iteration of the program as one that is built for sustained success. With a strong recruiting base, a solid coaching staff, and a program culture that has been revitalized under Harbaugh’s leadership, Michigan is primed to make a serious run at the national championship. Finebaum notes that the Wolverines’ impressive showing in the College Football Playoff in recent years has set the stage for a potential breakthrough moment—something that would go a long way in solidifying Michigan’s place among the true elite of college football.
What stands out to Finebaum about Michigan’s current trajectory is the level of talent and cohesion the team has developed. The Wolverines have proven they can go toe-to-toe with some of the top teams in the country, but what sets them apart from past iterations of the program is their ability to execute in the postseason. The team’s strong performance in both regular-season matchups and bowl games shows that Michigan is a program that is mentally and physically prepared for the challenges that lie ahead.
In identifying Georgia and Michigan as teams on the brink of college football history, Finebaum underscores a key aspect of the sport’s evolution: the changing of the guard. While Alabama, Ohio State, and other blue-blood programs have dominated the sport for much of the 21st century, Finebaum believes that the Bulldogs and Wolverines represent a new wave of college football powerhouses. These teams have the potential to redefine the sport’s power structure and establish themselves as top-tier programs for the foreseeable future.
For Georgia, the road ahead is paved with the potential to build a dynasty, much like Alabama did under Nick Saban. With Smart’s leadership, Georgia is well-positioned to continue its dominance and possibly turn into one of the most successful programs of the modern era. If they can maintain their level of excellence and continue to recruit at the highest levels, Finebaum believes Georgia has the potential to not only win more national championships but also set a new standard for sustained success in college football.
On the other hand, Michigan’s story is one of redemption and resurgence. Under Harbaugh’s leadership, the Wolverines have reinvented themselves as a force in the Big Ten and on the national stage. If Michigan can continue its upward trajectory, particularly by breaking through in the College Football Playoff and securing that elusive national title, the Wolverines would solidify their place among the great programs in college football history.
As college football continues to evolve and teams like Georgia and Michigan rise to prominence, Finebaum’s insights serve as a reminder that the landscape of the sport is constantly shifting. While past dominance by programs like Alabama and Ohio State has been well-documented, the future of college football seems bright for these two teams. Whether Georgia and Michigan can live up to the immense potential Finebaum sees in them remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: both programs are on the verge of making history. And for college football fans, that’s a storyline worth watching closely in the years to come.
