Here’s a comprehensive take on what ESPN’s Paul Finebaum has said about Ohio State heading into the 2025 season—an argument that’s sure to rile Buckeye Nation.
Paul Finebaum, whose insight typically centers on SEC teams, has made it clear that he isn’t backing the reigning national champions in their title defense. In a recent appearance, he admitted plainly: “I think the Buckeyes are overrated,” questioning not just their hype but their genuine capacity to repeat (si.com). His bold proclamation places Ohio State outside the top five national title contenders; list-mates include Clemson, Penn State, Oregon, Texas, and Alabama—noticeably excluding OSU. Considering that Ohio State enters the season having won the 2024 national title, these comments are glaring and confrontational, especially given the program’s storied legacy.
Finebaum’s primary critique targets their quarterback situation. With no returning starter under center, the quarterback job will be decided among newcomers. He singled out Julian Sayin, saying, “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” (yardbarker.com). Given that OSU returns nine starters from the national championship team, his issue isn’t the roster depth—it’s the position he believes most crucial. By insisting that Sayin still has developmental work to do, Finebaum implies that if the Buckeyes meet adversity, they could falter.
It’s worth noting that Finebaum has reversed his tone compared to earlier this year. Last season, he defended head coach Ryan Day following Ohio State’s loss to Michigan; now he’s essentially calling their championship repeat prospects into question . The contrast is stark: from advocacy to skepticism in mere months. That shift alone speaks volumes about how he perceives the momentum in Columbus.
Of course, Finebaum isn’t alone in expressing doubt. SI’s Jacob Harrison reports that OSU returns just three starters on defense, all in the secondary, and none on the defensive line or linebacking corps (si.com). Defensively, that looks like a potential weak spot. While they still have elite-level playmakers like safety Caleb Downs and wideout Jeremiah Smith—two of the best in the country—the lack of defensive front-seven veterans could undermine their run defense or pass rush. On offense, only six starters return, and quarterback is not among them.
Yet alongside those critiques, there are reasons for optimism—though Finebaum clearly isn’t buying in. The offense brings back playmakers and experience. Receivers like Smith are impact talents, and Downs anchors the secondary. With those building blocks intact, some argue that the team’s ceiling remains high, especially with Ryan Day at the helm and his track record in quarterback transitions.
Finebaum, though, believes other programs are better positioned. He ranks Clemson, Penn State, Oregon, Texas, and Alabama ahead of Ohio State (si.com). That lineup suggests he sees the Buckeyes not merely lagging but falling outside elite company. His rankings imply either a belief that OSU is vulnerable or that those programs have stronger foundations.
On offense, OSU is undergoing a quarterback transition from NFL-ready talent to unproven freshmen. Sayin was a five-star recruit, but elite recruiting doesn’t always resolve in elite performance. Finebaum questions whether he’ll make the leap. The passing game is central in today’s college football; if Sayin struggles, it could force OSU into line-of-scrimmage battles where talent gaps are clearer.
Meanwhile, elsewhere in the Big Ten, teams like Penn State and Michigan have veterans in-house with proven production. The transfer portal has bolstered other programs, and Ohio State’s lack of defensive returns could expose them against power conference offenses. Even though they managed to win the 2024 championship, there’s an argument that they overachieved, and that this year’s roster isn’t quite on the same level.
Finebaum’s dismissal amounts to a broader narrative: that perhaps Ohio State’s 2024 championship reflected a perfect storm of returning talent and momentum—not necessarily a sustainable dynasty. With championship-level talent thinning, especially on the line and at quarterback, the adjustment year could come with setbacks.
Buckeye fans should take offense. The proud tradition of elite recruiting, top-tier coaching, and national spotlight has supported consistent title contenders. Role players emerge, coaches evolve schemes, and program culture endures. A veteran head coach like Day, fresh from a championship win, certainly knows how to manage transitions. But Finebaum’s straight-shooting says this isn’t a given—it’s a projection, and he believes their hype outpaces their capacity.
While some analysts echo Finebaum’s views, others highlight OSU’s proven leadership and adaptability. But in Finebaum’s narrative, his list of top contenders says everything: it’s an OSU-free world when he names the favorites. That sends a message loud and clear—he sees weaknesses, risks, and overvaluation.
His public doubt will undoubtedly draw ire from Buckeye Nation. Here’s what fans and critics alike should consider:
- Quarterback pressure – Transitioning to a new QB is never seamless. Sayin’s upside is huge, yet without experience on the field, mistakes are expected. Finebaum sees that as a serious barrier to repeat success.
- Defensive attrition – Losing key defensive starters outside the secondary opens the door for offensive teams to exploit the line of scrimmage. Even with Downs providing leadership in the secondary, penetration and edge rushing may lag.
- Comparative programs – Programs like Penn State and Oregon return more on defense and quarterback. Texas and Alabama bring SEC-level competition readiness, and Clemson maintains a top-tier culture. OSU trails those in Finebaum’s eyes.
- Momentum vs. sustainability – Championships can mask weaknesses. Finebaum seems to argue that OSU got hot at the right time in 2024, but their regression could be real if the current roster lacks the same depth and continuity.
Buckeye Nation can counter with a few key points:
- Recruiting and the portal – Ohio State doesn’t run traditional recruiting cycles. They fill open positions quickly with elite transfers, and early portal success gives them continuity.
- Coaching edge – Ryan Day has proven not only ability but also adaptability. Winning a championship in adversity speaks to strong leadership and culture.
- Proven professionals – Players like Downs and Smith aren’t just returning starters—they’re future NFL talents. Their presence can elevate team performance, especially in key moments.
- History of transitions – OSU has regularly experienced offensive rebuilds under Day, and each year they remain competitive. That track record should factor into any projections.
Still, even the most optimistic fan can’t ignore Finebaum’s broader prediction: Ohio State is out of his Top 5. That publicly framed slight is guaranteed to generate internal motivation at Ohio State. Teams labeled overrated often use it as a rallying cry. If Finebaum’s wrong—which remains possible and even probable—Buckeye Nation will feel justified in their pride. If he’s right, expectations will get recalibrated.
In sum, Finebaum’s stance offers an outsider’s reality check: last year’s title doesn’t make this year’s defense bulletproof. The quarterback uncertainty looms large, even amid five-star hype. Depth across the board seems thinner. And peer programs feel stronger.
Yet championship pedigree and momentum still hard to ignore. Ohio State’s program rarely fields a weak team, and Day’s leadership is battle-tested. If the QB carves out confidence and the defense holds solid, the Buckeyes remain contenders—even in Finebaum’s world.
What’s undeniable is that his comments—blunt, unflattering, outside the OSU echo chamber—have fueled the fire. Buckeye Nation won’t be pleased, not one bit. But maybe they’ve been awoken. And maybe that’s just what’s needed to chase a repeat.
It’s shaping up to be a compelling storyline: the defending champions, labeled overrated; the hopeful quarterback, labeled unprepared; the championship program, positioned behind. Paul Finebaum’s stances have lit the fuse. Buckeye response—on the field—will write the true story of 2025.
