Finebaum Warns Ohio State’s Preseason Hype Might Be Overdone
**August 2025** – College football analyst Paul Finebaum has raised eyebrows this week with a bold claim: the defending national champion Ohio State Buckeyes are overrated heading into the new season.
Speaking on ESPN’s *Get Up*, Finebaum made waves by asserting that Ohio State, ranked No. 3 in the preseason AP Top-25, is receiving undue credit based largely on last year’s championship run. “Don’t be too shocked by this, Greeny, but Ohio State is too high,” said Finebaum. “I don’t get Ohio State at all, Greeny. I know they won the national championship last year. That has nothing to do with it.” He warned of a “championship hangover,” predicting that it will catch up to them early — notably in their Week 1 showdown with No. 1 Texas. ([On3][1], [saturdaydownsouth.com][2])
Finebaum juxtaposed his take with an unexpected boost for Alabama, currently slotted at No. 8 in the same poll, suggesting the Crimson Tide deserved to be much higher. “Alabama is a serious national championship contender,” he declared. ([On3][1])
College football pundit Heather Dinich chimed in, echoing Finebaum’s skepticism over Ohio State’s lofty preseason standing and reinforcing concerns that the Buckeyes’ current roster doesn’t mirror last season’s title-winning squad. ([saturdaydownsouth.com][2], [On3][1])
There are several concrete reasons Finebaum’s assessment isn’t without justification. Ohio State must fill key holes left by departed star players, including their starting quarterback, two running backs, and their No. 2 wide receiver. The QB battle between Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz remains unresolved — adding uncertainty as they prepare to face a formidable Texas defense to open the season. ([saturdaydownsouth.com][2])
That said, the Buckeyes retain top-end talent. Wide receiver Jeremiah Smith is widely regarded as one of the most gifted players in college football, while the defensive unit, led by standout safety Caleb Downs, remains elite. ([saturdaydownsouth.com][2])
Finebaum’s warning arrives amid growing debate over how much weight past success should carry in preseason rankings. Critics of the Buckeyes argue history doesn’t win games, and that key departures and new dynamics matter more. Supporters, however, point to their depth and culture of winning as reasons to trust Ohio State to reload effectively.
As the college football world waits for kickoff, Finebaum’s comments crystallize one of the season’s biggest storylines: will Ohio State prove him wrong, or will his preseason skepticism prove prescient?