Paul Finebaum Delivers Blunt Assessment of Ohio State’s 2025 Season Outlook and Buckeye Fans Definitely Won’t Like His Opinion

If there’s one thing college football fans can count on every offseason, it’s Paul Finebaum stirring the pot — and this time, it’s Ohio State fans feeling the heat. The longtime ESPN analyst and SEC Network personality has never been shy when it comes to voicing his skepticism toward the Big Ten’s elite, and during his latest appearance on ESPN’s “Get Up,” Finebaum made it crystal clear: he’s not buying into the Buckeyes hype heading into the 2025 season.

And predictably, Buckeye Nation isn’t taking it well.

Finebaum, known for his often polarizing takes, particularly regarding the SEC’s perceived superiority, took direct aim at Ryan Day’s program. Despite Ohio State returning a loaded roster stacked with future NFL talent, including Heisman Trophy contender quarterback Julian Sayin and star defensive lineman Jack Sawyer, Finebaum remains unimpressed.

“I hear it every summer: ‘This is Ohio State’s year.’ We’ve been hearing that broken record for three years now,” Finebaum stated. “The reality is, when it matters most, they’ve fallen short. Michigan’s owned them recently, they’re not built to beat the SEC powers, and I see no reason that changes this season.”

His comments instantly ignited a firestorm on social media, with passionate Ohio State supporters accusing Finebaum of bias, trolling, and outright disrespect.

It’s not the first time Finebaum has ruffled feathers in Columbus. He’s often labeled Ohio State as “overhyped” or “soft” when compared to the physical dominance of top-tier SEC programs like Georgia, Alabama, and LSU. But this time, his critique cuts deeper, given the pressure Ryan Day faces after three consecutive losses to archrival Michigan and another College Football Playoff exit that left fans frustrated.

Despite adding Julian Sayin, the former five-star quarterback transfer from Alabama, and boasting what many analysts believe is one of the deepest rosters in the country, Finebaum’s skepticism hinges on Ohio State’s ability — or inability — to win when it matters.

“Look, I give them credit for recruiting well. But championships aren’t won in the recruiting rankings; they’re won in the trenches in December and January,” Finebaum said. “What I’ve seen from Ohio State recently is a program that looks great against Indiana and Rutgers but gets exposed against elite competition.”

Those remarks have fueled debate not just within Buckeye Nation, but across the broader college football landscape.

From a purely objective standpoint, Ohio State does enter 2025 with legitimate national title aspirations. The Buckeyes return a wealth of experience on both sides of the ball, headlined by Sayin at quarterback, TreVeyon Henderson at running back, and a receiving corps still loaded with explosive playmakers. The defense, led by Sawyer and All-American linebacker Sonny Styles, is expected to be one of the most physical units in the Big Ten.

Yet, Finebaum argues, none of that matters if they can’t get over the Michigan hump or survive the College Football Playoff gauntlet.

It’s worth noting that Ryan Day’s seat, while not exactly scorching, is undeniably warmer after recent struggles against the Wolverines. For all of his success — including a stellar win-loss record and regular top-five recruiting classes — Day’s inability to beat Michigan and win a national title has cast a shadow over his tenure.

And Finebaum isn’t the only national voice questioning whether Ohio State is truly built to reclaim college football supremacy. Some analysts point to the Buckeyes’ struggles in high-stakes games as evidence that, despite the talent, a mental or physical edge may be missing.

Still, the idea that Ohio State is somehow not among the sport’s elite heading into 2025 has many fans rolling their eyes.

“Typical Finebaum, hating on the Big Ten to hype up the SEC,” wrote one fan on X (formerly Twitter). “He knows Ohio State is dangerous, but he’s trying to create doubt. It’s what he does.”

Another fan fired back, “Paul Finebaum knows exactly what he’s doing. He bashes Ohio State so his SEC audience cheers him on. Meanwhile, deep down, he’s nervous because he knows the Buckeyes can take out Georgia or Bama this year.”

Indeed, part of Finebaum’s persona is knowing how to push buttons, particularly with fanbases outside the South. But behind the bluster, his criticism taps into real questions facing Ohio State:

Can they beat Michigan?
Can they handle SEC speed and physicality?
Is Ryan Day capable of evolving the program beyond near-misses?

The 2025 schedule will offer answers — and perhaps the ultimate opportunity for the Buckeyes to silence doubters like Finebaum. Ohio State faces a treacherous road, including games against Oregon, Penn State, and of course, the annual showdown with Michigan in Ann Arbor. Beyond the Big Ten grind, the Buckeyes know that anything short of a Playoff appearance, and preferably a championship run, will feed narratives like Finebaum’s.

Still, the locker room appears motivated by the skepticism. Star linebacker Sonny Styles recently addressed the outside noise during spring workouts, saying, “We know people are doubting us. They can talk. We’ll be ready.”

Julian Sayin, regarded as one of the nation’s most polished young quarterbacks, echoed that sentiment, adding, “This is a championship-caliber team. We’re focused on proving it — not talking about it.”

But Finebaum isn’t buying it yet.

“I’ve seen this script before,” he concluded. “Ohio State looks great on paper, they destroy some overmatched Big Ten teams, and then when the real pressure hits — whether it’s Michigan or an SEC team — they wilt. Until they prove me wrong, I’m standing by that.”

Love him or hate him, Finebaum’s words have added fuel to an already smoldering fire. The 2025 season promises high drama for Ohio State, with expectations sky-high and a fan base desperate to reclaim bragging rights over Michigan and the broader college football world.

One thing is certain: Buckeye Nation will have every opportunity to prove their critics wrong. Whether they do — or whether Finebaum’s latest jab proves prophetic — remains to be seen. But make no mistake, all eyes will be on Columbus this fall, and the pressure has never been greater.

For Ohio State fans, the only response that will truly matter is the one that happens on the field. Until then, expect more headlines, more heated debates, and more Paul Finebaum poking the bear — because that’s college football at its finest.