Paul Finebaum Slams AP Poll Voters for Undervaluing Alabama and Overrating Ohio State and Notre Dame
As the college-football world settles in for the 2025 season, the unveiling of the AP Preseason Top‑25 ignited one of the most scathing critiques we’ve heard yet—from none other than Paul Finebaum. The SEC Network analyst didn’t mince words: he called out voters for two glaring mistakes—overrating Ohio State and Notre Dame, and undervaluing Alabama. Finebaum’s analysis wasn’t idle banter—it reflected a broader frustration with the way preseason polls are influencing perception before a single game is played. Let’s break down his argument, dissect the AP poll placements he criticized, and explore what this means for the national title race.
Finebaum believes the AP preseason poll is significantly skewed—not by football intellect, but by recency bias, institutional baggage, and fear of change. It’s not just anxiety; it’s a fundamental misjudgment:
- Overrating Ohio State: Ranked No. 3 in the AP poll, Finebaum scoffs at the placement. He cites Ohio State’s roster shake-up—most notably the quarterback uncertainty with Julian Sayin and Lincoln Kienholz battling for the job—and the loss of major contributors on both sides of the ball. To Finebaum, the Buckeyes aren’t even a consensus Top‑4 team. He argued, “Ohio State is too high” and the hype doesn’t match reality.
- Undervaluing Alabama: The Crimson Tide landed at a shocking No. 8 in the AP Poll, their lowest preseason position in nearly 20 years. Finebaum calls it an embarrassment, believing it stems solely from the departure of Nick Saban. The voters, he argued, wrongly dismissed the existing talent and continuity. “Somebody said to me… ‘Where would Alabama be with the exact same roster and Nick Saban as coach?’ At worst, No. 1.”
Finebaum’s message: the poll’s evaluation lacks nuance and context, showing contempt for institutional inertia rather than honoring on-field production and roster strength.
Ohio State’s strength in the preseason poll rests largely on past success—not necessarily present readiness. Finebaum highlighted the major turnover: the loss of starting QB Will Howard, top defenders like Jack Sawyer and J.T. Tuimoloau, and offensive stars including TreVeyon Henderson and Emeka Egbuka. This chasm between ranking and roster reality is where Finebaum draws his line: he is blunt in saying Ohio State’s top‑3 placement in the Top‑25 is not credible.
On ESPN’s “Get Up,” he emphasized that in an expanded 12‑team playoff era, Ohio State needs consistent, at least two-to-three game winning streaks—something he doubts they can sustain.
Finebaum didn’t stop with Ohio State; he also targeted Notre Dame, outraged by their Top‑5 ranking. He predicted their collapse once they face Ohio State in the opener, declaring that the AP’s ranking of the Irish is “laughable”. His point: preseason polls gloss over real-game challenges and inflate perception far beyond realistic outcomes.
Finebaum’s most impassioned case was for Alabama. Despite losing Nick Saban, critics overlooked the depth of returning talent and the impending rise behind first-time starter Ty Simpson. Finebaum was emphatic:
- He labeled Alabama a “legitimate national championship contender”, ranking them among the top two to four teams in the country.
- He noted Alabama’s record recruiting class, roster consistency, and Simpsons’s QB development under Kalen DeBoer and Ryan Grubb as proof of the program’s strength.
Finebaum wasn’t just defending the Tide—he was accusing the pollsters of bias against change. “They were way too low,” he insisted, arguing Alabama’s mere presence outside the Top‑5 is unacceptable.
Before dismissing Finebaum’s statements as mere bluster, consider the function and flaws of preseason polls:
- They’re predictive guesses, not gospel
Preseason polls reflect expectations—based on returning starters, coaching continuity, and recruiting classes—but they lack depth on in-season variables like injuries or coaching adaptations. - They create narratives
Being ranked high or low affects storylines, public perception, and early-season optics. As Finebaum suggested, Alabama’s reduced rank means they start “without the benefit of the doubt.” - They can carry real-world shocks
Critics argue preseason rankings impact playoff perceptions, media coverage, and even recruiting—sometimes unfairly influencing things before a single snap.
Finebaum supports this critical lens. He sees nuances in roster and system evaluation being overlooked in favor of brand-name votes—a flawed logic he actively challenges.
What Finebaum’s critique reveals is a deeper tension: tradition vs. momentum. Ohio State’s legacy shouldn’t automatically trump roster reality. Alabama’s run shouldn’t be wasted in nostalgia. Notre Dame’s mystique shouldn’t override predictive accuracy.
Finebaum is sounding the alarm: AP voters aren’t doing their homework. They’re stuck in a luxury trap—why adjust when the narrative is convenient?
With Finebaum’s criticism in the spotlight, what’s the fallout?
- Week 1 games are now statement opportunities
Every preseason ranking becomes a challenge. Will Ohio State’s opener against Texas validate its Top‐3 position? Will Alabama’s season opener at Florida State prove Finebaum right? - Media scrutiny will intensify
Analysts will be watching roster health, quarterback play, and coaching adjustments closely—all season long. Preseason ranking missteps might become recurring points of reference. - Public trust in polls is fragile now
Finebaum’s influence—along with fan outrage—could force voters to rethink how they evaluate teams, leading to more transparent and evidence-based preseason processes. - Ohio State is not a runaway favorite. The Buckeyes face questions at QB and across multiple units. Ranking them third is a stretch.
- Alabama’s low ranking is a disservice. Despite losing a legendary coach, their roster is deep, their system is solid, and their championship window is wide open.
- Notre Dame’s No. 5 ranking borders on inflated hype. With a shaky schedule and later opener, they’re unlikely to justify that placement early.
- Finebaum’s critique may reshape the narrative. Even if voters ignore him now, his critique sets a standard for more informed polling and cautious media messaging.
As the first game-week narratives begin to surface, this debate will evolve—or explode. But for now, Finebaum’s take serves as a powerful reminder: preseason polls are fallible human constructs, prone to brand worship and rhetorical biases. They’re not destiny—and as the season progresses, nothing beats performance on the field to settle the argument.
