Paul Finebaum Boldly Claims Top College Football Playoff Contender is Even Better After Losing Their Elite Quarterback to the NFL

Paul Finebaum has never been one to shy away from controversy, and once again, the ESPN college football analyst has ignited a national debate with his latest hot take. During a recent appearance on ESPN’s morning show, Finebaum delivered a bold assertion that sent shockwaves across the college football world—he believes one of the top College Football Playoff contenders is better this season, despite losing their elite, NFL-bound quarterback.

In a sport where quarterback play often defines championship aspirations, suggesting a playoff-caliber team could actually improve after watching their star signal-caller depart for the pros feels counterintuitive. But for Finebaum, it’s not just possible—it’s already happening.

While he refrained from naming the team during his opening remarks, speculation quickly centered around several powerhouse programs facing precisely this predicament. The most obvious candidate? The Alabama Crimson Tide, following the departure of Jalen Milroe to the NFL. But others pointed to the Ohio State Buckeyes losing Kyle McCord, Washington bidding farewell to Michael Penix Jr., or even Texas seeing Quinn Ewers enter the draft after a remarkable season.

Eventually, Finebaum made it clear: his comments were directed squarely at the Ohio State Buckeyes. Despite McCord transferring out and eventually declaring for the NFL after leading the Buckeyes to a 12-1 record last season, Finebaum contends that Ryan Day’s squad is more complete, more dangerous, and, crucially, better suited for the physical battles that define playoff football.

“Look, people get so obsessed with the quarterback position, understandably—it’s a quarterback-driven game,” Finebaum said. “But Ohio State is the perfect example where losing an NFL-caliber quarterback doesn’t spell doom. In fact, I believe they are better today, across the board, than they were last season with McCord under center.”

It’s a statement few analysts or fans expected, considering McCord’s statistical success in Columbus. The junior threw for over 3,800 yards, 34 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions last season, steering the Buckeyes to within inches of a playoff berth, only missing out due to their loss to Michigan. His poise, big-game experience, and arm strength made him a coveted prospect, culminating in his third-round NFL Draft selection by the New Orleans Saints.

Yet, Finebaum sees the bigger picture. And in that picture, it’s not McCord’s absence that defines Ohio State’s outlook—it’s the unprecedented roster depth, veteran leadership, and, perhaps most importantly, the transfer portal additions that have catapulted them into title contention.

“This Ohio State defense is filthy,” Finebaum remarked. “I’d go as far as to say it’s the best defense in college football. They’re grown men on that side of the ball. You have NFL talent at every level—secondary, linebackers, defensive front. That wasn’t the case last year, even with McCord making big plays.”

Indeed, the Buckeyes’ defense returns a staggering collection of elite players, including All-American safety Caleb Downs, linebacker Tommy Eichenberg, and edge rusher JT Tuimoloau, all projected first-round NFL talents. Couple that with a defensive unit ranked top three nationally in nearly every statistical category last season, and it’s clear where Finebaum’s confidence stems from.

But the defense alone isn’t what sparked the “better without their quarterback” narrative. Finebaum pointed to what he calls the “quiet coup” Ohio State executed in the transfer portal, notably acquiring former Kansas State quarterback Will Howard.

Howard, a seasoned, dual-threat quarterback with nearly 30 starts under his belt, brings both leadership and production to Columbus. During his time with the Wildcats, Howard threw for over 5,800 yards, rushed for nearly 800 more, and accounted for 63 total touchdowns. His combination of experience, mobility, and toughness perfectly aligns with the Buckeyes’ new identity—a defense-first, smashmouth football team capable of winning grinding playoff games.

“This isn’t about Will Howard lighting up the scoreboard,” Finebaum clarified. “It’s about a tough quarterback who makes the right decisions, doesn’t turn the ball over, and can extend plays with his legs. That’s what wins championships—not always the flashy stat lines.”

Indeed, if history is any indicator, teams like Georgia, Michigan, and even Alabama in their Nick Saban heyday have proven that elite defense, trench dominance, and game-managing quarterbacks can lead to national titles. Finebaum believes Ohio State fits that mold to perfection entering the 2025 season.

Critics, however, aren’t convinced. Many argue McCord’s NFL arm talent gave Ohio State an offensive ceiling that’s now diminished, particularly against high-octane teams like Texas or Oregon. The Buckeyes, they claim, will miss the ability to strike quickly through the air, especially in playoff scenarios where explosive plays are critical.

But Finebaum dismissed such concerns.

“Did McCord have a big arm? Sure,” Finebaum conceded. “But let’s not pretend Ohio State’s offense was firing on all cylinders last year. They were inconsistent, especially in red-zone situations. With Howard, you get efficiency, leadership, and toughness. Combine that with arguably the nation’s best defense, and tell me how they’re not better positioned to win it all?”

His comments also carry weight when considering the Buckeyes’ offensive arsenal. Superstar wide receiver Emeka Egbuka returns after bypassing the NFL Draft, while running back TreVeyon Henderson—a Heisman dark horse—provides explosiveness from the backfield. Add in the offensive line reinforcements from the portal, and suddenly, the quarterback’s job becomes far simpler.

“This team is built for January football,” Finebaum concluded. “When the weather gets nasty, when the lights are brightest, and when physicality rules the day—Ohio State is better equipped now than they were last year with an ‘elite’ quarterback.”

Unsurprisingly, Finebaum’s remarks triggered strong reactions across the college football landscape. Buckeye Nation, still bitter from last season’s playoff snub and perennial struggles against Michigan, cautiously embraced the optimism. Meanwhile, rival fanbases mocked the notion, labeling it classic offseason hype designed to stir controversy.

Michigan fans, in particular, reveled in reminding Finebaum of Ohio State’s three-game losing streak in The Game, questioning how the Buckeyes could possibly be “better” without reversing that trend. But even some Michigan insiders admitted Ohio State’s roster depth, particularly on defense, is undeniable.

The bigger question remains: can Will Howard truly deliver under the unforgiving microscope of Columbus? Playing at Kansas State is one thing; navigating the expectations, rivalry pressure, and playoff aspirations at Ohio State is an entirely different beast.

For now, Finebaum isn’t backing down from his prediction. His claim—that losing an elite quarterback can, paradoxically, improve a national contender—may seem radical. But in today’s college football era of transfer portal wizardry, NIL-fueled roster reloads, and defensive dominance, conventional wisdom is constantly being rewritten.

One thing is certain: Ohio State enters the 2025 season with a chip on its shoulder, a reloaded roster, and national expectations higher than ever. Whether Finebaum’s bold proclamation proves prophetic or premature will play out under the fall lights.

But love him or hate him, Paul Finebaum has once again made sure everyone in the college football world is paying attention.