Paul Finebaum Boldly Predicts Texas Longhorns Will Beat Up On Ohio State Buckeyes And Says It Won’t Even Be Close
When it comes to bold statements in college football, few voices resonate louder than Paul Finebaum’s. Known for his sharp analysis, controversial takes, and unapologetic delivery, Finebaum has built a reputation for stirring debate across the sport’s passionate landscape. Recently, he set the college football world buzzing when he declared that the Texas Longhorns will not only beat the Ohio State Buckeyes in their highly anticipated matchup but that the game “won’t even be close.” Those words, coming from one of the most polarizing and influential figures in sports media, have fueled conversations that stretch far beyond Austin and Columbus, drawing attention from fans, players, coaches, and pundits alike. The suggestion that Ohio State, one of college football’s most decorated programs, could be overwhelmed by Texas is a storyline too big to ignore, and it has quickly become a lightning rod topic as the season looms.
Finebaum’s comments strike a chord because they come at a time when both Texas and Ohio State are perceived as legitimate national championship contenders. The Longhorns, under head coach Steve Sarkisian, have been steadily building momentum, assembling elite recruiting classes and making strategic use of the transfer portal. They’ve paired that talent with Sarkisian’s innovative offensive system, which has helped restore Texas to the level of prominence its fans have long demanded. The Buckeyes, meanwhile, remain a powerhouse under Ryan Day, consistently boasting one of the deepest rosters in the nation and producing NFL-ready talent at nearly every position. To suggest that the Longhorns could roll into a showdown with the Buckeyes and dominate without much resistance is a statement that naturally riles up both sides. Finebaum, of course, thrives in such spaces, where passion, tradition, and speculation collide.
The core of Finebaum’s argument centers on Texas’ offensive firepower. He has often pointed out that Sarkisian has built an attack that can stretch the field vertically, pound the ball physically, and pick apart defenses with precision. Quarterback play has been at the heart of Texas’ resurgence, and Sarkisian’s ability to recruit and develop talent under center has given the Longhorns a major edge. Finebaum believes Ohio State’s defense, though improved under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, has not shown the consistency required to handle Texas’ speed and versatility. In his words, the Buckeyes “will not be able to keep up.” That assertion echoes across college football talk shows and online forums, sparking questions about whether this Texas team has finally crossed the threshold from hopeful contender to legitimate juggernaut.
On the other side of the debate lies the Ohio State faithful, who are understandably livid at Finebaum’s dismissal of their program. Ohio State is a perennial fixture in the College Football Playoff race, and under Day’s leadership, the Buckeyes have continued their tradition of elite quarterback play and explosive offense. With a wide receiver corps that consistently ranks among the best in the nation and a defense designed to apply pressure and create turnovers, Ohio State remains one of the most balanced teams in college football. To suggest that such a program would not only lose to Texas but be thoroughly outclassed feels, to many Buckeye supporters, like an insult to the very foundation of their program’s dominance.
Finebaum, however, is no stranger to criticism. For decades, he has made his living leaning into polarizing opinions, and his willingness to go against the grain is part of what makes him such a captivating figure. In this instance, his support for Texas reflects a broader trend in college football conversation: the belief that the Longhorns are not just “back” but poised to reclaim their seat among the sport’s elite. After years of underwhelming seasons and false dawns, Texas seems to have found stability and swagger. Finebaum’s projection is as much about his faith in Sarkisian’s ability to keep the program on track as it is about his doubts concerning Ohio State’s ability to answer in crunch time.
The matchup between these two programs carries weight beyond the X’s and O’s. It is a clash of blue-bloods, each with a storied history, massive fan base, and lofty expectations. Texas represents a return to relevance for a program that has long been searching for its identity since the days of Mack Brown and Vince Young. Ohio State represents continuity, a standard of excellence that has rarely faltered over the past two decades. The game itself will be more than just a test of schemes and execution—it will be a referendum on where these programs stand in the new era of college football. Finebaum’s bold take has added fuel to that fire, turning what was already a marquee matchup into one of the most anticipated games of the season.
What makes Finebaum’s statement particularly intriguing is the historical context. Ohio State has long been a measuring stick in college football, a program against which others judge themselves. To predict that they will be “beaten up” suggests not just a win for Texas but a symbolic passing of the torch in some respects. Finebaum seems to believe that Texas is ready to ascend into that upper echelon again, and a convincing win over Ohio State would serve as undeniable proof. For Ohio State, the very idea of being dominated is foreign and offensive, yet it also underscores the pressure they face. A loss would not just hurt in the standings—it would invite questions about the program’s trajectory, recruiting dominance, and ability to win the biggest games.
The ripple effects of Finebaum’s comments extend into recruiting, media perception, and fan expectations. High school prospects who watch Texas dismantle a national powerhouse might be swayed toward Austin, reinforcing the cycle of momentum Sarkisian is trying to build. Media narratives would shift, with Texas being framed as a true national frontrunner and Ohio State being forced to answer uncomfortable questions. For fans, the stakes are even more personal. Longhorn supporters see in Finebaum’s words a validation of their belief that Texas is back to national relevance. Buckeye fans, meanwhile, see disrespect and are ready to rally around their team as they seek to prove the doubters wrong.
Of course, the game itself will ultimately be decided not by Finebaum or by talking heads on television but by the players and coaches who step onto the field. Matchups between individual units will be critical. Can Texas’ offensive line handle Ohio State’s pass rush? Can the Buckeyes’ secondary contain the Longhorns’ explosive receivers? Will Texas’ defense, which has improved but still faces questions, be able to slow down an Ohio State offense that is rarely contained? These football-specific questions will ultimately determine whether Finebaum’s bold prediction comes to pass or whether it becomes another controversial take that fades into memory.
Still, one cannot deny the influence of Finebaum’s words. He has turned a game into a spectacle before it has even been played, creating a storyline that will hang over practices, press conferences, and locker rooms leading up to kickoff. Players on both sides will hear the chatter, and coaches will surely use it as motivation. For Texas, it is an opportunity to live up to the hype and prove that Finebaum’s faith was not misplaced. For Ohio State, it is a chance to silence a critic and remind the nation why they remain one of college football’s true giants.
In the end, the beauty of college football lies in its unpredictability. Games that appear destined to be blowouts sometimes turn into classics, while matchups billed as evenly contested battles occasionally end in lopsided fashion. Finebaum has chosen his side, boldly planting his flag with Texas and daring Ohio State to prove him wrong. Whether his prediction becomes prophecy or folly remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: his comments have ensured that when Texas and Ohio State meet, the eyes of the college football world will be watching with even greater intensity.
As the season approaches, the echoes of Finebaum’s bold take will linger in conversations across the sport. They will color the narratives, sharpen the stakes, and ensure that when Texas and Ohio State step onto the field, the game will feel bigger than just a contest between two programs. It will feel like a proving ground, a battle for respect, and perhaps even a defining moment in the trajectory of college football’s balance of power. Finebaum may thrive on controversy, but in this case, his words have crystallized the anticipation of a showdown that could indeed shape the season.
