Paul Finebaum makes bold claim about Ohio State chances of repeating as national champions
Despite losing 14 players off the roster to the NFL draft, there are many who still believe there's enough talent on the roster for Ohio State to defend its national title and be right there at the end again. After all, OSU has the two best players in college football with Jeremiah Smith on offense and Caleb Downs on defense, plus a five-star talent that could be taking the reigns of the offense in Julian Sayin.
But not everyone thinks Ohio State has what it takes.
ESPN's Paul Finebaum is one of those who think the Buckeyes don't quite have what it takes to repeat. When appearing on "Get Up," he didn't beat around the bush when asked if Ohio State could repeat.
'I don't like Ohio State,' Finebaum said. 'I think Ohio State is going to lose in the opener against Texas, and they are going to struggle to make the playoffs, let alone win it all.'
Finebaum stayed on Ohio State in addressing Smith's "promise" to beat Michigan the next two seasons with some critical words for Ryan Day.
'I'm glad to see someone on the Ohio State lineup maybe do something more than just mouthing words because Jeremiah sounds serious,' Finebaum said. 'Ryan Day has promised after every loss not to lose again, and he continues to lose again.
"They are the defending national champions, so even clowns like me on the fourth of July are not going to call for a firing of a coach because he loses one game. But that is a game he has to deal with at some point. But that national championship game will pay a lot of bills, probably, yes, including another loss to Michigan.'
Finebaum has never been short on criticism and controversy, and his critiques of teams often go over the top, but at least you know what you are getting from him. He doesn't mince words, and in this case, he clearly believes Ohio State is a far cry from the team we saw last season, so much so that he doesn't even think the roster is good enough to easily get into the College Football Playoff.
Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
32 minutes ago
- USA Today
Updated Arizona Cardinals salary cap space leading up to training camp
The Cardinals have the fourth-most cap space in the NFL in July. We are in the beginning of the final month of the NFL offseason in July and await the beginning of the Arizona Cardinals' training camp. They have made no moves since the offseason program concluded. They have plenty of cap space, should they want to make any additions before the start of camp. Updated Arizona Cardinals salary cap space According to Over the Cap at the time this was published, the Cardinals have a little less than $36.1 million in cap space. That ranks fourth in the NFL. The New England Patriots lead with $60.6 million, followed by the San Francisco 49ers with $45.7 million and the Detroit Lions with $40.2 million. The Cardinals don't have any glaring needs to fill, but perhaps we could see a July signing of a veteran cornerback or the re-signing of guard Will Hernandez or linebacker Kyzir White. It also leaves room for possible contract extensions, but we will see what they do. It is certainly a better situation to be in than the Buffalo Bills, currently listed as being about $100,000 over the cap. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Arizona Cardinals' top position battle in training camp might not be what you expect
Pro Football Network named the Cardinals' top position battle to watch in training camp. It might not be a big battle. NFL training camps will open later this month and then every team will have a number of notable position battles to watch. Pro Football Network highlighted one position battle for every team to watch. The Arizona Cardinals will have several battles to watch. But which one was highlighted? Arizona Cardinals' top position battle: Right guard The Arizona Cardinals find themselves with an opening to fill at guard. After suffering a season-ending injury last year, incumbent starter Will Hernandez was not re-signed. Trystan Colon, who started in seven games in his absence, left for Detroit, too. 2024 third-round pick Isaiah Adams figures to be the front-runner for the starting right guard spot. Don't anticipate that he gets handed the job right away, though. The Cardinals signed Royce Newman in free agency, and he has 24 career starts under his belt. Adams is the favorite, but Arizona could go with the more experienced Newman to begin the year. This might not be much of a position battle. If the last two years under head coach Jonathan Gannon are anything to follow, the Cardinals like to have their starting offensive line set. In 2023, Elijah Wilkinson was established in offseason workouts at left guard and Hjalte Froholdt was the No. 1 center right away. Last year, Evan Brown stepped right in from Day 1, while Paris Johnson moved to left tackle and Jonah Williams took over at right tackle. This offseason, Adams has been manning the first-team offense at right guard. While Newman's starting experience gives the Cardinals and option should Adams get hurt or play poorly, but that position battle is likely mostly set. Also, we should not eliminate the possibility of the Cardinals re-signing Will Hernandez, who remains unsigned as a free agent. If Adams struggles, Newman might not be the backup plan. It could be Hernandez. So when the Cardinals open camp on July 22, keep an eye on the practice reps that Adams has with the first-team offense. If there isn't much in the way of rotation, expect Adams to get the job. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
USA Today
an hour ago
- USA Today
Arizona Cardinals' modern 'Mt. Rushmore' missing one legend
Bleacher Report names the Cardinals' modern Mt. Rushmore but makes one minor mistake. The NFL offseason in June and July always brings lists galore. After all, it is the dead time of the offseason as we wait for the start of training camps. A new such list from Bleacher Report gives the "Mt. Rushmore" of each franchise, naming the team's four greatest players since the year 2000. Who are the picks for the Arizona Cardinals? Arizona Cardinals' Mt. Rushmore since 2000, per Bleacher Report Bleacher Report chose: These are great choices. S Adrian Wilson was considered as well. All are honestly good choices, but Wilson probably deserves the nod over Dockett. Dockett was a three-time Pro Bowler. Wilson was a five-time Pro Bowler and also was a first-team All-Pro once. Dockett was a dog. Wilson was the leader of the defense, though. No one can question Fitzgerald or even Warner, although Warner's impact was only on three seasons. Peterson's time in Arizona ended on a sour note but he was one of the top two cornerbacks in the league for nearly a decade. The fact that there aren't any other real candidates is a real testament to how not great the Cardinals have been for much the last quarter century. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.
