Major Program Named by Paul Finebaum He doesn’t think he will win the 2025 college football playoffs.
In the world of college football, predictions are a dime a dozen, especially as the postseason approaches. But when someone as influential as ESPN’s Paul Finebaum weighs in with an opinion, it carries weight. Finebaum, known for his insightful commentary and candid takes, recently made a bold prediction regarding the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) picture. He’s naming a major program that he doesn’t think will win it all in the coming season, despite their historical success and massive talent pool.
This prediction has stirred up quite a bit of discussion among college football fans, analysts, and experts alike. Finebaum’s ability to dissect the intricacies of college football, coupled with his extensive knowledge of the landscape, makes his take even more compelling. The program he named has long been considered a powerhouse in the sport, yet Finebaum suggests that this program’s road to a national title in 2025 will be far from guaranteed.
A Look at Paul Finebaum’s Perspective
Before diving into which program Finebaum is referring to, it’s important to understand his reasoning. Finebaum’s role as a college football analyst often places him in the midst of heated debates and discussions surrounding the sport. He’s known for his ability to analyze programs from a neutral standpoint, calling out flaws and shortcomings when necessary while also praising strengths.
Finebaum’s predictions are based not just on the surface-level talent of teams but on deeper aspects like coaching, recruitment, strategy, and past performances in big games. His perspective often extends beyond rankings and win-loss records; it dives into what a team can realistically achieve in the high-pressure environment of the College Football Playoff.
In making his prediction for the 2025 season, Finebaum was candid about the specific factors that could hold back this program from hoisting the national championship trophy. According to him, the program in question has a multitude of challenges that might make it harder for them to secure that coveted playoff victory. These challenges range from potential gaps in their roster to questions about their coaching staff and their ability to perform when it counts.
The Program Finebaum Doesn’t Believe Will Win the 2025 CFP
The program Finebaum named in his prediction is none other than the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. While Alabama has long been a dominant force in college football under legendary head coach Nick Saban, Finebaum believes that their road to the 2025 College Football Playoff title will not be an easy one. He points to several key factors that could make the Crimson Tide vulnerable to not securing a national title, despite their rich history of success.
1. Coaching Transition and Uncertainty
While Nick Saban has built an empire at Alabama, Finebaum’s main point of concern is the potential for a coaching transition in the coming years. Saban, who has been the head coach at Alabama since 2007, is in the twilight of his career. As of 2025, many have speculated about when he might step down, and Finebaum believes that the eventual transition could impact Alabama’s dominance.
Even though Alabama has a deep roster of coaches and staff who have been under Saban’s tutelage for years, the absence of their legendary leader could lead to instability in the program. A change in leadership often brings about a shift in culture, strategy, and player development, and Finebaum suggests that this could make it more difficult for Alabama to maintain its elite status in the competitive landscape of college football.
2. Quarterback Uncertainty
Another critical area that Finebaum highlights is the uncertainty surrounding Alabama’s quarterback position. While the Crimson Tide has produced numerous NFL-caliber quarterbacks over the years, the program has faced some struggles in recent seasons when it comes to finding a consistent and game-changing signal caller.
In 2025, Alabama will be hoping for strong performances from their quarterbacks, but Finebaum believes that the team may not have the same level of quarterback play as some of the other playoff-contending programs. Whether it’s a lack of a true elite prospect under center or inconsistent play from their quarterbacks, Finebaum believes that this could be a significant hurdle for Alabama’s quest for a national title.
He points to the success that programs like Georgia, Ohio State, and Clemson have had in recent years with elite quarterbacks and wonders if Alabama can match that level of production at the position. In high-stakes playoff games, a dominant quarterback can often be the difference between winning and losing, and Finebaum worries that Alabama might fall short in this area.
3. Recruiting Depth Challenges
Although Alabama remains a recruiting juggernaut, Finebaum points out that the program’s once-overwhelming advantage in talent depth may be starting to level off. Over the years, Alabama has consistently landed top-ranked recruiting classes, but with the advent of the transfer portal and the rise of other programs in the recruiting game, Finebaum suggests that Alabama’s roster might not be as deep as it once was.
Programs like Georgia, Ohio State, and even SEC rivals like LSU and Texas A&M have made significant strides in recruiting, which could make it more difficult for Alabama to stack up with the same level of talent. While Alabama will always have a solid foundation of elite athletes, Finebaum notes that the competition in recruiting has become much stiffer.
Furthermore, the rise of NIL (Name, Image, and Likeness) has allowed programs with strong financial backing to compete for top-tier recruits, and Finebaum wonders if Alabama’s financial and recruiting advantages will remain as significant in the coming years.
4. Rising Competition in the SEC
The SEC has always been the toughest conference in college football, and Finebaum points out that Alabama’s dominance is facing increased pressure from other teams in the league. Programs like Georgia, LSU, and even Ole Miss have made considerable improvements in recent seasons, and Finebaum suggests that Alabama might not have the same clear path to the SEC Championship that they’ve enjoyed in years past.
Georgia, in particular, has become one of the most formidable teams in the country under head coach Kirby Smart. The Bulldogs have consistently recruited at a high level and have built a championship-caliber team that could rival Alabama for years to come. LSU, under Brian Kelly, has also shown signs of improvement, and Ole Miss, under Lane Kiffin, has become an increasingly dangerous team in the SEC West.
Finebaum believes that this heightened competition within the SEC could present a major roadblock for Alabama’s playoff aspirations. In a conference where every game feels like a playoff matchup, Alabama’s road to the College Football Playoff could be more challenging than ever before.
5. Postseason Performances and Playoff Pressure
While Alabama has historically performed well in the postseason, Finebaum suggests that the pressure of the College Football Playoff may finally catch up to them in 2025. The playoff system has brought with it new challenges, and while Alabama has made numerous appearances, they haven’t always lived up to expectations in the biggest games.
There’s a growing concern that Alabama may struggle in a playoff format where every game is essentially a must-win. Finebaum notes that Alabama’s ability to get to the playoff doesn’t necessarily guarantee a national title, and that teams like Georgia and Ohio State have shown that they’re capable of handling the high-pressure environment of the playoff.
The Other Programs in Play
Finebaum’s prediction hinges on the idea that other programs may be better positioned for success in 2025. Teams like Georgia, Ohio State, and Michigan are all expected to have strong teams in the coming season, and Finebaum believes that these programs could outpace Alabama in terms of overall roster strength and playoff readiness.
Georgia’s dominant defense and ability to recruit at the highest level make them a clear favorite in the 2025 College Football Playoff picture. Ohio State, with their elite quarterback play and high-powered offense, is another team that could give Alabama trouble. Michigan, under Jim Harbaugh, has been trending upward and could be a formidable opponent in the national championship race.
