Paul Finebaum Names Major College Football Program with ‘Realistic’ Playoff Chances

Paul Finebaum Names Major College Football Program with ‘Realistic’ Playoff Chances: Analyzing the 2025 Landscape

As the 2025 college football season heats up, one of the most frequently asked questions around the sport is: which programs have a legitimate shot at making the College Football Playoff (CFP)? With the ever-evolving landscape of college football, filled with new contenders and old powers, fans, analysts, and experts alike are looking for the programs that can realistically make a run at the ultimate prize. Recently, Paul Finebaum, one of the most respected voices in college football, weighed in on this debate, naming a major program with “realistic” playoff chances. That program? The Texas Longhorns.

In the world of college football, where preseason rankings can be volatile, and expectations are often high, Finebaum’s endorsement of Texas as a playoff contender carries significant weight. His assessment of Texas and their potential playoff run is rooted in both tangible on-field factors and a more intangible sense of optimism surrounding the Longhorns program. Finebaum’s comments have fueled the conversation about Texas’ future, prompting fans and analysts to examine whether the Longhorns truly have the tools to make a serious push for the playoff in 2025.

In this piece, we’ll dive into Finebaum’s reasoning, assess the factors that could lead Texas to the playoff, and analyze the broader implications of this assessment for the Longhorns and college football as a whole. Let’s explore why Texas has emerged as a legitimate contender for the 2025 College Football Playoff.

Paul Finebaum’s Endorsement of Texas: What He Said

Paul Finebaum, the SEC Network’s prominent analyst and former radio host, has spent years breaking down college football’s biggest programs and their playoff prospects. As a sharp observer of the sport, Finebaum’s opinion holds a great deal of credibility, especially when he makes bold predictions about programs with the potential to make a CFP appearance.

In a recent segment, Finebaum highlighted Texas as a program with “realistic” playoff chances in 2025. His reasoning centers around several key factors that have positioned the Longhorns to compete at a high level in the upcoming season.

“Texas is one of those programs that has everything in place to make a playoff run,” Finebaum said during a recent interview. “They have the talent, they’ve recruited well, and they’re entering a crucial year under Steve Sarkisian. I don’t think they’re going to be in the same old Texas situation where they’re rebuilding or falling short. I think this team is ready to make a real push.”

Finebaum’s assessment is based on a variety of factors that are relevant to Texas’ position in 2025. From the development of their star quarterback, Quinn Ewers, to the growth of their defense, the Longhorns have a number of pieces that could put them in playoff contention. But what exactly are the key components that Finebaum is referring to, and how do they contribute to Texas’ chances of making the CFP?

The Key Factors Behind Texas’ Realistic Playoff Chances

To understand why Finebaum has high hopes for Texas in 2025, it’s essential to break down the individual components of the Longhorns’ program that make them a viable playoff contender. These factors include a combination of talented personnel, strategic coaching decisions, and the broader trajectory of the program under Steve Sarkisian’s leadership.

1. Quarterback Play: Quinn Ewers’ Development

The most obvious factor behind Texas’ playoff aspirations is the performance of their quarterback, Quinn Ewers. As the most high-profile player on the roster, Ewers has a massive role in determining whether Texas will have a legitimate chance to make the playoff in 2025.

Ewers, who transferred from Ohio State before the 2022 season, entered Texas with enormous expectations. In his first season as a starter in 2023, he showed flashes of brilliance but also struggled with consistency at times. However, as the season progressed, Ewers started to demonstrate the poise and decision-making ability necessary to lead the Longhorns’ offense. With over 3,000 yards passing and a strong finish to the season, Ewers’ development has positioned him as one of the top quarterbacks in the country heading into 2025.

For Texas to make the playoff, Ewers will need to take another step forward in his development. Under Steve Sarkisian’s tutelage, Ewers has become more comfortable in the Longhorns’ up-tempo, pro-style offense, which is designed to showcase his arm strength and quick decision-making. If Ewers can maintain consistency, avoid turnovers, and elevate his play in key moments, Texas will be in a strong position to compete for a playoff spot.

Additionally, Ewers has the weapons around him to succeed. Wide receivers like Xavier Worthy and Isaiah Neyor are among the most talented in the country, providing Ewers with multiple playmakers who can stretch the field and create opportunities. The chemistry between Ewers and his receiving corps will be a key factor in Texas’ offensive success.

2. Steve Sarkisian’s Coaching and Offensive System

When Steve Sarkisian was hired as the head coach of Texas in 2021, he was tasked with leading the Longhorns back to national prominence. After a relatively disappointing 2022 season, Sarkisian began to find his rhythm as the Longhorns’ head coach, and by 2023, Texas started to show signs of a program on the rise.

Sarkisian’s offensive system, which is predicated on tempo, spacing, and quarterback decision-making, is a perfect fit for a player like Ewers. Sarkisian has a long history of developing quarterbacks, including stints at USC and Alabama, and he is known for crafting high-scoring offenses that can compete with the best in the country. In 2023, Texas’ offense improved significantly, and if Ewers can continue to grow within Sarkisian’s system, the Longhorns could be poised for a breakout year.

Beyond the offense, Sarkisian’s leadership is crucial to the Longhorns’ success. He is known for his ability to adjust to the strengths and weaknesses of his team, and he has shown that he can elevate programs when given the right pieces. Sarkisian is focused on building a culture of excellence at Texas, and the 2025 season will be a defining year for his tenure. A strong campaign in 2025 could solidify Sarkisian’s legacy and secure the Longhorns’ place among college football’s elite programs.

3. Defensive Improvement: The Key to Sustained Success

While Texas’ offense has garnered much of the attention, it’s the defense that will ultimately determine how far the Longhorns can go in 2025. In recent years, Texas has struggled with consistency on defense, but there are signs that this unit is beginning to turn the corner.

The Longhorns’ defense was much improved in 2023, and head coach Sarkisian and defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski have focused on building a more aggressive, disruptive unit. The defense is led by linebacker Jaylan Ford, one of the best in the Big 12, and the secondary has gained valuable experience in recent seasons. With a deeper roster and more talent, Texas’ defense has the potential to be one of the most formidable in the country.

For Texas to make a playoff run, their defense will need to continue to improve, particularly in key areas like pass rush, red-zone defense, and creating turnovers. If the Longhorns’ defense can complement the offense and allow fewer explosive plays, Texas will be a much tougher team to beat, giving them a legitimate shot at a playoff berth.

4. The Big 12 and Playoff Landscape

Texas’ path to the 2025 College Football Playoff is also influenced by the state of the Big 12 Conference and the larger playoff landscape. With Texas set to join the SEC in the near future, the 2025 season may be the Longhorns’ final opportunity to dominate the Big 12 before their move to a more competitive conference.

In the Big 12, Texas faces competition from teams like Oklahoma, Kansas State, and TCU, but the conference is relatively wide open. While the Sooners and Horned Frogs will always pose a challenge, Texas has the talent to be the most complete team in the conference. A strong, consistent season in the Big 12 would put Texas in a favorable position for a playoff spot, assuming they can handle their non-conference schedule and avoid any major upsets.

The expanded playoff field in 2024 and beyond has made the road to the CFP a bit more accessible. A strong record in the Big 12, coupled with high-quality wins, could be enough to secure one of the 12 spots in the expanded playoff field, and Texas is well-positioned to take advantage of that.

What Would a Playoff Spot Mean for Texas?

A College Football Playoff appearance in 2025 would be a huge achievement for Texas, both for the program’s short-term goals and its long-term trajectory. It would validate the work Steve Sarkisian has done in rebuilding the program and prove that Texas can compete at the highest level, even as they prepare for their transition to the SEC.

A playoff berth would also have significant implications for recruiting. If Texas can make a strong playoff run, it will bolster their recruiting efforts, particularly in the state of Texas, where they already enjoy a significant talent base. A successful season in 2025 would send a message to recruits that Texas is back and ready to compete for national championships.

Additionally, the exposure from a playoff appearance would help Texas expand its brand nationally. With the 2025 season potentially marking their final year in the Big 12, making a playoff appearance would be an ideal way to close that chapter and leave a lasting legacy before heading to the SEC.