ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum has expressed reservations about the University of Georgia’s ability to contend for a national championship in the upcoming 2025 college football season. Despite the Bulldogs’ recent successes under head coach Kirby Smart, Finebaum believes the team has experienced a decline in performance and faces significant challenges moving forward.

Decline in Performance

Finebaum noted that Georgia’s performance in the 2024 season, culminating in a College Football Playoff quarterfinal loss to Notre Dame, indicated a step back for the program. He emphasized that while the Bulldogs secured the SEC Championship, their early exit from the playoff was a significant disappointment. Finebaum remarked, “I don’t feel great because I do think they took a dip… they came through at the right moment against Texas, but they had so many disappointing moments” .

Offensive Coordinator Concerns

A focal point of Finebaum’s critique is Georgia’s offensive coordinator, Mike Bobo. Finebaum highlighted fan dissatisfaction with Bobo’s performance, suggesting that the offensive struggles were a contributing factor to the team’s underachievement. He stated, “Talking to the fans every day, Greg, whether it’s true or it’s imagined, they do not like Mike Bobo” .

Roster Changes and Future Outlook

The Bulldogs have experienced notable roster changes, including the departure of key players to the NFL and the transfer portal. Finebaum acknowledged that while Georgia remains a playoff-caliber team, the current outlook does not inspire confidence in their national championship aspirations. He expressed concern that without significant improvements, questions about the program’s direction may arise .

While Georgia continues to be a formidable force in college football, Paul Finebaum’s analysis suggests that the program faces challenges that could hinder its pursuit of a national title in the 2025 season. Addressing offensive inefficiencies and adapting to roster changes will be crucial for the Bulldogs to reclaim their position as national championship contenders.

Known for his sharp critiques, Paul Finebaum has turned his attention to the Georgia football program this offseason. He has extended his criticisms beyond offensive coordinator Mike Bobo, offering a wider critique of the team.

Finebaum delivered his latest unfiltered opinions on Georgia’s football program under Kirby Smart when he joined former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback Greg McElroy on the “Always College Football Podcast.”

“I don’t feel great because I do think they (the Georgia Bulldogs) took a dip,” Finebaum said. “And I think just like we used to with Nick Saban, expect him to play for the national championship, and losing the title game felt like a lost cause. It’s almost that way now with Georgia and I felt like they underperformed. I mean, they came through at the right moment against Texas, but they had so many disappointing moments. … But there were just so many decisions made and talking to the fans every day Greg, whether it’s true or it’s imagined, they do not like Mike Bobo.

While Finebaum still expects Georgia to be a playoff presence, he believes they no longer project the same dominant contender as in previous seasons.

“I don’t feel great about Georgia,” Finebaum continued. “Now, what does that mean? They’re still a playoff team. They just don’t feel like a national championship team right now.”

Finebaum conveyed he’s not hitting the panic button on Georgia yet, but he emphasized that another playoff disappointment would trigger serious questions. Georgia will have a new-look roster in 2025 with quarterback Gunner Stockton starting.

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