Paul Finebaum identified five college football teams he considers potentially overrated, with Texas Longhorns leading the preseason AP poll as one of the top five teams.

The college football landscape is always dynamic, filled with anticipation, debate, and predictions. Every year, rankings and preseason polls generate excitement and controversy, especially when experts and analysts question the validity of certain teams’ lofty positions. Among these voices, Paul Finebaum, a well-respected sports journalist and commentator, often provides insightful takes on the state of college football, including which teams might be overhyped heading into a new season.

Recently, the AP preseason college football poll was released, setting the stage for discussions about expectations versus reality. The top five teams, in order, include some of the sport’s most prominent programs, with the Texas Longhorns occupying a leading position. However, Finebaum has voiced skepticism about some of these rankings, suggesting that certain teams may be overrated and could underperform relative to their lofty preseason hype.

The Context of Preseason Rankings

Preseason polls serve as a barometer of expectations, but they are inherently speculative. Coaches, media members, and analysts weigh recent performances, recruiting classes, returning starters, and perceived strength of schedule to project which teams will excel. While these rankings generate excitement, they can also create pressure, inflate egos, and sometimes misrepresent a team’s true potential.

In recent years, debates about overrated teams have become commonplace. Some programs are favored based on tradition, recruiting dominance, or recent success, even if returning personnel or schedule difficulty suggest caution. Finebaum’s commentary often seeks to challenge these assumptions, advocating for a more measured view of team prospects.

The Texas Longhorns: Preseason Favorites and Skepticism

The Texas Longhorns’ high ranking in the preseason AP poll is emblematic of their storied history, recruiting success, and recent coaching improvements under Steve Sarkisian. The Longhorns have built a compelling narrative around their potential to contend for national titles, especially after a promising 2022 campaign and a strong recruiting class. Their return to national prominence has generated optimism among fans and media alike.

However, Paul Finebaum has expressed reservations about placing Texas at the very top of the rankings. His skepticism hinges on several factors:

1. Lack of Proven Consistency: Despite their recruiting prowess, Texas has historically struggled to translate talent into sustained success at the highest level. Past seasons have seen promising starts overshadowed by inconsistent play or late-season collapses.
2. Strength of Schedule: The Big 12 schedule, while competitive, may not prepare Texas fully for the rigors of the College Football Playoff (CFP). In past seasons, the team’s strength of schedule has been questioned, and critics worry about their ability to perform against elite opponents.
3. Defensive Concerns: Historically, Texas has had periods of defensive struggles. Even with improvements, questions remain about whether their defense can withstand the best offenses in the country.
4. Quarterback Play and Depth: While the quarterback position is crucial, uncertainties about depth at certain skill positions or defensive roles can impact postseason performance.

Finebaum’s argument suggests that despite the hype, Texas might not be the unstoppable force many anticipate, and their lofty ranking could be an overestimation of their true capabilities.

Other Teams on the Overrated List

Finebaum’s critique extends beyond Texas, highlighting other programs that might be overhyped in the preseason rankings. These teams often boast impressive recruiting classes, historical success, or high-profile coaching staff, but face questions about their readiness or consistency.

Some common themes among these teams include:

• Questionable Depth: Many programs rely heavily on star players or highly-rated recruits, but lack sufficient depth to sustain success through a grueling season.
• Transition Challenges: Programs undergoing coaching changes, scheme overhauls, or roster rebuilds might be ranked highly based on potential, but face hurdles in executing at a high level immediately.
• Schedule Difficulties: Teams with softer schedules might be ranked highly but could face tougher opponents later in the season, exposing vulnerabilities that rankings don’t account for.
• Past Performance vs. Hype: Programs with recent success sometimes receive inflated rankings that don’t fully reflect current roster changes or injuries.

While Finebaum’s specific list varies, typical candidates for overrated status in preseason polls often include programs like Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State, or others that have been historically dominant but face new challenges or roster turnover.

Implications of Overrating Teams

Labeling a team as overrated isn’t merely about skepticism; it has tangible implications:

• Expectations and Pressure: Overrated teams may face heightened pressure to perform, which can lead to underperformance if players or coaching staff feel the weight of lofty expectations.
• Media and Fan Narratives: Overhyped rankings can influence media narratives, fan debates, and even betting markets, creating false perceptions of a team’s true strength.
• Seasonal Outcomes: If a highly-ranked team underperforms, it can impact playoff selections, bowl game appearances, and recruiting momentum.
• Coaching and Development: Recognizing overhyped teams can serve as motivation for coaches and players to focus on improvement rather than complacency.

Conversely, underrated teams often gain motivation from being undervalued, which can lead to surprising results and playoff runs.

The Role of Media and Analysts

Finebaum’s commentary exemplifies the role of seasoned analysts in balancing preseason hype with realistic assessments. His expertise and experience allow him to scrutinize rankings critically, reminding fans and media alike that preseason polls are estimations rather than certainties.

His perspective encourages fans to watch games with a critical eye, understand the nuances of team development, and avoid overreacting to early-season results. It emphasizes that the true measure of a team’s strength often emerges in the latter part of the season, after injuries, adjustments, and unforeseen challenges.

A Cautious Optimism

While the Texas Longhorns and other top-ranked teams undoubtedly possess talent and potential, Paul Finebaum’s critique serves as a reminder to approach preseason rankings with caution. The sport’s unpredictable nature means that rankings are not guarantees of success but starting points for the season’s journey.

Texas fans and supporters of other highly-rated programs should remain cautiously optimistic, recognizing that rankings are fluid and that true greatness is determined on the field, not on paper. Finebaum’s insights encourage a healthy skepticism that can enhance the viewing experience, making the eventual outcomes more satisfying when teams surpass or fall short of expectations.

In the end, the 2023 college football season promises excitement, surprises, and plenty of debates—many of which will be shaped by preseason rankings, expert opinions like Finebaum’s, and the unpredictable drama of the game itself.