College football analyst Paul Finebaum isn’t holding back when it comes to the AP preseason poll. While many fans expected a blockbuster No. 1 vs. No. 2 matchup between Texas and Ohio State, the AP voters had different plans, placing Penn State at No. 2 and Ohio State at No. 3.
Finebaum’s take? Ohio State is overrated.
Paul Finebaum Backs Penn State Over Ohio State but Says James Franklin Must Prove It
Finebaum’s comments come as Penn State head coach Franklin heads into the 2025 season with arguably his strongest roster. While the preseason hype is real, Finebaum hinted that Franklin still has a lot to prove if Penn State is to claim its first College Football Playoff title.
“Penn State should be the number two team,” Finebaum said. “I think Ohio State is still overrated at that number three position. I don’t know what people are seeing.”
Finebaum’s comments come as Penn State head coach Franklin heads into the 2025 season with arguably his strongest roster yet. While the preseason hype is real, Finebaum hinted that Franklin still has a lot to prove if Penn State is to claim its first College Football Playoff title.
The AP panel’s decision to put Penn State ahead of Ohio State stems from stability at key positions, most notably quarterback. Drew Aller returns with improved weapons at wide receiver, and Franklin himself has called this “the best personnel” he’s ever had in Happy Valley.
Penn State’s offense will again feature elite running backs Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, while the defense boasts NFL-caliber talent like Zane Durant. New and returning coaching hires, including Andy Kotelnicki on offense and Jim Knowles on defense, provide an experienced support system.
Franklin, who has compiled a 125-57 career head coaching record and guided Penn State to five New Year’s Six bowls, has built a program rooted in four core values: positive attitude, great work ethic, competitiveness, and sacrifice. However, as Finebaum implies, national titles, not just high rankings, will be the ultimate measure.
Ohio State’s Proven Championship Pedigree
While Finebaum labels Ohio State “overrated,” Ryan Day’s track record says otherwise. Last season, Ohio State navigated one of the toughest postseason runs in college football history, defeating four top-7 teams in just 31 days, including Texas and Notre Dame, en route to the program’s ninth national championship.
Paul Finebaum goes on TV today and says Ohio State is still overrated at #3 in the AP Poll. Says Alabama should be there instead. Could he be any more biased? If you can’t set your personal agenda aside, you shouldn’t have a platform. pic.twitter.com/n26ndwBtee
— Jake Hurricane (@BigJakeCLE) August 11, 2025
Day’s 70-10 record (.875 winning percentage) ranks No. 1 among current head coaches. With an elite roster and proven postseason resilience, Ohio State remains a dangerous contender, even if Finebaum questions its preseason ranking.
The Road Ahead for James Franklin
Despite high expectations, Franklin faces the challenge of turning preseason optimism into postseason success. Penn State has been a consistent contender, finishing in the top 12 of the CFP rankings in seven of the last nine seasons, but they’ve yet to break through to a championship game.
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Key matchups against Ohio State and Michigan will define whether Penn State’s 2025 campaign is historic or another near-miss. Finebaum’s skepticism suggests that even if Franklin’s team starts high, only wins against college football’s elite will silence the doubters.
Finebaum’s critique sets the stage for a fascinating Big Ten race. Penn State may have the depth, experience, and leadership to justify its No. 2 ranking. Still, until Franklin delivers on the sport’s biggest stage, the debate over whether Penn State or Ohio State deserves the higher spot will rage.
