It’s no secret that popular ESPN college football analyst is not a fan of Ohio State football. And on the Fourth of July, he added a new chapter to his ongoing vendetta. With a bold claim about the defending national champions’ playoff chances.
“I don’t like Ohio State,” Finebaum said on a special Fourth of July edition of ESPN’s Get Up [h/t On3]. “I think Ohio State is going to lose in the opener against Texas. And they are going to struggle to make the Playoffs, let alone win it all.”
While it certainly seems like sour grapes from a long-time Buckeyes detractor, especially after winning a national title earlier this year, Ohio State lost a record 14 players in the NFL Draft in April. Including Quinshon Judkins and Josh Simmons. So, coach Ryan Day will have to try to defend the throne with a very different group in 2025.
Yet, that wasn’t the only shot Finebaum took at OSU. After being asked about comments from star receiver Jeremiah Smith on how the loss to Michigan motivated their title run, the long-time ESPN analyst suggested Ohio State’s losing streak to hated rivals the Wolverines may not end in 2025.
“I’m glad to see someone on the Ohio State lineup maybe do something more than just mouthing words,” Finebaum said. “Ryan Day has promised that for every loss to not lose again and he continues to lose again. But they are the defending National Champions, so even clowns like me on the fourth of July are not going to call for a firing of a coach because he loses one game.
“However, that is a game he has to deal with at some point. But that National Championship will pay a lot of bills and probably, yes, another loss to Michigan.”
The Buckeyes have lost four straight to the Wolverines, dating back to 2021.
