“Ohio State Is Still Overrated”: Paul Finebaum Makes Brutal Remark As Ryan Day’s Squad Takes No. 3 In Preseason AP Poll

In a recent ESPN segment, Paul Finebaum gave a harsh verdict of the Ohio State Buckeyes being ranked No. 3 in the AP preseason poll. He claimed that the position was justified, and Penn State should be ahead of the Buckeyes for now.

“All those sweatshirts and placards at the Ohio State bookstore are going down the drain, Matt, because everybody thought this was going to be a one versus two matchup… Texas is everybody’s number one. And then you just can’t figure out between Ohio State and Penn State. I can figure it out pretty easily. Penn State should be the number two team…Ohio State is still overrated at that number three position,” Finebaum said. (1:10)

The comments are right after the release of the preseason AP Top 25, in which Texas got the first-ever No. 1 ranking in the program’s history, Penn State came in at 2, right behind the Longhorns. The poll was the closest preseason vote since 1998, with Texas beating Penn State by only five points according to AP News.

Ohio State’s Schedule Will Provide Early Answers

The Buckeyes should get several chances to prove or disprove their preseason ranking. They will have road trips to Michigan and Illinois, and home games against Penn State and UCLA in 2025. They also play Texas, the AP No. 1, in an opening nonconference game.

The Big Ten is one of the most anticipated competitive conferences in college football, with Penn State, Michigan, Oregon, and Illinois being ranked in the preseason top 15 as well. Not to mention, the Buckeyes play both Wisconsin and Washington on the road.

The Buckeyes have yet to name a starting quarterback for the 2025 season. Currently, Lincoln Kienholz and Julian Sayin are locked in what Ryan Day called a “two horse race” for the number one spot. Neither quarterback has much experience under their belt, but Ryan Day’s lack of decision-making seemingly creates questions around the Buckeyes.

With uncertainty under center, Ohio State will have to brave what seems to be a difficult schedule to repeat as national champions. The number 3 ranking from the most recent AP poll should be tested, and their campaign will start in Week 1 when the #1 Longhorns head into Columbus.

Read More:

Ohio State HC Ryan Day Shares Honest Thoughts On Julian Sayin, Lincoln Kienholz’ QB Battle

“Has the Juice Today”: CFB Reporter Notices Massive Changes in Ohio State QB Julian Sayin on Training Camp Day 3

“This Is Terrifying” “How Did Ya’ll Get This”: Ohio State’s Jeremiah Smith, Julian Sayin and More Left in Splits Over Nostalgic Snaps

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