Paul Finebaum Embarrasses Himself With Criticism Of Indiana Football

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Paul Finebaum is doubling and tripling down on his criticism of Curt Cignetti and the Indiana football program.

The ESPN college football analyst hasn’t been high on Indiana in recent years, despite the Hoosiers’ surge to college football dominance, and he’s doubting them again heading into the 2026 college football regular season.

Finebaum proclaimed this week that Indiana has “no chance” to repeat as College Football Playoff national champions.

“Slow down a little bit. … You had your day, you’ll have some fun, but you’re not winning the National Championship this year,” he said live on “First Take” on Tuesday morning, August 18.

Finebaum is going out on a limb once again, doubting a program that just went undefeated and had one of the most impressive years in college football history.

And, frankly, he sounds foolish.

College football fans rip Finebaum for his takes

College football fans are lambasting Finebaum for his doubts of the Indiana Hoosiers football program.

“Keep in mind that before the playoff format was implemented, guys like this just voted on the National Champion. As you can see, he’s not biased at all,” one fan wrote.

“When’s he moving out of the country? Still waiting on that,” another fan joked.

“Why should the the defending champs stop running their mouth? There are many teams still talking about a great game or a single miracle play but they are supposed to calm down after rocking everyone and winning it all? Nah they can talk for the next 50 years,” one fan added.

“He obviously didn’t learn his lesson from last year. SMH,” one fan added.

It seems like Curt Cignetti and the Hoosiers will have to prove Paul Finebaum wrong yet again this year. The Hoosiers are expected to be legitimate contenders for a College Football Playoff berth and national title spot this season.

This story was originally published by The Spun on Aug 21, 2026, where it first appeared in the College Football section. Add The Spun as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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