Paul Finebaum Didn't Hesitate Naming the Best Team in College Football
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The first College Football Playoff rankings for the 2025 season have been released, and the Ohio State Buckeyes hold the top spot. The defending national champion Buckeyes are 8-0 this year.
The CFP rankings align with the AP poll, as the Buckeyes have maintained the top position since defeating the then-No. 1 Texas Longhorns 14-7 in Week 1. Since that game, Ohio State has won every subsequent contest by a margin of at least 18 points, including a 38-14 victory over the Penn State Nittany Lions last weekend.
On “The Matt Barrie Show,” recorded prior to the CFP rankings release, ESPN’s Paul Finebaum stated he believes the Buckeyes are the best team in the country and should be ranked No. 1.
“I would put Ohio State number one,” Finebaum said. “I think the committee will put Ohio State number one. I know we’re using a very difficult metric, because I really like what Texas A&M and even Alabama have done, but I think if you’re true to yourself, you’d have to go with Ohio State.”
Ohio State’s best offensive players are notably young this season. The Buckeyes feature redshirt freshman quarterback Julian Sayin, who has thrown for 2,188 yards with 23 touchdowns and three interceptions. He boasts an impressive completion rate of 80.7%, which is on pace to set an FBS record.
The running game is led by true freshman Bo Jackson, who has gained 538 yards and scored two touchdowns. Sophomore Jeremiah Smith tops the receiving group with 55 receptions for 725 yards and nine touchdowns.
Defensively, the team has excelled, ranked No. 1 in total defense, No. 3 in passing defense and No. 7 in rushing defense. The Buckeyes travel to take on the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday on the Big Ten Network at 1 p.m. ET.
Related: Matt Barrie Didn’t Hesitate Naming the Best College Football Team and It’s Not Ohio State
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Nov 5, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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