Paul Finebaum Names Major Program He Doesn’t See Winning the College Football Playoff in 2025

Several college football teams are looking to bounce back after disappointing seasons in 2024. One of these teams is the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Under Kalen DeBoer, who took over after Nick Saban announced his retirement following the 2023 season, the Crimson Tide finished with a record of 9-4 in DeBoer’s first year. This record marks Alabama’s worst season since Saban’s first year in 2007.

Alabama experienced a mixed season in 2024. The Crimson Tide recorded a 3-1 record against ranked opponents during the season, plus a victory over the South Carolina Gamecocks, who finished ranked No. 15 in the final College Football Playoff rankings.

However, Alabama also suffered three losses to teams with five or more losses this season. Notably, its 24-3 defeat against Oklahoma in the season’s second-to-last game ultimately dashed its hopes of making the College Football Playoff.

During “The Paul Finebaum Show,” SEC Network analyst Paul Finebaum was asked whether Alabama could recover and win the national championship next season. He does not foresee that happening.

“I don’t see a national championship for Alabama,” Finebaum said. “I think that their goal really is the same as it was this year. Get to the playoff.”

DeBoer joined Alabama after successfully coaching the Washington Huskies for two seasons. During his tenure, he achieved a record of 25-3. In his final season, he led Washington to a remarkable 14-1 record with its only loss coming against the Michigan Wolverines in the national championship game.

Still, Finebaum has been critical of DeBoer due to his disappointing first season with the Crimson Tide. He has previously stated he doesn’t care about DeBoer’s past accomplishments, “What doesn’t matter anymore is what he’s done in the past. What matters is what he’s done at Alabama, and I’m not impressed.”