ESPN college football commentator Paul Finebaum is known for his hot takes, but his latest rant targets a specific group: the media covering the sport. In a blistering critique, Finebaum argued that too many reporters and analysts are missing the bigger picture when it comes to the College Football Playoff expansion.
Speaking on his radio show, Finebaum didn't mince words. “We’ve got a lot of stupid people covering college football,” he said. His frustration stems from what he sees as a shallow celebration of playoff appearances, regardless of how a team performs once it gets there. He pointed to last season's narrative around Tennessee and Alabama, where making the field was treated as a triumph—even if both teams flamed out early.
“If you make the playoffs, they’re going to prop you up more,” Finebaum continued. “You heard it last year with ‘Tennessee, made it, Alabama made it.’ It doesn’t matter what happened after they made it. I think it does matter. I think that should be the minimum.”
The current 12-team format is already under scrutiny as discussions heat up about expanding to 24 teams. Finebaum believes that will only dilute the achievement further. While some argue that more teams mean more opportunities—and more contract bonuses for coaches—Finebaum insists that true fans and coaches like Kirby Smart will never be satisfied with just a ticket to the dance.
“You think Kirby Smart in a 24-team playoff is going to be happy if they lose in the first game? Of course not. And neither are the Georgia fans,” he said.
Finebaum’s critique echoes broader concerns about the direction of college football. Some have warned that without urgent reform, the sport risks losing its competitive edge. Others, like the late Mike Leach, who is now officially on the ballot for the College Football Hall of Fame, often championed a system that rewarded substance over hype.
Despite the backlash, the momentum toward a 24-team playoff appears unstoppable. Whether the media will adjust its coverage to focus on more than just participation remains to be seen. But if Finebaum has his way, the conversation will shift from celebrating entry to demanding excellence.
In the end, Finebaum's message is clear: making the playoff should be a starting point, not a finish line. And the journalists covering the sport owe it to fans to hold teams accountable for what happens after the selection show.
