Josh Heupel & Ryan Day’s Playoff Fate Takes a Massive Turn as Paul Finebaum Dismisses Ongoing Myth
The college football landscape has been rocked by recent developments involving two of the sport’s most prominent coaches: Tennessee’s Josh Heupel and Ohio State’s Ryan Day. Both coaches have faced intense scrutiny throughout the season regarding their playoff chances, and now their postseason outlook has taken a dramatic turn. Adding fuel to the fire, ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum weighed in on the situation, dismissing what he called an “ongoing myth” surrounding the programs and their respective paths to the College Football Playoff.
Finebaum’s candid remarks have sparked widespread debate, reigniting discussions about the criteria for playoff inclusion, the strength of conferences, and the perception of Heupel and Day as head coaches. Here’s a closer look at how this saga is unfolding and what it means for both Tennessee and Ohio State moving forward.
During a recent segment on ESPN’s College Football Live, Finebaum didn’t mince words when addressing the playoff narratives surrounding Heupel and Day. The longtime SEC commentator argued that neither coach’s team has a clear-cut path to the playoff this season and that the hype surrounding their chances is largely unfounded.
“This ongoing myth that Ryan Day’s Buckeyes are a lock for the playoff or that Josh Heupel’s Tennessee Volunteers can crash the party needs to stop,” Finebaum said. “We’re looking at a flawed Ohio State team that has struggled in big moments and a Tennessee team that simply isn’t ready to compete at the highest level this year. Let’s be real—both teams have glaring weaknesses, and the playoff committee sees that.”
Finebaum’s remarks came as a surprise to some, especially given Ohio State’s recent success under Day. However, his comments highlight a broader issue in college football: the role of media-driven narratives in shaping public perception and, potentially, the playoff committee’s decisions.
Tennessee entered the season with high hopes after a resurgent campaign in 2023, during which Heupel led the Volunteers to their best finish in over a decade. With a high-powered offense and a passionate fan base behind them, the Volunteers were seen as a dark horse contender for the College Football Playoff.
However, key losses in conference play have derailed those hopes. While Tennessee’s offense remains a force to be reckoned with, questions about their defense and overall consistency have plagued the team. Finebaum’s comments suggest that, despite the optimism in Knoxville, the Volunteers are not yet ready to challenge the nation’s elite.
For Heupel, this season may serve as a reality check. Building a playoff-caliber program takes time, and while Tennessee is trending in the right direction, they are still a step away from becoming a legitimate contender.
Ryan Day’s Ohio State Buckeyes, meanwhile, are no strangers to playoff contention. Yet, Finebaum’s dismissal of their chances underscores the growing criticism of Day’s performance in big games. Despite maintaining a high level of success, including an undefeated regular season this year, Day has faced criticism for his inability to consistently win marquee matchups, particularly against Michigan.
Ohio State’s struggles against top-tier competition have raised questions about whether the Buckeyes can truly contend for a national championship. Finebaum’s comments reflect a broader sentiment that Ohio State’s dominance in the Big Ten is no longer enough to guarantee playoff success.
Finebaum’s critique of Heupel and Day highlights a critical issue in college football: the difficulty of balancing hype with on-field performance. Both Tennessee and Ohio State have strong fan bases and storied histories, which often amplify expectations. However, the reality of building and maintaining a playoff-caliber program is far more nuanced.
For Tennessee, the road ahead involves continuing to recruit at a high level and addressing defensive shortcomings. Heupel has proven himself as an offensive innovator, but he will need to build a more complete team to compete with the likes of Georgia and Alabama in the SEC.
For Ohio State, the pressure is on Day to deliver results in big games. The Buckeyes have the talent to compete with anyone in the country, but their recent struggles against Michigan and other top programs suggest that changes may be needed in their approach.
Paul Finebaum’s dismissal of the playoff chances for Josh Heupel and Ryan Day has added a new layer of intrigue to the college football season. While both coaches have achieved significant success, their programs face unique challenges that may prevent them from reaching the sport’s ultimate stage this year.
For Tennessee, the focus must be on building a more balanced team and continuing their upward trajectory under Heupel. For Ohio State, the spotlight is firmly on Day and his ability to win when it matters most.
As the playoff race heats up, the fate of these two programs remains uncertain. What is clear, however, is that the scrutiny will only intensify as the stakes continue to rise. For Heupel, Day, and their respective teams, the journey to greatness is far from over—it’s only just beginning.