Paul Finebaum Declares Former College Football Giant Now Irrelevant
Paul Finebaum recently questioned the relevance of a once-dominant program. His comments came during an exchange on The Paul Finebaum Show. The remark touched off debate across college football circles.
Recent results that contradict the claim
Miami has five national championships in its history. The program’s last title came in 2001.
Since 2001, Miami has posted five seasons with double-digit wins. Two of those seasons occurred in the past two years.
In 2024, the Hurricanes finished 10-3. A late collapse against Syracuse cost them a likely College Football Playoff berth.
Miami rebounded in 2025 with a 13-3 record. The team reached the playoff despite not playing in the ACC Championship Game.
In the postseason run, Miami defeated Texas A&M. They then topped defending champion Ohio State and beat Ole Miss. The Hurricanes lost the national title game to Indiana, 27-21.
Finebaum’s critique and the reaction
On air, Finebaum suggested the program had been overrated for years. He said, “He’s been promoting them for the last 25 years. Since the last time they were relevant.”
The comment framed Miami as a former college football giant whose influence has faded. Many observers said the claim fails to account for recent evidence.
Why many see the claim as short-sighted
Modern relevance hinges on three factors: access, resources, and recent results. Miami meets all three measures.
The program benefits from a robust NIL infrastructure. It also draws from one of the nation’s richest recruiting territories. The Hurricanes maintain a widely recognized national brand.
Conference positioning helps as well. Competing in the ACC can provide a clearer route to the playoff than deeper conferences.
Historical context and broader trends
The sport has seen giants fall and rise before. Nebraska, USC, and Florida are familiar examples of programs that once dominated.
Turnarounds are possible in the current era. Expanded playoffs and new roster-building tools speed program recovery.
Given the recent run and structural advantages, dismissing Miami as irrelevant overlooks facts. Filmogaz.com analysis finds the Hurricanes now sit firmly back in the national conversation.
