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Paul Finebaum is known for calling out coaches and programs across college football, and very few escape his criticism. This season, the longtime SEC analyst took aim at Indiana and head coach Curt Cignetti, questioning whether the Hoosiers were for real. After Indiana won the national championship, Finebaum openly took the L and called his own evaluation an “epic failure.”
He added that many people did not understand what Cignetti was building in Bloomington and admitted that almost everything he said about Indiana during the season was wrong.
The journey looked very different a few months earlier. In October, Indiana rewarded Cignetti with a massive eight-year, $93 million extension after the program’s first-ever double-digit win season in 2024. The Hoosiers also beat multiple AP Top-10 teams for the first time in school history.
Even with that success, Finebaum didn’t buy in. On ESPN’s First Take, Stephen A. Smith asked whether Indiana made the right move by locking up Cignetti long term. Finebaum responded “No,” arguing the school should have waited before “sending the Brinks truck up” and saying he was not convinced Cignetti was one of the best coaches in the country.
When the 12-team playoff format launched in 2024, Indiana finally earned a postseason spot. Finebaum still slammed the Hoosiers, calling them a “fraud” on The Paul Finebaum Show.
Indiana then lost 27-17 to Notre Dame and did not score until the fourth quarter when it rallied to narrow the margin from 27-3. Finebaum said the performance proved the Hoosiers didn’t belong in the playoff picture.
The story flipped completely in 2025. Indiana went from one of college football’s most overlooked programs to a perfect 16-0 season and a national title. Before Cignetti arrived, Indiana had made only 13 bowl games in more than 100 years and was college football’s all-time losingest team.
The title run became a national talking point. Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton showed support, NFL stars praised the team on social media, and Indiana became a feel-good story across sports.
Meanwhile, the Big Ten claimed its third straight national championship. Finebaum quickly shifted to examining what went wrong for the SEC and called the moment a “crisis” for the league.
He pointed to billionaire backing in the Big Ten and said the conference is “flush with money.” According to public financial reports, the Big Ten generated $928 million during the 2023-24 fiscal year, compared to the SEC’s $840 million. Each Big Ten school reportedly received roughly $61-63 million, which was about $10 million more than SEC members.
Still, Finebaum sees hope for the SEC in Texas. Steve Sarkisian’s roster made major portal additions, including Cam Coleman and Hollywood Smothers, and quarterback Arch Manning led a deep playoff run in 2025. If the development continues, Finebaum believes an SEC champion could return in 2026.
FAQ:
Why did Paul Finebaum admit he was wrong about Indiana?
Paul Finebaum admitted he was wrong because Indiana won the national championship, proving his earlier doubts were inaccurate. He called his criticism an “epic failure” on his podcast.
What did Paul Finebaum originally say about Curt Cignetti and Indiana?
During the season, Finebaum said he wasn’t convinced Cignetti was an elite coach and questioned Indiana’s ability to compete at the highest level. He even called the Hoosiers a “fraud” during playoff discussions.
How historic was Indiana’s championship season?
Indiana completed a perfect 16-0 season, won the national title, and went from being one of college football’s worst historical programs to a champion. The school had only 13 bowl appearances in more than 100 years before this run.
Why did Curt Cignetti get a large contract extension?
Indiana rewarded Cignetti with an eight-year, $93 million extension after a double-digit win season in 2024 and multiple victories against AP Top-10 teams, both program firsts.
What did Finebaum say about the SEC after Indiana won?
Finebaum said the SEC was facing a “crisis” because the Big Ten had won three straight titles and had stronger billionaire financial support, influencing long-term dominance.
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