Paul Finebaum praises Indiana football but doubts national title chances
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 8:48 PM
Last updated Aug 18, 2026
Paul Finebaum commented on Indiana football's prospects in a segment on ESPN's "First Take". Acknowledging the Hoosiers' last season as a national championship winner, he expressed skepticism about their ability to replicate that success in 2026. Finebaum identified head coach Curt Cignetti as the best coach in college football and anticipates Indiana to be competitive, but listed challenges ahead, including a tough conference schedule featuring October matchups against Nebraska, Ohio State, and Michigan. The Hoosiers begin their season on September 5 against North Texas.
- •Finebaum recognizes Cignetti as top coach in college football.
- •Indiana opens its season on September 5 against North Texas.
- •The Hoosiers are ranked No. 6 in the USA TODAY coaches poll.
- •October features key games against Nebraska, Ohio State, and Michigan.
- •Finebaum doubts Indiana will win a national championship this year.
- 8:48 PMYahoo Sports — Why ESPN's Paul Finebaum likes Indiana football, but not to win national championship
"Paul Finebaum weighed in on Indiana football again, and it wasn't all negative. Here's what he said about Curt Cignetti's Hoosiers in 2026.
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