Paul Finebaum’s Indiana ranking take adds fuel to Hoosiers’ title defense

The college football season is quickly approaching, and soon a new quest for the College Football Playoffs will begin. The defending champions, the Indiana Hoosiers, will look to defend their incredible title run. Head coach Curt Cignetti’s run with Indiana was one for the ages. However, a familiar face is already casting doubt on their title defense. Paul Finebaum was on SportsCenter, and when the topic of Indiana’s ranking came up, he didn’t hold back. In fact, he painted the whole picture as clearly as it can be. MORE: Clemson and 3 other unranked CFB teams that could finish in the top-10 “That’s where they were picked last year in the Big 10 … So, they are moving on up after a perfect season. They’re exactly where they should be for this reason. Everybody in front of them has a starting quarterback. And if Indiana had its starting quarterback, number one,” Finebaum said. Dec 7, 2024; Atlanta, GA, USA; ESPN announcer Paul Finebaum before the 2024 SEC Championship game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images Credit: USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Connect (Reuters) “But I can’t put them any higher. And the other reason is the schedule is much more difficult. Ohio State, they saw them last year in the Big 10 Championship game. They’re at Michigan. USC arrives. I know what the analytics say, but that is a far more difficult schedule. And the reason why they’re number six instead of number one.” Indiana disrespect (Again)? Finebaum’s argument makes sense on the surface, particularly with Indiana facing a more difficult schedule. However, there is also a strong case that the Hoosiers are being overlooked once again. MORE: 7 college football teams with the longest AP Top 25 poll droughts Indiana enters the season with a roster that could be even stronger than the one that went undefeated last year. Cignetti also returns a coaching staff that has already proven it can develop players, navigate a difficult Big Ten schedule, and consistently put the team in position to win. Jul 30, 2026; Chicago, IL, USA; Indiana Football head coach Curt Cignetti speaks during Big Ten Media Days at Hilton Chicago. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters) The biggest question surrounding the Hoosiers may be at quarterback, but that alone should not erase what they accomplished last season or the talent returning to Bloomington. Ohio State, Michigan, and USC will provide significant tests, but Indiana has already shown it can compete with the best teams in the country. The Hoosiers also have something many other contenders lack: a coaching staff that knows exactly what it takes to win at the highest level. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —