Paul Finebaum reacts to Ohio State coaching staff, transfer portal moves

It was a tough ending to the 2023 college football season for Ohio State. The Buckeyes struggled in the Cotton Bowl against Missouri, only to see rival Michigan win the national championship a couple of weeks later.

Needless to say, Ohio State is doing what it can to ensure it doesn’t experience similar disappointment in 2024.

The Buckeyes made staff changes this offseason, including bringing in Bill O’Brien from the New England Patriots as offensive coordinator. They also have been racking up in the transfer portal, landing some of the top players in the country.

Ohio State has added safety Caleb Downs, quarterback Julian Sayin and offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin from Alabama. The Buckeyes also brought in running back Quinshon Judkins from Ole Miss, quarterback Will Howard from Kansas State and tight end Will Kacmarek from Ohio.

ESPN analyst Paul Finebaum joined McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning on Monday and shared his thoughts on Ohio State’s moves this offseason.

“Well, I don’t think anybody’s had a better haul than them. And by the way, this is a program that probably needed that,” Paul Finebaum said. “Two weeks ago, three weeks ago, in the wake of the Missouri loss, things were reeling up there. Changes have been made. They’re excited with Bill O’Brien. I’m glad they are. I’m really not. But he may have played a role in Sayin committing, so that would be a good thing.”

Julian Sayin was the top quarterback in the country for the class of 2024, according to the On3 Industry rankings. He entered the transfer portal after Nick Saban retired.

Downs led Alabama in tackles this past season as a true freshman and will enter the 2024 season as arguably the top safety in the country.

McLaughlin started every game for Alabama at center this past season, while Judkins was an All-SEC selection in 2023, a year after being named the National Freshman of the Year. Those are the headlines of Ohio State’s recruiting class. They will be joining a program that was a game away from the College Football Playoff last season.

“I have not seen anything quite like the roster change that Ohio State [has],” Finebaum said. “They were already a playoff team and on the cusp of a national championship run. Right now, they may have become the favorite.”

Several Buckeyes players also passed on the NFL draft to return to school for one more season. Finebaum might be right in tabbing Ohio State as the potential favorite heading into 2024.