Paul Finebaum is buying the Clemson hype, but he's not buying a perfect season.
The prominent ESPN personality weighed in this week on Dabo Swinney's now-famous "first 16-0 team" comments, and while he praised the 2025 Tigers as a legitimate title contender, he drew a firm line in the sand when it comes to an undefeated run.
"I am out [on Clemson going 16-0]," Finebaum said on SportsCenter. "But I am kind of in on him saying that. What is he supposed to say? ‘I think we’re going to go 10-6.’ Of course he’s going to say that."
Finebaum acknowledged that, for the first time in years, Swinney has a roster that warrants such high aspirations. He believes this is the most formidable squad Swinney has fielded since the Trevor Lawrence era that culminated in a national championship.
"This is his best team since that moment in time," Finebaum declared. "They are complete. The defensive line is elite. They are going to get to the playoffs, and I think they’re going to get very deep."
Despite that high praise, Finebaum sees a ceiling. A deep playoff run, yes. A perfect season and a national title? No. He believes the Tigers will stumble somewhere on their quest for perfection.
"But Dabo, please, 16-0? That’s not happening," Finebaum stated bluntly. "Because you’re not going to be the national champion."
While Swinney later clarified that his "16-0" quote was taken out of context and used as "click-bait," the narrative is set. The Tigers, lauded as one of the nation's elite, will begin their quest to prove naysayers like Finebaum wrong when they face LSU in a highly anticipated season opener on August 30.