Paul Finebaum Questions Miami Hurricanes' Relevance Despite Recent CFP Success

The college football analyst took a jab at the Hurricanes' national prominence despite a recent national title game appearance.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 4:53pm

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A fractured, cubist-style painting depicting a college football game, with sharp geometric planes in Miami's team colors of orange, green, and white, capturing the energy and intensity of the sport.Miami's return to the national championship game highlights the program's resurgence after years of irrelevance.Syracuse Today

College football analyst Paul Finebaum dismissed the Miami Hurricanes' relevance despite the team's recent surge, including a national championship game appearance in 2025. Finebaum claimed the Hurricanes have not been relevant since their last national title in 2001, despite Miami recording five double-digit win seasons in the last two years and reaching the College Football Playoff.

Why it matters

Miami is one of the most decorated programs in college football history, but the team has struggled to maintain national prominence since its last national title in 2001. Finebaum's comments highlight the ongoing debate around what defines a 'relevant' college football program in the modern era, as recent success, recruiting, and conference positioning have become increasingly important factors.

The details

In 2024, Miami went 10-3 and likely would have made the College Football Playoff if not for a late-season loss to Syracuse. The Hurricanes then rebounded in 2025, going 13-3 and earning a playoff berth despite not reaching the ACC Championship Game. Miami then defeated Texas A&M, defending champion Ohio State, and Ole Miss before falling to Indiana 27-21 in the national title game.

  • In 2024, Miami went 10-3.
  • In 2025, Miami went 13-3 and reached the College Football Playoff national championship game.

The players

Paul Finebaum

A college football analyst who hosts a popular radio show and makes regular media appearances.

Carson Beck

The starting quarterback for the Miami Hurricanes in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“He's been promoting them for the last 25 years. Since the last time they were relevant.”

— Paul Finebaum, College Football Analyst

What’s next

The Miami Hurricanes will look to build on their recent success and continue their climb back to national prominence in the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Finebaum's dismissal of Miami's relevance despite the team's recent playoff appearance and national title game berth highlights the evolving definition of 'relevance' in college football. While the Hurricanes may not have reached the heights of their early 2000s dynasty, their recent performance and positioning within the sport's current landscape suggest they have re-emerged as a national contender.