Paul Finebaum Makes Unexpected End-of-Year Ohio State Prediction

Due to high expectations, the Ohio State Buckeyes are anticipated to make a strong College Football Playoff run in the upcoming 2024 season.

ESPN's Football Power Index (FPI) ranks the Buckeyes as the No. 4 team in the country, behind the Georgia Bulldogs, Oregon Ducks and Texas Longhorns. The FPI gives Ohio State a 67.2% chance to make the College Football Playoff and a 10.5% chance to win the national championship.

The Buckeyes have a lot of talent, but there is still uncertainty about the quarterback position. The team added Will Howard, a transfer from Kansas State, who is expected to be the starting quarterback. Additionally, they have Julian Sayin, a former five-star recruit from Alabama, who transferred to Ohio State after Nick Saban retired.

ESPN's Paul Finebaum was asked who he thinks will be the starting quarterback at the end of the season. He said he thinks it might be the true freshman.

"I think by the end, it may be Sayin," Finebaum said.

Howard has had a solid career. During his time at Kansas State, he threw for over 5,500 yards in four seasons. He also recorded 67 total touchdowns and 25 interceptions. However, he has never achieved a 2,700-yard passing season or completed more than 62% of his passes.

Sayin was a consensus five-star recruit and was rated as the No. 2 quarterback in the 2024 class. A scout said Sayin was the "most refined and accurate passer in the 2024 cycle." So, there may not be one now, but a quarterback controversy could develop by the end of the season.

Related: Paul Finebaum Reveals Ohio State's Biggest Concern This Year