Paul Finebaum Doubts CFB Contender's Readiness After Major Offseason Change

This offseason was marked by significant changes, including conference realignment and coaches changing teams, which will bring about significant differences for several teams in 2024.

One of those teams is the Washington Huskies. The Huskies are fresh off playing in the national championship game. Washington had a remarkable season, going 14-1 and winning the Pac-12, but they fell short against the Michigan Wolverines in the championship game.

After the season ended, head coach Kalen DeBoer left Washington to replace Nick Saban at Alabama. Washington hired Jedd Fisch from Arizona to be its new head coach.

ESPN's Paul Finebaum was asked about the Huskies' readiness for the Big Ten. He mentioned that although they could be ready, it's difficult to assess at the moment due to the coaching change.

"I think Washington could be, but they're going through a coaching transition, so I think it's a little bit difficult to tell right now," Finebaum said.

Fisch had a successful tenure as the Wildcats head coach. After finishing 5-7 in his first season, he turned things around in Year 2. Arizona achieved a 10-3 record in 2023 and won seven consecutive games, solidifying its position as one of the hottest teams in the sport to end the season. This run also featured a significant Alamo Bowl victory over the Oklahoma Sooners.

To show even further how remarkable the 2023 season was, Arizona won only 10 games from 2019-22 and hadn't achieved 10 or more wins since 2014. So, Fisch has proven he can coach; he needs to demonstrate it at a new location.

Related: Paul Finebaum Admits Why He's Concerned About SEC Powerhouse