Paul Finebaum’s Shocking National Title Ultimatum Will Leave Fans Stunned—Which Team Will Force Him to Flee the Country?

So, here’s the kicker — Paul Finebaum, the indefatigable voice for the SEC, is at his wit’s end with Big Ten fans crowning themselves the kings of college football. After years of watching his beloved SEC take a backseat, he’s downright declaring, “If the SEC doesn’t reclaim the throne this year, I’m packing my bags and leaving the country!” Now, isn’t that a bold bet or what? Between Texas’ rising talent and the Big Ten’s hold on recent championships, the national title fight is shaping up to be a real nail-biter. Will Finebaum’s prophecy come true, or will he be updating us from afar? One thing’s clear: the season ahead promises drama, bragging rights, and maybe a cue for Finebaum’s next passport stamp. LEARN MORE.

It may be time to start packing.

It hasn’t been a great couple of years for ESPN‘s Paul Finebaum having to sit back and watch the Big Ten’s current reign over college football.

Arguably no one rides harder for the SEC than Finebaum, who recently admitted that he’s “so sick and tired of being harassed by Big Ten fans” who sit on their high horse and “act like they invented football” (that’s called irony).

During an appearance on the “Netflix Sports Club Podcast,” the 70-year-old CFB personality was asked if he believes this is the year the SEC finally takes back its rightful crown atop the sport — and he appears pretty confident that it will. Or else he’ll be looking for a new place on the map to call home.

“If it’s not I’m leaving the country. I am so sick and tired of being harassed by Big Ten fans on our show. … They act like they invented football.” @finebaum has had enough of Big Ten fans, and predicts that an SEC team will win the National Championship 😂 @daniklup pic.twitter.com/LNXFwU7IL3

— Netflix Sports (@netflixsports) August 9, 2025

“It is,” Finebaum said. “And by the way, if it’s not, I’m leaving the country because I am so sick and tired of being harassed by Big Ten fans on our show.”

“The Big Ten has literally done nothing,” the SEC Network host argued. “They’ve won two national championships. Michigan won one two years ago. They’ve won one and a half national championships, I think, and before that, in 70 years. And they act like they invented football.”

“Alabama has won about 15 national championships in my lifetime. Now, I realize that’s not a good comparison to a realistic lifespan. But, I believe Texas is going to win; I didn’t mean to avoid your question. It’s going to end all this,” he predicted. “And on January 20, I’ll be the happiest man in America because I won’t have to listen to the Big Tenners, or as my callers call them, the Little Tenners.”

The Texas Longhorns are the current favorites to win the national title behind head coach Steve Sarkisian and his five-star quarterback Arch Manning. But B1G programs like last year’s champion Ohio State and the Penn State Nittany Lions are right there in the mix, as well as the newcomer Oregon Ducks.

Time will tell who ultimately ends up holding the trophy at the conclusion of the CFP. But Finebaum may want to get comfortable with the idea of leaving American soil by the time 2026 rolls around.