ESPN college football analyst Paul Finebaum took direct aim at Notre Dame and its fan base Sunday, arguing the Fighting Irish had no case in the final College Football Playoff debate.
While on The Matt Barrie Show, Finebaum delivered one of his best rants of the season.“Notre Dame is now in contention for the worst fan base in America,” Finebaum said.
“Just shut up already, Notre Dame fans. I mean, you haven’t done anything this year. You have a really good team. You play two very meaningful games at the beginning of this year — one at home and one on the road — you lost both. What’s your best win? Southern Cal… whatever. You’re afraid to play in a conference because you want to take the money and run. That’s your fault.”
Paul Finebaum says Notre Dame fans are in contention for the worst fanbase in america, adding that they should "shut up already". Pic.twitter.com/TlHEMHecg4
— Grant Speaks (@GrantSpeaks1) December 7, 2025
Finebaum also dismissed the idea that Miami had a stronger argument than Alabama. The Hurricanes finished 10-2 but did not reach the ACC title game, while Notre Dame matched that 10-2 record as an independent and likewise did not play for a conference championship.
Alabama entered Sunday at 10-3 after a 28-7 loss to Georgia in the SEC Championship Game. The Crimson Tide still held what Finebaum called the strongest resume of the three teams, highlighted by a 24-21 win over Georgia earlier in the season.
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