Paul Finebaum questions initial CFP rankings, believes Texas A&M has 'best résumé in the country'

Paul Finebaum had just one major gripe after the unveiling of the season’s first College Football Playoff rankings. It centered squarely on Texas A&M’s place in the pecking order.

Appearing on Get Up Wednesday morning, the ESPN analyst praised the committee for the most part, but he questioned why the Aggies weren’t slotted higher than No. 3. He argued that their résumé outshined nearly everyone else’s.

“I don’t have a lot, because let’s remember, this is Week 1, and by the end of it, it doesn’t matter a whole lot,” Finebaum began. “But I do have one, if I could share that, and that’s Texas A&M. In many ways, I think they probably have the best résumé in the country. The metrics favor them.

“I get Ohio State. The eye test has been superb for them. And I also understand Indiana has looked good in every game, and they have that Oregon win.”

Finebaum believes A&M’s collection of road victories, particularly their win at Notre Dame, deserves more credit than the committee gave it: “To me, what A&M has had to do is a lot more accomplished than Indiana,” he said. “A&M has gone to Notre Dame and beaten a really good team there. They’ve gone on the road and beaten other teams. To me, they should be No. 2 now. Sue me if you’re Indiana.”

As you can see, the initial CFP rankings, released Tuesday night, placed Ohio State at No. 1, Indiana at No. 2 and Texas A&M at No. 3. The Buckeyes’ unbeaten start and dominant metrics kept them atop the standings, while the Hoosiers’ surprising 9-0 run and road win at Oregon impressed the committee.

Yet Finebaum’s stance reflected a growing sentiment that the Aggies’ résumé, featuring multiple high-profile wins and no losses, might be the most complete in college football. It has them atop the SEC, and the SEC Network analyst evidently thinks it should have them closer to the top of these rankings, as well.

Ultimately, Finebaum framed his argument as a compliment to Texas A&M’s season more than a shot at Indiana or Ohio State. Still, his take added early intrigue to the playoff debate, reinforcing that while November rankings are rarely final, they always spark conversation.

The Aggies will face Missouri this weekend, another ranked team who gives them a shot to move up into that top two. Whether or not they can get it done remains to be seen, but they have Finebaum’s support at the moment.