Paul Finebaum says future Pac-12 won't be Power 5 conference: 'There's really nothing left'
Paul Finebaum has long been negative when discussing the outlook for the future of the Pac-12. With Colorado’s move to the Big 12, the ESPN host says the writing is on the wall.
Finebaum joined ESPN’s “Get Up” on Friday to discuss the conference’s future.
“You may as well administer the Pac-12’s last rites,” Finebaum said to host Mike Greenberg. “It’s over. And I’m not talking about this year. I’m talking about next year when they lose USC, when Deion goes to the Big 12. There’s really nothing left.
“You can argue there’s still quality games. This league no longer has any relevance on the national stage without USC and losing Colorado and by the way they may lose more. So they can continue playing football, good for them, but they will no longer be a Power 5 conference in my opinion.”
While others may join Finebaum in no longer considering the Pac-12 a “Power 5” conference after the 2023 season, the label loses some significance. The expanded College Football Playoff, starting in the 2024-25 season, will include the top 6 conference champions, regardless of Power 5 or Group of 5 designation.
Earlier this month, prior to Colorado’s move, Finebaum said that he “would want out” if he were the athletic director of a Pac-12 team, expressing uncertainty about the conference’s next media deal. Plenty of rumors are swirling about which school could be next to leave the conference.
.@finebaum on the Pac-12 😳
“You may as well administer the Pac-12’s last rites. It’s over.” pic.twitter.com/OPLBgOP4Zz
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) July 28, 2023