ESPN's Paul Finebaum Likes Texas A&M's Chances For Rebound Next Season

Paul Finebaum is feeling the Aggies headed into 2023 after a productive spring season.

Paul Finebaum might be public enemy No. 1 in College Station after his consistent beratement of Texas A&M football. Still, even the worst of foes can extend an olive branch every once and a while when the timing is right.

In a recent interview on WJOX's 94.5's McElroy and Cubelic in the Morning, Finebaum praised the Aggies for their progressive spring season under sixth-year coach Jimbo Fisher. The longtime SEC analyst seemed to be a fan of the Bobby Petrino hire and A&M's ability to add plug-and-play talent via the transfer portal.

“I think you just have to cut the narrative out from last season and this season, and just look at what’s on that team and how many impact players they have," Finebaum said. "Can they overcome a lot of things?"

The Aggies picked up the No. 1 class in recruiting history in 2022 only to fall below .500 for the first time since 2008. Over two dozen players departed via the transfer portal and program lost two key staples to the NFL draft.

Part of the concerns for inept play was due to experience. The Aggies replaced All-American offensive lineman Kenyon Green with a cast of different prospects. Quarterback remained an issue with Haynes King, Max Johnson and highly-touted freshman Conner Weigman all seeing reps.

King, who won the starting job back-to-back years, is now at Georgia Tech having been one of the top names to leave via the portal. Both Weigman and Johnson seem to be on the right trajectory of taking over the offense with Petrino calling the shots. Neither passer was perfect in the spring game earlier this month, but

There's also a veteran feel on the roster. A&M returned vital players such as receiver Ainais Smith, tight end Max Wright, and offensive guard Layden Robinson to help with Petrino's progression in Year 1. Defensively, safety Demani Richardson, linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and linemen Fadil Diggs and McKinley Jackson all passed up the opportunity to go pro to bring stability back to College Station.

Experience is one thing that should elevate the narrative around A&M in 2023. A favorable schedule is another. The Aggies play host to programs like Mississippi State, Auburn, and Alabama. The last time the Crimson Tide walked into Kyle Field, they returned to Tuscaloosa with a 41-38 loss.

Finebaum mentioned that Alabama could be vulnerable in 2023, primarily at the quarterback position, thus giving A&M an advantage on October 7.

“I think it’s a tremendous advantage to have the Alabama game at home," Finebaum said. "That’s where A&M planted its flag two years ago and nearly did it last year in Tuscaloosa. I feel pretty good about them.”

The Aggies kick off the regular season at home against New Mexico on September 2. 

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