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AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 1h ago
Paul Finebaum amplifies what most fans think of Michigan football
The college football season is within arm’s reach as programs prepare to open fall camp. Student-athletes will soon report and begin their pursuit of a College Football Playoff berth. For some schools, that journey will begin under new leadership.
The Michigan Wolverines are one of those programs. Kyle Whittingham left Utah to take the Michigan job following the program’s dramatic fall from grace. Just three years ago, Michigan stood atop college football as national champions. Now, the program finds itself surrounded by controversy.
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Paul Finebaum took a shot at the Michigan faithful and delivered the harsh truth that many college football fans believe.
Apr 18, 2026; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Kyle Whittingham gives remarks following the spring game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Bradshaw Sevald-Imagn Images “Michigan fans, they’re not worth the time,” Finebaum said. “They think college football revolves around them, and they’ve won I think two-and-a-half national championships in 70 years. And they cheated to get the last one.”
The stigma simply isn’t going away. Whether it’s the New England Patriots dynasty or the Houston Astros, once an organization is caught cheating, the label tends to stick. It follows a program like a foul stench.
None of it is Whittingham’s fault. Still, he must rebuild Michigan into a national contender while navigating the baggage that now surrounds the program.
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Michigan’s fall from grace has been remarkable. Just three years after winning a national championship, the Wolverines are already on their third head coach, have endured two major scandals, and remain on thin ice with the NCAA.
Jan 6, 2018; Atlanta, GA, USA; ESPN broadcaster Paul Finebaum during media day at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports The turmoil also forced out the athletic director who helped oversee a national championship in football and success across the athletic department. It’s been a stunning collapse.
It serves as a reminder of how a few poor decisions can alter the trajectory of a program almost overnight. Whittingham faces a significant challenge after spending the majority of his coaching career at one school. He now inherits a situation that will take time to repair.
Michigan will officially begin the Whittingham era on September 5 when it welcomes Western Michigan.
Paul FinebaumMichiganFinebaumWolverinesStudentCollege Football PlayoffThe Michigan WolverinesKyle WhittinghamUtahJustNowMORE
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