In terms of developed blockchain systems or smart contract systems, it is possible that Solana is the next Ethereum. But not to compete with Ethereum, because the king of smart contracts is currently Ethereum number one. Let alone competing with Ethereum, competing with BSC is still questionable.
Sometimes we see things when they are trending, thus creating a hassle for ourselves in terms of investment. If speaking for future potential, I agree with what you say.
I mean basically what we can see it as what ethereum "was". If we are talking about what ethereum is or what it will be, SOL will never catch up or pass ethereum in any way. But if we are talking about the road?
Well, SOL is passing the same road that ETH did back in the day. What we have right now is about 2016 or so ETH that is live with 2022 SOL if you ask me. That means, in 6 years, ETH will be in MUCH better place, and SOL will be where ETH is today. This could be different timing of course, but basically that's what the situation is like, the same road, but one is much further ahead while the other one is following the same footsteps that the first one took.