With the 2024 season officially in the books following Monday’s College Football Playoff National Championship Game, which Ohio State triumphed 34-23 over Notre Dame, the excitement for the 2025 season is palpable. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how the landscape of college football will shift in the coming year.
Joel Klatt’s Way-Too-Early Top 10 for 2025
On Thursday’s The Joel Klatt Show: A College Football Podcast, FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt unveiled his Way-Too-Early Top 10 ranking for the 2025 college football season, and it comes with a notable surprise at the top. Klatt’s insights are always worth paying attention to, especially after the thrilling conclusion to the last season.
Penn State Takes the Top Spot
Klatt starts his Top 10 with a massive surprise, placing Penn State at No. 1. Much like Michigan and Ohio State before them, the Nittany Lions will be led by a roster filled with experienced superstars who played pivotal roles during Penn State‘s 2024 run to the College Football Playoffs. Key returning players include QB Drew Allar and running backs Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton. Klatt believes this wealth of elite experience could propel the Big Ten to a third consecutive national championship.
Klatt passionately stated, “Penn State has gotten better every single year for the past 3-4 years. James Franklin and the Nittany Lions were knocking on the door of a national championship in 2024, and now they’re bringing all of those key pieces back. This is the blueprint. … Culture, togetherness, chemistry, whatever you want to call it, it has to be held with guys that committed there. That’s what Penn State is going to have.”
Ohio State and Georgia in the Mix
Following Penn State, Klatt ranks the reigning CFP national champion Buckeyes at No. 3. This drop is largely due to the significant departures that fueled last season’s historic run, including QB Will Howard and RB TreVeyon Henderson. However, Ohio State still boasts standout players like sophomore WR Jeremiah Smith and junior safety Caleb Downs. Klatt notes, “The national champs will look a lot different next year, but they’re still going to be an elite team.”
At No. 2, Klatt has Georgia, despite what he called “a down year” for the Bulldogs. With QB Gunner Stockton now at the helm and the addition of WR transfers Zachariah Branch and Noah Thomas, Klatt believes Georgia will be a formidable contender once again. He stated, “What they have done from a roster-building standpoint is impressive. … Kirby Smart is far too driven.”
Texas and Michigan Make Their Case
Klatt is also excited about Texas, placing them in his Top 5. He anticipates the emergence of rising redshirt sophomore QB Arch Manning after two years of learning behind NFL-bound Quinn Ewers. Despite concerns about a rebuilt offensive line, Klatt is optimistic about the Longhorns’ talent and their ability to navigate a challenging schedule. “It’s officially Arch Manning time in Austin,” he proclaimed.
Meanwhile, Michigan comes in just outside the Top 5. Klatt is high on the Wolverines due to their strong finish in 2024, including impressive wins over Ohio State and Alabama. While they lose some key defensive players, the wealth of returning talent and the addition of Five-Star+ quarterback Bryce Underwood make them a team to watch. Klatt remarked, “Michigan built as much momentum as any team in college football over the last month of the season.”
Notable Programs Just Missing the Cut
Klatt also highlighted several programs that narrowly missed his Top 10 ranking. These include Alabama, Arizona State, BYU, Florida, Illinois, South Carolina, and Tennessee. Each of these teams has its own strengths and challenges as they prepare for the new season.
Clemson and LSU: Teams to Watch
At No. 7, Klatt places Clemson, citing their returning talent, including QB Cade Klubnik and a strong defensive line. Klatt is optimistic about the Tigers’ prospects, especially with new defensive coordinator Tom Allen on board. “I love Clemson and what they’re doing,” he said.
Klatt also sees LSU as a team in win-now mode, thanks to a second season with QB Garrett Nussmeier. With a strong showing in the transfer portal, the Tigers are poised to make a significant leap in 2025. Klatt noted, “This is a critical year for Brian Kelly. They need to show a significant step in the right direction.”
Miami and Notre Dame: Rising Contenders
Klatt is enthusiastic about Miami, who have secured veteran QB Carson Beck from Georgia. He believes Beck will thrive in a better situation with a strong offensive line and elite playmakers around him. Klatt remarked, “Miami has gone and gotten a very experienced quarterback. … Is he going to be a very good option? Yes.”
Finally, Notre Dame is also on Klatt’s radar, despite falling just outside the Top 10. Klatt praised head coach Marcus Freeman for building a strong culture and believes the Irish will be back in the College Football Playoff next year. “I will be absolutely shocked if Notre Dame is not back in the College Football Playoff next year,” he asserted.
As we look ahead to the 2025 season, the excitement is building. With so many teams poised for success, who will rise to the occasion? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure: college football is in for another thrilling year!
