As the 2024 college football season concludes, analysts are already turning their attention to the prospects for 2025. One notable perspective comes from FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt, who has released his “way-too-early” top 10 rankings for the upcoming season. Klatt’s rankings offer a mix of traditional powerhouses and emerging contenders, reflecting the dynamic nature of college football.
1. Penn State Nittany Lions
Klatt places Penn State at the pinnacle of his early rankings, citing the team’s consistent improvement over recent years and the return of key players. Quarterback Drew Allar, who has accumulated 29 career starts, is set to lead the offense once again. The backfield duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, boasting a combined 5,789 career rushing yards, provides a formidable ground attack. Additionally, four of the five starting offensive linemen are returning, ensuring stability up front. The continuity in coaching, with offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki entering his second year, further bolsters the team’s prospects. However, the Nittany Lions will need to address the departures of key defensive players like linebacker Abdul Carter and the transition to a new defensive coordinator following Tom Allen’s move to Indiana. Klatt emphasizes the importance of veteran leadership and internal development, suggesting that Penn State’s retention of experienced talent positions them well for a championship run.
2. Texas Longhorns
The Longhorns have been on an upward trajectory under Coach Steve Sarkisian, and expectations are high for 2025. The offense is anticipated to be explosive, with quarterback Arch Manning coming into his own and a receiving corps that remains largely intact. The defense, which showed significant improvement in 2024, returns several starters, providing a balanced team capable of competing at the highest level. The combination of a potent offense and a sturdy defense makes Texas a formidable contender in the national landscape.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State continues to be a perennial powerhouse, and the 2025 season appears to be no different. The Buckeyes boast a deep roster filled with top-tier talent. The quarterback position, a hallmark of Ohio State’s recent success, remains strong with emerging stars ready to take the helm. The receiving unit, traditionally one of the nation’s best, is reloaded with talent. Defensively, the Buckeyes have addressed previous vulnerabilities, and with a mix of returning starters and impactful newcomers, they are poised to maintain their dominance in the Big Ten and on the national stage.
4. Georgia Bulldogs
The Bulldogs have established themselves as a dominant force in college football, and despite some key departures, they remain a top contender. The quarterback situation will be a focal point, especially after Carson Beck’s transfer to Miami. However, Georgia’s depth chart is replete with five-star recruits ready to step up. The defense, a cornerstone of their success, continues to be formidable, with a blend of experienced players and talented newcomers. Coach Kirby Smart’s recruiting prowess ensures that the Bulldogs have the personnel to compete at the highest level.
5. Oregon Ducks
Under Coach Dan Lanning, the Ducks have been building a program capable of sustained success. Quarterback Dante Moore is expected to lead an offense that retains key playmakers, providing a dynamic and high-scoring attack. While the defense will need to replace standout performers like Derrick Harmon and Jordan Burch, the recruitment of talented defenders and the development of existing players should mitigate these losses. Oregon’s trajectory suggests they will be a significant player in the national conversation.
6. Michigan Wolverines
The Wolverines concluded the 2024 season on a high note, securing victories over Ohio State and Alabama. However, the team faces questions at the quarterback position, with freshman Bryce Underwood and Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene vying for the starting role. The defense, which loses pote
ntial first-round picks
As the 2024 college football season concludes, analysts are already turning their attention to the prospects for 2025. One notable perspective comes from FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt, who has released his “way-too-early” top 10 rankings for the upcoming season. Klatt’s rankings offer a mix of traditional powerhouses and emerging contenders, reflecting the dynamic nature of college football.
1. Penn State Nittany Lions
Klatt places Penn State at the pinnacle of his early rankings, citing the team’s consistent improvement over recent years and the return of key players. Quarterback Drew Allar, who has accumulated 29 career starts, is set to lead the offense once again. The backfield duo of Nicholas Singleton and Kaytron Allen, boasting a combined 5,789 career rushing yards, provides a formidable ground attack. Additionally, four of the five starting offensive linemen are returning, ensuring stability up front. The continuity in coaching, with offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki entering his second year, further bolsters the team’s prospects. However, the Nittany Lions will need to address the departures of key defensive players like linebacker Abdul Carter and the transition to a new defensive coordinator following Tom Allen’s move to Indiana. Klatt emphasizes the importance of veteran leadership and internal development, suggesting that Penn State’s retention of experienced talent positions them well for a championship run.
2. Texas Longhorns
The Longhorns have been on an upward trajectory under Coach Steve Sarkisian, and expectations are high for 2025. The offense is anticipated to be explosive, with quarterback Arch Manning coming into his own and a receiving corps that remains largely intact. The defense, which showed significant improvement in 2024, returns several starters, providing a balanced team capable of competing at the highest level. The combination of a potent offense and a sturdy defense makes Texas a formidable contender in the national landscape.
3. Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio State continues to be a perennial powerhouse, and the 2025 season appears to be no different. The Buckeyes boast a deep roster filled with top-tier talent. The quarterback position, a hallmark of Ohio State’s recent success, remains strong with emerging stars ready to take the helm. The receiving unit, traditionally one of the nation’s best, is reloaded with talent. Defensively, the Buckeyes have addressed previous vulnerabilities, and with a mix of returning starters and impactful newcomers, they are poised to maintain their dominance in the Big Ten and on the national stage.
4. Georgia Bulldogs
The Bulldogs have established themselves as a dominant force in college football, and despite some key departures, they remain a top contender. The quarterback situation will be a focal point, especially after Carson Beck’s transfer to Miami. However, Georgia’s depth chart is replete with five-star recruits ready to step up. The defense, a cornerstone of their success, continues to be formidable, with a blend of experienced players and talented newcomers. Coach Kirby Smart’s recruiting prowess ensures that the Bulldogs have the personnel to compete at the highest level.
5. Oregon Ducks
Under Coach Dan Lanning, the Ducks have been building a program capable of sustained success. Quarterback Dante Moore is expected to lead an offense that retains key playmakers, providing a dynamic and high-scoring attack. While the defense will need to replace standout performers like Derrick Harmon and Jordan Burch, the recruitment of talented defenders and the development of existing players should mitigate these losses. Oregon’s trajectory suggests they will be a significant player in the national conversation.
6. Michigan Wolverines
The Wolverines concluded the 2024 season on a high note, securing victories over Ohio State and Alabama. However, the team faces questions at the quarterback position, with freshman Bryce Underwood and Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene vying for the starting role. The defense, which loses potential first-round picks
