As we look ahead to the 2025 college football season, the anticipation is already building. Renowned FOX broadcaster Joel Klatt has stepped into the spotlight, sharing his early preseason top 25, and it’s brimming with excitement and bold predictions.
Klatt’s rankings, revealed during a recent podcast episode, feature some surprising placements. Notably, he’s not placing Ohio State at the top of the list. Instead, he has Penn State leading the pack, followed closely by Texas and then the defending national champions, Ohio State. Here’s how his top 10 shakes out:
- Penn State
- Texas
- Ohio State
- Oregon
- Clemson
- Notre Dame
- LSU
- Georgia
- Alabama
- Illinois
- South Carolina
- Michigan
- Florida
- BYU
- Arizona State
- Kansas State
- Iowa State
- Miami
- Texas A&M
- Ole Miss
- Indiana
- Auburn
- Iowa
- Baylor
- Oklahoma
After seeing Michigan and Ohio State claim national titles, Penn State is poised to break through in 2025. Klatt is convinced that the Nittany Lions are mirroring the successful formula employed by their Big Ten rivals. With standout players like Drew Allar, Nicholas Singleton, and Kaytron Allen back in the fold, there’s a sense of optimism surrounding the program, especially after their semifinal loss in the College Football Playoff.
What’s more, James Franklin has brought in former Ohio State defensive coordinator Jim Knowles to lead a seasoned defense, which could be a major boost. Despite a disappointing offensive showing in their Orange Bowl defeat to Notre Dame—where no wide receiver caught a pass—the Nittany Lions have reinforced their roster by adding talents like Trebor Pena, Devonte Ross, and Kyron Hudson from the transfer portal. While Klatt has high hopes for this team, he raises a valid question: can they deliver when it counts in challenging matchups against top-tier opponents?
Klatt points out Franklin’s struggles against ranked teams, noting the coach’s record of 1-15 against AP top-five opponents. However, he is hopeful that this year’s squad, with its wealth of experience, is ready to overcome that hurdle. “I believe they will take the next step,” Klatt stated confidently. “Drew Allar leading the charge, I think he’s gonna have a big, big year.”
Shifting focus to Texas, Klatt has identified Arch Manning as a frontrunner for the Heisman Trophy as he steps into his first season as the starting quarterback. While expressing some concern about the Longhorns’ offensive line, he remains upbeat about their chances. With a fierce defense and an impressive recruiting class, Texas is positioned to be one of the standout teams this season. Klatt doesn’t mince words: “Steve Sarkisian has built a program that is a preeminent program in college football. You don’t have to ask if Texas is back. They are absolutely back.”
For Ohio State fans, seeing their beloved team ranked third might raise some eyebrows. However, Klatt suggests this high ranking is still a compliment to the program’s depth and resilience, especially given that they lost 14 players from last year’s championship roster to the NFL Draft. It’s remarkable that the Buckeyes still boast top talents like Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs, underscoring the ongoing commitment to excellence within their program.
As the 2025 season looms, the landscape of college football remains dynamic and full of potential. Klatt’s rankings offer a glimpse into what could be a thrilling year ahead, with storied programs eyeing glory while fresh challenges emerge. Get ready, because this season is bound to deliver its share of excitement.
