A Surprising Order
College football analyst Joel Klatt has unveiled his preseason top 25 rankings, sparking conversation across the sport as teams prepare for the upcoming season.
The Georgia Bulldogs find themselves positioned at No.6, marking the highest placement for any SEC team on Klatt’s list. The ranking reflects the Bulldogs’ deep roster, veteran coach Kirby Smart, and quarterback Gunner Stockton, though Klatt remains cautious about their ability to score against elite defenses.
Leading the pack, the Oregon Ducks sit at No.1 despite never having captured a national championship during the College Football Playoff era. Klatt praises Oregon’s consistency, noting they have dropped only three games in the past two seasons and boast a talent‑laden squad.
Notre Dame follows at No.2, while the Ohio State Buckeyes are slotted at No.3 after a Cotton Bowl loss to the Miami Hurricanes. Both programs bring storied histories and high expectations into the new campaign.
Indiana climbs to No.5, a spot Klatt acknowledges may be undervalued given the Hoosiers’ recent elite status. Meanwhile, Texas, LSU, Oklahoma, and Michigan occupy positions 7 through 10, each presenting a distinct set of wild‑card possibilities.
The rankings span the Big Ten, SEC, ACC, and Big 12 conferences, underscoring the breadth of competition and the diverse narratives that will shape the season.