Football fans, it's our time to shine. College Football is back and is set to kick off this weekend, though last weekend was a great teaser in Week Zero it's time to kickoff Week One. According to FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt, the Texas Longhorns face a tall task to break into national championship contention, with Penn State topping his preseason rankings.
Klatt revealed his list of top teams to watch ahead of the season opener, with familiar powerhouse programs from both the Big Ten and the SEC dominating the field. Four teams from each conference landed in Klatt’s Top 10. Let's take a look.
Penn State Leads the Pack
Penn State holds the No. 1 spot, thanks in large part to the return of starting quarterback Drew Allar and a roster stacked with veteran talent. Head coach James Franklin’s squad hopes to capitalize on an experienced lineup, following a blueprint Klatt believes is key for championship success.
“There is a specific blueprint that Michigan followed and then Ohio State followed to win a national championship in the last couple of years. And that is veteran talent coming back to take part in their senior year,” Klatt said. “That’s exactly what you’ve got at Penn State, lots of veteran talent coming back with a purpose.”
Texas and Ohio State Head the Chase
Second in Klatt’s ranking, the Texas Longhorns enter the 2025 season with two consecutive national semifinal appearances and high expectations surrounding quarterback Arch Manning. “Arch Manning mania has begun,” Klatt noted. “Cannot wait to see what Arch is able to do in their opener against Ohio State. Their defense should be excellent. They’ve got talent everywhere on the field.”
Ohio State, ranked third, aims to overcome heavy personnel losses, including the departure of its starting quarterback and 14 other players to the NFL Draft. Despite the challenges, Klatt points to top talents Jeremiah Smith and Caleb Downs as reasons the Buckeyes cannot be counted out.
National Powers and Rising Contenders
Clemson: Ranked fourth, the Tigers return 16 starters and quarterback Cade Klubnik, with Klatt predicting a deeper playoff run for Dabo Swinney’s team.
Oregon: At No. 5, Dan Lanning’s Ducks continue to recruit elite talent, with questions at quarterback but confidence in the roster’s overall quality.
Notre Dame: Sixth on the list, the Fighting Irish must replace their quarterback after last season’s national title loss. Klatt sees the team’s strong running game and defense as assets to help break in CJ Carr under center.
Georgia: After a step back in 2024, Kirby Smart’s Bulldogs need to demonstrate improvement in the trenches and effectively replace Carson Beck at quarterback. Gunner Stockton is expected to take the reins.
LSU: Klatt lists LSU eighth, led by quarterback Garrett Nussmeier under pressure to reduce turnovers. A challenging opener against Clemson awaits.
Alabama: The Crimson Tide, ninth, looks to bounce back after three losses in its first post-Saban season. Klatt has confidence in new coach Kalen DeBoer and quarterback Ty Simpson.
Michigan: Rounding out the Top 10, the Wolverines begin a rebuild behind freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, hoping to defy modest expectations and reignite a playoff run.
Both the Big Ten and SEC placed four teams apiece in the preseason rankings, reaffirming their positions as college football’s dominant conferences for 2025. As the season gets underway, the race to the College Football Playoff promises to be as competitive as ever.
With blue-chip talent returning and storylines unfolding across the country, all eyes will be on Penn State, Texas, and the rest of Klatt’s Top 10 as the quest for the national championship begins.
MORE COLLEGE FOOTBALL NEWS:
- Cade Klubnik leads Clemson on a redemption quest
- New chapter to an ugly rivalry: No. 6 Notre Dame vs. No. 10 Miami preview
- Heisman heat index: Contenders, pretenders, odds before 2025 college football season
- Arizona State’s Sam Leavitt has Heisman buzz building
- Washington’s freshman wide receiver one to watch in Big Ten