Joel Klatt’s much too early top 10 includes Texas and Ohio State – Joel Klatt Show

The college football offseason brings a mix of anticipation, uncertainty, and, of course, rankings. While most fans are still wrapping up their post-season celebrations or mourning the conclusion of their favorite team’s season, analysts, coaches, and commentators have already begun turning their focus to the next season. Among these early prognosticators is Joel Klatt, a former quarterback turned college football analyst for Fox Sports. Known for his sharp insights and bold opinions, Klatt’s “much too early” top 10 rankings have become a staple for college football enthusiasts.

In his latest edition of the Joel Klatt Show, Klatt offered his projections for the top 10 teams heading into the 2025 college football season. Among the notable teams included in his rankings were Texas and Ohio State, both of which are expected to be among the premier programs in the country. These schools, each with a storied history and abundant talent, present an intriguing look at where they stand in the landscape of college football and what their potential could be in the coming year.

The Texas Longhorns: Building Momentum in the Post-Sarkisian Era

When Steve Sarkisian took over as head coach of the Texas Longhorns in 2021, the program was in the midst of a rebuilding phase. After years of underachievement, Texas was looking for the right leader to bring them back to national prominence. In his first few years, Sarkisian faced mixed results. However, by 2024, it seemed like Texas was on the verge of a breakthrough, showing significant progress both offensively and defensively.

The Longhorns have made major strides in recruiting, particularly in the trenches, an area that has been a long-standing weakness for Texas. The 2025 season looks promising for Texas as they enter their new conference, the SEC, which will bring about challenges but also opportunities for growth and exposure. Despite not yet securing a national championship under Sarkisian, Texas is seen as a team that could break through in the coming years.

Why Texas Is in the Top 10

Joel Klatt’s ranking of Texas in his much-too-early top 10 is based on several key factors:

1. Quarterback Play: The Longhorns’ success is heavily dependent on Quinn Ewers, a player who has shown flashes of greatness but also endured moments of inconsistency. Heading into 2025, Ewers is expected to take a major step forward in his development. With a full offseason to prepare, the Longhorns’ offense, led by Sarkisian’s playcalling, should be one of the most dynamic in college football.
2. Recruiting Success: Sarkisian has quickly turned the recruiting efforts at Texas into one of the best in the nation. The Longhorns have secured top-tier talent, especially on the offensive and defensive lines, areas that are often the difference-makers in championship runs. The 2025 recruiting class is expected to be one of the best in recent memory, with Texas continuing to attract elite-level athletes.
3. Defensive Improvements: One of the primary criticisms of Texas in recent years was the inconsistency of its defense. However, under defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, the Longhorns’ defense has made noticeable improvements. With a combination of elite recruits and a maturing defensive unit, Texas should be more balanced in 2025, giving them the ability to compete with the top teams in the country.
4. Conference Realignment: Texas’ move to the SEC will undoubtedly provide challenges, but it will also force them to elevate their game. The added competition from SEC schools should push Texas to perform at an even higher level, especially in the trenches where the Longhorns have invested heavily in the recruiting process.

Despite the challenges posed by their move to a more competitive conference, Texas has the talent and coaching staff to compete at the highest level. If they can shore up some inconsistencies, particularly at quarterback and in their defense, Texas could be a major contender for the College Football Playoff in 2025. Klatt’s inclusion of Texas in the top 10 reflects the belief that the Longhorns are on the cusp of greatness and could very well be one of the most dangerous teams in the country.

Ohio State Buckeyes: A Perennial Power on the Verge of Greatness

When you talk about college football’s elite programs, Ohio State is always near the top of the list. Under Ryan Day, the Buckeyes have been a model of consistency, regularly competing for Big Ten titles and making deep runs in the College Football Playoff. In 2024, Ohio State once again found itself in the thick of the national championship picture, with only a narrow loss in the Playoff standing between them and a potential shot at the title.

In the 2025 season, Ohio State enters with an abundance of talent, especially on offense, making them one of the top contenders for a national championship. With key players returning and a system in place that has produced some of the most prolific offenses in college football, Ohio State’s potential to win it all is very real.

Why Ohio State Is in the Top 10

Joel Klatt’s ranking of Ohio State in his early top 10 is based on the following factors:

1. Elite Quarterback Play: The Buckeyes have a history of developing top-tier quarterbacks, and in Kyle McCord, they appear to have another future star. The rising sophomore is expected to take over the reins of an offense that has been consistently among the best in the country. With CJ Stroud heading to the NFL, McCord will have big shoes to fill, but he has all the tools necessary to succeed in Day’s high-octane offense.
2. Dynamic Receiving Corps: Ohio State’s wide receiver room is one of the most talented in the nation. The Buckeyes consistently churn out elite receivers who become top picks in the NFL Draft. In 2025, the wide receiver group will once again be one of the most dangerous in college football. With Marvin Harrison Jr., who could very well be the best wide receiver in college football, Ohio State has the kind of playmaker who can take over a game.
3. Running Back Depth: While Ohio State has been known for its passing attack, they have also produced some of the most talented running backs in the nation. The Buckeyes are likely to have a stable of capable running backs in 2025, which will allow them to balance their offensive attack and keep defenses on their heels.
4. Strong Defense: While Ohio State’s offense has often garnered the most attention, their defense has consistently been one of the best in the nation. Under defensive coordinator Jim Knowles, the Buckeyes’ defense has taken significant steps forward. With a strong front seven and talented defensive backs, Ohio State will once again field a defense that can stifle opposing offenses and give their offense opportunities to score.
5. Coaching Stability: Head coach Ryan Day has been nothing short of excellent in his tenure at Ohio State. Day has kept the program at the top of the college football hierarchy, regularly competing for Big Ten titles and making deep runs in the Playoff. His system, recruiting, and player development have made Ohio State a perennial contender, and with a mix of experience and talent, they are poised for another strong season in 2025.

With an offense that boasts one of the best quarterbacks in the country, an elite receiving corps, and a defense that continues to improve, Ohio State is poised to compete for a national championship in 2025. While the Big Ten remains competitive, the Buckeyes have the depth, coaching, and talent to remain the top dog in the conference.

Texas vs. Ohio State: A Clash of Giants

The inclusion of both Texas and Ohio State in Joel Klatt’s much-too-early top 10 rankings highlights two programs that are on the rise and have the potential to dominate college football in the near future. Both schools boast elite recruiting classes, top-notch coaching staffs, and an overall commitment to excellence.

While Texas is looking to assert itself in the SEC, Ohio State remains entrenched as a powerhouse in the Big Ten. A potential matchup between these two programs in the near future—whether in a bowl game, the College Football Playoff, or even a regular-season non-conference clash—would be an exciting showcase of college football’s elite.

The contrasting paths of these programs add an intriguing layer to college football’s landscape. While Ohio State is looking to continue its reign as a Big Ten juggernaut, Texas has the opportunity to break out in its new conference and potentially challenge for its first College Football Playoff appearance.

The Road to 2025

As Joel Klatt and others predict, Texas and Ohio State are both primed to be among the top teams in college football for the 2025 season. With their respective coaching staffs, star players, and championship aspirations, both teams have the potential to make a significant impact on the national stage. As college football fans eagerly await the start of the season, these two programs will be front and center, ready to show that they deserve to be at the top of the college football world.