Joel Klatt ranks college football’s preseason top 25

james morgan

Sat, Aug 12, 2023, 6:03 PM·5 min read

Fox Sports college football analyst Joel Klatt ranks his top 25 college football teams ahead of the 2023 season. Klatt thinks there are numerous teams with the talent to make the College Football Playoff.

He, like most other college football experts, views Georgia as the No. 1 team in the country. In fact, Klatt thinks Georgia is the only team you can justifiably rank at No. 1.

Interestingly, Klatt puts more Pac-12 schools (six) in his top 25 than any other conference. The SEC, Big Ten and Big 12 all have five teams in Klatt’s top 25.

What teams are in Klatt’s preseason top 25?

Georgia

Joel Klatt considers Georgia to be his top team and thinks everyone else should have Georgia as their top team. Klatt loves Georgia’s returning roster and thinks it gives the Dawgs a realistic chance at winning a third consecutive national championship.

Georgia has uncertainty at the quarterback position but a manageable schedule. Though Klatt acknowledges Georgia would have a tough schedule if the Dawgs faced Oklahoma. It should be able to return to the SEC championship game and make the playoffs.

2022 record: 15-0

Week 1: Tennessee-Martin (home)

My 2023 Pre-Season Top 25 is out @JoelKlattShow
1) @GeorgiaFootball
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Check out where your team lands!
📺https://t.co/o6SsYBkcVT
🎙️https://t.co/v286Ua35bE
— Joel Klatt (@joelklatt) August 7, 2023

Michigan

Can Michigan make a third consecutive playoff appearance? Klatt likes the Wolverines’ offensive line and defense.

2022 record: 13-1

Week 1: East Carolina (home)

Wolverines Wire

Ohio State

Ohio State lost to the two top teams in Klatt’s preseason rankings. The Buckeyes should be strong again in 2023, but will face tough games against Michigan and Penn State.

2022 record: 11-2

Week 1: at Indiana

Get more Ohio State news on Buckeyes Wire

Alabama

Klatt is not giving up on Alabama’s program. The Crimson Tide return a slew of talented players in 2023, but he questions Alabama’s quarterback situation and the Crimson Tide’s receiving corps.

2022 record: 11-2

Week 1: Middle Tennessee (home)

Get more Alabama news on Roll Tide Wire

Penn State

The Nittany Lions need to beat Ohio State or Michigan to have a big year. Penn State has a strong defense at all three levels and a solid offensive line.

2022 record: 11-2

Week 1: West Virginia (home)

Get more Penn State opinions on Nittany Lions Wire

Washington

Klatt thinks the Huskies have one of the best offenses in the country. Washington quarterback Michael Penix is capable of winning the Heisman.

2022 record: 11-2

Week 1: (home) Boise State

LSU

Klatt considered ranking LSU as high as No. 5. The Tigers return a great deal on the offensive line. He likes what the Tigers did in 2022, but thinks LSU could do even better in 2023. Klatt is picking LSU over Florida State in Week 1.

2022 record: 10-4

Week 1: (neutral) Florida State

Get more LSU analysis on LSU Tigers Wire

USC

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Caleb Williams is Joel Klatt’s Heisman favorite. He thinks Williams is a generational talent, but still has questions about USC’s defense.

2022 record: 11-3

Week 0: San Jose State (home)

Get more USC news on Trojans Wire

Clemson

Joel Klatt thinks Clemson could be another team to make the playoffs. He believes in Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik. The Tigers have a good defense. Klatt has Clemson over Florida State in the ACC.

2022 record: 11-3

Week 1: at Duke

Get more Clemson news on Clemson Wire

Florida State

Joel Klatt does not like Florida State’s chances at Clemson and against LSU. He does not trust fully Florida State’s program after several rough seasons, but acknowledges the Seminoles return a lot of talent.

2022 record: 10-3

Week 1: (neutral) vs. LSU