Joel Klatt releases his preseason top 10 rankings
Fox Sports college football analyst Joel Klatt released his preseason rankings ahead of the 2024 college football season. Klatt is not as high on the Georgia Bulldogs as most college football experts are, but he still ranks Georgia very high.
His top 10 includes four Big Ten schools and four SEC schools, which should be college football's two top conferences this fall. His top 10 does not include any programs from the ACC, but it does have one school from the Big 12.
The 2024 season will feature an expanded College Football Playoff, which will help keep more fan bases engaged throughout the season. It also means teams at the top will have more margin of error than they did in previous seasons. For example, if Georgia went 12-0 and lost in the SEC championship as it did during the 2023 season, the Bulldogs would still be a lock for the playoff.
Here's Joel Klatt's top 10 rankings ahead of the 2024 season. College football returns on Aug. 24 in Week 0.
10. Ohio State Buckeyes
Numerous top Ohio State starters elected to return for another season instead of entering the NFL draft. Defensive end J.T. Tuimoloau, wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and running back TreVeyon Henderson return for the Buckeyes. Klatt loves the Buckeyes and their defense.
"They brought in what I describe as the best transfer class in the country," Klatt wrote. Kansas State transfer quarterback Will Howard will have time to adapt to the Ohio State offense because the Buckeyes play several cupcakes to start the season.
A look at Joel Klatt's top 10 rankings.
9. Georgia Bulldogs
Georgia has 15 All-SEC players including starting quarterback Carson Beck. "Carson Beck is such a good player,” Klatt wrote. Beck could become Georgia's first Heisman winner since Herschel Walker.
"They (Georgia and Ohio State) are my favorites," noted Klatt, who thinks Kirby Smart is the best coach in college football. Even though Klatt does not have Georgia as his No. 1, he still thinks the Dawgs are national title contenders. Georgia's top obstacle may be its very hard schedule, which features games at Alabama, at Texas and at Ole Miss.
8. Texas Longhorns
"Texas is one of the best teams in the country," Klatt wrote. It is hard to disagree with that. Texas will face some unique challenges in their first season in the SEC, but quarterback Quinn Ewers should be up to the task for the Longhorns.
The Longhorns have a difficult schedule with games at Michigan, versus Georgia, versus Oklahoma and at Texas A&M.
7. Oregon Ducks
"I think Dan Lanning will win a national championship at Oregon," Klatt said. The Ducks return loads of talent from last season and added a number of great pieces in the transfer portal this offseason. Oregon has a potential Heisman quarterback, Oklahoma transfer Dillon Gabriel.
6. Mississippi Rebels
Klatt thinks the Rebels have a favorable 2024 schedule, which should help Ole Miss make the playoff. "Ole Miss is really talented," Klatt wrote.
The Rebels return star quarterback Jaxson Dart and should be a contender in the SEC after finishing 11-2 last season. Head coach Lane Kiffin and Mississippi added another top portal class.
5. Notre Dame Fighting Irish
"The more I look at it, the more I am convinced that Notre Dame is going to be really strong," Klatt wrote. Notre Dame should be more explosive on offensive with Duke transfer quarterback Riley Leonard leading the way.
Get more Notre Dame news, analysis and opinions on Fighting Irish Wire
4. Michigan Wolverines
The defending national champions lost 13 players to the 2024 NFL draft (most in the country), including quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The Wolverines also lost head coach Jim Harbaugh to the NFL.
Michigan still has a very talented roster and returns running back Donovan Edwards.
"Defense is going to be outstanding. (Their) defense is going to be one of the top two or three defenses in all of college football. Their interior defensive line is the top interior defensive line in the country, hands down," wrote Klatt.
3. Alabama Crimson Tide
The Alabama Crimson Tide lost significant talent in the post-Nick Saban era, but still have one of the best rosters in college football. Alabama star quarterback Jalen Milroe, a second-team All-SEC pick, is a dynamic playmaker for the Crimson Tide.
"Kalen DeBeor will work in Tuscaloosa," Klatt wrote.
Klatt is much lower on the Crimson Tide than most other college football analysts.
2. Utah Utes
"This is my pick in the Big 12," said Klatt.
Utah quarterback Cam Rising should be healthy again as the Utes play in their first season in the Big 12. If Utah wins the Big 12, the Utes would secure a top four seed and a bye in the playoff.
"Kyle Whittingham is one of the top three or four coaches in all of college football," wrote Klatt.
There's no doubt Whittingham has what it takes to navigate the Big 12, which should be a very balanced conference this fall.
1. Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State could be one of the top teams to benefit from the 12-team playoff format. The Nittany Lions are primed to be in the playoff conversation and quarterback Drew Allar does a good job of avoiding turnovers.
"The defense should be really good," wrote Klatt, who also thinks that Penn State's schedule is favorable.
This article originally appeared on Bulldogs Wire: Joel Klatt releases his preseason top 10 rankings
