Klatt's Preseason Top 25: Ohio State Edges Out Georgia for No. 1

Joel Klatt unveils his preseason top 25 college football rankings, with Ohio State taking the top spot ahead of Georgia, Texas, Oregon, and Ole Miss.

As the college football season approaches, excitement is building for what promises to be a thrilling year on the gridiron. With the addition of new teams to conferences and the expansion of the College Football Playoff to 12 teams, there are plenty of storylines to follow.

In his preseason top 25 rankings, FOX Sports analyst Joel Klatt gives Ohio State the edge over Georgia for the No. 1 spot. Klatt believes the Buckeyes' veteran talent and recent successes on the field give them a slight advantage over the Bulldogs.

Klatt's Preseason Top 25: Ohio State Edges Out Georgia for No. 1

Ohio State has signed five straight top-five recruiting classes and added several key transfers, including safety Caleb Downs, quarterback Julian Sayin, and running back Quincy Howard. The Buckeyes also return a majority of their top contributors from last season, including quarterback C.J. Stroud and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

Georgia, meanwhile, returns 12 starters from last year's squad, including quarterback Carson Beck and defensive tackle Jalen Carter. The Bulldogs have won 46 of their last 48 games and have a strong track record of success under Kirby Smart.

Texas comes in at No. 3 in Klatt's rankings after a breakout season in 2022. The Longhorns won 10 games and defeated Alabama in Austin last year. They return quarterback Quinn Ewers and several key pieces on defense.

Oregon, with its dynamic offense led by Bo Nix, lands at No. 4. The Ducks have a favorable schedule in their first year in the Big Ten and could be a surprise challenger for the national championship.

Rounding out the top five is Ole Miss, which has emerged as a contender in the SEC under Lane Kiffin. The Rebels return quarterback Jaxson Dart and a talented receiving corps, including Jonathan Mingo and transfer Jayden McGowan.

Other notable teams in Klatt's top 25 include Miami (Fla.) at No. 12, Notre Dame at No. 14, and Penn State at No. 16.

With the season set to kick off in just a few weeks, college football fans have plenty to look forward to in 2024. The expanded playoff format will provide more opportunities for teams to compete for a national title, and the addition of new conferences will create fresh rivalries and storylines.

Klatt's preseason rankings set the stage for what promises to be an exciting and unpredictable season on the gridiron. Only time will tell which teams will rise to the top and ultimately claim the national championship.