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Joel Klatt Didn’t Hesitate When Making His College Football National Championship Prediction

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt De Lima | Last updated Aug 18, 2025 2:24 PM ET

Joel Klatt, the veteran analyst widely known as the voice of Fox Sports’ top college football team, wasted no time revealing his picks for this year's College Football Playoff field and eventual national champion. Picking conference title game winners and building his four-team bracket, Klatt made clear this season shapes up as a defining year for several of the sport’s highest-paid coaches.

After placing Penn State, Texas, Clemson and reigning champion Ohio State in his projected final four, Klatt skip ped over the reigning champs with his title-winning pick.

Klatt believes Clemson and Ohio State will meet in Miami Gardens for the College Football Playoff national championship game, but gave his crystal-ball vote of confidence to Clemson, projecting the Tigers to win it all.

That call represents a major swing — one that would deliver Clemson coach Dabo Swinney his third national crown.

Dabo Swinney Has Clemson Poised For A New-Era Title Run

Klatt said the roster talent is undeniable, highlighting three Clemson players in his player top-10 rankings .

He singled out Cade Klubnik, who took over in 2024 with a dominant season where he passed for 3,639 yards and 36 touchdowns.

The Tigers will also be led by EDGE T.J. Parker and defensive tackle Peter Woods as the duo are part of one of the best defensive fronts in the country.

Klatt argues Swinney’s approach, often criticized as outdated in the NIL and transfer portal era, still can deliver at the sport’s highest level.

The record supports that belief. Swinney, now entering his 17th full season at Clemson, has led the Tigers to double-digit victories in 12 of the past 13 seasons.

His two previous national championships came from wildly different rosters, one built behind No. 1 NFL draft pick Trevor Lawrence, the other anchored by Deshaun Watson’s dual-threat playmaking.

Klatt believes that Swinney capturing another championship with a revamped formula, a different QB profile, and a modernized defensive identity would mirror what Nick Saban accomplished in extending dynastic dominance from 2009 to 2020.

Ohio State Lurks As Repeat Threat Behind Ryan Day

Ohio State remains a national title contender, anchored by a mix of emerging stars and fresh faces.

Quarterback Julian Sayin, a former five-star recruit and the top signal-caller in the 2024 class, has been named the starter for the season opener against No. 1 Texas on August 30. Sayin earned the nod after strong camp showings, edging out redshirt sophomore Lincoln Kienholz to become the face of the Buckeyes’ offense.

At wide receiver, sophomore Jeremiah Smith stands out as a generational talent. Standing 6-3 and 223 lbs, Smith was the top-ranked recruit in the 2024 class and shattered the FBS freshman receiving record.

Last season, he earned Freshman All-American and Big Ten Freshman of the Year honors, while also being named a second-team All-American.

The receiver room gets even deeper with junior Carnell Tate, a five-star from the 2023 class who racked up 52 receptions for 733 yards and four touchdowns in 2024, including standout performances down the stretch.

In the backfield, sophomore James Peoples is emerging as Ohio State’s leading running back option. Scouts have pointed to his consistent flashes in both rushing an d receiving drills as a sign that he could lead the position group in 2025.

Clemson’s Experience, Roster Depth Reinforce Klatt’s Faith

Klatt’s belief in Clemson is strengthened by tangible advantages across the Tigers’ roster. Swinney returns more than 80 percent of last season’s on-field production with veteran starters at nearly every position, creating uncommon continuity in an era dominated by portal churn.

With national analysts broadly projecting Clemson inside the preseason top five, Klatt’s forecast looks less like an upset call and more like a logical projection based on talent stability and championship-proven infrastructure.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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