Joel Klatt Names College Football Program That Can Be 'Sneaky' in 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Kevin Borba | Last updated Feb 18, 2025 6:52 PM ET

The first season of the 12-team College Football Playoff did not disappoint by any means.

Programs that typically weren't in a position to contend for a title found themselves squarely in the mix, and although there were eight additional playoff spots, the debate over which terms deserved to be in was as prevalent as ever.

Ultimately, the Ohio State Buckeyes (14-2) were crowned as the champs over the Notre Dame Fighting Irish (14-2), marking the second year in a row a Big Ten team won the title and also the second year in a row the SEC didn't have a representative playing for the title.

With the season now in the rear-view mirror, fans and pundits are already looking ahead to 2025. On a recent episode of the "Joel Klatt Show," Klatt dove into which teams could have SMU or Arizona State-like seasons, where they burst onto the scene as a contender despite not generating preseason buzz.

One team that he deemed could be "sneaky" was the Illinois Fighting Illini.

"I think Illinois can be a sneaky team next year, and here are the factors," Klat said. "They're coming off a 10-win season. They beat South Carolina in the bowl game. Luke Altmeyer is back at quarterback with the entire offensive line. So now you're getting that veteran presence that I think is very important."

On top of having an experienced roster, the Fighting Illini could also have a favorable schedule in conference play. Their two most challenging games are against Ohio and Indiana, who each made the College Football Playoff. On the bright side, they do get Ohio State at home.

On top of that, the rest of their Big Ten opponents combined for an 18-45 record in conference play this past season.

The only thing working against Brett Bielima and Illinois is the program's history. The Fighting Illini have never recorded consecutive 10-win seasons, with this past season being the program's first since 2001.

If they can end that brutal trend, they could be in the mix for a playoff spot in 2025.

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

More must-reads: