The college football season of 2025 is reaching a critical juncture, intensifying the playoff race as teams vie for coveted positions. In a recent episode of “The Joel Klatt Show,” the renowned analyst shared his predictions for the upcoming 12-team College Football Playoff. With critical games set for this weekend, the outcomes could significantly shape the playoff landscape just before the initial rankings are revealed.
In a highly anticipated matchup, Klatt will be in Columbus to witness the classic rivalry between Penn State and Ohio State. Expectations were high for this game earlier in the season, possibly positioning the teams as top contenders. However, the reality is starkly different; Penn State has struggled, resulting in the firing of head coach James Franklin and entering “The Shoe” on a four-game losing streak. Conversely, Ohio State remains undefeated and leads the AP poll by a substantial margin, showcasing their dominance throughout the season.
Despite their recent challenges, Penn State will approach the game without the pressure of playoff impending doom, offering the opportunity to unleash creative schemes and play aggressively, which Klatt calls a “kitchen sink game.” With talented players still on the roster, including quarterback Ethan Grunkemeyer—who is set for a significant test against Ohio State’s formidable defense—Penn State aims to salvage pride and deliver a competitive performance.
The strategic battle will be particularly intriguing as Penn State’s defensive coordinator, Jim Knowles, faces off against the Ohio State offense he once led to a national championship. Both sides will look to exploit their respective knowledge of each other’s tendencies, making for a fascinating tactical showdown.
In addition to this clash, Texas, struggling to maintain its dominant form, prepares to host Vanderbilt. Questions loom regarding quarterback Arch Manning’s availability due to a concussion protocol, which could pivot the starting responsibilities to Matthew Caldwell. Caldwell’s previous performance showcased his capabilities, but Texas’ struggles in the run game present significant obstacles ahead.
Meanwhile, as the Longhorns’ defense is recognized as one of the best in the nation, Vanderbilt’s offense faces a tough challenge. Klatt predicts Texas will continue its winning streak, emphasizing the difficulty for Vanderbilt to secure a victory on Texas soil.
Another notable matchup features Tennessee’s high-octane offense against Oklahoma’s solid defense. Klatt points to Tennessee’s impressive performance metrics and suggests that if Tennessee can effectively challenge Oklahoma, they have a strong chance of winning at home.
USC, trending upward despite previous setbacks, is primed for a favorable matchup against Nebraska. Klatt commends USC’s potential to dominate at the line of scrimmage and predicts that if they maintain a balanced attack, they should not have issues eclipsing 30 points while holding Nebraska at bay.
Lastly, Utah faces Cincinnati with uncertainty surrounding the status of quarterback Devon Dampier. Regardless, Utah’s successful blowout against Colorado suggests they could maintain momentum against a capable Cincinnati team led by Brendan Sorsby.
With a dynamic slate of games ahead, fans can look forward to pivotal matchups that are sure to shake up the playoff race as teams battle for supremacy. Klatt’s insights reflect the excitement and unpredictability that this season has to offer, keeping the hopes of teams alive while engaging college football enthusiasts nationwide.