Ohio State is One of Three Big Ten Teams in Joel Klatt's Title Contenders
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Fox's Joel Klatt believes that there are only a handful of teams that will contend for the National Championship in 2026-27. Of the 137 Division I teams in America, Klatt believes that there are seven that have a legitimate chance at the title next year.
Of course, that list features the Ohio State Buckeyes.
It's hardly a surprise that Ohio State would make that final list of contending teams in College Football for next year. When you examine this roster, it certainly has some question marks on it, but the guys at the top of it are as elite as they come.
Jeremiah Smith tops that list as he will be the best player in college football next year, barring an injury. He already is, but he will continue to be impossible to cover no matter who is playing defense, and if you do successfully cover him, he will just make the catch over the top.
He's a special player and one that will help lead the Buckeyes. Ohio State's supporting cast features a Heisman Trophy finalist, Julian Sayin, a 1,000-yard rusher, Bo Jackson, and a leading sack getter, Kenyatta Jackson.
The Buckeyes will be loaded next year, so who else joins them on this list?
Out of the Big Ten, the Buckeyes are joined by the Oregon Ducks and the Indiana Hoosiers. Both programs are ones that Ohio State has history with, and both teams are ones that the Buckeyes will see in the regular season.
The Ducks come into the season as one of the most complete teams in America with veteran players at every single level. The Hoosiers, on the other hand, are facing some doubt on a national level. They have to replace a lot of players on both sides of the ball, and it will be a major, major challenge.
Much the same as the Buckeyes' coming off of their National Championship in 2024-25.
Out of the SEC, there are only two teams that fit the bill for Klatt, and it is the normal suspects. The Texas Longhorns and the Georgia Bulldogs are the two legitimate options from the Southeastern Conference, and both teams are seemingly loaded.
Yes, that's another team at the top of the charts that is on the Buckeyes' regular season schedule.
The final two teams on Klatt's list are from the ACC or close to it. It is the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and the Miami Hurricanes.
Miami was the runner-up last year, and the Irish were three points away from being a serious Playoff Contender.
Each of these seven teams are chasing the top of the mountain, only one will get there. The Buckeyes will have a great shot at it, but the competition to get there will be stiff.
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