Joel Klatt ranks his top ten after Week 1 of college football season
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A new college football season is officially underway, and with every week of wins and upsets, new rankings are released. The AP Poll and the US LMB Coaches Poll are the official rankings, but many experts like to make their own rankings based on a variety of factors. Here at Buckeyes Wire, we really like the list Joel Klatt puts out each week. He is as objective and unbiased as they come and presents a well-thought-out top-ten, not outlandish picks to rage-bait fan bases.
Each week, we'll look at Klatt's rankings and share our thoughts, too. The picks will change from week to week based on wins, losses, and overall performance. Some we'll agree with, and some will induce an eye roll, but that's the beauty of college football… everyone has an opinion.
After a full slate in Week 1, let's take a look at how the Fox college football analyst sees the best teams in the land.
No. 10 – USC Trojans
What We Think
Does Lincoln Riley finally have a defense at USC? Since coming to Los Angeles, Riley's teams have had no problem getting the ball into the end zone, but unfortunately, opposing teams have had no problem scoring either. While not facing elite competition so far, the Trojans have taken care of business. They get another cupcake this week when the Ragin' Cajuns of Louisiana come to town.
No. 9 – Oklahoma Sooners
What We Think
Just the opposite of USC, the Sooners have not had a problem stopping other teams from scoring, but they haven't been all that consistent on offense in recent years. Quarterback John Mateer seems to be back and healthy, which will carry Oklahoma's hopes and dreams. The Sooners travel to Ann Arbor this Saturday for a Fox Big Noon Kickoff. Hopefully, that's the only time we'll be talking about the clock when Oklahoma and Michigan do battle.
No. 8 – Indiana Hoosiers
What We Think
After one week, Indiana looks like they picked up right where they left off after winning the 2025 National Championship. The offense is going to be formidable once again, but the Hoosiers are replacing a lot on defense. Indiana won't face a ranked team until October 17, when Ohio State heads to Bloomington. Curt Cignetti's team should be undefeated going into a battle with the Buckeyes.
No. 7 – Oregon Ducks
What We Think
Oregon did not look good Saturday against Boise State. We understand the Broncos have been a quality program for many years, but all we've heard all offseason long is that this team is loaded and might be Dan Lanning's best team yet in Eugene. The Ducks clearly have some issues to take care of on both sides of the ball. They get a rebuilding Oklahoma State program in Week 2.
No. 6 – Georgia Bulldogs
What We Think
Georgia feels a little underrated at No. 6 for our liking. The Bulldogs continue to reload with some of the best talent year after year. We know they played poor Tennessee State, but they did exactly what they were supposed to do, blowing the doors off the FCS opponent. The Dawgs get Western Kentucky this week, and we expect the same kind of results.
No. 5 – Notre Dame Fighting Irish
What We Think
Back-to-back picks where we think it's just a little too low. Notre Dame may have gotten off to a slow start, but the Fighting Irish dismantled a Big Ten foe. With a relatively light schedule, Notre Dame shouldn't face much adversity until a November matchup with the Miami Hurricanes.
No. 4 – Miami Hurricanes
What We Think
Speaking of the Hurricanes, Miami comes in at No. 4 on Klatt's list. That feels about right, although Mario Cristobal's club is replacing a ton on the defensive side of the ball. That won't hurt too much, as they have plenty of time to get real game experience. The Hurricanes only play one ranked opponent, and not until early November. You guessed it… Notre Dame.
No. 3 – LSU Tigers
What We Think
Looks like Joel is jumping on the Lane Train. We're not ready to go all in on LSU just yet. The Tigers looked very good in a dominant win over Clemson, but Dabo hasn't adjusted to the times. The Bayou Bengals will have plenty of time to change our minds with a stout schedule ahead.
No. 2 – Texas Longhorns
What We Think
Arch Manning has a full year as a starter under his belt. The addition of Cam Coleman and Hollywood Smothers takes some of the pressure off the Texas quarterback. A well-rounded team that seems like it's been knocking on the door for years. The Longhorns get a big opportunity to prove they are ready to break that door down when Ohio State comes to town this Saturday.
No. 1 – Ohio State Buckeyes
What We Think
Ohio State checked most of the boxes on Saturday against Ball State. We'd like to see the run game be more consistent, and the offensive line needs to be better. The Buckeyes are loaded with talent and are deserving of the No. 1 ranking, but if the line doesn't figure things out quickly, the Texas defense will make them pay.
Joel Klatt's full rankings
Thoughts on @joelklatt's new Top 10? pic.twitter.com/xif1gsRYtg
— The Joel Klatt Show: A College Football on FOX Pod (@JoelKlattShow) September 7, 2026
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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Joel Klatt ranks his top ten after Week 1 of college football season
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