Joel Klatt sees Ohio State right where the Buckeyes expect to be: in the hunt for another national title.
In Klatt’s view, only seven teams out of the 137 Division I programs have a real shot at the championship in 2026-27, and Ohio State is one of them. That group isn’t packed with surprises, but it does underline how high the Buckeyes sit in the national conversation.
The reason is simple enough. Ohio State has some questions, but the top end of the roster looks elite.
Jeremiah Smith headlines the group and, as Klatt sees it, is poised to be the best player in college football next year unless injury gets in the way. He already is, and the expectation is that he’ll keep making life miserable for defenses no matter how they try to cover him.
If a defender does manage to stay with him, Smith can still go up and make the catch over the top.
He won’t be carrying the load alone. Ohio State’s supporting cast includes Heisman Trophy finalist Julian Sayin, a 1,000-yard rusher in Bo Jackson, and the team’s leading sack getter, Kenyatta Jackson.
Klatt’s Big Ten group also includes Oregon and Indiana, both of which will be on Ohio State’s regular-season schedule. Oregon enters the year looking like one of the most complete teams in the country, with veteran talent at every level. Indiana, meanwhile, is facing more skepticism nationally because it has to replace a lot on both sides of the ball.
That’s a challenge Ohio State knows plenty about after coming off its National Championship in 2024-25.
The SEC is represented by the usual heavyweights. Klatt has Texas and Georgia in the mix, and both teams appear loaded. Texas is another program Ohio State will see in the regular season.
Rounding out the list are Notre Dame and Miami. Miami finished as the runner-up last year, while Notre Dame was three points away from being a serious Playoff Contender.
Seven teams. One title. Klatt thinks Ohio State belongs in the conversation, but the road to the top is crowded.
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