In the midst of college football’s offseason, optimism runs high for most fan bases. However, FOX Sports lead analyst Joel Klatt is taking a more critical look at the nation’s top programs. On a recent episode of the “Joel Klatt Show,” he identified the most pressing question for each of the 12 highest-ranked teams in his post-spring top 25 poll. Some issues are predictable, like replacing key players, while others could quietly define a team’s season. Let’s examine Klatt’s biggest concerns for each contender.
**12. Michigan: Can QB Bryce Underwood emulate Devon Dampier’s rushing impact?**
After former Utah offensive coordinator Jason Beck followed Kyle Whittingham to Michigan, Klatt wonders if Beck can help Underwood replicate the rushing production that Devon Dampier provided over two seasons (nearly 2,000 yards). “In the top four teams for quarterback rushing last year, three were service academies and Utah. That’s a core part of Beck’s offense,” Klatt said. “I doubt it’ll be as extensive—you want to protect Underwood in a tougher Big Ten. But this is Beck’s system. They might have a better run game around the quarterback than Utah did.” If Michigan successfully integrates Underwood into the ground attack, Klatt believes they could compete at the top of the Big Ten. “If that works, they become a very difficult offense to stop. If Michigan leads the Power 4 in rushing like Utah did, they’ll be the antidote to what Oregon, Indiana, and Ohio State do.”
**11. Oklahoma: Can the running backs relieve QB John Mateer?**
Klatt sees a strong foundation at Oklahoma with coach Brent Venables, quarterback John Mateer (one of the nation’s best), and a top-tier defense. But he stresses the need for improvement on the ground. “This problem kept Mateer from reaching his potential early last year. He was on Heisman lists, but he was overexposed in the run game because the backs weren’t producing,” Klatt said. “When the quarterback complements the run, you can use both effectively. Last year, Oklahoma couldn’t do that.” He warns against relying too heavily on Mateer: “He can’t be Superman every week; he won’t survive a nine-game SEC schedule. If they have a run game, a top-10 defense, and Mateer’s playmaking, they can be a real threat in the SEC and even make playoff noise.”
**10. USC: Is the defensive line ready?**
Klatt admits he ranks USC higher than most, acknowledging concerns along the defensive line. But he thinks drastic improvement may not be necessary to contend. “Under Lincoln Riley at USC, they rank 132nd nationally in yards per carry allowed (excluding sacks). The key isn’t becoming dominant—it’s the margin between yards gained and allowed per carry. At Oklahoma, Riley’s teams were third in that differential. At USC, they’re 55th. If they shrink that gap and just become adequate against the run, they’ll have something, because they can run the ball well already.”
**9. Texas A&M: Will QB Marcel Reed step up in big games?**
Reed looked like a Heisman contender during an 11-0 start last year, but struggled in the final two games, throwing two interceptions in each loss to Texas and Miami (Fla.) in the playoff. Klatt calls him a “low-floor, high-ceiling player.” “If he eliminates those bad performances or reduces them to one bad series, A&M becomes a team to reckon with in big games. If Reed plays to his potential consistently, they’re playoff-bound, competing for the SEC title, maybe a national semifinal and championship game—given their recruiting and stability under Mike Elko.”
**8. LSU: Can they gel quickly under Lane Kiffin?**
Kiffin brought in 40 transfers as he prepares for his first year at LSU. Klatt believes rapid cohesion is possible. “Texas Tech had 21 transfers and 11 new starters last year. Kiffin’s own Ole Miss team had 32 transfers. Indiana had 27 in their turnaround. LSU’s projected depth chart may have 11–12 portal starters. It’s about culture and execution. Kiffin did it quickly at Ole Miss, so I think they’ll buy in. Guys like QB Sam Leavitt and OT Jordan Seaton will upgrade the roster—it’s the most expensive roster in college football. But they must hit the ground running: first four games include Clemson, Ole Miss (Kiffin’s return), and Texas A&M. Two losses leave no margin.”
**7. Texas: Is the run game fixed?**
Klatt sees the top seven teams in his rankings as a separate tier. But Texas must improve on the ground after a poor finish. “Texas was putrid running the ball last season. Sarkisian’s best teams—like the 2020 Alabama offense he coordinated—ran effectively. Last year, the running backs ranked 120th in yards per carry. They should be better up front. Sark is at his best when running well, but he’ll need a rebuilt backfield with transfers Hollywood Smothers and Raleek Brown. If they perform, Arch Manning won’t be under constant pressure. That was Texas’s problem: everything fell on him, and he played fine down the stretch.”
**6. Miami (Fla.): How big a drop-off on the line of scrimmage?**
Miami must replace three first-round talents: offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa and edge rushers Rueben Bain Jr. and Akheem Mesidor. Klatt is confident Mario Cristobal can rebuild. “They lost so much on both lines, and that dominance got them to the national championship. They were terrific on O-line—allowed little pressure, ran well—and D-line was relentless. Replacing those high-round picks is key, but Cristobal recruits and develops lines. If there’s not much drop-off, this team can compete for another title. They have a ton of former five-star players.”
**5. Georgia: Where are the playmakers?**
Despite Georgia’s status as SEC class, Klatt questions their outside playmaking. “The problem in recent years is lack of playmakers on the outside. It killed Carson Beck with drops two years ago. Last year, no big-play threat. Can they win a shootout? I’m not sure. Since Brock Bowers left, who’s the threat? Their leading returning receiver, London Humphries, had 18 catches. They brought in Georgia Tech transfer Isaiah Cannon (6-4), who was their third-leading receiver. They need a young guy to step up.”
**4. Indiana: Who replaces CB D’Angelo Ponds on defense?**
Many might think replacing Heisman winner Fernando Mendoza is the biggest question, but Klatt focuses on defense. “Cignetti said a QB’s best friends are run game and good defense. In Indiana’s scheme, it was built around Ponds. He was a 5-9 corner who allowed freedom of movement—they could roll coverage away from him. He handled half the field, boundary, and run support. That made them a top defense nationally. If they replace him, they’ll be good again.”
**3. Ohio State: Is the offensive line fixed?**
While some worry about replacing three first-round defensive players, Klatt has faith in coordinator Matt Patricia. His concern is the O-line. “In every loss—going back to Oregon in 2024—they got beaten at the line. They couldn’t protect Julian Sayin or convert short yardage. With many returners and new OC Arthur Smith (NFL run-game background), they must improve. Ohio State allowed five sacks in each loss to
