Joel Klatt Names No. 1 Team In College Football In Post-Spring Rankings

As spring practices have come to a close, it is time to focus on preseason predictions and summer workouts ahead of the upcoming 2024 college football season.

Joel Klatt released his post-spring Top 25 college football rankings on Monday's edition of The Joel Klatt Show . Klatt ranked Ohio State as the No. 1 team in the nation due to the potential of the Buckeyes' defense entering the 2024 season.

"The offseason that Ohio State had and the roster that they're going to put on the field, to me, makes them No. 1," Klatt said. "The defense for Ohio State is what makes them the No. 1 team in the country because they will be the best defense in the country. I think that Ohio State is going to have as good of a defense as we've seen in a long time, maybe all the way back to the 2021 Georgia team."

Klatt also pointed to the addition of offensive coordinator Chip Kelly. He believes that Kelly's ability to build an elite rushing attack could make the Buckeyes dangerous next season offensively.

"They have not reached their potential in terms of a run game over the last couple of years... Chip Kelly will fix that," Klatt said. "They're going to be a better run team. He runs the ball effectively everywhere that he's been."

The Buckeyes return multiple key starters, including defensive ends J.T. Tuimoloau and Jack Sawyer. Running back Tre'Veyon Henderson and wide receiver Emeka Egbuka will lead the offense. Kansas State transfer Will Howard is expected to win the quarterback battle this offseason, and Ole Miss running Quinshon Judkins adds even more depth in the backfield.

Ohio State will open the 2024 season against Akron on Aug. 31 in Columbus.

Related: Paul Finebaum Names The No. 1 Team In College Football Entering 2024 Season