As Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt released his post‑spring way‑too‑early Top‑25 for the 2025 season, he slots defending national champions Ohio State at No. 3 despite an exodus of talent to the NFL Draft. What makes him so confident?
Joel Klatt Explains Why Ohio State Deserves a Top-3 Ranking
Klatt points out that Ohio State led the nation by sending a record‑tying 14 players to the 2025 NFL Draft, tying its school mark set in 2004. Despite that turnover, Klatt remains sold on the Buckeyes’ title defense because of two returning superstars.
“They just have 14 players drafted, and the two best football players in America are still in Columbus,” Klatt said. “Jeremiah Smith, the receiver. Caleb Downs is the safety. That’s wild.”
Freshman sensation Jeremiah Smith hauled in 76 catches for 1,315 yards and 15 touchdowns en route to a national title, setting FBS freshman records along the way.
Meanwhile, ESPN’s panel of experts tabbed Caleb Downs as the country’s No. 1 defensive back for 2025, underscoring his lockdown coverage and playmaking in the secondary.
How Smith and Downs Anchor Both Sides of the Ball
On offense, Klatt stresses that every game plan will run through Jeremiah Smith, whose explosive playmaking makes him a matchup nightmare for any defense. Klatt even noted that despite their youth, both Smith and Downs “would have made cases for being the first non‑quarterback off the board” in the NFL Draft.
Reports list Downs as a projected top‑five pick and the nation’s No. 1 safety prospect, highlighting his 99% coverage grade and 91% tackling efficiency last season.
Defensively, Downs’ sideline‑to‑sideline range and instinctive play will stabilize a retooled secondary and mask any growing pains on the defensive front. Klatt believes having the sport’s best safety provides an “automatic multiplier” effect across the defense, allowing coordinators to be creative and aggressive.
With Smith commanding defensive attention on offense and Downs anchoring the secondary, Klatt argues Ohio State mitigates much of the offseason attrition and remains a legitimate national title threat in 2025.
Klatt also points out that Ohio State’s dynastic recruiting machine and coaching continuity will cushion any offseason departures. With Head Coach Ryan Day firmly at the helm and OSU’s 2025 class ranked among the top five nationally, the Buckeyes don’t just reload—they restock with elite talent.
Newcomers like wideout Carnell Tate and linebacker Sonny Styles, both projected as early NFL picks, are poised to make immediate impacts and keep Ohio State in championship contention.
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In the end, Klatt’s faith in these two game‑changing talents is why he believes Ohio State can withstand its draft losses and still compete at the highest level next fall.
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