Ohio State still ranked high in Joel Klatt's rankings after Iowa win

We're starting to get into the meat of the college football season, and with it, some more intriguing conference matchups. We've already seen some pretty pivotal and early-season matchups that have shaped our perceptions and thoughts, and that's the same with Fox analyst Joel Klatt as well.

If you follow us at all, you know we like to keep tabs on what Klatt is saying. He's seen a ton of Ohio State games over the last few years, is about as unbiased as can be, and has well-thought-out analysis and commentary. That doesn't mean he doesn't make mistakes or have opinions that not all of us will agree with, but he's not a guy that just spins things for ratings.

Each week Klatt gives us his top ten rankings based on what he's seen, and we like to check in to see where Ohio State is, who, by the way, seems to be getting better by the week and just finished off an impressive win over Iowa on the road. Here's how Klatt sees the top ten after Week 5 and where Ohio State is.

No. 10 - BYU Cougars (not ranked last week)

What we say

Yeah, BYU is undefeated, but there's really not a real quality win in there, and beating a TCU team -- albeit on the road -- that isn't having the best start to the season by only a touchdown doesn't qualify as a win that exudes confidence. Klatt likes BYU, but we've got to see a lot more first before we think this is a top ten team.

No. 9 - Utah Utes (No. 10 last week)

What we say

The Utes look like the team most likely to be there with Texas Tech when it comes to the Big 12, though Klatt doesn't even have the Red Raiders in the top ten. We've come to expect a physical brand of football from Utah, but the offense is one of the best we've seen so far in Salt Lake City. Combine that with a defense that's also routing opponents so far, and this could be one of the dark horse candidates to do some damage in the College Football Playoff.

No. 8 - Oregon (No. 9 last week)

What we say

Oregon is starting to play as we all expected at the beginning of the season. We'll see how much time quarterback Dante Moore loses, but the Ducks could do a lot worse than having a two-time starter, Dylan Riaola, as the backup option. This roster still might be the most talented in college football; it's just whether or not the collection of talent can play up to its potential consistently.

No. 7 - Notre Dame Fighting Irish (No. 5 last week)

What we say

Klatt dropped the Fighting Irish by a couple of spots, and we still think he's being a little hard on the Golden Domers. This team has one of the best quarterbacks in the country, is well coached, and has stacked great recruiting classes. The running game is starting to show signs of life, and you get the feeling that when things are really on the line, you'll see the best version of Notre Dame. Everyone is looking forward to the game at BYU in a couple of weeks.

No. 6 - Indiana Hoosiers (No. 7 last week)

What we say

Is Indiana being overlooked, yet again? The Hoosiers are the defending national champions, have one whale of a defense, and are one of the best-coached teams in the country. The coaching staff has brought along quarterback Josh Hoover nicely, who has yet to throw an interception this season. Don't be surprised if Indiana is right there at the end again, looking to make its third straight CFP appearance and contend for all the marbles again.

No. 5. - Alabama Crimson Tide (No. 6 last week)

What we say

Keelon Russell at quarterback has made Alabama a very hard offense to defend, but it's more than that. The running game has been fantastic and the defense stingy, aside from a wacky game against Florida State. There are still plenty of hurdles along the way, and the game against Georgia in Tuscaloosa will be a great test for both teams this weekend.

No. 4 - Miami Hurricanes (No. 4 last week)

What we say

Miami has taken everyone behind the woodshed so far this year, but we're still waiting to see what the defense really is against a quality opponent (no, Clemson doesn't count). The ACC won't likely offer too much in the way of competition, but maybe, just maybe, the game against Florida State in a couple of weeks will be a tricky one. We don't see too many problems for the 'Canes until the game against Notre Dame in early November.

No. 3 - Ohio State Buckeyes (No. 3 last week)

What we say

After the one-point loss at Texas, Ohio State has seemed to be getting better by the week. The running game is starting to fire a bit, the defense is handling its assignments and gaps much better, and we all know about the passing game with Julian Sayin and Jeremiah Smith. The game against Maryland shouldn't be much of a speed bump this week, but then there's the titanic matchup at Indiana the week after.

No. 2 - Texas Longhorns (No. 2 last week)

What we say

Honestly, we're a little surprised Klatt dropped Texas to No. 2 because the Longhorns have two of the best wins in the country with the win over Ohio State and on the road vs. Tennessee. The lack of confidence likely stems from Arch Manning yet to become what we all thought, but there will be plenty of chances to prove everyone wrong, with a very difficult road ahead.

No. 1 - Georgia Bulldogs (No. 2 last week)

What we say

Georgia has been impressive, even with a somewhat lackluster game against Vanderbilt last week. There aren't too many quarterbacks playing better than Gunnar Stockton, the defense has been tough to move the ball and score on, and we know that Kirby Smart has recruited a ton of talent on the roster. Traveling to play Alabama on Saturday is going to be a fun one to see how things stack up in what will be the most-anticipated games of the still-early season.

Joel Klatt's full rankings

Thoughts on @joelklatt's latest Top 10? pic.twitter.com/goBzquwpWY

— The Joel Klatt Show: A College Football on FOX Pod (@JoelKlattShow) October 5, 2026

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This article originally appeared on Buckeyes Wire: Ohio State still ranked high in Joel Klatt's rankings after Iowa win