Joel Klatt reveals SEC team with best chance to make debut CFP appearance in 2025
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Joel Klatt is ready to break down the race to the College Football Playoff for the 2025 season, and he’s ready to name the programs best poised to be a newcomer to the Playoff.
On Monday, his latest episode of The Joel Klatt Show ranked the 10 teams Klatt believes have the best shot at making their first CFP appearance this fall. Coming in at No. 2 in the country and the top team from the SEC on the list is Ole Miss.
Klatt understands the wealth of talent the Rebels have to replace, but he believes the offensive system and incoming transfer portal class will help ease those concerns:
“They’ve got to replace a bunch of talent, but I trust Lane Kiffin. He’s not only great at tweeting, he whines a lot about the Playoff, which we know, but the guy can coach,” said Klatt. “Lane’s an excellent coach, he’s one of the best coaches in America. I think people love to hate on Lane, but everywhere he’s been, he’s done an excellent job. He’s grown, he’s matured, I find him to be hilarious on Twitter. I loved taking a jab at him at the end of last year, which he took in stride, by the way, we’ve texted and talked. Great dude.
“… They are replacing 18 starters, including 8 draft picks… They have to replace Jaxson Dart (with Austin Simmons). This is also a bet on Kiffin’s offense. Kiffin is going to be able to score points. I just believe that. It’s a QB-friendly offense, it’s a QB-friendly situation… Pete Golding’s defense last season was awesome.”
Overall, Klatt conceded that he likes the roster of South Carolina more than that of Ole Miss, but the Rebels get the Gamecocks at home on Nov. 1. Klatt also likes what should be an easier on-ramp for Ole Miss before a Sept. 27 visit from LSU, which is also in Oxford. An early win over the Tigers could set Ole Miss up for big things down the road.
According to BetMGM, Ole Miss checks in at +140 to make the final Playoff field, though the Rebels are also -175 to miss the cut. Fans can grab the latest odds and track the action all season through the best sports betting apps available in your area.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
