SHOWS > THE JOEL KLATT SHOW EPISODES
BONUS Mailbag Episode: Did Michigan Create a New Blueprint to Win National Championships?
In another bonus mailbag episode, Fox Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt discusses whether Michigan has established a new blueprint to win National Championships with their veteran-led team that wasn’t built on Top-5 recruiting classes. Klatt also provides his bucket list of sporting events that he’d love to attend.
Schools Will Start Paying Their Players Directly: What Does It Mean for College Football?
Fox Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt reacts to the groundbreaking agreement between the NCAA and the Power 5 Conferences that will allow schools to pay athletes directly in the future. He breaks down why this happened and why it is such a positive thing for the future of college football. He also lays out why it is just the first domino in a series of next steps. Klatt also discusses whether this agreement will get rid of NIL and Collectives in collegiate sports. He wraps up by considering which programs will benefit most from this ruling and whether this will shift the balance of power in the sport.
BONUS Mailbag Episode: Klatt’s 5 Bounce-back Teams for the Upcoming Season
In this bonus mailbag episode, Fox Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt makes his picks for 5 teams that underwhelmed in 2023 but will bounce back in a big way this upcoming season. He explains why he sees rivals, Colorado and Nebraska, taking a step forward along with a Big 12 team that he feels will grab one of the byes in the new 12-team Playoff format. Klatt wraps up by answering a request for some advice for a new father.
How College Football and NFL TV Schedules Get Made with Michael Mulvihill
Fox Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt sits down with Fox Sports President of Insight and Analytics, Michael Mulvihill to discuss how College Football and NFL games are scheduled between the different TV networks. Michael explains how the game selection process between TV networks works and why it’s closer to a fantasy football draft than people may realize. The two also discuss the decision making when choosing the Big Noon Saturday Games that were announced last week: Michigan-Ohio State, Texas-Michigan and Alabama-Wisconsin. Mulvihill also details the origins of the concept of Big Noon Saturday and why FOX is adding big-time games on the Friday night schedule this Fall.
The Toughest Places to Play in CFB & More Mailbag Questions with Special Guest Sara Klatt!
In this special Mailbag edition of the podcast, Fox Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt ranks his top 5 toughest places to play in the Big Ten and all of College Football. He answers questions about the transition from high school and college sports towards the future before welcoming in a very special guest: his wife, Sara! Sara joins in to answer more listener-submitted questions about what it’s been like watching Joel as a player and now broadcaster. She also gives some proposal advice and clarifies a few things about Joel’s telling of their own proposal story.
Klatt’s Post-Spring Top 25 for the 2024 Season
Now that Spring Football has finished, Fox Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt ranks his Top 25 teams heading into next season. He reveals his #1 team and discusses how he decided between programs like Texas, Oregon, Ohio State and Georgia. Also included in his Top 25 is a Big Ten team that was below .500 last season but he sees making a big leap this upcoming year. He also places several of the top teams in the Big 12 in his rankings including one team inside his Top 10. Klatt also answers the questions of where to rank defending champion Michigan after losing so much talent to the Draft and how to evaluate Alabama in the post-Saban era.
Michael Penix to the Falcons!?! J.J. McCarthy Get His Wish & Look Out for Caleb Williams & the Bears
Fox Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt is back after covering the NFL Draft from Detroit and starts the show by discussing the most surprising pick: the Falcons taking Michael Penix Jr with the 8th pick. He breaks down why Atlanta’s decision-making this offseason has put both Kirk Cousins and Michael Penix Jr in a bad spot. Klatt also discusses the Giants’ decision to pass on J.J. McCarthy and the Vikings ultimately landing the Michigan QB. The Bears landed two elite talents in the Top 10 in Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze and look poised for a potential playoff run next season. The Broncos have received criticism for where they drafted Bo Nix but Klatt explains why they made the right choice. Finally, Joel discusses why the Cowboys could regret not drafting a Running Back and why Washington had a great draft selecting Illinois DT Jer’Zhan Newton and Michigan DB Mike Sainristil along with the 2nd overall pick in the Draft, LSU QB Jayden Daniels.
Michigan in the Post-Harbaugh Era, Their QB Battle and More Takeaways from the Spring Game
Fox Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt gives his thoughts on Michigan after broadcasting their Spring Game and being around the program over the last week. He discusses the approach new Head Coach Sherrone Moore is taking in the post-Harbaugh era at Michigan. Klatt also points out players that stood out in the Spring Game and discusses the QB battle in Ann Arbor as the Wolverines replace J.J. McCarthy. He also takes a look at the gauntlet that the defending champs will face as they will take on 3 teams that could very well start in the Preseason Top 5 in Oregon, Ohio State and a Texas game on September 7th that will be televised on BIG NOON SATURDAY on FOX.
Klatt’s Final 2024 NFL Mock Draft
NFL Draft week is finally here and Fox Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt reveals his final Mock Draft ahead of Thursday’s First Round. In this Mock Draft, Klatt predicts two trades in the Top 10 as he believes teams will be moving up to find a franchise QB and an elite Wide Receiver. He discusses the decision that Washington will have to make at #2 as they decide between Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels. Klatt also details which team is the best landing spot for one of the top QB’s to have success early in their career. He lays out how the Chicago Bears could end up with a perfect First Round with their two selections. His Mock predicts 6 Quarterbacks going off the board early as J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr and Bo Nix find landing spots inside the Top 20 selections.
Bracing for a Wild Spring Transfer Portal and Takeaways from Ohio State’s Spring Game
Fox Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt explains why the upcoming Spring Transfer Portal has college football coaches around the country in a panic. He details why the lack of guidelines around transfers has caused this Portal window to become a leverage point for players. Klatt lays out his solutions to solve this unsustainable model for the good of the sport, its programs and its players. Joel then recaps his time at Ohio State this past week, including the buzz surrounding #1 overall recruit WR Jeremiah Smith. He also gives his takeaways from the Spring Game on FOX and his early thoughts on the Buckeyes in 2024. Klatt wraps up the podcast by answering mailbag questions including the story of when he and Dan Orlovsky faced off on the baseball diamond while at Detroit Lions training camp.
Klatt Ranks His Top 50 Players in the 2024 NFL Draft
Fox Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt reveals his Top 50 players in the 2024 NFL Draft. In a draft class loaded with talent at QB and Wide Receiver, he makes the case for North Carolina’s Drake Maye as an elite prospect and tackles the question of where to rank Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy and Washington’s Michael Penix Jr compared to the rest of the top prospects in the Draft. Klatt ranks the elite WR’s in the class like Ohio St’s Marvin Harrison Jr, LSU’s Malik Nabers and Washington’s Rome Odunze and explains what makes them so special. He also reveals a surprising pick for his top defensive player on his board.
Klatt’s 10 “Plant the Flag” Players in the 2024 NFL Draft
With the draft only weeks away, Fox Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt reveals 10 NFL Draft prospects that he is “planting his flag” on as players he is betting on having impactful careers in the NFL. Klatt’s list of players range from players expected to go in the First Round like Washington QB Michael Penix Jr to players that may not be picked until the Second or Third day of the NFL Draft like Michigan Defensive Back Mikey Sainristil.
J.J. McCarthy’s Rise, Nabers Vs Harrison Jr, Evaluating Michael Penix Jr & More with Daniel Jeremiah
Fox Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt welcomes NFL Network Draft Analyst Daniel Jeremiah to discuss the top players in the upcoming NFL Draft. The pair discuss how Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy has risen up draft boards. They also give their evaluations of Washington’s Michael Penix Jr and discuss where he could land on Draft night. They discuss the battle for the top Wide Receiver spot as LSU’s Malik Nabers and Washington’s Rome Odunze look to overtake Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. Both analysts provide potential Day 2 prospects that have impressed them in the evaluation process. Later, Klatt makes a big announcement regarding the Ohio State and Michigan Spring Football games next month before concluding the podcast by giving the results of the show's bench press weightlifting challenge.
Klatt’s 2024 NFL Mock Draft 2.0
Following a frantic free agency period in the NFL, Fox Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt is back with his 2nd Mock Draft of the 2024 Draft season. He reveals where top QBs like USC’s Caleb Williams, LSU’s Jayden Daniels, UNC’s Drake Maye and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy will land and also predicts a major trade that shakes up his Top 5. His Mock Draft also includes Aaron Rodgers landing a big-time playmaker in New York, Justin Herbert getting a top-end pass catcher in Jim Harbaugh’s rebuild in Los Angeles and Patrick Mahomes adding a new weapon as the Chiefs begin their quest for a historic 3-peat.
Klatt’s Top 5 Running Backs & Defensive Players in the NFL Draft & Nick Saban’s Concerns About CFB
FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt continues to reveal his position rankings heading into the NFL Draft. He begins the episode by ranking his top 5 Running Backs including Michigan’s Blake Corum, Texas’ Jonathon Brooks and Florida State’s Trey Benson. Klatt then ranks his Top Defensive players in the Draft including players like FSU’s Jared Verse and Alabama’s Dallas Turner. He wraps the show by giving his thoughts on Nick Saban’s candid comments about his frustrations following Alabama’s loss to Michigan and how the changes in modern college football influenced his decision to retire.
Who Improved Their Draft Stock at the NFL Combine & Why There’s a 14-team Playoff in the Works
FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt reacts to the NFL Combine and explains why the event has grown on him as an important evaluation tool for NFL teams. He discusses the value of Texas WR Xavier Worthy’s record-breaking 40 and reveals which other players significantly improved their draft stock. Klatt then gives his thoughts on the potential 14-team College Football Playoff format and explains the under-the-radar reasons why the Big Ten and SEC are in favor of this proposal and what the Big 12 and ACC should push for as they continue to negotiate. He then discusses a few potential rule changes in college football including the idea of 3 signing days to help fix the calendar. Joel wraps up the episode with an update from the listener who wrote in asking for advice about getting a prenuptial agreement with his fiancé.
Klatt Ranks His Top 5 Pass Catchers in the 2024 NFL Draft
FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt ranks his Top 5 Pass Catchers (Wide Receivers & Tight Ends) in the 2024 NFL Draft. Klatt reveals how he ranks the top Wide Receivers in the draft including Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison, LSU’s Malik Nabers and Washington’s Rome Odunze. He also makes the case for Georgia Tight End Brock Bowers to be ranked above many of the top Wide Receivers in the Draft and points out why a dominant player at his position is more valuable than a top wideout. Klatt also considers how the depth at the Wide Receiver position in this Draft class will affect teams’ decision making on Draft Day.
Klatt Ranks His Top 5 Quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft
FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt ranks his Top 5 Quarterbacks in the 2024 NFL Draft. Klatt breaks down this QB Draft Class that he believes has as much top-end talent and depth as any group since the famous 1983 Draft of Elway and Marino. He breaks down what exactly makes Caleb Williams a generational talent before discussing the battle for the #2 QB in the Draft between LSU’s Jayden Daniels and North Carolina’s Drake Maye. Klatt then reveals how he evaluates the future prospects of 21-year old Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy vs two veteran collegiate QB’s – Michael Penix Jr from Washington and Bo Nix from Oregon.
Klatt’s 2024 NFL Mock Draft 1.0
Now that the Chiefs have won the Super Bowl again, it’s officially NFL Draft season! FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt is ready to kick things off with his first Mock Draft as we head towards the 2024 NFL Draft in Detroit. Klatt reveals his landing spots for top college players like USC QB Caleb Williams, Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr and Georgia TE Brock Bowers in a First Round where he sees 6 Quarterbacks coming off the board. Klatt is particularly intrigued by new Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh’s decision at #5 and believes he’ll stick to his blueprint that worked at Michigan and with the 49ers. He also explains why he believes Bo Nix, J.J. McCarthy and Michael Penix Jr will all land in the 1st Round and how they each fit perfectly with their new teams in his Mock Draft.
Chip Kelly to Ohio State, Michigan Gets Their New DC & Alabama Loses Another Coach
FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt discusses the latest coaching carousel moves including Ryan Day and Ohio State hiring Chip Kelly as their new Offensive Coordinator following the departure of Bill O’Brien for Boston College. He weighs in on what Kelly’s impact on the Buckeyes’ offense will be and then looks North as Michigan hired another member of the Harbaugh family coaching tree to lead the Wolverines defense in Wink Martindale. Klatt concludes the podcast by giving his thoughts on Alabama Offensive Coordinator Ryan Grubb taking the OC job with the Seattle Seahawks and considers how big of a loss it will be for Kalen DeBoer in Year 1 in Tuscaloosa. Klatt also raises some questions about the timing of the exit occurring right as the 30-day transfer window for Alabama players was closing.
Will College Coaches Keep Jumping to the NFL? What NIL Really Means and More Mailbag Questions
In this mailbag episode, FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt dives into all sorts of listener-submitted questions including whether the sport is in real danger of losing its best coaches to the NFL due to the challenges within the collegiate game. He discusses Tennessee’s fight with the NCAA and breaks down what NIL payments really look like. Klatt then shifts away from the gridiron to answer the age-old question of “is it a good idea to bring up the idea of a prenup agreement to your fiancé?” He follows that up with his answer for which teams that were left out of the 4-team Playoff could have won the whole thing had there been more spots available. He then wraps up the episode with some advice for young college graduates out there on the job market for the first time.
What Will Life After Harbaugh Be Like for Michigan? Alabama Gets a Win & “Horns Down” Strikes Again
FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt discusses the challenges that new Michigan Head Coach Sherrone Moore will face as he begins the post-Harbaugh era in Ann Arbor. Klatt explains why retaining Strength Coach Ben Herbert is so critical to maintaining the culture at Michigan and tells a story of one of Herbert’s famous winter workouts. He assesses the latest player movements in the sport including Alabama getting their 5-star Wide Receiver recruit to re-commit to the program and Washington holding onto their QB for next season. He wraps up the show by discussing the latest controversy surrounding “Horns Down.”
Jim Harbaugh Leaving Michigan to Return to the NFL - Who Will Go with Him & Who Should Replace Him?
FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt reacts to the news that Jim Harbaugh will be leaving Michigan and returning to the NFL to take the Head Coaching job with the LA Chargers. He reflects on Harbaugh’s time in Ann Arbor before discussing who should replace him as Head Coach and why the Wolverines need to act fast. Klatt also provides insight into which of Harbaugh’s assistant coaches will be going with Harbaugh to the Chargers and which will stay at Michigan.
Kalen DeBoer Replaces Saban at Alabama, Michigan’s JJ McCarthy Declares for Draft & Ohio St Reloads
FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt reacts to the news that Washington Head Coach Kalen DeBoer will be the one tasked with replacing Nick Saban at Alabama. Klatt explains why this was a great hire for the Tide and the keys for success in the post-Saban era. He also details why the hiring of Jedd Fisch makes a lot of sense for Washington as they enter the Big Ten. Klatt then considers Michigan’s future at QB after J.J. McCarthy declared for the NFL Draft and how Ohio State may have taken a page out of the Wolverines’ playbook with several big-time players deciding to spurn the NFL Draft for one more run at a Championship. He concludes the podcast by discussing the ramifications of Miami’s massive win in the Transfer Portal with the addition of QB Cameron Ward.
Emergency Pod: Nick Saban Retires! Who Will Replace Him at Alabama?
FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt reacts to the shocking news that Alabama Head Coach Nick Saban is retiring from the sport. Klatt tells stories of his favorite conversations with Saban and lays out the reasons why he hopes Coach will stay involved and lead the sport going forward. He then lists the 3 Coaches that he sees as potential replacements for Saban at Alabama.
Klatt’s Way-Too-Early Top 10 Rankings for the 2024 Season
FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt reveals his Way-Too-Early Top 10 Rankings for the upcoming 2024 Season. He breaks down where he ranks teams such as Alabama, Georgia and Texas and reminds folks that the sky is not falling at Ohio State as the Buckeyes will be returning lots of talent next season. Klatt discusses how Ohio State and Michigan can expect a serious challenge from Big Ten newcomer Oregon next season. He also has his eyes on two teams in the new Big 12 that he believes should make a run at the Playoff next year.
Michigan Beats Washington to Win the CFP National Championship
FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt reacts to Michigan winning its first National Championship since 1997 with the win over Washington on Monday night. He breaks down why Michigan was able to slow down Michael Penix Jr on their way to the title. Klatt also shares insights and behind-the-scenes stories of what it’s been like covering Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan players as they turned a struggling program into a National Championship team. He also discusses why the Wolverines’ win should give hope to lots of programs around the country - even Ohio State - as we enter the 12-team Playoff format going forward.
Michigan Vs Washington National Championship Game Pick and Preview
FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt previews the College Football Playoff Championship Game between Michigan and Washington and makes his pick for the matchup. He discusses each teams’ paths to victory on Monday night and what areas of the field will determine the outcome. Klatt specifically breaks down why Michigan’s Defensive Line will pose a different problem for the Washington Offense than what they faced vs Texas as they look to give Penix time to throw it downfield. He also discusses how this Michigan program was re-built to beat Ohio State back in 2021 and how that blueprint could serve them well in this matchup with the Huskies’ high-flying passing attack.
Michigan Stuns Alabama in Overtime & Washington Survives Vs Texas in the College Football Playoff
FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt reacts to a wild day in College Football as both Semifinal matchups came down to the final play. Klatt begins by breaking down the game that he attended at the Rose Bowl as Michigan found a way to come back and take down Alabama in overtime. He explains why this win has been 3 years in the making for the Wolverines and how Michigan possesses the single attribute that has defined National Championship teams in recent years. He then discusses Washington’s thrilling win over Texas that nearly resulted in a stunning win for the Longhorns. Klatt discusses the crazy ending and what he believes made the difference in the game. He also explains why Michael Penix Jr deserved more serious Heisman consideration than he got this season and again proved he is the best QB in college football.
College Football Playoff Previews and Picks: Michigan-Alabama & Washington-Texas
The College Football Playoff is finally here and FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt breaks down both Semifinal matchups and makes his picks for the games.
Will Ohio St Bounce Back? Does Florida St Have to Prove Themselves Vs Georgia? & More Bowl Previews
FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt gives his breakdowns of 5 Bowl Games this week including 4 New Year’s Six Bowl Games and the game he will be calling on FOX – the Holiday Bowl. He begins by discussing the state of the USC program as they take on #15 Louisville in San Diego. Klatt then discusses the Cotton Bowl between #7 Ohio State and #9 Missouri and how important of a game it will be for finding the future QB in Columbus. He then makes his pick in the Peach Bowl in the game between #10 Penn State and #11 Ole Miss that he feels could be a potential Playoff matchup next season. Klatt considers what is at stake for #5 Florida State in the Orange Bowl vs #6 Georgia and whether they need to perform well to prove they deserved to be in the College Football Playoff. He concludes this preview episode by looking at the Fiesta Bowl and what problems undefeated Liberty could pose for #8 Oregon.
Signing Day Reaction: Are NIL & the Transfer Portal Leading to Top-end Talent Spreading Out in CFB?
FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt reacts to a wild Signing Day. He touches on Georgia's impressive No. 1 class ranking, Jeremiah Smith signing with Ohio State and how Dylan Raiola could immediately improve Nebraska's offense. Then, he dives into Jordan Seaton's potential flip from Colorado and proposed ways to stop players from signing prematurely and flipping commitments. Lastly, he dives into how NIL has changed the recruiting landscape and shows why top-end talent is getting more spread out in college football.
Ohio State’s QB Situation, Chip Kelly Wants Major Change & Nick Saban Pulls a Power Move on Michigan
FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt discusses the latest transfer portal moves including QB Kyle McCord’s move to Syracuse and what it means for Ohio State’s QB situation for next season. He discusses why the sport failed Texas QB Maalik Murphy by putting him into a terrible position of having to enter the Transfer Portal before the Longhorns play in the College Football Playoff. Following a court ruling over NCAA transfer rules, Klatt discusses the potential issues that could be coming in the future if players are allowed to freely transfer as many times as they like without repercussions. Klatt also reacts to Chip Kelly’s proposal for a radical overhaul of the sport. He concludes the show by giving his thoughts on Nick Saban’s decision to hire a former Michigan assistant coach just weeks before Alabama is set to face the Wolverines in the Rose Bowl.
Klatt Ranks His Top 10 College Football Teams Since 2000
FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst Joel Klatt ranks his Top 10 teams since the year 2000. He breaks down which teams from powerhouses like Alabama, Georgia, USC and Texas made the cut. Klatt then places his Top 4 teams into a Playoff Bracket and makes his picks in those heavyweight matchups. He ultimately crowns his champion as the best team of this century.
Heisman Finalists Announced & Explaining the Transfer Portal Madness
Why Texas and Alabama Are in the Playoff and Florida State Is Out + Early Thoughts on CFP Matchups
Will Alabama End Georgia’s Run? Can Oregon Knock Off Washington in Their Rematch?
CFP Rankings Reaction: How to Fix the Committee and 4 Potential Playoff Scenarios
Michigan Beats Ohio State Again, Alabama’s Escape and Washington & Florida State Survive
CFP Rankings Reaction: Washington into the Top 4, Tennessee Is Still Ranked (!?!) & Why That Matters
Michigan and Ohio State Confidence Levels Going into 'The Game' & Who Can Actually Beat Georgia?
Will Washington and Georgia Stay Unbeaten? Can Michigan Avoid a Trap Game? and More Week 12 Picks
Is the Playoff Committee Showing an SEC Bias? Plus Klatt’s Heisman Rankings
Oregon Is a Playoff Team, Georgia Is Still Georgia, Ohio State Keeps Grinding & Oklahoma Deja Vu
Will Penn State Take Down Michigan? Any Stopping Georgia? Are Oregon & Washington on Upset Alert?
CFP Rankings Reaction, More Michigan News & Klatt’s Tiers of National Championship Contenders
Look Out for Alabama, USC Makes a Big Change & What Will the Big Ten Do with Michigan?
Week 10 Picks & Previews: LSU-Alabama, Washington-USC, Mizzou-Georgia, K-State-Texas, Bedlam & More
CFP Rankings Reaction: Ohio State at #1, Michigan Behind Georgia and Oklahoma Behind Texas
Oregon-Utah, Georgia-Florida, Ohio St-Wisconsin, Coach Prime Looks to Bounce Back & More Previews