College Football Stock Watch: Teams Joel Klatt Is Buying, Selling Stock in for 2025

College Football Stock Watch: Joel Klatt’s Buying and Selling for 2025

As the 2025 college football season approaches, I’m diving into preview mode. In this first of many previews for the upcoming season, I want to share the teams I’m investing in and those I’m steering clear of. It’s important to note that this analysis is only focused on this season; while some teams may have long-term potential, they could face challenges in 2025. The teams at the top are those I’m investing the most in, while those at the bottom are the ones I’m selling.

Clemson: Buy

Clemson is simply exceptional, and I believe the Tigers are primed for a stellar year. After securing 10 wins in 2024, they made their way into the College Football Playoff by defeating SMU in the ACC Championship Game. Clemson truly challenged Texas in the CFP. With Dabo Swinney regaining his confidence, things are looking up. Quarterback Cade Klubnik, one of 16 returning starters, is in his third year with offensive coordinator Garrett Riley. The main concern for Clemson lies in the running back position, but Gideon Davidson has the potential to shine as a top-five back in the 2025 recruiting class.

The Tigers’ defense is packed with talent and should rank among the best in the nation. New defensive coordinator Tom Allen just had a successful run at Penn State, and standout defensive linemen T.J. Parker and Peter Woods will anchor the defense 646 lodi. Luckily for Clemson, their schedule is manageable, with LSU and South Carolina being the toughest opponents, as they avoid facing Miami (Fla.) in conference play. This is definitely a team to watch in the CFP, and they might even find themselves competing for a national championship.

Tennessee: Sell

Tennessee has averaged over 10 wins in the last three seasons, but I anticipate a decline in 2025. The quarterback situation is concerning; losing a QB late in the spring isn’t ideal. They had to recruit Joey Aguilar, who was initially brought in by UCLA from Appalachian State this offseason. Josh Heupel’s system puts substantial pressure on the quarterback with its choice routes and deep passing game. Can Aguilar step up? He led the nation last year in interceptions (14), which poses a significant issue. Tennessee also needs to replace SEC Offensive Player of the Year Dylan Sampson and four offensive line starters while its wide receiver group remains inexperienced.

The defense should hold its own, and the schedule is reasonable by SEC standards. I predict a September loss against Georgia, which could lead to a 5-1 record heading into their October clash with Alabama. However, from that point onward, the competition stiffens. I believe Tennessee has a bright future, but this season could prove challenging.

Michigan: Buy

Reflecting on how Michigan concluded its season, they’ve become one of the few teams to leave their bowl game with confidence. They enjoyed a fantastic final month, defeating Ohio State and Alabama. Their defense was stellar, boasting the top scoring defense in the country over their last four games.

As the season progressed, defensive coordinator Wink Martindale gained momentum. If the Wolverines can garner any offensive support from Bryce Underwood or whoever steps in at QB, they’re likely to be significantly improved. Last year, they were an eight-win team with an offense that struggled to pass; their passing game was only better than the military academies. This year, Underwood might provide the answer for Michigan’s quarterback woes.

Michigan will stick to its run-focused strategy, with guys like Jordan Marshall and Justice Haynes from Alabama in the mix. I have some concerns about the offensive line but expect the defense to excel once more, potentially ranking alongside Clemson as the nation’s top defenses 55bmw casino login register.

The schedule works in Michigan’s favor, as they don’t have to face Penn State, Oregon, Illinois, Indiana, or Iowa. If they win against Oklahoma in Week 2, nothing looks too daunting. I foresee a bounce-back year for the Wolverines.

Wisconsin: Sell

After losing their last five games last season and finishing with a 5-7 record, Wisconsin snapped a 22-year streak of winning seasons. Under head coach Luke Fickell, they’re trying to reinvent themselves, which could be risky considering their historical success jollyph is legit or not. I’m optimistic about Fickell’s coaching abilities.

While Wisconsin may indeed have a better roster than last year, I’m skeptical about seeing that translate into results. This year features one of the toughest schedules in college football, with games against Alabama, Michigan, Oregon, and Indiana, along with hosting Ohio State and Illinois. They may find themselves as underdogs in nine of their 12 games. While all the off-season changes and player additions might enhance Wisconsin’s chances, the brutal schedule complicates matters significantly.

Utah: Buy

Last year’s campaign was a rare losing season for Kyle Whittingham as Utah finished 5-7, hampered by injuries and a 1-5 record in close games. Optimistically, I believe fortunes will shift this year. Jason Beck has been brought on as offensive coordinator, and he’s accompanied by QB Devon Dampier, who can run effectively (rushing for over 1,100 yards last year) but needs to refine his passing game. Historically, Utah has succeeded without a flashy passing attack when complemented by a strong offensive line. Fortunately, Utah returns all five starters from last year’s line, including Spencer Fano, a potential top-10 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Utah’s defense remains solid, ranking in the top 25 last season despite challenges, with Morgan Scalley as one of the top defensive coordinators in the country. Given these factors, I envision Utah as an eight-win to ten-win contender, possibly competing for a Big 12 title.

Syracuse: Sell

After a fantastic year in 2024 where everything seemed to fall into place, Syracuse must now navigate the challenge of replacing quarterback Kyle McCord, along with numerous key players. Head coach Fran Brown has done an impressive job in roster building, but replicating last year’s success will be tough, particularly considering the tougher schedule this year.

Syracuse’s away games are quite challenging, including matchups at Tennessee, Clemson, SMU, Georgia Tech, Miami, and Notre Dame. Consequently, I believe Syracuse is a team to avoid this season.

Washington: Buy

This is a team to watch, especially given Jedd Fisch’s impressive track record. After a disappointing 6-7 finish, Washington had to replace much of its roster last year. This season, however, could see a resurgence.

Washington boasts an impressive trio of a quarterback, running back, and wide receiver that rivals any in the Big Ten casinoplus com. Demond Williams showed his potential by racking up over 400 total yards and five touchdowns in the Sun Bowl, marking only his second career start. Running back Jonah Coleman is also among the best in the conference, joined by Denzel Boston, a reliable No. 1 receiver.

Although the offensive line needs improvements, Washington has brought in talent to bolster that area. With Ryan Walters as their new defensive coordinator, Washington’s defense should also show marked improvement. The schedule favors Washington, as three of their four toughest opponents (Ohio State, Illinois, Oregon) are at home. Even after last season’s struggles, they maintained a 20-game home winning streak, one of the longest in the country. I predict Washington will secure at least one, if not two, wins in these pivotal matchups.

BYU: Sell

Due to developments surrounding quarterback Jake Retzlaff, this was an easy sell for me. Despite an impressive 9-0 start, concerns about BYU’s outlook in 2025 arose after significant defensive talent left the program. While some believed Retzlaff could mitigate those losses, his departure due to off-field issues complicates things further.

I have a great appreciation for BYU coach Kalani Sitake, and this isn’t a reflection on him. Unfortunately, the timing at such a crucial position could spell trouble. The quarterbacks remaining on the roster have a combined total of just 12 college starts, with none at a power conference level.

North Carolina: Buy

I’m leaning towards the Tar Heels for two main reasons: trust in their head coach, Bill Belichick, and a favorable schedule. Following a subpar year, the team has made significant additions via transfers, making it challenging to predict their performance this season lucky777 register. However, I think Belichick is focused on establishing a solid foundation.

If the players can execute effectively against this schedule, North Carolina is likely to surprise many. The only top-25 contender on their schedule appears to be Clemson, with no matchups against Miami, Florida State, SMU, Louisville, or Georgia Tech. Even if they fall to Clemson, they still retain a manageable slate of games.

Cal: Sell

I wish I didn’t have to include Justin Wilcox’s team on this list, but the reality is hard to ignore. Despite a 6-7 finish that seemed like an overachievement, it’s going to be tough for Wilcox and Cal to replicate that success this season after significant portal losses, including key players like Fernando Mendoza and Jaydn Ott.

The roster is going to face challenges that may leave fans asking, “Who are these players?” While Cal’s ACC schedule may not seem imposing, the teams they encounter will likely possess greater talent.

Joel Klatt serves as FOX Sports’ lead college football analyst and hosts “The Joel Klatt Show.” Follow him @joelklatt and subscribe to the “Joel Klatt Show” on YouTube.

What are your thoughts on these team predictions for the upcoming season?