Joel Klatt’s preseason ranking for Michigan football is just right

Michigan football fans won’t like who Klatt has ranked No. 1, which is Ohio State. There’s no denying that the Buckeyes are loaded with talent. Their defense is going to be exceptional. The skills guys on offense are stellar too but I have doubts that Will Howard is a national championship-winning quarterback.

Seven of the top 25 teams are from the Big Ten. Nebraska and Iowa are 22nd and 24th respectively, while USC checked in at No. 13. Penn State also made the top 10 right behind Michigan football at No.9.

The Wolverines have a big question mark at quarterback. They are also replacing some elite players on the offensive line and at wide receiver. Yet, the offensive line should be solid. You also have Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings, plus the presence of Alex Orji, which should make the running game elite.

Colston Loveland is the best tight end in college football and the receivers have some exciting pieces, especially with the return of Amorion Walker.

On defense, there are depth concerns. Michigan lost a lot from its defense, but there are three projected first-round picks, plus at least 5-6 other defenders that are sure-fire NFL draft picks. An elite defense can carry you a long way but the Michigan football schedule is brutal.

There are home games against Texas, USC, and Oregon, plus road trips against Washington and Ohio State. Michigan football has three games against top-5 teams in Klatt’s poll, plus four games against foes ranked in the top 13.

With its questions at quarterback and a brutal schedule, 10 wins will be hard to come by. Yet, nine wins should be enough for a playoff spot, and if the quarterback position is better than expected, double-digit wins aren’t impossible. Neither is another win over Ohio State.

For now, though, Klatt’s ranking makes perfect sense.