Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt just revealed his list of college football playoff dark horses 2025, focusing on teams nobody is discussing that will crash the College Football Playoff party. Last year’s expanded format proved anything can happen. Indiana, SMU, and Arizona State all shocked the world. This season, Klatt believes Washington, Missouri, and Utah have the perfect combination of talent, schedule, and momentum to become 2025’s biggest surprises.
Washington’s Secret Weapon: Husky Stadium
Washington enters year 2 under Jed Fish flying completely under the radar. But here’s what nobody realizes. The Huskies own the second longest home winning streak in America. 20 straight victories at Husky Stadium. Only Georgia has won more consecutive home games.
That advantage becomes massive when examining Washington’s schedule. Three of their 4 toughest games happen at home. Ohio State, Illinois, and Oregon all must travel to Seattle. Only Michigan represents a brutal road test. Split those 4 games going 2 and 2, and Washington can absolutely reach 9 or 10 wins.
The talent nobody discusses makes this realistic. Quarterback Deont Williams exploded for over 400 yards and 5 touchdowns against Louisville in their bowl game. Running back Jonah Coleman ranks among the Big 10’s elite backs. Wide receiver Denzel Boston would be a top 3 or 4 receiver in the conference excluding Ohio State’s ridiculous talent.
New defensive coordinator Ryan Walters built one of the nation’s best defenses at Illinois before his Purdue head coaching stint. He nearly beat Michigan with that unit. Now he returns to coordinating with serious weapons around him.
“Washington’s got something cooking with Jed Fish. Nobody’s talking about Washington.” – Joel Klatt
The biggest worry? Pass protection. Washington gave up the most sacks in the Big 10 last year. Williams absorbed 15 sacks in just his final 2 starts. Either the line improves or Williams releases faster. That problem must get fixed.
But solve the protection issues and defend home field? Washington could sit at 9 and 2 hosting Oregon in the finale. Win that game and punch a playoff ticket.
Missouri Wins the SEC Schedule Lottery
Missouri hit the ultimate jackpot with their SEC schedule. The Tigers avoid every single elite program in the conference. Texas, Georgia, LSU, Florida, Ole Miss, and Tennessee are all missing from Missouri’s schedule. Six playoff contenders they never face.
Eli Drinkwitz has won 10 games in consecutive seasons. The culture is established. They recruit well. Defense stays solid. But the schedule lottery tells the real story. Missouri becomes the only school in America playing 6 straight home games to start the year.
Their toughest early tests? Alabama and South Carolina. Both at home. Later, Texas A&M visits Columbia. Another home game. Missouri’s road slate looks incredibly soft. They travel to Oklahoma, but the Sooners will probably be sitting at 4 losses with major problems by then.
The quarterback battle between Drew Pyne and transfer Bo Perbula remains unsettled. Perbula impressed at Penn State before idiotic transfer portal rules forced him to leave during the postseason. If Missouri gets even average quarterback play, they’re staring at 7 and 1 entering November.
Klatt asked a fascinating question. Is Missouri better than Florida? Probably not. Who makes the playoff? Missouri by a mile. Florida’s odds sit around 1 in 20. Missouri’s odds hover near 1 in 5. The schedule makes everything possible.
Utah: Silent, Deadly, Dangerous
Kyle Whittingham and Utah represent one of college football’s most reliable programs. When nobody discusses the Utes, they become most dangerous. After a disappointing 5 and 7 season destroyed by injuries, expectations have cratered. Perfect setup for a bounce back.
Utah started 4 different quarterbacks last season. Now they’ve upgraded significantly with New Mexico transfer Devin Dampier. He earned first team all conference honors in the Mountain West. His dual threat ability fits perfectly with Utah’s physical identity.
The offensive line and running game need minimal help. Both units should dominate again. Defense will be solid under Whittingham. That’s automatic. Utah consistently fields elite defensive units.
The schedule provides plenty of home games. Protect home field, steal 1 or 2 road victories, and Utah controls their destiny. In a Big 12 where 9 or 10 teams could win the league, consistency matters most. Utah delivers that consistency every year.
Klatt ranked Utah at number 25 in his preseason poll specifically because of their ability to surprise when expectations drop. They’re his pick to become this year’s Arizona State. Written off after a bad season, then roaring back for a playoff run.
