Kansas State’s championship aspirations have been thrust into the spotlight by Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt. According to Klatt, the Wildcats could snatch the Big 12 crown and claim the No. 8 seed in the College Football Playoff, only to meet a formidable No. 9-seeded Alabama.
Prominent Analyst Predicts K-State To Host Blue Blood In First Round Of CFP

Key Takeaways:
- Kansas State is predicted to win the Big 12.
- Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt places the Wildcats at No. 8 in the CFP.
- Alabama, seeded at No. 9, is dubbed the “blue blood” team to watch.
- Chris Klieman’s program is projected to host but lose against the Crimson Tide.
- This high-stakes forecast underscores a potentially thrilling postseason.
Background
Sports analyst Joel Klatt of Fox Sports has sparked a wave of excitement with his latest forecast for the College Football Playoff. Klatt’s projections place Kansas State (K-State) as the Big 12 champion, securing a coveted No. 8 seed. Despite the achievement, fans are bracing for what he predicts will be a short-lived postseason run.
K-State’s Path to the Big 12 Title
According to Klatt, K-State’s performance throughout the season could earn it the top spot in the Big 12. Led by head coach Chris Klieman, the Wildcats have become a program worth watching, signaling a strong run in conference play. The forecast suggests that this success will translate into a shot at the national stage.
The CFP Matchup
Earning the No. 8 seed sets the stage for a first-round clash with one of college football’s most storied programs—Alabama, projected at No. 9. Football enthusiasts have already labeled this meeting a collision between two fiercely competitive teams, one championing a newly solidified status and the other boasting decades of tradition.
Alabama’s ‘Blue Blood’ Reputation
Klatt’s prediction highlights Alabama as a tried-and-true powerhouse. Often referred to as a “blue blood” program, the Crimson Tide brings extensive postseason experience. Their formidable track record raises the stakes for K-State, especially when the Wildcats are poised to host them on their home turf.
Projected Outcome
Despite K-State’s home advantage, Klatt forecasts the Wildcats will be eliminated in this first-round encounter. The sheer depth and talent of Alabama’s roster could be the deciding factor, tipping the balance in the Crimson Tide’s favor.
Predicted Seeding Table
Below is a brief look at the two teams’ anticipated seeds:
Team | Predicted Seed |
---|---|
Kansas State | #8 |
Alabama | #9 |
Looking Ahead
While Klatt’s forecasts generate buzz, they remain speculation until the final whistle. For now, Kansas State partisans can relish the prospect of a Big 12 championship and a corresponding playoff berth—even if that means facing a formidable Alabama team in the opening round. Only time will reveal whether this prediction rings true, offering fans across the nation plenty to look forward to in the upcoming season.