Joel Klatt has full faith in what Michigan football brings to the table this year. Despite some pass game struggles (particularly with wide receiver drops), the offense is worlds better than last year, and the defense is still quite formidable. While most picked Nebraska to win this past weekend, it was Klatt who thought that the Wolverines would beat up the Huskers up front on both sides of the ball, and that’s precisely what happened.

But is that good enough to make the College Football Playoff? Klatt thinks so.

In evaluating four teams, Klatt shared on his eponymous podcast that the Wolverines are a contender to make the postseason this year, noting that the schedule is particularly amenable.

“Contender. Their schedule makes them a contender,” Klatt said. “I think they can get themselves into position to be a 10-2 team by the end of the year, which would put them in that line to potentially be in the CFP.”

Oklahoma, Notre Dame, Michigan and Texas A&M – are these teams Pretenders or Contenders?@joelklatt shares his thoughts through week 4. pic.twitter.com/UqcdiaLymW

— FOX College Football (@CFBONFOX) September 24, 2025

Of course, some of the teams on the schedule are a bit more difficult than envisioned in the offseason. USC is ranked after four weeks, Washington is undefeated and looks good (we’ll learn more about the Huskies this weekend when they host Ohio State), and Michigan State‘s offense appears formidable.

And, of course, OSU is on the schedule, though the Wolverines have beaten the Buckeyes each of the last four years.

Michigan is on bye this week, but hosts a languishing Wisconsin team next Saturday.

This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Joel Klatt reveals why Michigan football is a true CFP contender