Fox analyst Klatt fumes over 'joke' college football poll after 3-0 team's zero-vote snub

Washington Huskies are 3-0 this season, with wins over Colorado State, UC Davis and Washington State, yet they sit unranked in the latest AP college football poll, receiving zero votes. The discrepancy drew sharp public critique from Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt, who characterized the AP poll as a joke and urged voters to consider West Coast games when evaluating teams. Klatt highlighted Washington's offensive output, noting the Huskies sit near the top of the country in scoring at 58 points per game, and praised quarterback Jonah Coleman and the program’s recent home-winning streak as indicators of a legitimate, high-performing team.

The criticism of the AP poll is not a new refrain this season. Earlier this month, a USC beat writer faced backlash from fans after moving Florida up two spots following a loss, then said on the USCHoops.com Podcast that she did not want to go too deeply into her process and that the poll’s influence may be overstated. The episode underscored ongoing debate about how voters weigh non-conference results, late-season form and regional perceptions when compiling rankings that, while not used to determine the 12-team College Football Playoff field, still carry cultural and reputational weight.

Klatt argued that the AP rankings do not drive CFP selections, yet he remained unhappy with how Washington was treated in the latest poll. He asserted that public betting markets have Washington undervalued, pointing to the line movement ahead of this weekend’s headlining matchup against the defending-champion Ohio State Buckeyes in Seattle. According to Klatt, the betting public has pushed the line in Washington’s favor as observers recognize the Huskies’ quality and potential, even as voters have not reflected that sentiment in the AP poll.

Washington and Ohio State are both undefeated entering the weekend, with their clash drawing wide interest. The game is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. ET kickoff in Seattle, a confrontation that could further shape how analysts and fans view Washington’s standing on a national stage. Klatt’s broader critique centers on whether poll credibility is undermined by geography and media coverage, though he stopped short of suggesting the AP poll should determine the playoff field. Instead, he framed the debate as one about recognizing a strong, improving program that has earned attention beyond its region, especially as it seeks to translate early-season success into a broader national reputation.