Power ranking college football’s top 25 coaches in 2026: Cristobal rises, Sarkisian stumbles
In the ever-evolving landscape of college football coaching, the 2026 season promises to be a fascinating one, with several coaches rising to the top and others facing challenges. The following ranking, compiled by an expert analyst, showcases the top 25 coaches, with a particular focus on the remarkable turnaround of Curt Cignetti at Indiana and the continued success of Kirby Smart at Georgia.
Curt Cignetti, Indiana: Cignetti's two-year tenure in Bloomington has been nothing short of extraordinary. He transformed Indiana from a losing program into a Playoff-bound team in Year 1 and a national champion in Year 2. His ability to turn around a program with a history of losing is unparalleled, and his success against blue-blood teams further cements his top spot.
Kirby Smart, Georgia: Smart's consistency is remarkable. Despite a dip in recent seasons, he has consistently finished in the top 7 in the AP poll over the past nine years. With two national titles and a strong record in SEC play, Smart's teams remain a force to be reckoned with.
Ryan Day, Ohio State: Day's success is undeniable, with a 55-5 record in the Big Ten and a national title in his pocket. His ability to keep the Buckeyes on track and build on their success is impressive, and his recent revenge against Michigan adds to his credentials.
Kalen DeBoer, Alabama: DeBoer's challenge of replacing Nick Saban is no easy feat, but his team's performance against top-10 opponents and the parity within the SEC make him a strong contender. His success at Washington and his ability to turn around a struggling program are notable.
Mario Cristobal, Miami: Cristobal's commitment to elite line play and his eye for talent, especially in the trenches, have been key to Miami's success. His team's near-miss at the national title last year and their impressive wins against top-tier opponents showcase his coaching prowess.
Dan Lanning, Oregon: Lanning's teams have been on a roll, with a strong record against top-10 teams and a recent move to the Big Ten. His ability to lead Oregon to national title contention is a testament to his coaching skills.
Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame: Freeman's parallels with Lanning are striking. His defensive background and ability to elevate a program are impressive, and his team's national title game appearance two years ago is a strong indicator of his future success.
Dabo Swinney, Clemson: Despite a recent dip, Swinney's overall success at Clemson is undeniable. His embrace of the transfer portal and his ability to win national titles and top-four finishes make him a top-tier coach.
Kyle Whittingham, Michigan: Whittingham's success at Utah and his recent turnaround at Michigan make him a formidable coach. His rugged style and smart staffing moves have kept the Wolverines competitive.
Mike Elko, Texas A&M: Elko's defensive brilliance and head coaching skills have transformed Texas A&M. His ability to turn around a struggling program and lead them to the CFP is impressive.
Matt Campbell, Penn State: Campbell's success at Iowa State and his ability to develop talent and foster a winning culture make him a top coach. His recent success at Penn State is a testament to his skills.
Jeff Brohm, Louisville: Brohm's success at multiple programs and his ability to improve their records significantly make him a strong contender. His teams' performance against top-10 opponents is notable.
Steve Sarkisian, Texas: Sarkisian's recent success at Texas, including a top-four finish, is impressive. His ability to build on a strong foundation and lead Texas to a national title run is a testament to his coaching prowess.
James Franklin, Virginia Tech: Franklin's recent struggles at Penn State and his inability to beat top teams are a concern. His overall success and top-10 finishes make him a respected coach.
Lane Kiffin, LSU: Kiffin's offensive brilliance and his ability to win big in his first jobs are notable. His recent move to LSU and the program's commitment to a national title make him a strong contender.
Willie Fritz, Houston: Fritz's success at multiple programs and his ability to turn around struggling teams are impressive. His recent success at Houston and the team's recruitment make him a rising star.
Kalani Sitake, BYU: Sitake's authentic leadership and his teams' physical style of play make him a well-respected coach. His recent success and top-15 finishes are a testament to his skills.
Jon Sumrall, Florida: Sumrall's success at Tulane and his recent move to Florida showcase his ability to adapt and lead a program. His defensive background and leadership are notable.
Lincoln Riley, USC: Riley's track record with quarterbacks and his overall success at multiple programs make him a top coach. His recent tenure at USC, despite some challenges, is a testament to his skills.
Kirk Ferentz, Iowa: Ferentz's consistency and top-25 finishes over the years make him a respected coach. His ability to keep Iowa competitive is impressive.
Kenny Dillingham, ASU: Dillingham's creative schemes and ability to turn around a struggling program make him a rising star. His recent success at ASU and his playoff appearance are notable.
Bret Bielema, Illinois: Bielema's success at Illinois and his ability to produce double-digit-win seasons are impressive. His Big Ten knowledge and recent success make him a strong contender.
Josh Heupel, Tennessee: Heupel's success at Tennessee and his ability to lead the Vols to the CFP are notable. His recent step back last year is a concern, but his overall success is impressive.
** Rhett Lashlee, SMU**: Lashlee's offensive brilliance and his ability to lead SMU to ACC success are impressive. His recent 11-win seasons and wins against top-25 opponents showcase his skills.
Clark Lea, Vanderbilt: Lea's slow build at Vanderbilt and his ability to improve the program's record are notable. His recent success and wins against top-25 opponents showcase his coaching prowess.
