College Football Coaches, Ranked From Best to Worst
If there’s one thing college football fans can agree on, it’s that coaching matters. College football coaches shape the game more than anyone else on the field. The best of the best lead with a combination of talent, grit, and vision. While some coaches sit comfortably at the top, others are still climbing, and a few are hanging on by a thread. Either way, one thing’s certain: in college football, it’s all about who’s calling the shots. So who’s leading the pack, and who’s barely staying afloat? Here’s a look at college football’s top coaches, ranked from best to worst.
Kirby Smart – Georgia Bulldogs
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If there’s a blueprint for modern college football dominance, Kirby Smart holds the pen. Georgia’s back-to-back national titles didn’t happen by accident. Smart built a program defined by depth, speed, and unshakable defense. His Bulldogs are the gold standard in the SEC, and right now, they’re the team everyone fears—and respects.
Lincoln Riley – USC Trojans
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Lincoln Riley doesn’t just win; he lights up the scoreboard while doing it. Known for his offensive wizardry, Riley has revived the Trojans, turning USC into one of the most electrifying teams in the country. He’s a quarterback whisperer, sending Heisman contenders straight to the NFL.
Dabo Swinney – Clemson Tigers
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Dabo Swinney brought Clemson into the national spotlight and kept them there. Championships, playoff appearances—you name it, he’s done it. While Clemson’s star has dimmed slightly in recent years, Swinney’s ability to develop top-tier talent and sustain a winning culture is hard to argue with.
Ryan Day – Ohio State Buckeyes
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At Ohio State, the pressure is always on. Ryan Day hasn’t cracked under it. The Buckeyes remain one of the most consistent teams in the country, rolling out elite talent year after year. While a national title has eluded him, Ohio State’s offense under Day has been as dangerous as ever.
Brian Kelly – LSU Tigers
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Brian Kelly brought decades of experience to LSU, and it’s paying off. The Tigers needed stability, and Kelly delivered it. His no-nonsense style has made LSU a contender again, and his ability to adapt in the ultra-competitive SEC proves why he’s still one of the top names in the game.
Kalen DeBoer – Washington Huskies
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Kalen DeBoer is one of college football’s brightest rising stars. In just a short time, he’s turned Washington into a team to watch. His offense hums, his players believe, and the Huskies’ quick rise under his leadership shows this coach isn’t backing down from big expectations.
Steve Sarkisian – Texas Longhorns
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“Texas is back!” That phrase has been a punchline for years, but Steve Sarkisian is changing that. Sarkisian has brought swagger and firepower back to Austin. His offensive playbook is as sharp as ever, and Texas is winning games that matter again.
Josh Heupel – Tennessee Volunteers
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Josh Heupel has Tennessee fans believing again—and for good reason. He’s turned the Volunteers into an offensive powerhouse, and it’s a joy to watch. Tennessee’s resurgence under Heupel isn’t a fluke; it’s the product of bold coaching and a fast-paced, fearless approach.
James Franklin – Penn State Nittany Lions
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James Franklin knows how to recruit and build a program. Penn State has been knocking on the door for years, just waiting for that breakthrough moment. While Franklin hasn’t toppled Ohio State or Michigan yet, the Nittany Lions remain a dangerous team under his watch.
Lane Kiffin – Ole Miss Rebels
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Lane Kiffin doesn’t play it safe, and that’s exactly what makes him one of the most intriguing coaches in college football. Ole Miss’ offense is unpredictable, explosive, and sometimes downright chaotic—in the best way possible. Kiffin keeps his team competitive and fans entertained.
Tony Elliott – Virginia Cavaliers
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Tony Elliott’s start at Virginia hasn’t been pretty. The Cavaliers have struggled to find their footing, and the offense—Elliott’s supposed specialty—hasn’t clicked. For now, his leash is long, but results need to come sooner rather than later.
Clark Lea – Vanderbilt Commodores
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Clark Lea inherited a tough job at Vanderbilt, but the results still leave much to be desired. The Commodores have been stuck at the bottom of the SEC, and progress feels slow. Lea has his work cut out for him to make Vanderbilt competitive in a brutal conference.
Mike Locksley – Maryland Terrapins
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Mike Locksley’s tenure at Maryland has been uneven. On paper, the Terrapins have enough talent to compete in the Big Ten. On the field, inconsistency has been their downfall. Locksley’s ability to get Maryland over the hump remains a big question mark.
Brent Pry – Virginia Tech Hokies
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Virginia Tech fans are still waiting for Brent Pry to turn things around. The Hokies have struggled under his leadership, with little to show in the win column. Patience is wearing thin, and Pry needs to find a way to reverse the downward trend fast.
Scott Satterfield – Cincinnati Bearcats
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Scott Satterfield’s move to Cincinnati hasn’t inspired much confidence. The Bearcats, once a Group of Five powerhouse, have taken a step back since his arrival. For a program used to winning, Satterfield’s struggles have raised some red flags.