Top 25 College Football Coaches for 2025

The latest USA TODAY Sports poll reshuffles the coaching hierarchy, placing Curt Cignetti atop the list after his whirlwind first two seasons at Indiana. The Hoosiers posted a blistering 27‑2 overall record and a dominant 17‑1 mark in the Big Ten, earning Cignetti a comparison to Nick Saban’s dominance.

1. Curt Cignetti – Indiana – New #1

Cignetti’s turnaround at Indiana is nothing short of historic, delivering the school’s first national championship in the playoff era. His teams have posted 27 victories and only two losses across two seasons, with a conference record of 17‑1. The rapid ascent has made him the leading contender for the top coaching spot.

Beyond the on‑field success, Cignetti has built a culture that attracts talent and sustains competitiveness. His ability to elevate a program from the fringes to national prominence mirrors the impact of legendary coaches. The buzz around his potential NFL move only underscores his rising stature.

2. Kirby Smart – Georgia – #1 (Prev 1)

Smart’s tenure remains anchored by three SEC titles in the last four years, proving his continued relevance despite changes in the landscape. His recruiting prowess and emphasis on player development keep Georgia a perennial contender. Even with the transfer era, Smart’s program stays among the elite.

3. Ryan Day – Ohio State – #2 (Prev 2)

Day captured a national crown in 2024 and finally defeated arch‑rival Michigan, ending a stretch of heartbreak. In 94 games he commands 82 wins, a mark few can match, and his teams have finished in the top five six of the past seven seasons. His ability to extract NFL‑ready talent has turned Ohio State into a consistent powerhouse.

4. Marcus Freeman – Notre Dame – #3 (Prev 7)

Freeman has amassed 43 victories in four campaigns, guiding the Fighting Irish to the College Football Playoff championship game. The 40‑year‑old coach shows no signs of slowing, and his success has drawn interest from the professional ranks. His task now is to secure Notre Dame’s first national title since 1988.

5. Dan Lanning – Oregon – #4 (Prev 6)

Lanning’s Ducks have posted a combined 26‑3 record in two Big Ten seasons, peaking with an unbeaten run to the conference crown. Despite a strong 48‑6 overall mark, the coach still craves a national championship to validate his tenure. His strategic adjustments and player development remain cornerstones of his rebuilding philosophy.

6. Lane Kiffin – LSU – #5 (Prev 9)

Kiffin’s reputation as a masterful quarterback developer remains intact, even after a dramatic exit from Ole Miss. He excels at integrating transfer talent while keeping rosters balanced, a skill now needed at LSU. Proving he can meet the Tigers’ lofty expectations will be his next challenge.

7. Mario Cristobal – Miami (Fla.) – #6 (Prev 25)

Cristobal engineered a stunning 2005 turnaround, leading Miami to the playoff after victories over Texas, A&M, Ohio State and Mississippi. His recent resurgence—23 wins in 29 games—highlights his ability to adapt to the portal era. The Hurricanes now field a disciplined, defensive‑oriented squad under his guidance.

8. Steve Sarkisian – Texas – #7 (Prev 4)

Sarkisian lifted Texas to multiple New Year’s Six victories and kept the Longhorns competitive despite a recent playoff miss. His success against top rivals like Oklahoma and Texas A&M underscores his capacity to build elite programs. The upcoming season will serve as a clear gauge of his peak performance.

9. Kalen DeBoer – Alabama – #8 (Prev 8)

DeBoer entered Alabama as Nick Saban’s heir, posting 19 wins in two seasons and a 5‑1 record against key rivals Tennessee, LSU and Auburn. Alabama’s administration has rewarded him with a contract extension, reflecting confidence in his ability to sustain success. Fans now expect more than just 10‑win seasons from the Crimson Tide.

10. Dabo Swinney – Clemson – #9 (Prev 3)

Swinney has built a legacy of two national titles and nine conference championships, yet Clemson’s recent decline—highlighted by a 7‑6 finish after a top‑five start—raises questions. The Tigers need a strategic reset to return to the elite echelon. How Swinney responds could dictate his future standing in this poll.

11. Kelani Sitake – Brigham Young – #10 (Prev 20)

Sitake has compiled eight winning campaigns in ten seasons, amassing a 57‑20 record since 2020 and leading the Cougars to back‑to‑back 11‑win seasons. His steady leadership has positioned BYU as a credible playoff contender within the Big 12. The recruiting buzz surrounding him underscores his reputation as a program builder.

12. Kyle Whittingham – Michigan – #11 (Prev 12)

After decades of success at Utah, where he posted at least nine wins in 12 of 13 seasons, Whittingham is set to reshape Michigan’s Big Ten presence. His defensive schemes and ability to recruit have turned the Utes into a national powerhouse. The transition to Ann Arbor presents a fresh challenge for the seasoned coach.

13. Mike Elko – Texas A&M – #12 (NR)

In just two seasons, Elko propelled Texas A&M into the playoff, ending a stretch of underachievement. Recruiting breakthroughs and a clear development path have created momentum that may continue. Elko’s tenure looks promising, especially compared to his predecessor’s inconsistent results.

14. James Franklin – Virginia Tech – #13 (Prev 5)

Franklin’s rebuilding stint at Penn State produced five top‑10 finishes and multiple New Year’s Six appearances, though a national title eluded him. He now brings that experience to Virginia Tech, aiming to elevate the Hokies to similar heights. The challenge will be sustaining the progress against a tougher Big Ten slate.

15. Matt Campbell – Penn State – #14 (Prev 11)

Campbell’s tenure at Iowa State set a high standard with 72 wins and a school‑record 11 victories in 2024. The move to Penn State brings elevated expectations and a shorter timeline for success. His track record of overachievement suggests he can adapt to the rigorous Big Ten environment.

16. Kirk Ferentz – Iowa – #15 (Prev 14)

Ferentz, the longest‑tenured Big Ten coach, has amassed 213 wins and two conference championships, keeping the Hawkeyes consistently competitive. Defensive fundamentals and special‑team excellence underpin his stable, grind‑it‑out philosophy. Iowa’s recent lack of a losing season since 2012 reflects his enduring impact.

17. Jeff Brohm – Louisville – #16 (Prev 17)

Brohm’s Louisville squad posted a 28‑12 record, building on successful stints at Purdue where he added two consecutive eight‑win seasons. The Cardinals aim to capture an ACC title and break into the playoff. His methodical approach emphasizes discipline and sustained improvement.

18. Kenny Dillingham – Arizona State – #17 (NR)

Dillingham turned Arizona State into a national conversation in 2024, earning a playoff berth and a Big 12 crown despite limited resources. His offensive schemes thrive on youthful talent, positioning the Sun Devils as future contenders. At 36, he has ample runway to cement a lasting legacy.

19. Lincoln Riley – Southern California – #18 (Prev 23)

Riley’s USC tenure saw a resurgence after a memorable 2022 season, marked by a 7‑2 Big Ten finish and a top recruiting class. The program’s overall record of 24‑15 suggests improvement is ongoing, yet the quest for consistent elite performance continues. His strategic vision remains a focal point for Trojans fans.

20. Willie Fritz – Houston – #19 (NR)

Fritz repeats a pattern of revitalizing programs, guiding Houston to a surprising 10‑3 mark after a rough first season. His ability to maximize available resources and instill a competitive culture makes him a key figure in the Big 12. The Cougars look poised for a deeper postseason run next fall.

21. Rhett Lashlee – SMU – #20 (Prev 22)

Lashlee engineered SMU’s ascent, delivering back‑to‑back 11‑win seasons and the school’s first ACC playoff appearance. The Mustangs now stand as a top-tier ACC program, resisting temptations to chase bigger contracts. His leadership continues to define SMU’s emerging football identity.

22. Jon Sumrall – Florida – #21 (NR)

Sumrall’s Group of Six success, highlighted by a Tulane playoff run, signals his readiness for a more prominent stage. His experience recruiting and developing players aligns with Florida’s rebuilding timeline. The Gators see him as a strategic replacement for the missed Kiffin opportunity.

23. Clark Lea – Vanderbilt – #22 (NR)

Lea delivered a 10‑win season at Vanderbilt, anchored by Heisman‑candidate quarterback Diego Pavia, fulfilling his ambitious preseason promises. The challenge now is sustaining that level against tougher competition. Maintaining the momentum will be the true test of his leadership.

24. Josh Heupel – Tennessee – #23 (Prev 17)

Heupel’s Volunteers, despite a dip after losing a key quarterback to the portal, have regained relevance under his steady hand. His background in rebuilding programs positions him to navigate the volatility of the transfer market. Tennessee fans expect consistency as the season progresses.

25. Sonny Dykes – TCU – #24 (NR)

TCU remains a Big 12 contender under Dykes, posting nine wins in each of the last two seasons after a historic 2022 that reached the national championship game. His tactical adjustments have kept the Horned Frogs competitive despite a shake‑up in the conference. Dykes continues to prove his adaptability in high‑profile settings.

The landscape of college football coaching is evolving quickly, and this ranking captures the emerging power brokers and established titans. Each coach’s story—from dramatic turnarounds to sustained excellence—shapes the sport’s future. Stay tuned as these narratives unfold over the upcoming season.