Top college football coaches ranked ahead of the 2026 season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 9, 2026, 2:02 AM
Last updated Aug 9, 2026
Heading into the 2026 college football season, Ryan Day, Kirby Smart, and Curt Cignetti are featured among the top coaches. Day leads at Ohio State, where expectations include competing for national titles following a strong 2025 season. Smart aims for Georgia to continue its championship pursuits while Cignetti strives to maintain Indiana's competitive edge in the Big Ten. Other notable coaches include Steve Sarkisian at Texas and Lane Kiffin at LSU, who is aiming to solidify his impact after a high-profile move from Ole Miss. Each coach faces significant expectations as the season approaches.
- •Ryan Day ranked No. 1 at Ohio State, focusing on national championship.
- •Kirby Smart aims for Georgia to compete for SEC and playoff titles.
- •Curt Cignetti has elevated Indiana's program to new standards.
- •Steve Sarkisian looks to maintain Texas' championship contention.
- •Lane Kiffin begins his tenure at LSU, aiming for quick success.
- 2:02 AMYahoo Sports — The Top 10 Best Coaches in College Football Heading Into the 2026 Season
"College football is filled with elite coaches, but heading into the 2026 season, some enter the year with much bigger expectations than others. From coaches expected to compete for a national championship to others trying to prove their program belongs among the sport’s elite, Fan Army’s Top 10 features some of the biggest names in…
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