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Sport: College SportsCategory: Match Previews

Top college football coaching matchups to watch in 2026

CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 21, 2026, 1:39 PM

Last updated Aug 21, 2026

Top college football coaching matchups to watch in 2026
Summary

The 2026 college football season features key coaching matchups with significant implications. Leading the list is the November clash between Notre Dame and Miami, where Marcus Freeman faces Mario Cristobal. This matchup could shape playoff races as both teams aim for strong seasons. Other notable battles include Ohio State's Arthur Smith against Texas's Will Muschamp and Oregon's Drew Mehringer against USC's Gary Patterson, as first-year coordinators bring new strategies to established rivalries. These encounters highlight tactical battles that may influence conference standings and playoff aspirations.

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Key Details
  • •Notre Dame hosts Miami in November, spotlighting Freeman vs. Cristobal.
  • •Ohio State faces Texas early in the season with new coordinators.
  • •Oregon takes on USC in a critical test for both programs.
  • •Coaching strategies could impact playoff race outcomes.
Latest Updates
  • 1:39 PMCBS Sports — College football's best coaching matchups of 2026: Marcus Freeman vs. Mario Cristobal leads top 10
What they're saying
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Whether it's head coach vs. head coach or coordinators matching wits, the outcomes of several nationally ranked matchups will hang in the balance

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