CBS Sports has released its early 2026 coach rankings, positioning Ohio State's Ryan Day in the third spot behind Indiana's Curt Cignetti and Georgia's Kirby Smart. The list reflects both past performance and projected impact for the upcoming season, highlighting the shifting dynamics within college football's power structures.
Ranking the top coaches
Cignetti tops the chart after guiding Indiana to a conference title game appearance, while Smart retains second place following another dominant season with Georgia. Day's placement underscores the Buckeyes' continued relevance despite a 12‑2 record in 2025 that included losses to Indiana in the Big Ten championship and to Miami in the College Football Playoff.
Ohio State finished the 2025 campaign with a 12‑2 record, a performance that set the stage for a busy offseason. The program is set to welcome four of its own players among the top 100 transfers slated for 2026, including Earl Little Jr., James Smith, Terry Moore, and Christian Alliegro, each bringing new talent to the roster.
The conversation around the sport's future has moved beyond the field. Iowa State's Jamie Pollard voiced frustration with the Big Ten and SEC's adherence to College Sports Commission rules, while Smart suggested the SEC might carve its own path if consensus on playoff expansion and name, image, and likeness governance cannot be reached.
Conference realignment tensions
The remarks from Pollard and Smart signal a growing rift between traditional powerhouses and emerging voices in college athletics. As conferences negotiate television deals and revenue distribution, the possibility of a split league structure looms, potentially reshaping scheduling, recruiting, and competitive balance.
Looking ahead to 2026
For Ohio State, the challenge will be integrating new transfers while maintaining the high standards set by Day and his staff. The Buckeyes must navigate a landscape where conference affiliations may shift, and where the evolving NIL landscape continues to influence player decisions. How the program adapts to these forces will likely determine its standing in next year's rankings.