
Sporting News Releases 2026 College Football Coach Rankings
The annual rankings, based on performance metrics and program expectations, place Indiana’s Curt Cignetti at No. 1, while Georgia’s Kirby Smart drops to No. 2.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Kirby Smart across Football, Soccer.

The annual rankings, based on performance metrics and program expectations, place Indiana’s Curt Cignetti at No. 1, while Georgia’s Kirby Smart drops to No. 2.
Indiana’s head coach Curt Cignetti has been named the No. 1 college football coach for the upcoming season, after guiding the Hoosiers to an undefeated 16‑0 campaign and a 2025 national title. His rapid turnaround, impressive record and confidence have reshaped expectations for the program and put him ahead of traditional powerhouses like Georgia’s Kirby Smart.

From the Netherlands to Oregon, from Argentina to Alabama, the 2026 World Cup narrative is being reframed through the lens of college football’s storied programs.
After a 7‑6 record in 2025, Dabo Swinney remains committed to rebuilding Clemson’s football powerhouse, drawing parallels to Nick Saban’s early Alabama years and making sweeping roster changes.

The defending national champions are reshaping their roster, adding top talent while confronting a tough slate of opponents and the pressure of a target on their back.

In a recent interview, Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney addressed the fallout from a 7‑6 season, defended his legacy, and introduced the rallying cry “TCBTTT” as a roadmap for a swift return to dominance.
The SEC enters the 2025 season with a stacked slate of teams, from Georgia’s No. 2 preseason spot to Auburn’s sleeper potential, while quarterback eligibility battles loom large.

Under head coach Kirby Smart, Georgia continues to excel, yet ESPN analyst Adam Rittenberg notes that the quarterback succession plan remains a key storyline heading into the Bulldogs' season opener against Tennessee State.
Georgia’s 2025 championship season masks a critical pass‑rush deficiency that will define the Bulldogs’ 2026 outlook.

Georgia Bulldogs coach Kirby Smart relies heavily on high school signees, and a new NCAA proposal could tie eligibility to enrollment or a player's 19th birthday, a change that may affect programs like UGA and prospects such as Elijah Griffin.

A judge has cleared Texas Tech quarterback Brendan Sorsby to compete this season after overturning the NCAA's attempt to revoke his eligibility over sports‑betting violations, sparking a broader debate about enforcement consistency.

KJ Green, a 6‑foot‑4, 230‑pound edge rusher from Stephenson High School, pledged to LSU on Wednesday, spurning a strong push from the Georgia Bulldogs. The commitment elevates LSU’s defensive line prospects and adds a new chapter to a recruiting battle that also saw Georgia secure quarterback Colton Nussmeier and edge Olayiwola Taiwo.

The Southeastern Conference is exploring a league‑run championship and re‑evaluating its role in the College Football Playoff, while new coaching hires and recruiting strategies set the stage for a competitive season.

CBS Sports' recent Top 25 coaches list omitted Dabo Swinney, prompting discussion about his achievements and the criteria used for evaluation

Marcus Fakatou, a five-star defensive lineman from Chatsworth, California, is navigating a high‑stakes recruitment process that has drawn attention from top college programs and analysts alike.

Colton Nussmeier, a top quarterback recruit from Denton, Texas, announced his commitment to the University of Georgia during an official visit, choosing the Bulldogs over lingering interest from Kentucky and Arkansas. His pledge adds depth to a class already rich in elite talent.

Indiana head coach Curt Cignetti has voiced support for a larger College Football Playoff, while commissioners and coaches weigh the economic implications and potential restructuring of conference championships.

Athlon Sports gathered the opinions of unnamed SEC coaches on the Bulldogs’ preparations, spotlighting Gunner Stockton’s development, a thinner depth chart and the program’s recent championship pedigree under Kirby Smart.

Athlon Sports gathered insights from unnamed SEC coaches on the Georgia Bulldogs’ preparations for the 2026 season, highlighting the experience of returning starters, the emergence of Gunner Stockton at quarterback, and the program’s evolving depth.

The Cass Technical High School standout has trimmed his recruitment to a dozen programs, with the SEC and Big Ten leading the pack. Michigan visits top the chart, while the Miami Hurricanes remain the sole non‑Power Five option.

DraftKings has released opening odds for Georgia’s 2026 college football slate, listing the Bulldogs as double‑digit favorites in several marquee games. The early lines reflect optimism about a returning core and a favorable schedule.

EA Sports released a trailer for College Football 27 that spotlights Indiana coach Curt Cignetti, showcasing the Deluxe Edition cover and early‑access details ahead of the July 9 launch.
With 91 days until kickoff, the Tigers' new offense prepares to meet a diverse array of signal‑callers across the nation.
With the 2026 season 91 days away, the Tigers must prepare for a slate of quarterbacks who each bring a distinct skill set and narrative to the field.