
ACC Coaching Rankings 2026: Cristobal Leads as Swinney Slides
Mario Cristobal’s rise to the top of the ACC coach rankings reflects a dramatic turnaround at Miami, while Dabo Swinney’s fall to second signals a new era of competition.
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Tavita Pritchard across Football.

Mario Cristobal’s rise to the top of the ACC coach rankings reflects a dramatic turnaround at Miami, while Dabo Swinney’s fall to second signals a new era of competition.

The ACC Network’s August schedule introduces a series of exclusive interviews with ACC football coaches and players, a play‑calling forum with veteran strategists, and a road‑trip segment that visits key campuses as the conference builds toward the 2026 season
Notre Dame’s head coach Marcus Freeman chose not to participate in the 2024 preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, a departure from previous years. His absence coincides with the Irish securing a No. 5 preseason ranking and five first‑place votes, reflecting a broader pattern among top coaches who increasingly delegate ballot responsibilities.
Marcus Freeman, head coach of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, chose not to participate in the preseason US LBM Coaches Poll, delegating the task to his staff. The omission comes as the program pushes for a spot in the 2025 College Football Playoff, a selection process now driven by a committee rather than polls.

Andrew Luck, now Stanford's general manager, and head coach Tavita Pritchard are leveraging a shared playing history to steer the university's football program back to prominence amid a complex athletic landscape.

Clemson University is set to kick off its 2026 football season with a series of media appearances, including ACC Media Days in Charlotte and a season‑opening showdown against LSU in Baton Rouge.

The 2026 season opens with North Carolina facing TCU in Dublin, while Heisman hopefuls and new coaching dynamics promise excitement across the sport.

A group of Stanford football seniors has launched the first chapter of the College Football Players Association, signaling a push for collective bargaining and improved conditions for college athletes.

Stanford’s football team has launched the inaugural player‑led chapter of the College Football Players Association, a move that could reshape how college athletes organize and negotiate.
Stanford’s football team has formed the inaugural player‑led chapter of the College Football Players Association, a step that could reshape how college athletes organize and negotiate.

The 2026 college football season opens on August 29, featuring matchups in Ireland, the United States, and a slate of high‑profile games that spotlight emerging coaches and historic rivalries

The Hokies enter fall camp with a fresh coaching direction, key Penn State transfers and high expectations for a dramatic turnaround in the 2026 season.
Cole Moore, once a standout outside linebacker at Montana State, now shapes the University of Nevada’s football program as its general manager, blending recruitment strategy, financial oversight, and a deep trust in head coach Jeff Choate.
A ranking of the ACC’s top coaches heading into the 2026 season spotlights recent triumphs, rebuilding efforts and storylines that will shape the conference’s narrative.

UNC taps a strong 2026 recruiting class while navigating the loss of top lineman Lauifi Tosi, setting the stage for a demanding season that begins with a Dublin showdown against TCU

The North Carolina Tar Heels are looking to bounce back in 2026 after a disappointing previous campaign, welcoming a highly rated recruiting class while navigating the loss of 3‑star lineman Lauifi Tosi to Stanford and a challenging slate of games.

From Akron's 2017 drought to Stanford's power‑conference resurgence, the journeys of six teams illustrate how coaching changes, historic losing streaks and scheduling hurdles intersect in the pursuit of postseason play

The Hokies will welcome the Cardinal to Blacksburg on November 14, 2026, with both programs looking to make a statement early in the season.

Stanford travels to Duke for its inaugural ACC game of 2026, featuring a fresh coaching staff, a transfer quarterback, and a defense looking to improve after a dismal 2025 campaign.

Analysts are evaluating how much talent first-year head coaches have assembled for the upcoming 2026 season, with Ole Miss topping the early grades.

The Atlantic Coast Conference’s annual kickoff event in Charlotte brings together 17 head coaches and over 50 top student‑athletes, setting the stage for a season marked by depth, tradition and national relevance.

After a 4-8 debut season, Bill Belichick aims to rebuild the University of North Carolina program, leveraging top recruits and a high-profile rematch against TCU in Ireland to rewrite his legacy.

Mike Norvell's tenure at Florida State has seen dramatic highs and lows, but a revamped roster and new leadership bring hope for a resurgence in the 2026 season.

With the 2026 season on the horizon, analysts have released an early power ranking of ACC programs, highlighting the impact of new coaches, transfer portal moves and emerging talent.