As the 2026 college football season approaches, USA TODAY Sports assembled a 10-voter panel to power rank the top 25 head coaches in the country. Following a chaotic expanded playoff season and a wild coaching carousel, the master list features major shifts across every power conference. From established heavyweights holding down the top tier to rising program builders like Rhett Lashlee, Jon Sumrall, Clark Lea, Josh Heupel, and Sonny Dykes cracking the rankings, we break down every coach's career record, key achievements, and 2026 outlook. Check out our full 25-coach power rankings to see where your team's leader sits.

USA TODAY's Top 25 College Football Coaches: Records Going Into Week 10

ESPN Ranks College Football's 3 Unbeaten Teams by Most Likely to Make the CFP Going Into Week 9

Following a dramatic Week 9 in the 2026 college football season, we audit scoring efficiency, total defense, poll movements, and marquee results to project the 12-team College Football Playoff field. Highlighted by Miami commanding the #1 overall seed, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Morgan Scalley's undefeated Utah Utes securing 1st-round byes, an on-campus hosting slate featuring Indiana, UCLA, BYU, and Alabama, and an absolute blockbuster 1st-round road trip for Ohio State, we break down every projected matchup. Check out our full Week 10 projections.

Predicting the 12-Team College Football Playoff Field Going Into Week 10

Phil Steele's Top 12 College Football Surprise Teams Ahead of Week 10

As kickoff for the 2026 college football season draws near, ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) supercomputer simulated thousands of regular-season scenarios to project the final 12-team College Football Playoff bracket. Stripping away subjective voter bias and preseason hype, the algorithm evaluated per-play efficiency, roster talent, and schedule difficulty to calculate every program's exact postseason odds. We expanded our master index to power rank the top 30 teams most likely to crash the playoff party. From top-tier titans like Ohio State, Texas, Georgia, Notre Dame, and Oregon leading the field, to dark horses and Group-of-Five contenders like Boise State, Utah, South Carolina, Florida State, and Virginia lurking on the bubble, we break down every program's FPI profile, projected record, and postseason odds. Check out our complete 30-team playoff projection to see where your team stands.

ESPN Ranks College Football's 48 Teams With a Chance to Make CFP Going Into Week 10

Florida State fires Mike Norvell, triggering a $50 million payout and a coaching search featuring Jimbo Fisher, Deion Sanders, Rhett Lashlee and others.

Florida State Fires Mike Norvell: Who Will Replace Him?

BYU and unbeaten Utah clash in a major rivalry game, with both programs&#039; winning traditions, strong recruiting and surprising betting odds in sharp focus.

BYU vs. Utah Football: Rivalry Odds & Game Preview

10 Potential Upsets for College Football Week 1

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Ole Miss can challenge anyone with its explosive offense, but Georgia&#039;s balanced attack and underrated defense give the Bulldogs an early edge in this clash.

Georgia vs. Ole Miss Preview: Bulldogs Hold the Edge

Notre Dame and Miami meet in a high-stakes showdown, with schedules questioned, playoff hopes looming and the Irish defense facing its toughest test yet.

Notre Dame vs. Miami: Stakes, Strengths and Predictions

Get Saturday College Football picks on Florida, North Carolina, Cincinnati, Oregon State, and Northwestern, plus top underdog plays and best bets today.

Saturday College Football Picks, Best Bets and Underdogs

Back Oregon State over 32.5 points against Fresno State, then examine whether Jesse Legree&#039;s prolific season could affect Jeremiah Smith&#039;s Heisman bid.

Oregon State Team Total Bet and Heisman Receiver Debate

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View the profile of Arkansas State Red Wolves TE AJ Carlson on SportsGrid. Get the latest news, stats, player prop picks, related players, and more on SportsGrid.com.

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#86 · ARST · TE

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AJ Carlson is a TE for the Arkansas State Red Wolves in the NCAAF.

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AJ Carlson

#86 · ARST · TE

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6’2”, 235 lbs

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Lemont, IL, USA

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Sophomore

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