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

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.

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Alabama is favored over Texas A&amp;amp;M as analysts lean toward the Tide and the over, but offensive concerns, line movement and playoff stakes make it a pass.

Alabama vs. Texas A&M Betting Picks and Game Preview

Alabama looks to rebound after losses to Georgia and Tennessee against a struggling Texas A&amp;amp;M team, with the falling 50.5 total offering betting value.

Alabama vs. Texas A&M Betting Preview & Prediction

Betting action highlights Texas A&amp;amp;M and BYU, with master money fully backing both teams as BYU draws heavy support after the line falls to 6.5 points.

Sharp Money Backs Texas A&M & BYU in Key Week 8 Matchups

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The playoff committee ranks Miami first, Utah third and Indiana fourth, fueling a debate over Texas, UCLA, BYU and Notre Dame&#039;s postseason credentials.

College Football Playoff Rankings Spark Major Debate

The first playoff rankings may mean little as Notre Dame-Miami, Alabama-LSU, Georgia-Ole Miss and UCLA-USC reshape a wildly unpredictable season this fall.

College Football Playoff Rankings Face a Chaotic Week

Miami survives UNC and turns to a pivotal Notre Dame clash as UCLA and USC rise, rankings shift, and NIL reshapes college football&#039;s path to the NFL today.

Miami Faces Notre Dame as College Football Rankings Shift

Miami and Notre Dame meet in South Bend with Heisman hopes at stake, as CJ Carr, Malachi Toney and others battle to shape the trophy race this weekend.

Miami vs. Notre Dame Could Decide the Heisman Trophy

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View the profile of Texas A&M Aggies LB Chris Russell Jr. on SportsGrid. Get the latest news, stats, player prop picks, related players, and more on SportsGrid.com.

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Chris Russell Jr. is a LB for the Texas A&M Aggies in the NCAAF.

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Chris Russell Jr.

#24 · TXAM · LB

HT/WT

6’2”, 235 lbs

Birthplace

Dyersburg, TN, USA

Class

Senior

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