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 9

Going 12-0 in modern college football is arguably the hardest feat in sports. As kickoff for the 2026 season approaches, ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI) supercomputer simulated thousands of regular-season scenarios to calculate the exact win-out probabilities for every FBS program. Factoring in roster depth, efficiency ratings, and schedule difficulty, we expanded our master index to power rank the 10 teams most likely to finish the regular season undefeated. From Notre Dame, Texas Tech, Georgia, Indiana, and Ohio State leading the unblemished board to Miami, Oregon, Texas, Penn State, and UNLV lurking, we break down every program's FPI profile, team record, and path to perfection. Check out our full 10-team breakdown to see who could run the table.

ESPN Ranks College Football's 3 Undefeated Teams From Most to Least Likely to Win Out Ahead of Week 9

In the mega-expanded Big Ten, having an elite mind on the sidelines is the ultimate difference between contending for a national championship and scrambling for bowl eligibility. USA Today ran a comprehensive audit to rank every single Big Ten head coach heading into the 2026 season. From Curt Cignetti crowning an incredible national title run in Bloomington to top Ryan Day and Dan Lanning, to blockbuster moves like Kyle Whittingham taking over Michigan and Matt Campbell landing at Penn State, we break down the entire 18-team hierarchy. Check out our complete tactical breakdown to see where your favorite team's head coach lands entering 2026.

USA Today's Big Ten College Football Head Coaches Ranked 1-18: Going Into Week 8

USA Today's Big Ten Starting Quarterback Rankings: Going Into Week 8

Ranking the Top 10 Most Disappointing College Football Teams Going Into Week 8

ESPN Predicts the Record for All 18 Big Ten Teams Right Now: Going Into Week 8

Ranking the Top 50 College Football Running Backs Right Now

Michigan and Penn State enter winless in Big Ten play, with shaky offenses and coaches under pressure. The betting pick targets over 42.5 total points.

Michigan vs. Penn State Betting Pick: Over 42.5 Total

LATEST James Peoples NEWS

Miami remains No. 1 as strength of schedule shapes the rankings, UCLA stays unbeaten, and NIL-driven parity shakes up college football&#039;s top teams this season.

College Football Rankings: Miami Leads, UCLA Rises

Miami stakes its claim to No. 1 after a dominant win over Pitt, while BYU, Ole Miss, Texas Tech, Tennessee and Houston tumble in a truly chaotic weekend.

Miami Rises to No. 1 as College Football Playoff Rankings Heat Up

Miami merits the No. 1 ranking with elite talent on offense and defense, but questions remain over whether the Hurricanes truly stand far above every rival.

Is No. 1 Miami Really College Football's Best Team?

Miami stays unbeaten after crushing Pitt, while Indiana, Georgia, Ohio State and Notre Dame round out a top five shaping the national title race ahead.

College Football Top Five: Miami Claims the No. 1 Spot

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View the profile of Penn State Nittany Lions RB James Peoples on SportsGrid. Get the latest news, stats, player prop picks, related players, and more on SportsGrid.com.

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James Peoples is a RB for the Penn State Nittany Lions in the NCAAF.

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James Peoples

#1 · PSU · RB

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5’8”, 214 lbs

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San Antonio, TX, USA

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Junior

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