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.

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

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

Why the Ohio State-USC clash points to over 50.5, how both offenses could reach 30, and whether Lincoln Riley&#039;s uneven tenure may soon come to an end at USC.

Ohio State vs. USC: Over 50.5 Bet and Riley's Future

Ohio State visits USC with Luke Fahey replacing Julian Sayin, as the Buckeyes test their depth against a Trojans team hoping to stay in playoff contention.

Ohio State vs. USC: Can Luke Fay Lead the Buckeyes?

Despite losing Julian Sayin, Ohio State remains a top national title contender as betting markets weigh its deep roster against a chaotic field of rivals.

Ohio State Title Odds Stay High Amid Quarterback Chaos

Larry Fitzgerald and Jaxon Smith-Njigba compare Jeremiah Smith to elite receiver legends, while Ohio State&#039;s young pass catchers build momentum this season.

Jeremiah Smith Draws Praise From NFL Receiver Legends

Jeremiah Smith leads the Heisman race, but Trinidad Chambliss and Darian Mensah could surge as College Football&#039;s pivotal November games quickly approach.

2026-27 Heisman Race: Jeremiah Smith Leads Top Contenders

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Florida State fires Mike Norvell after a poor loss to Clemson, triggering a $51 million buyout and questions about Jimbo Fisher and the Seminoles&#039; future.

Florida State Fires Mike Norvell After Clemson Loss

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

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

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View the profile of Ohio State Buckeyes DT James Smith on SportsGrid. Get the latest news, stats, player prop picks, related players, and more on SportsGrid.com.

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James Smith

#3 · OSU · DT

HT/WT

6’3”, 306 lbs

Birthplace

Montgomery, AL, USA

Class

Senior

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