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As kickoff for the 2026 college football season arrives, USA TODAY Sports power ranked the ten head coaches under the most pressure in the country. With high expectations, NIL investments, and 12-team playoff urgency taking over Saturdays, patience across the nation has hit an all-time low. From Florida State's Mike Norvell and Wisconsin's Luke Fickell leading the list to UNC's Bill Belichick, USC's Lincoln Riley, and Mississippi State's Jeff Lebby navigating high-stakes seasons, we break down every head coach's job security and expert quotes. Check out our full 10-coach hot seat rankings.

USA TODAY's Top 10 College Football Coaches On the Hot Seat Ahead of Week 9

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Jeremiah Smith tops a Heisman ballot featuring Miami stars Malachi Tony and Darian Mensah, Notre Dame&#039;s CJ Carr, and Oregon State&#039;s Jesse Legree this year.

Heisman Trophy Top Five: Jeremiah Smith Leads the Race

Indiana&#039;s rise fuels debate over a 60-team college football super league, conference revenue sharing, and ESPN and Fox&#039;s grip on lucrative media rights.

College Football's Premier League and TV Monopoly Debate

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View the profile of USC Trojans DT Nate Clifton on SportsGrid. Get the latest news, stats, player prop picks, related players, and more on SportsGrid.com.

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Nate Clifton is a DT for the USC Trojans in the NCAAF.

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Rodney Rice, Alijah Arenas lead No. 21 USC past San Diego State in 85-68 exhibition win

TST Images: USC defeats San Diego State, 85-68, in San Diego

Nate Clifton

#99 · USC · DT

HT/WT

6’3”, 295 lbs

Birthplace

Nashville, TN, USA

Class

Senior

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