Ranking the Top 10 Most Disappointing College Football Teams Going Into 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 9

USA Today's Preseason Big Ten Quarterback Rankings: Stats Going Into Week 9

ESPN Predicts Final Record for All 18 Big Ten Teams Right Now: Going Into Week 9

Ranking the Top 50 College Football Running Backs Right Now: Going Into Week 9

Ranking the Top 10 Potential Upsets for College Football Week 9

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

LATEST Nolan Rucci NEWS

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

Back Iowa on the moneyline at home against Wisconsin in a defensive Big Ten clash projected to stay low scoring and finish around 17-14—every point matters.

Iowa vs. Wisconsin Betting Pick: Back Hawkeyes at Home

Indiana vs. Minnesota betting analysis favors the under 40.5, with both Big Ten teams pairing strong defenses with weak offenses and quarterback injuries.

Indiana vs. Minnesota Prediction: Bet the Big Ten Under

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

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Predicting the 8 NFL Division Winners Right Now: Going Into Week 8

UNLV survives Halloween fright against Northern Illinois

TST Images: UNLV Rebels defeat the NIU Huskies, 31-24, at Allegiant Stadium

USC shocks No. 2 Ohio state to keep CFP hopes alive

Polymarket NFL Promo Code GRIDS for Chiefs vs. Broncos 11-01-2026

Kalshi NFL Promo Code GRIDS for Ravens vs. Bills 11-01-2026

Ranking The Top 5 Potential Upsets For NFL Week 8

HEADLINES

TST Images: USC defeats Ohio State, 30-18, in Los Angeles

Brutal Bruins defense spoils Luke Duncan&#39;s return to Rose Bowl in UCLA shutout

No. 7 UCLA turns Rose Bowl into House of Horrors in monstrous win over Nevada

TST Images: San Diego State defeats Washington State, 26-20, in San Diego

Sabres spoil Kings Halloween with 3-2 victory; Chromiak makes NHL debut

TST Images: Sabres defeat Kings, 3-2, at Crypto.com Arena

Coachella Valley Firebirds beat Henderson Silver Knights, 5-1, at Acrisure Arena

Hughes Brothers too much for the Golden Knights

Sizzling shooting helps Hawaii Pacific rout St. Edward&#39;s in Hoops in Hawaii opener

2026-27 College Basketball Title Odds: Florida, UConn and More

TST Images: SDSU defeat Long Beach State, 92-67, at Viejas Arena

Aztecs close exhibition slate, get full team involved to run past Long Beach State

NCAAB

Raiders-Jets more than renewing acquaintances with Smith

Rams face injury concerns ahead of Chargers game as McVay praises defense, Aaron Donald

Carolina Panthers' Loss Raises Doubts After DC Firing

Vikings’ 6-0 Start Faces Major Test Against Detroit Lions

Clippers collapse in late-stage surge to Timberwolves on the road

Lakers squander 25-point lead in loss to Warriors

NBA Showdown: New York vs. Philadelphia - Key Players & Odds!

Lakers at Warriors: What to watch in the Bay

Pat Murphy Built the Brewers' World Series Culture

Michael King Could Cash In on a Weak Free-Agent Class

Why the Tampa Bay Rays Remain World Series Contenders

MLB Free Agency Rumors: Trades, Signings and Stars

LA Galaxy Sweep Aside Austin 4-1 at Home

Canelo Alvarez outboxes Christian Mbilli to win WBC super middleweight title

SDFC ends ten-match winless drought in 1-0 win over St. Louis

#3 USC Women ready prepares for highly anticipated season

Notre Dame vs. Navy Betting Preview: Take the Points?

Drew Mestemaker's QB1 Buzz Shakes Up NFL Draft Odds

Texas Tech vs. Arizona: Big 12 Betting Picks and Preview

Miami's Playoff Path Highlights the ACC's Steep Decline

UNC vs. Miami Preview: Can Tar Heels Cover the Spread?

NIL Era Puts Kamario Taylor & Arch Manning in Focus

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Dallas Cowboys vs. Cardinals: Week 8 Outlook

Giants, Cowboys Battle for NFC East Crown

Ravens vs. Bills Week 8 Preview and Prediction

Lamar Jackson on Track to Face Buffalo Bills

Gators vs. Georgia: Take the Points and Under

SPORTSGRID SHORTS

TST Best Bets: October 31, 2026

Legendary Hawaii football coach June Jones dies at 73 after transforming Rainbow Warriors program

Matt Leinart to receive Roy Firestone Award at Westcoast Sports Associates&#39; annual benefit in Santa Monica

Jayden Maiava’s USC Heisman Odds Face Tough Upcoming Tests

2026-27 Heisman Race: Jeremiah Smith Leads Top Contenders

College Football Long Shots With Playoff Betting Value

ESPN Predicts the Final Record For All 16 SEC Teams Right Now: Going Into Week 9

Georgia-Florida Over 56.5: Why the Rivalry Goes High

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

Josh Hoover Passing Prop and Indiana-Michigan Best Bets

Ole Miss vs. Texas Picks: Back the Rebels in Austin

TST Images: Vegas Golden Knights defeated by New Jersey Devils, 5-2, at T-Mobile Arena

Ranking the 15 Worst NHL Free Agency Signings of the 2026 Offseason

Kings&#39; overtime coaching overhaul leads to dramatic win over Senators

TST Images: Kings defeat Senators, 6-5, in Los Angeles

2027 Stanley Cup Odds: Colorado, Vegas, and Edmonton Lead Pack

Conn Smythe Market Prices: Mitch Marner Heads to the Top

Stanley Cup Showdown: Vegas vs. Carolina for the Title

Carolina and Vegas Favorites for Stanley Cup Showdown

TST Best Bets: October 29, 2026

TST Best Bets: October 26, 2026

TST Best Bets: October 22, 2026

TST Best Bets: October 20, 2026

Cooper Black to Become Tallest Goalie in NHL History

Tkachuk Brothers Make NHL History on Wild Hockey Night

Edmonton Oilers Struggle Defensively, Lose to Canucks

2026-27 NHL Season Begins: Key Teams and Betting Tips

Hoosiers and Tar Heels Meet in Indy for Exhibition Match

For Pastner, Rebels, it&#39;s about a chemistry test

TST Images: UCLA Men&#39;s Basketball Media Day

UCLA sophomore Lena Bilić to miss 2026-27 season with ACL tear

Most Outstanding Player Odds: Mara, Reed Lead the Pack

National Championship Odds: Michigan Leads, Arizona Trails Behind

National Championship Odds Analysis: Michigan Leads the Pack

National Championship Odds: Arizona and Michigan Lead the Pack

Ranking the Top 20 Players in College Basketball Right Now

UNLV returns to &#39;Hardway Eight&#39; mode in 89-77 exhibition loss to BYU

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

Exploring NCAA's Reaction to College Basketball Trends

NCAA Fifth-Year Eligibility and Legal Controversies

NCAA's New 5 for 5 Rule: Its Impact on College Sports

Impact of NIL on College Sports: Benefits & Balance

Chargers vs. Rams preview, prediction and how to watch

5 NFL Teams That Should Be Worried Right Now: Going Into Week 8

Ranking the NFL's 15 Most-Likely Playoff Teams Right Now: Going Into Week 8

Teams better be ready to pay up if the Maxx Crosby sweepstakes kick off

ESPN Predicts the 14-Team NFL Playoff Field Right Now: Going Into Week 8

Cleveland Browns Playoff Odds: Bet the AFC North Run?

AFC North Betting: Sell Steelers, Trust Joe Burrow?

Why the Packers Are a Super Bowl Value Bet at 30-1

Chuba Hubbard Leads Top NFL Touchdown Scorer Picks

NFL Sunday Prop Bets: Bowers, Gordon, Douglas and Mason

Malik Washington Over 4.5 Receptions: Top Plus-Money Bet

Chiefs vs. Seahawks: Best Bets & Sunday Night Under

Chargers Poised to Improve After Bye Against the Rams

Chiefs vs. Broncos Preview: Mahomes Faces Denver Test

Lamar Jackson Returns for Ravens-Bills Betting Clash

Christian Watson's Ambulance Return Stuns NFL Fans

Ranking the 5 Most Overrated Teams in the NBA Right Now!

Clippers crumble against Lakers, drop third straight game

Lakers ride Collin Sexton’s spark to win over Clippers

Luka Doncic out against Clippers with back tightness

NBA Futures: Predictions for Top Teams and Players This Season

Spurs Lead in Western Conference Odds Over OKC & Denver

Celtics vs. Heat: Best Betting Value to Win NBA East

NBA Futures Analysis: OKC, Spurs, & Knicks Betting Odds Breakdown

TST Best Bets: October 28, 2026

TST Best Bets: October 27, 2026

TST Best Bets: October 21, 2026

TST Best Bets: October 30, 2026

JJ Redick Faces a Defining Year as Lakers Head Coach

Western Conference Odds: Minnesota Value and Lakers’ Hot Start

76ers, LeBron, & Knicks Face a Loaded Eastern Conference

Anthony Edwards' Knee Injury Raises NBA Fitness Concerns

Dodgers open as favorites to win 2027 World Series despite Brewers&#39; dominant championship season

Angels decline Kurt Suzuki’s managerial option

TST Best Bets: October 16, 2026

Dodgers&#39; historic three-peat dream is over, ending a golden era in Los Angeles

Potential Brewers vs. Rays World Series Odds & Predictions

Brewers replace Dodgers as World Series favorites after taking 2-0 NLCS lead

Nolan Rucci

#72 · PSU · OT

HT/WT

6’7”, 304 lbs

Birthplace

Lititz, PA, USA

Class

Senior

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