As we gear up for the 2025 college football season, it’s clear that coaching plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of programs across the nation. In a sport where players come and go, it’s the head coaches who steadily steer the ship, crafting the identities of their teams with every season that passes. Today, we take a closer look at the ten best coaches in college football, based on recent performances and overall impact.
- Kirby Smart, Georgia
Leading the pack is Georgia’s Kirby Smart, an undeniable force in college football. Under his stewardship, the Bulldogs have clinched two national championships in the last four years and reached the College Football Playoff four times. Impressively, Smart has anchored Georgia in the AP poll’s top 10 for eight straight seasons, smashing the previous program record of four consecutive years. His strategic brilliance and attention to detail set him apart, making him a guiding light in the college football landscape. - Ryan Day, Ohio State
Following closely behind is Ohio State’s Ryan Day, whose ability to weather fan scrutiny is admirable. After enduring criticism for a fourth straight loss to Michigan, Day silenced the doubters by leading the Buckeyes to their first national title in a decade. With an impressive 87.5% career win percentage — the highest among his peers on this list — Day has consistently steered Ohio State to success, securing playoff berths in four of his six seasons and never finishing lower than tenth in the final AP poll. - Dabo Swinney, Clemson
At third, we find Dabo Swinney of Clemson, who has a treasure trove of accolades, including two national championships in 2016 and 2018 and nine ACC titles. Swinney’s six College Football Playoff appearances are more than any other coach currently in the mix, illustrating his ability to compete at the highest level consistently. With Clemson eager to reclaim its title spot in 2025, they boast one of the most talented rosters in the nation, thanks to Swinney’s recruiting prowess. - Dan Lanning, Oregon
Oregon’s Dan Lanning is making waves and is steadily rising in the ranks. Though he lacks a national title yet, his 85.4% win rate is nothing short of spectacular. Lanning’s first season saw the Ducks win a Big Ten championship, showcasing his adaptability and strong leadership. As Oregon heads into this season as a formidable playoff contender, Lanning’s potential to join the championship conversation is tantalizing. - Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame
Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman has been on an upward trajectory, showcasing his growth as a head coach. This past season, he led the Fighting Irish to the National Championship Game, defeating esteemed coaches along the way. Freeman’s ability to harness talent, like standout running back Jeremiyah Love and cornerback Leonard Moore, puts Notre Dame back in prime position for another title run. - Steve Sarkisian, Texas
After years of anticipation, Steve Sarkisian’s Texas Longhorns are finally showing the world what they can do. With a stellar record of 25-5 in the last two seasons and back-to-back trips to the College Football Playoff semifinals, Sarkisian has revitalized the program’s reputation. As Texas looks to claim its first national championship in two decades, excitement is palpable in Austin. - Kalen DeBoer, Alabama
Despite a rocky debut season as Nick Saban’s successor at Alabama, Kalen DeBoer brings a wealth of experience to the table. Although the Crimson Tide faced a disappointing 9-4 record last year, DeBoer’s tenure prior at Washington, where he led the team to a National Championship Game appearance, showcases his capacity for excellence. With a solid defense and offensive talents preparing for the upcoming season, DeBoer has the tools to reclaim the Tide’s competitive edge. - James Franklin, Penn State
James Franklin delivered his finest season yet at Penn State, guiding the Nittany Lions to their inaugural College Football Playoff appearance. The team reached the semifinals for a thrilling finish and concluded the season ranked fifth in the AP poll – their highest since 2005. With most of that successful squad returning for 2025, Franklin is well-positioned to lead Penn State back into the national spotlight. - Brian Kelly, LSU
The pressure is rising on Brian Kelly in Baton Rouge after the Tigers failed to crack the top 25 last season, finishing with a 9-4 record. However, Kelly’s substantial coaching history cannot be overlooked. His teams at Notre Dame made it to either the BCS National Championship Game or the College Football Playoff three times, showcasing his aptitude for success. With promising quarterback Garrett Nussmeier leading the charge, there’s hope of a turnaround in the upcoming season. - Curt Cignetti, Indiana
Rounding out our list is Curt Cignetti, a name that has quickly grown in significance following his extraordinary first season at Indiana. Turning the Hoosiers from a struggling program into a College Football Playoff qualifier with 11 wins, Cignetti has transformed expectations in Bloomington. As he looks to repeat that success with returning talent, Indiana could very well be a formidable force in college football once more.
As we look ahead to the 2025 season, one thing is certain: these coaches are shaping the future of college football, and their leadership will undoubtedly define the narrative of the upcoming year. Each coach brings a unique approach to their program that excites fans and shapes the competitive landscape of college football as we know it.
