Coaches on the Move: College Football's Wild 2026 Season

The 2026 college football season promises excitement with numerous coaching changes, most notably Lane Kiffin's high-profile move from Ole Miss to LSU. This transition, along with others like James Franklin to Virginia Tech and Matt Campbell to Penn State, reshapes the landscape of the sport. Despite these shifts, the focus remains on the gridiron, with the Protect College Sports Act discussions temporarily stalled until September.

Notre Dame enters 2026 with heightened expectations, aiming to break their national title drought after a controversial playoff snub in the previous season. With a Heisman hopeful quarterback and a robust defense, the Irish are considered strong contenders. In the competitive Big Ten, rivalries are intensifying as Indiana, Ohio State, and Michigan continue their dominant runs, seeking further national championships.

The SEC faces its own strategic questions regarding the value of its championship game amid College Football Playoff expansion. With Georgia's recent playoff struggles despite SEC dominance, the conference is evaluating its path forward, especially with a move to a nine-game conference schedule.

Texas is emerging as a powerhouse state for college football, boasting five teams in the Preseason Top 25 across multiple conferences. The strong presence of programs like Texas Tech, Houston, Texas, and Texas A&M underscores the significant impact of NIL deals in the state. The ACC also sees increased pressure on coaches, with Clemson, Florida State, and North Carolina facing scrutiny after recent performance dips.