They say three’s a crowd, but four’s a party. Ryan Day has now joined Kirby Smart and Dabo Swinney as the only active college football coaches to have won a national championship. The coaching landscape has shifted with Nick Saban’s retirement, Jim Harbaugh’s move to the NFL, and Mack Brown’s departure. So, who are the next coaches to watch out for? Let’s take a closer look at six potential candidates who could turn the trio into a quartet.
6. James Franklin (Penn State)
Penn State looks to be a strong contender going into the new season, with quarterback Drew Allar and key running backs returning from a team that made it to the College Football Playoff semifinals last year. However, Franklin’s track record in big games is a concern. To secure a national title, he’ll need to overcome this hurdle and address key losses on both sides of the ball.
5. Marcus Freeman (Notre Dame)
Notre Dame has a solid foundation and a favorable scheduling setup that often leads to a successful season. But to win it all, Freeman needs a standout quarterback and star receivers to step up. The 2025 season will be a test for Notre Dame’s offensive firepower.
4. Kalen DeBoer (Alabama)
DeBoer had a rocky start in his first season at Alabama, but with a strong recruiting class and key transfers, the team is poised for a comeback. The success of the team will largely depend on the quarterback position and the development of young talent.
3. Brian Kelly (LSU)
After missing out on the playoff at Notre Dame, Kelly is determined to make a statement at LSU. With a top-notch transfer class and a strong defense, the Tigers have the pieces in place for a successful season. Nussmeier’s experience at quarterback is a significant advantage, and Kelly is looking to capitalize on the team’s strengths to make a championship run.
Title hopes are diminishing for Kelly at LSU as he reaches the age of 63, but the window isn’t shut yet. Dan Lanning at Oregon, in conjunction with NIL benefits at “Nike U.,” has seen success with a 25-3 record over the last two seasons. Lanning, at 38 years old, seems destined to win a national championship sooner rather than later, evidenced by his impressive transfer and recruiting classes. The Ducks appear primed for a playoff run, with their championship aspirations resting on the performance of UCLA transfer Dante Moore as their new starting quarterback.
Steve Sarkisian at Texas has positioned himself as a strong contender for a national title. Texas has made a resurgence under his leadership, reaching the College Football Playoff semifinals in back-to-back seasons. Like Lanning, Sarkisian has a knack for attracting top talent and has solidified Texas as a perennial contender with his recruiting prowess and skilled quarterback development. The Longhorns, backed by a robust NIL program, have become a force to be reckoned with on the national stage.
The article ponders whether Sarkisian, Lanning, or another coach will be the next to claim the national championship, with Ohio State, Texas, Oregon, and Georgia among the frontrunners. The likes of Day, Smart, and Swinney also have a shot at extending their dominance in the college football landscape. Blake Toppmeyer, the national college football columnist for USA TODAY Network, explores the possibilities surrounding the next coach to achieve this coveted title, leaving readers to contemplate who will emerge as the victor in the upcoming season.
