As we enter the 2025 college football season, there are countless questions surrounding the sport. Who will make the playoffs? Will the format expand again? Which players will be in the Heisman Trophy conversation? And, most importantly, which team will emerge as the National Champion?

Yet, one of the most debated and impactful questions remains: Which coaches are considered the best in college football right now?

There are several angles to evaluate this — from career accomplishments and NFL player development to postseason success and how much a coach has overachieved given their program’s resources.

Below, we dive into a comprehensive ranking of the top 10 Coaches in College Football heading into the 2025 season.

1. Kirby Smart, Georgia

With more first-round NFL draft picks (20) than total losses (19) during his nine-year tenure at Georgia, Smart has crafted an elite resume. He led the Bulldogs to back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022 and holds an outstanding 105-19 record — all at his alma mater. With Nick Saban retired, Smart now stands as the sport’s most dominant figure.

2. Ryan Day, Ohio State

Ryan Day guided Ohio State to a national championship last season — the first year of the expanded 12-team playoff. However, his 1-4 record against Michigan remains a major blemish. Despite losing to the Wolverines last season as a heavy favorite, the Buckeyes got a second chance in the playoffs and capitalized. While his national title boosts his stock significantly, Day’s struggles against Ohio State’s biggest rival remain a sore spot.

3. Dabo Swinney, Clemson

Swinney boasts a career record of 180-47 at Clemson and has two national championships (2016, 2018) under his belt. However, the program has declined slightly from its peak years. Though there’s an argument to rank him higher, his recent lack of elite success places him third on this list.

4. Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame

In just three seasons, Freeman has led Notre Dame to a 33-10 record, including a 14-2 campaign that ended with a national title run — the most wins in a single season in school history. Freeman has reestablished the Fighting Irish as a top-tier program, making him one of the fastest-rising names in college football.

5. Steve Sarkisian, Texas

Sarkisian led Texas to a 13-3 finish in 2024, matching a school record for wins and securing a College Football Playoff semifinal berth in their first season in the SEC. Known as one of the best offensive minds and recruiters in the sport, Sarkisian has built Texas into a legitimate contender. Personal setbacks earlier in his career keep him slightly lower on the list, but his trajectory is undeniably upward.

6. Dan Lanning, Oregon

Since becoming Oregon’s head coach in 2022, Lanning has racked up 35 wins — the fourth-most in the FBS over that span. In Oregon’s first Big Ten season, he led the Ducks to an undefeated conference record and a championship. While his coaching tenure is still relatively short, Lanning’s recruiting, player development, and staff-building skills indicate a promising future.

7. Kalen DeBoer, Alabama

DeBoer has found success at every level of football — from NAIA to FBS — and impressed during his short but impactful stint at Washington. His first year at Alabama was a bit uneven, with quarterback Jalen Milroe regressing slightly. However, following Nick Saban is no small task, and DeBoer’s long-term potential in Tuscaloosa remains high. Alabama is still built to win, and DeBoer is poised to do just that.

8. James Franklin, Penn State

Franklin has provided consistent success at Penn State and rebuilt the program after setbacks in 2020 and 2021. Though he hasn’t broken through against Ohio State consistently, he’s developed multiple future head coaches and kept the Nittany Lions nationally relevant. If he can finally push past the Big Ten’s elite, he’ll move higher on this list.

9. Kyle Whittingham, Utah

Whittingham’s achievements at Utah are remarkable, especially given the lack of institutional advantages. He led Utah to several division and conference titles during its final years in the Pac-12 and developed a steady pipeline to the NFL. Injuries derailed recent seasons, but his consistency and program-building at Utah are elite.

10. Matt Campbell, Iowa State

Few coaches have done more with less than Campbell. Before his arrival, Iowa State had only three bowl wins and one nine-win season in nearly four decades. Under Campbell, the Cyclones have three bowl wins, two nine-win seasons, and an 11-3 campaign last year. He continues to maximize a program without traditional recruiting or financial power.

These ten coaches have not only built strong resumes but also positioned their programs for sustained success. Whether it’s national titles, playoff berths, or player development, they each bring something unique to the college football landscape. As we look ahead to the 2025 season, all eyes will be on how they continue to shape the sport.

Until next time, college football fans!