College Football Programs Gearing Up for Success with New Head Coaches

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The past year witnessed a lot of changes in college football, as the coaching landscape saw a massive shake-up. A total of 33 programs hired new head coaches during the offseason. The influx of money through Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals has increased the pressure on coaches to deliver results quickly. The rapid success of Curt Cignetti with Indiana, where he secured a national championship in only his second season, exemplifies this demand for swift achievements.

Each of the 33 teams hopes for an improved performance under their fresh leadership as they head into the new season. Here, we highlight three college football programs set to make a significant impact with their new head coaches.

1. Florida, Jon Sumrall

Jon Sumrall has injected a renewed sense of enthusiasm at Florida right from the start of his tenure. His past experiences at Troy and Tulane were marked by early successes. Notably, he led Tulane to the College Football Playoff (CFP) last season. Florida dismissed Billy Napier after a disappointing 3-4 start, ending the 2025 season with a 4-8 record. With Sumrall at the helm, the Gators aim to potentially double their win total this season. A CFP run may be more realistic in 2027 following enhancements in recruiting and resource allocation.

2. LSU, Lane Kiffin

LSU brought in Lane Kiffin with the expectation of steady success following Brian Kelly’s challenging period. Kiffin led Ole Miss to the CFP last season but departed for the Tigers before coaching the Rebels in the playoffs. With an extensive array of resources bestowed upon him at LSU, Kiffin has been proactive in assembling a competitive roster for the fall. Though winning a national championship might be elusive this year, LSU is in strong contention for an SEC title and a CFP berth.

3. Oklahoma State, Eric Morris

Oklahoma State has maintained a low profile this offseason, likely due to their 1-11 finish in 2025. Despite this, new head coach Eric Morris offers hope for a turnaround. He had a successful 11-2 season with North Texas, narrowly missing a CFP spot after falling to Jon Sumrall’s Tulane. The Cowboys acquired Drew Mestemaker from North Texas, an exciting quarterback who amassed 4,379 yards, 34 touchdowns, and nine interceptions last season. While a Big 12 title might be a stretch, Oklahoma State is on the verge of a remarkable improvement.

Honorable Mentions: UCLA (Bob Chesney), Virginia Tech, James Franklin.

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