JD PicKell of On3 Unveils Rankings After Eventful Offseason.
As the 2024 college football season fades into history, On3’s JD PicKell has sparked debate with his ranking of the sport’s top 10 head coaches ahead of the 2025 campaign. The list blends established legends with rising stars, offering surprises in both order and rationale. Here’s a breakdown of the coaches leading the charge:
1. Kirby Smart, Georgia Bulldogs
Smart’s dominance is undeniable. With two national titles and a 2024 SEC championship, he’s built a juggernaut in Athens. Despite falling short in this year’s playoff due to injuries, Georgia’s reloaded roster and relentless recruiting make them 2025 CFP favorites.
2. Ryan Day, Ohio State Buckeyes
Day silenced critics by capturing Ohio State’s first national title since 2014. While his 0-4 record against Michigan remains a sore spot, navigating the Buckeyes to a championship—even without a conference crown—cements his elite status. Can he finally topple the Wolverines in 2025?
3. Steve Sarkisian, Texas Longhorns
Sarkisian resurrected Texas into a powerhouse, narrowly missing the title game in back-to-back years. With Arch Manning poised to take the reins and a smooth transition to the SEC, the Longhorns’ ceiling under Sarkisian’s offensive genius has never been higher.
4. Kalen DeBoer, Alabama Crimson Tide
A “down year” for DeBoer still included an SEC title game appearance, though missing the playoff stung. With time to mold Alabama’s roster and quarterback room, his track record (see: Washington’s 2023 run) suggests a rapid return to contention.
5. Dan Lanning, Oregon Ducks
Lanning’s Ducks soared to a No. 1 playoff seed in 2024 before falling to Ohio State. His aggressive roster-building and developmental prowess position Oregon as a perennial threat. The next step? Translating regular-season dominance into a championship.
6. Marcus Freeman, Notre Dame Fighting Irish
Freeman shattered expectations, leading Notre Dame to a 14-2 record and a title game berth. His challenge now: sustaining success in the 12-team playoff era. With momentum and recruiting surging, the Irish are back among the elite.
7. Dabo Swinney, Clemson Tigers
Swinney’s “old-school” approach sparked a Clemson revival, culminating in an ACC title and playoff return. While the Tigers aren’t the juggernaut of yesteryear, a seasoned Cade Klubnik at QB offers hope for deeper postseason runs.
8. Brian Kelly, LSU Tigers
Kelly’s consistency (11+ wins in three straight seasons) keeps LSU in the SEC’s upper tier. Yet, failing to reach the playoff—or truly threaten Georgia and Alabama—leaves fans wanting more. His portal and recruiting savvy must deliver a breakthrough.
9. James Franklin, Penn State Nittany Lions
Franklin’s 2024 season quieted doubters, but losses to Ohio State and Notre Dame highlighted lingering gaps. With another loaded roster, 2025 is his chance to prove Penn State can compete for titles, not just 10-win seasons.
10. Josh Heupel, Tennessee Volunteers
Heupel’s high-octane offense propelled Tennessee to the playoff, and QB Nico Iamaleava’s return fuels optimism. To climb higher, he must avoid head-scratching losses (see: 2024 stumble vs. Kentucky) and challenge Georgia in the SEC East.
The Road Ahead
As coaching carousels spin and transfer portals churn, this list remains fluid. Will DeBoer reclaim Alabama’s throne? Can Sarkisian or Lanning seize their first title? With the expanded playoff reshaping the landscape, 2025 promises drama—both on the field and in these rankings.
