12: Kent State – Kent, Ohio

Is this the worst job in college football? Could Sooners and NASCAR Publisher, Tyler Jones and I take over this job with a Madden or CFB ’26 Run & Shoot playbook? Potentially? Don’t let anyone lie to you, this could be the worst program in the FBS. They play in Dix Stadium and would like to go by the Golden Flashes, but comparing recent success, they’re only Golden Flashes in a pan. I’m not trying to be hater. I’m really not. How many red-blooded Americans could put Kent, Ohio on a map. The Golden Flashes need a Golden Snitch to capture some Harry Potter magic to have hopes of relevancy. I’m sorry, Kent faithful. 

#11: UAB Blazers – Birmingham, Alabama

Hey, hey, hey, B-Ham has really good barbeque. It’s also a really cool town, despite college football success. If you like alt rock/jazz, Birmingham is the home to St. Paul and the Broken Bones. One of the dopest alt rock/bluesy/jazz bands you can add to your Spotify today. Their former keyboard player has influenced my supportive small artist/band travel across the eastern side of the United States. Though, while Dreamland Barbeque is some of the best I’ve ever had, Birmingham BBQ isn’t bringing in Blazer recruits quite like they want. At least your program isn’t dead anymore? Drown your sorrows in that sauce!

#10: Colorado State Rams – Fort Collins, Colorado

Fort Collins is a traditional college town and one I’ve been lucky to go to. I’m not a CS Rams fan, though, since their mascot is the Rams, I root for them, being a Los Angeles Rams fan. Their basketball team has made recent noise but their football program could use some work. 

#9: Oregon State Beavers – Corvallis, Oregon

Corvallis is one of the most beautiful college towns in the nation. Unfortunately, the Beavers have not provided a scenic college football atmosphere. They’ve been very lackluster. Oregon State bolsters alumni like Chad Ochocinco and Steven Jackson but was left out of PAC-12 transition discussions with the likes of Washington State. Where will Oregon State end up?

#8: UCLA Bruins – Los Angeles, California 

Do I feel sorry for UCLA? No, no I don’t. They have one of  the most attractive universities in the United States and they’ve squandered all of it almost entirely. We won’t give them any “sorry credits”. UCLA has managed to win a few surprising games, and pretty much managed to get Penn State’s James Franklin fired, but I’m not convinced they can continue on. Flash in the Bruin pan. 

#7: Stanford Cardinal – Stanford, California 

Stanford isn’t that far removed from greatness. They’ve had players like Richard Sherman, Christian McCaffrey and Andrew Luck, among many more. They’re down bad currently but I believe their rise to relevance could be quick and their disappearance from the college football discussion could be very short. They need a right hire. A Mike Elko. A Curt Cignetti. The Cardinal can provide the resources. Watch out.

 #6: Virginia Tech Hokies – Blacksburg, Virginia

The Hokies could have a huge resurgence. I believe a lot of the media is counting them out and don’t consider their relevance south of NOVA. VA Tech has a great college football atmosphere and they’re never down for long.

 #5: Oklahoma State Cowboys – Stillwater, Oklahoma

The job opening in Stillwater, I believe, presents an opening like no other. It’s different from the open jobs, right? A new coach in Stillwater could dictate a power ranking in the Big 12 immediately. The Big 12 and Oklahoma State could command expeditious respect. The Cowboys wanted to be a respected Big 12 team year in and year out. A good and respected hire here solidifies those wishes. 

#4: Arkansas Razorbacks - Fayetteville, Arkansas

The “ol’ col’ beer” well has run dry in Fayetteville, and will miss Sam Pittman at Arkansas. Though I know those who call the hogs every Saturday were ready for a fresh start. Arkansas, I believe is a top head coaching job opening, not because of Walmart or Tyson Chicken money, or for the scenic landscape that is northwest Arkansas, or for their ability to bring in recruits, but for the simple fact that they’re in the SEC. The “It Just Means More” SEC punchline, as much as I hate to admit it, does hold up here. Can the right hire for Arkansas vault them into a Georgia or an Alabama type team year in and year out? I don’t believe so, but I don’t think Arkansas fans are asking for the sun and the moon here, when setting expectations or hopes for a consistent, competitive “eight wins a season” Razorback squad.

#3: Florida Gators – Gainesville, FloridaThe Florida Gators may have gotten rid of Billy Napier but, considering they’re in the SEC, it could be a matter of a coin flip if they get who they want. Florida isn’t the team they used to be, but they’re still respected as a premier university.

 #2: Louisiana State University Tigers(LSU) – Baton Rouge, Louisiana

LSU and Baton Rouge, despite buying out Brian Kelly, is never going to falter in the new SEC. Tulane’s Sumrall is a favorite to take over in BR and could be key to making Death Valley as dangerous as it used to be. LSU will never not put good product on the field. Brian Kelly was not that guy for the LSU Tigers. 

#1: Penn State Nittany Lions (PSU) – State College, Pennsylvania 

James Franklin, in my opinion, was unfairly fired at Penn State. Franklin lead the Nittany Lions to an almost 2024 national championship appearance and was fired early in the 2025season. I’m not sure where Franklin will end up, but Penn State will remain my number one college football head coaching destination moving into the 2025-2026 year.