ESPN’s ranking of the top head coaches in college football includes 5 SEC HCs
By Ethan Stone
Published:
ESPN’s panel of reporters released their list of the top 10 head coaches in college football heading into the 2026 season, with Indiana’s Curt Cignetti at the top of the pack ahead of Kirby Smart at No. 2.
Crucially, ESPN asked its group of reporters who they would most want to lead their hypothetical team this upcoming season. In other words, which head coaches have the most momentum heading into 2026.
Five SEC coaches were included on ESPN’s list, as follows:
- No. 2 — Kirby Smart, Georgia
- No. 6 — Steve Sarkisian, Texas
- No. 7 — Lane Kiffin, LSU
- No. 8 — Mike Elko, Texas A&M
- No. 10 (tie) — Kalen DeBoer, Alabama
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Also included on the list were Dan Lanning, Marcus Freeman, Kyle Whittingham, Ryan Day and Mario Cristobal. It’s also worth noting that Vanderbilt’s Clark Lea received one top 10 vote.
All these coaches have something to prove this season, but especially the bottom 4. None have won a national title as a head coach. Sarkisian and the Longhorns have a lot of pressure to reach the College Football Playoff again, and Kalen DeBoer will need to snag a CFP win or two for fans to be happy in Tuscaloosa.
Texas A&M has an intriguing year ahead. The Aggies reached the College Football Playoff in Year 2 under Mike Elko, but in Year 3 games at LSU, Alabama and Oklahoma join home matchups against Tennessee and Texas to make up a much tougher schedule.
Kiffin has still yet to coach in the College Football Playoff, but that’s the aim for the Tigers in Year 1. Kiffin brought in a horde of transfers, including Sam Leavitt out of Arizona State to lead the offense. LSU’s defense has talent across the board, and Blake Baker is back as DC. Kiffin might just prove he deserves to be higher on this list by year’s end.
Ethan Stone is a Tennessee graduate and loves all things college football and college basketball. Firm believer in fouling while up 3.
