Chris Low reveals SEC head coach rankings heading into the 2026 season
By Ethan Stone
Published:
The 2026 college football seasons is inching closer and closer, and on Monday On3’s Chris Low released his ranking of all 16 SEC head coaches heading into the new year.
To nobody’s surprise, Kirby Smart comes in at No. 1 on Low’s list, followed by Steve Sarkisian of Texas and Lane Kiffin at LSU. Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer is next, followed by Texas A&M HC Mike Elko who rounds out the top 5.
Here’s a look at Low’s full list:
Many in the comments under On3’s post gave the opinion that DeBoer should be above Kiffin. DeBoer, after all, led Washington to the national championship game just a few years ago, made an SEC Championship game appearance and has won a playoff game at Alabama. While Kiffin’s Rebels won a pair of CFP games last year, he was not actively the head coach.
Kentucky head coach Will Stein in last place is worth mentioning as well. It is worth noting, however, that he’s the only coach listed that has not been a head coach before. Ryan Silverfield (Memphis), Alex Golesh (South Florida) and Jon Sumrall (Tulane) are all first-year SEC head coaches but served as head coach at their previous stops.
Who will reach the College Football Playoff in 2026-27? Here’s a look at the latest odds to qualify, via Kalshi:
Ethan Stone is a Saturday Down South News Editor and an advocate for the return of the Seattle Supersonics.
