While the 2026 college football season is still months away, the debate over the sport's elite leaders is already heating up. Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt has thrown his hat into the ring, releasing a personal ranking of the top 10 head coaches in the nation. His list blends expected powerhouse names with a few curveballs that are guaranteed to get fans talking.
The Top of the Pecking Order
Topping Klatt's prestigious list is Indiana's Curt Cignetti, who rides the wave of a historic national championship victory into the number one spot. The rest of the top five features some of the game's most prominent figures: Ohio State's Ryan Day at second, Georgia's Kirby Smart at third, Oregon's Dan Lanning at fourth, and Notre Dame's Marcus Freeman rounding out the elite group.
The second half of the top ten is where the conversation gets particularly spicy. Texas mastermind Steve Sarkisian lands at six, followed by Michigan's newly-appointed leader Kyle Whittingham. BYU's Kalani Sitake takes the eighth spot, with Miami's national title runner-up coach Mario Cristobal at nine. Perhaps the most eyebrow-raising selection is LSU's Lane Kiffin, whose inclusion at number ten is sure to be a major point of contention among the college football faithful.
BYU's Proud Alumni Moment
One fanbase had extra reason to celebrate Klatt's rankings. Observant BYU supporters quickly noted that three of the coaches listed—Steve Sarkisian, Kyle Whittingham, and Kalani Sitake—are all graduates of the Provo institution. This unique trifecta provided a proud point of connection for Cougar fans amidst the wider debate.
The Internet Weighs In: Praise and Pushback
As with any ranking, Klatt's list did not escape scrutiny. Social media and comment sections lit up with reactions, ranging from agreement to outright disbelief. One user questioned Dan Lanning's high placement, stating, "How is Lanning so high? Sark & Cristobal have done more than him." Another pointedly asked, "What has Dan Lanning done that Marcus Freeman hasn't?"
The omissions drew just as much fire as the inclusions. "I guess Mike Elko doesn't exist," wrote a fan of the Texas A&M head coach, highlighting a notable absence. Others championed Alabama's Kalen DeBoer, with one comment reading, "None of the bottom 5 are better than Kalen DeBoer." And Lane Kiffin's spot was directly challenged by a succinct critic: "Lane doesn't belong there."
Klatt's rankings serve as a compelling offseason talking point, a snapshot of coaching prestige as the sport enters a new era. While the list honors recent achievement and program stature, the passionate fan feedback proves that defining coaching greatness is never a simple task. As one social media user perfectly summarized the inevitable divide, "You can't please everybody…" The debate over who truly belongs in the top ten is now officially underway.
