Top Coaches and Teams Shape 2025 Football Landscape

Marcus Freeman has been ranked as the No. 4 coach in the nation for 2025 after leading Notre Dame to the national championship game and accumulating 24 wins over two seasons. LSU's Brian Kelly is viewed as a top-10 coach whose 2025 roster is considered his strongest yet, increasing expectations for a College Football Playoff run amid pressure to deliver after past underwhelming seasons. Coaches and analysts cite LSU as a potential dark horse, praising the impact of quarterback Garrett Nussmeier and the team's aggressive use of the transfer portal. Clemson's Dabo Swinney faces scrutiny over his adaptation to NIL changes and quarterback development in a critical upcoming season. UCLA's DeShaun Foster is recognized for his distinguished playing career, ranking No. 6 among current coaches for collegiate accomplishments, though his coaching career is still in its early stages. These developments set the stage for a highly competitive 2025 college football season.