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College Football: Who Are the 10 Coaches With the Most to Prove Entering the 2025 CFB Season?

College football has experienced a thrilling offseason, marked by numerous high-profile transfers, the arrival and departure of key coaches, and plenty of banter among programs. All these developments have set the stage for an unpredictable 2025-26 season. The College Football Playoff is sure to make a significant impact and bring excitement to the season’s conclusion, but what happens to those teams that fail to meet expectations? As we approach the 2025-26 season, several renowned coaches find themselves under pressure to achieve success this year or risk looking for new positions next offseason. Here, we’ll explore the 10 coaches with the most at stake as we enter the 2025 College Football season.

10 Coaches With the Most to Prove Entering the 2025 CFB Season

10. Kalen DeBoer – Alabama

Kalen DeBoer guided Alabama to a bowl game in his inaugural year as head coach but fell short of the CFP ph777 casino register. DeBoer took the Alabama position after the legendary Nick Saban, creating massive expectations. After losing three games in his last two seasons at Washington, DeBoer faced a tough first year with the Tide, losing four games and missing the CFP. He needs a strong second year to show he can succeed in the SEC and fulfill his contract.

9. Brian Kelly – LSU

Brian Kelly heads into his fourth season with LSU but has been a head coach for much longer. Even after three years at LSU, he has not finished a season with fewer than three losses, which has kept him from securing a CFP bid thus far royal 888 ph login. Concerns about his ability to compete at the SEC’s highest level were raised upon his hiring. Now, in his fourth season, Kelly must prove he belongs among the elite. r88 gaming

8. Billy Napier – Florida

Florida Gators head coach Billy Napier, who previously enjoyed a successful run with Louisiana, moved to Gainesville in 2022. Fast forward to 2025, and he has faced two underwhelming seasons leading to last year’s 8-5 finish. If Napier aims to secure his position with the Gators, a considerably more successful season in the fiercely competitive SEC is essential.

7. Mike Norvell – Florida State

It’s hard to believe that Mike Norvell is entering his sixth season with the Seminoles. Unfortunately, his last season was his worst yet, finishing at just 2-10 after two successful seasons with a combined 23-4 record. While injuries and roster mismatches played a significant role, Norvell faces considerable pressure to turn things around in 2025.

6. Hugh Freeze – Auburn

The start of Hugh Freeze’s tenure at Auburn has been rocky, marked by two successive seasons under .500. Freeze will feel the heat in 2025, especially in the competitive SEC landscape jili.178. If he is to prove his mettle in this new era of SEC football, he needs to deliver a far better season this year.

5. Mario Cristobal – Miami (FL)

A dramatic turnaround in 2024 has changed the narrative around Miami. After two disappointing seasons with the Hurricanes, Cristobal led the team to a commendable 10-3 record. This turnaround came after he faced 13 losses across his first two seasons. The question remains: can Cristobal and Miami replicate last season’s performance in an ACC that may be stronger this year? 8888 casino

4. Luke Fickell – Wisconsin

Similar to Matt Rhule, Luke Fickell is striving to restore his school to former glory. His first two seasons at Wisconsin have been forgettable, as he holds a 13-13 record, a stark decline from the three consecutive 10-win seasons achieved by Paul Chryst from 2015 to 2017. The challenges will only intensify in 2025 with a highly competitive Big Ten conference.

3. Matt Rhule – Nebraska

While a bowl victory is an achievement, Matt Rhule’s Cornhuskers still have significant work ahead. Two seasons into his tenure, Rhule is 12-13 overall. The silver lining lies in last season’s two-win improvement, along with favorable recruiting and transfers. If he can guide the team forward again, Rhule will cement his reputation as a rebuilding expert, but he faces fierce competition from a stacked Big Ten.

2. Lincoln Riley – USC

Lincoln Riley’s USC clinched a victory against Texas A&M in a bowl game last season, yet the ultimate aspiration remains the CFP. After a successful 21-5 run in 2021 and 2022, Riley’s performance dipped to a 15-11 record in 2023 and 2024. Although these seasons include two bowl wins, USC’s goals extend beyond that; they are aiming for a CFP berth in 2025. Riley must prove he can lead the Trojans to that coveted spot in an increasingly challenging Big Ten.

1. Brett Venables – Oklahoma

Brett Venables’ Sooners had promising moments but have encountered setbacks. With one 10-win season sandwiched between two 6-7 campaigns, Venables faces a critical moment. This is his first head coaching role, and after three seasons, results have not been impressive. As Oklahoma transitions to the SEC, the competition for CFP slots intensifies, leaving Venables with a tall order to demonstrate his coaching prowess at the highest level.

Honorable Mentions: