College football is a big deal, and the coaches leading the top teams are under constant scrutiny. Let's dive into the ups and downs of some of the most talked-about coaches heading into the 2025 season.

Mike Norvell, who had a stellar 2023 with an undefeated regular season, faced a tough 2024. Despite making it to the top 10 last year, his ranking slipped significantly. The Florida State coach is still hanging onto a spot in the top 25, but his overall record of 33-27 and 20-20 in ACC play leaves room for improvement. Fans in northern Florida are even searching for "Mike Norvell buyout, " which doesn't bode well for his future.

Eli Drinkwitz has been steadily climbing the ranks in Columbia. Missouri's recent success, including a 10-3 season and 21-5 record over the last two years, has made the Tigers a team to watch in the SEC. Drinkwitz's work has paid off, and Missouri is now a formidable opponent.

Bret Bielema's move to Illinois proved to be a game-changer. Leading the Fighting Illini to their first 10-win season in 23 years, Bielema has shown that he can turn around a program. His 28-22 record through four seasons and the team's playoff contender status in 2025 speak volumes about his coaching abilities.

Rhett Lashlee's SMU team had an incredible 2024 season. They made it to the College Football Playoff and even reached the ACC title game in their first season in the league. Their performance was so impressive that they secured an at-large berth over a big-name team like Alabama. This success has put Lashlee on the map and has fans excited about what's to come.

Curt Cignetti's journey at Indiana has been nothing short of remarkable. After a successful stint at James Madison, Cignetti took over a program with a lackluster football tradition. However, he quickly turned things around, leading the Hoosiers to the playoff in 2024. His bold predictions and smack talk have paid off, and Indiana is now a team to be reckoned with.

Mario Cristobal's Miami Hurricanes had a solid 2024 season, going 10-3 and developing the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, Cam Ward. Cristobal's recruiting skills are top-notch, but his teams have yet to break through to the elite ranks. Despite this, his ranking feels right, and he continues to be a key player in college football.

Kirk Ferentz has been a staple at Iowa for a long time. His consistent performance has earned him respect, even if some fans aren't thrilled with his style of play. Ferentz's ability to maintain a top 20 ranking speaks to his overall body of work and his impact on the sport.

Kenny Dillingham's journey at Arizona State has been a rollercoaster. After a tough first year, he shocked the world by going 11-3 and winning the Big 12 in his first year in the league. This incredible turnaround has earned him a significant jump in the rankings, making him one of the most talked-about coaches in 2024.

Jeff Brohm has a knack for turning overlooked quarterbacks into stars. His success at multiple stops, including Purdue and Louisville, has been remarkable. With a 19-8 record at Louisville and 12-4 in ACC play, Brohm is poised to lead the Cardinals to a playoff berth in the near future.

Josh Heupel's Tennessee Vols made a big splash in 2024, reaching the playoffs and going 37-15 in four seasons under his leadership. Heupel's ability to develop quarterbacks and his offensive strategies have earned him the adoration of Vols fans and a spot in the top 25.

Top College Football Coaches for 2025

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