As the exhilarating countdown to the inaugural 12-team College Football Playoff begins, the anticipation crackles in the air. Just one week remains until the gridiron action ignites, with the first clash featuring No. 7 seed Notre Dame (11-1) squaring off against the formidable 10th-seeded Indiana (11-1) on December 20 at 8 PM ET, live on ABC/ESPN.
Following this electrifying opener, a trifecta of playoff battles will transpire on Saturday, December 21. At high noon ET, Penn State (11-2), holding the 6th seed, will be pitted against the 11th-seeded SMU (11-2) on TNT/MAX. The action continues with No. 5 seed Texas (11-2) taking on the 12th-seeded Clemson (10-3) at 4 PM ET, also on TNT/MAX. Finally, the day culminates in an epic showdown as No. 8 seed Ohio State (10-2) faces No. 9 Tennessee (10-2) in Columbus at 8 PM ET, broadcast on ESPN/ABC.
In the midst of this thrilling atmosphere, CBS Sports recently unveiled a ranking of the head coaches guiding their teams through this high-stakes journey. Let’s dive into the hierarchy, crafted on merit and the echoes of their past triumphs.
Claiming the coveted No. 1 position is Kirby Smart, the mastermind behind Georgia’s recent exploits. Smart, renowned for clinching the CFP title not once, but twice in three years, emerges as a titan, given his extensive playoff résumé that includes three national championship games since 2018. His ability to navigate a perilous schedule, notably securing an SEC championship by triumphing 22-19 in an overtime thriller against Texas, highlights this potential coaching magus’ prowess.
Stepping into the spotlight at No. 2 is Dan Lanning, who orchestrated a remarkable 13-0 season for the Ducks, marking the sole undefeated team within college football for 2024 amidst their inaugural venture in the Big Ten. The narrative of Lanning’s strategic acumen shines even brighter with his orchestration of a dazzling 45-37 victory over Penn State to clinch the conference title. His overall record of 35-5 across three seasons speaks volumes, showcasing a masterful blend of elite high school recruiting and shrewd transfer portal maneuvers.
Meanwhile, Dabo Swinney, with a legacy fortified by national championships in 2017 and 2019, solidifies his place at No. 3. Swinney stands as the only other head coach with a national championship among the current contenders, illuminating his remarkable achievement of six CFP appearances since 2015. CBS acknowledges Clemson’s ascendance as a football powerhouse, despite a seemingly retro defensive approach, notably bouncing back from a dismal opening game against Georgia to capture the ACC Championship.
At No. 4, we find Ryan Day, whose illustrious record of 66-10 and four playoff appearances underscores his consistency. Yet, the specter of recent failures, including an ongoing struggle against archrival Michigan, continues to loom over Day’s achievements, hinting at a narrative filled with triumphs interspersed with bitter defeats.
The fifth spot is claimed by Steve Sarkisian, heralded for catapulting Texas back into the championship conversation after years of stagnation. Under his seasoned leadership, the Longhorns displayed a marked resurgence, securing the Big 12 championship and competing in the SEC championship game during his inaugural season, a feat that reflects his prowess as a program architect.
Following closely is Kurt Cignetti, who has captured attention at Indiana, guiding the Hoosiers to an inspiring 10-1 start before their defeat at the hands of Ohio State. Cignetti’s deft ability to transform a roster in a single offseason has not gone unnoticed, as his squad showcased an FBS-leading scoring margin that kept opponents—including Vegas—on their toes.
James Franklin, perched at No. 7, resonates with a solid record of 99-41 at Penn State, highlighted by three consecutive seasons of double-digit victories, solidifying his reputation amid prior playoff frustrations.
Marcus Freeman at No. 8 continues to carve his niche at Notre Dame, closing the regular season with a remarkable 10-game winning streak and an impressive 30-9 overall record in his tenure, setting the stage for a potential playoff legacy.
At No. 9, Josh Heupel showcases relentless ambition, leading Tennessee through tumultuous SEC waters in his fourth year at the helm, marked by a historic rivalry victory against Alabama, a rarity since the mid-2000s.
Rhett Lashlee emerges as the Cinderella of the coaching ranks at No. 10, having piloted SMU to a stellar season with nine consecutive wins, establishing his credentials as a master roster builder in his first year.
Kenny Dillingham and Dirk Danielson, occupying the 11th and 12th ranks respectively, offer tales of resurgence. Dillingham, steering Arizona State through adversity, transformed his squad against the odds. Danielson, too, defied expectations by guiding Boise State to back-to-back Mountain West championships, showcasing remarkable resilience and coaching ingenuity.
As the playoff approaches, each coach stands poised to leave an indelible mark on this season’s narrative, ready to steer their teams through the storm of competition in pursuit of glory.
