Kirby Smart ranked as the best coach in Collegiate football in 2025, best Ohio State’s Ryan Day, Oregon’s Dan Lanning and Texas’ Steve Sarkisian per 247 sports.
Kirby Smart has once again ascended to the pinnacle of the college football coaching hierarchy, claiming the coveted No. 1 spot in 247Sports’ annual ranking of head coaches for the 2025 season. This recognition underscores Smart’s remarkable achievements and consistent excellence at the helm of the Georgia Bulldogs, placing him ahead of a formidable group of peers, including Ohio State’s Ryan Day, Oregon’s Dan Lanning, and Texas’ Steve Sarkisian.
Smart’s reign in Athens has been nothing short of transformative. Since taking over the program in 2016, he has meticulously built a dominant force, culminating in back-to-back national championships in 2021 and 2022. This unprecedented success has solidified Georgia’s position as the preeminent program in the nation, a testament to Smart’s strategic acumen, relentless recruiting efforts, and the development of a culture of unwavering discipline and toughness.
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The 247Sports ranking acknowledges not only the championships but also the sustained level of performance Georgia has exhibited under Smart. The Bulldogs have consistently been a top contender, showcasing remarkable consistency on both sides of the ball. Their dominant defensive units have become a hallmark of the Smart era, suffocating opponents and setting the tone for their victories. Offensively, the program has evolved, demonstrating a balance of power running and efficient passing, tailored to the strengths of their personnel.
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While Smart’s top ranking is a significant endorsement, the presence of Ryan Day, Dan Lanning, and Steve Sarkisian in the top echelon highlights the competitive landscape of college football. Ryan Day has maintained Ohio State’s status as a perennial Big Ten power and a national championship contender. His offensive prowess and ability to attract top-tier talent are undeniable. However, the ultimate prize of a national title has so far eluded the Buckeyes under his leadership, a factor that likely contributes to Smart’s edge in the rankings.
Dan Lanning has quickly made a significant impact at Oregon. In a relatively short tenure, he has injected energy and a winning mentality into the Ducks program. His recruiting prowess and strategic coaching have positioned Oregon as a major player in the Pac-12 (soon to be Big Ten).1 While Lanning’s trajectory is undoubtedly upward, Smart’s established track record of championship success provides a clear distinction in this year’s ranking.
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Steve Sarkisian has revitalized the Texas Longhorns program, leading them to a College Football Playoff appearance in the 2024 season.2 His offensive innovation and ability to attract elite talent have been instrumental in Texas’ resurgence. Sarkisian’s success is a strong indicator of his coaching abilities, but Smart’s longer tenure of sustained dominance and national championships gives him the edge in the current assessment.
The 247Sports ranking is based on a comprehensive evaluation of several factors, including career achievements, recent performance, program trajectory, recruiting success, and overall impact on the sport. Smart’s consistent excellence across these metrics makes his No. 1 ranking a well-deserved recognition of his accomplishments.
Looking ahead, the 2025 season promises to be another compelling chapter in college football. The continued success of programs led by Smart, Day, Lanning, and Sarkisian will undoubtedly shape the national landscape and fuel intense rivalries. While rankings are subjective and the ultimate measure of success lies on the field, the
247Sports’ assessment underscores the widespread recognition of Kirby Smart as the current standard-bearer in college football coaching. His ability to build a championship-caliber program and sustain that level of excellence places him firmly at the top as the 2025 season approaches.
