Georgia Bulldogs Lead the Way: Ranking the Top 25 Power Four College Football Coaches Entering the 2025 Season
As the 2025 college football season approaches, the Georgia Bulldogs find themselves not just atop preseason polls but also at the forefront of coaching excellence. Head coach Kirby Smart has once again solidified his reputation as one of the game’s elite, leading Georgia’s continued dominance in a rapidly evolving Power Four landscape.
Smart’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. Since taking over in 2016, he has transformed Georgia into a perennial powerhouse. With multiple national championships and consistently top-ranked recruiting classes, his program is the gold standard. His defensive-minded strategy, combined with his knack for developing NFL-ready talent, sets him apart from peers. As a result, Smart headlines the 2025 list of the top 25 Power Four college football coaches.
This year’s rankings reflect a changing collegiate landscape. With the Pac-12 dissolved, the Power Four now includes the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12. That consolidation has increased the competition and elevated the importance of coaching. Strategic adaptability, recruiting prowess, and postseason performance were key criteria for this year’s rankings.
Close behind Smart is Michigan’s Sherrone Moore, who stepped in following Jim Harbaugh’s departure to the NFL. Moore proved his worth by leading Michigan to a College Football Playoff appearance and retaining a strong recruiting pipeline. His leadership style and quick success make him one of the rising stars in the sport.
In the SEC, Alabama’s Kalen DeBoer has settled into his role as Nick Saban’s successor, and while the pressure is immense, his early results have impressed. DeBoer’s innovative offense and disciplined approach earned him a spot in the top five. Meanwhile, coaches like Brian Kelly (LSU) and Josh Heupel (Tennessee) continue to keep their programs competitive in the daunting SEC gauntlet.
In the Big Ten, Ohio State’s Ryan Day remains a top-tier coach despite criticism for recent struggles against Michigan. His program’s offensive firepower and recruiting strength keep him high in the rankings. Penn State’s James Franklin also holds a strong position, having turned the Nittany Lions into a consistent contender.
From the ACC, Florida State’s Mike Norvell and Clemson’s Dabo Swinney continue to represent the conference well. Norvell’s rebuild of the Seminoles has been impressive, while Swinney’s legacy and continued competitiveness anchor him among the elite, even amid recent staff changes.
The Big 12 sees Brent Venables (Oklahoma) and Steve Sarkisian (Texas) transitioning out, but their impact remains. Coaches like Dave Aranda (Baylor) and Lance Leipold (Kansas) have risen due to program turnarounds and innovative strategies.
Ultimately, this list is more than just a power ranking—it’s a snapshot of the sport’s evolving identity. The top 25 Power Four coaches of 2025 embody the blend of tradition and innovation needed to succeed in today’s college football. And as the season kicks off, all eyes are on Kirby Smart and Georgia, who continue to lead the way with no signs of slowing down.
