In 2025, a reshuffling of college football coaches stirred change across major programs. Among first-year coaches, Pete Golding from Ole Miss garners top grades with a standout roster, including Heisman contenders Trinidad Chambliss and Kewan Lacy. Other notable hires include Matt Campbell at Penn State and Lane Kiffin at LSU, with both teams well-positioned heading into the 2026 season. Golding鈥檚 reign at Ole Miss appears promising, especially with a strong transfer class and returning talent, indicating a fruitful future for the Rebels.

By the Numbers
  • Ole Miss ranked second in transfer classes nationally with an A+ grade.
  • Penn State secured 24 players from Iowa State, including a top-10 quarterback and a top-20 receiver.
State of Play
  • Ole Miss maintains momentum with crucial player retentions and a successful NIL operation.
  • LSU's key recruit, quarterback Sam Leavitt, prepares for an uncertain start post-injury.
What's Next

As the season approaches, these new coaches will face the challenge of integrating transfer talents while maintaining their established players. Ole Miss is set for a strong offensive showing, while Penn State looks to leverage its significant transfers to compete for a playoff spot. The dynamics of each team will unfold as the competition heats up.

Bottom Line

First-year coaches in college football are reloading their rosters with a mix of transfers and retained talent, setting the stage for an exciting 2026 season. The performance of these coaches, especially Golding at Ole Miss, could reshape the conference landscape as teams vie for dominance in a highly competitive environment.