As college football prepares for the 2026 season, several high-profile coaches find themselves under mounting pressure to deliver results. Mike Norvell of Florida State tops the hot seat list after consecutive 5-7 seasons following a 13-0 campaign in 2023. Despite a lucrative contract extension, the Seminoles face a brutal early schedule that could determine Norvell's future.

Luke Fickell at Wisconsin and Dave Aranda at Baylor also face critical seasons after disappointing 2025 campaigns. Fickell's struggles have been compounded by Wisconsin's first consecutive shutouts since 1977, while Aranda must win over new athletic director Doug McNamee after Mack Rhoades' resignation. Mike Locksley at Maryland has recruited exceptionally well but needs to translate talent into wins.

Several coaches appear to have more job security, including Shane Beamer at South Carolina and Bill O'Brien at Boston College, though both face expectations to improve on disappointing 2025 seasons. Lincoln Riley at USC remains insulated by his contract despite no conference titles or playoff appearances in four years. The coaching carousel could see significant movement in 2026, particularly in the SEC and Big Ten, where nine combined changes occurred in the previous cycle.