Ranking the Big Ten Football Head Coaches: Who’s in the Hottest Seat?

The college football season is just around the corner, and for many coaches, it’s all about winning. Some on the sidelines are under more pressure than others. If they don’t perform, they might be looking for a new job soon.

CBS Sports took a deep dive into this situation, gathering insights from nine college football experts to create their annual hot seat rankings. Coaches were rated on a scale from five (unsafe) to zero (safe). The higher the score, the more precarious their position.

Among those in the spotlight is Luke Fickell, the head coach at Wisconsin. As the Badgers gear up for the 2025 season, Fickell needs to show tangible results quickly. Despite his impressive track record at Cincinnati, his old-school approach hasn’t translated into success at Wisconsin yet.

Another name to watch is Lincoln Riley of USC. With a career record of 81-24, he’s still seen as a top coach, but his recent performance at USC has been rocky. After a tough introduction to the Big Ten, he faces mounting pressure to deliver better results, especially given his struggles against ranked teams.

Mike Locksley, at Maryland, presents an intriguing case. After leading the Terrapins to bowl victories for three consecutive seasons, he encountered disappointing results last year. The team’s lower expectations for 2025 could potentially buy him some time, but continuous poor performances could change that.

Newcomer DeShaun Foster has only one season under his belt as head coach for UCLA. While there are reasons for optimism thanks to promising quarterback Nico Iamaleava, consistency will be key. A shaky start or failed season could put his future in jeopardy.

Sherrone Moore took over Michigan after their national title run. Though he secured impressive victories over strong teams, the pressure to maintain that success weighs heavily. The expectation is for Moore to compete for top honors again, and failure to meet that could lead to a change in leadership.

Another coach to keep an eye on is Matt Rhule at Nebraska. Known for turning programs around in previous roles, expectations are high for him to emulate that success with the Cornhuskers this year. With a fan base eager for wins, Rhule’s performance will be closely scrutinized.

As the season approaches, have conversations on social media grown around these coaches? Fans are likely to discuss their expectations and potential outcomes. Twitter trends indicate that Fickell and Riley are hot topics, with supporters expressing both hope and concern about their strategies heading into the season.

In conclusion, the coming college football season is shaping up to be critical for several coaches across the Big Ten. With pressure mounts and fan expectations high, every game counts.

For more insights into college football, check out CBS Sports’ hot seat rankings.

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Barry Odom,Bret Bielema (89 – Prophetstown),Curt Cignetti,Dan Lanning (04 – Richmond),David Braun (04 – Kettle Moraine),DeShaun Foster,Greg Schiano (85 – Ramapo),James Franklin (91 – Neshaminy),Jedd Fisch (94 – Hanover Park),Jonathan Smith (97 – Glendora),Kirk Ferentz (75 – Upper Saint Clair),Lincoln Riley (02 – Muleshoe),Luke Fickell,Matt Rhule (94 – State College Area),Mike Locksley (88 – Ballou),P.J. Fleck (98 – Kaneland Senior),Ryan Day (97 – Manchester Central)