College Football Heat Index: 2025 Edition
Headline: Shifts and Struggles in College Football: A Season of Change
In the dynamic world of college football, change is a constant. As the 2023 season unfolds, several teams are grappling with challenges, while others are basking in the glow of success.
Oklahoma State's Fall from Grace
Mike Gundy, the long-standing head coach of Oklahoma State, has seen a significant dip in fortunes. Under his leadership, the team made 18 consecutive bowl games, won a conference title, and competed for three others. However, a disappointing 3-9 season in 2023 has left the team reeling. Currently, they stand at 1-1, with a win over UT Martin and a crushing 69-3 loss to Oregon. Despite this, Gundy has agreed to a return with a pay cut, following a contract standoff, demonstrating his commitment to the team.
Akron's Academic Woes and Struggling Season
Akron, on the other hand, finds itself ineligible for postseason play due to poor academic results. The team's current record stands at 0-3, with a dismal scoreline of 109-28 against their opponents. The struggle continues for coach Joe Morehead, who has a win-loss record of 8-31 at Akron.
Florida's Tumultuous Start
Billy Napier, the coach of Florida, is also facing a challenging start to the season. With a record of 20-21, Napier has yet to achieve a season with a record above .500. The Gators are currently 1-2, with their only win coming over Long Island, and a shocking upset by South Florida. Napier's tenure has been marred by off-field incidents, with a player ejected for spitting on an opponent and an assistant suspended for slapping an LSU player in a pregame scuffle. Despite these challenges, there is no indication that Napier is currently under significant pressure or at risk of being fired.
Coaching Changes and Resurgence
Elsewhere, coaching changes have been a common theme. Virginia Tech fired Brent Pry following a loss to Old Dominion, and UCLA also relieved DeShaun Foster of his duties. However, not all teams are in crisis. Cincinnati, after a loss to Nebraska, has rebounded to win two in a row, though these victories have come against Bowling Green and Northwestern State. The team's coach, Scott Satterfield, has a record of 8-16 in his first two seasons with the team.
Rising Stars and Controversies
Meanwhile, Jamey Chadwell, the current coach of Liberty, is making waves. After taking over from Hugh Freeze, Chadwell led the team to a successful first year, starting 13-0 and winning a conference title. Chadwell has also been linked with the Virginia Tech job. Liberty, one of the largest universities by enrollment in the United States, has the potential to be the strongest team in their conference. However, they are currently 1-2 in the 2025 season, with a conference loss and a struggle with the offense.
On average, 16.1 FBS coaches resign or are terminated during the season. As the 2023 season progresses, it remains to be seen which teams will navigate these challenges and which coaches will continue to lead their teams towards success. The college football landscape is ever-evolving, and the excitement and drama continue to unfold.
