Until Saturday Newsletter 🏈: Your Go-To Source for College Football Insights
As we approach the first Tuesday in November, excitement is building in the world of college football. Not only is this the date for the first College Football Playoff rankings of the year, but it also coincides with Election Day. In this edition of the Until Saturday newsletter, we’ll delve into the financial landscape of college football coaching salaries, highlight newly ranked teams, and examine the narrowing Heisman Trophy race.
Let’s Talk Money: The Financial Landscape of College Football Coaching
In the realm of college football, coaching salaries have reached astronomical heights, reflecting the immense pressure and expectations placed on these leaders. This year, Georgia’s Kirby Smart has taken the crown as the highest-paid football coach in the nation, earning over $13.28 million annually. This marks a significant shift, especially following the retirement of Alabama’s Nick Saban, who previously held the top spot with a salary exceeding $11.4 million.
Following Smart in the salary rankings are notable figures such as Clemson’s Dabo Swinney ($11.12 million), Texas’ Steve Sarkisian ($10.6 million), USC’s Lincoln Riley ($10.04 million), and Ohio State’s Ryan Day ($10.02 million). The disparity in salaries raises intriguing questions about value and performance across different programs.
Bargain Time: The Case of Indiana’s Curt Cignetti
While many coaches are raking in millions, Indiana’s Curt Cignetti stands out as a bargain at $4.25 million per year, ranking 49th nationally. Despite his relatively modest salary, Cignetti has led the Hoosiers to an impressive 8-0 record and a No. 13 ranking, firmly placing them in the playoff conversation. This raises the question: how do some coaches manage to achieve success while earning significantly less than their counterparts?
The Buyout Bonanza
Coaching buyouts continue to be a hot topic, with figures that can make anyone’s head spin. Kirby Smart’s buyout stands at a staggering $118.08 million if fired before December 1. Meanwhile, Florida’s Billy Napier faces a potential $26.7 million buyout, a figure that has doubled since the Gators let go of Dan Mullen in 2021. The financial implications of these buyouts often deter programs from making midseason changes, leading to a more stable coaching landscape.
Power 2 Divide: A Conference Salary Comparison
The financial divide between conferences is stark. SEC coaches lead the pack with an average salary of $8.1 million, while the Big Ten follows closely at $6.8 million. In contrast, the ACC averages $5.8 million, and the Big 12 lags behind at $4.9 million. This disparity highlights the financial power of the SEC and Big Ten, which continue to dominate both on and off the field.
Rankings Review: New Teams and Shifting Dynamics
The latest AP Top 25 rankings have seen some exciting changes, with new teams making their mark. Washington State (7-1) has entered the rankings at No. 22 after a hard-fought victory over San Diego State. Cougars quarterback John Mateer has been a standout performer, ranking fourth among FBS quarterbacks in rushing yards.
Additionally, Colorado (6-2) has made its way into the rankings at No. 23, showcasing significant improvement under Coach Prime in his second year. Both Washington State and Colorado have replaced Navy and Vanderbilt, who fell out of the poll after recent losses.
Team to Watch: Tulane’s Rise
As the season progresses, Tulane (6-2, 4-0 AAC) is emerging as a team to watch. With a balanced offensive and defensive attack, they’ve climbed the rankings and are poised to make a statement in the AAC. Their upcoming games against Navy and Memphis will be crucial in determining their championship aspirations.
Jump of the Week: Old Dominion and TCU
Old Dominion made headlines by jumping from 102nd to 73rd after a decisive victory over Georgia Southern. Meanwhile, TCU’s narrow win against Texas Tech propelled them from No. 71 to 44, showcasing the competitive nature of college football this season.
Heisman Race Narrows: The Top Contenders
As the Heisman Trophy race heats up, familiar names are emerging as frontrunners. This week’s straw poll from The Athletic highlights Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, Colorado’s Travis Hunter, and Miami’s Cam Ward as the top three candidates. Jeanty has maintained his lead, but Hunter is closing in after a standout performance against Cincinnati, earning him Big 12 offensive player of the week honors.
Hunter’s versatility as both a wide receiver and cornerback has made him a unique contender, and his ability to excel on both sides of the ball is drawing attention from voters.
Quick Snaps: Noteworthy Updates
- The recent firings of coaches at East Carolina and Southern Miss mark the latest midseason changes, a rarity in today’s college football landscape.
- The average margin of victory in SEC games has shrunk to 13.3 points per game, the smallest since 2015, indicating a more competitive environment.
- With the elimination of divisions and the expansion of conferences, college football may face tiebreaker chaos as November unfolds.
As we gear up for the final stretch of the season, the excitement surrounding college football continues to build. Stay tuned for more updates and insights as we approach the pivotal moments of the season.