The definitive guide to all college football coaching candidates; Dak Prescott reflects on Marshawn Kneeland

The college football landscape is currently in a state of significant flux, with a record twelve Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) head coaching positions already declared vacant, signaling an early and aggressive start to the annual coaching carousel. As the season approaches its final month, the scramble for new leadership is in full swing, prompting extensive analysis from sports experts. CBS Sports, in a comprehensive breakdown, has identified 88 potential candidates poised to fill these high-profile roles, ranging from established veterans to rising stars, offering a definitive guide for programs seeking new direction.

Among the names circulating in the "moonshot" category, indicating highly sought-after coaches with strong current programs, are Notre Dame’s Marcus Freeman, Clemson’s Dabo Swinney, and Texas A&M’s Mike Elko. These coaches represent programs with significant investments and high expectations, making their departure unlikely but not entirely out of the realm of possibility should a truly exceptional offer emerge. For instance, Mike Elko, in his second season at the helm of Texas A&M, has orchestrated a notable turnaround for the Aggies. After inheriting a program that finished 5-7 in the prior season, Elko led them to an 8-4 record in his inaugural year and currently holds a 9-2 standing, with a key victory over a ranked SEC opponent just last week. His innovative defensive schemes and recruiting prowess have revitalized the program, making him an attractive target. However, despite the allure of a traditional powerhouse like Penn State, sports insider Chris Hummer suggests that Elko’s commitment to the long-term vision at College Station, coupled with a robust contract, makes a move highly improbable at this juncture. His success at Texas A&M underscores the premium placed on coaches who can quickly elevate a program’s performance and national standing.

Conversely, some institutions are opting for continuity despite recent performance. Wisconsin’s Athletic Director Chris McIntosh recently announced the retention of head coach Luke Fickell, affirming his position for the 2026 season. This decision comes despite Fickell’s 15-19 record since taking over the Badgers, a tenure marked by inconsistent offensive production and a struggle to gain consistent traction in the Big Ten West. McIntosh cited Fickell’s long-term strategic plan and his ability to recruit high-caliber talent as primary factors in the vote of confidence, emphasizing stability over immediate results. The move reflects a broader trend among some athletic departments to allow coaches sufficient time to implement their systems, particularly when a cultural or schematic overhaul is deemed necessary. The Badgers’ recruiting classes under Fickell have shown promise, suggesting a future upside that the administration is keen to protect.

Beyond the collegiate gridiron, the professional basketball season is rapidly taking shape, with significant shifts observed in the latest NBA Power Rankings. The Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as one of the league’s hottest teams, riding a six-game winning streak that has propelled them up the standings. Their resurgence is largely attributed to LeBron James’s sustained elite performance, averaging 27.5 points, 7.8 assists, and 7.1 rebounds in his recent outings, coupled with Anthony Davis’s dominant presence in the paint and improved three-point shooting from their role players. The Lakers’ defensive intensity has also seen a noticeable uptick, holding opponents to under 100 points in four of their last six contests, a stark contrast to their early-season struggles.

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However, the most dramatic ascensions in the rankings belong to the Portland Trail Blazers and the Chicago Bulls, both making remarkable 18-spot leaps. The Trail Blazers, initially projected as a lottery team, have defied expectations with a surprising 8-4 start to the season, largely fueled by the breakout performance of second-year guard Scoot Henderson and veteran leadership from Jerami Grant. Their up-tempo offense, averaging 115 points per game, and tenacious perimeter defense have caught opponents off guard, proving their early success is more than a fluke. The Chicago Bulls, on the other hand, have seen their fortunes turn thanks in large part to the multifaceted contributions of guard Josh Giddey. Despite early-season skepticism surrounding the team’s cohesion and offensive identity, Giddey has been instrumental in the Bulls’ recent 7-2 run, averaging 16.2 points, 8.5 assists, and 7.3 rebounds over his last nine games. His exceptional court vision, facilitating 48% of the team’s assisted baskets in recent games, and ability to create opportunities for teammates have elevated the play of his teammates, particularly Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, positioning the Bulls well above their preseason projections. CBS Sports’ Brad Botkin noted Giddey’s "unconventional yet highly effective playmaking," which has provided Chicago with a much-needed creative spark and a new dimension to their offense.

A closer look at the updated NBA Power Rankings reveals a competitive top-tier. While the full list is extensive, a glimpse into the top ten indicates the Bulls’ impressive climb, securing the 6th position. They are followed by the New York Knicks at 7th, who continue to rely on their stifling defense, which ranks top-5 in opponent points per game, and Jalen Brunson’s clutch scoring. The Detroit Pistons, demonstrating significant improvement under their new coaching staff and the promising development of Cade Cunningham, who is averaging 25 points and 7 assists, occupy the 8th spot. The Cleveland Cavaliers, propelled by Donovan Mitchell’s consistent scoring and a formidable frontcourt featuring Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen, are ranked 9th. Rounding out the top ten are the Philadelphia 76ers, who, despite recent injury concerns to key role players, maintain a strong standing due to Joel Embiid’s MVP-caliber play and Tyrese Maxey’s explosive offensive contributions. These early-season shifts highlight the dynamic nature of the NBA and the rapid adjustments teams are making to establish themselves as contenders.

In other professional sports, the NFL saw a low-scoring but fiercely contested Thursday Night Football matchup, with the Denver Broncos securing a narrow 17-13 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. The game, characterized by strong defensive play and limited offensive fireworks, underscored the divisional rivalries prevalent in the AFC West. Meanwhile, MLB free agency has officially commenced, with several prominent players already drawing significant interest. Early reports indicate that starting pitchers, such as Blake Snell and Jordan Montgomery, and power-hitting outfielders are among the most sought-after commodities, with teams looking to bolster their rosters ahead of the upcoming season.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott recently offered insights into the potential impact of rookie defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, reflecting positively on the young player’s contributions during early team activities and training camp. Kneeland, a second-round pick from Western Michigan, has quickly impressed coaching staff and veteran players with his explosive athleticism and relentless motor. "Marshawn brings an energy and a physicality that’s infectious," Prescott commented during a recent media availability following a practice session. "You see it in practice, how he attacks every rep. He’s got that raw talent, that quick burst off the edge, but it’s his dedication to learning and his effort that really stands out. He’s soaking it all in, and he’s got the potential to be a real problem for opposing offenses for a long time. We’ve seen him make some plays already that show he’s going to be a force on our defensive line." Prescott’s endorsement underscores the high expectations for Kneeland, who is projected to play a significant role in the Cowboys’ defensive rotation, potentially complementing established pass rushers like Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, and adding crucial depth to an already formidable unit. His development will be closely watched as the season progresses, with the hope that he can translate his practice field success and raw potential into consistent game-day performance, particularly in run defense and pass-rushing situations.

Looking ahead, sports enthusiasts have a packed weekend schedule across various leagues and competitions. Friday’s highlights include a top-25 men’s college basketball showdown between No. 19 Kansas and No. 25 North Carolina at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN, alongside NHL action with the Rangers facing the Red Wings at the same time on NHL Network. Two NBA matchups are slated for Prime Video: Rockets at Spurs at 7:30 p.m. ET, and Warriors at Nuggets at 10 p.m. ET. College football continues with Houston at UCF on FS1, Northwestern at No. 19 USC on Fox, and Tulane at Memphis on ESPN, all at 8 p.m. ET or later. The NWSL quarterfinals also kick off with Orlando Pride vs. Seattle Reign at 8 p.m. ET on Prime Video.

Saturday promises a full slate of college football, including No. 2 Indiana at Penn State (12 p.m. ET, Fox), No. 5 Georgia at Mississippi State (12 p.m. ET, ESPN), and No. 7 BYU at No. 8 Texas Tech (12 p.m. ET, ABC) in early games. Later matchups feature No. 3 Texas A&M at No. 22 Missouri (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC), No. 9 Oregon at No. 20 Iowa (3:30 p.m. ET, CBS), and the marquee night game, LSU at No. 4 Alabama (7:30 p.m. ET, ABC). NWSL quarterfinals continue with Washington Spirit vs. Racing Louisville at 12 p.m. ET on CBS/Paramount+. Premier League football includes Fulham at Everton (10 a.m. ET, USA Network) and Arsenal at Sunderland (12:30 p.m. ET, USA Network). Men’s college basketball offers No. 15 Alabama at No. 5 St. John’s (12 p.m. ET, FS1) and No. 14 Arkansas at No. 22 Michigan State (7 p.m. ET, Fox), among others.

Sunday’s schedule is dominated by NFL action, featuring an early morning international game with the Falcons vs. Colts at 9:30 a.m. ET on NFL Network. Key afternoon matchups include Bills at Dolphins (1 p.m. ET, CBS), Giants at Bears (1 p.m. ET, Fox), and Jaguars at Texans (1 p.m. ET, CBS). Later kickoffs include Cardinals at Seahawks (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS) and Rams at 49ers (4:25 p.m. ET, Fox), culminating in the Sunday Night Football clash between the Steelers and Chargers at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC. The NWSL quarterfinals conclude with Kansas City Current vs. Gotham FC (12:30 p.m. ET, ABC) and Portland Thorns vs. San Diego Wave (3 p.m. ET, ABC). Premier League fixtures include AFC Bournemouth at Aston Villa (9 a.m. ET, USA Network) and Liverpool at Manchester City (11:30 a.m. ET, USA Network). Women’s college basketball also features No. 18 USC vs. No. 9 NC State (3 p.m. ET, ESPN) and Florida State at No. 1 UConn (4:30 p.m. ET, FS1).