1. Mario Cristobal, Miami
Many will laugh at this and yes, Cristobal has a tough time getting out of his own way as a coach sometimes. But this is simple — you recruit elite talent you will win games. If Miami isn’t a playoff team in the next few seasons, I’ll be surprised.
2. Matt Rhule, Nebraska
I loved the hire of Rhule at Nebraska and while things fizzled near the end of year one, there were some very positive signs. I’m not predicting 10 wins this year like some crazies, but he’s going to have this team at the top end of the Big Ten in a few years.
3. Mike Elko, Texas A&M
Jimbo Fisher was a great recruiter but a narcissist and blowhard. Elko is not as good a recruiter but a better coach from a X and O standpoint. A&M has the resources and fan support to do some damage down the line and they have the right coach for that.
4. Dan Lanning, Oregon
Maybe he’s already broken through? But to me he’s about to take the next step. The two losses to Washington and missing the playoff means he’s still not at the elite level he should be, but it’s coming. He’s a great coach and Oregon is a sleeping giant.
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5. Hugh Freeze, Auburn
Freeze was the best choice for the Auburn job and it’s not even close and he will have them humming in a few years. Recruiting is up, he’s a great game planner and he knows how to win in the SEC. It won’t be easy, but a big year for Auburn will happen in the next 3-4 seasons.
