Expectations for the first-year head coaches? How about we keep it real.
Deion Sanders, Colorado
— If Sanders can go 5-7 with this team he will have done an amazing job. And that is the realistic expectation honestly although some people are crazy enough to think he can have a winning season. Honestly, I think the Buffs go 3-9 as this is a massive rebuild with a brand new roster.
Matt Rhule, Nebraska
— I’ve seen fans shooting for 8-4 and at worst 7-5 but that’s a bit lofty for me. If Rhule can somehow get to 6-6 and make a bowl game I think he’s done an amazing job. My expectation is 5-7 or in that range.
Luke Fickell, Wisconsin
— The Badgers had a down year, but it’s unlike many on this list as it wasn’t a complete disaster. A new offense isn’t easy to implement, and Jim Leonhard will be missed, but 8-4 seems realistic to me here.
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Hugh Freeze, Auburn
— Auburn is a massive rebuild, as Bryan Harsin was a bad hire and never had a chance. To me, this team should shoot for 6-6, but I think realism hits around 5-7.
Jeff Brohm, Louisville
— I have high expectations for Brohm as he comes home. I think Louisville can be the surprise of the ACC and I’d like to see 8-4 and at worst 7-5.
Brent Key, Georgia Tech
— He went from interim to full-time after a scrappy finish last season, but this is still a struggling program. 5-7 is the ceiling here, but I see closer to 4-8.
Kenny Dillingham, Arizona State
— Herm Edwards was a bad hire, plain and simple. And this is a roster similar to Colorado, with a massive emphasis on the portal. For Dillingham, I think 5-7 would be good.
Ryan Walters, Purdue
— He’s young, and we don’t know if he can handle a program yet. Purdue has Hudson Card, and I like him a lot, but 6-6 is my expectation for them.
Scott Satterfield, Cincinnati
— The Bearcats step down a bit as they adjust to a new coach and lose some talent. But there is still talent, and in their first year in the Big 12, they should be 6-6 or so.
Troy Taylor, Stanford
— It’s ugly at Stanford, so Taylor has his work cut out for him. He’s recruiting well, but it will take a couple of seasons, and I see 4-8 at best.
Zach Arnett, Mississippi State
— He replaces the legendary Mike Leach but has experience at QB and a talented roster. But the West is loaded, so I expect a 7-5 season or perhaps 6-6.
