“Championship’s the standard here. That’s why I came here,” the HC said on the Crane & Company Podcast. “When I was going through the process of taking this job, they don’t want to be average here. They’re not average at anything, any sport here. Every sport we have here on campus is wildly successful.

“So there’s a lot of high-level success here in every sport program. And that’s one of the things that excited me, was winners want to be around winners and we’ve got a lot of winners on this campus.”

Last season in The Swamp didn’t go as expected. Billy Napier found himself in the spotlight due to his poor performance, and now the Gators are banking on Sumrall to make a big impact in 2026.

The bet on Aaron Philo

The Florida Gators are officially moving into a new era by placing their bets on Aaron Philo to lead the offense in 2026. Philo, a highly productive transfer from Georgia Tech who famously broke Trevor Lawrence’s high school passing record, joined the program to reunite with offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner.

His arrival follows the high-profile departure of DJ Lagway, who elected to transfer to Baylor after a turbulent sophomore season in Gainesville. While Philo has taken the majority of first-team reps during spring camp, redshirt freshman Tramell Jones Jr. remains a key factor, currently sitting right behind him on the depth chart.

This competition ensures that even with Lagway gone, the Gators maintain a talented quarterback room as they look to rebound in the SEC.

The importance of a competitive roster

If a team wants to become a contender, having talent on the roster is key. This is something Sumrall is well aware of, and he will focus on maximizing each player’s potential ahead of the season opener.

“It starts with getting the right people on your roster, right, your staff,” Sumrall said. “This game’s about people. It’s a player-driven game. So get the right guys on the roster, build the roster the right way for long-term sustainability to compete at a really high level.”

“Obviously, a disappointing result for us tonight,” Golden said to the press. “Credit to Iowa, I thought they played well, especially in the first half. Had us on our heels a little bit, and I thought they were physically tougher than us in the first half, and [it] took a little bit for us to regain our footing.”

In a dramatic finish worthy of the competition, the Gators fell just seconds before the game ended. The final score was 73–72, sending the Hawkeyes into the Sweet 16.

No back-to-back champion

The Florida Gators will not be able to repeat as March Madness champions following a stunning second-round upset against No. 9 seed Iowa. This loss marks the first time since 2024 that Florida has failed to reach the Sweet 16, ending the Gators’ hopes of defending the title they secured in 2025.

In that historic 2025 final, the Gators defeated Houston 65-63 in a dramatic comeback, fueled by an 81% performance from the free-throw line and 18 points from Will Richard.

Chasing their first March Madness title

The Iowa Hawkeyes have long been a respected program in college basketball, though a national championship has remained just out of reach. Their most iconic run occurred in 1956 when they reached the NCAA Championship game, ultimately falling 83-71 to a legendary San Francisco team led by Bill Russell.

Decades after Ronnie Lester’s 1980 team reached the Final Four, the Hawkeyes have continued to be a strong tournament presence. Their 2026 campaign marked their first Sweet 16 appearance since 1999, cementing their status as consistent March Madness contenders despite not winning a title.

Folgueiras’ emotion

The hero of the night had a name: Alvaro Folgueiras. With just seconds remaining, he knocked down a clutch three-pointer that sealed the win. The emotion afterward was overwhelming, with a special dedication to his mother.

“We’ve been through a lot of moments this season—and in my life. My mother is there watching the game after fighting for me my entire life, and this is very special. March is for dreamers, and there are no bigger dreamers than us,” he said.

Big plays have always been part of college football’s identity, but nothing cuts through a stadium like a pass that never seems to come down. From packed Saturdays to quiet road games, the deep ball has a way of rewriting momentum.

The longest touchdown passes are tied to moments of bold decision-making. Some came from broken coverages, others from calculated risks, all of them shaped by the era’s rules and the confidence of the QB pulling the trigger.

These throws weren’t routine highlights. They became reference points, stretching the limits of what was considered possible downfield and leaving behind numbers that still stand as markers of the most daring instincts.

Who holds the record for the longest touchdown pass?

In 1977, Florida Gators freshman Cris Collinsworth threw a 99-yard touchdown pass to Derrick Gaffney, a play that remains tied for the longest possible scoring throw in college football, the maximum distance from one end zone to the other.

That quarter-century old connection has endured precisely because no play can be longer under the rules of the game. Collinsworth’s big play came early in his career, before he became better known for his NFL and broadcasting work, but that one throw has a permanent place in the sport’s statistical lore.

At the time, Florida’s offense was experimenting with more balanced looks, and that newfound willingness to unleash the deep ball paid off with that record-tying strike that still stands as a benchmark of pure downfield explosiveness.

While that 99-yard touchdown pass is technically the longest possible in the sport, other deep connections have etched their own places. Plays in the high 90s, like 98-yard strikes caught at Stanford or Georgia, tickle the edges of that record and highlight how rare it is to combine perfect protection, route timing and receiver speed on such a dramatic play.

Top 5 longest touchdown passes in NCAAF history

• 99 Yards — Cris Collinsworth to Derrick Gaffney (Florida, 1977)

At the very top sits a play that defines the upper limit of possibility. In 1977, Florida’s Cris Collinsworth connected with Derrick Gaffney on a 99-yard touchdown pass, the longest distance the rulebook allows. The throw wasn’t just rare, it was definitive. No play can exceed it, which is why this connection has stood for decades as the benchmark for college football’s deepest strike, untouched by time or scheme.

• 97 Yards — Washington University in St. Louis QB to Goldberg (2023)

Modern football found its way into the record books in 2023, when Washington University in St. Louis produced a 97-yard touchdown pass that surprised many outside Division III circles. The play underscored how deep shots aren’t exclusive to Power Five stadiums. Precision, patience, and opportunity aligned perfectly, placing this connection among the longest ever recorded at any collegiate level.

• 96 Yards — Steven Montez to K.D. Nixon (Colorado, 2019)

Creativity played a starring role in Colorado’s 2019 entry on the list. Off a flea-flicker, Steven Montez launched a 96-yard touchdown pass to K.D. Nixon, turning misdirection into maximum damage. The design froze defenders just long enough for the play to unfold, blending tactical daring with raw execution to create one of the most memorable deep shots of the decade.

• 92 Yards — Deondre Francois to Nyqwan Murray (Florida State, 2016 Orange Bowl)

Big stages often produce unforgettable moments, and the 2016 Orange Bowl delivered one of them. Deondre Francois found Nyqwan Murray for a 92-yard touchdown, a strike that cut through the postseason pressure. The play stood out not only for its length, but for arriving in a bowl game where every snap carried added weight and national attention.

• 88 Yards — Sean Clifford to KeAndre Lambert-Smith (Penn State, 2023 Rose Bowl)

Rounding out the ranking is a Rose Bowl moment that blended tradition with explosiveness. In 2023, Sean Clifford hit KeAndre Lambert-Smith on an 88-yard touchdown pass, igniting the iconic Pasadena crowd. While shorter than the others on this list, the context elevated it — a deep shot delivered on one of college football’s grandest stages.

According to a report from On3 via its X account, Baylor, LSU, and Miami are three programs closely monitoring the QB’s situation. Whichever school lands Lagway will undoubtedly be adding proven talent and valuable experience to its roster.

While several programs would welcome the chance to bolster such a crucial position, the three previously mentioned schools appear to be the frontrunners with the strongest odds of landing Lagway.

Lagway had hoped to remain in Gainesville

The decision to enter the Transfer Portal and seek a fresh start ahead of the upcoming college football season was not an easy one for Lagway. According to CBS Sports reporter Chris Hummer, the quarterback wanted to remain in Gainesville despite the coaching change.

“Even with the coaching change and a tough season, Lagway wanted to remain in Gainesville,” Hummer reported. “He picked the Gators for a reason: He loved the school, he loved the environment. The parting happened somewhat suddenly.”

It’s worth noting that, prior to the end of this season, Billy Napier was dismissed from his position as head coach. In his place, the front office decided to hire Jon Sumrall, who seems to have no plans for Lagway moving forward.

Lagway’s numbers with the Gators

Florida Gators quarterback DJ Lagway put up some significant numbers in his time, showcasing both his high ceiling and areas for development. Lagway concluded his tenure having amassed 4,179 passing yards, a substantial total that demonstrates his ability to move the ball down the field.

He was responsible for 28 passing touchdowns, a strong indicator of his scoring potential. However, the season also highlighted some volatility, as he threw 23 interceptions and was sacked 32 times, pointing to the need for greater ball security and improved offensive line protection at the next level.

According to Pete Thamel of ESPN, DJ Lagway will indeed enter the NCAA transfer portal. The quarterback just posted on his social media pages the decision in a heartfelt post. “After much prayer, reflection, and thoughtful consideration, I have decided to enter the transfer portal,” Lagway said.

Lagway is a former top 10 recruit and ESPN classified him as the number one dual-threat quarterback in the class of 2024. He is a very interesting prospect and he is now looking to step up into another program.

Lagway is looking to revamp his college career pre-draft

Lagway is entering his third year in College, hence he will be eligible to go to the NFL Draft after next season. For Florida, Lagway posted a 63.2% of passes completed for 2,264 yards, 16 touchdowns and a conference-leading 14 interceptions in 2024.

Those are not numbers to wow at, but the potential Lagway has is still good enough for a big program to try and develop him. In the end, if Lagway’s new team has a great offensive scheme, he could become one of the most lethal weapons in football.

Which big programs could land Lagway?

According to Marissa Myers of TWSN, Lagway will make a decision on different factors, including how the coaching changes might influence his future and chance of development as well as help him reach his NFL aspirations.

Considering that, Myers says the teams that could land Lagway’s talents are the following:

• Florida State Seminoles: Thomas Castellanos is in his final year of eligibility, Lagway could be his successor.
• LSU Tigers: With the arrival of Lane Kiffin and Garrett Nussmeier’s time with LSU coming to an end, Lagway could be the solution.
• Tennessee Volunteers: If Joey Aguilar enters the 2026 NFL Draft, this could be a great landing spot for Lagway, as HC Josh Heupel has a track record in quarterback developing.
• Miami Hurricanes: A team that has a history of using transfer portal QBs.
• Texas A&M Aggies: The team has been previously linked with Lagway.
• Texas Tech Red Raiders: The Raiders tried to recruit Lagway out of high school.
• Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets: Also showed interest in Lagway coming out of high school.

Since 2014, the college football playoff has served as the ultimate proving ground, a four-team tournament that crowns the national champion. While a small group of elite programs has secured their place nearly every year, the vast majority of FBS schools remain on the outside looking in.

This stringent exclusivity defines a new hierarchy in the sport. Some have hovered near contention, fueled by strong stretches that hinted at a possible jump. Others have navigated coaching changes, talent gaps or conference shifts that slowed their climb.

As the playoff expands and the landscape shifts, some programs remain notable omissions from the bracket. Their continued pursuit adds texture to every season, shaping the broader rhythm of a sport built on long cycles of hope and resurgence.

Troy Trojans

Troy’s football story has been one of gradual ascent. The Trojans moved into the FBS ranks in the early 2000s and steadily carved out respectability through conference titles and bowl game appearances.

Despite a strong Sun Belt presence and multiple seasons above .500, including an 11-win campaign in 2022 that earned a CFP ranking for the first time in program history, Troy has never cracked the College Football Playoff field.

Their résumé typically shines within mid-major circles, but has lacked the combination of top-tier wins and conference championship clout the CFP committee prioritizes.

While Troy boasts historical highlights, like going ranked in the CFP poll and capturing Sun Belt hardware, consistent scheduling against elite Power 5 competition remains limited. That contrast underscores why their name is absent from the CFP brackets: strong regional success hasn’t yet translated into signature résumé components needed for a Playoff bid.

Kansas State Wildcats

Kansas State’s football lineage is full of gritty, combative teams that repeatedly contested Big 12 powerhouses, but the Wildcats have never punched their ticket to the CFP. Under long-time coach Bill Snyder, K-State stunned opponents through disciplined defense and methodical offense across multiple decades.

Yet, even in seasons with double-digit wins and major rankings, they never secured the marquee résumé shift that turns good into Playoff-worthy. The Wildcats’ absence from the CFP isn’t from lack of tradition, K-State regularly vies for division crowns and has beaten ranked foes, but timing and conference chaos often conspired against them.

In high-stakes seasons, a late loss or tiebreaker scenario pushed them out of the elite bracket that the selection committee favors. That persistent narrow miss has kept Manhattan’s purple program waiting on a breakthrough postseason moment.

Florida Gators

Florida is one of college football’s historical blue bloods, with a résumé that includes multiple national championships long before the playoff era. Yet the CFP, inaugurated in 2014, has eluded the Gators.

Despite competing in the powerhouse SEC, arguably the sport’s deepest conference, Florida often found itself on the wrong side of key late-season outcomes or swept up in the league’s brutal gauntlet of ranked opponents.

The Gators’ legacy includes Heisman winners and playoff-era bowl berths, but their playoff absence highlights the razor-thin margins of modern college football.

In seasons where the SEC champion was clear, Florida frequently fell just short, its strong campaign undermined by a lone loss or a pivotal defeat to a conference rival. That dynamic has kept them out of the CFP spotlight, even as they remain a marquee program with championship aspirations.

Houston Cougars

Houston has long lived on the fringes of elite contention. The Cougars have produced memorable seasons, swaggered through American Athletic Conference play, and delivered strong bowl performances and in 2025, they sit highly ranked and bowl-bound again.

Yet, historically, their path into the CFP has been blocked by perceptions of strength of schedule and the comparative weight given to Power 5 conference resumes.

Houston’s program blends longtime grit with flashes of breakout promise. They’ve won bowls and competed under challenging circumstances, including conference shifts and roster turnover.

Each season they flirt with national relevance, but the CFP committee’s criteria, conference championships, marquee victories, and sustained rank, have kept the Cougars just outside that elite 12-team bracket.

Texas A&M Aggies

Texas A&M’s narrative is unique among this list: after generations without a CFP bid, the Aggies in 2025 secured their first College Football Playoff appearance, finishing 11-1 and earning a berth in the expanded 12-team field.

This milestone came amid SEC powerhouses and marked a program shift from perennial regional contender to genuine national title threat. Before this breakthrough, A&M’s story was familiar: strong seasons undermined by close defeats or a missed conference championship opportunity, factors that kept them on the outside looking in.

Their 2025 entry reflects both the evolving landscape of the CFP and years of investment in coaching and recruiting. While they now have made it, their long playoff drought underscores how elusive that goal once was.

Louisiana Ragin’ Cajuns

Louisiana’s rise from a regional program to a Sun Belt contender has been striking over the past decade. The Ragin’ Cajuns have notched multiple double-digit win seasons under coaches like Billy Napier, cultivating a winning culture and regular bowl game invitations, but still never cracked the CFP field.

Their closest flirtation with Playoff relevance came during the 2020 season, when a pivotal late loss to Coastal Carolina dashed hopes of an improbable New Year’s Six impact that could have thrust them into CFP conversation.

Despite posting competitive records and briefly appearing in CFP rankings, Louisiana’s résumé hasn’t offered the résumé juice, wins over Power Five opponents or a marquee conference title, typically necessary for Playoff bids. Still, success in Lafayette demonstrates a program on the rise, one that has challenged traditional Group of Five assumptions even without a “big stage” playoff moment.

NC State Wolfpack

North Carolina State’s football journey through the CFP era has been one of steady competence but narrow margins. Under long-time head coach Dave Doeren, the Wolfpack rarely fell below mediocrity, generally posting winning seasons and staying competitive in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

However, consistent success didn’t cross into contender territory, NC State has yet to compile the signature résumé that attracts Playoff consideration. Their 2021 campaign offered perhaps the clearest near-miss: early ACC losses and a string of narrow defeats kept the Wolfpack behind more decorated league rivals.

That pattern, disciplined but not quite elite, encapsulates NC State’s CFP drought. They’re a program capable of disruption on any given Saturday, yet the structure of the ACC and timing of key losses have repeatedly nudged them just outside the playoff perimeter.

BYU Cougars

Brigham Young University etched its name into college football lore as a dominant independent in the pre-CFP era. Since joining the Big 12, however, the Cougars have experienced both resurgence and frustration. Multiple seasons have flirted with playoff relevance: BYU appeared in CFP rankings several times and compiled strong records, yet no CFP appearances are on their résumé.

The Cougars’ 2025 campaign typified this dichotomy, an impressive win total and top-15 CFP ranking, but still just outside the final cut, and a bowl spot instead of a playoff bid. Their strength lies in consistent competitiveness, but the Big 12 gauntlet, deep with nationally ranked squads, has kept BYU chasing rather than entering the postseason’s elite tier.

USC Trojans

USC’s college football pedigree is undisputed: multiple national championships and decades of top recruits define its history. Yet in the CFP era, the Trojans have never translated that legacy into a playoff berth.

Several seasons, especially 2022 when an injury to star quarterback Caleb Williams loomed large, brought USC tantalizingly close. Had a few swings gone the other way, that squad might have slipped into the CFP field over peers with similar records.

Now entrenched in the Big Ten, USC’s path forward blends traditional fan expectations with the harsh reality of modern playoff criteria: conference titles and high rankings matter more than historical resonance. Despite multiple seasons with strong national profiles, the Trojans remain an iconic program still chasing its first CFP qualification.

WKU Hilltoppers

Western Kentucky’s climb from FCS to FBS prominence is one of the more captivating smaller-school narratives in college football. Since their rise to the Football Bowl Subdivision in 2007, the Hilltoppers have engineered several winning seasons and captured conference crowns, yet none of those efforts have resulted in a CFP bid.

Their nearest brush with wide-scale national attention came in 2015 with a 12-2 record and a Conference USA title, but in an era when one-loss resumes from the Group of Five were seldom considered for playoff inclusion, even that standout season fell short.

WKU’s story is emblematic of many mid-level programs: excellence at the local level, strong fan followings and bowl appearances, but still waiting for that moment of breakout that elevates them into the playoff conversation.

UCF Knights

University of Central Florida’s roller-coaster run through the CFP era has been one of the most talked-about trajectories among Group of Five programs. UCF’s 2017 perfect season and self-declared national title marked a seismic moment in how non-Power Five success was perceived.

Yet despite compiling wins and drawing CFP rankings in multiple seasons, the Knights never secured a playoff berth, even with arguments on their behalf in expansion years.

Their combination of high win totals and All-American talent suggested a playoff-worthy résumé more than once, but the timing of losses and the committee’s weighing of conference strength left UCF on the outside looking in. It remains a cautionary tale of how close excellence can fall short in the College Football Playoff era.

Marshall Thundering Herd

Marshall has long been a fixture in the FBS landscape, and while its heyday included dominant run-as in Conference USA, the CFP era hasn’t produced a berth for the Thundering Herd.

They’ve made consistent bowl appearances and even flirted with national prominence at times, but scheduling and exposure against Power Five opponents has limited their ability to build a résumé compelling enough for playoff inclusion.

The closest Marshall came to playoff contention came during strong seasons like 2013–15, when they racked up wins and won conference titles but the strength of schedule and late losses kept them outside the top 12. In a sport where perception and signature wins matter as much as record, Marshall remains in that frustrating limbo common to many Group of Five programs.

Air Force Falcons

Air Force’s brand of disciplined, run-oriented football has delivered surprising wins and several double-digit win seasons in the CFP era, yet a playoff bid has never materialized. They’ve built consistent success, including an 8-0 start in 2023, but even that kind of momentum wasn’t going to vault them into playoff consideration because of a schedule light on Power Five tests.

The Falcons’ identity, rooted in the service academy style — quick tempo, ground attack, and disciplined defense — often confounds opponents and fans alike. Still, that same stylistic niche has left them on the outside of CFP discourse: without marquee wins against elite teams, it’s hard to break into an expanded 12-team field.

Toledo Rockets

Toledo’s football program has been the epitome of consistency over the last two decades. The Rockets haven’t had a losing season since 2005, regularly winning the Mid-American Conference and producing high-octane offenses.

Despite that infectious success, a CFP spot has remained elusive: there simply isn’t enough strength of schedule or marquee victories to push an 11-win MAC champion into national championship equations.

Toledo’s best shot at playoff relevance came in 2017 when an 11-win season and MAC title raised eyebrows, but a bowl loss underscored the gap between Group of Five glory and playoff calculus. It’s a reminder that in the CFP era, consistent winning isn’t always enough without those eye-catching signatures against power conference foes.

San Diego State Aztecs

San Diego State football has been one of the most quietly successful programs west of the Power Five, especially under long-time coach Rocky Long. Between 2015 and 2021, the Aztecs notched five ten-win seasons and regularly challenged for Mountain West titles.

Yet even with that sustained excellence, their CFP drought persists — in part because the playoff selection committee gravitates toward teams from conferences viewed as stronger or more competitive.

Their 2021 Mountain West season was solid, but a midseason loss and a tough conference title game performance kept them outside the playoff picture. San Diego State’s achievements are undeniable, but they illustrate a frustrating truth for many mid-major programs: winning consistently doesn’t automatically translate into playoff consideration if the strength-of-schedule dial isn’t turned way up.

Utah Utes

Utah presents a compelling case study: one of the few programs on this list that almost made the CFP. The Utes resurrected their national profile after joining the Pac-12, earning respect as one of the few Group of Five–turned–Power Five programs to threaten elite status.

They nearly punched a ticket in 2019, rolling to an 11–1 record and generating debate about their playoff worthiness. A loss in the Pac-12 Championship Game, however, dropped them short.

Despite having one of the highest all-time presences in the CFP rankings without a playoff berth, Utah’s résumé was always vulnerable to a couple of untimely losses in seasons when the CFP committee prioritized undefeated or one-loss champions from traditional power conferences. That history highlights how razor-thin margins separate a Utes playoff run from another successful season.

Memphis Tigers

Memphis has been one of the most electrifying Group of Five teams in recent memory, capable of putting up points in bunches and giving Power Five foes fits. Through the CFP era, the Tigers have appeared in the committee’s rankings multiple times, with flashes of postseason buzz at several points. But consistent questions about strength of schedule and late-season setbacks have kept them just outside the CFP cut line.

Memphis’s most memorable periods came during seasons where explosive offenses made bowls fun and packed stadiums — yet that same flash seldom produced the suite of wins needed for playoff consideration. In the unforgiving calculus of the CFP, style points matter, but they rarely outweigh a tougher slate of Power Five matchups.

Penn State Nittany Lions

Penn State embodies one of the odder footnotes in the CFP era: a storied Power Five program that almost reached the playoff several times, but never quite crossed the finish line.

Despite high win totals and strong Big Ten campaigns, including multiple seasons with just one or two losses, the Nittany Lions have been edged out by elite rivals in championship games or tiebreaker scenarios that kept them just outside CFP selection.

Their name finally cracked the expanded playoff field in the 2024–25 season, marking the program’s first CFP appearance and underscoring how elusive that milestone had been for a perennial national contender.

Penn State’s long playoff drought before 2024 reflects not a lack of quality, but the razor-thin margins of the CFP era: a harrowing loss here, a late-season stumble there, and suddenly a Big Ten contender watches the playoff field on TV instead of taking the field.

Iowa Hawkeyes

Iowa’s program has long been synonymous with toughness and consistency in the Big Ten, but that very identity has also made their CFP drought more notable. Year after year, the Hawkeyes have logged solid records and delivered disciplined football that frustrates opponents — yet they’ve lacked the signature résumé highlight or undefeated campaign that shakes the playoff committee.

In the CFP context, Iowa often sits in that frustrating “too good to ignore, too flawed to include” space: solid wins peppered with late conference losses or games decided by a few points.

For a program that routinely finishes seasons ranked and competes in one of the sport’s toughest leagues, the absence of a CFP appearance becomes its own kind of story — one of consistency without postseason breakthrough.

Oklahoma State Cowboys

Oklahoma State has quietly compiled an impressive win total throughout the CFP era, often rivaling or surpassing traditional playoff contenders in overall success. Yet for all their regular-season punch and Big 12 competitiveness, the Cowboys have yet to convert that into a CFP bid.

There have been moments, most notably around the 2021 season, where Oklahoma State possessed a résumé that might have earned a 12-team CFP berth under slightly different circumstances. But a combination of key losses and a conference crowded with high-profile rivals kept them watching from the outside.

Wisconsin Badgers

Wisconsin feels like the quintessential “power program without a CFP berth.” Across multiple seasons, especially under coaches like Paul Chryst and Luke Fickell, the Badgers posted strong records and found themselves in position to challenge for playoff contention — only to be derailed late or caught on the wrong side of the committee’s nuances.

One of the most talked-about near-misses came in 2017, when an unbeaten Wisconsin team lost the Big Ten championship in dramatic fashion and watched a likely playoff spot evaporate with it.

It’s that kind of heartbreak, so close yet just out of reach, that defines Wisconsin’s CFP history: a respected, tough program lacking only the final signature campaign to vault them into college football’s newest postseason landscape.

Boise State Broncos

Boise State is one of the most successful Group of Five programs of the past quarter-century, boasting a haul of double-digit win seasons and memorable wins that once made them household names.

In the CFP era, though, the Broncos’ résumé hasn’t drawn enough committee attention to secure a playoff berth — despite coming closer than many fans realize. Notably, Boise State did make the expanded CFP field in the 2024–25 season, earning a berth after capturing the Mountain West and showing top-15 form during the regular year.

This appearance, while historic for the program, also underscores how rare Boise State’s CFP inclusion has been compared to their sustained excellence dating back decades. Before that milestone, seasons like 2019 — where they finished 12–1 — hinted at what might have been under an earlier or more expansive playoff model.

Appalachian State Mountaineers

Appalachian State’s rise from FCS powerhouse to consistent Sun Belt contender has been one of the defining stories of modern college football. Since moving to the FBS as the CFP era began, the Mountaineers have regularly posted strong records and multiple 10+ win seasons — yet none produced a résumé eye-catching enough for CFP selection.

Their most plausible moment to push for consideration came in 2019, when a Sun Belt title and convincing wins suggested a Group of Five contender. But a late points-differential loss in conference play kept Appalachian State outside the top tier, reminding fans and analysts alike that great seasons don’t always translate into playoff bids without signature victories.

The news was reported by college football specialist Pete Thamel, who shared via his official X account (formerly Twitter) this intriguing move for Sumrall, who is now set to earn nearly $7.5 million per year under his new contract, and will remain at Florida for at least six seasons.

During four seasons at the helm of the first team at Tulane, Sumrall managed to establish an identity within his teams and accumulated a total of 19 wins and only 7 losses. Undoubtedly, Florida is adding a lot of talent and potential considering what lies ahead.

According to Ross Dellenger, Tulane extended Jon Sumrall a multi-year offer averaging more than $4 million per year; however, the offer wasn’t entirely convincing for the head coach. Had he stayed with the Green Wave, that would have made him the second highest-paid non-Power 5 coach in the country.

Sumrall’s tenure at Tulane

Jon Sumrall’s four-year tenure leading the Tulane Green Wave was nothing short of transformative, establishing a winning culture and delivering historic success for the program.

Sumrall amassed a phenomenal overall record of 19 wins and just 7 losses, showcasing an immediate and dramatic turnaround. His maximum achievements were highlighted by two American Athletic Conference (AAC) championships, elevating the Green Wave to consistent national relevance.

Crucially, he also secured a landmark victory in a New Year’s Six Bowl game—a feat that cemented Tulane’s place back among college football‘s elite and underscored Sumrall’s ability to maximize his team’s potential on the biggest stage.

Following a statement 34-26 win over the Oklahoma Sooners on the road, Kiffin cemented his name as the number one coaching candidate across college football. However, Kiffin appears to have no time to think about any other school other than the University of Mississippi.

Perhaps, his words won’t be enough to cancel out the noise surrounding the program in Oxford. Still, Kiffin opted to address the situation, delivering a sincere message to his players and staff, as his name is linked to the vacancies in the University of Florida and Louisiana State University.

“I usually don’t talk about it with the team, because we’ve dealt with this for a number of years, because our players have performed really well and won a lot of games here,” Kiffin admitted during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show. “And so this attention has come with that.

“I just told them, ‘Hey, this is a product of how you guys play.’ Fans [say] ‘we want that system.’ And they say, ‘coach,’ but really it’s the system of the players and the assistant coaches, and what a good job they do. So I just told them, that’s a compliment to them.”

All bark, no bite

Kiffin is the top choice for fellow SEC programs, Florida and LSU, in their search for a new head coach after firing Billy Napier and Brian Kelly, respectively, midway through the 2025 NCAA season. However, there’s not much traction to the schools’ desire.

Kiffin is under contract with Ole Miss through the 2031 season. As reported by USA Today, by securing his seventh win of the campaign, Kiffin automatically triggered another year on his deal in Oxford. Therefore, as long as the Rebels remain alive and well in the SEC—with a legitimate chance to make the College Football Playoff—there isn’t much room for rumors or reports about Kiffin leaving for another job in the league.

If the moment comes

However, if the day finally comes when Kiffin must make a decision about his future, the head coach has made one thing crystal clear about his mindset: his judgment won’t be clouded by dollar signs—no matter how many, how big, or how flashy they appear on a potential contract.

“Just so you know, because you haven’t known me very long, Pat, I have never made a decision based off money, nor will I,” Kiffin firmly stated. “I’ve seen too many examples in life where money does not buy happiness. So I’m never going to make a decision off of money, nor do I care about it.”

In today’s college football landscape, where money has become a pulling force in more ways than one for both coaches and players, Kiffin’s admission breaks the trend. If the head coach ever does consider a change of scenery, his next program will have to win him over with anything but money.

The coaching carousel started spinning the moment the news broke, and several names have already emerged as potential candidates to take over this prestigious program. However, it appears that one name from within the SEC has quickly risen to the top of the list.

According to a report from insider Pete Thamel, current Ole Miss Rebels head coach Lane Kiffin could be the ideal candidate to fully unlock the potential of DJ Lagway and his teammates.

“I would say this about Lane Kiffin’s candidacy at Florida — I think it’s a very strong candidacy,” Thamel stated. “I think whether it be administratively in the president’s office, or whether it be in the athletics office, Kiffin is a divisive guy. The performance is the performance, but Kiffin constantly instigates brushfires, right? He’s done it for 20 years.

“I think Lane’s a great coach and he’s grown and matured from what we’ve seen. I do think it would be fun to see him at Florida because he would bring back that maverick kind of style that [Steve] Spurrier brought with his famous quips.”

Candidates to replace Billy Napier

The search for the next Florida Gators head coach has officially launched following the departure of Billy Napier, and the “Hot Board” is immediately focused on big-swing hires.

Ole Miss’s Lane Kiffin has quickly emerged as the clear priority and fan-favorite candidate, with his offensive pedigree and “Maverick” style seen by many as the ideal culture shock for Gainesville.

However, other prominent names are also circulating: Nebraska’s turnaround artist Matt Rhule, whose program-building track record is highly respected, and Mizzou’s successful Eli Drinkwitz are also being discussed as Florida seeks a high-profile figure to restore the program to national relevance.

Penn State must pay Franklin over $50 million for him not to coach the Nittany Lions in the 2025 NCAA season. Franklin’s buyout is valued at roughly $48 million, per Sports Illustrated, but the school in Happy Valley must also pay the former coach his remaining salary in the year.

As for Napier, the Gators will have to foot a hefty bill, as well. “Napier will be paid roughly $10.2 million within 30 days of the termination,” as reported by On3. “He will receive $2.5 million every July 15th over the next four years.

“He will also be owed 85 percent of the next two months’ salary — roughly $1.2 million.” All in all, Napier will receive roughly $21.4 million from the University of Florida without being in Gainesville himself.

No mitigation

While most schools secure their head coaches with off-setting clauses in case of them landing new jobs, Florida didn’t include such terms on the seven-year deal it signed Napier to.

“[Napier] is not subject to off-set or mitigation, which means he’s due all of it even if he lands another job,” as reported by college football insider Pete Thamel on X.

Extra time

The buzz around Napier’s job security had grown louder heading into the Mississippi State game. According to reports, Florida had made up its mind to fire Napier regardless of the outcome during the Gators’ hosting of the Bulldogs. When there’s smoke, there’s fire, and Napier was indeed shown the exit door in Gainesville amid a deflating NCAA campaign.

The timing of the decision is not random for the Gators. Florida will now head to a bye week in college football. The program will be back in action on November 1, when the Georgia Bulldogs pay the Gators a visit at The Swamp. Now, Florida has some time to acclimate to Napier’s absence, and adjust before taking on No. 5 Georgia (Florida’s fourth top 5 opponent of the season).

The coaching carousel started spinning quickly, and five names have emerged as the frontrunners to replace Napier. What’s clear is that whoever steps into the role will need to get this program back on track—and fast.

According to a report published by ESPN.com, five names have potentially emerged as the leading candidates to take over in Gainesville: Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin, Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz, SMU coach Rhett Lashlee, Washington coach Jedd Fisch and Notre Dame coach Marcus Freeman.

Napier’s departure from Florida comes on the heels of another major shake-up: the recent firing of James Franklin at Penn State—one of the most impactful developments in college football in recent days.

It’s clear that several programs across the country are looking to minimize risk and are making bold decisions during this crucial stretch of the season. Florida is one of them, choosing to act decisively rather than let uncertainty linger.

Billy Napier’s tenure at Florida

The Billy Napier era at Florida has officially concluded, marked by a disappointing 22-23 overall record across his four seasons in Gainesville. Napier struggled particularly against elite competition, posting a troubling 5-17 record against ranked opponents, including a winless 0-14 mark in road or neutral site games against Top 25 teams.

While he saw some success against lesser foes, his 12-16 SEC record and a dismal 3-12 mark against main rivals ultimately sealed his departure. These numbers undoubtedly carried significant weight for the front office, which, after careful consideration, made the decision to relieve him of his duties.

Building around Lagway

The next hire in Gainesville is a make-or-break decision, with the primary mandate being the immediate and maximized development of quarterback DJ Lagway. Florida cannot afford to squander the physical gifts and star potential of the sophomore signal-caller.

The Gators need a Head Coach with a proven track record of designing a modern, creative offense that specifically amplifies the dual-threat strengths and elite arm talent of their franchise QB. The clock is ticking on unlocking Lagway’s full potential.