Until Saturday Newsletter 🏈: Your Go-To Source for College Football Insights
As we approach the first Tuesday in November, college football fans are buzzing with anticipation—not just for the upcoming games but also for the release of the first College Football Playoff rankings. This year, November 7th coincides with Election Day, making it a day of significant decisions both on and off the field. 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 world of college football, coaching salaries have reached astronomical heights, reflecting the immense pressure and expectations placed on these leaders. This year, Kirby Smart of Georgia has taken the crown as the highest-paid football coach in the country, with an impressive annual salary of over $13.28 million. This marks a significant leap from last year’s top earner, Nick Saban of Alabama, who retired after earning more than $11.4 million.
Following Smart in the salary rankings are notable figures such as Dabo Swinney from Clemson ($11.12 million), Steve Sarkisian from Texas ($10.6 million), Lincoln Riley from USC ($10.04 million), and Ryan Day from Ohio State ($10.02 million). The financial stakes are high, and the competition is fierce.
Bargain Time: The Case of Indiana’s Curt Cignetti
While many coaches are raking in millions, Indiana’s Curt Cignetti stands out as a remarkable bargain at $4.25 million per year. This salary ranks him 49th nationally and is one of the lowest in the Big Ten. Despite this, Cignetti has led the Hoosiers to an impressive 8-0 record, placing them firmly in the playoff conversation. His success raises questions about the value placed on coaching talent versus financial investment.
The Buyout Bonanza
Coaching buyouts have also reached staggering figures. Kirby Smart’s buyout, should he be fired before December 1, is a jaw-dropping $118.08 million. Meanwhile, Florida’s Billy Napier faces a potential $26.7 million buyout, a stark reminder of the financial risks associated with coaching changes. The average salary for SEC coaches stands at $8.1 million, leading the nation, while the Big Ten follows closely with an average of $6.8 million.
Rankings Review: New Teams and Shifting Dynamics
The AP Top 25 has seen some exciting changes this week, with new teams making their mark. Washington State has entered the rankings at No. 22 after a narrow victory over San Diego State, while Colorado has made a comeback at No. 23, showcasing significant improvement under Coach Prime.
The top four teams—Oregon, Georgia, Penn State, and Ohio State—remain unchanged, but the competition is heating up as teams vie for playoff positions.
Team to Watch: Tulane’s Rise
Tulane is emerging as a team to watch in the AAC, boasting a balanced offensive and defensive strategy. Their recent victory over North Texas keeps them undefeated in conference play, and upcoming games against Navy and Memphis will be crucial for their championship aspirations.
Jump of the Week: Old Dominion and TCU
Old Dominion made headlines by jumping from 102nd to 73rd after a decisive win against Georgia Southern. TCU also saw a significant rise in rankings, moving from No. 71 to 44 after a nail-biting victory over Texas Tech. These shifts highlight the unpredictable nature of college football and the potential for teams to make dramatic comebacks.
Heisman Race Narrows: Who’s in the Running?
As the season progresses, the Heisman Trophy race is becoming increasingly competitive. The latest straw poll from The Athletic reveals a familiar trio leading the charge:
- Ashton Jeanty, Boise State RB
- Travis Hunter, Colorado WR/CB
- Cam Ward, Miami QB
Jeanty has maintained his lead for three consecutive weeks, but Hunter is closing in after an impressive performance against Cincinnati. Hunter’s versatility and ability to excel on both offense and defense have made him a standout candidate, earning him recognition as the first player in Big 12 history to win both offensive and defensive player of the week honors in the same week.
Quick Snaps: Noteworthy Updates from the College Football World
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Midseason Coaching Changes: The recent firings of coaches at East Carolina and Southern Miss mark the latest midseason changes, a rarity in the current landscape where hefty buyouts deter schools from making swift decisions.
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SEC Game Dynamics: The average margin of victory in SEC games has shrunk to 13.3 points, the smallest since 2015, indicating a more competitive environment this season.
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Tiebreaker Chaos Ahead: With the elimination of divisions and the expansion of conferences, college football could face unprecedented tiebreaker scenarios as November unfolds.
- Player Health Concerns: Michigan QB Jack Tuttle announced his retirement due to concussion-related issues, highlighting the ongoing conversation about player safety in college football.
For those passionate about college football, the Until Saturday newsletter is your essential guide to staying informed and engaged with the latest developments in the sport. Whether you’re tracking coaching salaries, playoff rankings, or the Heisman race, this newsletter delivers the insights you need to navigate the thrilling world of college football.