Being a first-year college football coach is never easy. Such coaches are often ushered in with the positivity of a fresh start for their respective programs, but also the burden of heavy expectations for a turnaround, outlooks that have only ratcheted up with the transfer portal allowing for more microwaveable roster building.
Make no mistake: It still takes time to cultivate a talented roster and build a culture that lasts. Entering the 2026 season, this tough task was bestowed upon 33 first-year coaches in the FBS, 17 of which reside in the Power 4 conferences.
