CBS Sports Flags 6 College Football Coaches Under Pressure for 2026 as Playoff Expands
Updated
Updated · KSR · Jun 9
CBS Sports Flags 6 College Football Coaches Under Pressure for 2026 as Playoff Expands
3 articles · Updated · KSR · Jun 9
Summary
Six coaches made CBS Sports' 2026 pressure list, with USC's Lincoln Riley and Florida State's Mike Norvell leading a group facing heightened scrutiny over job security and playoff expectations.
Playoff expansion has raised the bar for quick results, and five of the six have already fallen short; only LSU's Lane Kiffin is new, but he is expected to deliver immediately in Year 1.
Riley enters his fifth USC season after a 9-4 finish, while Norvell must reverse Florida State's seven total wins over the past two years to steady his position.
Wisconsin's Luke Fickell, Maryland's Mike Locksley and South Carolina's Shane Beamer round out the list after recent 4-8 or 5-7 slides that left each program needing a rebound.
The ranking underscores how expanded playoff access has not eased pressure on major programs, instead sharpening demands for fast turnarounds and postseason contention.