Analyst Picks 3 First-Time Power 4 Coaches to Become Household Names in 2026

1 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 20

Three first-time Power 4 head coaches — Oklahoma State's Eric Morris, UCLA's Bob Chesney and Kentucky's Will Stein — were projected to become nationally prominent by the end of the 2026 season.
Eric Morris was ranked the strongest bet, with the 40-year-old Oklahoma State coach inheriting a stable program and reuniting with transfer quarterback Drew Mestemaker, who led the nation in passing yards last season.
Bob Chesney was slotted second because his winning track record and UCLA's top-15 recruiting class suggest he can revive a program that has struggled for years.
Will Stein rounded out the list, with his Oregon offensive background and Kentucky's SEC platform seen as reasons the Wildcats could surprise quickly after Mark Stoops' departure.
The projection reflects how the 2025 coaching carousel elevated several unproven coordinators and Group of Five coaches into major-conference jobs with immediate national scrutiny.