ATLANTA (Oct. 22, 2025) - The Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc. today released the midseason watch list for the 2025 Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC Bank
. This year's list includes 24 of the nation's top college football coaches representing all Power Four conferences, as well as the AAC and an independent.
Managed by Peach Bowl, Inc. and presented by PNC Bank, The Dodd Trophy, college football's most coveted national coaching award, celebrates the head coach of a team who enjoys success on the gridiron, while also stressing the importance of scholarship, leadership and integrity – the three pillars of legendary coach Bobby Dodd's coaching philosophy. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary this season, the award was established to honor the NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly Division 1A) head football coach whose program represents the highest ideals on and off the field.
The watch list was created through a selection process by the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc., taking into consideration each program's graduation rate, Graduation Success Rate (GSR), commitment to service and charity in the community, on-field success thus far for the 2025 season and Academic Progress Rate (APR).
Coaches in the first year with their current teams were not included as they are ineligible to receive The Dodd Trophy until their second year with their programs.
"The first half of the 2025 season has already delivered thrilling competition and strong performances from coaches and players alike," said Chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation Jim Terry. "Those named to our midseason list have not only guided their teams to success, but have also demonstrated an unwavering commitment to education and community involvement."
The 2025 Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC Bank Midseason Watch List:
| Coach |
School |
Conference |
AP Ranking |
Record |
APR |
| Bret Bielema |
Illinois |
Big Ten |
23 |
5-2 |
980 |
| Jeff Brohm |
Louisville |
ACC |
19 |
5-1 |
989 |
| Curt Cignetti |
Indiana |
Big Ten |
2 |
7-0 |
982 |
| Mario Cristobal |
Miami [FL] |
ACC |
9 |
5-1 |
987 |
| Ryan Day |
Ohio State |
Big Ten |
1 |
7-0 |
1000 |
| Kalen DeBoer |
Alabama |
SEC |
4 |
6-1 |
1000 |
| Kenny Dillingham |
Arizona State |
Big 12 |
24 |
5-2 |
983 |
| Eliah Drinkwitz |
Mizzou |
SEC |
15 |
6-1 |
993 |
| Mike Elko |
Texas A&M |
SEC |
3 |
7-0 |
974 |
| Tony Elliott |
Virginia |
ACC |
16 |
6-1 |
969 |
| Marcus Freeman |
Notre Dame |
Independent |
12 |
5-2 |
987 |
| Alex Golesh |
USF |
AAC |
18 |
6-1 |
983 |
| Josh Heupel |
Tennessee |
SEC |
17 |
5-2 |
982 |
| Brian Kelly |
LSU |
SEC |
20 |
5-2 |
1000 |
| Brent Key |
Georgia Tech |
ACC |
7 |
7-0 |
991 |
| Lane Kiffin |
Ole Miss |
SEC |
8 |
6-1 |
952 |
| Dan Lanning |
Oregon |
Big Ten |
6 |
6-1 |
981 |
| Clark Lea |
Vanderbilt |
SEC |
10 |
6-1 |
988 |
| Joey McGuire |
Texas Tech |
Big 12 |
14 |
6-1 |
997 |
| Steve Sarkisian |
Texas |
SEC |
22 |
5-2 |
991 |
| Scott Satterfield |
Cincinnati |
Big 12 |
21 |
6-1 |
989 |
| Kalani Sitake |
BYU |
Big 12 |
11 |
7-0 |
978 |
| Kirby Smart |
Georgia |
SEC |
5 |
6-1 |
1000 |
| Brent Venables |
Oklahoma |
SEC |
13 |
6-1 |
993 |
This year's midseason watch list features a collective group of coaches who have led their teams to 1,813 wins, 27 conference titles and three national championships throughout their collegiate careers. It also includes two previous Dodd Trophy winners with Marcus Freeman (2024) and Brian Kelly (2018).
The SEC leads all conferences with 10 coaches named to the midseason watch list, followed by the Big Ten, the Big 12 and the ACC, who each have four representatives. The AAC also features one coach, and Notre Dame represents the sole independent institution.
"During what is The Dodd Trophy's 50th anniversary season, this group of coaches continues to embody the values that make college football and this award so special," said Gary Stokan, Peach Bowl, Inc. CEO and president. "Each of them has achieved success where it matters most – by guiding their student-athletes to excel in competition, in academics and most importantly, in life, which is the true spirit of Coach Dodd."
"The Dodd Trophy stands apart by honoring the full extent of a coach's impact on their players, schools and communities," said Samantha Jones, PNC regional president for Georgia. "It's a powerful reminder that success is measured not only by wins, but by the character and integrity of those who lead. As presenting sponsor, PNC Bank is honored to support an award that continues to elevate these principles in college football and beyond."
A panel consisting of previous winners, national media, a member of the Dodd family and a College Football Hall of Fame member will identify the final list of potential recipients at the conclusion of the 2025 season. The winner of the 2025 Dodd Trophy Presented by PNC Bank will be announced in Atlanta during the week of the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
