ATLANTA (Oct. 13, 2026) - The Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation and Peach Bowl, Inc. today released the midseason watch list for the 2026 Dodd Trophy
. This year's list includes 18 of the nation's top college football coaches representing all Power Four conferences, as well as the Pac-12 and an independent.
Managed by Peach Bowl, Inc., 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. 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 2026 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 2026 season has delivered captivating on-field performances week after week. The coaches named to our midseason watch list have distinguished themselves not only through their teams' success, but also through their commitment to excellence off the field," said Chairman of the Bobby Dodd Coach of the Year Foundation Jim Terry. "What sets this award apart is its holistic evaluation of how coaches establish a culture of excellence within their programs, guided by the award's three pillars of scholarship, leadership and integrity. Building a winning culture on the field, in the classroom and in the community takes time, which is why we consider only coaches who have been with their current programs for at least one full season."
The 2026 Dodd Trophy Midseason Watch List:
| Coach |
School |
Conference |
AP Ranking |
Record |
APR |
| David Braun |
Northwestern |
Big Ten |
25 |
4-1 |
993 |
| Curt Cignetti |
Indiana |
Big Ten |
5 |
6-0 |
989 |
| Mario Cristobal |
Miami [FL] |
ACC |
3 |
5-0 |
993 |
| Spencer Danielson |
Boise State |
Pac-12 |
23 |
5-1 |
985 |
| Ryan Day |
Ohio State |
Big Ten |
4 |
5-1 |
1000 |
| Kalen DeBoer |
Alabama |
SEC |
6 |
5-1 |
1000 |
| Jake Dickert |
Wake Forest |
ACC |
21 |
5-1 |
1000 |
| Eliah Drinkwitz |
Mizzou |
SEC |
13 |
5-1 |
970 |
| Kirk Ferentz |
Iowa |
Big Ten |
17 |
5-1 |
997 |
| Marcus Freeman |
Notre Dame |
Independent |
2 |
6-0 |
1000 |
| Willie Fritz |
Houston |
Big 12 |
20 |
5-1 |
989 |
| Josh Heupel |
Tennessee |
SEC |
14 |
5-1 |
993 |
| Rhett Lashlee |
SMU |
ACC |
24 |
4-1 |
947 |
| Jeff Lebby |
Mississippi St. |
SEC |
16 |
4-1 |
977 |
| Lincoln Riley |
USC |
Big Ten |
19 |
6-1 |
993 |
| Steve Sarkisian |
Texas |
SEC |
7 |
4-1 |
990 |
| Kalani Sitake |
BYU |
Big 12 |
8 |
5-0 |
955 |
| Kirby Smart |
Georgia |
SEC |
1 |
6-0 |
981 |
This year's midseason watch list features a collective group of coaches who have led their teams to 1,648 wins, 26 conference titles and four national championships throughout their collegiate careers. It also includes four previous Dodd Trophy winners in Curt Cignetti (2025), Marcus Freeman (2024), Willie Fritz (2022) and Kirk Ferentz (2015).
The SEC leads all conferences with six coaches named to the midseason watch list, followed by the Big Ten with five and the ACC with three. The Big 12 is represented by two coaches, while the Pac-12 has one selection. Notre Dame rounds out the list as the only independent institution represented.
"The real legacy of Coach Dodd is in those who aspire to something greater than just winning football games," said
David Epps, Peach Bowl, Inc. president and CEO. "These coaches also strive to develop young men who pursue excellence on the field, in the classroom and most importantly, in life beyond football. Creating that type of impact is what The Dodd Trophy is all about."
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 2026 season. The winner of the 2026 Dodd Trophy will be announced in Atlanta during the week of the College Football Playoff Quarterfinal at the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl.
