Curt Cignetti has been ranked the top college football coach in the country heading into the 2026 season, edging out Kirby Smart and Ryan Day. The ranking follows Indiana's historic national championship under Cignetti's leadership. The list of the 10 best coaches was released as part of a broader preview of the upcoming 2026-27 college football season, which is set to kick off soon. Cignetti's rise to the top spot highlights the program's remarkable turnaround and places him ahead of established powerhouses like Smart of Georgia and Day of Ohio State. The full ranking and season preview materials aim to give fans a comprehensive look at the contenders, transfers, and storylines to watch as the new season approaches.