We’re fast approaching the start of the 2025 college football season with Kansas State taking on Iowa State in Ireland for a Week 0 showdown. The subsequent Week 1 slate is loaded with matchups featuring several ranked teams, including Texas vs. Ohio State and LSU vs. Clemson. Strong early scheduling will provide valuable insights into the top squads in the country.

As these games unfold, they will significantly impact the career records of the coaches against Top 25 competition, with some coaching records appearing vastly more impressive than others. This analysis aims to critically review how the leading Power Four coaches have performed against formidable opponents, recognizing the varying levels of talent each coach manages.

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Data collection, sorting numbers

The coaching records referenced here reflect encounters against teams ranked in the AP Top 25 at the time of the game, independent of postseason rankings. It is noteworthy that six top coaches in this category have yet to register a victory against a ranked opponent, including Jeff Lebby from Mississippi State and others. Some coaches with once-vacated wins are still credited with those victories as they were achieved on the field.

In this competitive sphere, only a handful of coaches maintain a winning record against ranked opponents. For instance, Marcus Freeman of Notre Dame leads with a notable record of 14-6 (.700) against ranked teams, showcasing the Fighting Irish’s successful run under his direction.

This exploration will continue to shed light on the winning percentages and performance of Power Four coaches against ranked teams, adjusting for the quality and significance of the victories, all leading up to a more thrilling college football narrative this upcoming season.