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Four weeks into the 2026 college football season, new coaches already face plenty of pressure. The Power Four welcomed 17 first-year head coaches this season. Some have transformed their programs quickly. Others still have plenty of questions to answer. The transfer portal has changed the coaching timeline. Coaches can now reshape rosters much faster than before. However, four games still provide only an early snapshot. With that in mind, here are the grades for every new Power Four coach.
Jon Sumrall, Florida — A
Sumrall has made an immediate impact in Gainesville. Florida entered the season needing a major reset after several difficult seasons. The Gators delivered their biggest statement in Week 4. Florida crushed No. 4 Ole Miss 52-28 at home. Jadan Baugh led a powerful rushing attack against the Rebels. Offensive coordinator Buster Faulkner also earned praise for his game plan. Florida has looked physical and confident through four games. More importantly, the Gators already have a signature victory. That gives Sumrall an early A.
Bob Chesney, UCLA — A
Chesney has quickly established an identity in Westwood. UCLA wants to control games with its running attack and physical defense. Wayne Knight emerged as an important offensive weapon. Linebacker Sammy Omosigho has also made an early impact. The Bruins have created turnovers and controlled possession. They also have shown a formula that can work throughout the season. There are still passing-game issues to clean up. Penalties have also created unnecessary problems. Still, UCLA’s start deserves an A.
Lane Kiffin, LSU — A-
Kiffin brought plenty of attention when he arrived at LSU. So far, the Tigers have given fans plenty to like. LSU’s biggest issue came against his former team, Ole Miss. However, the Tigers responded with their strongest performance against Texas A&M. The offense showed creativity despite personnel challenges. LSU also handled the Aggies convincingly. Kiffin’s play-calling has already produced some impressive moments. The early results make an A- reasonable.
Will Stein, Kentucky — A-
Stein inherited an offense that needed significant improvement. He immediately attacked that problem through the transfer portal. Notre Dame transfer Kenny Minchey helped stabilize the quarterback position. Stein also upgraded the offensive line. The biggest statement came at Texas A&M. Kentucky earned a top 10 road victory at Kyle Field. That result gives Stein an early signature win. Therefore, his opening grade sits at A-.
James Franklin, Virginia Tech — A-
Franklin arrived in Blacksburg with extensive Power Four experience. His transition has looked smooth through four games. Virginia Tech has shown balance on offense. The defense has also created consistent pressure. Franklin used Penn State transfers alongside returning Hokies. That combination has produced an organized team. The Hokies also handled difficult weather against Boston College. They won a game that could have become uncomfortable. Franklin earns an early A-.
Eric Morris, Oklahoma State — B+
Morris brought an offensive reputation to Stillwater. The Cowboys have delivered plenty of production through four games. Oklahoma State ranks among the nation’s better teams in total offense. However, the defense has provided the biggest surprise. Tate Romney and Ethan Wesloski have helped anchor that unit. Defensive coordinator Skyler Cassity also deserves credit. The Cowboys already have two impressive victories. After a rough debut against Tulsa, Morris has settled in. That earns him a B+.
Morgan Scalley, Utah — B+
Replacing Kyle Whittingham created enormous pressure in Utah. Scalley inherited one of the country’s most established programs. So far, Utah has not missed much of a beat. Quarterback Devon Dampier and running back Wayshawn Parker have provided stability. The offensive line has also held together after significant changes. Utah’s defense delivered again against Iowa State in Week 4. The Utes responded well when their first adversity arrived. Scalley deserves a B+ after four weeks.
Pete Golding, Ole Miss — B+
Golding’s start has included both impressive and concerning moments. Ole Miss defeated LSU before falling badly against Florida. Golding’s defensive background makes the Florida performance especially concerning. The Rebels struggled to slow down Florida’s rushing attack. The offense also struggled without running back Kewan Lacy. Still, Golding owns a major win over LSU. Ole Miss also has enough talent to recover. For now, the grade remains a B+.
Alex Golesh, Auburn — B
Golesh left USF for Auburn after leading the Bulls. His Tigers have opened the season 3-1. However, the results have not always looked comfortable. Auburn surrendered 44 points to Florida. The Tigers also needed a late escape against Baylor. Byrum Brown threw three interceptions in that Baylor game. Auburn still found a way to win. Special teams have also produced important moments. A blocked punt touchdown against Vanderbilt showed that value. Golesh earns a B after four weeks.
Collin Klein, Kansas State — B-
Klein’s Wildcats opened the season with plenty of momentum. The offensive line and running game showed early improvement. Kansas State’s defense also dominated its first three opponents. Those teams failed to reach 261 total yards. Then Cincinnati exposed some weaknesses. The Wildcats surrendered 271 rushing yards in that game. The offensive line also struggled to maintain its earlier efficiency. Kansas State still lost by only five points. Therefore, Klein lands at B-.
Jimmy Rogers, Iowa State — B-
Rogers inherited a roster that experienced significant turnover. Yet Iowa State has competed well against ranked opponents. The Cyclones lost to Iowa and Utah. However, both games showed encouraging signs. Iowa State held Iowa below 100 rushing yards. The Cyclones also fought back against Utah after falling behind 14-0. That resilience matters with a new coach. Rogers still has plenty to improve, but the early foundation looks promising. His grade sits at B-.
Matt Campbell, Penn State — C+
Campbell’s move from Iowa State to Penn State created major expectations. The Nittany Lions opened 3-0 before running into trouble. Penn State struggled offensively against Wisconsin in Week 4. The Nittany Lions also surrendered a 17-0 lead. The defense created two major scoring opportunities. Still, the offense failed to sustain enough drives. Campbell’s Iowa State-heavy transfer class now faces questions. It is far too early to panic, but the Wisconsin loss exposed concerns. Campbell receives a C+.
Pat Fitzgerald, Michigan State — C+
Fitzgerald inherited a difficult situation in East Lansing. Michigan State lacked the roster depth needed for an immediate transformation. Injuries have made the challenge even harder. Star running back Cam Edwards suffered a season-ending injury. The offense has struggled to create explosive plays. That puts significant pressure on the defense. Michigan State has shown positive moments defensively. However, the offense must improve considerably. Fitzgerald earns a C+.
Ryan Silverfield, Arkansas — C+
Silverfield’s first four games have produced mixed results. Arkansas handled its FCS opponent comfortably. The Razorbacks then suffered blowout losses against ranked opponents. However, Arkansas responded with a decisive victory over Tulsa. The Razorbacks still appear far from competing with the SEC’s best teams. Yet the program has shown enough progress to avoid a poor early grade. Silverfield receives a C+.
Tavita Pritchard, Stanford — C+
Stanford nearly suffered a disastrous opening loss against Hawaii. The Cardinal then dropped lopsided games against Miami and Duke. Those losses showed the distance between Stanford and the ACC’s stronger programs. However, Pritchard’s staff made noticeable offensive adjustments. Stanford responded by defeating Georgia Tech. That win provides an important building block. Pritchard earns a C+ after four weeks.
Kyle Whittingham, Michigan — C-
Whittingham’s move to Michigan created plenty of intrigue. Unfortunately, the Wolverines have produced an uneven opening month. Michigan sits at 3-1. However, the Wolverines have repeatedly hurt themselves with turnovers and penalties. Bryce Underwood has shown flashes at quarterback. Yet the offense still lacks consistency. Michigan escaped several difficult situations already. The 3-1 record remains encouraging, but the performances raise concerns. Whittingham receives a C- for now.
Tosh Lupoi, California — D+
Lupoi entered Berkeley with significant defensive credentials. His transfer portal work also strengthened the secondary. That secondary has shown real promise. However, the defense has struggled badly against the run. Cal has allowed nearly 200 rushing yards per game. That number stands out for a coach with Lupoi’s defensive background. The offense has also struggled. Quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele has committed four turnovers against quality opponents. Cal also failed to score an offensive touchdown in one game. Lupoi receives a D+ through four weeks.
The Early Takeaway
The first month has produced a wide range of results across the Power Four. Sumrall and Chesney have made the strongest early impressions. Kiffin, Stein and Franklin have also started quickly. Meanwhile, Morris and Scalley have built encouraging foundations. Golding and Golesh have more work ahead despite respectable records. At the other end, Michigan and California have shown more concerns. Still, four games cannot define a coaching tenure. College football’s new calendar creates pressure for immediate results. Yet coaches still need time to establish culture, develop players and build depth. The next month will provide a much clearer picture. Conference play will test every one of these new coaches. For now, these grades simply measure the opening four weeks. The grades and early assessments above align with the latest four-week report card and Week 4 results.
Its early but I believe these are the right grades for the coaches through four weeks.
Author Profile
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Bradley Walker (VP) and Head of our Florida operations for NGSC Sports, bringing extensive experience across collegiate, professional, and amateur athletics. His coverage spans USF Athletics, including football, baseball, lacrosse, and softball, as well as University of Tampa baseball.
Bradley also provides coverage of minor league baseball with the Clearwater Threshers and Major League Baseball with the Tampa Bay Rays. On the national stage, he covers college football bowl games and conference championship matchups, along with premier golf events across the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, and LPGA Tour.
In addition to his reporting work, Bradley is the play-by-play announcer for Pinellas Park High School Patriots football, lending his voice and insight to Friday night lights.
He is also an active podcast host and contributor, serving as a host on The Walker Report, where he delivers in-depth sports analysis, interviews, and coverage across multiple levels of competition.
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