As college football teams continue to navigate the bowl season and gear up for next year, the race for a spot in the College Football Playoff (CFP) intensifies. Among the coaches vying to return their teams to the CFP, Kalen DeBoer (Washington), Lincoln Riley (USC), Brian Kelly (LSU), and Luke Fickell (Wisconsin) represent different stages of their tenure, philosophies, and trajectories. While each coach has a unique approach and potential, let’s analyze who is most likely to return to the CFP first.
**Kalen DeBoer (Washington)**
In just two seasons at Washington, Kalen DeBoer has made a substantial impact. In his first year (2022), he guided the Huskies to an 11-2 record, and in 2023, Washington secured a spot in the College Football Playoff, highlighting DeBoer’s ability to quickly turn around a program. He has elevated quarterback Michael Penix Jr. and built an explosive offense. Washington has made major strides in recruiting, and the Pac-12’s final year in its current format gave the Huskies an opportunity to emerge as the dominant team. Given the strength of DeBoer’s offense and the program’s upward trajectory, Washington is likely to remain a contender in the Pac-12 and could easily find itself in the CFP again in the near future.
**Lincoln Riley (USC)**
Lincoln Riley’s offensive genius has made USC one of the premier programs in the nation since his arrival in 2022. The Trojans’ high-powered offense, led by quarterbacks like Caleb Williams, has consistently been one of the most potent units in college football. However, Riley’s Achilles’ heel has been the defense, which has struggled to match the high expectations of his offense. In 2023, USC’s defense again proved to be a weak link, costing them a chance to make the CFP. For Riley to return USC to the CFP, he must improve his defense while maintaining his offensive juggernaut. If USC can fix these issues and continue to attract top-tier recruits, especially on the defensive side, they should be serious CFP contenders soon.
**Brian Kelly (LSU)**
Since Brian Kelly took over at LSU in 2022, he has already demonstrated his ability to lead the program to prominence. In his first season, LSU reached the SEC Championship Game, and in 2023, they finished in the top 15, showing that Kelly’s approach is taking root. The SEC remains a tough, competitive league, with juggernauts like Georgia and Alabama regularly vying for the CFP, but LSU has the talent and resources to compete. Kelly’s consistent recruiting, ability to develop players, and proven success at Notre Dame suggest that LSU could be knocking on the CFP door soon. However, competing in the SEC might delay LSU’s CFP return due to the dominance of other programs, especially Georgia.
**Luke Fickell (Wisconsin)**
Luke Fickell’s move to Wisconsin in 2023 marked the start of a new era for the Badgers, and his reputation for building strong, disciplined teams at Cincinnati had fans hopeful for immediate success. Wisconsin, however, is not traditionally a powerhouse in the same way the other three schools are. Fickell faces the challenge of building the program into a CFP contender while facing tough competition in the Big Ten, especially from Michigan and Ohio State. His success at Cincinnati shows he can build a winner, but Wisconsin’s path to the CFP will be longer due to the team’s current limitations and the strength of Big Ten teams. A CFP appearance could be on the horizon, but it may take longer for Fickell to make that leap.
**Who Returns First?**
While all four coaches are talented, Kalen DeBoer seems the most likely to return to the College Football Playoff first. DeBoer’s quick success at Washington, combined with the potential of a well-rounded roster and a weaker Pac-12 in its final years, gives him a strong chance. His offense is explosive, and with continued recruiting success, Washington’s return to the CFP seems imminent. While Riley, Kelly, and Fickell all have potential, DeBoer’s rapid ascent and the current landscape of college football put him in the best position for the quickest return to the CFP.
