Kirby Smart said he has tried to use a long break to help No. 2 Georgia prepare for its College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against No. 6 Mississippi in the Jan. 1 Sugar Bowl.
Brian Hartline was the offensive play caller during the Buckeyes regular season, but accepted the head coaching position at South Florida on Dec. 3. Hartline remains on the Buckeyes’ staff through the CFP and is coaching the wide receivers.
One of college football’s biggest and longest rivalries, Notre Dame-Southern California, appears to be off next season after the Fighting Irish filled their last 2026 open date with a trip to Brigham Young.
Chesney is hiring offensive coordinator Dean Kennedy and defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler — who both served in those same capacities at James Madison — in a nod to continuity.
Despite months of negotiations, USC and Notre Dame officials have failed to reach an agreement on playing what would be the 97th game in the series next year.